tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34198965106682195822012-01-12T13:13:12.691-06:00We must learn to speak a foreign culture in the same way that we learn to speak a foreign language. E.T. HallTracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.comBlogger1601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-8976949032915371752012-01-12T13:13:00.001-06:002012-01-12T13:13:12.705-06:00

…will be a wonderful year.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-74341026171373766312011-08-01T11:50:00.002-05:002011-08-02T16:43:41.976-05:00

By June 21st, 2011, Austin had already had 45 days of temperatures over 100˚F/38°C. Twenty-four more days tie the record. I don’t know if we have reached that yet, but we must be close. Summers are always hot, but not this hot. The rest of the year rewards us with mostly great weather for our travail.We have another très cool reward--Barton Springs Pool with its natural, ever-flowing water. The

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-12987611241378448912010-11-30T11:46:00.002-06:002010-11-30T11:49:47.478-06:00

Back in (x?) monthsYou can visit http://mypatzcuaro.blogspot.com/

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-87470756238042168072010-09-30T15:15:00.001-05:002010-09-30T15:15:20.261-05:00

Glen and I went on a three-hour afternoon/evening tour of downtown Austin, ranging from the Capitol on the North side of the lake to South of the Long Center. We zigzagged, slalomed and just had fun. The Segways are great, responsive little machines but, as I was told, don’t drive off any cliffs. It was a good September 29 celebration.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-49976160220715544542010-07-06T15:42:00.006-05:002010-07-06T16:17:49.480-05:00

My blogposts in France could not keep pace with my activities. We birded in various locales within an hour's drive from Vendôme and whenever a bird opportunely presented itself on one of our jaunts. We had the pleasure of joining the Loir-et-Cher Nature association on an outing.Birding with the hospitable Loir-et-Cher Nature association in Blois, on the banks of La Loire (not to be confused with

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-12031534366529806332010-06-18T12:32:00.000-05:002010-06-26T12:38:11.197-05:00

At the Académie Française, that august body that is the protector of pure French, there must be a gnashing of teeth. In daily life, the language is constantly being “mondialized” (to anglicize the French term). There is no escaping the creep of globalization. Consider these borrowings and adaptations from English: Total relooking – a complete make-over Espresso et un brownie

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-70572773372257361752010-06-16T11:44:00.000-05:002010-06-26T12:40:55.240-05:00

Going around and around in a round-about with five exits and not sure which way to go?  There is an easy solution. Just follow the top arrow for “All Directions”.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-11903299629037035832010-06-15T07:56:00.000-05:002010-06-15T07:56:00.680-05:00

We have been going for hikes in the surrounding area. For this outing we started at the foot of the Château in Lavardin, about a twenty minute drive away. We enjoyed the cliffs with troglodyte dwellings on one side of Lavardin, the view. the town itself and a path along the Loir river.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-52517054016145618012010-06-14T02:07:00.001-05:002010-06-27T13:39:43.554-05:00

The sun came out for the family lunch that MD had planned. She made a delicious Moroccan Lamb Tajine. View Full Album

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-5450487367900082752010-06-13T07:45:00.000-05:002010-06-13T07:45:00.381-05:00

We drive to a nearby farm for fresh produce.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-8316820376348606042010-06-12T14:58:00.000-05:002010-06-12T14:58:01.036-05:00

Never saw this in a parking lot before:

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-59788829224470906132010-06-11T01:39:00.000-05:002010-06-11T01:39:00.341-05:00

It is a rainy day. I sit on the veranda and enjoy the bucolic view as I sip my hot coffee and check email.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-86030772401614811852010-06-10T01:11:00.000-05:002010-06-10T01:31:25.902-05:00

MD’s farmhouse, where we are staying, was built in 1897. We are just 15 minutes by car from lovely Vendôme which is located on the Le Loir tributary of La Loire. Vendôme is a pleasing venue for long walks.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-37335234087384421462010-06-08T07:11:00.000-05:002010-06-27T13:47:27.007-05:00

