Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna.

Garbage column post

Love, Courage, Determination, Persistence, and Folk Dancing

I remember when my folk dance class attendance, which once was about 20, slowly diminished until we were down to four.  I started losing money with the rental of our dance space.

I thought about ending the class, giving up the group.  Then a strange thing happened:   I got mad.   Then a  small rose voice within me saying  “Never!  I will never give up this class!  Even if no one shows up and I’m teaching dancing all alone and dancing all alone, I won’t give it up.   I’ll just spend the time choreographing new dances, and enjoy dancing the ones I know until someone shows up.  If no one shows up, I’ll keep dancing alone.  But I will never, never will I give up this beautiful class with the beautiful folk dancing that cures and elevates me and others.”

These thoughts gave me peace of mind.  I continued the class.  I also starting promoting our classes in Meetup.com,  sent in press releases to local newspapers, put announcements on Facebook, and, most important, started telephoning our former dancers to both say hello, and see if they wanted to return to our class.

The results: Some evenings we continued having three or four dances showing up.  One evening no one showed up.  Another evening we had only  two.

This “quiet period” lasted about two months.  I kept up the promotions. But slowly, strangely, miraculously, one day a new person showed up.  Another came a few weeks later.  During the next few weeks and months a few former dancers returned. The group continued to grow.  After a year we had 15-20 dancers!

Now the class is bouncing along with 20 or so, depending on the night.

So I learned that love, in this case, of folk dancing. often breeds courage,  determination, and persistence.  And with these four Beauties in place, almost anything will succeed.

Balkan Splendor 2017

       Jim Gold International Folk Tours
BALKAN
SPLENDOR!
Folk Dancing,  Folk Music, Art, History, Culture, Adventure !SERBIA, CROATIA,          BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA,
MONTENEGRO

       Belgrade, Novi Sad  South Serbia, Iba              Valley, Studenica, Nis,  Sarajevo,
Mostar, Kotor, Budva, Dubrovnik
October 15-29,  2017
Extension to Dubrovnik October 29-November 1

 Led by Jim Gold and Lee Otterholt

★ Visit historic Balkan cities, capitals, and folkloric villages.
★ Meet Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin folk dancers.
★ Plus international folk dancing with Lee Otterholt.
★ Our price includes round-trip airfare, city tours, transfers, hotels, two meals daily, and our own private bus.

Read More →

Scotland 2017

     Jim Gold International Folk Tours
and Richard Schmidt present:
            Scotland !
Folk Dancing,  Folk Music, Folk Art, History,
Culture, Folk Shopping, Adventure !August 7-20, 2017

             Glasgow, Edinburgh,                Stirling, St Andrews, Aberdeen,
Balmoral,  Inverness,
Ben Nevis, Loch Ness,
Loch Lomond
       Led  by  Richard Schmidt
★ Meet with local dance groups !
★ Breathtaking scenery wih the heather in full bloom!
★ Price includes city tours, hotels, breakfasts,
four dinners, and a private deluxe motorcoach !ITINERARY

