#spain and portugal cruises

[savvytravelers]

Porto River Cruises

Set sail on Porto river cruises with Savvy Travelers, discovering the rich culture and stunning views of Porto!

[iwebvisions-30]

🌟 Embark on the ultimate 19-night adventure through the captivating landscapes of England, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco! From luxurious hotel stays to breathtaking escorted tours and a 14-night cruise aboard the MSC Virtuosa, this journey is designed to exceed all expectations. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience! Book now and make unforgettable memories!

Iconic England, Spain, Portugal & Morocco

5 nights hotel with 3 days escorted touring, transfers, 14 nights cruise Southampton return - MSC Virtuosa, gratuities, savings & more

19 NIGHTS FROM - $4,645pp

Cruise departs: 7 Sep 2024

Valid until: 24 May 2024

Bonus: SAVE up to $670*

Contact Dan Travel for more information and secure these great deals!

Dan Travel | M + 61 425 325 809

Level 5, Norwest 4 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153

Email: dantravel@optusnet.com.au

Website: https://dantravel.creativecruising.com.au/

[sambarsky]

87.) The sweater I made for our trip to Spain and Portugal in 2015. Looks like a lot of the scenery in these places and other parts of Europe. #sambarsky #sambarskysweaters #sambarskyknitter #knit #knitting #knitter #art #artist #sweater #intarsia #spain #portugal #vigo #vigospain #madeira #funchal #portugal #cruiseship #cruise #europe #housesonmountain (at Vigo, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpO0bxPtbHW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[coreglia]

The Desire To Do Good

You’re only making a mess by trying to put things straight. You’re trying to straighten out a wiggly world, and no wonder you’re in trouble. Allan Watts How do you start an essay about seeing this wonderfully wiggly world without mentioning how acutely our people are struggling? In less than a month, we’ve witnessed the survivors of a massive Maui fire stagger around Lahaina’s ruins in…

[cheapcruises]

Ventura Departs on a Spain and Portugal Cruise

P&O Cruises Ventura sets sail today from Southampton on a 10-night cruise to Spain and Portugal. A full list of Ventura Cruises can be found on Cruisez.

Itinerary: Southampton - Santander, Vigo, Lisbon (overnight onboard), Porto (Leixoes), St. Peter Port (Guernsey) - Southampton

[usafphantom2]

SR-71 pilot recalls when his RSO Flipped Off a French Air Force Mirage III Pilot (Then They lit their Blackbird’s Afterburners and Outran him)

The SR-71 Blackbird

The SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft was the world’s fastest jet-propelled aircraft and the most advanced member of the Blackbird family developed by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s clandestine “Skunk Works” division.

The Blackbird was in a different category from anything that had come before. “Everything had to be invented. Everything,” Skunk Works legendary aircraft designer Kelly Johnson recalled in an interesting article appeared on Lockheed Martin website.

The speed of the SR-71 exceeded 2,000 mph. Other planes of the era could, in theory, approximate that speed but only in short, after-burner-driven bursts. The Blackbird maintained a record-setting speed for hours at a time.

Cool Video Explains how SR-71 Blackbird’s J58 Turbo-Ramjet Engine Works

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. SR-71A Blackbird 61-7972 “Skunkworks”

One of the most entertaining stories about flying the Blackbird comes from Lt. Colonel William Burk Jr., who shares about a particular mission he flew [according to SR-71 pilot Stormy Boudreaux, Tom Henichek was Burk’s RSO for that mission] over Lebanon back in 1982 in the book Skunk Works by Ben Rich.

Blackbird over Lebanon

‘In the fall of ’82, I flew from Mildenhall on a mission over Lebanon in response to the Marine barracks bombing. President Reagan ordered photo coverage of all the terrorist basis in the region. The French refused to allow us overfly, so our mission profile was to refuel off the south coast of England, a Mach 3 cruise leg down the coast of Portugal and Spain, left turn through the Straits of Gibraltar, refuel in the Western Mediterranean, right turn into Lebanon and fly right down main street Beirut, exit along the southern Mediterranean with another refueling over Malta, supersonic back out the straits, and return to England.

