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Reviews for Good Night and God Bless Australian reviews | USA reviews | UK reviews
Susan Kurosawa Trish Clark was guest speaker at ‘A Week-End in Italy’ held at the Blue Ginger Restaurant by the Italian perfumery L’Erbolario, www.primexint.com.au located in the new Noosa Evergreen Lifestyle Centre www.evergreenlifestyle.com.au
Thinking about the Abbotsford Convent -- an excellent venue for literary festivals -- reminded me of another new book, Good Night and God Bless: A Guide to Convent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe, by Trish Clark. Have you ever slept in a bishop’s chamber or a nun’s cell (where’s Dick Emery when you need him?) or sipped wine in an abbey’s dining room? Travel writer Trish Clark reports on an unusual way to holiday in a paperback book which is described as a modern traveller’s bible. Good Night & God Bless is a guide to convent and monastery accommodation in Austria, Czech Republic and Italy. The book came to Clark about 20 years ago when, as a young traveller, she couldn’t find a bed in a youth hostel in Rome and was directed to a convent ‘up the road’. Suitable for the tourist, the pious and the curious, the user-friendly travel guide has accommodation details, local tourist information, places of pilgrimage, travel titbits and anecdotes against a fascinating backdrop of history and religion. The Sunday Telegraph, Escape – Travel Log The flood of travel books continues and one of the best recent arrivals is Queensland writer Trish Clark's guide to tourism accommodation in convents, monasteries and abbeys in Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic. Called Good Night and God Bless (Rainbow Book agencies), it is the first of a series, with the next one to cover France, Ireland and the UK. The guide is full of treasures and Clark backs the listings with good local information on things to see and do. Mike Bingham When she was a 20 something backpacker, Trish Clark had what you could call an epiphany. Turned away from a backpackers' hostel in Rome, she was told to try the convent for accommodation. Staying there was a happy experience and a revelation that led her to discover a whole new world for travellers of all ages. Suitable for the tourist, the pious and the curious alike, her user-friendly guide gives details on accommodation, tourist information, places of pilgrimage and history. Staying at a convent may not to be everyone's idea of a good time, but many Australians head overseas to famous pilgrimage trails such as El Camino de Santiago in Spain. If that appeals, so might the idea of staying in a medieval monastery - with the monks. The settings are fascinating, the accommodation ranges from basic to luxurious, and the proprietors are always friendly and welcoming. The author says this form of accommodation has been a well kept secret. This first volume features Austria, Czech Republic and Italy and volume two, due out in 2009, will cover France, Ireland and the UK. Phil Brown, Sydney writer Trish Clark has completed the perfect book for those with a passion for travel and matters ecclesiastic. Her guide to monasteries and convents in Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic makes fascinating reading, with cassocks full of interesting snippets as the cloisters and their secrets open as accommodation. Clark lists open houses of religious orders (some with fine food); spiritual retreats (quieter establishments) and pilgrimages, as well as details of places of interest nearby. In lieu of 5-star amenities, think curfews - but the hospitality is A1. The Australian Financial Review In this well-researched guide to convent and monastery accommodation in Europe, the author quotes Austrian priest Father Maximillian Krausgruber: ‘In an era where the church is in such dire straits, opening up the cloisters also opens up a potential bridge to people and the possibility that they will once again seek dialogue with us.’ His is a noble view, but the reality is an increasing number of religious orders are being forced to open their doors to earn enough money to survive. Trish Clark first experienced a night in a convent while backpacking through Europe in 1970. She offers details for those who are merely looking for somewhere to sleep from €30 a night; she also caters to travellers seeking a spiritual retreat. Rosemarie MilsomThe Sun-Herald Billed as volume one, and covering Italy, the Czech Republic and Austria, this is a well-ordered handbook to convent and monastery accommodation by Australian traveller Trish Clark. She has a second volume planned (France, Ireland and England), which proves there must be little shortage of blessed beds. The author describes her chosen places as "unique, safe, comfortable and friendly", and they seem budget-friendly too. Don't be put off by the thought of serious seminary-style lodgings: many of the inclusions sound divine (in a much more secular sense), such as Villa Helios on the isle of Capri with views of the Bay of Naples, lush gardens, an orchard and a historic chapel. Alexandra James Being turned away from a youth hostel in Rome 30 years ago has had a profound effect on traveller Trish Clark. In her 20s and in need of somewhere to sleep, she was told to try the convent down the road. Her early religious experience has led to the publication of Good Night and God Bless, the Modern Traveller's Bible. Described as suitable for tourists, the pious and curious alike, this first in a series of planned travel guides provides accommodation details, tourist information, places of pilgrimage, travel titbits and anecdotes against a backdrop of history and religion. The Sunday Times, Perth Good Night God Bless is a refreshing volume that gives an insight into accommodation options in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy. Written by Trish Clark who was schooled in Toowoomba, the reader is taken on an unusual journey into convents, abbeys and