Enjoy Living Abroad
  • Start Here
  • My Blog
  • My Travel Books
    • My San Francisco >
      • SF BOOK CONTENTS
      • SF BOOK SAMPLE
    • GREAT MED COMFORT FOOD BOOK
    • MOVING TO SEVILLE
    • EASTERN EUROPE BY RAIL
    • PACK LIGHT
    • Seville's New Normal
  • FINDING HOPE
  • The Amigos Project
  • Cheap & Cheerful San Francisco
    • My Picks: Best of SF
  • Cozy Places to Eat in Seville
    • Romantic Restaurants
    • Tapas Bars
    • Cocktail Bars
    • Breakfast
    • Sweet Indulgences
  • The Nutters' Tour
  • Med Comfort Food Tour
  • Mediterranean Recipes
  • Dive Bars
  • Travel Tips
    • Packing
    • Enjoy the Best of Seville
  • About
    • PRESS
  • Contact
  • Emergency Kit



​YES, THERE'S hope

Plan B

6/25/2013

 
Picture
When it comes to adventures, the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You go on an ordinary high school field trip and get bitten by an irradiated spider, giving you special powers. You’re running for shelter from a tornado, and the next thing you know, your house is dropping on a witch. You’re starting a typical day with the family, and flesh-eating zombies overrun the planet. We’ve all been there.

Rich and I have been planning our great train trip through Central and Eastern Europe for a year. We’ve talked about it ad nauseam (just ask any of our friends) and corresponded with people all over the world. I’ve been blogging about it for months. Rich has researched every kind of app, gadget, and gear known to Google-kind. Our first hiccup was having to postpone our original June 1 departure date to attend my brother’s wedding. (It took place last Saturday, on a sun-drenched beach in Oregon, and they seem blissfully happy, thanks for asking.) Rich and I were supposed to return to Seville this week and head to the train station a few days later.

However.

Picture
Rich has been complaining about pain in his right leg for some months. At first, I responded in my usual compassionate way by telling him to man up and walk it out. When it became clear it was more than just a pulled muscle, we started visiting doctors and physical therapists, first in Spain, then in California. A battery of tests has (gracias a Dios) eliminated all the big scary stuff, but we still haven’t identified the problem. All we really know is that his leg hurts abominably whenever he walks more than 15 minutes; the good news is that he can swim, bike, and do pretty much everything else in perfect comfort.

Hmmm. Do we think he’s having second thoughts about the trip?

He assures me that he’s as eager as ever, and judging by the wistful glances he gives our suitcases whenever he’s in the attic, I believe him. 

Our medical team said he could go on the trip now, as long as he took heavy-duty pain meds and promised not to walk much or lift anything.

PictureOur Sherpa in the Himalayas. (Note the flip flops.)
Doesn’t that sound delightful? Me playing Sherpa, hauling our bags on and off trains and dragging them up endless flights of stairs, while Rich stares off into space in a drug-induced stupor, repeatedly asking me where we are now and how long he has to wait for his next pain pill. To add to the fun, there would be the constant worry that this unidentified problem would suddenly flare up into something much, much worse, most likely in some obscure Transylvanian village where there’s only a 95-year-old doctor named Igor and no train out until the following week.

Call us crazy, but we’ve decided that we’d better stick around California long enough to get a diagnosis – and, with luck, an effective treatment plan. Rich feels he will enjoy the train trip more if he has full use of both legs and all his mental faculties. Go figure.

So we have rebooked our flight to Spain for the end of July and hope to head off on our train trip the first week of August. However, if we’ve learned anything from all this, it’s that plans are written in pencil, not carved in stone. If our trip gets derailed again – due to, say, alien invasion, a meteor hurtling towards Earth, or an invitation to visit Sweden to pick up a Nobel Prize in Literature for Dancing in the Fountain – we’re standing by to come up with Plan C. One thing you can count on: you’ll get all the latest updates on this blog.

