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Karen Hall's avatar

Sharing your funk (no surprise there, I think), but was mesmerized by the fabulous collection of photos you shared. Thanks for doing so! The Canary Islands are definitely on my bucket list. Dreaming of a better future …

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Susan Niemann's avatar

Travel is in our future Karen! Love ya!!!!

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Karen Hall's avatar

Love you right back!

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Thomas D’Arcy O’Donnell's avatar

Fab Stuff ! We saw an Amazing Episode or ‘Series of.. the Canary Islands - CNN ? Anne has been there at least once.. Each Island seems unique - amazing culture & cuisine ! the Graffiti docu ‘challenges - yes ‘it’s haunting in some way .. as it reallly doesn’t ‘fit’ or ‘belong there.. but it is there.. !

Tracking US News from Canada remains ‘Astonishing’ - & we certainly feel for you.. ‘Far Beyond Shocking ! But ‘tracking our Own toxic Partisan ‘conservative’ Political Contortions is pretty shocking too - Corruption & Deceit ‘Pays Well’ !

I’ve several Award Winning ‘Short Films’ on my ‘All Ages’ Hone Site - it’s ’eclectic has hell.. for good reason - more ‘Hyper Gallery than ‘Newsletter.. that’s for damn sure ! & I’m just a ‘hunter / gatherer.. but slide in some of my work too.. whether docu / fiction / memoir ‘stylings - & Zero Politics Religion Conspiracy Allowed !

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Susan Niemann's avatar

America is indeed a mess... which is why the Canary Islands hold so much appeal. The Leper Colony was an incredible place...hard to describe, really. Hence so many photos! Thank you Thomas!! Appreciate you sharing this, too.

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Fernie's avatar

Thank You for these great pictures of the past and the history behind them. You take such great pictures that truly speak words.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

I appreciate that Fernie. It's a great hobby and I'm naturally curious! Thank you for reading!!

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Charles Bastille's avatar

I miss traveling! I hope I can resume soon. You've definitely sold me on the Canary Islands. My first task as I continue my recovery journey is getting out of the South back to a blue state. I'll be doing that before this year is out, and after that I may be ready to jump into an international journey like you did.

We're on the verge of becoming two nations here: the infected and non-infected, and I need to get out of the infected zone post haste. Thanks for the fabulous photos.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

I just dread driving back to Missouri...I spend a lot of time in Pennsylvania as you know, and I definitely feel more comfortable here. I'll go back for a month, take care of some business, visit sensible friends, then get the hell out. HAHA!

Did you read Barry Gander's piece: "California is thinking about leaving the US:

80% of Californians want to control their own borders “like a country”. https://substack.com/@barrygander/note/p-167469520?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=39x24

I wonder if thats what's next?

Spain really appeals to me...and the Canary Islands are just lovely. You WILL be back in the travel mode again! Appreciate you Charles. 💙💙

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Charles Bastille's avatar

Also, in addition to what I wrote, I'd probably love the Canary Islands. I love island life. Not sure I'd want to commit to that level of life outside the U.S., though. But who knows?

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Susan Niemann's avatar

In the cluster of Islands, Tenerife is the largest with a variety of microclimates....to the north it is cooler, rainy, and mountainous. The South is almost like Arizona, dry and warm. And the volcano in the center of the island has snow on the very top! Generally then temps are perfect all year round. It's ideal for cyclists which is why my friend loves it so much!

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Charles Bastille's avatar

Sounds amazing!

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Charles Bastille's avatar

I didn’t read it but I’ve read similar stuff over the years. I’d love to go back, but not sure I can find an affordable place that doesn’t get too smoky for my old lungs during the summer. But most of my friends are there, so I’m keeping it on my radar. There’s a few places that are affordable. You need to know where to look. I lived there for years, and had a home in SF for awhile years ago. All I know is I want to make my next move my last.

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Lisa59's avatar

You always show your love for humanity in your photography. The good and the bad. Our autobiographies are our history. There is a story behind every door. A history of a life. Your passion for it shows. The graffiti tells the artist story in their moment.

Speaking of moments, today sucked. I feel lost. I don't know what the future holds for this country. It's not looking good. I'm sick of hearing how afraid the GQP is of King Shitpants. They are King Shitpants. It's like looking in a mirror for them. Like draws like. It's all so disgusting and crude. It's all so heartbreaking how fucking ignorant and just plain goddamn dumb people are. Oh, the fuckery to come. ❤️‍🩹💔 Take care of yourself sister. ❤️❤️

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Richard's avatar

I agree with you 100%! I have been to Ontario Canada a few times and I have been to the Caribbean Islands a few times. I have never traveled overseas to another country. I have traveled here in the USA many times. My first time traveling(via vehicle) to the Deep South was 1997. For me it was culture shock.

