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That opening photo? Been there, done that.
Our first Easter in Germany we discovered that in Europe, Easter is a four day weekend. We also discovered that my unit liked to arrange tours to various places within a reasonable bus ride of the base. Prices were also reasonable. One of the first trips they did after our arrival was Paris.
How could I not go?
This was in the days before cell phone cameras, in fact, this was in the days before digital cameras were around. (They might have been around but not that anyone I knew had one.) So photographs were of the old fashioned variety. Film.
As one wag put it, now you can instantly see how bad the photo is, back in the day you had to wait a week or two. So yeah, we have pictures of our trip to Paris, somewhere ...
Now our trip to Paris isn't really the topic of this post, travel in general is what puts me in front of the keyboard.
While out to dinner with friends last Friday, they mentioned that they were going on yet another cruise, something they do with appalling frequency. (Not that I've got anything against cruises, leave me alone on the ship to wander the decks and enjoy the sea and I'm happy. Put me ashore and make me do "activities" and I'm a bit more reticent.)
On the way home from dinner The Missus Herself mentioned that one trip the cruise couple were planning was a trip to Portugal (that had been mentioned at dinner) and wouldn't that be nice?
I had to disagree, in the words of the ancient curmudgeon I have become, "I have no interest, no connection to Portugal."
"But it's pretty!"
"I'm sure it is, so is Brenton Point and that is but a short drive. Sure, you have to go through Newport and the annoying tourist mobs, but it's not far away, and it's pretty."
"But that's not the point!"
"Then what is the point?"
Apparently some folks, my wife among them, enjoy going to different places and seeing different things. Now I'm not averse to that, it just seems to involve a lot of effort and no small amount of cash to do such things.
Seeing a thing is kinda cool. I flew over the Grand Canyon once, truly magnificent it was from 30,000 feet.
"Wouldn't you like to see it from the ground?" I was asked.
"Heavens no. It's in the bloody desert, I have zero desire to be in the desert. Did it once, didn't care for it. Besides which, I've seen it, haven't I?"
"But it's not the same ..."
True, but I'm content with that. On the aforementioned trip to Paris we arrived well before check in time at our hotel, so we went to the Eiffel Tower. Bus rolled up into a mob scene, lots and lots of other people and buses. At that moment the atmosphere decided to go crazy as well. Went from bright sunshine, to rain, to snow, back to sunshine, then hail, then more snow ...
It was nuts. But it eventually settled down to just plain old non-precipitating overcast. I was asked if I wished to go up to the top of this iconic landmark. I saw the line involved in doing so and said, "No, I'm good. I'll enjoy it from the ground."
"Wouldn't you love to see Paris from the top?"
"Nope, not and wait in that line. Besides which, I'm antsy about heights."
While I'm good in an aircraft, being attached to the ground in a tall structure freaks me out. A personal problem, I'm sure.
Besides which, I got to see the Eiffel Tower up close. Sucker was bigger than I thought.
Anyhoo, I'm not much of a tourist. If there's a military aspect to the visiting, I'll go. Again and again, ask The Missus Herself about Waterloo. We did that every year when we lived in Germany. Well, actually, I did that every year, three times and she had had her fill.
The Army Museum in Paris (le Musée de l'Armée) was another stop on our trip to Paris. The other members of the group had to drag me kicking and screaming from the place. I could spend hours there, and did, problem was I wanted to spend hours more, which the others did not.
I think my traveling days as a tourist are over. Though I will say, I would like to do Niagara Falls at some point. My old boss is up there this week, she mentioned it at breakfast the other day. Now that's not a really long drive and it's a cool place.
What's more, it's not in a desert.
I'm like a cheap wine, I don't travel well.
Have to agree with you on the desert Sarge, no interest in that clime or what's there, not enough green. Watch out for the "wouldn't" and the "but" words in those discussions, they carry weight.......:)
ReplyDeleteNot with me they don't, but I'm stubborn like that.
DeleteThe desert is beautiful close up, you get to see the layers and rocks not all cluttered with trees and grasses and pollen and ticks.
ReplyDeleteHeights. Funny Thing, put me on a roof and I'm cautious to a fault. Put me on the edge of a cliff, or walking on an 18 inch wide ridge and I'm fine. Or used to be. Haven't put it to the test in years.
