PORTRAITS AND PHOTO STORIES

of science and conservation in the Headwaters of the Everglades

the first (main pic) is in Cornwall—Penzance

This is London—-One from my first trip to the UK (this One) and the other from my 3rd.

8 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Throw Out Your Brown Paper Bags

Here something you can try while you’re contemplating another rerun on the tube.

and now something entirely different to spend some time with:

Browse: The World in Bookshops

Enjoy A Summer Of Spacious Cinema Under The Stars

another London activity that allows socialization while keeping that distancing that is quickly becoming the norm rather than the unusual

There’s more than one way to sport a plaid:

check them out at Scottish Gourmet USA

Canterbury | Attractions & Tourist Information VisitBritain

There’s so much in the UK to see what would I recommend—How about Canterbury which is said to date back to the 1st century  and the name is said to be Celtic.  Then came the Romans who built the original walls but they were gone by the early 5th century and the city wouldn’t have had much tourist appeal until St. Augustine arrived a couple of hundred years after that and  there was all manner of buildings and it became a prime site for the Christian traveler seeking blessings —I like to think of them as the original tourist as they went from local site to further afield some going as far as Jerusalem—which was  the ultimate destination back then.

Of course there were all matter of events in the town—the foremost in my minds was when a group of nobles in the 12th century,  trying to please Henry II (father of Richard The Lion Heart-–a prominent visitor to Jerusalem too.  And who can forget his other son and  the reputedly worse king that ever ruled England—his youngest son John–so bad no other king has since borne that name)  But back to Henry 2 who had appointed a friend he thought he knew to  a position of Archbishop much to his regret, as the friend took his position seriously and stood against Henry —and  some of the nobles trying to gain favor went to  Canterbury and murdered the Holyman, who since has become quite famous Thomas Becket–which the king denied he ever gave a direct order for the murder,  but did admit he did indicate he wouldn’t miss him.  In fact they murdered him at the altar in the cathedral—creating a worse mess for the king and a new saint for the church and a shrine for many pilgrims, including Chaucer in the 14th c which he wrote about in The Canterbury Tales.

So what would I recommend:

How about some historical movies on the subject:

The Lion in Winter

with an unbelievable cast is a good introduction to Henry II, and his entire crazy family, including the two sons we’ve  already discussed (did I mention that John had lost all the crown jewels include the crown in a bay some where around the British Isle—and his wife Elanor  who is said to have (or have had) his mistress murdered.

Becket

Another excellent cast

then visit it virtually

And here several Places there to look into:

Westgate Towers (picture above)

14th c city gate which now houses a museum and overlooks the Adjacent Westgate Gardens among other things housed here.

Canterbury Cathedral  (picture below)

The mother church of England with  its 235 foot fan-vaulted tower and don’t forget the largest amount of original Medieval stained glass windows in the entire of Britain and much of Europe. And a shrine to Becket––but not the original, Henry VIII had it torn down while reforming the church-–his reform like the majority of his life merely a means to see that he had the ending he wanted—but that’s a whole other story.

A Canterbury trail: exploring the city’s medieval streets on foot

9 HIDDEN GEMS YOU MUSTN’T MISS AROUND LOCH NESS

The lake has a lot more than a monster to see–check it out

A Pack of Great Werewolf Books

Those who are changed into the demon werewolf suddenly fall to the ground as if seized with epilepsy, and there they lie without life or motion.  Their actual bodies do not move from the pt where they have fallen, nor do their limbs turn to the hairy limbs of a wolf but the soul or spirit by some fascination quits the inert body and enters the spectrum or paoua of a wolf, and whey they have glutted their foul lupine lusts and cravings by the Devil’s power, the soul  renters the former human body

De Tgeniibabtria (1553)

Gaspar Peucer

THE 25 ESSENTIAL WEREWOLF MOVIES TO WATCH RIGHT NOW

Birdwatching Is a Bright Spot in a Pandemic-Stricken Economy

and you can even do it from your back and/or front yard

Delhi and Agra: A Traveller’s Reader / Kindle Edition

Discover where you want to go

5 Ways Maps Have Warped Your View of the World

This is something I hadn’t realized before  and really amazed me

10 places to learn more about Central Florida’s black history

Eatonville

The town of Eatonville is said to be one of the first where the city was from the start a place where Black Lives mattered:  a Black city governed by it’s Blacks citizens..

The town is however named for a white man Captain Joshua (or Josiah) C. Eaton of Maine, who was a retired Navy paymaster who settled in Maitland after the Civil War.  The town was largely ex-military and Tony Taylor, a black man, was elected as the town’s first mayor. And another black man, Joe Clarke, was elected town marshal.  Joe Clark along with Eaton an two other white Union veteran worked together and secured a 500 acre tract just a mile west of Maitland, and the town of Eatonville was born.

But it was a later settler John Hurston, a master carpenter and Baptist minister who was to contribute to the town’s fame–-as after arriving here his daughter Zora Neale Huston was born and she would go on to write about the town in her autobiography “Dust Tracks on the Road”  

Zora has in fact been described as “only first-class native-born Florida author.”  (Theodore Pratt)

Maybe you want to consider it for your list of places to visit and enjoy.

Orlando’s African-American Guide

T

State adds, upgrades kayaking access on Elk River

Check out which state

\

2nd Home 

Thrift Shop

601 E Highway 50,

Across from Winn Dixie

in the old Babcock Furniture Store

Clermont, FL 34711

(352) 242-0357

Clermont, Florida, a great day trip from Orlando

22 of the Best Reading Nooks to Escape Into

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean from US News

and welcome to another look at planning your trip while you’re biding your time in  the boredom and dread of virus lock down—

Today’s pictures are from a trip to Jamaica to an all inclusive resort—something we’ll look at today—-among other items that may help you better define your trip or trips.   But we’re talking more about site to explore to plan a trip and the city we’re looking at is Paris.

