On the German wine route in Pfalz, or Palatine, almost everything revolves around wine. It is celebrated, tasted, and drunk. You have the opportunity to get to know the numerous types of grapes and nuances of taste, and descend into deep, cool cellars. Experience wine tastings in lovely settings, walk through the vineyards and participate in the grape harvest.
Situated on the edge of the Palatine Forest Nature Park is a softly rolling countryside with red sandstone formations overlooked by castles, inviting walking and hiking. These trips are designed to suit all abilities, from two to ten miles at a relaxed pace.
Visiting the city of Speyer, built in 1030, you will enter one of the most important Romanesque churches in Germany, listed as a historial treasure of the world by UNESCO. Stroll to the Rhine River and shop the delightful pedestrian passages of this medieval town.
Become a vinegar connisseur of the “sour sensousness” on a tour of the Doktorenhof.
Days begin with beautiful breakfasts of local cheese, salamis and breads. Lunch in a rustic “weinstube” cafe or picnic in a vineyard. Late afternoon finds us at a sidewalk cafe with a drink and treat, perhaps a unique German chocolate! Wine tastings and dinner are early evening and can be followed by a local event.
Private transportation whisks you from the Frankfurt airport to the first of two village accommodations, one and a half hour away, and transports you the entire tour.
Come and join this spectacular speciality tour with organizers and guides Tyler Burgess and German native, Monica Rauch, local German wine importer.
Could there be a fun, cheap, easy, simple and yet satisfying vacation for your whole family right out the front door? Why exhaust yourself, your family and your finances with traveling. It's the perfect year to vacation in Eugene. Just pick up the new edition of "Eugene, Oregon Walks", a guidebook with 32 walking maps by Tyler Burgess.
Discover nature trails, a labrynith, fabulous mansions and charming neighborhoods. Stop in small cafes or coffee shops for treats or lunch. On the Historic Homes map stroll by the oldest house in Eugene, Abram's Fruit Dryer & Cider Factory, and stop in at the Lane County Historical Museum. Enjoy a shaded forest walk within the city limits on the Ridgeline Trail. View the Three Sisters peaks from the Butte to Bakery walk or the Fern Ridge bike path. Hop on the bus to the start or stay in a wonderful local B&B for that traveling feeling.
Call friends to join you occasionally. Perhaps a fascinating outdoor vacation lurks at the corner.
"Tourists see the world, travelers experience it."
On my fourth trip to Morocco in December, my experiences spilled into the traveler realm. Being invited to a wedding of one of the nine sons of my adopted Berber (the original inhabitants) family in the High Atlas Mountains, I was looking forward to a three-day celebration, plus one all night of dancing. Sadly, at 3:30 am on the first marriage celebration day, the grandmother, Anaya, died. Last July she had a stroke and was cared for with great tenderness in the family home while declining.
At first light the Islamic cleric Imam arrived to chant the Koran, pray, and she was buried by 8:30 am. For four days people came from miles around to mourn and share a meal. Village women arrived with big cooking pots, made couscous and fed everyone. Each day special prayers were recited at the mosque for her journey and judgment in the afterlife.
Although not invited to participate in the rituals, the family kindly had the younger boys take me hiking or bicycling. Fortunately the couple, ages 28 and 30, did get a marriage license in November and celebrate at the bride's Arabic family home on the coast, 40 miles south of Casablanca. Plus she wore her gown on an earlier occasion, when I got to draw her. It was a rich cultural experience!