monasteries that have been opened their doors to become religious hideaways for the weary traveller. This is a welcome variation to the more usual travel guide, and would suit the pilgrim, the tourist or those looking for a quiet retreat. Open Houses are available to the tourist while a different style of accommodation is offered to those seeking spiritual renewal. You could sleep in a bishop’s bedchamber or discover hidden art treasures! Set with the fascinating backdrop of history, following the travel tips in Good Night God Bless will give the traveller a unique experience with the possibility of discovering spiritual treasures in the context of comfortable accommodation. Offering 5 star to country comfort, a bustling city or a delightful rural spot, some monasteries will have a curfew while others will not accept credit cards. The author has listed what you need to know. For example if you turn to Vienna you will see that Schotten Abbey is a choice, places of interest are recommended plus a guide to food and drinks in the area. Language may be a challenge at times but there are ways to overcome this barrier. Many monasteries are working farms so you may be able to help with vegetable gardens or wine making. The cover of this volume is first class and that quality is continued throughout with maps and illustrations. Good Night God Bless is a delightful read for the intending traveller or those who ponder Europe in the arm-chair. Its 263 pages also lists addresses and phone numbers, plus an index. Highly recommended. Rev. Barb Bailey Simply put, Good Night and God Bless is indispensable. Hats off to Trish Clark and her publishing team for showcasing an authentic tourism concept in an easy to read, user friendly, information-packed format. It's the sort of travel book that you won't want to lend to your friends. Robin Stuart-Clark Accommodation at convents and monasteries is an option that few travellers think of but is becoming more common. Not only do such religious settings provide safe and affordable accommodation options, staying there also supports religious communities that are often struggling financially in the current era. Now a Queenslander with a professional background in the travel industry, Trish Clark, has produced Good Night and God Bless: A Guide to Convent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe. The author is planning to produce three such volumes. This, the first, covers Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy. The book itself is a very handsome production, with a much more elegant design than your average travel guide. It includes several pages of colour photographs, an attractive and clear layout of the text, and a red ribbon marker. An index is also included. Trish Clark is currently travelling, completing research for the next volume in the series – tough work, but someone has to do it! It will cover France, England and Ireland, and is due for release in mid-2009. The third volume is expected to cover Germany, Spain and Eastern Europe. Kevin Mark Ever slept in a bishop’s bedchamber, napped in a nun’s cell or sipped holy wine in an abbey’s dining room? Suitable for the traveller, the pious and the curious alike, the travel book provides accommodation details, local tourist information, places of pilgrimage, travel tidbits and anecdotes against a fascinating backdrop of history and religion. It even details concerts and plays, plus lessons in art, cookery and music that can be enjoyed in a convent or monastery. This is the first in what promises to be a series of unique guides to alternative tourist accommodation in convents, monasteries, abbeys and Christian hotels and focuses on Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic. Vacations & Travel Magazine I spoke next with Trish Clark, whose beautifully presented book offers something quite different. She writes in detail about over 200 monasteries and convents offering accommodation throughout Italy, Czech Republic and Austria. Some of these are spiritual retreats but the majority are open to any travellers. Trish writes charmingly about the attractions of the area, restaurants, historical facts and, in fact, all the traveller needs to know before making a choice. The reviews have been provided by a number of contributors, as well as Trish herself, and, in fact, Trish offers thanks to everyone from God to the Hon.Tim Fisher, Australia’s Ambassador to The Vatican! Even if you have no immediate plans to travel, this is a beautiful book just to own and to fondle ... and maybe to encourage you to dream a bit! Ann Creber Looking for a new and novel way to travel Italy, the Czech Republic or Austria? Tired of package tours and ultra luxurious, impersonal hotels? Here, in this delightfully produced book, is a plethora of interesting places to visit and an exciting new way to find inexpensive and interesting accommodation. This volume is the first in a series of three which introduces the traveller/reader to the concept of staying in monasteries and convents while visiting Central Europe. The author has identified and located nunneries and monasteries which provide, clean, comfortable, welcoming and centrally located accommodation. Visitors of all religions or none are welcomed to each hostel; the only requirement is that respect be shown for the religious practices and peace within. Each page lists the address, type of accommodation, minimum tariff, directions, times of religious services and which gender can be accommodated. Frequently, other cultural activities hosted by the monastery/convent are described with their dates, and major cultural events in the wider community are also listed. This is a delightful and comprehensive book to read and use in planning an unusual and interesting trip, or for the armchair traveller to enjoy. SA Life (South Australian Life) Want to kip in a cardinal’s bedroom or cosy up in a Christian cloister? Then Trish Clark’s comprehensive guide to the convents, abbeys, monasteries