An Incredible Adventure

As you might remember

Running Man and I have been off traveling

south of the equator

It was a wonderful journey to: 

 Chile

16th Century National Cathedral, Santiago

Argentina

 The Andes in Bariloche, Argentina

Brazil

 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

We traveled from the west coast of Chile

the Chilean wine region

 to the east coast Brazil

Copacabana Beach, Rio

through the Andes by boat, 

 the rolling countryside of the lake region of Patagonia,

 and saw beautiful natural scenery.

Iguazu Falls

Recently, Chile has been experiencing

many civil protests and social unrest.  It was interesting

to hear the viewpoint of our local guides

and the effects on them and their families.

Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America"

is a multicultural city with

colorful barrios, like La Boca,

colonial European architecture, and

a long and interesting history.

Casa Rosada where Evita stood on the balcony addressing

throngs of supporters during her husband's term as president.

Of course, you must add in Tango lessons

and passionate dancing?

Too funny

There's a well-known saying in Argentina, " An Argentine is an Italian

who speaks Spanish, thinks he's French, would secretly like

to be British."

From there we flew to the Iguazu Falls

which are simply astounding.

 The 275 waterfalls border both Argentina and Brazil.

Running Man's view from a zodiac boat ride
and
then right into the spray.

The largest waterfall in the world. 

Devil's Throat

Wish you could hear the roar of the water.

Next stop, Rio 

We had a dizzying ride up the cable cars to

Sugar Loaf mountain,

visited landmark sites like

Christ the Redeemer statue,

and had an amazing room with a view

all the while singing " Copacabana" and 

"The Girl from Ipanema".

The passion in this city really comes alive during 

it's annual Carnival celebration.  We visited one of the 

Carnival clubs that build the floats, 

 that make the thousands of costumes

and delivers the rhythm of the pulsating music.

We even got to play dress up.

We just have to learn the Samba moves 

to be ready for the parade.

 Our exploration of these 3 beautiful countries 

have left us with wonderful memories.
Thanks for letting me share some of the highlights.

Gosh, I didn't even talk about the delicious food!

Empanadas with lots of wine!

It was an awesome journey.

Until Next Time-

Kyle

Spain and Portugal

Hola, Amigas!

I just got back from an incredible trip

Toledo, Spain

in both southern Portugal and Spain.

If you haven't included this area on

your bucket list,

write it down now!

The places we visited were

Seville Cathedral                       

 beautiful,charming, and  friendly

Ancient Roman Theatre in Medrida, Spain.   15 BC

with layers and layers of history.

We learned about Portugal's 

"Period of Great Discovery",

Monument of the Discoveries, Lisbon

and the Moor's influence in Spain,

The Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain

How about standing in the middle of a bullring,

Ronda, Spain    

tasting sherry at the House of Sanderman

Jerez, Spain     

or enjoying a flamenco show

where "someone" was asked to join in.

Stopped by the Royal Palace,

the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family,

Madrid, Spain     

enjoyed sunny days on the Mediterranean, 

Marbella, Spain

and seeing the "Rock".

Gilbraltar, a British Oversees Territory

Did I mention the delicious food?

 Octopus 

sweet Pastel de Nata

delicious Jamo'n Ibe'rico

a yummy treat for an afternoon pick me up,

Chocolate and Churros.

I could go on and on, 

but I've made myself hungry.

Needless to say,

Running Man and I had a marvelous tour

through the travel company, Tauck.

Seville, Spain

It was an experience extraordinary!

I hope you have the opportunity 

to discover more of this incredible world soon.

Until Next Time-

Kyle

PS.  I never had the chance to even pick up the sewing I brought.  Time to get back to 'Normal"!

Goin' Where the Wind Blows

Running Man and I have

been on the road again.

This time traveling north 

through Wyoming where the wind likes to blow.

 And then heading on to

 and stopping in Idaho Falls

to hang out with a friend.

Running Man worked planting grape vines

and driving the tractor, 

while I relaxed and stitched.

Everyone has their own interpretation of fun!

I stitched on these stars for

the final border of "Discovery" the 

not so mystery mystery quilt designed by 

Petra Prins.

Then it was on the road again

heading to Montana
to visit another set of friends.

and a little chilly.

In fact,

we scraped ice off the car windows one morning.

It is a state with wide open spaces,

a frontier spirit,

and a place where the sky does seem

bigger and bluer. 

We took a boat ride on the Missouri River

not far from Helena.

It was on the evening of July 19, 1805 

that the hardy members of the Lewis and Clark

expedition toiled to move up stream.

At each bend of the river

the steep limestone cliffs seemed to block 

their passage, but only to open

like gently giant gates as they drew nearer.

Meriwether Lewis

called this place

"Gates of the Mountains. 

We visited the state capital 

ordered huckleberry milkshakes

at the soda fountain

tried on buffalo robes

 and enjoyed the American western art

of Charlie Russell

Toll Collector, 1913

 When The Land Belonged to God, 1914

There's a lot of driving

 out here in the West to 

get to one place and another.

 Last years Buttermilk Basin BOM

which means there are lots of  hours to stitch

and enjoy the scenery.

I loved this quote by Charlie Russell, 1919,

You can apply it to anyone who has a passion. (quiltmaking)

" No man ever lived long enough or

ever will live long enough to paint all 

the pictures I have in my mind."

Until Next Time-

Kyle