Beneath the Jungle … and Beyond

Mesoamerica – approximately 1000 years before the time of Christ, a consortium of autonomous City/Kingdoms developed and flourished in a region now mapped as southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Today the descendants of those ancient Maya still populate this same region of Central America. In Belize, which is an English speaking country, they seem to have preserved some sense of still being in the nineteenth century as they continue to travel everywhere by horse and buggy or carriage...or walk. In the highlands of Guatemala ancient rituals are still practiced, where chickens are sacrificed, rather than humans, to old Mayan deities. Copan in Honduras was found buried in the jungle in the 1030’s. It is a magnificent complex of temples underlain by recently discovered tunnels. The Barrier Reef of the Caribbean, along the eastern shore of Belize, is a contrast to the ancient Mayan world. Modern cities contrast with remote villages, and both are part of this thriving world today.

Pacific Coast - Top to Bottom

From the Mexican border just a few miles south of San Diego to the Canadian border north of Seattle, lies some of the worlds most impressive coastlines, forests and mountains with rivers untamed and wild. Visit the colorful sights of Vancouver, tour China Town, and travel across to Victoria Island to see the world famous Buchart Gardens. Portland, Oregon and its city of rose gardens is highlighted. Napa Valley with its numerous wineries and historical locations are enjoyed. Then on to San Francisco with its Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and cable cars. Traveling south we appreciate the breathtaking architecture of San Simeon Castle. Other stops include Los Angeles, Hollywood, Laguna Beach, Irvine and San Diego.

Ireland: Celtic Myths and Splendor

The Country of Ireland has many stories to tell....and some of them are even true! Nowhere on earth is there a better place about which to spin the tales of past and present, than the wild, woolly island off the coast of Europe. Join Sandy Mortimer for a wonderful venture around and inside the magic Isle to discover some of the splendors it possesses. And in the process meet Giants, Geniuses, Castles, Coffin Ships, Saints, Spirits, and a whole lot more. Experience amazing places and people, both then and now, that will capture your imagination...and heart.

Italian Lakes Adventure

So magical is the scenery of Italy’s lake district that Leonardo da Vinci chose it for the background of the Mona Lisa. English poet Shelley, in 1818, describes Lake Como as a " long, narrow lake that seems like an immense river flowing between the mountains and the forest." The lakes are long crevices that glaciers carved into the Alps.  We visit Lake Como, Maggiore and Garda. On Lake Como, we'll ferry hop from town to town.  From Bellagio " Pearl of the Lake” to Varenna on the eastern, quiet side, of the lake.  Silk weaving, first by hand, then by machine, forms the economic base for the town of Como. These are just some of the mere highlights from our “Italian Lakes Adventure”.

Wales: Land of Song

Think "Wales" and behold images of Celts, choirs, castles, Cardiff, coal mines, coastline and pastoral mountain valleys dotted with sheep. Wales is a small country with its own language and a large influence: You will visit the town of Welshpool, and head to a sheep and cattle farm at Foel. Wales is smaller than the Netherlands or Massachusetts, containing much environmental diversity, but the Gower, Swansea's backyard, is an even smaller country. It has four coasts: on the east is the city and below that the built-up seaside resorts of Mumbles and Oystermouth which line the sweep of Swansea Bay with hotels, B&B’s and various beachfront entertainments. The south coast borders the Bristol Channel and features many picturesque bays and inlets with high-forested cliffs. Join filmmaking musicians Monty and Marsh for a memorable journey to Wales: Land of Song.