and Christian hotels in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy is the guidebook for you. This beautifully-presented and well-organised volume opens the door on religious hideaways throughout Europe that offer good-value accommodation and heartfelt hospitality to tourists and pilgrims alike. The second volume, to be published in 2009, covers France, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The books are a labour of love for Clark. On her weblog at www.goodnightandgodbless.com she says gathering the information about the convents and monasteries accepting overnight guests turned into an obsession. The results of Clark’s obsessiveness will help others more easily find places of welcome and retreat, plus trails used by pilgrims — paths trodden for centuries. (The 140-kilometre Via Sacra, for example, is an ancient pilgrim route leading from Vienna through Austria to Styria, which passes a 12th-century Madonna and other shrines). Other less sanctified delights, including good places to eat, drink and visit are set out clearly in the book. The website contains information about Australian retreats, photos of some of the convents and monasteries, reviews of the book and excerpts. Good Night & God Bless is a fitting companion for the European traveller — particularly one looking for places of rest and sustenance offered by Christian hearts and hands. Marjorie Lewis-Jones Ever slept in a bishop’s bedchamber, napped in a nun’s cell or sipped holy wine in an abbey’s dining room? Trish Clark, author of an unusual new travel guide Good Night and God Bless: The Modern Traveller’s Bible offers a fabulous way to holiday. Suitable for the traveller, the pious and the curious alike, the travel book provides accommodation details, local tourist information, places of pilgrimage, travel tidbits and anecdotes against a fascinating backdrop of history and religion. Meticulously researched, Good Night and God Bless is the first in a series of unique guides to alternative accommodation in convents, monasteries, abbeys and Christian hotels in Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic. The accommodation is located in medieval palaces, fronting on to grand piazzas, in the centre of towns and cities, in countryside near vineyards and olive groves. All warmly welcome budget conscious overnight guests. Visit www.goodnightandgodbless.com for details of the book, interesting excerpts and Australian retreats and accommodation of this ilk. Get Up And Go Ever slept in a bishop's bedchamber? Convents, monasteries and abbeys have always been places which generously welcomed weary travellers. That tradition continues today. Goodnight and God Bless takes you on a tour of religious hideaways offering tourist and pilgrimage accommodation throughout Europe. Volume 1 covers Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy. Goodnight and God Bless is available from the Catholic Bookshop Braddon; cost $29.95. Author Trish Clark was born in Brisbane and is the owner of a successful travel marketing business. Watch out for the second volume which covers France, Ireland and England. Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn e-newsletter
Next we had an incredibly interesting author from Sydney Australia, Trish Clark. Trish spells her last name incorrectly, but she more than makes up for it with an accent that leaves your ear glued to the radio. She wrote a travel guide called "Good Night and God Bless: A Guide to Convents and Monasteries of Europe". Now this is something I'd never really considered before, and I probably wouldn't if I was traveling with companions, but she explains how to travel through Europe at a low cost of lodging by staying in various monasteries and convents. The great monasteries of Europe were the epicenters of culture and learning since the Middle Ages. If you're going through Europe on your own, in attempt to soak in as much history and culture as you possibly can, I'd certainly consider using Trish's method. Producer’s Corner – Peter Clarke - The Jordan Rich Show, Boston Good Night & God Bless dropped into my hands directly from heaven on the wings of angels, or so it seemed. In it, Trish Clark gives us heavenly insider information on convent and monastery accommodations in three of the most romantic and picturesque countries in Europe: Austria, the Czech Republic, and…ah!…Italy. The actual hard information in the margins is so complete and good that it preempts questions arising from her wonderful descriptions of these remarkable lodging opportunities in the main text. The author even divides information for readers seeking spiritual retreats or those just wanting to soak up the ambiance of these sacred places. You don’t have to be a monk to sleep in a 13th century monastery in Tuscany, with a balcony overlooking a quiet, rose-clustered cloister garden — or a nun to breakfast on coffee with steamed milk and just-out-of-the-oven pastries in a 500-year-old Austrian convent. Good Night & God Bless makes accessible fabled places that only the clergy and their friends knew about in times past. But more than that, the book educates us on the origins of these splendid institutions and the rich historical context in which they are set. Whether you are planning a trip or just wanting to travel from the couch, get hold of Good Night & God Bless and read it from cover to cover — it really is a blessing. Joseph Dispenza I’ve had the good fortune to have traveled in Europe and have walked by many of the places Trish Clark writes about in her book. I did not have the good fortune of having read or brought a copy of this book with me when I went. Therefore, I paid too much, stayed at less than quaint places, and missed an opportunity of a lifetime. I doubt I’ll get the opportunity to go back. Sounds like I’m suggesting you buy the book only if you plan on going to Europe and want a cheap night at some hostel, right? Wrong. This is no ordinary travelogue. Trish Clark