Tagged With "Soroptimist Spring Garden Tour"
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Re: England’s Thames Path: Kew Gardens
My wife Diane and I spent almost an entire day at Kew Gardens. So much natural beauty to see. We arrived from central London at the Kew Station in mid-morning and didn't leave until almost dusk. At one time our son had a possibility of being transferred to London and I recommended getting a place in the Kew Garden area for the beauty and quiet. One of my photos from Kew.
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Re: Top 10 Most Beautiful Gardens In The World
Any such list would be contentious, of course. However, this one doesn't contain a single garden in Africa and this, in my opinion, is a serious omission. The Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh and the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town would be obvious contenders. There are also many more fantastic gardens in Asia - e.g. the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
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Re: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Thanks. this article brings back memories of my visit in 2005. The tour led by the Park Ranger was fascinating and very even handed. I had a great time.
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Re: Tips to help with packing no matter where you are going
Adding to Mac's point. A big turning point for us was when we started packing for 7 days, no matter how much longer the trip. Usually we have a washer in the apartments we rent, but when not, there's always a laundromat nearby, and usually one that will wash and fold while we tour. We don't often enough change locations to want to keep everything packed (and anyway, I'm a compulsive unpacker) so some of the tools are less useful to us...but I do remind everyone that shoes are actually...
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Re: Madeira gets its ferry back
Apologies: an uncorrected version of the report appeared early this morning. Conflicting partial reports from earlier in the spring, along with difficulty in translation, led to the error. The corrected version appears above.
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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!
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Re: Canadian Museum of History (Civilization): Ottawa (Gatineau), Canada
Ottawa is a perfect spring and fall getaway destination, PortMoresby. Like many things Canadian it's pleasant and understated. You don't really get the impression when here that one of the world's most successful economies is governed in this peaceful small city. Summers can be hot and humid, but May and late Sept/Oct are special. I'd probably head there late Sept/early Oct to enjoy the colorful tree displays.
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #14: A Sewer Journey
And let's not forget the smell, Andredeya. That's what would keep me out of that tour!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #11
And what possible good is a puzzle without a bit of chicanery - by definition, I should think. I haven't seen the arena at Arles, though it's already on my list for the next visit to France. I have walked past the arena in Verona as it was between the train station and the garden I'd come to photograph. Likely why it came to mind just after the Colosseum.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #11
Well, here it is Friday night, and I see everyone gathered around to see what's in the Gumbo (e)mailbag and here...because indeed, the mystery has again been solved. Gumbo was in the Roman Arena at Arles, deep in the heart of Roman France. First to point at the site (but not to actually claim it) was Port Moresby, who contributed a picture of it at 1 pm on Wednesday while others were pointing out other Roman arenas. PM was followed by TravelandNature at 11 pm that night—you'll have noted...
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Re: Portland, Maine: The World's Longest Lobster Roll...and so much more!
I can truly say that I will never think of lobster rolls in quite the same innocent way again. This was a fine tour of Portland, Maine. Thank you so much.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #6
Are we correct that it's in Southeast Asia? Not something that's been moved or reconstructed somewhere else, like in the Japanese Garden in San Antonio?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 5, 2014: Brocante
I, too, have a fondness for the 2CV, along with the MG T series. I used to hear the story that you could go into a hardware store in France, and come back with parts, a wrench to install them, and change from a 10-franc note... RBCiao, a Gumbo member, has even found a service in Paris that gives tours of the city in a Deux Cheveaux! He posted a picture of himself on the tour a few months ago.
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Re: Newgrange; Ireland’s ancient Passage Tomb
It's interesting how we perceive age. In the U.S., we have few buildings over 200 years old, while in other places buildings older than that are part of the housing stock. And here we have a building of intricate design and decoration old enough that we hardly know any of the history of its builders. A reminder to us how much there is to see and know that is beyond our daily lives. Thank you for the tour!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 17, 2013: Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec
Montreal... my hometown!! When visiting the Olympic Stadium/Botanical Garden you should also take the opportunity to visit the Insectarium, the Planetarium rio tinto alcan and my favorite the Biodome. Information to all these can be found on the same website as the Botanical Garden. Enjoy!
