Category Archives: Europe

Dirty Dancing and Hiking in Luxembourg

How many of you remember the movie, Dirty Dancing? How can we forget Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey as they had the time of their lives despite the disapproval of Jennifer’s (Baby’s) parents. The film’s story takes place at a … Continue reading

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Spending the Night in Jail

In all our travels we have never been to prison…..that is, until last weekend in Kaiserslautern. No, we weren’t arrested for causing a big scene after too much beer and schnitzel. And no, Tanya didn’t cause a stir by dancing on … Continue reading

Posted in Europe, Germany | 2 Comments

Antwerp: What’s in a name?

Jay finds great joy and humor in the origins of words. We had the chance recently to visit Belgium’s second largest city, Antwerp, and to ponder its name. Was the city, first settled in the 4th century, way ahead of … Continue reading

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Amsterdam: Beyond Canals, Sex and Dope

Amsterdam is on nearly everyone’s favorite European city list, for different reasons. Many come to see the scenic canals and to visit museums. Some come to tour or to take advantage of the city’s notorious red light district while others … Continue reading

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Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, largest of the Balearic Islands, is part of Spain and sits in a beautiful location in the western Mediterranean. It’s very popular with Germans (and Brits) as a holiday destination and I compare it to how people on the … Continue reading

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Alicante, Spain

Alicante. The word makes me think of things other than Spain. “Drive the new 2016 Alicante by Buick. Now at your Buick dealer” or “How would you like your steak sir? And, with a little Alicante sauce on the side, … Continue reading

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Malaga, Spain: Layers of History

Europe’s southernmost city is a study in the layers of history that characterize this part of the world. Many travel writers are critical of Malaga as an example of overbuilding and apartment speculation that have ruined a once beautiful city … Continue reading

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Gibraltar: The Rock, Macaques and Shopping

The other day, I was thinking about the movie tough guys from my youth and how their first names were consistent with their persona. Incidentally, this has nothing to do with Gibraltar. There was Douglas, Lancaster, Wayne and McQueen. First … Continue reading

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Sevilla: The Beauty and Passion of Flamenco

Flamenco music and dance is such an integral part of Andalusia that it is impossible to stroll about downtown Sevilla without running into performers practicing their craft. Afterwards, a visit to the Plaza de España made for a perfect afternoon.

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Corpus Christi in Sevilla

The Christian holiday of Corpus Christi was celebrated in Sevilla during our visit and it was a fascinating look at how Sevillanos (just guessing at this) enjoy this special day. Different neighborhood groups, complete with their own bands, conduct processions … Continue reading

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