February 02, 2014
— Open Blogger This thread sponsored by Old Spice.

**OK, by special request, here is a link to the Hot Old Spice Guy.**
There were a lot of great suggestions in last Sunday’s thread and I promise I’ll get to them, but in light of the events this past week I thought it’d be nice to use the travel thread to talk about the places we’ve visited – or would like to visit someday – that renew our spirits and inspire us to carry on. Through all the struggles we endure in our every day lives, where do we go to find solace? Where do we feel closer to God (or feel a part of some Bigger Meaning, irrespective of if one believes in a higher power)? I think this is a primal urge that humans have – to find meaning and purpose for our lives beyond those that we share as animals (eating, drinking, reproducing, surviving). It’s a central part of who we are and one that I think it’s important to nourish. Travel can be a great way to do that.
Back in the day, I had a chance to do a fair amount of traveling (although not nearly as much as many of our globe-trotting morons and ‘ettes). These are some of my favorite “sacred” places (below the jump):
IÂ’m living here now but even before that I have long been drawn to this part of the country, particularly the desert regions which are so different from the region where I was raised. I think itÂ’s the scale of the open spaces, the immediacy of the EarthÂ’s geology, the harshness of the land (and toughness of the flora and fauna) and, frankly, the LIGHT out here that impress me to such an extent and make a Creator seem quite real and very present.

Image source here.
I thought these articles describing some of the places sacred to native peoples were quite interesting. IÂ’ve been to some of them and hope to visit more in the years to come:
Sacred Places in the Great Basin describes many of the important sites in Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado.
And this article on New MexicoÂ’s Sacred Places highlights a few from New Mexico, which I think is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The light there really is special. No wonder artists are drawn to it.
Finally, I could spend hours looking at the 3D interactive panoramas of Utah on this site: Utah3D
...or I could get off my duff, hop in my car, and go see them!
Quite a few years ago now I had the chance to spend a few days in London and was fortunate to have a local act as my guide. One of the places that impressed me greatly was St. PaulÂ’s Cathedral in London. We happened in at the end of a long, hot day of walking all over town. Inside was cool and peaceful... and then the choir began to sing! We must have stumbled onto practice. Simply amazing acoustics. I was so impressed I popped a twenty pound note into the collection box. The virtual tour is wonderful.

Image source here.
Another church that made a great impression on me was the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which I visited with my family as a young girl. My specific memories are vague, but the visceral impression it made on me as a Holy Place has stayed with me to this day.

Image source here.
As I recall, my parents also took me to the nearby Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land (aka Mount St. Sepulchre), which includes fascinating catacombs that made quite an impression on me as a youngster. There's a virtual tour available here.
Of course there are many other beautiful churches around the world, some of which are listed in this article. Which have you visited?
One that is on my bucket list (and possibly yours, too) is the Sistine Chapel and its amazing ceiling. The 3D virtual tour of the chapel is breathtaking.
Also on my bucket list are two important American sites, Gettysburg and Arlington National Cemetery. I don't know how it happened to be that I've never been to either despite growing up in the area and having parents who were really wonderful about taking my sister and me to monuments, museums, and historical sites. In any event, I'd like to go to both of them someday. I expect they are powerful landmarks.
In addition, I'd also like to visit the USS Arizona Memorial someday and pay my respects to the men who lost their lives there.
Finally, I think IÂ’d like to visit Stonehenge. IÂ’m curious if it would feel like a sacred place or merely an historical curiosity.
What places are on
To finish up, hereÂ’s lovely video of Niagara Falls in honor of our friend, Joffen:
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Posted by: grammie winger at February 02, 2014 01:11 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Havedash at February 02, 2014 01:12 PM (G1XMn)
Posted by: Crestfallen and confused why at February 02, 2014 01:13 PM (R6JT1)
It's a cliche, but if you haven't seen the Grand Canyon, you need to. Simply awesome.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:13 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: blaster at February 02, 2014 01:13 PM (4+AaH)
Posted by: blaster at February 02, 2014 01:15 PM (4+AaH)
Posted by: Fourth Horseman at February 02, 2014 01:15 PM (GKF3X)
In 1994 I went there with a circus troop to accept some award for something someone else did.
The tour left and I stayed in that room.
I found myself alone with myself.
This was just after Randy and Garry were awarded The Medal, like a week after.
I left my campaign hat in that room. I had just been deemed a master military training instructor a few months prior, but walking into that room I discovered I was unworthy.
