Welcome back, fellow seekers, to another enlightening episode of Travel Is Back! In this week's spiritual odyssey, we embark on a transformative exploration of the Bahá'í House of Worship, a majestic sanctuary nestled in the serene town of Wilmette, Illinois just north of Chicago Join Johnny Mac into the ethereal realm of the Bahá'í House of Worship, also known as the "Mother Temple of the West." This architectural masterpiece, with its soaring dome and intricate ornamentation, stands as a beacon of unity, inviting all who enter to experience a profound sense of peace and spiritual upliftment. Visit the temple's lush gardens and breathtaking exterior, allowing you to bask in the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds this sacred oasis. Step inside and you'll be transported to a realm of serenity, where the power of prayer and reflection is palpable. Delve into the symbolism and design elements that make this sacred space a true marvel. Enjoyt the intricate details, the interplay of light and space, and the harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western architectural influences that embody the spirit of unity embraced by the Bahá'í faith.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's escapade, we embark on a thrilling journey into the animal kingdom as we explore the captivating Lincoln ParlZoo, nestled in the vibrant city of Chicago. From majestic big cats to playful primates, and everything in between, get ready for an up-close and personal encounter with some of nature's most fascinating creatures. Experience the awe-inspiring sounds of the zoo, as Johnny Mac encounters graceful giraffes, mighty lions (well maybe not), and elegant zebras. Listen in as the family comes face to face with colorful birds, elusive reptiles, and astonishing amphibians.

In this week's adventure, we embark on a journey through time and culture as we visit one of the world's most renowned institutions, the British Museum. Start with the museum's stunning Great Court, where the grandeur of the architecture alone is a sight to behold. Then move from one exhibit to another,  delve into the secrets of ancient Egypt, where mummies and pharaohs come to life through intricate hieroglyphics and preserved relics. Next, venture into the intriguing world of Ancient Greece and Rome, marveling at the statues, pottery, and treasures that reveal the extraordinary achievements of these classical civilizations. From the magnificent Rosetta Stone to the mysterious Easter Island statues, each piece tells a unique story and reflects the rich tapestry of human history. But it's not all about ancient civilizations. The British Museum also houses extensive collections from various periods, including the medieval and Renaissance eras. Our hosts delve into the fascinating world of knights, kings, and queens, and examine exquisite works of art that capture the beauty and innovation of these times.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A visiti to the Tower of London is really cool, especially the Crown Jewels...and then a look at Tower Bridge which you might think is "London Bridge" but it is not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019 the Yankees and Red Sox played baseball in London. I was there!  This June, the Cubs and Cardinals will play a series in that same stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dad has tickets to go see Taylor Swift!  Let's hop in the car and go see Taylor Swift for night one at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey for the Eras Tour!  Taylor played three hours forty minutes!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beaches in the USA for 2023...and then some of Johnny Mac's favorites. 1. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle 2. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii 3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York 4. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida 5. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina 6. Coronado Beach, San Diego 7. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii 8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina 9. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii 10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts and John adds Jones Beach, Long Island, New York Bondi Beach, Sydney Australia and the best beach in the world... San Sebastian, Spain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 70 was a Royal Tour of London to coincide with King Charles' Coronation. This week let's take a bike tour which is a great way to see the city.  One itinerary is Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey
St James’ Park
Buckingham Palace
Trafalgar Square
Covent Garden
Lincoln's Inn Fields
Smithfield Market
St Paul's Cathedral
Cleopatra's Needle
The London Eye
Banksy Tunnel Get on your bikes and ride!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I will dive more into London in episode 71, but this week let's do a quick Royal Tour.  Make your way to Buckingham Palace and see the Changing of the Guard...then take a walk up the mall and bang out a few other royal spots! Episode 71's Bike Tour of London (overview) is now available!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fun afternoon at The Field Museum in Chicago in late April 2023.  We had fun playing all the various quizzes - and learned we are terrible at Gorilla Trivia!  The highlights of the museum are the dinosaurs (all the Egyptian Tomb is lots of fun too) including Sue the T-Rex. We easily spent 4 hours there and would have stayed longer but they closed. Also check out Episode 1 in this feed for Things To Do In Chicago. #chicago #fieldmuseum #travelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.