eyeofaphrodite

Gothic to rococo architecture mixed with dizzing tourists from around he world. World cup fervor with chanting soccer fanatics. Beer, brats, bread, butter. Flags from many nations and history, history, history. German personalities seem to vary from region to region. Each paralleling a robust proud German heritage.

My grandparents live here. There is no nightlife. There is the seaside. And a few shops. Almost all shops close at 9pm.

Alcohol, boats, golf carts…This is a mini-mardi gra. There are many family friendly places during the day – but I would definately put your children to bed at night. The last ferry travelling from the big island back to mainland is at midnight and crawling with women clad in plastic beads showing their wares and men either kissing them or taking their picture. Worth a visit either for a stop at the world’s longest bar, world’s largest geode or “world famous” drinking scene…there can be something for anyone.

Chinatown

This was home halfway until the first grade. I remember the dirty twins who lived next door (Dustin & Justin). The oil poured overtop a wasps nest. Our orange creamsicle kitten eaten by the neighbor dog. And Laura, my best friend with the father who played the jaw harp. My friends, it doesn’t get much more Appalachian than that.

World Cup. Mmmmmm. So, then, if anyone wants to hang out – Let me know. I shall be in Germany stuffing myself with brats for the first two weeks of June.

This city of 86,000 people is quaint. A visit is worthwhile for the William Wallace fan….but truth be told, I prefer Glasgow. So stop by for a day and check out the castle, Holy Rude graveyard, and Mar’s Wark. One day (maybe two) should be sufficient.

Glasgowegians. Ginger. St. George Square. If I were to live in Scotland – I would live here. The renovated church is now a bar & danceclub. The riverview with abandoned industrial cranes. And a sidewalk bridge with no entrance or exit. This is how you know a real city from a tourist one.

Bite my lip…cold wind. But, no bother. I start to think ‘the Scots must drink to keep the blood warm.’ 10 buses an hour. No car needed here. Old town, new town, castle, pub, Edinburgh’s disgrace. History – Architecture – People – Music. With a twist of economic capitalism. There’s a caribbean restaurant by one of the many university buildings. There – I spot a KFC on the main shopping strip. Though there are no festivals now this time in March – there are still the people & their history. Which is all I need.

The motto “Virginia is for Lovers” is quite true for myself. The state is endowed with many scenic places providing me with many fond memories. This park has numerous engaging activities and items ranging from camp sites, cabins, a nature center, lake swimming, bike trails, and walking trails. Why the name? The park claims the story of a fleeing mother with a child from Native American attacks. They wandered up the peak of the park’s mountain where the mother supposedley died from starvation. While the child was later found by settlers only saying “Hungry mother.”