Another place that's holy: walking out my door every morning and seeing the Sangre De Christos snuggling up to Pikes Peak. Deep breath and watching the eagles hunt for breakfast. Every morning.
It does a soul good.
Posted by: tangonine at February 02, 2014 01:16 PM (x3YFz)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:16 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 05:14 PM (zDsvJ)
Wow, that's sad. He seemed to have issues.
Posted by: Havedash at February 02, 2014 01:16 PM (G1XMn)
Posted by: L, elle at February 02, 2014 01:16 PM (0xqKe)
Posted by: L, elle at February 02, 2014 01:17 PM (0xqKe)
Posted by: blaster at February 02, 2014 01:19 PM (4+AaH)
Posted by: profligatewaste at February 02, 2014 01:19 PM (R3JkO)
Posted by: navycopjoe at February 02, 2014 01:19 PM (At8tV)
Posted by: t-bird at February 02, 2014 01:20 PM (FcR7P)
I also went to the North Rim, which I recommend highly, and went in May, before it got to hot, and before the tourist hordes arrived. It was just spectacular, and you aren't far from Zion and Bryce Canyon. You want sublime and spiritual, they'll give you all you can handle.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:20 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: traye at February 02, 2014 01:21 PM (iL9QP)
Posted by: Ammo Dump at February 02, 2014 01:22 PM (GgPam)
The open spaces of Larimer County are awesome too.
Southern Wyoming, meh. But the Tetons are spectacular.
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at February 02, 2014 01:22 PM (30eLQ)
Posted by: navycopjoe at February 02, 2014 01:22 PM (At8tV)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:23 PM (zDsvJ)
However, the place in Italy I felt the closest to God was in Florence, at the Statue of David by Michelangelo. It is one thing to see it in pictures - but to see it in person is physically painfully excruciatingly overwhelming. I can't explain it, all I know is that I could not stop weeping.
As to the churches in your link that I have visited, other than St. Peters in Rome I have also been to Greek Orthodox churches in Santorini, as well as the Church of St. Andrew in Greece where it is said that St. Andrew was crucified.
I've also been to the Coliseum in Rome, and visited the Catacombs. It's very sobering to think of our brothers and sisters in Christ who were martyred there.
I've also stood on Mars Hill, the Areopagus in Greece, where St. Paul preached his great sermon to the pagans, found in Acts Chapter 17. It's an amazing experience to walk where the disciples walked.
One day I will get to Israel, and walk where Jesus walked. That is my dream.
Posted by: grammie winger at February 02, 2014 01:23 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: L, elle at February 02, 2014 01:24 PM (0xqKe)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:25 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at February 02, 2014 01:25 PM (30eLQ)
Had a peek of the Grand Canyon thru the fog one morning after a trip on part of Route 66. Need to go back for a better look.
My favorite place so far is Anegada in the BVI. But for the TSA . . .
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 01:25 PM (6bvBO)
Posted by: yankeefifth at February 02, 2014 01:25 PM (rDidD)
I'm glad you reminded me. The most spiritual place I've ever been was on a sailboat underway in the Bahamas. I was steering at 0300, wing to wing, flat sea, and the spray from the boat's wake caused bioluminescence to fly outwards like jewels.
It's been 35 years, and I can see it like it just happened.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:25 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: navycopjoe at February 02, 2014 01:25 PM (At8tV)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 02, 2014 01:25 PM (g1DWB)
Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at February 02, 2014 01:26 PM (oFCZn)
Posted by: Ammo Dump at February 02, 2014 01:26 PM (GgPam)
Posted by: navycopjoe at February 02, 2014 01:27 PM (At8tV)
Posted by: grammie winger at February 02, 2014 01:28 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:28 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 02, 2014 01:28 PM (DmNpO)
free world travel
Posted by: navycopjoe at February 02, 2014 05:27 PM (At8tV)
--------------
Ha! That's one of the things my Kid likes about the Army. He's seen stuff that I never ever will.
Posted by: grammie winger at February 02, 2014 01:29 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Yep, I'm a nerd... at February 02, 2014 01:29 PM (aTyi6)
My minister did a sabbatical there last summer. He has given several sermons about the jarring disconnect between the biblical idea, the reality he saw 30 years ago, and what it is now. The wall, the barbed wire, the graffiti and the trash were extremely difficult for him to process. Still, he managed to draw some very good lessons from the experience.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:29 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 02, 2014 01:29 PM (GDulk)
Another place that's holy: walking out my door every morning and seeing the Sangre De Christos snuggling up to Pikes Peak. Deep breath and watching the eagles hunt for breakfast. Every morning.
