Music 1: Waterlilies1 (See Music Credits)
Music 2: The Maze (See Music Credits)
Theatre of the Mind & Emotion..........
The world's best places are not famous towers, battlegrounds & museums. Rather, they are the places that once visited, linger pleasantly in your mind for all eternity. It is not awe that defines greatness, but rather the 'theatres of mind & emotion'.
In this age, international travel is readily available. If time and finance enable you to vist, choose wisely and carefully. You will be rewarded with wonderful people in Italy, Japan, Greece, Thailand and many other places. The friendship they offer, the quality of coffee, of transportation of ancient sites forces us to acknowledge the brotherhood of man.This has been my experience.
Tropical Beach: Cape Panwa Hotel: Phukete Thailand,
Of many I have visited, this is the best. A half moon of white sand bordered by a coconut grove. At
the far end is a Portuguese Colonial mansion now serving as a Thai restaurant. The site is
stunningly beautiful as is the associated resort.
Rocky Beach: Cannon Beach: Oregon, USA,
While a tropical beach in the moonlight is unsurpassed, the cold, stony beaches of Oregon and Maine
have their own special attraction for me. Only 30 minutes from Astoria Oregon, Cannon Beach is one
of the most beautiful. It is easily visited and good accommodations are nearby.
Beach Hotel: Grotta Hotel, Naxos Greece,
We found Grotta Hotel quite by lucky accident. It was a cheerful place & perfectly situated 10 meters from
the water. Continental breakfast with Greek yogurt was lovely in the ocean view dinning room. After breakfast, we walked the 1/2 km to the ancient ruin or the nearby village waterfront. (Above is a view from the hotel)
Ancient Ruins: Parthenon, Athens Greece,
It comes as no surprise that Athen's ancient temple complex, The Parthenon, is perhaps the world's
most impressive ancient site. It is impressive walking up from the cafes below, but equally so up top.
For some, the experience of visiting this ancient site brings tears to the eyes.
Breakfast: La Fiaba B&B: Molin Nuovo, Italy,
At the small LaFiaba B&B in the Tuscan wine country, Erica offers the best breakfast
experience. She schedules her guests through her lovely kitchen serving them home made jams & local fruits with
excellent European breads & pastries. The kitchen, like everything at the B&B is artistically executed.
Small villages, outdoor cafes & wineries are nearby. All are easily accessible. At check-in, the staff can provide
this information. From La Fiaba, a short drive will take you to medieval towns of San Gimignano or
Siena. NOTE: The La Fiaba web address is up for sale. I fear the B&B may be closed. Most Sad!
Coffee: Mureno's Bakery: Florence Italy,
We sampled coffee all over Tuscany and it was good. But the small Mareno Bakery just off Ponte Alla
Carraia bridge (on Via del Serrogaii street) provided the consistently outstanding cappuccino we were
hoping for. The Coffee man was delightful as was all the staff. Sitting down for morning coffee
& watching the interaction with patrons was lovely. (Stay at the very good San Frediano Mansion
just around the corner to enjoy Mareno's coffee every morning.)
Beach Town: Castiglione della Pescaia, Tuscany Italy
The small coastal village of Castiglione della Pescaia is a fabulous place. The market area is
perfect for walking, eating & drinking. A variety of shops offer pastry, clothing, beach accessories etc.. This area
includes a wonderful little playground for children. Above the town stands the old 12 century medieval castle with a
little village in its ring wall. Not far away, the beach ....
Medieval Town: San Gimignano, Tuscany Italy
In the heart of the Tuscan wine country, San Gimignano is a wonderful example of Medieval Towns, with its
narrow streets, towers & classic ring wall defence. This walled city is now very commercial, but clean and lovely.
Above, Jeab &Athena have lunch in a street cafe.
Japanese Castle: Matsuyama Japan,
A medium sized town on Shikoku Island in south Japan offers visitors the chance to visit an authentic
Japanese castle situated high on Pine Mountain. A "not too difficult" climb will bring you to the summit & castle.
Persons interested in the interior of castles, may wish to visit Kochi Japan, also on Shikoku Island.
Unlike most American cities, Matsuyama Town is pulsing with energy. Just walking around is interesting; but,
the 100 year old street car system is fun and inexpensive too.
Historic Street Car Routes: Nagasaki Japan,
Several Japanese cities have restored street cars collected from around the world. These are organised into routes
that are interesting and provide an inexpensive way to tour the city. One of the more extensive systems is in Nagasaki - a city bustling with innovation
and pulsing with energy. My apprehensions about going there as an American were unfounded as the Japanese
were wonderfully hospitable and kind.
Alleyways: Nagasaki Japan,
Alleys around the world are fascinating and say much about a culture. This one is a classic
that I found in Nagasaki, South Japan. I am sure I have seen dozens, but none more iconic than this.
Japanese Manga comic books often capture the feel of Japan, and this alleyway photo is the kind of
scene commonly shown in Manga.
i-berry Ice cream: Chiang Mai Thailand,
We arrived at Chiang Mai in the monsoon season. A fine mist was falling
outside; but inside we were surrounded by two score happy customers &
employees alike. The ice cream, coffee & decor were fabulous including the
grounds & banyan tree outside.
Elephant Ride: Thai Elephant Ctr., Lampang Thailand,
Elephant rides are available many places in Thailand, but the half hour ride through the
jungle just north of Lampang is fabulous.
We have chosen these locations to highlight, because they are special to us. If you go there, we think
they will be special to you also.
Music Credits
Waterlilies 1 from the Public Domain
Music - "The Maze" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/