Patrick
6/26/2013 12:10:30 am

Kudos to Richard for ensuring all the wheels are fixed securely to the wagon before hitting the trail. The excitement of the impending trip can only build and of course we're all out here in the ether waiting on the first.. 'all aboard' call to launch the journey. Playing Sherpa would be no fun either.. Good luck with the recovery Richard, keep the faith and remember, you can lead a horse to water but a pencil must be lead ...not stone. Plan B.2

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:08:43 am

Thanks for the encouragement, Patrick! We'll keep you posted and let you know when it's "all aboard" time at last.

carolyn j heinz
6/26/2013 12:22:16 am

What a great time for me to read this post. Am so sorry to hear about your need for plan b. In March our planned trip to rice fields in Phillipines was derailed by a terrible bout of bursitis in Phil's hip. Got to be very good at sherpa duty. Sorry we missed seeing much of you in Spain, but the rest of our Spring Seville trip was all plan A. Then after being inspired to sell our house in Houston and move on, I broke a bone in my foot one week before scheduled 3 day uhaul trip to Colorado. Plan b required lots of patience and gratitude to those who rescued us so generously. What could have been plan z when Phil went keester over head down half a flight of stairs turned out to be yet another excuse for me having bit more sherpa duty. He is still a little sore and just tad grumpy but doing well considering.
I wish you the best in the medical department. Not being able to walk is a bummer.

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:14:27 am

Good Lord, Carolyn, you and Phil have been through the wars! Clearly you both know just exactly how much of a bummer it is not to be able to walk. Thanks for your kind wishes, good luck to you both, and stay safe!

Valeriani
6/26/2013 12:31:19 am

Even before reading this news, I have been rubbing the feet of every statue within reach here in Florence for Rich. We know this works wonders, eh? Tread softly and be well, Ricardo.
xo Dorothy and the other 14 Valeriani

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:18:09 am

Thanks for seeking divine intervention on Rich's behalf, Dorothy! Keep up the good work with the higher powers. Your husband wrote me, "Just so you know, Dorothy has rubbed the toe of every statue in Tuscany on Rich's behalf--attracting curious stares from other tourists and the attention of some security guards. I am only glad Rich doesn't have a urinary tract infection!" Counting our blessings...

Katy
6/26/2013 05:57:30 am

Well, this means you now have time to re-research everything. There must be a hole/gap/forgotten detail somewhere in those well-laid plans. We will touch all the trees and furniture we come across that some canny Californian doc finds the whys about Rich's mysterious pain quickly. In the meantime enjoy the Cali summer. We look forward to reading the next blog. Much love. Katy and David xx

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:21:43 am

Brilliant! I hadn't even thought of having Rich re-research the trip. That will keep him happily occupied between doctor's visits for the next month. Thanks for the good idea and your kind wishes. We ARE enjoying the summer here, just at a slightly slower pace than usual.

Karen A. Chase link
6/26/2013 07:49:44 am

Smart to plan for when you can go and thoroughly enjoy it. My best advice is acupuncture. 3000+ years of good results is worth a try.

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:23:56 am

Great minds ... We have been researching acupuncturists the past few days, thinking this might be a better approach for a mystery condition. As you say, it certainly has the track record!

Jackie Smith link
6/26/2013 07:50:29 am

Smart move on your part. We took a European cruise one year just four weeks after I'd had an unplanned surgery (doc said I could go just not to lift anything or walk more than a mile). As you said, Joel became the solo sherpa and I was the slow-moving life-of-the-party-not. Looking back we should have postponed it. Good luck with the diagnosis and treatment -- and keep up the research, we think it's half the fun!

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:28:25 am

Thanks for providing such a good example in support of our decision to postpone the trip.You guys were struggling on a cruise ... just think how impossible it would be for us to manage a train journey with a hundred stops. We're hoping that Rich will get sorted out soon, letting us resume our journey in good form. Whatever happens, be sure that we'll keep you posted, Jackie.

Lindsay link
6/26/2013 08:09:51 am

Oh goodness! With all the walking you're due to do while exploring these amazing places, it makes very good sense to wait for a diagnosis. We've got our fingers crossed that with a diagnosis Rich will be on a quick road to recovery and you'll soon be taking that long awaited departure. Keep us posted on any news! Until then, enjoy all that San Anselmo has to offer in the summer! Sending hugs!

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:34:58 am

Thanks, Lindsay! I appreciate your kind wishes, the crossed fingers and the hugs. We're hoping to hit the road soon, but being stuck in San Anselmo is certainly no hardship. Good friends, good food, good weather and plenty of goofy neighbors to keep us entertained ... the time will fly by.

Kay Funk
6/26/2013 09:21:32 am

As a victim of Plan A going up in smoke and Plan B a pile of ashes, I can sympathize with you. That's why it is good to use a pencil not an ink pen, keep an open mind and heart, and always keep a sense of humor! Still looking forward to your adventure. And hearing of a speedy recovery for Rich!

