The Ginko Biloba tree is known as a living fossil, dating back over 250 million years. Groves in the Tian Mu Shan Reserve in the Zhejiang province of Eastern China are over 1,000 years old, believed to have been tended to throughout their time by Chinese monks. In the Shandong province of China, a specimen has been located that is over 3,000 years old.

The ability for these trees to survive for such great lengths of time demonstrates a natural resistance to insects and disease. In fact, they have been called the most “urban tolerant” of any tree, flourishing in environments where other trees die out.

The Chinese have been using Ginko Biloba for hundreds of years in healing medicine. Further scientific studies have confirmed its usefulness in pharmaceutical use, and it since has become popular as an herbal treatment for dementia, tinnitus, and as an anti-vertigo treatment.

How Ginko acts Upon the Human Body

Ginko acts as a blood thinner and creates dilation of the blood vessels, therefore improving circulation. The increase in cerebral blood flow is the primary factor leading to the belief Ginko prevents degeneration of the brain cells.

Because of its blood thinning qualities, Ginko also blocks many effects of blood clotting and platelet aggregation that are associated with cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and central nervous system disorders.

It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, preventing cells from becoming damaged by free radicals, which can also help to slow the degenerative process.

The effects of Ginko have been shown to provide an immediate boost to concentration levels, which peak around two and a half hours following its intake. This can help assist anyone who requires additional focus such as athletes, business people, and home business owners as they go about their daily tasks.

The Effects of Ginko on Memory Function

Several studies have been conducted that reveal the effects of Ginko to enhance or maintain memory function. In 2006, a study published in the European Journal of Neurology detailed an Italian study of the herb, which concluded its effects in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s were just as effective as the pharmaceutical drug donepezil, sold under the brand name Aricept.

A three year study of 118 people who were 85 years of age or older, with no memory problems at the beginning of the study, revealed that those who followed the dosage instructions and were reliable in taking Ginko throughout the course of the study had a 68 percent lower chance of experiencing cognitive decline than those who took a placebo.

Side Effects of Ginko

During the study, seven of the participants taking Ginko suffered strokes or mini-strokes, while none of the participants who were taking the placebo had strokes. Those strokes, though, were due to blood clots rather than excessive bleeding, leading to questions as to whether they were at all related to Ginko use. In all cases, the strokes were not severe.

Other side effects of Ginko can include headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, and allergic reactions. Because it acts as a blood thinner, it should not be used by anyone who already has trouble with proper blood clotting function or any other bleeding disorder. It should not be taken by those on MAOI inhibitors or by pregnant or lactating women, and its use should be discontinued prior to undergoing any dental or surgical procedure.

Many have underestimated the necessity of the Amazon rainforests for the ongoing survival of humanity. They are the lungs of the planet, not only providing  us with the majority of oxygen we need to sustain ourselves, but providing a home for more species of plants and animals than all of the other ecosystems on Earth combined. Indigenous tribes inhabiting the rainforests harvest many life-saving botanicals found nowhere else in the world. For these reasons, the rainforest must be saved in order for them to continue to sustain life on our planet. The tribes of the Amazon also must be supported, which is an important step in the preservation of this amazing natural resource.

The Amazon Tribes

Many indigenous tribes can help preserve the rainforest by entering into private business agreements with those who can use medicinal herbs harvested from this region. By buying these herbs, the tribes are sustained and can fend off those who would slash and burn rainforest lands in favor of development.

At one time there were originally an estimated four billion acres of Amazon rainforest. As of right now, only 2.7 billion acres remain. Over half of the world’s rainforests have been destroyed during the past 50 years, and we are losing rainforest lands at a rate of 75 acres every minute. This amounts to 108,000 acres of decimated rainforest each day, or over 39 million acres of rainforest destroyed each year.

Of all the tribes of the Amazon, it is believed that 90 of them have disappeared completely since the year 1900.

Companies that harvest medicinal herbs have formed pacts with Amazon tribes such as the Rio Pisque Federation, representing all native tribes along the isolated Pisque River, or the Provenir natives, who finally gained ownership of their lands in 2003 after over 70 years of inhabiting them.

The influx of money brought by the harvesting of Amazon rainforest herbs helps the indigenous people stave off such prospectors as loggers and oil exploration. Purchasing their native herbs not only provides the world with outstanding plant materials with incredible healing powers, but also allows the people of the Amazon to retain control over the use of their land and their natural resources.

