tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65108161309720046352024-03-19T03:07:34.420-04:00 THE NOMAD ARCHITECT FOR TRAVELERS WHERE DESIGN AND
ADVENTURE MAKE A DIFFERENCE D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.comBlogger501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-61142463157854985002024-03-06T17:21:00.002-05:002024-03-13T18:35:21.158-04:003-13-24 HOTEL VIURA IN ESPAÑA's BASQUE COUNTRY<p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>It was May 2015 - Three weeks in The Land of La Mancha. We enjoyed our last two nights in this land of dreams in one of the coolest hotels on the planet -</b> <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.hotelviura.com/en"><span style="color: red;">HOTEL VIURA</span></a> </span>located in Basque Country. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9QbIkB2OTf8LtG-qC__nWLcGP3m6FZvyXdRONcDNZFMplTlXw9CTxGqvAgOt56fuxJDE01QypxLyE8WfKhZg7G445V1yVpbl7LokAfwYfDVrhwlRSinuDgbcgIsyReMgYrgv9p_LjpkFy7AQ0-wW9blSx415F7qn0hxBMOXx2ppB-QMaviaXd4a89rxM/s1280/HOTEL%20VIURA%20EXTERIOR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9QbIkB2OTf8LtG-qC__nWLcGP3m6FZvyXdRONcDNZFMplTlXw9CTxGqvAgOt56fuxJDE01QypxLyE8WfKhZg7G445V1yVpbl7LokAfwYfDVrhwlRSinuDgbcgIsyReMgYrgv9p_LjpkFy7AQ0-wW9blSx415F7qn0hxBMOXx2ppB-QMaviaXd4a89rxM/w243-h162/HOTEL%20VIURA%20EXTERIOR.jpg" width="243" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;">After three weeks in the art filled country of Spain, including a week with our kids, in the Spring of 2015, we stayed in <a href="https://www.i-escape.com/hotel-viura" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hotel Viura</span></b></a> for two nights before flying home. As an architect, I am always looking for interesting, well designed, places to lay my head after a full day of walking, sightseeing or viewing great works of art. Where you stay makes a difference on the pleasure scale when you travel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If we're True-Blue Vagabonds, we must stay in unique places with great design and great service. With the choices available and the ease with which we can find them, the search for places to stay when you are planning a trip, large or small, is a pleasure. Or I could be an overzealous obsessive architect that refuses to settle. But I'm ok with that. LOL!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0WgqZ-tWk0sH5TiNre4BV5jjTknl6DgV_oWaasds2xF1og9GP2SmKefMEK-FiOsqJWjZkMtlEgtHhqsdNXuF3rcJ6Xt6p7GnEzcucuZsptS-du5-zaK9KclfdAoWrGwVAM3CUj-hed3Ex34AQJGIPmu0YuFnxEMO-khG8yrLzp2jnwlWydAgtPTJNuek/s742/spain-political-map-max.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="742" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0WgqZ-tWk0sH5TiNre4BV5jjTknl6DgV_oWaasds2xF1og9GP2SmKefMEK-FiOsqJWjZkMtlEgtHhqsdNXuF3rcJ6Xt6p7GnEzcucuZsptS-du5-zaK9KclfdAoWrGwVAM3CUj-hed3Ex34AQJGIPmu0YuFnxEMO-khG8yrLzp2jnwlWydAgtPTJNuek/w331-h306/spain-political-map-max.jpg" width="331" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><div style="text-align: justify;">Spain is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. With different languages spoken throughout the seventeen communities established in 1978, it is both funny and intriguing to communicate with people all over this art filled country. It must also be said - almost every person we talked to in Spain spoke English. The country's people are friendly and helpful. And, of course, in Spain they create delightful, tasty diverse offerings of Tapas. Ordering is an art in Spain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Now - Back to the Hotel Viura</b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.i-escape.com/" target="_blank"><b>iescape</b></a>, one of the top places online to find great hotels at reasonable prices states the following on Hotel Viura - </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>"Super-cool design hotel bang in the middle of a lovely village and surrounded by Rioja wine fields."</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFeTmNGVs05V1GP155gznwLmw3stiwK0wxLBl5Z7p5aVeHgPCICdIUPekPzNmCgpZ3M-7OfmyN1OeDW0HGEj52zGKggT8AtL8FqYBSG0duCPYCpRTzEVjTMXFfudvV-_4m8pErzOt40NOI6zl8E3-8wfeLfr_luxey7Ao5D8Obz22bON1_MoZ84xAYUpm/s900/funky%20door%20numbers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="900" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFeTmNGVs05V1GP155gznwLmw3stiwK0wxLBl5Z7p5aVeHgPCICdIUPekPzNmCgpZ3M-7OfmyN1OeDW0HGEj52zGKggT8AtL8FqYBSG0duCPYCpRTzEVjTMXFfudvV-_4m8pErzOt40NOI6zl8E3-8wfeLfr_luxey7Ao5D8Obz22bON1_MoZ84xAYUpm/w287-h182/funky%20door%20numbers.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>As best I can tell, this ultra-modern funky hotel was designed by <a href="https://selectedinspiration.com/community/project/mup-arquitectura" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">mup-arq</span></b></a> architects. This group of architects and designers left no stone unturned to create a unique place to sleep, eat and enjoy the pleasures of travel. From the funky hand scribed graphics on the doors to the Bistro Restaurant that served great food and wine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnN2UMcka0BzDnc7B6sCJ3tpAHIkiA_Tv3kD6zkke6a6bfXo9YdyHsoMiMXpwQhnnZBnDGlUupaC_vicP5_zRncvcFfkeJd3QHjRtkNn7y2mI9PGBNSvO-cjr52cMXzbkzLKxqcf1uwWdXHfIwAZNyeOoSjTMd6XjSxTkxoOrOSQ9p9xILRxVUJcbPtF6/s450/COLLAGE%20OF%20PHOTOS.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="450" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnN2UMcka0BzDnc7B6sCJ3tpAHIkiA_Tv3kD6zkke6a6bfXo9YdyHsoMiMXpwQhnnZBnDGlUupaC_vicP5_zRncvcFfkeJd3QHjRtkNn7y2mI9PGBNSvO-cjr52cMXzbkzLKxqcf1uwWdXHfIwAZNyeOoSjTMd6XjSxTkxoOrOSQ9p9xILRxVUJcbPtF6/w225-h199/COLLAGE%20OF%20PHOTOS.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>As we enjoyed the last of a three week stay in Spain, I was so struck by the beauty of the culture of this amazing country. Spain is the largest country in <br />Southern Europe and it existed under various dictators until 1975 when it transitioned into a fervent Democracy that has blossomed as a country and a destination for all Roaming Nomads. And, it goes without saying, if you go to this diverse place of beauty</div><div style="text-align: justify;">and elegance, you must venture to the Basque area of Northern Spain and stay in one of the coolest</div><div style="text-align: justify;">hotels anywhere - <b>The Hotel Viura</b>!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As American Chef Anthony Bordain said -</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">‘Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you. This is the dream of all the world.’ – Anthony Bourdain"</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">As this Nomad Architect says - Just Go!! You won't regret it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b>thenomad<span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></b></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0qmKb4lY7Rsde2LAp-CaZDjDAbxz_nEF1Xi1biFofgW-xuZ1b1NlaOiS_-w0_HKxMsiAGYWn1GZTaQId17V1o52w5hWCqhv-t9mAtVdrmc4eV7DHZfNhrT_V5lOMH3IG2XN4qOMHU9vem9tD5sKzR_abrT2L1FVsZG131nD_k9Wg1mDydNPq6fOSlVWt/s3500/SAGRAD%20FAMILIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2343" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0qmKb4lY7Rsde2LAp-CaZDjDAbxz_nEF1Xi1biFofgW-xuZ1b1NlaOiS_-w0_HKxMsiAGYWn1GZTaQId17V1o52w5hWCqhv-t9mAtVdrmc4eV7DHZfNhrT_V5lOMH3IG2XN4qOMHU9vem9tD5sKzR_abrT2L1FVsZG131nD_k9Wg1mDydNPq6fOSlVWt/w159-h237/SAGRAD%20FAMILIA.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><br />‘Spain is a beautiful country </strong><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">with rich architecture and a </strong><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">huge cultural heritage. </strong></span><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Arguably it has it all: </strong><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">mountains, a stunning </strong><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">coastline, and urban life, </strong><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">plus agriculture, mining, </strong><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">and industry.’ – Sir Norman Foster Architect</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Sagrada Familia - Barcelona</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Please enjoy a cool tune from one of the greatest - Prince. I had the pleasure of seeing this gifted artist a few years ago. I was mesmerized for three hours. He performed this acoustic version of one of his greatest hits - CREAM by PRINCE!</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/r967lcA_rR8?si=CDU4SYjQAqL-86k5" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-48947999501897504762024-02-28T11:55:00.001-05:002024-02-28T11:55:40.812-05:002-28-24 PART TROIS - WANDERING EVERYWHERE ON THE CHEAP<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><b>Frugal Transportation Leaves More For Sleeping & Eating Like You Mean It!</b></span></p><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxftqiLO0s8EGRgoJ_Y2VcPz3K5FIjbxuuE0iC4Ifa5rEkD0o3kVNIJwkBdkAPEE3W4pfkhLKTFXpG8hJUO4axr333rzcmSsnFongcmc0cErXAcgQzIMSV0FHFqSwC_8fXQSSPoipbCe2AeYkWuKx4xd2J9YrE__yU3w9W0uCNhB5ZQGVQKlBKhBYMUuRI/s1000/TRAVEL%20CHEAP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1000" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxftqiLO0s8EGRgoJ_Y2VcPz3K5FIjbxuuE0iC4Ifa5rEkD0o3kVNIJwkBdkAPEE3W4pfkhLKTFXpG8hJUO4axr333rzcmSsnFongcmc0cErXAcgQzIMSV0FHFqSwC_8fXQSSPoipbCe2AeYkWuKx4xd2J9YrE__yU3w9W0uCNhB5ZQGVQKlBKhBYMUuRI/s320/TRAVEL%20CHEAP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The focus of this post is finding unique places to sleep that don't break the bank. But travel costs include more than that cool little cabin on the river for $90 euro a night. Transportation to your favorite locale and then getting from where you are to where you want to be is also a significant part of your travel budget. Getting there and getting around frugally can be daunting, but here are some thoughts to help you plan your next big adventure.</span></div><ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="overflow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span><strong><span>Planes.</span> </strong></span><span>Flying is the largest single expense for any vacation, particularly if it is abroad. As in many things in life, timing is everything. You have to be an obsessive deal shopper when making plane reservations. I recommend you begin tracking fares at least six months prior to departure. I have found fares begin to drop significantly around four months out. Also, make certain that you subscribe to all major airlines Email lists to get their weekly or daily deals for specific destinations. </span><span>Another factor affecting flying costs is departure and arrival cities. We live near </span><span>Tallahassee International Airport. Back in the day, we never flew out of Tallahassee. </span><span>We flew out of Jacksonville </span><span>which is an easy two-hour drive for us. It had many more choices and competitive prices both </span><span>in the US and Europe. </span></span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Today, however, departing from my hometown is reasonable. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Always check convenient multiple departure cities and arrival cities to get the </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">best price. And finally, take advantage of Rewards Credit Cards. We use <a href="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/account/get-started/deltagold/" target="_blank"><b>American Express Skymiles Card</b></a> on virtually everything we buy to get points. We haven't bought a plane ticket in years.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="overflow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Trains.</strong><strong> </strong>Train travel in Europe is simply one of the most enjoyable ways to travel and tends to be the cheapest way for long and short distances. For everything you need to know about train travel check out <strong><a href="http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Rick Steves' Europe Web Site</a></strong>. He gives numerous details for every option for train travel on the continent.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="overflow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Automobiles</strong>. Sometimes, only a car will get you where you want to go. The choices for rental cars from downright cheap to ridiculous are all over the internet. I just found a cool little Fiat Panda from the Florence Airport for $24.00 a day on<span style="color: #666666;"> </span><a href="https://www.europcar.com/en-us/reservation/vehicles?gclid=a8654b104a7a145404b22ecf195b5645&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=a8654b104a7a145404b22ecf195b5645&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BBIN%5D-%5BENG%5D-%5BCar%5D-%5BSource_United-States%5D-%5BDestination_ROW%5D-%5Beuropcar.com%5D-%5BBrand_Core%5D-%5BPFX%5D&utm_term=%2Beuropcar%20%2Brental%20%2Beurope&utm_content=Brand-Core_Europe_None_Car_None_Europe&vehicleType=CR&pickupLocation=FLRT01&dropoffLocation=FLRT01&pickupYear=2024&pickupMonth=03&pickupDay=06&dropoffYear=2024&dropoffMonth=03&dropoffDay=07&pickupHour=10&pickupMinute=00&dropoffHour=10&dropoffMinute=00&driverAge=26&countryOfResidence=US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>PRICELINE</b></span></a>. Also, if you're going to be in a large city for a few days, you may not even need a rental car. With <a href="https://www.uber.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UBER</b></span></a> or <a href="https://www.lyft.com/" target="_blank"><b>LYFT</b></a> at your disposal, you can go anywhere for little cost.</span></div></li></ul><h3 class="overflow" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;"> Eating, Drinking & Being Merry On The Cheap</span></h3><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE1JR3wECHo/UH4sEOiPI3I/AAAAAAAAEkM/AQcL_Qo4WpU/s1600/wine.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE1JR3wECHo/UH4sEOiPI3I/AAAAAAAAEkM/AQcL_Qo4WpU/s320/wine.jpg" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">This aspect of travel is the most intensely personal. What, where and how much we spend on food, drink and other stuff varies considerably. The focus of this post, however, is cost conscious travel, so here are some ideas on how to have your cake and eat it too, or at least have a little creme brulee to go with your Le Big Mac. </span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">You Can Be A Frugal Foodie</b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">. Eating is one of life's most pleasurable activities. </span><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">As Virgina Woolf said -<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well".</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> However, eating well on a budget can be daunting. Here are some tips to eat like a king or at least an upper middle-class peasant:</span></div><ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="overflow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>A L Carte - Not</strong>. Everybody knows ordering a la carte costs more. So, take advantage of hotels that include food as part of their rate. Some even include all of your meals, which can cost less than eating out. This is especially true of hotels and B&B's located outside of urban areas.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="overflow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Do Your Own Thing</strong>. Order in or prepare your own meals with locally purchased items. This is especially true for longer stays and even more so for self-catering places. Some small hotels and B&B's will purchase food items per your instructions. On a trip we enjoyed to The Natural Retreats in Yorkshire Dales UK, the proprietor provided a two-day supply of wine, cheese, eggs, bread and all the essentials to prepare our own meals.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="overflow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Make A Food Plan</strong>. Or at least find different places where you can wine and dine at various price points and bookmark them on your mobile phone and notate them in your journal. Finding a place to eat on the road is much less stressful if you have done some pre-trip homework.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="overflow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Ask The Front Desk</strong>. Always take advantage of the hotel concierge for local places to eat. If they are good, they will know all the best spots. And tell them that you are looking for a place that isn't off the charts price wise. Most hotel staff are eager to oblige you in your search for the best and cheapest meal in town.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></div></li></ul><h3 class="overflow" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><br /></h3><h3 class="overflow" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">And What Do We Do Now Love?</span></h3><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> </span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">All travel must include those side trips, museum crawls and nights on the town to make wanderlust truly memorable. Finding low-cost activities involves the same methodologies for the perfect place, the cheapest flight and the best for less food. The internet is your best friend when you want to see the Broadway hit Jersey Boys or finally get to see the Mona Lisa up close and personal. Second, always be on the lookout for "free days" for museums and plan accordingly. Finally, most great buildings cost little to nothing to visit. And as this Nomad Architect knows, great buildings are what make the vagabond's world a better place. Seeing Notre Dame Cathedral, The Tate Modern or Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House opens your eyes, your mind and your heart to the possibilities of creative thought. And it cost little or nothing.</span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> </span></div><h3 class="overflow" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">It Often Comes Down To Where and When</span></h3><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48rk7-byT-ILsy6i0zesOy0I-7DMENTKyAa67tdeP_msRwcMSFRhxBTOSX6fTY4xqbfQfnOHyfYnf54aPsf_SUrEooQ0CY-4R4msVPYYieiziD1FfvWepZzI8QkMXDPP16JzAaSQEJD-O/s1600/when.png" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48rk7-byT-ILsy6i0zesOy0I-7DMENTKyAa67tdeP_msRwcMSFRhxBTOSX6fTY4xqbfQfnOHyfYnf54aPsf_SUrEooQ0CY-4R4msVPYYieiziD1FfvWepZzI8QkMXDPP16JzAaSQEJD-O/s400/when.png" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Where you go does make a difference. Some places just cost more. A well-traveled friend told me once that he used to think New York was expensive until he visited London. Our trip to the UK confirmed his opinion as fact. I am not suggesting that you select your next adventure based solely on price. Just know that Big Sur Hotels can go as $1,200 per night. </span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">As I review hotels, modes of transportation, food choices and other fun things, I have been pleasantly surprised by the relatively low cost of all of these items, even in today's high inflation economies in Europe and the States. But if Big Sur is your dream vacation, you can find unique, high-quality places to sleep if you perfect the art of the deal by using some of the suggestions in this post. And remember our motto - <b>Vagabonds Never Settle</b>!