"The Vegas of the Middle East" I was supposed to go see a friend in Oman but unfortunately she got Covid and I was out of time to reschedule. So I tacked a few extra days onto Dubai. This turned out to be a wise decision, as it was a city of huge proportions and endless activities, especially as the 2020 World Expo was still happening, as it too was postponed by Covid. My hotel room was situated to see the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, from my window, as well as the river that ran between my part of town and the main downtown. I immediately had to go see Burj Khalifa of course, and was pleased to find that public art was part of the scene. I also needed to make a pilgrimage to the famous Mall of the Emirates, which is so big that it contains a SKI SLOPE. Since I knew I would be landing in a few days in Colorado where several inches of snow would greet me, I decided I didn’t need that particular experience! I took a night boat tour and got to see crazy hotels and resorts,...

Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you. This is the dream of all the world.    ― Anthony Bourdain Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid Madrid What a city! Woke up our first morning to this view from our balcony, looking down la Gran Via: And the architecture just kept knocking my socks off! Top: Edificio Metrópolis. Middle: Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena. Bottom: Apartment building near Chamartin neighborhood. Below: The grand bull ring, Plaza de Toros. And the museums, my word: A wonderful Magritte exhibit was on at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. And art was not just in the museums. Here's just one section of the ceiling in the Catedral Almudena. And these are the steps just to get into the Museo Sorolla: The menu in Madrid is very carb-and-sugar laden, and I wondered how the Madrileños stay fit. Here's one answer: the parks are...

It was a heavenly time of life When first I went to Spain, The lovely land of silver mists, The land of golden grain.. ― Ellen Mackay Hutchinson Cortissoz The view from Gibralfaro Castle down into the town of Málaga, with seasonal clouds. ¡Viva Valencia! In mid-December we flew from Dammam to Valencia, via Frankfurt. We chose Spain for Adrian's winter break for a few factors: it has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, we each speak a little Spanish, and we would have decent temperatures in which to look at beautiful sights. Sipping sangria in the sun with a sublime regional salad, surrounded by chatting Spaniards, was a perfect alliterative start to our holiday. Valencia's architecture is a wonderful mix of beautiful classic and daring new: Top: One of many fountains in many squares. Middle: Science Center. Bottom: Opera House. We visited museums filled with inspirational art and crafts from across the centuries: Even the food market was artistic! And of course,...

I recall my fleeting instants in Savannah as the taste of a cup charged to the brim. ― Henry James This spring, once Covid vaccines were available, I started talking with my Dad about celebrating his 90th Birthday in person, with as many family members as we could. We went back and forth on the wisdom of it, but in the end decided to go for it, utilizing the outdoor space of his favorite restaurant and asking folks to get tests. I flew back from Dammam in mid-November, a 30 hour journey from apartment to Jacksonville hotel, with stops in Doha and New York City, and PCR tests coming and going. I had a long layover at JFK, and my friend Z and her daughter came to see me and check out the groovy re-imagined TWA Flight Center: The future, as imagined in 1960 My motivation for the long trip was high. This was the first time in 45 years that all 6 children from my father's first two marriages were all in the same room. We were joined by my step-mother, two of her children, a grandchild and...

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. ― Gustave Flaubert Caves, Souqs, Date Trees Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia, is a one-hour train ride from Dammam. Al Qarah Rock Formation The region is known for its prolific date production. We were told there are millions of date and palm trees in the area, and we saw proof of this everywhere we went. The big draw of the trip (besides just going anywhere besides the compound!) for me was the promise of cool rocks and caves. And Al Qarah "Mountain" delivered!   Souqs We also had a chance to visit a souq, a traditional market. We got there too close to prayer time, so there weren't as many stores open or people there, but I enjoyed witnessing some good bargaining going on by a trio of ladies!   Below a delicious array of hummus flavors (strawberry, garlic and mint!). My goal is to make a tour of hummus throughout the Middle East! We went to a more modern market in the evening. Left is us enjoying a bizarre...