The World’s Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Adults

Jet Setter Magazine gives you their take on this industry

The Secret Garden | Available On Demand!

Some place to escape till the real thing works out better HOPEFULLY SOON

to become a member in Humane Society—or at least learn more

To learn more abut Habitat for Humanity

Introducing: The Isle of Wight 

Some place in the UK that’s a bit off the beaten but worth a look

So here we are still planning:  How to determine where to go:

What do you like:

Fine art and Classy buildings—well my thoughts of course goes to Paris—I love Britain as you know but….

The Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars 

You and I have heard of the travel but Champ de Mars for those of you (like me) might not know that that is the green park area that the tower stand next to.  One can only dream what that much look like

The Musée d’Orsay

This I discovered looking thru items on Paris it is housed in a former Beaux Art Railway station and hold all manner of French art from 1848 – 1914.

The Louvre Museum

Now even I know about this one–the world’s largest Art Museum

     The Palace of Versailles

another that I’ve heard of.

But there’s so much to see and to in this City of Lights

28 Indulgent Chocolate Desserts We Always Crave

And how about trying out your baking skills for something else to do

17 Things About Visiting Paris No One Tells You

Well like I mentioned before—-check with the Embassy—Yours–as in the country you live and/or are a citizen of–that is

Level 3: Reconsider travel to France   (US Embassy)

and obviously now is not a great time to travel but it will get you started as to what to look for when you’re ready

UK help and services in France

Japanese Embassies and Consulate locations   

including France

Here’s another example of information that you can find and  really need before you make even that first reservations]

A Room for One

While Americans are used to hotel rooms that nearly always contain either a king or two queen-sized beds and enough bath towels for four people, accommodations in Paris are usually quite different. There is such a thing as a single room, and it’s what it sounds like: a room with a single bed and one bath towel. A room with a larger bed is typically two single beds pushed together.

it’s from

Americans in Paris: Things to Know Before Traveling to Paris for the First Time

There are all manner of info for all races and creeds:

You can find all manner of churches including a

Korean Seventh Day Adventist in Paris. 

just for an example

50 unmissable attractions in Paris

Iconic sights aren’t hard to come by here, but these are the 50 Paris attractions you absolutely must see from Time Out

But this has many interpertation—so be selective and specific no matter where you’re going

and while your looking include asking for the type of accommodations

The Ritz Paris

Has a room 1 bed 2 people and includes breakfast and a super posh room for a bit (with taxes) under $2,000 for the night onTrip Advisor savings    Oh and that does include Breakfast

for Paris Hotels: Budget

and you can search for more of these types of go on to look for mid level rooms as well as alternatives an B&Bs etc.

28 Best Places For Shopping In Paris Like A Pro In 2020

A restorative castle getaway: Star Castle Hotel, St. Mary’s

another of those parts of the UK that many of you might not know about

Health Care Tips for Travelers to France

If you look back to last week you can see other suggestions for your research list and I’ve even a few more new ones for this time around:

Is It Safe in Paris?

this article deals with the solo traveler as well as

LGBTQ

general tips some other as well as the general travelers should follow when in Paris to avoid theft, scams, and injury:

Just click on the line at Is is Safe above for this info

Visiting Paris with a disability

The Real-Life Haunting That Inspired ‘The Changeling’

not ready to travel yet—check out  a scary read

35 brilliant things to do with kids in Paris

so that’s some of it—-obviously I haven’t covered everything but this might help get you started and since yur travel time is still on hold it’s a good time to do the basics or what we will be able to do HOPEFULLY in 2021.

Entry Requirements 

Bringing your pet to France–Don’t forget to check if your hotel is pet friendly when you’re looking if you might want to bring your pets.

 Eagle Eyes on the Environment

This is a major rescue center for Birds of Prey–have been there a few time—check it out at their website above—-its worth your time even if you aren’t in a stay at home mode.

For information from the French Government about COVID-19 visit https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19

Paris tourist office – Official website

Wine tasting in Paris – Paris tourist office

HISTORY of PARIS

Meet the black tourism entrepreneurs telling a fuller story of Paris

Exploration of the Gargoyles and Chimeras of Notre-Dame

The Notre-Dame Rooster and Other Statues That Escaped the Fire

Visit Paris in Virtual Reality

Stopping the downward spiral

Keeping yourself positive in a negative world.

to all my friends and all my co- travelers on this Diva’s Journey

in Texas and Louisiana and beyond—this thing could last awhile:

Hurricane Laura Forecast to Strike Upper Texas, Louisiana Coasts as Category 3; Warnings Issued for Gulf Coast

Please stay safe–evacuate if you’re in one of those areas—its suppose to be a bad storm —and If they’re wrong—At least you got out of the house for awhile–don’t forget to take the pets and the masks —-all of our thoughts and prayers are with you.  

Please Keep us posted on how y’all are doing

Love in the Time of Corona,’ the first COVID-themed limited series, premieres Saturday on Freeform 

If bluebells ring in your garden, an evil faery is near

Clover:  Wildly attractive to faery life.

Pomona, photograph of the ‘real’ Alice Liddell, by Julia Margaret Cameron, albumen print, 1872, England. Museum no. RPS.1271-2017. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Places in the UK to Ask Alice

At a Glance…

“Experience a mind-bending journey into Wonderland at V&A’s  (London)

Alice \Curiouser and Curiouser

(opens 27 June)

Featuring original illustrations and photographs as well as all manner of other Alice-inspired multimedia, this immersive and theatrical show promises to do proper justice to creative geniuses the world over.

The Alice Town Trails

in Llandudno (Wales)

will tell you about the ‘real’ Alice’s holiday in the Welsh seaside town.  Narrated as if by Lewis Carroll

with the help of witty quips by the Mad Hatter, there are two ‘augmented reality’ tours and an origins app available to download for smart phones or you can buy a paper map in the town.

