Space Shuttle - Huntsville, AL

The large, rust-coloured fuel tank is authentic and was used 12 times for shuttle launches. It sure is a lot larger close up than it looks on TV. 

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center

I arrived in Huntsville, AL earlier this afternoon wondering what to do until dinner. Saw these rockets from the highway and took the exit to see what they were. NASA has a huge training academy here, a space camp for kids and an enormous museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits. Pictured is a Saturn V rocket. 

Waterway in Suzhou

Suzhou has lakes, rivers and streams as well as a huge shopping area. Renowned for fine silk, many local products can be purchased here, as well as just about anything else you can think of - and quite a few things you could never imagine! 

Another Picture from the Garden

Framed by a laquered wooden pagoda on the left, we see some of the scenery and the stream that runs through the Humble Administrator's Garden. On the day we visited, there were many guided tours of Japanese tourists. 

The Humble Administrator's Garden

Suzhou is home to many spectacular gardens, and this one is one of the four most famous in all of China. It dates from 1509 and covers 5.2 hectares. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

Suzhou, China

On Saturday, Nov. 11 I went with some of my new friends on a sightseeing and shopping expedition to Suzhou, about an hour away from Kunshan. 

Modern Office Tower, Kunshan

One of the many modern office buildings in this bustling city of 1.4 million people. 

Kunshan, China

Arrived in Shanghai the evening of Nov. 7 and was driven to Kunshan, 2 hours away. The temperature was in the high 20s when I arrived, but the weather would turn a lot colder and it would rain for the third week of my stay. 

Guadalajara, August 2006

The third installment of my course was held at Atlas Golf and Country Club. The grounds are very well kept and the facilities first class. The food was excellent as well. Didn't get a chance to play golf, though. Although there was a lot of rain during the week, this day was sunny and warm. 

Castle Brahehus

Ruins of the 16th century castle Brahehus near Granna. On Friday we drove to the nearby town of Granna for an outdoor dinner at a secluded pub and a visit to the castle and harbour.

Return to Port

We arrived back in Jonkoping as the sun set after a great evening.

Eating Again! This Time on a Boat.

Eating dinner with the Europe gang for the last time on board the M/S Nya Skärgården. It was a great evening for a three hour cruise on Lake Vättern. 

Sofiakyrkan

The Sofia Church in downtown Jonkoping was built in 1888. 

Jonkoping, Sweden

Jonkoping is a large metropolitan area in the Southern half of Sweden. It wraps around one end of the second largest lake in Sweden, Lake Vättern. Arrived in Sweden on Monday. 

Zapopan, Mexico

The entry to the town of Zapopan is through this elaborate arch with spectacular fountain. Inside is a large pedestrian plaza with shopping, bars and restaurants and the basilica. 

Church of Saint Peter the Apostle, Zapopan

This beautiful church was built in the 1600s. It is located just off the main plaza in Zapopan in sight of the Basilica.

The Basilica at Zapopan

On Thursday, Sam and Carlos took me to visit Zapopan, another suburb of Guadalajara. The centerpiece of the city is the huge square with the Basilica at the far end. This church is dedicated to Our Lady of Zapopan.

Paco's in Tlaquepaque

Carlos showed Edson and I the sights and sounds of Tlaquepaque. The enormous drink in front of us is called Cazuela. It's a punchbowl-sized dish of citrus juices with lots of slices of fruit into which you pour the large shot of tequila you see beside it. Very refreshing after sightseeing! Then we ate a truly outstanding meal featuring pasoli. To call it 'soup' would be an understatement. It's heaping with vegetables and shredded chicken. Delicious! We're in the largest cantina in Mexico, and we're just on the edge of a huge interior courtyard. Strolling mariachis provide the entertainment. 

Church of San Pedro, Tlaquepaque, Mexico

Tlaquepaque is a beautiful suburb of Guadalajara. Fine handcrafted works from all over Mexico can be found in the shops here. Here we see the Church of Saint Peter with its bronze statue of Pope John Paul II.

Gourock, Scotland

Took a walk along the Firth of Clyde on the afternoon of the day before leaving. Some cloud, some wind, and of course, some rain too! 

Doing What We do Best!

Statistics is one thing, but what we really excel at is eating and drinking, as evidenced by this photo - the third in the series. Here we are at a nice restaurant in downtown Glasgow. 

Romer

Frankfurt's pride, the old Romer Square, with its distinctive shaped buildings, the justice statue and the city hall. Dinner on an outdoor terrasse was the perfect end to a great day in the magnificent city of Frankfurt. 

Alt-Sachsenhausen

Frau Rauscher welcomes visitors to a glass of cider. But be careful because every 15 seconds or so, she spits a huge stream of water across the narrow street.

The Ebblewei Express

The Ebblewei (literally, Applewine) Express is a tram that takes riders on a scenic tour of the main attractions in Frankfurt while they sip hard cider and sing along to German folk tunes.

The Catherdral, Frankfurt, Germany

Arrived in Frankfurt Friday night and spent Saturday touring the city. This Cathedral is an important landmark. Its beginnings date back to the year 852.