Chateau Laroche, A Labor of Passion

27 February 20233 May 2025

My fairytale adventure began at the entrance of Chateau Laroche in Loveland, Ohio. Locally known as Loveland Castle, this medieval mansion was an amazing labor of love and a symbol of one man’s passion and fascination with castles. It was here that Harry Andrews pursued his dream to design and build a chateau of his own, taking fifty years to complete.

As I entered the estate, there was a beautiful tribute to Mr. Andrews and photographs that journaled his progress in the building of his beloved home.

I was welcomed by Larry Crachting, one of the Knights of the Golden Trail, a society founded by Andrews and a group of his friends. He reminisced about Harry and his heart for the local boy scout organization as well as his life and passions. It was no surprise that the KOGT continues on through its current members preserving a piece of Cincinnati history. Allowing visitors to tour the castle is a wonderful way to carry on the memory of Mr. Andrews and his Chateau La Roche.

I began my self-guided tour of the castle starting in the dungeon. The tight curved stairway leading to the bottom of the ground floor felt eerily familiar to other dark stone buildings I had visited before. I took a quick moment to look over my shoulder to make sure the door had not closed behind me. As I entered the open room with a prison at the far end, I noticed the “wild man” lurking behind the barred door and then exited the same stairs bringing me back to the main floor.

I climbed a second set of stairs to the living quarters which was much more specious and open. A long wooden table with chairs filled the room as a meeting place for the members of the Knights of the Golden Trail. Hanging from the wall was each knight’s coat of arms, representing their heritage and ancestry. I imagined the knights would meet here to discuss their next item of business or maybe their next battle strategy.

I was fascinated by the structural details of the castle. The arches as well as the stone layers give the architecture an added depth to its interior. Crevices and storage areas in Harry’s room displayed additional items such as personal photos, paintings and artifacts. The extension of the balcony provided a scenic view overlooking the Little Miami River, while the tiered gardens could be seen from the upper terrace.

One of my favorite rooms in the castle was Mr. Andrews’ bedroom which reminded me of a tower with its domed ceiling. The room is blocked off, but one can clearly see the fireplace, hearth and medieval painting on display. Harry Andrews mentioned in one of his documentary videos that his colleagues did not believe that he would be successful in creating the dome, but obviously he proved them wrong.

Leaving Harry’s room, a corner display showcased two suits of armor while the hall was lit by a spectacular light fixture.

Looking closely at the stone in the wall, large rocks had been labeled with locations from all over the world. I also noticed a listing of the ten commandments as well as more suits of armor.

I was just wrapping up my tour of the interior of the castle when I happened upon a room with a looped video on display. Three documentaries provided additional information about Harry Andrews and Chateau Laroche. My favorite film was a clip of Harry which captured his sassy sense of humor, his vibrant personality and passion for his castle and organization.

I learned from the video that the castle was based on various fortifications that Andrews once visited after serving in the war in Europe. Sitting on only one acre of land, Chateau Laroche has 31 rooms, 88 battlements and 4 towers that stand 38 feet tall. The sandstones used to create his castle came from the creek bed of the Little Miami River within walking distance of the chateau. Additional blocks of concrete were made by Harry to complete the project when he had run out of useful sandstone.

It was his education at Colgate College in 1916 that ignited a love for the medieval castle as he studied Greek, Roman and Egyptian architecture.

After watching the documentaries, I strolled past the rooftop and realized it was not open to the public. It was quite noticeable that the structure was not stable, blocked off only to be seen through a wrought-iron door.

I was looking forward to exploring the grounds of the chateau and began making my way to the ground floor. I was impressed with the beautiful arches that led to the garden, which seemed to radiate with a golden glow from the sunlight.

A walk through the gardens felt as though I was visiting an authentic medieval castle and its grounds. The three terraces were adorned with potted plants and rose bushes which were wonderfully fragrant.

