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
The theme for December is historical family photos. Join us for photography and fun.
There are a few fun events coming up at the Campus Club that are open to everyone. See these events on the Campus Club Facebook and Instagram.
Meeting to plan books for next year.
There has been a lot in the news recently about the University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota Physicians, and Fairview Health Services. Please join us at breakfast on January 8 for a respectful and engaging discussion of their relationship.
The theme for January is great MN views.
Developing a sense of identity is a central psychological task of the lifespan. Memories and stories from our personal past, as well as cultural memories and stories in society play key roles in how we develop our identities. This presentation will discuss psychological theory and research on how memories and stories make us who we are.
When you are of Icelandic descent you can trace your ancestors back to around 1200 and sometimes further.
Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
Here’s another great opportunity to buy discounted tickets and join your UMRA friends to cheer for the Gophers when the Women’s Basketball team hosts the Purdue Boilermakers at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on February 1.
UMRA’s special event for this winter will again be a celebration of brighter days and the approaching end of winter. We’ll have food, fellowship, and music provided by Urban Sound, one of the University’s premier student a cappella ensembles.
Family history with Jim Kurle. A tale of Swedish emigration to Dunn County, North Dakota, including my grandfather whose unusual relationship to several churches and religion in general was one of the reasons for his emigrating.
Growing Up by Russell Baker.