Ashford Castle, an Irish iconic delight

Ashfrod Castle in all its glory (photo:Ashford Castle)

By Jane Lasky

No Ireland foray is complete without at least one castle -- haunted or not -- to add to your repertoire, especially when you get to sleep there.

So, with that in mind, head for Ireland's majestic west coast and County Mayo along the Lough Corrib and River Cong shores where you'll come across Ashford Castle's stunning, 350-acre estate.

Originally constructed as a monastery in 1228, Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness (member of the Guinness brewing family) bought Ashford in 1855 to become their country digs. Then, in 1939, hotelier Noel Haggard bought the historical place to house fishers who came from all over the world to lure rare brown trout to their poles.

Later, Ashford Castle was featured for world viewing when The Quiet Man was filmed there for a 1952 release. I'm not sure but stars John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara probably loved the lovely location. I know the Academy did: The film won two Oscars for best director (John Ford) and best cinematography.

Today, besides swooning over antique-laden bedrooms, go for the fine Irish fare (some of Ireland's best) and the opportunity to learn falconry (Ashford is home to Ireland's first school devoted to this bird of prey sport).

But, most importantly, go for the chance to soak up a large dose of Ireland's storied history in a legendary 13th century castle everyone will want to write home about.

Now that's the craic (enjoyment) if there ever was any!

For another Ireland travel story, click HERE, and another HERE.

Turn, turn, turn in a rotating hotel in Solta, Croatia

Ever-changing room views in Solta, Croatia hotel (Photos: Bing images, public domain)

By Jane Lasky

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder -- but only if you can see it.

Problem solved at a hotel in the making, where the entire property rotates on a giant turntable.

According to the Daily Mail Online, the 50-suite retreat will debut on Solta, a Coatian island in 2012.

Will this be a rocky experience for guests?

Not according to Joanna Tweedy, who reported on the new concept for the Daily Mail Online. Apparently, you will notice a gentle shift in the view (of the inimitable Adriatic), but not so much so that you'll be in danger of getting seasick in the process.

More as this story develops.

Meanwhile, for more on this new hotel wonder, to open in 2012, click here.

An Irish Halloween treat in the Wicklow Mountains

 

By Jane Lasky

Entering an Irish Monastary where ruins and graves preside (Photo: Wikipedia, public domain)

Seeking something special and just a bit spooky from Sugarloaf?

A surprising treasure hidden in Ireland's Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is a prominent Monastic City stuck far back into the wilds of one of Ireland's most popular national parks.

Hailing back to the 6th century, these ruins surprise with round towers and old church remains existing amongst a myriad unkempt headstones that lean this way and that.

The graves belong to those who lost their lives to the many droughts, famines, and diseases that plagued the Irish from 775 to 1095. Their final resting places were then ravaged by harsh Norsemen invasions. Many walking trails lead to the downtrodden Monastic City and beyond, making the visit both cultural and health-driven.

Looking for even more from a day in the Irish countryside?

Take a drive or bike the narrow roads of County Wicklow, peppered with wild fields, rolling hills, violet-hued glens, and ancient granite mountains. This description sounds like the perfect cinematic backdrop which, well, it has been -- most memorably by showing up in the Mel Gibson epic, Braveheart, where, ironically, Ireland stands in for Scotland.

More on Ireland's myriad assets -- ghoulish and otherwise - soon. 

New Moon Spa, lively ghosts waiting at the booo-rific Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Spooky! The original Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Photo: Bing, public domain

By Jane Lasky

Book into The Crescent Hotel for some good times, but don't choose room 218 unless you want some ghoulish times.

That's where one of the famous hotel's resident ghost hangs out, although nobody has reported any major negative energy from this lively soul secluded in the Ozarks.

What they have reported is an intriguing Victorian retreat. Of special note on hand at this haunt -- built in 1886 as a cancer research hospital -- is a full-service spa, aptly call the New Moon, where takers can enjoy everything from resurfacing facials to teeth whitening.

And then there are those ghosts.

The best way to get in touch is through The Crescent Hotel's special nightly medium tours. Led by Ken Fugate, a licensed hypnotherapist, you'll take to the halls, rooms, and favorite haunts. Along the way, enjoy plenty of spooky stories and other unexpected occurrances.

