tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72530094243165860302024-03-12T20:36:05.961-07:00Trekcapri's BlogA Pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago and in Life!Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.comBlogger858125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-92193644338715856442022-11-26T11:13:00.002-08:002022-11-26T11:13:26.399-08:00I'm Back . . . <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After a long hiatus, I'm inspired to start blogging again! So much has happened since my last blog post on May 27, 2019.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Covid-19 halted traveling anywhere in 2020 & 2021</li><li>Bulgaria & Paris Travel Adventures April 2022</li><li>Sicily & Amalfi Coast Travel Adventures scheduled for April-May 2023</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewXiTODX_RAXB0I15KCNxCigpX0UUfVop2ODTAzYkrSFkCXTUVGXneELjRrByIhXvCmH59tGphbb204Pvb5blzQ1rbHqbKaCNDZuZ5ihHErzSJaFtdMqK_qXgHMVq1S1tC6QihvweQQxkoRT_Fj31wHiaUsEwrBSsD1cY2o4B9jsK7jzMf8v7ap67/s1056/WHERE%20TO%20NEXT%20REV%2011-24-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewXiTODX_RAXB0I15KCNxCigpX0UUfVop2ODTAzYkrSFkCXTUVGXneELjRrByIhXvCmH59tGphbb204Pvb5blzQ1rbHqbKaCNDZuZ5ihHErzSJaFtdMqK_qXgHMVq1S1tC6QihvweQQxkoRT_Fj31wHiaUsEwrBSsD1cY2o4B9jsK7jzMf8v7ap67/w400-h309/WHERE%20TO%20NEXT%20REV%2011-24-23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've stopped posting on Facebook after I became disappointed in their inability to police and stop the proliferation of harmful disinformation. Most of my travel and random posts have been on Instagram, Instagram Stories and YouTube. But their social media platform are best mainly for posting photos and videos. Blogging provides more flexibility in journaling my thoughts and experiences. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition to being a creative outlet for me, blogging is also a great way to document my trip planning and link resources, which I can use for future travel. But most importantly, Blogging is a fun way to relive my travel experiences. </div><p></p>Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08514234232496935308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-25509165602042004102019-05-27T21:29:00.003-07:002019-05-27T21:29:47.260-07:00Trekcapri's 2019 Portugal & Spain Travel Adventures Begins . . . <br />
I'm so excited to travel to Portugal and Spain. This will be my second time to Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, Obidos and Fatima) and my third visit to Spain (Sevilla). I'll be traveling with my sister and brother in law and will be traveling with some travel friends who we met in 2017 while on Shannon's GrapeHops Croatia Tour. Other friends are flying to meet us in Lisbon from Germany and we will be having a cool travel get-together with them.<br />
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And so here is my traditional Trip Announcement video. I'll be doing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrekcapriTravels/notifications/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trekcapri/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Posts rather than blogs:<br />
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-47830309387103783342019-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:002019-05-12T00:00:07.643-07:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each day I count my blessings for the love and inspiration my mother gave me growing up. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her kindness and generosity. I miss her. <br />
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Happy Mother's Day mom! </div>
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Wishing everyone a very <b><span style="color: blue;">H</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: #990000;">p</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">p</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span> <span style="color: #351c75;">M</span><span style="color: magenta;">o</span><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">h</span><span style="color: magenta;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">r</span>'<span style="color: #bf9000;">s</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">D</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span></b>!Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-24312989899208938062018-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:002018-06-17T00:00:13.004-07:00Happy Father's Day My Dad immigrated to Hawaii with barely anything in his pocket. But he was a very hard worker and held two jobs, working 7 days a week for many years so he could provide for his family. We were financially challenged most of our childhood, but as soon as we were able to afford it, our family enjoyed taking trips together. Our vacation time was always a very special time for all of us.<br />
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Here is a photo of me and my dad on a family trip to the Big Island.<br />
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I'll always remember my Dad with great fondness, respect and love for all that he sacrificed to make our life better. Thank you so much Dad!<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">H</span><span style="color: blue;">a</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">p</span><span style="color: #351c75;">p</span><span style="color: #38761d;">y</span> <span style="color: blue;">F</span><span style="color: #351c75;">a</span><span style="color: magenta;">t</span><span style="color: #990000;">h</span><span style="color: #20124d;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">r</span>'<span style="color: #741b47;">s</span> <span style="color: blue;">D</span><span style="color: #660000;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span></b>!</div>
Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-62470065067644832382018-05-21T08:25:00.000-07:002019-12-24T09:34:14.058-08:00Tokyo Adventures: Using the Tokyo Subway Metro System<div style="text-align: center;">
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Although I'm not new to using public transportation during my travels, I felt a bit of anxiety when looking at Tokyo's subway map. The <a href="https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/" target="_blank">Tokyo Metro Subway</a> is an extensive system run by several different companies. The cost of a ticket will depend on your departure and arrival stations and also if you will need to transfer from one line to another. According to their website:<br />
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<li>The alphabet letter represents the subway line name. </li>
<li>In the subway route map, the station number is shown according to the subway line.</li>
<li>Station numbers are circled with a color that represents the subway line. </li>
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After doing much research, I've decided that purchasing a <a href="http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html#suicaMap">Suica Card</a> would be our best option. This is a prepaid smart card that will allow us to use most public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail) in Japan. The card is debited for every trip when we touch the card (upon entering and exiting) to the reader This will save us a lot of time in trying to figure out the cost of our metro rides each time we use it.<br />
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There is a 500 yen (about $4.50 US) deposit to purchase this card which is good for use on the different metro lines. When our balance runs low we can add more funds at designated machines that can be found at major JR East stations. The Suica card can also be used at vending machines, for on board train purchases and at some designated convenient stores and restaurants.<br />
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How To Get to and from Narita Airport and Tokyo: There are different options (ie., Train, Limousine Bus, City Bus) for getting from Narita Airport to central Tokyo Station.<br />
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After my research, it seems like we can take the Narita Express train (53 minutes) to Tokyo Station at a cost of approximately 3,000 yen ($27). From Tokyo Station we can use the Metro Subway to get to our hotel.<br />
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Helpful Apps - Along with Google Maps, I've downloaded a few new apps that will help us to get around using the Tokyo Subway System.<br />
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<b>Google Maps </b>- I have created a Google Map for my trip which I have already included my lodging, must see sights, popular restaurants and shopping spots. This will help us to find our must see sights while exploring around Tokyo. This app can also be used to provide directions on how to get around using the metro system, but providing the name and location of the metro stops and the name of the metro lines I will be using as well as the approximate times for how long it will take us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_w0lyMze6G3k1UDsTuNZesKtVvI2IhzTTlafux_DvFKS9TnFodctEhhERpIPklVsEQRaYZpKo9_cikGU4ZZ-xAhT48UdUm1TsoGp7q7EV26GvJ4yJbbVZPCbgPVAWsobKZzVgu5d-ADk/s1600/GOOGLE+MAP+DIRECTIONS+EXAMPLE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_w0lyMze6G3k1UDsTuNZesKtVvI2IhzTTlafux_DvFKS9TnFodctEhhERpIPklVsEQRaYZpKo9_cikGU4ZZ-xAhT48UdUm1TsoGp7q7EV26GvJ4yJbbVZPCbgPVAWsobKZzVgu5d-ADk/s400/GOOGLE+MAP+DIRECTIONS+EXAMPLE.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/tips/app/index.html" target="_blank">Tokyo Metro App</a><br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/japan-travel-route-map-jr/id686373726?mt=8" target="_blank">NaviTime App</a><br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rome2rio-get-from-a-to-b/id569793256?mt=8" target="_blank"><b>Rome to Rio App</b></a><br />
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It's been a great learning experience writing my pre-trip blog posts and with all my airline tickets, lodging and day trip tours confirmed I think the only thing left to do is relax. I think this is the earliest I've completed my trip preparations and plans. I guess this happens when one is retired. Now all I have to do is relax and have a great summer until I leave for my trip<br />
