November 2024

Holiday Favorite Meal

General /

I am a bit late getting this posted for Thanksgiving but it is still good for Christman. Thanksgiving is more traditional anyway with turkey and ham for dinner.

People often ask me what my favorite holiday meal is and I reply without hesitation –

Standing Rib Roast. I am not a big turkey fan but yield to holiday tradition when I have to. I have some other alternatives but will focus on my favorite here/

This pricy cut is often misidentified as “prime rib,” and, sure, some of them are prime grade, but few are. If you can only find choice rather than prime, that’s okay. Either way, it’s an expensive hunk of meat, so you’ll want to cook it right.

And this should be complemented with hot, fresh Yorkshire pudding.

Special items

  • 3 to 4 feet clean cheesecloth
  • Remote probe thermometer

Preparation

  • Remove any plastic wrap or butcher’s paper from the roast. If any twine is tied around the roast (running in the direction of the ribs), leave it in place for now.
  • Place the rib roast onto a rack set inside a half sheet pan, baking dish, etc. Airflow around the roast is key. Wrap in at least three layers of the cheesecloth, which will allow air flow while preventing the outer surface of the roast from hardening. Position the wrapped roast so that the ribs are facing downward and stash on the lower level of the refrigerator (set no lower than 34°F and no higher than 38°F) for 5 to 7 days. There’s no need to change the cheesecloth during this time.

Note: Although this isn’t classical “dry aging,” which involves a lot of complex processes this drying will remove some of the moisture from the roast thus intensifying its flavor.

  • When you’re ready to cook, retrieve the roast. You can leave it on its rack and half sheet pan, from the refrigerator, remove and discard the cheesecloth, and rub roast with the oil. Remember to rub the bones with oil, as well. Once the roast is completely coated with oil, cover the roast with kosher salt, using about 2 teaspoons per bone, and the pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Place a probe thermometer into the center of the roast and set its alarm for 118°F. Set the roast on the lower middle rack in a cold oven and turn the oven to 250°F. Let roast until the meat hits its target temperature, about 3 hours for a 3-bone roast or up to about 4 hours for a 4-bone roast. (It is more important to keep an eye on the temperature than the time here; your times may vary depending on the exact weight and shape of the roast.)
  • When the thermometer alarm goes off, remove the roast from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let rest while preparing the pudding. (The roast’s internal temperature should rise up to around 130°F, then very slowly start to fall.) Pour off the drippings from the sheet pan into a heat-proof liquid measuring cup. Let the roast rest for 30 minutes. Hang on to the sheet pan and rack; you’ll use it again later.
  • After 30 minutes, return the roast to the rack and sheet pan, then return to the oven. Crank the oven up as high as it will go; ideally 550°F, but 500°F will also work, and cook until the exterior of the roast is browned, 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how hot you can get your oven to run.
  • Return the roast to the board, carve, and serve with Yorkshire pudding. And no, you don’t need to rest it again.

Yorkshire Pudding

Save the drippings from, say, our Holiday Standing Rib Roast, to make Yorkshire pudding, a golden brown, puffy side dish that’s perfect for pairing with holiday  dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup roast drippings
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Special Hardware

  • 12 inch cast-iron skillet

Directions

  • Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet on the lower middle rack in the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.
  • Measure out 2 tablespoons of roast drippings and add to a food processor or blender, along with the flour, milk, eggs, and salt. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  • Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add an additional 2 tablespoons drippings to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. (If you don’t have 2 tablespoons for the skillet, add oil to make up the difference.) Pour the batter into the skillet, then return to the oven and bake until the pudding is puffed and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Serve hot alongside thick slices of standing rib roast.

 

Thanks to Alton Brown who I borrowed this recipe from. I could not find mine from twelve years ago

 

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Fiction Mirroring Real Life—

General /

or Is It the Other Way Around?

Reading Brad Thor’s Shadow of Doubt, I was struck by how closely the fictional scenario mirrors real-life events unfolding between Russia and Ukraine. Thor also explores similar themes in another novel, Shadows of Decline. This raises an intriguing question: does fiction mirror reality, or do real-life actors unconsciously borrow strategies from fictional narratives? While fiction typically extrapolates from real-world trends, the overlap between Thor’s storytelling and Russia’s current trajectory feels uncannily close.

A Fictional Briefing That Feels Real

In Shadow of Doubt, Thor paints a dire picture of Russia’s internal struggles during a briefing with the U.S. President and National Security Council. A character succinctly frames the challenges faced by Russia’s fictional leader, Peshkov:

“But the primary force driving Peshkov and the Kremlin is demography. In plain English, Russia is dying.”