Tango, they are beautiful, don't you see them from the east side?
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 01:29 PM (6bvBO)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 02, 2014 01:29 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: Boss Moss at February 02, 2014 01:31 PM (6bMeY)
Posted by: traye at February 02, 2014 01:31 PM (iL9QP)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:31 PM (zDsvJ)
Mein Freund was there about four years ago, and his photos make it look like Vegas (which I think I would also find depressing).
I was there in 2002, after dark on American Thanksgiving; unseasonably warm and we had the whole place pretty much to ourselves--couple of middle-aged people walking dogs--since it was a normal weeknight for locals and no tourists. That was neat.
Posted by: HR at February 02, 2014 01:31 PM (hO8IJ)
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 02, 2014 01:31 PM (GDulk)
Posted by: blaster at February 02, 2014 01:32 PM (4+AaH)
Posted by: MikeH at February 02, 2014 01:32 PM (bRL1M)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 02, 2014 01:33 PM (DmNpO)
I'd second Y-not about the beauty of the American Southwest-- I'd add Canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde, and Chimayo (a healing shrine in New Mexico).
I've been to Gettysburg several times because I grew up about two hours' drive from the battlefield. If you visit Pennsylvania, don't forget Valley Forge. Further south, the battlefield of Yorktown is also worth a visit.
Posted by: Basement Cat at February 02, 2014 01:33 PM (53cD3)
Posted by: MikeH at February 02, 2014 01:33 PM (bRL1M)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 02, 2014 01:33 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: Yep, I'm a nerd... at February 02, 2014 01:33 PM (aTyi6)
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 01:34 PM (6bvBO)
Posted by: Fourth Horseman at February 02, 2014 01:34 PM (GKF3X)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 02, 2014 01:34 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: Boss Moss at February 02, 2014 01:35 PM (6bMeY)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:36 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Meremortal at February 02, 2014 01:36 PM (1Y+hH)
Posted by: MikeH at February 02, 2014 01:36 PM (bRL1M)
Used to be true, but not so much for us Fed scientist types now. Yea, yea, we're all worthless parasites.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:37 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: garrett at February 02, 2014 01:37 PM (bOwR8)
I saw the sun set with the "green flash" one time. It was amazing. Not sure how to explain, but it was awe inspiring.
I would love to go to Israel.
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 01:37 PM (6bvBO)
Agree with this. You know that it's really just a recreated theme park, but it's still spectacular. Don't miss the Murano Glassworks either, but bring your wallet.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:38 PM (6TB1Z)
I too would love to see Israel and walk where Christ walked. I have an app for a tour of the western wall and my littlest grand babies ages 3 and 4 will just stop playing games and turn the tour on and watch amazing thru no coaching how they are drawn to this. I have hope for future generations when I see how they are drawn to this.
Posted by: Fourth Horseman at February 02, 2014 05:34 PM (GKF3X)
---------------
I have wee grandbabies too! What is the name of that app? I'd like to try it - they are just at that age when the Bible stories are starting to click in their heads.
Posted by: grammie winger at February 02, 2014 01:38 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:38 PM (zDsvJ)
The wife and I have been to HI 3 times and never seen it. You're lucky.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:39 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: Mama AJ at February 02, 2014 01:39 PM (SUKHu)
Posted by: Boss Moss at February 02, 2014 01:40 PM (6bMeY)
Nope. I haven't been to a conference in almost 2 years.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:40 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: never enough caffeine at February 02, 2014 01:40 PM (Qp3K5)
Posted by: Beagle at February 02, 2014 01:41 PM (sOtz/)
Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at February 02, 2014 01:41 PM (+1T7c)
I would like to go to England and Scotland. In England I would lie to tour Westminster Abbey.
Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 02, 2014 01:42 PM (T2V/1)
Posted by: Fourth Horseman at February 02, 2014 01:42 PM (GKF3X)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:42 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 01:43 PM (6bvBO)
Tango, they are beautiful, don't you see them from the east side?
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 05:29 PM (6bvBO)
yeah, the "eastern range" is face first, but we have a view that encompasses the sangre de christo range.
It's mind blowing. Every morning I take my critter out for the walk, and no matter the weather, it's just simply amazing. Never get tired of it.
