This remarkable place is mysterious, romantic AND a feat of engineering. How a heartbroken man spent twenty-eight years building this monument to his lost love…SEE MORE > >
Before we crossed the first of the forty-two bridges we would encounter through The Florida Keys, we made a stop at the incredible Coral Castle.
The story of this remarkable place is both mysterious and romantic. According to legend, Edward Leedskalnin was jilted by his bride-to-be the day before his wedding.
Heartbroken, he came to America from his native Latvia in 1923 and spent the next twenty-eight years building this monument to his lost love.
The mystery comes into play with the fact that he made his masterpiece single handed, somehow moving and placing giant stones weighing up to thirty tons.
There was all kinds of speculation that he had harnessed some sort of power, most likely magnetic. But when he was asked about his feat his reply was that he had “discovered the secrets of the pyramids” and that he “understood the laws of weight and leverage well.”
However he did it, we found it quite impressive. Beginning at the nine ton, perfectly balanced front gate, we wandered among the coral creations, towers and rooms, all held in place only by gravity. Leedskalnin managed this by precise cutting, without the use of any mortar.
He also made furniture, including a heart-shaped table and one in the shape of Florida, twenty-five rocking chairs, beds and a even a throne to preside over his castle, all carved in solid stone.
The more we examined his handiwork, the more amazed we became. Even more amazing, after thirteen years of secret construction at his home in Florida City, he decided to move the entire structure ten miles north to its present location in Homestead.
It took him three years to move it, and then he continued to add on to it until his death in 1951.
At the end of our Norway in a Nutshell tour we found ourselves in Bergen, the country’s second largest city.
With over a thousand-years of history that has always been connected to trading on the sea, it seemed like the best place to begin our exploration of the town was at the harbor.
We made the easy walk from our home base, the sleek and stylish Scandic Hotel Ørnen, to the busiest port in Norway in just a few minutes.
There’s Norway, and then there’s Bergen (or so the locals told us!)
For much of its existence Bergen was a part of Denmark.
In fact, Norway has only been fully independent since 1905, before that the Scandinavian kingdoms formed alliances, and sometimes fought, while the seat of power was either Denmark or Sweden.
In the case of Bergen, much of its power and stature came from Germany, through the Hanseatic League that we first learned about on our Eurail adventure when we stopped in Lübeck.
This society of traders formed a city within a city along the waterfront that became known as Bryggen, meaning wharf, which has been restored and preserved as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
As we worked our way through the maze of tiny alleys and walkways among the storehouses, we began to get a feel for what it must have been like seven hundred years ago when all of the fish and humans were piled in here on top of each other.
Thousands of pounds of fish were processed and shipped south from these cramped and chaotic buildings every season.
It’s all a bit wonky!
For a look at the inside of one of these structures, we popped into the Hanseatic Museum.
The building has quite a history its own self.
It was built in 1702 after one of the many fires that have ravaged Bergen through the years, then in it 1872 became a museum.
It’s a “tradition” to make a wish on the wooden stock fish – but our guide was a bit embarrassed for us that we felt the need to!
The ground floor still has dried fish hanging from the rafters, but we have no doubt that the aroma is nothing more than a hint of the reeking olfactory assault that took place back in the heyday of Bryggen.
Boiling out cod liver oil and pressing dried cod into barrels no doubt kicked up quite a stink.
Tiny, tiny room!
Climbing up the steep, narrow, and dark staircase we reached the second floor, which has bunks for the workers, offices for the managers, and trading space for the business at hand.
Up one more flight and we were in the nicer quarters, where the bosses stayed as far from the mess below as possible.
The higher you go, the nicer the digs!
Protecting the harbor
Back outside we walked toward the open sea, past the rows of wooden warehouses, to the mouth of the port where the Bergenhus Fortress stands guard.
This was the site of the royal residence dating back nearly a thousand years, but the surviving buildings are slightly newer, from the middle of the thirteenth century.
The Håkonshallen, named for King Haakon, and the Rosenkrantz Tower are still standing after surviving severe damage during World War II.
Norway was occupied by Germany during the war, and Bergen became an important submarine base for the Nazis, but the damage was caused by an accident, not hostilities.
The statue of King Haakon stands watch at the harbor.