“This started well before Ukraine. Back in the 1990s, after the Soviet Union collapsed, the death rate doubled, and the birth rate was cut in half. Fast-forward to the war in Ukraine and about a million and a half Russians under age thirty-five have fled the country–most of them young men escaping the draft–two or three times as many as those who agreed to go fight.

“The pool of fighting-age men who are still in Russia is much smaller than what the Soviet Union had at its disposal.

“On top of this, their economy is crumbling. Their education system collapsed shortly before the USSR did. The last generation, with any decent technical training just turned sixty. They’re quickly running out if competent people to maintain their railways, their nukes, their airplanes, their military equipment; you name it.

“The worse life gets, the less people want to have babies and the worse the demographic situation becomes. There’s no other way to say it, they’re in a nosedive.”

Thor’s fictional scenario highlights Russia’s declining birth rates, brain drain, military losses, and dwindling economic prospects. These issues push Peshkov to act aggressively, as he sees it as Russia’s last chance to assert dominance before its systemic weaknesses become insurmountable.

Reality Reflecting Fiction

Much of this fictional narrative resonates with the real-world challenges Russia is facing under Vladimir Putin. The parallels include:

  1. Demographic Decline: Russia’s population has been shrinking for decades, exacerbated by low birth rates and high death rates. The war in Ukraine has accelerated this decline, with young men fleeing conscription or dying in combat. Over a million men of fighting age have reportedly left the country, further straining an already fragile workforce.
  2. Brain Drain: Russia’s political repression and economic instability have driven skilled professionals to emigrate, leaving critical industries—technology, healthcare, and engineering—severely understaffed. This talent shortage is hindering Russia’s ability to innovate or maintain its infrastructure.
  3. Economic Strain: Sanctions and the financial costs of war have crippled Russia’s economy. Oil and gas revenues, which constitute a significant portion of the national budget, are no longer sufficient to sustain both domestic needs and military expenditures.
  4. Military Attrition: With an estimated 500,000–600,000 casualties in the Ukraine war, Russia is showing signs of strain, such as deploying North Korean fighters to fill ranks. Ukraine’s losses are also significant, with estimates ranging from 31,000 (official) to 300,000–400,000 (unofficial). This war of attrition raises questions about which side can sustain the conflict longer.

What Comes Next?

The current trajectory suggests several possible outcomes, each with significant implications for Russia and the world:

  1. Internal Collapse: As Russia’s workforce diminishes and its economy falters, internal dissent could grow. A collapsing pension system, reduced public services, and growing dissatisfaction among elites might challenge Putin’s hold on power.
  2. Escalation to Nuclear Conflict: Putin’s recent lowering of thresholds for using tactical nuclear weapons signals a willingness to escalate. This raises the stakes for Western powers, as well as for China and North Korea, whose responses to such actions remain unpredictable.
  3. Economic Devastation: If Ukraine targets Russia’s oil pipelines with long-range missiles, as some analysts predict, it could reduce Russia’s oil revenues by 14–18%. Such a blow would further strain an economy already under severe pressure.
  4. Stalemate or Resolution: Thor’s Shadow of Doubt imagines a resolution where low-yield nuclear weapons are captured, forcing Russia to retreat. In real life, however, a straightforward solution seems unlikely. The will of Ukrainians to defend their sovereignty is matched by Putin’s unwillingness to back down, creating a potential long-term stalemate.

Fiction as a Lens for Understanding Reality

Thor’s novels provide a speculative framework for understanding real-world dynamics. They distill complex geopolitical issues into accessible narratives, highlighting the interplay between internal vulnerabilities and external aggression. While the solutions in fiction may be tidy, real life is rarely so straightforward.

The parallels between fiction and reality underscore the fragility of Russia’s position. A dwindling population, brain drain, and economic decline are not merely fictional plot points—they are immediate and pressing issues with far-reaching consequences. Whether these challenges will lead to internal reform, further aggression, or outright collapse remains uncertain.

In Shadow of Doubt, Peshkov’s actions are driven by desperation—a recognition that his country is on the brink of irrelevance. Similarly, Putin’s aggressive policies may reflect a belief that time is running out for Russia to assert its power. As the lines between fiction and reality blur, the lessons from Thor’s storytelling offer valuable insights into what might come next. Whether through diplomacy, continued conflict, or unforeseen events, the world will be watching as this story unfolds.