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Or . . . I could start planning my 2019 plans. Ha Ha.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html#suicaMap">JR East Japan Railway Compa</a><a href="http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html#suicaMap">ny</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html">JR East Japan Railway Company N'EX (Narita Express) Information</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tokyo Metro Subway </span></a></div>
Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-68840029982431609492018-05-20T09:23:00.000-07:002018-06-27T13:31:12.606-07:00Tokyo Adventures: But I don't eat Raw FishAlthough I do not eat raw fish, I'm a huge fan of Japanese cuisine and I'm looking forward to sampling many dishes (new and familiar) while visiting Tokyo. In preparation for my trip, I've been doing research on what to eat, where to eat and what I need to know about the different food and about the types of restaurants in Tokyo. Some popular dishes include:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp Tempura with dipping sauce.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Tempura</b> is a dish with pieces of lightly battered, deep fried seafood and/or vegetables that is typically served on top of rice or noodles. Toppings may include: Ebi (Shrimp/Prawn), Sakana (White Fish), Nasu (Egglplant), Knoko (Mushrooms), Kabocha (Pumpkin), Satsumaimo (Sweet Potato), Kakiage (mixed vegetables). Specialized restaurants that serve tempura are called Tempura-ya.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yakitori (Chicken)</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: 16.7px;">Yakitori </b><span style="font-size: 16.7px;">is a dish consisting of chicken skewered and then slowly grilled over charcoal fire and lathered in tare (a sweet soy sauce and mirin mix). They are a meal in and of itself, but you will also find them as finger food being served in a izakaya or yatai. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Chicken Katsu</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: 16.7px;">Chicken Katsu </b><span style="font-size: 16.7px;">(Tonkatsu for pork) is a popular dish which </span><span style="font-size: 16.7px;">consists of breaded and deep fried pieces of chicken drizzled with sauce (made up of ketchup, worcestershire and soy sauce) and served with rice, miso soup and</span><span style="font-size: 16.7px;"> thinly sliced cabbage and pickles. Pickles or <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2349.html">Tsukemono</a> is traditionally served along side with miso soup for every meal. It appeared back in the days before refrigeration when pickling was used to preserve food. They are made of all kinds of vegetables such as Japanese radish (daikon), cucumber, eggplant, carrot, cabbage, ginger, shallots and plum. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.7px;"> </span> <span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Soba </b>is a noodle dish that can be found throughout the city. They are long and thin (much like spaghetti) and made of buckwheat flour. Soba can be enjoyed, hot or cold, with or without soup. The most popular ways to eat soba is chilled in a traditional bamboo basket with a flavored dipping sauce (zaru soba or seiro soba) and various toppings. It can also be eaten as a hot noodle dish in broth known as kake soba. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Udon</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: 16.7px;">Udon</b><span style="font-size: 16.7px;"> are thicker Japanese noodles made of wheat flour that are served either hot or cold with various toppings such as fried tofu (kitsune udon), tempura (tempura udon) and mountain vegetables (sansei udon). </span><span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Ramen </b>is a very popular dish with Chinese style noodles in a soup with various toppings. Ramen is one of many popular dishes that were originally introduced from China. </span><b style="font-size: 16.7px;">Somen </b><span style="font-size: 16.7px;">are thin noodles made of wheat four like Udon and Soba. Somen can be eaten cold and are considered a summer specialty. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okonomiyaki</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/r/e100.html" target="_blank">Okonomiyaki</a> </b>is a popular pan fried food that consists of batter and cabbage. Toppings may include a variety of ingredients (ie., meat, seafood, wasabi, cheese). <b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><a href="https://matcha-jp.com/en/865" target="_blank"><b>Monjayaki</b></a> (a kind of runny pancake dish similar to Okonomiyaki) include ingredients that are finely cut, mixed into a batter of flour and water, then cooked on a hot-plate at a high heat until ready to eat right off the grill. In the neighborhood of <b><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3015.html" target="_blank">Tsukshima</a> </b>(a man made island) located across the channel from the Tsukiji Fish Market, there are a number of restaurants serving this monjayaki dish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Takoyaki </b>is a popular octopus dish. It is prepared using a special Takoyaki pan where a flour and egg based batter is cooked with a filling of octopus slices, picked ginger and green onion. It is served with a Takoyaki sauce and topped with mayonnaise, green laver (anonori) and dried bonito (Katsubushi). I'm not a huge fan of octopus but if my sister and BIL orders this dish I might ask for a sample taste. </span><br />
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<b style="font-size: 16.7px;">Chanko Nabe </b><span style="font-size: 16.7px;">is a Nabe (hot pot) dish which is popular in winter months. Chanko Nabe is also the traditional staple diet of sumo wrestlers and come in many varieties. They can be found in specialty chanko nabe restaurants found around Ryogoku, the sumo district in Tokyo. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Wagashi </b>are traditional Japanese sweets. The most common ingredient used is sweet asuki bean paste and is accompanied with a nice hot cup of green tea. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Sushi</b> refers to any dish that contains sushi rice (i.e., cooked white rice flavored with seasoned rice vinegar). The various kinds include: nigirzushi (hand formed sushi), makizushi (rolled sushi), and chirashi (sushi rice topped with raw fish). I like sushi (like Inari), but I don't eat the ones topped with raw fish. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Sashimi </b>is raw seafood which is accompanied with soy sauce and wasabi. Sadly, I have never been a fan of Sashimi and won't be eating it on this trip. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><b>Yakizakan</b> is grilled fish like mackerel (saba), salmon (sake), mackerel pike (sanma), horse mackerel (aji), okhotsk atka mackerel (hokke), sea bream (tai) and sweet fish (ayu). </span><br />
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</u></b></span> <span style="font-size: 16.7px;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Places to eat are categorized as follows:</u> There are apparently great eats that can be found in Shinjuku, Yurakucho and Asakusa. In <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html"><b>Shinjuku</b></a> (Omoide Yokocho) there are small alleyways known as Piss Alley that are filled with tiny eateries serving yakitori, ramen, soba or kushiyaki. <b><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3072.html">Yurakucho</a> </b>is a lively area which can be found nestled beneath the train tracks around Yurakucho Station, known as Yurakucho Gado Shita (Below the guardrail) or Yakitori Street. <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html"><b>Asakusa</b></a> is a 80 meter long street lined with izakaya. There are specialized Japanese Restaurants that specialize in just one type of food (i.e., Sushi-ya, Soba-ya, Ramen-ya, Tempura-ya, etc.). And there are also general types that offer a broader range of dishes. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">Izakaya </span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: inherit;">- Casual drinking pub like places (similar to tapas bars) that serve small dishes like yakitori and other finger foods. They can be found around train stations and shopping areas with dishes shared family style rather than individually. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">Famiresu </span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: inherit;">are casual family like restaurants such as Gusto, Royal Saizeria and Joyful. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">Shokudo</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: inherit;"> are casual restaurants that are small and serve food such as soba, udon, donburi and curry. They can be found near popular tourist sites. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">Teishoku-y</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: inherit;"> are restaurants that serve set menus that consists of a main dish like meat or fish, a bowl of rice, pickles and miso soup. They are found in business areas and are popular lunch spots. <b>Ya</b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">tai</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> are food stalls with outdoor seating. They can be found along busy streets.</span><br />
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Cheap meals can also be found in supermarkets, specialty restaurants and convenience stores (ie., <a href="http://www.sej.co.jp/in/en.html" target="_blank">7-Eleven</a> stores). Bentos are single portion take out meals that is served in a box container. They consist of small portions of meat, vegetables, fish or pickles with rice and can come in both hot and cold varieties. They are favorites sold at train stations (ekiben) and airports (soraben).<br />
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And let's not forget the street food places to sample.<br />
