winifredcreamer

Agadir to Sidi Ifni–the charming Hand of Fatima

Nouri, the very helpful manager at our riad in Marrakesh, picked up our bus tickets to Agadir. He also helped arrange our transfer to the bus station. First the suitcases go in a cart to the edge of the medina, then the taxi is loaded, and then we are off to the bus station. ThreeContinue reading “Agadir to Sidi Ifni–the charming Hand of Fatima”

Cue the music–Marrakesh Express

Our stay in Marrakesh was short, but we made the most of it. From Riad Selouane, we made our way past the souks (dense warren of market stalls selling everything a tourist could want). I took a few photos of the route as we went, so we wouldn’t get lost. The market is brilliant withContinue reading “Cue the music–Marrakesh Express”

First Accomplishment of the New Travel Season

When we left Wheaton last year in April, all our possessions were packed in our Prius (and the storage unit). We went to California for 3 months and stopped on our way to the airport to drop off a lot of stuff with Amanda, since she’s in CA. We left for Barcelona with 4 suitcases.Continue reading “First Accomplishment of the New Travel Season”

Mom is right, again!

My mother is going into her third year in an independent living setting and has just turned 91. She claims that there are all kinds of wonderful stories among her neighbors. In addition to the 23 retired priests (there’s a story there), and a retired ambassador (another), artists, intellectuals, she says everyone has a story,Continue reading “Mom is right, again!”

Me and my Warby Parkers are off and away

I wanted to say that for a while (see my Facebook for the actual eyeglasses). Accuracy demands that I note it’s not just me and my attractive eyewear, but also Jonathan (beloved and chef), two or three large suitcases, carry-ons and much paperwork clutched in our slightly nervous hands. Last year was easy, everyone spokeContinue reading “Me and my Warby Parkers are off and away”

From the Vault: Barcelona

I made a list of my favorite places in Barcelona. I’m not sure why I never posted it, so here it is now. It is followed by my notes on “useful to know” items for Barcelona and Europe more widely. Barcelona Highlights Best way to spend a Sunday (many stores are closed): Montjuic park. VisitContinue reading “From the Vault: Barcelona”

From the back room: California

I took notes on some of the great places we visited along the northern California coast during June-Aug. 2015. Somehow I never posted them, though I may have mentioned the excellent, Hiker’s Hip Pocket Guide to the Mendocino Coast, by Bob Lorentzen. We used it regularly. My own notes are these: Places visited on theContinue reading “From the back room: California”

Tipping point of the seasons

It was yesterday. I woke up to pale light on my pillow, not the bright sun that has been there every day in February. By 9:30 am the mist had burned off and the day was blazing hot as usual. Today, in contrast, the same mist was there in the morning, and was still inContinue reading “Tipping point of the seasons”

Winding Down on the beach

Now that I have a hot glue gun and access to sea shells, I had to finish up my projects. (I’ve never had a glue gun before–only burned myself once.) My other couple: Mr. and Mrs. Rumpole Ahem, you look like.. ‘she who must be obeyed.’ “Silly man! Of course I am.” The fossil atContinue reading “Winding Down on the beach”

Meanwhile, the festival of Our Lady of Lourdes

What a whirl! Not only more trips to Caral, but more events associated with the Fiesta de la Virgen de Lourdes than I would have imagined. There were two body board tournaments, sand soccer, kids activities, beach volleyball, the serenade, a procession, food booths, caballos de paso, and dancers! That was after bingo and beforeContinue reading “Meanwhile, the festival of Our Lady of Lourdes”