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February 27th, 2012
Courtesy of Les Molyneux, Bed and Breakfast in Champagne, France
 Roman Catholic cathedral of Reims, where the kings of France were once crowned According to the legend, Reims was founded by Remus, Romulus’ brother who founded ancient Rome. The Celtic tribe who lived in the region may have taken therefore the name of Remes.
Around 80 BC, the people of Remes built an oppidum which they called Durocortero (circular stronghold) After the Roman conquest, Durocortorum was integrated into the Roman province of Belgium and became its capital. At its height, with its 30 000 inhabitants, the Gallo-roman city was the most populated north of the Alps.
Around 260 the bishopric of Reims was founded. During the great invasions, in 407 the Bishop Nicaise was killed by the vandals in front of his church and was later to become the patron saint of the city of Reims.
The cathedral then hosted the crowning of all but 4 of the Kings of France, until the French Revolution of course in 1789 after which the entire nobility was abolished.
Today, Reims boasts 3 UNESCO world heritage sites, the Palais de Tau, the Notre Dame cathedral and the Basilic St. Remi, as well as many beautiful buildings, and of course, let’s not forget the many champagne houses, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Pommery to name but a few.
Important events in the calendar are:
Fete de la Musique held on mid-summer’s day every year (21st June), music and dance outdoors around the City.
Flaneries Musicale, starts on the 21st June and runs to 21st July with concerts indoors and outdoors around the City. Reims sponsors 120 free concerts during July and August, through the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation
Foire Independent des Vignerons – Reims Wine Festival is an amazing event held in the Parc des Expositions towards Chalons en Champagne. If you love wine and food, you’ll love this. Held annually on the 2nd weekend in November.
German Christmas Market – held in Place d’Erlon and Place du Forum from 1st to 24th December. Lots of food, music, champagne and original and unique gifts for your loved ones.
In addition, from July through September thee are sound-and-light shows at Reims Cathedral, and in October a month-long rock festival.
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January 10th, 2012
 Benchview Nestled in the Dorland Artists Colony Story and photos by: Linda Kissam | Video by: Ginger Giordano
There are all types of getaways. The choices are limitless…from big adventure to soft adventure, romantic to family, glamping to camping. The key to getting it right is understanding what your heart and soul needs. Is it downtime you crave, or do want to scale a mountain, or maybe you just need time to listen to your “creative” without distractions? I call this last kind of getaway, Going Away To Go Within. If you’re an artist of any kind you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Occasionally, we need to pause – step away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. One way to do this is to get away from our daily life and go on a getaway that is a mixture of retreat and vacation. A Dorland Mountain Arts Colony Getaway integrates some traditional aspects of seclusion with some more modern traits of a vacation. Far more than a vacation, this artist couple’s getaway offers time to rest, reflect, and renew your creative spirit. It allows time to slow down, breathe in and breathe out so that you can emerge renewed, refreshed, and ready to pursue your creative passions with a new found perspective. Think time for reconnecting with your creative self to produce something of merit, with a splash of soft adventure to remind you what uncomplicated “fun” is all about. It’s that “ah” moment; the convergence of the exact right place, with just the right people, with just the right level of activity.
 Janice Willis You’ll find Dorland Mountain Arts Colony in Southern California, about 90 minutes from San Diego or Los Angeles. It’s a nonprofit artist’s community set on 300 acres along a ridge overlooking the Temecula Valley. The Colony covers about 10 acres with the rest of the land left in its natural state. It also happens to be just 10 minutes from the trendy Temecula Valley Wine Country. The mission of Dorland Mountain Arts Colony is to provide a unique working and performance retreat fostering creativity, and a community connection to the creative process, in a secluded natural setting. They do this by offering a unique residency program in their two self-contained cottages that can accommodate up to two people per cottage. Residencies are intended as professional development opportunities for writers, composers, visual artists and most other artistic media’s. So whether you’re trying to finish your latest book, compose a new song, paint a masterpiece, or do some serious scrapbooking, this is the place for you. And you can do it for about $250.
 Cottage Piano Cottages rent out for a minimum of one week at $250 a week. Artists must apply to stay at the retreat. Artistic merit and promise are the basis for selections. Mature and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Applicants 21 and over may apply. It’s an easy online application that starts your adventure. You’ll need to give about 2 weeks to 30 days for confirmation of acceptance.
