I have spent much of my life first 17 years of life dreaming about the boulevards of Provence and street cafes of Paris. I ended up instead as an exchange student in an industrial town in the coal and steel region of in Lorraine, France. But that didn’t daunt my love of travel.

I’ve returned to Europe a couple dozen times since, returning nearly every year to add a new country or destination to my list. In the spring of 2023 I hit a personal goal: to visit every sovereign country in Europe. The last one on the list was Portugal (via the island of Madeira).

Now that I’ve hit the 4 corners, I’m trying to fill in the blanks. I’ve never been much of a London-Paris-Rome kind of guy, and would much rather find himself amidst the natives of an end-of-the road Dutch village or roaming through the border regions of Slovenia. With Paris, though, I generally make an exception.

Join me and my friend and photographer, Vanja, as we explore the culture, history, cuisine, as we fill in some of the blanks in Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and beyond.

Varaždin, Croatia

Varaždin is a relatively small city with a population around 46,946, spread over 13.21 sq miles in Northern Croatia, close to the Drava River. It’s about an hour’s drive north of the capital city of Zagreb and best known for its baroque and rococo architecture, music and food. Its size was a perfect match for my off-the-beaten-path theme

Varaždin City Museum

Varaždin City Museum was founded around 1925 in the premises of the fortress called ‘The Old Town.’ The basic items of the first permanent exhibition were the objects given to the Museum by Varaždin families.

Budapest, Hungary

Straddling the Danube River, Budapest is Hungary’s illustrious capital. It is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Renowned for its remarkable architecture, relaxing thermal baths, and flavorful cuisine.

Hungarian dishes often include fruits, such as plums and apricots, cooked with meat or in piquant sauces/stuffings for game, roasts and other cuts. Various kinds of noodles, dumplings, potatoes, and rice are commonly served as a side dish. Hungarian dry sausages (kolbász) and winter salami are also widely eaten. And then there is Goulash, or as Hungarians call it, gulyás, means “herdsman.”  Its origins date back to the 9th century Magyar shepherds as a simple meat and onion stew prepared in heavy iron kettles known as bogracs.  The national drink of Hungary is Pálinka, a very strong traditional spirit made of many different types of fruit.

In the 15th century, invading Ottoman Turks introduced a new spice to Hungary, paprika.  While the rest of Europe remained lukewarm towards this red chili pepper from the New World, Hungary embraced it and paprika has since become a defining element of Hungarian cuisine. Made from peppers that are locally harvested and then sorted, toasted, and blended to create different varieties. The Hungarian paprika marketed in the US  is usually the édesnemes variety, which is “noble” sweet, slightly pungent and bright red.  

Ptuj, Slovenia

We detoured to Ptuj and Ehrenhausen, then back to Varazdin.

Ptuj, the oldest recorded city in Slovenia, has been inhabited since the late Stone Age and developed from a Roman military fort.

Attractions include, the Ptuj Castle, home to the Ptuj Ormoz Regional Museum which features everything from instruments and arms to traditional masks and striking tapestries; the Dominican and Minorite Monasteries; and the Orpheus Monument, a well-preserved Roman tombstone.

Ehrenhausen, Austria

The mausoleum in Ehrenhausen might be the most significant mark that the Eggenbergs left in the city. They are several buildings where you can spot the family’s coat of arms. Most importantly, Ehrenhausen is also the site of the Eggenberg’s main fortress. The 16th century building was one of Austria’s numerous fortifications that secured the South and the East of the country against the Turks. Beyond mausoleum and fortress, don’t miss out on the parish church, a typically Austrian mix of styles. The charming market square invites visitors to stroll around and explore the village.

Back to Varaždin in time for dinner

Varaždinsko zelje is an autochthonous variety of cabbage traditionally grown in Varaždin County. The most important property of this cabbage variety is that it can withstand cold winter weather.
It has a bitter and sharp flavor and pungent smell. Because its leaves are durable and elastic, it is traditionally used in recipes that require longer cooking time, such as cabbage soup or braised cabbage with bacon or beef.

Brno, Slovakia

Brno is a stately city and lies in the Moravia region. It is the country’s second largest city and serves as the traditional capital of Moravia. It feels very cosmopolitan after sleepier and more rural Slovakia.

Despite the ravages of past wars, many of Brno’s historic buildings have survived, including the churches of St. Thomas and St. James and the Gothic church of the Augustinian monastery. Tugendhat House (1930), designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. The old town’s narrow streets are surrounded by an array of grand boulevards.

Prague, Czech Republic

Greetings from Czechia! We used to say ‘Czech Republic’ but it is now preferred we use the proper name Czechia. That’s ok by me.

Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core. It is nothing less than a Disneyland Fairy Tale city!.

