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EXPERTISE
Anthropology & Cultural Studies
Destinations & Ports
Food & Nutrition
History - Art & Culture
Music
Travel & Destinations
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BIOGRAPHY
Angela Schneider is an experienced destination and enrichment lecturer, who holds Master’s Degrees in Music and Medieval History from Aachen University. She plays viola with the Vancouver Symphony, teaches Music History at the VSO Music School and has been involved in the popular, new field of culinary history for decades, giving lectures in the ways food has shaped social, cultural and political history.

Angela’s presentations are entertaining, informative and visually rich, incorporating her extensive knowledge of world history, foodways, music and travel insights. She gives guests a richer appreciation for the destinations they visit by including the human stories, sharing cultural information and explaining the historical significance of the buildings in the ports of call.

PRESENTATIONS
DESTINATIONS AND DESTINATION - RELATED LECTURES

THE BALTICS, NORTH & ST. PETERSBURG

Berlin – The Resilient Capital
We learn how Berlin was transformed from a remote trading to post to the powerful capital of Prussia and later the German Empire. Berliners themselves have a reputation for being unlike other Germans, and we`ll learn what defines the unique Berlin character.

Hans Christian Andersen’s Copenhagen
The history of Copenhagen from Viking fishing village to lively Baltic seaport. We’ll focus on the architectural legacy of the Renaissance and the artistic legacy of Denmark’s Golden Age in the 19th Century, including the best loved artist from this period - Hans Christian Andersen.

Amsterdam - The First Global City
Originally a region of low-lying peat bogs, Amsterdam was an absurd place for a city. In this lecture we learn how its geographic location and the development of complex communal organizations to cope with the situation helped propel it to the center of a world economy.

Stockholm - Beauty on Water
Spread across 14 islands, Stockholm has been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. In this presentation we’ll learn about the dramatic rise and fall of Sweden as a great power and take a look at Stockholm’s glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, and 19th-century museums.

Creating the Scottish Brand
The 18th and 19th century were a time of enormous social change in Scotland. Cities like Glasgow became centers of vast wealth and awful poverty – while, at the same time, Scotland was reinvented as a bucolic idyll. We take a look at how and why the Scottish Highlands were repackaged as a medieval nirvana and how Highland culture became synonymous with Scottish culture.

Slàinte Mhath - The Lingo and History of Scotch
Whisky is the distilled essence of Scotland itself. We trace the background and history of Scotland’s “water of life”, learn how it’s made and how it turned from a common man's drink into a proud part of the Scottish national heritage.

Bawdy Brits – Satire in Georgian Era
The late-18th century was a golden age for graphic satire and caricature. We’ll take a look at the legendary illustrators and learn how their, often outrageous, prints defined the age and established a tradition of visceral political and social visual satire in Britain that continues to this

Dublin – the Chameleon City
Founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin became the seat of English rule in Ireland. In its heyday it was an elegant Georgian city before becoming synonymous with poverty and decay. Dublin is a city of paradoxes and in this presentation we learn about its rich history, culture and irrepressible spirit.

Lords of the Sea – The Venturesome Vikings
This compelling presentation traces the Viking story from the first `hit-and-run' raids on isolated coastal communities to the establishment of permanent settlements. Find out whether the Vikings were slashing, homicidal maniacs in horned helmets, or successful traders for whom raiding was a logical extension of trading activities.

The Viking World
Discover what everyday life was like in Viking society in this visually rich presentation. Viking family life, class divisions, food, religion, burial customs, jewelry, art and music will all be covered in this comprehensive and absorbing overview of the Viking world.

Iceland – Forged by Fire and Ice
Iceland is an otherworldly place of fire and ice. We learn how the forces of nature created this dramatic landscape and how thousand years of independent Viking spirit has created a rich cultural heritage of Norse mythology and the Icelandic sagas.

Rotted Shark & Sheep’s Head. The Fascinating Story of Iceland’s Cuisine
Icelandic society evolved in a state of near constant hunger, having to make do with whatever they were able to scrounge and forage. We examine how this led to an odd, and possibly unique, food culture.

Hygge to Herring – Scandinavian Food & Culture
Although its praises are seldom sung, traditional Scandinavian fare – revolving around the freshest local ingredients — has a lot to recommend it. In this wide-ranging tour through the food and cultures of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden we’ll discover what it took to survive year round in the north and how it influenced the cuisine of Scandinavia.

Edvard Grieg: The Voice of Norway
Norway's greatest composer used his countries heritage and folk songs to develop a strongly nationalistic style of music, earning him the title - “the Voice of Norway."

Jean Sibelius: Finland’s ‘National Hero’
Sibelius has become a leading figure in the history of Finland. Growing up during the decades of Russian control, he is inextricably linked with the struggle for Finnish independence. He ushered in a golden age of music that would endow Finns with a sense of pride in their heritage.

