I have always kept a diary when I travel (long before blogs were invented) and written the occasional article about my trips. And sometimes I simply choose a place because I have never been there before. Sometimes my destination is chosen because of family connections. (Go to or for more about my books and art.) My husband is a scientist and international meetings have provided the starting point for trips. I am a children’s book author and travel for research and to speak at schools and conferences. Sometimes I am an accidental tourist, a result of my own or my husband’s business travel. (Translation: I like vacation spots that are off the beaten track but I’m willing to get there in a rented car and stay in a comfortable hotel.) I like trips to remote or unusual places especially if they feature wildlife, ancient history, cultural events, opportunities for hiking or other outdoor activities. Los Angeles, California, United States I like to think of myself as a Lonely Planet traveler without the backpack. COAST STARLIGHT EXCURSION: Oakland to Los Angeles.CREATIVE AFRICA Exhibit at the Perelman Building.PTEROSAURS: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs at the.CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL: Franklin Square, Philade.STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: It’s All About Will, Guest Po.The Chinese Lantern Festival, which ran from Apto Jwas a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the rebirth of the once-derelict city park. This was our last night in Philadelphia after a week of meetings for Art, and it was a fitting finale to the trip. We then wandered through the park past displays of glowing flowers, stars, fish, penguins, flamingos and more, but the star of the show was the giant dragon. So, after enjoying a drink in the beer garden under the watchful eye of the dragon, we went to a nearby restaurant for dinner and returned as the sun was setting, entering through a tunnel of lighted arches. It was still light when we arrived, and although the lanterns were colorful and impressive, we knew they would be even more dramatic in the dark. We purchased our tickets ahead of time online, and made our way from our hotel to Philadelphia’s Chinatown, which is adjacent to the park. Around the park various booths offered Chinese crafts and foods and on the open-air stage performers juggled, did balancing acts, and demonstrated the art of “face-changing”–in which the actor changed masks so fast it seemed almost magic. Dragon, Chinese Lantern Festival, Franklin Square, Philadelphia, PAįranklin Square, one of five public squares laid out by William Penn in his original plan for Philadelphia, offers a refreshing, urban green space with a variety of activities including a miniature golf course, classic carousel, burger stand, storytelling bench, picnic area and more.ĭuring our recent visit to Philadelphia, Franklin Square was lit up every night with 25 amazing illuminated Chinese lanterns–including a 200-foot long dragon.
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