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 drive
Archives
Birmingham – Remembering the glories of a garden
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 a
Babylonstoren is a South African Treasure
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 Pieter
Luxury Accommodations Add to South African Experience
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 in
21st Century Vietnam and Cambodia Revealed
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 ending
Village on the Danube River offers excellent History Lessons
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 excited
Memory Maker is a great addition to your Walt Disney World Vacation
If you’ve visited Walt Disney World I’m sure you know there are photographers stationed throughout the parks at strategic locations as well as ride photos offered – you know; right when you’re plunging down Splash Mountain or your elevator car is being dropped on Tower of Terror. PhotoPass This kind of photography has come a long way since
Little Petra: Another Chapter in Jordanian History
After two days in Petra, our Exodus Travels tour journeys north to Siq al-Barid, known as Little Petra. Part of Petra Archeological Park, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Unlike the larger Petra area, Little Petra does not require admission and is very quiet in stark contrast with Petra, but nonetheless strikingly beautiful and mysterious. Archaeologists
Prague and The Lobkowicz Palace
An original love letter dated June 20, 1622 is displayed in a glass cabinet under a green velvet cover in The Lobkowicz Palace. Translated it reads in part: Zdenek Vojtech Popel, 1st Prince Lobkwicz to Polyxenia Lobkwicz My beloved, The good Capuchin friars are returning to Vienna so I have wanted to give them this letter, with which I kiss
Melk Abbey is an Austrian Masterpiece
It is a rainy windswept day when I visit Melk Abbey, an AmaWaterways river cruise excursion in Austria. We meet our very young guide (who looks more like a teenager than the scholar tour guide she is) in a grand inner courtyard before entering the abbey proper. It was Abbot Berthold Dietmayr and his architects Jakob Prandtauer and Joseph Munggenast