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Tagged With "The Nancho Men"

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Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

DrFumblefinger ·
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...
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Re: Missoula, Montana — Home of Grizzlies

PortMoresby ·
I like this one because it reminds me of a time when my son was a naval fire fighter and was talking about becoming a smoke jumper after he was discharged. He changed his mind, something for which I'll be forever grateful. Read 'Young Men and Fire', by Norman Maclean and understand.
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Re: Missoula, Montana — Home of Grizzlies

DrFumblefinger ·
Originally Posted by PortMoresby: I like this one because it reminds me of a time when my son was a naval fire fighter and was talking about becoming a smoke jumper after he was discharged. He changed his mind, something for which I'll be forever grateful. Read 'Young Men and Fire', by Norman Maclean and understand. Those smokejumpers are amazing! Absolutely fearless. When everyone's running away from a fire, they're jumping from planes to run toward it. Another good fictional book is the...
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Re: Laughter Set in Stone: Fun with Statues

DrFumblefinger ·
That's a fun piece, PHeymont! I, too, have noticed larger numbers of whimsical statues. The city this struck me in the most was Bratislava, in Slovakia. For example, here's their "Men at Work" And here's one that's a tribute to shutterbugs like you and me.
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Re: Montreal: Je Me Souviens

arion ·
I'll give it some thought while cruising the Hawaiian Islands later this month, if I have a minute when not learning to hula dance, eat poi and look down into volcano craters. Aloha from Montreal, in the Province of Quebec where our provincial government wants to pass a law making it illegal for Muslim women to wear the hijab, for Jewish men to wear the skull cap (forget the proper name) and for South Asian men to wear turbans, if they work in government institutions (i.e. schools,...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #180?

Jonathan L ·
Here is today's clue - Near to where the women in the first clue were standing, these men were playing a kibitzing a chess match.
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Re: Passport Woes

GarryRF ·
My son was denied entry to the US shortly after 9-11. "Because the US isn't accepting men traveling alone" He replied "That's not a valid reason" So they stamped "Deported" on his passport. "Is that good enough for you ? "
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Re: Taos NM - Indian, Mexican, and Yarn

Jonathan L ·
Going to Taos, for me is a lot like going to Banff. How long you want to stay depends on how much you want to do. I would say 2-3 days minimum to get a feel for the town AND go to the Taos Pueblo, which I didn't write about because we didn't have time to go this trip. The Pueblo is a must see. The rest depends on how many hikes and river rafting trips and other outdoor stuff you want to do. As for the tee-shirt, well, it wasn't design for men orginaly so......
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Re: Weymouth's tribute to the brave.

GarryRF ·
During WW1, before conscription was announced, young men were encouraged to join by local dignitaries and celebrities. Hundreds of Regiments of Infantry were formed with names such as the Liverpool Pals and the Bolton Pals - all made up of men from the same town. Many regiments were completely lost to combat in France. Small towns had lost all their young men to war and were left with no one coming home. Regiments after 1916 were drawn from several towns and cities.
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Re: Castle Caerphilly, Wales. Where Gumbo Was #41

GarryRF ·
Many couples like to re-affirm their vows after 25 years. Many older couples in England (and Wales) had a Wedding ceremony that was frugal because of circumstances. Plus - you can invite the Kids! It's a woman thing - means nothing to us men !
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Re: Cheaters to get discount on travel to repair marriage

Travel Rob ·
As it turns out most of these men were want to be cheaters, because few real women were actually on the site. To me though, it seems CheapAir.com is going to make their non Ashley Madison customers upset. I guess they figure the added publicity is good for free advertising. http://gizmodo.com/almost-none...-database-1725558944
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Re: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park, Hawaii Island, Hawaii

GarryRF ·
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: Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #104

Mac ·
It is just amazing to realise that this was the real life daily view-point for a lot of very brave young men. Fascinating but also very thought provoking and sobering...
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Re: Gal Vihara, Sri Lanka

