The LA Phil gets ready to perform There are few things that are so quintessentially LA than summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. This historic 17,500-seat amphitheater has been an icon since its founding in 1922. With its distinctive bandshells built at the base of the Hollywood Hills and the famous Hollywood sign in the… Continue reading The Hollywood Bowl
A famous 'jumping frog' figurine "I found Simon Wheeler dozing comfortably by the bar-room stove of the old, dilapidated tavern in the ancient mining camp of Angel's... He roused up and gave me good-day." -Mark Twain, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County Our adventure into Sierra gold country continued following our crossing over the… Continue reading Angels Camp: Mark Twain and the Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County
The day of our return to Prague, Michael and I headed to the Národní památník, the National Monument on Vitkov Hill while Sami and Nate took naps following the long drive from Berlin. This museum is dedicated to the history of the statehood of Czechoslovakia: from its foundation in 1918 to its end in 1939… Continue reading Prague 3: National Monument on Vitkov Hill
The Berlin Wall There are few events that occurred in my lifetime that perhaps have had such an impact on the Western world as the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I recall as a young child hearing President Reagan's famous words and watching the aftermath from thousands of miles away, not really understanding… Continue reading Historic Berlin: The Berlin Wall
Like many European cities, Berlin has a rich and varied history. Germany itself was a key player in many world events over the past several hundred years, and certainly in the twentieth century. As such, there are many interesting points of interest throughout Berlin celebrating triumphs and victory. There are also landmarks that serve as… Continue reading Historic Berlin: A Walking Tour
The Cranky Camper 