St. Petersburg - City of the Tsars
In this talk we take a look at the dramatic history of St. Petersburg and how it grew to be the Romanovs’ showcase capital for two centuries. We’ll learn about the personal imprint that the Russian Tsars left on the city and how it became Russia’s first great, modern city.

The Mighty Handful: The Cradle of Russian National Music
Five young Russian composers - Balakirev, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin and Cui – all self-trained amateurs from the provinces shared an artistic vision. Rather than imitate European classical music they set about to create an authentic and distinct Russian sound.

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
A towering figure in Russian music who became one of the most popular composers in history. A fascinating look at a man whose intense inner life - depression, hypersensitivity, suppressed homosexuality and possible suicide was matched by his intensely emotional music.

THE MEDITERRANEAN

Portugal – Empire of the Waves
This presentation traces the unlikely rise of a tiny, struggling realm on Europe's outer fringe to a country that suddenly began to accumulate an empire of its own, eventually extending more than halfway around the globe.

Madeira - The Pearl of Portugal
Discover why the tiny, struggling kingdom of Portugal was the first to develop the technology to reach India, colonizing Madeira along the way. An overview of Madeira’s history, tying it into the various activities and sights on the island follows.

Lisbon - The City That Spice Built
History, politics, power, and food all come together in this lecture chronicling the transformation of Lisbon from a Roman trading post to the capital of a spice empire.

Vibrant Andalucia – Land of Light
While most of Europe was just edging out of the Dark Ages, the south of Spain was a brilliant center of world culture. We examine how the indigenous culture was influenced by waves of colonizers, creating a vibrant society with the greatest variety of architecture in Europe.

Valencia – The Big Orange
From Roman outpost to one of the Mediterranean’s foremost trading centers, we’ll take a look at Valencia’s history, focusing on the Muslim presence. We’ll see how Valencia today harmoniously combines the remnants of its past with the most avant-garde buildings from the new millennium.

Barcelona the Enchantress
An overview of the city’s history, culture, & architecture from its beginnings as a Roman outpost to the present.

Magical Mallorca – More Than Beaches and Booze
Largely perceived as a cheap package holiday destination, Mallorca is a diverse island with scenic mountain ranges, picturesque hilltop villages and spectacular coastlines. It’s position in the Western Mediterranean made it a focal point for trade in the Middle Ages. We learn about Mallorca’s rich history and where you can soak up some local island life.

Gibraltar – The Gate to Europe
Since ships first set sail in the Mediterranean, The Rock has been the gate of Fortress Europe. From its geological creation to its two-thousand-year influence on politics and war, we’ll examine how these few square miles played a major part in history.

Acquired Taste: The Birth of French Haute Cuisine
In the mid-18th Century, France assumed a pre-eminent position in the art of cooking. We discuss France’s food culture from Charlemagne to the French cooks that revolutionized culinary history.

Bordeaux: The Pearl of Aquitaine
This region includes towns pivotal in French history and wines whose names are celebrated around the world. We discuss the unique language and culture of southern France, learn why it was a principal battle ground in the Hundred Years War and look at the grand 18th-century architecture of Bordeaux, a city whose wealth was based on wine.

Côte d'Azur - France's Mediterranean Playground
Until the late 18th C, the Côte d'Azur - was a remote, impoverished region of sleepy fishing villages. Today the coastline, known as the French Riviera, sparkles with yachts, while Monaco is home to fairytales come true. Focusing on the resort towns of Villefranche, Nice and Monte Carlo, we’ll discuss the transformation of this region and the top points of interest.

Egypt – Gift of Osiris
Egyptian civilization and life depended on the Nile. The importance of the river was reflected in all areas of ancient Egyptian culture and religion. Learn about the role agriculture and food played in Egypt's rise to power, its economy, its religious ceremonies and lavish banquets.

A Taste of Ancient Greece
In this intriguing talk we learn about the role of food in the culture, politics, religion and trade of Classical Athens. And if you want to know what Greek men REALLY got up to at symposiums, you won’t want to miss this presentation!

What Life was Like in Classical Athens
In this intriguing talk, the past comes alive as we recreate the world of ancient Athens. We visit the Agora, the Parthenon, a typical Greek home, and learn about the history, religion and trade of Classical Athens.

Corfu –the Garden Isle
Corfu is a vivid tapestry of cultures where history and natural beauty blend. Renowned since antiquity for its lush vegetation and `well-watered gardens`, this presentation takes you through the centuries from Greek to British rule, and the top attractions.

Cephalonia – Captain Corelli`s Island
The real Cephalonia is every bit as fascinating and intriguing as the island portrayed in the captivating novel. Discover Cephalonia's turbulent history, shaped by pirates, earthquakes, Byzantine emperors and Venetian nobility.