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Charles Austin's avatar

More beautiful photos. Unfortunately, due to customers trying to stiff us this year, I won't be travelling any time soon. I've had to drain my finances to keep the business running. But it's nice to know that somebody is still enjoying life.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

Oh Charlie…I’m sorry. Im not sure I’m “enjoying” life though. Like many of us, I’m completely freaked out about whats happening. I dont have any long-term Visa…yet. I might not even be able to get one. I’m carefully figuring out what I might need to rent a little apartment in Spain-or somewhere- for a year, expenses, etc… it’s an overwhelming time. Hang in there…. HUGS. ❤️

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Peter Wills's avatar

As always your photography is amazing Susan! I can absolutely see why you are so excited to get back there I would be too! It always amazing to tour old historical sites especially this one and hooray 🎉 for science!!

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Peter Wills's avatar

Yes absolutely Susan !

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Susan Niemann's avatar

I really have fallen in love with Spain... theres no doubt about it. This place was just incredible! I need to visit you in Canada!!

(And thanks for the kind words!)

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Armand Beede's avatar

Susan Niemann: Between "Bastards in Paradise" and "Viva la vulva", two very interesting artists. LOL!

Your photography is wondrous, beautiful, crisp, well-framed.

Hmmm. Trump seems like he would be a secret admirer of Generalisimo Franco.

Or, maybe not so secret.

Or maybe he, too, is a "Bastard in Paradise" -- him with BBB -- his dark and destructive "Big, Beautiful Bill."

Actually, with "Big, Beautiful Bill!" -- I could get into some perfectly lewd puns, so I will stop here! LOL!

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Sharon C Storm's avatar

Magnificent photos, Susan! What a thrill to see this beautiful place that, fortunately, did not need to be used as a leper sanitarium. It’s good to see that the builders believed that beauty should exist for those who were dying of a dreaded disease.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

I thought the same thing! That they would make the building attractive and interesting... but thank God for Science! Thank you for your kind words, Sharon. It means a lot to me!

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Tess's avatar

Susan-what an adventure!!!! I loved the history you shared with the pictures. I can definitely see why you would want to back. It makes me want to see it for myself! hmmmmmmm Thanks!!!!!

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Susan Niemann's avatar

For me, the time to travel is now...I'm thinking about a one year break somewhere. America is such a hateful place. And to see such historic and interesting places gives a much needed perspective on the world. So...yes! Let's go places! 💙💙💙

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Jena Ball's avatar

Wow what an adventure you had. Some of your photos remind me of my visits to the island of Molokai in Hawaii where a leper colony (Kalaupapa) was created in 1865 before antibiotics were available. The story behind it is tragic. It is now a historical park.

My visits there and subsequent research taught me that leprosy is not an airborne disease. In fact, according to the WHO, “The disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth of an untreated case of leprosy, containing the causative agent, following prolonged, close contact. The disease does not spread through casual contact (like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other).”

I think you’d really enjoy a visit though a permit is required.

This will give you an idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WzAxXMDc6A

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Susan Niemann's avatar

Hawaii is the last state I have not visited. And yes, I would love to visit Molokai. What a horrible disease. Thanks for the heads up!!

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Linda Fairchild's avatar

Extraordinary! Thank you for everything you do. Grace in such difficult times.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

LINDA! How are you!? Difficult doesn't begin to cover it, does it? I'm trying to stay sane, but I'm in a pretty bad funk, truth be told. Anyway, I hope you're staying above the fray!

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MattSMaine's avatar

Fascinating, Susan! FYI, in part due to your enthusiasm for it, we may be altering our itinerary to Spain next year to include the Canary Islands. We’re thinking Gran Canaria as a base due to superior cycling….(so thanks!)

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Susan Niemann's avatar

Hi Matt! I'm staying in Gran Canaria for the last two weeks my winter trip. Found an Air B&B, figured out the bus from the airport and it will be a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxing holiday, away from the chaos. And YES! The Canary islands are renowned for their cycling.... when my travel guru took me there, we were in Tenerife where the cycling events are frequent. He's a pro and its his happy place! Please keep me posted about your trip!

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Janine's avatar

Thanks for the your! How very interesting and unique. Yes, travel is a time for exploring, learning, and renewing. Even if it’s only a couple hours away. Sometimes we take for granted what is in our own backyard.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

You are SO RIGHT! The things we take for granted are often just a few miles away! It's healthy for your heart and soul to breathe different air and enjoy new scenery! Thanks Janine... 💙

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