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The Un-Odyssey
On September 20, 2023 by ElyseWhat would’ve happened if, after the Trojan War, Odysseus had simply given up and not made the long, perilous journey home? The answer might lie in an anecdote from Scotland. . . Some short time ago, in one of the villages on the Firth of Forth, lived a lady whose husband had long before gone
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Insights in Iceland
On August 9, 2023 by ElyseAnother Wednesday, another post coming to you from a random corner of the world. You could be forgiven for thinking Second Glance History has turned into a travel blog. I promise we’ll resume our regularly scheduled programming of poison-detecting guinea pigs and singing dogs soon. But for today, join me in discovering how much more there
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Ambling around Amsterdam
On July 26, 2023 by ElyseOne of the most misunderstood cities in Europe is Amsterdam. For some reason or other this bright capital of the cut diamond has failed to make a vivid impression on the consciousness of the tourist world, yet it has an extraordinary beauty and variety all its own. – The Evening Post, April 11, 1935 Having
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Clip of the Week: July 12, 2023
On July 12, 2023 by ElyseForget hats, sunglasses and knee watches—the summer accessory you didn’t know you need is a poison-detecting guinea pig carrying case: Travellers through America are advised to carry guinea pigs with them to test the quality of any liquor offered them. The animal should be allowed to lap up a few drops of the fluid and
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CSI: Valencia
On June 14, 2023 by ElyseSunscreen? ✔ Duolingo app for Spanish? ✔ The song “O Valencia!” on repeat? ✔ Crime scene investigation kit? X Doh, I knew I was forgetting to pack something. Fortunately for me, I’m in good hands, er, paws on my weekend jaunt with the Valencian Lassie. The sagacity of a dog has brought to justice a
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The Danish Deadhead
On May 3, 2023 by ElyseOn a recent visit to Copenhagen, I fell in love with the scenic waterfront, the pastries, the castles and gardens, the pastries, the attractive men, and did I mention the pastries? While none of these are fodder for a history blog, they did send me scurrying to the historical newspapers. There, I stumbled across a
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Florida Man
On February 2, 2022 by ElyseAs longtime readers know, I like to do my research before I board the plane, and my upcoming visit to the Sunshine State is no different. However, instead of focusing on the sights and cuisine, this time around, I’m learning about the locals. Specifically, Florida Man. For the uninitiated, Wikipedia explains Florida Man as “an
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Clip of the Week: November 3, 2021
On November 3, 2021 by ElyseIf you’ve memorized all two hours and eight minutes of the movie “Jurassic Park,” are best friends with Chicago’s most famous resident dinosaur and want to make Joseph “My Resume Is Better than Yours” Leidy super jealous, do I have a vacation destination for you: Bone City, they call it—and it is one of the
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Meandering around Milwaukee
On August 4, 2021 by ElyseIn my [censored] years on this earth, I’ve been fortunate enough to crisscross continents and fly across oceans. Yet somehow, I’ve never visited Milwaukee, a city practically in my own backyard—until now. As you read this, I’m on my way there and intend to eat however much cheese it takes to become a certified cheesehead.