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Since there are so many restaurants to keep track of on my google map, I have downloaded the <b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gurunavi-japan-restaurant-guide/id430795962?mt=8" target="_blank">GuruNavi</a> </b>App to help find nearby recommended places to eat when we are out and about exploring Tokyo.<br />
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Next up . . . . Getting Around Tokyo (How to Use the Subway Metro System).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Resources: </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2035.html" style="font-size: small;">Popular Dishes</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> by Japan Guide.com / </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2036.html" style="font-size: small;">Restaurants</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> by Japan Guide.com / </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2040.html" style="font-size: small;">Dining Out</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> by Japan Guide.com / </span><a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/2014/06/10-sensational-stops-for-japanese-food-ramen-udon-sushi-in-shinjuku-tokyo.html" style="font-size: small;">10 Sensational Stops for Japanese Food in Shinjuku, Tokyo</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> by Serious Eats</span></blockquote>
Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-20594195143946225362018-05-18T10:37:00.000-07:002018-05-18T10:37:08.300-07:00Tokyo Adventures: The Land of the Rising Sun<div style="text-align: left;">
Japan is referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun." But what does that mean? Here's an interesting video to explain it.</div>
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Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. There's even a sacred pilgrimage called Kumano Kodo (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumano_Kod%C5%8D"><b>Wikipedia</b></a>) which like the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage routes is designated a world heritage site.<br />
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On this first trip, I'll focus my travels inTokyo with daytrips to nearby surrounding areas to include Mount Fuji and Ashi Lake, Kamakura and Nikko. I wanted to also visit Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, etc., but logistically it would be too rushed. Hopefully, I'll be able to return again one day.<br />
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Tokyo, Japan has been on my must see list for countries in Asia that I have wanted to visit with others to include Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. When my two nieces recently won a trip to Japan for placing 3rd overall in a dance competition my sis convinced me to visit Japan with them, thereby postponing my second Camino Portuguese which I had originally planned to do this year. <br />
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Japan has many things that appeals to me as a traveler. There are beautiful parks, ancient shrines and temples, amazing natural beauty, fascinating history, a tradition-rich culture, delicious cuisine and from what I have heard from friends who have visited, the most respectful, gracious, polite and helpful people they have ever encountered while traveling. In Tokyo, their transportation system is efficient and the locals keep their city exceptionally clean. And although it is a busy urban city with 9.2 million people in their <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_wards_of_Tokyo" target="_blank"><b>23 special wards</b></a>, Tokyo is considered to be a very safe place to visit. <br />
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Within these special wards there are many interesting districts that will be fun to explore. Here are a few places and things on my must see list:<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3005.html" target="_blank"><b>Ginza</b> </a>is a shopping and entertainment district filled with upscale department stores, art galleries and fine dining restaurants.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html" target="_blank"><b>Shinjuku</b> </a> is home to the busiest railway station and where tall skyscrapers and Metropolitan Government offices (ie., there is a free observation deck in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building) can be found. On the east side of Shinjuku station there is a lively night life in pedestrian streets that include <span style="color: #cc0000;">Kabukicho</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Omoide Yokocho</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Golden Gai</span>. Finally, <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_001.html"><b>Shinjuku Gyoen</b></a> is a large park located only a 10 minute walk away from Shinjuku station. <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html"><b>Meiji Shrine</b> </a> is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is located adjacent to the popular <b><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html">Harajuku</a>. </b>Make sure to walk down akeshita Dori (Takenshita Street) which is a narrow 400 meter long street lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food shops. Nearby is one of Tokyo's largest parks,<b> </b><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_002.html"><b>Yoyogi Park</b></a> which features wide lawns, ponds and forested areas.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html" target="_blank"><b>Asakusa</b> </a>is reminiscent of the traditional Edo (the former name of Tokyo) and is the location of the famous <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html"><b>Senso-ji Temple</b> </a>. One of the many colorful and popular temples, the Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon (goddess of mercy) out of the Sumida River, and although they put the statue back into the river, it always returned. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess. Leading up to the Temple is Kaminarimoon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street. Crossing Nakamise Street is Dempoin Street and west of it is Hoppy Street (lined with food shops).<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html" target="_blank">Shibuya</a></b> is famous for its busy shopping district filled with department stores. It is considered the center of fashion, nightlife and youth culture. It is also the location of the famous <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html"><b>Shibuya crossing</b></a> where up to 3,000 pedestrians are known to cross with each light change. <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html" target="_blank"><b>Akihabara</b></a> (Akiba) is a dense retail area in central Tokyo that is filled with several major electronics stores, specialty stores and large discount stores such as <a href="https://planetyze.com/en/japan/tokyo/don-quijote-akihabara" target="_blank"><b>Don Quijote</b> </a>(a kind of dollar tree store on steroids), game centers and themed cafes like the Gundam (ie., a Japanese animation series about giant robot mobile suites piloted by humans), Maid and Cat Cafes. On Sundays, the main boulevard (Chuo Dori) is closed for pedestrians. There are alleys that branch off from this main thoroughfare that is also worth exploring.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ueno"><b>Ueno</b></a> is known for its beautiful parks (<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3019.html" target="_blank"><b>Ueno Park</b></a>) and cultural institutions. In the spring time, it is a popular spot for its view of cherry blossoms. There are also several notable shrines like Kaneiji Temple, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, Toshogu Shrine and Bentendo. </div>
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Here are a few other specific sites in Tokyo that are on my list of places to see.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3017.html" target="_blank"><b>Imperial Palace</b></a> is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and is located on the former site of Edo Castle. It is surrounded by moats and stone walls in the center of Tokyo. From the Kokyo Gaien (large plaza in front of the Palace), there are views of the Nijubashi (two bridges). <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3018.html" target="_blank"><b>Imperial Palace East Gardens</b></a> are part of the inner palace area and open to the public. The foundation of the former castle tower can be found on a wide lawn area and at the foot of the hill there is the Ninomaru Japanese Garden.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html" target="_blank"><b>Tsujkiji Market</b></a> - A famous open wholesale market for fish, fruit and vegetables. In the outer market, there are numerous food stalls and small retail shops.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3057.html"><b>Observation Deck Views</b></a> are located in a few notable high rise buildings around Tokyo. Among the most popular are the <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3064.html"><b>Tokyo Skytree</b>,</a> Mari Tower and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.<br />
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I also hope to do 2-3 day trips during my visit for a change of pace and a different experience from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2172.html" target="_blank"><b>Mt. Fuji</b> </a>(Hakkone) is Japan's highest mountain. Standing at 3776 meters high, it remains an active volcano which on clear days can be seen from Tokyo. We are booked for a tour that will take us up to the 5th Station on the southern slope of Mt. Fuji and will include a cruise on Ashi Lake and a journey to the top of Mt. Komagatake. <br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2166.html" target="_blank"><b>Kamakura</b> </a>is a small town (sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan) located less than an hour south of Tokyo. There are numerous temples (ie., Great Buddha) and shrines (Kotoku-in and Hokoku-ji Temple, famous for its bamboo grove) which I would like to see.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html" target="_blank"><b>Nikko</b></a> is a town at the entrance of Nikko National Park and the location of several beautiful shrines like the <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3801.html" target="_blank"><b>Toshogu Shrine</b></a>.<br />
