Happy 2021!!
Were we in need of a new start. And a new year. As a history nerd, I’ve always loved the post-World War I era, so one year ago I was thoroughly bamboozled by the glamour of the year 2020 – the chance to ring in the new roaring 20s. The Jazz Age. Flappers. The economic…
Read MoreThe final resting place of writers, artists and musicians at Prague’s Vyšehrad Cemetery
This famous cemetery was built in 1869, at the edge of the site of the Vyšehrad castle – where legend has it the first settlement was created that would later become Prague. The first Czech kings ruled from this spot, before the more well-known Prague Castle was constructed. Legend has it that Princess Libuše founded…
Read MoreA 2020 in books
I usually finish my annual Goodreads Reading Challenge with plenty of breathing room, but 2020 has been anything but a usual year. So I’m still uncertain if I’ll meet my annual goal as the year rapidly comes to a close. Chances are – with yet another government-mandated shutdown (because science), I will. Nevertheless, I’ve read…
Read MoreIn need of a little holiday cheer … in Rome
2020 is winding down. and while I’m old enough not to generally wish for the rapid passage of time – this year has broken all the rules. It can’t wrap up fast enough for me. So as 2020 comes to an end, I’m grateful the city didn’t skimp on the Christmas lights this year. I…
Read MoreA fascinating glimpse into sea-sourced vocabulary from author Grace Tierney
From baggywinkle and gollywobbler to tempest and flotsam, the sea in all her moods has given a boatload of words to the English language throughout history. Grace Tierney’s fascinating Words the Sea Gave Us explores their origins along with a cargo of old sea dog yarns. Cast your line for the salty history of skyscraper,…
Read MoreA weekend in Italy’s center – Rieti
I’ve already written about this medieval town north of Rome, at the upper edges of the Lazio region. I got to know Rieti quite well when my younger son began running for the town’s competitive track and field team. Although his daily practice is (thankfully) in Rome, we get here fairly often for track meets.…
Read MoreBook review: The Last Collection
I picked up this novel last summer because I was curious about one of the historical figures. This is the tale of two rival fashion designers that unfolds in pre- and post-World War II Paris. One of the designers was quite well known to me (and perhaps everyone): Coco Chanel. But the focus of the…
Read MoreA taste of the Old World in Columbus, Ohio’s German Village
My older son and I were in Columbus, Ohio this past summer, and we decided to walk down to the German Village area, on the southern edge of the city. Originally settled by Geman immigrants in the early 1800s, Columbus’ German Village still has a distinct character today. It sits adjacent to the Brewery District…
Read MoreI’m (not) leaving on a jet plane
Some of you may remember the old John Denver song, but in keeping with 2020, think it’s fair to say that most of us aren’t going anywhere on a jet plane. Even if we did, what would there be to do? Quarantine for two weeks and go out to observe the closed museums, shuttered bars…
Read MoreThe odd nighttime silence of the Eternal City
It’s déjà vu, all over again…. But so it goes in 2020. Here in Rome, we have a lockdown lite. Perhaps not that ‘lite’, however, to businesses trying to get back on their feet after our long lockdown. Currently in Rome, restaurants and bars must shutter up at 6 pm. Supemarkets, pharmacies and some shops…
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