Travel & Culture   

Learn all about the different types of national public lands throughout the Sunshine State. From national parks to remote islands, Florida's public lands are worth exploring in every corner of our state. Learn the difference between national parks, preserves, and other types of public lands - and how to visit them.

Ever have trouble deciding which cruise and cruise line to take? In this age of informational overload, how can you be sure you are getting the right river cruise that fits your desired river cruise experience? This course will introduce you to the features, inclusions, and differences between the major river cruise lines you see and hear about. Learn about Viking, AMAWaterways, Uniworld, Avalon, Scenic, and Emerald river cruise lines. This is an informational session that will help you make your decision and not a sales presentation.

In this program, you will be participating in the ritualistic ceremony of Japanese Matcha tea preparations and presentation. A brief history of Cha-No-Yu based on Zen meditation, descriptions and the use of utensils will be demonstrated throughout the performance. Please join us for an evening of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
 

When instructor Dr. Evelyn Kelly visited Vietnam and tried to cross busy streets, she was not able. Then, her Vietnamese guide stepped out into the street, and she followed along across the street. After asking how he did that, the guide stated, "by looking forward, never backward."

Twenty-five years ago, after a horrible war, this country was devastated. Now, it has towering skyscrapers, great roads, and people wanting to show off their beautiful land. Join Dr. Kelly as she discusses one of the hottest tourist destinations that says, "look forward, never backward."

A Nile river cruise is one of the easiest and safest ways to explore the history and culture of Egypt. Come learn why you should choose the Nile as your next river cruise. We'll look at pre-cruise options in Cairo and what you can see there, possible ports of call, and ways to extend your cruise to discover even more of the regions culture and history.

 

When Dr. Evelyn Kelly visited Cambodia, she knew about the killing fields and tehname Pol Pot, nothing else. What she found was an amazing country. Along with ancient Angkor Wat and the beautiful Apsara Dancers, this country has an intriguing history. It also has an up-and-coming nation, a constitutional monarchy. Go to the backcountry with Dr. Kelly to visit a farmer's home and a fast food restaurant for KFC (Kambodia Fried Crickets).

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

A dad gave two young boys a toy: a pencil with a rubber band that made a propeller spring and fly. That toy piqued the imaginations of the Wright brothers, who developed an interest in how things run. 

As adults, Orville and Wilbur Wright continued to tinker with flight while running a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. This presentation will take participants to Kitty Hawk North Carolina, where the brothers conducted their first flight. They kept trying, failing and failing, and finally succeeding. And to think that only 70 years later, man would go to the moon.

Stephen King. Tennessee Williams. Ernest Hemingway. Carl Hiaasen. All these writers had- or have- a home in Florida. Take a virtual road trip to visit homes and famous places along Florida's Literary Trail and learn about the history and culture of these different towns.

See clips from films made in Florida - and films made about Florida. From Sunshine State to Where the Boys Are to Gone Fishin', you'll get an overview of what Florida-made and Floridacentric films say about our state. Expect lots of movie clips, discussion and a question and answer period.

There are several labyrinths within driving distance of Master the Possibilities - offering residents beautiful winding paths to engage in meditative strolls. The class will review some of the labyrinths close by. Also, a finger labyrinth will be provided so whenever one finds him/herself in need of meditation, reflection or relaxation, it can be close at hand.

 

Did you know there were 14 new ships added to fleets in 2024?  This talk will introduce you to the new ships and their proposed itineraries.  In the second half of the talk, we'll look at the newest ports that cruise lines are visiting. If you think you've been everywhere, you may just find someplace new to see on your next cruise.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

In this program, you will be participating in the ritualistic ceremony of Japanese Matcha tea preparations and presentation. A brief history of Cha-No-Yu based on Zen meditation, descriptions and the use of utensils will be demonstrated throughout the performance. Please join us for an evening of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
 

Lighthouses pique the imagination. These fascinating structures appear in literature and are part of culture. Florida has some amazing lighthouses- one of these in St. Augustine. Interesting is the story of the Pittee sisters, who appear frequently in the St. Augustine lighthouse. Ghosts in Tybee Island and other coastal lighthouses are famous. One lighthouse on the Great Lakes has ghost cats. Join Dr. Evelyn Kelly and visit some famous lighthouses, along with their ghosts.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.