Barcelona during holiday season

I’ve visited Barcelona many times, but today’s guided tour was truly unforgettable! Exploring the city before, during, and after sunset was magical—Barcelona is absolutely dazzling with festive Christmas lights that bring its vibrant energy to life.

I wandered through Gaudí’s iconic masterpieces, strolled along La Rambla, and soaked in the charm of the Christmas markets at the Gothic Cathedral. Staying in the Gothic Quarter made it even more special, surrounded by the history and beauty of this timeless neighborhood.

This incredible day is the perfect sendoff before I board my ship tomorrow for an amazing journey home. I’ll be sailing slowly to Florida, with exciting stops in Spain, Portugal, the Azores, Morocco, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Adventure awaits!

Pickpockets love tourists

Pickpockets in London (Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Buenos Aires, Rio, etc. etc. etc.)

Shoplifting can happen to anyone, anywhere. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and try not to get distracted. When traveling with luggage, consider taking a taxi instead of navigating public transportation, as you may be more vulnerable when preoccupied.

Here’s a post from a woman currently in London, preparing to board her cruise from Southampton, England.

So watch your purses and wallets as mine was quickly and quietly lifted from my crossbody purse on our short 10 walk from Victoria station to our hotel.    Got to hotel to find zipper section open and wallet gone. !!

Not a very good start to our London visit.   Had to calm down and start making phone calls to cancel my cards.    Also my health card was in there as well with luckily very little cash😮

Have work to do when I get home replacing everything and updating accounts.   Exhausted from no sleep on the plane and  now very upset about this sad situation 😪😪😪

Another transatlantic sailing on one of my favorite ships

 When record flooding along the Danube caused river cruises to be canceled, I quickly began searching for alternative plans for the fall. I was convinced our cruise would either be canceled or turned into a lackluster bus tour with subpar hotels and food.

Fortunately, I found an amazing deal on a transatlantic cruise aboard one of my favorite ships. Soon, I’ll be sailing for 14 days from Barcelona back to Miami, visiting ports in Spain, Morocco, the Azores, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

Sometimes, finding a great deal makes traveling more affordable than staying home— especially when everything you need is included in the price.

I look forward to visiting some festive Christmas markets around Europe.

Politics in Central Europe

A Surprising Conversation at Budapest’s Great Market Hall

During my visit to the Great Market Hall, I picked up a beautiful scarf from a vendor. I was surprised when he brought up American politics, asking about our upcoming elections. I smiled and said, “Oh, that’s a touchy subject!” At another stall, I’d just noticed some T-shirts featuring Putin and Kim Jong-un hugging Trump, a pointed reminder of global perspectives.

When I told him I was planning to vote to help preserve our democracy, he smiled and replied, “Yes, but I still don’t know who you’re voting for.” Carefully, I explained, “I’m voting for the one who respects democracy, our laws, and our Constitution. One does, and the other does not.” I was mindful of the setting, knowing Hungary’s leader promotes what he calls an “illiberal democracy,” a stance our former president admires—45 notoriously often lavishes praise on VO.

Our conversation continued, touching on democracy’s challenges worldwide. He nodded, saying, “Yes, don’t we all want to preserve it?” From there, we discussed figures like Putin, Kim Jong-un, and even leaders in Brazil and Turkey.

I’ve read that many Hungarians under 65 don’t appreciate V O’s leadership. 

Under Orbán’s leadership, Hungary has witnessed a significant erosion of democratic institutions. His government has consolidated control over the judiciary, media, and education system, weakening checks and balances. This nation has fought off many oppressive regimes—the Ottomans, the Habsburgs, the Holy Roman Empire, the Nazis, and the Soviets. Now, they find themselves again under a form of authoritarian rule.

Budapest— river cruise

 Sailing away from Budapest, Hungary. 🇭🇺

Next stop: Bratislava in Slovakia. 🇸🇰Slovakia is the second half of the former nation of Czechoslovakia.