THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS OF MALAGA, SPAIN

It was the end of our three-month sojourn to Europe and we were in Malaga, Spain (pop.578,000). Ron and I were pretty much focusing on our return home for the holidays. However, we still had one more unexpected event to experience—“the Christmas Lights of Malaga.”

This Christmas extravaganza, with over two million lights, is considered one of the best in Spain. For 32 years visitors have been coming from around the world to enjoy the spirit of Christmas in this beautiful city by the sea. Hundreds gather along the famous shopping street Calle Larius to see the lights and experience the nightly Sound and Light Shows. When the choir begins to sing “Joy to the World,” the lights sync to the rhythm of the music, and visitors from all over the world join in the singing. It becomes a memory to last a lifetime.

In addition to Calle Larius Street, there are colorful giant Christmas trees, numerous Nativity Scenes, Christmas Markets, parades, and much more. The event extends through January 6, 2023.

We ended the evening with tapas at a favorite restaurant, Lola's, and departed by train to Madrid the next morning before boarding our flight home the following day.

In addition to photos, attached is a YouTube video:

"Malaga Christmas Lights 2022 Calle Larios.”

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!

NATIVITY SCENE - MALAGA

ALCAZAR MALAGA

THE BEST PART OF CHRISTMAS IS FAMILY!

VINTAGE DOORS IN LE PANIER, THE OLDEST DISTRICT IN MARSEILLE, FRANCE

 

   
     

In 600 BC the Greeks discovered three hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and decided this was the perfect place to begin a city. The small area, where it all began, is referred to as Le Panier—the oldest district in Marseille, France.

     Through the years, this district in Marseille has developed into a magical work of art and a delight to wander through. The narrow brick streets are lined with colorful street art, outdoor cafes, plazas, and shops.

Le Panier, which means “basket” in French, is a paradise for anyone that loves old doors—especially when they have been embellished with street art. Here are some of my favorites:

Related Posts:  “More than a Door”  May 11, 2020

THE GARDENS OF TRAUTTMANSDORFF CASTLE

    
     On the sunny slopes above Merano/Meran, Italy lies the Gardens ofTrauttmansdorff Castle. This beautiful amphitheater of flowers, plants, and forests from all over the world has been the recipient of several major awards including “Italy's Most Beautiful Garden” in 2005, the “International Garden of the Year” in 2013, and the 2021 “European Award for Ecological Gardens.”

The thirty acres of exotic gardens surround a castle that was made famous by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (affectionately nicknamed Sissi). Her winter visits here for health reasons inspired aristocrats from all over Europe to come to Merano. Empress Sissi arrived by carriage, along with her entourage, for the first time in 1870. She returned several times making it her favorite winter residence. Known for the therapeutic benefits of its local water sources, it's still a famous European spa resort.

    On our recent visit to Merano, I enjoyed an afternoon meandering around these special gardens that include some of the paths that Sissi frequented. It's full of colorful blooms, foliage, walkways, forests, ponds, terraced gardens, and much more. It was easy to get lost in an area that is said to represent 80 garden landscapes from around the world. There were also many places to sit quietly, reflect and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

I returned to town on a two-mile route referred to as a Sissi's Path. Like many of the walks around Merano, it passed by vineyards, apple trees, castles, stone walls, arches, villas, and other hidden treasures.

   I visited Merano in 2017, here is what I wrote at that time:

“Merano, South Tyrol Italy – A Hikers Paradise” June 22, 2017

SANTA CRISTINA IN THE VALLEY OF THE DOLOMITES

We continue returning to the Dolomites in northern Italy where the mountains stand tall, and the beauty of nature never ceases to amaze us. And, not surprisingly, the old barns are still teetering on the hills.

On this visit we chose to spend a week in S. Christina, one of three villages in the valley referred to as Val Gardena. The area is one of the top ski areas in Europe, it also provides endless trails for hikers and bikers during the warmer months.

We enjoyed our long hikes along the valley and down the mountains. This area has unlimited bus service and ski lifts that bring hikers up to the higher points so they can enjoy downhill walks. Most visitors are equipped with walking sticks, quality hiking shoes, and clothing. Ron and I didn't exactly fit that image, however, we could still find miles of easy walks that were comfortable with our walking shoes.

Here are photos from that week in the Dolomites that continue to make this one of my favorite places in the world. 

THE BRIDGES OF STRASBOURG, FRANCE

The historic city center of Strasbourg, France (pop. 287,228) is set upon an island, surrounded by the Ill River. The banks of the river offer peaceful walkways where you can meander for hours to enjoy the splendid water views, old medieval structures, and covered bridges,

The covered bridge term still prevails even though the roofs were removed in the 18^th century. The Barrage Vauban is the only remaining covered bridge.

Here are some of the awesome vintage bridges of Strasbourg—and why I keep returning to this part of the world. 