1 Mon, Aug 7 Fly to Glasgow on airline of your choice.
2 Tue, Aug 8
3
4
5
Day 1: August 7, Monday: Fly to Glasgow on airline of your choice.
 Day 2:  August 8, Tuesday: Check-in to our hotel in Glasgow. Dinner & folk dancing at our hotel.  Overnight in Glasgow.
 Day 3: August 9, Wednesday: City tour with local guide – The Lighthouse, The Tall Ship, Glengoyle Distillery. Overnight in Glasgow.
 Day 4: August 10, Thursday: Guided tours of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile with time for shopping and tea. Overnight in Edinburgh.
 Day 5:  August 11, Friday: Your chance to explore this beautiful capital city in depth, visiting interesting sites like the Royal Yacht Britannia. We’ll learn some Scottish country dances with a local expert. Overnight in Edinburgh
 Day 6: August 12, Saturday: Richard’s birthplace so it’s time for Braveheart, The Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, Mary Queen
of Scots and of course dancing on a Saturday night.
Overnight in Stirling.
 Day 7: August 13, Sunday: The wool mills of Callander for some great shopping and a chance to meet “Hamish”, the famous Highland cow and then off to dance school in St. Andrews. Overnight in St. Andrews.
 Day 8: August 14, Monday: From the golf course to the sandy beaches on the North Sea. Paddle in the sea at Montrose and then a city tour of Scotland’s third largest city. Overnight in Aberdeen
 Day 9: August 15, Tuesday: Balmoral Castle, summer home of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and then we’re off to the capital of the highlands. Overnight in Inverness.
 Day 10:  August 16, Wednesday: Tour of Inverness city center and then we go bike riding along the River Ness and enjoy the fresh air of the Highlands. Overnight in Inverness
 Day 11: August 17, Thursday: We’ll get on a boat and look for Nessie in Fort Augustus before heading for a quaint evening with locals in a pub.
Overnight in Fort William
Day 12: August 18, Friday: We head to the top of the U.K.’s tallest mountain – Ben Nevis and then through Glen Coe, site of the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells. We end our day in a picturesque place. Overnight in Loch Lomond.
 Day 13:  August 19, Saturday: Morning is spent around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs before we head back into the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s largest city Overnight in Glasgow.
Day 14: August 20: Sunday: Transfer to  Day 16 Airport. Fly out of Glasgow on  airline of your choice.
About Richard Schmidt:
Born in Scotland, Richard received the “Lifetime Achievement     Award”  from  the  Polish  government  for  his  dedication  in  promoting  Polish  culture  abroad. He is the Artistic Director and founder of the White Eagle Folk Dance Academy in his hometown of Montréal, Canada and Artistic Director for The Lechowia Polish Folk Dance  Company  of  Toronto,  the  largest  Polish  ensemble  in  Canada.  His  instructional workshops  and  choreography  have  been  complimented  by  decades  of  studies  under several dance masters. He has worked with folk ensembles in Europe, Asia and North America since the age of seventeen and is well-known on the International Folk Scene as  the  Master  of  Polish  Dance with  standing  invitations  in  the  United  States,  Japan, Hong Kong and China. Richard leads a very popular folk tour of Poland presented by Jim Gold and is  now  expanding his  horizons to  include  his  homeland  of Scotland. His experience, easy going temperament and joie-de-vivre always add to the comfort and complete  satisfaction of  all  the  guests on  his  tours! His  sister,  Carol, who  resides  in Stirling, is a certified Scottish dance instructor who will ensure that we learn the right  stuff!
 Land Only: $3995
REGISTRATION FORM: I can’t wait to go!  Enclosed is my registration deposit of $200 per person, refundable until March 9th. Single supplement: $795. Additional charges are: $85 hotel taxes and service. Gratuities are not included. Program subject to change without notice. Group rate:  Minimum of 15 people required or additional fees may apply. Cancellations 45 days prior to departure: Refund 50% of total price. Cancellations less than 30 days: No refund.
Travel insurance recommended.  Total balance due April 1, 2017.
Name_________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________
No. of people_____Phone(_____)________________Email__________________
Make checks payable to: Jim Gold International, Inc. 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666   (201) 836-0362    www.jimgold.com   Email: jimgold@jimgold.com
 Maps of Scotland
JIM GOLD INTERNATIONAL:  TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Air Transportation:  International air not included except as noted.
Rates: Tour rates are subject to change in the event of currency fluctuations or increase in costs. Inclusive tour rates are per person in double occupancy. In case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice clients with corrected billing.
