Tagged With "Marianne North"
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Re: What to expect from Air Travel in 2015
I think North America is ready for the emergence of several new budget carriers, Rob. The drop in fuel prices now makes it all the more opportune. At least the lower fuel costs will hopefully take off some of the pressure on upward prices.
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Re: Visiting Versailles
Sorry, but if you want an audience with Louis XIV, you're waiting in the wrong suburb. His current address is in the crypt of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, just north of the Peripherique...I don't believe mail is being forwarded, however.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 23, 2015: Skógafoss, Iceland
Thank goodness for the Gulf Stream. Keeps me warm in the winter at 52' north. Unlike Calgary - also 52' north - who get quite a chill. Less than a thousand miles to Iceland and I still haven't been !
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Re: For those who hate Heathrow, Gatwick plans new allure
Gatwick, if selected, will have much better transportation than now; in fact, they are committed to building it even with one runway. Every 2.5 minutes, into Central London. DrF: Gatwick is hoping this will bring some North American flights again; US Airways was the last North American carrier into Gatwick, and they stopped in 2009, sucked into the great vacuum of Heathrow. Gatwick used to have a lot of N. America business back when restrictive legislation limited the number of their flights...
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Re: Spring Time on Table Mountain
I have spent whole days hiking Table Mountain and haven't even covered half of it. The top of the mountain is divided by the single two lane road that cuts up and over it. This day was spent on the West side of the divide. I couldn't find any information on the square mileage, but as a rough estimate I would say "huge". There are also caves, which I have never found, but then again I have never found Phantom Falls, either. Just North of this spot there is a "ghost town" called Cherokee.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo, #46
It is not in Mexico, but it is in the Americas somewhere between Panama and the North Pole. Does that help you figure out where Gumbo is?
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Re: Colorado National Monument
Excellent idea, rbciao! Although I'd recommend visiting the desert regions of the southwest in the shoulder seasons, rather than during the heat of summer. No question in my mind that some of the best scenery in the world is in North America. Ciao!
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Re: Iran: Friendliness, Culture, Modernity - So Far Away From The Clichés!
That's a fascinating look at a country rarely visited by people in North America. I especially enjoyed your lovely photos, which share so vividly the experience with all of us. I have two specific questions: 1) What is the tourist infrastructure in Iran like? Easy to find hotels or hostels? Restaurants? Public transit? 2) I've always enjoyed those Iranian people I know, but I'm not sure if the bulk of our readers (Mostly from the USA and Canada) would receive the same welcome from the...
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Re: Portland Bill Revisited: Pictures from a small island
PortMoresby is very right DrF, Chesil Beach is a 'shingle' beach is 29 kilometres (18 mi) long, 200 metres (660 ft) wide and 15 metres (50 ft) high - and pretty steep too!! The 'shingle' (large round pebbles) varies from pea-sized at the north-west end (by West Bay) to orange-sized at the south-east end (by Portland). It is said that smugglers who landed on the beach in the middle of the night could judge "exactly where they were" by the size of the shingle. The beach has been the scene of...
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Re: Portland Bill Revisited: Pictures from a small island
If its sun-sea-sand and safe surfing you're looking for then try Liverpool -in the North West of England. Where the sand is so soft that even Rolls Royce use it to smooth car bodies prior to painting. So you're guaranteed a smooth landing when your board comes ashore !
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Re: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park, Hawaii Island, Hawaii
You'd love the Canary Isles. Volcanic islands off the north west cost of Africa. Its a winter hotspot where the islands belong to Spain. Its party time all year and a favourite with the younger set. Its famous on Tenerife for young men to drive up Mount Teide in winter and collect snow from the peak in Cooler Boxes. Drive back down to the 77'f / 25'c beaches and throw snowballs at the topless sunbathers. Might be a bit too much for non-Europeans !!
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Re: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park, Hawaii Island, Hawaii
Hi DrFumblefinger and Garry RF Thanks for the feedback. DrFumblefinger, you are so right about the relaxed turtles. If time would have permitted, I would've joined them for a nice nap. GarryRF, I have copied and pasted your comment into my "things to do" folder. I think I'll fit in quite nicely at Tenerife, for living in the Great White North (aka Canada) has given me a lot of practice at becoming a snowball sharpshooter.