Ancient Olympia – Gods, Games and Temples
Using first-hand accounts, this humorous presentation creates a vivid picture of the world’s first athletic festival. We track the day by day events to recreate this compelling sporting spectacle.

The Cyclades – Mykonos, Delos and Santorini
The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek islands, renowned for the beauty of their seascapes, and a civilization as old as that of mainland Greece. Each island is a world of its own and in this engaging presentation we discover three of the best.

The Cyclades – Mykonos, Delos and Milos
The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek islands, renowned for the beauty of their seascapes, and a civilization as old as that of mainland Greece. Each island is a world of its own and in this engaging presentation we discover three of the best.

Crete – Lure of the Labyrinth
Crete ruled the Aegean while the rest of Greece was just learning to speak Greek. Many of the Greek gods and oldest myths were born on this remote island. We look at the history, the remarkable archeological discoveries and the great Minoan civilization in this exciting presentation.

Patmos - Early Christianity in the Aegean World
A fascinating look at how the polytheistic religious heritage of the Mediterranean World was overcome by Christianity and to some extent synthesized into it. Patmos became a destination for Christian pilgrimage because it was here that John of Patmos (possibly the Apostle John) was given a vision that became the final book of the New Testament.

Rhodes – A Walk Through Antiquity
The distinctive history and character of Rhodes make it one of the most fascinating of the Greek islands. We trace the history from antiquity through to the occupation of the Knights of St. John whose medieval walled city still dominates Rhodes town.

Malta – The Fortress City
Despite being the smallest member of the European Union, this island nation is a wealth of wonderful historic sites, from 5000 year old temples to the massive fortifications of the Knights of St. John. Discover Malta’s history and sights in this fascinating presentation.

Empire of Pleasure – Food & Feasts in Imperial Rome
Do Roman Banquets conjure up images of peacocks tongues and vomitoriums? Imperial Rome’s sensory culture created an insatiable demand for Eastern spices and luxury foods. In this fascinating talk, we examine the role food played in Roman culture & politics, including how it may have contributed to its downfall.

Empire of Pleasure – Daily Life in Imperial Rome
Imperial Rome was a society of contrasts – a sensory culture marked by lavish displays of wealth with a dark underside of slavery and casually violent entertainment. In this engaging presentation, ancient Rome is brought to life, including a visit to a Roman banquet.

Rome – Eternally Enchanting
Rome wasn’t built in a day nor is it possible to see all it’s treasures in a day, however this presentation will go over the architectural highlights and place them in a historical context.

Pompeii – City Frozen in Time
In 79 AD the resort town of Pompeii was buried in a layer of ash – preserving it like an insect in amber. Today it gives us a snapshot of everyday life in a Roman town. In this engaging presentation, we look at some of the houses and learn about the businesses, the people, the art and architecture of the time.

Venice – Queen of the Adriatic
Venice calls herself “Queen of the Adriatic” but her exotic glamour was built on the most basic spices - salt and pepper. In this engaging talk, discover how from these ordinary foodstuffs a great Republic would grow, one that would dominate the spice trade and become the world’s most powerful city.

Florence – The Heart of the Renaissance
In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the city of Florence experienced the most creative period in her entire history. We examine the cultural, social and political developments and learn about the great artists who left their mark on the city. You’ll also find out where the “must see” masterpieces are.

Risorgimento: Italy's Epic Journey to Unity
Discover how Italy's patchwork of diverse city-states, each with its own culture and form of government, navigated the path to unification. From Napoleon's influence to the strategic genius of Count Camillo de Cavour, explore the captivating story of Italy's Risorgimento.


Sicily – Heart of the Mediterranean
Sicily’s location has subjected it to one wave of conquest after another for three thousand years. The architectural and artistic legacies left by the conquering civilizations have given Sicily a unique collection of archaeological sites set against breathtaking landscapes, while leaving the island with a unique and distinct culture.

Seductive Sardinia
Sardinia captivates visitors with the diversity of its landscapes and the richness of it’s customs and traditions. We’ll look at Sardinia’s history from it’s ancient cultures and unique monuments to the present and visit the 4 historic quarters of Cagliari.

Corsica – A Continent in Miniature
Corsica is an island of astounding geographical diversity – the most varied and beautiful of all the Mediterranean islands. Learn about the cultural heritage, the history and the wealth of tourist attractions on this miniature continent.

Croatia – Cultural Crossroads
Croatia stood at the crossroads between Italy, Central Europe and the Mediterranean and has an extraordinary artistic heritage. In this presentation we’ll learn about key cultural developments in the country's history, from the extensive Roman remains on the Adriatic coast, through the gothic splendour of the Dalmatian cities in the Middle Ages.

Dubrovnik: 'The Diamond of Dalmatia'
The history, art and architecture of Dubrovnik,

Adriatic Gems – Dubrovnik and Split
The history, art and architecture of Dubrovnik and Split.

