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Before the Bulls: Discovering the Roman Ghost of Pompey’s Pamplona

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Discover the Roman history of Pamplona on the Camino de Santiago. From the Sertorian War to Pompey the Great, explore how the "City of Pompey" began.

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Wet Socks and Bedbugs: Surviving the "Muni" Albergue in Zubiri

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What is it really like to stay in a Municipal Albergue? From bedbug inspections to the "fear of fresh air," here are 3 lessons from Zubiri on the Camino.

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Pintxos and Prose: Finding Hemingway in Burguete

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Walk in Hemingway's footsteps in Burguete (Auritz). From Basque pintxos to the famous inscribed piano at Hostal Burguete, discover this literary Camino stop.

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An Imperfect Introduction to the Camino Francés: The Epic History of Roncesvalles

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Explore Roncesvalles on the Camino de Santiago. Discover the history of the Song of Roland, its biblical connections, and the legendary "naked Roland" statue.

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The Song of Roland: He Blowd his Brains out his Ears

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Walking the Camino Francés? Learn about the Battle of Roncevaux Pass and the Song of Roland. A blend of history, humor, and hiking through the beech forests of the Pyrenees.

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The Breathtaking Pyrénées: Full of Whispered Stories

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Hiking the Pyrenees on the Camino de Santiago? Explore the ancient stories whispered in the fog, Roman legionnaire routes, and why these mountains are more than just a map line.

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Mountain Portal: Launching the Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

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Step off the bus and into history at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Explore the Roman roots, medieval battles, and the essential Pilgrims’ Office as we begin the Camino Francés.

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From Bullet Trains to Bayonets: Looking for the Way in Bayonne

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Trading high-speed rail for a bus, we continue our Camino de Santiago journey in Bayonne, France. Explore the history of the bayonet and the stunning Gothic heights of Cathédrale Sainte-Marie.

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First Touch: Starting the Camino at the Tower of Saint James in Paris

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Does the Camino de Santiago start in Paris? Explore the history of the Tour Saint-Jacques, the four medieval pilgrim routes of France, and the beginning of a month-long trek.

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Returning to the Cruise Scene: Journeys of Paul

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Ready to travel again? Join Vicki and Mark Ziese for a Summer 2022 Mediterranean cruise on the Celebrity Infinity. Explore biblical history from Italy to Turkey.

The Road to the Rim: Entering Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area? Discover what to expect at Lodoare Gate, from the UNESCO history of the Ngorongoro Crater to baboons dropping from trees!

A Marimba Welcome at Safari Junction: Staying at the Farm of Dream

The Farm of Dream is a lodge nestled in purple hills above the Great Rift Valley. The nearby town, Karatu, is conveniently positioned between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. Knobby-tyred rigs like TIK regularly rattle down its mudded street like a military convoy. Karatu’s nickname, unsurprisingly, is “Safari Junction.”

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A Christmas Card: Reflecting on Year's End

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What a year! We saw lions rise from the tall grass to begin the hunt. We listened to the soaring of prayers and the whistle of an icy wind rising over the cusp of Kilimanjaro. We sang carols in the church where Jesus was born. We walked across Galilee—twice. And we stroked the face of the dying.

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Lake Manyara: A Good Park for a Safari Start

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Is Lake Manyara truly the home of tree-climbing lions? Explore Tanzania's hidden gem and discover why this bird-watcher's paradise is the perfect safari start.