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I am looking forward to my visit and finally getting a small taste of Asia. I'll travel west to Hawaii first and then onward to Tokyo Japan for 11 days. On my way home, I'll spend a few extra days in Hawaii for some beach and Mai Tai time before returning back home to California.<br />
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Next up . . . Japanese Cuisine and Getting Around Tokyo (Using the Metro Subway System).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Resources: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_wards_of_Tokyo">Special Wards of Tokyo</a> (Wikipedia), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Imperial_Palace">Tokyo Imperial Palace</a> (Wikipedia), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3017.html">Imperial Palace </a>(Japan Guide.com), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3018.html">Imperial Palace East Gardens</a> (Japan Guide.com), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html">Sensoji Buddhist Temple</a> (Japan Guide.com), <a href="https://planetyze.com/en/japan/tokyo/don-quijote-akihabara">Don Quijote</a> (Planetyze), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2172.html">Mount Fuji</a> (Japan Guide.com), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2166.html">Kamakura</a> (Japan Guide.com), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3100.html">Kamakura Big Buddha</a> (Japan Guide.com), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html">Nikko</a> (Japan Guide.com), T<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3801.html">oshogu Shrine</a> (Japan Guide.com), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ueno">Ueno</a> (Wikipedia), <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3057.html">Observation Deck Views</a> (Japan Guide.com)</span></blockquote>
Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-18074261550817765162018-05-17T10:07:00.000-07:002018-05-17T10:17:44.468-07:00My latest obsession. Should I? Lately, I have been obsessively following a thru hiker who is currently hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5W6cSvPHVE-ETqr94B1_tQ">Sara </a>who I have been following for a while now has done several Camino de Santiago Routes, the Appalachian Trail and the Annapurna Circut in Nepal to name a few. I am enjoying the videos she's posting about her experiences. She's often seen with another fellow hiker (trail name "Squish") who is posting some beautiful photos on his Instagram. They are currently entering the Sierra mountains portion of the PCT which will be fun to follow along. Check out S<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5W6cSvPHVE-ETqr94B1_tQ">ara's Youtube Channel</a> and Squish's Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/trailingadventures/?hl=en">Trailing Adventures</a>) for cool videos and photos.<br />
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She is so upbeat, it makes me feel like I wouldn't mind sampling a "taste" of doing a section of the PCT. After all, I have done "some" camping and "some hiking". ☺<br />
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And then I watched this YouTube video on the World's Worst Backpacker on the PCT which I found pretty funny but also profoundly important in a "life lessons" kind of way.<br />
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For anyone who knows me I can get overly ambitious about things I obsess over and when I do I can disregard any logical reasoning that tells me not to do it. <br />
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- I remember when I wanted to train and run a marathon when I had not even run a mile in my life. I trained for 9 months, cried when I crossed the finish line and couldn't walk without pain for a week after but I finished it in under 6 hours (which was my goal).<br />
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- I wanted to hike up the Yosemite Half Dome and although I didn't cry on this adventure, I did manage to lose a toe nail. But I did make it up the cables and to the top. <br />
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- I walked the Camino de Santiago Frances Route. I cried on Day 4 and had to skip a couple of stages but I made it to Santiago de Compostela with not one blister.<br />
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Now I wasn't born with a naturally fit body. And even after months of training, it was still incredibly challenging doing my adventures. In his video, the backpacker identified an important mantra of the PCT hiker called the "Everything is a Blessing" mantra. I found this amusing because I had the very same existential experience while doing the Camino de Santiago (Frances Route) in 2016. After realizing that I was not going to be that hardcore pilgrim who could walk 20 miles a day with their full pack and reaching Santiago de Compostela in 30 days or less, I accepted my situation and began to savor my experience more. Rather than stressing about the difficulty of this long distance walk (which I was not prepared for), I decided to embrace the incredible journey that I was on and that everything that I was experiencing was a blessing.<br />
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Now, I've had some experience camping. I've slept on a boat in a thunder storm and survived, rolled down a hill at Shasta Lake in my sleeping bag because I was fidgeting so much in the freezing cold temperature at night. I even crashed into a bear at our campsite at Yosemite National Park. Now, I have no intention of ever doing the entire PCT, but I wouldn't mind doing a section. However, since I'm afraid of bears and rattle snakes, should I even try. <br />
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Sometimes I feel like I'm back on that Switchback climb up to Yosemite, contemplating my next steps. Now, I'm not particularly afraid of heights, but this section scared me, because I felt like there was nothing to grab onto in case I slipped. But isn't that life. Sometimes we don't know what our next steps will be like or the footing we will have when moving forward.<br />
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Even though the Worst Backpacker guy didn't complete the PCT, he will have no regrets in his life. We shouldn't be afraid of failure in our lives because whether we succeed or fail, what is most important is that we try to live our life to the fullest. I'm not sure what my next adventure will be, but whatever it is I will look upon the experiences as a blessing. <br />
<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-51257408368853648092018-05-13T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-13T00:00:08.850-07:00Happy Mother's Day While decluttering my closet I stumbled upon a box of old photos and a blank manila envelope. Inside of the envelope I found several old greeting cards that I had saved from many years ago. I opened them and discovered they were all from my mother.<br />
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Although I left home when I was 19 to go to college and later moved to work in Los Angeles, my mom and I remained very close. She was the rock, the glue, the spark plug and the foundation for all the love and support that our family was so lucky to have. She passed away way too young and it has been very hard not to have her physically in my life.<br />
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My eyes welled up as I read each card and in everyone of them she always made sure to tell me how much she missed me, how much she supported me and my dreams and most important, she always let me know how much I was loved by her and my dad. I miss her.<br />
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Although I can no longer hear her say these beautiful words, I definitely feel her love as much today as I did back then. Thank you so much for your love and support Mom. It has definitely shaped me to be the person I am today and the person I hope to continue to be each and everyday. I love you.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">H</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: #990000;">p</span><span style="color: #274e13;">p</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">y</span> <span style="color: blue;">M</span><span style="color: red;">o</span><span style="color: lime;">t</span><span style="color: #4c1130;">h</span><span style="color: blue;">e</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">r</span>'<span style="color: #351c75;">s</span> <span style="color: red;">D</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span>!</b> </span></div>
<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-83432342311588760312018-05-08T08:01:00.000-07:002018-05-08T08:02:27.422-07:00Remember Me?It's been a while since I've actively posted about my travel adventures here on this blog, because I've been posting them live on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrekcapriTravels/" target="_blank">Trekcapri's Travel Adventures Facebook Page</a>. While I like my Travel Facebook page, it doesn't offer the features to categorize and insert more than one link in a post.<br />
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I find my Trekcapri Blog here to be a better and easier platform to post trip plans and memorializing my travel adventures. I've updated my Google map to include my 2016 Camino de Santiago, my 2017 trips to Italy, Croatia (GrapeHops Tours) and Hawaii (after a five year absence).<br />
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This July will be my second year retirement anniversary and time has really flown by. I am loving this new life chapter and have no problems keeping busy and finding new projects, which I'll post about here.<br />
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So where to next? This year (September), I'm going to Japan for the first time which I'm very excited about. In 2019, I hope to do my second Camino walking the Portuguese Central Route to be followed with a third Camino in 2020 to walk the Northern Route. I usually take just one international trip a year, but I am thinking about taking a second international trip in 2019.<br />