DrFumblefinger ·
Something I've also thought about, George. And no, the credit goes to the big boss and not the people who actually do the work. So far as I know none of these crafts men -- and there must have been dozens on this project -- are known anymore.
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Re: Camp Hale, Colorado (Where Gumbo was #174)

GarryRF ·
Very interesting presentation DrF. I'm learning so much from reading these blogs - it's turning travel themes into a valuable education. I must admit I knew nothing of these brave men before I researched the subject for this weeks answer. American history is really fascinating - for a Brit like me.
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Re: July 14, 2016: Humboldt, University, Berlin, Germany

DrFumblefinger ·
Ottoman -- I notice your name is not on this list. What gives? Surely these men aren't any more distinguished that you?
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Re: 'Uncomfortable memory' tour faces Barcelona slave history

GarryRF ·
Slavery is just part of a long cruel history. Wherever there is chance to make money, people of any race or creed will gladly join in. Even the African warlords who sold the "prisoners" to the slave ships played their parts in this piece of history. Even today fortunes are made by sending young men to die in the name of "Defence". Money has no morals.
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Re: Campaigners ask: Can the QE2 be saved?

PortMoresby ·
There must certainly be profit to the company, International Shipbreaking, that was paid 1 penny US by the Navy to tow Ranger to Texas where they do the work and, presumably, don't do in WA. I toured Ranger but, even so, it's hard to comprehend the size of a ship where 6,000 men (and a few women) work and live, plus 2 decks for airplanes. Lots of steel there, lots of razor blades. I saw an amazing piece, probably on 60 Minutes, about the place in Bangladesh where the work you mention is done...
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Re: Austrian village has really hairy experience

DrFumblefinger ·
I suppose these men consider themselves the equivalent of show poodles...
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Re: Austrian village has really hairy experience

PortMoresby ·
Do women have their own catagories or must they compete againt the men?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn

GarryRF ·
I bought a Poppy in September this year from a Vietnam Vet in Easton MD. I commented on his cap with the dates on - and he removed his jacket to show me his T-shirt with his Division and Da Nang and a host of other cities where he fought. Had some amazing stories to tell. There should have been a crowd watching him, but just me. In 2015 a total of 888,246 hand made ceramic Poppy's were placed at Tower Bridge London to remember the number of men who fell in battle 1914 - 1918. The Poppy was...
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Re: IRS gains power to get passports cancelled

GarryRF ·
There are so many business men into Tax Avoidance schemes that the Government cant watch them all. So I suppose a warning off Uncle Sam saying - " Hey - I'm serious - behave or I'll ground you" could stop their lavish life styles. If everyone paid their Tax due notice then we wouldn't have all the cutbacks on services.
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Re: Studies: travel abroad=more creative, outgoing, smarter

Travel Rob ·
Not only is travel good for the mind, it good for health as well. The report commissioned by the US Travel Association also quotes previous studies that show women who travel twice a year have significantly reduced chance of heart attacks or coronary death and men who didn't take a vacation had a 20 percent higher risk of of death.
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Re: A visit to Normandy: exploring the D-Day beaches

GarryRF ·
When I was a little nipper and hadn't started school we would visit family at the weekend. No TV. No money. 1950's -you get the picture. So socialising with Dad's 9 brothers and sisters was as good as it got ! If you mentioned the War in some homes you'd be out the front door quicker than a Rat up a Drain pipe ! Others would tell you tales to make your hair curl. Tails of unbelievable bravery, absurdity and stupidity. The Ladies would tell the tale of how the American and Canadian GI's would...
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Re: A visit to Normandy: exploring the D-Day beaches

Former Member ·
Thank you mr fumblefinger for your poignant description and photos. Our family lost my uncle at Omaha Beach. He was one of those young men caught up in the drama of war who did his best in a very bad situation. Several times during the 1980s and early 1990s, I made my way to northwestern France to visit the D-Day landing sites. At that time, I was struck by three things - the immaculate grounds and air of respect, the gratefulness of the French people and the fact that there were very few...
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 8) Hill Country

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks, PortMoresby! There's lots of interesting places to stay in the Hill Country, some in tea plantations themselves. My favorite place here was the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. A bit of historic elegance. Where else can you find a "cigar room" (where men gather to smoke) and a "billiards room" anymore?
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Re: Worlds Cheapest Phone?

