I like to consider myself a world traveler. It’s a so-so accurate statement. I’ve seen quite a bit but there is so much more to see. And I’m already 50! Traveling is how I’m working toward global peace. The more we understand past and present cultures, the more we realize that we are all the ...
Review “A Small Fire” (Steep Theatre): Ignites Deep Reflection
Steep Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of A SMALL FIRE. Playwright Adam Bock introduces a tough as nails construction manager and then strips her of her power. Emily (played deftly by Melissa Riemer) is afflicted with a mysterious disease. As her condition worsens, the fierce Riemer is forced into dependency. Bock’s story is about self identification ...
Review “Brigadoon” (Goodman Theatre): Enchanting, Aye!
Goodman Theatre presents BRIGADOON. I grew up watching and re-watching the mystical musical “Brigadoon.” The 1954 film starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse made me believe in the power of love. When I saw last night’s show, I already knew the plot and most of the songs. The plot is contrived. Some might even say corny. ...
I’ve been bit!
I was bit on vacation. I had an itch and so I scratched. I thought I could contain it to just my overseas stint. I was wrong. Before we arrived in Scotland, I had purchased a Fitbit . Using the wifi on the bus, I ordered through Amazon.com. I wanted it at my Chicago home ...
To bus or not to bus
Our departure back to the States started with a terminal snafu. Globus had tagged our suitcases for terminal 5. So, we were delivered to terminal 5. Unfortunately, our flight was leaving from terminal 3. Speed bump. Heathrow isn’t big on the signage. We finally stumbled onto the Heathrow Express and trained to terminal 3. Now, ...
Day 14 – British Isles: Blenheim Palace on the way to London
It’s our last full tour day. We fly out tomorrow from Heathrow. So, we made our way back to London by way of Blenheim Palace. There is a difference between castle and palace. Castle is for defense. Palace is for show. No moat probably a palace. And Blenheim is quite the show! We’ve seen a ...
Day 13 – British Isles: Coventry, Stratford Upon Avon, Cotswold
Our first stop this morning was Coventry. Legend has it, in the 11th century, Lady Godiva asked her husband to reduce taxation on his tenants. He sarcastically told her that he would reduce taxes if she rode horseback naked down the streets of Coventry. So, Lady G did. Since the tenants appreciated and respected her, ...
Day 12 – British Isles: Alnwick – York, England
We left Edinburgh and Scotland this morning. We are back in England. First stop today was Alnwick. The Castle Alnwick is where Harry Potter movies filmed quidditch scenes. The town is a quaint village of shops. And the Saturday outdoor market was open. We strolled around to pick up local flavor. The original town wall ...
Day 11-British Isles: Edinburgh and St. Andrews
We spent our morning in Edinburgh with Tom, a local guide. The scottish accent is thicker than any we’ve heard. It takes awhile to understand it but once I did, I found it beguiling. The Irish are charming and the Scots are adorable. Tom regaled us with colorful stories of local history. One of ...
Day 10- British Isles: Belfast, Ireland to Edinburgh, Scotland
We woke up in Ireland and went to sleep in Scotland. And in the between... I found out yesterday that Games of Thrones Season 5 is currently shooting in Belfast at Titanic Studios. During its television reign,it has brought in 87 million pounds to the city. Our guide yesterday said her son was offered a speaking ...