Whatever the reasons a post catches my eye, it makes me feel part of a very special group of people – travel bloggers.

Narrow street in Italy

Here are some great reads from this past week:

My Bella Vita explains her theory on how to learn Italian – an entire month without speaking anything but Italian.  Will it work?

Galley Gossip on Gadling is written by a flight attendant, and this explanation of non-revving, deadheading, positioning, and commuting, explains why you sometimes see flight attendants sitting in a seat, or being give a boarding priority.  Before you curse them out, read this post.

Travel Blog Exchange has a post by Dana on the best and safest hotel choices in Russia.  You don’t have to rough it in Russia.

The Paris Traveler explains where all the Parisiens go in August.  And why.  They definitely have a better attitude about vacationing than many of us do.

The Montreal Guide lets us in on one giant waterfight.  Sounds like a lot of fun!

Gadling covers the story of Ryan Air CEO Michael O’Leary who says that passengers who are demanding anything more than the most basic of service should just go away.  Sounds like a company that has found their niche and has no intention of being anything more.

Nerds Eye View pens a wonderful travel essay from her recent road trip that took her through Montana.  Anyone who has passed through Big Sky country will relate to Pam’s feelings of being the tourist.

Those are my favorites for this week.  I’ll have another selection for you next Sunday.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Located in Helena, Montana (530 North Ewing Street), the Cathedral is modeled after the Votive Church of the Sacred Heart in Vienna, Austria.  It was opened in 1914 (when the first service were held), but wasn’t finished, however, until 1924.   Although the Cathedral was seriously damaged in an earthquake in 1935, it was reconstructed preserving both the impressive architecture and adding earthquake-proofing construction.  It still maintains an impressive and imposing presence in Helena.

As you walk up the stone stairs leading into the Cathedral, take a moment a look behind you at the downtown view of the city.  Then turn back to enter the cathedral, looking up at the domed ceiling an around at the pillars and stained glass windows.  The 59 stained glass windows came from Bavaria, and include a set of 37 that tell a story starting with the fall of Adam and Eve continuing to the years of the Church in the early 1900’s.

Since its repair after the earthquake, the cathedral has been completely restored and renovated, including adding some gilding in the interior.  It continues to be carefully and lovingly maintained, including upkeep and repairs to the stained glass windows.  The most recent renovation (2002-03) resulted in the addition of a gift shop and socials halls on the lower level, and the renovation of the sanctuary, chapel and addition of a baptistry on the upper level.

With a little luck, your Cathedral visit will be complete with music from its Pipe Organ.  It is as impressive to view as it is to just sit and soak up its beautiful music. 

The Cathedral is open for viewing Monday – Friday, 7 am – 6 pm; Saturday, 8:30 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, 7:30 am – 6 pm.  Summer hours may be shorter.  Guided tours are given Tuesday – Thursday at during the summer.  Reservations are required for tours at other times of the year (406-442-5825).

The Cathedral is a place of worship, and all are welcome to attend.  Check the mass schedule for details.

Admission is free, although donations are gratefully accepted.

Photo credit:  Cathedral of St. Helena

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Current Location:  Billings, Montana

Where did you go on your last vacation:  The Official Destination was to the northern Oregon coastal region.  We actually began in Montana, passed through Idaho and Washington on our way to Portland, hit the coastal region, and then back through Washington to see the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, passed through Idaho again, and returned home.  It was a very long road-trip, and fun mostly, but for spending more time at a destination I vote for flying there and back instead of driving.

Where do you plan to go on your next vacation:  Plans?  What are those?  Mostly nearby local haunts for some camping this summer (the luxury of living in Montana is having nature recreation easily accessible).  2007 will most likely see us “down South” to visit relatives we haven’t seen in years.  Arkansas and however much else we’re able to fit into our time & budget.  Getting to anywhere else is one of the downsides to living in Montana.

If you were stuck in a middle seat for a five hour flight, who would you want sitting next to you:  I’d pick Edward Abbey, except he’s dead, although that could make for a very surreal flight.  Honestly though, anyone who isn’t afraid of Big Words and doesn’t smell, would make excellent seat companions.

Window or Aisle:  Window.  I enjoy watching the view, and if it’s just clouds I can nap.

Five destinations that are on your “must see before I die” list:  My list varies depending on the season (in summer, cool places sound promising; in winter, tropical places sound heavenly) The British Isles; Coastal Maine, USA; The Yucatan; Egypt; Nepal

All time favorite vacation experience:  There have been wonderful things about all the vacations I have ever been on, so this is hard one to answer.  I don’t think this really counts as “all time favorite”, but having bagels with cream cheese and fresh strawberries for breakfast in the Lodge by Lake Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park is one memory that has stayed with me for over 15 years. 

Favorite hotel:  The Grand Hotel, located in Big Timber, Montana.

If I am in Billings, and have a spare four hours, what would you recommend that I do:  This one is tough, because there are a lot of little festivals scattered throughout the year that are fun, but not something that a visitor could do any time they happened to be in town.  If it is summer season and the State Parks are open, I would suggest putting up a picnic lunch and driving out to the Pictograph Cave State Park (seen in Deb’s photo left).  The trails might be too strenuous for some people, but the views are worth the trip even if you just have a picnic in the picnic area.  Be sure to bring a camera. 

Is traveling about the journey or the destination:  If I’m flying, it is all about the destination.  Everything in between might be interesting, but it isn’t my focus.  Other modes of transportation however, are much more about the journey.

Travel Tip:  Always have a snack in your carry on, and $20 in cash.  If your flight has an unexpected delay, you can get a bite to eat, even if your airline doesn’t offer vouchers.  The snack is in case you are at a small airport and there isn’t food available.

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Deb Ligget has spent most of her 35 years in Montana, and while she doesn’t enjoy being cold in winter, she does love living there.  Two cats and three kids, who also co-own her husband, own her.  She loves books, and enjoys many arts & crafts, as well as writing.  Some day she hopes to stop procrastinating and write a novel.  Meanwhile, she blogs about needlework at Tangled Thread.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe