Jessie Voigts's Blog, page 199
November 14, 2016
Glencoe Cottages
The magic of Scotland lies in its hills – and people. In finding one of the places we’ll stay in Scotland, I searched long and hard. I found the perfect place in Western Scotland, in Glencoe, called Glencoe Cottages (click for rates and availability). It’s quite an environmentally progressive place, and I am extremely impressed. It is located on Loch Torren and the River Coe, on very beautiful (and extensive) grounds. In fact, the scenes wit...
How to Experience the Magic of European Christmas Markets
Even the words European Christmas markets bring a smile to my face, and a head full of travel plans. I get dreamy, thinking of wandering the paths between rows of booths twinkling with lights, a mug of steaming hot yumminess in my hands, surrounded by the fresh scent of pine and roasted chestnuts, and the crisp night air nipping at my cheeks.
People have enjoyed these markets for centuries – Vienna’s Rathaus Christkindlmarkt, started in 1294, is th...
Studying Abroad in London: The Art of Getting to Class
While I was studying abroad, getting to class was just part of my day to day activities in order to be in class. But, looking back, getting to class was part of the adventure as well. You don’t consider the small details until you reflect on your time abroad. Although it took me almost an hour to get to class, I had come to really enjoy my commute because I was able to exercise, spend time outside, and meet new people. So don’t fret if you end up l...
November 13, 2016
Love Theme Parks? Unusual 1 day excursions from Paris
Picture this: Paris, summer, happiness, much good food, reading (all those bookstores!), and…city crowds? If you’re a bit tired of the city (and even with Paris, this is possible) and you’ve already visited Versailles, Normandy, and Giverny, there are several unusual and adventurous one day excursions from Paris – easily doable, within a short drive, and full of fun. If you and your family need a break from castles, monuments, and attractions, then...
Staying at Disney's Art of Animation Resort Hotel
This month, I’ll be reviewing a new Disney World Resort hotel. You may have heard of The Art of Animation resort (click for rates and availability), new to Disney World. It is a family budget resort with four hotel room buildings, each themed after a different Disney or Disney Pixar animated movie. There is also a main building with a lobby, cafeteria, gift shop, and arcade. The four hotel room buildings are themed after The Lion King, Findi...
Florida Culture for the Week of November 13, 2016 By Josh Garrick
Florida Culture for the Week of November 13, 2016 By Josh Garrick
TODAY – FINAL Day – Nov 13 – The Maitland Rotary “Art Under the Stars” Festival
The Rotary Club of Maitland produces the only art festival in Florida with night-time hours. With original Art surrounding beautiful Lake Lily, families and friends enjoy the Art, the lights and the live entertainment from two stages. The 40th season’s Poster Artist is Ed Myers, who is on-hand to sign your...
November 12, 2016
The Timelessness of RENT: 20th Anniversary on Tour
Have you seen RENT yet? It is hard to imagine that this Broadway show is 20 years old, but time flies. We went to see it last night at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University - and were blown away by the talent, story, and music. The actors? Incredible. The band? Likewise. Each actor stayed true to the original, while somehow making it modern for today. My favorite character? Angel!
You know the story - based on La Boheme, but set in New Yor...
November 11, 2016
An Eating Tour of Austria
Ready for another road trip? This time, it's an eating tour of Austria. Let’s be honest and say that you could actually stay in Vienna and eat to your heart’s delight. There’s that much there! But it would also be a disservice to the glorious cuisine that is found all around Austria to just stay in Vienna.Here's why: local versions of a variety of soups, beef, geese, pork, chicken, noodles, cheese, smoked meats, game, and desserts will all make your...
Rome – A Winter Road Less Travelled
Visiting Rome in winter certainly has its compensations. It is only 10 degrees, a temperature which could probably be called 'mild’ at the beginning of a European winter, but what a treat it is not to have to queue to get into the Vatican, to sit almost alone with Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and to wander around a deserted Colosseum. Things are more lively in the Piazza Navona where a large Christmas market is in full swing with trade...
The Tanner’s Tale: Life in the Medina of Fez
It’s the smell that hits you first: a ureic stench so thick it feels like something solid is foraging up your nostrils. Tourists are given sprigs of mint or rosemary, like the nosegays carried by Renaissance gentlefolk. But if you want to be accepted by the tanners, you have to go unprotected. I’m turning up for my first day as an apprentice tanner, in the old city of Fez, with nothing to filter out the odours.
The Ain Azletoun tannery squats at the...