‘Because Syria had a Soviet SA-5 missile system just west of Damascus that we would be penetrating (we were unsure of Syria’s intentions in this conflict), we programmed to fly above 80,000 feet and at Mach 3 plus to be on the safe side, knowing that this advanced missile had the range and speed to nail us.

SR-71 pilot recalls when his RSO Flipped Off a French Air Force Mirage III Pilot (Then They lit their Blackbird’s Afterburners and Outran him)

‘As we entered Lebanon’s airspace my Recon Systems Officer in the rear cockpit informed me that our defensive systems display showed we were being tracked by that SA-5. About 15 seconds later we got a warning of active guidance signals from the SA-5 site. We couldn’t tell whether there was an actual launch or the missile was still on the rails, but they were actively tracking us. We didn’t waste any time wondering, but climbed and pushed that throttle, and said a couple of “Hail Kellys.”

SR-71 crew flipping off a French Air Force Mirage III Pilot

‘We completed our pass over Beirut and turned toward Malta, when I got a warning low-oil-pressure light on my right engine. Even though the engine was running fine I slowed down and lowered our altitude and made a direct line for England. We decided to cross France without clearance instead of going the roundabout way.

‘We made it almost across, when I looked out the left window and saw a French Mirage III sitting ten feet off my left wing. He came up on our frequency and asked us for our Diplomatic Clearance Number. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him to stand by. I ask my backseater, who said, “Don’t worry about it. I just gave it to him.” What he had given him was “the bird” with his middle finger: I lit the afterburners and left that Mirage standing still. Two minutes later, we were crossing the Channel.’

Be sure to check out Linda Sheffield Miller (Col Richard (Butch) Sheffield’s daughter, Col. Sheffield was an SR-71 Reconnaissance Systems Officer) Twitter X Page Habubrats SR-71, Instagram Page SR71Habubrats and Facebook Page Born into the Wilde Blue Yonder Habubrats for awesome Blackbird’s photos and stories.

@Habubrats71 via X

[mhgrf]

Our country's regional visa-free policy for foreigners mainly includes:

Hong Kong and Macao foreign tour groups to enter Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy. Citizens of countries with diplomatic ties with China holding ordinary passports may visit the nine cities in the Greater Bay area and the Shantou Bay Area without the need for a visa after entering the region through a group of Hong Kong and macao-registered travel agents, activities will be held in the cities of Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Shantou, group in and out, stay less than 144 hours.

Visa-free entry policy for tour groups from ASEAN countries to Guilin, Guangxi. Group tours (2 or more) from ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia) , with an ordinary passport, you can enter or leave the country visa-free through the Guilin Airport and travel agencies in Guilin, stay no longer than 144 hours.

Visa-free entry policy for foreign tour groups by cruise. Foreign tour groups (2 or more persons) on cruises and received by travel agencies in China, visa-free group visits are available from 13 cruise ports in Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Wenzhou and Zhoushan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Beihai, Haikou and Sanya, the tour group shall travel with the same cruise to the next port until the departure of this cruise, activities for Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and other 11 coastal provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government) and Beijing, stay no longer than 15 days.

4th, 59 countries personnel entry Hainan 30 days visa-free policy. Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus and 59 other countries hold ordinary passports, for short-term reasons such as tourism, business, visit, family visit, medical treatment, convention and exhibition, sports competition, etc. (except for work and study reasons) , visa-free entry to Hainan may be granted, the scope of activities shall be within the administrative area of Hainan province, and the entry and exit ports shall be all open ports of Hainan province, and the stay time shall not exceed 30 days.