The birds are giddy with Spring libido. We have been tracking them in the dense foliage of trees with binoculars. It is much easier to get an eye-full at a feeder, but cousin MD’s had fallen down because the post rotted. So the morning project was born.   Success. Now we just need to get the birdseed.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-48117984104350176052010-06-06T12:35:00.004-05:002010-06-07T02:41:19.720-05:00

Ahhh, back in France.This was our abundant cheese board at lunch today at MD’s. The Le Mothais goat cheese wrapped in chestnut tree leaves was remarkable for its flavor and my favorite. When finished, we set the whole cheese board in a small garde-manger used as a garde-fromages where it fits perfectly. The cheeses are kept in a cool pantry by an open window, not in the refrigerator, so that

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-43757880190864939462010-06-04T12:57:00.004-05:002010-06-07T02:50:24.419-05:00

We hiked up to the Frankenstein fortification through green woods full of birds and a variety of wildflowers. There are 67 Nabingers (original spelling of Glen's surname) in the phone book here and he spoke with two. One was an 80 year old woman who can read without glasses and is very quick, literally and figuratively ,and very nice. P.S. We nicknamed the GPS "Gypsy" and told her to speak

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-22501636078014654902010-06-02T23:37:00.006-05:002010-06-07T02:44:29.270-05:00

The GPS checked the satellite and knows it is in France now. Oh la la, it may start speaking French to Glen. "Fallait pas tourner ici, andouille." ( You should not have turned here, dummy.)Heureusement il a sa traductrice (he has his translator with him). We are on the road for Wolfersweiler this morning.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-56783230971163064332010-05-30T12:12:00.002-05:002010-05-30T14:31:08.537-05:00

Frankenstein ChateauSome Novingers emigrated from the Wolfersweiler/Frankenstein area in Saarland, Germany, to the United States in the early 1700s. Glen has been wanting to visit this area, which has gone back and forth between what are now France and Germany. This should be interesting. We shall see what awaits us.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-62707225421745049132010-05-02T07:00:00.000-05:002010-05-02T07:00:04.075-05:00

We love the tasty, healthy food at Casa de Luz, which we have frequented since the early '90s. Walk through the bower to the co-op restaurant. A very Austin experience.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-5111394890216937482010-05-01T09:55:00.004-05:002010-05-01T10:08:39.261-05:00

On a lovely Spring morning, we picked strawberries at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. We ate strawberries, strawberries and ice cream, strawberries on pancakes...and more strawberries. They were fresh and delicious, but not as sweet this year. We had good moisture but the weather may have been too cool. The picking and the eating were a treat, in any case.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-67764350668129176932010-04-17T14:46:00.006-05:002010-04-17T15:03:20.055-05:00

I am an NPR fan. I laugh out loud at "Wait, wait, don't tell me..." This can be embarrassing when I am in my car in a parking lot by myself and can't get out in the middle of an episode because I am visibly doubled over with laughter. I didn't hear the review on Animal Review, but I laughed out loud at the blog. If you are feeling blue, read Animal Review.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-71854898371964477742010-02-14T11:14:00.001-06:002010-04-17T15:03:45.464-05:00

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-49512697430964098702010-01-28T17:55:00.001-06:002010-01-28T17:56:03.680-06:00

"And the true spirit shall return to the burning flame from whence it came, a portion of the eternal." -Shelley We lost my brother-in-law, Al, today. I hold him and Nan in my heart.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-13011055344456967582010-01-09T08:31:00.000-06:002010-01-09T08:31:26.960-06:00

Love that hike.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-48561624436286554732009-12-16T09:53:00.001-06:002009-12-17T15:08:49.456-06:00

Greetings from Glen & Tracy Novinger

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-89291978198605768542009-11-10T14:53:00.004-06:002009-11-10T15:14:35.542-06:00

