Sharing some of the experiences encountered moving to and living in London … and then moving to Amsterdam! And then, moving to Austin, Texas where Adventure Cow has taken over this blog!
Oh, no, this is not Texas. This is the three of us returning to our ship after a fun day in Funchal, Maderia, Spain.
AC’s pictures below aren’t from Texas either – well most of them aren’t.
AC had a wonderful time hanging out with us to see more of the world last year. He did things in Austin, attending events at several local venues, where he enjoyed live music and met countless new friends who shared his passion for culture and creativity. He also went to Dallas to see Aj and Aaron, indulging in delicious local foods and attending vibrant events there, like the Octoberfest, which was filled with laughter, music, and traditional foods that captured the spirit of the celebration.
In addition to the travels within the United States, we ventured to several other countries; Canada offered AC cooler weather with baseball, arts, music, and wineries, the Canary Islands provided a moon-scaped escape with picturesque beaches and amazing vineyards growing right out of the lava rocks, while Morocco mesmerized him with its rich history and vibrant souks. The adventures continued in Spain, where he explored the lively streets of Barcelona, roamed the stunning Swiss Alps, and marveled at the historical sites in Germany. Finally, he made it to the Netherlands, where he found himself enamored by the charm and beauty of Amsterdam, which we all know is the prettiest city ever, with its iconic canals, colorful tulips, and welcoming atmosphere that left an unforgettable impression on his heart. (writing expanded with AI assistance)
Note: It seems to be a difficult task to post almost a year’s worth of travel pictures. Below you will find several galleries in random groupings of 4, 40 pictures in total. You may need to use the side arrows to navigate, or you may not. It depends on how your computer/ phone presents them.
Look at the lights in Vetruvian Park, Addison, TX
I got to go to the Beyonce Bowl (AKA Ravens v Texans game)
Making friends with Hannukkah Dog!
Eclipse Day! Fredericksburg, TX, April 8, 2024
I’m ready for my camel ride! Lanzarote, Spain
Do you know the Louise Penney stories about Three Pines? Knowlton, Canada
Seeing the band Dawes, The Stable, Pearl District, San Antonio
The gardens of Joe T’s, Mexican Restaurant, Dallas
Can you see Mt. Eiger? Just behind those clouds.
Can you see the Matterhorn? Just behind those clouds.
Can you see the Lady in the Lake? Not quite in the clouds. Mummelsee, Germany
The view from Cabo Girao Skywalk, Medeira
AC is amazed by the Roman ruins, in Barcelona
Making friends, La Gomera
Shopping in Casablanca
You cannot find AC in this picture. You cannot touch the wild Bluebonnets in Texas.
Why are these adventure pals on the other side of their Amsterdam window?
Whooo, hooo, Octoberfest, Dallas
Look! I’m in the ship’s final night show!
Playing on Myrtle Beach with my fellow Adventure Cows!
Making friends with The Lone Bellow, at Paramount
Toledo Mudhens! But, no Klinger!
Making friends in Cologne, Germany
Where’s AC? Hiding in Sutton, Canada
The murals of Sherbrooke, Canada
Hello Sherbrooke
Help, I’m up in the sky. Andy, catch me.
Mmmmm, tapas in Malaga
Mmmmmm, tapas in Teguise
Medemblik Steam Train ride, Netherlands
Yikes! It is a real cow! In the Alps of Switzerland
Cadiz, Spain
Shopping in Madeira, Spain
Hiking El Torcal de Antequera, Spain
El Grifo Winery, Lanzarote
Making friends in Mansonville, Canada
AC attending the Rockabilly Riot at The Paramount
Making Friends in Low Places, Nashville
Choose any path … Billings Farm, Woodstock, VT
AC wishes you many adventures in the coming year, no matter which path you choose.
Four and a half minutes goes by quickly when you are trying to take in something so rare and exciting.
While we (and everyone else in the path of the totality) were still cheering, the sky started to lighten, and clouds began to completely cover Fredericksburg.
It holds hiking sticks, a water bottle, mini first aid kit, jacket, dry socks, snacks, and me: Adventure Cow! For me, I’m glad not to be smooshed anymore, for Linda it is very light weight and can fold up to about the size of a hand towel.
We decided to take the new backpack for a hike, or two; right here in Texas! Turns out, you don’t have to leave the country to have an adventure!
Garner had a great spot to take my picture at the top of their center mountain – Old Baldy.
Not far from the top of Old Baldy, we stopped for pictures of the Frio River.
I know, you can’t see me in this picture while I’m looking up; but you can see part of Old Baldy.