</span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> </span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Finally, when you go can be the single largest factor in your travel budget formula. The "high" season for most destinations is roughly from late April to late August. If you have a disdain for large crowds and high prices, and what Legitimate Tightwad Nomad doesn't, then travel in the summer is anathema to your intrinsic need to achieve the joy of true wanderlust. Early spring, just before the madding crowd arrives, gives you great weather, blooming flowers, low prices and the run of the place. Most hoteliers are more than happy to give no cost upgrades and other perks for off season guests. </span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">The other end of the calendar is early autumn. Mid to late September affords the traveler the same benefits as early spring with beautiful seasonal fall colors, lower prices and a bigger room with a view than you would have gotten in July. The only real downside of travel during the "shoulder" season is that some sites may be closed or have limited hours. That's a small price to pay when you get an ocean front room for half of what it is in mid-summer.</span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> </span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">So, get busy. Read, write and dream yourself into your new world order of lower cost, higher end travel. In this insane world of international political upheaval, $5.00 per gallon gasoline and an ever more worthless dollar, it is possible for all True Nomads to find that perfect place and actually go there for a price that doesn't require a second mortgage. All it takes is an unrelenting and obsessive quest for the best deals on the best places you want to go with the ones you love.</span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">We all have to be somewhere, so go somewhere that will warm your soul!</span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</b></a></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8iCyfaWNoVFxUiRvnd-vLL_UlBMeoAWqd2mj8WrZIXBRtB_Xl7d15JFkZ56OxWZ2n5lDSgAPtIjCcXVCopb1Tt4Dkz6K7g2qxGYBb3imb305yft1ByncKVO8XY3J2Pr98O6EvRTr7Mw0H_t46RBISA69Gv3yl0eZkXBBMmAsIyh77glNHOaLzaRaLCxi/s854/ORANGE%20TRAVEL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8iCyfaWNoVFxUiRvnd-vLL_UlBMeoAWqd2mj8WrZIXBRtB_Xl7d15JFkZ56OxWZ2n5lDSgAPtIjCcXVCopb1Tt4Dkz6K7g2qxGYBb3imb305yft1ByncKVO8XY3J2Pr98O6EvRTr7Mw0H_t46RBISA69Gv3yl0eZkXBBMmAsIyh77glNHOaLzaRaLCxi/w163-h218/ORANGE%20TRAVEL.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><br /><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And for all Vagabonds - Here is one of the most popular comedians working today. Jim Gaffigan on Disney with kids. If you love Disney - Sorry!</b></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/9VcE2MDuRyQ?si=9Um6d3lT_3DKsj0y" width="480"></iframe></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-16529659563091464182024-02-21T13:18:00.001-05:002024-02-22T13:03:51.359-05:002-21-24 - PLANNING A BUCKET LIST TRIP FOR ALL VAGABONDS - PARTIE DEUX!<p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Last week's post covered some basic ideas for planning a trip like you've never had or just another trip to a familiar place. In any case The Nomad Architect's goal is to help all Vagabonds to go where they want to go without going broke! Today, readers can extract more relevant things To Do when planning your trip to Venice or Sonoma.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Become A Virtual Nomad</span></strong></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">As I have said many times, the power of the internet has drastically changed the world of travel. A vast community of travelers, writers, bloggers and vendors have combined to provide a constant, unabated stream of information for travelers of every ilk. Of course, along with this intense level of travel related information, comes classic information overload. So how do we cut through the rattle and hum to get good quality information that gets us where we want to go for the prices we want to pay? With the multitude of search engines, travel blogs and web sites devoted to helping you find the right place at the right price, trip planning can be fun and rewarding in its own right for the economy minded Vagabond. Following are some of the best web sites and search engines with an ample supply of low-cost sleeping options.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><ul style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="color: #666666; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8qrwEwVP7EDjwUOqiic3J849lTZlF7H5735xlo7CWZRriSrfiyT8AM3WlQKKa1lsFrSk96x3vK-s2Nd2DTR1x4DgmzD80nQ9-b-KjitUYfN5kMf1EW7-CsnPMBqeSgOq_Zp1_oTtNRoJ6dxfX9h4sXV2b9Sw3DGOA1ZdNUeU_vxbOYhbZuW6nJvmjtiG/s2000/PARIS%20BOUTIQUE%20APRTMENT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8qrwEwVP7EDjwUOqiic3J849lTZlF7H5735xlo7CWZRriSrfiyT8AM3WlQKKa1lsFrSk96x3vK-s2Nd2DTR1x4DgmzD80nQ9-b-KjitUYfN5kMf1EW7-CsnPMBqeSgOq_Zp1_oTtNRoJ6dxfX9h4sXV2b9Sw3DGOA1ZdNUeU_vxbOYhbZuW6nJvmjtiG/w320-h161/PARIS%20BOUTIQUE%20APRTMENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong><a href="http://www.i-escape.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">I-Escape</span></a></strong>. I love this site. It is so easy to use and provides great details, good and bad, for each property. If you are planning to go to France, Paris is a must stay. The people, the food, the museums, etc., etc., etc. It's truly one of the most romantic cities in Europe. You can find many hotels from basic to five stars starting at $150 per night.</span></li></ul></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYWU0-DQma3N2aHlURZUbfGjzWYBsFjcWNhGpg05ZoSNSknqKWOJkkVxqio5tS2z58YIdn9suFWpMPVRUVyTWoSnl7euuQnhIv5v70Sw7BSiGNuemQNwXkPUfR73T-X4hRhHPX2JrNbGpj6aAV5uWHoFuWkjEL7x4z31J72eZQ-0ySbAf956ZriVqifGM/s1366/MARINA%20DI%20PETROLO%20HOTEL%20&%20SPA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYWU0-DQma3N2aHlURZUbfGjzWYBsFjcWNhGpg05ZoSNSknqKWOJkkVxqio5tS2z58YIdn9suFWpMPVRUVyTWoSnl7euuQnhIv5v70Sw7BSiGNuemQNwXkPUfR73T-X4hRhHPX2JrNbGpj6aAV5uWHoFuWkjEL7x4z31J72eZQ-0ySbAf956ZriVqifGM/s320/MARINA%20DI%20PETROLO%20HOTEL%20&%20SPA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://www.tablethotels.com/?gclid=91a4ae9fac0a1bbe1b58cb50da44b583&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=91a4ae9fac0a1bbe1b58cb50da44b583&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tablet_SEM_Branded_English_Brand%20Core_NA_Exact&utm_term=tablet%20hotels&utm_content=Core" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tablet Hotels</span></a></strong><span style="color: #666666;">. This is one of the best hotel/B&B sites around. It lists both professional and guest reviews. It has multiple filters including location and price. One example - Check out the </span><a href="https://www.marinadipetrolo.it/en" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Marina Di Petrol O Hotel & Spa</span></b></a><span style="color: #666666;"> in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, a quick hour from Palermo. At this waterfront boutique you can enjoy a beachfront room with balcony, a huge stand-up shower, an infinity pool and a world class spa. And the price? Around $114! Just one example of a cool place for a cool price.</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><b><a href="https://www.h10hotels.com/en?tc_alt=87113&n_okw=h10%20hotels_b__c_1210562809787843&msclkid=b93b06d0e2551ac9170a63076beb8f12" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">h10HOTELS.</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Another search engine where you can land some downright outstanding hotels for great prices. It's hard to beat a deal like</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> <a href="https://www.h10hotels.com/en/barcelona-hotels/h10-raco-del-pi" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Raco' del Pi, Barcelona</span></b></a></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Argent CF; font-size: 28px; text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic";">in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in Spain for around $90 per night. It warms the cockles of any cheap Nomad's heart.</span></li><li style="color: #666666; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong><a href="http://www.boutique-homes.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Boutique Homes</span></a></strong>. I include this site because of its emphasis on design. It even has a special list entitled <b>Style for a Steal</b> with many less expensive places to stay. It also includes a list entitled <b>Small Hotels</b> with well designed places for less.</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong style="color: #666666;"><a href="http://www.eurocheapo.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Eurocheapo</span></a></strong><span style="color: #666666;">. Great site for the budget minded traveler to Europe. From Barcelona to Paris to Venice to the London you can find rooms for under $100. This search engine is also affiliated with one of the largest Search Engines for Hotels in the world - </span><a href="https://www.booking.com/index.html?aid=2369661&pagename=en-us-booking-desktop&label=msn-fytORBXtG8mfMQdKzOTtuQ-80195816981646:tikwd-80195992120971:aud-808222231:loc-190:neo:mte:lp74381:dec:qsbooking&utm_campaign=English_United_States%20EN%20US&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=fytORBXtG8mfMQdKzOTtuQ&msclkid=06c8fe4f945e158698889b99ac23977e&utm_content=Booking%20-%20Desktop" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Bookiing</b></span></a>. <span style="color: #666666;">You can find a waterfront hotel in Seattle starting at $144 per night. In Seattle that is utterly insane!</span></span></li><li style="color: #666666; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="http://www.hostelworld.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Hostelworld</span></strong></a>. The old image of hostels with rows of vagabond college kids sleeping in bunk lined barracks is giving way to a kinder, gentler inexpensive alternative for the Frugal Nomad. Today's hostels offer well designed rooms with all the amenities of pricier hotels and B&B's, including en suite bathrooms, a critical non-negotiable for this Nomad. If you are looking to sleep cheap, this site is worth a look, with private rooms as low as $50 per night.</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yAuXO42PJA8wxoCeNDVJ4t3o6JdQjUagUm6wcIgYaDdeMibmc3qHOHZX1t7YNF8zD2lkZbHjlIriyiBQMkbZUtfkPnepsIIfJdTOqkdeEiwjD9SoiD0TH2lOBS-qRI3zRZXCVk-vTnNxkFbD0hKL0NvOwKyAfeo4YUXdsZ4pG0MxBKFI0WBrlmH7x5Ow/s472/AIRBNB%20CABIN.jpe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="472" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yAuXO42PJA8wxoCeNDVJ4t3o6JdQjUagUm6wcIgYaDdeMibmc3qHOHZX1t7YNF8zD2lkZbHjlIriyiBQMkbZUtfkPnepsIIfJdTOqkdeEiwjD9SoiD0TH2lOBS-qRI3zRZXCVk-vTnNxkFbD0hKL0NvOwKyAfeo4YUXdsZ4pG0MxBKFI0WBrlmH7x5Ow/w320-h186/AIRBNB%20CABIN.jpe" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><strong><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Airbnb</span></a></strong><span style="color: #666666;">. This site, started in 2007 by </span>a </span><strong><a href="http://www.risd.edu/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rhode Island School of Design</span></a></strong><span style="color: #666666;"> alumnus, </span><span style="color: #666666;">is the leading player in the search engine world for travelers who want something different. The site has built up an impressive lineup of rooms, homes, villas, apartments and even private islands at all price levels. How about a small re-purposed </span></span><strong><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/135806" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Hayloft</span></a></strong><span style="color: #666666;"> on the property of Villa Migliorini just a few miles from Florence? It sleeps four and costs a ridiculous $106 per night. Or if you want urban, check out a </span><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/165971" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: red;">Central Penthouse Studio</span></strong></a> </span><span style="color: #666666;">owned by an architect that sleeps up to four in downtown Valencia, Spain at $100 per night. That leaves a lot of euros to spend on tapas and sherry. I can attest, after staying in many AIRBNB's, to the quality and pleasure of staying in places with helpful owners who will show you all the places to eat and see.</span></span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;">Next week - <b>Part 3 of Dreaming</b>, thinking and planning that trip of a lifetime. Travel always takes you somewhere, old or new, that will change your head and your heart.</span></div></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span><h3 class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">Dream Dream Dream and Go Go Go My Fellow Vagabonds!</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank">thenomad<b><span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></b></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX24qoREagGxuhXUDsnobpby0KjTudvSHkuzVJ1wTT7kq3a6QPUdYebxWoQQdNZ2j03GdLJtdEz6LTXXl2pxi4lauPI0IqcUyag7IevUH1-OiD0yjfSV-1GA8U60x9CgQ78c7cDuoxhxgI1fHpsrMA6Fo_j5eg-vV7hu1U16J52o8MQPW3ZVkIK3rSsrE7/s236/HOUSE%20KEEPING.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="236" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX24qoREagGxuhXUDsnobpby0KjTudvSHkuzVJ1wTT7kq3a6QPUdYebxWoQQdNZ2j03GdLJtdEz6LTXXl2pxi4lauPI0IqcUyag7IevUH1-OiD0yjfSV-1GA8U60x9CgQ78c7cDuoxhxgI1fHpsrMA6Fo_j5eg-vV7hu1U16J52o8MQPW3ZVkIK3rSsrE7/w168-h165/HOUSE%20KEEPING.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;">Born 1993 in Purcell, OK - One of the best rock, blues, gospel and folk artists performing today - </span><b><a href="https://www.parkermillsap.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Parker Milsap</span></a></b><span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">doing one of his best - </span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Truckstop Gospel</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">.</span></span></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/xMYuIwVxIEA?si=RumIXoXek7_q8lP9" width="480"></iframe></span></span></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="overflow" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-44011136590137368772024-02-14T09:26:00.002-05:002024-02-14T10:31:59.874-05:002-14-24 SOME ADVICE FOR MY FELLOW VAGABONDS - HOW TO PLAN A BUCKET LIST VACAY ON THE CHEAP!<p><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> <a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com/2012/10/how-to-be-real-nomad-on-cheap.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;">How To Be A Real Nomad Without Breaking</a> </span><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com/2012/10/how-to-be-real-nomad-on-cheap.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;">The Bank</a></p><div class="date-posts" style="background-color: white;"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="margin: 0px 0px 45px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-header" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7579986899019606315" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 516px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">So here we are - Valentines Day. I've thought a lot about a post for Valentines Day and decided - maybe next year. Today's post is for any Vagabond that wants a trip that fulfills all the desires you may have without exceeding your American Express or Capital 1 credit limit. And you need to get started - Spring is quickly approaching - March 21!</span></h3><h3 style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><br /></h3><h3 style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">Is "Budget Travel" The Ultimate Oxymoron?</span></h3><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><strong></strong> </div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgYErqeIs6g/UH4bWwAHV8I/AAAAAAAAEjc/YPisUWfGLM4/s1600/okies_san_diego1.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgYErqeIs6g/UH4bWwAHV8I/AAAAAAAAEjc/YPisUWfGLM4/w337-h194/okies_san_diego1.jpg" style="background: repeat; border: medium; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="337" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Well, it depends on your definition of what budget and enjoyable travel really mean. We've all experienced stressful issues flying to places unknown. I proclaim, with no apology, the pleasure of train travel in Europe is the best way to get from Point A to Point B. Train travel actually gives credence to the admonition "Getting there is half the fun". And of course, driving up the coast of California or through the hills of Tuscany on a Sunday afternoon is one of the truly great pleasures any Nomad would welcome.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">And what about the budget part of Budget Travel? First, let's define Travel Budget. In researching various travel blogs, online magazines and other travel experts, today's hotel prices range from $100 to $2,600, depending on where you go and what you desire for a cool place to sleep. Finding quality digs for picky Nomads that do not cost a small fortune is becoming more and more challenging. If your idea of budget travel is to go to Hotel.com and find the lowest priced chain, then read no further. If, however, you are a true Nomad looking for low prices and refuse to settle, then today's post is for you.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcIr94DAwjytRsDJ35pvG1se2JbVPVohGKl61mMSeWHqjx4RlJfDKKq1mYPQntQ-Mat3iA1FSEa4VrnWjlqfNcdF_qoF0QFF1aHW0jtv9Kru4oVe1F683k00B5ngRFez-pl5F4-Y4FHzb9tIIZb6fw0EdCTpHaLjB8tO4a4E3u_HO6KtOc8DlN1Fxv9FW/s639/DOLLAR%20SIGN%20CROPPED.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="310" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcIr94DAwjytRsDJ35pvG1se2JbVPVohGKl61mMSeWHqjx4RlJfDKKq1mYPQntQ-Mat3iA1FSEa4VrnWjlqfNcdF_qoF0QFF1aHW0jtv9Kru4oVe1F683k00B5ngRFez-pl5F4-Y4FHzb9tIIZb6fw0EdCTpHaLjB8tO4a4E3u_HO6KtOc8DlN1Fxv9FW/w61-h160/DOLLAR%20SIGN%20CROPPED.jpeg" width="61" /></span></a></div></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Of course, hotel costs are not the only component of budget travel. Transportation costs are becoming more and more challenging for the budget minded. I highly recommend procuring a rewards credit card. My personal preference is American Express Delta. We've not paid for a plane ticket in years. However, through obsessive planning, searching and timing, a penny-pinching Nomad can keep the cost of planes, trains and automobiles at an acceptable level. Finally, food and other things like shopping, entertainment and sightseeing can add up to a significant portion of any travel budget. Eating, drinking and being merry can, indeed, cost a bundle. So, just as you plan the big items, being smart </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">and reasonable can help ensure that you travel like a Happy Nomad and not just a weary, broke vagabond.