Author Archives: carolinebotwin

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About carolinebotwin

Caroline Botwin and her husband Mike are retired educators who have always had a yen for travelling: he with a PH.D and teaching Architectural Engineering plus California wine education, and she having taught high school English, speech and drama. Both wanted to learn first hand about other cultures. While Mike predominately studied buildings and structures and met with winemakers, Caroline hunted for ancient sites and peoples. And kept journals of all their travels.

The Final Chapter of Cyprus…#3

The final chapter, number three. First I had to encourage Mike not to stop at every damn winery. (But later, more forcefully threatening death or dismemberment…) We stopped to see the Kolassi castle, the 14th century headquarters of Saint John … Continue reading

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Georgia, the collapse of the Soviet Union and Noah’s Ark

The history of both Armenia and Georgia begins with Noah’s Ark, pictured here, which to all accounts landed on Mount Ararat. Both countries metaphorically share this mountain and it can be said that their histories go back to the beginning … Continue reading

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The Oslo Norway Holiday Special

May 16 The beginning of our drive to the Oslo Festival was not auspicious. The weather was drizzly and cold. We needed to pass through 3 tunnels, catch a 20 minute ferry ride and drive up a snowy mountain. Little … Continue reading

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Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!

There are over 350 dog breeds in the world, 195 of which are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. And as a dog enthusiast I’d like to share some of my favorite breeds with you. But first, let me … Continue reading

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Turkey: the Final Tour

Friday 6-21-12 Essentially wending our way back to Istanbul, we headed to Assos and the Caravansy Hotel by the sea. Our concierge graciously booked 2 days at this wonderful rustic resort that looked over the bay and up a hill … Continue reading

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Our Spanish Parador Extravaganza continued: Parador de Cuenca, Spain

This is one of several overviews because the area is so large!  The most noticeable sight is the Hanging Houses on the right that lead up to the old town. Looking at the walk way below, there are a few … Continue reading

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Our Spanish Parador Extravaganzia continued: Parador de Alarcon

Not the biggest parador…but certainly being established in the 11th century makes it one of the oldest. Driving in, left side, bottom, and curving up to the parking lot behind, you walk through an iron portcullis to the inside of … Continue reading

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Scene II: Cyprus

We’re on our way down from New Helvetia Hotel and the marvelous hills and mountains surrounding. Rough and stoney but drivable roads, with no traffic. The Zambartas winery was both beautiful and their “tasting room” delicious. Please notice the background … Continue reading

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Tomar, Portugal : A magnificent Old Town

When we arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, we had to walk the airport to unkink our legs. We have now accumulated enough Delta Miles to fly first–class, half money and half earned miles (But not in time for this trip). Reason: … Continue reading

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5th in the Parador Series

There have been a number of people who have requested more information about the Paradors in Spain. And, which was my favorite. (This one, the history is fascinating.) It was difficult to find pictures of the Hanging Houses in Cuenca, … Continue reading

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