Mark Davies, author of Alice in Waterland and Alice’s Oxford on Foot

is the only Oxford guide endorsed by the Lewis Carroll Society.   

His Alice in Waterland tours are offered to small groups and can be tailored to your interests.  Walks vary in length but usually follow paths through

Christ Church Meadow     

that Carroll would have walked on many occasions.

Finding Wonderland

Jenny Rowe

Discover Britain

Bill Clinton  president of United States

Gifts were (and still are as we witnessed at a holy well in Ireland a few years ago) left at these wells such as coins, buttons, beads, keys, buckled, ribbons, rags (tied on tree branches etc in a knot) and “dolly” figures were favored

Luxury Beachside Hotel in Scotland

Flowers, fruits, stones and crystals were also often left at holy wells

How to Find a Therapist—Or Teletherapist—In 2020

So long as the gifts/offerings remained at the wells a tie with the well existed for the person who left them.

Chessel’s Court

Edinburgh, 

Chessel’s Court, a courtyard in the Old Town of Edinburgh surrounded by fine restored tenements, dates from about 1745.

In the 1850’s one of the upper flats was said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman, who had hanged herself there.  Breathing and other sounds were reportedly heard, and also apparently spotted was the apparition of a tall woman clad in a black silk dress and with a black veil hiding its face.

Haunted Places in Scotland

Martin Coventry

New Guyandotte Water Trail opening in southern W.Va.

If you or someone else removed the gift from the well,  the person who removed it is said to receive the illness complaint of the person who left the offering.

How To Make A Dollar Store Halloween Hat

The wells were and some still are decorated with garlands on special days.

WATCH: Teachers help make virtual learning cool with back-to-school rap video

This day I will be happier than a bird with a French fry

take a virtual walk thru:

St. Mary Abbots Church

                                        Photo added by Bobb Edwards

for BIO

Illustrious parishioners throughout the years have included: Beatrix Potter, Sir Issac Newton, William Wilberforce, William Thackeray, and more recently, PD James, MP Michael Gove and former Prime Minister David Cameron.

READ AN EXCERPT

Look Inside

 Half Moon Bay

COVID-19 (coronavirus): Long-term effects

The Otherworld is but a short distance from theirs where humans continue to live a similar life.  (like the Castle of the Grail.

Beltane

The last of the spring festivals (Imbolic   Ostara and Beltane) and the second  and the second principal Celtic festival (other Samhain ).  It was traditional to      celebrate it between the Vernal Equinox and the Summer Solstice (Spring and Midsummer) in ancient times to mark the arrival of summer.

In ancient times the year was divided into two parts  winter or the Dark part where the sun is held in hiding.. A time which  honors the dead and summer when the sun is released the time of the light.honoring the living.

Beltane (and Samhain) is a period of “no time”—and the veil between the world and the otherworld is at it’s thinnest—a time that the beings of both mingle resulting in a time of strong magic.  A time when the faeries return full of mischief and delight.  In days gone by the night before Beltane the people would place rowan branches at their windows and doors to protect them from the otherworldly beings that were about at this time.

For instance The Isle of Man –(it’s past) here the youngest member of the family gathers primroses on the eve before Beltane and throws flowers  about the home for protection

HawkAye the drone firm sharing breath taking photos of Scotland from a different perspective

The Otherworld was a resting place of the gods and the dead (alive again).  A marvelous paradise, an orchard where the fruit is ripe all year and there is no death or old age

Sherlock Holmes Tour London

Arthur Conan Doyle Biography

The Beatles – Live At SHEA STADIUM (August 15, 1965)

It is said that the Queen of the Faeries rides out on her white horse.  Roving about on Beltane eve.  She will try to entice people away to the Faeryland.

I have no remembrance where the main picture was taken…but the first and this the last are from the Royal Mile Edinburgh

So last week we looked at deciding how we were going to go on our next vacation and where to go to find out about if there are problems going to that location as well as what you need (i.e. paper work—i.e. pass ports etc)…..

Really it is a good time to do this looking and when the place you want to go is a good fit for you—-which is our next step—-if you like lush and full service you don’t want to go on a safari—– or do you:

African Adventures

advertise:

Award-Winning Luxury African Safaris

including:

Custom Safaris in Africa Tailor-Made for You

and

Luxury African Safari

Always check sites like Trip Advisor or other ratings site and reviews before you settle of course

Oh the pictures are of the Florida Keys and Key West on a trip we took and stayed with friends.

Here’s What a $100,000 Per Night Private Island Rental Gets You in the Maldives

Why Go To Bora Bora

Not all of us know exactly where we want to go—–I mean you might love westerns and all that but….then what—

there are ranch vacations

which  may include some of all of these,  Western-lodging and an occasional time camping out, steer roping, fishing,   and as much horseback riding as you can handle, many scene sites and some offering historical destination, and some even have stagecoach and horse drawn coach rides.  And don’t forget the chuck wagon dinners and campfires under the stars.  And for those real Dude cowpokes—some have spas to relax after all that activity.  If you can only go in winter look for one that offers indoor riding adventures.

So it may be a good idea to see you and any one going with you want to see and then check for places on line—make a list —easy done online for each location……and what you want to do, see or experience doing the visit—what type of food do you want

It all depends on what you’re looking for for those bucks

The Ranch at Rock Creek—-Philipsburg, Montana

In the summer there are rodeos which include professional cowboys

Brush Creek Ranch

Saratoga, Wyoming

had me at this picture

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa

Gateway, Colorado

as if the spa isn’t enough there a classic car museums, five restaurants and several national parks nearby

Seriously roughing it in Australia

How to Vacation Like a Royal

Of course  if it’s a group of 2 or three then you might take your Favorites

Say a trip to Paris with 3 people with interests in sport,  art and the revolution.

You could visit in July—14th for instance which marks Bastille Day which is a  celebration of the beginning of the Revolution and on the 146th there are big outdoor military parades, music not to mention fire work displays and I’m sure you could find much more to tie into that given it’s celebration time.