Fiction Mirroring Real Life— Read More »

100 Billion Humans

Articles /

I ran across this article “100 Billion Humans” and found it to be quite interesting. A synopsis is below.

It addresses quite a few issues regarding significant population growth and brings up a significant number of questions but also a number of areas for innovation and imagination. His premise is that we do not need a great deal of new technologies or inventions but just need to reshape thinking on how to deploy water, energy and building to adjust for higher densities of population.

I suggest you take a look at “100 Billion People” and form your own ideas on this concept. Note it is a bit long and for those who like to read on your phone or tablet it can be found on Substack,

100 Billion Humans

In his article “100 Billion Humans,” Tomas Pueyo challenges the prevalent concern that Earth’s resources are insufficient to support a significantly larger human population. He posits that the planet could sustain up to 100 billion people—approximately 12 times the current population—without compromising quality of life.

Current Population Trends

As of 2024, the global population stands at about 8 billion. United Nations projections suggest a peak near 10 billion around 2080. However, Pueyo notes that these estimates may be overly optimistic, as the UN has previously revised its forecasts downward. He attributes this to declining birth rates and suggests that fears of overpopulation and environmental degradation have influenced individuals’ decisions to have fewer children.

Spatial Considerations

Pueyo examines population density to assess Earth’s capacity to accommodate more people. He cites the Netherlands, which has a population density of approximately 545 people per square kilometer and ranks as the sixth happiest country globally. Extrapolating this density worldwide would result in a global population of about 70 billion. He further references Hong Kong, with a density of 40,000 people per square kilometer; applying this density to Algeria alone could house 100 billion people, leaving the rest of the world largely uninhabited. Pueyo acknowledges that such extremes are unlikely but uses these examples to illustrate that physical space is not a limiting factor.

Advancements in Urban Development

Technological progress in construction allows for taller and more efficient buildings, enabling higher population densities without sacrificing living standards. Pueyo mentions that while current skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa reach over 800 meters, future advancements could lead to structures exceeding 2 kilometers in height. This potential for vertical expansion suggests that urban areas could accommodate more residents, preserving natural landscapes elsewhere.

Making Uninhabitable Areas Livable

Pueyo discusses the possibility of transforming uninhabitable regions, such as deserts, into livable spaces. He points to the Sahara Desert, emphasizing that with sufficient water and cooling, it could support human habitation. Advancements in desalination and the decreasing cost of solar energy make it feasible to provide the necessary resources to convert deserts into habitable areas.

Water Resources

Addressing concerns about water scarcity, Pueyo argues that technological innovations can meet the demands of a larger population. He highlights the potential of desalination to provide fresh water from oceans, reducing reliance on overdrawn aquifers. The combination of abundant solar energy and efficient desalination processes could ensure adequate water supply for agricultural and personal use, even with a population of 100 billion.

Food Production

Feeding a population of 100 billion would require significant increases in food production. Pueyo suggests that advancements in agricultural technology, such as vertical farming and lab-grown meat, could meet this demand. Vertical farming allows for high-yield crop production in urban settings, reducing the need for extensive farmland. Lab-grown meat offers a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock farming, decreasing the environmental impact associated with meat production.

Environmental Impact

While a larger population would increase resource consumption, Pueyo contends that sustainable practices and technological innovations can mitigate environmental degradation. He emphasizes the importance of renewable energy sources, efficient waste management, and conservation efforts to maintain ecological balance. By adopting these measures, humanity could support a population of 100 billion without causing irreversible harm to the planet.

Conclusion

Tomas Pueyo’s analysis challenges the notion that Earth’s resources are insufficient for a significantly larger human population. He argues that with strategic planning, technological innovation, and sustainable practices, the planet could comfortably support up to 100 billion people. This perspective encourages a reevaluation of current population concerns and highlights the potential for human ingenuity to overcome perceived limitations.

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Easy Personal and Unique Gifts

General /

As we start into the height of the holiday season, many of us look for gifts that are unique, personal and relatively easy and not very expensive.

I will attempt to provide a few examples.  Then your imagination can expand on these to provide your own unique touch and personality.  The point of most of these suggestions is that this time of year should be fun and not stressful; that some really interesting things can be created with ease and that good eating and snacking does not take an exorbitant amount of time and energy.   