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:36:04 am

Thanks for your kind sympathy, Kay! We'll keep you posted on our adventures, whenever and wherever they may be.

The GypsyNesters link
6/26/2013 09:24:55 am

Seems like you made the right decision, tough as it was. It really is hard to have plans written in stone, so we try to operate under "The Plan is No Plans" plan.

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 09:38:35 am

I love it: "The Plan is No Plans" plan. Clearly that is what we're operating under. One day at a time and enjoying each day for what it brings.

whitey
6/26/2013 10:24:29 am

this mystery aliment is the direct result of one of two incidents from long ago....1. while playing football in the Eaton St Bowl Richie was playing quarterback for the Eaton St Titons when he received a crushing tackle by Animal Joe Norton..it was a crushing blow indeed. 2. It maybe carryover from his days aboard the USS HIDES..he fell down the gangplank!!!

Karen McCann
6/26/2013 12:46:20 pm

So you think his past is catching up with him. I wouldn't be at all surprised!

carolyn j heinz
6/26/2013 01:44:34 pm

Arnica is doing a great job on Phil's neck. Still doesn't move perfectly but he did stand on his head for a while at age 70 and so expectations have to be lowered a bit.

Karen McCann
6/27/2013 05:47:46 pm

Thanks, Carolyn. I have some arnica cream and we'll give that a try. I will also make every effort to keep Rich from standing on his head. My hat's off to Phil for headstands, at any age!

Valeriani
6/26/2013 01:55:13 pm

Have to mention that myofascial release massage has been highly effective in relieving pain in legs and hips. Could not be traipsing around Tuscany otherwise. Worth a try.

Karen McCann
6/27/2013 05:49:37 pm

Rich has had therapeutic and Heller massage but I'm not sure he's tried myofascial release. Worth investigating! Thanks for the tip.

Mike Duffy
6/26/2013 09:30:33 pm

All the best to Rich on the road to recovery. My summer plans (Madrid, Canary Islands, Barcelona) were derailed by a broken bone in my left foot. (OK, so I slipped in a shower in a beautiful hotel in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.) I hope to recover for some yet-to-be-formed Plan B of my own.

Karen and Rich, I regale all of are in earshot with wonderful tales of two great nights in Seville. Thanks, again, for showing a friend-of-a-friend such a good time. Mike

Karen McCann
6/27/2013 05:51:51 pm

Great to hear from you, Mike! Hope you're back on your feet and on the road again soon. And if your travels take you anywhere near Seville, let us know! I think there are still a few tapas bars we haven't introduced you to yet.

Maria S. link
6/27/2013 11:10:58 am

All the best to Rich or as we say "Gute Besserung!"
Hoping for a happy outcome of Plan B.

Karen McCann
6/27/2013 05:53:16 pm

Thanks for your good wishes, I'll pass them along to Rich. And I'll let you know how Plan B works out; keeping my fingers crossed we'll be on the road again soon.

Lauren @ Roamingtheworld link
6/28/2013 12:03:23 am

Sorry to hear about travel plans being derailed! But yes, planning is exactly just an outline, a guide only for it be changed, edited, rewritten, altered, etc.
Strange. and interesting timing. Glad the scary stuff is out of the way.
Glad you asked him if it's just nerves about the trip, I was going to ask because after my mom booked her ticket to come visit me in Spain, she started having severe pain in her foot. She couldn't walk very far, had to stop playing tennis and doctors suggested she needed cortisone shots. Then someone suggested orthotics. She got foot inserts and it helped, that's the gist of the story. You can read about it here (with Tarot snippets intertwined) http://toolkitforthesoul.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/healing-my-foot-using-tarot-as-a-guide-part-1/

Later, she confided she had a lot of unknown fear she didnt' know she had about coming to Europe. Mind you, it had been 39 years since she had been in Europe/out of North America.

Hope his leg gets better soon and you keep enjoying your stateside adventures until you're able to go on your European journey!

Karen McCann
7/1/2013 07:53:47 am

It's always a good idea to check out the psychological component, especially for a medical condition that might prevent travel. Even if the cure is something totally practical – like the orthotics that got your mom back on her feet – there's often a deeper truth at work. Thanks for sharing your mom's story and for your good wishes!

