This summer I traveled to Italy and visited Florence, Venice and Rome. Here is what I saw: Slide show of black and white photographs from Italy
Category Archives: Travel
Travel Destinations
Feeling Spirits From Long Ago in Christ Church Cemetery, Cambridge, Maryland

Christ Church Cemetery is located at 601 Church Street in historic Cambridge, Maryland. Some allege the cemetery is haunted. Established in the late 1600’s, Christ Church cemetery is the final resting place for original settlers of Cambridge, veterans of the American Revolutionary War, and veterans of the U.S. Civil War.

When I visit historic cemeteries, I like to bring flowers to place on the graves of civil war veterans. In Christ Church cemetery these graves were hard to find. In contrast, the American Revolutionary veteran graves were easily identifiable with the American flags and DAR markers. I had with me a list of the names of civil war veterans who are buried in the cemetery. When I found several of these graves, I was surprised that there was no indication that the person was a civil war veteran. I got a strong feeling that this history was purposely being hidden. It was common for families in Maryland to have had family members fighting on both sides of the civil war so perhaps this was a painful period that was preferred to be left in the past by the families.

After laying flowers on several civil war veterans’ graves there was one grave I could not find. I decided to use a method that I’ve been using for years that always works. I call on the spirit of the deceased to guide me to their grave. I explain to them that I am there to visit them and to honor their service in the civil war. A few seconds following this ritual, it worked. I found the grave of the veteran.
Although the cemetery is rumored to be haunted, I personally believe that spirits of the deceased like being remembered and appreciate being visited.
Haunted & Historic Cambridge, Maryland
Feeling Spirits from Long Ago in historic Cambridge, Maryland
Historic Cambridge, Maryland is located in Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Situated on the mighty Choptank River, Cambridge was originally inhabited by the Choptank Native American tribe. In 1684, wealthy European landowners moved in and built tobacco plantations. This created tension and violence with the Choptank Native American tribe who were ultimately displaced. The plantation owners imported slaves from Africa to work the plantations until 1864 when Maryland end slavery.
Site of slave auctions
In Cambridge you can still find reminders of the slave trade. Slave auctions took place outside the Dorchester County Courthouse. At the top of the hill, under a large tree I discovered a portion of the original slave block. Slaves would’ve stood on the top of the hill while being auctioned off to buyers below. This same area was also used for public executions. While visiting here I could feel the angst and tension as I explored the area. There are still a lot of souls at unrest here.
Slave auction block on grounds of historic Dorchester County Courthouse, Cambridge, Maryland
Grounds of historic Dorchester County Courthouse, Cambridge, Maryland
Historic Dorchester County Courthouse, Cambridge, Maryland
Grounds of historic Dorchester County Courthouse, site of public executions and slave auction.
Bike Friendly Ireland and Scotland
On my recent visit to Ireland and Scotland I noticed how “bike friendly” these places were. I live in a congested part of the United States where driving with bikers are a daily hazard. While in Ireland and Scotland, I was impressed by the planning of space given to those on bicycles. It makes sense, is a lot safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Gourmet Galway
During my visit to Galway City, Ireland I experienced a sensory explosion of beautiful, fresh, locally sourced foods. From handmade chocolates, dairy farm cheeses, olives, fresh salmon, Atlantic Ocean seaweed, artichokes, freshly baked breads, homemade jams, local meats to farm fresh vegetables, the food was a culinary feast. In fact, throughout my two week visit to Ireland, I consistently enjoyed fresh, locally sourced food that was delicious. So on your next visit to Ireland, venture out and enjoy the gourmet abundance of fresh, locally sourced foods.
Feeling the Serenity of the Solstice

Feeling the Serenity of the Winter Solstice
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is the darkest day of the year preceding the gradual return of sunlight. These photographs represent to me the Winter Solstice based on their shadows and light found in serene, natural places around the world. To see more of my photographs please visit www.JacquelineLaRocca.com






The Enchanting West of Ireland
In 2011, I visited the West coast of Ireland for the first time. I was awestruck by the enchanting scenery of ancient stone walls, Norman castles, and miles of unspoiled landscapes. Below are canvas wrap photos of some of my favorite places.
Enjoy







To purchase these Canvas Wrap prints please visit my site on Etsy:
www.Etsy.com/shop/hauntedtraveler
To purchase prints of Ireland, please visit www.JacquelineLaRocca.com