From northern Spain to western Africa
Enjoy the recording of UMRA’s first Armchair Traveler program of 2023–24. Nanette Hanks shared fabulous pictures and information about the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. Tom O'Toole told us about his return visit to Sierra Leone in West Africa.
From northern Spain to western Africa
Wed, Sep 20, 2023, 10am
UMRA’s first Armchair Traveler program of 2023–24 will take us from the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain to Sierra Leone in West Africa on Wednesday, September 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. via Zoom.
We will have two fabulous presenters, both UMRA members. Here is a preview, including descriptions by Hanks and O’Toole.
Nanette Hanks will take us to the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage trails leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. “Pilgrims have been walking to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain for thousands of years, but its popularity has swelled in the last 20. The scenery along this unique and historic 500-mile trail is breathtaking, passing through fields, forests of eucalyptus, small villages, big cities, and tiny hamlets."
Thomas O’Toole will take us to Sierra Leone, where he served in the Peace Corps in 1963. “With its vibrant culture and natural beauty, Sierra Leone offers a great introduction to Africa. Those interested in an intimate look at a lesser-known African country ought to think about a visit. Its palm-fringed white beaches and warm people are most welcoming. You will gain a deep appreciation for Salone as people share their zest to tell you about their story of struggle, resilience, and hope.”
The Zoom link for the meeting will be emailed to UMRA members one month and also one week before the program. I hope you can join us.
—Lynn C. Anderson, Armchair Traveler program chair
Upcoming Events
"Things that drive me crazy" will be the theme when the UMRA Photo Club meets on February 11. Newcomers are welcome.
Many life challenges that get in the way of quality of life and good health at home have little to do with medical issues. Cathy Lauring, our presenter for UMRA’s February 18 workshop, will explore a variety of resources to assist in keeping us healthy at home—including physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial services.
John Bantle will lead the discussion of A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson when the UMRA book club meets via Zoom on February 21.
Join UMRA members to watch two of the best hockey teams in the nation. UMRA has negotiated a discounted ticket price of $33.
Barbara Klick, RN, MBA, the presenter for UMRA’s February 25 Forum, has decades of experience working in human and veterinary medicine, and will bring her wisdom and perspective to our discussion about what we can learn from our pets about facing end-of-life challenges and decisions.
The Fourth Friday Book Club will meet via Zoom on February 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. CST to discuss The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
Will Craig discusses using local sources for family history.
The UMRA Hiking Club will explore wildlife along the Mississippi River in Fort Snelling State Park. The 3.9-mile Pike Island Loop is generally considered an easy route and takes just over an hour. Hikers can leave at that point, or stay to add another short loop. The trail is located below the bluff on which the historic fort sits. The last time we were there we saw a lot of deer, and the river always provides fascinating views.
The University of Minnesota Archives, with its major holdings largely tucked away in two huge underground caverns along the Mississippi River under the West Bank campus, holds the essential records of our University of Minnesota’s past. University Archivist Erik Moore will explain the holdings and role of our extensive university archive and bring out a sampling of what it holds. At the end of our visit, he will conduct a tour of the literally cool caverns (Minnesota Library Access Center), revealing where these precious materials are housed, including the original tapes of KUOM, now Radio K.
Family history open discussion.