The beer acquires its characteristic aroma of malt grains and a balanced caramel taste through triple mashing. The soft Pilsen artisan water lends it a unique, delicate taste, while the Žatec hops gives it a velvety bitterness. And the malt itself finishes the beer in a golden color.

Beer drinking is ingrained in Czech culture, society and history. So much so, that the beer industry is considered a part of the national heritage.

Zakopane is Poland

Zakopane is Poland’s main alpine destination and a major tourist center. It’s a festive place, teeming with happy visitors.

When we set off this morning, we had no idea we would find ourselves in Poland later that day. That was certainly not on the itinerary. But the gorgeous Slovak Tatra mountains pulled us in and we just kept going north. And suddenly we were in the equally stunning but much more lively Polish side of the high Tatras.

Žilina, Slovakia

Žilina is a city in north-western Slovakia, around 120 miles from the capital Bratislava, close to both the Czech and Polish borders. It is the fourth largest city of Slovakia with a population of approximately 80,000. The name is derived from Slavic/Slovak word žila – a “(river) vein. :Žilina means “a place with many watercourses.”

So, no Ukraine today. But the scenery in the extreme east of Slovakia and the Carpathian Mountains made for a nice excursion anyway.

The post Exploring the Balkans and Central Europe appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Naturally we started our trip off with a glass of wine at lunch. After all, it was too late for breakfast… Deux verres de vin rouge – um, uh — pas sec. Un peu… Finally I just threw my hands in the air and laughed. I meant well but it seemed unfair to make our poor waiter suffer for my lack of versatility with the language. Our waiter obliged with two glasses of wine and a hearty, Welcome to Provence!

Our first morning, Vaccination Card in hand, we left to explore Pernes-les-Fontaines, a 10-minute walk from our cozy, CDC-treated, 100-year-old, two-story farmhouse we had come to call home for two weeks. We had to move to the curb much more often to accommodate bicyclists than cars.

How different our Provence adventure was from the usual prescribed schedule offered by most tour companies. Such is the beauty of UNTOURS which puts you up in unusual accommodations in multiple cities in more than a dozen European countries – perhaps a castle, in a vineyard, or a delightful old house like ours to live like a local. Untours provides a car, inundates you with information, connects you with a local contact to answer questions, and sets you off to see what you want to see when you want to see it. Unencumbered by anyone else’s set schedule or preferences, it’s a much more socially distanced option than a tour bus.

Yes, there is a supermarket near Pernes, known for the 41 fountains which constitute its name (although none operational due to water as a precious commodity), but it’s so much more French to stop at the individual butcher, baker, cheese shop, produce store to buy provisions – and so we very smugly did.

Expect to get lost everywhere – and savor the adventure of doing so. No one has ever been inextricably lost, though the temptation to be so is great as you traverse streets spanning multiple centuries in an afternoon’s outing.

One day after building up a great thirst, we stopped for lunch and ordered a beer. When I balked at the choice of either Heinekens or Corona (Ou est les bieres Francaise?), I received a stern rebuke: We are French; we drink wine. Lesson learned.

Second surprise: how few people actually spoke any English, though very eager to help nonetheless. And in Covid September, when we were there, that was true for the tourists as well.

Our first Hill Town (which come by their name honestly), of which there are more than a dozen within an hour’s drive of Pernes, was Gordes, one of the 100 Most Beautiful Villages in France. As it first comes into view, perched high upon a hill (go figure!) – enveloped by stone walls overlooking stone buildings overlooking vast vineyards – you do not question that designation.

As much as I imagined anything called a Hill Town to be quaint and picturesque, I was not prepared for the exhilaration I felt upon entering. The awe at the walled surroundings, the sense of being transformed back to the 11th century, views that demand head-shaking wonderment, precarious walkways and narrow side streets whose sides you can touch with outstretched arms – all of which made it easy to dismiss the many cafes, shops and tourists which also abound. Take time to visit the 11th century Abbey. Its most recent renovations? The 18th century.

From Gordes, it’s an easy drive to Roussillion, a town shrouded in varying shades of ochre. Sort of a combination of red, maroon, orange, terra cotta and yellow. Who knew there were so many shades of a color I heretofore couldn’t have given a name to? Dramatic views of ochre cliffs give the town its unique coloration. Oh yes, it also has stone buildings.

The next town was more a nostalgic stop than anything else – that and the dozens of vineyards we passed enroute. Menerbes, the home town of Peter Mayle, author of the renowned My Year in Provence, which admittedly I wish I had read after the trip rather than before so that I could have related even more to his many Provincial adventures, is another of the 100 Most Beautiful Villages in France. The canopied entrance alone suggests that. And, of course, there is the de rigueur enthralling view.

