Imagine the Academy Awards, New Year's Eve and World Cup Soccer, all rolled into the most important day of the year. It’s Carnival, and the Caribbean Island of Trinidad claims to have invented it in the new world. This is serious business, with contests, royalty (kings and queens of music), costumes, and newspaper articles offering everything from editorials (has Carnival in … [Read more...]
An EPIC Journey of Dublin’s History and Art
If you would know Ireland, you must read its poems and stories.W.B. Yeats The stories that Dublin shares of its past are part of what makes this city so rich in history and art, and help to shape its future. Read on below as Jacqueline Swartz continues her adventures in Ireland, exploring the stories of history and art in Dublin. Then it was on to Dublin. I had been … [Read more...]
Connemara, Ireland – A Tale of Two Castles
Connemara is a savage beauty ... wild mountainous country ... magnificent in every way.Oscar Wilde Connemara Ireland Castles While Oscar Wilde spoke of Connemara, Ireland's natural splendours, Connemara, Ireland's castles could similarly be describe as savage beauty, wild and magnificent in every way. Connemara is home to many such castles, a few of which can be found … [Read more...]
Ireland Sings to the Soul on the Wild Atlantic Way
With its mystical landscapes, heartbreaking history, poetry and music, Ireland has a way of getting to you. ~ Jacqueline Swartz Ireland Sings to the Soul Ireland’s impact comes from more than what you see or do – it’s how … [Read more...]
Chicago People, Places and Food
Chicago has long carried the label of being second to New York - hence the name Second City. But just as the comedy club has spawned first-rate comedians, from Stephen Colbert to Tina Fey, the city is brimming with first rate attractions. I had the opportunity to experience many of the great Chicago people, places and food highlights raved about by travelers and … [Read more...]