FlashFlyer ·
Gotcha beat, mate! TracFone in the U.S. has a new Samsung for $9.95 and a reconditioned LG for free. They're here TracFone is owned by a Mexican company owned by Carlos Slim, one of the richest men in the world, so I guess he doesn't use these phones!
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Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I

DrFumblefinger ·
Wow! Thanks for this fascinating contribution, Lestertheinvestor. I was exhausted just from reading the directions for applying for the visa. It is quite obvious that Saudi Arabia doesn't want infidels visiting them. A few questions you might know the answer to: 1) Is the process stream-lined for a Muslim wanting to go to Mecca, and what kind of proof do they need to have that they're a Muslim? 2) Do you have any rough idea how many hours you spent on this process? Ball-park guess would do.
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Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I

Lestertheinvestor ·
1) The process is easier for a Muslim who is going on a hajj. However, unless you are native born, you must present a document from the Imam of your mosque documenting your status as a Muslim in good standing. For a Caucasian woman who is a converted Muslim, you must still get permission from your husband or a male relative, along with the letter from the mosque to allow you to make the hajj. 2) Between my wife and I (she actually presented our documents each time to the consulate in Los...
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Re: The Architecture of Old Sana'a, Yemen

MAD Travel Diaries ·
Lucky on one hand, disappointed on the other. Locals were friendly yet cautious especially towards me as I am brown skinned like them. They were confused as to why I'm not in local dress (complete black) as their women. I had a couple kids even throw stones at me but again I was with bodyguards so it wasn't that big a deal to me. When I was with the older white men I worked with, people there considered me the "hired escort." Culture shock really do come in all forms.
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Re: The Architecture of Old Sana'a, Yemen

PortMoresby ·
Indeed, confusion is especially common in societies where cultural homogeneity is encouraged or even required. I found it to be true, even though I wore local dress, in Pakistan. Again, skin color seemed to be the issue, the only clue, and while not hostile, men in particular seemed completely at a loss about what to do when they encountered me, even though I was in the company of local friends, in essence my bodyguards. Both Pakistan and Yemen have been off the tourist track for years now...
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Re: Finding Reiner #2: Chasing Ghosts

DrFumblefinger ·
Another brilliant post, HistoryDigger! Thanks. I think you've described the situation many young German men were in, and it's a lesson for all of us to fight tyranny at every step and with all we have. It is also a reminder to me how a government that is "a friend of the people" can crush those same people if their power isn't checked. After the Nazis had seized power, there was no tolerance for dissent. You were either with them -- or you were in big big trouble (possibly even fatal...
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Re: The Ghan - an Australian rail journey of style and comfort

PortMoresby ·
This looks like a fantastic trip and any reason to go by train is good one to me. Wondering if the place names (Adelaide, Alice, Katherine) recall days of too few settler women for the number of men?
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Re: Who are we when we travel?

GarryRF ·
Most big cities have shelters where the homeless can sleep. But many still prefer to sleep rough. Politicians think they have the answer by asking for more shelters. But the folks who give their time to helping those "down on their luck" tell us of many ex service men, returned from armed conflict and can no longer manage their own lives. They don't want to be told what to do and prefer the outdoor life. No help in getting these guys mental problems solved. I've read about soldiers returning...
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Re: Looking for Historical Landmarks !

