Andrea/Cara here, I’ve recently started working on a new Lady Arianna mystery novel, and after having sent her and Lord Saybrook to Scotland in the last adventure, I decided to head south to the Mediterranean.
More specifically, to a certain island in the Mediterranean—one that will likely ring a bell with aficionados of Regency-era history. (Though there’s a little unexpected excitement along the way.) Elba was home to Napoleon during his first exile from the world stage. But I knew little else about the rugged speck of land in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Which of course meant I needed to do some research.
Oh, joy. Now in the spirit of full disclosure I’ll confess that I have a thing for islands. I love the sense of their being a little world unto themselves. The closeness of water seems to bathe them in a special aura—things always feel calmer and more relaxed on an island. (Yes, yes, I know—an oxymoron when it comes to Napoleon!)
Elba didn’t disappoint. I found it to be a fascinating place, rich in history and natural beauty. Allow me to share some of the highlights of my research . . .
First let’s place it a little more exactly. It’s a mere 6 miles off the coast of Italy, which raised concerns from the start among the Allied leaders at the Congress of Vienna when Napoleon requested it as his place of exile. As the Emperor of Austria wrote to his foreign minister, Prince Metternich, “The important thing is to remove Napoleon from France, and God grant that he may be sent very far away. I do not approve of the choice of the Island of Elba as a residence for Napoleon; they take it from Tuscany, they dispose of what belongs to my family, in favour of foreigners. Besides, Napoleon remains too near to France and to Europe.” Lord Castlereagh of Britain agreed, but Tsar Alexander harped on the need to get Napoleon to abdicate quickly, and so he was grudgingly given the island as his new empire.
Elba was no stranger to foreign invasion. Its mineral resources—it has a rich vein of iron ore—made it a very desirable possession. Ancient Greek writings say that Jason and the Argonauts spent time there. The Etruscans and the Romans occupied it, followed in the Middle Ages by the Ostrogoths and the Lombards. For two centuries, it remained in the hands of the House of Appiani. In 1544, it plundered by the Barbary pirates, then in 1546, Cosimo de Medici was given part of the island, which became part of Tuscany. It passed back and forth between various European powers, and finally became part of France through the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.
Napoleon, who was born in nearby Corsica, arrived in his new kingdom on May 30, 1814 and, as was his wont, quickly set to work reshaping according to his vision of an ideal society. He embarked on an ambitious program of social and economic reforms, along with building roads and bridges. Alas, he soon ran out of money, as the stipend promised to him by the newly restored King of France never materialized. (Finances are believed to have been a big reason why he chose to recapture his former glory.)
But even though his mother and sister came to live with him, along with a number of court followers (including occasional visits from his Polish mistress and illegitimate son) who ensured a lively social swirl of balls, theater and concerts, he soon became bored. Having recently commanded millions, he now found himself with an army of 700 Imperial Guards (the Treaty of Fontainebleau had specified that he was only allowed 400, but apparently no one was counting) a paltry collection of horses and mules and a tiny flotilla of ships. No wonder he was soon plotting to reclaim his former glory.
On February 26, 1815, while the British observer, Colonel Campbell, was away, he slipped away on the ship Inconstant, which had been painted to look like a British naval vessel, and set sail for France . . . and Waterloo.
In the aftermath of the battle, the Congress of Vienna decided that Elba should become part of Tuscany—and it has remained so to this day.
Tuscany. As that’s one of my favorite spots in the world, I was delighted to discover that the island shared much in common with the rest of the region in terms of natural beauty and culinary splendors.
Elba has a varied terrain, from rugged mountains to flat farmland and many secluded beaches with crystal clear blue water. Wild herbs grow in profusion all over the island, including rosemary and calamint, which makes its local honey prized by connoisseurs. Chestnuts and wild mushroom are also staples of Elba’s cuisine, as are the local olives and the catch of the day from the sea. The island’s Aleatico red wine has been famous since antiquity, and the modern variety is a great favorite of oenophiles.
A beautiful setting, stunning ocean vistas, sunny Mediterranean climate, fabulous food . . . honestly, why on earth would anyone want to leave! (I have now put Elba high on my Wish List of places to visit.)
So what about you? Do islands hold an allure for you? Have you a special one you’re dreaming of visiting?
Well technically I live on an island here in Ireland. Doesn’t really feel like one though. I’m not a great traveler, that’s why I read books with different locations, my way of travelling. Good luck with the new book. I must get round to the series but right now I’m waiting for your book Murder at Half Moon Gate.
