Travel to Britain and Beyond
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I JUST READ A PIECE by well-known traveler Rick Steeves in USA Today. His thesis was a drum that I have enthusiastically beaten for years: Americans do not see enough of the world. The geographical isolation of our country gives us an insularity of perspective on world affairs that is incomprehensible to those from other parts of the world. Travel abroad is the best education most Americans never get.
Britain remains the most accessible entryway for Americans into the larger world.
Because of the depth of our cultural roots in Great Britain, the commonality of our history and language, Britain remains the most accessible entryway for Americans into the larger world and a deeper understanding of our true place on the global stage.
It was therefore with great sadness that we closed the doors of Lord Addison Travel, well known to many BH readers, at the end of September. Lord Addison filled an important role by introducing the intrinsic value of international travel to thousands of people. Its demise reflected a familiar, sad reality. For international travel, the year of 2001 was like the stock market crash. Many good travel companies failed. The decline of our own equity markets, war in Iraq, a crippling shock in the dollar’s value—we read about it in the newspapers daily.
In Britain and beyond, however, still lies the key to great adventure and great enrichment for the adventurer. Our society cannot help but be the better. Ah, but I am largely preaching to the choir, am I not? British Heritage readers know well the vital connection that remains between this country, our Canadian neighbors and the mother country of Great Britain. We are reminded of it with every issue.
This time, Jim Hargan takes us along on a 13th-century road trip, in the cortege of Queen Eleanor of Castile. Jim also takes us on a country walk—anothe kind of journey few Americans know. Bruce Heydt tells the story of Alexander Selkirk, whose travels were unique indeed. Siân Ellis visits historic Sudeley Castle and has a grand visit with American-born Lady Ashcombe.
Closer to our own time, Ruth Longford relates the firsthand story of David Lloyd George and Frances Stevenson—her grandparents. We are delighted she chose to share her personal collection of previously unpublished photos of the 20th-century statesman and her mother and grandmother.
Of course, not all of us can travel, and none of us can travel all the time. In the meantime, however, let BH carry you across the centuries and the miles with a few hours of great reading. It is always an invigorating journey, and I am so pleased you are along.
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