The Ruined Abbey of Cluny, France
Until the completion of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome in the 17th Century, the church at the Cluny Abbey in France was the largest Christian church in the world. Unfortunately … Read more
France
Palace of the Popes, Avignon, France
There was a time when the popes did not live in Rome, but instead at Avignon, in Southern France.
Trip Totals: Accounting for our Whereabouts
Apart from toting up income (not enough) and expenses (too much), we endorse counting up other important things in your life, especially at tax time. Count your blessings; count your … Read more
Discovering European Capitals of Culture
Since 1985, the European Commission has been designating one or two cities per year as European Capitals of Culture (ECOC). That’s thirty years of work, recognizing more than fifty cities, … Read more
The Bayeux Tapestry, Normandy, France
The Bayeux Tapestry was the medieval equivalent of a newspaper, or at least a speech by a politician. It tells the story in pictures and words of the rationale and the history behind the Norman Conquest of England. In fact, William the Conquerer, the Norman duke who defeated the English King Harold at the Battle of Hastings and assumed the throne of England, had the thing done only a couple of years later so he could explain to everyone his side of what happened and how a French guy ended up as King of England.
Our 2014 Travels in 50 Photos
2014 was our biggest year of traveling yet. We visited 19 countries, including a long driving trip in the western United States. We saw, in order, the United States, Belgium, … Read more
The Lowdown on Travel with a Eurail Pass
Our Itinerary The hardest part about traveling with our Eurail pass, good for 15 travel days within two months, was deciding where to go. We studied the maps, solicited ideas, … Read more
The Battlefield of Pointe du Hoc, France
The seaside cliff called Pointe du Hoc, overlooking Omaha and Utah beaches in Normandy, was the site of some of the fiercest D-Day fighting.
American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Normandy, France
This is the second time we’ve visited the Omaha Beach Cemetery. The first time was in 2007.
The Dominican Church, Colmar, France
The Dominican Church in Colmar, France was built in the 14th Century. There was a time it was not used as a church, then again it was, and then again … Read more