Tagged With "Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
Comment
Re: November 5, 2016: Hatiheu, Nuku Hive, Iles Marquises
Great post! I love this photo - it really transports me to another place. And the idea of traveling through this area on a cargo ship sounds fascinating. Trip of a life time, indeed.
Comment
Re: United, Delta ready to retire 'Queen of the Skies'
I'm afraid to say that the changing modes of transport are a yard stick to measure your life-span. I remember with great affection travelling on a steam train. But fail to recall the hot ash that went into your eye through the open window. My favourite childhood vehicle .....
Comment
Re: Dublin: A Gallery of Signs
If you'd been an Irish Resident in Ireland all your life then you would have difficulty understanding how Politics and Religion are so entwined.
Comment
Re: August 5, 2017: The Potter and his Wife
An interesting insight garage med by poking around in unexpected places. The caste system is still a blight on Indian society, though breaking down in towns and cities due to the pressures of modern life (sharing transport for example), in rural areas it can be deadly serious when low caste people try to assert democratic rights
Comment
Re: Flights to Cuba: lots of planes, not so many passengers
Many returning tourists will be telling their American friends that life in a third world country - like Cuba - is worse than just having only one flavour of Ice Cream.
Comment
Re: Belfast: An Uneasy City
I think I have to disagree on comparing human societies to plate tectonics; over the latter we have no control, but I would hate to ever think we've exhausted the possibility of dealing with the former. Examining mass religious conflicts generally reveals other issues beneath. That's certainly true of the long and tortured history between the two islands and the two Irelands. While James was a Catholic and William a Protestant, the real issues behind the conflict that set Ireland's future...
Comment
Re: Where Gumbo Was #12. Brasov, Romania
PHeymont - The character Dracula was based on the real life very interesting Vlad Tepes. 'Vlad the Impaler' And although he was very cruel ,is considered a patriot by many Romanians still. http://www.donlinke.com/drakula/vlad.htm
Comment
Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #14
PortMoresby, I always knew you were just a romantic at heart. But I thought you more of a moon-lite stroll along the Seine than a sewer tour, but life is full of surprises!
Reply
Re: Ghost Images of WWI
Recent, indeed. I've taken to comparing events in history to the life spans of people I've known, or who they knew, and it brings it into shocking relief for me. WWI was a fact during the young adulthood of my grandparents, just 5 years before the births of my parents, one of whom is still alive. In that context it seems like it was just yesterday.
Comment
Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? # 9
Considering that F. Scott Fitzgerald's only play, The Onion, features a character who is "the Ambassador of Irish Poland," Romanian Bollywood should not be a big reach! However...not so puzzling. Just as Iceland is Greenland and several other places in the new Ben Stiller "Walter Mitty" film, the film industry of India shoots in unexpected places...although in the video whose link is HERE , there's no attempt to play it as somewhere else.
Comment
Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Jefferson has always been a fascinating and difficult character, with many sides to his life and work. Aside from the Monticello and other designs, he was also a pioneer agriculturalist, importing many varieties of flowers and vegetables, and improving them by breeding. But for me, the hardest task, mentally and emotionally, is to reconcile the brilliant political and philosophical words with an absolute refusal to even question the institution of slavery, when many others of his time in...
Comment
Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
PHeymont, I never try to judge historic figures through the prism of modern values. Remember in the 18th century slavery was a global institution -- absolutely every country in the world had slaves. And being from Virginia, he knew the southern states wouldn't join northern colonies in forming a new country without slavery being allowed, so I don't think he thought it was time to fight that fight. I think he valued the formation of the new country above all else -- risking his life to do so...
Comment
Re: Lawrence and the Pirates
Thats a fantastic perspective and life experience. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Comment
Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? 21.0
A nautical theme -with the Life Preservers in the windows ! Tropical trees and a hot climate. And the sea in the background!