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I'll also do some posts about my past trips to Spain (Barcelona and my Camino), Italy, Croatia and Hawaii.<br />
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Here's my updated my Google Map. Hopefully, I can add more blue markers.<br />
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<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-75594316417881133592017-09-15T11:47:00.000-07:002018-05-07T13:57:38.259-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's time for another Trekcapri Travel Adventure. This time, I'm hanging up my trekking poles from my Camino de Santiago last year and heading to someplace familiar and new. </div>
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I'm visiting Croatia for the first time with a small group tour called <a href="https://grapehops.com/" target="_blank">GrapeHops</a> Tours with Shannon who I met through the SlowTalk/Slow Europe travel community. I'm especially excited that my sister (and brother-in-law) will be visting Europe with me for the first time. </div>
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We'll stop in Venice (my favorite city other than Santiago de Compostela and Pamplona, Spain) before heading over to Croatia. Next we return to Italy for stops in Rome, Siena and ending in Florence before returning home. </div>
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And I'm also pretty excited to see New York after nearly 20 years. We'll spend a couple of days before heading to Italy and spending a day on the return home. </div>
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I can almost taste the Prosecco and Italian Pizza already! Ciaó </div>
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-54837830483749805542017-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-07T17:14:45.840-07:00Happy Father's Day!Last year while walking the Camino de Santiago, I hit a few low points and struggled a bit. But in those low moments, I picked myself up and kept on walking.<br />
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One of the values that I learned from both my mother and father was the ability to overcome the many challenges in my life. This really helped me on my Camino. This was I photo I took the morning of the last stage on my Camino. It was raining a bit when I first started out, but soon the clouds broke and I could see the sunlight breaking through. It was a very memorable and fitting last day of my pilgrimage walk.<br />
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Thank you Dad for the many valuable things that you taught me. Love you always, <b><span style="color: blue;">H</span><span style="color: red;">a</span><span style="color: magenta;">p</span><span style="color: orange;">p</span><span style="color: #274e13;">y</span> <span style="color: #20124d;">F</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: #990000;">t</span><span style="color: #741b47;">h</span><span style="color: #990000;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">r</span>'<span style="color: #741b47;">s</span> <span style="color: blue;">D</span><span style="color: #660000;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">y!</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">H</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">a</span><span style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;">p</span><span style="color: orange; font-weight: bold;">p</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-weight: bold;">y</span><b> </b><span style="color: #20124d; font-weight: bold;">F</span><span style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;">a</span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">t</span><span style="color: #741b47; font-weight: bold;">h</span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">e</span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">r</span><b>'</b><span style="color: #741b47; font-weight: bold;">s</span><b> </b><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">D</span><span style="color: #660000; font-weight: bold;">a</span><b style="color: blue;">y </b>to Everyone!</div>
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-61384403571789679772017-06-03T10:43:00.001-07:002018-05-07T13:42:09.231-07:00Climate Change is Real! <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Climate change is real! I saw first hand clear signs of the danger the world is facing when I saw the receding Glaciers in Patagonia, Argentina. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although, America's so-called President has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Accord and continues to deny climate change, local US cities and states, individual private citizens, corporate America and the majority of world leaders remain committed and are in this fight together to save our planet for ourselves and for our future generations. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The world is fully aware that the United States of America President Donald Trump does <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">NOT</span> </b>represent the majority of Americans who remain in this fight to save our planet. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-75987813326945546232017-05-26T09:34:00.000-07:002018-05-07T13:58:49.758-07:00Someplace New & Someplace Familiar<div style="text-align: justify;">
My next travel adventure will take me to someplace new (Croatia) and someplace familiar (Italy). This trip will be extra special because it will be my sister's first trip to Europe. I have always wanted to show her why I love to travel to Europe and finally convinced her to take this trip with me. This will also be brother-in-law's first trip to Europe. It will be fun to be a part of their first experiences traveling to Europe. Of course for me every trip feels like the "first time"!</div>
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When I started planning this trip, I made sure that a visit to one of my most favorite cities in Europe, Venice, Italy is included in the itinerary. It will be our first stop on this trip! I can almost taste the gelato, pasta and prosecco already. 🍷</div>
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At night when all the hoards of day tripping tourists have left, the few of us who remain, can witness what truly makes Venice so unique and beautiful. </div>
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Countdown has begun. Stay tuned!<br />
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-80199460410960795982017-05-14T00:02:00.000-07:002017-05-14T00:02:00.821-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: red;">H</span><span style="color: blue;">a</span><span style="color: #351c75;">p</span><span style="color: #38761d;">p</span><span style="color: #20124d;">y</span> <span style="color: magenta;">M</span><span style="color: blue;">o</span><span style="color: orange;">t</span><span style="color: magenta;">h</span><span style="color: magenta;">e</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">r</span>'<span style="color: blue;">s</span> <span style="color: #073763;">D</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span></i><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="color: blue;">y</span></i><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></span></b><i>to the </i><i>best Mother any daughter could ever have</i>.<br />
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Last year I was so fortunate to have fulfilled a dream of mine to walk the Camino de Santiago. While on my Camino, I know that my mom was with me for each step of the way. On November 3, 2016 (after starting on September 21, 2016) I reached the town of Santiago de Compostela.</div>
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I am so thankful to my mom for instilling in me that I could achieve anything that I set my mind to doing. Thank you mom for always believing in me and for teaching and encouraging me to believe in myself and to always follow my dreams.</div>
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My mom was a strong, courageous, generous, kind, talented, and smart person. I do miss her, but I know that she is always with me.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Thinking of you every day and most especially on this very special day. </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;">H</span><span style="color: blue;">a</span><span style="color: #351c75;">p</span><span style="color: #38761d;">p</span><span style="color: #20124d;">y</span> <span style="color: magenta;">M</span><span style="color: blue;">o</span><span style="color: #741b47;">t</span><span style="color: #274e13;">h</span><span style="color: magenta;">e</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">r</span>'<span style="color: blue;">s</span> <span style="color: #073763;">D</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: #20124d;">y </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">M</span><span style="color: magenta;">o</span><span style="color: #351c75;">m</span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">! Love you always!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">H</span><span style="color: red;">a</span><span style="color: #38761d;">p</span><span style="color: #351c75;">p</span><span style="color: #274e13;">y</span> <span style="color: magenta;">M</span><span style="color: red;">o</span><span style="color: #20124d;">t</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">h</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: #4c1130;">r</span>'<span style="color: blue;">s</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">D</span><span style="color: blue;">a</span><span style="color: #741b47;">y</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">v</span><span style="color: magenta;">e</span><span style="color: #351c75;">r</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span>o<span style="color: red;">n</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span><span style="color: red;">!</span></span></b></div>
