So the cathedral of Compostela de Santiago is at the end of the great pilgrimages leading across Spain to Galicia, the little knobby bit north of Portugal. It’s insanely beautiful. Whatever you’ve heard…not enough. They just finished a six year renovation of the facade, removing centuries of lichen, moss, pollution and other crud and it … Continue reading Male Cats Giving Birth under a Field of Stars
When in Rome…or Vigo…
Well, there’s a storm comin’ in. Dammit. Hurricane Helene, unmentioned in any of the news we’ve been getting on our cruise ship TV, is heading for Ireland. In addition, there’s a low pressure system gathering over the North Sea. Well, I took astronomy at university so that means jack all to me. Until the captain … Continue reading When in Rome…or Vigo…
Hamburg and the Missing Organ
The lady on the bicycle flipped us off. Not that I blamed her. I woulda done the same thing. I could not BELIEVE this motor coach was turning onto the bike path. “It’s pehrfecktly leegahl,” the guide assured us, “as longh as we dohn’t go overrr 20 kph.” Or flatten any cyclists, presumably. Not … Continue reading Hamburg and the Missing Organ
All Alone With Dessert and the Giggles
I WOULD have to experience this alone. As a person who bakes, I’m always interested in what the cruise lines offer for desserts, especially sugar free numbers. What would you call this? The Princess head chef, in his (gotta be a guy) wisdom, dubbed it “Paris Breast”. I couldn’t stand it. I got a … Continue reading All Alone With Dessert and the Giggles
Rotterdam
Angry Sounds like the Dutch are pissed off. I couldn’t figure out why, for our first stop the morning after we got on this ship (Royal Princess), we didn’t arrive into Rotterdam until noon. Southampton to The Netherlands is a rollicking 293 nautical miles... cross the English Channel, hang a left, boom! You’re there. But...we’re … Continue reading Rotterdam
Norwegian, LAX and Gatwick
I spent the last month trolling departures and reviews of Norwegian to see how they performed...kind of a mixed bag, really. When they messed up, it was spectacular, and don’t expect a whole lot of help on the ground from the sound of things - or from their phone lines. But when they perform, which … Continue reading Norwegian, LAX and Gatwick
A Brief History of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal was amazing. For those not in the know, the French first attempted it in the 1880s and by 1888, and millions and millions of francs or whatever, decided cutting a flat canal through the 50 miles of jungle and the 400+ ft elevation was a fool's errand. Hell, I coulda told them … Continue reading A Brief History of the Panama Canal
Amtrak in a Sleeper Roomette
Showering on Amtrak should be an Olympic sport. The requisite coordination, athletic ability and agility needed is astonishing. It’s not so much like a cruise ship, although I’ll grant you, the swaying is very similar to being in a bad storm. Ships, with their stabilizers, just sorta swish a bit. On Amtrak you’re in gale … Continue reading Amtrak in a Sleeper Roomette
The Waldorf London
We stayed in very nice room, but there ARE some differences at the Waldorf compared to what you'd see in an American hotel. I think the American hoteliers actually STAY in the rooms they design - or at least pretend to - when they do the layout. Granted, of course, most American hotels are not as old … Continue reading The Waldorf London
@fly_bur…yeh…that was me…
I admit it. I did it. I couldn’t help it. I’ve been patronizing your airport for 35+ years now, and I am seriously tired of flashing various strangers when I gotta pee. Those stalls are freaking ridiculous. You know I read an article (I think it was in the NYT) just recently about how Europeans gossip non-stop … Continue reading @fly_bur…yeh…that was me…
Examining Misadventures 