Easy Personal and Unique Gifts

This idea is borrowed from Food Network magazine.  Personalize your gift with a recipe-in-a-jar.  Take the ingredients from your favorite recipes and put them in a sealable jar.  Attach instructions for preparing on a gift tag or card and you have a unique gift for each person on your list. Or you could put three or four together and make a basket of treats for friends or family. 

Each jar can be put together for just a few dollars.  Make three or four of each recipe so you can share with more people on your list.

Curried Lentil Soup Ingredient List

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 dried Chile pepper
  • 2 teaspoons of turmeric and
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
    (sealed in a plastic bag or sachet)
  • 5 sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 1/2 cup yellow lentils
  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 1/2 cup yellow lentils
  • 3/4-liter glass jar

Directions

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 4 smashed garlic cloves and 1 diced red onion: sauté 6 minutes. Add the contents of the spice bag, the bay leaves and Chile pepper from the Curried Lentil Soup mix and cook about 3 minutes. Add the rest of the soup mix and 8 cups water or chicken broth; simmer until the lentils are soft, about 1 hour. Season with salt.

Blue Cornbread with Pineapple Ingredient List

  • 4 chopped dried pineapple rings
  • 1 cup dried blueberries
  • 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup blue cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-liter glass jar

Tip: Layer finer ingredients like flour and sugar at the bottom of the jar.

Directions

Butter an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish and line with parchment paper. Stir the Blue Cornbread with Pineapple mix, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs and 4 tablespoons melted butter in a large bowl until just combined. Pour into the prepared dish and bake at 425 degrees until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool, then slice into squares.

Super-Chunky Christmas Cookies Ingredient List

  • 1 cup toasted shredded coconut
  • 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chunks
  • 1/2 cup chopped cashews
  • 1 cup of white chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cups of red and green M&M’s
  • 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2-liter glass jar

Directions

Beat 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1 stick butter with a mixer until fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add the Super-Chunky Christmas Cookie mix and mix until well combined. Scoop big round cookies (about 2 heaping tablespoons each) onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on a rack.

Oatmeal Cookie Mix in a Jar

Baking with this mix is all fun and there is no fuss. Give it in a big jar, with the recipe, baking sheets, parchment paper, a metal rack and oven mitts as a special gift, at Christmas, Easter, housewarming or any time. Especially effective when young students are just moving away from home for the first time.

Original Recipe Yield10 dozen

Ingredients

  • 6 cups rolled oats
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 pound shortening
  • 2 cups raisins
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

  1. In a large bowl combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With a pastry blender cut in shortening until crumbly. Stir in raisins, coconut, chocolate chips and pecans.
  2. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 weeks.
  3. Attach a tag that reads: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet, or line with parchment paper. Measure 4 cups of the mix into a large bowl. Whisk together 1 egg, 2 tablespoons milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla; stir into the mix. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Flatten with a fork dipped in sugar. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now that you have the idea, this works for many recipes from pancakes to deserts. The sealable storage jars are available at Walmart, Amazon and other stores for around $4 to $6 each. Layer the ingredients to make and interesting package. Print the directions on a gift card, wrap with a bow and you’re done.

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Where has economic thinking gone?

Business, General /

Economics has been a topic of conversation over the last few months b

ut from my warped perspective a great many of the people talking about economic have never studied the topic, have forgotten most of what they read or are just ignoring some of the basic principles. And this, I believe could lead to some very unfortunate decision over the next few years,

In my post on Megathreats, financial instability and the growing US debt was the number one issue. No one is paying attention to this that I can see.

Bank in the day when I was getting my MBA, Milton Friedman was the foundation for studying economics and was essential in forming policies for several presidents including Ronald Regan who leaned on his theories quite a bit.

But things have changed, and I read a book a couple of years ago that was eye opening on how different an approach to economics could be. This was Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephan Dubner. The central premise of “Freakonomics” is that if morality represents how we would like the world to work, then economics represents how it actually works.

I thought rather than just doing a book report on Freakonomics that a comparison of Friedman and Levitt would be interesting. I am still a strong believer in Friedman’s models and wish our political leaders and all levels would go back and reread his books.

On the other hand, Freakonomics creates a different perspective based on data. This is a book the is well worth reading.

Below is a discussion of the two that should generate some interesting questions for you.

Different Approaches to Economics

Milton Friedman was a traditional economist with a strong belief in free-market principles. His work, particularly in books like Capitalism and Freedom and Free to Choose, focuses on the power of free markets, limited government intervention, and the importance of individual freedom in achieving economic and social outcomes. He’s known for his theories on monetary policy, inflation, and the role of government, arguing that less government interference generally leads to more efficient and beneficial outcomes for society. Friedman’s approach is largely macroeconomic and policy-oriented, with an emphasis on broad, system-level impacts.