Lucy Gabzdyl link
7/3/2013 08:31:42 am

If you're going to explore the psychological, then EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a great place to start. EFT is also great just for the physical pain. Good luck. Really enjoy your blog - you have a fab witty style. It's more of a compliment than you may think as you are the only blog I read!

lindainexpatland link
6/29/2013 04:01:12 pm

It takes brains, maturity and savvy to accept Plan B so graciously. It's a bit cliche to say 'it will all work out for the best', but it will. Hope all goes well with Phil's leg.

Karen McCann
7/1/2013 07:57:19 am

Thanks for your kind words. And I really believe that it will all work out just fine for us in the end. Sometimes it's a long and windy road, but that just makes the journey all the more interesting.

Patty
7/17/2013 07:13:11 am

A friend forwarded me your blog...what a treat!!! I, too have a similar lifestyle except, although I am an American, I winter in St. Maarten and the rest of my life is in Javea, Spain. No home in the states anymore. My "vacation" this year will be to go back to NJ, then onto Costa Rica, then visit family in NC. I need to get my dark chocolate M&M's...
I hope Rich is feeling better and that you are off on your adventures soon...I wish Sevilla was closer to me in Spain - there is only one other American couple in my town...and it's lovely to do the "American chit chat"

Karen McCann
7/17/2013 09:42:44 am

It can't be easy to live in a town with so few people from your own culture, although from what I've read, Javea is a really charming town with a lovely climate. And St. Maarten is wonderful, too. Aren't we lucky to live in the Internet age, where we can correspond so easily with other English speakers wherever we are? I'm glad you like the blog. And yes, Rich is doing much better – I'll be writing about that in next week's post. Stay tuned!

Estelle
7/22/2013 07:27:04 am

I've been reading (lurking!) for a while but had to say something. Perhaps try a Footmaxx practitioner? www.Footmaxx.com
If he can swim/ride a bike/other non weight bearing activities then the problem could be when there is weight on his foot. These guys are brilliant and American so you will probably find them locally. Quite different to the usual bunch. Have had huge success with them in practice. Am happy to chat or give you more info if you like. I'm in Spain so there is no financial incentive, just genuinely thought it might help.


Comments are closed.
    This blog is a promotion-free zone.
    As my regular readers know, I never get free or discounted goods or services for mentioning anything on this blog (or anywhere else). I only write about things I find interesting and/or useful.

    Picture
    Picture
    Paperback now available from independent seller ​Rebound Bookstore!
    LEARN MORE​
    Picture
    I'm an American travel writer dividing my time between California and Seville, Spain. I travel the world seeking intriguing people, quirky places, and outrageously delicious food so I can have the fun of writing about them here.

    Don't miss out!
    SIGN UP HERE
    to be notified when I publish new posts.

    ​Planning a trip?

    Use the search box below to find out about other places I've written about.
    And check out my other bestselling travel books
    Picture
    ​Winner of the Firebird Book Award for Travel
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    BLOG ARCHIVES 