Comment
Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
T&N, you make an interesting point about the air circulation and coolness of Eiffel's building. These days we are constantly reading about advances in "green design," intended to reduce excess energy use. Ironic how well some of those principles of making life bearable were known so long ago by those who didn't have the option of mechanical air-conditioning! Another example is in today's blog about Gaudi's Casa Battlo in Barcelona, which uses an open well through the center of the...
Comment
Re: Happy New Year!
I'd like to wish all the Members and readers of TravelGumbo a year full of everything you've wished for yourself. I've been lucky all my life. Whenever I've been struggling to do something, been lost or just plain out of my depth there's always been someone offering to help me. Give it a try this year. It costs nothing and shows you care about others. Just recognise that "lost" look and share your knowledge.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 30: Monet's Gardens at Giverny
Definitely hundreds! In fact, for the last 40 years of his life, he painted almost nowhere else. He even created a floating studio on a small boat so he could paint within his waters, and nearby on the Seine.
Comment
Re: Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland
Thanks for the comment, TravelRob! Yes, it was a cool place. It had an even spookier feel in real life than is conveyed by the photos.
Comment
Re: Laughter Set in Stone: Fun with Statues
Thanks! those are great...we need a bit more humor in everyday life!
Comment
Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
The American addiction for "Ice Cold Beer" should not be applied to Guinness! Its a Stout - full of flavour - to be savoured - cool as the Pubs Cellar! Billy Connelly is the Scottish comedian who's observations of life have had us in stitches for years now. But like many Brits - he's felt the warm winters of LA and is reluctant to come back ! Is it uniquely British to actually enjoy cool weather? Perhaps the way we've been bred ! I do get odd looks in the Autumn when many North Americans are...
Reply
Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
CICAK, may I suggest you encourage your wife to see the big picture. When you're in a hotel room you are not required to savage the minibar. When you're in an apartment you aren't required to cook. The kitchen just exists quietly should you desire it. What you're there for is to spread out, have privacy with all the comforts of home, possibly be in a more interesting neighborhood & surrounded by people who interest you and who may even be interested in you and any number of other...
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 30, 2013: Monk on a Ladder, Sri Lanka
His body language tells me that he knows his stuff. Thanks, Dr F, for this universal slice of life moment.
Comment
Re: Family Takes Year Off to Travel the World
They did not take a year "off"; they took a year "on" to live life. What lucky kids ! What lucky parents ! Bully on this family for making that "luck" happen.
Reply
Re: Minneapolis in the winter
Hi Theodore! I am a Mall of America fan. You can easily spend an entire weekend (or many evenings) at the Mall of America. First of all, the mall is very easy to get to by train from downtown (CICAK did a wonderful job explaining that), and fares are quite cheap (fares go for about $1.75 to $2.25 one way depending on what time of day you ride). As CICAK also mentioned, there is something for everybody at the mall. If you just want to find a warm dry place to walk and people watch, I believe...
Comment
Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
No, not thinking of mills and chimneys, necessarily--note my very pre-Industrial Revolution examples--but certainly industrial, and by the nature of sizable cities with people living in close quarters and with the side-products of their industry, an argument can be made for dirty. It's not a slam...it's just the condition of cities that are alive. Here's a quotation, by the way, from the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health: The industrial revolution in England had by the beginning...
Comment
Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
Originally Posted by PHeymont: According to JECH, there is an exhibit of reconstructed "back houses" at the Liverpool Museum of Liverpool Life. That must be a fascinating museum! And the author mentioned that while most of the back houses were town down in urban renewal, the few that remain have been turned into luxury housing! I visited a block of "back to backs" in Birmingham, the last left after thousands were demolished in the move to urban renewal in the city center. They've been...
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Remember these recommendations were in essence from the hotel owners. They are trying to have the consumer subsidize the poor salaries many of them pay. I'm a reasonably generous person, and I realize that most hotel employees are not wealthy, but I don't tip at those levels. I usually leave a few bucks for the maid if a good job is done, and for an excellent bit of advice or help will as well. But if I ask the concierge where the nearest bus stop is, that's his job and not worth the five...