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"> </div><h3 style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">Sleeping On The Cheap Is What We Seek</span></h3><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #666666;">Now that we have established the basic conceptual boundaries of low-cost travel, how do we actually achieve the Ultimate Low-Cost Adventure for Cheap Nomads? </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic";">IMHO, travel in the USA takes an obsessive search for cool places that don't cost a fortune. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic";">So - where are you gonna go? If you have never been to the most amazing country on earth, then get started on a trip to </span><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><a href="https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/tips-for-italy" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Italy</span></a>.</b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic";"> You will find quality places to sleep, visit, see and enjoy for prices that won't make you wince! </span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><strong><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Practical Considerations</span></strong></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Here is a simple list of things to keep in mind when planning your dream trip.</span></strong></div><div><ul style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Research - </b>To plan a great budget conscious trip takes time.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Read - </b>Online, books, you tube & other sources help you plan your trip.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Get organized - </b>Book mark every relevant site for places & activities.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Make a budget. </strong>This is critical to achieve your goal of low-cost travel. Use Excel or download any number of Travel Budget Apps.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Make an itinerary</strong>. I prefer a simple Itinerary listing flights, hotels, places and activities you want to enjoy.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Confirm costs</strong>. When you find a hotel that interests you make sure you go to the hotel's web site to ensure you are getting the best price. Rarely do "hotel bundlers" actually have lower prices.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Be flexible</strong>. Sometimes finding a hotel a bit off the beaten path will take you into uncharted territories that will improve your trip for less money.</span></div></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>Follow blogs</strong>. Make comments and ask questions on travel blogs about places and deals. Click any link listed under <strong>Blogs The Nomad Follows</strong> in the right margin for some good intel.</span></div></li></ul><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Next week can't be missed. I will list all of the best places to find great, inexpensive hotels everywhere, particularly Italy. Other items will be included for you to plan your Dream Vacay.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>My Fellow Nomads - You Gotta Plan & Go!</b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>D.L.Stafford</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ARCHITECT</span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="-apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif" style="color: #111111; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #111111; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>“There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror.” -</b> <b>Orson Welles</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #111111; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Here is a very cool tune by one of my favorites - Lyle Lovett - Pants Is Overrated.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/dS_DWLjnEW0?si=xMUDRJ79Kp9kDIWG" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><ul style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> </span></div></ul></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-56249451358159775832024-02-07T13:26:00.001-05:002024-02-07T13:26:51.134-05:002-7-24 PART 3 - TUCSON - THE DESERT - THE VIEWS - THE PLACE TO REST & ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST<p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6HXENY4-mSixXgWFpldC1U0n7k5U1AWdwT-OXshy6o7hsCko99PneK3WWh9ul3jyQCRCsvHfzMlwUiLsJWtCroK9Ui1yl8_8F04fCCJrPYxsgMto2p6F1zBbUsJ6TjEn1EoqcK4m_RnCBiMe0yGJR3gSsNDXKqg0Q0m4_bSiSZCm17DeDtQQCr4T0djK/s987/ELF%20OWL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="987" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6HXENY4-mSixXgWFpldC1U0n7k5U1AWdwT-OXshy6o7hsCko99PneK3WWh9ul3jyQCRCsvHfzMlwUiLsJWtCroK9Ui1yl8_8F04fCCJrPYxsgMto2p6F1zBbUsJ6TjEn1EoqcK4m_RnCBiMe0yGJR3gSsNDXKqg0Q0m4_bSiSZCm17DeDtQQCr4T0djK/s320/ELF%20OWL.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>After touring one of the greatest works of architecture in America, we headed south to the resort town of Tucson to enjoy the desert environs as we stayed in a completely luxurious resort for rest and relaxation. The food wasn't bad either.</b></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Whether you take the back roads or I-10, the views of the desert driving the quick two hours from Scottsdale to Tucson are desert perfection. We pulled into the <a href="https://www.westwardlook.com/" target="_blank"><b>Westward Look Grand Resort & Spa</b></a> to stay for four days. As we were taken to our room, it was very impressive. The Junior Studio Suite with Desert View had a king size bed, a nice shower and a large balcony/terrace. Depending on when you go, you can reserve outstanding rooms starting at $156. The best time to go is in early September - prices are low and the temperature is more comfortable. In the summer, the prices go up to the low $300's and the temperatures can go up to 100 degrees. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j87WTDdJUhquwaT-MeyFciYpjvu6Hx17yUoifA_A1-QPbsqmkUZrSKX_3HxZMdfy7t3eLnizCH70F4mbXLfJwY55oDHXXPFN_dgNb-zgwYyGnkjs71KJjjNekVBZ0-5wej2vSsQGo5nULn-MI6hnzRHvZp93LS2Ql5OT116j0FlXrlVgaxfba795PCt0/s1024/WESTWARD%20LOOK%20RESORT%20EXTERIOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j87WTDdJUhquwaT-MeyFciYpjvu6Hx17yUoifA_A1-QPbsqmkUZrSKX_3HxZMdfy7t3eLnizCH70F4mbXLfJwY55oDHXXPFN_dgNb-zgwYyGnkjs71KJjjNekVBZ0-5wej2vSsQGo5nULn-MI6hnzRHvZp93LS2Ql5OT116j0FlXrlVgaxfba795PCt0/w241-h161/WESTWARD%20LOOK%20RESORT%20EXTERIOR.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><div style="text-align: left;">Generally, I don't stay in "resorts", but this place doesn't feel like a big resort. It was</div></span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">comfortable with excellent staff and all the amenities any Vagabond needs for a complete adventure in travel - great restaurants, great spa and an outstanding desert environment. The resort has many choices for dining from a small cafe to an in-room dining experience.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?endDate=2%2F14%2F2024&locale=en_US&location=Tucson%2C%20Arizona%2C%20United%20States%20of%20America&msclkid=556565d061d715cbe03e006a08e786a9&rid=3574&semEnabled=true&semcid=US.MULTILOBLX.BING.DL-c-EN.LX&semdtl=a1361056008.b11286428845354632.r1671fd61c9812c2d0317aca021d8e0bb91d1e7b1339bbd7c0caf63157d0b2737d.g1kwd-80401947785353%3Aloc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j174381.k143501.f1.n1.l1o.h1e.m1&sort=RECOMMENDED&startDate=1%2F31%2F2024&swp=on" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">What To Do other than Sleep and Eat in the desert?</span></b></a></div></span><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">In addition to the resort, there are many things to see and do in and around Tucson. The city has many great restaurants. You can enjoy quick trips or longer daytrips and tours. From the <a href="https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/exhibits.php" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Arizona Sonora Desert Museum</span></b></a> to <a href="https://www.visittucson.org/things-to-do/attractions/national-parks-and-forest-areas/saguaro-national-park/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Saguaro National Park</span></b></a>, if you want to see some of the most unique and beautiful natural environments then this part of Arizona is the place for you! Take a quick look at the following video showing the beauty of this desert extraordinaire not far from Tucson.</span></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/xGzHrrozRH8?si=tCKY6ZkUHFTcMAwq" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">So, if you have never been to the deserts of the Southwest, then - Just Go! Now! You will not regret it!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ARCHITECT</span></b></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiozWwINT0edpeqKnJmJPYUqDVhFrlblRyLPzjLxMGwTyngfg5vqVpt5p03JOUp0zrL9qKQMye8Oo8EG2Y1MMjn1CPSX5S4p82iuDoil5b4Fv-mORsy-RkfBZDBwQ0JC67PY5YuDthzeM9YnkVaWV6u2jUTWb9YCoRQwOJlsf4gKl5Wt6P4Oi8iIvU0XfDB" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiozWwINT0edpeqKnJmJPYUqDVhFrlblRyLPzjLxMGwTyngfg5vqVpt5p03JOUp0zrL9qKQMye8Oo8EG2Y1MMjn1CPSX5S4p82iuDoil5b4Fv-mORsy-RkfBZDBwQ0JC67PY5YuDthzeM9YnkVaWV6u2jUTWb9YCoRQwOJlsf4gKl5Wt6P4Oi8iIvU0XfDB" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And for a little video treat - enjoy a great tune from a young artist from Oklahoma - </span><a href="https://www.parkermillsap.com/" style="font-family: "Century Gothic";" target="_blank"><b>Parker Milsap</b></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> performs </span><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Old Time Religion</b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> live on e-TOWN!</span></p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/RXEfVEDYhGQ?si=afuxqagWv9U2Z5C5" width="480"></iframe></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-46263704918158870002024-01-31T09:28:00.001-05:002024-01-31T09:38:26.513-05:001-31-24 - PART 2 - ARIZONA - TALIESEN WEST - SCOTTSDALE & MORE OF THE SOUTHWEST IN ALL IT'S RADIANT GLORY!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>PART 2 - A TRIP TO THE SOUTHWEST INCLUDED TOURING AN AMAZING WORK OF ARCHITECTURE BY THE GREATEST AMERICAN ARCHITECT - FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">We drove the quick 45 minutes to arrive at one of the most famous works of architecture in the United States by America's greatest architect - TALIESEN WEST, located just outside Scottsdale. This residential structure that also included Wright's studio had been on my Bucket List since I was a student in architecture school. In 1991 The American Institute of Architects recognized Frank Lloyd Wright as the greatest American Architect of all time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">This building has a unique history involving Frank Lloyd Wright and many students that apprenticed under Wright. According to the <a href="https://franklloydwright.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation</span></b></a> - <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">In the initial winters Wright and his students lived in tents while they built the first structures, mainly by hand </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">using as much local material as possible (rocks, stone and sand). The design of the buildings complemented the natural Sonoran Desert landscape of the site.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4I_AqQShXttHURy-WrGcD4GC3Ay-ed37hxb3VxUgCbxKskz2cQhS-f8w-4BmoEcgIzoUVmIlDacyNQRfwtQdRIObfaIE7BgJr3bkSPmT-SRycRNWhcku_FwzmXP_wa3bzB0QVakwOcw6q7kKetIY-yK7aNWMuuOJAVfsFX0aoLCMvVBo4_rGMAs939kS/s1440/MAIN%20VIEW-TALIESEN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="1440" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4I_AqQShXttHURy-WrGcD4GC3Ay-ed37hxb3VxUgCbxKskz2cQhS-f8w-4BmoEcgIzoUVmIlDacyNQRfwtQdRIObfaIE7BgJr3bkSPmT-SRycRNWhcku_FwzmXP_wa3bzB0QVakwOcw6q7kKetIY-yK7aNWMuuOJAVfsFX0aoLCMvVBo4_rGMAs939kS/w516-h182/MAIN%20VIEW-TALIESEN.jpg" width="516" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taliesin-and-Taliesin-West" target="_blank"><b>A brief description from Britannica Online:</b></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Taliesin and Taliesin West are <span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">two homes, as well as architectural schools, of the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">. Originally built in 1911, Taliesin, located near Spring Green, Wisconsin </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">was rebuilt after fires in 1914 and 1925. Taliesin West, near Scottsdale, Arizona, was begun in 1937 as a winter home for Wright and his students. Wright was of Welsh descent </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">and named his homes after the Welsh bard Taliesin. Both structures were continually renovated and added to until Wright’s death in 1959, after which they continued to be occupied by members of the Wright Foundation. In 1985, in accordance with the will of Wright’s third wife, his remains were exhumed from their resting place in Spring Green and moved to Taliesin West. </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;">Trying to describe Taliesen West in words is almost impossible. It's design of interior and exterior forms and spaces is so unique and diverse that only photos can tell the story. And seeing this masterwork of architectural design up close and personal is really the only way to appreciate the beauty, design and art encompassed in this extraordinary building.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;">A personal story I can share made our daytrip to this amazing set of structures one that I will never forget. As we sat on the front row of the Cabaret Auditorium listening to the docent describe the incredible space, which is partially below grade, where music was performed almost daily, he asked if anyone would like to play the piano. I raised my hand, and he said go ahead sir. I sat down and played, on the master architect's piano, one of my favorite songs I learned when I was much younger - <b>SUMMERTIME</b>. The joy of playing for a small group of visitors was, indeed, a pleasure beyond anything I could have imagined. Of course, they applauded when I finished. LOL!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;">In addition to the residence-studio, there are many small living structures built by students over the years on the 500-acre site that Wright bought for $3.50 an acre around 1937. That was indeed the good ole days! The tour of this extraordinary work of desert architecture belongs on every Vagabond's Bucket List.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Taliesen West Studio Buildings & Spaces</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r6V71v41WjNof0qApF2RuRw-Q16AyNff6La8oWblI7Kb8I_RFw2Gew2hoZPXfogVm1FSUVK525uByieZDrKBqBJ0XaJxTFOq6mPMVAJWgTsgICZbslKpYvyJzF9NKyKwvLSIC4_iHG76XwqPYvavcJQGiDTdRjIKUYtpK6j_hbb7WO2Td3jqwLcCFkbK/s323/EXTERIOR%20TALIESEN%203.jpe" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="323" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r6V71v41WjNof0qApF2RuRw-Q16AyNff6La8oWblI7Kb8I_RFw2Gew2hoZPXfogVm1FSUVK525uByieZDrKBqBJ0XaJxTFOq6mPMVAJWgTsgICZbslKpYvyJzF9NKyKwvLSIC4_iHG76XwqPYvavcJQGiDTdRjIKUYtpK6j_hbb7WO2Td3jqwLcCFkbK/s320/EXTERIOR%20TALIESEN%203.jpe" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQljuX8wItA70kSnoQ7VgpVJ-zqkyyAcCAACsL7Ylt2muc5I2DlaZYHgclU8Y9nYq0UUZn3qPtLTG9iGoG0rLd2XvFRFVJ_vF5XH8ruUmhpcr7dn70CM-BPSQF3B_pEeIrXKm2LizNhteseM6kGqp0AZDaGtwKB9i_Jm3c8CYoCrycGydP-vkpOJLgOYe/s640/EXTERIOR%20TALIESEN%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="640" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQljuX8wItA70kSnoQ7VgpVJ-zqkyyAcCAACsL7Ylt2muc5I2DlaZYHgclU8Y9nYq0UUZn3qPtLTG9iGoG0rLd2XvFRFVJ_vF5XH8ruUmhpcr7dn70CM-BPSQF3B_pEeIrXKm2LizNhteseM6kGqp0AZDaGtwKB9i_Jm3c8CYoCrycGydP-vkpOJLgOYe/s320/EXTERIOR%20TALIESEN%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; 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text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ7zrcEWla8MSN8PaTK1OrKWAvPnbPrzOpY2Amg5HAzVUW6hQHXoBxqH1c0Mv9QZRaA2NDmpZULMnudammMVGJ6DydfJfhpOZbTvhYGm6rw3sGZ_BRzNBUCRqyrYTHAa9F-roJ0jWjn1mzqyTO2eHsEr_lJKUG4MVG6InfkJbPbaW8CUKsMMd_xECN66b/s3000/EXTERIOR%20WEST%20WALL.tif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2251" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ7zrcEWla8MSN8PaTK1OrKWAvPnbPrzOpY2Amg5HAzVUW6hQHXoBxqH1c0Mv9QZRaA2NDmpZULMnudammMVGJ6DydfJfhpOZbTvhYGm6rw3sGZ_BRzNBUCRqyrYTHAa9F-roJ0jWjn1mzqyTO2eHsEr_lJKUG4MVG6InfkJbPbaW8CUKsMMd_xECN66b/w320-h240/EXTERIOR%20WEST%20WALL.tif" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Student Designed & Built Shelters</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn-_kEG8j3-Lx7vGjZQw_sry0WsLThM1OcubHRDEc_9OEPjoqJg0LqK0PpA-dWLhaW7npHwaWi_qijPlhLaLKifByiSQ8-VKo2E8nb6kekVpi8DHyBpvaJAEbFpDQMKFJJJ8qfM4iPRLPYJFu5ks_q4SnBJ_spM8Z_PqYD60QYweb-ViFineOuH6rsp9r/s474/STUDENT%20SHELTER%201.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="474" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn-_kEG8j3-Lx7vGjZQw_sry0WsLThM1OcubHRDEc_9OEPjoqJg0LqK0PpA-dWLhaW7npHwaWi_qijPlhLaLKifByiSQ8-VKo2E8nb6kekVpi8DHyBpvaJAEbFpDQMKFJJJ8qfM4iPRLPYJFu5ks_q4SnBJ_spM8Z_PqYD60QYweb-ViFineOuH6rsp9r/s320/STUDENT%20SHELTER%201.jpe" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ-NzDlrM7sIm9E4m7EYIVKKRmImOkAgaqJZ10zQC4xNMj7kGJotVwUsEZf3OFJqN_gyYUqpnP18nv4q0Kh6ZqkDks9LzhvEJ8ACczXltDDbhSvatOYg_Jp7rhVs_iBbU1xfgFBkuSlpBLtX_ruiXoF8-u-PC9YAKTgLS42Wr_81SF1uTjaUwS2wrUivi/s660/STUDENT%20SHELTER%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="660" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ-NzDlrM7sIm9E4m7EYIVKKRmImOkAgaqJZ10zQC4xNMj7kGJotVwUsEZf3OFJqN_gyYUqpnP18nv4q0Kh6ZqkDks9LzhvEJ8ACczXltDDbhSvatOYg_Jp7rhVs_iBbU1xfgFBkuSlpBLtX_ruiXoF8-u-PC9YAKTgLS42Wr_81SF1uTjaUwS2wrUivi/s320/STUDENT%20SHELTER%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis37MpjkIZDTsdyit2ZlfQxvtbAkXJNU-8D_VqCko3ANpJPdPmzWS36qrnhPxO1EHAdl57hGzS3QykQH_vl1s3pmWyG-MeiQNeZzO2fN0iG_GUBwXKGx9eL-0X1_KLim5n64bI0kCZp0Hh9TMQvoftIvI3zZwmaGaCUo9RzFnOac2bLZpUKfvZpDYdTXz3/s889/STUDENT%20SHELTER%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="889" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis37MpjkIZDTsdyit2ZlfQxvtbAkXJNU-8D_VqCko3ANpJPdPmzWS36qrnhPxO1EHAdl57hGzS3QykQH_vl1s3pmWyG-MeiQNeZzO2fN0iG_GUBwXKGx9eL-0X1_KLim5n64bI0kCZp0Hh9TMQvoftIvI3zZwmaGaCUo9RzFnOac2bLZpUKfvZpDYdTXz3/s320/STUDENT%20SHELTER%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Cabaret Theatre & Piano</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVeeA49KE6PHQu3UZ2jM-ovkgnFIMPNhRc9LEDXSoddzWUvb8An9nud2sok4pLYZ9riKcw4ibEwbYfBkUh9N73yuRJwi-6iNWmX9mupfwVfJcGLs29Tv1DjxWtGKDD9WDQsRIHa44OjSDYn2IdwNKR3l3SI5qPxwpYLA0q5kVEs0kjp9OsUA8wBg5otZt/s1650/CABARET.