THE HANGING SIGNS OF MEDIEVAL EUROPE

PARIS FRANCE

The old Medieval towns of Europe come with intriguing stone walls, moats, cobblestone streets, clock towers, gates, churches, and castles. They are also adorned with hanging signs that stick out perpendicular above the business doors that can easily be seen from afar. The signs vary in shape and color, however, they always come with a symbol or picture depicting the product or craft made in the shop. Best of all they can be found throughout the countries of Europe.

The Middle Ages lasted in Europe from around 600 to 1500 AD. It was during these times that individuals joined together to form guilds or working groups that represented all of the trades and crafts performed within a town. There were tanners, bakers, shoemakers, apothecaries, candle makers, and more, each displaying its unique signage to attract customers.

Up until the 1500s few people could read or write, consequently, there was little writing on the signs. A butcher shop might use a picture of a cow or pig, a pharmacist often displayed a mortar and pestle, and a blacksmith might use a crossed hammer and sickle to portray his business. Quite often, the signs were silhouettes made of black wrought iron—these are particularly impressive on a blue sky day with mountains in the backdrop.

Through the years most of the Medieval towns have been destroyed due to war, disasters, and neglect, however, there are still, many that have stood the test of time. Here is a list, prepared by WorldAtlas.com, of 15 amazingly well-preserved Medieval towns in Europe:

Nordlingen, Germany                                   Toledo, Spain

Carcassonne, France                                     Bruges, Belgium

Torun, Poland                                                Siena, Italy

Dubrovnik, Croatia                                       Ptuj, Slovenia

Ohrid, Macedonia                                         Chester, England

Prague, Czechia                                            Bergen, Norway

Obidos, Portugal                                           Delft, Netherlands

Tallinn, Estonia

FRANCE

 

 

MORE THAN A DOOR

TARIFA, SPAIN

Walking down an old street looking for an interesting door to photograph is, for me, like visiting an art museum and searching for a favorite work of art. My eyes seem to gravitate to the doors and entryways, and if one of them catches my eye I will often linger a while to view it from different perspectives and take photos.

TALLINN, ESTONIA

For thousands of years, doors have served as entryways to dwellings throughout the world and across all cultures. The first recorded history was found over 4,000 years ago on Egyptian tomb paintings. Early doors used throughout Mesopotamia and the ancient world were merely hides or textiles. Craftsmanship was at its finest in the 15th and 16th centuries during the Renaissance period--a time when Michelangelo described doors as the "gates of paradise."

FRASCATI, ITALY

Doors come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They can be elegant, quirky, exotic, faded, or run down. Some come with stained-glass windows, graffiti, latticework, cobblestone steps, or pointed arches. Many are adorned with handles and knockers that are relics. Nearby patios, benches, pets, columns, flowerpots, rocks, lighting, or ironwork frequently add interest.

Someday I plan to roam those old streets again, but for now, I will have to be content with the memories and spend my extra time organizing photos. Thanks to Google Photos, I now have online travel albums that include my favorite, Doors.

Thanks for reading my blog. If anyone has any door photos or stories to share please send them to MyVintageJourneys@gmail.com. I will add them to this post.

MALAGA, SPAIN

FRIGLIANA, ITALY

VENICE, ITALY

KRAKOW, POLAND

     

CORONADO FLOWERS FLOURISH DESPITE CANCELED EVENTS

ALSTROEMERIA

SALVIA

It's springtime in Coronado and many events, including the popular Flower Show, have been canceled. However, the spring rains were not canceled, and the flowers are flourishing. I've been enjoying leisurely walks through the neighborhoods—appreciating the beautiful blooms more than ever, and stopping to take photos along the way.

I wrote about the Vintage Gardens of Coronado in 2014 because I was fascinated by the idea of this annual event taking place for almost 100 years—with the exception of WW II. Who would have ever believed that in 2020 it would be canceled a second time due to a coronavirus. Without a crystal ball to predict the future, I guess we better just keep on making the most of every day and, of course, take time to smell the roses along the way.

                      STOP & SMELL THE ROSES - (Music Video by Mac Davis)

ROSES

PINCUSHION

CAMELIA

DALMATIAN BELLFLOWER

AMARYLLIS

DIMORPHOTHECA

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM

TODAY IS CASTLE DAY

CASTLE GUIMARES - PORTUGAL

CASTLE OBERHOFEN - SWITZERLAND

April 6 is Castle Day in Japan and to honor that day, I'm sharing some favorite photos of medieval castles in Europe. They were built in the 9th and 10th centuries as private strongholds of kings and noblemen and were actively used for hundreds of years.

There are tens of thousands of castles all over Europe. I enjoy seeing them from afar in their natural settings where they often sit upon a hill and are surrounded by water for protection. Many are open to visitors and can be enjoyed at leisure. If you are traveling with kids, or if you are a kid at heart, you can spend a night in one of the many castles that have been converted into hotels.

TARIFA, SPAIN

SWITZERLAND

FRANCE

CASTLE NEAR GALWAY, IRELAND

VINTAGE ART IN ALBAICIN, GRANADA

One evening in October, we were strolling down a narrow-medieval street in the Albaicin district of Granada, Spain, when we happened to notice that the lights were still on in a small art shop. As we entered, Al Aire Art (Plaza Aliatar, 16), we noticed beautiful intricate honeycomb tiles that reminded us of the artwork we had seen earlier that day at the Moorish palace of Alhambra. We were greeted by the artist that made them, and he cordially invited us into his small workshop.

He described in detail the special techniques used to produce the tiles that are similar to those used by Hispanic Muslim artists when designing the Alhambra in the 13^th century. They are made in geometric shapes known as honeycomb work with intricate detailing. The fascinating old process included special molds, high-quality plaster, an egg tempering, hand-mixed paints, and other special tools.