Menerbes is quieter, more subdued than Gordes with wider streets. While dating back to the 14th century, there is less a visceral sense of the medieval influence. All of which contributed to its own personality and livable charm – and the fact that this is where Mr. Mayle did his shopping. A small garden for sitting and reflecting beckoned. This being our third hill town – hill being the operative word – we welcomed it! Just when we thought we had seen the most charming village, we came by another. Best to withhold judgment on charm quotients…

When visiting said charming small towns – which is mostly what you want to do – be sure to park in the lots outside of town. Don’t even think about driving in the towns themselves unless you’re on a bike. We did – not by choice – and not until we finally found a way out of the one way, very narrow miasma of traffic did our stomachs return to their designated place in our bodies.

A trip to the Saturday morning market in Pernes is – well, a trip itself. Unending supplies of flowers, fruit, furniture, food; also clothes, shoes, crafts, purses, jewelry, household items. And especially wine, cheeses and olives – and more varieties of ham than all the deli meats combined at a supermarket at home. And the people are as varied as are the perishables.

Sunday brought us back into town – this time to a ghost village. Hard to believe the two days co-exist within the same town. So much for our plan for afternoon wine at a café. But as we had learned, whatever the village, it’s always a good idea to walk off the main square to see where the people really live. So we found ourselves in a residential area, perusing 13th-century corridors with the sounds of everyday life emanating from apartment windows. A welcome sense of becoming acquainted with our hometown outside its more touristy main square. And a reminder that there was more life to the ghost town than we initially thought. Some time later, when visiting a favorite restaurant, our waiter smilingly led us to your usual table. Voila, we belonged. Thank you, Untours.

Avignon was a slightly different experience than our beloved Hill Towns. A big walled city from the 14th century. Here the operative word is big. Massive medieval monuments dominate the square – churches, palaces, municipal buildings, amphitheatres – dwarfing those straining their necks to take them all in. Take especial note of the Palais de la Pape because yes, Avignon was the center of the papacy in the early 14th century before it permanently moved back to Rome.

As always, the city center is a combination of ancient buildings and modern shops and everywhere the city walls, built three centuries before the first settlement in America. The past somehow feels both overwhelming and imminently present.

As my husband’s eyes were beginning to glaze over at the thought of another Hill Town, we mixed up our days with a local hike, a day of errands and laundry, a visit to a Cezanne and Kandinsky exhibit at a museum in Les Baux (Can you handle yet another Most Beautiful Village?), and a festival in St. Remy (there is probably a festival every day somewhere in Provence…), a week-long homage to bulls in several iterations. At the bull ring, more than a dozen grown men were chasing after the bull – or maybe it was the other way around. It was a bizarre sport and I didn’t know whom I was supposed to root for – but it definitely made me better appreciate American football.

Fortunately there was also a bonus stop to view extensive Roman ruins dating back to the third century and a street adorned with reproductions of Van Gogh’s letters and paintings from when he lived in St. Remy – there is always a bonus in Provence.

At lunch in St. Remy, we sat at a table for two and ordered a steak to share. They then moved us to a larger one. Porquoi? It was needed to accommodate the size of the steak. Provence is also full of surprises.

Another memorable meal? Harder to name one that wasn’t. But this one a destination multi-course luncheon at an imposing hilltop chateau – Le Domaine du Castellas in Sivergues. If with a novice gear-shift driver (my husband), harrowing roads competed with breath-taking scenery, if you dared take your eyes off the road long enough to look at it. Sheer terror might overcome appreciation of your surroundings but these very surroundings and the narrow, winding hill towns that inhabit them are the very reason you come to Provence. Fortunately, we didn’t come upon a car going the other way – we’d still be there trying to figure out who could pass by where…. And the roosters and goats with whom we ended up sharing our outdoor repast – some of whom at other times might actually show up on the menu themselves – help mitigate the afore-mentioned terror.

All the more reason to appreciate picking up a fresh roasted chicken from the market, wave to shopkeepers we had befriended, sip yet another glass of wine and dine al fresco at our arbor-covered, garden-enclosed picnic table, contemplating tomorrow’s adventures. A perfect way to end the day. Yet one more reason to be thankful for Untour’s unique approach to travel. For more information, contact www.Untours.com.

The post Provence, France: Proving that Hill Towns Plus a Plethora of Wine and Cheese Promise Paradise appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after his failure to shut down a puppy mill in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman

Dog Quotations

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

The call of the walrus in remote Alaska

Story & Photographs courtesy of (Acacia Johnson Https://www.acaciajohnson.com/)

“The Indigenous Yup’ik people — who have hunted walruses here for over 5,700 years-call Round Island Qayassiq: ‘place to go in a kayak,'” writes Acacia. “Committing to the journey helps the walrus and the people who depend on them. It keeps the place staffed and protected. Walrus may not be an endangered species yet, but they are worthy of attention and conservation.”