Andy got a new backpack too. It’s not flowered, it doesn’t fold up small; but it does have room for all of his camera gear and me too! If I stick my head out.
Why would they take me, Adventure Cow, to Portugal?
Because Portugal is full of adventures! It wouldn’t have been right to leave this AC at home – Linda and Andy wanted to see and hike the Algarve. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algarve
After a day hiking around Carrapateria, the hiking part of the Portugal trip was over. Ryanair took all of us up to Porto to begin our train journey to see other parts of Portugal.
After a day spent on a great walking tour of Lisbon, it was time to leave Portugal and it’s trains behind. Time to get back on the plane and return to the US.
Austin is ok. They took me to the Paramount Theater to see Whose Live Anyway and that was fun, but it did not have a good picture opportunity. I think we are going to another show next week, maybe then I can come out again.
More specifically he is an artist born in the town of Aix en Provence, France, where the three of us (Andy, Linda and myself; AC) spent three weeks in an immersion program under Smithsonian tours.
The “In the Steps of Cezanne” is a walking tour put together by the Aix en Provence Office of Tourism – it takes a walker to many of the key locations in the Artist’s life.
We walk east from the fountain, on the (central avenue) Cours Mirabeau and across Rue Laroque to reach Mignet High School
Beautiful, but heavy doors keep tourists, and Adventure Cows alike, out of the still active school. Cezanne was a student here 1852 – 1858. It was at Mignet that he met his lifelong friends writer Émile Zola, the scientist Jean-Baptistin Baille and Louis Marguery (Court attorney). https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/college-mignet-(mignet-college)-60974.html
Walking east down the street Rue Cardinale, we circle the Fountain of the Four Dolphins:
Next door is the Saint Jean de Malte Church where the funeral for his wife was held in 1897. You know I am not allowed inside a church – but the fountain outside is a great place for AC’s. https://paroissesaintjeandemalte.fr/
Not far from the church, following the medallions, I found a statue of Cezanne’s friend, Emile Zola. He was a very influential man. Please read more about him: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89mile_Zola
Turning around, and going back down the central avenue, Cours Mirabeau, we see the CIC bank
What is hard to see, is that the building was the location of Paul Cezanne’s father’s, Louis-Auguste Cezanne, shop where he began practicing his new trade of hat making in 1825. Paul’s mother, Anne-Elisabeth Aubert, was also a hatmaker.
The City of a Thousand Fountains (Aix en Provence) was founded by Romans in 122 BCE. Romans loved water and Aix had water. As a Roman town it included a thermal spa which is still visible today. (It is part of a Spa and Hotel complex now) Cezanne would not have visited the old Roman baths, but he would have walked past this complex. https://www.josetteking.com/blog/from-roman-spa-to-contemporary-cultural-center-aix-en-provence/
The Thermal Spa backs up to a remaining section of the original city walls and the only tower that remains.
Away from the center of town is Cezanne’s Atelier des Lauves (workshop).
It was not easy to snoop around in this museum. I did find some nice steps in the side garden. This workshop is where Cezanne painted from 1902 until his death in 1906. Note that this website has a short video to introduce you to the atelier, it is worth the 45 seconds. https://www.cezanne-en-provence.com/en/the-cezanne-sites/atelier-de-cezanne/
Whooo, hooo! I did it. I got to see the actual items depicted in Cezanne’s still life paintings and watercolors.
Cezanne also painted landscapes. He was particularly drawn to his local landscape which was dominated by Mont Sainte-Victoire. The mountain is captured in picture after picture. Below is the view as it is today from his favorite outdoor painting spot on the Lauves Hill.
Can you see me, Adventure Cow, in this picture? No. I am on a rock just below this line.
Here is the mountain in his 1902 – 1904 version of Mont Sainte-Victoire.
This is a part of the original Roman Forum foundation that still remains under the Palace of Justice. Cezanne would not have seen this, it was only discovered in the 20th century as workers cleared the square for a parking lot.
Whew! We have followed a lot of steps, and taken a lot of pictures, trying to explore Cezanne’s Provence. There is so much to see. So many fountains.
We need a coffee. For this occasion (being in Provence) a Cafe Gourmand is appropriate. A relatively new coupling, we get espresso and several tiny desserts all at one time. Yum! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_gourmand
I will return with more pictures and information about Provence – but first it is time to enjoy this coffee.
And then Andy said: “We need to see the Beaux Arts Museum“
And, then I said: “Wow! that is beautiful” – I wish Adventure Cows could play in the museum, but they could not. You should click here to see the inside: https://pba.lille.fr/en/Information
And then Linda said: “We need to find some food”
And then I said: “How about this place? It is a very pretty garden with lots of places an AC can hang out.”