The Tour de France—Is also in July and Paris is the Start of the Race and it is said to be an impressive sight and an event for Paris.

and if you can’t find art museums and venues in Paris      maybe you should rethink going anywhere beyond your yard for vacation.

Fan Travel: Vacations for Movie Buffs

Alternative Iceland, far from the maddening crowds

And then there’s traveling with children–say to

Japan.

In Tokyo 

There’s always Tokyo Disney, which gives them lots of fun, but very little in the way

If you have teens you might be better suited to

Tokyo Disney Sea

Which has more older kids and adult themed entertainment for your enjoyment involving the sea etc

and there is a zoo, 

a fire museum   with all kinds of kid’s activities

and so much more. in Tokyo and about the country

Unusual Attractions in China

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Spain

For old Teens—-Ghost visits in Scotland might be interesting and a bit scary something teens seem to relish —and you can throw in some painless (and not often recognized as such and so they might even remember) history lessons while you’re at it.

First there’s

Deer Abbey

9 miles west of Peterhead

2 miles west of Mintlaw

Deer Abbey was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and contains mostly foundations and the like—but there are a few of the buildings still there.  The illustrated Book of Deer from here is now at the Cambridge library.  The road that passes the abbey site has often been the site of an appearance of a monk dressed in dark robe and hood but with a blurry face.

You could make a day of it by including:

Peterhead  has a self guided tour which includes:  Smugglers, Jacobites, secret passages, heroes, poets, unexpected Royalty, influential ladies, ghosts, war, witchcraft, murder, armed rebellion and piracy – a fine day out in Peterhead. Put on your walking shoes and let the story begin.

and a

Prison Museum 

to name a few.

and stop by

Mintlaw

to see if you can find the:

Beast of Buchan  Woods near The Beaches Further Comments: Local man James Maskame watched a large black cat-like creature leave the woods before running across nearby farmland. This is just one of several in the area, where local media have dubbed the cat ‘The Beast of Buchan’.

that’s just a sample of gathering ideas and thing to based on interests  and then build your vacation days on places in the area your going to be to make up a vacation that’s ALL THAT and much more.

Underground Jerusalem: An Interactive Journey

8 Best Places for Stargazing in the U.S.

and what about those persons with mobility issues:

Responsible Tours

Has tours for those in wheelchairs those with sight, hearing. mobility and other issues.

They have accessible vacations to:

India

Japan

Spain

Egypt

check the site for a full offering

Cities around the world dedicated to Accessibility for all

Berlin, Germany

Seattle, Washington

Stratford-upon Avon, UK

Sydney, Australia

Montreal, Canada

Dublin, Ireland

San Diego, CA

Loutraki, Greece

SEA OF CORTEZ SAILING ADVENTURES

Most Dog-friendly Vacation Destinations in the US

 The Fjords of Norway

Looking for a little adventure, steeped in mystical history, wrapped in absolute beauty? The Fjords of Norway offer all of it and a dog-friendly atmosphere too. Most hotels, restaurants, and hiking trails are dog friendly. With a package like this, who could resist?

Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock, Arizona

Why you should go to the world’s least-visited countries

14 Top Vacation Spots

Hello—-welcome to the world of the Dragon Lair Diva

and remember to click on Underlined and/or Highlighted—like the next item–to to to the subject or even sometimes some virtual tours.

THE LONDON FIVER – FIVE OF THE BEST DONUT SHOPS IN LONDON

I started this blog to attempt to get you out of the house—that was 6 years ago and little did I know that I would some day be encouraging you to stay in.

So did I stop the blog—HELL NO—I now try to find interesting diversion—either that or suggesting ideas to work on so you’ll be  READY to go out and DO SOMETHING when the walls come down.

So what are you waiting for—get going and see if I have anything you might be interested in now or later—-cause lives are not forever and you don’t want to be one of those people who say—if I’d only have…..

How to Make a Crisp with Any Kind of Fruit

You can learn at home in hundreds of subjects—The Great Courses

have all manner of things to do including cooking.  I have taken one of these courses and enjoyed it—got a DVD and booklet and really enjoyed it….I am not paid to recommend this company just passing some info along

or maybe something more physical?

or a way to get through it all somewhat sane?

Where is this iconic hill known as Arthur’s Seat?

When cats sneeze, it means it’s going to rain.

okillian@floridaweekly.com

“Blue Heaven”

 729 Thomas Ave.

The Blue Heaven is a terrific place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but the word is out and tourists have made this restaurant a must-see-stop on their Key West itineraries.  The lines have become legendary..  Come early, Sundays are impossible.  Summertime is a good time, if you can bear the heat.  No reservations.  No off-street parking.  Lot of shade from huge ancient trees.  Chickens, dogs and cats are commonplace, but usually well behaved.  The food is wonderful.

June Keith’s

Key West and the Florida Keys.

ENJOY PROHIBITION ERA COCKTAILS IN SAVANNAH’S SWANKIEST SPEAKEASY

Woolly Bear Caterpillars:  The more brown on their bodies, the milder the winter.

Why Aren’t We Eating Our Vegetables?  

But watch out for pigs gathering leaves and straw as the cold of winter will be bad that year.

Oldest Known Cremation in The Near East Found, Was it Murder?

Even the rabbits are in on it—beware Fat ones—in October and November cause that means a long, cold winter—-how have you survived without all this must have information before this?

And if you ever wonder about terrors that comes in the dead of night???!!!

“We–or our primitive forefathers—once believed that the return of the dead, unseen forces, and secret injurious powers were realities, and were convinced that they actually happened.  Nowadays we no longer believe in them, we have surmounted those modes of thought; but we do not feel quite sure of our new beliefs, and the old ones still exist within us ready to seize upon any confirmation.”