Posted by: tangonine at February 02, 2014 01:43 PM (x3YFz)
Posted by: Meremortal at February 02, 2014 01:43 PM (1Y+hH)
Not recommended if you're not in good shape.
Posted by: Blanco Basura at February 02, 2014 01:44 PM (wSrLR)
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at February 02, 2014 01:44 PM (IXrOn)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:45 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Boss Moss at February 02, 2014 01:46 PM (6bMeY)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:48 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 02, 2014 01:49 PM (g1DWB)
I literally had to sit down. It just hit me. I had never seen anything like that before.
Other thing on that London trip. I walked into the British Museum, and I think the first object I spotted was the Rosetta Stone. Just right there on display, with a sign asking not to touch it.
OMG did I want to touch it, but figured I'd probably set off some sort of alarm so I didn't.
And I grew up in the desert, so I can understand what you are saying. Read a quote once, where it said "The Forest soothes your mind. The Desert shakes it", or something to that effect.
Posted by: HH at February 02, 2014 01:49 PM (XXwdv)
Posted by: grammie winger at February 02, 2014 01:49 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 01:49 PM (6bvBO)
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at February 02, 2014 01:49 PM (IXrOn)
The camera just doesn't capture the peace that comes with seeing that mountain.
Now, caveat: I've been on all sides of that mountain for most of my life. In uniform, or under a hat on a horse running cattle, fixing fence, talking to my horse... so it's a little special to me. Picture doesn't capture that part.
http://greyttimes.com/?p=572
Posted by: tangonine at February 02, 2014 01:49 PM (x3YFz)
Posted by: Boss Moss at February 02, 2014 01:50 PM (6bMeY)
Posted by: Meremortal at February 02, 2014 01:51 PM (1Y+hH)
Posted by: Basement Cat at February 02, 2014 01:51 PM (53cD3)
Posted by: Boss Moss at February 02, 2014 01:51 PM (6bMeY)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:51 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Fenelon Spoke at February 02, 2014 01:52 PM (7kkQJ)
Posted by: seamrog at February 02, 2014 01:52 PM (KNd77)
The red hue on the snowcaps is something to see.
Posted by: Meremortal at February 02, 2014 05:51 PM (1Y+hH)
There's a scenic overlook on the drive to Cripple Creek.
You step out of the car and immediately feel very, very small.
Posted by: tangonine at February 02, 2014 01:52 PM (x3YFz)
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 02, 2014 01:52 PM (GDulk)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:52 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Buzzion at February 02, 2014 01:52 PM (LI48c)
If you're referring to the beer hall, they serve it in plastic cups. Or at least they did when I was in college and it opened.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:53 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: monkey at February 02, 2014 01:53 PM (3MNCs)
Posted by: Grampa Jimbo at February 02, 2014 01:53 PM (V70Uh)
Posted by: tangonine at February 02, 2014 01:54 PM (x3YFz)
Posted by: traye at February 02, 2014 01:54 PM (iL9QP)
My favorite cities, so far, if I could live part of the time in any of them (not in order):
1) Quebec City---I loved this city
2) Brugge, Belgium--total surprise on how much I loved this as well
3) Edinburgh- would move there in a heartbeat (so, maybe #1)
4) London
5) Paris, sometimes, depending on mood
6) Jackson Hole, Wy
7) Bozeman, Montana's Big Sky Resort in winter
This spring we are going from Paris to Colmar, France, then on to Austria: Saltzburg and Vienna. If any of you know of good hotels in Saltzburg or Vienna I'd appreciate a few names, as we have never been there before. Also restaurants. Apparently, per son, this is a wine/beer trip by train. I just go along for the ride and views and hope for the best! We are flying into Paris and out of Vienna to USA. Thanks.
I look forward to Ireland next year, as I totally prefer English-speaking countries, as I am pretty jittery in Europe, but it could be the caffeine and mass quantities of chocolates.
Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 02, 2014 01:54 PM (baL2B)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:55 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: Meremortal at February 02, 2014 01:55 PM (1Y+hH)
The way I found meaning and purpose for my life was to travel to squalid Third World hellholes and witness just how low humanity can go.
My first reaction was charitable. Gee, we should try to fix this.
My second reaction, later, was oh crap, these places are unfixable. Their problems are ultimately because of inherent cultural issues that the locals refuse to recognize or remedy.
