A Quick Stay in the East 20s at Fifth Avenue, Manhattan The problem with living near New York City is the same as the problem with living in New York City: One tends to limit oneself to a particular neighborhood, whether it’s the one in which you reside (I used to joke when living on…
Category: United States
Vegan Manhattan: Candle 79
Eating Sustainably in New York City Informed that we had reservations at Candle 79 on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, the Brawny Sherpa, a very committed carnivore, could be heard muttering, “Here we go; it’s going to be $200 for broccoli.” Even as he was not quite as enthused about the wheatballs accompanying his…
Rainy Day Manhattan
Museums for when the Met Is Too Crowded As much delight as we take in our own youthful adventurers, especially when they traveled by stroller and drank juice from a box, we aren’t quite, quite as joyful when we get to spend rainy days with throngs of their unrelated colleagues. If you happen to be…
Austrian Anomalies
Looking for Understanding in France and New York I don’t know much about Austria beyond the Sound of Music. Little makes sense to me about Austria despite my efforts to understand. How could the homeland of Marie-Antoinette, who herself struggled under the rigidity of French culture, devolve to such a hierarchical and peevish monarchy less…
Finding Napoleon beyond France
Enamored with the French Revolution on my visit to Paris, I pay scant attention to Napoleon during my time there. Stopping by at Les Invalides, I focus more on a car show on its grounds than to the tomb of the former emperor inside. It’s not until I visit Moscow and view his cannons that…
Wherever I Go, There’s Rochambeau
Recurring Characters in Historical Travels Revered as a hero in the American Revolution, the Comte de Rochambeau’s efforts helping the new country ward off the British are commemorated along the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail—almost 700 miles extending from Massachusetts and Rhode Island south to Virginia. Plaques mark his presence at various points along his historic…
Breakfast in New Orleans: Biscuits and Ruby Slippers
The Brawny Sherpa and I are heading toward St. Louis Cemetery #1 early one morning, walking away from the tourism of Bourbon Street and closer and closer to the real New Orleans on Canal, when we discover the magic of the Ruby Slipper. It’s not quite a diner, not quite a bar, but it is…
Learning about the Korean War in the District of Columbia
Armistice Declared in Panmunjom on July 27, 1953 The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. was dedicated on July 27, 1995 Photo credit: M. Ciavardini The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. brings warriors close to civilians. Seeing statues of soldiers and others in combat mode reminds viewers how frightening war is for…
History, Hucksters, and a Highway in Brewster
The Bashful Adventurer visits the Old Southeast Church Cemetery in Brewster, N.Y. (Putnam County) and uncovers a little bit of history at this unnoticed cemetery.
Stepping Out from the Sanctuary of the French Quarter
A Quick Foray to Tremé Lightens our Souls Stumbling upon Our Lady of Guadalupe after a loop around St. Louis Cemetery #1, a scary trip even on a sunny day, we are grateful for the sanctuary this space is about to offer us. This brightly colored church will be no less strange than the rest…