Well technically I live on an island here in Ireland. Doesn’t really feel like one though. I’m not a great traveler, that’s why I read books with different locations, my way of travelling. Good luck with the new book. I must get round to the series but right now I’m waiting for your book Murder at Half Moon Gate.
Well technically I live on an island here in Ireland. Doesn’t really feel like one though. I’m not a great traveler, that’s why I read books with different locations, my way of travelling. Good luck with the new book. I must get round to the series but right now I’m waiting for your book Murder at Half Moon Gate.
Well technically I live on an island here in Ireland. Doesn’t really feel like one though. I’m not a great traveler, that’s why I read books with different locations, my way of travelling. Good luck with the new book. I must get round to the series but right now I’m waiting for your book Murder at Half Moon Gate.
Well technically I live on an island here in Ireland. Doesn’t really feel like one though. I’m not a great traveler, that’s why I read books with different locations, my way of travelling. Good luck with the new book. I must get round to the series but right now I’m waiting for your book Murder at Half Moon Gate.
Another painless history and geography lesson – that’s one of the reasons I love this blog. We just finished touring Scandinavia and the North Atlantic with Mary Jo and now you take us to the Mediterranean. And all from the comfort of my computer screen (smile).
The only island I can remember ever being on is Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound when I visited Washington State a few years ago. I did always want to go to Hawaii, but I never made it. Good luck with your book, I’m sure it will be a winner.
Another painless history and geography lesson – that’s one of the reasons I love this blog. We just finished touring Scandinavia and the North Atlantic with Mary Jo and now you take us to the Mediterranean. And all from the comfort of my computer screen (smile).
The only island I can remember ever being on is Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound when I visited Washington State a few years ago. I did always want to go to Hawaii, but I never made it. Good luck with your book, I’m sure it will be a winner.
Another painless history and geography lesson – that’s one of the reasons I love this blog. We just finished touring Scandinavia and the North Atlantic with Mary Jo and now you take us to the Mediterranean. And all from the comfort of my computer screen (smile).
The only island I can remember ever being on is Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound when I visited Washington State a few years ago. I did always want to go to Hawaii, but I never made it. Good luck with your book, I’m sure it will be a winner.
Another painless history and geography lesson – that’s one of the reasons I love this blog. We just finished touring Scandinavia and the North Atlantic with Mary Jo and now you take us to the Mediterranean. And all from the comfort of my computer screen (smile).
The only island I can remember ever being on is Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound when I visited Washington State a few years ago. I did always want to go to Hawaii, but I never made it. Good luck with your book, I’m sure it will be a winner.
Another painless history and geography lesson – that’s one of the reasons I love this blog. We just finished touring Scandinavia and the North Atlantic with Mary Jo and now you take us to the Mediterranean. And all from the comfort of my computer screen (smile).
The only island I can remember ever being on is Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound when I visited Washington State a few years ago. I did always want to go to Hawaii, but I never made it. Good luck with your book, I’m sure it will be a winner.
Ireland sure feels like n island to me. Such a gorgeous and varied coastline, with amazing dunes and cliffs! You’re lucky in that you don’t have to travel far to have a magical island experience!
I’m sitting here reviewing page proofs for Murder at Half Moon Gate, so it’s slowly but surely getting ready for publication! So glad to hear you are enjoying Charlotte and Wrexford.
Ireland sure feels like n island to me. Such a gorgeous and varied coastline, with amazing dunes and cliffs! You’re lucky in that you don’t have to travel far to have a magical island experience!
I’m sitting here reviewing page proofs for Murder at Half Moon Gate, so it’s slowly but surely getting ready for publication! So glad to hear you are enjoying Charlotte and Wrexford.
Ireland sure feels like n island to me. Such a gorgeous and varied coastline, with amazing dunes and cliffs! You’re lucky in that you don’t have to travel far to have a magical island experience!
I’m sitting here reviewing page proofs for Murder at Half Moon Gate, so it’s slowly but surely getting ready for publication! So glad to hear you are enjoying Charlotte and Wrexford.
Ireland sure feels like n island to me. Such a gorgeous and varied coastline, with amazing dunes and cliffs! You’re lucky in that you don’t have to travel far to have a magical island experience!
I’m sitting here reviewing page proofs for Murder at Half Moon Gate, so it’s slowly but surely getting ready for publication! So glad to hear you are enjoying Charlotte and Wrexford.