<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-61124287246297319582017-03-12T18:50:00.001-07:002018-05-07T17:15:03.559-07:00Where Have I Been . . . While I have not been very active here of late, I have been busily writing out my Camino de Santiago Trip Report and Journals. If you would like to read more of my Camino de Santiago, you can find my trip report on <a href="http://www.sloweurope.com/community/threads/walking-the-camino-de-santiago-by-trekcapri.1489/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Slow Europe</a><b style="font-size: x-large;">.</b> There I have also posted a thread (<a href="http://www.sloweurope.com/community/threads/walking-the-camino-de-santiago.1313/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Walking the Camino de Santiago</span></b></a>), which has some live posts while I was on my Camino.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/21r7JxVeays/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/21r7JxVeays?feature=player_embedded" width="520"></iframe></div>
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You can also find my Camino Journals on my other website <a href="http://www.trekcapri.com/camino-de-santiago-pilgrimages-2/camino-frances-2016/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>. The reason I am using this other site over my Blogger site is so I can include a slideshow in addition to a YouTube video and narrative of each walking stage. It also allows me to post links to PDF documents (ie., my Packing list, etc.).<br />
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While on my Camino it was much easier to post on Facebook so that's what I used to blog while walking. You can find my live postings on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrekcapriTravels/" target="_blank">Facebook Trekcapri's Travel Adventures Page</a>.<br />
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I hope to resume my postings here as soon as I complete my daily journals of my Camino de Santiago. What a wonderful life changing experience. I'm already planning to hopefully walk my second Camino in the very near future.<br />
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As you can see in this video, my most favorite part of my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage was meeting the extraordinary people (pilgrims and locals) along the way.<br />
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Buen Camino! The Dream Lives On . . .<br />
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<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-81867012332561204692016-12-05T05:00:00.004-08:002018-05-07T17:16:02.524-07:00Trekcapri's Camino de Santiago: I'm Back <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwodC0QfeQ/USrQouDKV-I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/3brbhaC9VVg/s1600/Camino+de+Santiago+Pilgrimage+Shell+Graphic+reduced+to+200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwodC0QfeQ/USrQouDKV-I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/3brbhaC9VVg/s1600/Camino+de+Santiago+Pilgrimage+Shell+Graphic+reduced+to+200.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a>I'm back from Spain and my Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. I had intended to blog while on my Camino, but time was very limited and I could only manage writing quick posts on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrekcapriTravels/" target="_blank">Trekcapri's Travel Adventures Facebook Page</a> and on <a href="http://www.sloweurope.com/community/threads/walking-the-camino-de-santiago-by-trekcapri.1489/" target="_blank">Slow Europe</a> which is a great travel resource that has a wonderful travel community forum. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwodC0QfeQ/USrQouDKV-I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/3brbhaC9VVg/s1600/Camino+de+Santiago+Pilgrimage+Shell+Graphic+reduced+to+200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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I have a lot to talk about and now that I am home I will try to post some of my thoughts and reviews for anyone who is interested in also walking the Camino de Santiago. <br />
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At the top of my things to talk about is a review (before & after) of my <a href="http://www.trekcapristraveladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/01-TREKCAPRIS-CAMINO-PACKING-LIST-COMPLETE.pdf" target="_blank">packing list</a>. This is a photo of my packing list contents "before" my Camino. I will write a review (maybe even do a video) of what I would change from this original list. First and foremost, I would leave about 40% of it at home and I would take a smaller backpack. :) </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Stay tuned.<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> B</span></span><b><span style="color: magenta;">u</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">n</span></b> <b><span style="color: orange;">C</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">m</span><span style="color: #351c75;">i</span><span style="color: magenta;">n</span><span style="color: red;">o</span></b>!<br />
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-68212580665877187872016-09-29T08:27:00.002-07:002018-05-07T17:11:25.691-07:00Trekcapri's Camino de Santiago: Hiking the Pyrenees Part I<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwodC0QfeQ/USrQouDKV-I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/3brbhaC9VVg/s1600/Camino+de+Santiago+Pilgrimage+Shell+Graphic+reduced+to+200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>It was a storybook start to fulfill a dream of mine to walk the Camino de Santiago. I arrived as planned (albeit over packed) in the small picturesque French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port, the start of the Camino Frances route. Met some lovely pilgrims on the way, arranged for my post Camino items and miscellaneous stuff to be transported on to Santiago de Compostela for me, had some good wine, a delicious meal and great company. It was just about perfect.<br />
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I had an extra day in SJPDP to help acclimate and on September 21, 2016, I took my first steps on the Camino. It was a beautiful clear day and even the 4-legged locals were out to greet me. I was feeling great.<br />
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This was the beginning of my steep and relentless up hill hike to Refugio Orisson. With every turn I kept expecting to see the Hostal or at least some flat terrain. It was not to be. There were more hills, some of which were steeper than the one you just climbed. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the mist of the pain and agony I couldn't help but to marvel at the beautiful landscape and my accomplishments. <b><i>I'm hiking the Pyrenees.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">The people who run the Albergue and the pilgrims I met were wonderful</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;"> and the view was just stunning. At night you can hear the cow bells outside our room (horses and sheep have</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;"> them too), and it helps me to overlook the snoring. It's all in the Camino experience they say whic</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">h I can appreciate, but I had probably 30 minutes of solid sleep the whole night. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I loved the communal dinner where we shared our names and where we are from. A young girl from Liverpool (who sounds like the Beatles, two girls from Ireland, a girl from Israel, a couple from Ireland, a girl from San Diego and a 72 year old woman from Sweden doing her 2nd Camino (my hero), a mother and son from Minnesota (originally from Hawaii)</span></div>
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The pilgrim's life is simple. You walk, you shower, you was your next day's clothes (in hopes that it dries), you share a very brief Post dinner chat and then you go to bed by 9:00 am. Breakfast is at 7:00 am to 7:30 am.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">T</span><span style="color: red;">h</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span> <span style="color: magenta;">D</span><span style="color: blue;">r</span><span style="color: orange;">e</span><span style="color: purple;">a</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">m</span> <span style="color: blue;">L</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">i</span><span style="color: purple;">v</span><span style="color: #274e13;">e</span><span style="color: #351c75;">s</span> <span style="color: magenta;">O</span><span style="color: blue;">n</span> <span style="color: magenta;">.</span> . <span style="color: #351c75;">.</span> </b> <span style="color: red;"><b>B</b></span><b><span style="color: magenta;">u</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">n</span></b> <b><span style="color: orange;">C</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">m</span><span style="color: #351c75;">i</span><span style="color: magenta;">n</span><span style="color: red;">o</span></b>!<br />
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-64418317633587724132016-09-16T22:00:00.000-07:002018-05-07T17:12:22.458-07:00Trekcapri's Camino de Santiago: Every Journey Begins With the First Step<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwodC0QfeQ/USrQouDKV-I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/3brbhaC9VVg/s1600/Camino+de+Santiago+Pilgrimage+Shell+Graphic+reduced+to+200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwodC0QfeQ/USrQouDKV-I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/3brbhaC9VVg/s1600/Camino+de+Santiago+Pilgrimage+Shell+Graphic+reduced+to+200.jpg" /></a>Tomorrow, I will embark on the Journey of a lifetime. What first started out as a "Dream" will soon become a reality. In the morning, I will leave my comfy bed, my car and my fast internet service here at home to walk an ancient pilgrimage called the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago" target="_blank">Camino de Santiago</a> (Wikipedia), also known as the Way of St. James. </div>