Once accepted, Residents are housed in individual, furnished, small cottages with complete kitchens, one bedroom with full bath, a great room with a wood burning stove (wood is furnished by Dorland), and a veranda or porch with magnificent mountain, canyon or Temecula Valley views. Residents structure their own time and activities. Residents may choose to maintain their privacy or to engage with other residents and activities at Dorland. In order to protect individual privacy, residents are encouraged to communicate with each other by leaving messages in mailboxes located by Dorland’s gazebo and Reflection Pond. Residents are responsible for their own personal living expenses, food, beverages, supplies, telephone and expenses related to the production of their work during the residency.
 Painter, Robert Willis I’ve visited Dorland several times. The residents come for the distraction free environment – the beauty, the inspirational moments…and the occasional outing to fine wine, dining and gaming. Dedicated sessions to their craft, long nature walks on the property, and the occasional trip to the lush green vineyards, wineries, a nearby glitzy casino, and small town amenities seem to be the key to the success of this artist getaway. Check out www.TemeculaNightOut.com for a complete listing of what to do, where to eat, and where to go in the Temecula. Some of my favorite “must do’s” are Thornton Winery & Café Champagne, Hart Winery, Keyways Winery, Tesoro Winery , The Temecula Olive Oil Company (ranch and store), Rosa’s Cantina, and Baily’s Bar & Grill and Fine Dining. If you go into Old Town (a mixture of tasting rooms, antique shops, dining, and more) be sure to purchase the Old Town Wine Walk Tour app for your iPhone.
Without the pull of deadlines, relationships, the Internet and other media, you and a partner can give yourselves the gift of time and reflection. Hopefully, when you return home, you can take a little bit of this time alone back with you creating the space for deep reflection, a creative life renewed , ready to take on the world. Take a look at this video of an open house I recently attended at Dorland to get a better idea of the scope of this magical place.
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August 11th, 2011
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of colonial Spanish New Mexico with the exquisite hotels at Heritage Hotels and Resorts. Join us on a meaningful five-day tour of the religious and spiritual sites of New Mexico. Experience the living history of New Mexico’s Spanish roots. Enjoy the cultural treasures, history, and spectacular high-desert scenery of the most scenic area of the American Southwest.
DAY ONE: ARRIVE ALBUQUERQUE: OVERNIGHT HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE
 Arrive at the Albuquerque International Airport. Your local DSW Tour Director will greet you in the baggage claim area and assist with luggage handling and hotel transfers. This afternoon you begin at the beginning of the city’s history with a guided walk of historic Old Town Albuquerque. Old Town, the original center of Albuquerque, was founded in the early part of the 18th century and includes San Felipe de Neri church and many historic buildings that form an architectural record of this city’s unique past. You will tour the San Felipe de Neri church a parish that has celebrated Mass since 1706. You will also visit the hidden chapel of La Capilla de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. Built in 1969, this chapel has a ghostly apparition called the “Lady in Black.” The lady is said to be weeping and mourning for world events that affect us all. She is not menacing and is often mistaken for a real person. You will have time to explore hidden courtyards and stroll under covered portals and shop on your own at the many fine specialty stores and galleries around the Plaza before a Welcome dinner at Hotel Albuquerque.
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, nestled in the historic Old Town and museum district of Albuquerque, allows guests to discover more than 400 years of history and native New Mexican heritage. This 188-room full service hotel exemplifies “Albuquerque Style,” a unique fusion of New Mexico’s distinct cultural influences. Reminiscent of the grand Fred Harvey hotels, the hotel’s turn-of-the-century elegance draws on classic Territorial details. Located in Historic Old Town, Albuquerque’s historical center, offering more than 150 specialty shops, 20 restaurants, the Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Lodestar Planetarium, National Atomic Museum, Explora Children’s Museum, Rattlesnake Museum, Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanical Gardens.
 DAY TWO: SANTA FE
We leave Albuquerque this morning and head north along the El Camino Real to Santa Fe. Upon arrival in Santa Fe you will have guided walking tour, visiting such points of interest as the historic Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral, the Loretto Chapel, with its famous “miraculous” staircase, and the San Miguel Mission. Founded in 1610, Santa Fe was the last stop on the Camino Real, the fabled Royal Road that stretched from Mexico City to the northernmost reaches of the Spanish Empire. Today it is the heart and soul of the Southwest and “Santa Fe Style” is synonymous with all the best the region has to offer. Its historic Plaza, winding streets, covered arcades, hidden gardens and courtyards, and Pueblo-style architecture reflect the blending of Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.
You will also visit the Cross of the Martyrs. The Cross memorializes the conflicts of faith and culture which led to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, when 21 Franciscan friars died and the Spanish were forced to leave New Mexico for twelve years. The path that leads up to the cross is paved and has handrails. As you walk the path there are plaques that describe the sights you can see from your position on the hill. This is a great place for a quiet walk, especially during a spectacular sunset. Lunch is on your own at one of the many fine restaurants on the Plaza.