On April 20th, 1944, the Dutch ship Voorbode, loaded with a quarter of a million pounds of explosives, caught fire in the harbor.
The resulting blast killed 158 people, wounded nearly five thousand more, and destroyed 131 buildings with hundreds more sustaining severe damage.
Sabotage by the Norwegian resistance forces was suspected, especially since it took place on Hitler’s birthday, but that was only a coincidence.
The view from the top
Heading back inland, we only had to walk a few blocks to get to one of Norway’s most popular attractions, the Fløibanen.
This funicular railway climbs a thousand feet up the side of Fløyen, one of the seven mountains that surround the city of Bergen.
The basic idea of a funicular is very similar to an elevator.
Two cars are attached to each other by a cable so that they counterbalance each other.
As one goes up, the other comes down.
All we know is that it worked just fine, and gave us an amazing panoramic view of the city, fjords, and surrounding mountains.
Even with the damp conditions we could see for miles.
Actually, considering that Bergen gets about seven feet of rain each year, we had to count ourselves as lucky that it wasn’t pouring on us.
Bergen is famous for more than rain, the city has also been known as a cultural center for centuries.
Several collectors have established museums over the years, including one of the largest collections of Edvard Munch paintings anywhere outside of Oslo, but the city is better known for its contribution to music.
In the main shopping area we came upon a statue of a man playing violin. Being curious, we inquired and discovered that this was Ole Bornemann Bull.
While something less than a household name these days, he was huge back in his day, the mid 1800s.
As a worldwide star he played everywhere, including the good ole U.S. of A.
He liked the states so much that he decided to establish a New Norway in northern Pennsylvania.
He built a castle and founded cities, but before long his plan went bust. The land wasn’t very good for farming, so Ole Bull returned to Bergen and most of his citizens moved on to Minnesota and the Dakotas.
His legacy lives on though, since the one-time settlement has become Ole Bull State Park.
The Opera House
Nearby we encountered another statue, this one depicting an upset-looking, naked boy crying in a pond.
This wonderfully expressive guy is called Grinegutten, which means Crying Boy in Norwegian, and we felt strongly that he has every right to be cranky.
After all, he’s been left stranded standing in the middle of a fountain in his birthday suit for over sixty-five years. The audacity of it all!
We also felt strongly that Norway’s second city left us feeling a whole lot happier than this little guy.
When you think of retirement, you may think of kicking up your feet and doing nothing. After all, you’ve been on the move for decades and now is your time to relax.
But there are several reasons why getting back onto your feet and traveling during your retirement years is good for you. CONTINUE READING >>
The many benefits of traveling for seniors.
When you think of retirement, you may think of kicking up your feet and doing nothing. After all, you’ve been on the move for decades and now is your time to relax. So congratulations on your retirement but there are several reasons why getting back onto your feet and traveling during your retirement years is good for you.
1. Healthy Aging
There are a number of physical benefits to traveling during your senior years. While traveling is usually associated with relaxation, visiting new places can actually be quite physically taxing. Lugging around suitcases, sightseeing, hiking and various other activities can all burn plenty of calories and really get the blood flowing.
Or better yet, get some exercise with the grandchildren by joining in the fun and excitement of family amusements like theme parks or a Wisconsin Dells Attraction.
Older adults who are physically active have been shown to be less susceptible to things like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer.
2. Cognitive Maintenance
On top of all the physical benefits traveling can bring, there are also a number of cognitive advantages. Seeing new things, meeting new people and navigating new places all stimulate the mind, which promotes healthy cognitive function. Whether it’s trying to read a map or understand a foreign language, traveling brings plenty of mental challenges to keep your mind active and strong.
3. Social Benefits
There is a social aspect to traveling that can’t be overlooked. For one, it provides you the opportunity to visit relatives you don’t get to see often. Traveling is the link connecting generations of families and creating lifelong memories.
Additionally, traveling affords you the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and different parts of the world. In addition to learning new things, research has shown that an active social life can slow the decline of one’s health and create a higher quality of living later in life.
4. Stress Relief
There are certain parts of traveling that we all know can be stressful — airport lines, public transportation and jet lag to name a few. But travel as a whole has been found to improve people’s moods and relieve stress. In fact, a 2013 study revealed that 86 percent of travelers experienced an improved mood and outlook on life. More importantly, those effects are long lasting and continue long after your vacation is over.