Kotor – Between the Summit and the Sea
Kotor - UNESCO Historical Heritage site is located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful bays. The roll call of peoples and empires that controlled Kotor throughout its turbulent history, reads like a syllabus from ‘Intro to Western Civilization’. In this presentation we’ll look at the historical influences on the architecture and culture of this region.

Ephesus - A World Wonder
The wealth of the Mediterranean poured through the harbor of Ephesus making it one of the greatest cities of the classical world. We’ll focus on highly unusual features that distinguish the site: the magnificent "terrace houses" of the wealthy, the Library of Celsus with its stunning facade, the enormous theater, and the Cemetery of the Gladiators.

The Rise and Fall of Constantinople
Byzantium was the greatest state in Christendom through much of the Middle Ages and made the modern Western world possible. In this lively presentation, we look at the grandeur and tragedy of Byzantium's rise and fall with particular emphasis on Constantinople – today’s Istanbul.

Istanbul – A Tale of Three Cities
Discover the many incarnations of the city that been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires and where you can see these many layers of history.

From Atatürk to Erdoðan – The Story of 20th Century Turkey
The riveting story of how a country was forged, in the 1920s, out of the rubble of the multi-national, multi-faith Ottoman empire. This radical transformation helps explain why modern Turkey is still grappling with issues of modernity v tradition and a secular v an Islamic state.

The First Crusade – Warriors of Christ (Part 1)
The story of the First Crusade has it all - outsized personalities, tales of courage and desperation and a remarkable 4000 kilometer march to “save” the Holy Land from the infidel. In the first of two presentations we examine the motives and forces behind the conflict, the players involved and the journey to Antioch.

The First Crusade - Founding the Kingdom of Jerusalem (Part 2)
What inspired hundreds of thousands of men, women and children to leave home for a grueling campaign to win back the Holy Land? This gripping presentation explains why Jerusalem became the prize of Empires and concludes the tale of the First Crusade - culminating in the pivotal battle for Antioch and the extraordinary siege of Jerusalem.

The First Crusade - Founding the Kingdom of Jerusalem (combines Part 1 and 2)
The story of the First Crusade has it all - outsized personalities, tales of courage and desperation and a remarkable 4000 kilometer march to “save” the Holy Land from the infidel. An incredible adventure - stranger than fiction - we go over the high and low lights.

The Black Sea – Ancient to Ottoman
In the region around the Black Sea different peoples and cultures have been mixing, not always successfully, for thousands of years. We trace the Black Sea from its beginnings through its many political incarnations - from the Greeks and Scythians to the Romans, the Byzantine Christians and the Ottomans.

The Black Sea Part II – Empires Collide
The lands around the Black Sea have experienced ethnic conflict, economic collapse, and interstate rivalry as ancient cultures collided and modern states where born. This colorful presentation explores the conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the emerging Russian Empire.

The Dawn of Civilization
Learn how agriculture arose in the Levant (Nile to the Tigris and Euphrates) and how it spurred the development of urban organization, political systems, social classes and civilization.

Food and Feast in the Middle Ages
A lively look at the role of food in the economic and cultural life of the Middle Ages. Learn about the fantastic visual theater that made up a medieval banquet, what the rules of etiquette were and how the ceremony of dining was used for influencing and impressing. Discover what was really served at a banquet, and how to re-create a Middle Ages Feast at home.

THE MIDDLE EAST

The Dawn of Civilization
Learn how agriculture arose in the Levant (Nile to the Tigris and Euphrates) and how it spurred the development of urban organization, political systems, social classes and civilization.


Scheherazade's Feast - A Brief History of Islamic Cooking
Islam was born in the barren deserts of Arabia but as it’s power and influence spread through the Middle East, north Africa and to the Iberian Peninsula, a varied and exquisite cuisine developed. We examine how the Muslim cultural values that encouraged the cultivation of the senses gave rise to great innovations in agriculture and gastronomy.


AFRICA

Egypt – Gift of Osiris
Egyptian civilization and life depended on the Nile. The importance of the river was reflected in all areas of ancient Egyptian culture and religion. Learn about the role agriculture and food played in Egypt's rise to power, its economy, its religious ceremonies and lavish banquets.

Morocco – The Western Kingdom
This overview of Morocco’s history tells a dramatic story of powerful empires, fearsome pirates, the struggle for independence against colonial powers and a country at the crossroads of two continents. We’ll take a look at the highlights of Tangiers and the iconic dishes of Morocco.

They Don’t Make Homo Sapiens Like They Used To or The Human Journey
Africa is the birthplace of humankind. This absorbing presentation explores our African origins and the most current discoveries in human evolution, including the role cooking played in making us human.

