History

Debi Shank, ITN Staff

Every journey begins with a single step, and sometimes those steps turn into a leap of faith.

Hong Kong is full of wonderful “secret” corners to explore. Of course, there are the “must sees” — Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry, Aberdeen, Stanley and the Temple Street Night Market, among many others — that most visitors with four or five days wouldn’t want to miss. But for those with more time in this exciting, frenetic city, there are special places that remain uncrowded and unhurried and are perfect for anyone interested in the past and wanting a glimpse into life in present-day Hong Kong.

From the summer Olympics to the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, several major events will make the British Isles a popular destination in 2012.

Seven-day/six-night cycling tour, easy to moderate pace (mostly flat; 25-45 miles per day), in CANADA, departing July 29 & Aug. 5, 2012. Highlights: Cycle along the Ile d’Orleans (Orleans River)/ferry on St. Lawrence River from Quebec City to Chaudiere-Appalaches/apple wine tasting at La Pomme St. Laurent/taste wild berry wine at Le Ricaneux winery/Quebec City walking tour/cycle to Montmo­rency Falls. Land, $2,889. Single supp., $600. Classic Adventures (Hamlin, NY; 800/777-8090).

Eight-hundred years of history in 30 minutes — the documentary “The Riga Story,” in English and Russian, runs daily on the hour from 10 to 3 at Cinema Riga/Splendid Palace (Elizabetes 61, Riga, Latvia; phone +371 67 18 11 44). A ticket costs LVL5 (near $9.70).

Dear Globetrotter:

I am sad to report that Armond Noble, the man who conceived of this magazine all of 36 years ago, died on February 1.

On Nov. 11, 2011, 93 years after the Armistice was signed in Europe, marking the end of the First World War, Musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux (rue Lazare Ponticelli, 77100, Meaux, France; phone +33 [1] 60 32 14 18) opened in Meaux, France.

The 75,000-square-foot museum houses 50,000 artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, art made from bullets, photographs, a Renault FT 17 tank, two aircraft and a 75mm field gun. Its emphasis is on life at home and on the front during WWI and on the war’s legacy.

To mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the UK is holding the Diamond Jubilee during 2012. Main celebrations, June 2-5 (official holidays). Among events — pageant, Windsor Castle; BBC concert, Buckingham Palace; 1,000-boat flotilla on the Thames; “Big Jubilee Lunch” in many towns, and lighting of beacons (bonfires) in many places.

Other special events during the year — Items from Royal Collections will be exhibited. Ten of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings will tour to five museums. In August and September, diamonds exhibition at Buckingham Palace.

by Kathie Swift; Des Moines, IA

The first question that’s usually asked about our pilgrimage to Israel is “Did you feel safe?”

“Yes, all the time!” we enthusiastically answer.