Not being a geologist, I'll take the trees and grasses.
DeleteSarge, this is a similar discussion to what happens here as well. The Ravishing Mrs. TB is an enthusiastic tourist and I am more of a reluctant one. I have to confess I am becoming more reluctant as the years go on. Part of it is I have pretty particular places I want to go, and scarcely more than once. Part of it is that it is indeed a lot of money. And part of it is that as grow older, I want to travel overseas less and less - the air travel is less and less appealing and there is plenty here that I have never seen. I am more inclined now to go to less places (I still have a few: Italy, Britain, and a lot of repeats: Greece, Turkey, Iceland) or spend more time in a single place (e.g. Japan).
ReplyDeleteI will say that my opinion of the Grand Canyon changed when I hiked it. It was always impressive, but a lot of the beauty is down below 30,000 feet or even from the parking lot overlook.
THBB,
DeleteMy biggest concern about hiking the Grand Canyon is you have to go Down first. Then after you're all worn out hiking, you have to go UP! I have explored it in a rather less traveled way. At about 400 knots. Very exciting. This was quite a while ago and I think the power's that be have put a kabosh on it now.
juvat
TB - I wouldn't mind visiting Scotland, something I was unable to pull off while living in Germany.
DeleteBeauty is in the eye of the beholder, I need trees, lots of 'em.
juvat - I'll second that.
DeleteScotland looks pretty, from the pictures. The socialist people? Not so much. Lots to explore here in the US of A.
DeleteStay out of the Lowlands.
DeleteJuvat - That is a problem to be sure, exacerbated by the fact that you know you will have to come back up as you descend. That said, the ascent was worth it. That said, I apparently failed to learn my lesson four years ago and will head back there in a month.
DeleteThe less traveled way sounds incredibly interesting - but yes, likely not nearly as "legal" now.
Probably wasn't "legal" back then either.
DeleteThe Grand Canyon is something you need to see, right there at the edge. My opinion.
ReplyDeleteNot for me. No doubt I'd be impressed, but not worth the bother of traveling into a desert.
DeleteHaving flown over (I think it was in a 707, that long ago!) and been up close and personal near the edge (as close as I cared to go, thank you very much!) I have to side with Sarge. It's a big hole in the ground with a tiny little river down at the bottom. A good lesson on how the power of water and erosion can make an impact on geology. Five minutes was enough for me.
DeleteNow, the thought of John Wesley Powell and his buddies hopping in some rickety wooden boats way upstream and seeing the Grand Canyon from the bottom up can really get my attention. Those guys were crazy, doing the unprecedented, and even crazier, they survived the adventure to tell about it. Definitely not something I would ever want to do myself. But a lot more interesting for me to study than contemplating how high you can stack sedimentary rocks and why they are different colors, etc.
Freedom is a wonderful thing!
Heh.
DeleteMy father always wanted to see what was over the next hill and passed that on to me. I'm only interested in those hills in the USA, and only if there are no lines. Saw a bit of Europe in the service and have no interest in Asia. Other than Hawaii, have been in all the other states. Haven't visited D.C. Probably should before I shuffle off.
ReplyDeleteDC isn't as bad as some paint it. Lot of history in that area.
DeleteWSF,
DeleteHaving been assigned in DC in my last assignment before retirement, I can safely say you can avoid visiting there and not miss much. Looking at the Declaration of Independence is emotional and worth it, beyond that there were some neat statues, the Smithsonian has some cool displays and that's about it.
The people are rude ("What have you done for ME, lately, Peon!?) may not be the words coming out of their mouths but you can read them in their eyes like a teleprompteer. Traffic is horrible, the subway is mobbed.
Expensive, crowded and rude are the "Customs and Curtesies" of that locale and "What have you done for me lately?" is the most frequently heard question.
And while you're looking at the pretty cool displays mentioned above, you're mingling with the dirtball that live there. Not a good mixture.
Couldn't stand it twenty five years ago. Hasn't gotten any better!
And the above is Me! Being Kind!
juvat
When were you there last?
