Tony Bilby’s interest in travel began with his German family roots and time spent growing up in Europe. This site brings together his reflections on culture, historic places, and the experiences that make travel memorable.
German roots: the Black Forest and Bavaria
As a child, Tony spent time with his grandparents, whom he called Oma and Opa, in Denzlingen near Freiburg and in Munich. His grandmother came from the Black Forest, while his grandfather had Bavarian roots. Family conversations and time in Germany introduced Tony to different German dialects and regional traditions.
Oma and Opa
Growing up with a German mother and an American father gave him an early appreciation for the differences and connections between cultures. Those experiences continue to shape his curiosity about how people live, communicate, and see the world.
Memorable journeys through the Mediterranean
Tony’s travels have included Greece, Turkey, Mediterranean islands, North Africa, the Caribbean, and destinations across the United States. Among his memorable experiences are visiting Istanbul and Izmir, exploring Cyprus, and traveling from Gibraltar to Tangier.
Turkey’s bazaars, architecture, food, and conversations with local people left a lasting impression. Historic sites offer another way to connect with a place: castles, palaces, and churches can reveal the stories behind the streets and landscapes.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
What Tony values in travel
Travel creates opportunities to listen, try unfamiliar food, learn local customs, and look beyond everyday routines. Tony values the perspective that comes from meeting people whose experiences differ from his own.
Whether a trip is for business or leisure, he enjoys making time for the culture of a destination. His professional background includes technology consulting through VegaTech Commercial Group; learn more about Tony Bilby’s consulting experience.
Explore the travel blog
Visit Tony Bilby’s travel blog for articles and reflections from this site’s archive. You can also explore his companion travel website for additional writing.