Reservations: Deposits and Payments: Deposit of $200 per person is required at time of reservation. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure date.
Changes: Prices and program subject to change without notice
Baggage: One baggage per person and a carry on is allowed.
Cancellations: Cancellations 45 days prior to departure: Refund 50%  of total price. Less than 30 days: No refund. Additionally, any cancellation fees imposed by the respective hotels, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines will be charged. Travel Insurance is non-refundable as are unused services.
Gratuities: Tipping to guides, drivers, transfer personnel and hotel staff is left to the discretion of the participants and is not included.
Insurance: Tour participants are strongly recommended to purchase insurance for trip cancellation, trip interruption, accident, sickness and/or loss of baggage and personal effects.
Dispute Resolution: The sole and exclusive method of resolving any dispute which might rise under this agreement and any agreement between Jim Gold International, Inc., and another party (ies), the brochure or website and deemed to arise in the United States of America, shall be by arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in New York City pursuant to the Association’s rules then in effect. Any such arbitration must take place in N.Y.C., N.Y. In any such arbitration, the substantive law of N.Y. will apply. In the event a tour participant should find a service or hotel unacceptable, it should be reported immediately to the local representative and to Jim Gold International, Inc. upon their immediate return. No claim shall be deemed legitimate if not reported to the local representative and if reported after the scheduled service or after departure from the hotel.
Responsibility: Jim Gold International, Inc. Of 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A  acts solely in its capacity as marketing agent on behalf of its suppliers such as air carriers, ground operator, taxi suppliers, motor coach suppliers, excursion or tour companies and hotels identified on documents supplied in connection with purchase of the tours. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be held responsible for any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by any supplier or other party not directly owned or exclusively controlled by Jim Gold International, Inc. or by the failure of any equipment operated by any such supplier or other party. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise, in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or other services, resulting directly or indirectly from any acts of God, dangerous incident to the sea, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays or cancellations of or changes to itineraries or schedules, or from any causes resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas, or other documents passports, visas, or other documents.
Neither Jim Gold International, Inc. nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the aforementioned causes. Tour participant agrees that any claim against Jim Gold International, Inc. is subject only to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arose. The right is reserved to substitute hotels and to alter itineraries. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure. If any tour is canceled prior to departure, Jim Gold International, Inc. will be responsible only up to the amount of monies Jim Gold International, Inc. received less any cancellation fee applied by a supplier as defined above. Travel Insurance is recommended.
Jim Gold International, Inc. is not responsible or liable for defaults of those not directly under the exclusive control of Jim Gold International, Inc.
All tickets and vouchers issued for transportation and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such transportation and services are provided to the participant by the owners or contractors. The traveler assumes full responsibility for, and hereby releases Jim Gold International, Inc. from any duty of checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination or other entry requirements for each destination, and all safety and security conditions during the length of the proposed travel. Should any clause contained here in be determined void by any court of law, such a finding shall not affect the other clauses contained herein; each clause is a covenant which stand on its own. The receipt of your deposit and/or final payment will indicate that you have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you have agreed to them. Prices are subject to change.
Jim Gold International, Inc.  497 Cumberland Avenue,   Teaneck, NJ 07666  U.S.A.
Phone: (201) 836-0362    www.jimgold.com    e-mail: jimgold@jimgold.com