DeleteMy dad ended his AF career as a reserve officer rather than taking a commission as a regular AF officer in order to avoid DC. I think he chose wisely.
DeleteThough I hear things are better now that the Nat Guard is actually policing the city.
They are.
Deletejuvat
DeleteI will take your word for it! I would like to see the National Air and Space Museum. Isn't one location in Maryland?
Dulles is the best part of thst museum. In Virginia.
DeleteSarge,
DeleteWhen was I in DC last, if you don't count changing planes in Dulles ( an overnight there counts though), it's probably been 20 +. I have no plans nor reason to go back, so probably won't.
juvat
I've been there a lot over the past ten years, it ain't as bad as folks make it out to be. Yes, there are places you don't go, especially at night, but that's true for all cities in every country. What is it with city people anyhow? Ah yes, the cities is where all the free shit is.
DeleteI don't mind flying at all and but I don't like heights. Went up the Empire State bldg and got to edge, stomach dropped, I left. Ok, I did it but never again. I'm fine with the ground under my feet.
ReplyDeleteSame here.
DeleteNiagara Falls is sort of cool. Make sure you go in the day time, they throttle back the volume of water at night. (Seriously!) Also, unless visiting June thru September, take a snow shovel when in Buffalo.
ReplyDeleteWhile there or en route, plan some fun historical (and scenic) stuff. Buffalo is kinda dumpy, but okay for a New York city. They have a nice military and naval park, but Sarge has Battleship Cove right up the road from home, so not sure there is a need to go there. Fort Niagara is interesting and nearby. The Erie Canal is roughly parallel to I-90 (NY Thruway) and you can see that and locks at places. Take the time to stop. Read up some about canal life first. The sleepy hamlets of Herkimer and Ilion are right off the Thruway. Before Remington Arms Co. moved out, they had a nice little museum and factory tours- but that's all old history now.
The battlefield of Saratoga is just north of Albany. Albany is home of USS SLATER (DE-766) probably the best restored WW2 warship in the historic fleet. Well worth a visit, in person, or at least virtual https://www.facebook.com/USS.Slater/.
If passing through Massachusetts, the Mass Pike is pretty good, and a stop at Springfield Armory is a good reminder of the importance of the "American system" of interchangeable parts and the arsenal of democracy. Some consider a visit there the same as an obligatory Haj to Mecca, but non-believers are welcome too.
Both the Mass Pike and NY Thruway are pretty scenic in the fall, in addition to the historic sites.
John Blackshoe
Been to most of those places.
DeleteSarge, you can pass on Portugal. I say that as someone who lived there.
ReplyDeleteBG
Friends who grew up there say the same.
DeleteDue to inner ear issues, I don't do heights. Like a library stepstool is a weird and dangerous thing for me. And, due to the same inner ear issues, I can feel tall buildings move in the wind, which, my mind tells me, is a bad thing, a very bad thing.
ReplyDeleteThe more tired I am, the worse it gets. We were travelling one time and went to a beach-side hotel that had exterior walkways (slightly sloped away from the building in order to drain water from. The elevator ride to our 5th floor room was shaky. I was very tired from driving a long way. Between the tiredness, the shaky elevator and the sloped floor, I literally shut down (and, sadly, I cried and acted like a little kid.) Room on the 2nd floor was much better on my brain.
After a 'fun' day of riding the rides at Disney/MGM, we were walking on the upper deck of the Japanese pavilion at Epcot and my inner ears just said, "Nope, not doing this, down, down now." So I got to watch the fireworks display while laying down on the deck. Took me about 45 minutes of not moving more than breathing to recover. Mrs. Andrew was heartily embarrassed until she figured out what was going on and I wasn't being just a whiny little intact female dog. That was the time we went to the Tower of Terror with our two 'friends' and they made me sit on the front row, and while the car was going through the 'dark ride' portion, they kept kicking the back of my seat. As the ride was going up, they kept it and I basically tried to stand up and turned around and told them if they didn't stop I'd copulating kill them. In a very loud voice. The ride attendants heard me over the speaker system.
We also did the Rock-n-Roll rollercoaster, which was a magnetic accelerator rollercoaster ride. Got forced into the front seat. At the debarkation section we all heard a mother tell her child, "I'm sure the man will be okay now." Yeah, I screamed and cried like a little girl.
