So... Where (All Else) To Go? Must Be In Nice, France For Sept. 14, 2026... But Will Be Free In Europe From Sept. 1 to 30...

It turns out. . . that the world championship, for my youngest son's event is on Sept. 14. He needs from Sept. 1 to race day to acclimate, from the eight hours of time difference between Oregon, and the South of France.

It will also give him plenty of practice reps on the bike-able mountains, and in the water, locally. As well as the street runs. So, the entirely happy problem I face (having already seen most of Europe, with my then-kids about two decades ago). . . is where to go -- and/or where to return to.

We have a bank of hotel rooms for the few days right at race-time, next to the start/finish lines, on the water. . . and we are sourcing at least two -- and maybe three -- separate five bedroom houses. . . for the first- and last- parts of the month of September.

I will return to Matisse's chapel (the one he built for the nuns, in Vence -- after they nursed him back to health) -- and will consider the Greek Isles and Santorini -- even if it means more plane rides. Other than that, the month is wide open. Paris is always a favorite -- but where. . . else? My most traveled (eldest) daughter loves Croatia at that time of year (but again that is a probable plane- rather than train- ride, away). And I do love. . . the trains.

At above right was this Sunday afternoon's library haul -- from our excellent Northwestern-affiliated library. . . to start the ruminations. We do also know we will need polio vaccines, and additional EU travel visas, as a result of new local policies (largely aimed to combat Trumpian idiocy). Feel free to privately email any suggestions -- or use the comment boxes. After three days, the postings there will be private -- and only seen be me, before an approval routine releases them.

Onward, grinning. Ever grinning / or, perhaps. . . grimacing [as I really need this exercise, as an escape from all that the dotard is putting all of us through]. Out.

नमस्ते