A family traveling to Guatemala to see the Mayan ruins at Tikal encounter "los hombres militarious" and uniformed soldiers. A sightseeing trip in Turkey meets with obstacles, courtesy, and aid from an unexpected source. A visit to the Eiffel Tower ends with eviction by security guards. An idyllic kayaking vacation in Florida turns into an expedition of courage. In addition to tales of modern travels and travails, Hann's stories include the experiences of two young men searching for jobs as they make their way through the Northwest riding the rails before World War I; a coal miner's dark journey in Osage County, Kansas; and the competition between two German noblewomen for the affections of a dashing cavalry officer.