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1650" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVeeA49KE6PHQu3UZ2jM-ovkgnFIMPNhRc9LEDXSoddzWUvb8An9nud2sok4pLYZ9riKcw4ibEwbYfBkUh9N73yuRJwi-6iNWmX9mupfwVfJcGLs29Tv1DjxWtGKDD9WDQsRIHa44OjSDYn2IdwNKR3l3SI5qPxwpYLA0q5kVEs0kjp9OsUA8wBg5otZt/s320/CABARET.jpe" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE9IXpYLHDGtFtyKhKpqw1_4geo2FJrC5ZMrMZOQOI8NOtLitBJD-klHyWvAHYVYSwIf9D0dujWv1JQ1YUNvfFJpKDZ60CPJ6d3JOyvLrTGCMlGxhLNQS_e9JcJCzukkMdyEK0MdS8_llNJh4eWk6nIhTJMsXkSB_dBeFqlxK7ZFPcExl5pPwwDaZvwof/s1024/TALIESEN%20PIANO.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="820" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE9IXpYLHDGtFtyKhKpqw1_4geo2FJrC5ZMrMZOQOI8NOtLitBJD-klHyWvAHYVYSwIf9D0dujWv1JQ1YUNvfFJpKDZ60CPJ6d3JOyvLrTGCMlGxhLNQS_e9JcJCzukkMdyEK0MdS8_llNJh4eWk6nIhTJMsXkSB_dBeFqlxK7ZFPcExl5pPwwDaZvwof/w320-h400/TALIESEN%20PIANO.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">If you want to view more photos just click - <a href="https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=taliesin+west+studio+photos&id=4EAF6B088B25122331F74009662441F618E536ED&form=IQFRBA&first=1&disoverlay=1&cw=1513&ch=693" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">TALIESIN WEST PHOTOS</span></b></a></span><a href="https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=taliesin+west+studio+photos&id=4EAF6B088B25122331F74009662441F618E536ED&form=IQFRBA&first=1&disoverlay=1&cw=1513&ch=693" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></a>. <span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Who knows - it might even get you to plan a trip to see this completely unique place.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Next week, I will bring the final leg of our trip to Arizona. Tucson and one of the coolest resorts you could ever sleep in surrounded by the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape of the Southwest.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Go West Vagabonds old & young!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">D.L.Stafford</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</b></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeXQ-QFAnOsR9VI_U_ICONU0fwbz3RToQtNZAepPd-3DKrMdtCFl0YUcMGVw63GyiWpFNunlB7Vk_CWl_CkNspl5cgc5z3pU0Czxp8WJ15HOJobOywkEMtQrFGCz-AMJ4ZqcFWxsyPeTQ9AU7zxYeQyNVvcDTHh3_DhRkjD1N7NN4PAgpg_TIgIlNilVf/s1024/FLLW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="759" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeXQ-QFAnOsR9VI_U_ICONU0fwbz3RToQtNZAepPd-3DKrMdtCFl0YUcMGVw63GyiWpFNunlB7Vk_CWl_CkNspl5cgc5z3pU0Czxp8WJ15HOJobOywkEMtQrFGCz-AMJ4ZqcFWxsyPeTQ9AU7zxYeQyNVvcDTHh3_DhRkjD1N7NN4PAgpg_TIgIlNilVf/w135-h183/FLLW.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #db8675; font-family: "Neutraface Slab", Helvetica, Arial, serif; font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.5rem;">“The mission of an architect is to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #db8675; font-family: "Neutraface Slab", Helvetica, Arial, serif; font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.5rem;">help people understand how to make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to life.”</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #db8675; font-family: "Neutraface Slab", Helvetica, Arial, serif; font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.5rem;">Frank Lloyd Wright - 1957</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #484848; font-family: freight-text-pro, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p></div><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybKQikrLDu4wM9-AIqZAvEqEN658ivORBdsqdw9a_V94Zyvv_HNMg_t430WK_06Qnnz1jzOC8JyQTnzY2PKBPrZ8Ncdeiag0j1UlWcUs_mR3AlvtsDl2ATGWT0zgFkuvm_JCbDoCVbi5t_KkzofbnASB65vGaSjTwji5eduqzAHu30EBepJI2Wr0k0VI4/s600/ARCOSONTI%20CONSTRUCTION.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p></div></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-30092269994417555882024-01-24T10:11:00.000-05:002024-01-24T10:11:03.629-05:001-24-24 - LAST WEEK ITALY - THIS WEEK ARIZONA - A PLACE TO EXPERIENCE & IMAGINE - PART 1!!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>IT'S 2024. WE AIN'T GETTIN' ANY YOUNGER! ALL VAGABONDS NEED TO TAKE A TRIP AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY AND DIVERSITY OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgPJdwWWr8SwgXkNNRbW6GEEybwquUdCBHD7hKMswWBputfvvKbsoW2D4ycuffIC7PCbjwrpm0krMQXRQa8wpc6T-GJvY9DU2IjNBMQUtNa3uEb6GeIEG2ro7QgbHvxL4wqcUs8_kq1vT4pqBVlqtl56Jtg1B3nLFEmcV6h0NII5rNeHce68JXQooG2qI/s474/STRESSED%20TRAVELER.jpe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgPJdwWWr8SwgXkNNRbW6GEEybwquUdCBHD7hKMswWBputfvvKbsoW2D4ycuffIC7PCbjwrpm0krMQXRQa8wpc6T-GJvY9DU2IjNBMQUtNa3uEb6GeIEG2ro7QgbHvxL4wqcUs8_kq1vT4pqBVlqtl56Jtg1B3nLFEmcV6h0NII5rNeHce68JXQooG2qI/w186-h153/STRESSED%20TRAVELER.jpe" width="186" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Several years ago, we took a relatively short trip to the state of Arizona, and it was </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">relaxing and even stressful at times. Of course, all travel is a perfect blend of relaxation and stress. When you see or experience something that affects your heart and your head it improves your perception of life. Of course, if you travel at all, you know that airports, delayed flights or less than helpful service people can create stress when you travel.</span><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>A Trip to the Great Southwest</b><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">We landed in Phoenix just after lunch, rented a car and headed to the resort that I had reserved online for three nights. However, when we arrived at the resort, the person at the front desk could not find our reservation. Did I say something about stress? My favorite travel companion, the smartest female on the planet, Susie, looked at my Travel Notebook I had opened on the counter and said - we don't have a reservation here, we have a reservation at a condo nearby. The nice lady at the front desk gave us simple directions, we left, found the condo and it was perfect. So, we relaxed on the balcony and enjoyed a couple of glasses of vino to enjoy the view for the rest of the afternoon. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qz6tOP4V1kJiaKvlBAwdrOR8GEkv3XKVXSkb90ugMgTnRrdmBXBe2XkNaZ5HulFpUN8zVU3s9zYm4OTB_2_tDom7hvgTp3AO2halTRIn4OVpcJyiLv7Y5YRPqL-f52JMPVPL8j26cD2SyOl-H5QKY-xS1OowydPr223NvhDygKaFFjwiOwa2QrbG7Ydy/s2980/MCARTHURS%20RESTAURANT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2980" data-original-width="2980" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qz6tOP4V1kJiaKvlBAwdrOR8GEkv3XKVXSkb90ugMgTnRrdmBXBe2XkNaZ5HulFpUN8zVU3s9zYm4OTB_2_tDom7hvgTp3AO2halTRIn4OVpcJyiLv7Y5YRPqL-f52JMPVPL8j26cD2SyOl-H5QKY-xS1OowydPr223NvhDygKaFFjwiOwa2QrbG7Ydy/w235-h235/MCARTHURS%20RESTAURANT.jpg" width="235" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">We decided to enjoy an early dinner at the famous <a href="https://www.arizonabiltmore.com/" target="_blank"><b>Biltmore Hotel's</b></a> premier restaurant <a href="https://www.arizonabiltmore.com/dining/mcarthurs/" target="_blank"><b>McArthur's</b></a>. This restaurant and hotel have a unique <a href="https://hotelchantelle.com/how-is-the-arizona-biltmore-hotel-linked-to-wright/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">history</span></b></a> involving America's greatest architect <a href="https://franklloydwright.org/frank-lloyd-wright/" target="_blank"><b>Frank Lloyd Wright</b></a>. The hotel and the restaurant were designed in the early 1920's by a Wright apprentice <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Chase_McArthur" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Albert Chase McArthur</span></b></a>. However, Wright was heavily involved as a consultant for the building and the details of construction. I must confess, we were on a fairly tight budget back then, so we didn't stay at this astounding hotel. It is currently a Waldorf Astoria Resort with prices that exceed any budget that is not extravagant. Prices go from $718 for a resort room with balcony to $2,134 for a Sky Stone Suite with king-size bed. Any self-respecting Nomad simply can't pay those prices unless you are just loaded. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY4n9koDRcPPNOBZf90_zQYJ2q_xiZxP_3jv0nH9cgTVBEqn-0goYvkY9yQSYBJce1OtcqgJXcHrAPlP-ONKi4ctJJYCZCuVzV2tjPIesWItmU9rd00ssKeL0OXLOBCiYDuvcsnoseiJXkyJNxmbfjPq9CIRWeyPNUzdIOjEbLUU4jX3-4RzJpQ-QeB5k/s1000/Arcosanti_Guest-Rooms_01.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY4n9koDRcPPNOBZf90_zQYJ2q_xiZxP_3jv0nH9cgTVBEqn-0goYvkY9yQSYBJce1OtcqgJXcHrAPlP-ONKi4ctJJYCZCuVzV2tjPIesWItmU9rd00ssKeL0OXLOBCiYDuvcsnoseiJXkyJNxmbfjPq9CIRWeyPNUzdIOjEbLUU4jX3-4RzJpQ-QeB5k/w275-h183/Arcosanti_Guest-Rooms_01.webp" width="275" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><div style="text-align: justify;">After a good night's sleep, we jumped in the car and made a nice day trip north to a unique</div></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">experimental community named </span><a href="https://www.arcosanti.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Arcosonti</span></b></a> <span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">started in the</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">1970's. This interesting experience in eccentric design remains active today. Depending on whose opinion you accept, Arcosonti is an urban laboratory for sustainable living, or a crazy idea founded by a crazy architect! The architect, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paolo-Soleri" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Paolo Soleri</span></b></a>, was born in Italy, studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and decided his talents would be better used to create this unique place. People live there</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> in alternative dwellings that adhere to the concept of joining architecture and eco-friendly design to create places that honor both. Because I am an architect and my travel mate loves to see unique design, we enjoyed an entire day viewing this utterly compelling and exceptional idea expressed in stone in the desert. There are also houses that can be rented through AIRBNB or VRBO. </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">And if you really want to step into a place of dreams to see what alternative really means, you can rent a pretty cool room at </span><a href="https://www.arcosanti.org/stay/guest-rooms/" target="_blank"><b>The Green House Guest Rooms</b></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">. The photo is an exterior shot of this place to spend the night.</span></div></span></div><div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkroaMgCU6RBFJQsZvJqmLeR1heXT2WcRlHzj9PC5Ou6eED6u62hIjNPU8rvrCF979M3Rz9ROP-qA3kBPtO6oRbooHAG1FHOdAdwwJar6tyOUG5Ho1NGQmMui_IatRbnMwc2FD2e3WxsY96sSkHEwqXufnTpJp8ITPxstTepM1gjweNzyD9ucTRn2WflL/s918/ARCOSONTI%20BELLS.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="474" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkroaMgCU6RBFJQsZvJqmLeR1heXT2WcRlHzj9PC5Ou6eED6u62hIjNPU8rvrCF979M3Rz9ROP-qA3kBPtO6oRbooHAG1FHOdAdwwJar6tyOUG5Ho1NGQmMui_IatRbnMwc2FD2e3WxsY96sSkHEwqXufnTpJp8ITPxstTepM1gjweNzyD9ucTRn2WflL/w129-h177/ARCOSONTI%20BELLS.jpe" title="Wind Bells" width="129" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">In addition to some of the most unique houses you will ever see, Arcosonti is also known for making and selling beautiful <a href="https://cosanti.com/" target="_blank"><b>Wind Bells</b></a>. We still have one hanging in our house that we purchased. If you want a nice lunch or snack, check out <a href="https://www.arcosanti.org/cafe/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">The Cafe' at Arcosonti </span></b></a>open Thursday to Sunday. There are many restaurants just a few minutes outside Arcosonti as well. After a complete daytrip to this fascinating community with some of the most truly "organic" architecture spread over a very rocky landscape, we headed back to Phoenix.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Next week I will post <b>Part 2</b> of our <b>Arizona Trip</b> to experience one of the greatest works of Frank Lloyd Wright - <b><a href="https://franklloydwright.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Taliesin West</span></a></b>, the winter home and studio designed by Wright built in 1937. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">In the meantime, I hope all Vagabonds are enjoying the New Year. Although, I must say, I loathe cold weather. But at least I live in North Florida, not Kansas.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Get it goin' Vagabonds. Thanks!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">D.L.Stafford</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</b></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT80AUse7lQujmF54EkMCNZo8huZOfSyynaM8FBsyFk9jcGiGnVxgpnVf37_9W6exsiWLAra2PrGGyNHjQKpdTdXdSQk5irB5TeSK9sRl95_06-x6phBg1ph5RtjdDnwURAhazx_IYWU2qprd-9e6uKWu1Ab5ccRG_soX3Av0UzzQoLvXMduxP4qq9BWGz/s1152/ARIZONA%20QUOTE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT80AUse7lQujmF54EkMCNZo8huZOfSyynaM8FBsyFk9jcGiGnVxgpnVf37_9W6exsiWLAra2PrGGyNHjQKpdTdXdSQk5irB5TeSK9sRl95_06-x6phBg1ph5RtjdDnwURAhazx_IYWU2qprd-9e6uKWu1Ab5ccRG_soX3Av0UzzQoLvXMduxP4qq9BWGz/w167-h251/ARIZONA%20QUOTE.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-8818552454549417762024-01-17T14:03:00.000-05:002024-01-17T14:03:36.609-05:00AND THE AMERICAN ASKED - CIAO, DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? AND THE NICE MAN JUST SHOOK HIS HEAD!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>IF YOU ARE A LIST LOVER PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE - READ ON!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgW3Y_t87Vm9DwfYnaXr5vhsdzyaE6P94w_gksxIKhbC7otf2mjfSQITUgc56qXKcCnqWp37WNiw4BglAhQIV8-VwmyrBGlP_cRJVSuyE-v2WcMB39Kmhyo7G8Wizfav9-WlX0iZt_zcF4x7s0-o4_9L4Nem9H9KKdfpbH2mJS9VoMnp7BG9H3BkBLhn8/s1080/RICK%20STEVES.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgW3Y_t87Vm9DwfYnaXr5vhsdzyaE6P94w_gksxIKhbC7otf2mjfSQITUgc56qXKcCnqWp37WNiw4BglAhQIV8-VwmyrBGlP_cRJVSuyE-v2WcMB39Kmhyo7G8Wizfav9-WlX0iZt_zcF4x7s0-o4_9L4Nem9H9KKdfpbH2mJS9VoMnp7BG9H3BkBLhn8/s320/RICK%20STEVES.webp" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Today, I am putting on my <b><a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/" target="_blank">Rick Steve's</a> </b>how to get there, what to do when you get there and what to ask when you get there hat. Although, I do find Steves to be somewhat annoying and a terrible dresser, his advice on the practical do's and don'ts when Vagabonds travel is usually worth adhering to - except of course his hotel recommendations. I mean if you are going to vacay the right way, you should not stay in a place that reminds you of your grandmother's bedroom. Old, knitted quilts belong in a cedar chest, not a hotel room. However, if you want to take in some advice from an experienced traveler and writer, just click the link above for Steve's website. In the meantime, if you are planning a trip abroad in 2024, you can ponder the following list of my somewhat random thoughts on the practical things to consider when traveling anywhere. You can apply this list to any country, particularly Europe.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">MONEY - It is virtually impossible to escape the rapacious greed of banks, credit cards and other money changers when traveling anywhere in the Eurozone. But here are a few tips to save some bucks.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>DO NOT </strong>use a currency exchange service at an airport or train station - High Fees.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><strong>DO NOT</strong> use Travelers Checks. Nobody takes them anymore.<br />
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<strong>DO</strong> use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Many do not, but you need to check to be sure.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Do </b>use a Point Card, if you travel a lot. Our preference is the <a href="https://creditcard.delta.com/d/delta/?utm_mcid=&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=%2Bskymile%20%2Bcard&utm_campaign=p%3AB%7Ca%3ACCDC%7C%5EB%7C%23D%7Cd%3ADelta%20Terms-CBSP%7Cm%3APhrase&utm_adgroup=Skymile%20Card%7Cp%3AB%7Ca%3ACCDC%7C%5EB%7C%23D%7Cd%3ADelta%20Terms-CBSP%7Cm%3APhrase&utm_cmpid=590000520&utm_adgid=1236950880793867&utm_tgtid=kwd-77309661758604:loc-190&utm_mt=bp&utm_adid=77309604482821&utm_dvc=c&utm_ntwk=o&utm_programname=ccdc&msclkid=d1a571b1423d1d9b6e4c1417868c44cb" target="_blank"><b>AMERICAN EXPRESS DELTA SKYMILES</b></a> Card. We haven't bought a plane ticket in forever using <b>Delta SkyMiles Points</b> earned when we purchase anything. It's easy to become a member - just click the link in this paragraph! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>DO</b> purchase <b>Euros</b> online. Usually, the charges and exchange rates are reasonable. You don't really need a lot of cash in Europe - almost everywhere you go accepts credit cards. Many countries are actually becoming completely cashless. There are several online services that will mail you Euros overnight for no charge. Just be sure and check exchange rates to get the most for your money.<br />
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<strong>DO </strong>call your bank <b>BEFORE</b> you leave to verify their ATM charges.<br />
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<b>DO</b> get as much money from an ATM as you can and save on Usage Fees.<br />