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I certainly understand GarryRF's comments completely. A guest has a right to expect a good quality meal with good service. That should be part of the dining experience. That said, because I was raised and have lived in Canada/USA my life, I have a sensitivity to food service employees not being paid well and being stressed by their employers. So I tend to follow Dave B's guidelines (thanks for outlining these, Dave!) If I see a waitress is trying hard, I'll leave the 15% tip (and don't come...
Comment
Re: Cuba - a step back in time !
I recall as a boy my dad's best friend had a Pontiac like this. It was a beautiful car and the pride of his life. It ended up being totaled in a car crash (he survived), but I still remember his pride in showing off the polished beauty! His was two tone brown, I think.
Comment
Re: 25 Yr Old Wins $ 1M Picasso for only $ 135 US
Originally Posted by JohnT: I saw this in the paper this morning as well. Apparently there are only 10,000 tickets left... Gotta admit it's tempting...only way I'd ever own a Picasso...just wouldn't go with the rest of my decor though...clashes with "Dogs playing poker." No John, don't think it would clash with the Dog picture. Welcome back. Hope you've recovered from your jet lag and have settled into "life as usual" (ie. starting to plan your next trip).
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar.4th 2014: Dubai Water Taxi
It's a great image, Islandman! I really enjoy photos of people going about their every day lives in different locations about the world, a reminder to me how much more alike we all are than different. This photo is made more interesting by their obviously ethnic diversity -- people who have come to Dubai for a good job and to improve their lot in life. The contrast of the old wooden taxi and modern skyscrapers in the background is great!
Comment
Re: SFO gets OK for emergency cellphone blast
I would prefer improved access and egress to public gatherings. But "Emergency Doors" would be expensive - and life isn't.
Comment
Re: A Rambler in Strasbourg
Alsace was our favorite destination for relaxing, taking the Rue de Vin for picnics, and enjoying the cuisine and slow pace of life. Colorful timber houses and festivals added to the richness of this region. A couple of our photos. My wife Diane with a local policeman, the cathedral and a canal.
Comment
Re: In Egypt: The Egyptian Museum
An item from the UK's Guardian comments on the timelessness & "place-less-ness" of Nefertiti's image. If she'd stayed in Egypt after her discovery at Amarna, she'd likely have a place near her image above with her family, in the photo titled " Scene of worship of the Aten ..." as that's a far more interesting historical context, rather than the following reign of Tutankhamun, in which to put her. I hope the book does her real life justice.
Comment
Re: July 12, 2018: Krakow Weddings
Likewise, I enjoyed taking wedding photos in other countries when we happen to stumble upon them. My wife and I seemed to share in their happiness since our wedding was our happiest moment in life.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Aug. 2, 2015: Uncertain times
Zum Nussbaum is there, in this picture, nestled at the base of the Nikolaikirche—although like the rest of the neighborhood, it is a reconstruction. But then, so much of life is...
Comment
Re: Is there Danger in frequent, long-distance travel?
I read about this in the Daily Mail and while I believe there are some medical reasons frequent flying can be dangerous, it failed to show the positives about travel. I too was not convinced about their emotional claims . I found the opposite in my life. "The researchers discovered that new friendships and romantic relationships forged through mobility have a tendency to be situational, expendable and short-lived" "The study found that loneliness and isolation are common among frequent...
Comment
Re: Kyoto Tells Tourists What Not To Do
It is one of those real-life bad jokes. I find particularly humorous the rules about when and how to take photographs. Anyone who's stumbled upon a group of Japanese tourists know that they'll fight for the best shot if they have to! Guess the rules apply to foreign guests, not local residents.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
You guys are certainly mirroring all the thoughts that we had yesterday! I hope that my photos (taken in the drizzle) will come out to show you. The views that struck us immediately were the Dismaland logo above the entry (and on the souvenir T shirts), the Mickey Mouse ears worn by all the staff, the dilapidated, iconically-shaped, crumbling fairy tale castle with it's polluted moat - but perhaps the most dramatic is the centrepiece in the castle with the life-sized princess's pumpkin...