GarryRF ·
Fascinating indeed Paul ! Do the School kids get taught that since 1776 - that America and the Brits have joined forces in 20 other wars ? In WW2 over a million young American soldiers arrived in Liverpool and took over the pubs and dance halls ! The local young men had already left to go to war. The American troops acquired a local saying: "Over paid - over sexed and over here !"
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Re: Romania-top 10 destinations of 2014

Former Member ·
The best season to visit Romania is the Holiday Winter (for Christmas and New Year holiday). This is the best season in my opinion because we have a lot of traditions especially for Christmas, and you'll be very surprised by the guest's hospitality, especially in the rural places like Maramures, Bucovina, or Transilvania- Brasov, Sibiu county. In Brasov county for exemple is a tradition for Christmas where 2 groups of young men called "Feciorii" go and sing Christmas Carols all day for every...
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Visiting historic Skagway, Alaska

My Thatched Hut ·
    Skagway, Alaska owes its existence to the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s.  There were three main routes to the Klondike.  One route was across Alaska.  A second was the all-Canadian route starting at Edmonton and...
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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge – The Creepy and the Miraculous

GutterPup ·
  If you follow Interstate 275 south through the city of St. Petersburg, Florida until you run out of land, you’ll be greeted by a gentle slope of road that seemingly rises from the waters of the Tampa Bay. This...
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Visiting Versailles

DrFumblefinger ·
    Among the many wonderful palaces of Europe, Versailles is said to be the greatest and grandest of them all.  It’s a  UNESCO World Heritage site  and is on almost every traveler’s list of “must see”...
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A Day in Lisbon

NonstopFromJFK ·
Lisbon was our first stop in Portugal. Getting around Lisbon was easy, we were able to take the Metro from the airport to where we were staying without any problems. We got the LisboaCard at the airport, which seemed like a great deal, but when we...
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Ottawa – NOT the coldest Capital in the world!

DrFumblefinger ·
Ottawa is a vibrant and charming small city — so pleasant that it’s hard to believe it’s home to soooo many politicians.  Of the national capitals I've visited, Ottawa seems the most livable to me (ie. if...
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Walla, Walla: “So nice they named it twice!”

DrFumblefinger ·
What’s a Walla Walla?  It’s a Indian name meaning “many waters”.  It’s also the name of a charming city in southeastern Washington; nestled close to the Columbia and Snake River valleys, and with a river of its...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 7, 2013: Bicycle taxi, Santa Clara, Cuba.

GarryRF ·
  CUBAN BICYCLE TAXI Cuba- A surprise around every corner ! Santa Clara, Cuba has a Central "Town Square" in the typical Spanish style. It  has Trees for shade and long benches for...
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Cologne Cathedral, Germany. Where Gumbo Was #83

DrFumblefinger ·
    Gumbo was visiting the magnificent Cathedral in Cologne, Germany.  The puzzle destination was recognized rather quickly by Roderick Simpson -- congratulations Roddy!      I first saw Cologne’s Cathedral on a...
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Palm Springs Air Museum, California (Where Gumbo was #104)

DrFumblefinger ·
  Gumbo was visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum in the California desert, and specifically had the privilege of sitting in the cockpit of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber (like the one in the above photo).  Congratulations to the many who...
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San Juan, Puerto Rico: Outside the Walls

Paul Heymont ·
Because Puerto Rico was the first freshwater island for 16th-century travelers from Spain, and because it guards the entrance to the Caribbean, its Spanish masters went out of their way to defend it, not only with the huge fortifications at the...
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Road Trip, Day 4: Fort Mason, San Francisco

PortMoresby ·
    March 12, 2015   I drove south through Sonoma and Marin Counties, past the houseboats on the bay at Sausalito, across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, and arrived earlier than the hostel’s official 3:00 check-in...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 4, 2015: Modern-day Cowboy

DrFumblefinger ·
  Thank God there are still cowboys in the world!  Tough, hard-working guys -- real men.   I came across this fellow I'll call "Roy" at the Bar U Ranch  in Alberta.  The Bar U is a Canadian Historic Site that every summer...
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Gold Country, California: The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

PortMoresby ·
  I thought this series about Gold Country was done.  But I realize now that may not be true for some time.  About 6 months ago, wanting to replace the wood stove in my house that was installed when the house was built in 1978, I called...
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The Colby Trophy Room, Museum of Science, Boston (Where Gumbo was #116)

DrFumblefinger ·
    Gumbo was visiting the interesting Museum of Science in Boston.  It's especially a great museum to explore with children, but fun for everyone!  There are many fascinating exhibits and demonstrations that take a full day to...
 
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