The Provenir finally own 13,000 acres of Amazon rainforest, upon which they grow and harvest important healing herbs. They now enjoy the security of owning their land as well as knowing they are an important part of preserving one of Earth’s most important natural resources.

The Rio Pisque Federation has been able to utilize the funds earned from harvesting herbs to preserve their communities and educate their children, insuring the ongoing prosperity and survival of their tribes.

The Birth of Independent Businesses

The purchase of harvested herbs from the Amazon has essentially turned traditional tribesmen into self-employed businessmen, who not only earn profits that will sustain their way of life but also contribute largely to the preservation of the rainforests. By supporting companies that utilize native-harvested Amazon herbs, you can help ensure the ongoing prosperity of these native cultures and help preserve the source of our planet’s oxygen.

While female menopause has been a subject of common knowledge for many years, the discovery of male menopause has only recently been made. While there have been many questions and much speculation regarding the prospect of male menopause, research studies have shown that it is indeed a very real psychological phenomenon that has certain similarities and distinct differences from the more well-known female menopause.

While female menopause can occur anywhere between ages 45 and 60, and in extreme cases as early as age 30, male menopause takes longer to set in. Testosterone begins to gradually diminish after age 40, and by age 55 the testosterone levels in the bloodstream are significantly lower than those of just 10 years earlier. By 80 years old, testosterone levels retreat to pre-pubescent levels.

Male menopause was first discovered by doctors Gordon Myers and Carl Heller in 1944. They conducted studies showing the benefits of testosterone treatment and compared symptoms with those normally associated with female menopause, but their findings went unnoticed and unrecognized. Men were not ready to accept that they could suffer menopause as women were known to. Any symptoms were hurriedly explained away as having a midlife crisis. Men were considered to bear more stress than women, including the need to provide for a family or to run a private business.

Testosterone therapy was equated with the abuses made by athletes and the use of male hormone replacement therapy was not well received. Finally hormone replacement therapy made a breakthrough with women, displaying palpable anti-aging qualities. Men did not want to be left behind and finally took notice and admitted that hormone therapy could hold some benefit for them.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

The symptoms of male menopause can be quite similar to those experienced by females, and can be just as intense. Unlike women, though, not all men are affected by male menopause. Approximately 40 percent of all men between ages 40 and 60 will experience some symptoms of male menopause, including lethargy, mood swings, irritability, depression, insomnia, hot flashes, decreased libido, loss of lean muscle mass and dense bone mass, weakness, and difficulty sustaining erections.

If unaware of the potential for these changes, they can be devastating when they happen. These feelings can be increased if a partner does not understand what is happening, leading to doubt and anxiety. This, in turn, can lead to sexual dysfunction.

Studies have shown that 51 percent of men between 40 and 70 years old have experienced some degree of impotence, the occurrence of which may be attributable to factors outside of male menopause. Over 40 percent of men remain sexually active to age 70 and beyond, ruling out male menopause as the primary consideration in erectile dysfunction.

The symptoms of male menopause may include, but are not limited to: decreased sex drive, lack of energy, a decrease in sexual endurance, lost height, a decreased level of perceived enjoyment of life, a feeling of being sad or grumpy, weakened erections, a deterioration of ability in sports, falling asleep following dinner, and a decrease in work performance. While one or two of these symptoms alone may not indicate the onset of male menopause, the combination of any four symptoms or the combination of a decreased sex drive with weaker erections may indicate candidates who could benefit from hormone replacement therapy.

Right now, a trip to London may not come cheaply, with the United States dollar so heavily de-valued against the British pound, but London offers a unique experience that should be enjoyed by anyone with the financial independence to fund a visit.

The city of London offers up a variety of arts, culture, and historical sights that can delight and enthrall visitors for days on end. It is also a great jumping-off point to see other attractions throughout England, or for short hops over to France or Scotland.

Buckingham Palace

Take a stroll along the Princess of Wales memorial walk to the front gates of Buckingham Palace, home to Queen Elizabeth II. Arrive around 11:30 in the morning to view the historic changing of the guard, complete with an equestrian procession along the streets of London, and British Bobby’s in their traditional headdress and stoic faces. The entire event lasts for more than half an hour and is a London tradition that should not be missed.

