Travel

“MapQuest updates gas and diesel prices up to seven times a day. MapQuest offers a variety of tools to make the most of driving trips, but also understand alternative means of transportation that may not involve getting in the car at all.” more »

Recovering from the last episode of Downton Abbey's Season Two, leads us to thank Julian Fellowes for his generosity in sharing an inspiration for his series: To Marry an English Lord. And just who was his inspiration for Lady Cora? more »

Anyone who is interested in the history of the Mediterranean will find this book, with its detailed recounting of the political, economic, and religious power struggles during a period of about five hundred years (c. 1000 AD to the 1500’s), quite fascinating. So will anyone who has ever fallen in love with Venice, and has wondered about the history of that amazing, improbable city. more »

The Smithsonian staff and volunteers packed tools, utensils, appliances, and gadgets in the Bon Appetit exhibit kitchen; everything was stored while a larger gallery space is prepared and goes on view again. The museum team offers suggestions on how to cope for a few months sans Julia Child’s kitchen. more »