Poland 2017

        Jim Gold International Folk Tours
and Richard Schmidt present:
          Poland           Festival Tour!
July 21-August 5,  2017                            http://bit.ly/2lGOLgALed  by  Richard Schmidt

                    Folk Festivals, Folk Dancing,  Folk Music,
Folk Art, History, Culture, Folk Shopping, Adventure !Kraków,  Rzeszów, Zakopane,                         Częstochowa, Gdańsk,
Olsztyn, Żelazowa Wola,                Warszawa

★ Castles, palaces, historic sites, and museums !
★ Meet with local folk dance groups !
★ Breathtaking scenery from mountains to sea !
★ Price includes city tours, hotels, breakfasts, four dinners, and a private deluxe motorcoach !
★ See video from our last tour:
ITINERARY
Day 1: July 21, Friday: Fly to Kraków on airline of your choice.

Day 2: July 22, Saturday:
Check-in to our hotel in Kraków Dinner & folk dancing at our    hotel. Overnight in Krakow.Day 3: July 23, Sunday: Walking tour with local English-speaking guide – Schindler’s Factory, Jewish neighborhood, Wawel Castle, Old Market, Town Square, St. Mary’s Church.  Overnight in Krakow.

 Day 4: July 24, Monday: Tour of Wieliczka Salt Mines in the morning and then free time for your own exploring along the Wisła River,
for souvenir shopping,  sitting in  café or lounging by pool. Overnight in Krakow.
 Day 5: July 25, Tuesday: 17th International Festival of Polish Folk Ensembles in Rzeszów! More than 1,200 Polish Folk Dancers from around the world, including Richard’s own groups from Montréal and Toronto. Exclusive backstage access and concert tickets. Overnight in Rzeszów
Day 6: July 26, Wednesday: Rzeszow
Soak in the atmosphere of a festival city sitting in the town square and then attend the Closing Gala Concert before a night of Folk Dancing. Overnight in Rzeszów.
Day 7: July 27, Thursday:
On our way to Zakopane, we stop to shop at the Costume Factory (buy on the spot or get made to measure with shipment home). Once we arrive in the mountains we partake in an evening of folklore with the mountaineers in a traditional “Góral” Restaurant with live entertainment. Overnight in Zakopane.
Day 8: July 28, Friday:
Rafting down the Dunajec River on the border with Slovakia with our Mountain guides followed by a tour of this beautiful region in the Tatra Mountains with stunning views, wildlife and abundance of storks. Overnight in Zakopane.
Day 9: July 29, Saturday:
We visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Oświęcim in the morning and then continue north to the Jasna Góra Monastery where we will see Poland’s holiest of shrines “The Black Madonna” in Częstochowa. We will have an evening of folk dancing after such a day of reflection. Overnight in Częstochowa.
Day 10: July 30. Sunday:
Sandy Beaches, Swimming, Water sports, A movie under the stars on the longest boardwalk on the Baltic Sea, Tea in the Grand Hotel in Sopot – Overnight in Gdańsk.
Day 11: July  31, Monday:
Tour of Gdańsk, Westerplatte, the shipyards and the Solidarity movement. An evening of pierogi making and eating, followed by Folk Dancing. Overnight in Gdańsk
Day 12: August 1, Tuesday:
Home of the Teutonic Knights – Malbork Castle plus a wonderful evening of Folk entertainment, horses and dancing around the campfire in the woods near Olsztyn. Overnight in Olsztyn.
Day 13: August 2, Wednesday:
After a quick look around Olsztyn, we visit the home and gardens of Fryderyk Chopin in Żelazowa Wola, before heading into the center of Poland’s capital city – Warszawa.  Overnight in Warsaw.
Day 14: August 3, Thursday:
City tour with a local English-speaking guide including stops in Łazienki Park, The Sejm (Poland’s Parliament), the Royal Castle, Old Town, The Jewish Ghetto and so much more. We will then visit the University Performing Group for some dancing and costume wearing. Overnight in Warsaw.Day 15: August 4, Friday:
A final day for some shopping with your złotys (no Euros needed), Sight-seeing and Museum hopping. After our Farewell Dinner you’ll have the chance recap all the folk dances we did on our tour and swap emails. Overnight in Warsaw.

Day 16: August 5, Saturday: Transfer to Airport   Fly out of Warsaw on airline of your choice.

About Richard Schmidt: About Richard Schmidt: In the year 2001, Richard Schmidt received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Polish government for his dedication in promoting Polish culture abroad. To this day he is still going strong as the Artistic Director and founder of the White Eagle Folk Dance Academy in his hometown of Montréal, Canada and Artistic Director for The Lechowia Polish Folk Dance Company of Toronto, the largest Polish ensemble in Canada. His instructional workshops and choreography have been complimented by decades of studies under several of Poland’s masters. He has work with folk ensembles in Europe, Asia and North America since the age of seventeen and is also well-known on the International Folk Scene as the Master of Polish Dance with standing invitations in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and China. Ten years ago Richard led the first folk tour of Poland presented by Jim Gold and has successfully led several others since. His experience, easy going temperament, knowledge of English, Polish and French, as well as, his understanding of Poland’s culture and his excitement and joie-de-vivre always add to the comfort and complete satisfaction of all the guests on his tours!

