Bainbridge Swing Dance in Ohio

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Bainbridge Swing Dance in Ohio

The Bainbridge Swing Dance in northeast Ohio is a well-established dance that averages 180 people every first Friday of the month.  New and seasoned dancers, from all generations, gather each month to hear a live band play Big Band, Swing, and/or Blues music. Attending the Bainbridge Swing Dance is like watching an old movie.  It is, unquestionably and consistently, one of my favorite dances.  The atmosphere is welcoming.  No partner is required and there is an hour long dance lesson before the band begins.  

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Christmas in Crete

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Christmas in Crete

We drove into Heraklion, from our apartment in Ligaria, just about every day of our trip to Crete. On Christmas Eve we toured the outdoor markets in Heraklion.  The fish market was stocked with a variety of local catches.  A little further, there was a young lady making Turkish coffee and giving it away as a gift to passersby.  Crete was a treat. 

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Scuba Diving in Cairns, Australia

/ Spirit of Freedom/
Scuba Diving in Cairns, Australia

Prior to leaving for our scuba diving trip near Cairns in Australia, we bought a living aboard package which allowed us to  explore more remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef.  We dove four to five times each day, saw and even fed sharks.  We highly recommend this trip.

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Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) in Nürnberg, Germany

/ Christkindlesmarkt/
Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) in Nürnberg, Germany

There is plenty to see at the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Markets) in Nuremberg, Germany.  Handmade ornaments, all sorts of gifts and treats.  Everything is intricately decorated.  There are carolers and musicians playing classic hymns.  It is a delight.  Though I had never experienced anything like the Christkindlesmarkt, a warm nostalgia swept over me. 

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Crystal Park in Montana, USA

/ Crystal Park/
Crystal Park in Montana, USA

Are you a rock hound?  Do you love digging in the dirt to find hidden treasure?  Are you fascinated by geological gems?  If so, you will enjoy an afternoon at Crystal Park in the Pioneer Mountains of Southwest Montana.  Crystal Park is off the beaten path at 7,800 feet above sea level.  On your honor, pay a small fee to dig to your hearts content. 

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Iceland, Geothermal System and Hellisheidarvirkjun Power Plant Tour

/ Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station/

I toured Hellisheidarvirkjun (Hellisheidi for short) Geothermal Power Station on Hengill Volcano in south Iceland, about 20 minutes southeast of Reykjavik.   The tour was an engineer's nirvana.  The plant uses the hot water from directly out of the ground to generate electricity.  The excess hot water is then circulated throughout the countryside. 

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Floating the Kampot River in Cambodia

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Floating the Kampot River in Cambodia

For the ultimate in relaxation, visitors to southern Cambodia need look no further than the Kampot River. Running through the middle of charming French-colonial Kampot, the riverway is actually part of an estuary, mixing fresh and saltwater depending on the tide. It is easy to take in the ambiance from a comfy chair at any of the riverside guesthouses, but best experienced through a leisurely float.

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Oberammergau, Germany

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Oberammergau, Germany

Oberammergau, Germany is famous for its production of a Passion Play, which was first performed in 1634, and its woodcarvers.  The Oberammergau Passion Play is the result of a vow made by the inhabitants of the village when God spared them from the effects of the bubonic plague. The village is also known as the home of a long tradition of woodcarving; the Bavarian State Woodcarving School is located there.  The streets of central Oberammergau are home to dozens of woodcarver shops, with pieces ranging from religious subjects, to toys, to humorous portraits.

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The Rich History of Stirling, in Central Scotland

/ Stirling Castle/
The Rich History of Stirling, in Central Scotland

Stirling, in central Scotland, has maintained its historical significance.  Strategically established and valued for centuries, you can still imagine where warriors marched and royalty was anointed.  

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Sardegna (Sardinia), an Autonomous Region of Italia (Italy)

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Sardegna (Sardinia), an Autonomous Region of Italia (Italy)

I drove zig zag across Sardinia, Italy to visit all the sites on my wish list.  There are 7,000 Nuraghi, or Nuraghic ruins throughout Sardinia.  The distinctive, cone-shaped stone towers dot the countryside.  Their history and purpose are impressive.  Near Alghero, is the Grotte Di Nettuno (Neptune’s Caves), which is well worth the drive.  The hike to the cave is a spectacular representation of Sardinia’s west coast.  A highlight of my trip.

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Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in Haugan, Montana

/ Savenac Historic Tree Nursery/
Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in Haugan, Montana

Few of you may be familiar with the 1900s style and smell associated with the forest service and national parks of North America.  When I saw a sign for “Historic Tree Nursery” along Interstate 90 between Missoula, Montana and the Idaho state line, my heart went a flutter.  I have toured countless nurseries and I most definitely wanted to visit the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in Haugan, Montana.  

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Gulfoss (Golden Falls) in Iceland

/ Gulfoss/
Gulfoss (Golden Falls) in Iceland

Volcanically formed Gulfoss, or Golden Falls, in Iceland is spectacular.  The falls are located in a river canyon, in the middle of nowhere.  The contrasting green cliffs contributes to its ranking as one of the top ten waterfalls in the world.

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Sandhill Cranes, a Gift to Savor

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Sandhill Cranes, a Gift to Savor

Sandhill Cranes have become some what common place to me, as have Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles.  Once upon a time, not that long ago, it was a celebrated moment to witness one of these rare birds.  Be careful not to take for granted the gifts that we have.  It is important to relish the simple things that happen often.  Daily news reports remind us that life is fragile and precarious.  It is a blessing to be given beautiful gifts.  Even small ones.  Take great care to not squander any good thing.

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Gleneagles Golf Course in Scotland

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Gleneagles Golf Course in Scotland

Gleneagles has remained famous for its world class golf courses: the King's Course, Queen's Course and PGA Centenary Course, previously known as the Monarch's Course.  It connects with Glen Devon to form a pass through the Ochil Hills of Perth and Kinross in Scotland. 

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Visit Unique Cliff-Side Monastery in Central Russia

/ Divnogorie/
Visit Unique Cliff-Side Monastery in Central Russia

ancient Russians found a few limestone cliffs on the banks of the Don and excavated rooms into them. One of the places is named Divnogorie or “the place with amazing mountains” in Russian. Another one is Belogorie or “the place with white mountains”. Both places are located in the Voronezh area on rural roads, away from the cities and crowds.

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