Fugate knows the territory well.

As a lifelong clairvoyant who works though Taoist energy, this soothsayer sees dead people. And so will you if you join his team for tourist treats at perhaps the nation's most prominent ghostly outpost.

Maybe not tonight but....how bout those Dodgers?

Photo caption/credit below

Before I sing the praises of Dodger Stadium, I have to admit: I like both teams -- but I am more a New York Yankees fan than I am a Los Angeles Dodgers fan.

Whew.

That's done.

Now, how many of you hate me?

How many simply don't understand?

Here's my rationalization -- and, granted, many may consider it dippy: Since the Dodgers originally came Brooklyn and since Brooklyn is a New York City borough, that means that I can still think of my original home town (and the Dodgers) and still be faithful to New York (and also be a Yankees fan). Hence, proof of my claim that I do, indeed, like both teams.

Far fetched?

Perhaps, but I think this should help you understand the abstract way I consider the game of baseball as the battle on both coasts plays out.

Meanwhile, one thing's for sure: Dodger Stadium and surroundings always brings out the best in Angelenos and visitors alike. So that means even those who have simply adopted the city and the city's beloved team that plays with balls and bats for a living will have fun watching the game in the stadium where these hard-working sportsmen do their work.

Here's some reasons why everyone is sure to have a good time: The baseball-only venue (built long before stadiums did more than host a single sport), Dodger Stadium -- erected between 1959 and 1962 -- is one of the nation's oldest. Its signature wavy roof sitting above each outfield pavilion sets the tone for a pleasant outpost, always well kept with a yearly painting and a gaggle of gardeners who keep the verdant landscape in tip top shape.

Sometimes, great concerts are played right there on the field, an amazing adventure I have had the luxury of experiencing. Specifically, I attended one of these events years ago when Elton John and his white piano showed up for a performance in this famous place not far from downtown LA.

With that bit of information dispensed, I will sign off now by stating the obvious: What will be the final outcome of the 2009 World Series is anyone's guess as the playoffs continue. Still,one thing's for sure: Dodger Stadium is a pleasure to behold, winning namesake team or not. So, fellow Yankee fans, be sure to visit when you come to the City of Angels. I promise you will always be welcome at the home to such slugger superstars as Sandy Koufax, Fernando Valenzuela, Don Drysdale, and Orel Hershiser.

Finally, to all those readers who think this travel wrtier is too ditzy to comment on anything having to do with sports: See, I do know something concrete about baseball, even if it's just about where the game is played in La La Land. So, thanks for reading -- and now I will shut up.

Photo above: Dodger clubhouse manager Mitch Poole shows off a ball he painted and the stadium where Brad Penney, ball recipient, plays (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Reoleta Cemetery: Visitor's big find in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Photo: Eva Peron's tomb in Buenos Aires by William P. Brown

What a place to be on Halloween!

Wild cats meet at the neo-classical gates of perhaps the world's most famous cemetery: The Recoleta in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

These feral felines aren't all black and they are not all that scary, but they are beloved -- so much so that when closing time comes, so do charitable Buenos Aires residents who make sure all kinds and colors are well fed.

Meanwhile, inside the gates, you'll discover much more than your average cemetery. In fact, Recoleta is one of Buenos Aires's most popular tourist attractions.

Visitors come to see what looks like a city within a city, with such memorable architecture you'll want to see every structure, from intricate marble memorials to mausoleums fit for King Tut.

One of the latter does belong to Buenos Aires's most famous citizen: Eva Peron, just one of dozens of famous people from all walks of life.

To find out more, make sure to include Recoleta on your Argentina itinerary. Sure, this may seem like a grave idea, but it is truly a great chance to see a cemetery that really exhibits a fine place to visit -- whether for a day, four hours, or -- well -- eternity.

Hilary Swank: Channeling Amelia Earhart VIDEO

The closer we get to the debut of the new Amelia Earhart biopic on October 23, the more eager I am to see this long-awaited movie.

With Oscar winner, Hilary Swank, in the title role of my traveling hero, the most famous female flier ever, I am confident I will be rewarded with a top flight flick.

