Tagged With "Star Wars"
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Re: Finding Reiner #6: Frozen Grave
Paul, Thanks for that note about the German cemetery in France. I may make a trip to several of these war cemeteries on my next trip overseas. I just heard from the German War Graves Commission this morning with more photos of Reiner's grave.
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Re: A Winter Visit to Dresden and Leipzig
Well Dresden and Leipzig pretty nice cities to visit. In Dresden the former Frauenkirche got rebuild which got totally destroyed by the bombing attack if the Second World War. Also the side on the river Elbe invites in long walks and beautiful areas. Especially the sights like Zwinger and the Semper Oper are worth to visit. Leipzig is the City I come from and it has changed a lot after the reunion. The inner city is not that big but it has a lot if history. Sebastian Bach and his famous...
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Re: Finding Reiner #2: Chasing Ghosts
I found myself racing to the computer this morning to read Part 2 of your incredible and moving series. It's made me reflect on what war does to a family .
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Re: Finding Reiner #2: Chasing Ghosts
Another brilliant post, HistoryDigger! Thanks. I think you've described the situation many young German men were in, and it's a lesson for all of us to fight tyranny at every step and with all we have. It is also a reminder to me how a government that is "a friend of the people" can crush those same people if their power isn't checked. After the Nazis had seized power, there was no tolerance for dissent. You were either with them -- or you were in big big trouble (possibly even fatal...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 21, 2014: Headhunters, Borneo
Hmm, guess this just isn't a war trophy kind of crowd. Or maybe you had to be there.
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Re: Finding Reiner #3: Inside Old Shadows
This makes a fascinating read, well done! My father-in-law Hans Esser was from Cologne (had sung as part of the choir in Cologne cathedral) and served on submarines (unwillingly) during the 2nd W.W. war. Their sub was attacked several times and finally they were forced to surrender. He was taken prisoner and interned in England. The prisoners then helped on the local farms which was where he met his future wife Vera. They married just after the end of the war and had the difficult privilege...
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Re: Finding Reiner #3: Inside Old Shadows
Mac-TG Guru--Fascinating story, yours. Your parents' romance reminds me of such fictional stories in the British series Foyle's War . Have you seen that? The show highlights romance between German POWs and English farm girls. I would love to know more of your father's history. I also wish I could interview your father or find other elderly residents who remember life here during the war. So much better when it comes from a resident than from a historian who was not here then. How long were...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#48)
The last five niches at the left of the colonnade were originally filled with Habsburg Emperors; just after World War II, when damage was repaired, they were replaced by freedom fighters of an older generation (Louis Kossuth from 1848, etc.) not the 1956 ones.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #32: Solved!
Might that be the old decommissioned World War II naval mine, probably located at 108 Old Brompton Rd, London SW7 3RA ...??
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Re: Looking for Historical Landmarks !
Fascinating indeed Paul ! Do the School kids get taught that since 1776 - that America and the Brits have joined forces in 20 other wars ? In WW2 over a million young American soldiers arrived in Liverpool and took over the pubs and dance halls ! The local young men had already left to go to war. The American troops acquired a local saying: "Over paid - over sexed and over here !"
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Re: Looking for Historical Landmarks !
Long history of alliance is discussed, but don't think I've ever heard that count before. I used to point out that the Monroe Doctrine was based on an almost unintended alliance. In the wake of Spain's loss of American colonies, Pres. Monroe wanted to warn other European powers, France especially, from attempting to take them over, but lacked the military power to stop any attempts. And, only a short time after the 1812 war, there was still a lot of anti-British sentiment. But Monroe was...
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Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 2)
Barton Academy, 504 Government St. First Public School in Alabama I've walked on Government Street in Mobile Alabama four separate times. The funny thing is, as I finished up seeing the sights that I came for, I kept...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Drayton Hall
On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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A Remote Canadian Village offers Indescribable Natural Discoveries
As I left the hotel in Winnipeg I was outfitted in all my brand new cold-weather gear headed for the airport and a two hour flight to the remote village of Churchill. I prayed my preparation for facing the sub-zero temperatures and brutal...
