San Antonio, part 1: River Walk Parade 2024
“You have to see this! For me, it’s the prettiest place in North America,” a friend said to me. Parades are not really my thing, but I really like illuminations. So I made my way to downtown San Antonio for this year’s River Walk Parade – and I have no regrets. More here.
A visit to the Family Search Library in Salt Lake City
Have you always wanted to know who your ancestors were and where they came from? In the US state of Utah, the Family Search Library offers a unique opportunity to do just that. The world’s largest genealogical data collection is free to use. Also via home computer. More here.
In Alabama, a married couple has founded their own church.
What to do if you are not quite happy with the churches in your area? You simply found your own! At least when you live in the USA. Dolores and John Eads did just that – and now offer social work for children and adults in a slum. More here.
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.