We’ve been traveling to Europe, particularly Italy, for nearly two decades now. While I’ve studied the Italian language and customs, I’m still far from fluent. However, I’ve discovered that understanding the words needed to order a meal and ask for the toilet can suffice in any country. Additionally, I’ve found that as long as you … More Where Everybody “Doesn’t” Know Your Name
Vincent Van Gogh’s genius in color, light, and texture has always had a profound impact on my soul. While I was aware of the basic facts about his life, such as cutting off his ear, being close to his brother, and dying young, our trip to France provided me with a deeper understanding of his … More Seeing France Through Van Gogh’s Eyes
As a freshman in college, I discovered “Art Appreciation” to be an enlightening course. Prior to that, my knowledge of artists and their work was limited. It was during this course that I developed an admiration for the Impressionistic Art Movement. Further reading deepened my understanding, so that I stood in awe before “A Sunday … More Stop and Smell the Lilies: Monet’s Garden in Full Bloom
I realize how fortunate I am to be able to travel and experience the magic of the world, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Since my first visit to Italy years ago, I have enjoyed the crisp, fresh, wonderfulness that is a glass of Prosecco, a sparkling wine, first named in the sixteenth century, … More In Search of Prosecco
About an hour northwest of Florence, stands a walled city, Lucca. With ruins from ancient Rome and Renaissance walls and buildings, it is a unique vacation experience. Driving in on narrow, one car only streets, we were fortunate to have chosen a hotel that was easily accessible and its owner parked our car for us, … More Inside the Walls of Lucca
There are many reasons to travel; sometimes it is the little things that make one wonder or marvel. Moving along France’s autoroute, the A4, in particular, we noticed pastel-colored spheres, cubes, and pyramids, as well as flat panels. They appeared at intervals, singular, or in groups, on both sides of the highway, and if there … More Odds and Ends, the “Little” Joys of Travel
Many of the small towns that dot the landscape of Northern France display a monument. On it may be something that mentions “enfants,” which is the French word for baby. This term refers to the people who died for their country. The rooster symbolizes the Gallic rooster, a French symbol of courage, vigilance, and bravery. … More All Quiet on the Western Front
Several years ago, I read a novel, “Madame Pommery, Creator of Brut Champagne,” so detailed that I questioned its facts and discovered that Louise Pommery really did live in the Champagne region of France, specifically Reims, and was widowed in 1860. Instead of continuing a future in wool, this savvy woman chose to produce champagne. … More Madame Pommery and the Making of Champagne
Recently, I had an “Aha” moment, realizing that many of the places I visit were inspired by books I have read. With that in mind, I will share some of those as I continue to write about new vistas. I was drawn to travel to Hawai‘i because it is one of the three states I had … More What the Books Didn’t Share About Hawai‘i
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Navy surprised the American military stationed on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and in particular the naval base at Pearl Harbor, even though the United States had held a neutral position about the war. Eight battleships docked in the harbor, and all were damaged, most … More Honoring the Brave and the Fallen