Into The Rising Sun
In 1498, Vasco da Gama sailed from Europe to Asia rounding Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. If history’s modern age has a beginning, this is it. In this lively account we learn how the spice trade built a global empire for Portugal. We also look at the Portuguese legacy in East Africa, from Mozambique & Zanzibar to Fort Jesus - the biggest fortress in Mombasa.


The Flavors of Africa
From the exotic spices of Zanzibar to the rich sweetness of Bourbon vanilla, Africa is home to some of the most popular flavors in the world. Surprisingly, most did not originate here. In this presentation, discover the fascinating stories behind the foods that play a major role in Africa’s economy and cuisine.

Spirits of West Africa – Benin and Togo
Togo and Benin are the spiritual heart of West Africa, where unique and traditional cultures are still intact today. In the presentation we discover the great slave-trading kingdom of Dahomey, the real “Amazon” warriors, the haunting slave forts of the coast and voodoo which is still an integral part of village life.

Cape Town – The Mother City
An overview of the history and sights of South Africa's most captivating city


POLYNESIA

Almost Paradise – History and Culture of French Polynesia
For the European sailors French Polynesia was an exotic, sensual earthly paradise - but was it? This presentation examines the origins of the Polynesians and reconstructs their daily life before European contact.

Tahiti After Colonization
Due to their isolation, the people living on the French Polynesia islands developed a unique culture. However, there way of life was changed forever by colonial contact. This presentation tells the story of Tahiti after the Europeans came and made the island a minor pawn in the colonial game.

A Taste of Polynesia (or Breadfruit to Vanilla: The Culinary History of the South Pacific)
Very few plants and animals made it to the far flung islands of the South Pacific. The first inhabitants survived only by carrying their foodstuffs with them. We look at the fascinating stories behind these original foods and newer imports like Vanilla tahitensis - the world's finest and most expensive vanilla.

Papua New Guinea – The Land of the Unexpected
In many ways, PNG is the land that time forgot. It’s striking natural beauty and myriad complex cultures are riveting and still largely untouched by mass tourism. We’ll explore the history and culture of PNG, as well as taking a look at the port of Alotau.

CARIBBEAN

Bermuda – Another World
Set in the mid-Atlantic, Bermuda is a tropical paradise with a unique history and culture. From historical wonders to natural beauty, British charm to pink sand beaches and impossibly blue water, Bermuda has it all. Discover Bermuda’s colonial roots in this presentation and the best things to do while in port.

King Sugar: The ‘White-Gold’ of the Caribbean
For two centuries, the sugar flowing from the Caribbean to Europe was a commodity so lucrative it became known as “white-gold”. Sugar created incredible wealth for the island colonies while creating misery for the slaves on whose backs the sugar empires were built. In this presentation we learn how sugar cane transformed the Caribbean landscape, economy and culture.

Mamey Apples to Mauby (or Mofongo to Sky Juice, or Cassareep to Sea Moss for Lesser Antilles – depends on the islands)
Columbus was the first to compare the Caribbean islands to the Garden of Eden though the foods in this garden can range from sublime to bizarre. A culinary history of the Islands provides the stories behind the unique foods and dishes you’ll experience in the Caribbean.

Rhythm is Going to Get You – Cuba and Its Music
Music and dance are a way of life in Cuba, indistinguishable from its history. By melding together African rhythms with European instruments, this small island gave birth to many unique musical forms which have had the greatest influence on Latin music today.

“Hot, Hot, Hot” - Music of the Caribbean
The diverse cultures of the Caribbean have made this region one of the most fertile breeding grounds for music anywhere in the world. In this toe-tapping presentation we look at some of the signature styles and learn about the legendary performers.

The Greater Antilles – Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic
As part of the Spanish Antilles, these islands share much of their early history before going their separate ways. In this presentation we’ll learn the story of both islands, and point out the historic sites one can visit today.

Islands in the Sun – Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles
The history of the Caribbean has many common threads though the individual islands had their own stories as well. In this presentation we have an overview of the 500 year history of the Lesser Antilles Islands and Puerto Rico before we outline what our ports of call have to offer.

Islands in the Sun – The Lesser Antilles
The Lesser Antilles is a stunning chain of paradise islands. Though they have much in common, the individual islands have their own stories as well. In this presentation we have an overview of the history of the Lesser Antilles Islands before we outline what our ports of call have to offer.

Plantations, Pirates and Slaves – The Story of Jamaica
Beautiful, brash Jamaica has a vibrant culture that’s quite distinct from any other Caribbean nation. Discover how Jamaica’s turbulent past shaped its present and how a fascinating mix of influences have contributed to a fiercely creative island culture that has become a powerful global brand

CENTRAL AMERICA

Aztecs and Incas - America’s First Cuisines
Learn about Aztec and Inca society, their indigenous foodstuffs, and distinctive diet. We’ll look at the descriptions of lavish Aztec banquets, what the eating philosophy was and the roots of modern Latin American cuisine.

