‘Travel, History and Culture’ Archives
Get off the highway
Get off the highway? I know, I know, last time I told you to Get out on the Highway. But c’mon! It’s summer. The roads are empty; the crowds are non-existent; and it’s the perfect time to visit all those places not so easily accessible in high season. So, before it’s suddenly December and you are w a a y too busy and the roads are…oh, [...]
The Next Hurricane
This is a continuation of a series on the history of hurricanes in our area.If you missed part you can find it online at coastalbreezenews.com under Tales told Twice archives. The “Greatest Storms on Earth” – Part VIII If you are the least bit superstitious, then 2010 is not a good year. Not only is it the fifth anniversary of Hurricane [...]
More than just the Mosque…
Last week, two seemingly separate items caught my eye. One was “nationalization” of the building of the mosque/Islamic Center near WTC Ground Zero issue. The other was two pamphlets I received at home via the US Postal Service. These two events prompted me to expand my view of the situation. It has been almost four weeks since I wrote an [...]
Precious or semi-precious, what’s the difference?
Most retail jewelers will consider this question an easy way to suffocate a sale, but nevertheless it is an intelligent question. What would be expected to be a rare or expensive gemstone has changed over the centuries. We all know the four basic precious gemstones: the king of kings, the diamond; and then, of course, the ruby; the emerald; and [...]
Barcelona- Part I
Located on the Mediterranean Sea in the northeast corner of Spain, Barcelona is a culturally diverse, artistically rich city; contemporary, yet rife with medieval sights. It is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region of Spain. The Catalans like to think of themselves as somewhat independent of Spain; it is not uncommon to see graffiti that [...]
A trip to the Bronx
Several years ago my wife and I ventured up to New York City for R and R. Two dear Marco Island friends (I wonder whether they still are after that trip?) were with us, and Honorable Son flew in from Los Angeles where he is a talent agent. We enjoyed shows and fine Manhattan dining, and all went well until some wag suggested that I show everyone [...]
Hurricane Wilma 2005
The “Greatest Storms on Earth” – Part VII This is a continuation of a series on the history of hurricanes in our area. If you missed a part, you can find it online at www.coastalbreezenews.com under Tales told Twice archives. 2005 Hurricane Wilma Wilma, the most recent hurricane to affect our area five years ago, was also the most [...]
Summer dazed
Another season has passed and the dragon fly summer is in full bloom. Fortunately for me, I had an OK season; I certainly didn’t break any sales records, with the price of gold being at an all time high, not to mention the economy. I’m truly grateful that my two island shops are still functioning and healthy; a special “thanks” to my [...]
Till death do us part…
It was August 1975. I had just completed my compulsory military service in the Turkish Army. My wife and I were spending the remaining days of the summer in Istanbul making our plans to return back to America, when my cousin and his family arrived for a one week visit. Although regular weekly or longer family visits were common in Turkey at the [...]
Switzerland – A Wanderer’s Delight
Ever since the 1800s, when the Brits discovered its wonders, wandering in Switzerland has been a traveler’s delight. Although we have been to Switzerland about a dozen times, it had been the same number of years since our last trip. Going to Switzerland, for us, has always felt like going home and we were curious to see if much had changed. We [...]
