tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post7751377081709953889..comments2024-03-20T04:01:59.723-07:00Comments on TravelnWrite: Easter ~ Here and ThereJackie and Joel Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-90825993622752986472015-04-12T08:23:27.152-07:002015-04-12T08:23:27.152-07:00It's always interesting to spend holidays some...It's always interesting to spend holidays somewhere other than North America. It's a way of returning to our roots in a sense, before capitalism became the holiday norm.A Cook Not Mad (Nat)http://www.acooknotmad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-10686828887069210462015-04-11T16:07:01.339-07:002015-04-11T16:07:01.339-07:00Celebrating a holiday in a foreign country is alwa...Celebrating a holiday in a foreign country is always interesting. I've rarely had the pleasure. Thanks for sharing. Carole Terwilliger Meyershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07421213159579496045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-61641343778337034652015-04-10T00:31:35.719-07:002015-04-10T00:31:35.719-07:00We marveled at Prescott, Arizona where the county ...We marveled at Prescott, Arizona where the county courthouse is basically Christmas central. We commented that that would never happen in our overly-PC state of Washington (as I mentioned in the comment below to Suzanne). Thanks for adding this, Cathy, it is good to hear from all our experiences.Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-41371473634026991062015-04-10T00:29:21.098-07:002015-04-10T00:29:21.098-07:00It will be interesting to see Israel (hopefully th...It will be interesting to see Israel (hopefully the tensions don't cause the cruise line to cancel our stop there as has happened in the past). We live in a PC zealous area of the United States where it is often better to make everything vanilla -- ignore them all so as not to offend someone -- rather than feeling free to celebrate, greet or otherwise. We made world news a few years ago when one traveler complained about the Christmas-now-Holiday trees that were up at SeaTac and the Port Authority had them all removed instead of finding ways to decorate for all holidays being celebrated. The trees are finally back but not until a major uproar took place. So it really is in your perspective of the world, and experiences. Thanks for taking time to add such a thoughtful response, Suzanne. I love blogging when that happens!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-69790610070604687642015-04-09T21:20:54.597-07:002015-04-09T21:20:54.597-07:00We just spent the week between Palm Sunday and Eas...We just spent the week between Palm Sunday and Easter in Israel. This year, Passover coincided with Easter. So while Christian pilgrims were flocking to Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Israeli Jews were getting ready for Passover (Pesach) and people from all over the world were coming to Israel to spend Passover with their families. During that week, we also visited Nazareth, today a majority Muslim/Arab Israeli town, but with about 30% Christians and home to the Basilica of the Annunciation. I was actually happy to get back to our PC "separation of church and state" culture in the US after the palpable religious group tensions in Israel and also in Turkey where we visited before arriving in Israel. Most Americans more than "tolerate" each others' religions (or no religion). We genuinely wish each other a Happy Easter or Passover if we know our friend's religion and a Happy Holiday if we are unsure. Growing up I was invited to share Easter dinners with our Christian friends and there was usually someone experiencing their first seder at our house. Yes, we over-commercialize most holidays in the US, but where I live (Philadelphia) we also respect each other.Suzanne Fluhr https://www.blogger.com/profile/15164389928331501665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-46023773503359391612015-04-09T16:01:21.740-07:002015-04-09T16:01:21.740-07:00I don't think that I've ever been in a for...I don't think that I've ever been in a foreign country around Easter, but I have been to several European counties during the Christmas season. It never ceases to impress me the contrasts with the holidays in the U.S. in so many cases, particularly with the religious traditions. Although, there was something surprising that we came across in a city in Provence this year. Apparently, the main Christmas creche was always set up at the town hall (I think). This year, the new mayor said wouldn't allow it and it was set up in a church. The people we spoke to were not happy about that.Cathy Sweeneyhttp://www.travelingwithsweeney.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-88679137934027359582015-04-09T06:56:07.478-07:002015-04-09T06:56:07.478-07:00I do fear that PC -- even though so well intended ...I do fear that PC -- even though so well intended -- has cut into the traditions and customs of all of us -- I know I hesitate to call out a. greeting of the season when in the US, but don't hesitate when in other countries. A sad, sad state! Thanks for the visit!!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-62284918502098136142015-04-09T06:54:32.135-07:002015-04-09T06:54:32.135-07:00Hi Diane, and Happy springtime to you as well. Gla...Hi Diane, and Happy springtime to you as well. Glad you enjoyed the photos and I know you'll be off traveling in the future!! Happy week ahead. Hugs, JackieJackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-88296027829236705612015-04-09T06:53:17.705-07:002015-04-09T06:53:17.705-07:00You are so right about the contrasts in customs an...You are so right about the contrasts in customs and holiday celebrations, Judith -even with next-door-neighbors, like the US and Canada! Hope to have internet and hook up next week - if not, see you when I can!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-46052076871386496832015-04-09T06:52:03.064-07:002015-04-09T06:52:03.064-07:00Anita, back in our days of owning homes in Mexico ...Anita, back in our days of owning homes in Mexico we came to dread Semana Santa as major loud-music rock parties all night long in our small beach community in Nayarit on the west coast. Loved the Christmas professionals though. Customs are so amazing; I feel we are losing them here in the US though! Thanks for your visit!