Found in unexpected places are private gardens of solitude with elegantly simple arbors. These modest gathering areas are perfect for taking some time to enjoy the outdoors and admire the scenery of the chateau.

I had completed my tour of Chateau Laroche and was touched by the dedication of Harry Andrews to complete his fabulous masterpiece. It is estimated that he gave 22,000 hours of his life to creating this castle, responsible for 95% of its construction. Over 2500 bags of cement, in addition to the sandstone, were used to build the fortification.

Harry himself was considered a medical marvel having survived meningitis while serving in the military. There is an absolutely fascinating story about his recovery that can be seen at the chateau.

If there was ever one who knew his calling in life, it was Harry Andrews. Watching older videos of Mr. Andrews, I felt a sense of appreciation for his passion for castles and for bringing about an organization dedicated to “doing good”. The Knights of the Golden Trail continue to this day with approximately 60 members who have adopted the legacy that Harry has left to them and his wishes to maintain the castle. Who could have ever imagined that a man, once pronounced dead, would come back from the dead to finish his life’s purpose?

Have you had the opportunity to visit Chateau Laroche and learn about the extraordinary life of Henry Andrews? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chateau Laroche
12025 Shore Drive
Loveland, OH
Telephone: 513 683 4686

Admission Fee: $5 per person, children 4 and under are admitted free of charge.
Hours: Daily from 11AM to 5PM; April 1st to September 30th open everyday including holidays; October 1st to March 31st open everyday, closed on holidays
Amenities: Site Rental, picnicking, games and puzzles, ghost tours, gardens, video
Scenic View: Views from the castle overlook the property and gardens.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Maximum of 40 parking spaces available. The restroom upstairs is closed to visitors.

Where to Stay:

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Northeast Mason
9369 Waterstone Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Telephone: 513 774 0610

Where to Eat:

Paxton’s Grill
126 W. Loveland Avenue
Loveland, OH 45140
Telephone: 513 285 8147

The Caesar Salad with Blackened Grouper and a bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup was the perfect lunch combo!

Exploring Bali: Singaraja and Lovina Beach

22 January 202222 September 2024

Early morning sunrise on Lovina Beach, Bali

Just as I had predicted, I had a great night’s sleep at the Aditya Beach Resort on Lovina Beach in Bali. Waking up early, I wanted to walk along the beach at dawn while the weather was still brisk and invigorating. Besides the lonely fisherman and a couple of tourists, I had the beach all to myself. I walked the short length of the coast where rowboats had been pushed up along the sand next to piles of seaweed and debris and birds were searching for their morning breakfast.

Dolphin Cruise Excursion at Lovina Beach, Bali

On my way back to the hotel, the beach began to liven up with activity. A group of sightseers were stepping into a boat for a dolphin cruise and joggers slipped past the stray dogs.

Lovina is known for its large school of dolphins and early morning cruises are a popular excursion for tourists during season. Watching the boat drift into the horizon, I met the hotel security guard, Ajit, who stopped by to say good morning. Having met him at check in last night, he offered to take me around to the local sites. Since he knows my friend Wayan, I took him up on his offer.

Hindu Offerings, Bali, Indonesia

I strolled back to my room to prepare for the day and noticed several pedestals that contained pieces of fruit, flower petals and burning incense. These are the offerings that the Balinese offer up to their gods throughout the day and are visible on the side of the road, sitting on small roadside shrines or near the large temples throughout the island.

Buddhist Monestary in Northern Bali

Ajit returned on his motorcycle and I told him that I would like to visit the Buddhist Monastery. He also suggested a nearby waterfall and the hot springs, so we had a full day ahead of us.

The atmosphere of the monastery is one of reverence and solitude. Although the island is predominantly Hindu, there are two active places of worship for Buddhists in Bali as well.

Beautiful Fountains at the Monastery

The spectacular views of the coast from the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery went on for miles. The tropical trees met up with the beaches of Lovina for a beautiful backdrop. The paintings and sculptures within the monastery were unusually lifelike and three dimensional.