has put together the ultimate guide book / travelogue / history / religious setting / and "must see and eat" companion any traveler might imagine or want. Filling the 236 pages are wonderful descriptions of convents and monasteries that have opened their doors, many hundreds of years old, to travelers, offering much more than a worn-out hostel bed. She takes the reader through the convent or monastery, gives the location, phone, cost, accommodations, language, and local sights and eating establishments and in such a way as to make the reader feel as if he is packing for a flight right now. Thorough only vaguely describes Clark’s efforts. Her words and descriptions are beautiful, often putting the well known travelogues to shame. Even that is not enough. The book is beautiful, hefty, a keeper long after the traveler returns. She has even thought of a dustcover bookmark and a cloth page marker. What more could you ask for? Well done. Maybe I will go back to Italy for a short stay after all. Chris Querry www.myshelf.com I was sent “Good Night and God Bless” to review while I was in the midst of great chaos. My website, www.girlsgetaway.com was fast approaching its launch and there were a million and one things that needed to be done. During this time of stress Trish Clark’s book was my oasis, my port in the storm, and my escape. What working woman, mother, or wife doesn’t sometimes fantasize about escaping to a simpler way of life? This book tempts you to live the dream, at least for a short while. It’s easy to dive into this book and lose yourself in the places she describes in beautiful detail when the details of everyday life are too overwhelming. If you love ancient architecture and exotic locales as much as I do, I can’t imagine you’d find a better way to plan a trip to Europe than to look through this book. In fact, by the time I finished it, I was ready to pack up and go! In an easy to use directory style this book informs us about the many convents and monasteries in Europe that have opened their doors to the public and are offering room and (sometimes) board. It starts off with a wonderful intro about Trish’s first stay in a convent run by nuns in Rome. She found the nuns to be very friendly and accommodating, and it was her lovely experience that led to her idea for this book. I must admit I really wouldn’t mind having her job; some of the places she writes about sound incredible. They look pretty incredible too; at the very beginning of the book, just to whet our appetites a bit, we are treated to a couple pages of really spectacular photography. In the introduction, Clark reassures us that “… staying in a religious establishment does not necessarily mean adopting austerity. Pleasure does not necessarily go out the window the minute you look in.” In fact, being a non-practicing Catholic myself, this was my first concern upon picking up this book: would I feel welcomed at any of these places? But this concern has not been overlooked. The listed monasteries are separated into two categories: those listed as Open Houses welcome tourists (presumably tourists of all faiths or none), and those that are particularly for visitors “… seeking a spiritual experience or wishing to make a pilgrimage or retreat,” are listed (fittingly enough) as Spiritual Retreats. The extremely well organized and well designed layout of the book make it very easy to make these distinctions; each listing is marked with a color coded banner which indicates whether it is an Open House (red) or a Spiritual Retreat (orange). In fact, the attractive layout of the book is a definite point in its favor. Travel guides are often cramped and ugly, with little consistency between pages and the most important information stuffed in some silly random corner where you’d never find it. But “Good Night and God Bless” is easy to look at and easy to use. The book is sectioned off by country, each then separated by region, and then by individual listings. Each ‘Country’ section finishes up with a list of accommodations that particularly welcome pilgrimages, and then a list of additional accommodations. Each listing always includes a handy little info column on the first page, which lists things like the address, the accommodation price, and whether it is open to all genders. This is usually followed with a description of the accommodations, information about places of interest in regions nearby, and a listing of restaurants and cafes. For the thriftier travelers among us, the listings vary widely in price range; some of the prices are really shockingly low (and some are pretty high). The lowest price I found was Svaty Hostyn in Moravia, Czech Republic, which was listed as (I had to read it several times to make sure I’d seen it right) €9 per person (about $12 US). The highest price I found was Casa di Santa Brigada in Rome, which was listed as €100 per person (about $140 US). The average price was generally around €40 – €50 ($60 - $70 US). Volume One covers Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy, and I’m assuming (and hoping) that future volumes will cover more ground. I am absolutely positive that, before my next visit to Europe, “Good night and God Bless” will be one of the first books I pick up. Girls Getaway www.girlsgetaway.com The index to this guide to convents, monasteries, open houses and spiritual retreats of Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy gives one but the barest outline of the wealth of contents of Good Night & God Bless. Apart from answering the usual questions of where, what and how much, a sense of cultural and historical awareness permeates the text. Want to know where Empress Elizabeth was assassinated, where to seek out the most awe-inspiring classical music or liveliest disco, or where to buy locally grown organic fruit and herbal teas? Look no further than Good Night & God Bless: A Guide to Convent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe. A neat pocket guide to the best