Travel & Culture   

From the magical highlands to the beautiful islands, Scotland has something for everyone. During this travel talk, you'll discover what to see and experience in this beautiful country. We'll explore rail, self-drive, and land tours that will give you valuable information for planning your own trip to Scotland.

Often when people announce they're going to Alaska the first question they're met with is: Why? Alaska doesn't fit the bill for what most people picture on vacation, but that is part of the allure.

The 49th state has rightly earned its nickname as the Last Frontier, packed with staggering mountains amidst glaciers clung to their sides, big game wildlife, towering icebergs, lively cities, a unique culture, historic mining communities and a thousand things in between.

How much of Alaska can you see on a cruise? Is a land tour going to let me see more of Alaska? What on earth is a cruise tour? These questions and more will be answered as we explore Alaska, our 49th state.

Like to learn about Florida's history? Do it yourself with this program to help you! This presentation provides a way for the attendees to learn about Florida's historic places- all 500 plus. The state is divided into five regions that a person or family can explore individually in three-day adventures. Contact information is provided along with some "don't miss" recommendations. The historic places are defined and information is provided so individuals can select those venues in which they have the most interest.

Have you ever dreamt of spending the night in a 15th century castle? For more than 12 years, Professor Lisa Didier toured the French countryside and stayed at many of the privately owned chateaux and castles, which offer accommodations with all the mod cons.

This proram offers not only virtual tours of some of these fantastic, ancient castles, but also the history, the amazing antiques and even anecdotes about the ghosts from centuries past that still make their presence known.

In this course, we will take a stroll down to the Agora of Athens, the Forum in Rome and the Hippodrome in Constantinople to find out what it was like to live, work, eat and be entertained in the cities of the Greco-Roman world.  We will admire some of the architectural marvels and soak up some of the culture that would have been a part of daily life to inhabitants and visitors to these cities.  From high class dinners to streetside graffiti, we will be sampling some of what made ancient city life such an important part of classical culture and how it has influenced our lives today.

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. The Alaskan Railroad has grown as a result of increased cruise traffic and a new desire to see Denali. This course will help you figure out how to make the best use of the rail systems of Europe, the United States, and Canada to plan your perfect vacation.

What is philosophy if not the pursuit of "the good life?" In this course, we will be reviewing thoughts from some of ancient Greece and Rome's greatest minds and their advice on remembering what is really important in life: our own sense of happiness.  From Pythagoras to Plato to Seneca and beyond, we will be discussing some of the highlights of their thoughts on "the good life" and what their advice can mean to us today.

In this program, you will be participating in the ritualistic ceremony of Japanese powered green tea preparations and presentation. A brief history of Cha-No-Yu as well as descriptions of the utensils used will be demonstrated throughout the performance. Please join us for an evening of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
 

These artists have become so well known in the US. However, one will appreciate them more after visiting their homes in Mexico. In a suburb of Mexico City is Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Dr. Kelly will tell the story of her troubled life as participants scout her home and gardens via presentation. Likewise, participants will go to the home of Diego Rivera in Guanajuato and study the paintings of these two as they fall in and out of love.

Mexico is an interesting and exciting country. We will travel away from the usual tourist destinations and depressing news about migrants and gangs to its inner soul and culture. Let’s go to Mexico City with its National Palace and great museum of anthropology. The mysterious ruins of Teotihuacan and other Aztec and Zapata sites await your exploration. Touring magnificent Spanish colonial cities such as Guadalajara and Oaxaca is most memorable. Mexico is one of our nearest neighbors  and only three hour flight from Orlando to Mexico City; this is an an adventure you do not want to miss.

Of all of Florida's fantastic natural wonder's, the Florida Keys are arguably the most wonderful. Stretching from Biscayne National Park in the northeast to The Dry Tortugas National Park in the southwest these islands comprise a paradise for sportsmen, beach-goers, camera enthusiasts, culinary connoisseurs, and just plain loafers. Besides harboring some of the world's finest saltwater fishing, snorkeling, diving and boating are great here. There's history for those who seek it, along with endless opportunities to entertain every taste. Learn some of the many things to see and do in this 150-plus mile chain of wonders.  

One of the natural wonders of Florida, the Everglades holds secrets for one to discover. From exciting rides in airboats, canoe trips filled with the sights of wildlife, unbelievable fishing from places like Chokoloskee and Lake Okeechobee to history at the Smallwood Store, Everglades City, and Ah-tah-thi-ki the wonderful museum of the Seminole Nation. Visit the heart of agricultural Florida around Lake Okeechobee and the cattle ranches that continue to make Florida one of the top beef producing states. Learn the Everglades secrets, and by the way Virginia, there are crocodiles in Florida!

When we think about traveling the world, do we ever stop to think where it all started? Who were the first "tourists?" Where did they travel, and why? What were their accommodations, food, money? This course will cover these answers, along with souvenirs/scams throughout the ages, and will include some anecdotes about some very famous tourists.