Europe on a shoestring?

Can anyone "do" Europe on a shoestring these days? From our humble travels that we are currently doing, I think NOT. Today we are in Brussels, Belgium, tomorrow to Bruges and having just come from London, ENgland.

We arrived with our wonderful GD in London ready for an adventure and a good time. We knew that things were expensive but had no idea as to just how expensive. Three versus two can really make a difference. One of the first thing we have come across is that the hotel rooms over here are done "per person" not necessarily per room. Travels all done by the Tube and local buses, we found the best deal to be the Oyster card. Put money on, swipe, travel, and replenish when used up. Buses $1.35, underground $2.35 per zone. Not bad considering the alternative - taxi. We took the 'Hop on, hop off" tour bus which gave us 2 days of free on and off. All good ways to travel and travel we did, between the buses, undergrounds and feet, we saw more in 3 days that I ever thought that we would, and this with a sick GD who wanted to rest ll the time.

We rode the London Eye, saw the Lion King play, took a cruise on the River Thames, as well as all the walking tours. We didn't get in to see the various venues, like, St Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower of London, THe changing of the guards, etc. There is too many things to do and one must make choices.

The we took Eurostar speed train through the Chunnel to Brussels. Here we also did the "hop on, hop off". A good way to see the city in a short amount of time. We did the pre-requisite eating of waffles-chocloate-frites & mayonnaise. And we WALKED!!!!!

Tomorrow Bruges, Thursday to Paris, again by high-speed train.

So there we are, doing a quick and fast Tour, seeing as much as we can, and having a blast!

More later, photos to come up here shortly.

We are now back in the US – that means I have more time to do the things that I fervently wish I could have been doing, right? But just what are those things? Traveling, touring, planning tours, sewing, needlework, quilting, reading, playing Sudoku, Mahjong … all of the above but in a manner that allows me to do it all. Yeah right! A glutton? Yes, but it sure would give me a lot of pleasure. Of course, in between all of these things, I should do my equal share of driving – except in the RV. Hmmmm, do I need to re-allign my priorities or what …

Anyways, after we got the RV roadworthy, we took it out for a test(a 4 hour drive, up and down and country roads) by going to a close-by RV rally in a place called Rayne, Louisiana – the Frog Capital of the World or so they claim. 

 There is much to see and do in this area, as verified through our very limited touring during our 6 days in the area.

-        The city of Rayne itself and its many murals and statues, all of frogs – an economy that once was based on the harvesting of frogs for export, now replaced by rice. The spraying of the rice fields have all but eliminated the frogs.

 ...murals are all over the city with all different themes but still of frogs.

(even the post office got into the act)

We had a Scavanger Hunt with a list of various murals to find and I, surprisingly, won a price – t-shirt from Rayne and a ball cap!

-       The city of Crowley, a mere 7 miles from Rayne, where we learned all about rice and how it is produced. Got a great Cajun rice cookbook there.

-       The city of Eunice where we learned all about the area at the NPS interpretive center and the local Cajun/Xylico music at it’s own museum. Here  we were also part of the audience of a live radio show that featured Cajun music. Now that is different.  

-       At Avery Island we learned everything and more that you ever wanted to know about Tobasco Sauce. We also discovered that it really wasn’t an island in the true sense, but rather a huge salt dome that appeared as an island from afar. Tobasco flavoured ice cream and coca cola anyone? They also brought out miniature samples of Tabasco as a gift for each person and of course, ended the tour in their uniquely Tobasco gift shop where we actually bought some planting seeds for the special peppers. I understand that the plant is very ornamental as well, especially if it blooms around Christmas. 

  

-       It is a wonderful bike riding area – the roads are wide with shoulders and few potholes and so very little traffic, and ost importantly, lots of close stores, restaurants and towns, even on the country roads.

     -   Visited the site of Longfellow’’s Evangeline, St Martinville. 
     -       Oh yes, our reason for being in the area, we attended a RV rally where people 
         came from all over the USA and Canada for 4 days of fun and making contacts. 
         We sat in on various lectures/seminars and learned how to volunteer in our rig 
         (we had already decided to become a Red Cross Disaster volunteer) as well as
         how to go to work if the need should ever arrive. 

Being back on the road, but not in the Motorhome, we drove from Texas to Yuma, AZ to spend some quality time with friends there. Took 2 ½ days of driving with a stopover to visit a couple of Painted Churches that are found in Fayette County, in the southern tier of Texas. They are beautiful and rival anything that we have seen during our many travels. Because of the wealth or lack thereof in the community, wood is painted to look like marble and sculptured decorations. You had to look closely to see that it was painted, not carved. They were painted by itinerant painters, many of whom were from San Antonio, according to printed material that we read.

The two that we visited were found on the outer limits of Schulenberg and in Praha. The one in Schulenberg was more German while the one in Praha, a mere 7 miles away, was more Czeck in their nomenclature. Design and culture. The stained glass windows in the each church were sponsored by members of the congregation and had their names worked into the window pane itself. The names testify to the diversity and origins of the population.

