Europe

Transylvania – A Melding of History and Lore

Transylvania – A Melding of History and Lore

by Irene Butler.- Published in Travel Lady Magazine - I have long been intrigued by Romania’s mysterious folklore. Images flash through my mind of free-spirited Roma (gypsies) moving across the countryside, gifted with musical abilities and with psychic powers to tell fortunes or bring on a curse. The very word Transylvania sends a shiver down my spine, and blood curdling images of haunted castles and fanged creatures. My husband Rick and I are ready to find the historical threads in the folklore. We leave by train from Bucharest to Transylvania – one of the largest and most picturesque regions in...

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Poland… at last!

Poland… at last!

By Irene Butler. Back in 2001 we entered Poland via train from Budapest, or attempted to…at 4 a.m. we were escorted off the train by armed guards at the border between Poland and Slovakia….why? We thought since our United States neighbours did not require a visa that we Canadians would not require a visa. WRONG! This year (a decade later) we flew into Warsaw and breezed through immigration with the customs officer barely glancing at our passports. I like to think this was to make up for last time, but in reality the visa requirement was lifted for Canadians...

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Kiev – A Marvel of Churches and Monuments

Kiev – A Marvel of Churches and Monuments

By Irene Butler… The ancient city of Kiev (Kyiv), believed to be at least 1500 years old, is known as the cradle of Slavic civilization. Three brothers and a sister are the legendary founders of Kyiv, named after the oldest sibling Prince Kyi. This foursome wielding bow,sword and shield are fashioned in metal at the Independence Square fountain (Maiden Nezalezhnosti) in the centre of Kyiv (Kiev in Russian). The 30ºC day has prompted folks of all ages to splash in the water as it cascades over a wide staircase. Tiers of concrete seating around the periphery of the square...

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Kyiv and Odesa Ukraine

Kyiv and Odesa Ukraine

Enjoy the Sights of Kyiv and Odesa Ukraine through our Camera Lens.

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Germany Excerpt from “Our Book”

Germany Excerpt from “Our Book”

“PROST to München!” we toasted Munich, the big city with small town ideas. Gemütlichkeit is what Germans call the convivial atmosphere of Bayern’s (Bavaria’s) capital. Even the uptight northern Germans come here to unwind in the vibrant setting of beer gardens shaded by giant chestnut trees, cavernous raucous beer halls, and endless eateries serving hardy, homey fare. On Sundays and holidays, most shops outside of the central area are closed. It is a day for locals as well as visitors to walk through gardens, take in some of the many museums, or stroll through the Marienplatz, Munich’s most famous...

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