UncleCarl

It's raining...off and on. Thankful for Gett (Russian uber) not to have to walk so much. A four mile ride is 204 rubles ($3.50), tip included. Started the day at the Russian Naval Museum. Many many models of ships from wooden sailing vessels to modern aircraft carriers. Most of them at least four feet long and many longer, lots of detail. The period 1900 to 1940 seems to be the favorite. During that time was the Russo-Japan war and the revolutions of 1917. There was a full scale version of an early one man submarine; I took my time considering how brave (drunk) a person would have to be to climb into that thing. Touring took the entire morning and into early afternoon. Then to the Cruiser Arora for a visit. Arora is the full scale ... read more

Today was Hop on/ Hop off bus ride day. I've done these before in London and Singapore and found it to be a good way of getting an overview of the City. I can then go back and spend time at the places of interest. To get there was a subway ride. Clean and efficient, they still use tokens. It would be a tragic understatement to say I was in awe of the architecture and culture of this city. Every building seems to have a story, some dating back to the 800's. There is mystery and intrigue built right into the buildings. Before the Freemasons followers of Newton formed a secret society and like the freemasons left intricate clues to their secrets in their architecture. I've posted a very few photos to give an example of ... read more

OH MY GOD WHAT FUN! Went across street from hotel to a outdoor stage performance (musicians, magicians, kids shows, etc). While waiting for their appearance, the girl troop was dancing to "Shake, rattle and roll", so I went over grabbed a clown and did the jitterbug. She followed well. When it came time for their act, they called all the kids in the audience up to dance...and me! The toy soldier was my interpreter. Can't get the video to upload, I'll try facebook.... read more

Having arrived early morning in Amsterdam, I realize I no longer cross oceans with the same ease and grace I once did. Well, to be fair, I'm not sure there was ever much grace involved. Schiphol remains one of my favorite airports. It's huge! The shops are clean, it is well signed, the information desk staff are knowledgeable (and attractive) and it is always worth the walk to the main entrance. Fresh tulips are available and the train station to downtown stops at the main entrance. So now I pass the five plus hour layover by roaming around reminiscing of previous visits. If travel be tiring, then why do it you ask. Despite the annoyances and weariness, there is a visceral thrill about going someplace new. Travel brings pleasure and happiness not found in other endeavors. ... read more