Praha: 

St Mary’s on High Hill, Schulenberg: 

From the outside it looks like any other lovely country church, but on the inside … 

This area is an area worth exploring, in fact it would be fun on a bike as all the little towns are close by and the roads with little traffic and in good condition. So we will no doubt, put together a small daily bike tour and see all the churches in this genre at a later date.

Throughout all our recent travels, we have returned to the fun of collecting stamps at National Parks, finding and visiting areas that are new to us, and looking for roads that we have not driven to date. Sometimes that can be a difficult job, but find them we did and added more pink to our atlas. This then takes us into all different areas and secondary roads, rather the interstate and major highways. Today we are heading to see if we can do some cemetery slinking in the Hill Country, looking for some of Danny’s ancestors. Alas, we couldn’t find the cemetery and ran out of the allotted time for this activity but we did find fields and fields of blue bonnets, Indian paint and some black eyed suzies 
as well as some we couldn’t identify. How often do you actually find the desert in bloom? Not often but when it is, WOW! 

Returning to Phoenix from Yuma, we flew out to Edmonton to visit the folks for a few days. It was fun visiting with them and other members of my family. Spring had sprung – but the green that I like hadn’t sprung at all. In fact, on Friday we awoke to find the area covered in something that was white. What could this be? Snow????? The only way to find out was to go out into it – Yikes! It’s COLD! And yes, it is snow. Dad says, “won’t last!” Wrong! The snow kept coming down; the next day it was still coming down; the next day it was still snowing and we were scheduled to fly out! It was much prettier driving out to the airport than it was coming in: White versus brown. 

Coming back to Phoenix, and the heat and sunshine, we headed across back towards Texas. In typical Danny and Shirley manner, we are bumping down the road and decided to camp over at a Hot Springs in New Mexico. We had a little food, nothing for a regular breakfast, no sleeping bags just sacs and a fleece blanket for each of us. Heck, that is enough. The hot springs first thing in the morning made up for the desert COLD that we encountered overnight. Did you know that a bath towel works really well as a small blanket?

Pulling out the map, we looked for the “road [least] traveled” that would get us across to Texas via the most picturesque route. But wait a minute, how about heading south and visiting Seminole Canyon State Park? We can be there by 10pm if we get on the road immediately. Phoning the park we find that we can get on the archeological tour in the morning. So off we go!

Setting up the tent in the dark, pestered by flying mosquitos and bugs that looked as big as quarters with bites that left HUGE marks, we set the alarm. The next morning it was a rush to get to the park office where the tour started. Looking out over the canyon, the landscape was desolate, yellow and brown with scrub bushes and cacti. We lucked out as to the tour guide as we were the only ones on the tour along with her evaluating boss. The information we received was phenomenal and it took far longer than the scheduled 1.5 hours as the questions were answered with lecture-type responses. The shelter was filled with interesting petroglyphs with the relayed information spiking the desire to continue with the learning process started before PC. (BPC) 

  

A nice interlude and then a fast trip back to Nacogdoches and the RV. Is it finished??? ... hmmmmm

And so ends the first of many new adventures as we find our way back into life in the US. We continue to ponder the possibilities offered by another PC experience but have postponed making any decisions until the fall.

Back in our home again ...

We have finished our assignment with Peace Corps: 27 months in Panama and 6 months in Colombia. What a ride we have had. Our time was chronicled on our PC'ing blog and now we are home. Our RV is up and running. The cleaning, sorting and restocking is currently under way. It feels wonderful to be back and yet, confusing and just a little stressful. After living in Latin America countries for 3 years, I find myself answering in Spanish, looking for potholes in the sidewalks and wanting to walk everywhere. The car is here and I love the availability but the distances - so much farther than there and the bus systems are, to be blunt, almost non-existent.

Where to now? Well the first item on the agenda is a commitment from the very beginning - Jury Duty. This starts on Monday and already I am dreading having to sit inside all day. Hopefully my patriotic duty won't be required this time around. Then, we are planning on re-aquainting ourselves to areas in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas as well as with family and friends. This will keep us very busy until we leave to go to Europe in May.

So hop aboard and "sail away with me" as we begin another leg in our life's journey.

August rolls around

August has now rolled around and we find ourselves living out of the trunk of the car, in hotels and with family and friends. This really isn't too bad as we know that it is only for a couple more weeks. Danny leaves for Colombia on the 17th and I don't have a date yet, but it will no doubt, be shortly after that.

Our travels, since we arrived back in the US from our Panama Peace Corps service has been one of a lot of traveling. Since the last posting we have visited Alf & Stacey in Tulsa, OK where we passed the 4th of July weekend in much needed relaxation and visiting. From there we traveled out to Yuma, AZ to visit friends, Joe & Fay. It was wonderful to see them again and we felt like we were "coming home." Most of our friend had already departed for the summer months but still, was fun. We hope to be back in the new year.

Next we headed across country again. This time we were headed for St Louis, MO

where we attended a wonderful conference on TPRS

but more importantly, met back up with friends from Panama. It was so good to see them again. It is funny how our lives have branched out so much to include friends from around the world. These friends in Panama hold a special place in our hearts - we worked closely with them and they are part of our personal growth.