On the other hand, Levitt and Dubner’s approach in Freakonomics is much less conventional. Levitt, as an economist, takes a microeconomic approach that zooms in on specific behaviors, incentives, and hidden patterns in everyday life. He’s less interested in big-picture theories about markets or government policy and more fascinated by data that reveals surprising insights about human behavior, whether in school systems, drug gangs, or parenting. While Friedman focuses on economic principles that can guide policy, Levitt uses economic tools to dissect real-life mysteries and quirks, often without any broader ideological agenda.

Different Views on Human Behavior

Friedman’s view of human behavior is grounded in the idea that individuals act rationally and make decisions based on self-interest, particularly when allowed to operate in a free market. His theories rely on the assumption that people, when given freedom, will make choices that benefit them and, in aggregate, society. He views incentives through the lens of how people operate within economic systems to maximize their utility, advocating for a structure that allows these choices to play out freely with minimal government interference.

Levitt, however, takes a more nuanced view of human behavior, especially around rationality and incentives. Freakonomics dives deep into situations where people don’t act purely rationally—or at least not in ways that are immediately obvious. Levitt shows that people’s actions are often shaped by hidden incentives, cultural pressures, or even the chance to cheat if they think they won’t get caught. He’s more interested in understanding the sometimes unexpected or irrational ways that people respond to incentives, even in “small” areas of life, like school testing or drug dealing.

Policy Implications and Social Impact

For Friedman, economic principles are tools to guide policy. He believes that society functions best when markets operate with minimal government control, as outlined in his influential “monetarist” ideas, which advocate for controlling the money supply to regulate the economy rather than relying on government spending or intervention. His ideas have had significant real-world impact, shaping policy in areas like taxation, welfare, and monetary policy.

In contrast, Freakonomics doesn’t advocate for any particular economic policy. Levitt and Dubner are less focused on policy recommendations and more on uncovering insights about human behavior and societal patterns. For example, when they discuss crime rates in the 1990s and propose a link to legalized abortion, they aren’t necessarily arguing for or against the policy—they’re presenting a potential consequence backed by data. This approach makes Freakonomics less ideological and more exploratory, inviting readers to question what they think they know about cause and effect in social issues.

The Role of Data and Theory

Friedman is known for his theoretical frameworks and for using empirical data to support these theories. He often started with broad economic principles and then looked for data to support his views, particularly in the areas of money supply and inflation. His ideas on the relationship between inflation and unemployment, known as the Phillips Curve critique, are a classic example of how he used theory to challenge established beliefs.

Levitt and Dubner, by contrast, often start with the data itself, looking for anomalies or patterns and then using these findings to craft their insights. They let the data lead to conclusions, even if those conclusions are unexpected or challenge common wisdom. For instance, their analysis of why drug dealers live with their moms doesn’t begin with a theory about the economics of drug dealing. Instead, it begins with raw data from Sudhir Venkatesh’s research and works backward to explain the gang structure. This approach is more investigative and relies less on traditional economic theories, prioritizing curiosity and questioning over theoretical consistency.

Influence and Accessibility

Friedman’s work is foundational in economics and has influenced generations of economists, policymakers, and even world leaders. His ideas contributed to the rise of neoliberal economics and shaped policies during the Reagan and Thatcher eras, emphasizing deregulation, privatization, and reduced government spending. His books are dense with theory, often requiring some background in economics to fully grasp their implications.

Freakonomics, on the other hand, is much more accessible to the average reader. By using everyday examples and a conversational tone, Levitt and Dubner reach a broader audience, making complex economic ideas understandable and engaging. Freakonomics popularized a new way of looking at economics as a tool for solving real-life mysteries and explaining unusual behaviors. While it doesn’t seek to influence policy, it has sparked curiosity and conversation about economics beyond academia, making it a cultural phenomenon in its own right.

Final Thoughts

In essence, Freakonomics and Friedman’s work represent two very different sides of economics. Friedman is about foundational principles, big ideas, and policy impact, all with a strong ideological stance favoring free markets. Levitt and Dubner are about curiosity, hidden truths, and the quirky side of human behavior, often without any particular policy agenda.