From there, walk through Saint James Park and continue along to Piccadilly Circus. From there, head to the River Thames and cross the bridge to the London Eye. Built by British Airways for the millennium celebration, this gigantic ferris wheel offers enclosed cars and a spectacular view of the city. This slow-moving ride takes roughly 40 minutes to complete and entire evolution, giving you the perfect opportunity to take a load off your feet and snap some amazing photographs.

Take a stroll past Parliament and Big Ben. If you have never seen them firsthand, their gilded structures will surprise you with their opulence. Nearby is the famous Westminster Abbey, where the world watched in awe as a young and beautiful Diana married a prince. For roughly $10 you can take a tour inside this architectural wonder.

The Tower of London

Take a bus or the tube out to the Tower of London, where you can spend the day exploring the dungeons and medieval-looking structures at the foot of the famous Tower Bridge. Afterwards, head over to China Town for one of the most elaborate Chinese villages anywhere in the world. The Asian architecture and décor even outdoes New York’s China Town, and it is truly a sight to see.

Take a Day Trip

You may wish to stay overnight away from London, but tours from the city visit the historic city of Baath and then continue on to the mystical wonder of Stonehenge. Tours can be found for less than $100 per person and include transportation and overnight lodging in Baath.

Take in Some Culture

Nowhere on Earth is there a better theater district than in London. Easily rivaling New York’s Broadway, nearly every major stage production can be found in London’s theater district, and the shows are amazing. Theaters are intermingled with British pubs, creating an atmosphere that beckons night life. You will be amazed how busy the streets of London are during the wee hours of the night, as residents and tourists alike unite to enjoy the tastes of the town.

London has a pulse all its own. Alive and bustling, it is cleaner and safer than New York, yet offers just as much in the way of culture, and significantly more in historical sites. It is a city that can be just as easily traversed by foot as by bus or the tube, making it an enjoyable diversion for the business owner who needs a quick getaway.

Dubai is known the world over for its opulence and wealth. It is a haven for independent business owners who enjoy the world-famous architectural sites, the high-end shopping, and the world-class Thoroughbred horse racing. But if Dubai is commercialized, crowded, and expensive, its neighbor to the north is the exact opposite.

Just two hours north of Dubai is Khasab, a village on the Musandam Peninsula that extends into the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf. This peninsula is part of Oman, even if it is separated by the rest of the nation by country belonging to the United Arab Emirates.

The Eclectic Port of Khasab

Travel is still affordable in this quiet town, which serves as the area’s capital and the nearest thing the peninsula has to a tourist hub. Its popularity is increasing steadily, though, and construction is likely to follow very soon. There is already talk of building luxury resorts near a museum housed in a 17^th century Portuguese fort. Souvenir shops may be difficult to find, but that is likely to change very soon as well. Flights to the capital city of Muscat have doubled from two to four each week.

For now, humpback dolphins can be seen from the shores, and tour boats take divers and snorkel groups out into the clear emerald waters for up-close views of coral reefs, barracuda, and yellow fin tuna. The warm waters off of Oman are also home to schools of colorful angelfish and the hawksbill turtle.

The Golden Tulip Resort of Khasab is the nicest hotel in the area, located just a few miles outside of the town. Tour groups operate out of here, and the property offers every modern amenity including a pool, a gym, a restaurant, and a pub.

The town of Khasab offers The Shamaliah Grill and Restaurant, which serves up local tastes such as rice and meat dishes, sweetened avocado juice, and maqbous, a flavorful yellow saffron rice dish. A small Internet café allows visitors to remain connected to friends and family, although the new hotels are likely to offer Internet service as well.

Many of the businesses share ownership or are staffed by Indian immigrants, and scarved women tend some of the local stores. The people are friendly and welcoming, making visitors feel at home.

An Intriguing Landscape

The twisted red dunes and cliffs of the Musandam Peninsula are bordered by spectacular aqua-colored waters. Jeep trips to the inland cliffs and valleys reveal fields of clover beneath groves of acacia trees. Small villages and date plantations dot the landscape, a stark contrast to the cement factories and construction cranes of Dubai.

Guided tours take you to the historic Anchor and Telegraph Station, which in 1864 linked London with Basra and Bombay by way of Khasab. Visit Bedouin villages that will win you over with their charm, and take in the only noise you are likely to hear among the hills and valleys – the bleating of local goat herds.