Land Only: $3495

REGISTRATION FORM:   I can’t wait to go!  Enclosed is my registration deposit of $200 per person, refundable until March 9th.  Single supplement: $795.  Additional charges are: $85 hotel taxes and service. Gratuities are not included. Program subject to change without notice. Group rate:  Minimum of 15 people required or additional fees may apply. Cancellations 45 days prior to departure: Refund 50%  of total price. Cancellations less than 30 days: No refund.  Travel insurance recommended.  Total balance due April 1, 2017.
Name____________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
No. of people_____Phone(_____)________________Email_______________________
Make checks payable to: Jim Gold International, Inc. 497 Cumberland Avenue,  Teaneck, NJ 07666   (201) 836-0362     www.jimgold.com    Email: jimgold@jimgold.com
 JIM GOLD INTERNATIONAL:  TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Air Transportation:  International air not included except as noted.
Rates: Tour rates are subject to change in the event of currency fluctuations or increase in costs. Inclusive tour rates are per person in double occupancy. In case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice clients with corrected billing.
Reservations: Deposits and Payments: Deposit of $200 per person is required at time of reservation. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure date.
Changes: Prices and program subject to change without notice
Baggage: One baggage per person and a carry on is allowed.
Cancellations: Cancellations 45 days prior to departure: Refund 50%  of total price. Less than 30 days: No refund. Additionally, any cancellation fees imposed by the respective hotels, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines will be charged. Travel Insurance is non-refundable as are unused services.
Gratuities: Tipping to guides, drivers, transfer personnel and hotel staff is left to the discretion of the participants and is not included.
Insurance: Tour participants are strongly recommended to purchase insurance for trip cancellation, trip interruption, accident, sickness and/or loss of baggage and personal effects.
Dispute Resolution: The sole and exclusive method of resolving any dispute which might rise under this agreement and any agreement between Jim Gold International, Inc., and another party (ies), the brochure or website and deemed to arise in the United States of America, shall be by arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in New York City pursuant to the Association’s rules then in effect. Any such arbitration must take place in N.Y.C., N.Y. In any such arbitration, the substantive law of N.Y. will apply. In the event a tour participant should find a service or hotel unacceptable, it should be reported immediately to the local representative and to Jim Gold International, Inc. upon their immediate return. No claim shall be deemed legitimate if not reported to the local representative and if reported after the scheduled service or after departure from the hotel.
Responsibility: Jim Gold International, Inc. Of 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A  acts solely in its capacity as marketing agent on behalf of its suppliers such as air carriers, ground operator, taxi suppliers, motor coach suppliers, excursion or tour companies and hotels identified on documents supplied in connection with purchase of the tours. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be held responsible for any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by any supplier or other party not directly owned or exclusively controlled by Jim Gold International, Inc. or by the failure of any equipment operated by any such supplier or other party. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise, in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or other services, resulting directly or indirectly from any acts of God, dangerous incident to the sea, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays or cancellations of or changes to itineraries or schedules, or from any causes resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas, or other documents passports, visas, or other documents.
Neither Jim Gold International, Inc. nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the aforementioned causes. Tour participant agrees that any claim against Jim Gold International, Inc. is subject only to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arose. The right is reserved to substitute hotels and to alter itineraries. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure. If any tour is canceled prior to departure, Jim Gold International, Inc. will be responsible only up to the amount of monies Jim Gold International, Inc. received less any cancellation fee applied by a supplier as defined above. Travel Insurance is recommended.
Jim Gold International, Inc. is not responsible or liable for defaults of those not directly under the exclusive control of Jim Gold International, Inc.
All tickets and vouchers issued for transportation and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such transportation and services are provided to the participant by the owners or contractors. The traveler assumes full responsibility for, and hereby releases Jim Gold International, Inc. from any duty of checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination or other entry requirements for each destination, and all safety and security conditions during the length of the proposed travel. Should any clause contained here in be determined void by any court of law, such a finding shall not affect the other clauses contained herein; each clause is a covenant which stand on its own. The receipt of your deposit and/or final payment will indicate that you have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you have agreed to them. Prices are subject to change.
Jim Gold International, Inc.  497 Cumberland Avenue,   Teaneck, NJ 07666  U.S.A.
Phone: (201) 836-0362    www.jimgold.com    e-mail: jimgold@jimgold.com