Ireland sure feels like n island to me. Such a gorgeous and varied coastline, with amazing dunes and cliffs! You’re lucky in that you don’t have to travel far to have a magical island experience!
I’m sitting here reviewing page proofs for Murder at Half Moon Gate, so it’s slowly but surely getting ready for publication! So glad to hear you are enjoying Charlotte and Wrexford.
Ha,ha! Now we have to get Anne to take us on a jaunt through the South Pacific!
I’ve heard Bainbridge Island is lovely!
And hey, never say never about Hawaii. I always thought the reality couldn’t possibly measure up to the hype, but I have to say, Hawaii really is amazingly special. The islands are very different, and all spectacularly beautiful. So many wonderful place to see!
Ha,ha! Now we have to get Anne to take us on a jaunt through the South Pacific!
I’ve heard Bainbridge Island is lovely!
And hey, never say never about Hawaii. I always thought the reality couldn’t possibly measure up to the hype, but I have to say, Hawaii really is amazingly special. The islands are very different, and all spectacularly beautiful. So many wonderful place to see!
Ha,ha! Now we have to get Anne to take us on a jaunt through the South Pacific!
I’ve heard Bainbridge Island is lovely!
And hey, never say never about Hawaii. I always thought the reality couldn’t possibly measure up to the hype, but I have to say, Hawaii really is amazingly special. The islands are very different, and all spectacularly beautiful. So many wonderful place to see!
Ha,ha! Now we have to get Anne to take us on a jaunt through the South Pacific!
I’ve heard Bainbridge Island is lovely!
And hey, never say never about Hawaii. I always thought the reality couldn’t possibly measure up to the hype, but I have to say, Hawaii really is amazingly special. The islands are very different, and all spectacularly beautiful. So many wonderful place to see!
Ha,ha! Now we have to get Anne to take us on a jaunt through the South Pacific!
I’ve heard Bainbridge Island is lovely!
And hey, never say never about Hawaii. I always thought the reality couldn’t possibly measure up to the hype, but I have to say, Hawaii really is amazingly special. The islands are very different, and all spectacularly beautiful. So many wonderful place to see!
Islands? Huh? What . . . sorry . . . I didn’t get past the “started writing a new Lady Arianna mystery.” I went into an extended happy dance before I realized that there was more to the post.
Islands? Huh? What . . . sorry . . . I didn’t get past the “started writing a new Lady Arianna mystery.” I went into an extended happy dance before I realized that there was more to the post.
Islands? Huh? What . . . sorry . . . I didn’t get past the “started writing a new Lady Arianna mystery.” I went into an extended happy dance before I realized that there was more to the post.
Islands? Huh? What . . . sorry . . . I didn’t get past the “started writing a new Lady Arianna mystery.” I went into an extended happy dance before I realized that there was more to the post.
Islands? Huh? What . . . sorry . . . I didn’t get past the “started writing a new Lady Arianna mystery.” I went into an extended happy dance before I realized that there was more to the post.
Oh, that’s so sweet of you, Tempest!
Now I must tell the Muse she had better come back from eating chestnuts and drinking wine on Elba and get to work!
Oh, that’s so sweet of you, Tempest!
Now I must tell the Muse she had better come back from eating chestnuts and drinking wine on Elba and get to work!
Oh, that’s so sweet of you, Tempest!
Now I must tell the Muse she had better come back from eating chestnuts and drinking wine on Elba and get to work!
Oh, that’s so sweet of you, Tempest!
Now I must tell the Muse she had better come back from eating chestnuts and drinking wine on Elba and get to work!
Oh, that’s so sweet of you, Tempest!
Now I must tell the Muse she had better come back from eating chestnuts and drinking wine on Elba and get to work!
As I keep mentioning, armchair traveling is my current pace. So, as Mary T said above, thank you for another Word Wench travelogue.
I like the idea of travel more than I care about specific type of locale. As I often mention, I grew up in St. Louis. Emphatically NOT an island, it is part of Missouri, the center of Midwest agricultural land. BUT, I never left the city, on ANY highway, without crossing a river within a few miles. Of course the Missouri-Mississipi and the upper Mississippi rule the north, the east, and some of the western edge of the city-county complex. But the smaller tributaries of that river system, cross under every other major roadway. So, in spite of actuality, it always felt like an island to me.
When we moved to New Jersey, and I crossed into Manhattan for work each day, that feeling was reinforced.
And our twelve day tour of Great Britain, again reinforced the feeling that island and mainland differ for reasons other than island.