Take home some local wares including frankincense, jasmine oil, hand woven rugs, or a keepsake camel strap – just on the off chance you need emergency transportation.

There is nothing more liberating, or more stressful, than owning your own business. Along with the freedom to use your time as you see fit comes the responsibility of making it successful. Every decision you make will affect the profitability of your personal venture, which in turn will affect your lifestyle.

One of the most difficult parts of being able to work from home is the avoidance of distractions. This is especially true when you have young children at home who constantly clamor for your attention. In order to have a successful home business, though, you must learn how to put personal distractions aside and establish firm parameters for your time spent working.

Establish a Private Working Space

If distractions inside the house are constantly pulling you away from your work, then try to find a corner of the house you can call your own. Use a spare bedroom, a corner of the garage, or even a shed in the backyard as your office. Make it as pleasant and comfortable as you can, and instruct the rest of the family not to bother you when you are within that working environment. As difficult as it may be, it is essential in order to get your business running well.

Minimize Distractions

Allow your answering machine to pick up your personal telephone calls, ignore your e-mail, and turn off the television. Schedule your work times just as you would schedule business appointments, and do not allow distractions to pull your attention away during those times.

Schedule Breaks

Just as you cannot work efficiently throughout the day without breaks in the corporate world, you need to realize the same thing applies when you work for yourself. You need to allow yourself to take scheduled breaks throughout your day in order for your mind to clear itself and your body to move around. Stretch, go for a walk, or do something else that gets you out of your office and away from your desk for brief intervals. When you return, your mind will be clear and ready to get back to work, and your body will be re-energized.

Leave the Office Behind at the end of Your Day

Another common derailment for those who own a home business is allowing the business to invade personal time. Once you have shut your office doors for the day or closed down your computer, turn your attention to your family. Remember to be mentally and emotionally present with them in addition to your physical presence. It does no good to spend time with your loved ones if your attention is focused elsewhere.

In order to keep your mind and body functioning well while you juggle a rewarding home business with a rich family life, remember to maintain a balance between the two, and to mentally and physically separate them as much as possible. Even though you have new found freedom of time and the ability to work in the comfort of your own home, you will be far more successful if you can manage a certain degree of separation between them.

The Southernmost Point

At the foot of the Florida Keys lies Key West, an impeccably groomed island full of Victorian architecture and pirate heritage. This southernmost city in the United States has a lively, jovial atmosphere combined with a rich and colorful history.

Walk or take a pedicab along famous Duval Street and check out the local shops on your way to the monument that marks the southernmost point in the U.S. As you stand there looking out across the Caribbean, you are only 90 miles away from the exotic yet troubled island nation of Cuba.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

After returning from Europe, Ernest Hemingway became enamored with Key West and spent many years of his life living and writing here. His first book he finished writing while working from home in Key West was A Farewell to Arms.

He made many friendships, and was intrigued by the variety of backgrounds and levels of prosperity among those he met. His acquaintances and friendships from his days on Key West became the basis of the characters in his novel To Have and Have Not, which was about Key West during the days of the Great Depression.

The home of Ernest Hemingway now serves as a museum and popular tourist destination. Soak in the personal touches that remain from his life there, including a penny he pressed into the concrete near his backyard pool, which cost him $20,000 to build.

Visit one of the descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed tomcat, a gift to him from an old sea captain. Now there are over 60 cats living on the property, and over half of them have extra toes.

Sunset at Mallory Square

In Key West, the sunset is celebrated every evening at Mallory Square. Once a port for military and cargo ships, the pier is now used for the many cruise ships that visit the island. Each evening, hundreds of people gather on the pier, entertained by fire-eaters, musicians, mimes, and acrobats. There is a variety of food served up, including Key West’s famous conch fritters. As the sun sinks into the distant horizon, the crowd cheers it on. Sunsets in Key West are both beautiful and unique.

The Conch Train

This popular tourist attraction has been operating on Key West since 1958. It will take you on a 90-minute loop through Old Town Key West, and includes many famous island sights along the way, including Hemingway House.