Romania 2017

ROMANIA!   August 5-17, 2017

Romania 2017

           Led by Jim Gold
  • Folk Dancing
  • Folk Festivals
  • Folk Music, Folk Art
  • History, Culture
  • Folk Shopping, Adventure
Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj,  Sighetu Marmatiei, Piatra Neamt, Brasov
SEE A WHOLE RANGE OF ROMANIANS!
★ Wallachia-Bucharest–old and new Romanians
★ Transylvania–Germans and Hungarians
★ Maramures–the old customs and unique dances
★ Moldova–14th century monasteries and old traditions
★ Meet with local folk dance groups !
★ Castles, palaces, historic sites, and museums !
★ Breathtaking scenery from mountains to sea !
★ Dance with traditional village groups!
★ Price includes round trip air, city tours, transfers, hotels, two meals daily, our own private air-conditioned tour bus, all entrance and performance fees.

 

OUR ITINERARY:

 

 

Day 1: August 5, Saturday: Depart from New York JFK airport to Bucharest.

Day 2: August 6: Sunday: Arrival in Bucharest.  Transfer to our hotel. Traditional welcome dinner at traditional Carul cu Bere restaurant.  Overnight in Minerva hotel.

Day 3: August, 7. Monday: Bucharest city tour. Romanian Athenaeum, the Old Royal Court and village museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life. Noble Court, Lipscani old street, and Hanul lui Manuc, Revolution Square, and Peasant’s Museum to see hand woven carpets, painted eggs, ceramics and wooden carvings. Evening meeting with Romanian folk dancers dressed in national costumes and learn dances from Wallachia region.

Day 4: August 8, Tuesday: Bucharest — Curtea de Arges —Sibiu
Drive to Transylvania. Stop in Curtea de Arges, former capital of Wallachia.  See Noble Church, and 14th century Curtea de Arges monastery. Lunch on beautiful Vidraru Lake — Valea cu Pesti.  See Cozla monastery. Arrive in Sibiu. Overnight Imparatul Romanilor hotel.

Day 5: August 9. Wednesday: Sibiu — Sibiel — Sibiu
Sightseeing of medieval Sibiu. Main Square Town Hall’s Tower, Maria Kirche Teutsch  Tower.  Drive to village of Sibiel for a traditional lunch cooked by local families and served to their homes. Sibiel Glass Icons Museum. Meet Transylvanian folk group in traditional costumes. Folk dance performance in Transylvania/ German dances. Overnight Imparatul Romanilor.

Day 6: August 10, Thursday:  Sibiu—Alba lulla Iulia—Cluj
Drive to Cluj. Stop in Alba lulla Iulia to visit the Roman-Catholic Cathedral “St. Michell”.  On to Cluj.  Tour university of Cluj.  In rural area enjoy the local traditions: horse cart ride, traditional Transylvanian dinner cooked on an open wood fire with plum brandy and folk music.  Visit Turda Salt Mine, important renovated salt mines in Transylvania. Overnight Capitolina hotel.

Day 7: August 11, Friday: C1uj- leud-  Rozavlea- Botiza Sapanta – Sighetu Marmatlei
Drive to Maramures,  land of wooden churches, unique folk costumes and timeless traditions, Merry Cemetery in Sapanta Village. Dinner with local violin players and local dancers.  Learn Maramures folk dances. Overnight in Sighetu Marmatiei Gradina Morii Hotel.