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province
HistoryDigger, I'll explain. At the end of the first day of tulou visits, the large tour bus rendezvoused with a small van and it was indicated that I should bring my things and come with a young man. Since no one could explain, I had to simply trust and go along, an interesting sensation. I later realized that I was the only one who had opted for the second day. The young man drove me to a very basic village of mostly new buildings built, I suspect but of course don't know, for...
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Re: Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart
Nice piece, Rob! You would look good wrapped in the driver's seat of one of those Mercedes. Attached photo is of a showroom we went to this spring, on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Future inductees into the Mercedes Museum?
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Re: A Springtime Walk in the Desert
Great color and variety! Thanks...I'm going to have to get to the desert in spring, sometime. I visited the Sonora desert in December, and recognize some of these from seeing them without their brilliant display (click HERE for that blog) This is certainly a reminder of how little we know a place when we only know it "in season."
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 20, 2014: Spring - at last!
Thanks, spring! We needed that!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 20, 2014: Spring - at last!
It's snowing this morning, so I can relate to PHeymont's comment. That is what spring should look like. That's for that bit of sunshine!
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Re: Family Friendly Attractions in Malta
On my first visit to Malta I was exploring the Megalithic Monuments when a group and their guide arrived. She was explaining to the folks the stones where blood sacrifices were made. So I stayed within earshot for a free tour - at a discreet distance. Then she turned and pointed at me ! " where that couple are standing is a Fertility Temple! " Whoooa !! We moved away quickly ! But too late - we had been chosen by the Goddess of Fertility ! That was on the 29 December - and on the 29...
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #17: Death Valley, USA
Yes, it's really amazing how colorful and varied desert plants can be. Did you also see the blog from a few weeks ago on the "Spine Garden" of cacti in Arizona? It's at https://www.travelgumbo.com/blo...zona-s-sonora-desert
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Re: Google Relaunches Zagat, minus content and search
I know what I think: I think that the ads should be so distinct (and funny, or pithy, or whatever tone) that no one could ever mistake them for user content. I'd hate to have to explain over and over that no, Gumbo is NOT recommending luggage sellers or tour companies, or--for that matter--kitchen remodeling in Britain. The creep over the line is so evident in the newspaper sales pitches for "rare" coins and various remedies dolled up to look like news articles.
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Re: Asia cruise market grows 24% in 2015
There was a significant Chinese population on our cruise last spring. And Norwegian is stationing it's newest super size cruise ship in Chint next year.
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Re: Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff National Park (Where Gumbo Was #178)
I spent several nights at Banff Springs, but not the cave and Basin. It is quite an experience to sit in a hot spring outdoors while snow is falling! Thanks for bring back the memories.
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Re: London's Tower Bridge, inside and out
It's been nearly 20 years since I took the tour...you wrote an excellent article and your photos -- especially the one of the entire bridge -- are wonderful!!!
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Re: Walking through New Orleans...nibbling
Sorry...not on the tour (and frankly, not on my mind, either!)
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Re: Foodie Fun on Arthur Avenue
Now THIS is my idea of a great food tour! Wish I'd tagged along, and thanks for the advice on where to go for my favorite type of food.
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Re: Brits on Beach behaving badly? Call (British) cops!
Sounds like the British kids are copying the "Spring Breakers" in Florida. With a hint of "Bikers Week" for the older ones.
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Re: New Orleans—Museum Highlights Young Voices of Resilience
Great piece! Yes, it is good to hear from our children about what they learned in the past decade living in New Orleans after the storm. So many were impacted, many were harmed and suffered PTSD. Great to hear kids speak about the positive outcomes from their Katrina experiences. I can't wait for the new LA Childrens Museum to open in its new and amazing facility in City Park, another NOLA gem. Ya'll come visit soon and often to experience a city like no other, New Orleans. It has not been...
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Re: California Gardens 2017: Gold Country, Part I
Luv your garden posts! They've taught me to look at the micro of a garden, not just the overview. Thanks for this!
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Re: California Gardens 2017: Gold Country, Part I
A nice observation, DrF, both aspects of the "art" I speak of.
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Re: Scenes of Cesky Krumlov
Interesting tour and history lesson . Went down well with my first coffee of the day. Well presented Paul. Really enjoyed it !