5. Escape from the Weather
Seniors who live in certain climates may experience a little relief of their joint pain, muscle aches, arthritis and sinuses when visiting a new climate. Changes in temperature, humidity levels and air pressure can have dramatic effects on your body.
6. Spiritual Growth
There may also be some spiritual benefits to traveling for older adults. Discovering oneself, building a relationship with nature and putting the world into greater perspective are just some of the ways traveling can be beneficial to seniors.
7. Educational Benefits
Reading about another country or culture can only teach you so much. Traveling to a new location is the perfect opportunity to soak up some knowledge that you would never get sitting at home.
8. Senior Benefits
The best part about traveling when you’re older? The discounts! Retirees can often find discounts on airfare, hotels, meals and more. Financially speaking, there is perhaps no better time to leave the house.
Traveling offers a number of benefits for older adults, but it also brings a number of health and safety requirements. As a retiree, you should know what to pack and how to prepare for your trip to fully optimize your experience.
Enjoy your retirement, and safe travels!
We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information for our readers.
Whether it’s watching jumbo jets land just a few feet overhead on Maho Beach, or having some of the best French food ever in the beach town of Grand Case, both the French and Dutch sides of St, Martin have plenty to love… CONTINUE READING >>
Saint Martin has long been one of our favorite places for a Caribbean winter getaway or spring fling. We went for the first time almost twenty years ago. It was in January to celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary, and we have been back several times since.
One thing that the island is famous for is its split personality. We say that because this little place is governed by both France and the Netherlands, making it the smallest island in the world to be occupied by two countries. Enjoying the differences between the two sides is one of our favorite things to do on St. Martin.
The Dutch side has a more night-life and active fun vibe, while the French area is a bit more laid back and well, French. But whether it’s watching jumbo jets land just a few feet overhead on Maho Beach, or having some of the best French food we ever ate in the quiet little beach town of Grand Case, both sides have plenty to love.
Now we’re thinking that it might just be time for another visit. The last time we were there we discovered that perhaps the perfect way to explore all sides of Saint Martin is from a catamaran out on the sea. So we looked again and this time found that PyratZ has just what we were looking for, ready and waiting to sail out on an adventure.
Just to be clear though, these aren’t party boats, but you will have a blast. They are private or shared boat charters with a luxury touch. Choose a sunset cruise, a half or full day, or even a week onboard and you will be pampered with amazing activities, cool cocktails, gourmet dining, and unbelievable views of the Leeward Islands. This is all a part of their three key pillars: Gastronomy, Discovery, and Sustainability.
Let’s take a closer look:
Gastronomy
Your authentic private dining experience onboard any PyratZ charter features a menu that expertly combines French and Caribbean flavors. Savor the flavors of French Cheeses and Charcuterie, Mushrooms Velouté with fresh local mushrooms, a tantalizing Tropical Salad, and top it off with a sizzling steak or grilled local lobster. It will be a meal to remember.
Discovery
We think the very best thing to discover around Saint Martin is the incredible world just below the surface of the sea. Perfect, because all PyratZ charters have top quality snorkels, masks, and fins on board and waiting for whenever you are ready to dive in and explore the undersea world of reefs and exotic sea life.
Each boat also has paddle boards and kayaks for those of us who might want to check out what’s going on above the waves. Or we think just a relaxing drift on a noodle or a floating mat is a pretty good way to spend an afternoon in the Caribbean too. Of course, all of this is done with an eye on safety and Responsible Tourism. Your captain will instruct everyone on the ins and outs of responsible yachting and respect for marine life and the coastal eco systems and communities. Which brings us to the third pillar:
Sustainability
PyratZ was started with the direct intention of supporting sustainable tourism and strives to minimize their footprint as much as possible. This can be seen in the fuel efficient fleet, their commitment to eliminate single-use plastics onboard and collaborate with local eco-friendly and ethically sourced businesses, artisans, and suppliers. They are also involved in partnerships with organizations dedicated to marine cleanup initiatives, and in keeping safe and fair working conditions, and career opportunities for the crews and staff. We are more than happy to be onboard with all of that.
