Yes - the downside is not enough time, for sure. And by the way, we were on the Viking Sky also! Really looking forward to your Italy posts now. We do.love Italy!

I am really enjoying your posts. We took the same cruise last year and had a wonderful time, so it's fun to see places we liked so much again. I, too, really liked visiting Monte Carlo. There is just something about it. Looking forward to all your informative posts with the accompanying beautiful photography. Thanks!

Great shot, and I suspect most of us can relate to the horror of possibly losing pictures. Glad you were able to share this one and that you were able to retrieve the rest. I always look forward to seeing your posts.

I was on a jury about 4 or 5 years ago. It was a murder trial - third one for the defendant for the same murder. We were in court for a week - lunches were catered, so we didn't have to leave to get lunch. It was pretty interesting. Just before we were to start deliberations, the judge delivere a bench verdict, I believe it's called. He ruled that the prosecution did not present enough evidence to prove the defendant committed the murder, and declared her not guilty. I'm pretty sure the jury, from my discussions with them as we were leaving, being escorted to the parking lot, would have found her guilty pretty quickly. After a few days of being a bit let down at not being able to deliberate the verdict, I could kind of see his point - they really didn't do a very good job of proving she did it. But still, no doubt in my mind she did. It happens. I still thought it was a worthwhile experience, but then I'm retired and had no pressure from being away from work. You sound like you would be a good juror, no matter the age.

I have really enjoyed your posts of your various trips. I have learned a lot about places and cultures that I am not at all familiar with, and I thank you for that. I have, however, been to Kenya and Tanzania and was also somewhat mesmerized by the singing and dancing of the Maasai men. Their leaping ability really is pretty astonishing and their chants seemed to resonate inside my body. Thank you for the colorful reminder of one of the many highlights of that trip.

I, for one, am very grateful that you do take a lot of photos. I always enjoy them, so please, keep taking and sharing them!

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. So many of us understand the intensity of your pain and your loss, as we continue to deal with our own. There isn't anything else like the love and companionship a dog offers - the greetings at the door, even if you were only gone for 5 minutes because you forgot something, the tail that wags like it's going to come off - just because you are petting them, their drive to protect you from man-eating squirrels in the yard, and on and on. Try to focus on all the great times and not the loss. I try, and it's hard, I know.

My heartfelt condolences, Chance. We lost our precious Jada in May and the hole in my heart is still awfully big. The pain of her loss is still felt every day. Your Brady sure looks like a wonderful companion and friend. Best wishes for healing and a release from your grief. Perhaps you can find another great friend and companion that will help. I hope to, too. Thanks for sharing your pictures of your dear friend and companion.

Great shots, as always. I miss your posts when you're off on another trip, but always look forward to seeing the shots you bring back. Great work!

Two beautiful cities. You're getting good advice. I would also strongly recommend Strahov Monastery, which overlooks Prague. Great views, a vineyard, a brewery and the library and chapel interiors are spectacular. Someone mentioned the Sedlic Ossuary, which is the chapel with the interior that is made of bones. It is just outside the town of Kutna Hora, which is also very interesting and scenic, and St. Barbara's Cathedral there is beautiful. It's a nice day trip. Have a great trip!

What UTMike said.

Another great set, as always. I so enjoy your pictures and comments. Thanks for sharing.

Really beautiful. We have a new Columbine that has just bloomed and they are beautiful plants. If I may ask, how were you able to get the black background? It really highlights the bloom so well.

I always look for your posts, as your pics are always excellent. And cheetahs are my favorite. Thanks for sharing more of these beautiful cats. Hope the sciatica is no longer causing you problems.

Yeah, that would be the way to maximize your time. Next trip! Looking forward to your continued postings.