The years following Scotland’s independence, Edinburgh Castle grew into a true royal residence. Robert the Bruce’s son, David II (1356-71) rebuilt the castle. Well-House Tower was built to protect the water supply, allowing occupants to hold out during long sieges. In 1367, he commissioned the massive L-shaped tower, now known as David’s Tower, but would not live to see [...]
Copyright: Shawnie Kelley. (Originally published in Renaissance Magazine, Issue 60) One of the most recognizable fortresses in the world rears up from a volcanic crag in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. There is a magical resonance about the mighty Edinburgh Castle, which is seemingly buttressed by the living earth; permanently affixed to Castle Rock. Anyone trekking [...]
The Party’s Not Over The Feast of Fools evolved for a thousand years, becoming most popular in France and Great Britain, but reached into Spain, Italy and Germany. By the fifteenth century, the church had enough of the mockery and put an end to the merrymaking by deeming it blasphemous and illegal. However, by the 1540s the [...]
Throughout the Middle Ages and well into the Elizabethan period, Christmas was an austere and holy season, full of fasting and stringent religious rules. By time January rolled around, people were ready to cut loose. On the first day of January, Europeans came together for a celebration known as the Feast of Fools. The Feast [...]
As published in the Winter 2012 issue of Edible Columbus. Les treize desserts de Noël- or the Thirteen Desserts of Christmas- is a delectable holiday tradition celebrated throughout the south of France. An array of symbolic sweets made in Provençal kitchens is reinterpreted here by Pastry Chef Spencer Budros of German Village-based bakery, Pistacia Vera, in [...]
"Reflections on 9/11: from Edinbugh, Scotland" was written by Wanderlust Tours founder, Shawnie Kelley as she planned to return to the States on 9-11 Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh This photo was taken on September 11, 2001 in Edinburgh, Scotland where I was living and was supposed to fly back to the States that same day. But needless [...]
A Taste of Travel brings together everything we love: food, culture, history, and travel. This new series, inspired by our upcoming 2014 tours, will be taught this fall for Upper Arlington's (Columbus Ohio) Lifelong Learning Adult Enrichment program at the Recreation Station Kitchen. Embark on global culinary and cultural tours of France and Italy in this winter's [...]
I was introduced to Context Travel guided walking tours by my business partner with whom I was traveling to Rome and Paris. She took one of these in-depth, scholarly led tours a few years back and raved about how well-done they are, helping us put the history of Rome in Context . The small (no more than [...]
I was introduced to Context Travel guided walking tours by my Wanderlust Tours partner with whom I was traveling to Rome and Paris. She took one of these in-depth, scholarly led tours a few years back and raved about how well-done they are. The small (no more than 6 to a group) tours are led by local [...]
I was introduced to Context Travel guided walking tours by my Wanderlust Tours partner with whom I was traveling to Rome and Paris. She took one of these in-depth, scholarly led tours a few years back and raved about how well-done they are. The small (no more than 6 to a group) tours are led [...]
