This lecture will give the audience a brief overview of Kobe, the sixth largest city in Japan (population1.5 million) and the ideal base from which to explore Western Japan. Less busy and more scenic than Osaka, Kobe is conveniently located for those who wish to visit famous historic sites such as Kyoto(east), Nara (south), and Hiroshima(west). The city also has a long history as a bustling port that was one of the first to open to Western culture in the mid-19th century.

As a descendant of the Kano family, established in Kobe for over 200 years as sake

Think the age of exploration is over? Think again. Join professional explorer and author Adam Shoalts to hear about what exploring in the 21st century entails and how it is still possible to make new discoveries.

Peru is a land rich in history, culture and biodiversity.  It is a land of extremes, from the high snow-capped Andes Mountains, to the humid heat of the Amazon Basin.   Cities are a mix of colonial and modern architecture. Modern day lives in cities contrast with remote areas where traditional customs remain unchanged for centuries.

Peru is a land of wealth, and extreme poverty.   It is still considered a third world country, a developing country.

Fourteen trips to Peru, twelve of them, as a volunteer, have given me an intimate insight into the daily lives of Peruvians

This presentation will describe the beauty and wonder of this magical palace, whose majesty and mystery continue to enchant visitors young and old.

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The Alhambra: From the Sultan Palace, to the legend

An off-the-beaten-track journey through some of northern Scotland’s more intriguing places. We’ll begin at an ancient village 19 miles north of Aberdeen, travel west though –  among other places – Coignafearn, the Glen of the Fairies, and via one of the most dangerous places in the UK. Our trip will end on a tiny island in the Inner Hebrides, off the coast of Argyll.  As we travel I’ll tell you a story – a story with particular resonance for we of the 55+ community.  We’ll have lots of pictures, some history, some geography, some observations, some reflections … and as

“A Passage to India” was written by English author E.M. Forster in 1924 and had been designated as one of the 100 great works of English literature. Forster borrowed the title from Walt Whitman’s poem of the same name in “Leaves of Grass”.

In his novel, Forster explores the themes of friendship, the unity of all living things, religion, power, gender, race, justice and what one character refers to as the “muddle” of India. My goal was to experience those same themes for myself. I found that most of what I had previously been led to believe about

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was established in 1971 by a small group of French doctors and journalists who had worked together during the Nigerian Civil War. Upon their return, they were determined to find a way to respond rapidly and effectively to public health emergencies, with complete independence from political, economic and religious influences.
Today, MSF is one of the world’s leading independent international medical relief organizations, working in more than 70 countries worldwide with 5 operational centres and national offices in 19 countries.
This session will provide insight into MSF’s mandate which concerns emergency relief, and the

Beth Gilhespy, Executive Director of  The Bruce Trail Conservancy, will showcase the history and work of the Bruce Trail Conservancy against a backdrop of images of the Niagara Escarpment.  Participants will learn about the origins of the BTC as a conservation organization, its role in Escarpment land protection, and be treated to a virtual hike of the Bruce Trail from Niagara to Tobermory.