But, I love the travelogues I get from all you Wenches. Please keep them coming, Island, mainland, continental island (hello, Anne), or isthmus. The places you take us are wonderful trips.
And I too, am eagerly awaiting more Charlotte and Wrexford (which I did know was coming) and am as thrilled as the others to hear of the new adventures of Lady Ariana!
As I keep mentioning, armchair traveling is my current pace. So, as Mary T said above, thank you for another Word Wench travelogue.
I like the idea of travel more than I care about specific type of locale. As I often mention, I grew up in St. Louis. Emphatically NOT an island, it is part of Missouri, the center of Midwest agricultural land. BUT, I never left the city, on ANY highway, without crossing a river within a few miles. Of course the Missouri-Mississipi and the upper Mississippi rule the north, the east, and some of the western edge of the city-county complex. But the smaller tributaries of that river system, cross under every other major roadway. So, in spite of actuality, it always felt like an island to me.
When we moved to New Jersey, and I crossed into Manhattan for work each day, that feeling was reinforced.
And our twelve day tour of Great Britain, again reinforced the feeling that island and mainland differ for reasons other than island.
But, I love the travelogues I get from all you Wenches. Please keep them coming, Island, mainland, continental island (hello, Anne), or isthmus. The places you take us are wonderful trips.
And I too, am eagerly awaiting more Charlotte and Wrexford (which I did know was coming) and am as thrilled as the others to hear of the new adventures of Lady Ariana!
As I keep mentioning, armchair traveling is my current pace. So, as Mary T said above, thank you for another Word Wench travelogue.
I like the idea of travel more than I care about specific type of locale. As I often mention, I grew up in St. Louis. Emphatically NOT an island, it is part of Missouri, the center of Midwest agricultural land. BUT, I never left the city, on ANY highway, without crossing a river within a few miles. Of course the Missouri-Mississipi and the upper Mississippi rule the north, the east, and some of the western edge of the city-county complex. But the smaller tributaries of that river system, cross under every other major roadway. So, in spite of actuality, it always felt like an island to me.
When we moved to New Jersey, and I crossed into Manhattan for work each day, that feeling was reinforced.
And our twelve day tour of Great Britain, again reinforced the feeling that island and mainland differ for reasons other than island.
But, I love the travelogues I get from all you Wenches. Please keep them coming, Island, mainland, continental island (hello, Anne), or isthmus. The places you take us are wonderful trips.
And I too, am eagerly awaiting more Charlotte and Wrexford (which I did know was coming) and am as thrilled as the others to hear of the new adventures of Lady Ariana!
As I keep mentioning, armchair traveling is my current pace. So, as Mary T said above, thank you for another Word Wench travelogue.
I like the idea of travel more than I care about specific type of locale. As I often mention, I grew up in St. Louis. Emphatically NOT an island, it is part of Missouri, the center of Midwest agricultural land. BUT, I never left the city, on ANY highway, without crossing a river within a few miles. Of course the Missouri-Mississipi and the upper Mississippi rule the north, the east, and some of the western edge of the city-county complex. But the smaller tributaries of that river system, cross under every other major roadway. So, in spite of actuality, it always felt like an island to me.
When we moved to New Jersey, and I crossed into Manhattan for work each day, that feeling was reinforced.
And our twelve day tour of Great Britain, again reinforced the feeling that island and mainland differ for reasons other than island.
But, I love the travelogues I get from all you Wenches. Please keep them coming, Island, mainland, continental island (hello, Anne), or isthmus. The places you take us are wonderful trips.
And I too, am eagerly awaiting more Charlotte and Wrexford (which I did know was coming) and am as thrilled as the others to hear of the new adventures of Lady Ariana!
As I keep mentioning, armchair traveling is my current pace. So, as Mary T said above, thank you for another Word Wench travelogue.
I like the idea of travel more than I care about specific type of locale. As I often mention, I grew up in St. Louis. Emphatically NOT an island, it is part of Missouri, the center of Midwest agricultural land. BUT, I never left the city, on ANY highway, without crossing a river within a few miles. Of course the Missouri-Mississipi and the upper Mississippi rule the north, the east, and some of the western edge of the city-county complex. But the smaller tributaries of that river system, cross under every other major roadway. So, in spite of actuality, it always felt like an island to me.
When we moved to New Jersey, and I crossed into Manhattan for work each day, that feeling was reinforced.