We should certainly point out that all of these fantastic features are not only available on Saint Martin. No, there are many nearby islands worth discovering. We found that anguilla yacht charters is a great place to start any of those adventures if the British Virgin Islands, or maybe Saint Barths are calling out to you.
Of course you will find the same attention to detail and exceptional service as on Saint Martin.
So ahoy matey, let’s cast off for a vacation with memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s not often that we find a place completely unknown to us, but Île Tintamarre is one we found hiding in plain sight. Join us as we explore the quirky history of this intriguing little land just off the Northeast coast of of Saint Martin… CONTINUE READING >>
We have been to Saint Martin several times over the past fifteen years or so, but when we visited with Dream Yacht Charters last November we were surprised by something totally unexpected… an entire island that we had never heard of.
Hiding in plain sight, just off the Northeast coast of the French side of the main island, we discovered, or more correctly our exceptional captain Serge brought us to, the uninhabited yet indubitably captivating Île Tintamarre.
Our limited fluency in French linguistics led us to speculate on the name had something to do with the color of the sea, but we were way off. For no apparent reason the island seems to have been named for an old Acadian French word concerning making loud noise.
After going ashore, we learned that was only one of several oddities about this island.
Being so close to one of the Caribbean’s most modern islands meant that we had flawless cell service, so we could whip out our phones and Google on the go while exploring… so Google we did.
After some brief spelunking in a seaside cave on the beach where we made landfall, and an encounter with several of the island’s seemingly infinite population of hermit crabs, we made our way inland to see if we could find some traces of the stories we had found online.
The island’s history could best be described as quirky, which pairs perfectly with its topographic peculiarities. Unlike its much larger and mountainous nearby neighbor, Tintamarre is virtually flat. This feature influenced two unusual periods in the island’s past.
The first began in 1902 when Diederik Christian, a Dutch noble who owned the island, came to establish a plantation. Although his main motivation seems to have been to escape taxation, he did manage to build an operation that included some 150 workers and had some success growing cotton and raising livestock.
We found a few ruins left behind from the farming activity, mainly a gate and stone fences, but there are still the remnants of a few buildings too.
He also might have been a little loco, because before long he established his own currency and ruled the island as a self- appointed monarch. Either imperial ruling, or perhaps the seclusion, must not have agreed with him, because by 1931 he sold the island to L. C. Fleming and returned to his estate on Saint Martin.
Guess he figured paying the taxes was worth it.
At this point France reclaimed the territory, which led to another unusual occurrence. Since the French Caribbean islands fell under control of the Vichy government during World War II, Tintamarre became a safe haven for Nazi submarines.
Seems the U-boats would rest on the shallow bottom just off shore while recharging their batteries and stocking up on fuel and provisions.
Not long after the war the second flat land inspired era began. An eccentric aviator by the name of Remy de Haenen rented the island and created an air traffic hub of sorts. He also may or may not have been involved with selling supplies to the German subs.
Once again the level ground contributed to the project by making the clearing of an airstrip an easy undertaking. After picking up some surplus military planes and a flying boat from PanAm, by 1946 Remy had his airline, Compagnie Aerienne Antillaise, up and flying.
Unfortunately, the pioneering flight service encountered three severe accidents in 1947, setting it back drastically. Then a huge hurricane in 1950 did it in once and for all.
While nearly no trace remains of the airport, we had very little trouble visualizing the runway cutting through the overgrown island bush as we walked across the Western end of the strip.
There is one last oddity that Île Tintamarre has been known for, mud baths. Somehow rumors spread that the messy muck along the southern shore had healing powers and folks began to flock to it. Adding to its fame was the fact that most chose to shed all of their clothing for the experience.
However, a few years ago the French authorities proclaimed the goop poisonous and banned the public from partaking in its dubious health benefits. While many ignore the directive, we chose to heed the warning and head back to the boat.
We felt quite confident that an evening aboard would be every bit, if not more beneficial than wallowing in the mud.
Believe me, you won’t believe this phenomenal phenomenon until you see it for yourself… CONTINUE READING >>
The old phrase “like a fish out of water” takes on a new meaning on the nights when the grunion run. Thousands of these little swimmers take to the land in a bizarre mating ritual that must be seen to be believed.
