Category: Uncategorized
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“Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again…”
“Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen,” June 14-15, 2025 On arrival at Kastrup Airport in Copenhagen, we were met by a sign that was welcoming, although in questionable “taste:” Apparently “Steff” is a local fast-food hot dog chain with 4300 stands across Denmark. Who’d have guessed? All we did yesterday, besides settle into our Airbnb apartment, was to…
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“Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again”…..to Scandinavia
June 13 – 29, 2025 Welcome back to Something to Declare! When we last left our travel blogger in December 2024 , he was recuperating from a sprained neck after a fall at the Airavadesvara Temple Durasuram in Kumbakonam, southern India. The bad news was that I had to leave the tour early and return…
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India, in Word(s) and Indeed
Mahaballipuram and Pondicherry, December 7 – 8, 2024. As previously noted, these final posts involve some catch-up, and are being composed from the safety of my apartment in NYC. December 7, 2024 After breakfast in Chennai, we headed to Pondicherry, the primary place of French colonization in India. As is usually the case, the’ve changed…
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India, in Word(s) and Indeed
Chennai, December 6, 2024. EXPLANATION: You’re getting this post a week late. Some of you have wondered what has been going on (my absence from the blogosphere for several days). The reason is that I’m back in the U.S.A. At the beginning of this week, we went to a Hindu temple, which required visitors to…
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India, in Word(s) and Indeed
Mumbai in Depth, Part 1, December 4, 2024. Up and out to the bus for an extended tour of Mumbai, including stops at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation building, and the iconic railway station (formerly Victoria Terminus Station). One of our two fantastic guides, Yael, informed us that it is now re-named for Chhatrapati Shivaji Majaraj…
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India, in Word(s) and Indeed
Mumbai in Depth, Part 2, December 5, 2024. Our itinerary for today included a round of some of the major markets in Mumbai, e.g., the fish market, the spice market, the flower market. But since they open and close very early, it would be necessary to start out at 5:30 am. As is my wont,…
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India, in Word(s) and Indeed
Mumbai and Elefanta, December 3, 2024. Breakfast (Food Porn Department) Up early to get ready for Elefanta Island. Stef had asked whether the hotel provides western-style breakfasts, and the answer is “yes.” The usual eggs, rolls, breads, French toast, etc., are available. At the same time, however, there is a broad selection of Indian offerings,…
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India, in Word(s) and Indeed
Travels with Stan Prelude: Houston to Doha to Mumbai, December 1-2, 2024. It seemed kind of silly to fly back to New York from Houston, only to turn around and then head to India. And Qatar Airways appeared to have a relatively direct route from Houston to Mumbai; only a single 3-hour layover in Doha.…
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India, in Word(s) and Indeed
Upcoming Travels with Stan Southern India, December 1-21, 2024. India has always been on my bucket list. As many of you know, I’m drawn to places where civilizations, cultures, religions (let’s not forget cuisines) bump up against each other and mix ‘n’ match. Think places like the Balkans, where Austrian, Slavic, Turkish, Italian, and so…
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The Balkans: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
September 30, 2024. Last post – from Ljubljana. Before I begin today’s activities, please note that I have expressed admiration for Slovenia’s politics, economy and natural beauty. I have refrained from acknowledging that Slovenia is the birthplace of Melania Trump. This omission is entirely deliberate. So there. This morning was one of relative leisure. Elsa…
Something to Declare 