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011

    CATEGORIES

    All
    100 Days On The Road
    1950s Sci-Fi
    2020
    2021 Holiday Tips
    2021 Puzzle Craze
    2024
    32 Years Together
    3 Food Tribes
    7 Best Travel Tips
    826 Valencia
    Abacería Puerta Carmona
    Accordion Festival
    Acupuncture
    Address To A Haggis
    Adriatic Sea
    African-American Disaspora
    Aging Gracefully
    Agrigento
    AirBnB
    Air Travel
    Air Travel Myths
    Alameda
    Albania
    Albanian Farm Food
    Alcalá De Guadaíra
    Alicia Bay Laurel
    Ali Kali
    Amazon
    American Resistance France
    American Taboos
    Amigos Project
    A Month Of Italy
    Amsterdam
    Angel Island
    Animal Artists
    Anthony Hopkins
    Anxious Traveler
    Any Book Book Club
    Apocalypse Chow
    Apps
    Arizona
    Armadillos
    Artichokes
    Artificial Intelligence
    Arts & Customs Museum
    Artwalk
    Atomic Bunker Museum
    Attention Test
    Austria
    Authentic Travel
    Automation = Apocalypse?
    A Year Of Travel
    Bad Art
    Bagpipe Music
    Balsamic Vinegar
    Baltasar
    Banana Bread
    Banned Book Club
    Banned Books
    Bari
    Barletta
    Bar Plata
    Barrio Abierto
    Bar Santa Ana
    Bathroom
    Batman
    Bears
    Beastly Spasm
    Becherovka
    Bed Bugs
    Beer
    Belgrade
    Best Apps 2016
    Best Foodie City
    Best & Worst
    Bet
    Better Homes And Gardens Cook Book
    Betty Soskin
    Betty White
    Bev's Peach Pie
    Bey's Soup
    Bhutan
    Bigfoot Museum
    Big Rail Trip 2016
    Biohazard Bag
    Biosphere 2
    Bird
    Black Angels
    Blogger Robots
    Blogs & Websites
    Bodega Bay
    Bong Appétit
    Book Banning
    Book Club
    Book Cover
    Books
    Bookstores
    Bosnia
    Botiza
    Brain-enhanced Chimps
    Brains Of The Pig
    Breakfast In Seville
    Bruce Lee
    Bucharest
    Budapest
    Budget
    Bulgaria
    Bullfighting Museum
    Bull's Head
    Burgos
    Burns Supper
    Buzzworthy Words
    CA
    Cabalgata
    CA Cheese Trail
    Ca ‘de Anime
    Caganer
    Cagliari
    Calvin Trillin
    Camels
    Carbon-Conscious Rail Travel
    Car Crazy
    Cars Vs. Trains
    Casa Fabiola
    Castle Houska
    Castro District
    České Budějovice
    České Budějovice
    Chained Wallet
    Chakra Stone
    Chatbots
    Chef Lenny The Lizard
    Chickens
    Children's Victory Garden
    Chocolate Nativity Scene
    Chocolatour
    Chris Brady
    Christmas
    Christmas In Seville
    Christmas Traditions
    Chulalongkorn University
    Clara Bensen
    Climate Change
    Coca-Cola
    Coffee
    Coit Tower SF
    Collywobbles
    Comfort Food
    Communism Museum
    Community Fridges
    Compassion
    Consular Agent
    Controversial Poster
    Cooking With Weed
    Coping With Pandemic
    Coronavirus
    Coronavirus & Travel
    Costa Women
    Covid Insurance
    Covid Weddings
    Cowgirls & Cowboys
    Cows Come Home
    Crete
    Croatia
    Cruz De Mayo In Seville
    Cuba: 10 Tips
    Cuba: Legendary Snafu
    Cultural Deforestation
    Curated Reality
    Czech Please
    Czech Republic
    Dan Brown's Inspiration
    Dance
    Dancing In The Fountain
    Dancing In The Foutnain
    Dancing On Bars
    Dark Chocolate
    Dark Tourism
    Date Nights
    Death Café
    Debunking Travel Myths
    Detours & Delays
    Devil's Museum
    De Young Museum
    Digital Nomad Visas
    Diners
    Disappointing Destinations
    Disaster Survival Tips
    Dive Bars
    Dive Bars Of Italy
    Dive Bars Of Seville
    Dive Bars SF
    Doga (Dog Yoga)
    Dog-friendly Bars
    Dogs
    Doing Good
    Doing It
    Donna Red Wing
    Dragon
    Dragon Bridge
    Dragonpit
    Drink-Ease
    Driverless Cars
    Duck Plaza
    Duquesa De Alba
    Earthquakes
    EatWith
    Emergency Measures
    Emergency Preparedness
    Empathy Museum
    Endangered