READ FULL STORY

Judges are ‘overwhelmingly’ upholding COVID-19 vaccine mandates in many states

Despite legal challenges from “a range of people” — judges have “overwhelmingly upheld” many state orders requiring health care workers, public employees, and government contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or risk termination. T-Boy researches found: ”The exceptions to the mostly-failed challenges are limited, typically involving anti-science religious objectors.”

READ FULL STORY

This Beer Is the Secret to Living 100 Years, 106-Year-Old Says

This centenarian says America’s oldest beer is a daily part of her diet.

It sounds like a long, healthy life might not be all about swearing off treats and forever avoiding alcohol. A nearly 107-year-old Pennsylvania woman reportedly credits one unexpected habit—a beer a day—with her longevity. But not just any beer!

READ FULL STORY

Why “Don’t Let Me Down” Is the Whole Beatles Story in One Song

Courtesy Rob Sheffield, RollingStone

Of all the revelations on the Beatles’ new Let It Be box set, the biggest is the song that didn’t even make the original album. “Don’t Let Me Down” is John Lennon’s raw love ballad to Yoko Ono, much like “Two of Us,” Paul McCartney’s song for Linda. John sounds terrified of the emotional leaps he’s taking, but he leans on the other Beatles to back him up and carry him through the song. You can hear the band develop “Don’t Let Me Down” over the course of the box, until it comes to feel like the whole Beatles story in one song: a map to the long and winding road of their messy, doomed, inescapable friendship.

READ FULL STORY

Facebook Oversight Board says the company must ‘urgently improve’ its transparency

Facebook’s independent Oversight Board is criticizing the company for a lack of transparency, finding it failed to be “fully forthcoming” regarding a policy for high-profile users.

READ FULL STORY

CDC signs off on Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters and says people can get a shot different from their original one

Americans can now sign up for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters after the nation’s top public health official endorsed recommendations from expert advisers that the shots are safe and effective at bolstering protection against the coronavirus.

READ FULL STORY

The slaughter of Thomas Becket

When King Henry II’s knights arrived at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 searching for Archbishop Thomas Becket, monks tried to block the door. But Becket forbade the effort, declaring that the church was “a house of prayer” and not “a fortress.”

As a result, Becket was hacked to death, practically at the foot of the church’s holiest spot, the altar.

Medieval Scandinavian and Germanic church architecture reflected that the covered porch abutting the church door was traditionally known as the vapenhus (“weapons house”), a place to store arms when entering a church. Even acts of violence committed within the vicinity of a church carried increasingly severe penalties.

Potato Pie and Tortelli Recipes, Nonna-Style

Mediglia is a small village in the countryside just outside Milan. Here, in an old renovated farmhouse, Margaret Dini welcomes us who, for the occasion, has organized a real gastronomic meeting. Her cousins Giusi and Silvana are there, “summoned” to help her cook the family dishes. For the occasion, they also brought along sbrisolona, a crumbly almond cake found in Mantova, a city in Lombardy.

SEE RECIPES HERE

‘Delinquent’ Matt Gaetz Currently Blocked from Practicing Law

Faced with an onslaught of accusations that he engaged in underage sex trafficking—and bracing for criminal charges— Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has allowed his license to practice law in his home state of Florida to lapse. This is one bar tab Gaetz may regret not paying.

SEE RECIPES HERE

READ FULL STORY

10 Best Films of 1971

In Focus: MACBETH

• Director Roman Polanski’s wife, actress Sharon Tate, was murdered by members of Charles Manson’s Family two years before the making of the film. It is believed that due to this traumatic event, Polanski developed the story to be a more violent representation of Shakespeare’s play. For instance, the scene in which Macbeth murders King Duncan was not in the original play and was instead implied.
• The scene in which Macbeth’s thugs massacre Macduff’s household was based on Roman Polanski’s memory of Nazi SS officers ransacking his house as a child.
• Filming began with four grueling weeks in Snowdonia National Park. Richard Vetter’s TODD-AO 35 lenses won an Academy Award for reducing anamorphic distortion in close-ups.

READ FULL STORY

Covid-19 Direct Relief

Covid-19 Direct Relief addresses the courage of health workers on the front lines, honoring them with meaningful support, and making sure that the people most at risk in this pandemic are cared for — regardless of politics, religion, or ability to pay.

DONATE to DIRECT RELIEF

Airlines Testing Touchless Technologies to Ease COVID-19 Concerns

Courtesy: Mina Kaji, Gio Benitez & Sam Sweeney

As air travel hits record numbers since the pandemic began, U.S. airlines are testing and implementing new technologies aimed at reducing contact — both with surfaces and with people.

MORE

Health Passports: The Future Of Travel?