And our twelve day tour of Great Britain, again reinforced the feeling that island and mainland differ for reasons other than island.
But, I love the travelogues I get from all you Wenches. Please keep them coming, Island, mainland, continental island (hello, Anne), or isthmus. The places you take us are wonderful trips.
And I too, am eagerly awaiting more Charlotte and Wrexford (which I did know was coming) and am as thrilled as the others to hear of the new adventures of Lady Ariana!
Next year I hope to go to Australia (8,000 islands – Island Continent), New Zealand (2 islands) and Figi (330 islands). The more information I get, the more thrilled I feel about going!
I live on an island, too. Manhattan island.
It’s lovely to know more of Lady Arianna is on its way!
Next year I hope to go to Australia (8,000 islands – Island Continent), New Zealand (2 islands) and Figi (330 islands). The more information I get, the more thrilled I feel about going!
I live on an island, too. Manhattan island.
It’s lovely to know more of Lady Arianna is on its way!
Next year I hope to go to Australia (8,000 islands – Island Continent), New Zealand (2 islands) and Figi (330 islands). The more information I get, the more thrilled I feel about going!
I live on an island, too. Manhattan island.
It’s lovely to know more of Lady Arianna is on its way!
Next year I hope to go to Australia (8,000 islands – Island Continent), New Zealand (2 islands) and Figi (330 islands). The more information I get, the more thrilled I feel about going!
I live on an island, too. Manhattan island.
It’s lovely to know more of Lady Arianna is on its way!
Next year I hope to go to Australia (8,000 islands – Island Continent), New Zealand (2 islands) and Figi (330 islands). The more information I get, the more thrilled I feel about going!
I live on an island, too. Manhattan island.
It’s lovely to know more of Lady Arianna is on its way!
Sue, you’ve certainly visited some very special islands! Manhattan is quite a unique island experience. One tends to forget how relatively small it is. Last summer I was on Governor’s Island and in looking back at the its lower end I found it striking see it framed by the rivers and harbor. And of course Great Britain is such a fabulous place, with so many ties to the sea.
Love your description of your Midwest roots and how rivers gave it a sense of “islandness.”
And thanks so much for the kind words on my books. I’m so delighted that you enjoy them.
Sue, you’ve certainly visited some very special islands! Manhattan is quite a unique island experience. One tends to forget how relatively small it is. Last summer I was on Governor’s Island and in looking back at the its lower end I found it striking see it framed by the rivers and harbor. And of course Great Britain is such a fabulous place, with so many ties to the sea.
Love your description of your Midwest roots and how rivers gave it a sense of “islandness.”
And thanks so much for the kind words on my books. I’m so delighted that you enjoy them.
Sue, you’ve certainly visited some very special islands! Manhattan is quite a unique island experience. One tends to forget how relatively small it is. Last summer I was on Governor’s Island and in looking back at the its lower end I found it striking see it framed by the rivers and harbor. And of course Great Britain is such a fabulous place, with so many ties to the sea.
Love your description of your Midwest roots and how rivers gave it a sense of “islandness.”
And thanks so much for the kind words on my books. I’m so delighted that you enjoy them.
Sue, you’ve certainly visited some very special islands! Manhattan is quite a unique island experience. One tends to forget how relatively small it is. Last summer I was on Governor’s Island and in looking back at the its lower end I found it striking see it framed by the rivers and harbor. And of course Great Britain is such a fabulous place, with so many ties to the sea.
Love your description of your Midwest roots and how rivers gave it a sense of “islandness.”
And thanks so much for the kind words on my books. I’m so delighted that you enjoy them.
Sue, you’ve certainly visited some very special islands! Manhattan is quite a unique island experience. One tends to forget how relatively small it is. Last summer I was on Governor’s Island and in looking back at the its lower end I found it striking see it framed by the rivers and harbor. And of course Great Britain is such a fabulous place, with so many ties to the sea.
Love your description of your Midwest roots and how rivers gave it a sense of “islandness.”
And thanks so much for the kind words on my books. I’m so delighted that you enjoy them.
Oh, fluttery sigh, Patricia! Australia/New Zealand are very high on my Must Visit List! You have every reason to be thrilled!
And glad to hear you’re looking forward to more Lady Arianna stories. (Note to Self: feed the Muse more chocolate!)
Oh, fluttery sigh, Patricia! Australia/New Zealand are very high on my Must Visit List! You have every reason to be thrilled!
And glad to hear you’re looking forward to more Lady Arianna stories. (Note to Self: feed the Muse more chocolate!)