Harry S. Truman Little White House

This was the winter home of President Harry S. Truman and his family, and he spent so much time in Key West it became known as the Little White House. It was originally built in the 1800’s as an officer’s quarters for the United States Navy. In addition to being the second home of one of our presidents, it also hosted other Presidents including John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Jimmy Carter as they conducted affairs of state and personal business.

Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden

This tropical botanical garden will delight and enchant you, with Orchids and exotic plants mixed with colorful parrots. This is a popular location for special events and weddings.

Pat Croce’s Pirate Soul Museum

No visit to Key West would be complete without exploring the role pirates played in its history. This museum has the largest and most authentic collection of pirate artifacts in the world. Step back in time 300 years to the less cultured days of the island.

There is nothing else in the world that can compare with a visit to Key West. There are a number of activities for children and families, including snorkeling in the island’s warm, clear waters, and nightlife to satisfy party-going adults, including bars and pubs that remain open until 4:30 in the morning. The perfectly maintained and colorful buildings stand out against a backdrop of sugary sand beaches and brilliant turquoise water, making Key West a true sight to behold.

Nuts and Seeds

In today’s grab-and-go society it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet. For most of us, though, nutritious foods are exactly what we need in order to keep our energy levels high and our focus sharp. Whether you are chasing your kids around all day, running from one executive meeting to another at work, or enduring the rigors of running your own business, chances are your life is too busy to give proper nutrition much of a thought.

There are several foods that have been identified as “superfoods,” which will keep your body healthy and your energy level high. Keep these around and use them for a healthy meal or a quick and easy snack that will do your body good.

Keep a store of heart-healthy sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin seeds in your desk for a tasty afternoon snack. Walnuts give you an added boost of Omega-3’s, and almonds, pistachios, and pecans are high in protein.

Since nuts are high in fat, pay attention to your portions and do not mindlessly eat an entire can, or you will do yourself more harm than good. Nuts can provide you with a full feeling, though, while providing your body with essential fatty acids.

Citrus

Aside from Vitamin C, citrus provides your body with a high amount of soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol levels, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Flavanoids in citrus help prevent blood clot formation, and limonene helps fight off certain types of cancers.

Whole Grains

These fiber-rich foods help lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and lower risk for certain types of cancers. They provide a full feeling, which aids in weight loss, and help your intestinal tract cleaned out. Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and Vitamin B.

Berries

The antioxidants in berries not only fight cancer and aging, but they are also believed to boost brain power as well. High in fiber and vitamins, add berries to your diet as a nutritious way to lose weight.

Lean Protein

 The best sources of protein are low-fat choices such as fish, chicken, turkey, pork, and dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese. Lean proteins provide your body with calcium, selenium, iron, and zinc which are necessary for maintaining strong bones, boosting the immune system, fighting cancer, and maintaining nerve function.

Vegetables

In addition to providing your body with necessary fiber, which helps you feel full and maintains the health of your digestive tract, vegetables are packed full of necessary nutrients and vitamins.

Yellow or orange vegetables such as squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots contain a substance that converts to Vitamin A, which protects against prostate cancer, provides protection from sunburn, and maintains healthy skin.

Other vegetables contain compounds that fight cancer and promote a healthy heart.

Legumes

Beans, peas, and lentils are high in protein and complex carbohydrates, which help you feel full and provide lasting energy. Legumes are of particular importance to vegetarians as a source of required protein. Other nutrients in legumes protect against cancer and heart disease, and provide folic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.

Salmon, olive oil, and tea round out the list of the top 10 superfoods that will lead you to longevity and good health. Many of these foods can be prepackaged and kept right in your desk drawer.

The next time you need an energy boost, reach for one of these nutritious yet delicious choices to keep your mind sharp and your energy level high.

A startling new fact was just released recently – the largest at risk demographic group for suffering a stroke is women between the ages of 40 and 65. Once thought of as an affliction of the elderly, increasingly unhealthy and stressful lives are causing younger women to suffer strokes at an alarming rate.

Many women nowadays are trying to juggle the responsibilities of home and family with high-powered careers or the demands of working at home. This means women are under more pressure than ever to perform, and health is suffering as a result.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women today, outpacing all other causes including cancer. There are many factors to consider when trying to determine one’s risk, some of which are not preventable, and many of which that are.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

There are a few factors that contribute to the risks of developing heart disease that are beyond one’s control. They include:

Age – The risk for developing heart disease or suffering a stroke increases as you get older.

