. . . . a few more photos take off into the Universe. The purebred Icelandic horses and hundreds of sheep meant stop-and-go driving. “Pull over, please . . . .one more picture.” I love quirky, humorous signs and found a few. The trolls in front of a Reykjavik tourist shop reminded me to wear sunscreen. Until next time, Iceland, keep the winds blowing and the drinking water ice cold.
ids=”1679,1678,1677,1676,1674,1675,1673,1672,1671,1670,1669,1668,1667″]Travel
Iceland – Scenic Beauty
Icelandair offers independent self-drive tours. I followed a 7-day glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls itinerary that covered 800 miles. Being on the road meant few conversations with people who call Iceland home. A taxi driver said that people who receive retirement benefits will not see an increase in 2016. He also said that Harpa, Reykjavik’s concert hall, was a financial drain. Lacking conversations about politics and education, I focused my Nikon on Iceland’s physical beauty.
To Iceland with Love
Move over Peru, Iceland is my new favorite country. An organic island of rugged beauty, volcanic underpinnings, wind, fresh air, and pristine vistas that attract a million visitors each year. My trip in the shoulder season of September meant fewer tourists crowding into a country the size of Ohio. What is so special? For starters, the country has intelligence. Route 1, which circles the island, is free of pot holes, litter, strip malls, billboards, and fast food joints. Here’s a big hug for the wonderful people of Iceland and scenic wonders a mere five hours east of Boston. I’m posting b&w images first. These were taken in Vik, Geysir, and Borgarnes.
On Crete
Walk down the rocky hill to the beach,
to the sea and fishing boats.
Across the way sprawls Dia, a sparse island.
Beyond, the sea and sky are one
Meeting at a secret place where
no shadows touch the land.
Women with their young
sit clustered on fine gold sand.
Alone. A man sits on the rocky hill
watching the beach, the sea, the island.
A goat shakes its bell and wanders
While a blue-shirted man sits hunched
by the deserted bath house
Almost everyone has gone.
Two dogs bark and chase another.
Silent people pedal bicycles,
Others climb the path to flat-roofed
white houses with shutters blue or green.
A three-domed church with pleading bell
Tolls a reminder to remember something.
Alone. I watch and wonder about the scene,
barking dogs and goats with bells.
The sun offers a final touch of color.
Beneath the blue, a sea garden reflects the light
as four women stand and pull their skirts.
They slowly leave the beach and climb the rocky hill.
Two Weeks in France – Fledging Photos
A mourning dove fledged this afternoon. Mother flew off in the morning – perhaps to Paris? Enough is enough she said, and that’s how I feel about my trip to France. Time to move on. These last images are a mix of scenes and tell their own stories. Visit France via a great website – http://www.monuments-nationaux.fr
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I’ll Have What Paris Has, Mostly
Here’s what I love about Paris – open-air markets, incredible fruit, vegetables, seafood, prepared food, and cheese. I love food, so the city if perfect for me. Paris has an efficient, expansive metro and rail system, but you must pay a Euro to use the WC. And, get used to having some guy standing next to you at the wash sink. Guide books extol the wonders of the city – a truly great city.
Here’s what I like about France – strict gun control laws, centralized education, paved roads and highways maintained by drivers’ tolls. Bucolic small towns and villages. Stone walls and wildflowers. Normandy, history, museums, and much more.
What don’t I like? Cobblestones. Dog litter. Cigarette butts. A woman next to us at an outdoor cafe smoked four cigarettes while she ate dinner. If second-hand smoke is annoying, take a table inside the restaurant.
ART
FOOD
Consider Writing 