After lunch you will visit the Museums of New Mexico Complex. The coach will shuttle you between the downtown Palace of the Governors and New Mexico Museum of History and Fine Arts Museum and Museum Hill with the International Folk Art Museum and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and the Museum of the American Indian. Set in the foothills of northern New Mexico’s spectacular Sangre de Cristo Mountains, these museums maintain world-class collections of Native art and folk arts from around the world. Spacious Milner Plaza offers impressive views of the outstretched high-desert landscape. Your afternoon is filled with the exquisite art, history and culture of this tri-cultural state we call New Mexico.
Time to rest and freshen up before dinner at one of Heritage Hotels and Resorts wonderful restaurants. Enjoy an evening candlelight service at Lodge at Santa Fe Chapel.
 DAY THREE: PECOS NATIONAL MONUMENT/FREE TIME
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we head east to Pecos National Monument. Weather permitting we will have a sunrise mass at Pecos Monastery. Pecos preserves one of the largest of the ancient Pueblo ruins as well as two Franciscan churches dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. We will stop at the Visitor’s Center and then take a guided walk through the ruins. Pecos preserves 12,000 years of history including the ancient pueblo of Pecos, Colonial Missions, Santa Fe Trail sites, 20th century ranch history of Forked Lightning Ranch, and the site of the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass. For several centuries the Upper Pecos Valley, has been one of those rare places where the impact of geography on human experience is strikingly clear.
We return to Santa Fe in time for lunch on your own and free time on the Plaza. Your DSW Tour Director can give you suggestions and a Santa Fe walking map to guide you on your adventures through town. Dinner tonight is in one of Heritage Hotels and Resorts many fine restaurants. After dinner we will have a clay demonstration by Jil Gurule, a master ceramicist that specializes in exquisite religious folk art figurines.
 DAY FOUR: CHIMAYO AND THE HIGH ROAD TO TAOS
After breakfast this morning we explore the Churches of Northern New Mexico with historian Mary Montoya as our host. Our first stop will be at the village of Chimayo. Its most famous landmark is a venerable religious shrine, the Santuario de Chimayo. Don Bernardo de Abeyta erected this beautiful adobe chapel with twin bell towers in 1816 over sand that is said to have miraculous healing qualities. We will also visit the restored Santo Nino church. The religious folk art of this chapel is dedicated to the children of New Mexico and is beautiful and charmingly whimsical. Lunch will be at the landmark Rancho de Chimayo restaurant, known for its traditional northern New Mexico cuisine.
After lunch, we head along the Camino Alto or High Road to Taos. We travel through old Spanish villages that date from the 1750’s. You will stop in the village of Las Trampas. Now a National Historic Landmark, Las Trampas was founded in 1751 by twelve Spanish families from Santa Fe, it is known for the San José de Gracia Church, built between 1760 and 1776 and considered a model of the adobe architecture found throughout New Mexico. The church was once used by Los Hermanos Penitentes, a flagellant Catholic order founded in colonial Spanish America. We will visit the church before heading to Taos and a stop at the famed St. Francis of Assisi Church. This mission church was built between 1772 and 1816. It is located on the plaza in Ranchos de Taos, itself a historic district named Ranchos de Taos Plaza. Construction on the church began around 1772 and was completed in 1815 by Franciscan Fathers and its patron is Saint Francis of Assisi. It is made of adobe as are many of the Spanish missions in New Mexico. It is located a few miles south of Taos Pueblo and has inspired among the greatest number of depictions of any building in the United States. It was the subject of four paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, and photographs by Ansel Adams and Paul Strand. Georgia O’Keeffe described it as, “one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States by the early Spaniards.”
 It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. It is also designated as a World Heritage church. You will also see the mystery painting by Henri Ault called the “The Shadow of the Cross.”
There is time for lunch on the Plaza before we head to the Pueblo of Taos.
Taos Pueblo is an ancient village belonging to New Mexico’s northernmost Tiwa-speaking Native Americans. It is approximately 1000 years old and lies about 1 mile north of the modern city of Taos, New Mexico, USA. The Red Willow Creek, or Rio Pueblo de Taos (also called Rio Pueblo), is a small stream which flows through the middle of the pueblo from its source in the Sangre de Cristo Range. A reservation of 95,000 acres is attached to the pueblo, and about 1,900 people live in this area. You will take a Native-guided tour of the village, seeing the St. Geronimo Church, the village cemetery and some of the pueblo residential complex. There will be time to browse among the Native vendors after the tour.