Then the next day, Andy said: “Let’s take the tram to the La Piscine (The Swimming Pool)”
They were actually working on the pool part while we were there. Please click here to learn about this 1930’s swimming pool which has been turned into an amazing museum: https://www.roubaix-lapiscine.com/en/home/
And then I said: “How does Linda always find a fabric exhibit in every museum we go to?”
This is just one of many previous shower rooms that were displaying textiles from the early 1900’s
And then Linda said: “I’m Hungry. Let’s go to this really good Italian restaurant in Lille, La Bellezza.
And then I said: “Adventure Cow needs to go for a walk”
The street is Rue Faidherbe. It runs from the Grand Place to the Lille Flanders Train Station. You can see the station at the end of the street. To learn more about the station, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lille-Flandres_station
And then Andy said: “If we are going to see the Citadelle, we need to walk the other direction”
And then I said: That is a very intimidating wall and mote. Note that the water is covered with a flowering plant, it is not yucky at all. https://parcdelacitadelle.lille.fr/
And then we all said: “It is time to go to Aix en Provence to join our group tour there”
And then Andy said: “But first, coffee”
So we all had coffee as we waited for the train – then on to Provence we went!
A proper, Full English, breakfast has eggs, tomatoes, potatoes, bacon, sausages, beans, and mushrooms. This is close – pancakes replaced the mushrooms and sausages. And, the Heinz beans are missing too. The toast is on the side and if black pudding was to be included – we said: “please don’t include it.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_breakfast
Certainly you can tell by Afternoon Tea:
Yum, yum. There are small sandwiches, small desserts, and a pot of tea for every person at the table. Always attractively presented with lots of special serving trays; it is a full and fancy meal. Learn more about Afternoon Tea here: https://afternoontea.co.uk/information/what-is-afternoon-tea/
Or, Sunday roast at the pub:
Roast beef, (Adventure Cows do have mixed feelings about this key ingredient,: but it could be chicken, pork, or even vegetarian) potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, and gravy. Vegetables include carrots, parsnips, broccoli, and cauliflower. A side of gin and tonic is always appropriate. A large meal, it is best eaten in the early afternoon. https://www.thespruceeats.com/history-of-the-british-sunday-roast-4149600
Are there other foods and drinks we don’t usually see in Texas?
Whew! AC made it out of the pot and over the the seasoning table. He is safe for now.
Our Adventure Cow is out of the kitchens and back safe and sound from Hampton Court. He is sure now that he is in London, so no doubt there will be adventures to follow.
I did get to see the missile up close. It was safe – it says right on it not to detonate without presidential approval.
Next thing I know, I’m in a very strange downtown.
Of course, we were looking at real estate.
I like lot 4397, It is AC sized. About 3 feet by 3 feet.
The lot is just one of many things you can buy from a vending machine in Asteroid City.
But maybe the best part was the diner. It had lots of (pretend) food and drinks choices, but we settled on the oil can Gin and Tonics. We must be close to London after all.
A Wes Anderson movie is not for everyone; but Andy and I do like his quirky sensibilities. We had a great day combining seeing the movie Asteroid City at a lovely theater in Covent Gardens and then going over to the exhibition. It may look years and miles removed from London, but it was on The Strand, not far from St. Paul’s Cathedral.
AC takes a good look at the river before climbing higher up the mountain.
Time to take a well-earned break as AC has just finished walking over a mile on the Black Rock Sands Beach. Note it is the rock, which is not visible in this picture, that is black, not the sand. But, the sand is so firm on this beach that you can drive your car to your favorite spot. https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/black-rock-sands
You don’t see something like this on most walks. This Royal Mail box was Yarn Bombed with the cutest nautical scene. AC had to join in.
AC did not want to hike to the top of the highest peak in Wales, Mt. Snowden, so he took a cog train (which only went 3/4 of the way up – he did not see the top of the mountain) where he met some very friendly folks.
AC is still on the run. He has a few more hikes to complete and a few places in London he would like to see.
It was still the Lunar New Year, year of the cat in Vietnam, when we arrived in Hanoi. Here, AC poses with handmade, wire, money trees. Sure to bring good fortune in the coming year. While the water buffalo is a symbol of prosperity, we did not see any displayed with the money trees.
While in Hanoi, AC quietly watched the Water Puppet show, before jumping up on stage for a quick photo.
You can watch a part of the show too in this promotional video: https://youtu.be/XZy3q5-x03c?t=52 Did he see water buffalo here? Watch the sample video to see for yourself.