Lily ponds and fountains gave the monastery a religious sense of calm. Protecting their surroundings, the monkey gods took a stand to ward off evil spirits. The soothing sound of water and gentle rustle of leaves from the wind were comforting as I searched for koi fish under the lily pads.

The Buddhist Eightfold Path of Enlightenment

The Eight-Fold Path is the final teaching of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths. A stairway at the monastery representing the steps of these teachings are said to lead to spiritual enlightenment and the end of suffering.

The Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is an exceptionally well maintained temple and open to the public as a place of worship. The grounds are exquisitely manicured and the views out towards the sea from atop of the temple are magnificent. Signs throughout the property strongly communicate that this is not a tourist attraction but rather a temple and should be treated with reverence and respect. Proper attire is required and courtesy must be given to those who visit.

Northern Bali Waterfall

Enjoying a peaceful morning at the temple, I was ready for our next excursion, a hike to one of north Bali’s most treacherous waterfalls. Ajit explained that the falls is a local favorite and is not open to tourists. He guaranteed that this hike would be a challenge but the view would be well worth the trek.

The concrete path was manageable at the start but became narrow as we closed in on the falls. The course quickly changed as the mist produced a muddy trail we were cautiously trying to avoid. Eventually the pathway disappeared and we resorted to rock hopping amidst the rushing water between the stones.

I was close to giving up and turning back when I noticed the shrines appear on the side of the hill. The water coming from the cascades was so strong and powerful that I was frightened I may lose my footing.

We sat for a few moments on a couple of large rocks so I could catch my breath. The mist from the falls felt so cool on my face, dampening my hair and clothes. I decided that I was ready to take a few more steps and as I rounded the corner, I was able to see the highlight of my hike, the larger of the two falls.

I wished I could have enjoyed the view for a while longer, but working to keep myself upright was draining my energy and I was ready to find security back on dry land. The hike back was not as difficult and it seemed as though we reached the entrance in half of the time it took to reach the falls.

Visiting the hot springs could not have been more appropriate after a long hike. Set among the hillside there are three pools of water to enjoy a moment of rest and relaxation. The first pool at the top is the hottest while the bottom is the coolest of the three. I was looking forward to soaking in the springs.

Air Panas was built by the Japanese hundreds of years ago and is said to be therapeutic for those suffering from rheumatic disease. A steady rush of water from the mouths of mythical creatures adds to the fascinating environment of the springs.

I enjoyed the resort for a couple of hours and visited the snack bar before leaving for the hotel.

The Aditya Hotel was hosting an event that consisted of a four course meal and a program which included two young girls performing the Balinese dance of Legong. Known as one of the most popular forms of Indonesian entertainment, the dance consists of intense facial expression, body movements, and intricate finger work accompanied by Gamelan music.

The unique music and vibrant performance were entrancing. Although I was exhausted, I felt satisfied that I had accomplished so much physically, religiously and culturally in one day. I reflected back from the start of my journey and could not have been more pleased. I am ready to do it all over again tomorrow!

Have you visited northern Bali in your travels? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my fun day in northern Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
Banjar Tegeha Buleleng Buleleng
Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia

Banjar Air Panas – Hot Springs
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

Where to Stay:

Aditya Beach Resort
Jalan Raya Lovina, Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 362 41059
Email: info@adityalovinabali.com

Where to Eat:

Banjar Air Panas – Snack Shop
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

Aditya Beach Resort – Restaurant
Jalan Raya Lovina, Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 362 41059
Email: info@adityalovinabali.com