Dinner will be in Taos tonight before we return to our Santa Fe hotel.
DAY FIVE: AIRPORT DEPARTURES
Depending on your departure flight, you have free time for some last minute shopping on the Plaza.
Tags: Heritage Hotels and Resorts, Spiritual Tours Worldwide, Tours New Mexico
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July 14th, 2011
 Community of Christ Auditorium Ceiling The first members of The Church of Christ, also known as Mormons, arrived in 1831, walking hundreds of miles of what was then the rough and tumble frontier town of Independence. Within months, hundreds of Mormons arrived, bought land, cleared farms, and built sturdy log homes. Leader and prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. declared this to be the city of God, also called Zion, placed a marker stone dedicating the site for a temple and drew up a plat for what would be a city of 15,000 to 20,000 residents. Economic, political, religious and cultural differences between the Mormons and Missouri “old settlers” arose and were fanned into flames by the issue of slavery. By 1833, armed conflict broke out, and the Mormons were driven north across the Missouri River, where they settled temporarily. In the winter of 1835, they crossed the Mississippi and established Nauvoo, Illinois. The story of the Mormons in Independence is colorfully reflected through displays, artifacts, a narrated tour and a audio/visual historical presentation in the lower level of the Mormon Visitors Center. The upper level explains the beliefs and doctrines of the Mormons, known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now headquartered in Salt Lake City.
 When Joseph Smith was killed, Brigham Young led the majority of followers across the plains to the Great Basin, where he established the territory of Utah. Among followers who remained in Nauvoo and the surrounding area were two groups who would return to Independence. One group, now called The Church of Christ Temple Lot, returned in 1867 and purchased the temple lot properties, including the dedicated site for the temple, which can be toured today. Members of the other, known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, began returning in the late l880s. In 1920, Independence became the church’s official headquarters, where it remains today. Now known as The Community of Christ, this Church built and maintains two major Independence landmarks.
The Community of Christ Auditorium boasts a 6,000 seat conference center with one of the largest free-standing church organs in the United States. Following a free tour, families may visit the upstairs Children’s Peace Pavillion, a hands on interactive experience created to foster peace.
The Church’s Temple, with its stunning architecture and modernistic silver spire piercing the sky, is highly visible around Independence. The ceiling of the sanctuary rises 200 feet from the floor, and echoes the shape of a nautilus seashell. Another world class organ, plus a Japanese meditation garden, and worshiper’s path with carved glass panels, sculpture and granite fountains, make this an inspirational and peaceful tour experience. The lower level also houses a museum containing church historical artifacts and documents and a gift shop/bookstore.
The “Church of Christ Temple Lot” maintains a visitor’s area on the lower level of the church. Visitors may watch a video explaining the history of the Church, and view historical artifacts including two original marker stones for the temple, laid in 1831 and found during modern excavation in the 1920s.The temple site is on the National Historic Register and the Missouri Mormon Walking Trail. Historic Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist and Methodist churches dating from the 1800s are still used for worship today in Independence. These include the church where Harry and Bess were married, and the state’s oldest operating African-American church, which has been meeting since 1860.
For More Information, Visit Independence, MO Tourism.
Tags: City of God, History of Mormon Religion, Independence MO Tourism, Mormon Church Independence Missouri, Religious Destinations, Spiritual Tours
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June 15th, 2011
Team up with Uncharted Africa Safari Co. and head into the bush, to the “cradle of civilization” for the Bushmen Initiation Safari. Guests will have the opportunity to witness and participate in fascinating (and rapidly disappearing) Bushmen spiritual rituals carried out just as they have been for nearly 30,000 years. This adventure of a lifetime consists of eight nights with the Ju/hoasi people as the young men in the tribe attempt to make the transition to manhood, demonstrating their survival skills and animal tracking abilities. Expert outdoorsman and Uncharted founder Ralph Bousfield will personally accompany guests on this journey to serve as a guide.
Uncharted Africa captures the spirit of Ralph’s legendary father and pioneering African adventurer Jack Bousfield, realizing Jack’s vision of bringing travelers to the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana. It is one of the last truly traditional safari operations in all of Africa, and home to the famous Makgadikgadi meerkats.
 Uncharted Founder Ralph Bousfield with the Ju/hoasi Bushmen
- Uncharted Africa
Tags: Ju/haosi Bushmen in Botswana, Ju/hoasi Bushmen, Meet Tribes in Africa, Observe Spiritual Rituals, Off The Beaten Path Africa, Spiritual Tours Worldwide, Uncharted Africa Tours, Uncharted Founder Ralph Bousfield
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