I had heard stories, but always thought they were tall tales. A legend local Californians told to the visitors and newcomers about the waves of fish coming ashore in the middle of the night.
It seemed that my dear wife was also in on the conspiracy. I guess as a native Southern Californian she kind of had to be.
So I was truly shocked when I ventured down to the beach around midnight and saw the truth. It really does happen. Not only that, it is happening now.
Don’t believe me? Here’s a handy guide that tells all of the nights when the grunion will be running along the beaches of Southern California through the spring and in to summer.
Check it out and you will see that there are plenty of opportunities to see this phenomenal phenomenon for yourself.
Then you will know that this is not just some fish story.
We didn’t have a pot full o’ time to discover Dublin, we had but a day to discover her charms.
But we made the most of this fair city – we learned how to pour a perfect pint at the Guinness Academy, stormed her castle, ate native food, made a daring escape, and took a peek at Molly Malone (where exactly was David looking?)…CONTINUE READING >>
We didn’t have a pot full o’ time to discover Dublin, we had but a day to discover her charms after landing at the airport and before making our way to Dingle and the Wild Atlantic Way.
So we mapped out a plan to hit the highlights in one lucky jaunt around the town.
One thing we knew for certain, we had to start our outing at the city’s top attraction, the Guinness Brewery.
No need for the luck of the Irish when seeking Ireland’s most famous brew, a trolley and our feet did the job just fine.
The venerable old brewery at the St. James Gate has occupied the same space in Dublin since 1759, so it was not hard to find – it’s like a city on its own.
Of course it has grown over the years, but the end result remains the same, the world’s most popular stout.
Our mission was to learn all about it at the Guinness Storehouse, the seven story former fermentation plant that serves as part brewery tour, part museum, and best of all, part pub.
We began in the tour area, learning about the methods and ingredients that go into creating the celebrated dark ale.
As with all beers water, hops, and yeast are required, but the most important factor is the specially roasted barley that gives the potion its distinctive color.
The water exhibit is as bright as the exterior of the buildings are stark.
We continued with the story of the founder, Arthur Guinness, and the nine-thousand year lease he signed on the brewery property.
His fame as a brewer led to his nickname throughout Dublin – Uncle Arthur.
Upstairs we found exhibits featuring the advertising behind the brand.
Many of the eclectic, iconic Guinness posters and signs are on display; including the toucan and the famous slogans Guinness is Good for You, Guinness for Strength, Lovely Day for a Guinness, and Guinness Makes You Strong.
David the Train nut found himself a Guinness train!
Wait. What? It’s the same Guinness?
“Uncle” Arthur Guinness
The first Guinness Book of World Records was released in August 1954 after the company’s managing director, Sir Hugh Beaver, got in an argument over the fastest game bird in Europe.
That gave him the idea to compile a comprehensive list of the world’s fastest, longest, strongest and best.
The resulting book became an incredibly popular resource for satisfying bar bets around the globe, as well as a unique marketing tool for beer.
Pouring the Perfect Pint
On the fourth floor we got schooled at the Guinness Academy’s Perfect Pint Bar.
Our classroom!
Maybe it should be considered an art institute, since the art of pouring flawless glass of Guinness takes a master’s touch.
After our instruction, we were certified by the Academy to step in if we encounter a bartending emergency or an incapacitated barkeep at some point in the future.
St. Patrick’s Tower was built in 1805 to grind grain, St. Patrick can be seen on top holding a cross.
With plenty of well-trained backup bartenders available in the Perfect Pint, we felt safe leaving the pub patrons behind and making our way up to the seventh floor Gravity Bar to enjoy our pints while taking in panoramic views of Dublin.
When seen from the outside, the windows form the head on a giant pint of Guinness, but from inside they capped off a bubbly visit.
We hated to leave, but with so much more to see we needed to step it up.
Stormin’ the City
Foregoing the trams and busses for our return trip, we decided to walk back through town and take in the sights along the way.
First on our list, the one and only Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of the Emerald Isle.
This is THE church in Ireland, so here there be no debate as to whether the tales and legends about St. Paddy are accurate or not.
Oddly, it does not serve as the cathedral for the diocese of Dublin, the nearby Christ Church Cathedral holds that honor.