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I will start in the small French town of St. Jean Pied de Port at the foot of the Pyrenees. From there I will walk 790 kilometers (close to 500 miles) through four of Spain's 15 Regions to the town of Santiago de Compostela which is where the remains of Saint James is buried. </div>
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There are several other<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago_(route_descriptions)" target="_blank"> routes</a> for this spiritual pilgrimage, but I will be taking the most popular one called the Camino Frances (The French Way) as seen on the famous movie, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_(film)" target="_blank">The Way</a>, with Martin Sheen and Emilio Esteves. <br />
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I've been planning and preparing for my Camino for the last two years and I still don't feel prepared. Recently, I told a perfect stranger about my Camino when they asked if I had any travel plans. When I told them I'm excited, but that I don't feel prepared. This person shrugged that off and said that I'll do just fine, it sounds exciting. It's walking. You'll have a lot of fun. Just then I realized that in the mist of stressing over my preparations, I had forgotten what an amazing experience my Camino will be. I realized that I have done all that I can do to prepare and that worrying about what I can or cannot control was beginning to take away from the excitement and joy of looking forward to my journey. The Camino lesson in all of this is "<i><b>to let go, live in the present and enjoy each moment to the fullest</b></i>". <br />
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Some people are born with natural athletic abilities to make such a trip easy, just like some people are born with the natural talents to write classical symphonies. And then there are some who are not. It is true that I'm not the fittest nor the fastest and I can't come close to writing a classical symphony, so I'm not sure how I'll do or even if I will be able to finish. But what I do know is that I have always tried to live my life and will go beyond my fears to do so. What I lack in natural physical abilities, I feel like I can make up in other attributes like having a strong desire to live my dreams, my faith in God to help guide the way for me and my determination to not give up. Before I leave tomorrow, I wanted to contemplate on all the things I have going on in my mind and heart and what I hope to experience:<br />
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<li>my faith in God </li>
<li>my faith in myself</li>
<li>the support of my family and friends</li>
<li>my belief in the Camino pilgrimage and all the life lessons that it provides </li>
<li>spiritual/religious strengthening</li>
<li>the opportunity for self discovery</li>
<li>the opportunity to let go of some of the regret's in my life & to ask for forgiveness </li>
<li>the celebration of my new found freedom as a retired person after 41 years of being in the work force </li>
<li>my desire to full fill my dream of walking the 500 miles Camino de Santiago pilgrimage</li>
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Will I complete the 500 miles? I don't know. I will leave it in God's hands. All I know is that I would forever regret it if I didn't at least try. And with that perspective in mind I feel like I have already fulfilled my Camino de Santiago dreams by taking my first step on the Camino Frances Route in the small town of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port" target="_blank">St. Jean-Pied-de-Port</a>.<br />
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I plan on blogging and tweeting along the way and on some of my other social media sites. You can find the links to them by clicking on my <a href="http://trekcapri.blogspot.com/p/trekcapris-camino-de-santiago-journey.html" target="_blank">Camino de Santiago Page</a> located on the tab at the top of my blog or on the side bar. Follow along as I embark on writing my classical symphony entitled, "<i><b>Trekcapri's Camino de Santiago, A Journey of Reflections & Gratitude</b></i>." <br />
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I am definitely very thankful to have the opportunity to go on pilgrimage to walk the Camino de Santiago. And whether or not I complete it, I am very proud of myself for trying and for living my life. Before I go to bed, I'll say this little prayer and have faith that God will keep me safe, healthy (physically and spirituality) and inspired on this Camino journey.</div>
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<i>May the road rise up to meet you, </i></div>
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<i>May the wind be always at your back. </i></div>
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<i>May the sun shine warm upon your face.</i></div>
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<i>May the rain fall soft upon your fields. </i></div>
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<i>And until we meet again, </i></div>
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<i>may God hold you in the palm of his hand. </i></div>
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<i>May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son </i></div>
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<i>and Holy Spirit descend on you.</i></div>
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<i>~ Celtic Blessing</i></div>
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To keep myself motivated, I did this cool word art a while back. I love it. I will say these words to myself as I walk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgMxGHNHfsFS6uFF95lSEWYNR0mnBugW5lcSDu17kV9QgWoHIp3w55owEGXz89sYr_riEFCkbN1NWm5btVJYOssuZV1spEDgvEYpfr6r5ClKhFZortjOp9cOUalfQgV0WFC-K27Zj0GyX/s1600/WORD+ART+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgMxGHNHfsFS6uFF95lSEWYNR0mnBugW5lcSDu17kV9QgWoHIp3w55owEGXz89sYr_riEFCkbN1NWm5btVJYOssuZV1spEDgvEYpfr6r5ClKhFZortjOp9cOUalfQgV0WFC-K27Zj0GyX/s400/WORD+ART+04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And you know I had to do it. Here is my traditional trip announcement video for my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMoLhYD_94rt-1mNR_BTVp810gQb_pyKRZFfn3ClkQ3a8zzRemB_oOorsZ5eTNkWXCxzqSgeDGKtrFI8Qyi7EyE2DlV8G7Q2ryTa3U0a-wPIEZhw0osXd074s6cbee623o50fApy3xupk/s1600/CAMINO+LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMoLhYD_94rt-1mNR_BTVp810gQb_pyKRZFfn3ClkQ3a8zzRemB_oOorsZ5eTNkWXCxzqSgeDGKtrFI8Qyi7EyE2DlV8G7Q2ryTa3U0a-wPIEZhw0osXd074s6cbee623o50fApy3xupk/s200/CAMINO+LOGO.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">T</span><span style="color: red;">h</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span> <span style="color: magenta;">D</span><span style="color: blue;">r</span><span style="color: orange;">e</span><span style="color: purple;">a</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">m</span> <span style="color: blue;">L</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">i</span><span style="color: purple;">v</span><span style="color: #274e13;">e</span><span style="color: #351c75;">s</span> <span style="color: magenta;">O</span><span style="color: blue;">n</span> <span style="color: magenta;">.</span> . <span style="color: #351c75;">.</span> </b> <span style="color: red;"><b>B</b></span><b><span style="color: magenta;">u</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span><span style="color: blue;">n</span></b> <b><span style="color: orange;">C</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">m</span><span style="color: #351c75;">i</span><span style="color: magenta;">n</span><span style="color: red;">o</span></b>!</div>
Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-17703023850022632092016-08-24T08:48:00.002-07:002018-05-07T17:19:35.273-07:00Trekcapri's Camino de Santiago: A Journey of Reflections & Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have only 24 days more to go before I leave on my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. I have named this trip "A Journey of Reflections & Gratitude. My traditional Trip Announcment Video, will posted closer to my departure date. Meanwhile, here's a look at my newly created trip logo. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKNOopm_iSMNBJaAaj8tCXDloc8a6hWJEI83Ug65km2IFNHZNhhXnMq-3tyCvvAGGy8vdozhR5HE4lMA2RYglWW8RuF8jHGDOBqA-vIRl89b-Hqu-h6oOhhnJ0O0eCn-6lRV6x8HYh7VC/s1600/TREKCAPRI%2527S+CAMINO+DE+SANTIAGO+LOGO+TEMPLATE+REVISED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKNOopm_iSMNBJaAaj8tCXDloc8a6hWJEI83Ug65km2IFNHZNhhXnMq-3tyCvvAGGy8vdozhR5HE4lMA2RYglWW8RuF8jHGDOBqA-vIRl89b-Hqu-h6oOhhnJ0O0eCn-6lRV6x8HYh7VC/s400/TREKCAPRI%2527S+CAMINO+DE+SANTIAGO+LOGO+TEMPLATE+REVISED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Why do I deal with the dry dust in my mouth,</i></div>
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<i>the mud on my aching feet, </i></div>
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<i>the lashing rain and the glaring sun on my skin?</i></div>
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<i>Because of the beautiful towns?</i></div>
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<i>Because of the food?</i></div>
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<i>No. </i><i>Because I was summoned!</i></div>
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~ Anonymous Camino de Santiago Pilgrim </div>
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-28386782101949358282016-08-21T09:17:00.001-07:002018-05-07T17:16:36.514-07:00Trekcapri's Camino de Santiago: Bad Ass Pilgrim<div style="text-align: justify;">
On my 4th trip, I gasped for air and paused 5 steps from the top! The Redondo Beach stairs are used by many locals for their fitness training. I'm using them for my Camino Training. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfrAskWF9yAXlXvnot5WrBBgteXwNJA_qOodq-gc-JsE0RK6TSr1PLSdRADkx4bEYjVwFtWJR3sEt2g5eBD3J8vx8M7RBsD9XJ5QSWXMFQMh_dz9SgQjuEYN5dposDDhW9K0QmhhHrFZW/s1600/BAD+ASS+PILGRIM+08-20-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfrAskWF9yAXlXvnot5WrBBgteXwNJA_qOodq-gc-JsE0RK6TSr1PLSdRADkx4bEYjVwFtWJR3sEt2g5eBD3J8vx8M7RBsD9XJ5QSWXMFQMh_dz9SgQjuEYN5dposDDhW9K0QmhhHrFZW/s400/BAD+ASS+PILGRIM+08-20-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I finally reached the top, a girl who was watching me cheered "<i>Bad Ass</i>" and then lifted her hand to invite an encouraging high 5 with me. I laughed, thanked her and gave her a high 5! And so was born my favorite Camino Training phrase, <i>Bad Ass Pilgrim</i>! I enjoy staying inspired in a fun and kooky kind of way while training. :)</div>
