On a recent trip to southern California, with some time on my hands on a Monday afternoon, I decided to point my wheels toward a place that had always intrigued me: the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. One of 13 presidential libraries in the United States, it sits atop a hill in the suburban enclave of Simi Valley, about forty-five minutes from downtown Los Angeles. I had never been to a presidential museum before and to be … [Read more...]
5 of the Best Spontaneous Weekend Getaways
Often, the best trips are the last-minute getaways, we plan for those spare weekends when we want to get away for it all for just a couple of days. Weekend breaks are a great way to take time out with friends and family whether you are looking for a weekend of culture, rest and relaxation or simply one to break up the working week. Below you’ll discover five of the best destinations for the spontaneous weekend away. Bulgaria An … [Read more...]
Ultimate Winnipeg Travel Guide
Delicious food, wine, culture, history, outdoor adventures and nature: here is my ultimate Winnipeg travel guide! Ultimate Winnipeg Travel Guide! Winnipeg was once open prairie land, a region that aboriginals used as a trading center long before the arrival of Europeans. Situated at the bottom of the Red River Valley and Assiniboine River, Winnipeg’s landscape is still as beautiful today as it once was. Named the “Chicago of the North”, … [Read more...]
The Best Places to Backpack In Europe
Europe has many different countries filled with old age history, diverse cultures and vibrant city life. If you’re looking to do some backpacking in Europe there are so many different places for you to explore and experience just make sure to pack all essentials and your EU medical card. Budapest Budapest is considered to be on the most beautiful cities in Europe and for good reason too. Although Hungary’s capital is divided into two by … [Read more...]
5 Affordable Ski Holidays in Europe
Ski season is already under way tempting passionate skiers worldwide to the snowy slopes of the most popular resorts in the Alps. Those of you who have already spent a few seasons skiing in award-winning ski tourist hotspots know that a weekend’s holiday may be financially draining. To those who are planning their first ski trip, the grand total in most ski resorts across Europe may seem daunting and worth giving up on the whole idea. However, … [Read more...]
The Imaginary Kingdom of Belarus
John M. Edwards researches a future trip to a country he suspects doesn’t really exist. . . . I’ve never been there, and neither have you. The imaginary kingdom of Belarus, way off the beaten track, so far away in fact that no one ever seems to find it, belongs more to the world of fictionalized Tintin comics than the grip of postcardy Paid Advertisements. Even asking former communist expats from the various SSRs how to get there usually … [Read more...]
On Location at the Napa Valley Film Festival
Wine, camera, action! Luscious wines and innovative independent movies in enticing venues on a gorgeous fall weekend in the Napa Valley? The Napa Valley Film Festival gets two thumbs up from my husband (“Mr. TWS”) and me! As film buffs and wine enthusiasts with a special affection for Northern California wine country, Mr. TWS and I indulged our senses at the third annual (but our first) Napa Valley Film Festival, which ran from November … [Read more...]
Wieliczka Salt Mine – November 2013
Wieliczka Salt Mine is located nearly 90 minutes from central Krakow in Poland. Take bus number 304 across from the main Krakow Galleria Shopping Center. This mine was the world's longest continuously operated mine - open from about the year 1300 to 1996 when it became no longer economically viable to keep the mine open commercially. Today 3 hour tours are conducted through less than 1% of the total area of the mine (in a variety of languages). … [Read more...]
The Best Artist in Slovakia
John M. Edwards pulls up his proverbial time machine into communist Slovakia (1989), where appearances are illusory and life is lived on a virtual movie set. . . . “I AM THE BEST ARTIST IN SLOVAKIA!” The Best Artist in Slovakia bruited. With a cavalier wave of his hand, curved like a grinning alligator shadow puppet, he added in slow mo, “I paint you a picture you would not believe!” “Oh, really?” I said with a terse forced smile. “I really … [Read more...]
An afternoon with Åsa Orrmell at Wallåkra Stoneware Factory
Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik, a stoneware factory, restaurant and garden is located about 30 minutes outside of Helsingborg in Southern Sweden. The property is located within the small village of Vallåkra. Turn off the E4/E6 at the exit Landskrona North (27) and take the road to Vallåkra - look for signs once you are in Vallåkra. This was originally a site where pottery was made with local clay taken from the surrounding land. The original … [Read more...]