alternative tourism routes through three major European countries, this logically structured work is a soothing panacea to the overwhelming plethora of travel books that pulsate off the shelves in ever increasing numbers. Presenting her work in pleasingly demarcated paragraphs, Trish Clark describes the accommodation, ranging from the relatively simple to the discretely luxurious, provided by religious houses that have found the need to become financially viable amid the increasing commercialism of the 21st century. A brief introduction to each country and region, including a map and a few color photographs of the most distinctive sites, is followed by a few pages on each of the leading open houses. Trish describes exactly what a tourist is likely to experience while staying there. Venturing beyond a brief overview of the services and specialties provided, she explores the surroundings of each open house in turn, suggesting which places of interest, food and drink and sporting and cultural events the prospective traveler might most enjoy. For those of a more contemplative frame of mind, Trish describes the spiritual retreats and pilgrimages that can be undertaken in Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic. She also provides the contact details for additional accommodation, so that the array of potentially spiritually uplifting accommodation is reasonably extensive. Good Night & God Bless: A Guide to Convent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe is the ideal guide for those seeking more than the conventional tourist fare – make the most of your next trip to Europe by contemplating the contemplative and return home refreshed and spiritually restored. Volume Two of Good Night & God Bless, which covers the accommodation provided in the religious houses of France, Ireland and the United Kingdom, is due out in January 2010. Personally, I can’t wait! Lois Henderson www.bookpleasures.com If you’re expecting hair shirts and barren cells, this book will surprise you with entries describing modern guestrooms, occasional three-star-hotel-caliber amenities, and even thermal spring health spas run by sisters in Austria. Readers seeking solely spiritual sanctuary can limit themselves to the Spiritual Retreat entries. But the vast majority of lodgings are categorized as Open Houses, meaning open to tourists looking for simple but good quality accommodations at lower cost. For those who want to see photos before booking, most if not all of the convents and monasteries either have their own web presence or are featured on travel sites. Good Night & God Bless is a good bet whether it’s your sole source of travel information or it’s a valuable starting point for those wanting to find out more online (for instance, more detailed maps). The book also offers information not easily found–or simply not found–on other websites. The entries routinely provide information about:
What other book about monastery lodgings would tell you where to find a great beer-bath spa in the Czech Republic? Or where to find an organic buffalo farm for tasting fresh Italian buffalo mozzarella? This book’s helpful tidbits of information, too numerable to categorize here, make it well worth your while. Moira Urich for www.anunslife.org Peter can you please link Good Night and God Bless by Trish Clark is a guide to the best monastery and convent accommodations in Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The book begins with the author’s tale of how she stumbled upon staying in a convent guesthouse in Rome when the hostel she normally stayed at was overbooked. Seeing that it was a fine place for a traveler to stay and it required no religious affiliation or attendance, she began seeking these places out. Aside from being calm, safe and restful guesthouses, one of their standout features is their affordable cost. Can you imagine your own room near the Ponte Vecchio in Florence or the Spanish Steps in Rome for 40 Euros pp/per night with breakfast included? One of the best parts of staying in these types of guest quarters is their authenticity, with fantastic architecture, historic locations, and caring hosts who display genuine hospitality. Each one is completely unique; some are housed in old castles while others are near important pilgrimage sites, some are full of hotel-like amenities while others are plain, small monk cells. Some also house priceless works of art that you can only see while staying there. Clark divides the book by country and also by ‘open houses’ or ‘spiritual retreats’. Open houses are for tourists looking for unique accommodations (and the large majority of the places in the book are open houses) and spiritual retreats are just what they sound like: for those who are not on vacation but rather have a spiritual or healing goal (and most often you are expected to pursue that goal in silence). Unlike the open houses that have set rates, with many of the places listed as spiritual retreats the daily fees are negotiated with the monks or nuns. Some of them sound like the perfect place for a time in your life when you need to re-gain your peace and serenity. Clark explores Austria with its stunning natural beauty and points out many ‘open houses’ with spa’s, as many of the Austrian nuns and monks are trained in spa therapies to help support their spiritual homes – in the same way that many Italian monks and nuns produce wine. She then has a short section on the Czech Republic including Prague, Bohemia, and Morovia before heading on to the bulk of the book on Italy and its myriad choices from isolated hillside retreats to downtown options. The guide is invaluable for planning a trip to monasteries and convents, as many do not advertise and may not have websites with much information. I found this out when doing web searches for monastery accommodations in southern Italy for a friend – it requires much more digging than for hotels. This book should ease the process greatly. Christina Kay Bolton