Visa-free 144-hour entry policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao. Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with China who hold ordinary passports and visit Hong Kong and Macao may visit Hainan visa-free if they are in a group of two or more members of a travel agency legally registered in Hong Kong and Macao, activities for the administrative area of Hainan province, the entry and exit ports for all open ports in Hainan province, the use of group entry and exit mode, stay less than 144 hours.

[mygainyear2024]

Day 1 Lisbon in 32,729 steps

Oh my! I am feeling weary after a big day of walking. I slow climbed into a hot bath when I returned at about 8.30pm.

The weather was not as cool as I anticipated, a lovely high of 17° and only a little sprinkle of rain at around 5pm.

I started the day at the hotel buffet and had my first Pastel de nata. It actually tasted quite good, but I do understand why the one I had later in the day at Manteigaria was award winning. It was served warm and the pastry was lighter and the filling creamier. It may have helped that I purchased a shot of Espinheira with it (it was basically "I'll have what she's having"!)

I first walked to the glamorous El Corte Inglés department store to see what the fuss might be about. I ended up using the WC and buying a bottle of water! I'm thinking the summer sales will be on when I return to Lisbon at the end of May and my suitcase might be a bit lighter.

I then headed up and down a few hills to a recommended cafe, Comoba, for a local latte (galão) before moving onto lunch at Time Out Market Lisboa for lunch. The codfish croquette was recommended at Croqueteria. It was the tastier of the three I had (cuttlefish with squid ink and tuna were the other two), with a side of sweet potato crisps, creamed spinach and a glass of rose for €12. I met Mary and Elaine from Kentucky (now retired, but former work colleagues) who were sitting beside me also trying to work out the process for ordering. They are on a short trip, river cruise up the Duoro River to Salamanca, Spain and return. Elaine totally got me when I mentioned my "gap" years, particularly the one sans men. And they reported they were very happily retired (although Elaine did say she was volunteering for 15 hours per week). They seemed to also keep themselves occupied with several short overseas holidays.

For the afternoon I'd pre-booked the 2.5+ hour Sandemans New Europe walking tour with Nuno (originally from the north of Portugal, he moved to Lisbon in 2012 to pursue acting). The itinerary included the central district of Bairro Alto and a visit to the oldest bookstore in the world (Bertrand), several cool views of Lisbon, including from the Santa Justa Elevator, a history lesson on the Great Earthquake of 1755 and the intriguing story of the peaceful Carnation Revolution and the end of the dictatorship on 24th April 1974 and lots of food recommendations.

I ended the evening with dinner at Sebastião, pre-booked on the Fork app. I ate a whole roasted octopus (the waiter assured me it was ok to eat everything) with sautéed turnip tops and sweet potato. It was a large meal and quite tasty (aside from a couple of gritty bits), served with a lovely glass of red he recommended that wasn't on the menu. The waiter also gave me a very basic Portugese language lesson, apparently it's mostly a nasal language and the words I have been using are all a bit wrong. Bring on those classes this week in Alvor.

My favourite human contact today was with Mary and Elaine from Kentucky.

Best food - definitely the Pastel de Nata at Confeitaria da Gloria.

Best beverage - the latte at Comoba.

Most interesting story - the Carnation Revolution and how recent that really was and Nuno's perspective that over the past 10 years "Portugal" is acknowledging and taking responsibility for all the wrong doings from the past and changing the language to describe this, eg instead of "slave trading" saying "human trafficking".

[httplovecraft1890]

Hi, What's your opinion the Lives of Others movie from 2006 and it's presentation of Stasi modus operandi? You're very intelligent in drawing parallels between SxF and it's real life counterparts.

Also may I ask what your music tastes are? thanks.

