Category: Year
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Patton Liberated Pilsen 🇨🇿
If you find yourself in Western Bohemia, a stop in Pilsen (Plzeň) is usually synonymous with world-class beer. But for history buffs—especially those with a connection to the US military—there is a much deeper, more emotional story to uncover at the Patton Memorial Pilsen. Opened in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of the end…
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Deep Dives and High Peaks: Exploring the Layers of Pilsen 🇨🇿
Our arrival to Pilsen in October 2024 felt like stepping into a city in transition. While the summer crowds had thinned, the energy in Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) was buzzing as the traditional Havel’s Market was being set up. The scent of trdelník and grilled sausages began to fill the air as craftsmen prepared their…
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Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴
A 21-gun salute took place at Edinburgh Castle on Monday to honour the anniversary of King Charles III’s accession to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth. This was an opportunity to wish The Governor of Edinburgh Castle farewell. The Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE, VR, DL, retires…
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Fire Festival 🏴
The Festival of Fire has been on my bucket list for a year! Mike carried one of the torches through the procession.
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Viking Festival 🏴
🛡️ Battle of Largs (1263) A small but important clash between Scottish forces and Norwegians on October 2, 1263. Though inconclusive, it led to Norway retreating and eventually ceding the Hebrides to Scotland in 1266, ending Norse influence in the region. ⚔️ Largs Viking Festival An annual September event in Largs, Scotland, celebrating the battle with Viking…
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Avignon, France 🇫🇷
“Clinging to a bend in the Rhône River in the south of France, Avignon looks and feels like the backdrop of a medieval fairy tale. While it’s largely famous for its 14th-century heyday as a papal capital and its even older 12th-century bridge, Avignon has plenty to offer beyond history. Today this walled Provençal town…
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l Aix-en-Provence and a Lavender field 🇫🇷
On the road to l Aix-en-Provence and a lavender field in Sault. Lavender’s journey traces back millennia, with its roots deeply embedded in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Its aromatic and medicinal qualities captured the attention of ancient civilizations, notably the Egyptians, who utilized lavender over 2,500 years ago for mummification rites and…
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