The Uncanny, The Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud:

Vol.XVII (1919)

FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF SIGMUND FREUD

and bats—you’d think bad—but if they’re flying late in the evening they predict fair weather—hum????

or submerge yourself

Virtual Visit: Inside the Giant Ocean Tank!

20 amazing virtual field trips to aquariums, museums and Mars

Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.

Jack London

1/12/1876 – 11/22/1916

“Jack London dropped out of Berkley to join the Alaskan Klondike gold rush in 1897, and of his brutal ezpweiwnxes there, and late at sea, he wrote vigorous tales of men and animals at odds with one another 

“Upon his return to San Francisco the following year, ……he published his first collection of stories, THE SON OF THE WOLF, but it was his next adventure story,  THE CALL OF THE WILD in 1903, that turned him int the most successful and best known writer in America in the early 1900’s.

””””””””””””””””””””’

“Always a heavy drinker, Jack probably died of physical ailments related to alcoholism, but some scholars believe he committed suicide.

.”…he was buried on the grounds of his estate., which is now

The Jack London State Historical Park  

Where Are They Buried?

How Did They Die?

Tod Benoit

2400 London Ranch Rd,

Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Cemetery of the Week #24: Jack London’s gravesite

Jack London’s tombstone

Dinners You Can Do Better Than a Restaurant

For those of you who are still religiously locked down

10 Amazing Hindu Temples

Incredible video shows great white shark near boat off Florida coast

I thought today I’d start  working on your planning your own trip for when we’re allowed out in the world again.  So I thought I’d use my trip (part of my drive about to England and for this Blog the Irish part) to bring up some details that are important (some more than others) for having an enjoyable and successful trip:

First pick where you want to go—-this can be decided by many things:

what/where do you really enjoy—–if its American history then the east cost is great for colonial addicts—Look into older history in Florida—as in St. Augustine and a few other areas that while not as famous offer the off the beaten path mode and bragging rights to say ah did you see and they’re all gaping at you saying huh where—and remember to do your research well and even then you may prove wrong in the long run.

For instance:  When I went to York I studied the odds and ends of the place and found that Dick Turpin—a famous (think Jessie James in US) was executed and buried in York’s .  I went to his grave at St. George’s  BUT:

1.  In the History of York most of the legend is striped away and we find that he was taken from his gave by grave robbers.
2. History Today agrees he wasn’t the bandit legends say he was—but I have a problem with their account too—they say that he was originally found out because someone handing the mail had taught him in school and recognized his hand writing and identified him—-Oh please that does sound a bit unlikely don’t you think?
3. and The Press, a year (and a bit more) after I found the site and visited it was questioned as to if he was buried here—but what ever the facts at least I knew he was executed in York—something that a couple of guides that I was talking to didn’t know anything about—which proved my research quite useful.in that I was finding things off the usual tourist paths….I like to think of myself as an explorer—a traveler and not that other “T” word.

York

Exercises for Bone Strength

Don’t let your health lapse while you’re hiding from the VIRUS

Pope Alexander VI: Unscrupulous Borgia Patriarch With a Lust for Power

I’ve found if you want a good scandal Rome has several points of interest.

Other reasons to go some where are your ancestry—your family’s German so you would like to go to German to learn more about where your ancestors came from.

You love movies, book etc about Paris so you’d like to see the famous city in person — you know up front and personal   Well you get the idea…..

I decided to return to Ireland in this case to experience it on my own—following a tour a few years before—the trip was wonderful, but I wanted more freedom to look at stuff along the road that the tour bus just didn’t have time to stop and see.

Why You Should Go To… Hastings

This is the kind of article that can get your travel spirit interest and lead to bigger and better vacations

Now you have to decide how to go:

By Tour——Say you just want to do something in the country you live in

Will use USA since that is where I live

THE 10 BEST United States Tours – Tripadvisor

there are all manner of lists of local tours of the area from the Keys to the isle of Hawaii—you’d set up your own flights and hotels etc and just show up for these local tours—

or a bit more done for you these de

10 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the USA

These offer resort centered vacations—which I hadn’t mentioned before—most have health spas and activities–most have kid friendly sites too—some expend into water activities, horse back riding and visiting local areas….and I’m sure there lots more than this 10.

These offer various levels (and costs) of the sites —but pretty much it’s getting you from one airport to another and then they pick you up and whisk you to the lap of luxury.

United States Tours & Trips 2020

Travel Stride’s site:  1,681 trips in United States. Compare itineraries from 201 local experts and travel companies.

And if you want to go farther afield—how about

6 Best European Tours 2021 | Rick Steves’ Europe

Well you get the idea—-

and the benefits of the tour is that they can and usually will assist you in finding out exactly what documents you will need to enter that country.

They can advise you on your transportation needs to and from including air lines.  Most provide air port pick up (the first option where you just do a daily activity doesn’t, but…)  and the full tours often include—or at least have an option that includes the price of the plane ticket in the full cost package.

TOP 10 BRITAIN: TOP TEN THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

More suggestions—you can find this info on a lot of places that will help you make that first step to your vacation choice

Books–another good place to learn more about places of interest

WALL STREET JOURNAL review: “In Vicksburg: The Bloody Siege That Turned the Tide of the Civil War,” Samuel W. Mitcham Jr, a retired professor and prolific chronicler of World War II, re-examines the struggle, making clear at the outset his mission. ‘Here,’ he says, ‘the Rebel side will be told’… Mr. Mitcham’s prose is straightfoward, and he turns a nice phrase—he describes one faltering infantry charge that ‘choked on its own blood.'”

Tour the battle and see if it’s what you want to see

Independence with structure

This is where you go to a country, you plan your own trips,, arrange your own reservations—that starts from the minute you decide to go:

First what are the requirements to go to that country—depending on where you are coming from and going to has a decidedly different requirement:  For instance to get into Ireland when we did our travel trip abut  about 12 or so years ago:

“U.S. and Canadian citizens require a valid passport to enter Ireland or Britain—

“Passports are not required by British citizens born in the United Kingdom and traveling from Britain, identification may be needed.