I think that there is little in any Romance language to match the rawness, strength and crudeness of anglo-saxon obscenities in English, and the use of these expletives has become quite common. In many conversations and in the entertainment media, every other word in a sentence in American English now seems to be f--- or some variation thereof, relieved occasionally by some other unrefined

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-86594892574061951632009-09-22T11:46:00.003-05:002009-09-22T12:08:51.972-05:00

August 2009 Sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins...Yes! We planned for this gathering two years in advance.Love you all! Mostly sisters.Two moms, three daughters and a granddaughter at Lily Lake.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-11971814518030564312009-09-08T09:32:00.008-05:002009-09-08T09:54:50.825-05:00

Apricot-Walnut Whole Wheat BreadPlum Tart Galette d'AmandesTante Jacqueline's Recipe for Almond "Cake"Steak au Poivre The Reduction Et Voilá!

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-29865244063654478222009-08-07T14:57:00.019-05:002009-10-27T20:24:05.920-05:00

Drying fragrant thyme and oregano on the dashboard of Glen's pick-up truck. The truck smelled delicious when we next drove it, plus I can cook with the herbs. Truck Dried Herbs and Truck Dried Tomatoes June and July in Austin, Texas, have set records for the warmest 30-day periods from 1898 to 2009. There have been more days over 100̊F than most can remember. Well, if you can't lick the heat,

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-53559569987087322052009-05-16T01:00:00.001-05:002009-05-16T07:19:05.149-05:00

Today we go to Bordeaux, on the Garonne River near the Atlantic coast. The city has nearly 350 buildings that are "classified" and buildings that listed as Historic Monuments, including 3 World Heritage sites considered part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Then, on the 19th, I head home.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-44768283369595850792009-05-15T02:09:00.000-05:002009-05-15T13:37:26.809-05:00

The seaside and the market at Vaux-sur-MerVisiting more cousins. The sea food and the oysters here are an epicurean delight. From here we will drive down the coast to Bordeaux.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-57883365784913224862009-05-14T03:52:00.003-05:002009-05-14T03:57:55.133-05:00

On Wednesday M and I ate at a restaurant that was outstanding for the quality and freshness of its seafood, as well as for the attractive presentation of the dishes.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-89499601740421783132009-05-13T14:04:00.003-05:002009-05-14T03:49:25.324-05:00

Today I arrived to visit more cousins in the Dordogne.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-65340310087394761202009-05-13T02:52:00.005-05:002009-05-13T03:04:28.353-05:00

See the region of Le Loir et La Loire on TracyZeye.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-24981785284881822732009-05-12T04:25:00.005-05:002009-05-12T04:36:06.332-05:00

Yesterday we visited the Chateau d'Amboise on the Loire. M participated one year in an equestrian event where she rode up the wide spiral entry in the round tower on horseback. The 'ramp' is wide enough for a wagon. We also saw the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci where he lived nearby.Night back at the farm brought rain and a thunderstorm--39 mm of rain.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-74719003142730085602009-05-11T07:49:00.003-05:002009-05-11T07:52:53.405-05:00

I love seeing this bergeronnette grisehop around in the grass at La Coutairie.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-14265556086462660262009-05-11T05:46:00.004-05:002009-05-11T05:57:05.369-05:00

Le LoirEglise de la Trinité, VendômeLa Courtairie is situated 15 kms from Vendôme, on the Loir river. The Loir is a tributary of the Loire, not to be confused with the latter which is one of the five large rivers of France. The countryside is lushly green, the small villages picturesque. This is not only "another place", but seems like another time.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-36172967303759412432009-05-10T08:00:00.003-05:002009-05-10T08:00:00.631-05:00

The shield of Prunay-CassereauToday I travel by train, to the Paris suburb of Bourg La Reine to meet cousin MD. I will ride with her by car to her restored farm house at La Courtairie, near Prunay-Cassereau.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-57487572156389495262009-05-09T11:38:00.006-05:002009-05-09T12:04:12.434-05:00