    Enjoy Moving Abroad
    Enna
    Entrails Soup
    Epiphany
    E-readers
    Erratic Boulder
    Estonia
    Eurail
    European Dinner Plate
    European Food
    European Pandemic
    Evernote
    Exercise On The Road
    Expat In Dark Times
    Expats In America2.0
    Expect Delays
    Eye-popping Landmarks
    Failure Museum
    Fairfax Festival
    Fake Art Masterpieces
    Fake Wallet
    Family
    Family Reunion
    Farruquito
    Fellini
    Feria De Abril
    Finland
    First Aid Kit
    Five Meals A Day
    Flat-Earthers
    Flea Market
    Flophouses
    Fondu
    Food Fetishes
    Food Photo Secrets
    Food Tours
    Foreign
    Foreigners
    Forgetfulness
    Fork In The Road
    Fountain
    Free Wi-Fi Finder
    French Bistro
    French Women Don't Get Fat
    Fried Flies
    Full Catastrophe Living
    Fully Vaccinated!
    Galileo Offline
    Game Of Thrones
    Gaslighting
    Gates Of Hell
    Gazpacho Recipe
    Genoa
    Genova
    George Floyd Protests
    George Takei
    Georgia
    Georgian Grey Bear
    Germany
    Ghost Stories
    Gin Joints
    Glass Wall Of Tourism
    Gluten-free Italian Recipes
    Going Spiral
    Good News
    Good Samaritan Scammer
    Google-glass
    Google Translate
    ​Gourounopoula
    Gps
    Grandma Cooper
    Granola Recipe
    Grapes
    Gratitude
    Greece
    Greek Coffee
    Greek Coffee Culture
    Greek Wines
    Group Tours
    Grumpiness Course
    Grumpiness Seminar
    Guest Blog
    Guest Etiquette
    Guests
    Guide Dogs For The Blind
    Haggis
    Halloween
    Handyman's Guide
    Hangtown
    Hannibal Lecter
    Happiest Cities In US
    Happiest Jobs In US
    Happiness Course
    Harvard
    Harvey Milk
    Helsinki
    Heraklion
    Herzeg Novi
    Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy291cb11256
    Holiday Lights
    Holiday Shopping
    Holidays In France
    Holidays In Seville
    Holiday Survival Guide
    Hollidays
    Holy Grail
    Home For The Holidays
    Home Improvements
    HonorSnacks
    Horse
    Hospitals
    Hot As Hades
    Houseguest
    House Hunting
    House Of The Spirits
    Houska Castle
    How Normal Am I?
    How To Meet People
    Hrad Houska
    Human Towers
    Hungary
    Hydration
    Hygge
    Iberian Lynx
    Ibrik
    Icloud
    Ikaria
    Ikaria Solution
    Immigrants
    India
    Indiana Jones
    Indy Booksellers
    In Search Of America Tour
    International Pet Travel
    Ipad
    IPhone Photos
    Irail
    Is SF Doomed?
    Italy
    Jacket
    Jaén
    Jan The Beachcomber
    Japan
    Jet Lag
    Jet Lag Apps
    John The Baptist
    Jo Maeder
    Joseph Campbell
    Joya Shoes
    July 4th In USA
    Justice Course
    Kalamata
    Katka Lapelosa
    Keep Going!
    Kgb
    Kgb Muzeum
    Kindle
    King Wenceslas
    Kitchen For The Mind
    Korçë
    Kotor
    Koyono Jacket
    Krakow
    Krakow's Dragon
    Ladies Room
    Lady And The Tramp
    La Font De La Figuera
    Laptop Ban
    Larissa Olenicoff
    Latvia
    Laughter Project
    Learning Spanish
    Lederhosen
    Legal
    Legal Marijuana
    Legend
    Léon
    Lesbos Refugees
    LGBTQ Seville
    LGBTQ US Military
    LGBT Rights
    Library
    Lindsay Lake
    Lithuania
    Little White Lie
    Little Women
    Live Longer
    Live To 100
    Local Food
    Lockdown Survival Tips
    Longevity
    Lord Peter Wimsey
    Low-Tech Travel Tips
    Lübeck
    Lucky Grapes
    Lucky Red Underwear
    Luggage
    Luggage-free Travel
    Luggage-Free Travel? Try It
    Lviv
    Lynne And Tim Martin
    Madrid
    Magellan
    Maps
    Marijuana
    Marin Shakespeare Co.
    Mars One
    Mask War
    Matrimony
    Mbt Shoes
    Meal Schedules
    Meal Sharing
    Meaning Of Home
    Medical Emergencies
    Mediterranean Dive Bars
    Memory Course
    Menlo Park Library
    Mentally Unpack Your Bags
    Mermaids
    Metropol Parasol Building
    Me Worry?