“Citizens of European Union states and Switzerland may use a passport or national identity card.

All other nationalities must have a passport

There is a list of multiple countries that DO NOT require visas to enter Ireland.

Transit visas are required by NATIONAL OF THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES:  Albania, Bulgaria, Cuba, Iran, Romania, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Somalia, Sir Lanka.

Note:  A person in possession of a Honk Kong certificate of identity requires an entry visa for the state.

This is just an example of what visiting a country not your own may involve and is why so many people decide going on an organized tours.

However you can find information on line—or contact the Embassy of the country you plan to visit or Consulate in the country  you reside for assistance as well—-if you don’t have a passport that’s probably the best place to start to get instructions of how about getting that as well as any other requirements for entry into the destination of your dreams….oh and hint, don’t wait till the last minute as you may not be able to get it done too quickly—depends on a lot of things

What vaccines do I need for travel?

Part of WWII you might not know about—is it still there?—can you still see it?….

High in the Tuscan hills above Florence, an elaborate medieval castle, converted to a POW camp on Mussolini’s personal orders, holds one of the most illustrious groups of prisoners in the history of warfare.

The dozen or so British and Commonwealth senior officers includes three knights of the realm and two VCs. The youngest of them is 48, the oldest 63. One is missing a hand and an eye. Another suffers with a gammy hip. Against insuperable odds, these extraordinary middle-aged POWs plan a series of daring escape attempts, culminating in a complex tunnel deep beneath the castle.                            read to discover

If you missed that article on what vaccines do I need go back past the book on       —-yes you needed those before the current pandemic and heaven help us what you need now…..let’s pick a country—say Spain—and see what the current requirements are

So what you can catch—-has been an issue for years in where you travel and with the long running pandemic we’ve add what you can expose others to is even more so.

Personal Safety is another —not all countries are safe for various reasons..

for instance this is on the British Government site about:

If you’re planning travel to Botswana , find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Around 42,000 British nationals visit Botswana every year. Most visits are trouble free.

Wildlife and livestock on roads are a hazard, particularly at night. See Road travel

Carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.

Attacks on tourists are rare, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself from petty and violent crime. See Crime

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Botswana, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

USA citizen’s advisories might well vary as how your country relates to another country (i.e. Britain) —so always heck this kind of information

So come back Monday for more of what you need to know before you go

Cathedrals And Abbeys: Amazing and Extraordinary Facts

Cathedrals and abbeys are the most beautiful and iconic buildings of the British Isles, and have formed the bedrock of our nation for centuries. This absorbing collection of amazing and extraordinary facts opens the doors of these fascinating structures to reveal their rich historical and architectural heritage. From stories of English Popes, martyred archbishops and renegade bishops to iconoclastic kings, power-hungry nobles and architectural dynasties, as well as the role of the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, we explore how the people and religion in Britain have shaped these buildings over the last 2,000 years. Also read about the architectural heritage of British cathedrals, from troublesome spires, stained glass wonders and buy-a-brick campaigns to abbeys in the sea, fortified castle-cathedrals and mass graves. Along with tales of famous memorials and artefacts, fascinating folklore and architectural feats, these intriguing and diverse facts will provide something for every enthusiast to dip into and relish.

Five Ways to Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

Dump Cakes That Are Too Good to Miss

Stuck with time on your hands?  How about treating the family and/or friends to some home made goodies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These recipes are simple enough for a beginner and will give the more experienced baker something to entertain the family with rather than the ole over the counter BS>

Another picture from our driving vacation about the UK and Republic of Ireland:

Penzance is the major tourist and commercial centre of West Cornwall. This coastal town is steeped in history, while providing all the facilities of modern life for residents and visitors alike.

Check out what it has to offer

Wine Quiz

Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.

Just for the fun of it

Dinosaurs : A Busy Sticker Activity Book by Stephanie Stansbie (2016, Sticker Book)

Something to keep the kids (3-7 years) busy

Belmont Enslaved Cemetery

Deer 

Especially the stag with its branching antlers is something that we all recognize as having deep connections with the land —it was so with many of our ancestors especially those of us who have Celtic origins—They connected all levels and areas of the Otherworld.   

Infact white stags often lead people on journeys into that world.

And both does and stags represent messages from the Otherworld.

A Magical World: Superstition and Science from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment

Or maybe read a book

T

Take the kids to … Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

Fort Nelson will reopen on 11 August 2020. The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds remains closed until further notice.

COVID-19 safety: Tips for travel, restaurants, and the gym

Ready to go out—-Here are some tips from MAYO Clinic to make it safer—and remember that using a mask is a benefit to others—So it’s not all about you….As a retired nurse I know all about that kinda thing…..

How about taking a course—check out the one above or find others.  at Great Courses Plus.  

35 Make-Ahead Breakfast & Brunch Recipes That’ll Let You Hit Snooze

Back to work but the family isn’t—-do something to get them thru the wk while you’re gone

Daniel “Chappie” James

A native of Pensacola, he served with the Tuskegee Airmen in

WWII,

and Korean and Vietnam War, ,and became the first Black Amercan to 

           reach four-star rank.  In the late 1970s, General James was considered                 

             as  a  possible candidate for lieutenant governor of Florida, but he

passed away of a heart attack just a short time after his retirement.

From After London by Richard Jefferies

At the eastern extremity the Lake narrows, and finally is lost to the vast marshes which cover the site of the ancient London.  Through these, no doubt, in the days of the old world there flowed the river Thames.  By changes of the sea level and the and the sand that was brought up there must have grown great banks, which obstructed the stream.  I have formerly mentioned the vast quantities of timbr, the wreckage of towns, and bridges which was carried down by the various rivers, and by none more to than by the Thames.  These added to the accumulation, which increased the faster because the foundation of the ancient bridges held it like piles driven in for the purpose.  And before this the river had become partially choked from the cloacae of the ancient city which poured into it through enormous subterranean aqueducts and drains.