My third reaction was, well, if I can't help fix these places, at least I can help make sure that my own country remains a shining city on a hill by comparison, a First World oasis of comparative honesty and competence.
And now my fourth and final reaction is grim resignation as I watch my own country being turned into a corrupt, inept Third World sewer via a tidal wave of Third World mass immigration. _Camp Of The Saints_, anyone?
Posted by: torquewrench at February 02, 2014 01:55 PM (gqT4g)
--
I was screaming at the TV saying the same thing. Only I wasn't so nice.
Posted by: Lady in Black at February 02, 2014 01:56 PM (Oa7B2)
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:56 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: John Roberts at February 02, 2014 01:57 PM (6bMeY)
Fuck. I turned it on, and there's Mooch and "Dr" Jill.
Posted by: HR at February 02, 2014 01:57 PM (hO8IJ)
Posted by: Lady in Black at February 02, 2014 01:57 PM (Oa7B2)
Posted by: traye at February 02, 2014 01:58 PM (iL9QP)
pep, it was in the BVI on a Wind Jammer Cruise. The crew had never seen it either. Right place, right time.
Mt. St Helen's. Was living in a little single wide trailer in Bellingham at the time. Pregnant with little infidel but didn't know it. Was . . . um, weird. I heard it go off, we had plenty of warning, luckily, we did'nt get as much ash as the rest of the planet. Driving by a few months later was devistating.
Thanks, Y-not, I have forgotten about how much I have seen and how lucky I am!!!
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 01:58 PM (6bvBO)
Posted by: Fenelon Spoke at February 02, 2014 01:58 PM (7kkQJ)
You probably mean the Pottery Factory.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 01:58 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: traye at February 02, 2014 01:58 PM (iL9QP)
Westminster Abbey amazed me...they have this concrete floor that is uneven with the names of people buried there. I couldn't get over standing right where Sir Issac Newton's name was painted on the floor..
Posted by: Puncher at February 02, 2014 01:59 PM (LhAqq)
I was so excited to see Michelle Obama on the TV. She looked so beautiful along with some white woman named Biden...
Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 02, 2014 01:59 PM (d82hv)
Posted by: Boss Moss at February 02, 2014 01:59 PM (6bMeY)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 02, 2014 02:00 PM (/IQip)
Posted by: no good deed at February 02, 2014 02:00 PM (vBhbc)
Posted by: grammie winger at February 02, 2014 02:00 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 02:01 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: monkey at February 02, 2014 02:01 PM (3MNCs)
Posted by: stace at February 02, 2014 02:01 PM (9PXzx)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 02, 2014 02:02 PM (/IQip)
As we were hiking towards the lip, a young woman came the other direction, muttering "magnifique, magnifique". I don't know if she was French or Canadian, but I walked a little taller.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 02:02 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 02, 2014 02:02 PM (jNNPU)
I imagine being on the ocean might be similar?
Posted by: DishofRed at February 02, 2014 02:02 PM (Dmq63)
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at February 02, 2014 02:03 PM (b6koZ)
@Posted by: HH at February 02, 2014 05:49 PM (XXwdv)
Both St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey are my favorite cathedrals. I got some books on both last summer and have been reading of their beginnings. The first time I went to London I felt at home, a sense of deja vu hippie dippy weirdness. It was spring, with daffodils in window boxes and green everywhere you looked. I then came home to our green farm in Mississippi, noted same flowers and lushness, with redbud and dogwood trees in bloom and the same hills, but less dramatic and glorious, and thought: THIS is why my ancestors settled here and in the Carolinas. duh. I could live in London and never see enough. I hope to someday return to Scotland and see more than Edinburgh and Sterling, but if I don't I will die happy (also saw Claude Monet's home in Giverny, France a decade ago. I don't have a "bucket list" but that would have been in the top ten). xoxo
Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 02, 2014 02:03 PM (baL2B)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 02, 2014 02:03 PM (aDwsi)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 02:03 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 02, 2014 02:04 PM (/IQip)
If you're going to the Museums Quarter or the Opera in Vienna, Le Meridien was very nice.
Posted by: HR at February 02, 2014 02:04 PM (hO8IJ)
"It's a wonderful world."
