History Hound Travels

Vandalusia is not a name you are likely to find on a map these days, I guess, but it was once, so we’ll use it again. I was reading a bit today about a castle in Cazulas, and that led to a wiki search on Andalusia, which led to some reading on Vandals, and here we are back around to that castle again, because my last find was an article that describes the palace and surrounding areas in vivid detail. Of course, the inclusion of a great deal of the historical background played a part in winning me over, and rather than try to regurgitate that to you, I am simply going to link the article.

The castle is ideal for a family or group holiday in Spain, with enchanting gardens, and 12 bedrooms. My understanding from the article I linked is that the rooms can be rented separately, although the booking site does no mention this. Perhaps booking site is the wrong term. The castle can only accommodate 24 guests at a time, and so one must apply to stay there. You fill out an enquiry form on the site to begin the reservation process.

Beautiful, isn’t it? Many people get married in the private chapel on the grounds.

I said Sydney, didn’t I? Right down there under the post about my Memory Walk, I talked about Perth hotels and I mentioned Adelaide hotels and I talked a bit about teh Arts festivals in those cities, and then I said, “Next time, though, we are going to Sydney!” So, here’s a link to some Sydney accommodation, and now let’s see what we can find to do there next Spring!

AHA! Here is the Sydney Festival. Now, going to this festival is going to make you extend your vacation just a bit. It runs from Jan 5-26, 2008, and then you’ve got a little time to go WalkAbout before the International Arts festival starts on Feb 8. All told, you’ll need to be in Australia about 7 weeks to hit all three major festivals. Oh, the torture, right?

I suppose if you need to tighten up your schedule a bit, you could eschew the Sydney Festival in favor of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. At least the dates work out better.

I have an announcement to make, about the future, instead of the past! I’m organizing and participating in The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk for my little town. On October 13, I am going to be walking to make a difference! You can join me if you happen to be a local reader, but if you live a bit to far away, then I can still use your money

Click the banner to donate!

See? Easy-Peasy!

Oops. I’m really not quite sure what happened here, except that I have been crazy busy, and that hasn’t lent itself to being able to research new places to tell you about. Sorry, ya’ll. I’ll try to do better. Please forgive me, and I’ll take to to International Arts Festival in Perth. Sound like a fair deal? This fair is each summer in Perth, and it’s a huge event. Now, by summer, I do mean the Australian summer, so we’re talking about 8 February–2 March 2008.
As you can see from these pictures which I borrowed from the site, there is plenty to see and do during the festival. You won’t be spending a great deal of your time in hotels in Perth, because you will be busy! Along with the performances, there will also be food and shopping and all sorts of other fun. You might even take the opportunity to book a couple of nights in one of the fine hotels in Adelaide and visit the 2008 Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts between 29 February and 16 March 2008.

Heh, I bet you could even find something to do around that time in Melbourne. Here’s a link to find Melbourne Accommodation, but I am going to let you find your own fun because my time is up, unfortunately. Next time, though, we are going to Sydney!

I’ve been listening to some history podcasts lately (reviews will be forthcoming, but not today, sorry), and I am frequently reminded of how this country was formed by immigrants. From a historical perspective, it’s interesting to watch what is happening as this century’s wave of illegal immigrants come in and attempt to displace the “native Americans”. Just think about that and let it stew awhile. Consider all the ramifications: displacement, reservations, internment camps. Feels pretty uncomfortable, doesn’t it?

I think that we will all agree that legal immigration is the better way to go, and I don’t think anyone will argue that the rules are uncomplicated and easy to understand. It’s not a bad idea to consult a lawyer if you run in o trouble, and Root Law Group specializes in immigration law. They offer a free initial consultation with a immigration lawyer, and have a toll free number: 888-766-8529. Legal is better.