Studio talk: International understanding through travel
For 75 years, the peace organization Servas International has been bringing people together all over the world. Regional Coordinator Heinz Miebach of Servas Germany explains who can take part and how. Idea and preparation by me.
Hundreds of thousands flock to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally again.
The Sturgis Rally in the US state of South Dakota is considered one of the largest biker gatherings in the world. It kicks off on the first Friday in August. The Black Hills make motorcycling here something very special. More here.
75 years SERVAS International: an old idea stays young.
Founded in July 1949 by the US-American conscientious objector Bob Luitweiler, the network is dedicated to bringing together travelers and hosts from all over the world. Interpersonal encounters are to build understanding, tolerance and world peace. More here.
Somers: On the north shore of Flathead Lake
After Finley Point and the magnificent view of Flathead Lake, I am disillusioned when I find myself at the other end of the lake, on the northern shore. I live three miles from the village of Somers – in the pampa, I think. When I look out of the window here, I see a flat valley and the mountains only in the distance. But I quickly discover that flat also has its charms.
Day Trip to Eureka: Saint Rita and her Amazing Traveling Bookstore.
Still in northwestern Montana: Heaven sent me the snowflakes I longed for just in time for the move into my new temporary home.
The next day I drive to the now snow-covered town of Eureka, once the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World”. From here it is only seven miles to Canada. Rita, a retired teacher, set up a mobile bookstore in a minibus. She goes on tour several times a year – to Lincoln, Nebraska, just as well as to New York City and Baltimore.
On the southern shore of Flathead Lake: Finley Point. A natural paradise.
Still in northwestern Montana, which has taken a liking to me. To be more precise, I am near Polson, on the southern edge of Flathead Lake – the “Bodensee” (Lake Constance) of Montana. My stay is coming to an end. But I still get two wonderful parting gifts.
Finley Point: same day – and a very different, sad mood.
This is sweet Charlotte. She must have had some rough years before Caryl and Tom adopted her. Her nature was all the softer, even though it was hard for her to trust.
Today I had to take her to the clinic for surgery. The vet found a malignant tumor – and he put this wonderful creature down. I can still see her looking at me as I left the clinic. Broke my heart.
Finley Point: Winter is just around the corner in northwest Montana.
View from “my” living room this morning: snow seems to be on the mountain tops. I’m on Finley Point near Polson, Montana, looking out at Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Finley Point is on the reservation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Encounter: Montana literature, Robbie Robertson and Haida Gwaii
My bus doesn’t leave until 3:45 in the morning. I pass the time with a walk. Buy spontaneously in a second hand bookstore The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, which Liesl in Watchapreague, Virginia, had given me for my birthday last year and then mysteriously disappeared.
As I walk along, the sounds of indigenous music make me ring a front doorbell. Tom opens and after a few sentences invites me in. The next two hours fly by.
Some thoughts on a peaceful walk about the gruelty of nature
Every time I walk across this 200 acre property, I see deer. They can jump so gracefully while zigzagging to escape hunters and predators.
Why then, it occurred to me today, did nature cheat them? And gave them the white fur on their tails making them easy targets and prey.
