Synopsis "Here and There"
Humans have been traveling since time immemorial for different reasons. Curiosity to learn "what's out there," necessity, a hope for a better life, have been leading factors. Travel has brought about cross-pollination to civilizations; systems of governance, commerce, ways of doing things have evolved in response to the new brought in from somewhere else.Pleasure and educational travel are most likely more recent additions to reasons for looking beyond the immediate horizon. For much of her personal experience, Ruth Hohberg traveled with her husband Robert. There was always someone to take counsel with if in doubt about the direction to take in an airport or in a city, and someone to advise on a course of action if one of them didn't feel up to par. Since becoming a widow and traveling solo, everything has changed. Not only does Ruth have to make directional and other on-the-spot decisions without help, but unless she meets like-minded folks in the tour group, there isn't anyone with whom to share her impressions, leaving her to her own devices. On the surface, it's not a big issue. Many single travelers enjoy the independence solitude provides and prefer not to be accompanied on their wanderings or interrupted in their thoughts. For Ruth, a friendly and fairly outgoing sort, the mutuality of sharing the awe-inspiring moment is important. The tours captured in this collection were taken both solo and in the company of her "travel buddies."Join Ruth on her excursions across America. It just may inspire an "Ah, yes, I remember," a different take on the same place, or "I'd like to go there." Whichever it is, it will be a voyage of discovery that no one can ever take away from you.
