FOSTERING CROSS CULTURAL DIVERSITY, TOLERANCE, INCLUSION, AND UNDERSTANDING AROUND THE WORLD WITH AN EMPHASIS ON JEWISH HISTORY.
tag used in articles about Europe
We went to Iceland in November seeking the land of fire and ice, volcanoes and glaciers. We imagined endless days of complete darkness and the magic of dancing lights in the Arctic sky. We expected the sub-zero temperatures and winter storms.
Continue reading “Hotel Borg of Reykjavik Exemplifies the Very Best of Iceland”
All visitors to Iceland fall into two distinctive categories: those who saw the northern lights and those who did not. When Irene set her trip target on Iceland, she was determined to place herself, our daughter, and I squarely in the first category. The problem was that unlike the predictable crowds at JFK on the way to Iceland, the famous northern lights of Iceland are highly unpredictable. However, the best time to see them is from November through December. So mid-November looked pretty good. Oh, and it also happens to be one of the coldest months of the year.
Continue reading “Chasing the Elusive Northern Lights in Iceland”
It was great news when our Swiss Alps article appeared in Europe. The UK/French travel magazine Holiday Magazine published Irene Shaland’s latest travel article “The Non-Skier’s Guide to Enjoying the Swiss Alps.” This used to be a legendary travel US magazine that was reborn in its new home, Paris, recently.
The majestic Alps were often on my mind as an ultimate travel destination. However, unlike our many friends, my husband Alex and I never took up skiing or hiking. So, when considering an Alpine resort for our Spring 2015 trip to Switzerland, we first thought: Oh, my, all this money for just staying in an expensive hotel, drinking overpriced hot chocolate, and watching young people skiing…Then we thought: “Heck, why not? I am glad we did. The two days and two nights we spent in the Swiss Alps was a time of absolute enjoyment… Continue reading the article and enjoy the photos at http://www.holidaymag.co.uk/murren.html
swiss, swiss chalet, skiresort, swiss alps vacation, swiss alps, the swiss alps, swiss alps skiing, swiss alps train, swiss alps train, swiss alps town, switzerland, switzerland travel, switzerland travel guide, switzerland mountains, mountains in switzerland, murren, murren switzerland, murren switzerland hotels.
Irene Shaland is an internationally-published art and travel writer, educator, and lecturer. Irene has a life-long passion for travel with a higher purpose. Together with her husband-photographer Alex, Irene has visited over 70 countries. Her research trips result in numerous publications and series of educational lectures and slide-shows. Learn more about Irene Shaland
I recently attended an Educators meeting at the Jewish Federation building in Beachwood. The meeting centered on a fascinating exhibit of old photographs from shtetls or Jewish Villages before World War I. Titled “The Way We Looked,” the Beachwood exhibit marks the first time these photographs have been shown in North America. The collection was loaned to Cleveland by the Center for Judaica Studies from St. Petersburg, Russia. The co-curators of this exhibit, two scholars from the Center, Drs. Alexander Ivanov and Valery Dymshitz, presented an exciting lecture/slide show based on their in-depth research.
Continue reading “Judaica Research and Education Center in St. Petersburg, Russia”
I selected a B&B in Palermo called BB22 not only because of its high reputation and excellent reviews, but also because I wanted to support those who restore Palermian ancient palaces. BB22, a hidden gem in the heart of historic Palermo, is comprised of six luxurious rooms inside a 16th-century Palazzo Pantelleria located on a tiny back street in an ancient Vucciria neighborhood.
Continue reading “Best B&B in Palermo”Take a quick look around Milan famous main square, Piazza del Duomo, with its Duomo Cathedral, Victor Emmanuel II statue, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Milan is a perfect stop on a European vacation trip.
Look for our in-person and virtual lectures and events you might want to attend: EVENTS
Read useful tips for traveling to Milan, Italy: Milan Tips
Interested in Jewish history around the world? Meet Irene Shaland and her books, lectures, and magazine articles.
Are you an adventurer? Meet Alex Shaland, the author of “Suburbanites on Safari.”
My husband Alex and I have both applied and got confirmed (in less than 30 seconds!) for a 30,000 miles offer from American Airlines MasterCard this past Sunday. How did we do it?
Continue reading “AA MasterCard and 30,000 Miles”
Alex and I are experienced travelers, travel consultants, writers, and photographers. Over the course of 30 years, our travels took us to more than 50 countries. BUT – we do not think we ever experienced the level of professionalism and sensitivity to clients’ needs and wants as we did at Arco dei Tolomei in Rome. The owners, Marco and Gianna, made us feel like we were old friends and the housekeeper Joseline was truly exceptional going above and beyond her regular duties of serving breakfast. She was humorous, attentive, and her smile lighted up the house.
Continue reading “Travel Tips: Where to find the best B&B in Rome, Italy”