Musée du Quai Branly Today we visited this museum which features indigenous art, cultures and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Former President Jacques Chirac was an influential supporter of the project. The Museum opened in June, 2006. The Oceania collection was of particular interest to me, and had many familiar objects. This prickly little guy from the Congo, Nkisi

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-88159137832290565792009-05-09T01:03:00.002-05:002009-05-09T01:03:00.961-05:00

Discover the Musée d'Orsay. Montparnasse is in the background to the left.We visited the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection at length and left saturated with images. There were a number of artists and paintings that we did not know. We finished up with a Soupe à l'Oignon and salad at a nearby Brasserie. Perfect for a cool day.Two works (among many) that I particularly liked because

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-60655712234804947362009-05-08T03:42:00.004-05:002009-05-08T03:50:48.569-05:00

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-23698896969151704272009-05-08T03:25:00.008-05:002009-05-09T03:24:15.460-05:00

Le Break Dance Parisien The Champs Elysées: A babel of tongues. Starbucks on the Champs Elysées.Sephora, the place for me. An orgy of French perfumes,arranged in alphabetical order by parfumeur.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-70757370946552895862009-05-08T03:18:00.005-05:002009-05-08T03:40:03.919-05:00

We visited A. and M. of Papara, Tahiti, who spend time every year in their Paris condo. A. fixed us a delicious ma'a tinito for lunch. A mini trip back to Polynesia.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-52096163853680685642009-05-08T03:10:00.003-05:002009-05-08T03:52:30.796-05:00

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-92153462663859319502009-05-05T19:27:00.001-05:002009-05-05T19:27:01.007-05:00

Le jardin de Pontoise by Camille PissarroToday I visited cousins at Pontoise, just to the north of Paris. We had not seen each other for many years. It was a real pleasure. The RER train leaves two blocks from G's for a one hour ride each way.About Pontoise.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-33866527006476015102009-05-04T18:00:00.002-05:002009-05-05T12:38:30.260-05:00

A chilly 7 Centigrade, but sunny. I walk the left bank of the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. The sun is shining. Northern Europeans, thinking they have arrived in the southern tropics, frisk about in short-sleeved shirts, some women in gauzy skirts and a few men in shorts.Visitors queue already in long lines for tickets and access to the elevators. I buy my ticket to walk up and head up the stairs

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-45242738186294591542009-05-03T13:58:00.004-05:002009-05-08T12:55:53.733-05:00

Today we took the metro to renowned Les Puces (Flea Market).Fun--and we didn't get our pockets picked.Cloudy, chilly weather.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-82358250560982907312009-05-02T14:31:00.001-05:002009-05-02T14:33:07.695-05:00

View 15ème Arrondissment, Paris in a larger map

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-14868173435928312372009-05-02T12:21:00.007-05:002009-05-02T14:23:30.544-05:00

We took the metro to the 13th Arrondissement to visit the Asian quarter. We ate delectable duck and shrimp dishes, and then visited food stores and shops and watched people. We bought some dried bananas. We walked on to the Place d'Italie where this man began his performance, sporting a t-shirt with the name "Papy Dance". G.thought that a street performer of his age really needed a tip.Then

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-39981545257088627552009-05-01T10:37:00.015-05:002009-05-02T12:06:57.696-05:00

Geneviève and I ate a copious and delicious Algerian lamb couscous at Tipaza, a Berber restaurant on nearby Rue Saint Charles.I planned to walk it off by taking the stairs up the Eiffel  Tower, but the lines were hours long because of the holiday. I will make the climb on Monday in the morning, when everything is quieter. A view along the Seine. G's condo building is thetower with dark

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-57695618169005979152009-05-01T03:12:00.002-05:002009-05-01T03:19:24.342-05:00