Oh, fluttery sigh, Patricia! Australia/New Zealand are very high on my Must Visit List! You have every reason to be thrilled!
And glad to hear you’re looking forward to more Lady Arianna stories. (Note to Self: feed the Muse more chocolate!)
Oh, fluttery sigh, Patricia! Australia/New Zealand are very high on my Must Visit List! You have every reason to be thrilled!
And glad to hear you’re looking forward to more Lady Arianna stories. (Note to Self: feed the Muse more chocolate!)
Oh, fluttery sigh, Patricia! Australia/New Zealand are very high on my Must Visit List! You have every reason to be thrilled!
And glad to hear you’re looking forward to more Lady Arianna stories. (Note to Self: feed the Muse more chocolate!)
Andrea, I too have a Thing for islands. *G* I also have a Thing for the Lady Arianna books, and I’ve very glad another is in the works!
Andrea, I too have a Thing for islands. *G* I also have a Thing for the Lady Arianna books, and I’ve very glad another is in the works!
Andrea, I too have a Thing for islands. *G* I also have a Thing for the Lady Arianna books, and I’ve very glad another is in the works!
Andrea, I too have a Thing for islands. *G* I also have a Thing for the Lady Arianna books, and I’ve very glad another is in the works!
Andrea, I too have a Thing for islands. *G* I also have a Thing for the Lady Arianna books, and I’ve very glad another is in the works!
Ha! I’ve rather gathered that you shared my Thing for Islands.
Now, if only the Muse would stop lollygagging in Elba and get back to work on Lady Arianna. Honestly, what does She think—that travel is a free lunch!
Ha! I’ve rather gathered that you shared my Thing for Islands.
Now, if only the Muse would stop lollygagging in Elba and get back to work on Lady Arianna. Honestly, what does She think—that travel is a free lunch!
Ha! I’ve rather gathered that you shared my Thing for Islands.
Now, if only the Muse would stop lollygagging in Elba and get back to work on Lady Arianna. Honestly, what does She think—that travel is a free lunch!
Ha! I’ve rather gathered that you shared my Thing for Islands.
Now, if only the Muse would stop lollygagging in Elba and get back to work on Lady Arianna. Honestly, what does She think—that travel is a free lunch!
Ha! I’ve rather gathered that you shared my Thing for Islands.
Now, if only the Muse would stop lollygagging in Elba and get back to work on Lady Arianna. Honestly, what does She think—that travel is a free lunch!
Who doesn’t love islands? Some of my favorites I’ve visited are Corfu, Greece; St Thomas, U.S.V.I., Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, and Block Island, on the Eastern Seaboard. The last two don’t have any cars or trucks, except for emergency vehicles. As a matter of fact, my brother just got back from visiting Block Island, and the water was warm enough to swim in. I think he was probably on the western, landward side of the island not the side facing the open Atlantic!
Who doesn’t love islands? Some of my favorites I’ve visited are Corfu, Greece; St Thomas, U.S.V.I., Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, and Block Island, on the Eastern Seaboard. The last two don’t have any cars or trucks, except for emergency vehicles. As a matter of fact, my brother just got back from visiting Block Island, and the water was warm enough to swim in. I think he was probably on the western, landward side of the island not the side facing the open Atlantic!
Who doesn’t love islands? Some of my favorites I’ve visited are Corfu, Greece; St Thomas, U.S.V.I., Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, and Block Island, on the Eastern Seaboard. The last two don’t have any cars or trucks, except for emergency vehicles. As a matter of fact, my brother just got back from visiting Block Island, and the water was warm enough to swim in. I think he was probably on the western, landward side of the island not the side facing the open Atlantic!
Who doesn’t love islands? Some of my favorites I’ve visited are Corfu, Greece; St Thomas, U.S.V.I., Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, and Block Island, on the Eastern Seaboard. The last two don’t have any cars or trucks, except for emergency vehicles. As a matter of fact, my brother just got back from visiting Block Island, and the water was warm enough to swim in. I think he was probably on the western, landward side of the island not the side facing the open Atlantic!
Who doesn’t love islands? Some of my favorites I’ve visited are Corfu, Greece; St Thomas, U.S.V.I., Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, and Block Island, on the Eastern Seaboard. The last two don’t have any cars or trucks, except for emergency vehicles. As a matter of fact, my brother just got back from visiting Block Island, and the water was warm enough to swim in. I think he was probably on the western, landward side of the island not the side facing the open Atlantic!
