Blog
By Marilyn Jones Alabama may not be synonymous with fine art, but our museums are home to some truly world-class collections and pieces. You can appreciate their beauty or perhaps their emotional power; some offer glimpses into our history, telling us about our culture and where we came from. Whatever the purpose, you can make new discoveries with a short driveRead More
Recently I needed photos of Birmingham for an article. When I searched my files I came across flower photos I had taken at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I had never used them or written about the impressive gardens. In the 1950s James W. Morgan, city mayor at the time, led an effort to establish the gardens on aRead More
A decade ago Karen Roos, a magazine editor and lover of South Africa’s Dutch Cape history, purchased a fruit and wine farm dating back to the late 17th century. She renamed it Babylonstoren and set about transforming it into the showplace it is today. Located near Franschhoek, it was in 1692 the land was granted to burgher PieterRead More
A hotel can stand alone as a destination anywhere in the world. While traveling throughout South Africa, I stayed at several hotels and resorts that were much more than a place to hang my hat and get a good night’s sleep. They had history, character and charm. The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa inRead More
By Marilyn Jones Aliana has beautiful deep brown eyes with long eyelashes. We only met this morning — just before sunrise — in Wadi Rum, a sprawling desert in southern Jordan. Aliana is one of the camels owned by a 23-year-old Bedouin, Rashim, who says he has tended camels since he was 5. Wadi Rum Protected Area covers 280 squareRead More
By Marilyn Jones When I decided to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, I checked with my travel agent to see what was available. I decided on Exodus Travels because of their stellar reputation and their comprehensive guide to activity levels. I was immediately drawn to the Classic Vietnam & Angkor schedule and the leisurely activity level. Beginning in Hanoi and endingRead More
Like every travel writer I spend a lot of time planning my adventures. Right now I am planning a trip to Egypt in April, and a marathon 3,500-mile solo road trip in May and June. Along with my planning comes the desire to have the right “accessories” for every situation. Road Trip In addition to plenty of audiobooks toRead More
On the shores of the Danube, a blue church spire signifies the approach of Durnstein, a town with a population of less than 1,000. High above the village is another landmark, Kuenringernurg, the castle where Richard the Lionheart was held in the 12th century during the Third Crusade. I am a passenger on the AmaWaterways AmaSella and I am excitedRead More
I wake to rain pelting the windows. My plans for the day are to explore the heart of Santiago and a little — or a lot — of rain isn’t going to stop me. Juggling an umbrella, camera and tote bag, I start out by exploring the quiet streets in a neighborhood just outside downtown. Many of the palatial mansions,Read More
From our hotel in Sweimeh, Jordan we took a short shuttle ride to the Dead Sea. The fun began even before I reached the beautiful beach lined with recliners and colorful umbrellas. Two members of my Exodus Travels tour group were already in a small enclosure laughing as they smeared Dead Sea mud all over themselves. Soon everyone joined inRead More