Today is Labor Day and the country of France is closed. Yesterday we bought some produce and some fresh bread at the boulanger for today. Geneviève and I have been catching up on Tahiti news. Coconut Radio reaches as far as Paris.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-15979353940451874472009-04-30T20:00:00.003-05:002009-04-30T20:00:00.864-05:00

Yes! Just need to shake the jet lag. It rained all last week in Paris, with highs in the 60s F, but for my arrival today the weather had changed to sunny skies and a mild 71 F.P.S. I did not see any flu masks in the Austin airport, only 3 in Houston, and half a dozen at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. With the nonstop media coverqge, I expected to travel through a masked world.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-8867877485564643952009-04-29T08:00:00.009-05:002009-04-29T08:42:02.620-05:00

Today I fly to Paris. Geneviève's apartment is only a block from the Seine and two blocks from the Eiffel Tower. I hope flu masks are not the latest Spring fashion in Paris.Flying today should be interesting.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-70586760521430413412009-04-19T11:56:00.005-05:002009-04-19T12:12:43.885-05:00

View Rambling in France - May 2009 in a larger map Come ramble with me.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-59504352588159017932009-04-10T08:56:00.003-05:002009-04-19T12:15:10.791-05:00

Watch here for yours truly at the Foire de Paris 2009.Links:http://www.foiredeparis.fr/http://www.worldeventsguide.com/event/474/Paris-France/Paris-Trade-Fair-Foire-de-Paris.html

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-5688754052048004082009-03-30T10:07:00.003-05:002009-04-19T12:26:35.505-05:00

The world's top 10 most dangerous cities according to Real Clear World :10. London, U.K.9. Saskatoon, Canada8. Norilsk, Russia (in Siberia)7. Johannesburg, South Africa6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil5. Detroit, U.S.A.4. Caracas, Venezuela3. Linfen, China2. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico1. Mogadishu, Somalia

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-17713492689654087422008-12-31T17:00:00.000-06:002009-01-08T13:42:29.302-06:00

A fine day to hike from our back door into the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-8509777104584494452008-10-21T15:58:00.008-05:002008-10-22T10:32:05.650-05:00

Sitting in Pátzcuaro at 7200 ft. , in the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico, I reminisce over a September Colorado trip to visit my sister in Estes Park.A first stop was at Washington Park in Denver, where for many years I ran and dreamed, and where Glen and I have good history. Willowood nestles tranquilly at the edge of Estes Park. We enjoyed warm days and crisp nights. A Pygmy Nuthatch at the

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-78546774696891645412008-10-14T16:33:00.002-05:002008-10-14T16:40:47.197-05:00

Lest you think your cyberhostess has been sucked into a black hole, fear not--more is coming soon.In the meantime, visit:http://www.birdpatzcuaro.blogspot.com/http://mypatzcuaro.blogspot.com/

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-22208487714748080952008-08-21T15:15:00.005-05:002008-08-21T15:32:57.173-05:00

Gourmets and Chefs, this short slideshow will surely inspire you:La Fine Cuisine de la Chine

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-20604524403582252542008-08-08T09:26:00.003-05:002008-08-08T09:32:39.600-05:00

Visit a masterpiece by Mexican muralist Juan O'Gorman: The History of MichoacanClick on link: Live in Patzcuaro

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-16320119788068916202008-07-11T08:29:00.005-05:002008-07-11T08:46:27.840-05:00

Magnificent Hummingbird - And it is magnificent!Birder?Aspiring birder?No clue as to those UFOs?These sites are for you:Patzcuaro Birder (posts by an Audubon Master Birder who resides in the Lake Pátzcuaro area)Birding in Pátzcuaro & Michoacán, Mexico (and more?)

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-29276336953453540912008-06-30T09:44:00.002-05:002008-06-30T09:47:03.504-05:00

Visit Birding in Pátzcuaro & Michoacán, Mexico (and more?)