The Day the Dinosaurs Died
Investigate the greatest vanishing act in the history of our planet - the sudden disappearance of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, when an asteroid slammed into the Gulf of Mexico.

Bananas: How the United Fruit Company Shaped Central America
A lively account of how a controversial global corporation made bananas into America’s most popular fruit while wreaking havoc in the “banana republics” of Central America.

Panama Canal Part 1 – The Pioneers
The building of the Panama Canal was a sweeping human undertaking that resulted in one of the most astonishing engineering feats in history. This presentation goes over the key historical events from 1513 – when Spanish conquistador Vasco Nunez Balboa traversed the narrow isthmus to 1906 – the first years of American involvement.

Panama Canal Part 2 - Uncle Sam Builds the Canal
After the failure of the French to construct a canal across the Isthmus of Panama, Teddy Roosevelt took up the cause. This presentation vividly brings to life the story of the men and women who overcame enormous odds to complete the Panama Canal and launch the era of American global dominance.


SOUTH AMERICA

Cartagena – The Heroic City
Colombia’s Caribbean coast conjures up visions of conquistadors, pirates and missionaries set among sun, sand and colonial charm. Strategically located on the coast, the historical city of Cartagena was a seat of Spanish power and trade during colonial times. Discover the history of Cartagena and by extension, Colombia, from its founding to the present.

The Bounty of Brazil – Plantations to Agricultural Superpower
Since colonial times, Brazil's wealth has been based on the products of her rich soil. From the 16th to the mid-20th century, each century saw the predominance of one or two Brazilian products – resulting in “boom-bust” cycles. In this presentation we learn the story of Brazil through her agricultural history.

Brazil – A Culinary Journey
Brazil is a complex country of Indian, Portuguese, and African descent that mixes its heritage in amazing culinary concoctions. We look at the different regions of Brazil from a food perspective, providing an in-depth cultural lesson on the regions and their unique foods.

The Brazilian Sound
From samba and bossa nova to axé, Brazil is home to some of the most celebrated music in the world. Learn about these unique genres of music in this captivating introduction to the music of Brazil.

The Edible Rainforest
The once obscure acai, now a supermarket success, is only one of the thousands of edible foods found in the Amazon rainforest. This presentation introduces the fascinating world of the Amazon rainforest and its edible fauna and flora.

The Amazing Amazon
This presentation introduces the fascinating world of the Amazon rainforest. We look at how humans learned to live with its bounty of fauna and flora and introduce some of the interesting fruits and fish that you can try while in port.

Tango – The Story, The Song, The Dance
Born in the backstreets of Buenos Aires, this is the extraordinary story of the dance and music that captivated the world. We’ll trace the development of tango from its roots in the mid-nineteenth Century through its Golden Age in the 1940s to modern times.

ASIA

A Taste of Harmony – the Culinary History of China
Chinese culture produced what is arguably the most complex, sophisticated, and varied culinary tradition on earth. Trace the rise of civilization in China from the Yangshao culture to the Song dynasty, the social and technological factors underlying China's elaborate food traditions, and the role of Taoist thought in the Chinese diet.

Shanghai – City above the Sea
Shanghai is China’s largest city – it’s economic financial and commercial center. In this entertaining lecture we’ll look at some of the key moments of Shanghai’s history, and visit some of the areas, such as the Old Chinese city and the Bund - with it’s stunning neoclassical buildings.

Hong Kong – The Cultured Pearl
Discover the remarkable story of how a cluster of remote fishing villages grew into an icon of capitalism. We’ll also take a look at the most recommended sights and how to get around the city.

Rising Dragons: Vietnam and Saigon
Vietnam, in its current incarnation, is a recent creation. In this fascinating lecture we’ll learn how Vietnam is the product of several colonial pasts, and how they’ve been imperialists as well as the victims of imperialism. We’ll take a look at Ho Chi Minh City and how to spend your time there.

Cambodia: The Enigmatic Kingdom
Cambodia is a land of contrasts that remains an enigma to the international community. In this compelling presentation we’ll visit the temples of Angkor created by the mighty Khmer empire. We’ll discuss the wars, invasions, poverty and political instability that followed its collapse and the troubled democracy the country remains today.

Singapore: Lion City, Asian Tiger
Take a look at the most important moments of Singapore’s past – some of which may differ from the official narrative and learn about the peculiar set of factors that make Singapore what it is today.

Malaysia – White Rajahs and Billion Dollar Scandals
Modern Malaysia was born by the politics and trade of the 19th-century British empire. In this lively and informative account, we’ll examine Malaysia’s history and politics from the rise of the White Rajahs to the recent scandal plagued leaders involved in one of the world's greatest financial scandals.

