Details are being firmed up. Check back often.
TRAVEL PURSUITS – 2013
MARCH – Richmond Virginia, The Civil War (4 nights)
We will explore this wrenching era in American history that pitted neighbour against neighbour and in some cases, brother against brother through some of the finest American writing that emerged from both the Union and the Confederacy. Rosemary Gould of Charlottesville, Virginia will lead this trip.
MAY – Reading Chicago (4 nights)
This trip will be a smorgasbord of some of Chicago’s vast riches. We will explore the city’s stunning architecture on foot and by boat, hear jazz at an old haunt, make several extended visits to the Art Institute under the tutelage of Sean Forester, and discuss Chicago-based literature with Gary Schoepfel and David Schmitt.
JUNE – Thomas Hardy in Dorset (1 week)
Thomas Hardy lived and wrote in Dorset, one of the least touched parts of England. Canadian author and biographer Elspeth Cameron will share her love of Thomas Hardy. We will make our home in the historic market town of Dorchester, the town Hardy called Casterbridge, where we will discuss Tess of the D’Urbervilles and selected short works.
SEPTEMBER – La Belle Epoque in Paris (1 week)
The 19th century in Paris witnessed an extraordinary blossoming in art, literature, poetry, and music. From classicism and romanticism to realism, impressionism and art nouveau, Paris was the centre of European culture. Art and literature with Sean Forester. Cultural walks with Lisa Pasold.
OCTOBER — 100 miles on the Camino (11 nights)
Back by popular demand, we will return to the crown jewel of Spanish walking trails. In the frequent mindless madness of daily life, dedication to a path of simplicity, beauty, history, and kindness opens a space for profound personal transformation. Camino veteran Ann Kirkland will lead this trip along with a bilingual Spanish art historian.
NOVEMBER – Talking Turkey, Istanbul and Cappadocia (14 nights)
Turkey is the only country in the world to sit astride two continents, a unique position that has given rise to a culture where European aspirations and Asian traditions coexist, sometimes with comfort, sometimes with tension. This trip will be led by Gary Schoepfel.
TORONTO PURSUITS – July 14-19, 2013 (just a sampler)
Detective fiction: a guilty pleasure
Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume
Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust
The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt + selections from On the Nature of Things by Lucretius
Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
Galore by Michael Crummey
FILM: The Decalogue by Krzysztof Kieślowski
ART: On Photography by Susan Sontag (have blurb)
MUSIC: Interpretation in Music: how to listen critically
