June 2005

Two hours’ drive south of Santiago lies one of Chile’s most renowned wine-producing regions, Valle de Colchagua. On my last visit to Chile, in February ’05, I had the opportunity to visit, albeit too briefly, this impressive valley of abundance on the Ruta del Vino.

A lengthy list of awards and medals have to date been earned by the valley’s wineries in prestigious international competitions and publications. This was highlighted in 2003 when the Colchagua Valley was named Wine Region of the Year in the U.S. magazine Wine Enthusiast. Valley wines are of consistently high quality.

by Wayne Wirtanen

(Part one of two)

The Great Wall. There’s little doubt that it is China’s most famous sight. Stretching almost four thousand miles across China, it meanders snake-like over mountains and valleys and over vast steppes and arid deserts. Some sections of the wall are in ruins; others are barely visible, all but obliterated by time. Still other sections have been restored.

The Trans Wales Trail ride is a unique way to see seldom-explored parts of wild, wonderful Wales. On a 6-day, 7-night equestrian adventure, guests will cross almost the entire width and length of Wales, from the English border to the Irish Sea, on a sturdy native Welsh cob.

Preparations

Our journey began in July ’04 at Cwmfforest Riding Centre, owned by Mike and Maria Turner, in Talgarth, Wales. Shortly after arriving, we met the farm’s newest members, six spring foals.

by Linda Ledray

(Second of two parts)

by Alan M. Spira, M.D.

“Knopf Mapguides: The Italian Lakes” (2004, Knopf. ISBN 0375710442 — 48 pp., $8.95).

by Chris Springer, Contributing Editor

“The Travel Book: A Journey through Every Country in the World” (2004, Lonely Planet. ISBN 1741044510 — 444 pp., $39.99 hardcover).