As I ran my hand along the gray stones, a thrill strummed through my core like a guitar string. Almost 2,000 years ago, these huge blocks had been shaped and joined without mortar or cement by the engineers of my favorite nation from History. The structure stood complete to this day -- its arches rising higher and higher as it straddled the valley in Central Spain.

I was walking alongside the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Built during the reign of the one of the early Roman emperors, the aqueduct had brought water to the town from a nearby spring for more than a thousand years. Segovia, with its walls, winding medieval streets, and church towers sprouting here and there, was a history buff's dream. Through it, the aqueduct runs like an arrow. Straight. Regular. Roman. Its contrast with the medieval disorder gives an insight into the Roman personality.

Walking the streets of Segovia this September on vacation was like touching history. I was drawn into gaming through my love of history, like many others. My job with an airline lets me take trips abroad every year seeing the major cities of antiquity, the forts and castles, and the battlefields. Travel, especially visiting the historical places we read about, is something I feel every historical miniatures gamer should experience. You don't have to work for an airline to do it cheaply, though.

Now, as the summer tourist season draws to a close, is when you should plan to go. The crowds dwindle, prices shrink, and what was unaffordable several months ago, could become a reality. Check the European fares in your newspaper -- especially those that kick in after November 1. Or if you're online, surf the web sites of the major airlines. You'll be surprised how cheap it can be.

And for lists of nice, clean, but inexpensive places to stay or eat once you're there, guidebooks from your library are full of good recommendations. I use the "Let's Go," "Rough Guide" and "Lonely Planet" series. Along the walls of my apartment are photographs and mementos from the 30+ countries I've visited. More importantly, though, are the ones that live on in my memory -- of the times I touched history...