I live on an island (Vancouver Island in British Columbia) so I do have a fondness for them. Three of the highlights of our cross-Canada trip several years ago were Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Manitoulin Island.
Our daughter moved to England in 2002 (her English boyfriend did his second year of university at UBC, which is where she met him) and in 2004 we did a tour of Great Britain: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Because she’s in England I’ve had five trips there so far (two for the births of her children).
We went to Cuba for our daughter’s destination wedding – his brother said they chose Cuba for their wedding to “the mutual inconvenience of both sets of parents”. Got to spend three days in Havana and really enjoyed it – lovely restaurants, sights to see and the Tropicana show was especially enjoyable. The wedding was lovely and all the wedding pictures on the beach are especially memorable.
We’ve also taken a 10-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii finishing in Honolulu, where we spent a week before flying home. Fabulous scenery at every turn and many wonderful tours. The tropical vegetation was a highlight for this gardener.
Australia and New Zealand are on our bucket list.
I live on an island (Vancouver Island in British Columbia) so I do have a fondness for them. Three of the highlights of our cross-Canada trip several years ago were Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Manitoulin Island.
Our daughter moved to England in 2002 (her English boyfriend did his second year of university at UBC, which is where she met him) and in 2004 we did a tour of Great Britain: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Because she’s in England I’ve had five trips there so far (two for the births of her children).
We went to Cuba for our daughter’s destination wedding – his brother said they chose Cuba for their wedding to “the mutual inconvenience of both sets of parents”. Got to spend three days in Havana and really enjoyed it – lovely restaurants, sights to see and the Tropicana show was especially enjoyable. The wedding was lovely and all the wedding pictures on the beach are especially memorable.
We’ve also taken a 10-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii finishing in Honolulu, where we spent a week before flying home. Fabulous scenery at every turn and many wonderful tours. The tropical vegetation was a highlight for this gardener.
Australia and New Zealand are on our bucket list.
I live on an island (Vancouver Island in British Columbia) so I do have a fondness for them. Three of the highlights of our cross-Canada trip several years ago were Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Manitoulin Island.
Our daughter moved to England in 2002 (her English boyfriend did his second year of university at UBC, which is where she met him) and in 2004 we did a tour of Great Britain: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Because she’s in England I’ve had five trips there so far (two for the births of her children).
We went to Cuba for our daughter’s destination wedding – his brother said they chose Cuba for their wedding to “the mutual inconvenience of both sets of parents”. Got to spend three days in Havana and really enjoyed it – lovely restaurants, sights to see and the Tropicana show was especially enjoyable. The wedding was lovely and all the wedding pictures on the beach are especially memorable.
We’ve also taken a 10-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii finishing in Honolulu, where we spent a week before flying home. Fabulous scenery at every turn and many wonderful tours. The tropical vegetation was a highlight for this gardener.
Australia and New Zealand are on our bucket list.
I live on an island (Vancouver Island in British Columbia) so I do have a fondness for them. Three of the highlights of our cross-Canada trip several years ago were Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Manitoulin Island.
Our daughter moved to England in 2002 (her English boyfriend did his second year of university at UBC, which is where she met him) and in 2004 we did a tour of Great Britain: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Because she’s in England I’ve had five trips there so far (two for the births of her children).
We went to Cuba for our daughter’s destination wedding – his brother said they chose Cuba for their wedding to “the mutual inconvenience of both sets of parents”. Got to spend three days in Havana and really enjoyed it – lovely restaurants, sights to see and the Tropicana show was especially enjoyable. The wedding was lovely and all the wedding pictures on the beach are especially memorable.
We’ve also taken a 10-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii finishing in Honolulu, where we spent a week before flying home. Fabulous scenery at every turn and many wonderful tours. The tropical vegetation was a highlight for this gardener.
Australia and New Zealand are on our bucket list.
I live on an island (Vancouver Island in British Columbia) so I do have a fondness for them. Three of the highlights of our cross-Canada trip several years ago were Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Manitoulin Island.
Our daughter moved to England in 2002 (her English boyfriend did his second year of university at UBC, which is where she met him) and in 2004 we did a tour of Great Britain: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Because she’s in England I’ve had five trips there so far (two for the births of her children).
We went to Cuba for our daughter’s destination wedding – his brother said they chose Cuba for their wedding to “the mutual inconvenience of both sets of parents”. Got to spend three days in Havana and really enjoyed it – lovely restaurants, sights to see and the Tropicana show was especially enjoyable. The wedding was lovely and all the wedding pictures on the beach are especially memorable.
