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Concentration Camp Dachau The first concentration camp of the Nazi state opened its doors in 1936.  Housing mostly political prisoners and Jews, it soon became the death camp for Russian POW's, homosexuals, gypsies, non-conformists, and even the homeless.  It was the camp that all other German concentration camps of World War II were modeled after and was the birthplace of the brutal and inhumane treatment that many concentration camp survivors tell us.  We should never forget the depth which mans inhumanity to his fellow man can reach.

Infamy      On December 7, 1941, the placid and tranquil Hawaiian island of Oahu was turned into the first battle ground of the war against Japan.  From six aircraft carriers that stealthily approached the islands, over three hundred fighters, bombers and torpedo planes were launched against the American forces at Pearl Harbor.  Additionally, the military airfields of the island were bombed and strafed. The attack would catapult the United States into the last global conflict of the 20th century with the President’s address to the Congress and would forever make that date "a date that will live in infamy."

Arlington National Cemetery Across the river from Washington D.C., in the neighboring state of Virginia, lies the most famous cemetery in the United States.  One of many burial grounds for the military service men and women, Arlington is the resting place of many American heroes, as well as two Presidents; John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft.  It is also the location of the Tomb of the Unknowns, servicemen who died during World War I, World War II and the Korean Conflict whose bodies remained unidentified.  A tour of this historic site should be on everyone’s bucket list to remind them of our history and freedom, and the costs to keep it.

The Tower of London Best known as a prison, and place of torture and execution, England's Tower of London has gained a reputation of infamy that overshadows its original intended function - as the residence of royalty.  It has also served as an armory, zoo, and military prison as recently as World War II.  Still, the morbidity of its past is what brings the tourist to this site.  Now it is also home to the Crown Jewels and houses a collection of ancient armor and weapons and a history that is brought alive with the narration of the Yoeman Wardens - the Beefeaters.

A Week as Robinson Crusoe Islands come in all shapes and sizes.  A few are located in climates that offer warm days, cool nights, and gentle ocean breezes throughout the day.  But when they offer comfortable living quarters, they are better still.  Although there are not many that fit this catagory, there are a few and the good news is that many of these units are available for rent.  Better yet, some of them are actually affordable for those who don't fall into the catagory of "super rich".  While some of us desire a vacation filled with the party atmosphere and social interaction that goes with it, this holiday will invigorate you in a way that only the self-imposed exile from the hustle and bustle of every-day life can offer.

Bodie, CA - An American Ghost Town  The Wild West of America has all but disappeared except for the pages of adventure books and Hollywood movies.  However the ghost of the time can still be found if you know where to look.  Bodie, California is one of many towns that was part of the gold fever of the nineteenth century.  Once a thriving settlement with a population that hoped it woud rival San Francisco, Bodie dies when the gold was mined out.  Most of the town burned to the ground, but what remains is perhaps the most impressive and well presevered of the west mining towns.

Places of Antiquity (Part II of II) A continuation of last months blog with six new distinations that represent some of the grandest locations to visit for a look into the culture of the past. Begining in the Central American jungles of Guatamala, we visit the Mayan city of Tikal and from there weave our way through Cambodia, Greece, the United States, Easter Island and Peru. Once again, the sites are in choronological order, with the our tour beginning at the oldest site.  (NOTE: The locations underlined indicate those which I have visited and can speak of from first hand experience.)

Places of Antiquity (Part I of II) These places are only a shadow of their lost significance.  Some, such as the Pyramids and Great Wall of China, are recognized by just about everyone.  Others are less well-know.  But all connect us to our past and leave us amazed at the artistic and contruction abilities of these ancient people.  Here is a view of six travel destination, which represent some of the greatest building efforts of long ago.  They are in chronological order, from the oldest?—at the top of the list —to the "youngest" at the bottom.

Dark of the Sun One of the most magnificent phenomena of nature took place on April 8th—a total eclipse of the sun that crossed the United States from Texas to Maine. Although the eclipse (at least partially) was visible to many citizens of the United States, only those living within the narrow path of totality saw the grandeur of the tendrils from the sun's corona twisting and coiling from behind the shadow of the moon. One can easily understand why the ancients believed such astronomical events were a message from the gods. Perhaps by the time you read this, the event has passed. If you missed it, you may have to travel to some foreign country to see the next one. Or, you could wait until 2044, when the next total eclipse races across much of the United States.

The Rock Alcatraz Prison is Americas most famous penetentiary.  It became home to the worst of the worst inmates and quickly developed a reputation for its strict rules.  During thier incarceration, prisoners had little to do but quietly serve thier time and try to survive the monotony and solitude on the island prison that was deemed escape-proof.  They gave it the moniker "the Rock", and in its nearly 30 years as a Federal Penetentiary there were only 14 escape attempts.  Most escapees were quickly recaptured and many died, but only one succeeded in the long swim to the mainland only to be quickly arrested and returned.  What has been called America's Devils Island has since become a National Park.

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