Day 8: August 12, Saturday: Sighetu Marmatiel—Moldovita—Sucevita—Arbore monastery —Gura  Humorului
Drive through Bargau Pass to Moldavia.  Visit painted monasteries of Moldovita, Sucevita and Arbore.  Lunch in local restaurant.  Overnight Best Western Bucovina hotel, Gura Humorului.

Day 9: August 13, Sunday: Gura Humorului—Voronet—Humor Monastery—Dragomirna monastery—Gura Humorului
Explore Bucovina monasteries of Voronet, Humor and Dragomlrna.  Visit markets, meet farmers of Humor Village.  Tour Wooden Spoons Museum. Dinner with entertainment by local folk dancers dressed in national costumes. Overnight hotel Gura Humorulul.

Day 10: August 14, Monday:   Gura Humorului—Agapia—Varatec— atra Neamt
Drive to Piatra Neamt.  Visit monasteries of Agapia and Varatec. Lunch inside the monastery prepared by the nuns.  Evening arrival in city of Piatra Neamt. Overnight in Ceahlaul hotel.

Day 11: August 15, Tuesday: Matra Piatra Neamt—Bran—Brasov
Visit mediaeval Transylvanian town of Brasov.  Walking tour.  See Bran castle with Dracula legend. Dinner in an traditional mountain hut. Overnight Sport hotel Polana Brasov.

Day 12: August 16, Wednesday: Brasov—Bucharest
Drive to Bucharest. Stop at Peles castle. Lunch at a local restaurant in Sinaia. Arrive in Bucharest. Farewell dinner.  Overnight in Minerva Hotel in Bucharest.

Day 13, August 17, Thursday:
Breakfast at hotel, then departure to the airport for the flight back home.

 Land Only: $3395     Land and Air: $4495
REGISTRATION FORM: I can’t wait to go! Enclosed is my registration deposit of $200 per person. Single supplement: $695.  Additional charges: Service charges:$145.  Gratuities and drinks during meals not included.  Program subject to change without notice. Group air: Minimum 10 people needed for group air rate to apply. If not met, additional fees will be added. Air taxes and fuel surcharges not guaranteed until ticketing one month before departure. Group rate: A minimum of 15/20 or 25 people required or additional fees may apply. Cancellations 45 days prior to departure: Refund: 50% of total price. Less than 30 days: No refund. Travel insurance recommended.  Total balance due May 1, 2017
Name_________________________________________
Address_____________________________________
No. of people_______Phone_(_____)
Make checks payable to: Jim Gold International, 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A   Phone (201) 836-0362. Web site: www.jimgold.com  E-mail: jimgold@jimgold.com

Can there be beauty?

Can there be beauty?

A Palm Tree Rises in Beauty

Can there be beauty in ugly, messy and painful?

Maybe.

After all, that is how the process works.

And, while you mull over this idea, to help understand this process,    enjoy the exciting, fun dance:                                                                            Toicevo Kolo:  Just click on this link: http://bit.ly/2lHfLML

Toreador

Torry O’Dor

Dear Posty,

Torry O’Dor from Galway, Ireland just choreographed this Toreador Dance using music from the French Au Pere A  Karmen by Djeordge Bizhay.  Surely, a toreador blast from (perhaps) Pamplona.   See the bulls running through the streets right now!

See the bull dance in person!

Check out Torry’s Toreador dance, re-choreographed and re-danced Jim’s Spanish namesake, Jimenez del Oro.

Click on this Toreador link for higher satisfaction: http://bit.ly/2lJEXCt

 

 

 

Travel Worm Turns Green

Travel Worm Turns Green

Why travel?

1. Good to get out of the house.

2. For adventure

3 For profit.

4. For prophet
5. Four Carnage
6. Phor  Ccornucopia

7. Other

 

Guitar Meeting

Guitar Meeting

Can slow-and-beautiful playing
And fast-and-sloppy playing
Ever meet?
If yes, what new level would that be?