Courtesy: Justin Hayward, Simple Flying

MORE

Vienna Brothel Offers Vaccinations & FREE Sessions

Forget free beers, lotteries and discount food, a brothel in Austria has come up with a sure-fire way to incentivise people to get the coronavirus vaccine. Not only is Fun Palast in Vienna administering jabs, it’s offering up a 30-minute session in the ‘sauna club’ with the ‘lady of your choice’ to anyone who gets the vaccine at the on-site clinic. 

Read the full story

Our City Tonight

Author Michael Posner on Leonard Cohen

Return to Investment Learning

Often, we think of ROI as a financial term related to a tangible item.  Dr. Kathy Allen challenges us to overcome the limits of ROI thinking by considering the time, reflection, and experimentation that comes with learning and adaptation …

Read more about Return on Investment in Learning here

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy: Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

MORE

How to Stay Safe While Traveling

With travel set to resume as coronavirus restrictions ease, travelers should inform themselves about the cleaning procedures at hotels and Airbnb properties before choosing the best option for them. Ask about cleaning protocols, be on the lookout for red flags such as accumulations of dirt and grime, and inspect surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen, recommends Brian Sansoni of the American Cleaning Institute.

MORE

5 Ways to Support Small Businesses from Home During the Pandemic

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

Small businesses are really hurting during this time of isolation. Here are five simple and safe ways you can help support them so that they’ll still be there for you when the pandemic is over. (And remember — the best way you can help small business is by staying home, so that we can end this isolation period faster.)

MORE

Royal Caribbean will offer first ever world cruise in 2023

If you’re in the market for an epic cruise, how about one that goes around the world?

Royal Caribbean announced a new 274-night Ultimate World Cruise on Serenade of the Seas that will promises to bring you to amazing destinations across all seven continents.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted at this announcement earlier this week, when he promised “big news” and included an emoji of the Earth.

This is the first ever world cruise for Royal Caribbean International, and it will visit more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world.

MORE

The post Call of the Walrus, Thomas Becket & Lennon appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Two Boys

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Dog Apology

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA
The cutest apology between siblings.

Video: The Practical Man

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
 Follow the logic.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

The post Indian Bank Loan appeared first on Traveling Archive.

“I learned early to drink beer, wine and whiskey.
And I think I was about 5 when I first chewed tobacco.”
– Babe Ruth

Dettling Kirschwelt – Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

“Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy.”
– Frank Sinatra

For many, kirsch is simply a sharp-tasting liqueur that recipes require in a pot of fondue. For the Swiss it is their national drink. For me it was an excuse to tour the Dettling Kirschwelt distillery. To be honest, just the hour-long boat ride from the city of Lucerne to the idyllic village of Brunnen on Lake Lucerne would have been worth it. But the location of Dettling Kirschwelt was not chosen for its setting on the lake; rather for its proximity to native black mountain cherries. Kirsch, once called Kirschwasser in Switzerland (cherry water), is a clear brandy made from double distillation of the juice of small black cherries. The five-generation Dettling Kirschwelt was established in 1867, and has the distinction of being the largest distillery in the world to specialize exclusively in the use of cherries. The 45-minute tour of the visitor’s center is an insightful journey into all things kirsch. The taste is indescribable and, like the finest cognacs, must be felt and tasted. I left Dettling Kirschwelt with a solid kirsch education, and glad I was taking a boat back to the city of Lucerne, rather than driving.

Glenora Distillery – Single Malt Whisky, Nova Scotia

“Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite
and furthermore always carry a small snake.”
– W.C. Fields

Located on Nova Scotia’s spectacular Céilidh Trail the Glenora Distillery is the first single malt whisky* distillery in North America. The distillery rests on a rural 300-acre site with buildings housing malt, kiln and milling production, warehouses, bottling and lodging facilities, constructed in a traditional style, similar to distilleries found in Scotland. Tours are offered, as well as a sampling of their 12-year-old heather and honey tasting “uisge beatha” (Gaelic for ‘water of life’). Single malt is a whisky produced exclusively from malted barley that is not blended with another whisky. After my tour, I was told to expect something special, for there was to be a céilidh in the distillery’s pub. A céilidh is a traditional Gaelic musical social gathering that originated in Scotland. Céilidhs flourished in Nova Scotia, where Scottish immigrants would meet with friends for an evening of song, dance and, generally, strong drink. Everyone in the room is invited to participate in the fun. I was pleasantly surprised to see one of the men sharing my table stand up and sing a song in Gaelic. It was the perfect setting to enjoy a wee dram of Glenora’s water of life. I decided it best, though, to book a room for the night in Glenora’s inn.