After the water puppet show, AC knows it is time to eat. A beautiful restaurant had been spotted during the food tour – back we went for dinner.
AC thinks this is a taco – but it is not. It is a crunchy, folded, rice paper filled with vegetables and meats. On the side there is a spicy sauce for dipping. Maybe it is a taco.
On a tour at the Ha Long Whisper Nature Bungalow in the Viet Hai Village of Cat Ba National Park, AC is brave: with only a little help from our guide, Tra, he completed the “Monkey’s Bridge” over the small river. He does not see any water buffalo here.
The water buffalo are taking a break, right across the road from these fields.
AC is brave. He leads our small tour boat to the Cua Van Floating Village Museum as we take in the sites of this section of Ha Long Bay. This water is too deep for cows or buffalos.
Nose-2-nose with a souvenir water buffalo from the Cave on Hang Sung Sot in Ha Long Bay.
As our tour group travels from Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia; we are welcomed to the country with tasty drinks and Apsara dancers.
You can learn more about this restaurant/theater and the folk dance we watched by clicking this link: https://apsaratheatre.asia/
During the Apsara show, a dancing monkey came to our table to see what exactly an Adventure Cow might be about – is this a water buffalo? The picture is not clear because AC is being banged on the table. But, AC is sturdy and was not hurt by this attention.
Our next day in Siem Reap brought the Vespa Tour with a chance to see the Cambodian countryside and meet local families.
The Vespa Tour took us to a family that makes baskets. We were all encouraged to try our hand at this ancient skill. You cannot tell from this picture, but AC is laughing, turns out basket weaving is a little tricky for some of us.
Another day, AC was able to join the group for lunch. It was his job to collect the rice cones that came with our lunch.
Good job AC!
Our tour took us to several historical and religious sites. Neither Adventure Cows or Water Buffalo are allowed in most of these locations. Below, is a picture of AC on the causeway (entryway) to Angkor Thom, one of the significant religious areas in Cambodia. This bridge was the only place he could compare himself with the carvings.
The next morning, we got up very early to join hundreds of other folks who come from all over to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world and dates back to the 1100’s. More information: https://helloangkor.com/attractions/angkor-wat/
At 5:30 in the morning, it was still very dark.
Another outing took us to Tonle Sap. The largest fresh water lake in Cambodia. It is in the middle of the lake that alligators are raised for export to China. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonl%C3%A9_Sap
AC is brave when he meets the alligator.
This is a short video from our Tuk Tuk ride in Phnom Penh
AC is smart to be wedged in tight as he joins in the fun of the Tuk, Tuk ride too. Again, there are no water buffaloes in sight.
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, during the day – a visit to the Royal Palace.
While there were many other interesting sights to see in Cambodia, they were not appropriate for Adventure Cow. He learned nothing of the Khmer Rouge with it’s schools turned into prisons and cemeteries turned into killing fields. It is time for the river cruise ship and sights along the Mekong River. https://www.britannica.com/event/Cambodian-Genocide
One stop along the Mekong River was the weaving community of Long Khanh in the Dong Thap province. This village is a weaving center, turning out thousands of scarves for sale on the streets and towns of Vietnam – and to tourists who visit from cruise ships.
AC starts his day by looking out the cabin’s window
Later, he joins others for a tour of the ship’s kitchen. He sees fresh herbs drying under heat lamps.
After touring the kitchen, he goes to the front of the ship to help the Captain locate Saigon.
Look Captain! Go this way.
We finally reach Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Once there, AC joins local tours to get a bit of Vietnamese (war) history.
He joins the tour of the Cu Chi tunnels. He is waiting for Andy to return after he disappeared into the earth. During the Vietnamese war, these tunnels served as hiding and living spaces for the Viet Cong. You can read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%E1%BB%A7_Chi_tunnels
Leaving the Tunnels entrance area, AC is surprised to see Water Buffaloes as part of a depiction of more ordinary life and times.
They do look quite a bit alike, you hardly notice AC between the two statues.
Hearing about the war, and the end of it at the Independence Palace, AC is confused. Such serious topics, but the gift shop had many fun toys. More about the Palace and the role it played: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Palace
The trip is almost over. He is happy to spend some of his time in Saigon, taking part in another Food and Drinks tour.
Adventure Cow has come to learn why he may be called a Water Buffalo while in Vietnam – he has been brave and he has brought happiness to many people.
As he leaves his last restaurant in Vietnam, he says goodbye to the Water Buffalo painted on a hallway wall. They are not so different afterall.