We’ve also taken a 10-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii finishing in Honolulu, where we spent a week before flying home. Fabulous scenery at every turn and many wonderful tours. The tropical vegetation was a highlight for this gardener.
Australia and New Zealand are on our bucket list.
The thing for islands is also a word wench thing! I love them! Love the whole special little world idea and the fascinating history you find in all these places. Thank you for a fascinating blog, Andrea!
The thing for islands is also a word wench thing! I love them! Love the whole special little world idea and the fascinating history you find in all these places. Thank you for a fascinating blog, Andrea!
The thing for islands is also a word wench thing! I love them! Love the whole special little world idea and the fascinating history you find in all these places. Thank you for a fascinating blog, Andrea!
The thing for islands is also a word wench thing! I love them! Love the whole special little world idea and the fascinating history you find in all these places. Thank you for a fascinating blog, Andrea!
The thing for islands is also a word wench thing! I love them! Love the whole special little world idea and the fascinating history you find in all these places. Thank you for a fascinating blog, Andrea!
Oh, Karin, Corfu is high on my list (along with the rest of the Greek isles.)
And Block Island is a favorite spot of mine too. Quiet, charming country lanes and fields, spectacular ocean views from the cliffs and lots of rocky secluded coves and lovely beaches. It really does epitomize the allure of islands!
Oh, Karin, Corfu is high on my list (along with the rest of the Greek isles.)
And Block Island is a favorite spot of mine too. Quiet, charming country lanes and fields, spectacular ocean views from the cliffs and lots of rocky secluded coves and lovely beaches. It really does epitomize the allure of islands!
Oh, Karin, Corfu is high on my list (along with the rest of the Greek isles.)
And Block Island is a favorite spot of mine too. Quiet, charming country lanes and fields, spectacular ocean views from the cliffs and lots of rocky secluded coves and lovely beaches. It really does epitomize the allure of islands!
Oh, Karin, Corfu is high on my list (along with the rest of the Greek isles.)
And Block Island is a favorite spot of mine too. Quiet, charming country lanes and fields, spectacular ocean views from the cliffs and lots of rocky secluded coves and lovely beaches. It really does epitomize the allure of islands!
Oh, Karin, Corfu is high on my list (along with the rest of the Greek isles.)
And Block Island is a favorite spot of mine too. Quiet, charming country lanes and fields, spectacular ocean views from the cliffs and lots of rocky secluded coves and lovely beaches. It really does epitomize the allure of islands!
What a fabulous list of islands you’ve visited! PEI and Newfoundland are ones I love too. (And now you’ve reminded me of St. Pierre and Miquelon, the two tiny islands off eastern Canada that are still part of France. I visited them years ago, and they were amazing.)
And of course, I adore all the British Isles.
So many splendid ones to visit around the world!
What a fabulous list of islands you’ve visited! PEI and Newfoundland are ones I love too. (And now you’ve reminded me of St. Pierre and Miquelon, the two tiny islands off eastern Canada that are still part of France. I visited them years ago, and they were amazing.)
And of course, I adore all the British Isles.
So many splendid ones to visit around the world!
What a fabulous list of islands you’ve visited! PEI and Newfoundland are ones I love too. (And now you’ve reminded me of St. Pierre and Miquelon, the two tiny islands off eastern Canada that are still part of France. I visited them years ago, and they were amazing.)
And of course, I adore all the British Isles.
So many splendid ones to visit around the world!
What a fabulous list of islands you’ve visited! PEI and Newfoundland are ones I love too. (And now you’ve reminded me of St. Pierre and Miquelon, the two tiny islands off eastern Canada that are still part of France. I visited them years ago, and they were amazing.)
And of course, I adore all the British Isles.
So many splendid ones to visit around the world!
What a fabulous list of islands you’ve visited! PEI and Newfoundland are ones I love too. (And now you’ve reminded me of St. Pierre and Miquelon, the two tiny islands off eastern Canada that are still part of France. I visited them years ago, and they were amazing.)
And of course, I adore all the British Isles.
So many splendid ones to visit around the world!
Yes, the “little world unto themselves” is really something very magical!
Yes, the “little world unto themselves” is really something very magical!
Yes, the “little world unto themselves” is really something very magical!
Yes, the “little world unto themselves” is really something very magical!
Yes, the “little world unto themselves” is really something very magical!