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By the way I am now only 28 days until I leave for my Camino. Packing is still a work in progress and my training and trip preparations are ongoing.</div>
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<i>If you want to catch your dreams, </i></div>
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<i>you have to drop your fears.</i></div>
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<i>~ Anton Rubaclini</i></div>
<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-33810663094816433372016-07-05T19:46:00.002-07:002016-07-05T19:46:49.885-07:00Retirement Countdown: My New Fun List<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All my life I've created several life lists for myself. We've heard of these terms before . . . . My Bucket List, My Laundry List, My To Do List and My Must See list. As a retiree I think I’m going to create a FUN list to my list of lists. Ha Ha! Every Retiree should have one!</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My new "fun" list will also include some not so fun things like my declutter projects and selling more unused items on ebay. So why are these on my fun list . . . well because they are things I need to do and what makes them fun is I don’t have any deadlines to complete them and I can do them anytime I have time to do them, meaning I don’t have to squeeze them in on weekends when I’m not working. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My fun list will be unrestricted , constantly moving and evolving. They will come in all shapes and sizes and they will weave in and out and through my daily life with no rhyme, reason or structure. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4MPS62f3-lcXqyZrKAqU9lGn4R40wYMivbCYHk_2pUSrNOFQiZVAUk1horaPZNMTz2GxoPkvrds-k4H8DohxQzCQnuhBTwAwQBDxyS7SPFyqdwqf9SyIh23lHXZN0Et1AqFxVl2a-vN2/s1600/FUN+LIST.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4MPS62f3-lcXqyZrKAqU9lGn4R40wYMivbCYHk_2pUSrNOFQiZVAUk1horaPZNMTz2GxoPkvrds-k4H8DohxQzCQnuhBTwAwQBDxyS7SPFyqdwqf9SyIh23lHXZN0Et1AqFxVl2a-vN2/s400/FUN+LIST.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19.2px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There will be no time deadlines, no stress, no pressures, no set way of completing them and most important of all, doing them is get this . . .<span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; line-height: 19.2px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">o</span><span style="color: magenta;">p</span><span style="color: blue;">t</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">i</span><span style="color: #741b47;">o</span><span style="color: #990000;">n</span><span style="color: blue;">a</span><span style="color: #990000;">l</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19.2px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-38720034641333061162016-06-23T06:27:00.000-07:002016-06-23T06:31:54.086-07:00It's Official!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's official! I filed my retirement papers yesterday and as of July 23, 2016 I will be free! It's been a very long 32 years but it's time for a brand new chapter in my life and I can't wait! Whoo hoo!</div>
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And what would a big announcement from me be without one of my signature big announcement Videos! LOL</div>
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Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-35963820564046598212016-06-19T07:06:00.000-07:002016-06-19T07:06:54.963-07:00Happy Father's Day: On The Camino<div style="text-align: justify;">
The scallop shell is an important symbol of the Camino de Santiago. Legend has it that after Saint James' death, his disciples shipped his body to the Iberian Peninsula to be buried in what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. A heavy storm hit the ship and the body of Saint James was lost at sea. After a period of time, the body washed ashore undamaged and covered in scallop shells. </div>
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For the modern day pilgrims, the scallop shell is seen along the trails to help guide the way for pilgrims. It is also carried by pilgrims (typically tied on their backpacks) as a sign of their pilgrimage.The shell is seen as a metaphor for the camino pilgrimage where the grooves in the shell come together at a single point, representing the different routes pilgrims can take to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela.<br />
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Today, my heart goes out to a very special father, Mr. Larry Fagan. His daughter, Tammie Fagan is a former co-worker of mine and a good friend. With the help of his loving family he is battling cancer. My prayers and thoughts go out to Mr. Fagan on this Father's Day and to his family.<br />
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As I did on Mother's Day, I have added my Dad's name to my Camino shell. I don't know what my dad would've thought about me doing this pilgrimage. Like my mother, I think he would be supportive, smile and then tell me to just be careful. Love and miss them both!<br />
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I know how important prayers from others were to me when my parents were sick and I want to send some love and prayers to others who need them now as well. <br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">And I thought it would be cool to write the names of my sister and her family on my shell so I can take them along with me <i>on the Camino</i> all the way to Santiago de Compostela.</span><br />
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To my dad who is looking down from heaven, a very special <b><span style="color: blue;">H</span></b><span style="color: red;"><b>a</b></span><b><span style="color: #990000;">p</span><span style="color: magenta;">p</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span></b> <b><span style="color: blue;">F</span><span style="color: #660000;">a</span><span style="color: #990000;">t</span><span style="color: blue;">h</span><span style="color: #741b47;">e</span><span style="color: #20124d;">r</span></b>'<b><span style="color: red;">s</span></b> <b><span style="color: blue;">D</span><span style="color: red;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span></b>!<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">H</span><span style="color: blue;">a</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">p</span><span style="color: #4c1130;">p</span><span style="color: magenta;">y</span> <span style="color: red;">F</span><span style="color: blue;">a</span><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #990000;">h</span><span style="color: magenta;">e</span><span style="color: #20124d;">r</span>'<span style="color: #990000;">s</span> <span style="color: blue;">D</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: blue;">y</span> <span style="color: #20124d;">E</span><span style="color: #274e13;">v</span><span style="color: blue;">e</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">r</span><span style="color: #351c75;">y</span><span style="color: #990000;">o</span><span style="color: #783f04;">n</span><span style="color: blue;">e</span>.</b></div>
<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7253009424316586030.post-19128983465395492152016-05-08T01:00:00.000-07:002016-05-08T01:00:03.209-07:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Tj4G0fCx-WLgWdIyp1sFZgXrSsKrOOybyweK9RrPPuUqKeHu787rM26MBBYv_uL_n9vW0d7AVzrgstPlFOoi6XWZ9ycIsKBgj8dkXIBEAUb8P4hH0jlhojon5pB6VPfrachuHLCyvQ8u/s1600/MOMMY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Tj4G0fCx-WLgWdIyp1sFZgXrSsKrOOybyweK9RrPPuUqKeHu787rM26MBBYv_uL_n9vW0d7AVzrgstPlFOoi6XWZ9ycIsKBgj8dkXIBEAUb8P4hH0jlhojon5pB6VPfrachuHLCyvQ8u/s400/MOMMY.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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My mom had a beautiful smile and a big heart. She also had an adventurous spirit and I know that she would have approved of my Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. <br />
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Although I know that she'll be with me in spirit every step of the way as I make my way to Santiago de Compostela, I decided to also write her name on the back of my Camino shell. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg732IXaJnqILmLlBgFwil_ptKw80qla0W0C9LCRPMtpBAFZ4xR4RugwN-Q5JZKILNJu0jHLncQ4WPFWq3FgjxuaobcSeOrTij0WOBI96pjEcjzMy9l9Cql0TEzQoYEx3rlPaiPNTeExASq/s1600/2016+MOTHER%2527S+DAY+CAMINO+SHELL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg732IXaJnqILmLlBgFwil_ptKw80qla0W0C9LCRPMtpBAFZ4xR4RugwN-Q5JZKILNJu0jHLncQ4WPFWq3FgjxuaobcSeOrTij0WOBI96pjEcjzMy9l9Cql0TEzQoYEx3rlPaiPNTeExASq/s400/2016+MOTHER%2527S+DAY+CAMINO+SHELL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">H</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: #20124d;">p</span><span style="color: #38761d;">p</span><span style="color: red;">y</span></b><span style="color: lime;"> </span><b><span style="color: magenta;">M</span><span style="color: #4c1130;">o</span><span style="color: #20124d;">t</span><span style="color: red;">h</span><span style="color: #660000;">e</span><span style="color: magenta;">r</span></b>'<b><span style="color: blue;">s</span></b> <b><span style="color: magenta;">D</span><span style="color: #351c75;">a</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">y</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #20124d;">M</span><span style="color: #741b47;">o</span><span style="color: magenta;">m</span></b>! </div>
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With all my love always. </div>
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Wishing everyone a very Happy Mother's Day!<br />
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<br />Trekcaprihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00104236389771077449noreply@blogger.com0