A fascinating report of a learning holiday undertaken in America through the Road Scholar (formerly Elder) Association offering a variety of art and craft lessons and opportunities.

Mike Porter paints a clear picture of the charm of Sophia in Bulgaria and surrounding interesting attractions with useful suggestions of places to visit.

Kyote in southern Japan was an excellent center to view traditional aspects of the country; beautiful gardens, the royal palace, markets and temples were seen there. Shabbat was spent in the port city of Kobe where the small Jewish community welcomes tourists every weekend.

Hazel Agami describes her visit to Newfoundland. It is a large island and a mecca for nature lovers. One can see moose, beavers, caribou, foxes; some of the world’s largest bird colonies with owls, eagles, puffins and kittiwakes; whales from the land or from the water. The islanders are very hospitable and there is excellent B&B accommodation in the many small communities scattered around the island

Michael Adler writes of the interesting history of the successful travel group that he established in 2005 and of its development over the years into a learning experience and social adventure to places of interest in Israel.

One of the oldest university towns in Spain is Salamanca, began in the 13th century, is still home to students. Its impressive central square surrounded by beautiful arcades has many restaurants and cafes. The small pedestrian streets house museums and galleries including a museum of clocks – it’s a city full of life and champagne. Segovia is a smaller sleepier town with large buildings dating back to Roman times, many churches and a convent built over a former synagogue. The 11th century fortress at Alcazar, perched high up, with magnificent views looks down on what was once the Jewish cemetery.

Marian Labor describes her visit to a brand new kosher hotel in Canazei, in the middle of the stunningly beautiful Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy. She finds the hotel first rate in every aspect, from the decor and physical conditions, to the food, the excursions options offered by the hotel staff, and of course the outstanding and very friendly service.

How does a South African born Israeli come to be living on a primitive island in the Pacific Ocean? Nadine Waldbaum was on her post IDF travels when she met her future husband who was born on one of the Fiji Islands. Nadine gives us a delightful account taken from her blog of life in Rotuma where people live happily with no tourism, are self sufficient and have their own rules for living.