While that name may not be as famous, this church dates back nearly a thousand years and remains one of the city’s main medieval landmarks.
Christ Church Cathedral
A Daring (and Disgusting) Escape
Continuing on toward the old city center, we came to another of those landmarks, Dublin Castle. The fortification was built as part of the defensive wall around the old Norman city. Centuries later, it became a royal residence and more ornate touches were added, such as Bedford Tower.
Bedford TowerThe Record Tower is the only intact medieval tower in Dublin has a famous toilet chute!
Little remains from the original ramparts, but we did spot the only surviving turret from the castle’s early days, the Record Tower, across the courtyard.
We found an interesting plaque on tower, which served as Ireland’s maximum security prison, explaining the castle’s only successful escape.
After Hugh O’Donnell led a rebellion against the occupying English government back in 1593, he and two companions, Art and Henry O’Neill, were tossed in the tower.
The trio managed to make a getaway by climbing out of a toilet into the River Poddle. One might say they proceeded down the privy to the Poddle.
Pub Grub
If we were going to get everything in before dark we needed to get a move on, but first a pit stop for a late lunch.
Just off the campus we found a perfect spot for a little pub grub, O’Neill’s. (Perhaps an ancestor of the escapees?)
Any Irish pub worth its salt also serves hearty fare so we ordered lamb stew and a slab of corned beef. Oh, and of course, a couple o’ pints.
Picking our poison was no easy task since there were 45 different brews on tap.
Filled and quenched we were ready to make our way back to our accommodations at the Morrison Hotel. The route took us right through Dublin’s premier shopping district. Grafton Street, named for Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton, has become the epicenter of upscale stores and tourism for the town.
The Tart with the Cart
For a while it was also home to one of the most famous citizens, Molly Malone.
David SAYS he was looking at what Molly had in her baskets, but it sure doesn’t look like it!
The Irish love a song, or a tale, and Molly fills both bills by starring as a fishmonger by day and a street walker by night in the ballad bearing her name.
This has led to her nickname among Dubliners, The Tart with the Cart.
It is quite possible that Molly’s reputation has been unduly sullied, since the lyrics of the song make no mention of her nocturnal activities.
Whatever her moral character, the fictional figure was captured in bronze and unveiled on Grafton Street by Lord Mayor Ben Briscoe in 1988. On our visit we found her pushing a wagon full of cockles on Suffolk Street, where she is residing temporarily due to construction.
Bridging the Gap
We tore ourselves away from Molly’s statuesque statue and headed toward the River Liffey.
When we reached the south bank we found ourselves smack in the middle of Temple Bar.
While this is definitely the place for pubs and nightlife, it is not named for that kind of bar.
The name refers to a strip of reclaimed land along the riverside, sort of like a sand bar, that was settled by the Temple family.
Why not use the famous Ha’penny Bridge?
Our last landmark of the day was one that proved quite functional, since we had to get across the River Liffey one way or another.
Two hundred years ago ferries were the only way to cross, but then the Wellington Bridge was built in honor of the Duke of Wellington.
In order to keep the ferry operators from being driven out of business, a tariff of half a penny was charged to use the span.
Later the name was officially changed to the Liffey Bridge, but by that time everybody called it the Ha’penny Bridge, because of the toll.
Of course, as time went by many more bridges were built to carry vehicles from one side of the river to the other, leaving the good old cast iron Ha’penny to serve only pedestrian traffic.
Crossing the bridge completed our day, and in doing so we also crossed off almost all of Dublin’s don’t miss sights. There was still one little place, or perhaps we should say people left to see, leprechauns, and Irish luck was with us, because we would take care of that top o’ the next morning at the National Leprechaun Museum.
The ground floor still has dried fish hanging from the rafters, but we have no doubt that the aroma is nothing more than a hint of the reeking olfactory assault that took place back in the heyday of Bryggen.
Google on the go while exploring… so Google we did.
We found a few ruins left behind from the farming activity, mainly a gate and stone fences, but there are still the remnants of a few buildings too.
At this point 
While nearly no trace remains of the airport, we had very little trouble visualizing the runway cutting through the overgrown island bush as we walked across the Western end of the strip.
was released in August 1954 after the company’s managing director, Sir Hugh Beaver, got in an argument over the fastest game bird in Europe.