Posted by: Grampa Jimbo at February 02, 2014 02:04 PM (V70Uh)
That happened to me at Winchester Cathedral. We went just after lunch time and there were boys choirs practicing for a massed choir event scheduled for a few weeks away. As they practiced, we wandered around seeing what there was to see, guide leaflet in hand. Since it was the first English cathedral I'd been in I spent probably three hours looking and reading, and listening to these separate choirs merge into one. That sound, in that space, gave me a visceral feeling of spirituality that is hard to put into words, but I can still call up the feeling. IMO, God can be found and felt in many places, but for formal worship, that men built such a place and wrote hymns of praise to be turned into such a sound as is done by the piping voices of boys is an incredibly moving to experience.
On the same trip, I saw Stonehenge when you could still walk among and touch the stones. Few people were around and it was late afternoon of an autumn day. It was very striking, not perhaps as spiritual as the cathedral, more a communing with nature sort of feeling, but striking nonetheless.
Great thread, Y-not. Thanks.
File this in Odd Bit of Timing: I sat down to find this post just after my oldest friend left after an unexpected 'stop in because I was in the neighborhood' visit. Her English mother is why I grew up wanting to visit Old Blighty.
Posted by: Retread at February 02, 2014 02:04 PM (cHwk5)
I was at William and Mary one summer, with the object of all my desires, late at night after we'd both gotten off our lousy waiting jobs, and we went walking down Dog Street to Bruton Parish. At that time, the cemetery behind it was wide open. Suffice it to say that it was indeed a magical night. It's now gated and locked, I like to think because of us.
Posted by: pep at February 02, 2014 02:05 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: fyscyl clyff at February 02, 2014 02:05 PM (Z1/Hr)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 02, 2014 02:06 PM (/IQip)
Also, I saw Israel, although I didn't get there. Kinda like Moses. But I intend to go someday.
Posted by: Bomber at February 02, 2014 02:06 PM (G8OL9)
Posted by: traye at February 02, 2014 02:07 PM (iL9QP)
Posted by: model_1066 at February 02, 2014 02:07 PM (LIQGY)
Posted by: D-Lamp at February 02, 2014 02:07 PM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Sharon at February 02, 2014 02:07 PM (4OHj3)
Posted by: Epobirs at February 02, 2014 02:07 PM (bPxS6)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 02, 2014 02:07 PM (/IQip)
You may recall that we were married in a double wedding. Mr Y-not and I were broke, right out of college. So we honeymooned in East Baltimore. "Cruised" the harbor and saw the McCormick Spice Plant. Tres elegante!
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 06:01 PM (zDsvJ)
I hope to go to Williamsburg sometime when husband is in DC on bidness. Also Mount Vernon, again, as haven't been there since I was a kid. We did go to Monticello a couple of years ago...an amazing place. Possibly the most beautiful grounds I have seen. I have a book, "Founding Gardeners" by Andrea Wulf which I ordered after the visit and am slowly reading about Jefferson's and Washington's gardens----which, I guess, I should have mentioned in your link yesterday! Thomas Jefferson is responsible for many of the plants in the USA today. Lots of hippie seed swapping across the big pond back then!
Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 02, 2014 02:07 PM (baL2B)
Posted by: D-Lamp at February 02, 2014 02:08 PM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 02, 2014 02:08 PM (aDwsi)
Of all the places I've lived, Kansas is my favorite.
Posted by: Bomber at February 02, 2014 02:09 PM (G8OL9)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 02, 2014 02:09 PM (g1DWB)
Posted by: Mooch-L at February 02, 2014 02:09 PM (FcR7P)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 02, 2014 02:09 PM (/IQip)
Posted by: DishofRed at February 02, 2014 02:10 PM (Dmq63)
Posted by: the littl shyning man at February 02, 2014 02:11 PM (tmFlQ)
Posted by: Kansas at February 02, 2014 02:11 PM (bRL1M)
Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 02, 2014 02:12 PM (d82hv)
Yeah, like I don't have enough problems.
Posted by: The Chicken at February 02, 2014 02:12 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: t-bird at February 02, 2014 02:12 PM (FcR7P)
Posted by: Ronster at February 02, 2014 02:12 PM (puNd6)
Westminster Abbey amazed me...they have this concrete floor that is uneven with the names of people buried there. I couldn't get over standing right where Sir Issac Newton's name was painted on the floor..
Posted by: Puncher at February 02, 2014 05:59 PM (LhAqq)
Yes. An amazing and holy place. I will always go back when in London.
Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 02, 2014 02:12 PM (baL2B)
free world travel
Posted by: navycopjoe at February 02, 2014 05:27 PM (At8tV
I'm waiting for navycopjoe to offer free tours of Wrigley Field.
