Category Archives: Uncategorized

A BRIEF AUTOBIOGRAPHY I was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan in 1952, the third and last son. Both my grandparents had homesteaded in southern Saskatchewan. The original Perrier arrived in Canada in 1665 making me a tenth generation Canadian (actually eleventh … Continue reading →

Spain – Asturias (Oviedo, Gijón) August 7-9, 2021 AVILES Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre. Also in the NM Architectural Delights series, is a cultural centre complex designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and an international project. The centre is located on the estuary … Continue reading →

Spain – Galicia (Vigo, S. de Compostela, A Coruña, Lugo, Orense) August 6-7, 2021 VIGO Playa Samil. A big beach in south Vigo, it sits between two rocky breakwaters. Nude sunbathing is back. Monument to Jules Verne. Jules Verne, the … Continue reading →

Portugal North September 5-6, 2021 Alto Douro is a Portuguese wine region centered on the Douro River located some distance upstream from Porto, sheltered by mountain ranges from coastal influence. While the region is associated primarily with Port wine production, the Douro produces just as much table … Continue reading →

Portugal – Central (Lisbon, Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu) Aug 27-29 SETUBAL is a lovely community at the base of the peninsula. Museo do Trabalho Michel Giavenvetti (1908-90) who collected ethnographic material (farm machinery), salt canning equipment, has a general store. Free if … Continue reading →

Alentejo & Ribatejo  (Évora, Beja, Elvas) August 27 and August I saw the west end of this large region that surrounds Lisbon on the south and west and then returned after seeing Lisbon proper. Beach Zambujeira do Mar. A small … Continue reading →

Portugal – Algarve (Faro, Lagos) Aug 24-26, 2021 Portugal seems less hectic and more relaxed than Spain. Architecture is lovely with most things painted white. Tiles often form the facade of houses. I am continuing to see nonmuseum places on … Continue reading →

Murcia Aug 17-18, 2021 Ohihuela. In the NM small town series, there was little inspiration. MURCIA (City) Cathedral of Murcia. This church has an unusual shape with the altar and opposite it the intricately carved wood choir and organ, are … Continue reading →

Cadaques. The village at the front of the Cap de Crues peninsula. The hillsides and valley were covered in ancient terraces, none appear used. Cap de Creus Natural Park. Eroded rock and windswept low trees characterize the park that occupies … Continue reading →

Swish in Sardinia On Italy’s Costa Smeralda, megayachts are back but their owners are nowhere to be seen Aug 14th 2021 Economist  On Italy’s Costa Smeralda, megayachts are back but their owners are nowhere to be seen Mr Franco Bilisi … Continue reading →