FittsWorld's Travelogue
Information about exciting travel destinations

When I was a child, my mother would take me to the high school auditorium several times a year for a program called a "travelogue".  Keep in mind that we didn't have anything like the Discovery Channel in those days, or even cable TV for that matter.  The local Kiwanas Club would show a film, and sometimes have a guest speaker, that would introduce us to a faraway place that we might want to visit.  Later on this page, I describe a few exciting destinations that I finally got to see in person.  However, let's start our tour at the Robinson High School (pictured below) where this idea was launched many years ago.

My Hometown: Robinson, Illinois
Robinson, the biggest town (pop. approx 7,500) in Crawford County, is famous for being the home of Heath candy bars and James Jones, the author of From Here To Eternity and The Thin Red Line.  Jones also wrote a novel, Some Came Running, which is rumored to take place in a fictional version of Robinson.  It was made into a movie in 1958 starring Frank Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine, for which MacLaine received her first Oscar nomination.

Crawford County has a rich history, and was a popular destination for the early pioneer settlers.  Palestine, which is three miles east of Robinson, was settled as a French trading post in 1680, and was the county seat for a territory that stretched northward all the way to Canada.  In 1833, the U.S. land office in Palestine issued its most famous grant when a man named Kinzie paid $127.68 for 102 acres of land that eventually became downtown Chicago.

This is the county courthouse (above left), which was built in 1898.  It is located on the "square" (smack-dab in the middle of town).  It was damaged by fire in 1999, and the citizens have organized a grass-roots, privately-funded movement to restore it to its original form (above right) with a "tower" on the roof.

Crawford County flourished during the oil boom of the early 1900's, and was the largest oil-producing region in the world from 1908 to 1910.  The antique pumper pictured at the right is part of that history.  It is called a "barker" because of the (very loud!) sound it makes to let the operator know that it is still running.  The only two working barkers left in the world are located in Crawford County.  Uncle Gene and Aunt Patty took us to Flat Rock (a wide spot in the road... err... small country town) to see the barkers a few years ago.  Actually, you go through Flat Rock and make a left at the stop sign, then take a right after you pass the big grain elevator.

You can learn more about Robinson and Crawford County on their websites, which are listed in the Links section on the left.  Thanks to the Crawford County Tourism Council for pictures and information used in this report.

My Favorite Travel Destinations
Obviously, it is hard to beat Robinson for a great vacation, but I have been to a few other places that were close.

Another place that I really enjoyed was Las Vegas, otherwise known as "Disneyland for adults".  We stayed at The Venetian (shown above), which is the world's largest hotel.  There is a lot to do in Vegas besides gambling, but they don't call it "Lost Wages" for nothing.  We shopped a lot, ate some great food, and saw a couple of top shows, Siegfried & Roy and the king of Vegas lounge acts himself, Wayne Newton.

On our way to and from Vegas, we visited our friends, Byron & Linda Johnson, in El Paso.  Eric had fun exploring the mountains in Byron's backyard, and the Johnsons also took Eric across the border to Mexico for a day of shopping and an authentic Mexican meal.

In July 2001, I traveled to Paris on business, and I took advantage of the opportunity to do some sight-seeing.  I walked from the Plaza de Concorde along the Champs Elysees (above left), stopped at several shops, and ate dinner at a sidewalk cafe under the Arc de Triomphe.  I then took a cab to the Eiffel Tower, and was lucky enough to arrive there right at midnight to see the millenium lighting turned on.  It was a beautiful evening, and there was a music festival downtown so the streets were bustling with party-goers.  I had a great time, and I would love to go back sometime for a longer stay.

NEW!!!

We found ourselves with a rare week of leisure time while Eric was at band camp in June 2003, and took advantage of it by spending a few days in the New Orleans French Quarter.  We had a great time sightseeing, shopping, and (of course) eating.  Our favorites of the many restaurants were the world-famous Commander's Palace and the jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters.  Bourbon Street was fun as well, and we enjoyed an evening of club-hopping and Hurricanes (the local adult beverage of choice).

One of the highlights for me was a tour of the Garden District, including Anne Rice's house at the corner of First & Chestnut streets.  For those who don't know, Anne Rice is the author of the famous Vampire Chronicles, and also wrote a series of books set in New Orleans about the fictional Mayfair family of witches.  Anne's house is the model for the Mayfair's house, and it looks exactly as described, right down to the paint color.  I probably embarrassed Rosann by babbling on about Anne Rice books to the other participants on the tour, but I blame the tour guide for encouraging me!

Last but not least, I don't want to forget one of my favorite spots, Providence, Rhode Island.  I am familiar with Providence because my daughter, Sara, attends Rhode Island School Of Design.  Ahh yes, Providence.  Nothing like a weekend of climbing hills, getting lost, not being able to find a place to park or eat, and carrying endless loads of furniture and boxes up three flights of narrow, winding stairs.  I can't wait to go back :-).

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