The Kings of Siam – The Real Story
The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical – The King and I - may be great entertainment, but it is largely a work of fiction. It is also banned in Thailand where any criticism or defamation of the monarchy is strictly prohibited. This presentation will look at the story of the reigning dynasty and how King Rama I transformed Bangkok by locating his Palace complex here. We’ll tour the royal district, learn about life in the palace and why Royal Thai cuisine is still the apex of Thai food.

A Taste of Conquest - The Spice Islands of Indonesia
As the only place on earth that grew the coveted trinity of spices – nutmeg, mace and cloves – the Molucca islands became the focal point for European intrigue and control. Learn how the Dutch East India Company managed to monopolize these spices to become the world’s first powerful multinational company.

Indonesia – the Brief History of an Improbable Nation
In this succinct introduction to Indonesian history, we look at how hundreds of ethnic groups, spread over 13,000 islands were brought together as a country. We focus especially on the island of Java, home to 60% of the country of the country’s population.

Bali - Island of the Gods
Discover the island of Bali in this overview of the islands history, religion, and social structure. From its incense filled temples to its historic cities, join us on a tour of this fabled tropical isle.

A Culinary Journey Across Indonesia
The fabled Spice Islands of Indonesia encompass the most astonishing physical and cultural diversity in Asia and they have a cuisine to match. In this presentation, we take a culinary journey from central Java to Bali and learn about the food culture, including the signature dishes, the most unusual indigenous fruits and vegetables, and the role of food offerings in the Hindu religion, the dominant religion in Bali.

The East India Company: The Original Corporate Raiders or The East India Company: The World’s Most Powerful Corporation.
A look at how a small unregulated trading company in London became a mighty army and subjugated one of the richest empires on Earth.

What Life Was Like in the Jewel of the Crown
A historical look at Britain's occupation of India from 1600 to 1905 through the lives of the men and women who sailed to the other side of the world to make their fortunes.

India on a Plate – the History of Indian Food
Trace the myriad patterns that have formed Indian food cultures, taste preferences and cooking traditions. Discover food customs relating to caste, the traditions of vegetarianism, and the diverse regional flavors.

Sri Lanka - Ready for Its Close-Up
Though Sri Lanka has seduced travellers for centuries, three decades of civil war kept it off many tourists’ itineraries. Today Sri Lanka is at peace and forging a single national identity. In this fascinating presentation, we’ll discover the island’s legendary temples, palaces, colonial architecture, local cuisine and stunning natural beauty.

AUSTRALIA

Australia- the First Four Billion Years
Of all the continents on Earth, none preserves a more spectacular story of our planet's origins than Australia. In this presentation we go on a wild adventure from the birth of the Earth to the emergence of the world we know today, seen through the window of the Australian continent.

The First Australians
Some 60,000 years ago, a small group of people landed on Australia's northern coast and learned to survive on the driest continent on earth. In this fascinating presentation we discover their epic story from the beginning through to present day.

Sydney – The Harbour City
Sydney, Australia - one of the world’s most beautiful, fascinating, diverse and multicultural cities. This compelling presentation takes us from the founding of Sydney as a remote penal colony of the British Empire to its emergence as a great metropolis and introduces various landmarks.

Marvelous Melbourne
Consistently rated among the "world's most livable cities", Melbourne is a marvellously multicultural showpiece set amongst Victorian-era buildings and gorgeous parkland. This presentation showcases Melbourne from her colorful history to her top attractions.

Adelaide – Australia’s Invisible City
Once considered a dull, sleepy city, Adelaide is emerging as a hip and vibrant place, while still retaining its slow-paced, friendly atmosphere. We’ll explore Adelaide’s history, it’s unique architecture, and why Adelaide is different from the other Australian capitals. We’ll also visit the Port of Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island and learn about koalas.

Fremantle/Perth – City of Light
Frequently described as the world's most isolated capital city, sunny Perth exudes a refreshingly relaxed vibe. This presentation gives an overview of Western Australia’s history, specifically Perth and Fremantle before taking a tour of both towns to check out the highlight attractions.

UNITED STATES

New Orleans and the Beginnings of Jazz
Jazz is America's most original contribution to music and in this visually stunning presentation we’ll examine the social forces and cultural climate that created it. We’ll outline the characteristics of the New Orleans style and listen to the star performers who emerged from the Crescent City.

Jazz in the Roaring Twenties
Jazz was the sound track to the Roaring Twenties with its speakeasies, gangsters and a dance mad public. We’re introduced to the most important jazz musicians of this era and learn what their contributions to this unique American art form is.

The Swing Era: 1930–1943
An exciting time when jazz was the popular music in North America and abroad. The big band greats Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Count Basie will be presented along with important soloists and vocalists of the period

The Be-Bop Era: 1941–1951
The post-war period brought in new ways of composing and playing jazz, with bebop musicians Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker create some of the most thrilling and inventive jazz ever played.