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The Bovington Tank Museum, Dorset
Almost unsure whether this constitutes a Travel Gumbo "travel" post, I press ahead with my submission and await rapped knuckles from the Senior Gurus! But, first I will bring the big guns to bear with the help of Brad Pitt and his Sherman tank from...
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Memphis, Tennessee 3) The rest of the city
There’s a lot more to Memphis than Graceland, although Graceland is by far the city’s most popular attraction (which I’ve previously discussed here ). A city of about 650,000, Memphis has a...
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Tupelo, Mississippi. Birthplace of the King of Rock 'n Roll
This is the first post in a short series on visiting Elvis Presley related sites. I've been a huge Elvis fan all my life and my love for the man's wonderful music has not abated in the 35+ years since he died. My brother (Ottoman) and I...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, December 13, 2014: Gödöllő
The Royal Palace of Gödöllő sits on the outskirts of Budapest and it was there I was taken one day by streetcar from the center of the city by dear friend, Zoli. A serious photographer with a wonderful eye, he and I walked all...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Aiken-Rhett House
On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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Visiting Versailles
Among the many wonderful palaces of Europe, Versailles is said to be the greatest and grandest of them all. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is on almost every traveler’s list of “must see”...
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The Loire River Valley
Many find a visit to the Loire Valley to be the highlight of their visit to France, as did we. When we were planning our journey I discussed our itinerary with my friend, Wayne. Wayne and his wife had...
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The Medieval Fortress and Town of Chinon
There are few places in France of greater historic importance than Chinon. You wouldn’t know that by what you see when you drive thru it today as it seems a small sleepy rural town. You’ll see little evidence of...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 3, 2013: Brandenburg Gate
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate is surely one of the world’s most-recognized landmarks, and symbolizes Berlin in the way the Eiffel Tower means Paris and the Parthenon means Athens. It’s been the ceremonial center for marches and...
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Ottawa – NOT the coldest Capital in the world!
Ottawa is a vibrant and charming small city — so pleasant that it’s hard to believe it’s home to soooo many politicians. Of the national capitals I've visited, Ottawa seems the most livable to me (ie. if...
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Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
Quebec, like New York, is both a city and a state (or rather, a province). It’s an island of French heritage and culture within our Anglo-North American continent. We combined this visit with stops in Montreal and...
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Walla, Walla: “So nice they named it twice!”
What’s a Walla Walla? It’s a Indian name meaning “many waters”. It’s also the name of a charming city in southeastern Washington; nestled close to the Columbia and Snake River valleys, and with a river of its...
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Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
Verona from the hills, looking toward St. Anastasia and the Ponte Pietra My visit to Verona last summer was almost an accident—but a lucky one. It wasn’t on the original plan for our three weeks in Northern Italy, but online...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan 24, 2014: Saddler at Bar U Ranch, Alberta
Nestling in the rolling plains leading to the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains beyond is the National Historic "Bar U Ranch". First established in 1881, today Bar U Ranch continues to be a living showpiece of the daily life and skills of...
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United's Award Chart: Premium Award Cost Goes UP
United Airlines has released a new award chart that bumps up the miles required for nearly all business and first-class awards, and (for the first time) makes flights on its Star Alliance partner airlines cost more miles than on United. Details HERE
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Cologne Cathedral, Germany. Where Gumbo Was #83
Gumbo was visiting the magnificent Cathedral in Cologne, Germany. The puzzle destination was recognized rather quickly by Roderick Simpson -- congratulations Roddy! I first saw Cologne’s Cathedral on a...
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Monterey Bay Aquarium: Oceans Apart
Located directly on the Monterey Bay just south of Santa Cruz is a sprawling complex of nearly 200 exhibits of more than 550 species in a 2 storey building nearly 30 years old: the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA). Started in 1978, and open to the...
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San Juan's El Morro: Layers of Stone, Layers of History (Where Gumbo Was, #84)
El Morro, the giant fortification that's guarded San Juan Harbor for nearly 500 years, is the sight we saw before we saw it. Its image is everywhere when you do online research for a trip to Puerto Rico; its "garitas"—small domed...
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Cunard's Anniversary includes Lusitania Memorial
Cunard, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year with all manner of events, including sail-bys of its major ships and cruises featuring historians, recreations of gala balls and more. It will also divert one of its newest liners, the Queen...
