Meg Travels

Travel Time

megtraveling — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:34:45 +0000

I am about leave for France and Spain and then the adventures will begin! I’ll be back with new stories and pictures of some of the wonderful things there are to see. I already know I’ll be watching movies on the plane instead of resting, and there will be lots of chocolate (and gelato) ahead. I’m also bringing a sturdy umbrella and a poncho in case it rains. When I return there will be new souvenirs such as photos, postcards, and scarves to add to my collection of memories. Here are some pictures from an earlier trip to France. Goodbye for now!

Filed under: France, Spain, Travel Tagged: pictures, souvenirs

Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

megtraveling — Sun, 12 May 2013 10:26:07 +0000

There were lots of examples of patterns in Lisbon, Portugal. First I noticed this building with colorful tiles, and as I was walking I saw a pattern in the sidewalk. Although different they were both very interesting.

I also noticed the pattern on a rooftop (and the brick wall) when I was looking out on the city from St. George’s Castle.

Filed under: Lisbon, Portugal, Travel Tagged: patterns, postaday, St. George's Castle, tiles

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Signs

megtraveling — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:17:55 +0000

There are so many interesting signs in Italy I thought I would share some favorites from my visit last spring. They were all very helpful.

Filed under: Assisi, Florence, Italy, Travel, Venice Tagged: signs, walking

A Wildflower Walk in the Mountains

megtraveling — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:10:35 +0000

Last week I was in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One afternoon I took a walk in the Great Smoky Mountains and there were many wildflowers along the trail. The whole time I could hear the sound of rushing water and the sunlight was rather pale as it filtered through the leaves on the trees. The mountain air was fresh and very fragrant. Here are some of the flowers and other sights along the path.

Filed under: Travel, USA Tagged: Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains, spring, Tennessee, walking, wildflowers

Weekly Photo Challenge: From Above

megtraveling — Sun, 05 May 2013 12:55:26 +0000

I just got back from a short trip that included a visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There was a chair lift ride that provided panoramic views of the mountains when I reached the top. On the way down I was directly above this scene just before I got off. You may notice the shadow in the top corner. I’ve included some other pictures to show what I could see from my seat on the chair lift.

Filed under: Travel, USA Tagged: chair lift, Gatlinburg, mountains, postaday, Tennessee

Gelato and Travel

megtraveling — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:52:33 +0000

I’ve been thinking about souvenirs lately. But some things don’t last and are not actual souvenirs unless I’ve taken a picture. This would include gelato. Chocolate is another thing that doesn’t last but I can only consider one irresistible treat at a time.

I associate gelato with my travels to Italy even though I’ve found gelato in many other places. But when I’m in Italy the excitement of finding a gelato shop and selecting one or more flavors is part of my travel experience. Looking at the beautiful displays of colorful gelato adorned with flowers and garnished with fruit is part of the fun. I always get a cone and use one of the tiny spoons to make it last longer. With the cone wrapped in a thin napkin I’m ready to take a leisurely stroll while enjoying my gelato. Considering that I have the beautiful scenery in Italy to admire, this is one of my favorite activities.

Although I have no souvenir postcards of gelato I do have these (and a few other) pictures that I’ve taken. Travel and gelato have become treasured memories.

Taking a walk with gelato makes this scene perfect…

Filed under: Italy, Travel Tagged: gelato, gelato shops, souvenirs, Tuscany

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Walks Indoors or Outdoors

megtraveling — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:30:44 +0000

I took this picture after a thunderstorm in Obidos, Portugal. The rain gradually stopped and I closed my umbrella. As I looked at this scene I wondered which of the sidewalks to follow.

Filed under: Obidos, Portugal, Travel Tagged: outdoors, rain, walking

Souvenirs from France

megtraveling — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:12:43 +0000

I’m getting ready to go to France next month and I decided to look through some of my souvenirs from earlier visits there. When I go this time I’ll mainly be in Provence which will be new to me. My idea of souvenirs include postcards, maps and museum guides. In addition I have quite a collection of scarves and purses (among other things) from France that I still have at home. But I also consider photographs to be souvenirs because they are special to me and have wonderful memories. These are some of my keepsakes from France.

Here I’ve included a few pictures I took in Paris that are my idea of postcards. They are now among my favorite souvenirs.

This is from Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

A street sign.

And here is a landmark that needs no caption.

Filed under: France, Mont Saint-Michel, Paris, Travel Tagged: Eiffel Tower, maps, postcards

Weekly Photo Challenge: Up

megtraveling — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:42:38 +0000

When I was walking along Magnificent Mile in Chicago the John Hancock Center was quite an impressive sight. When I finally reached it I had to stand back to get pictures of the top of the building. Here are different views of when I looked up.

Filed under: Chicago, Travel, USA Tagged: buildings, John Hancock Center, postaday

CBBH Photo Challenge: Multi-Coloured

megtraveling — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:55:41 +0000

The houses are really interesting in Burano, Italy. I thought these pictures showed a variety of colors and under a blue sky they’re quite cheerful.

My two recommended blogs for this month are Denobears and Two Black Dogs. I think you’ll really enjoy them!

Filed under: Burano, Italy, Travel Tagged: colors, houses

Travel theme: Benches

megtraveling — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:02:36 +0000

As I walked by the lake in Lugano, Switzerland I noticed this gate. Then I saw the benches on either side. Before sitting down I decided to take a picture.

It was a pleasant place to rest for a few minutes.

Filed under: Lugano, Switzerland, Travel Tagged: benches, gate, lake

Travel theme: Pale

megtraveling — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:16:38 +0000

It was during the autumn that I was on a Rhine River cruise. The weather was still warm and I only needed a light jacket. Late in the afternoon the sky started to fade to evening and the scenery changed, becoming more pale. Here are some of my pictures from that day.

Late afternoon…

Filed under: Germany, Travel Tagged: autumn, cruise, Rhine River