European Travels - Part 2

 

• There are sandy beaches on the French Riviera, but many are pebble beaches (rocks) which are not very comfortable and very difficult to dip your toes.
• There are practically no stoplights in Cair o, a city of over 10 million.  There are armed guards on nearly every corner.  Don't even think about using your signal which would give away your intentions.
• On the way to see the pyramids we had to pass several military type checkpoints - Not sure why but it seemed to be a bit scary - watched too many movies.
• Winston Churchill and I kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland - supposed to give you the gift of gab, eloquence and persuasiveness.  To kiss it you have climb to the top of a castle, lean over the side while a huge guy with a bushy beard holds onto your feet. Ava declined.
• Walking around Venice is like being in a maze -it was built on 118 small islands.  Water taxis are a neat way to see the city.  Venice is sinking, first floor apartments are really cheap.
• When visiting the Hermitage and other museums in St. Peterburg, Russia, which are filled with artifacts and "stuff" they have captured from other countries, Ava asked our guide if they were ever planning on returning any of the items. The response was a cold stare.
• There are practically no pickup trucks in Europe, there are however a lot of black and white vans.
• Windows in Europe, and especially in Italy may or may not be an actual window.  If you need another window, just paint one on the wall to look like a window. 
• In Paris, France we bought an original painting from a street artist, plying his trade on the Seine River with Notre Dame in the background and the Eiffel Tower in full view.  We neglected to take a closer look until we were home.  It was "made in China."
• Europeans love to eat outside and really enjoy their strong coffee in tiny cups.
• Cruise ships leave on time.  When leaving a port, we go to the back of the ship to watch the "runners." Someone is always playing it too close and making a mad dash to the gangplank.  Most make it, some don't, and they are left on the pier.  I hope they took their passport.
• In Sicily, Italy on a trip with Sandra and Larry we were hopelessly lost with no public transportation in sight and of course it was raining. Sandra was able to make quick friends with a local and in a short of time we all piled into her very small Fiat.  This very nice lady took us to the front door of our intended destination.  No money was ever exchanged, only good will.  
• The Mona Lisa is the most visited painting in the world followed very closely by the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.  The walls are all paintings, but what you will recognize are Michaelangelo paintings on the ceiling.  It flows from the creation of Adam to the Last judgment.
• BTW it took four years, and he did not paint it while laying on his back. He had scaffolding.

So, what can I say about the people we have met on our travels - people are as different as the stars in the sky - but yet we all pursue many of the same things in life - we just live in different places pursuing that dream.

Finally, the moment that gave me pause was in the city of Palma, a resort city located on the island of Mallorca, Spain.  Located in the center of town is the massive Santa Maria Cathedral (see above pic). Sitting alone, taking in the beauty of this magnificent structure (wish I could say I was praying) I noticed a television playing a looped message titled "The meaning of life."  The point of the tape was that many people travel all the world searching for the meaning of life when in fact it is found right in front of you - that is following Jesus Christ and making Him a part of your life.