About thirty miles north of Jacksonville, close to the Georgia-Florida border, is the 13 mile Amelia Island. We have stayed in the historic district several times. This short travelogue will focus on our journeys to this charming community. Amelia Island is the southernmost part of the Sea Islands chain that stretches above Charleston, SC. Fernandina Beach is the main community…
Located an hour north of Lisbon, this Medieval village of Obidos is assuredly quaint, if not post-card perfect. The Romans were here and so were the Moors. Eventually, by mid 11th century the Portuguese finally took over. The 45-foot walls and castle towers dominate over the village. It has become a venue for many Portuguese to get married here. We…
Leaving Evora, we trekked two and a half hours northwest to the seaside town of Nazare. From Lisbon, Nazare is but an hour and half north. It is the huge eighty-foot waves that has placed Nazare on the map. It has become a mecca for surfers, particularly in winter when the largest waves arrive. Once again, we took one…
We drove about three hours north from the Algarve to southcentral Portugal and arrived to the Medieval town of Evora. Actually, the area was inhabited about 2000 years ago by the Romans. There is a well-preserved Roman Temple of Diana close to the old town’s center. We recommend at least one night stay to see Temple Diana in its glory…
We rented a car from Lisbon’s airport. At the intersection, there was a skillful juggler looking for tips. At this place we almost got into an accident not once, but twice. Our goal was to drive south for three hours to Portugal’s Algarve region. This southernmost area is a mecca for beach and sun worshipers. It was favored by the…
Lisbon for the Portuguese is called “Lisboa.” One can find these name differences throughout Europe. For example, the German word for Vienna is “Wien.” The Italian word for Florence is “Frienze.” We spent 7 days in “Lisboa.” The following is an account of our sojourn to this magical city. Our Jet Blue flight to New York was delayed by…
My earliest memories of St. Augustine are when I was but nine years old, 1964. Our parents took us to the fort, Castillo de San Marcos. I was so moved by the experience, my mother bought me a small two-inch Spanish canon which I still have in my possession. Historic St. Augustine is one of those neat and well-loved Florida…
Visiting Key West is almost like visiting a foreign country. It is different from main stream America. Walking down Duval Street you may hear 10 different languages. It has truly become an international destination. Then, too, Key West is famous for its liberal life and accepting attitudes. There is something for everyone at the “Southern Most” land. Even now the…
I remember traveling to Key West in the 1960’s with my parents. We three kids were treated to a fine pool along the ocean at “The Southern Most Hotel.” My dad always loved swimming. I believe the cost back then for a room was $60. Today, those rooms go well over $300. There are 800 keys in total. The road,…
Being the third largest city in the United States, there is no question that Chicago has its share of problems. For a tourist, though, there are plenty of activities and fun places to go. This expose is to reflect on those interesting areas our four sojourns to the “Windy City.” My first trip was back in 1980. I vividly recall…