I'm flattered you have enough confidence in me to think I can answer this question in an intelligent way, but it's been a long time since I've seen The Lives of Others, though I remember liking it when I saw it years ago. However, the Stasi's reputation definitely proceeds them; even if one is sympathetic to the Warsaw Pact, they were the vanguards of a brutal regime. The same thing is true of the SS that the State Security Service also pulls its name from, but I don't think one has to point the obvious when discussing Nazi Germany. East Germany/the GDR is generally less known here in the West in pop culture. Certainly at least, the mention of people fleeing its borders brings to mind the Berlin Wall, even if we haven't seen an equivalent. That said, given that Endo is sometimes frustratingly obtuse on elements of Spy x Family's world (which is fair, since world building doesn't really seem to be something he's super interested in unless it serves a narrative purpose) there are some things we can at least tease out with those two examples about what the Ostanian state is like. Communism, at least as a widespread ideology, doesn't seem to really exist in the SxF universe - or at least their world seems to be having its version of the Cold War from the freer West versus an authoritarian East. Granted, the Red Circus in the Japanese text is described as a far left organization, but we're given no indication it receives foreign backing from a USSR expy. The curious snag is that they use the word 'cosmonaut' to describe their astronauts as well, but perhaps the Russian Empire persists in some form, bankrolling other reactionary regimes that it borders.

Regardless, we're given a very narrow view of what Ostania is like for citizens of the middle and upper classes - and it generally seems to be okay. However, we know for certain that this isn't really the true state of affairs given the disappearances of people like Frank the former newspaperman, Biddy's death, how it closely monitors its citizens personal lives by viewing people who're not even married as suspicious, etc. The SSS, even if it bears a superficial resemblance to the organizations it's named after, is clearly intended to be a frightening thing. Billy is very obviously killed after he's arrested in the most recent bus hijacking arc and we know for certain things like wiretapping are commonplace. It is a totalitarian regime where minute actions are scrutinized to the nth degree for supposed subversiveness and no amount of bread or circuses makes up for that. This is a point I think is further supported by a mention of a shadow government doing... something in the cruise arc; whatever they've got going on, it isn't good, and the civilian government led by a bunch of doves seems like an obvious front while the Ostanian political cadres plan what to do next. Sooner or later, they're going to have to fall on the proverbial sword, and the National Unity Party will swoop back in to power. Instead, it seems obvious to me that Ostania is fascist or at least some flavor of far-right. Private enterprise persists, though I would imagine the state intervenes or directs them to do things it sees fit to (real life Imperial Japan comes to mind, especially given Endo's background; while a lot of zaibatsu were disbanded following WWII, others like Mitsubishi weren't) but this was also present in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Something tells me that Desmond never divested his business dealings when he was prime minister. Further, we can see this exemplified in how Damian boasts about how great his family is, placing an emphasis on heritage and wealth which we can only assume was a foundational belief passed onto him by Donovan at the very least. Melinda is a tougher nut to crack in this regard right now. We've no evidence that a monarchical dynasty currently reigns in either Westalis or Ostania but I think we can infer at least at one point one did, if for no other reason than our Germany parallel from our world; still, it seems that nobility is at least recognized or has a lingering influence on the country's politics even if it's ostensibly a republic now. One of the things I'm personally most curious about is how much the regime, either now or in the past, scapegoated its minorities. Difficult to say if they had some form of Holocaust/Shoah and/or Generalplan Ost, but one thing that might be a snag regarding my cosmonaut theory above is the belief that Slavic peoples were inferior to their Germanic counterparts during the 19th century's formative years with racialist theories. An interesting thing to note is that the Briar family seems to be coded as perhaps coming from this background. Mom Briar's clothing bears some resemblance to traditional Russian dress, Yuri is a Slavic transliteration of the name George, and Yor's name was initially meant to be Yolanda which, while not Slavic in origin, had been used by some queens in eastern Europe historically. Yuri working for the SSS isn't necessarily a deal breaker either since, if there is such an emphasis on one's parentage, perhaps he and Yor have enough 'proper' blood in them that this is seen as acceptable. Even the Nazis' bat shit theories had dispensations for certain percentages of Jewish ancestry (no, really). However, that's my own editorializing on this aspect of the lore, which doesn't have a whole lot of clarity surrounding it. Anyway: my musical tastes are old. I'm a Boomer, if not a Silent Generation type; '30s-'60s stuff is my jam and if I do dip my toes into more modern music, it's usually in the form of mashups (a medium I love and think is very great).