    Miracle Tile Of Vilnius
    Mobilize America
    Modern Art
    Modern Comfort Food
    Modern Witchcraft
    Money
    Money Handling
    Monster Of Milpitas
    Montenegro
    Mood Food
    Most Dangerous Woman In America
    Moussaka
    Move Abroad Checklist
    Museum Of Communism
    Muskrat Love
    My Octopus Teacher
    Mystery Spot
    Naples
    Napoli
    National Lampoon's European Vacation
    Nativity Scene
    Nepal
    Neurodiversity
    New
    Newark Of Italy
    New Orleans
    New Roaring 20s
    New Year's Eve
    New Year's Eve Abroad
    New Year's In Seville
    New York Times
    No Cancelling The Holidays
    No-Jet-Lag
    Nomad Eating
    NORCs
    Not A Good Week
    Novelty Weddings
    Nutter California
    Nutters Tour
    Obatzda
    Offbeat Roadside Attractions
    Off The Grid
    Olive Oil
    Optimism & Survival
    Orichiette Pasta
    Osuna
    Outhouse
    Overlook Effect
    Oviedo
    Pack For 4 Months
    Packing
    Packing Demonstration
    Packing For 161 Days
    Packing Tips
    Pad Thai Cooking Class
    Paella
    Painting
    Painting Disasters
    Palacio De Las Dueñas
    Palencia
    Palermo
    Pamplona
    Pandemic Endgame
    Pandemic Humor
    Pandemic Infodemic
    Pandemic Makes Us Better
    Pandemic Solutions
    Pandemic Travel
    Pandemic Travel Story
    Pan Y Circo
    Parlor Games On The Road
    Parma
    Parma Ham
    Parmigiano-Reggiano
    Part-Time Expat Living
    Passport Issue
    Pasta
    Pasta Recipe
    Patriotism. US
    Peaceful Resistance
    Pécs
    Peruvian Pavilion
    Pesto Sauce
    Petaluma Butter & Egg Day
    Photography
    Picking Tapas Bars
    PIzza
    Platter Of Salome
    Plaza De España
    Plaza De Pato
    Plumbing Nightmare
    Podgorica
    Poet Billy Collins
    Poltergeist
    Pop-culture Museum
    Pope Benedict
    Pop-up Restaurants
    Portugal
    Post-pandemic Predictions
    Post-pandemic Travel
    Prague
    Predictions
    Presidio
    Print On Demand
    Project 2025
    Propaganda Museum
    Pub Culture
    Public Library
    Purgatory
    Purpose-driven Travel
    Pussyhats
    Quarantine
    Quarantine Bar Hopping
    Quarantine Mini-Vacation
    Quarantine Nostalgia?
    Quarantine Thanksgiving
    Queen's Gambit
    Quirky Travel Pix
    Racing Pigs
    Rainbow Flag
    Ramona Langley
    Reading Group
    Ready To Move Abroad?
    Rebounding Seville
    Recipe
    Recombobulation
    Recycling
    Red's Java House
    Red Underwear
    Rennes-le-Chateau
    Reptilians
    Republic Of Užupis
    Rescue Dogs
    Residency Visas
    Resistance School
    Resistance Summer 2017
    Retire Abroad
    Retire Where?
    Revisited
    Reyes Magos In Seville
    Rfidblocking Rogue Money Clipb4d0c62eac
    Rich Interview 2020
    Rich-on-packing
    Riga
    Risotto
    Road House
    Roadhouses
    Roadrunner
    Roadside Attractions
    Robert Mugabe
    Rocket Scientists
    Rodeo
    Rolling Stones
    Romania
    Romería Del Rocío In Seville
    Romesco Sauce Recipe
    Rooster Recipe
    Rosie The Riveter
    Ross Williams
    Rota
    Rube Goldberg
    Rural Romania
    Ruse
    Russian Mafia
    Sacramento
    San Anselmo Flooding
    San Ildefonso Church
    San Jose
    San Quentin
    Sarajevo
    Sardinia
    Sassari
    Science Museum
    Scottevest
    Scottevest 8-pocket Pants
    Search For ET
    Second Breakfast Seville
    Secret Supper Clubs
    Security On The Road
    Seinfeld Episode
    Semana Santa
    Senior Gypsies
    Senior Nomads
    Sephardic Search
    Serbia
    Setas
    Seville
    Seville 2022 Update
    Seville Dining Customs
    Seville Holidays
    Seville Holidays 2021
    Seville In Pandemic
    Seville In Winter
    Seville's Best Cod
    Seville's Best Tapas 2021
    Seville's Tapas Bars
    Sex Shops
    SF
    SF Chinatown
    SF Ferry Building
    SF Fort Mason
    SF Sea Lions
    Shackleton Ad A Myth
    Shared Dining