Comment
Re: Kyoto Tells Tourists What Not To Do
Wow. Most of the list IS common sense. But tourists don’t always practice common sense, maybe at times myself included. Thing is, I have observed several Japanese tourists doing exactly what they advise not to do on their list during my travels to Europe. :-/ Most recently, almost felt that the rules didn’t apply to them as I was scolded for taking a picture without flash at Sacre-Coeur (didn’t see the sign). That was my mistake. However, while I was getting scolded for my offense, several...
Comment
Re: Hiking Angel's Landing in Zion National Park
Dr.FumbleFinger I hear you! It was not an easy one for me and I was quite nervous doing the last few hundred meters. Others did it with ease, but I was holding on for dear life.
Comment
Re: In Egypt: Sleeping
As ever, a succinct and informative post from PM. It definitely gets its teeth into the eternal travel dilemma - how to feel comfortable when you're unconscious ! I always maintain (in life generally) that the greatest gap lies between expectation and reality. PM also found the smallest; that between scalding and frigid on an unfamiliar shower 😆😎
Comment
Re: In Egypt: Up the Nile
Egypt is always going to be a conveyor belt for most visitors, outside of the resorts, and it's hard to get around this, given the country's geography. But PM is right to take the costs on the chin; how many times are you going to be there in this life ? Obviously didn't miss much, from her photos !
Comment
Re: In Egypt: An Unlikely Story
Super story ! I've lost count of the synchronicities that have played out in my own travelling life. Endless curiosity is one of the nicer burdens in life 😆😎
Comment
Re: A Culinary Adventure in Portugal
I can't be too specific on the wines...not enough of a close watcher. But what we have especially enjoyed were the Portuguese 'green red' wines we had last time and this at Ponto Final. It sounds contradictory, but they are actually red wines, drunk early in their life. Sort of like a beaujolais nouveau.
Comment
Re: With no Emirates order, A380 production may end
UPDATE: Emirates saves the day for Airbus , January 18 Emirates Airlines has saved the day for Airbus, with an order for 20 more A380s, and an option for 16 more, extending the production life of the huge plane. Airbus says that it will now be able to keep the line going for 10 years, and hopes that in that time the plane will generate more orders. List price for the plane approaches $500,000,000, but since large orders usually get sizable discounts and since Airbus really, really needed...
Comment
Re: Terry Fox Monument, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thanks for sharing this story with our audience, Ottoman. I remember Terry Fox well. His run across Canada became an important news story, and the image of him hoping on his good leg before stepping with his prosthesis has always remained with me. He was a remarkable brave young man, and it's sad that he didn't live to see the profound influence that one life can have. A reminder how how cancer can strike anyone. No age, no sex, no race, no social class is immune from its reach. I really...
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day: May 6th, 2014. Cairo Roadside Cafe
I love these little slices of daily life, no matter what country, what city. Community rituals are so important to our being communities, not just populations! Thanks, Island Man!
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day: May 6th, 2014. Cairo Roadside Cafe
You've truly got a slice of everyday life as the "locals" live it, Islandman! thanks for sharing this.
Comment
Re: Kettering, Northamptonshire: Where Gumbo Was (#38)
When I was researching the history of the land my house is built on I opened up so much information. During WW1 the land was used for a temporary Army Camp. Many new soldiers were from Wales - 20 miles away - who spoke no English ! But on the 8th June 1917 Capt. (later General) Patton arrived in the Port of Liverpool England on his way to France. He took a train to Litherland Railway Station and stayed here in my garden until he left to catch a Train from Liverpool to London. I often find...