Pacific Rim Wellness :: WELL

W A L K S

I LOVE TO WALK. I walk every day and, as I do, I see some amazing sights and, as a result, the beauty of nature renews my spirit. As John Burroughs says, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” What do you see when you go walking? Take your camera along next time and capture some sights to share with all of us.

We will create a gallery of wonderful 'walking vistas' for each newsletter. Submissions may be emailed to peter@speakwell.com Please include your name and the location of your picture. “Stuff your eyes with wonder ... See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” Ray Bradbury

Christmas Trees Around the World

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated
with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren.
Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of
Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.
Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire,
the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.

A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display
is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square,
and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market,
is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains
in the southern Czech Republic.

Venice's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glasswork
is home to the tallest glass tree in the world.
Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese,
the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season.

Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7.
For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of
Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden.
He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall)
can be found in the Praa do Com`rcio in Lisbon, Portugal.
Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment
of the city during the holiday season.

'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire,
aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains,
a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic.
With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion,
it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors
than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen,
St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party.
Madrid's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers.
On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell ...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths — some 5,000 — are donated
by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester,
not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well.
He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy.
Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip
to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable
is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.