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
An opportunity arose giving us a chance to visit our 50th state, Hawaiʻi, and one of the first things I saw was a hen crossing a busy thoroughfare in Waikiki with her young chick following close behind. Surprised at the sight, I took no pictures and realized that I had indeed heard a rooster crowing … More Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because we travel so often, I like to plan at least one experience with our youngest, a standard poodle named Lucia. She doesn’t enjoy car rides, but when it seems the entire family is going, Lucia is the first one in. I spent some time investigating and discovered that St. George Island in Florida is … More Road Trip With the Puppy!
To those in the know, down a long, winding road, and through the shaded hills of Northern Georgia, there appears a place where capybara, sloth, and other creatures not usually found in the Deep South coexist. The North Georgia Wildlife Park and Safari, with the goal “to bring people and animals together for the glory … More Don’t Worry, Be “Capy!”
If you imagine Italy as a fancy boot, the area at the heel of the boot is known locally as Puglia (Apulia in English.) The land, ripe for invasion, reflects those events, especially on the Adriatic coast, where you see the Greek influence. The buildings gleam with white-washed stucco. Color comes from various forms of … More Alluring Apulia
Gazing upon blue (or green) waterways is a delight. When booking a room by a lake, river, sea, or ocean, I search until a broad expanse of light sparkling off waves is present in the photos. Not enjoying heat or sand, it is the joy of a beach vacation. I have contemplated the Atlantic Ocean … More In Search of a Sea View
Warning: Little organization of information, random descriptions and reflections. We chose to end our time in Europe with a road trip to England. After turning in the rental car, we flew to Stansted, UK, picking up a new rental. Orienting to the left side of the road for driving, we made our way to Yorkshire … More Impressions of Yorkshire