inTravel Magazine If your definition of spiritual security means sleeping in a cardinal’s bedroom, Good Night & God Bless: A Guide to Convent & Monastery Accommodation in Europe (Hidden Spring, 978-1-58768-053-3) is the travel tome for you. In this first volume of what looks to be a superb series, Trish Clark covers Austria, the Czech Republic, and Italy, of-fering copious notes, directions, and historical fodder. In fact, this project will delight readers whether they personally visit the convents, monasteries, abbeys, and Christian hotels, or choose to stay home. In her introduction, Clark notes that, “As a result of a shortage of religious personnel, coupled with the increasingly high financial overheads in maintain their ancient buildings, some religious orders have been forced to meet costs by offering tourist accommodation.” Travelers can assume the rooms will be meticulously clean and inexpensive. Matt Sutherland ForeWord Magazine In a world filled with lodging choices, among the most unusual are convents and monasteries, some of which even offer dining. Trish Clark's Good Night & God Bless Volume I ($20, Paulist Press) is a 242-page paperback guide to monasteries and convents in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy. The guide offers details on affordable accommodations, local tourist information and places of pilgrimage, while offering travel trivia, anecdotes and historic places that host visitors. Throughout the ages, religious orders traditionally have offered hospitality as part of their ministry and a bed and a bite to eat was provided for the cost of a donation. That tradition continues in different forms as these religious institutions provide low-cost, safe and clean lodging for modern pilgrims and budget travelers. A second book in the series covering France, Ireland and the United Kingdom is scheduled for publication on Jan. 31. The Salt Lake Tribune Good Night and God Bless, by Trish Clark, gives great rundowns of monasteries in Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic. Volume Two, due soon, will cover France, England and Ireland. Trish lays it out simply: history, prices, contacts, directions, nearby sights - in short, everything you need to plan your monastery stay. It's a beautifully produced book and if you're planning a trip to any of the countries she covers, this is essential reading. The further I delved into Trish Clark’s beautifully researched and presented travel book Good Night and God Bless I kept thinking to myself, “Why wasn’t this book available when I visited Austria, Italy and in the ‘old days’, Czechoslovakia. Then again, as Trish point’s out in relation to the “old days”, certainly in what is now the Czech Republic, the military were probably in possession of a few monasteries at that time! I came to Good Night and God Bless with a measure of trepidation, as though it would be all about a whole lot of Father McKenzies darning their socks in the night when nobody was there, and their Eleanor Rigbys (forgive me Beatles!), but I was totally wrong. It has a most serene and peaceful ‘feel’ to it, an attractive cover and design, and indeed on the dust-jacket, some commentators have referred to it as a traveller’s Bible. The tone of the work is set in the Forward and it is very quickly clear that Trish Clark ‘knows her religious stuff’. The research and knowledge appears meticulous and although all the sections are brief, they are full of interest and have revealing insights and snippets. The writing is in a most engaging and chatty style, with a brief but adequate city or regional introductions, followed by a detailed description of each facility, and an approximation of cost. There are also a few references to where there is access for the disabled, which, unfortunately, doesn’t feature in enough travel guides. There are some wonderful photographs and the maps are adequate for getting one’s bearings. I found it to be a book choc-a-block full of interesting little facts and not just because there are lots of little references to ‘chocolate stops’ and places for the sweet of tooth. Did you know, for example, that the Austrian Emperor and Empress’ hearts and intestines were interred separately from them? Or that in Italy monks have a Monk Shop which sells bubble bath potions and Trappist chocolate bars or that there is a place that sells gorgonzola ice-cream? There are excellent passages on the paths of the pilgrims, should you wish to follow in their steps, and equipped with this book, you too can now find the restaurant where Graham Greene had his pasta or stay in the very place where they filmed Room With A View. There is a pithy little section on how to survive in Rome and the helpful suggestion to look for places where priests eat for the fare is likely to be good, and cheap. Mind you, well you might seek a seat at the ritzy Antica Pesa restaurant on the basis that a priest is eating there only to overhear owner Luigi say “Father, this is on the house”! Good Night and God Bless is indeed a travel bible, compact enough for your carry-on or backpack, a most helpful reference book and guide which is easy to read, and comes with great dollops of very worthwhile information. We might previously have thought “Nun of that for me” but Trish Clark has opened up a whole new travel genre with her work and her religious pursuit of new travel options is most worthy of acclaim. (excerpt) Winfred Peppinck: Author of A String of Pearls – The Caribbean and Beyond, The Diplomatic Dog of Barbados and Not My Country. Full review available on www.wanderingeducators.com Good Night and God Bless, Volume One is much more than a listing of convent and monastery lodgings. It is also a fantastic resource for things to do and see near the accommodations you choose. Description