Guinness – St. James’ Gate Brewery, Dublin, Ireland

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
– Benjamin Franklin

“Guinness is good for you” might be the ultimate self-fulfilling prophesy. When Arthur Guinness borrowed money from his wealthy aunt in 1759 to establish a brewery, it was with the strict condition that it be a healthy beverage, unlike the gin mills that were ravaging 18th century Dublin. Arthur took it a step further even suggesting that his brew was so healthy that pregnant women should drink a pint of it daily. Although the theory has never been proven, a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff has always worked wonders for me. Guinness brews more than 20 varieties of beer, but is best known for its stout – an extra dark, almost black, top-fermenting beer, made with highly roasted malts. On the days of its roasting, the city air of Dublin takes on a fragrance that’s paradise to the Guinness connoisseur. The best way to learn about Guinness is a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, located at the original 64-acre St. James’s Gate Brewery in the heart of Dublin. The journey begins at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass and continues up through seven floors filled with interactive experiences that fuse the long brewing heritage with Ireland’s rich history. As you walk through each stage of the process you’ll develop a firm understanding on why Guinness is such a global favorite. And, yes, the tour ends at the rooftop at the Gravity Bar with 360° views across the city’s magnificent skyline with a complimentary pint of that black stuff.

Roskamp Vineyard – Sunnyside, Yakima Valley, Washington State

Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.”
– William Shakespeare

With the stars above and the lights below best describes Roskamp Vineyard’s enchanting position on top of Snipes Mountain in Washington State’s Yakima Valley. With the majesty of Mt. Rainer and Mt. Adams in the distance, the vineyard was the brainchild of Herman Roskamp (1922 – 2002) and his wife, Gay. They diligently dedicated themselves to the labor intensive work and patience of creating a world-class vineyard from scratch. The Yakima Valley has long been an abundant produce belt for the Pacific Northwest – not to mention its golden hops are exported to the Guinness brewery in Dublin – and it only made sense that vineyards would soon follow. Mr. Roskamp knew his vineyard would be a smashing success for the Yakima Valley is blessed with 300 days of annual sunshine and enjoys the same latitude as the great wine-producing regions of France. When the Washington wine explosion hit the market, Roskamp Vineyard was at the forefront, with their grapes widely sought after from major wineries. Recently two Roskamp Vineyard wines received national attention: The Co Dinn 2014 Roskamp Vineyard Block Two Syrah, which emotes an intense and distinctive bouquet of dark raspberry, herb and plum, and the premium Co Dinn 2015 Roskamp Vineyard Chardonnay that features a unique delicacy and complexity. Today Washington State is the second largest wine producer in the U.S. Mr. Roskamp was selected as Yakima Valley’s rookie wine grower of the year in 2001 at the age of 78-years-young. Roskamp Vineyard is currently managed by Gay, son Michael and his wife.

*Editor’s note: The Scots spell it whisky and the Irish spell it whiskey, with an extra ‘e’. This difference in the spelling comes from the translations of the word from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic forms. Whiskey with the extra ‘e’ is also used when referring to American whiskies.

The post In Search of Kirsch, Stout, Wine & Whisky appeared first on Traveling Archive.

October 13, 2017
Friday the 13th

It’s Friday the 13th. Shouldn’t you be running and hiding somewhere?
Let’s face it, we live in a world full of silly superstitions. I used to fear this day when I was young. But I’ve walked under ladders, broke mirrors, petted black cats, owned a rabbit’s foot, spilled milk and opened umbrellas inside the house — and nothing especially good or bad has happened to me. No thunderbolt and lightning, very very frightening …. Mama Mia! Mama Mia!….

Dude, we better let that foolishness go! Let it go! Go! Go!

You’d think modern man would have eliminated this silly notion of good and bad luck but no … It’s still all around us. We see this strange behavior especially during this season of Halloween. People just love to scare and be scared.

Real estate is one industry that is highly superstitious, I mean, when was the last time you got off the 13th floor elevator? Probably never, huh? When was the last time you saw a house numbered 13?

In Japan, one of the most modern countries in the world, you will find all sorts of strange homage to trees, rocks and carvings. And they celebrate rituals and parades to ward off evil spirits. And the kids love it. And the parents encourage it. And the cycle continues.

I don’t think they really really believe that stuff. To them it’s a game (at least it looks like it). it’s more of a tradition than anything. So why do they do it? Could it be that they’re “stacking the deck” — covering all the bases?

In some gatherings there are people who rub handkerchiefs on inanimate objects in the hopes that by some inexplicable metaphysical and molecular level the stars will align and good luck will come down from heaven and bless them. They may not believe it entirely but they justify that there’s no harm in doing this — “who knows? It just might work,” they say, “we might just get lucky.” Should we believe in luck or should we believe in blessings?

It’s a confusing world. And I am not one to tell you what to believe. I just want us to look at the mirror and observe the silliness of some of our traditions. It may be fun but how is that affecting our kids?