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

A photo of the Dalai Lama that was given to the monastery during his visit

Exploring the beautiful grounds of the monastery

Buddhist Statues

Venice, A Beautiful Journey

4 August 201631 August 2024

It had been such a long day of making connections in four different countries, all in a period of 24 hours. I was ecstatic to finally have arrived in Venice, Italy. My flight from Columbus, Ohio was delayed so I missed my connection in New Jersey, and since my vacation coincided with the Venice Film Festival, flights were booked. I asked the customer service agent to be creative in getting me to my destination after learning that it may take me a couple of days to reach Venice. I had a cruise ship to catch the next evening and didn’t want to miss it. She was happy to help me out and gave me an updated itinerary through Heathrow which required me to pick up transportation to Gatwick. I managed to leave from the US, travel to the UK, make a quick stop in Germany, hop on a flight to Paris and reach my final destination of Venice. I was incredibly impressed with the handling of my air transportation and could not thank the airlines enough realizing that my luggage had actually arrived. What an amazing adventure.

Departing my flight, I picked up my luggage and searched for the ATVO ticket counter at the Marco Polo Airport. Outside of baggage claim, I purchased my ticket and boarded the comfortable coach which provided non-stop service to Piazzale Roma, taking only 20 – 25 minutes.

There was a large dropoff for buses and soon I found a small kiosk where an attendant sold me a Vaparetto ticket for the day. It was late in the afternoon, so it only made sense to take the Express Route 1. This vaparetto runs along the Grand Canal and is the most convenient way to reach St. Mark’s Square quickly. Route 2 is the more scenic route, but as the sun was setting, I wanted to make it to my hotel before dark.

My first glimpse of Venice was indescribable. A city unlike any other, I was in awe of its beautiful architecture and couldn’t wait for morning to venture along its waterways. Having researched the archipelago, I wanted to explore more of its significant history and infamous art.

I validated my ticket by holding it up against the electronic ticket reader before boarding Within 20 minutes, I hopped off the Vaparetto at the Piazza San Marco stop, then dragged my luggage over crowded bridges and stairs. I reached Venice during the golden hour, the perfect time for taking photos. I could not resist snapping a few photos before tackling the winding streets to Campo Manin.

I crossed over a set of stairs that passed the Bridge of Sighs, one of the most famous of the Venetian bridges. I read that it is customary to kiss under the bridge on a gondola ride to guarantee eternal love.

My hotel was perfectly located between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, so I navigated through the walkways until I reached my room for the night. The map and directions were pretty lengthy, but eventually I stopped by a nearby shop, where the owner confirmed I was heading in the right direction.

The sun was setting over Venice and I was only a couple of minutes from my hotel.

Reliving the past 24 hours, I couldn’t believe I had actually made it to Venice, a place so magical and mysterious. It is no surprise that all who visit fall in love with this magnificent, one of a kind city, surrounded by water. I am so excited for the opportunity to wake early for sunrise and spend more time in St. Mark’s Square in the morning hours, another perfect time for taking photos.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Venice? What are some of your favorite attractions and restaurants? I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my arrival into Venice!! Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041.5225832

Where to Eat:

Ristorante Rosa Rossa
Sestiere San Marco 3709
30122, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041 523 4605

I was obsessed with the Caprese Salad here….and the Prosecco.

What to Eat:

Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
Vegetables from the Rialto Market
Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta. Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions. Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read:

Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice:

The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen. The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset; Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.

My Interview with Artist Jimi Jones, Leader of the NeoAncestral Movement

21 May 201615 September 2024

Interviewing Jimi Jones was, for me, the opportunity of a lifetime. I admired his latest collection at The Springfield Museum of Art in Ohio where he was the headline exhibitor at this Smithsonian-affiliated institution.

Arriving at Jimi’s studio in downtown Cincinnati, I was a bit jittery with excitement as this was not only my first interview, but a chance meeting with an artist I admired. Having recently written my amateur, artistic review of his work, I was more than elated when he contacted me through my website and suggested I meet him in person to weigh in on my thoughts. I had so many questions to ask him and looked forward to this opportunity.

Jimi Jones has mastered the ability to tell a story through his paintings. His artistry evokes thought-provoking debates and cleverly captivates the mind of his audience. The masterpieces that have been majestically displayed at numerous museums represent all aspects of human culture to include history, politics, philosophy and religion.