My husband brought Good Night and God Bless, Volume One home for me from London. I was immediately hooked on the concept and style of this helpful guidebook. Good Night and God Bless, Volume One covers convent, monastery and Christian hotel accommodations in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy, but it is much more than a list of places to stay run by nuns and monks. Trish Clark, the author, describes the difference between "open house" and "spiritual retreat" accommodations. The first term means that all types of travelers can stay at a particular property (although the owners may offer only single-sex lodgings); the second term means that visitors may only stay if their purpose is to make a retreat or engage in other spiritual activities. She also explains what to expect when you stay in a convent or monastery. Although the author carefully reviews each property, don't be fooled. Good Night and God Bless, Volume One is far more than a list of interesting places to spend a night. Each review tells a little about the order or group that runs the property and describes the special features or activities at each convent and monastery. Even more helpful are the sections on places to eat and things to see in each town. You can literally plan your whole vacation around unique religious lodgings using this book. I do wish that the author had gone into more detail about wheelchair accessibility. I have lived in Italy and know all too well how tiny elevators and bathrooms can be, especially in older buildings. She does explain which properties claim to be accessible and which have elevators ("lifts" in British English), but if you are a wheelchair user, you will probably have to call or write ahead to find out exactly how accessible the rooms and bathrooms are. The next time I head to Europe, I'll definitely take this book along. Nancy Parode - About.com We would rather be voraciously reading through Good Night & God Bless, Volume One - A Guide to Convent & Monastery Accommodation in Europe - by Trish Clark of Sydney, Australia. Having spent a few nights ourselves sleeping under the roofs of convents and monasteries while backpacking through France, we were most excited to learn of Trish Clark's new book. From our culturally full-filling experiences with the monks and nuns during our sojourn in France, reading Good Night & God Bless left us wanting to throw on the old backpack again and head off to the destinations and accommodations that Trish describes. This book is well-researched and a most enjoyable read, packed chock-full of handy information for the traveller seriously planning that next jaunt to lands far-away. If you want to dream the night away inside a piece of religious history in Austria, Czech Republic or Italy, this is the guide to use. Along with details on where to sleep in accommodations that suit your style and budget (with a range from basic country-style to five-star opulence), Trish also outlines places of interest, as well as where to whet your appetite and wet your whistle. WJ can't wait until Trish's next volume comes out that will cover convents and monasteries in France, Ireland and England. www.wavejourney.com/books.html As alternatives to the usual hotels and B&Bs, monasteries and convents may be equally comfortable and convenient. The authors of these guides to such accommodations have invested a prodigious amount of research to insure that their readers find numerous possibilities for economical, educational, and possibly uplifting travel. Clark here covers three countries in her single volume providing a wealth of information about the history of a monastery or convent, in addition to details of the surrounding area for sightseers. There are practical details as to costs, amenities, contacts, and location directions. Clark offers an excellent index. Readers will be pleased to note affordable accommodations in major cities as well as facilities scattered throughout the countryside. Clark offers hundreds of locations including in Vienna and Salzburg, as well as in Prague and in Italy's Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome. Cautions to readers are noted with each entry, e.g., some accommodations in Britain lack towels but do include breakfast. Others, in Europe, may impose a curfew or silence during meals. Advance planning to make the most of this unique type of accommodation—and to find space available at a desired time—is a must for the savvy traveler. VERDICT - highly recommended both for those new to these possibilities and for experienced travelers. Janet Ross, excerpt from Library Journal USA. In June, 1970, Trish Clark arrives in Rome only to find her preferred hostel full. She is directed to a nearby convent as an alternate place to stay. This is the beginning of her journey into the creation of this book. It is one book I would recommend to someone traveling to Austria, the Czech Republic or Italy if they want to see the real people and sights of the countries. The book is broken down into three sections, one for each country and lists the available convents and monasteries scattered throughout the area. There are brief descriptions of the accommodations, rates, phone numbers for reservations, and local historical spots. It also lists local eateries and their specialties. In addition to the featured locales, there is a listing of other hotels in the area in case you decide on the traditional fare; Clark breaks each area into open houses, spiritual retreats and pilgrimages depending on how religious you wish you experience to be. Just think, in Austria you can see where Adolf Hitler sold his paintings or scenes where THE THIRD MAN took place, In the Czech Republic there are still examples of Cubist architecture and the brewery where, in 1880, Emperor Franz Joseph proclaimed the brew "excellent". In Italy, there is a hotel which was designed by Michelangelo. These are not the types of things that you may discover in other guide books. There are also pictures, maps, an index and even a recipe to add to the value and enjoyment of this volume. Put this one on your list if you are planning a trip or know someone who is. Or, maybe just get it for yourself and create a dream or two. Barry Hunter for http://thebaryonreview.blogspot.com