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<b>DO</b> call your bank when you return to demand that they remove the usurious extra fees they may charge.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhwGTFPymE5s2rXB4jBeoQm0tqiO0LkhP0qvUuQNOPGtyvLZNV3XQHX1GsGWVtRZ5Mj7rNCvRtkFcerQN6E-WA15ReuJM8epep3byclhxWDpMBfrDOwKev6UuCE1m_LpyFt6AdJ8j4keRJIZCOzp6QgbS_2FBoAJ-MiVl3FjuS_J2upyBKTwiWwQJyzR6/s900/PINOT%20GRIGIO.jpe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhwGTFPymE5s2rXB4jBeoQm0tqiO0LkhP0qvUuQNOPGtyvLZNV3XQHX1GsGWVtRZ5Mj7rNCvRtkFcerQN6E-WA15ReuJM8epep3byclhxWDpMBfrDOwKev6UuCE1m_LpyFt6AdJ8j4keRJIZCOzp6QgbS_2FBoAJ-MiVl3FjuS_J2upyBKTwiWwQJyzR6/w240-h160/PINOT%20GRIGIO.jpe" width="240" /></a></div></span></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">If your <b>Vagabond Spirit</b> wants to go to a place that has amazing people, insanely great food, ancient and modern things to see and do, head and heart altering culture, and great hotels, villas and AIRBNBs for extremely low prices then Italy is the place to go. We are in the process of planning a return trip to this genuinely great ancient, yet modern country. The memories of places we went, things we saw, the food we ate and some of the most design conscience places we laid our heads after a day of sightseeing in a beautiful town, a 1,000-year-old building, a museum of ancient and modern works of art or just sitting on a romantic terrace enjoying a glass of Italian Pino Grigio with views of vineyards, mountains, lakes, rivers and seashores as far as you can see. If you'll simply enter <b>ITALY</b> in the <b>Go Ahead and Ask</b> box on any post in <a href="http://WWW.THENOMADARCHITECT.COM"><b>THE NOMAD ARCHITECT</b></a> you can read some of my thoughts about our experiences in this incredible country. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Enjoy a brief visually inspiring and narrated tour of various places to see in this magical country.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/FlRwssZYRM0?si=1UnZe73GSd43xwsq" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">So - A piu' tardi - godere - </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">vai e basta</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> - romanticamente a</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"> l'Italia!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">See you later - enjoy - just go -romantically to Italy!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">thenomad<span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="quote_sign" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="quote_sign" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="quote_sign" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO7ygmX-xNG9OW5XNnzqkClTPGERSiCZmf8JtCGNZvVkJAFnjcPrGwoxci_Ct7Ath_MAxKZlUZgDMSe8LsGLsGo_QpefAN-5q1qubkM5oiiXrULNl4CYQkJQ9wa_IEzYxbzY9ANr5YRz5itKWeDfAGrztwblYqQmA9HaIctALRsdrWCci3AXmHNy-6mxN/s236/MICHELANGELO.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO7ygmX-xNG9OW5XNnzqkClTPGERSiCZmf8JtCGNZvVkJAFnjcPrGwoxci_Ct7Ath_MAxKZlUZgDMSe8LsGLsGo_QpefAN-5q1qubkM5oiiXrULNl4CYQkJQ9wa_IEzYxbzY9ANr5YRz5itKWeDfAGrztwblYqQmA9HaIctALRsdrWCci3AXmHNy-6mxN/w164-h164/MICHELANGELO.jpe" width="164" /></a></div><span class="quote_sign" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Century Gothic"; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The Creator made Italy from designs by Michelangelo.</span><span class="quote_sign" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Century Gothic"; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">” –</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Century Gothic"; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mark Twain</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><i><br /></i>
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D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-18280206076831003402024-01-10T11:25:00.002-05:002024-01-10T11:25:37.449-05:00JANUARY 2024! A NEW DAY & A NEW YEAR MY FELLOW VAGABONDS - SO GET OFF THE COUCH AND START MOVING!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xinVTV7hjS0/YVTQ6UQeFjI/AAAAAAAAQjw/V6NIrgNUN9c3Lf9FWIjdt5aBY_TJu6-JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s170/Eurostar%2B%25282014_02_28%2B17_38_33%2BUTC%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="128" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xinVTV7hjS0/YVTQ6UQeFjI/AAAAAAAAQjw/V6NIrgNUN9c3Lf9FWIjdt5aBY_TJu6-JQCLcBGAsYHQ/w167-h222/Eurostar%2B%25282014_02_28%2B17_38_33%2BUTC%2529.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">2023 is gone. Weird year. No comment! Here we are - 2024 - It's time for all Vagabonds to get off their couches or out of their recliners and just GO! Walk, fly, take a train, board a boat or drive a car to a place on your Bucket List or a place familiar that you have missed. I have the most profound and romantic memories the first time we went to Italy many years ago. I am an American who loves this great country. However, going to another country and experiencing the culture, the food, the people and all that a country has to offer can dramatically alter your perception of life. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">To give all Vagabonds some perspective on travel, here is the popular comic Jim Gaffigan on his vacation, with his five kids, to Disney. </span></p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/9VcE2MDuRyQ?si=sN6HzBipp8Dzi4To" width="480"></iframe></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">I'm sure most Vagabonds can relate! I remember taking our kids to Disney a long time ago. We stood in many lines to see and experience many different Disney offerings, including Dumbo. My favorite was riding, with my daughter, through It's A Small World several times on one trip. The best part was that the ride was very cold once inside. Perfect for relief from the hot Florida summer sun.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Even though I am not a Travel Guru, I do have a lot of experience finding places to lay your weary head after a long day of flying, driving or riding to get to the place that will illuminate your life. Since I'm an architect, great travel starts with the perfect place to relax, have a nice glass of vino and go beddy bye. Great design, great comfort and great location are always on my list when finding places to lodge while traveling. Here are some links to some of the best online services to find great places.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.i-escape.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">i-escape</span></b></a> - IMHO - This is the number one site to find great hotels with all the attributes I've mentioned so far. You can also find great places with reasonable prices.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.chicretreats.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">ChicRetreats</span></b></a> - Another great online site for cool, small boutique hotels at great prices, particularly in Europe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.sawdays.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">Sawday's</span></b></a> - Cool little hotels everywhere for decent prices.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/home" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><b>Unusualhotelsoftheworld</b></span></a> - This online hotel search service feature 345 unique hotels all over for very low prices to very high. It's worth a look. For instance, they have a tree house in Basque country of Spain for $130 per night. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.furtherafield.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">FURTHER AFIELD</span></b></a> - More cool places on the cheap, primarily in Europe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.relaischateaux.com/gb/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">RELAISCHATEAUX</span></b></a> - Great places for a little bit more cost.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.kayak.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><b>KAYAK</b></span></a> - One of the largest hotel search services online with hotels from high to low in over thirty countries.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">AIRBNB</span></b></a> - Worldwide places, many offering great design and comfort at low prices. We have stayed in many AIRBNBs in the US and Europe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://slh.com/" target="_blank"><b>SMALL LUXURY HOTELS</b></a> - A little higher priced but you can find some outstanding small hotels.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="https://www.expedia.com/" target="_blank"><b>EXPEDIA</b></a> - One of the largest collections of hotels from simple & cheap to luxurious & expensive all over the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Here are some suggestions for planning your Bucket List Dream Trip.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">1. Commit time and effort to planning your itinerary, where you will go and where you will stay.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">2. Take time to research all the places you are going to vacation in. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">3. Read every review you can find on any hotel, small residence or other accommodation you plan to stay in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">4. To keep your stress levels under control and enjoy your vacation I highly recommend a minimum of three nights at each place you stay.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">5. The best times to travel are in early Spring or early Fall. Temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming or just enjoying a nice glass of Pinot Noir while enjoying a beautiful view from the terrace with the one you love.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">6. IMHO - If you have never been, I highly recommend Italy, France and Spain. The people, the food, the places, and the cultures are transformational. Generally, the prices for amazing hotels tend to be much less in Europe than in the states. Of course, the good ole' USA from Napa to the Southwest to New Orleans to New York to Chicago always offers pleasure for the Vagabond Traveler. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">One last thought - Watch this short advice video by a well-known travel writer - <a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/" target="_blank"><b>Rick Steves</b></a>. He has written many books on travel and has been on television since 2000 giving advice on how to travel like a Local.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/qUHLCobRgaE?si=TIImZARGl5EeSai0" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">So, the bottom line - Get busy - Research, plan and GO! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Happy New Year as you travel!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">D.L.Stafford</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</b></a></span></p></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_CreAy458m5XjOouxpUFa_ImcLQMGS9WgS-XaLhQt8aQ5EurSpspL5SItAsL5xE95zBJ6e9R-b0peSWo-XHiiErJq-aGgZ1EngZpUKq_4d6metiEfovS9p4JVSuTg3_vRnKnJGcRfyXpRJ2xPt2zbCik7vavyzsHNOTJVJl91whSmyTaYYzx-DXkIyuo/s1024/TWENTY%20YEARS%20FROMNOW%20-%20MARK%20TWAIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1024" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_CreAy458m5XjOouxpUFa_ImcLQMGS9WgS-XaLhQt8aQ5EurSpspL5SItAsL5xE95zBJ6e9R-b0peSWo-XHiiErJq-aGgZ1EngZpUKq_4d6metiEfovS9p4JVSuTg3_vRnKnJGcRfyXpRJ2xPt2zbCik7vavyzsHNOTJVJl91whSmyTaYYzx-DXkIyuo/s320/TWENTY%20YEARS%20FROMNOW%20-%20MARK%20TWAIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-10106038600615183042023-12-31T09:13:00.000-05:002023-12-31T09:13:07.372-05:00HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!! HERE WE GO - DECEMBER 31, 2023 GOODBYE - JANUARY 1, 2024 - AND WE'RE OFF!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Well, I think we're ready for a New Year. I'm not an expert on good things or bad things like economies, inflation, changing cultures and other events or other stuff that can affect our daily lives. However, like all Vagabonds, I'm ready to look ahead and go forth to places yet unseen and old places that changed my mind set or my thinking about other cultures, and so many small things to experience and see. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">For example, sitting on the terrace and enjoying a mid-afternoon meal of cheese, prosciutto, freshly baked bread, and Italian wine at <b><a href="https://www.castelloditornano.it/en/index?bctbing=F106VUA3&vbbing=F106VUA3&msclkid=20bcf3f122bd13c189089661143d711c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=World%3AEN%3ASN%20-%20Castello%20Di%20Tornano&utm_term=castello%20di%20tornano&utm_content=%5BEsatta%20%2B1%5D%20Brand%20ENG" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Castello di Tornano</span></a></b>, a small boutique hotel created from a 1,000-year-old castle about an hour from Firenze, with vineyards as far as the eye could see is so etched in my mind and heart, I will always have great memories of a trip that changed me and my perfect travel companion for over fifty years - Susie.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Whether you will be at a big party or just quietly sitting at home enjoying life and the coming New Year - <b><span style="color: red;">Here comes 2024</span></b>!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/_pu1Cy1ivQE?si=paora2yKlShhIcZt" width="480"></iframe> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">First up - From 1980 - No. 1 on the <b>US Billboard 100</b> - </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kool_%26_the_Gang" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><b>Kool & The Gang</b></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> - </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Celebration</b></span>!! This tune just makes you feel good!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/3GwjfUFyY6M?si=RYt1YmKs0QDw06Ge" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footloose_(1984_film)" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">FOOTLOOSE!</span></b></a> - This will make you get up and move!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/e-OG0EyJyV8?si=UFi2Ws9k-7d7Wd8P" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">As only <a href="https://www.michaelbuble.com/"><b><span style="color: red;">Michael Bublé </span></b></a>can do - <b><span style="color: red;">HIGHER</span></b> - Great singing - great dancing!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/lR_x0GH5c30?si=i0uwUzpYRriA0Yst" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">And to end the evening on a more Romantic note. One of the most unique groups performing today - <a href="https://postmodernjukebox.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>POSTMODERN JUKE BOX</b></span></a> - <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS' EVE?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/EFIgMlBcKAs?si=q3icJVVp0t0o_-qk" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">So, see ya next year Vagabonds. Hit the road, catch a flight, jump on a boat, or roll on a train to old places and new in 2024!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Happy New Year!!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank">thenomad<span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></a></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFafnkFUUIc21DZDkh7Fj6uywy6-XhhiFMCrhRv5S7zGDPwBb60FOmPXYHZwlzZylGFQx9LP3ngn21cRvUTgJEBSUGyOqxxSoWW2efOX5s_PPMx9PRDWfMWW_tfzOXH-n-FmPHkG_UwadwLFO5mWTbifVZJYWQMVBUQdid5EgeWNtgOrkFVCIVG3med-4/s900/NOT%20ALL%20WHO%20WANDER%20ARE%20LOST.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFafnkFUUIc21DZDkh7Fj6uywy6-XhhiFMCrhRv5S7zGDPwBb60FOmPXYHZwlzZylGFQx9LP3ngn21cRvUTgJEBSUGyOqxxSoWW2efOX5s_PPMx9PRDWfMWW_tfzOXH-n-FmPHkG_UwadwLFO5mWTbifVZJYWQMVBUQdid5EgeWNtgOrkFVCIVG3med-4/s320/NOT%20ALL%20WHO%20WANDER%20ARE%20LOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-14252652925048885122023-12-25T09:17:00.001-05:002023-12-25T09:17:47.282-05:00DECEMBER 25 - NO. 1 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY - MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! TODAY'S TUNES SHOW US HOW TO TELL IT & APPRECIATE IT!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW01uRpoDKscqG2j1wSM5r_NyDgJc4e0tW84o_4z_XQ7zyrGsStt8hJy7AidgCAxHwiW0VwATccac1jSCFw_7nsOSzlipP0RCsajrOeKSp5WPpN-tHQyfvRD5gW9GxJGrcQQA0YCtlrZm5fZi7LKWHdX7uUmcSkLtRAxBMzK6KVAYtbh06CBoZM-lFYRC/s600/ZACH%20WILLIAMS.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW01uRpoDKscqG2j1wSM5r_NyDgJc4e0tW84o_4z_XQ7zyrGsStt8hJy7AidgCAxHwiW0VwATccac1jSCFw_7nsOSzlipP0RCsajrOeKSp5WPpN-tHQyfvRD5gW9GxJGrcQQA0YCtlrZm5fZi7LKWHdX7uUmcSkLtRAxBMzK6KVAYtbh06CBoZM-lFYRC/w232-h232/ZACH%20WILLIAMS.png" width="232" /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="text-align: left;">IMHO - </span><a href="https://www.zachwilliamsmusic.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Zach Williams</span></b></a> is one of the top Christian Country Rock artists performing today. He has won multiple Grammies and Dove Awards. </span><span>Gospel music is alive and well because of great artists like Williams. His soulful Southern Gospel voice brings power and belief in everything he sings. </span></div></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">This first clip has Williams hooking up with an amazing Country singer from Louisiana. She's what we call The Real Deal. After her father taught her a few chords, she started writing songs in her teens. Mark Deming of All Music gives a succinct description -</span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #202122;">"Wilson's voice is clear and strong, with an unapologetic Southern accent..." Here is </span><b style="color: #202122;"><a href="https://www.zachwilliamsmusic.com/" target="_blank">Zach Williams</a></b><span style="color: #202122;"> & </span><a href="https://laineywilson.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Laney Wilson</span></b></a><span style="color: #202122;"> performing a hot version of </span><b><span style="color: red;">Go Tell It On The Mountain</span></b><span style="color: #202122;">.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/LP2cNH84XBI?si=e5-Sg5flfG9ETPFy" width="480"></iframe></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK NO. 1</b> - Though technically not a Christmas song, today's first bonus track is one of the most powerful songs ever recorded proclaiming the power and blessings of Jesus Christ. Written by Williams in collaboration with Jonathan Smith and Casey Beathard and performed with Country Legend <a href="https://dollyparton.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Dolly Parton</span></b></a>, this powerful song brings restoration and love front and center - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_Was_Jesus" target="_blank"><b>THERE WAS JESUS</b></a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/37wV6D49iEY?si=v__8-O6weFkX8eve" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span><b>BONUS TRACK NO. 2</b> - M</span><span>ulti award-winning Christian Artist </span><a href="https://www.annewilsonofficial.com/#/" target="_blank"><b>Anne Wilson</b></a><span> joins <a href="https://joshturner.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Josh Turner</span></b></a>, another multi award-winning country & gospel singer/songwriter, to perform a unique tune on the birth of Christ - </span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Manger</span></b><span>.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Cs8Iq7cxou0?si=HWFtslkA6_OUNkLt" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 3</b> - As we ponder the immensity of the celebration on this day, I'll leave you with one of the most powerful songs of celebration ever recorded by the highest selling artist to ever win <b>The Voice</b>. From <a href="https://www.tommeeprofitt.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Tommee Profitt's</span></b></a> concert <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Birth Of A King: Live In Concert</span></b> - <a href="https://www.therealjordansmith.