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Re: Sun will disappear Friday...but most won't notice
I've only experienced one total solar ecclipse in my life and it was very memorable. I'd like to see at least one more in my life time. Thanks for the guide on future dates. There's actually one going across North America in 2 years, so might focus on getting as close to that as possible.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 24, 2015: Chinese lantern festival in Toronto’s Ontario Place
Hi Karl, just back from USCAP trip. The one in Ontario Place actually happens in summer and the exhibition lasts several weeks each year (I noticed this year, Ontario Place is undergoing a major renovation). The festival also happens in other North America cities like this year's "Arizona Chinese Lantern Festival - February 19-22 and February 26-March 1 ~ 5PM to 10PM Each Night".
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Re: Signs of Boston
There was plenty of snow this time of year and in a week, only a few days where it was nice enough to walk around and enjoy the city. But spring sun is like that. It really warms a sheltered spot, whereas in the north facing shade it's cool and icy.
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Re: Iceland's newest museum: 23 full-size whales!
That's a lot of whales! Iceland also has a brilliant whale museum to the north, the small costal town of Husavik. An great place to spend a half day. Husavik also is home to the phallus museum (you read that correctly).
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Re: San Antonio’s Historic Missions Receive UNESCO World Heritage Status
That is truly excellent news! Thanks for sharing it, Marilyn. I love these old missions and I'm glad more USA sites are finally being recognized. Seems the UNESCO committee views North America as it's "Orphan continent".
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Re: Wait! Wait! What Was THAT?
Here's an add-on for the story! Walking through Boston's North End last night, we spotted this sign, which surely belongs with the rest. And pooh! on the person who points out that it is actually North Margin street...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 28, 2015: Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana
Brings back some wonderful memories! The Going to the Sun Road is one of North America's most spectacular drives. But it does get very crowded in the summer, so take your time and drink in that beautiful scenery! Glacier NP joins Waterton NP in Canada to form an International Peace Park and these two parks together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Re: And the squeeze goes on: are carry-ons next?
So far, it appears, all the North American majors are staying out of it. Perhaps if this could be rethought so the depth could stay at 9", and the other two change, it would get more love from us customers...
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Re: Would you believe: Beach tours to N. Korea!
I would like to see how life is in North Korea although it looks the minders have a tight grip on what you can see.From the documentaries, it seems similar to cold war era Romania. One of the most interesting documentaries I've seen is "Crossing the Line" about a American defector to North Korea. After the Korean War ,six American soldiers defected . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Joseph_Dresnok https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/s...la&hsimp=yhs-001
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Re: Would you believe: Beach tours to N. Korea!
North Korea is down near the bottom of my current travel list, along with Yemen, Libya and a few other places I'm in no hurry to get to. I guess I don't have a sense of adventure.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 4, 2015: White Rock Pier, BC
Lovely photos, SCP, thanks! White Rock is a great day-trip destination from Vancouver, even Seattle. A charming place just north of the 49th parallel, it's a wonderful place to go for a walk by the sea or to get some fresh seafood. Walking out to the end of the pier and looking back at the mainland is a memorable moment.
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Re: Airline scheduling: Hurry up and wait, or run like crazy?
Of course the king of "Banking" for years has been Icelandic Air. They have made their whole business plan around bringing planes from 10 different North American cities in the morning and having those same planes fly out to 10 different European cities 1-2 hours after landing. This allows 10 plane loads of passengers the ability to mix and match origins and destinations. Then in the afternoon they do the reverse run. For 2-4 hours a day the terminal is full as passengers switch planes, the...
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Re: Aw shucks. Danes are no longer the World's Happiest People
I do know that the further north people live, the less daylight they have in the winter, the higher the rate of depression. For example, Alaska has a high winter suicide rate at least in part because it is so gloomy there half of the year. The same, I would think, is true of the Nordic folks. My perception of these sorts of lists is that they represent things that "should make you happy", much like our friends, the Eloi. What are some of the things that make me happy? An evening with good...
