For a long time, Croatia has been on my bucket list. Why? I'm not really sure. First of all, I've never set foot on the Balkan Peninsula. That in itself intrigues me. Then, many friends who have returned from this sunny clime sing its praises. Thirdly, I discovered through 23andMe that I am 5% Balkan. All three became the inspiration for our trip to Croatia and Montenegro (which translated means “black mountain” due to the evergreens that once graced the mountains surrounding the city of Kotor).

After Dan finally renewed his passport (my only wish this past Christmas), we were able to travel again as a couple. It had been over six years—far too long. Perusing the website of our favorite travel agency, Adventure Life, I discovered a Clipper Ship Tour (think pirate ship) of Croatia and Montenegro, leaving from a Venetian port. 

I am hooked on cruises, but not the 9-story mall-in-the-middle kind. Small sailing ships, like scooners (sailboats) that hold 87 passengers, or a large clipper ship that serves around 237 people are more my style. It’s less overwhelming, and you can usually feel the motion of the waves when the sails are furled and the winds are strong. Unfortunately for us, the Star Clipper never raised its sails due to low winds.

Nonetheless, it was still an adventure. But first, we flew to Venice and stayed overnight, so as not to miss our embarkation time. Well, this beautiful city is an island, which poses many problems (unless you are willing to spend over $120 for water transport to your hotel, which most likely, at that price, is off one of the canals). 

We decided to take the Alilaguna, a public boat taxi specially suited to transport you from the Marco Polo airport to the Island, which cost us a mere €18 (around $21). Then, we walked to the Hotel Flora, which was a ten-minute walk without dragging luggage. Even though we had only carry-ons, we needed to cross two bridges with many steps. Tired and hot, we reached our destination, grateful for the air conditioning that refreshed us as we walked into the lobby.

A lovely Italianate decor with a charming garden where we enjoyed breakfast the next morning. . .

The lion is a symbol of the Republic of Venice, ruled by the Great Council, which had dominion for hundreds of years over the city and Islands in the Adriatic, including what is now known as Croatia and Montenegro (Balkan Coast). All artwork was related to law, truth, justice, and God’s Word. ​Rather overwhelming!

 One of the most impressionable experiences of the tour was our visit to the prison complex. Down, down, down, to the depths of the earth we walked, feeling the damp coolness surround us. It was okay for us tourists, but I thought of real prisoners of the past who made their way to a cell that would hold them until their fate was decided. 

What were their thoughts? Remorse? Anger? Fear? As we arrive at the inside walkway of the Bridge of Sighs, we looked out (the last row of pics). This was the last view the captives would have of their beloved Venice and a life of freedom.

Even though the prices were high, and the cover fee €7 to enjoy the orchestra on the terrace, I had to indulge in a visit to the historic Caffe Florian, founded in 1720. Waitstaff in white shirts and bow ties brought our light lunch of simple sandwiches and Aperol Spritz which has been  a trademark here in Venice for hundreds of years, so I had to try this liquid historic aperitif with its bittersweet flavor (orangey), aromatic herbs, and light alcohol content meant to whet one’s appetite for dinner. You see it above left. Below is a video giving  you an idea of Caffè Florian's ambiance. 

Well, I will leave you hanging in suspense until my next blogpost, unless you are my friend on FB. There you will find many reels of our trip. Our clipper ship tour of Croatia and Montenegro is next. I hope it will be inspiring. What would you like to see in person as you perused my images? Let me know below!

It's been awhile since I've traveled out of the US, so I was thrilled (although I had been to England four times) to see Cornwall, “home” to Poldark and friends. This trip was a dream come true! Along with my dear friend, Melanie, who lives a three-hour drive away,  we explored many of the major tourist areas recommended by those who either lived or had visited Cornwall—and we were grateful for their recommendations. We didn't waste a bit of time!

The image above doesn't do the Cornwall Coast justice. Located at Land’s End landsend-landmark.co.uk, it's rocky, rugged, and wild all in one. And part of the southern coast, affected by the Gulf Stream has a subtropical climate where succulents and palm trees flourish. Who would have guessed?

Below you can see the location of Cornwall www.visitcornwall.com/film-and-tv in reference to the rest of England.  There are more beach areas on the northern coast, which has its own charm. Besides a few hours inside shops and restaurants, most of our four day trip was spent outdoors. As an extra blessing, the weather was sunny and warm the entire week. Unheard of in the UK! 

In a state that has more than its share of trees, it makes sense that a multiplicity of furniture companies made their home near the foothills of North Carolina. Does the name Thomasville bring anything to mind? If you’ve purchase oak furniture in the past, and in particular, Victorian oak design, the company you bought from was probably Thomasville. 

Funny thing—it wasn’t until after we sold our home AND furniture, that it occurred to me this was the brand of furniture we owned. My hubby and I love oak, and I was partial to Victorian Era style.  So, we took a Sunday afternoon trip to this quiet town, where one of the furniture companies began. 

When I saw the mural above, the meaning completely escaped me. Standing a few feet from the art work, I couldn’t see the name of the town in the tree’s roots. When I stepped back, I noticed it, and finally understood that Thomasville’s roots were deeply embedded in the furniture industry. See the “fruit” on its branches? You'll find other fascinating art throughout the city by taking a Mural Walk.

Thomasville is noted for the Big Chair—created by to commemorate their town’s history. The original, made of wood, was replaced in 1936 with one that could withstand the elements. It stands proudly near the tiny train station that features a red caboose that is open at times to the public. You can watch trains pass through town at all hours of the day and night via a livestream camera.

High Point, a triad city (along with Greensboro and Winston-Salem) is known as the Home-furnishings Capital of the World. Its symbol is World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, towering 36 feet in the air with a pair of socks playfully sticking out of an open drawer as a nod to the city’s hosiery industry. Since 1926 it has been renovated and repainted many times, and disguises a commercial building facade. 

The original Salem (of Winston-Salem) was home to Moravians, Blacks and Indigenous people in the American South. The historic buildings and interpreters tell the story of its founding. Located near High Point, it's no surprise that Old Salem has an Early Southern Decorative Arts Museum  featuring items that would have been created and displayed in homes.
 
Although the individual buildings were closed on the day we visited, a walk down the center of the street gave us a taste of the cultural history of the early South. Architecture from the 18th century continues to fascinate me. It’s a thing of beauty in my eyes. And who would have guessed that Krispy Kreme Donuts had its beginnings in Old Salem!

For another look at the south, check out my post on Charleston--A Writer's Guide to Travel--one of my favorite historical towns. What are your favorite historical museums? What in particular draws you back to the past?  Let me know below!