5 things you should leave home

1. Hairdryer

The majority of places you will stay have one right in the room. Otherwise, ask at the front desk.

2. Expensive jewelry including watches

You are just asking for trouble otherwise. The less you are noticed, the better.

3. Umbrella

Borrow one at the hotel.

4. Extra credit cards and store cards

One back-up is enough along with your medical cards.

5. Baseball cap

Come on. Take it off when you come inside. Better yet, leave it at home. Locals will know that you are a tourist anyhow.

A safe rule of thumb: if you think you might need it, you won’t. Worst case, you can buy it there. Then you’ll have something new with a story attached, and what’s better than that?

#Traveladvice #internationaltravel

Why not? Somewhere in England in a castle town.

#traveladvice #travel #internationaltravel

Musings on my Irish travels

Several years ago I wrote a book of essays, A Smidgen of Irish Luck, about my trip to Ireland simply because I found extraordinary where there is ordinary, engaged in conversations in the oddest places and adjusted to the inevitable raindrops like a local.

Should I be surprised that a visit to the Emerald Isle would be so meaningful?

The book took off in popularity as everyone has a bit of Irish in them and can relate to a first-timer's passionate feeling for a sense of place.

I claim no Irish roots; yet I was inspired by the music, literature and general feelings of loving life I received as a visitor.

One about-to rain - afternoon a group of my fellow travelers and I were sauntering down a Londonderry side street taking in the multitude of sights when a cheerful couple of younger men beckoned us to come inside for a pint. They talked us to pieces with stories about the history of the pub and how it was a regular stop-off for American WW II naval men when they were ashore. The walls were covered from top to bottom with memorabilia from the States. "Go, Bruins." Two hours later we were leaving old friends behind after a delightful chat. We dodged the daily pouring of rain, too.

That's the story repeated over and over of my entire three weeks in Ireland.

It's a country that I long to return for deepening my well mentally and spiritually.

#Irishluck #Ireland #Cliffsofmohr #internationaltravel #smidgenofirishluck #Londonderry #Northernireland

The Cliffs of Mohr on a foggy Sunday morning

Daytripping in the Finger Lakes

Stop in to the Twig and Hollow Gallery, 65-67 Shethar Street, Hammondsport, New York, (Keuka Lake) to have a look around. It's a new fixture in town with a fresh, upscale look to it.

The owner - he refers to himself as the "Director of Operations" - is John Carroll, himself an accomplished photographer.

Currently on display ( January 18- March 31, 2019) are 37 portrait studies ( acrylic on board 20x24) by Sonia Gutowski while she was a patient at the Rochester Psychiatric Center ( now defunct). Carroll calls it "The 1st Annual Cabin Fever Show."

Twig and Hollow will be a participant in the Hammondsport Winter Stroll, Saturday, February 23, 5-8 pm, Keuka Lake Vineyards pouring.

Pictured below are powerful images from Twig and Hollow Gallery's first show of Ukranian photography in the fall.

#Hammondsport #Keukalake #FingerLakes #Newyorkstate #photography #Twigandhollowgallery #johncarroll #winterstrollhammondsport #keukalakevineyard