[savvytravelers]

Douro Valley Wine Tours

Embark On A Magnificent Journey Along The Douro River

Embark on a journey along the picturesque Douro River, aptly named after the Portuguese word for "golden," as it winds its way through the heart of Europe's Iberian Peninsula. Immerse yourself in the allure of this enchanting region, where you'll indulge in renowned wines amidst sun-drenched vineyards, savor the distinctive flavors of Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, and uncover the rich tapestry of culture in vibrant cities. Join us at Savvy Travelers for an unforgettable exploration of the Douro River on one of our specially curated river cruises.

Discover Captivating Destinations

From fascinating architecture to iconic World Heritage Sites and the art of viticulture, our Douro River cruises offer a glimpse into the very essence of Portugal. Traverse through charming cities and delve into their unique histories. Here are some of the highlights you can expect on our journeys:

Experience the timeless beauty of Salamanca, Spain

Explore the vibrant streets of Lisbon, Portugal

Wander through the fairytale-like landscapes of Sintra, Portugal

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Porto, Portugal

Why Choose to Sail the Douro River with Savvy Travelers?

Indulge in the Wine of Port Country

The Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-designated region and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, beckons with its historic wineries and picturesque quintas. Delight your senses with the region's famed Port wines, often referred to as "liquid gold," as you journey through this enchanting landscape. Experience exclusive tastings both on board and at local wineries, where you'll discover the true essence of Port Country.

Savor Authentic Portuguese Cuisine

Treat your palate to the authentic flavors of Portugal with our exquisite onboard dining experiences and visits to local quintas. Indulge in traditional homemade Portuguese meals paired with local wines, such as Vinho Verde and Quinta da Avessada’s Moscatel, amidst idyllic countryside settings. Our culinary adventures promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Embark on Active Excursions

Venture into the dramatic hills of the Douro River Valley on guided hikes that offer a unique blend of nature and history. From climbing the "Holy Staircase" to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego to exploring the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo, there's no shortage of breathtaking vistas and immersive experiences awaiting you.

Explore Our Douro Itineraries

Choose from our specially curated 7-night Douro River cruises and set sail on an unforgettable journey through this captivating region. Whether you prefer to cruise during the spring, summer, fall, or winter, each season offers its own unique charm and allure.

Enticing Douro:

3 nights in Lisbon, Portugal, followed by a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Porto, Portugal

Flavors of Portugal & Spain:

3 nights in Madrid, Spain, a 7-night cruise from Vega de Terrón, Spain, to Porto, Portugal, and 3 nights in Lisbon, Portugal (or reverse)

Experience Unforgettable Land Packages

Enhance your Douro River journey with optional land packages before or after your cruise. Accompanied by our knowledgeable Cruise Managers, you'll stay at renowned four and five-star hotels and enjoy a range of included amenities and excursions that promise to enrich your travel experience.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Experience the vibrant music and dance traditions of Portugal and Spain, from the mesmerizing flamenco performances in Salamanca to the soulful strains of fado music in Lisbon. Our onboard entertainment showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region, offering you a truly immersive experience.

Indulge in Authentic Regional Cuisine

Onboard our ships, savor a delectable array of regionally-inspired cuisine crafted with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. From freshly caught seafood to traditional Portuguese pastries, each meal is a culinary delight that reflects the essence of the Douro River Valley.

Join us at Savvy Travelers for an unforgettable journey along the Douro River, where every moment promises to be a golden opportunity to create lasting memories!