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Jordan Smith</span></b></a> performs <b>Mary Did You Know</b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ntMRNM8yhKg?si=SnFX3QcOoDfFSSWg" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK NO. 4</b> -We bring the Funk celebrating the <b>Birth of Our Lord</b>. With some of the greatest gospel singers ever, including Larnelle Harris, Daryl Coley, Take 6 and Andrae' Crouch along with another forty or so accomplished singers, performing a funkified version of the <b>Hallelujah Chorus</b> - <b><span style="color: red;">HALLELUJAH! </span></b>- Directed by Grammy legend producer, composer, arranger and director <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincy_Jones" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Quincy Jones</span></b></a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/VoBwzLH2Aig?si=PKzoHPINYm56a7tm" width="480"></iframe></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">It is my fervent hope that this <b>Eleventh Anniversary of the 2023 Christmas Countdown</b> brought you some joy, peace and laughter! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Merry Christmas </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">to all Vagabonds as you travel through life.</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">thenomad</span><span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></span></a></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful" - Norman Vincent Peale</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: Lora; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0px 0px 30px;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-91817453902578008772023-12-24T09:27:00.001-05:002023-12-24T09:27:49.765-05:00DECEMBER 24 - NO. 2 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - ON THIS SUNDAY - POWER SINGING TO BEAT THE BAND!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOBXzC6KZUgn3MwZPPvD4D4s69jCm4seMilk9eTDKyPUR1nGlXDbaIgBID1VYDVhFlBFG9_GKdDcX45Fg1OY-NNtSB3DV6RnYNbpGrPhKMdRE63CqNsV8cH6i2nnSyDIh5vAYkDGdeCA1fIN9VNzqfHJgVatGBwyMYmg8a3COw5rcRW_D7PqYVKvLIeLI/s474/power%20of%20music.jpe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOBXzC6KZUgn3MwZPPvD4D4s69jCm4seMilk9eTDKyPUR1nGlXDbaIgBID1VYDVhFlBFG9_GKdDcX45Fg1OY-NNtSB3DV6RnYNbpGrPhKMdRE63CqNsV8cH6i2nnSyDIh5vAYkDGdeCA1fIN9VNzqfHJgVatGBwyMYmg8a3COw5rcRW_D7PqYVKvLIeLI/w279-h186/power%20of%20music.jpe" width="279" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today is all about the power of music to celebrate the birth of</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus. As we close in on Christmas day, I have found so much music by so many incredible artists it has been difficult deciding what to feature. Today, however, the tunes on this Christmas Eve Countdown are all about singing loud and proud. I've even thrown in a couple that are not, technically, Christmas songs, to let all Vagabonds far and wide hear great power singing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">First up - As only The Gaither Vocal Band can do - A Southern Gospel tune on the birth that changed the world - <a href="https://gaither.com/artists/gaither-vocal-band/" target="_blank"><b>The Gaither Vocal Band</b></a> performs <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Come and See What's Happenin' In The Barn</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/PkTUnqhtoDw?si=jJaQSju6UMCWd2Cx" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 1</b>- A powerful, powerful song written by Christian Artist <a href="https://www.christomlin.com/" target="_blank"><b>Chris Tomlin</b></a> and performed with amazing beauty and power by <a href="https://www.laurendaigle.com/" target="_blank"><b>Lauren Daigle</b></a> - <b><span style="color: red;">NOEL</span></b>. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Love incarnate, love divine / Star and angels gave the sign / Bow to babe on bended knee / The Savior of Humanity / Unto us a Child is born / He shall reign forevermore</b>.</span></div></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5Vwu-t7QRaE?si=qo9VI2Z8JALvJYg7" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 2</b> - Though technically not a Christmas song, this acapella tune by <b>The Gaither Vocal Band</b> from 2012 features some of the greatest Southern Gospel singers to ever carry a tune - <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;">LOW DOWN THE CHARIOT</span>.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/B7u423HXZgY?si=e-1QnyjbkgxrWt4-" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 3</b> - OK. this non-Christmas tune is for me and other Vagabonds that want to hear insane power singing. Many, many years ago I saw a young <a href="https://russtaff.com/music" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Russ Taff</span></b></a>, with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imperials" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">Imperials Quartet</span></b></a>, at my church. Over the years Taff has become one of the greatest Gospel Singers in history. Turn up the speakers on this one written by Claude Ely, a preacher from Virginia, in 1934 at the age of twelve. In a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaither_Homecoming" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><b>Gaither Homecoming Concert</b></span></a> - <b> <a href="https://russtaff.com/music" target="_blank">Russ Taff</a></b> - <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain%27t_No_Grave" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Aint' No Grave!</span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/OYaz9yWLEWg?si=nyP-_Y6D0LguuqxL" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Sorry, I get excited when I hear great singing. I hope you enjoyed the tunes on this Christmas Eve 2023. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank">thenomad<span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEXTEb_3xaxBiHLuXL6OnHleO4LUQsrnArcYnBz-_cTyPw8cBkWYAFNkWWHj9a1yduVwK3ADgbTL8UqYWnKE-RqzayYPgOBEcXlBBl34C86Lc2nqg3Uvb62l5TApqNdKXagLJL8paYrY3bNlomeJh7lu7C2U3U1vg0WQg2TNp7SBLhSDK3F4wH4KA9gg_/s960/GROWN%20UP%20CHRISTMAS%20EVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEXTEb_3xaxBiHLuXL6OnHleO4LUQsrnArcYnBz-_cTyPw8cBkWYAFNkWWHj9a1yduVwK3ADgbTL8UqYWnKE-RqzayYPgOBEcXlBBl34C86Lc2nqg3Uvb62l5TApqNdKXagLJL8paYrY3bNlomeJh7lu7C2U3U1vg0WQg2TNp7SBLhSDK3F4wH4KA9gg_/s320/GROWN%20UP%20CHRISTMAS%20EVE.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-31810512218226057302023-12-23T09:17:00.002-05:002023-12-23T09:17:58.901-05:00DECEMBER 23 - NO. 3 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - LAST SATURDAY BEFORE THE BIG DAY - JUST RELAX, WATCH A LITTLE FOOTBALL, TAKE A NAP & LISTEN TO SOME PLEASURABLE MUSIC<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LCcRPjGt2dQrNJIDb3qtnfaO8mVp_vd6IRmtyE2NQVixav5dWN5p3svw2rMCNOhnw524sWxEhs3Z0-Q4LgJwB2IvVSkZOpHgBJqRCNWNg9PxVIjsaE1U-IuGGKDrd4o9vskIiAskfZjYJUg7MQRmZxjdKchCsYJuXfDUv5nyH7Jopjgg0ZbFORJ62PNp/s1200/SINATRA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="676" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LCcRPjGt2dQrNJIDb3qtnfaO8mVp_vd6IRmtyE2NQVixav5dWN5p3svw2rMCNOhnw524sWxEhs3Z0-Q4LgJwB2IvVSkZOpHgBJqRCNWNg9PxVIjsaE1U-IuGGKDrd4o9vskIiAskfZjYJUg7MQRmZxjdKchCsYJuXfDUv5nyH7Jopjgg0ZbFORJ62PNp/w133-h236/SINATRA.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>TODAY is the last Saturday before Christmas. I know most Vagabonds<br />are looking forward to relaxing, listening to some Christmas Tunes on the 65-inch VIZIO and just taking it easy. I mean the shopping, even on AMAZON, can be very tiring. LOL! The right color, the right size, the one gift that wasn't on their list - It's kind of tiring, yet fun right? And don't get me started on the wrapping!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Today's list of tunes is rather random. Real Country with two extraordinary groups, a delightful duet with a Bluegrass Singer with a voice like cool mountain water and one of the greatest Rock & Roll singers in history, and a legendary Crooner, winner of eleven Grammys and an Academy Award. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">First up - a great acapella Country group from Minnesota - Who knew! - <a href="https://homefreemusic.com/" target="_blank"><b>Home Free</b></a> and the one and only <a href="https://www.thealabamaband.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Alabama</span></b></a> deliver a simple beautiful tune - <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Kdl-i-6Q0Hw?si=iAMhr19VPiWMr34x" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 1 -</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAlisonKrauss/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alison Krauss</span></b></a>, one of the greatest Bluegrass Artists of all time, joins the one and only <a href="https://www.plantkrauss.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Robert Plant </span></b></a>of Led Zeppelin fame for a touching tune from the movie <b>Love the Coopers</b> - <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Light of Christmas Day</b></span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/JMYwWRom01c?si=AAmK9hRn9GAws-0u" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 2</b> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Sinatra#Legacy_and_honors" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Frank Sinatra</span></b></a> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span>- One of the most popular singers of the 20th century. <b style="color: #2b00fe;">Old Blue Eyes </b>sold over 150 million records. A simple quote from a fan on You Tube tells the essence of this great interpreter of every song he ever sang -</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f;"><b>"He definitely was the greatest live performer of all time. </b> <b>The Chairman of The Board</b>, <b>Mr. Frank Sinatra</b>." </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f;">Today enjoy the great </span><a href="https://www.sinatra.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Frank Sinatra</span></b></a><span style="color: #0f0f0f;"> performing - </span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas</span>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/d7iFdxdxCCk?si=8ZygraUOvF_ncHaZ" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Just lie back, relax and listen to some great, cool Christmas tunes on this last Saturday before Christmas.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span></b>ARCHITECT</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAl4WcYhB__qFvXPwGPkrrQeNk10G69kSjwgbPQavSMRTCVlnhFySGJz6J95SdOtSW9eqT0lZOEp-00_CGaJwntygjpfMyGjOsdf36UL0LqmRkh_KuxMsLfTP9BO0W9dwcRvutcouWC0zkYXW67jj8Cf9ETcAYT0U6QuR4ePrfKCuy2IGgeFHCSYDt3rHy/s1280/CHRISTMAS%20RELAX.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAl4WcYhB__qFvXPwGPkrrQeNk10G69kSjwgbPQavSMRTCVlnhFySGJz6J95SdOtSW9eqT0lZOEp-00_CGaJwntygjpfMyGjOsdf36UL0LqmRkh_KuxMsLfTP9BO0W9dwcRvutcouWC0zkYXW67jj8Cf9ETcAYT0U6QuR4ePrfKCuy2IGgeFHCSYDt3rHy/s320/CHRISTMAS%20RELAX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-45928891249823905852023-12-22T10:50:00.000-05:002023-12-22T10:50:01.227-05:00DECEMBER 22 - NO. 4 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GREAT SINGING BY GREAT ARTISTS FOR THE WEEKEND - ENJOY!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3OpQb5vLqozyWgj_1O6qiEs0r68bWHaZ0nIJ-oEsvFuxjb2VRTJpN3JoCCeWKd_NqqkK6N48uh_scJXyllV5GK7Jh9ibxQTe7DjpeUv9dTW9CWDcbPaUP2HG3Rhs73y3pbmpFTLMu3UTdnt-nOpsP8UxWLws05vVqp5FwHecW2AsdfGxfX46Fr29nuxg/s474/RAINY%20SANTA.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="474" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3OpQb5vLqozyWgj_1O6qiEs0r68bWHaZ0nIJ-oEsvFuxjb2VRTJpN3JoCCeWKd_NqqkK6N48uh_scJXyllV5GK7Jh9ibxQTe7DjpeUv9dTW9CWDcbPaUP2HG3Rhs73y3pbmpFTLMu3UTdnt-nOpsP8UxWLws05vVqp5FwHecW2AsdfGxfX46Fr29nuxg/s320/RAINY%20SANTA.jpe" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wow! Christmas is closing in</div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">fast. Today's Countdown </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">features a fairly random selection of great tunes by great artists - some old, some new. I talked to a good friend yesterday who had just returned from shopping with his wife. I have not been to one store shopping this Christmas. Amazon and I are very good friends. LOL! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No matter how you complete your seasonal shopping for your kids, your grandkids and others, I just hope it all brings joy to everyone come Monday. Especially since the weatherman predicts 96% chance of rain with a high of 68 degrees. </div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Today's first tune is from multi-Grammy and Dove Award winning <b><a href="https://michaelwsmith.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Michael W. Smith</span></a></b> with a stellar group of great singers including <b><a href="https://marcmartelmusic.com/" target="_blank">Marc Martel</a>, <a href="https://www.therealjordansmith.com/" target="_blank">Jordan Smith</a>, <a href="https://thekatinas.com/" target="_blank">The Katinas</a>, </b>and<b> <a href="https://www.pointofgrace.net/" target="_blank">Point of Grace</a></b>. All multiple award winners. This performance is a little longer than most posts on the Countdown. Just sit back, relax and enjoy some amazing music from this talented group of artists - <a href="https://www.tbn.org/programs/christmas-michael-w-smith-and-friends" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Christmas With Michael W. Smith and Friends</span></b></a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/vPBW3vJwgns?si=wu3D4hUPKYV3iOyL" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 1</b> - Over sixty years and still going! From Surfin' USA to Good Vibrations, these guys brought in a whole new way for pop/rock music to be heard. The one and only <a href="https://thebeachboys.com/" target="_blank"><b>BEACH BOYS</b></a> perform, from 1964 - <b><span style="color: red;">Little Saint Nic</span></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/0_3HLtW8mCw?si=e4YXtY22rNGXtqec" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 2</b> - This track shows how Christian Music has changed. <b>Crowder</b> looks like a 60's hippie. Today, this multi–Dove Award winner performs a completely different take on Christmas. Enjoy a very cool tune and video from <a href="https://www.crowdermusic.com/" target="_blank"><b>CROWDER</b></a> - <b><span style="color: red;">The Elf Song</span></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/-rO1hVc8RVE?si=hrFGdbkZVsOLP9G7" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Three days, get ready, it'll be here Monday, rain or shine. Hope all you Vagabonds, near and far, are enjoying this greatest season of the year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</b></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KuSSYI5fCUhii7g3KLekcWF7oVxUz2LfmV9xTiJ1nPSmhW5dSwvfH8kjGdyTUXPDhAS7NDc4RmdBdXT08-nojd8m1snU2PMMXJUVhwN72v9FO_BccosHucx_NrBXDkMO10pwQeYXeM8MCRtDmFbBGCjy4fMiX1RBYTVnxK2MwXNU_TFYfdszvuDJl2k8/s798/ELF%20SMILES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="570" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KuSSYI5fCUhii7g3KLekcWF7oVxUz2LfmV9xTiJ1nPSmhW5dSwvfH8kjGdyTUXPDhAS7NDc4RmdBdXT08-nojd8m1snU2PMMXJUVhwN72v9FO_BccosHucx_NrBXDkMO10pwQeYXeM8MCRtDmFbBGCjy4fMiX1RBYTVnxK2MwXNU_TFYfdszvuDJl2k8/w188-h263/ELF%20SMILES.jpg" width="188" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-69118500599540807062023-12-21T09:34:00.000-05:002023-12-21T09:34:23.724-05:00DECEMBER 21 - NO. 5 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - TODAY IS ALL GIRLS SINGING LIKE ONLY GIRLS CAN FOR CHRISTMAS!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoIfjUIMi-zwiUxKhXdNilormWBxFtdfLok1nr4AalmCIDvTQE0pBBga4AfNUupVAy-O5uqZkgK_7uhdKuXVeep1y4qX66whtKBtzGofg9EvudH_izYSfMbUb_Edji_lEYu4PUvncgQ89BClrxu4Bw2TCaV2z5BzKx3nTWrYD_48LoyP4Z8zpK3R18SP1/s416/GIRLS%20SINGING.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="416" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoIfjUIMi-zwiUxKhXdNilormWBxFtdfLok1nr4AalmCIDvTQE0pBBga4AfNUupVAy-O5uqZkgK_7uhdKuXVeep1y4qX66whtKBtzGofg9EvudH_izYSfMbUb_Edji_lEYu4PUvncgQ89BClrxu4Bw2TCaV2z5BzKx3nTWrYD_48LoyP4Z8zpK3R18SP1/w233-h233/GIRLS%20SINGING.jpg" width="233" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Today's <b>ALL GIRLS TUNES</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>CELEBRATION</b> was fairly difficult. There are so many great female singers, it's difficult to decide which ones to feature. However, trust your <b>Nomad Architect</b>, who has been an obsessive aficionado of great music my entire life, to bring all of my loyal followers the best of the best! LOL!!! </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">First up on today's music featuring all female groups and singers - The <a href="https://www.americansirens.com/?fbclid=IwAR1rBH0pFcOkDVfvpeY0z6KIPSeiSTXQMXEbpXvuZ_TOcSiwf3L_lVIG7lQ" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">American Sirens</span></b></a> bring you a lively jazzy version of a classic - <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">JINGLE BELLS</span></b>!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/AEMBSwmNV_M?si=Wi0xOweUMNUtdOLY" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 1</b> - The <a href="https://thepuppinisisters.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Puppini Sisters</span></b></a> give us a cool video and a great tune - <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/-VDaOwAYnRU?si=ibZ3rImrXgqYDPjg" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 2 - </b>This is a serious duet my fellow Vagabonds! Winner of the first season of American Idol, <a href="https://kellyclarkson.com/chemistrydeluxe/" target="_blank"><b>Kelly Clarkson</b></a>, and the multiple award-winning <a href="https://www.wynonna.com/" target="_blank"><b>Wynonna</b></a>, perform a rousing version of <b><span style="color: red;">Santa Claus Is Coming To Town</span></b>! And like Kelly says - Give it up for her house band - <b><a href="https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/kelly-clarkson-band-yall-invites-us-into-the-rehearsal-room" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Y'ALL</span></a></b>!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/le2KbDO013s?si=QJMBtq9KPNrCCfzV" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Hope you enjoy these great Christmas tunes from the Ladies today. Christmas - only four days 'till and I haven't wrapped a thing. But, after all I am a man. LOL! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank">thenomad<span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CzEKhi8t012LDiJs2b-yEpN8_C3TTMy3G-BYOq8_4t6b6kDF6GRYfMfp0ks7Jj88pYfYbUD8eS0-ZdKZnTyjUnSp5JZLsIKTzHJcdaxI-fU8xOLLC9L4OH4fqdFXW3yfa0xXk0XU-fhlr1U0N1C_lra9ELvjETlfsG9qvkdOghEXdKWr_A7n9jOBuYk2/s720/KISS%20MY%20ASS.