Posted by: Basement Cat at February 02, 2014 02:13 PM (53cD3)
Posted by: DishofRed at February 02, 2014 02:14 PM (Dmq63)
Posted by: L, elle at February 02, 2014 02:14 PM (0xqKe)
Posted by: Buzzion at February 02, 2014 02:14 PM (LI48c)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 02, 2014 02:14 PM (aDwsi)
One of favorite things about being offshore, the stars on a clear, dark night. Hard to describe how beautiful it is and how many you can see.
Agreed, mom and dad had a sailboat while we were growing up. Dad and I always slept outside on the deck.
On the wind jammer, even though I had a room, I always slept on deck. The Stars are amazing. And the peacefulness, if that is a word.
Same with camping in the middle of bfe.
Posted by: Infidel at February 02, 2014 02:15 PM (6bvBO)
I expected each of them to have a theme deodorant included in the selfie.
Posted by: Stringer Davis at February 02, 2014 02:15 PM (xq1UY)
Posted by: the littl shyning man at February 02, 2014 02:15 PM (tmFlQ)
Posted by: Meremortal at February 02, 2014 02:15 PM (1Y+hH)
Posted by: Grampa Jimbo at February 02, 2014 02:16 PM (V70Uh)
Loved those Windjammer cruises. Would love to do it again, but I think they went out of business.
Posted by: DishofRed at February 02, 2014 02:17 PM (Dmq63)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 02, 2014 02:18 PM (g1DWB)
Posted by: traye at February 02, 2014 02:18 PM (iL9QP)
Posted by: Meremortal at February 02, 2014 02:18 PM (1Y+hH)
Posted by: PMRich at February 02, 2014 02:19 PM (x/BtJ)
Posted by: the littl shyning man at February 02, 2014 02:20 PM (tmFlQ)
Posted by: rich@gmu at February 02, 2014 02:20 PM (3yFC4)
Posted by: tmitsss at February 02, 2014 02:21 PM (aVsJj)
If you get the chance, go at night. It's even better then.
Posted by: Retread at February 02, 2014 02:21 PM (cHwk5)
Posted by: VKI at February 02, 2014 02:24 PM (qySNZ)
Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 02, 2014 02:24 PM (baL2B)
I always find a lot of peace in those places, be it Tombstone or Ireland.
Posted by: HH at February 02, 2014 02:26 PM (XXwdv)
Take train to Quebec City.
I cannot wait to go to Ireland, land of my ancestors, who apparently went from Ireland to Scotland depending on work. Next year. Waiting on #1 son to have the funds so we can go as a family.
Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at February 02, 2014 02:26 PM (baL2B)
Off to watch the game. Does anyone else think a Live Blog thingy would be fun for the Super Bowl? No? Must be the (really) cheap wine talking.
Go Broncos! Beat Pete Carroll!
Posted by: DishofRed at February 02, 2014 02:28 PM (Dmq63)
Posted by: the littl shyning man at February 02, 2014 02:28 PM (tmFlQ)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 02:29 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: the littl shyning man at February 02, 2014 02:31 PM (tmFlQ)
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 02, 2014 02:37 PM (GDulk)
Posted by: Huggy at February 02, 2014 02:37 PM (4WPfa)
When I was 18 I ran away from home to live in San Francisco...Quite the culture shock but loved it. I lived in lower Nob Hill and would walk to work everyday smack dab in the middle of the financial district right across the street from the tallest building in the city, the Bank of America building. On my way I'd peer into the original Williams Sonoma store on Sutter Street because I love to cook. Made many, many wonderful friendships from all walks of life, from the richest to the poorest. Shopped in a mom and pop grocery for all my food, hung out at Twin Peaks and near the Golden Gate Bridge, it's a beautiful city, really.
But big cities ain't for me. I have always wanted to live in Montana, on a ranch.
Posted by: Puncher at February 02, 2014 02:39 PM (LhAqq)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 03:00 PM (zDsvJ)
Posted by: bill sometimes bill from canada at February 02, 2014 05:08 PM (3dmoX)
Posted by: Angel with a sword at February 02, 2014 06:23 PM (hpgw1)
Posted by: Auntie Doodles at February 02, 2014 08:39 PM (JcN7j)
Posted by: Auntie Doodles at February 02, 2014 09:05 PM (JcN7j)
Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 03, 2014 03:48 AM (zDsvJ)
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Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 02, 2014 01:07 PM (zDsvJ)