The beautiful pieces of art are only sold in that little store on the hill in Albaicin—one of my regrets is that I did not purchase one (or maybe two) that evening. Perhaps, I was worrying a little bit too much about “traveling light.”

The Albaicin (Albayzin in Moorish) with its cobblestone streets, Moorish-style houses, and vistas is the oldest district of Granada. Located directly across from it, on another hill, sits the famous Alhambra. Both places have been chosen as UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

The young man that we spoke to said that he moved to Albaicin about six years ago, and he stays because there is something magical about it. I will continue to remember this quiet place, high on a hill above Granada, as magical too. 
(Writing about travel when you can't travel and worst of all when people are suffering all over the world caused me to hesitate about making this post. However, I believe that we still need to make the best of every day and as long as remembering and sharing the good times makes the day a little easier, I will continue to write.)

RELATED POST: Azelejos & A Vintage Tile Shop in Faro Portugal, Oct. 12, 2016

VERBATIM BOOKS - A VINTAGE BOOKSTORE IN NORTH PARK, SAN DIEGO

In my search for the best vintage shops in San Diego, I recently discovered Verbatim Books in North Park. Located in a former A&P Tea Company grocery building from the 1930s, this unique old store is a great example of why independent bookstores are making a comeback.

Just stepping into the store is a worthwhile experience. If you have time to hang out for a while, it's even better. Many of the old books are artistically arranged with shelves devoted to a rainbow of colors and others arranged to spell the name of the bookstore in large letters. The walls are covered with eclectic collections of old maps, antique doors, artwork by local artists, and photographers. There are comfortable sitting areas that include an interesting cushioned chair designed with books. It's well organized—nothing like the dusty and cluttered used bookstores from the past. There's also a cozy nook devoted to children; complete with stuffed animals, games, and books.

The bookstore opened in 2015 and expanded to its current location at 3793 30^th Street about one year ago. Besides having a large selection of gently-used and rare books, they carry hundreds of books by local authors. Its unique Local Author Program gives locals, residing in San Diego or Tijuana, an opportunity to put their book or zine in the store for sale on consignment. They also buy and trade books and host a range of free events from poetry readings to square dancing. 

Verbatim Books offers much more than just a place to buy a product—it gives a sense of community, a place for conversation, a chance to buy locally, and a welcoming environment to search for books of yesteryear. With no online inventory available, the emphasis is on perusing the shelves to discover the joy of finding something new and different to read.

Do you have a favorite bookstore? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.

Since writing this article, most of the independent bookstores have been forced to shut down due to Covid. Here is a related article that was written on March 23, 2020: How bookshops are helping with isolation by Clare Thorp.

SAN DIEGO TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW 2020

A great start to the new year is a visit to the San Diego Travel and Adventure Show. This years' event was held on January 18-19 at the Convention Center in downtown San Diego. Although I've attended many times before, I still get excited to discover what's new in the travel industry, mingle with travel enthusiasts, and to plan some new adventures.

Featuring 25 speakers, 140 exhibitors, 12 dance groups, door prizes, and a coconut tree climb, there was something for everyone—including my two granddaughters who were entertained for hours by the dancers and musicians on the Global Beats Stage. Click here for the dates and locations of future shows that might be coming to a location near you.

Everyone leaves the show with their favorite memories and I will share mine:

                    MOST INFORMATIVE SPEAKER:

Ralph Valesco, “Creating Great Memories of your Travels (with any Camera!).” Ralph is one of the top 100 photographers in the world and getting photo advice from him is something you don't want to miss. His eBook: “52 Categories of a Shot List,” available for free on his website, is truly inspirational. Ralph also leads cultural and photo enrichment tours to places throughout the world.

                               BEST FREE SAMPLE:

I didn't expect to learn about coffee at the travel show, but when I stopped at the Indonesia booth they were giving away free samples of Tentera Sumatra Coffee from Indonesia. They also gave us a single-serve pour-over coffee packet to bring home. The take-home sample turned out to be one of the best pour-over coffees I've tasted. I will look for the Tentera coffee kiosk (729 N. Vignes St. East Portal) near the Union Station in Los Angeles next time I'm there.

                              

                               MOST ENTERTAINING:

The music and dance group from the Cook Islands that performed on the Global Beats Stage. This wonderfully talented group of nine dancers had just flown over 4,000 miles from the South Pacific to attend this event.

                            FAVORITE TRAVEL GURU:

Straight talking Emmy Award-Winning Reporter and Producer, Peter Greenberg is one of America's most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel news journalists. I never pass up a chance to listen to him at the travel shows. If you want to learn great travel secrets from a master traveler, he is the one to listen to.

        THE BEST FREE GIVEAWAY (THAT I MISSED):

Gate 1 Travel's offer of a free trip for two on a seven-night Danube River Cruise with an upgraded room.

                 TRAVEL ADVICE FROM A LOCAL:

We were lucky this year because there was a representative from Rijeka, Croatia at the Katarina Line-Incoming Croatia booth—a place we will be traveling to this year. It's always helpful to meet a local like Daniel Hauptfeld, Marketing Director, who gave us some great advice and a much-needed map of Croatia. 

                                FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Buy yourself a world atlas and put it by your bedside.”
                                                                -Peter Greenberg

               A FAVORITE PHOTO TO TAKE HOME:

Just as we were leaving the show, my granddaughter, Mila, who was in control, as usual, tugged us over to the colorful Redding, California booth to get a photo taken. She chose the background and props for the photo. Redding is located near the Cascade Mountain (background) in northwestern California, and it looks like a great destination for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

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