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CzEKhi8t012LDiJs2b-yEpN8_C3TTMy3G-BYOq8_4t6b6kDF6GRYfMfp0ks7Jj88pYfYbUD8eS0-ZdKZnTyjUnSp5JZLsIKTzHJcdaxI-fU8xOLLC9L4OH4fqdFXW3yfa0xXk0XU-fhlr1U0N1C_lra9ELvjETlfsG9qvkdOghEXdKWr_A7n9jOBuYk2/w250-h187/KISS%20MY%20ASS.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-27341844005688511092023-12-20T10:00:00.001-05:002023-12-20T10:15:30.143-05:00DECEMBER 20 - NO. 6 O THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SOUTHERN GOSPEL AT CHRISTMAS IS THE BEST THING YOU'LL EVER HEAR - IMHO!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSFeHhuSzJH6DeMSQC1XhJilKuR04YctDJ_YEn5f_uQqkq-fv9O1-4pOZYguy7X84CE8KJJ3DXj9a7EbW6s0M2-5b185qLdo6Jx83vA34NuUwHg7aM74rDku8-FBKWfEZEDfbMiEn_hBhgO2h02S5S2tEha9bK_jlaN75j9r90MJ0Rn-D3DUiSWbF8xo_/s525/SOUTHERN%20GOSPEL.jpe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="520" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSFeHhuSzJH6DeMSQC1XhJilKuR04YctDJ_YEn5f_uQqkq-fv9O1-4pOZYguy7X84CE8KJJ3DXj9a7EbW6s0M2-5b185qLdo6Jx83vA34NuUwHg7aM74rDku8-FBKWfEZEDfbMiEn_hBhgO2h02S5S2tEha9bK_jlaN75j9r90MJ0Rn-D3DUiSWbF8xo_/w217-h219/SOUTHERN%20GOSPEL.jpe" width="217" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">IMHO - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_gospel" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Southern Gospel Music</span></b></a> is in a category completely unto itself. I have sung in so many choirs, ensembles, quartets, trios I have lost count. I started at the age of twelve singing with my family. And heard all the great Southern Gospel groups growing up in the South. Southern Gospel is a unique blend of harmony and soul that proclaims the Gospel to anyone that will listen. And millions do listen all over the world. It started in 1910 in Tennessee. From the Statesman Quartet, along with many more groups to current day groups. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">First up on today's Countdown is a trio of siblings - <b><a href="https://www.martinsonline.com/martins_history.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Martins</span></a></b>, discovered in 1987 by Michael English, Mark Lowry and Bill Gaither at the National Quartet Convention in Nashville Tennessee, have become a fixture with the Gaither Music Homecoming Tours. Here they are performing one of their favorites - <b><span style="color: red;">Go </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>Tell!</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5UrPzelutyY?si=XCHs7OD8YasPuDjU" width="480"></iframe></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 1</b> - Here is a great tune by the Gospel group <a href="https://www.erniehaase.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Ernie Haase & Signature Sound</span></b></a> - <b><span style="color: red;">Every Light That Shines At Christmas</span></b>. This one will make you wanna dance.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/FMFM1x2NNw8?si=0jRGdae8q-7Utepl" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 2</b> - <a href="https://www.theisaacs.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Isaacs</b></a>, a Bluegrass Gospel family including mom, two daughters, a son and a son-in-law perform a nice arrangement of <b>Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy</b>. Nothing sounds like a family singing!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/X8DS_-5pzv0?si=zCwkRVdy20x0RzAm" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 3</b> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Friends_Quartet" target="_blank"><b>The Old Friends Quartet</b></a> was formed in 2002 with a group of long time Gospel singers - George Younce bass, </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;">Ernie Hasse tenor, </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;">Wesley Pritchard baritone, Garry Jones piano and </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;">the great Jake Hess on lead. Take a listen as they perform - <b><span style="color: red;">Glory To God In The Highest. </span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/OGfxlGeNVmQ?si=9xiSxi_V7Ej43DMm" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Southern Gospel just makes you feel better, especially at Christmas. Merry Christmas to all Vagabonds everywhere.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFx8cL_byBt41YsVU61z6uCbfFtJtrhFh0qSBd2Ju9msV9qnZ_4PHEodstU-MTP_CcnxQPImz6BexXqS3-DmlbsMwpFsYPmFaI-ED6ju9pzFrSayM13HOJGv574MZelWjbWdz_cH9VUaXiqNJNEVSFr6Xo4GBZuJ1l8vaTs2o1YPDow-7aP24FwlqnuzP/s480/VAGABONDS%20AT%20CHRISTMAS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFx8cL_byBt41YsVU61z6uCbfFtJtrhFh0qSBd2Ju9msV9qnZ_4PHEodstU-MTP_CcnxQPImz6BexXqS3-DmlbsMwpFsYPmFaI-ED6ju9pzFrSayM13HOJGv574MZelWjbWdz_cH9VUaXiqNJNEVSFr6Xo4GBZuJ1l8vaTs2o1YPDow-7aP24FwlqnuzP/w197-h148/VAGABONDS%20AT%20CHRISTMAS.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><div><br /></div></div>
<br />D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-89647607249732468772023-12-19T12:38:00.000-05:002023-12-19T12:38:50.657-05:00DECEMBER 19 - NO. 7 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S TIME FOR SOME TUNIN' & SOME TAPPIN' ON THIS TUESDAY!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Vocal jazz has been around a long </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBi4D9xvzrQraDUXbjHxs1vVvJm3HZkrzWgXkG5fpp2Bc3zU8DwG5VILuJuij0Aig-b0jnEcTGwyQLRSIaLhnrVB0NtgxNE8NkCn_di7Fo7AO-7ZVgUkVOo6y_aTpC41F420LuOkuom2OSJrl1LwCSfGGBSCPFkoDoUOIT_iZLrPsOIjb2WVSwTOG_OIu/s1418/JAZZ.jpe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1418" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBi4D9xvzrQraDUXbjHxs1vVvJm3HZkrzWgXkG5fpp2Bc3zU8DwG5VILuJuij0Aig-b0jnEcTGwyQLRSIaLhnrVB0NtgxNE8NkCn_di7Fo7AO-7ZVgUkVOo6y_aTpC41F420LuOkuom2OSJrl1LwCSfGGBSCPFkoDoUOIT_iZLrPsOIjb2WVSwTOG_OIu/w188-h188/JAZZ.jpe" width="188" /></a></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;"> time, going all the </span><span style="font-size: large;">way back to the Andrews Sisters (1937), the Hi Lo's (1953), or the Manhattan Transfer (1969) who are still performing today. The creative arranging and performing by great jazz singers, particularly jazz ensembles, quartets or trios.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a lot of music from great jazz artists celebrating the biggest holiday season of the year all over the world.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: large;">Toady's first tune is a very cool version of a great tune with some very hip dancing to go with it - Enjoy the <a href="https://postmodernjukebox.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Postmodern Jukebox</span></b></a> as they perform <b><span style="color: red;">Last Christmas</span></b>, a huge pop hit originally written & recorded by the British pop group <b>WHAM </b>(1984)<b>.</b> The singing is to die for, but the dancer will make you smile big.</span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/a3Hrn2_LxDs?si=5cUD7-68KMlXckuO" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK</b> <b>1</b> - One of the greatest jazz vocal groups still performing - <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://manhattantransfer.net/" target="_blank">Manhattan Transfer</a></span></b> delivers a very jazzy version of the Christmas Cassic - <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus_Is_Comin%27_to_Town" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town</span></a></b>. First heard on the radio in 1934!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ehBIV0CHhxM?si=ly3wghWjBhn-ruk4" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ehBIV0CHhxM/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK 2</b> - <a href="https://www.ptxofficial.com/" target="_blank"><b>PENATONIX</b></a> (2012) has become a Christmas favorite. This multi- award-winning group of five singers deliver amazing arrangements of some of the best acapella singing you will ever hear. Today - they bring you their arrangement of <b><span style="color: red;">Deck The Halls</span></b>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/UqItlHUSN-4?si=QDcoxc6Nfoqu-spF" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Remember, the Big Fat Man With The Long White Beard is taking notes - So Be Good!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span></b>ARCHITECT</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwaAys-p1zbhTDmXUWBpQ6xB2UtlZ9IQHbmes4IOv7vovCfb2cKtnz71u88GE4foJvyglclR-DLWoGNWgGaKZ1EgU42P0jbG9RQ5L591s0AG27j1ypV2IS9WMA8BIcWQHIdYn_30QGyrYMXH8EMQczK1yDSAghGugJxBGAQXAUn328n2cS_3T_nVKIKu1/s960/SANTA%202023.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwaAys-p1zbhTDmXUWBpQ6xB2UtlZ9IQHbmes4IOv7vovCfb2cKtnz71u88GE4foJvyglclR-DLWoGNWgGaKZ1EgU42P0jbG9RQ5L591s0AG27j1ypV2IS9WMA8BIcWQHIdYn_30QGyrYMXH8EMQczK1yDSAghGugJxBGAQXAUn328n2cS_3T_nVKIKu1/s320/SANTA%202023.jpe" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-33394955628107872262023-12-18T09:13:00.000-05:002023-12-18T09:13:50.837-05:00DECEMBER 18 - NO. 8 on THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A VETERAN SINGER BRINGS US THE NO. 1 CHRISTMAS TUNE THIS YEAR<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnqZ6p35egHuvEb5ehaxamW7grrVcPPmrDl8sVIYi2ne9IxLg4ALZQ2XAvcy49UEFvVVmKa1Efq1f95a4Ho7WcK7xSKr-ZEDNm3AZLSoQSOLncK3wn49AXXp4uCYZRsyFbQ9xDztbFq8KS3gIv33Zpjq-5e9-OORZMmT1mciFA7PacmEHbkpHuO59SE5L/s210/CHER-HIGHSCHOOL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="210" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnqZ6p35egHuvEb5ehaxamW7grrVcPPmrDl8sVIYi2ne9IxLg4ALZQ2XAvcy49UEFvVVmKa1Efq1f95a4Ho7WcK7xSKr-ZEDNm3AZLSoQSOLncK3wn49AXXp4uCYZRsyFbQ9xDztbFq8KS3gIv33Zpjq-5e9-OORZMmT1mciFA7PacmEHbkpHuO59SE5L/s1600/CHER-HIGHSCHOOL.jpg" width="210" /></a><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's Countdown artist is truly a unique presence in the world of pop music. The "<b>Goddess of Pop</b>" - aka <b><a href="https://christmas.cher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">CHER</span></a></b> has been laying out popular tunes for over 60 years. Her first big hit, I Got You Babe, performed by the highly popular duo - Sonny & Cher was released in 1965. It quickly went to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, stayed there for three weeks, and sold over a million records. Then the popular pair went on television with the <b>Sonny & Cher Comedy</b> <b>Hour</b> for three years. Not long after that the Emmy, Grammy and Oscar winner started a solo career that is still going strong with over 100 million records sold.</div></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>In the comment section of You Tube featuring today's tune, an avid fan said - "Let's be honest. CHER has NEVER released a bad song."</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f;">Well, today's Countdown tune proves that point. Today's song is No. 1 on <b>Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart</b>. This tune will make you wanna' dance - </span><b><span style="color: red;">Cher performs</span> <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/cher-dj-play-a-christmas-song-number-one-adult-contemporary-chart-1235520898/" target="_blank">DJ Play A Christmas Song</a></span>!</b></span></p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/G_8Bo3eE-3Y?si=zQHfnKYhlon5Gtqe" width="480"></iframe> </p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Hope all you Christmas Vagabonds are hangin' tough with the kids, the grandkids, the wrapping, the errands and, of course, AMAZON. More great music is on the way for The 2023 Christmas Countdown!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</b></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BoZKIg_SEsmx9qnxiozxBptJYFjSJLtEcBGbMaPTr-DznY2zGMD4-RPyeHZahRmZCxZ-RJxVIzMp4OQSE4ZaDgOPtHImhmHiKHd9woiBJyfb8WtsfgtxPI3Koxiq_BJyGYCc9Nx1g2F-8x1TVWRiT7kBYZqN9DWuXMnvZHGdN_iBfKq3dWxUVuXldO7C/s1417/CHER%20QUOTE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1417" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BoZKIg_SEsmx9qnxiozxBptJYFjSJLtEcBGbMaPTr-DznY2zGMD4-RPyeHZahRmZCxZ-RJxVIzMp4OQSE4ZaDgOPtHImhmHiKHd9woiBJyfb8WtsfgtxPI3Koxiq_BJyGYCc9Nx1g2F-8x1TVWRiT7kBYZqN9DWuXMnvZHGdN_iBfKq3dWxUVuXldO7C/w186-h186/CHER%20QUOTE.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-22461561867079470792023-12-17T08:53:00.000-05:002023-12-17T08:53:17.490-05:00DECEMBER 17 - NO. 9 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - COOL & CREATIVE TAKES IT ON THIS THIRD SUNDAY OF DECEMBER<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Today is the day to enjoy something totally unique in Christmas Songs. I found this amazing tune and video doing random You Tube searches. If you are a QUEEN fan, and who isn't, you will immediately recognize the tune in today's choice. Then you will hear some amazing singing celebrating the birth and life of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Jesus Christ</b><span style="text-align: left;"> by a cool group of Muppet type characters. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Enjoy great vocals, to the music of Bohemian Rhapsody, with words depicting the birth of Christ by a group of very hip singing Muppets - <b><span style="color: red;">Bohemian Rhapsody - </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Christmas Nativity Version.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/byuJTdd3B2Q?si=JZYyfbSu5m2DyMgE" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/byuJTdd3B2Q/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">I hope this tune brightens your day as you prepare for the soon coming big day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">thenomad</span><span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></span></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadRnycDROHELuiaYrFmY2yegm3mTpheWLIQoUV6N1CugaSFd2j1xHT6n9SCqBTYds3XSEAGA44q8AWrvqG3Oxr7C6l-Ib-qh2o79Iu-iBzi5sBaVSVDiHyK9oAM6VyQgp_EM-T9V-x736BSDnWJCIzSTaBaedyjHtRYTU_u8ECqEy7pIMkCmug_8Vyn8f/s600/CHRISTMAS%20CHEER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadRnycDROHELuiaYrFmY2yegm3mTpheWLIQoUV6N1CugaSFd2j1xHT6n9SCqBTYds3XSEAGA44q8AWrvqG3Oxr7C6l-Ib-qh2o79Iu-iBzi5sBaVSVDiHyK9oAM6VyQgp_EM-T9V-x736BSDnWJCIzSTaBaedyjHtRYTU_u8ECqEy7pIMkCmug_8Vyn8f/w238-h297/CHRISTMAS%20CHEER.png" width="238" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-58305330317872107702023-12-16T09:30:00.000-05:002023-12-16T09:30:31.291-05:00CLOSER & CLOSER - CHRISTMAS IS COMING - DECEMBER 16 - NO. 10 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CELBRATING THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHIBQztJ0ROwWXGYcwnbiXyQNzBUzR-S5eO-aaB2wbrPiKgzRGEdXWk4l9VhFPeb-mNmiL7raFpCVAFvQc802uFU7WBgN43cdHxfQ_S1Q7SxfthPKgLZ-wygKeVM7D_EsRIsjsrl_wwsN62DgvD348aA157zq8Kxw9VRTvNjEBoSmmAvJrSGliy4Ft7-l/s440/STEVEN%20CURTIS%20CHAPMAN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHIBQztJ0ROwWXGYcwnbiXyQNzBUzR-S5eO-aaB2wbrPiKgzRGEdXWk4l9VhFPeb-mNmiL7raFpCVAFvQc802uFU7WBgN43cdHxfQ_S1Q7SxfthPKgLZ-wygKeVM7D_EsRIsjsrl_wwsN62DgvD348aA157zq8Kxw9VRTvNjEBoSmmAvJrSGliy4Ft7-l/s320/STEVEN%20CURTIS%20CHAPMAN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first time I saw <a href="https://stevencurtischapman.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Steven Curtis Chapman</span></b></a> was in my church sometime in the late 1980's. Nobody really knew who he was, but somebody knew him and invited him to come play at our church. It was him, his guitar and his stool. No band, no backup singers, just him. It was so long ago my memories are faint. I do remember he had great lyrics and could play his acoustic guitar very well. I was on the front row of a packed house. He delivered the message of Jesus to mostly teenagers. I was 42. LOL!! Steven Curtis Chapman has done pretty well since that early beginning. He's won five Grammies and fifty-nine GMA Dove Awards, the most for any artist in history.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take a look as you listen - a great tune and video by <b>Steven Curtis Chapman</b> from the movie of the same name -<span style="color: red;"> <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_to_Bethlehem#Music" target="_blank">Journey to Bethlehem - Brand New Life</a></b></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/GHiwpSFNQ3o?si=qpnYWFByTPzcxMd6" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">The story of Bethlehem is immensely compelling, especially when seen in a modern interpretation of it in today's world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.STafford1@msn.com</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>thenomad</b></span>ARCHITECT</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">“Advent is a journey </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">towards Bethlehem. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">May we let ourselves</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">be drawn by the light</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">of God made man.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">- <b>Pope Francis</b></span></span></div><div><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-51559864007211936242023-12-15T08:51:00.001-05:002023-12-15T08:51:55.453-05:00IT'S FRIDAY! TIME FOR SOME ROCK & ROLL AND A LITTLE BLUES - DECEMBER 15 - NO. 11 ON THE 2023 COUNTDOWN -GREAT BLUES & ROCK FROM ONE OF THE GREATS!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ktUVSH4VeJzt8h-WMvN94uMnS4AIo4SsQNedhSiBxTqwNPINGpNHtrFb8LyNDI0RTrKZvn16zEr_ccbbmi76ckDljkV5tOPAsdlZCnXwUguP6eoUtnAeJ3hxz6Xd7czRD1hFAeTpst-oE4MMRTsJ7lnUs3k7GTs0nFgKh_fPSOBmFfc1F9xn3M1e7OI8/s500/BONAMASSA%20RED%20%20GUITAR.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ktUVSH4VeJzt8h-WMvN94uMnS4AIo4SsQNedhSiBxTqwNPINGpNHtrFb8LyNDI0RTrKZvn16zEr_ccbbmi76ckDljkV5tOPAsdlZCnXwUguP6eoUtnAeJ3hxz6Xd7czRD1hFAeTpst-oE4MMRTsJ7lnUs3k7GTs0nFgKh_fPSOBmFfc1F9xn3M1e7OI8/w188-h188/BONAMASSA%20RED%20%20GUITAR.webp" width="188" /></a><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>JOSEPH LEONARD BONAMASSA</b> - aka </span><a href="https://jbonamassa.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><b>Joe Bonamassa</b></a><span style="text-align: left;"> - was born and grew up in New York. But he plays like he was born in Louisiana! The multi-Grammy award winning guitarist and singer started playing guitar at the age of four and had his own band by the age of twelve. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">His father, an avid fan of great music, ensured that Joe got some training by the legendary guitarist Danny Gatton. He was also influenced by Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck at a very young age. On a personal note, both my kids are big fans of this immense talent. My daughter gave me a Bonamassa/Beth Hart Vinyl last Christmas. Gotta listen to this stuff turned up loud!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Take a listen to one of Bonamassa's Christmas blues/rock tunes - <b><span style="color: red;">CHRISTMAS BOOGIE - JUST ONE LITTLE KISS</span></b>!</span></span></div><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/SWpImlU7s74?si=MAtqToK3wS_EKukz" width="480"></iframe></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b>BONUS TRACK</b> - <b>JOE BONAMASSA</b> performs another blues/rock Christmas tune - <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR.</span></b></span></p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Ng1ngNOySVY?si=p6xupge3Jrs_8kKl" width="480"></iframe></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Hope you do a little singin', dancin' and smilin' this Christmas. Just turn it up and Joe will get you moving! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;">D.L.Stafford </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"> thenomad<span style="color: red;"><b>ARCHITECT</b></span></a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--black); font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;">"Rock 'n' roll might not solve your problems, but it does let you dance all over them." <span color="var(--black)">- <b>Pete Townsend.</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThSMlb2307-wzLN8Z63q-vxGWdjTwtoMVg3Crkh0lQCX3LYslRSryYj5Q-5bshhAIXU5soieX3rB2Wp7djxl0upL163tARPPbLFWB_1hB2eHi7L9xnPFBWuj-gJU1JxaVHDVaDm6MxZa-x6psUx8IUpxlgyNMeVqsGMg4rylVS1Ts-qsoOwW2ghQZTPGo/s554/TIS%20THE%20SEASON%20TO%20ROCK.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="554" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThSMlb2307-wzLN8Z63q-vxGWdjTwtoMVg3Crkh0lQCX3LYslRSryYj5Q-5bshhAIXU5soieX3rB2Wp7djxl0upL163tARPPbLFWB_1hB2eHi7L9xnPFBWuj-gJU1JxaVHDVaDm6MxZa-x6psUx8IUpxlgyNMeVqsGMg4rylVS1Ts-qsoOwW2ghQZTPGo/s320/TIS%20THE%20SEASON%20TO%20ROCK.jpe" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-60853892397622348902023-12-14T09:22:00.000-05:002023-12-14T09:22:25.787-05:00DECEMBER 14 - NO. 12 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MORE AUSIE POWER WITH A CLASSIC AND A STIRRING VIDEO<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8xwMEheohv3a5nHBTI93CYLOlCb3AlWurRs-Ljs9GMcREnXsMT9k9RZDnDis7UtuWjmImGT9cA-t28YUJaN4dilxUdCIu08cipLVZd4yJpGMnUdLBLbHJf-UAvlxOIEZsWL0mFNN61ifeX8yIHba06TZ-RcgwD6yhLrpF8Iu7nM24cJbD8ZsAeaTbEc3/s400/LITTLE%20DRUMER%20BOY%20PHOT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="400" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8xwMEheohv3a5nHBTI93CYLOlCb3AlWurRs-Ljs9GMcREnXsMT9k9RZDnDis7UtuWjmImGT9cA-t28YUJaN4dilxUdCIu08cipLVZd4yJpGMnUdLBLbHJf-UAvlxOIEZsWL0mFNN61ifeX8yIHba06TZ-RcgwD6yhLrpF8Iu7nM24cJbD8ZsAeaTbEc3/s320/LITTLE%20DRUMER%20BOY%20PHOT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today's Countdown tune delivers power and passion with a performance of a classis Christmas song by the Australian group, <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_King_%26_Country_(band)#Awards_and_nominations" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">For King and Country</span></a>,</b> like you have never heard, with one of the best videos ever made. Formed in 2012 with three brothers from Australia, now living in Nashville, this Grammy Award winning Christian Pop/Rock band delivers compelling songs with distinctive rhythms and creative arrangements.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">So, listen to this one on a stereo and turn it up!! The music is amazing and the video, starting with a young boy playing drums in the wilderness, builds to a crescendo of power and majesty - <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Drummer_Boy" target="_blank">THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY</a></span>, </b>written in 1941 by Katherin Kennecott Davis and performed by<span style="color: red;"> </span><b><a href="https://www.forkingandcountry.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">FOR KING AND COUNTRY</span></a> </b>with a host of drummers and other players.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5l1CS0Jhk90?si=GJl2NcSdolCkbAfS" width="480"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>BONUS TRACK</b> - Today's bonus tune features a powerful arrangement and compelling video of <b>The Little Drummer </b></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>Boy (</b><span><b>African Tribal Version)<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></b></span></span></span><span style="text-align: justify;">as performed by </span><a href="https://alexboye.com/" style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Alex Boye'</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">and the</span><b style="color: red; text-align: justify;"> </b><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis </span></b><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Choir.</b></span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/a0mT-zNxRMw?si=UTOFx8nAWzL-m7FL" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">These two versions of this classic are testament to the power and love of the birth of Jesus Christ. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span>ARCHITECT</b></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth - the very thing the whole story is about - <b>CS Lewis</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h1 class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 2; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #0f0f0f; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 2rem; line-height: 2.8rem; margin: 0px; max-height: 5.6rem; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; word-break: break-word;"><br /></h1></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-33052600872555985022023-12-13T09:57:00.000-05:002023-12-13T09:57:01.894-05:00DECEMBER 13 - NO. 13 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - WE NEED LAUGHTER ON ANY AND ALL BORING WEDNESDAYS - ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS!!<p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79Av3Y0mX4Fl42XVR25mEqscVVbQLeK7a46RdPkIkKpB_eqAX-emDxRmkZc5Ute3Clte3QU920uQblOJwl-p6RCagj3eR-mFzRuy-fHStAPfXQWpeFs_tMehXu3UKSrGk15KsXxv8nrhO8Bazm5Qujt705LTh9qEG1lqwa-DVS86AG0YunW2rezn6zlY5/s474/BORED%20SANTA.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="474" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79Av3Y0mX4Fl42XVR25mEqscVVbQLeK7a46RdPkIkKpB_eqAX-emDxRmkZc5Ute3Clte3QU920uQblOJwl-p6RCagj3eR-mFzRuy-fHStAPfXQWpeFs_tMehXu3UKSrGk15KsXxv8nrhO8Bazm5Qujt705LTh9qEG1lqwa-DVS86AG0YunW2rezn6zlY5/w172-h130/BORED%20SANTA.jpe" width="172" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Today is Wednesday - all day! IMHO - Wednesday is the most boring day of the week. They don't call it HUMP DAY for nothing.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">So, we need some laughs today!!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">As one anonymous hard-working member of the labor force said</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> -</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #131313; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Yeah, I know what you mean. Wednesdays are longest. Even the spelling is longer than the other days of the week." </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #131313; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #131313;">Today's posts are shown for the sole purpose of getting any bored, discontented or wearied Christmas Vagabond back up to speed to keep up the unrelenting desire to enjoy this Season. After all, it's only twelve days 'till the Big Day. Plus, the bills are almost a month away. Listen to some funny and get off the couch and GO!! Take a listen to </span><a href="https://jimgaffigan.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Jim Gaffigan</span></b></a><span style="color: #131313;">, one of the funniest Stand-Up Comics to ever stand and deliver stories, thoughts and jokes to people that just want to laugh. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #131313;">The first clip includes various takes on Holiday Traditions where he opines, not just on Christmas, but all the other Holidays we celebrate - </span><b><span style="color: red;">Jim Gaffigan Holiday Traditions 1</span></b><span style="color: #131313;">.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/j9Sku3JPMaU?si=W-YLpBhOg_q1bV1L" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j9Sku3JPMaU/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #131313;"><b>BONUS TRACK 1</b> - Another take on Christmas by Gaffigan - </span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Christmas with the In -Laws.</span></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/3q310Wqx9yY?si=I3kXkI_EgRneT19h" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #131313;"><b>BONUS TRACK 2</b> - Comic Genius does not adequately describe one of the greatest comics to ever stand and deliver - </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Winters" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Jonathan Winters</span></b></a><span style="color: #131313;">. The Grammy winning master of improvisation influenced many other great comics such as Robin Williams and Jim Carey. This clip is from 1988 on the </span><b><a href="https://www.johnnycarson.com/" target="_blank">Tonight Show starring Johny Carson</a></b><span style="color: #131313;">. Covering numerous other things, the discussion of Christmas starts about six minutes in. Hilarious! </span><b><span style="color: red;">Jonathan Winters Never Dissapoints - Carson Tonight Show.</span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/xYRQ7IK1k3E?si=xDSbnlE-PpnG6SVC" width="480"></iframe></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Laughing is the best medicine so they say, especially at Christmas. Kids, grandkids, old kids, shopping, wrapping and on and on! So, I hope today made you laugh some!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Merry Christmas</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">D.L.Stafford</span></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank">thenomad<span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></a></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBqbgTfAKp1OBIrZhogIp5qcr8IiksWY4JOTU7MVHi9r6o82Ro15rwJA8yinEAEOBGRNeJxRjgq4tD-78KsSMbQEo-uUUGlWfMRlORhh8CDgEKoCOZWgJw_3KVMYAt5Re_Wz5s5n7VQky2iJ-CbH-dttCdLSyIvvBNwBVod7kv2TGRFyGAgw_joAezq4O/s567/KID%20LAUGHING.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="566" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBqbgTfAKp1OBIrZhogIp5qcr8IiksWY4JOTU7MVHi9r6o82Ro15rwJA8yinEAEOBGRNeJxRjgq4tD-78KsSMbQEo-uUUGlWfMRlORhh8CDgEKoCOZWgJw_3KVMYAt5Re_Wz5s5n7VQky2iJ-CbH-dttCdLSyIvvBNwBVod7kv2TGRFyGAgw_joAezq4O/w203-h204/KID%20LAUGHING.jpe" width="203" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #131313; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></span></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-27295094541886319692023-12-12T10:17:00.000-05:002023-12-12T10:17:44.556-05:00DECEMBER 12 - NO. 14 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - TODAY YOU WILL HEAR TWO GREAT VERSIONS OF THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SONG - MELI KALIKIMAKA!!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaulbQ025imPgMzG_2L0IgN21moSb9qjRP6Ij48P9CNvs4CYrOHV2wu8Cf1B-sj33KDbeZzJtDTM3i5oVYNGKgwdgQnoUFUkvxGETNJ_9FCU7NZOhIzQfvUtC5xhlhQ9hyphenhyphenSOfA9SUfsVzW8mB6y9nsNqLGEb7pRFujimEV1Trmt9_-Z-HjglH1EMxlg_j8/s799/MELEKALIKIMAKA.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="797" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaulbQ025imPgMzG_2L0IgN21moSb9qjRP6Ij48P9CNvs4CYrOHV2wu8Cf1B-sj33KDbeZzJtDTM3i5oVYNGKgwdgQnoUFUkvxGETNJ_9FCU7NZOhIzQfvUtC5xhlhQ9hyphenhyphenSOfA9SUfsVzW8mB6y9nsNqLGEb7pRFujimEV1Trmt9_-Z-HjglH1EMxlg_j8/w203-h204/MELEKALIKIMAKA.jpe" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mele Kalikimaka - On a Bright Hawaiian Christmas Day - Indeed!</span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">The song featured today for the 2023 Christmas Countdown was written in 1949, the year of my birth, by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Alexander_Anderson_(composer)" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">R. Alex Anderson</span></b></a>, who lived most of his life in Hawaii. The song was first recorded by the great crooner <a href="https://bingcrosby.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Bing Crosby</span></b></a> with the amazing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andrews_Sisters" target="_blank"><b>Andrews Sisters</b></a> in 1950.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Anderson recalled the inspiration for writing the song in 1949 while working at Vonn Hamm-Young:</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><b><span><sup class="reference" style="line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mele_Kalikimaka#cite_note-3" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;"><br /></a></sup></span></b><span><b>"Well, I'll tell ya, a stenographer in our office, this was just before Christmas, and we are all leaving (5 o'clock), and she was next to me, and she said, "Mr. Anderson, how come there's no Hawaiian Christmas songs?" She said, "they take all the hymns and they put Hawaiian words to the hymns, but there's no original melody." Well, that spurred me right away – I thought, "what a good idea!" I thought this over, and over a period of a few days this came into my head, put it down on paper, and I've been singing it ever since</b></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">."</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span><b><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">This tune became a classic Christmas song recorded by many artists over the years. It is enjoyed every Christmas in millions of homes everywhere. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mele_Kalikimaka" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mele Kalikimaka</span></b></a> is the Hawaiian word for Merry Christmas. Enjoy today's featured tune from a trio of amazing singers, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/americansirens" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">The American Sirens</span></b></a>, along with incredible bass singer <b><a href="https://genius.com/artists/Geoff-castellucci" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Geoff Castellucci</span></a>.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/zT894S_zoD0?si=2xxMPj1llCytD8el" width="480"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span>And, because it's Christmas, you must enjoy the one and only <b>Bing Crosby</b> and the great <b> Andrews Sisters</b> performing the original Mele Kalikimaka. The video is, obviously, not the </span><span>original. But it's a cool video none the less</span><span>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/FezVApPddqU?si=LphwyUfZ7fhs4BGF" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">So, if you are in Hawaii for Christmas, enjoy the ocean, the sun, and the breeze. And no matter where you are - <b><span style="color: red;">Mele Kalikimaka</span></b>!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">thenomad</span></b>ARCHITECT</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwJ7zSNwFAcO3mUrWDW6DO1UtWDcCmWHjuUMwvmEsq_2TN3DcpqIDHLUhRxATsYMMzeGsbVUBGS6G2Gyd7-YMJL_TnXLTCn4G6We53XhqjV1NjQBDElHiu3V9tG4LK8I_Cl6TubKr3pbgzSP-zraCQGatMtdvANGOUi5Rq2MlOBU5dFYqD_4SWb6w3W0L/s920/HAWAII%20QUOTE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="736" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwJ7zSNwFAcO3mUrWDW6DO1UtWDcCmWHjuUMwvmEsq_2TN3DcpqIDHLUhRxATsYMMzeGsbVUBGS6G2Gyd7-YMJL_TnXLTCn4G6We53XhqjV1NjQBDElHiu3V9tG4LK8I_Cl6TubKr3pbgzSP-zraCQGatMtdvANGOUi5Rq2MlOBU5dFYqD_4SWb6w3W0L/w161-h201/HAWAII%20QUOTE.jpg" width="161" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510816130972004635.post-16646456181387907552023-12-11T10:02:00.000-05:002023-12-11T10:02:01.575-05:00DECEMBER 11 - NO. 15 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HOW ABOUT AN AUSTRALIAN DAY FOR CHRISTMAS - AMAZING!!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlatpmZ4Wq2BvJP8u-3Uy_p2YRpfX0nmS_tIayYiILsgFtcW9-t8jLPp1s8EHOEKx5kqXDwRdlo8ECNQQMgxXXZW8IzzuPioMD9r5FyKLNGKZhWeO52azsPnCpBZkP9V2ksYBLhrtW7MD0LHP4LM0ZeaCDzDrvQjhuQavowviCazy367ZgzNJipE7VFT6/s650/HUMAN%20NATURE%20PHOTO.jpe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlatpmZ4Wq2BvJP8u-3Uy_p2YRpfX0nmS_tIayYiILsgFtcW9-t8jLPp1s8EHOEKx5kqXDwRdlo8ECNQQMgxXXZW8IzzuPioMD9r5FyKLNGKZhWeO52azsPnCpBZkP9V2ksYBLhrtW7MD0LHP4LM0ZeaCDzDrvQjhuQavowviCazy367ZgzNJipE7VFT6/w324-h196/HUMAN%20NATURE%20PHOTO.jpe" width="324" /></a><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Last year, I discovered an amazing group of guys from Australia that combine doo wop, jazz, pop and rock to create an exciting style of music.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the arrangements of the songs this all-Ausie quartet <a href="https://humannaturelive.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Human Nature</span></b></a> performs are always innovative with harmonies that are unique and melodic. This dynamic group was featured in No. 25 of this year's Countdown.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrA0NIspOnptXNrVVyfZAbJjPLQ8EF5IpQLWkRQqV-y-6X6YObvEmZ6c2JUmtb0C6Lj_B8Kl3jny9YrqkDBJmt2wYvXCBM3mLSHnzBJPyDIzQ7gZ0TsqfsVkLCsGCN4VBZiwYDUpMVzmm859jGONGe0hkAsYEp1l-rDSHgM15z3_t74UP21_Gz0K1mc8w/s729/DELTA%20GOODREM.jpe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="474" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrA0NIspOnptXNrVVyfZAbJjPLQ8EF5IpQLWkRQqV-y-6X6YObvEmZ6c2JUmtb0C6Lj_B8Kl3jny9YrqkDBJmt2wYvXCBM3mLSHnzBJPyDIzQ7gZ0TsqfsVkLCsGCN4VBZiwYDUpMVzmm859jGONGe0hkAsYEp1l-rDSHgM15z3_t74UP21_Gz0K1mc8w/w90-h139/DELTA%20GOODREM.jpe" width="90" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To celebrate Christmas with the boys from down under enjoy <b><span style="color: red;">Human Nature</span></b> with a phenomenal Female Ausie, <a href="https://deltagoodrem.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Delta Goodrem</span></b></a>, performing a classic, written in 1945, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let Snow.</span></b></div></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/8xPvZEogTgY?si=zAKjEa5q-bp5VNvB" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Christmas is coming soon my fellow Vagabonds - Gifts, decorations, kids, big kids, relatives and parties to celebrate Christmas - I love this time of year! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas to all! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;">D.L.Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thenomadarchitect.com" target="_blank">thenomad<b><span style="color: red;">ARCHITECT</span></b></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieimuECQCfDcx1JWQDyPI9922ko6Tii24ko-8VLXNUSgRV1lGDyLAqz68SO_09sZxjDt6MVbt76cjGtAJAVcnqYEyzw7IGdZSjziHTvS6-lzga1b3Z5UQoyRZtSsqhyphenhyphenrzW7OEvYYbpu3Gc0sF9N701hjHbXdBInkCsJiF0288AsBWIUrA40fY60q5uDgwb/s226/QUOTE-2023.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="226" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieimuECQCfDcx1JWQDyPI9922ko6Tii24ko-8VLXNUSgRV1lGDyLAqz68SO_09sZxjDt6MVbt76cjGtAJAVcnqYEyzw7IGdZSjziHTvS6-lzga1b3Z5UQoyRZtSsqhyphenhyphenrzW7OEvYYbpu3Gc0sF9N701hjHbXdBInkCsJiF0288AsBWIUrA40fY60q5uDgwb/w225-h213/QUOTE-2023.png" width="225" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>D.L.S.architecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117820532239148285noreply@blogger.com0