Heredity – If an immediate relative has suffered a stroke, heart attack, or heart disease, it greatly increases your likelihood of developing the same affliction. Black women are at a much higher risk than the rest of the population.

Previous History – Women who have already suffered a heart attack or stroke are at great risk for having another one within five years.

In addition to these factors, there are a number of things that contribute to your risk of developing heart disease which are entirely within your control through making the proper lifestyle choices:

Exercise - A sedentary lifestyle is a high risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, which is directly responsible for leading to heart attack and stroke. Everyone should get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Even light exercise such as walking has been shown to greatly reduce the occurrence of heart disease.

Smoking – Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death today. In addition to contributing to cardiovascular disease, smoking leads to a number of other afflictions in the body including cancer and emphysema.

Cholesterol – Those who have a high level of LDL cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol, have an increased risk of developing heart disease. Likewise, those with a high level of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol combined with low LDL levels have a significantly lower risk of heart disease.

Weight - Excess weight leads to other health risks such as increased blood pressure, diabetes, and increased cholesterol levels. These, in turn, lead to a greater likelihood of heart disease.

Finally, stress plays a part in the equation as well. While the actual effects of stress are uncertain where it pertains specifically to stroke and heart attack, doctors have discovered that increased stress causes harm to the human body and prevents it from healing itself after prolonged exposure. For this reason, any woman who is working in a stressful career or is self-employed should take steps to include stress reducing exercises in their daily routine.

If you have any of the unavoidable risk factors for heart disease, make sure you do everything you can to eliminate the avoidable risk factors, including getting your stress level under control. Since stroke has become such a significant risk for younger women, it is imperative to do everything you can right now to keep yourself as healthy as possible.

The D-Day Landing Beaches

This historic section of northern France encompasses 360 miles of dramatic coastline along the English Channel, and was the site of the largest military landing in history, D-Day, June 6, 1944.

In addition to the famous battle sites from World War II, Normandy is home to many charming towns and villages steeped in history. The visitor to this battle scarred region can step back in time to remembrances of the intense fighting of World War II, or all the way back to 1030, when the village of Dieppe was center point to a major battle during the Hundred Years’ War.

In Colleville Saint Laurent there are many places to visit which bring to life the violence and tragedy that struck the Allied forces during World War II. They are commemorated in the American Cemetery, where 9,386 marble crosses march like soldiers across the landscape, atop a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach.

Pointe du Hoc lies just west of Omaha Beach, where American Rangers fought through intense enemy gunfire to gain this important piece of strategic ground. Bunkers remain on the beach, although nowadays there are children laughing and playing on them, a stark contrast to the tragedies created there which are still visible in a landscape that remains pitted from heavy shelling.

Le Havre

This seaside port is one of the most popular ports for those with the financial freedom to travel the area by cruise ship. After suffering over 170 air strikes during World War II – mostly by the English – the town was almost completely destroyed. Now it is a thriving city on the north coast of France, and a convenient jumping-off point for other areas of this beautiful country. Paris is two and-a-half hours away by train, just 131 miles down the Seine.

Bayeux

A short distance from Omaha Beach and Gold Beach, Bayeux was spared damage during World War II, although it was captured by the Allies on June 7, 1944.

Bayeux was originally captured by the Viking Rollo in 880, becoming a stronghold for the Normans in that region. The town was plundered many times, including by Henry I of England in 1106 and during the Hundred Years’ War from 1562 to 1598.

The world’s most famous embroidery, the Bayeux Tapestry, hangs in the Musee de la Reine Mathilde. It serves as a piece of art as well as a piece of history, since its images depict the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It is immense, made of one seamless 231-foot-long piece of linen, and truly an amazing sight to behold.

Mont St. Michel

This abbey dates back to 1144 and sits perched atop a 264-foot cliff, and is surrounded by a sea whose tide can rise as much as 45 feet in a very short period of time. Visitors sometimes need to be reminded to move their cars as the tide begins rolling in, lest they become submerged. When the tides move out and expose the flats, they become grazing land for the world’s only herd of salt water plant eating sheep. Even today, monks work and live in the great church, and hold a daily public mass just after noon.

This one of a kind region situated on the shores of the English Channel provides a moving and thought-provoking travel experience to anyone who has an affinity for history, arts, and culture.