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Re: Back to Oaxaca: Hoofing It, El Picacho & Teotitlan
Another interesting item from the OLL newsletter regarding the weaving village of Teotitlan: TOUR: ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS in TEOTITLAN Presented by Dr. Robert Markens Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas—sede Oaxaca Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 / 9 AM-4 PM MX$350 (M) MX$400 (NM) Local archeologist Dr. Robert Markens will lead a tour of the archeological ruins located in the ancient village of Teotitlan del Valle, world-famous for its woven textiles. This...
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Re: Boston's Beautiful Public Garden
It's a great garden and a wonderful place to go for a walk or jog at the end of a summer's day.
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Re: In Egypt: Up the Nile
Back in 1989, when TWA still existed, took their 14 day tour. I believe there were 35 of us. We started in Cairo - 4 days staying at Mena House opposite the pyramids A huge WOW! During our stay there we traveled to Sakkaha and Memphis. Boarded a bus that took us to Alexandria - 2 days staying at Montazah Sheraton. From there we took a train to Aswan (dirty dishes - everyone sick). In Aswan, we stayed on Elephantine Island's Loews Aswan Oberoi. Went to Temples of Philae and flew to Abu...
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Re: Spotted on the Road: 1957 Austin-Healey, Fort Vancouver, WA
Beautiful machine JHeymont. In Spring, a young man's heart turns to thoughts of sports cars. Well spotted !
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Re: Gallery: Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota
Wow! Some amazing shapes and colors. How long was the tour? Was it cold down there?
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Re: Gallery: Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota
If memory serves me correctly, the tour was about 90 minutes. Yes, it was quite cool down there but since I had made the trip in late August, it was quite refreshing to be there. At one point, the guide turned out the lights so the guests could see what true darkness really looks like. I have been in the dark before but not like this, it even seemed to mess with your equilibrium and I felt like I wasn't going to stay upright. Yes DrF, that is a "bacon strip" formation. Water running down a...
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36
Close but no cigar on Central Park's designer (who also did my backyard, Brooklyn's Prospect Park). Birkenhead was the work of Joseph Paxton, while the other two were done by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Olmsted visited Birkenhead in 1850, three years after it opened, and while he was already thinking about Central Park, which opened in 1858. In his book "Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England, Olmsted wrote about Birkenhead: "five minutes of admiration, and a few more...
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36
In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted won a design competition to improve and expand Central Park with a plan he entitled the Greensward Plan . 8 years AFTER Olmsted visited the Peoples Garden - Birkenhead Park England. He said "that in democratic America there was nothing to be thought of as comparable with this People’s Garden" So he took the plans back to New York. Entered the Central Park competition 8 years later. And won using Paxton plans from the Peoples Garden in England as a guide.
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Re: Do traveling Brits hate kids?
Getting a 25 hour flight can be a painless experience with the correct preparation. Music, books and magazines. But taking a young child who screams with inner ear pressure problems is a nightmare and no one gets to sleep. So you arrive with no sleep for maybe 36 hours. Of course we love kids as much as anyone. I've been on an American flight to Hawaii where all the other passengers were kids on spring break. That flight should have carried a health warning. They behaved like animals. Yes...
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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...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 19, 2014. Reykjavik, Iceland
Couldn't agree more that the late spring, early summer is the time to go!
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Re: Wat Pho, Bangkok Thailand. Where Gumbo Was #40
Lovely photos and blog Karl. Refreshed my delightful memories of our visit there. One other word of advice for the end of your tour is to visit the Massage School which is in the temple complex and have a relaxing and rejuvenating massage - feet or more depending on time available.
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Re: From Corfe Castle to Kingston Lacy - Part 2
Great home and great photo tour, Mac. thanks. And I'll keep the Mrs. away from that stable....
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#71)
I'm working on the area to the left. A beer garden? A sad one, where one can 'cry in their beer.' Arbors with possible tables. Also there's a green recycling bin on the right - so building is in use? That narrows it down, right?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 25, 2014: Statue of Elvis Presley, Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
I'm old enough to remember the Vegas Years, although was too young at the time to go see Elvis in Vegas. Fans always commented that Elvis was at his best in Vegas -- relaxed, chatty (talking to the crowd a lot), and despite it's large size, it was a fairly intimate performance venue with lots of direct audience contact. (Watch the video all the way to the end to see the audience) The statue was unveiled by Barron Hilton just outside the showroom where Elvis performed, and it stood there for...