TRAVEL

In the footsteps of Jesus: Local group makes pilgrimage to Holy Land

WORTHINGTON — While floating in a boat on the sea of Galilee, they envisioned the sight of Jesus walking on water. They collected rocks from the Valley of Elah, the place where David slew Goliath. In the waters of the Jordan River, they were baptized. They prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

By Beth Rickers , February 16, 2013

The trip of a lifetime

Worthington couple takes World War II Memorial journey through Europe
WORTHINGTON — Cathy Buxengard had long dreamed of visiting Europe, but not to see the Eiffel Tower, drive the autobahn in Germany or ski the Alps in Switzerland.

By Julie Buntjer , February 05, 2013

Singapore Sam returns home to Worthington

Globe-hopping frog reports in to St. Mary's classroom
WORTHINGTON — After hopping around on the other side of the world for several months, Singapore Sam got quite the welcome home party Friday afternoon from Nancy Johnson’s first-grade class at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Worthington.

By Beth Rickers , February 01, 2013

Former Slayton couple invests in a nation's future

Steve and Nancy Laible work to offer hope to children of Bangladesh
SLAYTON — Steve and Nancy Laible, a retired couple who now live in New Brighton, found a passion in 2002 that has led them around the globe.

By Alyson Buschena , January 04, 2013

Former Costa Rica exchange student returns to Worthington for Christmas

Martinez to remain in U.S. for two weeks
WORTHINGTON — Fifteen years ago, Paula Ramirez visited Worthington as an exchange student.

By Aaron Hagen , December 23, 2012

'Clementine! Mandarine!'

This is the first of a few posts about my African Thanksgiving, 1987. I hope you can smell the Sahara and taste the mandarins as I did…

November 14, 2012

Minnesota to Manarola-Cinque Terra’ Trekking

Blogger Bill Keitel tells of his travels to Italy, including meeting a woman from Minnesota.

November 05, 2012

Wanderlust: Road-weary travelers log 3,646 miles to see North Carolina’s Outer Banks

WORTHINGTON — I remember as a kid, sitting in the front yard at home, watching the cars, trucks and Sathers semis drive by on their way to who knows where. I’d think about all of the places they must be going — places like the sandy beaches of California, the mountains of Colorado or the wide expanses of Texas. What fun it must be to travel, I’d think to myself as my mind drifted off to adventures yet to come for these passersby.

By Julie Buntjer , November 03, 2012

Iowa Great Lakes = Great fun

Okoboji region has plenty for whole family
OKOBOJI, Iowa — The Okoboji Great Lakes area has a lot to offer — and that is not an exaggeration.

July 14, 2012

Okoboji area is home to many memories

OKOBOJI, Iowa — Since it’s just a short 45-minute drive from Worthington to the Iowa Great Lakes area, Hubby Bryan and I frequently hop in our Jeep Wrangler and head there for an afternoon.

By Beth Rickers , July 14, 2012

Reflections on Germany: Family connections make foreign land feel like home

MUNICH, Germany — The sight of intricately tiled rooftops. The sound of barking seals drifting up from the zoo. The taste of a freshly baked pretzel smothered with homemade preserves. The smell of beer being brewed in gigantic copper kettles. The touch of being hugged by a sister I haven’t seen in more than 30 years. Those are the sensory memories that still linger a month after returning from 10 days spent in Germany — mostly Munich with brief sojourns to Worthington’s sister city of Crailsheim and across the border to Salzburg, Austria.

By Beth Rickers , May 26, 2012

Off the beaten path: Gypsies, mudders & international friendship

A decade ago, I approached a horseman and asked,“Why is it that I think of Conquistadors when I see you on your horse?” The horseman replied, “You are a student of history, and this horse is the type of horse with which Coronado and Pizarro conquered the Americas.” This conversation started my fascination with many breeds of horses and their relationship with our history.

By Bill Keitel , November 19, 2011

Falling for Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect for a visit to Milwaukee: The fall foliage colors were nearing their peak; the Brewers clinched the National League Division Series title on the second day of our stay; and the temperature was an unseasonably warm 80 degrees.

By Beth Rickers , October 15, 2011

Journey of faith: Couple spend a year experiencing world

WORTHINGTON — One year ago today, Amber Marten Bergeson posted the first entry on her “Visual Preacher” blog. It was a prelude to almost a year’s worth of international travel and learning experiences for her and husband Kevin Bergeson, both Lutheran pastors, written not even two weeks after their wedding day, Aug. 28, 2010.

By Beth Rickers , September 10, 2011

Dakota destinations: Family adventure leads to Badlands

WORTHINGTON — Thanks to the movie “Fargo,” many think of North Dakota as a state with brutal winters, people who talk funny and empty landscapes. I’m here to tell you North Dakota gets a bad rap.

By Ryan McGaughey , September 03, 2011