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 2.28

202 BC – Liu Bang is enthroned as the Emperor of China, beginning four centuries of rule by the Han dynasty. 870 – The Fourth Council of Constantinople closes. 1525 – Aztec king Cuauhtémoc is executed on the order of conquistador Hernán Cortés. 1638 – The Scottish National Covenant is signed in Edinburgh. 1835 – Elias Lönnrot signed and dated the first version of the Kalevala, the so-called foreword to the Old Kalevala. 1844 – A gun explodes on board the steam warship USS Princeton during a pleasure cruise down the Potomac River, killing six, including Secretary of State Abel Upshur. President John Tyler, who was also on board, was not injured from the blast. 1922 – The United Kingdom ends its protectorate over Egypt through a Unilateral Declaration of Independence. 1925 – The Charlevoix-Kamouraska earthquake strikes northeastern North America. 1947 – February 28 Incident: In Taiwan, civil disorder is put down with the death of an estimated 28,000 civilians. 1958 – A school bus in Floyd County, Kentucky hits a wrecker truck and plunges down an embankment into the rain-swollen Levisa Fork river. The driver and 26 children die in one of the worst school bus accidents in U.S. history. 1959 – Discoverer 1, an American spy satellite that is the first object intended to achieve a polar orbit, is launched but fails to achieve orbit. 1966 – A NASA T-38 Talon crashes into the McDonnell Aircraft factory while attempting a poor-visibility landing at Lambert Field, St. Louis, killing astronauts Elliot See and Charles Bassett. 1969 – The 1969 Portugal earthquake hits Portugal, Spain and Morocco. 1974 – The British election ended in a hung parliament after the Jeremy Thorpe-led Liberal Party achieved their biggest vote. 1975 – In London, an underground train fails to stop at Moorgate terminus station and crashes into the end of the tunnel, killing 43 people. 1983 – The final episode of MAS*H airs, with almost 110 million viewers. 1985 – The Provisional Irish Republican Army carries out a mortar attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary police station at Newry, killing nine officers. 1986 – Olof Palme, 26th Prime Minister of Sweden, is assassinated in Stockholm. 1993 – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents raid the Branch Davidian church in Waco, Texas with a warrant to arrest the group's leader David Koresh starting a 51-day standoff. 1997 – An earthquake in northern Iran is responsible for about 1,100 deaths. 1997 – A Turkish military memorandum resulted with collapse of the government in Turkey. 2001 – The 2001 Nisqually earthquake, having a moment magnitude of 6.8, with epicenter in the southern Puget Sound, damages Seattle metropolitan area. 2002 – During the religious violence in Gujarat, 97 people are killed in the Naroda Patiya massacre and 69 in the Gulbarg Society massacre. 2013 – Pope Benedict XVI resigns as the pope of the Catholic Church, becoming the first pope to do so since Pope Gregory XII, in 1415. 2023 – Two trains collide south of the Vale of Tempe in Greece, leading to the deaths of at least 57 people and leaving 58 missing and 85 injured.

[withtheoldstars]

UPDATE - the jegulus cruise fic

so i just wanted to update you guys that the cruise, cheating, jegulus fic is going to be 20 chapters basically separated by the places that the cruise is going to visit (it's a 35days cruise) - France, Spain, Portugal...

Regulus is engaged to Barty and Sirius is bringing James and Peter!

Remus, Dorcas, and Marlene work/are at the cruise. so mostly they all don't know each other!

[heavenknowsffs]

Okay now that i've been to concerts in 4 countries imma rate these bitches

Portugal: 20/10 unmatched energy, everyone sings every song AND the instrumental parts, silent moments are followed by chants (usually football chants like olé olé olé or esta merda é que é boa but anything goes), phone flash or lighters on during ballads, ppl hugging each other to sing without knowing the other person, pre-show hangouts, the concert cannot end without everyone asking for an encore, if you want to listen to the band you might not be able to because the crowd is so loud 💕💕 (like twenty one pilots did the whole thing "i say this and you go yeah yeah yeah" and we did so loudly (the 20k capacity venue was not even full) that he was like oh wow i can't even ask for you to do it louder damn i wasn't even ready do it again), there are hang outs after show at the venue or a nearby bar when possible, everyone is hyped up as if they're a kid going to disneyland. Oof i cannot express the thrill, the beauty, the joy, the absolute happiness, i literally cried at my 1st metallica show just from everyone singing ecstasy of gold so so beautiful