Friday the 13th? It’s just a day and a number. Nothing else. It’s just another day blessed by the Lord.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

— 2 Corinthians 9:8

TGIF people!

A Contractor Goes to Hell

TGIF Videos

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who provided this photo

The post Contractor Goes to Hell appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Oktoberfest is celebrated around the world, but only in Germany can you return to the original source of the world’s largest Volkfest. You’ve travelled for the live music, traditional costumes, parades and sheer joy of festival revelers. But after the Oktoberfest festival running from September 16 – October 3, it is possible to trace the festival’s historical roots while exploring Munich, and a side-trip to majestic Berchtesgaden, where the festival is very much an important part of Bavarian culture and heritage.

When in Munich

• Celebrate Oktoberfest in style and get into your best traditional costume. The Bavarian wear is identified as “Tracht.” For women, the Bavarian dress is known as a dirndl and for a man you can outfit yourself in a pair of lederhosen. Our recommended shop in Munich, is the Angermaier, in business for over 60 years and specializing in traditional Bavarian costumes.
• After enjoying the German Oompah at Oktoberfest in your traditional costumes, visit the Bavarian National Museum to learn about art, history, theatre and more. The museum is divided into two main groups: the art historical collection and the folklore collection.
• Travel to the southern suburbs of Munich and find the must-see beer garden, the Waldwirtschaft (a.k.a WA-WI). Here you can find an outdoor space in the jazz beer garden and traditional food stalls to enjoy.

Where to stay

• Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, centrally located in the heart of Munich, is the ideal place to stay to make the most of the vibrant city during Oktoberfest. The hotel offers guests a range of luxury room and suite types. Guests can indulge in the luxury spa, a swimming pool as well as the breathtaking view over the rooftops of Munich.

• • Unwind at hotel’s Old-World lobby bar that offers calm, intimacy and elegance. The refuge sits outside the chic Maximilianstrasse, one of the city’s four royal avenues.  (source: www.boldmagainze.com)

Not to be missed

• There is a saying that sausages should not be allowed to hear the chime of the church bells. The infamous Weisswurst (literally white sausage) are prepared in the morning and eaten as a snack between breakfast and lunch, a.k.a “the morning sausage.”

Oktoberfest beer facts

• Bavaria’s purity requirements, a regulation since the 16^th century, decreed by Duke William IV. In 1516 deemed only water, hops and barley should be used in Bavarian beer.
• The six breweries are Paulaner, Spaten, Löwenbräu, Augustiner, Hofbräu and Hacker-Pschorr.
• The oldest Munich brewery is Augustiner, founded in 1328.
• The festival has served about 7.3 million litres of beer; that is enough to fill almost three Olympic-size pools.
• About 500-600 passports are routinely lost at the festival.

When in the Berchtesgaden

• Pack your lederhosens and leave the German Oompah behind for the Bavarian Alps. The spirit of Oktoberfest can be felt in all corners of Germany. This is the place to retreat from the crowds and experience alpine towns, stunning mountains and beautiful vistas.
• Enjoy lunch at the not-as-crowded Bier Hall, Hofbräuhaus Berchtesgaden. The Bier Hall was founded in 1645, by Fustpropst Ferdinand, Duke of Bavaria.
• The unmatched view from the Eagle’s nest, now a beer garden that was Hitler’s 50^th birthday present.

Where to stay

• Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden. A unique blend of five-star luxury, Bavarian style, warmth and recreational activities make the property one of the most special locations in the Bavarian locations in the Bavarian Alps. Here, 1000 m high in the mountains, guests can relax, unwind and enjoy being close to nature.

Not to be missed tips from Manuel Huber, Activity Concierge at the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden

• Within a few minute’s drive, guests at Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden can reach the crystal-clear, emerald green Königssee lake surrounded by its fairy-tale mountain scenery.
• A hiking tour from Maria Gern to the Kneifelspitze.
• The festivities centred around the Markletplatz (market square) in Berchtesgaden during Oktoberfest.

How to See San Francisco Without Spending a Fortune

It’s important to visit San Francisco on a budget. As with most tourist meccas, San Francisco offers plenty of easy ways to pay big money for things that won’t really enhance your experience. Consider some budget travel planning tips.

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” is a quote attributed erroneously to Mark Twain.

Cliche? Yes.
Completely false? Not really. A common saying is that San Francisco has three seasons: winter, summer and fog. August days are frequently chilly and foggy. Even Independence Day fireworks are sometimes obscured in cloud cover. The incredible variety of terrain in this region makes for “micro climates” that can literally make major differences within a few miles of one another. Autumn is a nice time to visit, and winters are mild. No matter when you visit, pack a jacket or sweater. Many first-timers misjudge the climactic challenges — one of eight common mistakes made by San Francisco visitors.

