History Hound Travels

In school this term, we are studying Leonardo DaVinci, and as part of our study, we are being very briefly introduced to other Italian artists of the time. It’s been interesting to get a look at some of the great art without having to book hotels in Italy. I was lucky enough to see some of them in person when I went to Europe 20 years ago. If you have never seen it, let me assure you that the Mona Lisa is just as stunning in person.

One of the intriguing things about Rome is that the art isn’t just in Museums. I spent a bit of time just walking around there, and there are statues and fountains and just so much to see, even where you would not expect it. The most famous is the Trevi (shown at left, public domain photo), but that whole area is just incredible. I should also note that it was in Rome that I was served a head-on fish for the first time. I covered the head with the roll, and ate anyway. You can find hotels in this older section of the city, but there are more Roman hotels in the newer areas.

Rome is the only city I saw in Italy, but if I ever get back, I won’t repeat my error. I’ll be booking hotels in Venice, Sicily, Florence….

Let’s go back to Germany and talk about Oktoberfest. I only went to one of these, and I kinda cheated. We did not stay in hotels in Germany when we went to Oktoberfest. Although the festival we went to was off-post, we stayed on post in the barracks, and just took the bus to the festival. There was a huge tent, and yes, lots of beer. And traditional German food, which I found far more tasty than the liquid offerings. There was also a band playing German folk music, and people were dancing.

One thing that many people do not realize about Germany, is that it is divided into states, much like ours. Each state, or Länder has a capital. So you could stay in hotels in Berlin and hotels in Munich and have totally different experiences. Even the language is a bit different, depending on where you are. Some places use High Deutsch and some Low Deutsch.

One more note for this post: if you even have a chance to taste an actual true Bavarian pastry?? Do it.

Long ago and far away, when I was coming home from Germany, in fact, I got stranded in Chicago. The airline booked me into the marvelous Hotel Sofitel and it was so enjoyable that I have been trying to get stranded in Chicago again! I’ve only been back once since then, and I did not get to stay at the Sofitel. In fact, I didn’t even get to rent a car in Chicago. The first time I was just there overnight and used the airport shuttle, and the second time, we drove in our van.

One of the great attractions near Chicago is the Brookfield Zoo. It is absolutely a must-see. Seriously, it is 216 acres, and something amazing around every corner. The other attraction I enjoyed a great deal was the Woodfield Mall. At the time I was there, it was the second largest mall in the US.

Writing his post is making me want to go back again. And thee fact that I know Ang. would meet me there just makes that idea more enticing. This time, I would totally rent a car so I could leave the van with Dh and the kids, and still go where I wanted when I wanted, because no, I’m not planning on taking them with me. Why do you ask?