Language PSA: Spanish and French

On our way to England last May, Al and I went on a typical cruise ship excursion to Rouen. Our guide played hide-and-seek on a rushed tour of the cathedral, then we had an hour to ourselves before we had to get back on the bus. It was a perfect chance to let Al experience…

21st Century Travel: Gear, Part 2

(See other articles in this series in the Travel section. This one ballooned, so I've split it into two parts.) Electronics Computer and phone Electronics make the quickest and most regular movements toward miniaturization and multiple uses. I started my travels with an iPad and a MacBook, and lugged the two a quarter of the…

21st Century Travel: Gear, Part 1

(See other articles in this series in the Travel section. This one ballooned, so I've split it into two parts.) Some of what I've learned about travel has come from going and doing, making mistakes and discoveries. Some has come from travel authors and people I've met on the way. But almost everything I bring…

21st Century Travel: Intermezzo

(See other articles in this series in the Travel section.) I've been on the road again, and the next couple of posts in this series will be longer and more complicated. They're partly done, and I've also been writing down some of my impressions of walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I'll be more…

21st Century Travel: The Place for Cruises

(See other articles in this series in the Travel section.) I always thought cruises weren't for me. They looked like artificial experiences, Las Vegas on the seas. Then I reached the end of my rope while caring for my father. Going somewhere warm with all my needs met and nothing to do grew in my…