Where Friedman might ask, “How can free markets improve society?” Levitt might ask, “What unexpected things can data tell us about people?” Both perspectives have value: Friedman’s for understanding the big-picture forces shaping economies, and Levitt and Dubner’s for shining a light on the smaller, surprising details of our everyday lives. Together, they showcase the diversity and richness of economic thought and its power to reveal both the expected and the unexpected.

Where has economic thinking gone? Read More »

I am not a good tourist!

1 Comment / General /

We just returned from a two-week trip to Spain and Portugal (an addition to the countries of the world that I have been to) which was a very good trip, Transportation went smoothly (still a bit long however), Accommodations were terrific. Support at all locations was above expectations. What more could you ask for?

We spent three days in Madrid and three more in Lisbon and took tours in both cities. But if I never see a city tour again, especially by bus, it will be too soon, Typically, these city tours entail a hour or so bus ride to some 17th or 18th century buildings that are features of that city. In these cases, the buildings were made from the local granite and included the architecture and the sculpture icons. That was the material that was available to the artisans of the time. Our guides were well informed and elicited lots of energy and excitement. But none of them were of interest. So, on the following days we walked the neighborhood around our hotel, found a good restaurant and ignored the tours,

The core of our trip was a Viking River cruise which was very good. Service was great, Food was terrific (I gained about 10 pounds.) And the views in some cases were spectacular.

When you see the Viking River cruise advertisements on tv, the boat is sailing by views of villages and interesting scenery. This may be the case with the majority of their cruises, but the Portugal River cruise was different.

My wife signed us up for most of the onshore excursions which meant we got off the boat fairly early and took a one-to-two-hour bus ride to the featured location of the day, When you take the daily trips, you see the country side from the window of the bus which was very beautiful but still it’s from a bus. And only two of the featured sites of the day wound up being interesting.

There was lots of talk about wine and wine tasting but being in California for decades, I have done wine. As you would expect there was lots of discussion of Port which is a national treasure of Portugal. Unfortunately, port is too sweet for my taste and when you get to the 15- to 20-year-old vintages they are quite expensive,

When you get back to the ship, you’re kind of tired so go to the cabin to recoup for a bit and then it’s time for the presentation of the next day’s activities which leads into dinner time. So, there is not really a lot of time to sit and watch the scenery go by.

I skipped one of the days and stayed on board. It was a very relaxing day but also one where the ship stayed docked rather than repositioning itself further down river. So, no floating by villages and such.

The reason if say I am a bad tourist is that I had no interest in shopping at any of the local stores, no interest in picking up souvenirs, and almost no interest in walking through any of the buildings and venues that we drove to. I guess the problem is that I have traveled too much and seen the best venues in the world. Perhaps that warped my perspective.

I did a search for the top 25 places that should be visited and received this list. I have missed all of the middle east, Egypt, and mainland China sites and do not expect to be able to get to them at this stage, but I have been to lots of fantastic places and seen some wonders of the world. That is perhaps why the landmarks of Portugal did not spark much enthusiasm for me.

The list:

  • The Great Wall of China (China)
  • Machu Picchu (Peru) 
  • The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
  • The Colosseum (Rome, Italy) 
  • Taj Mahal (Agra, India) yes
  • Petra (Jordan)
  • Santorini (Greece) 
  • Angkor Wat (Cambodia) 
  • Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA) 
  • Eiffel Tower (Paris, France) 
  • Stonehenge (Wiltshire, England) 
  • Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
  • Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE) 
  • Mount Fuji (Honshu, Japan) 
  • The Acropolis (Athens, Greece) 
  • Sagrada Família (Barcelona, Spain) 
  • Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) 
  • Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia)
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria, Germany) 
  • Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada) 
  • Yellowstone National Park (USA) 
  • The Blue Lagoon (Iceland) 
  • Great Barrier Reef (Australia) 
  • The Louvre Museum (Paris, France) 
  • Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) 

From this list, I have been to 15 and to this list I would add other significant places and exhibits that I have been to. And there are lots of other places that have been of interest during my travels, but the list gets too long and may become irrelevant to most.

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (Kyoto, Japan)
  • Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)
  • Ise Grand Shrine (Ise, Japan)
  • Blue Mosque and Topkapi castle (Istanbul, Turkey)
  • Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) (Chiang Rai, Thailand)
  • Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura, Japan)
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha (Bangkok, Thailand)

So, at this stage, there is little that would really grab my attention including the local crafts and related. Thus, I am a bad tourist and should probably just stay home and enjoy the activities here.

I am not a good tourist! Read More »

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