I don't do heights. But I can and do ride horses and fly in closed cockpit planes okay. I guess because they're supposed to move. Though I'm pretty sure that if I was in a plane ride and the pilot decided to do maneuvers that he'd be decorated in my meals for the last year or two, that is if I didn't climb into the front and try to kill him.
I tend to get... very active when I'm threatened. Sigh.
Flat lands and one story buildings are the way to go for me.
I don't do carnival rides as a general rule. Designed by smart people, maintained by high school drop-outs. They truly scare me.
DeleteHmmm! Mrs J is hosting a wine cruise on the Duoro river in Portugal in a couple months. Hope it”s better than what y’all are advertising. But… hey! Wine!
Deletejuvat
The wine cruise should be okay as the cruise company knows very well where to avoid. It's easy for the landscape to look nice from a river cruise.
DeleteAs to carnival rides, my dad loved roller coasters. He, the hotshot fighter-bomber pilot who loved doing bomb-toss maneuvers, would get violently motion sick on a... merry-go-round.
DeleteAnd I agree about maintenance, especially on 'fair' rides. Yikes.
juvat - The wine should ease the pain.
DeleteBeans @6:48 - True, if the cruise company wants repeat customers, which I'm sure they do.
DeleteBeans @6:51 - I've done maneuvers in an aircraft: loops, aileron rolls, barrel rolls, split-Ss, Immelmanns - all great fun, ride a roller coaster? No, thank you, no way, no how. Did it once, never, repeat never, will I do that again.
DeleteI would recommend seeing the falls from the Canadian side. You can't really see it from the American side since the natural erosion process has pushed it out of sight. That is, unless you take the maid of the mist boat out to see it up close.
ReplyDeleteOr get a nice hotel room high enough up to give you a panoramic view. Friend of mine did just that.
DeleteI lived and worked in NYC (and immediate environs, so to speak) from '41 to '92; we even keep a co-op on York to this day (don't ask). I can count on all fingers and toes the important sights in and around NewYork I've never visited; including The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, MOMA, etc, usw --.
ReplyDeleteUncle Sam's Air Force gave me the opportunity to live through two (2) NoDak winters: '66 andd '67, an experience I would not have missed for the world (anytime someone says, within my hearing, that they feel cold, I start laughing - uncontrollably).
I've been to various meetings around the world and around the States - and would gladly have missed the experience (though I have enjoyed sushi prepared by the fine sushi-chefs in Tokyo and even lutefisk at one memorable Christmas dinner in Trondheim (it went down so smoothly using that well-known lubricant: Akvavit).
But, no matter what, where, how or why, I dislike traveling: period.
It's not for everybody. Some love it, I'm not one of them.
DeleteI'll travel to visit family or to see a battlefield. That's about the extent of my desire to travel.
I gotta chime in. I very much enjoyed traveling alone. I lived that way and enjoyed it. My tiny hotel in Paris was a block back from the Arc in the picture on Ave Wagram. I would get up early and walk down the Elysee to the Place de la Concord and then to the Louvre and I did that for several days until I'd seen it all and I also walked down to the Place, turned right and then walked over Invalides and to Tower because damn it was nice to walk that way in late April. It was glorious. Would NOT do it again. How could it ever be that good twice? On another trip, we found ourselves in Paimpol and there in the harbor was an ancient 100 foot schooner with half a dozen people my age getting ready to sail it down to Lisbon. I was so tempted to go but go with them since they were looking for more crew but we were going to Mont St. Michel the day they were leaving so decided to continue as planned. Sailed a 41 footer to Cabo San Lucas because I wanted to. I would not care to have sailed it back. I let the travel bug take me back when I was young and indulged it but I have little desire to travel now although I really enjoyed our trip over to England and the QMII and then the flight up for a week in Edinburgh and the train back to London and watching the Guy Fawkes celebrations in London from the rooftop restaurant of our hotel in Paddington. It was fun. It's for the young.
ReplyDeleteAge does make me long for quiet days at home. Sometimes though, there is a wee voice in my head saying, "Let's visit that place." I might listen one day.
Delete