I am also sure I will be privy to plenty of inspiration as I watch while the daring pioneer gets her wings, and then tries them to the nth degree by attempting a circumnavigation around the world in a Lockeed L-10 Electra.

The iconic flight, taken in 1937, ended in disaster, since Earhart (pictured here, photo: Wikipedia, pubic domain) was never heard from again. She disappeared near Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean.

But her legend lives on.

As I know she does for other travelers, she inspires me and my wanderlust, a wonderful reason to wake up every day.

More on the film Amelia and the female behind the title soon, so please stay tuned.

Travel safety: Keep your mouth shut and your door closed

Safety check: Travel in control (illustration: Paul A. Jackson)

 By Jane Lasky

My Mom always thought I have been cavalier when it comes to safety. She was constantly quizzing me, especially when I was about to travel.

"Did you lock your suitcase?" she'd query if I talk to her when I have finished packing.

"Are you wearing your seat belt?" she'd ask if I phone from the plane before takeoff.

"Did you lock your door, dear?" she'd say when I call from my hotel room after checking in.

Brother.

I appreciated her concern, but as an aging woman who travels consistently for work it was difficult to be treated like a 6-year- old who has never crossed the road by herself. It made me testy.

Still, regarding travel safety, Mom was right. You can't be too careful.

That said, following are some other items worth considering in order to stay safe while you travel:

+ When you are holed up in a hotel, make use of a safe (such an appropriate term!) to store your valuables. Almost every hotel I've stayed in during the past few years has afforded me a mini-safe in my assigned room that is easy to operate and convenient to use. Stash your laptop, important documents, jewelry, extra credit cards and some cash there.

+ Determine how safe the neighborhood is that surrounds your hotel before you venture out and about. Ask the concierge if he or she can tell you of any pitfalls and request a route to walk that won't have you looking over your shoulder with every step you take. If the neighborhood is questionable, take a cab.

+ Never open your hotel room to a stranger. If you get a knock at the door, even one you are expecting, look through the keyhole to see who is there. If there is no keyhole, get a verbal identification before unlocking the door.

+  Keep your big mouth shut. Although staff members at conscientious hotels are taught not to share a guest's room number, you should also remember to keep that information to yourself. Don't use a house phone in a public place to tell someone to meet you in room 333. Also, don't hand over your car keys to a valet while declaring the exact location of your room.

+ Before you fall asleep in an unfamiliar environment, put your keys, eyeglasses and a small flashlight within arm's reach. It's always good to know where to find these necessities should an emergency occur.

Space pens are nice: Travel gifting in Europe

By Jane Lasky

Since the holidays are coming and since my son's college roommate is a devoted Anglophile, I asked Mike what he wanted from London. Without hesitation, he asked for tea from Harrod's food hall, so now I have a good excuse to go to that fabulous emporium for some shopping.

Meanwhile, I have been at a loss as to what to take from here to my friend over there. I wanted the gift to be special (we have been working together for more than 20 years), but I didn't want to try and wow him like I once did because that turned into a disaster.

That December, I took music-loving Richard an iPod. He did not open the gift in front of me, but the next day he would hardly look my way while we talked turkey. Apparently, I had gone overboard on his present. Whereas a nice set of coasters or a yearly diary would have done just fine, my more extravagant gift was seen as pretentious.

Well, I tried, and I did learn my lesson.

After much deliiberation, this December I decided to take Richard a space pen. It's small, it's understated and it writes even when you're lying down and when you're underwater.

That said, following are some rights and wrongs for holiday gift giving in Europe:

+ In Austria: Perfume is an unacceptable present. Instead, offer a bottle of brandy or a box of chocolates.

+ In Belgium: Forget fine jewelry or anything else extravagant. Books on art or travel in the U.S. are much appreciated.

+ In Denmark: Do not offer any sharp items or anything lavish. Rather, give a token gift incorporating your company's logo or a good bottle of red wine.

+ In Finland: Forget about potted plants. Instead, bring a bottle of cognac or a piece of American art.

+ In France: Stay away from giving wine of any color. A better choice is a beautifully packaged and carefully wrapped box of quality American candy.