CANCELED FLIGHTS AND MORE

View from our Room

     Ron and I arrived at the Chicago O'Hara Airport about 3 ½ hours early for our flight to Frankfurt—we looked at the departure listings to ensure our flight was on time. We were shocked to find out the flight was canceled. Lufthansa canceled all flights for the day due to a last-minute pilot strike. We were not notified. 

We knew immediately that it wasn't going to be easy to find another flight. It was already late in the day and we were one of the hundreds of passengers attempting to reschedule Lufthansa flights to Europe. In addition, it was the start of Labor Day weekend and most flights were fully booked.

We booked our flight through United Airlines so we immediately went to the United counter (not much of a line). Unfortunately, the agent told us she could not help because we were using points to travel, she gave us a number to call. We weren't happy, but we had no choice but to make the call and to be put on hold.

As we waited on hold, we headed over to Lufthansa. The agent informed us that all the flights were full and we'd have to wait at least two days to get a flight. She gave us a hotel and food voucher for the night, which we appreciated, and sent us back to United.

At the United counter, we found another agent that was extremely helpful. We told her we needed to depart as soon as possible and that we were open to any destination in Europe. After a long search and help from a colleague, she found a flight to Houston the next morning with a connection to Amsterdam. It was reassuring to know that we only had carry-on bags. The next day we were on the early flight to Houston (middle seats) and a five-hour layover before departing for Amsterdam.

After a sleepless night on the plane, we finally arrived in Amsterdam. I think it was about 30 minutes into our long wait at customs in Amsterdam that Ron told me that he wasn't sure if he wanted to travel again. I think I might have agreed with him. Next, we had to deal with crowded trains, short connection times, and delays in reaching our final destination in Cochem, Germany. To make matters worse, the handle broke on Ron's roller bag.

Finally, we arrived in Cochem where the kind proprietor of our Apartment Maja was waiting to pick us up at the train station. We love the apartment that sits along the banks of the Mosel River. The beauty and serenity of the area have almost erased the memories of that long journey. After all, we did arrive safely at our destination—that's considered a good trip these days.

A MEDIEVAL CHURCH IN NORMANDY WITH A STORY TO TELL

ANGOVILLE-AU-PLAIN CHURCH

     Recently, I came across an article about a medieval church that was used as a hospital during WWII. It was the same place that I visited on a D-Day tour many years ago. I've often thought about the fascinating story our tour guide shared with us that day and wished that I could remember the church's name and location. I'm glad to have finally found it.

Angoville-au-Plain (pop.53) is a small hamlet in Normandy, France. When intense fighting took place during the D-Day raids in June 1944, the Angoville-au-Plain church was quickly converted into a medical facility by two courageous US Medics, Robert E. Wright (1924-2013) and Kenneth J. Moore (1924-2014).

The young medics were 19 and 20 years old at the time and had very little training. They used nearby farm carts to pull the injured into the facility and cared for over 80 wounded soldiers including a dozen Germans, and one local infant. They had one strict rule that no weapons were allowed inside and showed neutrality by caring for everyone including the enemy. Supplies were limited and they worked day and night in the midst of the intense battle.

Today you can still enter this 12th-century church and observe bloodstains on the old wooden pews that were used as beds. There is a patched hole in the ceiling where a bomb fell through and miraculously didn't explode. Cracks remain on the flagstone floor where it landed. Two colorful stained glass windows have been added to commemorate the 101st Airborne.

Surprisingly, a few days after D-Day, two young enemy soldiers came down from their hiding place in the church belfry. They surrendered and then offered to help care for the wounded. Bob and Ken were grateful for the much-needed help and put them to work.

As is the case for most who have served in wars, the memories linger on. Bob Wright and Ken Moore returned to rediscover the place years later. Bob Wright asked to be buried in the church graveyard, however, it was denied because of French laws. His ashes were eventually smuggled into France and buried in the churchyard. There is a modest headstone at the site of his burial with the initials: R.E.W.

D-Day celebrations continue to be held annually in the tiny hamlet of Angoville-au-Plain. The 78^th D-Day Anniversary was held in the church on Saturday, June 4, 2022. It was followed by a ceremony to honor medics, Kenneth E. Wright and Robert J. Moore.

OMAHA BEACH

EARTH DAY IN KAPALUA, MAUI

     

          

"Establish a good environment and harmony will follow."  -Hawaiian Proverb
Hawaiians have aloha or love of the land which makes it the perfect place to celebrate Earth Day. 

 Here are my favorite photos from Kapalua, Maui on Earth Day 2022:  

KAPALUA IS ON THE WINDY SIDE OF MAUI WHERE THE NORTHEAST TRADEWINDS PREVAIL

IT'S EASY TO SEE WHY THE HAWAIIANS CONNECT TO THE EARTH, SEA, AND NATURE TO GET THEIR PEACE AND STRENGTH. 

HAWAIIAN TI PLANT

LAVA ROCK WALL

YELLOW HAWAIIAN HIBISCUS IS THE OFFICIAL STATE FLOWER