UK: 6/10 people sang some songs and there were a few girls super hyped up but the second the concert ended everyone started leaving, the band was barely even out? The band did an encore and half the venue was empty already 🫠 no post show things, just leave :( beer is too expensive (but this also applies in portugal), venue floor was not leveled which was cool because everyone could see the stage no matter where you were (but it was hard on the feet)

Italy: 7/10 chants calling for the band, they only sang the italian songs?, barely anyone was moving or jumping, there was so much free space in the arena it was weird, no one drank??? Only water and like brother the water is almost the same price as beer, overall a good show i enjoyed it but i sang more than everyone around me and i'm not italian (i sang the italian songs too), no post show shenanigans :(, they asked for one more song

Spain: 8/10 everyone was hyped up in the arena part, singing and jumping a lot, they sang most songs (it was a rammstein concert so this is hard as they're all in german 😅), the band cruised on floated boats and a song was playing but no one was singing, just screaming , most people (in the stands at least) were pretty drunk pre-show hangouts with the band's songs playing in a nearby bar/outside, no post-show hangout

And that's it babes hopefully i can go to other countries and rate them 🫰🏼🤞🏼

[travelingwithtots]

Plan Your Perfect Family Trip to Portugal with a Drop of Spain

If you’re considering a family trip to Portugal, you’re in for a treat! Portugal is a beautiful country, known for its stunning beaches, historic cities, and delicious food. And if you’re looking to add a little extra adventure to your trip, why not include a visit to Spain as well?

With a little bit of itinerary planning, you can easily create a family-friendly trip that includes both Portugal and Spain. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect trip.

Start with Portugal

Portugal is an excellent destination for families with young children, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. You can start your trip in the capital city of Lisbon, where you can explore the historic streets, ride a tram, and take a cruise along the Tagus River.

From Lisbon, head to the charming coastal town of Cascais, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy the local seafood. Don’t miss a visit to Sintra, a fairytale-like town with stunning palaces and castles that will capture your kids’ imaginations.

Next, head south to the Algarve region, where you can spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring the historic town of Lagos, and taking a boat trip to see the sea caves and dolphins.

Travel to Spain

Once you’ve explored Portugal, it’s time to head to Spain. The easiest way to get there is by taking a train or a flight from Lisbon to Madrid. From Madrid, you can explore the city’s beautiful parks, museums, and historic landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum.

Next, head to Barcelona, a vibrant city known for its beautiful architecture, art scene, and delicious food. Don’t miss a visit to Park Guell, the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, and a stroll down Las Ramblas.

Trip to Portugal with Traveling Tots

If you’re traveling with young children, consider booking your trip with Traveling Tots. They specialize in family-friendly trips and can help you plan a trip that is tailored to your family’s needs.

One of their popular trips is the “Trip to Portugal with Traveling Tots,” which includes a visit to Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, and the Algarve region. The itinerary is designed with young children in mind, with plenty of opportunities for playtime and relaxation.

Trip to Portugal with Kids

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal with kids, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Portugal is a safe and family-friendly destination, but you should always keep an eye on your children, especially in crowded areas.

Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and hats to protect your kids from the sun. The sun can be very strong in Portugal, especially in the summer months.

Travel to Spain with Kids

Spain is also a great destination for families with kids, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Like Portugal, Spain is a safe destination, but you should always be aware of your surroundings.

Make sure to bring comfortable shoes for your kids, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. And don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks to keep your kids fueled throughout the day.