+ In Germany: Do not present an umbrella or a pair of scissors, as these sharp objects are considered unlucky. Do give a CD of classical music or a good bottle of bourbon.

+ In Greece: Only present a bottle of wine if it is of very high quality. Otherwise, don't bother.

+ In Ireland: Pass up anything ostentatious. Instead, give a desk accessory, a tie or a scarf.

+ In the Netherlands: An unacceptable present is anything that would be considered practical. An acceptable present is anything arty that had been made in America (such as a pretty paperweight).

+ In Spain: Give something sweet such as a box of pastries or a cake.

+ In Sweden: Give a gift representative of your own country. For instance, choose an American travel book or a classic American film on DVD.

+ In Turkey: Steer clear of alcohol. Rather, pick an American item that is not too personal (maple syrup from Vermont or wild rice from Minnesota are good gifts).

Illustration above: Bing clip art, public domain

Kelly Osbourne stands out in DWTS and in London, her home town

By Jane Lasky

The eyes of the world are on Kelly Osbourne as she continues to be one of the odds-on favorites for winning ABC's beloved Dancing With the Stars.

Dancing may be somewhat new to Kelly, but being scrutinized by just about anyone anywhere is part and parcel to her life as daughter of the outrageous Ozzie Osbourne.

And, although Kelly lived in some 20 different homes while growing up touring with her Dad, her hometown is London. More specifically, it's the City of Westminster. You know, that borough where the Queen lives in Buckingham Palace, where the stunning Palace of Westminster sits on the Thames, and where some of the world's best theater plays out in the West End.

When you visit London and want to get down to Kelly's roots, just watch for Big Ben and you'll have discovered the area where this Osbourne calls her original home.

But buildings aren't all that thrive in the City of Westminster.

In fact, London's most alluring parks park here. Count 'em: Green Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, and St. James's Park.

Also on tap, and possibly special to Kelly Osbourne during her goth period: East Finchley Cemetery and cremetorium, owned by the City of Westminster but existing in the London bourough of Barnet.

Finally, many will mind the gap when they travel to and from this area of London as there are 27 tube (subway) stations and a dozen different lines.

And, bridging that gab are half a dozen bridges, including Lambeth Bridge, Vauxhall Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, and Westminster Bridge.

WIth that, I say to Kelly Osbourne during her quest for the giant disco ball: Bridge the gap between you and your dancing colleagues by winning this made-for-TV competition. You go girl! You can do it, especially as the beautiful blonde, very gracious woman you turned out to be. Well done!

Below: Palace of Westminster at night (photo: Wikipedia)

Michael Jackson's This Is It drops, his final resting place observed

By Jane Lasky

With Michael Jackson's song, "This Is It," set to debut, memories of the ultimate entertainer come flooding back for fans, friends, and family.

To comemmorate, a vast nmber of visitors are expected to pay their respects at Forest Lawn Glendale, the cemetery where Michael has been interred.

With that in mind, following is some more information on the Gloved One's final resting place. (See previous articles by clicking on links below).

The Great Mausoleum is where Michael Jackson is interred, a magnificent architectural structure and burial grounds to other greats like Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, W.C. Fields, and Red Skelton.

Also in this imposing edifice is a rendition of Leonardo di Vinci's "The Last Supper," done as a giant stained glass window.

Nearby, the Forest Lawn museum along with the Hall of The Crucifixtion/Resurrection are popular with visitors.

Consuming 55 acres of the famous cemetery where Michael Jackson has been laid to rest, this massive venue houses what is reported to be the world largest paintings, "The Crucifixion" and "The Resurrection" -- on view year round, except Mondays.

The two paintings are accompanied by a narrative explanation lasting about 20 minutes and ending with the Hallelujah Chorus, perhaps Handel's most familiar musical masterpiece.

More on Michael Jackson and his final resting place soon.

For part one of this series about Michael Jackson and his final resting place, plus a slide show on Forest Lawn Glendale, please click here.

For part two of this series, please click here.

For part three of this series, please click here

For part four of this series, please click here.

For part five of this series, please click here.

For part six of this series, please click here.

Photo above: (AP Photo/Sony Music)