    Shoe Bomb
    Shoes
    Shoestring Travel
    Short Story Vending Machine
    Šiauliai
    Sicilian Grandmothers
    Sicily
    Siestas
    Silicon Valley
    Singularity
    Six-word Stories
    Skeptics Society
    Skunk Remedy
    Skype Wifi7994daf88f
    Sleep/Insomnia
    Slovakia
    Slow Fashion
    Smart Pigeons
    Snack Foods
    Snail
    Snail Museum
    Snail On The Rails
    Snails In Slime LIght
    Snail Slime Skin Cream
    Snakes
    Snowed In
    Social Distancing
    Sofia
    Sophia Loren
    SOS File
    Space Tourism
    Space Travel For Pets
    Spaghetti
    Spain
    Spain Savvy
    Spain's Cold Soups
    Spam
    Spanish Wisdom
    Spark Social SF
    Spicy Shrimp In Mango Salsa Recipe
    Spiritual Path To Resistance
    Spiritual Weightlifter
    Springtime For Hitler
    Stanford Prison Experiment
    Staycation
    Stephen King
    Still Expecting Delays
    Stockholm Disaster
    Stone Lifter
    Strange
    Strawberries
    St. Tecla
    Suitcase
    Survival Food
    Survival Songs
    Survive October 2020
    Surviving Catastrophes
    Surviving Pandemic Holidays
    Swiss Cheese Solution
    Switzerland
    Symbolic Thinking
    Syracuse
    Tango Lessons
    Tapas
    Tapenade Recipe
    Tapeo
    Taxi
    Tblisi
    Teenagers In The Kitchen
    Teen Vs. Squirrel
    Telegraph Hill SF
    Temple
    Thanksgiving Games
    The Balkans
    The Big Tomato
    The Blonde Gypsy
    The Exorcist
    The Joy Of Eating
    The Long Now
    The Mothership
    The Next Big Thing
    The Other Turkey
    The Power Of Myth
    The Producers
    The Return 2021
    Thessaloniki
    The Wave
    Three Kings
    Tiger House
    Time Travel
    Toad Jam
    Tomares
    Tonga Room
    Tortilla De España
    Track My Tour
    Train Lag
    Train Travel
    Transylvania
    Travel
    Travel As Political Act
    Travel Boosts Your Brain
    Travel Clothes
    Travel Companions
    Travel Destinations
    Travel Experiments
    Travel Fashion
    Travel Photography Tricks
    Travel Photos
    Travel Prep For Pandemic
    Travel Vest
    Travel With
    Triana Ceramics
    Triposo
    True Cross
    Tsa
    Twelve Days Of Christmas
    Tyrolian Alps
    Uber
    Uc Berkeley
    UFOs & Ghosts 2020
    Ukraine
    Ultra-Light Luggage
    Underrated Extras
    Upotonek
    Utrera
    Valdepeñas
    Valencia
    Vampires
    Veliko Tarnovo
    Verona
    Vest
    Victoria Twead
    Victory Gardens
    Villages Movement
    Vilnius
    Virgin Of The Napkin
    Virtual Tax March
    Visitors
    Vodka
    Vodka & Pickles
    Voodoo Cooking
    Wall Street Journal
    Wandering Earl
    Warsaw
    Washington
    Water
    Watermelon Gazpacho
    Weasel Coffee
    Wedding Disaster
    Weird At The Holidays
    Weird Gifts
    Wenceslas Square
    What
    Whiskey Every Day
    Wild Goat Recipe
    Winchester Mystery House
    Winner
    Winter In Seville
    Wireless Generation
    Wolf's Lair
    Women Of Seville
    Working Abroad
    World Chocolate
    Worst
    Worst Travel Moment
    Wow Finish To Long Trip
    Writing
    Xe Currency
    Yerba Buena Gardens
    Yoda
    Yodeling
    Yoga
    Zagreb
    Zigzag Fountain953a67c066
    Zimbabwe
    Zombie Viruses
    Zurich

  • Start Here
  • My Blog
  • My Travel Books
    • My San Francisco >
      • SF BOOK CONTENTS
      • SF BOOK SAMPLE
    • GREAT MED COMFORT FOOD BOOK
    • MOVING TO SEVILLE
    • EASTERN EUROPE BY RAIL
    • PACK LIGHT
    • Seville's New Normal
  • FINDING HOPE
  • The Amigos Project
  • Cheap & Cheerful San Francisco
    • My Picks: Best of SF
  • Cozy Places to Eat in Seville
    • Romantic Restaurants
    • Tapas Bars
    • Cocktail Bars
    • Breakfast
    • Sweet Indulgences
  • The Nutters' Tour
  • Med Comfort Food Tour
  • Mediterranean Recipes
  • Dive Bars
  • Travel Tips
    • Packing
    • Enjoy the Best of Seville
  • About
    • PRESS
  • Contact
  • Emergency Kit