In conclusion, planning a family trip to Portugal with a drop of Spain can be an incredible adventure that your family will never forget. With a little bit of itinerary planning, you can create a trip that is tailored to your family’s needs, and that includes plenty of opportunities for relaxation and playtime. And with the help of Traveling Tots, you can ensure that your trip is stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

[usafphantom2]

The story of the SR-71 Blackbird crew that ‘gave the birdie’ to a French Air Force Mirage III pilot, lit the afterburners and outran him

‘I looked out the left window and saw a French Mirage III sitting ten feet off my left wing. He came up on our frequency and asked us for our Diplomatic Clearance Number. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him to stand by…,’ Lt. Colonel William Burk Jr., former SR-71 pilot.

The SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft was the world’s fastest jet-propelled aircraft and the most advanced member of the Blackbird family developed by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s clandestine “Skunk Works” division. Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world’s highest-flying operational aircraft. From 80,000 feet, it could survey 100,000 square miles of Earth’s surface per hour. The aircraft was designed to fly deep into hostile territory, avoiding interception with its tremendous speed and high altitude.

During its operational lifetime, the SR-71 provided intelligence about the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, the US raid on Libya in 1986 and the revelation of Iranian Silkworm missile batteries in 1987. The USAF ceased SR-71 operations in January 1990.

That time an SR-71 Blackbird crew ‘gave the birdie’ to a French Air Force Mirage III pilot before lighting the afterburners and leaving the fighter jet behind

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One of the most entertaining stories about flying the Blackbird comes from Lt. Colonel William Burk Jr., who shares about a particular mission he flew [according to SR-71 pilot Stormy Boudreaux, Tom Henichek was Burk’s RSO for that mission] over Lebanon back in 1982 in the book Skunk Works by Ben Rich.

‘In the fall of ’82, I flew from Mildenhall on a mission over Lebanon in response to the Marine barracks bombing. President Reagan ordered photo coverage of all the terrorist basis in the region. The French refused to allow us overfly, so our mission profile was to refuel off the south coast of England, a Mach 3 cruise leg down the coast of Portugal and Spain, left turn through the Straits of Gibraltar, refuel in the Western Mediterranean, right turn into Lebanon and fly right down main street Beirut, exit along the southern Mediterranean with another refueling over Malta, supersonic back out the straits, and return to England.

‘Because Syria had a Soviet SA-5 missile system just west of Damascus that we would be penetrating (we were unsure of Syria’s intentions in this conflict), we programmed to fly above 80,000 feet and at Mach 3 plus to be on the safe side, knowing that this advanced missile had the range and speed to nail us.

That time an SR-71 Blackbird crew ‘gave the birdie’ to a French Air Force Mirage III pilot before lighting the afterburners and leaving the fighter jet behind

‘As we entered Lebanon’s airspace my Recon Systems Officer in the rear cockpit informed me that our defensive systems display showed we were being tracked by that SA-5. About 15 seconds later we got a warning of active guidance signals from the SA-5 site. We couldn’t tell whether there was an actual launch or the missile was still on the rails, but they were actively tracking us. We didn’t waste any time wondering, but climbed and pushed that throttle, and said a couple of “Hail Kellys.”

‘We completed our pass over Beirut and turned toward Malta, when I got a warning low-oil-pressure light on my right engine. Even though the engine was running fine I slowed down and lowered our altitude and made a direct line for England. We decided to cross France without clearance instead of going the roundabout way.

‘We made it almost across, when I looked out the left window and saw a French Mirage III sitting ten feet off my left wing. He came up on our frequency and asked us for our Diplomatic Clearance Number. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him to stand by. I ask my backseater, who said, “Don’t worry about it. I just gave it to him.” What he had given him was “the bird” with his middle finger: I lit the afterburners and left that Mirage standing still. Two minutes later, we were crossing the Channel.’

SR-71 Print

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Photo credit: U.S. Air Force and French Air Force Via FAST Museum Twitter Account

Thanks to Linda Sheffield Miller from Habubrats Facebook Page for helping with this article

@Habubrats71 via X