Picture Pages

Sitting. That's what I do now. Sure, I work and don't really ever sit down at work. But, at night. Late. Like tonight. I sit. I sit and look at where I want to go next. What Audi I'd like to drive to get there. And sometimes, like tonight. I look at where I've been.

 I was browsing some of my more recent pictures and realized I haven't posted enough pictures. I'm sure you all are sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for my next witty story. But, pictures say things that I can't express. So...I'm going to post some of my favorites. I'm not going to tell you where they are from...feel free to guess. We'll make it fun for everyone!

Smarty Pants

The joys of traveling back roads in Wales!

I haven't had the time or money to take any trips lately so I've found myself watching travel shows on TV(which is entirely another blog worthy discussion). I was sitting at home watching Rick Steves' European travels and I thought to myself, "How does he know so much about everywhere he goes?". That lead to me contemplating my ramblings that I do here. What do I really want to share? Do I really want to grow up to be Rick Steves? What is the point of what I'm doing? Am I just bragging about the trips I get to take? Do I know anything about any of the places I go?


I have been bouncing this idea around in my head for a couple weeks now. I've decided what I want to share is the "experience". The sometimes chaotic, disorganized mess that is often called my vacation. I truly admire Mr. Steves and the wealth of knowledge he brings to his shows and books, but I don't really aspire to be him. Don't get me wrong. I'd love to make a living talking to people all over the world, but I wouldn't do it the way Rick does. My goal is to make people smile. That's really what I try to do in all situations(although my kids may not agree). Life is too short to not be happy, and I hope when someone is stuck at home, unable to take a trip, they can go to the internet and finds places like my blog(or any of the other thousands that are probably better than mine) and at least smile about the places they'll go someday. What I really hope I bring to this discussion is approachability.  I talk to people all the time that say,"I can't afford that"...until I tell them how little I spend. There are occasions where I splurge, but I really try to take advantage of travel deals, airfare sales and things like that to see the world. Hopefully, it doesn't come across as me trying to show you how cool I am, but as me showing you that even idiots like me can see some really cool things and do it fairly cheap. If I can do it, then surely many others can too.

Sinterklaas and schwarzt  Peter found us in Amsterdam.

The big question I've been thinking about is "How much do I want to know about where I'm going?". I really love to know about the amazing sights I see, but there is something about stumbling upon things that I really enjoy. There is a blissful ignorance about travel that I love. I fear reading too much info about a place will steer my overall opinion of it. I view it the same as when I watch a movie for the first time. I don't want to know anything about it. I want to watch and let the story wrap itself around me and lead me someplace great. Each new place I go to does the same thing. I get to make my own judgements and opinions, based on what I want to get out of the experience. I like to research some things...how to get around, dangerous neighborhoods, the weather, and a basic understanding of what most people see and do. There is that risk of missing out on the "thing" to do while you're in a certain place, but I feel that is what will make the city "yours". Skip Bourbon Street, pass by the Eiffel Tower, forget the Cliffs of Moher. You'll find your own "thing" and that is what will make the place "yours". The funny thing is that puts me at odds with myself. Here I am, writing about places I go, sharing information. Is this the same information that I would be looking to avoid? I hope not. I hope people read my blog, smile a little and go see the places for themselves to learn more and really let the city wrap it's arms around you and take you for a ride!!!!