Wish You Were Here
BHUTAN: In October, Hayward resident Ramendra Krishna visited the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. “I did a 7-mile trek to the Taktsang Monastery — the Tiger’s Nest — at 10,000 feet above sea level on the mountain. It is a very interesting hike, and the Buddhist temple is just awesome. The people are the friendliest and the happiest people in the world.”
Travel tips: “Visiting Bhutan is a once in a lifetime chance — and is not complete without hiking to the Tiger’s Nest. Prepare well in advance for the trek. It pays off when you reach the temple.”
AUSTRALIA: Saratoga residents Steve and Pat Moore “celebrated our 60th birthdays and 30th wedding anniversary,” Steve says, “by visiting Melbourne, Port Douglas, Gold Coast and Sydney during a three-week, bucket-list vacation over the 2016 holiday break! Weather was beautiful — our winter is their summer season. The highlight was diving in the Great Barrier Reef, climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge (pictured) and seeing the worldfamous Sydney fireworks on New Year’s evening. It was also nice that the U.S. dollar was so strong, making things much more affordable.”
Travel tips: “Allow yourself plenty of time. Australia is a huge country, and it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. We chose to see the major eastern cities and fly between them rather than drive. The weather also varies widely between the north and south. Their summer season is also jellyfish season, so many beaches are essentially closed, except for special roped-off areas for swimmers.”
ITALY: A September cruise brought Los Gatos residents Marguerite and Rick Padovani to Florence, Pisa and Rome, where they stopped to throw coins in the Trevi Fountain (pictured).
Travel tips: “Pisa is lovely and, of course, who could miss the famous leaning tower! The town also has a beautiful cathedral available to tour. Tourists (can) tour the tower as well, but arrange for tickets in advance. There is a town square with outdoor restaurants, bistros and shops to enjoy.”
SPAIN: Over the winter holidays, Danville residents Chris and Janet Berg visited their daughter Kelsey, who was studying abroad in San Sebastian. “In this pic,” Chris says, “Janet and Kelsey are on the glorious beach on the Concha Bay. It stands right in the center of the city and stretches from City Hall to the Pico del Loro — Parrot’s Beak.”
Travel tips: “The city is immaculate, intimate and informal. Plan on walking everywhere and enjoying the magnificent architecture and welcoming people. San Sebastian is a foodie’s paradise. Make sure to take in the pinxtos — akin to tapas — the seafood and wonderful wines and cider.” Share your travels with us! Send your vacation selfies to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Be sure to tell us who’s who, where they’re from and where you are — and include a couple of travel tips to help fellow readers globetrot, too. Find more Wish You Were Here features at www.mercurynews. com/tag/wish-you-were-here/.