Travel & Culture   

Most of you are aware of all the different ports in the Mediterranean, but do you know how many ways you can get to those ports? Join Dianna as she shows participants the different types of cruises that can be taken to explore the Mediterranean. Participants will also look at some of the amazing ports that are often overlooked by the major cruise lines.

We start in England in a debtor's prison and come with General Oglethorpe to a colony he will call Georgia. This place was Savannah. If you want to see one place where lots of history, culture, and food are packed into a relatively small area, it is Savannah. They avoided the destruction of Sherman's armies by agreeing to surrender if the army would not burn their property. Therefore, you can see this magnificent city today.

For persons interested in meditative strolls, the winding path of a labyrinth can be healing. In Ocala, there are three labyrinths open to the public and all are outdoors. This class will highlight each labyrinth - and the importance of taking time for one's own self care.

Let's look at Italy in two ways. We will hit some of the interesting highlights and history of the old country and then follow the immigrants from Italy as they came and lived among us. If you are of Italian heritage, come and tell us about it.

The opportunity to get out and see the world has become more and more accessible to people all across the planet in recent years. At the same time, trips are increasingly geared towards individual tastes as opposed to just getting from point A to point B and back home. Expedition travel may not appeal to you but you may be pleasantly surprised by just by the activities included on an expedition ship. Come learn about journeys that will allow you to be dazzled by natural wonders, wildlife, and indigenous cultural traditions that we used to see only on television.

Rail travel in Europe has long been a great way to see the Continent. Now, it is becoming more popular in the United States and Canada. This course will help you figure out how to make the best use of the rail systems of Europe as we look at ticketing, itineraries, and general travel by rail. An optional demonstration on how to pack for a rail vacation will be offered at the end of the class.

Romania is a country of great mystery. We will travel from the intrigue of the spy hotel Athenee in Bucharest to the magnificent Bran Castle in Transylvania. You may even meet Count Dracula, a great feat for this time of year.

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.
 

The major Mexican holiday is not Cinco de Mayo but Dia de los Muertos: the Day of the Dead. You have seen pictures of the skeletons wearing clothes, singing or dancing. Those are Catrina associated with the day of the dead. Join the instructor and explore this interesting holiday and traditions.

Join Sue Primeau, watercolor and mixed media artist for her art adventures presentation. Each year, Sue and her artist friend, Nancy, gather a small group of artists and non-artists to explore off-the-beaten-path journeys filled with unique experiences.

Each year, Sue and her artist/travel agent friend, Nancy, gather a small group of artists and non-artists to experience off-the-beaten-path journeys filled with unique experiences. As she describes the cuisine, artist studios, the vibrant history, the people and their culture, as well as the unexpected, participants will feel as if they were there. Her stories of bridging a gap of language, customs, travel and how people around the world connect through art will have participants wanting to pack their brushes and longing to join her travels. 

Father Mohr was in a quandary. A mouse had chewed the insides of the organ, and there would be no Christmas music. While contemplating what to do, he wrote a poem that a friend set to music with his guitar. They had music and a new song for their services-"Silent Night." You can visit the replica of Father Mohr's chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, or you can go to Frankenmuth Mi and remember the beginnings of our favorite Christmas carol. The instructor will cover both places.