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Re: The Acadian Village in Caraquet, New Brunswick,Canada
That's a great destination, Rob, and I'm so glad you got to experience it and share it with us! Kind people and Dixie Lee chicken -- seems New Brunswick is a-calling! I've traveled extensively thoughout North America but have never made it to the Maritime provinces. Need to rectify that sometime soon.
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Re: Touring Maryland's Scenic Eastern Shore
The bank that Morris was associated with was the Bank of North America. Bank of America originated in the early 20th c. in California. Poor old Morris spent several of his last years in debtors' prison and was buried in his brother-in-law's family plot without ceremony. Wikipedia: "Robert Morris holds the curious distinction as the only Founding Father whose house is a national memorial, but his life is not interpreted at the site."
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France
Camping in North America is very popular -- mostly in our beautiful National, State and Provincial Parks. Recreational vehicles are around by the thousands. I'm pleased to see that it is also popular in Europe!
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France
Yes DrF. I know camping is popular in North America. But do you drive to a site where you have a tent ready erected for you. Cooker - Lighting - Electric Fridge waiting for you ? With a swimming pool and slides and kids adventure land. There's no RV's on these camps. Caravans and cabin homes are viewable on the link provided.
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Re: How to spend 24 hours in Dublin
I notice the only thing you didn't do in your 24 hours was sleep! I guess that's what the flight home is for. I'm somewhat older and have less energy than you, Seb. One of my favorite things to do in Dublin is to take a walk around St. James Park on a nice day. Or a stroll around Trinity College. But you definitely need to at least try the Guinness in Dublin. Even if you don't like Guinness elsewhere, the Guinness you get here has a better richer taste that stuff we get in North America.
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Re: How to spend 24 hours in Dublin
Haha, there was a little bit of sleep between about 4:30am to 9 when I went, though I didn't mention it in the post! Had a nap on the flight home fortunately
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Re: Journey through Karnataka: Hampi
Thank you for sharing your journey to an amazing site. Places like this are part of what makes traveling such a pleasure. We in North America learn a lot about the history of Western Europe and some Middle East civilizations and empires from there. However we tend to pass over the rest of the world which included empires and civilizations as great as the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Hampi is just another point in favour of a journey to India.
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Re: Journey through Karnataka: Hampi
Thanks a lot for your comments. I fully agree with what you say - I also feel that there is a big hole in my education where the history of places like India is concerned. That is part of the reason why I enjoy doing blogs like this one: it forces me to do a bit of research and to broaden my own horizons.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#134)
The vegetation looks like something from the far north. Perhaps from your trip to Norway? Maybe even eastern Canada. I'm not sure.
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Re: Anatomy of a Trip, Oaxaca: Getting Acquainted
I knew VW made cars in Mexico for the North and South American markets. I was surprised to see the VW Jetta I bought this year in the UK - was made in Mexico too.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
We southern North Americans are not that unfamiliar with the poppies, although perhaps the younger ones...in my childhood and on, they were annually a tradition carried on by the American Legion. Actually, a little research tells me that the tradition started with them in 1921, and then spread to UK and Commonwealth! Here's the text of the poem, written by John McRae, a Canadian soldier and physician: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place;...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#117)
IDK good one to be stumped. Thought a Caribbean or West African Nation capitol; then the Christmas Trees brought us back to North America, and we settled upon Harrisburg, PA. Probably early in December since no snow outside. Beautiful building, the eye can't take in all the detail, wherever it is. Missteacher411
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? (#119)
Originally Posted by PHeymont: So this is definitely not a revisit to Leavenworth, WA... Folks in Leavenworth do love their mountains and enjoy a good cup of tea, but I think it's fair to say this couple doesn't life in Leavenworth. And I'll go one step further and say it's not North America.
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Re: Boston Public Library (Where Gumbo was #150)
And lets not forget Melvil Dewey - a Librarian in the North-East USA who invented the Dewey Decimal System (1876) which is now used in more than 135 Countries ! A wonderful collection of photo's. Love architecture.