Where to Eat:

San Francisco offers quite a few budget menus and moderately priced eateries to its visitors. Go to SFGate.com and check out their Top 100 restaurants. About 20 of those selections are budget-oriented eateries. General advice: Chinese food is very good here, and tends to be less expensive than other choices.

For a splurge, consider Pesce, a romantic restaurant at 2223 Market Street. Despite the fact that it is considered one of the city’s best restaurants, entrees are under $20 here.

Where to Stay:

This has long been a city that attracted younger visitors, and it has a network of hostels. Beds typically cost $25-$35/night and sometimes include breakfast.

If you seek a hotel room, there are also great budget properties where you can quickly find convenient connections to mass transit and area attractions.

Four-star hotel worth checking for specials: Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf frequently is too costly for a budget visit, but they bundle travel products and sometimes offer lower rates than you might expect for such a prime location.

Airbnb.com offers some accommodation in the city, but sometimes provides a wider variety of choices outside of San Francisco in places like Sausalito in Marin County to the north, or Berkeley, home of the University of California. Both of these places are also fine locations for some on-foot exploration if you need a break from the city.

Getting Around:

From the airport, connect with Air Train for connections into San Francisco or San Jose. Bay Area Rapid Transit (known as BART) covers the region. Tickets act like debit cards and fares are based on distance traveled. Unfortunately, that means BART does not sell all-day, unlimited travel passes as you find in other large cities. But they do offer some huge discounts. For example: persons with disabilities, Medicare cardholders and those 5 to 12 years or over 65 pay far less than the standard fares.

Look for the Red and Green Ticket options. Children under 4 ride free. You can plan your travel and budget for the cost with an online calculator. BART provides service to both San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) airports.

Bay Area Attractions:

San Francisco Walking Tours provides free guides for exploring more than 70 areas. Although free, please tip your guide at the end of the tour and help support this non-profit organization. A City Pass allows admissions, cable car rides and bay cruises.

The former island prison known as Alcatraz is the single most popular attraction here. There is no admission fee (Alcatraz is operated by the National Park Service) but getting to the island involves buying a ferry ticket. The Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf areas are also visitor favorites. Shop carefully for Alcatraz excursions: There are a variety of companies that offer this tour, and many will combine it with Muir Woods, Angel Island, or any number of other places at a variety of prices.

Beyond the Bay:

Muir Woods National Monument just north of the city features a stand of coastal redwood trees. Admission is free for those under 16 years of age, and modest for everyone else. Further north, the Napa and Sonoma valleys are renowned for their wine industries. To the south of the bay, Monterrey and Carmel offer scenic coastal views such as the 17-mile drive. Further afield, you can visit Yosemite National Park in less than a day’s drive, but it’s probably better to stop there on your way in or out of the Bay Area. Day trips from San Francisco can be rushed and expensive.

Unique San Francisco Experiences not to be Missed:

First visit? Don’t miss taking a cable car ride. Here’s an experience that’s vintage San Francisco and relatively inexpensive. Tickets can be purchased on board or at street kiosks. To avoid long waits in the summer, try the the California St. line, which runs east-west from Market and California to Van Ness Ave.

The best view of San Francisco could be at Twin Peaks: From 17th and Clayton Streets, go south on Clayton and then veer to the right at Twin Peaks Blvd. You can also pick up northbound Twin Peaks from Portola Drive. Follow it upward and you’ll get a sweeping view. It is often breezy and cool here, and summer fog can obscure the great view. But when it’s clear, it’s a free attraction!

Jazz and Japanese food: sound like an unlikely combination? Not at Yoshi’s on Oakland’s Jack London Square. Many single show tickets are less than $30. Some reviewers say this is the best jazz on the West Coast.

How about a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge? Only fog can spoil the magnificent views from the deck of this engineering masterpiece. Many people drive across the bridge without being able to savor the views. Board buses #28 or #29, either of which stops right at the bridge toll plaza.

More about walking: As with all great cities, San Francisco has some fascinating neighborhoods that are best explored on foot. Best months: May and October.

Discounts and Savings Opportunities:

If you’ll be spending several days here, consider the purchase of a GO San Francisco Card: This is a card you buy prior to your trip and then activate on first use. You can buy from one- to five-day cards (cost: $69-$155) good for free admission at dozens of local attractions. Design your itinerary before you consider a Go San Francisco purchase, to determine if the investment will save you money on admissions.

Two ways to buy discount theater tickets: Through TheatreBayArea.Org you can order discounted seats online for a variety of shows. You can also visit their Union Square office. Some shows are only available online while others are only available at Union Square. Some can be bought either place.

The post Experiencing Oktoberfest and San Francisco appeared first on Traveling Archive.