Last Wednesday found us winging our way up to Canada to visit my parents. Both are doing well and we were fortunately to visit with my sister, Lauri and her family, and my brothers, Dave, Keith and Allan and some of their families. What fun we had. Lots of talking, sharing of memories, ideas and even frustrations. Then some of us went to Ft. Edmonton Park. This is a living museum that shoes Edmonton as it has grown, and continues to grow, since the 1890's. A steam train to ride, an electric trolley to ride, and a midway for the kids plus the many exhibits that would take far longer to read about and visit than we had. There were Clydesdale horses, vehicles of all eras running about, ice cream floats and cones, even weddings from the different eras represented. Oh and don't forget those pesky mosquitoes! All in all, a great visit.

Now we are in Ft Worth again, having received the medical papers with appointments to follow.

Shopping to acquire some of the things that we will be needed for our next adventure and then, simply relaxing. And the heat continues. Car registered 111degreesF as we drove down the street today. Have to put up a sun-reflector in the windshield or else the steering well and gear shift aare too hot to touch and the seat too hot to sit on.

Friday we are going back to Longview and more appointments for the first of next week. Soon all should be finished and the necessary papers filed and mailed. Then the wait begins.

So til then, have a great summer and don't let this heat get you down ...

Stateside once more ...

It has been brought to my attention that I have not updated my publications as to our whereabouts and happenings. So ....

Danny and I were released from all medical issues on last Wednesday, June 22 with a couple of follow-ups issued for the USA. Thankfully all are fairly benign although we are still waiting to hear about the malaria prophylaxis that is required.

We boarded the flight out of Panama City with a final destination of Dallas, but through Miami. I was not thrilled about this itinerary as I anticipated problems with customs and our 7 bags plus carryon backpacks. An uneventful flight, and surprisingly, a quick and smart trip through customs. It took us longer to get through the screening than it did customs. Not a question asked, not a bag rifled, and a smiling agent who welcomed us back. hmmmmm were our names flagged as PC volunteers or has a new directive come through? No one will ever know except those "in the know."

Manhandling all the bags we made it over to the car rental and easily rented a car big enough to haul all the bags. We then headed off into the sunset, or rather with the sunset in our backs.

Longview the next day and the grands, son and DIH. What a pleasant way to start our re-entry into American culture. We are anticipating some culture shock, we just don't know to what extent or to what. Driving is a little nerve-racking as we haven't done it for so long and the traffic was ungodly due to rush hour. Choices are a bit overwhelming at times, but if you go in knowing what you want, it isn't too bad. Baseball is the order of the day as the youngest, Blake, is playing in the All Stars and did very well the time that we were there. Babysitting, lawn maintenance and basketball are the order of the day for Brooke, while her brother, Zach recoups from some minor surgery.

Sunday was the time for finding out if the car would run. We dusted off the cob-webs, and opened the hood. Aaaargh!!!!!! Cobwebs, dust, [shudder shudder] Danny connects the battery - yeeaaaahhhh it turns over and starts. What could be sweeter? Idle for awhile to get the charge up to speed and then shut it down. Cross your fingers - will it start again? Yes! We are up and going. Tomorrow we get it made roadworthy at the dealer and will be ready to head out.

At this time, we are in Ft. Worth, having returned the rental car, with the business of taxes and such to attend to. Also visiting with Danny's Aunts and friends. Everyone is busy and what is disconcerting is how everyone has aged somewhat. I would think that we have as well but don't seem to be aware of it as we see ourselves daily in the mirror.

Tomorrow morning, we are heading up to tulsa to visit Alf and Stacy and the boys. It has been a while and we are looking forward to spending a few days with them. Of course it is over the 4th weekend, so should be a fun time. Backyard BBQs and a pool for fun in the sun - which I am sure there will be lots of.

And there we are, it is what it is ...

Sunday finds us

We are at the start of a new beginning in many ways. Tomorrow we actually start our End of Service, or COS seminar. 3 days of learning how to exist outside of Peace Corps. But today, is for shopping and relaxing.

On Thursday, the 17th, we are once more expanding our horizons. We wing off to Spain where we will start our 13 day adventure. Here we will investigate whether or not we want to live for awhile in Spain and use it for a jump-off point to explore the rest of Europe and Middle Europe.

Can we ... should we ...

Shirley
Peace Corps Panama, 2009-2011
Peace Corps Suriname, 2007

Sent from my iPad, with my two fingers.

still there ...

We are still in Panama with the Peace Corps. Yes we have made it almost to the end of our two years of service. The time has gone by very fast and we feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. We have learned a lot, met so many wonderful people, and accomplished a lot. In fact, we have been so busy that I haven't had much time for blogging.

One of my favourite projects can be found at: http://travelinduo.net/VolcanQuilters

As always we are available through: http://travelinduo/blog

We are now counting down until our end of service and are simultaneously faced with a decision. Do we ...
-stay in Peace Corps and extend our service here in Panama?
-stay in Peace Corps and extend our service in another country?
-do we end our service and enter another phase of service with Peace Corps in the Response volunteer area?
-do we end our service and enter a non-volunteer phase of our life?

hmmmmmmm, the decisions! Return to hear about the decision that is made ......