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Re: Sahara beats French ski resorts for snowfall
Most of our fresh winter produce ( lettuce - tomato - aubergine - grapes ) comes from North Africa. The stores have few supplies left in the UK.
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Re: American to drop seatback entertainment
DrF, not everyone has their own streaming service, but the theory is that nearly everyone has a screen, usually better resolution than the seatback. American is, in essence, providing a streaming service for those who don't have it. As for being small: those seatback screens go for north of $10,000 each because of all the issues involved in aircraft safety, etc. Not to mention the systems they are attached to. About $3 million average per plane saved this way, and American's order for the...
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Re: Liverpool - What do you mean. It has a Beach ?
No - no more Fish. Fish like Cod and Haddock like the colder waters of the UK. Too much heat and they go further North to Iceland. The Gulf Stream often gets caught in a pattern. Its been stuck for months now, bringing us warm water to raise temperatures. At this time of year we get an overnight frost and cool days. But we've had 50f at night and over 60f during the day. My outdoor Tomato's are still healthy and near ready for picking! Thanks to the Gulf stream ! The warmer waters hit the...
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Re: A Field of (Rusted) Dreams
This has been by far TravelGumbo's most popular blog so far. Some questions we had answered from followers. Thanks! The address of the field was 13155 North Broadway, Cortez, Colorado. According to custom rod and restoration, the bulk of the property was sold and he just took o r moved the last of the cars. So good PHeymont took the photos in the fields heyday!
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Re: The Island Metropolis of Singapore
Originally Posted by JaxonSmith: I have been to India many times so the humidity of Singapore does not bother me. I do love its beauty. Thanks for the comment, JaxonSmith. If you're used to humidity, then it's not a problem. I've lived in the western half of North America my entire life where humidity is quite low and it is challenging to adjust to it. I've been told by people who moved from a dry to humid climate it takes about a year to fully make the adjustment.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #5
There are probably a million miles of hiking trails in north America alone. But not many of them are this well groomed, with borders on the side of the path, smooth surface or well made wooden handrails where it seems none are needed. Ferns imply a shaded moister setting. This looks like some kind of urban park to me, not a wilderness park. PHeymont is an east coast guy, although he gets around a lot. I don't hike there, but who knows east coast hiking trails around here?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, December 12, 2013: Aerial Lift Bridge, Duluth, Minnesota
Hello again Theodore Sorry for the late response to your question. Personally, I do not think it is worth the time and effort it would take for you to drive to Duluth from Minneapolis for only one day in the winter time. The ride from Minneapolis to Duluth one way on Interstate 35 will take you 2.5 hours, and that's under good driving conditions. In the winter, chances are you will encounter bad weather, and that will definitely add to your driving time. Duluth doesn't shut down in the...
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Re: Gustave Eiffel: Iron Man of Paris
This is the English version of the Eiffel Tower. Its in Blackpool 30 miles north of my home in Liverpool. I can see it on a clear day. Built around the same time as Eiffel and an amazing structure. I do love the observation platform where you can walk on a glass floor !
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Re: Iceland's Secret Life as a Film Star (Really!)
Anyone who has traveled to Iceland wouldn't be surprised by this. It's a country of amazing rugged beauty, just made for cinema. And with Icelandair, it's quite easy to do get there now both from North America and Europe. I suggest people look at some of the scenery in the Golden Circle and South Iceland to understand what I mean by this.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day. January 14, 2014: Calgary Peace Bridge
You have sharp eyes PHeymont! The third and fourth pictures are taken from the Crescent Hights, a small hill on the North bank of the Bow River. In the Calgary downtown core area, there are three bridges (tow for pedestrians and cyclists; one for cars) connecting the skyscrapers on the South bank and residential areas on the North bank of the river. The peace bridge is out of the picture 3 frame and in all other 3 pictures.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day. January 14, 2014: Calgary Peace Bridge
The bridge on the bottom right of the picture 3 is called Bow River Pathway. It's a pedestrian/cycling bridge connecting the downtown ore - Prince's Island Park - The North bank of Bow river. The Peace bridge and C-train bridge are further west! Ha Ha Karl, you need get out more