CLASSICAL MUSIC ENRICHMENT LECTURES

Bach and Beyond – An Introduction to Classical Music
Don’t know Bach from Bartok – but would like to? This talk introduces novice concert goers to the orchestra, the main periods of music and the important composers.

Monteverdi to Verdi – An Introduction to Opera
An entertaining talk that demystifies the potentially intimidating world of Opera. Learn some of the terms, the history, do's and don'ts of opera and how to get the most out of it.

Opera – Italy’s Gift to the World – Opera is at the heart of Italian culture and with good reason - Italy was the birthplace of opera. Learn why Italy’s contribution to the world of opera is without par, in this class for novices and aficionados alike.

Mozart Unveiled: Meet the Master of Classicism
From the time of his death, misconceptions concerning the life of Mozart became part of public lore. This presentation separates fact from fiction, looks at his relationship with an impossibly demanding father, his contribution to classical music and the mythology surrounding his "mysterious" death and relationship with Salieri.

Beethoven: the Immortal
Beethoven's personality was as outsized as his talent. From his unhappy childhood through to deafness, chronic rages, family and romantic difficulties, Beethoven's life can be seen as a heroic battle against adversity. This is the inspirational story of a man who changed the history of music in his single-minded pursuit of artistic destiny.

Gustav Mahler: Conquering the Unknown Summit
The second of 14 children born to a Jewish spirits peddler, Mahler came of age in an increasingly anti-Semitic Austria. His music is arguably the most autobiographical of any of the great composers and we learn how he turned the tragedies of his life into music of daring individuality and emotional potency.

Introduction to Romanticism (Part 1)
We examine the historical trends that changed music in the 19C as composers sought to express themselves in their music: to paint pictures, describe complex emotions, and tell stories in instrumental terms. The new forms in music are introduced, including the program symphony.

Romantic-era - Musical Nationalism (Part 2)
Learn how emerging nationalism in Europe found expression in the arts as a form of passive resistance. We also introduce Wagner’s revolutionary ideas about opera and music drama. (Gesamtkunstwerk).

Edvard Grieg: The Voice of Norway
Norway's greatest composer used his countries heritage and folk songs to develop a strongly nationalistic style of music, earning him the title - “the Voice of Norway."

Jean Sibelius: Finland’s ‘National Hero’
Sibelius has become a leading figure in the history of Finland. Growing up during the decades of Russian control, he is inextricably linked with the struggle for Finnish independence. He ushered in a golden age of music that would endow Finns with a sense of pride in their heritage.

The Mighty Handful: The Cradle of Russian National Music
Five young Russian composers - Balakirev, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin and Cui – all self-trained amateurs from the provinces shared an artistic vision. Rather than imitate European classical music they set about to create an authentic and distinct Russian sound.

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
A towering figure in Russian music who became one of the most popular composers in history. A fascinating look at a man whose intense inner life - depression, hypersensitivity, suppressed homosexuality and possible suicide was matched by his intensely emotional music.

French Impressionism in Art and Music
We explore the Impressionist period, one of culture's most fascinating yet controversial times, magically intertwining music and the visual arts. Learn more about painters, composers, and their collective creative output from this captivating period.

Stravinsky – the Inventor of Modern Music
Considered the world’s greatest composer during his lifetime, Stravinsky is a 20th Century icon. In this presentation, we follow his career from Czarist Russia to Southern California in the 1960s, and discover how his experiences forged a new musical language which changed the history of music.
CRUISE HISTORY / EXPERIENCE
Angela has lectured on RCI, Princess, Celebrity, HAL, Cunard, P&O, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent (part of the Smithsonian Speaker program), Oceania, Viking.
RECENT PAST CRUISES COMPLETED
The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.
SHIP REF CRUISE DESCRIPTION NIGHTS SAILING FROM DEPARTURE DATE
Viking Sky SK230901 Ancient Mediterranean Treasures 7 Istanbul Friday, September 1, 2023
Viking Sky SK230825 Ancient Mediterranean Treasures 7 Piraeus (Athens) Friday, August 25, 2023
Viking Sky SK230818 Venice, the Adriatic and Greece 7 Venice Friday, August 18, 2023
Viking Mars MA230418 Across the Bay of Bengal 15 Bangkok (from Laem Chabang) Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Viking Mars MA230406 Bangkok, Bali & Beyond 12 Bali Thursday, April 6, 2023
Viking Star OST221221 Panama Canal & Central America (part transit) 14 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Viking Star OST221211 Classic Panama Canal Passage 10 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, December 11, 2022
Viking Sky SK220319 Empires of the Mediterranean 9 Piraeus (Athens) Saturday, March 19, 2022
Viking Star ST190910 Empires of the Mediterranean 9 Venice Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Viking Star ST190618 Empires of the Mediterranean 9 Venice Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Viking Sea SE180327 West Indies to Iberia 14 San Juan Tuesday, March 27, 2018