Travel Idea: Pilgrimage or Faith Tour

A call to peace is an oft-heard mantra. How many of us do something about it?

There are many ways to work toward peace, and each person can easily find a unique way for his or her lifestyle. Working for peace can be an individual, family or group pursuit.

In his Urbi et Orbi speech, Pope Benedict XVI stressed the need for peace in our world (New York Times: "Pope’s Christmas Greeting Focuses on Pursuit of Peace"). Leaders from around the world have issued their own calls for peace from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Bloomberg.com: "Ahmadinejad Calls for Peace, Says Jesus Would Fight Terrorism") to Queen Elizabeth II: "Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas Message 2008" (BBC or The Royal Channel on YouTube.com).

Another great way for expressing and working toward peace is to go on a pilgrimage or faith tour. Ubiquity International offers a great pilgrimage tour of Medjugorje for the International Youth Festival where visionaries claim that the Virgin Mary has appeared and issued ongoing calls for peace. Future offerings will include pilgrimages to the traditional seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, the trails of St. Francis Assisi and pilgrimages for other faiths. Check them out!

Tom
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Travel Tips: High-speed trains in Europe

High-speed trains continue to be developed the world over. It is so convenient now to go from London to Paris, from Madrid to Seville or from Tokyo to Kyoto.

In an article from San Francisco Chronicle (SFGate.com: "Europe's rail system moving full steam ahead"), Ed Perkins outlines some of the advances in high speed rail in Europe. I agree it is about time for the United States to 'step up to the plate.' There are so many possibilities and advantages to using high-speed, electric rail. We are, so to say, missing the boat. European nations have, and continue to, devoted resources to the development of these efficient and green means of transportation.

I do not fully agree, however, with Mr. Perkins about buying rail passes. I think that a person traveling to Europe, and wanting to use rail, needs to consider fully all the options, and some of the limitations of passes. They are good in certain situations but not every person benefits from a rail pass all the time.

In any case, there are many other advantages to using high-speed (or for that matter, trains, period) in Europe. Including:

• less intrusive security measures


• comfort and ease of boarding at leisure


• comfort of moving around any time during the journey


• incredible scenery en route


• great number of options, including destinations and departure times


• ease of 'off-on' boarding

I highly recommend train travel whenever possible.

Happy railing!

Tom

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