West Minster Abbey (shown above—its the biggie, while St. Margaret’s is the smaller one to the left—and the bit in the background between them is Westminster Palace–better know to us Yanks as Parliament.

Westminster was originally a Benedictine Abbey. which was consecrated in 1065 by Edward the Confessor for the Monks.

Unfortunately the monks were disturbed by all the people who came to share worship in their abbey for masses and the like and built a small church, St. Margaret’s,  next to the Abbey where the local people could receive all the sacraments and thus left the Monks undisturbed.  d

Dedicated to Margaret of Antioch, whose cult was extremely popular during this period, the church was like the Abbey built in the 11th century.  The first church was Romanesque in style and survived until the reign of Edward III (1327-77) when the Nave was reproduced in the Perpendicular Style. 15th century By the end of the entire church had to be reconstructed.

Started by Robert Stovell in 1482 it wasn’t completed until 1523.  Restorations were later done in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries while remaining basically the same.

in 1189 Pope Clement III confirmed the church outside Jurisdiction of the Bishop of London.     Abbey and it’s propertyIn 1222–the was also declared outside the diocese.

W.Va. DNR shares tips for introducing children to archery

if you have the safe space—

Watlington House

322 Duval Street

The Watlington House,

which is said to be the oldest house in Key West,  

has survived every hurricane on the island since 1826.

Built of Cuban Cedar, it i one and a half stories high, with a gabled roof and three dormer windows that are dissimilar in size.  Every entrance is shuttered, and a porch covers the front of the house.  In the backyard is a garden and a detached kitchen with an old brick oven where a slave cook once presided.

A Key West Companion

Christopher Cox

Splashmaps: Union Jack Face Mask – Now Shipping  

Oh come on you know you want one.

BOK TOWER EVENTS FOR AUGUST 2020

THE DEVIL’S ARROWS

Located  in Yorkshire just 16 miles north-west of York and close to the Junction of 48 of the A1 (M) is the town of

Boroughbridge

This historic town in the heart of Yorkshire is said to be wonderfully located to explore the county….it is also located close to the Devils Arrows site.  The tallest is right by the road, west of Roecliff Lane—-and across the field on the other side of the road are the others.  It’s freely accessible and you can park in the town and walk here—

another near by place is

Aldborough 

with a pretty green—even a maypole it also has a noted British Heritage Roman Site—said to b the best in Yorkshire,

But back to the Arrows:

they have fallen from knowledge lately it seems due to the fact that what was once the main road from York to Edinburgh which ran through here was bypassed by the A1(M).

But they arr described as impressive with two of the stones of such impressive height they surpassed anything at Stonehenge.  There are accounts from the 1530s of four stones, it is felt by some that this fourth stone was broken up sometime in the past.

there are many stories of how it got its name…including one where the Devil was throwing some stones at Aldorough because he felt slighted.  He stood on How Hill near Fountains Abbey but the stones fell short of the town.

Oh but if you want to bring him back legend says that walking anti-clockwise around the stones 12 times will produce Old Nick in the flesh.

Mayo Clinic Healthy Child Combo

something well worth reading

In a pool hall, one flight down on Sixteenth Street (Oakland), overhead lights, as mustard-colored as van Gogh’s painting of a pool table, shone down on hopeless men mostly former boxers.  On the west side of Twelfth Street a pawnshop window displayed cowboy great Tom Mix’s wallet.  Mix had survived dynamite and bullets only to have his neck broken by a flying aluminum suitcase thrown forward when he suddenly braked his station wagon for a deer.  

The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock’s Shower

Robert Graysmith

Note I acknowledge that the two sites on Mix i note above (just click on Tom Mix or braked his station wagon for and you’ll see them—but check this out:   That You tube offering seem to explain it and is so much more detailed—-but all but the first one include a suitcase….So what do you think?

This Debut Novel Will Leave You Paralyzed with Terror

OK something to take your mind off of lock down!!!???????

Another of my pictures of Penzance

But the other picture–at the start is of

St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The island is a civil parish and is linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid-tide and low water Wikipedia

I really enjoyed that bit of history  and the house originally a monastery that thanks to Henry VIII became a stately British Mansion—click on “that Bit of history”  to learn more.

Oh and one other thing did you know that St. Michael’s Mount has a “sister” Island in France–Mount St. Michael        Historically, St Michael’s Mount was a Cornish counterpart of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France (with which it shares the same tidal island characteristics and the same conical shape, though it is much smaller, at 57 acres, than Mont St Michel which covers 247 acres), when it was given to the Benedictine religious order of Mont Saint-Michel by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century.  Wikipedia

A Test on your knowledge of Fantasy lands (just click and go)

Filming Location Matching “Islamorada, Florida, USA” (Sorted by Popularity Ascending)

So we’re back to our exit from the Keys—–and we’ve moved along now to

Islamorada….   It’s a place on the Overseas Highway that I particularly like.  There are lots of things to do there—but it is more casual and laid back than Key West.

There’s:

1.  The Theater of the Sea (est in 1946)
   Theater of the Sea lagoons and lush, tropical gardens  with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, and birds.   It includes swimming with the Dolphins experience  or just Wade with them.   or get up close enough to meet one (a Dolphin that is).  There is also a swim with a Sea Lion and how abut a Shark!   

There’s also Meetings with:  Sea Turtles

and well check it out the adventure go on and on.

2.  History of Diving Museum

with events and a nice size museum store

3.  Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

a former quarry—was used to help build the Over Seas Railway

Birding, hiking, Ranger or self guided tours and more.

4.  Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

The virgin tropical hardwood hammock that thrives on this island was once common on most of Florida’s Upper Keys.

Walking, tours, kayaking on a wonderfully natural island—been here and enjoyed it a lot.