Providing his audience with a glimpse of history, Jones’ first painting on display at his Faces & Places exhibit was the “SS Turner”. Artist JMW Turner, with the ambition of making a political statement, painted his macabre work of art based on the horrific fate of the slave ship, Zong. It was his hope that it would encourage Britain to change its current pro-slavery beliefs. Taking inspiration from Turner’s historical art work titled “The Slave Ship”, Jones has also shown his passion for modern day public opinion, political issues and ethical concerns.

Jimi Jones’ ethereal “SS Turner” is also an anti-slavery piece, yet centered around the Civil War Era. Jones admired Turner’s powerful approach in exhibiting his view on the current politics of the day. It is through his paintings that Jones has found his calling in displaying his position in a subtle way that invokes both contemplation and conversation. It is his hope that he can create a masterpiece that “will make a difference [in one’s life] or even change a country’s thoughts.”

I felt privileged that Jimi would grant me the insight into the thought process of his artistic prowess. His art is thoroughly planned and deliberate long before he takes his first stroke upon the canvas. Studying “The Slave Ship”, he explained how selecting the color red for the soldier’s jacket represented bloodshed and that the ghostly blue was perfect for symbolizing death. I felt the intensity of pain through the graphic, diagonal lines as the slave ship lingered in the distance, while the innocence of the slave woman in the background tugged at my heartstrings. It was because of this painting, I wanted to learn more.

One of the most fascinating pieces of Jimi Jones’ exhibit was titled “Why These Cultures”. At first glance, I desperately wanted to understand the connection between the young African girl to the left of the painting and the Geisha girl towards the right. “Why These Cultures” perfectly exemplifies the societal differences between the Eastern and Western cultures, but how can they relate to one another?

As I studied the layers of complexity to this painting, I found myself more and more drawn to the intricate detail that only establishes Jones as one of the greatest artists of our time. His defined use of sepia and pression blue are hypnotizing, but the colorful elements of the costumed horses and the facial expressions of their riders are astonishing. I am afraid that if I stare too long or too closely, the characters will convince me to make their acquaintance. A quick jump into the painting and my life would be forever changed as my destiny would be decided between the cultures of the East or the traditions of the West.

Jimi Jones is a self-proclaimed Renaissance man and one of his favorite, artistic legends is Rembrandt. While many artists included their likenesses in their paintings or commission their own portraits, I found it interesting that Jones would paint a collection of friends and acquaintances to establish his own portraiture. It is a fascinating thought as he explains that “We are a reflection of the people we knew and the people that supported us.” We take on their habits, are influenced or challenged by their beliefs and model their behavior to make us who we are today.

One of Jones’ supporters and fellow artist is Thom Phelps. They came together to collaborate on an ideal that led them to the philosophy of “Neo Ancestralism”. Other influencers in his life include Carl Solway, Owen Findson, Aiden Sims, Catherine Marie Klenke, Courtney Hellebuyck who were honored in his 2016 Faces & Stories Exhibit. What a beautiful homage to the people that Jimi holds in high regard and credits for making the artist, storyteller, political influencer, historian and man he is today.

There are so many layers to Jimi Jones and the depth of his thoughts and processes make him bottomless, profound and all the more interesting. While his artwork is the result of years and years of painting, it is also a manifestation of his life experiences. A successful career in graphic design that provided him the ability to travel the world and an early passion for art, have laid the groundwork for Jones’ success and the foundation for continued greatness in the future. I anxiously await his next collection and anticipate the opportunity to be inspired, moved and encouraged to discover more.

Have you had the opportunity to see the artwork of Jimi Jones? Check out this link for samples of his exhibition pieces: http://jimijonesart.com/exhibitions/martyrs.html. I would love to hear about your thoughts and artistic opinions if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my experience learning more about Jimi Jones and his fabulous artwork,

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jimi Jones for sitting down with me to discuss his amazing artwork!

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