Category: Travels
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Messina, (Sicily) Italy: Of WWII & The Godfather
[I haven’t spoken Latin since I was an altar boy…About fifty years ago. This statue greets our boat as we entered the Harbor of Messina. Photo is mine.] After an entire day at sea, we tied up at the dock in the city of Messina. It is our only port-of-call in Sicily. We paid 15…
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Rovinj & Split: Olive Oil, Cobblestones, Thrones and Holy Bones
[The closest to Dubrovnik, Croatia that I will get on this journey.] I’m sitting at a desk in Suite 137 on board the Wind Surf (Wind Star Cruise Lines). The level of the mineral water in a glass next to my mouse pad gently tilts, back and forth, like I am playing with a level…
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Midnight Thoughts of Venice
[San Giorgio Maggiore in the distance. Photo is mine.] Venice has been said to be the most romantic city in the world. I can think of one famous resident who certainly thought so, Giacomo Girolamo Casanova (b. 1725). He should know a thing or two about romance. He claimed to have slept with at least…
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This Is Not Me
[The Wind Star. Photo: Windstar Cruises.] I know it’s April Fools Day but this is not a trick or prank. {NOTE TO READERS: The name of this post says it all. I did not write it. Backstory: Several weeks ago I had a dinner conversation with my son, Brian. He is almost always one step…
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Angel On My Wing
[American Airlines Gate Attendant. Caitlin. Photo is mine. The smile is hers.] “Collect Moments, Not Things” Gate #7 was nearly full at the Key West Airport. Mariam snagged two seats, probably using her charm. I would have picked a place to sit and made obnoxious remarks to anyone nearby until they moved. That’s what you…
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It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ~~A.A.Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh So, what brought you back to me, Moxie? I watched you wandering around the pool, and you looked intent. You found me back here among the palms, in the cool air. The sun was getting too intense for me. And…
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My 600th Blog: Lat. 24 N./Long. 81 W.
[Ernest Hemingway’s typewriter. Located at the Hemingway House Museum, Key West, Florida. Photo is mine.] Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. ~~Ernest Hemingway I am sitting in the air-conditioned Monroe Country Public Library (Key West Branch). It’s quiet, cool and has a WiFi that takes no prisoners. I…
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Paradise Lost
[Sculpture from the MET. Photo is mine. Sadly, I failed to record the sculptor.] No matter where you’re going it’s the wrong place. ~ ~Tobe Hooper [BEFORE YOU CONTINUE: This blog post is not, in any way, an attempt to denigrate any staff, employees or anyone else who made every effort to make our short…
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We Dream In Colors Borrowed From The Sea
[The beach at Taino Beach Resort. Photo is mine.] Like painted kites Those days and nights, they went flyin’ by The world was new Beneath a bright blue umbrella sky… ~ ~The Summer Wind. Lyrics by Henry Mayer & Hans Bradtke Slide your beach lounger closer, Mariposa, the white plastic is making my eyes water.…