5.  INDIAN KEY HISTORIC STATE PARK

This park is fun to explore—-but just by looking at it you might not realize that this tiny island played such a role in history–from the location there have been deaths originated from Catholic Spanish  against French Protestants—from Indians from the mainland of Florida against settlers on what was the original county seat of Monroe county.  And don’t forget the two hurricane victims.

and much, much more:

“Also, it is easier to find a place in the Keys if you accustom yourself to using the mile markers posted along route 1.  ‘Mile Marker One’  begins at Key West’  and they continue to ‘Mile Marker 100″ past Key Largo.”

Guide To Florida Campgrounds

Jim Stachowicz

30-Minute Chicken Dinners

 HISTORY OF THE UPPER KEYS –
Caribbean Club (Key Largo)

And here we are in that final Key—Largo—make famous years and years ago in  a movie that except for a couple of minor sites was all filmed in Hollywood—but it does have a boat (the African Queen) that was used in another of the Leading Man‘s Movies.

Key Largo is a fun place to come for those Florida residents that inhabit the lower part of the state—so its a nice fast visit — kinda like a sample of what you get and do.

Things to do:

John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park

Everglades National Park

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Dolphins Plus Bayside

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock 

and there’s Lots more.

Undersea Lodgings, A La Jules Verne 

Key Largo

The Jules Verne inspired undersea Lodge may be the only underwater hotel in the world, but it is hardly 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  The submersible doesn’t move, and there ‘s no mad captain bent on taking over the world.  As a former NASA research vessel, its more science fact than fiction.

Florida Curiosities

David Grimes

and

Tom Becnel

Of the Florida Keys that is……

25 Best Things to Do in Key Largo, Florida

McDonald’s Will Permanently Close 200 U.S. Locations Because of the Coronavirus 

Here’s What It’s Like To Travel To The Florida Keys Right Now

Our time in Key West—I only went to the Keys one time on my own—I had to do some contacts in Miami and rather than do the over night there I got a room in Islamorada and had dinner and watch the sunset at Lorelei Restaurant—but never Key West.   But as usual I wandered away from the whole issue—anyway as you see above there’s a boat sunk into the water and the headline is about a floating restaurant.  It was one of our favorites and it eas closed awhile but has since re-opened but is now Captain Runaground Harvey’s.  I remember going back and seeing it setting in the water—I do not remember going back after that   I know that the cause was an internal water line that broke and began to seep into the boat.

The owner got the staff off—the girls were in the kitchen cooking —when he told them to abandon ship and he tried working the bilge pumps when it finally sank down—legend said that  on that same afternoon people were still coming up to the boat which was only partially submerged, setting on the bottom of Garrison Bight Marina,  and asking if it was open and how they were suppose to get inside—-tourist are the same everywhere now aren’t they?

“The 1846 hurricane destroyed the lighthouse (Key West) and killed fourteen people who had sought refuge in the tower.  Barbara Mabrity  survived, but seven members of her family died.  The next year the builders put up a 66 feet tower, the present light house., on higher land and  more inland to protect it from storms.  Later William DeMeritt became the keeper and kept the job for 43 years.  Still later William Bethe became the keeper and when he died, his wife, Mary, took the job.

Florida Lighthouses

Kevin M. McCarthy

Did This President Really Die From Eating Cherries — Or Was He Poisoned?

Key Deer! Beautiful and Friendly

They don’t call it Key Weird for nothing—We, my late hubby and I had decided to move there once we were ready to unwind a bit more—he was a plumber and we did not doubt that he could get work—me I’m a nurse so that was a ditto too….we never made it that far and he moved on to other places and existences and I stayed her on earth and decided going to Key West probably wasn’t such a good idea after all……but the fond memories are still there.

We use to subscribe to the paper—and that article above if from the paper—The man arrested for fighting with roommate—I wonder what they were living in….we had one friend that lived in Key West and the room he rented was a utility room–Just that—where he slept and lived his live out—well really he spent a lot of his non-working time at the Green Parrot.   It’s a local’s place and we were accepted there—we could fit in to Key West—we just never did permanently

“One might suspect that the Keys, being such a narrow chain of islands,  could not provide any ‘hidden’ sites to explore.  But the hidden spots are there for the finding, little pockets of natural wilderness, small restaurants away from the highway, quiet lodgings on out-of-the-way islands, bits of history and treasure out to sea.  Since winter is the chief tourist season in the Keys, rates are considerably lower in the summer.”

Hidden Florida:  The Adventurer’s Guide

Executive Editor:  Ray Riegert

Parenting children with special needs during Corona

Rodriguez Cigar Rolling Tour

Days on and/or beside the waters are wonderful days and here you are never more than a few feet to a mile away from the sea—it does something to your mind, your spirit, your whole outlook on the day and the night and they go too fast and then you’re home with a memory of what things had been that submerges after 8 hours back at you desk, but like an addict you can never completely forget or stop the deep seated longing for what you had known and want to know again.

“In the late nineteenth century, the cigar industry flourished in Key West.  Cuban born Benito Alfonso;’s ciar factory, with fifty employees competed with Francisco Marrero’s larger factory of six hundred employees.  Yet so profitable was the cigar-making business that in 1891, Alfonso was able to pay $2,000 to buy a house.  By the 1920’s, hundreds of people were employed at the Key West Box Company, where they made containers for the cigars.

Florida Historical Walking Tours

Roberta Sandler

Police: A tenant decapitated his landlord with a sword over a rent dispute  

Welcome to the world of Corona.

The Secret Beaches of the Florida Keys

Harry Potter Jewelry Holder

Two kinds of people live in Key West | Those who love it. And those who don’t

Crested Butte Arts Festival 2020 Goes Virtual!

Touring the lesser-known Florida Keys

6 Things You Must Do in the Florida Keys

One Woman’s Mission to Conquor the Crab Grass.

Outlander: The Greatest Deleted Scenes Ever Filmed |🍿OSSA Movies