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-13978242094661575312008-06-26T13:13:00.003-05:002008-06-26T21:08:36.379-05:00

Visit us in magical Pátzcuaro.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-71140602545229703622008-06-24T20:41:00.002-05:002008-06-26T20:54:29.648-05:00

Dallas, Cole and I hiked from our house down to Barton Creek for a dip in the water.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-23811388051209372682008-06-09T18:00:00.002-05:002008-06-26T20:55:36.170-05:00

Townlake, Austin

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-53958256577597261692008-05-28T09:00:00.011-05:002008-06-23T10:49:36.355-05:00

On May 28 in Aberdeen, we embark the Aleksey Maryshev, a comfortable and modern research vessel. She belongs to the Hydro-graphic Institute in St. Petersburg and was built in Finland in 1990. She was designed as an ice-strength­ened vessel and converted in the Netherlands for passenger use, making her ideally suited for expedition cruising. The vessel is 66 metres (210 feet) long, with a breadth

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-89679679471632766162008-05-27T04:25:00.005-05:002008-05-28T05:46:41.508-05:00

Ah, Spring has sprung in Aberdeen. Yesterday the sun shone on the grey granite edifices, the grey sidewalks, and the grey cobblestones. The temperature was a balmy high 50's F., with damp, stiff winds off the sea. I wore several layers and a pure wool hat made by the Purhepecha Indians of Mexico for comfort. Mature adults glanced curiously at me as they shed their jackets baring their arms to the

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-36981659279983078482008-05-26T09:00:00.002-05:002008-05-26T09:00:04.320-05:00

We visit the "Granite City" of Aberdeen on May 26 and 27.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-79411060031821328942008-05-26T05:00:00.001-05:002008-05-26T05:01:49.675-05:00

We arrived by train. It is chilly. It will be colder when we go to sea.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-79782129325966387812008-05-22T03:39:00.006-05:002008-06-23T10:58:29.265-05:00

We are footsore and weary walkers. Day Two went well; we found we could still walk and move. Twelve miles up and down steep slopes are not like a stroll on the flat; it cannot be that I am slower than I was. The one hundred mile Cotswold walk from Mile 0 at Chipping Camden to Mile 100 is beautiful and full of history--as well as bakery shops, from time to time, in a town. We will cover 58 miles,

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-10924650751824208532008-05-19T14:02:00.003-05:002008-05-19T14:06:01.764-05:00

I hope I see a hobbit when we start our five day walk tomorrow through the Cotswold area. A diagnostic field mark is the feet. I will be on the lookout.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-11877275158901024682008-05-18T09:00:00.006-05:002008-05-19T03:41:42.167-05:00

This area is flowered, green and beautiful--and full of history, as well. We are drinking it all in with our eyes and loving it. The Cotswold Way TrailOur walk: 7 nights/5 walking daysDay 1: Sun 18th, Arrive Chipping Campden from Palermo, SicilyDay 2: Mon 19th, Visit Chipping CampdenDay 3: Tues 20th, Chipping Campden to Wood Stanway - 12.5 milesDay 4: Weds 21st, Wood Stanway to Cleeve Hill -

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-57379239772388205932008-05-16T04:12:00.004-05:002008-05-19T03:38:57.377-05:00

The sun is shining, all is well. We leave Villa Farli tomorrow.Sicily's greatest asset is its people. Sicilians are a delight. They are direct and assertive in their communication style, and at the same time they are pleasant and go to great lengths to be helpful. None of us have encountered any rough edges in our interaction.Service personnel seem happy with life and their jobs, which contrasts

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-69836909331034747732008-05-13T05:04:00.001-05:002008-05-13T05:06:54.509-05:00

Yesterday we visited the Greek ruins at Agrigento; today we are in the golden city of Noto. It is very windy--and chilly. All is well.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-22601656688870270812008-05-10T09:00:00.006-05:002008-05-10T09:00:01.314-05:00

Villa Farli is an 18th Century farmhouse just a few minutes’ drive from the beautiful Baroque town of Scicli and a stone’s throw away from a series of sandy beaches. We have rented the Villa and are spending the week of May 10-17 here with our amigos from Austin.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-52324241375143132062008-05-08T09:00:00.011-05:002008-05-09T02:04:19.191-05:00

