Category Archives: Our travel

The “real” Jesus

Posted on October 4, 2019 by JohnMatel

There have been books and documentaries talking about what the “real” Jesus looked like. Of course, nobody knows. Scientists have tried to guess based on what a statistically representative person living in that region might look like. Of course, we … Continue reading →

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Paradise gardens

Posted on September 28, 2019 by JohnMatel

Gardens are more than just places of beauty. They can and should also be place of contemplation of nature, meaning in life and of our relationship with God. This is a tall order, but it was evidently what the creators … Continue reading →

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Prado and other works of art

Posted on September 23, 2019 by JohnMatel

Everybody said that you have to see the Prado Museum if you go to Madrid. I am glad we went, but really glad we did not take the tour, which would have required spending much more time. Let me stipulate … Continue reading →

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Trains, restoration and hotels

Posted on September 22, 2019 by JohnMatel

We started our day with a rainy walk to the train station in Cordoba and caught the fast train to Madrid. These trains can reach 300 km/hour. They are always comfortable and nearly always on time. I love trains and … Continue reading →

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Luggage people

Posted on September 22, 2019 by JohnMatel

Chrissy has a theory – more a superstition really and like all superstitions it is right enough of the time that confirmation bias can provide sufficient proof to keep it viable. Her theory is that you can follow people dragging … Continue reading →

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What have the Romans ever done for us?

Posted on September 20, 2019 by JohnMatel

What have the Romans ever done for us? Carthaginians were the first empire builders to show up. The Romans pushed them out and held onto Spain for more around 700 years. Spain was among the most Roman of the provinces. … Continue reading →

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Chicago 2

Posted on September 6, 2019 by JohnMatel

Wandered Chicago a little and met Michael W. Fox for a few beers and pizza. We passed the statue of a giant Boomer, so Marisa Williams can see in the first picture. Christine Johnson will be pleased to know that … Continue reading →

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Durham Bulls

Posted on May 4, 2019 by JohnMatel

Finished our Forest History Society board meeting. The evening program included a Durham Bulls baseball team. The local team did not do well. The stadium is very nice but a little small. The other team, the Gwinnett Stripers, were able … Continue reading →

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“Do you believe in a higher power?”

Posted on February 28, 2019 by JohnMatel

My story worth for this week. A deeper subject. “Do you believe in a higher power?” I had been living away from home for many years, had a family and life of my own. I was an adult far from … Continue reading →

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Salton Sea, Borrego Springs, California

Posted on January 11, 2019 by JohnMatel

We had a beer-less lunch today in a little village called Borrego Springs. We drove from Palm Desert to Temecula in a very round about way, first going south the Salton City and then west through Borrego Desert Park. The … Continue reading →

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