Events
Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at the First Parish Church, 3 Church Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map).
Lectures are free, but reservations are recommended: (617-649-5700, ext 21 or events@gcb.com). For advance notice of events, subscribe to our monthly electronic newsletter.
Please note that the Church and the Brattle Theatre are wheelchair accessible
…
Upcoming Events in our Adventure Travel Lecture Series
……
A Taste of Iceland & performance by Ólöf Arnalds
Photo courtesy of the Icelandic Consulate, NYC
From March 11-17, Boston will be hosting A Taste of Iceland. This festival of Icelandic culture and entertainment is bringing Icelandic musicians, DJs, acclaimed chefs, and a film festival to various venues in and around Boston in celebration of all things Icelandic…and Icelandair’s non-stop service to Reykjavik. You can even enter a drawing to win a trip to Reykjavik! The full schedule of events can be found at the “Iceland Naturally” website.
We’re so excited about the festival that we’re taking 15% off all books about and maps of Iceland through March 17th. And as an extra bonus, Icelandic singer Ólöf Arnalds will be dropping by the store on Saturday, March 13th at 4:30 p.m. to play a few songs for us!
…
100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go
Date: Monday, April 5th
Location: First Parish Church, 3 Church Street, Harvard Square
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
Time: 6 p.m.
Admission: Free, Reservations Requested
Reservations: 617-649-5700 x21 or events@gcb.com
Additional info: www.globecorner.com
Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go will give an illustrated talk on travel in Italy. Susan will speak about the role of women in inspiring art and in creating a culture of encompassing cuisine. She’ll talk about and present photographs of her favorite sites, from Florence’s Uffizi Gallery to Sicily’s Temple of Segesta – and the women depicted in their breathtaking paintings and sculpture. Susan’s descriptions of city streets and piazzas, as well as rural touring routes, will be sure to not only encourage new adventures and evoke travel memories, but also to reinforce why Italy is so appealing to women travellers.
Her book reflects Susan’s broad knowledge of Italy. It includes very practical advice about the best times to visit a museum or a region, recommended walks and itineraries, exceptional restaurants, and suggested reading. She’ll respond to specific travel questions after her formal presentation.
An excerpt from Susan’s introduction:
Treat this book like a cookbook. What do you want a taste of? Botticelli’s Birth of Venus? The best chocolate in Rome? A ceramic painting class in Deruta? A wine therapy spa treatment in the Veneto? Allow your mood to be your guide, savoring the experience Italian style, letting it unfold with an unhurried Old World pace.
To make a full meal of it, I’ve included suggestions for Golden Days—matching a place to a nearby restaurant, just like I do when I send out lists to girlfriends. These are only suggestions, because each of us has our own deeply personal experience of encountering Italy.
But as unique as each encounter is, I’m amazed at always hearing, even from travelers without a drop of Italian blood in them, the same words: “It felt like home.” Home, in the sweeping sense of a place that brings peace and comfort, a place that stirs the soul.
About the Author
Based in Los Angeles, Susan Van Allen’s love for Italy stems from her maternal grandparents, who emigrated from Southern Italy. Travelling in Italy for over 30 years, she has explored the country up and down the boot–visiting relatives, immersed herself in the country’s masterpieces and culture, taken language and cooking classes, and gone on boating, biking, and hiking adventures. Her writing about Italian travel has appeared in numerous publications, including Town & Country, Student Traveler, and several Travelers’ Tales anthologies (including Best Travel Writing 2009.)