Just south of Siracusa on the east coast of Sicily, Di Vendicari is an excellent place to observe wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds and hawks, especially during this time of Spring migration of birds from Africa to Europe and Asia. Over 250 species of birds have been observed at Di Vendicari, which includes a wetland area. The photo is of a secluded cove by the sea.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-46288081538645237622008-05-08T09:00:00.010-05:002008-05-08T09:00:01.758-05:00

We are visiting Siracusa today. Tomorrow we will go for a few hours to Di Vendicari nature reserve nearby to see waterbirds. Saturday we meet our amigos from Austin here in Siracusa.Located near the southeastern corner of Sicily on the Ionian coast, Siracusa (Syracuse) is built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by Corinthians in 734 BC. More than any other modern city in Sicily, Syracuse

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-8244111972408572872008-05-07T16:22:00.003-05:002008-05-07T16:22:00.548-05:00

Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. It is the largest active volcano in Europe, currently standing about 3,326 m (10,910 ft) high. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of eruption. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-11386151411664172512008-05-06T09:00:00.007-05:002008-05-06T09:00:00.857-05:00

We are very excited to see the Spring migration from Africa. We will observe from the northern mountains on the west side of the Strait.Strait of Messina channel: c.20 mi (32 km) long and from 2 to 10 mi (3.2-16 km) wide, separating the Italian peninsula from Sicily and connecting the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Reggio di Calabria, in SW Italy, and Messina, in NE Sicily, are the main ports. A

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-59215330617502088862008-05-04T20:00:00.003-05:002008-05-04T20:00:00.793-05:00

Today we join a Sicilian birding and conservation group at the Messina Raptor Camp, with whom we spend spend four days and three nights observing and assisting with the migration census. The red hawk shapes on the above map show our principal observation points, and the house is where we stay.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-56581145796505568292008-05-03T11:00:00.004-05:002008-05-03T11:00:00.902-05:00

Today we are visiting Taormina. From Monte Tauro, Taormina looks out over two large bays and to the South at Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Taormina has been a favored destination for millenia. The Sicels, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards chose Taormina for their residences because of its mild climate and beauty.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-40902508484254582912008-05-02T09:00:00.002-05:002008-04-30T13:56:37.525-05:00

Eating in Sicily Blood oranges: I love them. Octopus Spaghetti a la siciliana

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-71499792146106716332008-05-01T07:00:00.026-05:002008-04-30T14:40:29.712-05:00

Today we fly to Catania, the second largest city in Sicily. Catania is located on Sicily's east coast and faces the Ionian Sea. Floating off the toe of the Italian mainland, the island of Sicily is noticeably distinct from the rest of Italy. Here Europe takes on the flavors of Greece and North Africa. The unique history of Sicily, much invaded and an ancient centre of 'Magna Graecia' has given it

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-42619241757387416772008-03-01T08:00:00.003-06:002008-03-31T08:15:20.498-05:00

People often wonder just when they should use tu and when they should use Usted to address a person as “you” in Mexico. For an explanation, see http://culturespan.blogspot.com/.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-35634145096701655602008-02-01T08:00:00.003-06:002008-03-31T08:16:33.800-05:00

© Tracy Novinger 2008American culture teaches its members to “save time”... In Mexico one “spends” time…Go to http://culturespan.blogspot.com

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-21602144314537035892008-01-01T18:51:00.002-06:002008-03-30T18:16:22.277-05:00

Go to http://culturespan.blogspot.com

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-92148339401750802292007-12-26T20:04:00.001-06:002008-03-27T16:27:23.144-05:00

We just arrived in Patzcuaro. The noche buena flowers (poinsettias) are in full bloom. See http://mypatzcuaro.blogspot.com/