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-86886382828423952082015-04-09T06:50:06.810-07:002015-04-09T06:50:06.810-07:00Bangkok has grown. My goodness, Nancie. And I can...Bangkok has grown. My goodness, Nancie. And I can only imagine Songkran. Should be interesting! More from me soon!!!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-77677812127504362502015-04-09T06:47:26.583-07:002015-04-09T06:47:26.583-07:00I too think I am not a go-to-church religious but ...I too think I am not a go-to-church religious but when surrounded by those who are, I can't help but be moved by their devotion.Thanks for the visit, MarisolJackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-8850908721281618982015-04-09T06:45:52.682-07:002015-04-09T06:45:52.682-07:00Oh Eileen, it is always so nice to see you here! G...Oh Eileen, it is always so nice to see you here! Glad you are enjoying my photos. Hopefully I will get some good ones in the next few weeks! Hugs - JackieJackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-24917382945599925182015-04-09T06:44:47.379-07:002015-04-09T06:44:47.379-07:00Oh Diet, so sorry to hear that we all are losing &...Oh Diet, so sorry to hear that we all are losing 'it' when it comes to holidays. It makes me wonder sometimes where we all are headed. Thanks much for the visit and your comment!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-11250130297679187312015-04-09T06:43:49.690-07:002015-04-09T06:43:49.690-07:00Oh Gaelyn, you should have been there to smell tha...Oh Gaelyn, you should have been there to smell that lamb roasting. It was incredible. Thanks for the visit!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-26296294167330041382015-04-09T06:43:08.380-07:002015-04-09T06:43:08.380-07:00Thanks so much for including me in your blog roll;...Thanks so much for including me in your blog roll; I am always so honored when someone says they really do want to read what I write about what we do! Happy week ahead and here's to more travel adventures for you both. Good Health and Good Travels! Xx JackieJackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-8956870813233730222015-04-09T06:41:46.968-07:002015-04-09T06:41:46.968-07:00Yes, the 'meaning' is lost to the celebrat...Yes, the 'meaning' is lost to the celebration these days in the US, Jenny. Rather sad, but I guess that is another reason why we travel as we do: trying to find those old traditions!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-40094517082896202472015-04-09T06:40:39.990-07:002015-04-09T06:40:39.990-07:00Thanks much for the good wishes Rajesh! See you s...Thanks much for the good wishes Rajesh! See you soon at our linkups!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-22887270297143341472015-04-09T02:23:21.056-07:002015-04-09T02:23:21.056-07:00I think you're right: we're doing it wrong...I think you're right: we're doing it wrong. We've sanitized and commercialized our holidays, far away from any semblance of meaning. It's a good thing to experience them in places where tradition holds strong.Betsy Wuebkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08806195753329822728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-5978748409627264192015-04-07T16:59:48.509-07:002015-04-07T16:59:48.509-07:00Happy Springtime! I've sure enjoyed your photo...Happy Springtime! I've sure enjoyed your photos tonight. So many wonderful places to see when we get a chance to travel! Hugs, Diane~Lavender Dreamer~https://www.blogger.com/profile/06298191144517740164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-83990692178923476962015-04-06T18:33:10.949-07:002015-04-06T18:33:10.949-07:00It really is interesting with the contrast between...It really is interesting with the contrast between celebrations - even when thinking of Canada and the US.<br />Enjoy your time in Bangkok and thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.Judith @ Lavender Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16361061491506137380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-55326965912576833932015-04-06T17:45:35.439-07:002015-04-06T17:45:35.439-07:00We've also enjoyed watching holidays celebrate...We've also enjoyed watching holidays celebrated in several countries and one of our travel highlights was watching the Lenten processions culminating in Semana Santa in Antigua, Guatemala. Another was meeting up with a procession of pilgrims (at least 200) the next year on a Nicaraguan road walking beside their carts pulled by oxen & horses. I think the thing that has struck us the most is the sense of family and devotion. Even as non-religious people we both seem to be fascinated by these customs as well as deeply moved by other's beliefs.Anita @ NoParticularPlaceToGohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14704807316472380660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-10221759883437967962015-04-06T17:12:39.084-07:002015-04-06T17:12:39.084-07:00Hi Jackie...I'm excited for you being in Bangk...Hi Jackie...I'm excited for you being in Bangkok during Songkran. I've never been there during this Thai holiday, but I hear it can get pretty wild. It seems to me that the Europeans experience their holidays more through food, friends and family, and leave out a lot of the material stuff that we North Americans are so big on. Thanks for linking up this week!Nanciehttp://www.budgettravelerssandbox.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-34090140543681424292015-04-06T12:34:27.457-07:002015-04-06T12:34:27.457-07:00Hi Jackie, I enjoyed your "here and there&quo...Hi Jackie, I enjoyed your "here and there" Easter. So interesting to see the difference in celebration. I'm not religious but I still love to see and hear about the traditional celebration that is rooted to its spiritual meaning. The one in Greece reminds me more of the Easter celebration when i was growing up in the Philuppines - people go to church early and witness a procession depecting the resurrection. Have a wonderful time in Thailand and enjoy Songkram.Marisol@TravelingSolemateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11152801292753119882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7011248318265372337.post-26968836382489421582015-04-06T11:55:07.637-07:002015-04-06T11:55:07.637-07:00I would love to spend the Christmas or Easter holi...I would love to spend the Christmas or Easter holiday in Greece. It sounds wonderful..enjoy the cruise! Your photos are lovely, thanks for sharing. Have a happy week ahead!eileeninmdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00070309645796725309noreply@blogger.com