Pray - for an untroubled sleep as you put your trust in Good Night and God Bless Volume II. Following the success of its predecessor (which included such holy European sights as a spa run by nuns in Austria, and a beer garden in an Italian monastery), this new book by Trish Clark links the best spiritual retreats across France, England and Ireland. Pack your cassock. Out February. Sunday Times Travel Magazine The Cistercian sisters at the Marienkron Abbey in Burgenland, Austria, once bred chickens on their farm until they lighted on a more lucrative project. Taking advantage of their location in the the thermal spa region of Austria, they took out a bank loan, learned healing therapies and converted their farm into a health complex. The enterprising nuns are just one community featured in Good Night and God Bless by Trish Clark, that lists convents and monasteries which includes hotels and guesthouses. Several Austrian religious houses have gone down the health-spa route, offering what is described as a holistic regenerating cure for the body, soul and spirit, based on the Kneipp philosophy. There is even a chain owned and operated by the sisters of Marienschwestern vom Karmel, whose services includes facials and treatment for cellulite. In Italy, one of the lovliest religious houses is the Casa di Santa Brigida in Piazza Farnese in Rome. The Brigittine Sisters invite guests to join them for daily Mass in the chapel next door, adorned with paintings and frescoes. Religious houses do have rules, however, and they apply to even the most exalted guests. The Books relates that the Sacristan of the Convento Sant’Agostino, run by Augustinians in San Gimignano, Tuscany, once turned away the Prince of Wales when he arrived late. It was apparently the monastery’s scheduled afternoon closing time and dinner time for the friars. The Tablet
Good Night and God Bless is one of the most original and delightful guidebooks we have ever read. This first volume (one of three) covers convent and monastery accommodation in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy. Author, Trish Clark, reveals that many religious orders offer quality, safe and inexpensive guest rooms in unexpected locations such as convents, medieval palaces, abbeys, beside vineyards and olive groves in the countryside and in busy city centres. She discovers Christian hotels with spa facilities and nuns running Kneipp health spas in Austria, as well as thermal springs and ancient pilgrim trails. Written in a friendly, easy to read style, GOOD NIGHT & GOD BLESS includes maps, colour illustrations and useful details for travellers/spa goers seeking to experience this unusual and welcoming hospitality. We can’t wait for volume two to be published in 2010, which will cover convents and monasteries France, Ireland and the UK. SPA Wellbeing Magazine Good Night and God Bless Volume 1, by Trish Clark, is such a great idea! Beautifully-produced, it is the first in a series of guides to convent and monastery accommodation for tourists and pilgrims travelling in Europe. It offers details of hundreds of places to stay, along with reviews, directions, information about pilgrimage sites and tourist activities as well as some very entertaining anecdotes. There is advice on how to find the former Cardinal Ratzinger's favourite restaurant; details of ancient monasteries in the Czech Republic which are being re-claimed by the religious orders which established them and slowly being returned to their former glory; a string of health spas run by Austrian nuns; information about concerts and plays, lessons in art, cookery and music - all of which can be enjoyed in a convent or monastery. These accommodations are located in diverse places ¬ in medieval palaces, fronting onto grand piazzas, in the centre of bustling towns and cities, in lush countryside surrounded by lavender fields, vineyards and olive groves. But all warmly welcome overnight guests. And all are ideal for people on a budget. Independent Catholic News The first in a series of travel books for convent and monastery accommodation for tourists and pilgrims travelling in Europe. This is a very well produced book, which fills a significant gap in the market, and will help to open doors of experience for travellers of any age. Well researched, friendly and informative it is an invaluable aid to those wanting to experience spiritual hospitality and have fun whilst doing so. The Coracle Save pennies and have a unique experience on the road with Good Night And God Bless, guide to accommodation at European monasteries. Suitable for the pious and the curious alike, it has accommodation details, local information, places of pilgrimage, travel titbits and anecdotes, which will have you napping in a nun’s cell or having a kip with the clergy in no time. TNT Magazine ‘The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page,’ said St Augustine, as he is quoted by Trisha Clark in this meticulously researched book. Here she entices us to tast the delights of Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy where accommodation of choice is in monasteries, abbeys and Christian hotels. Imagine bedding down for the night in a former nun’s cell! In the Czech Republic, former owners of religious buildingas are funding restoration projects by taking in paying guests. In Austria, it is possible to relax and recuperate at monastery health spas, where body, mind and spirit are catered for. Some nuns are trained to give beauty treatments. If visiting Rome or Florence, it seems sensible to investigate such establishments for their proximity to the sights. Local attractions, art and music festivals are highlighted. She differentiates between Open Houses providing hospitality to tourists and Spiritual Retreats offering religious guidance. Magnet Magazine
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