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Old San Juan: Beautiful...and not all old
San Juan, Puerto Rico is a city of contrasts, of modern skyscrapers, crowded residential areas of different eras, resort hotels and casinos along Condado, and much more...but the image that usually comes to mind is really that of Old San Juan, the...
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Passenger Numbers Soar at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Because of Airfare War
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport increased passenger numbers by 7.7% in 2014 because of a airfare war between Delta and Alaska Airways.Delta Airlines has made moves into the Seattle market,hub of Alaska Airlines .They've been competing...
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Why You should visit Nevada's Valley of Fire
Tired of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas? Had enough of the concrete canyons and smoked filled casinos of Sin City? Not sure if it's day or night (there are no clocks allowed in Vegas casinos)? Then you should do...
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Solo Travel: Four unexpected essentials
I like to think of myself as an international badass seasoned solo traveller. It is my preferred way to see the world. For me, there is nothing more cathartic than knowing I can survive without anyone — knowing that my own company is enough....
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UKs First National Civil War Centre to Open With Huge Civil War Re-Enactment
Over 1,000 Civil War re-enactors and cannons from across the UK will be in Newark to help launch the National Civil War Center on May 3 and 4th . The museum recounts the 17th century clashes between King and Parliament . The museum...
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Spotted on the Road, Acton MA: 1946 Ford Deluxe 8 Coupe
Outside a restaurant in Acton, MA, we spotted this shiny Ford coupe. It actually may not really be a 1946, but if not, it's a '47 or '48. Subject to correction by someone who knows more, here's the theory. Ford introduced basically this model...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 29, 2015: J. S. Bach's Tomb
This week marks Johann Sebastian Bach's 330th birthday on March 21 or 31, 1685. The difference is due to the change, during his lifetime, from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Above, his vault in the floor of the Thomaskirche, Leipzig Germany....
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A Day in Caguas
Caguas is a late-comer by some standards; San Juan, 30 miles away, was already 250 years old when Caguas was settled by Spain—and yet it proudly calls itself “La Ciudad Criolla” and “El Corazon de Borinquen,” the Creole...
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Skedans, Haida Gwaii, British Colombia (Where Gumbo was #106)
Gumbo was visiting the "misty isles", Haida Gwaii, in British Columbia. Specifically, the remnants of the Haida village of Skedans. Sadly, not much remains of the village, captured at its prime in the above image (1878), rich...
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Lulworth Castle, Dorset - the hunts and the fire
This is Lulworth Castle in Dorset, England. Apparently built on the site of an ancient fortified castle. The foundations of this version of the castle were started in 1588 and it was completed in 1609. The castle was actually built as a hunting lodge...
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Hackescher Markt and Hofe, Berlin: Where Gumbo Was #72
The Gumbo Guessers have done their best with this week's puzzle, but it has defied solution, although Jonathan L got the right city. It's Berlin, alright, a city with two rail transit systems (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) and where poor maintenance caused a...
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Welcome to the town of Dawson City, Yukon
Dawson City owns its existence as a direct result of the Klondike gold discovery in 1896 in the nearby creeks. Dawson was founded in 1897 and incorporated as a city in 1902. By 1898, the population was almost 40,000. It was the largest...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb. 15, 2015: Sweetgrass Baskets
Among the many traditions of the Lowcountry around Charleston SC few are as fascinating or as rich in history as basketweaving using sweetgrass—native bulrush. These baskets are displayed for sale by their makers on the steps of the...
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Magnolia Plantation: Beautiful but Complicated
This story started out simple: A visit to a beautiful riverside plantation, renowned for its centuries-old formal gardens. But the past is usually not so simple, and in this instance involves not only the ugly story of the slavery that made...
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Over There! Poster perspectives of World War I
While visiting Boston recently I encountered intense late winter weather that made me focus most of my free time on indoor activities, rather than strolling through the interesting streets of this historic city. I enjoyed these days and...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Apr. 8, 2015: Gedächtniskirche, Berlin
Jesus appears to float above the altar in the modern version of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche) in Berlin. The modern church, which Berliners mostly call by its short name, stands next to the original church, built in...