Comments
Spain
Carolyn & Byron
May 2019

What an incredible vacation we had in Spain!  Thank you so much for helping us put together this amazing trip.  From start to finish everything went very smoothly.  We were just discussing yesterday that we couldn’t think of any little hiccup in the plans while we were there.  We learned so much from our top notch guides about the history and culture of Spain in each city we visited.  We were startled how little history we knew of Spain before we went.  Spending time with the guides over lunch when time allowed was a highlight because they spoke more about what life is really like on a day to day basis for each of them.  They took their jobs seriously, and we were immersed in all things Spain.  The weather was perfect, and it sounds like we left Denver at the perfect time to avoid the latest snow and hail storms.  We’ve decided the month of May is the best month to get away from Denver as the weather is so unpredictable.  The hotels you chose were perfect for us.  The Parador in Granada was a unique experience with its beautiful gardens and views.  Interestingly, knowing it was a owned by the government of Spain, there was a different vibe there.  From the shopping in the market and cooking in Barcelona to exploring the ancient ruins of the Armada, having a cold beer in the middle of the afternoons and walking miles every day, our vacation was just what we wanted. 
Cheers--Carolyn

Barcelona

 

Toledo

                                                   Writer Sculpture--National Library of Madrid

 

 

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Mike & Nancy
Santiago, Spain

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Morocco
Feb/March 2019
Birthday celebration

This couple visited Morocco, including Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, and an overnight Sahara desert excursion.  Here are their comments:

"Joe Joe and I had an absolute great time.  The Royal Mansour is now my favorite hotel in the world....The Sahara excursion was amazing....We had our guide arrange a cooking class, and that was special....We also enjoyed our guide and he did a fine job....The food, the people, the city, the desert, the helicopter ride, the hotel, the food, the food, the food...We had a blast and are now carrying an extra 5-10 pounds in our bellys....Thank you for arranging this trip....Balan"

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Singapore & Brunei
February/March 2019

This mother and daughter traveled to Singapore and Brunei.

Comments from Singapore's Mandarian Hotel Concierge:
It is our pleasure to provide 5-star service to our guests!
(Note:  They were awesome in accommodating a last-minute request for a tour and guide in Singapore).

Comments
Susie Mammel
Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, South Pacific
(3 degrees SW of Hawaii)

Tahitian Waterfall

Sharks Bay Marquesas

 Nomads of the Wind

Matua--Gauguin's 13-year-old wife

Coral sand mask--Bora Bora

Guess Who?

Basaltic Cliffs

Aranui

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Nancy's Birthday Cruise on Regent in Alaska

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Susie Mammel & Granddaughter
Venice--August 2018

The iconic Lion of St Mark:
St Mark is the patron saint of Venice. In the 9th century a sailor had a vision he was to be the patron saint of Venice. St Mark, according to tradition, died in Alexandria Egypt. The sailors followed the dream, advanced to Alexandria, and stole the body of Mark, packing it in pork so the Muslims wouldn’t suspect. It arrived in Venice to be re-interred in the 1st of the St Marks Basilica

Bridges:

We are tracking beautiful stone bridges with flowing curves and sweeping views while wandering Venice. Some have 4 pointed needles atop.  Some have ornate balustrades.  

The Pointe de Paglia is where we viewed the famous Bridge of Sighs from the waterfront. The name refers to boats filled with straw, so named when horses and donkeys passed over. There is a small shrine on this bridge called “the Madonna of the Gondoliers”.  Many of the bridges have such shrines. Another bridge we crossed was a “Storto” bridge meaning misshapen bridge. When going to the opera this was the “L shaped” bridge crossing 2 canals. Of course Venice wasn’t built on a grid!

Bridge of Sighs on right

Artist:  Gaetano Pesce:
We discovered this artist in Padua at the great medieval city hall. The original frescos were by Giotto but the building and frescos burned to be replaced/rebuilt in renaissance style. The artist, Pesce, is an architect. We loved his chair collection and especially loved it in the Pallazzo Ragione grand hall!  Enjoy and watch for the architect-artist!