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-61561312624753202612007-11-04T18:32:00.002-06:002008-03-27T16:51:01.143-05:00

Books, authors, speakers, booksigning--adjacent to and in the beautiful facilities of the Capitol of Texas. Add to this interesting people, music and food. The festival catered to both the intellect and the senses. I was conscious today that not even a scrap of discarded paper struck a discordant note on the grounds. What a civilized gathering.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-52626873293645729872007-10-14T18:37:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:29:14.052-05:00

See http://mypatzcuaro.blogspot.com/

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-78752137680984492822007-10-06T11:47:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:29:41.695-05:00

We head for our home in Patzcuaro tomorrow.Watch http://mypatzcuaro.blogspot.com/

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-28285317366583327972007-09-10T20:33:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:30:09.139-05:00

BBC Online: 06 August, 2007"Dubrovnik threatened by forest fire. A state of emergency has been declared in Croatia, after a forest fire reached the suburbs of the medieval coastal city of Dubrovnik. The walled city is a major tourist attraction, and is classed as a UNESCO world heritage site."When we drove by taxi south of Dubrovnik to the airport, we remarked on the vast areas of charred

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-67476841904004178302007-09-10T20:11:00.002-05:002008-03-27T16:30:54.784-05:00

We read more than we watched television on Korcula. One evening, though, we found a Mexican movie with subtitles in Croatian--more understandable than a movie in Croatian, or a German movie with Croatian subtitles. Viva! CUT to commercial. Babe on bus holding onto overhead bar. Zoom into pig head in armpit. Wriggles snout to indicate malodor. Hunk next to babe shies away. CUT to bathroom. Babe

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-50481740094509165432007-09-06T01:29:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:31:22.895-05:00

A cold front moved into Dubrovnik yesterday. We go on to Frankfurt and its lower temperatures in a few hours.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-39192605431235473992007-09-06T01:20:00.002-05:002008-03-27T16:32:29.519-05:00

The figs we ate in Montenegro are lime green, with the plump tender skin of a young girl. You press them to your lips and tongue and gently push through the skin with your teeth to the surprise of bright pink and delicately sweet pulp within. To the texture of the skin and the sweetness of the pulp add the crunch of tiny, tender seeds for an extravagant gustatory experience. Never have I tasted

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-64338224902645200242007-09-04T02:00:00.002-05:002008-03-27T16:32:56.955-05:00

Today we travel back to the former city-state of Dubrovnik, on Thursday to Frankfurt, and we arrive in Austin Friday evening, Sept. 7.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-87322648246293793262007-09-03T03:22:00.002-05:002008-03-27T16:33:27.758-05:00

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-76823825492186877682007-08-31T05:06:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:34:06.151-05:00

Describing Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Rebecca West wrote of the Corso, the heart of social life in towns and villages in the Balkans. For an hour or so a stream of humanity flows through the main street to see and to be seen, and to enjoy the sunset hour. And so it was for us when we visited today's Dubrovnik walking, talking, seeing.At dusk the Alpine Swifts return to the city to roost. They darted

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-81420628164757451392007-08-31T04:51:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:34:46.338-05:00

We spent a few days at the Bon Repos, a European vacation destination about 10 minutes walk to walled, old Korcula town. The families there were primarily German and Croatian, with a sprinkling of English, Italian and other Eastern Europeans. For so many people, children and teenagers, the ambience was very pleasant and the noise that of people chatting and having a good time--not at all rowdy.

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419896510668219582.post-74971793116470995292007-08-27T11:00:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:35:33.161-05:00

Yesterday Glen and I traveled back to the island of Korcula (Kor-choo-la) where we will spend a week in an apartment at the Bon Repos. We came by large ferry, which even had a duty free shop for those going to Italy, a 200 km trip from the Dalmatian coast. We rode the boat taxi to town last night for dinner, about a five minute trip across the inlet and around a point. We can also travel by ferry

Tracy Novingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790164045403189970noreply@blogger.com0