Europe

Photo of the Week: Walkway

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IMG_5971Dresden, Germany

Last year, on our whirlwind trip around Eastern Europe, we visited Dresden, a small town in Germany with an interesting history.  It used to be the capital of Saxony before getting completely destroyed by bombers during WWII.  Most of the historic center has been reconstructed over the years to bring it back to its former glory.  

One of my favorite places is the Zwinger palace, the most beautiful structure you’ll see in Dresden or perhaps even Germany. The buildings are connected by a series of walkways that are lined with an interesting mix of Rococo sculptures and statues.  This particular path passes right over the Crown Gate, the well-known entrance into the interior courtyard.  

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

AirBnB Review

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AirBnB is not new, in fact it’s been around since 2008.  We know people who have used the service and had glowing reviews; and others who did not fare as well (there are some horror stories).  In the past, we’ve always opted to stay at a Starwood hotel because our status gave us upgrades and other perks.  This year, however, that status has expired which was the perfect opportunity for us to venture out of our bubble and try something new. Continue reading →

Sintra: At the Edge of the World

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In the modern age, technology and innovation has made it easy for the casual traveler to easily explore the four corners of the world.  It also means that there are very few places left undiscovered.  Even though it’s the status quo now, it was not always the case a few hundred years ago.  It’s hard for people to imagine a world other than the one they were born into.  Before the Age of Discovery, people would look out from the cliffs into the boundless ocean and believe that it was the end of the world.  The famous Portuguese  explorers changed that preconception, venturing out to Asia and Africa, leading the way for discoveries of a whole different world. 

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Photo of the Week: Cistern

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Istanbul (853)Istanbul, Turkey

Recently, Turkey has been dominating the news cycle for all the wrong reasons.  People  have started to associate the country with turmoil and military coups, but the Turkey I fell in love with all those years ago was a country rich in culture and history.  It’s Euro-Asian location offers unique blend of Eastern and Western influences that makes Istanbul one-of-a-kind.  One of the most interesting things I learned is that there are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden beneath the city, used to store and supply water to the residents.  Pictured above is the Basilica Cistern, the largest of its kind, located right in the heart of the city.  At first glance, the tall striking columns and the somber lighting make the space look more like a sacred temple than a water reservoir.

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

Sintra: Fairytale Castles

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Growing up watching Disney movies, I’ve always dreamt of walking through a fairy tale landscape. Sintra, a small picturesque Portuguese town set amidst pine covered hills, is a fairytale come true, complete with turreted palaces.  It is an extraordinary place with a rich history, ornate palaces, and ancient ruins – all of which are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  After visiting in 1809, the famous British poet and traveler Lord Byron declared that the town is “perhaps in every respect the most delightful in Europe,” and calling it a “glorious Eden” in his epic poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. Continue reading →

10 things to do in Lisbon

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Europe’s westernmost capital has blossomed in recent years, attracting visitors to its world class restaurants as well as its culture and history. Despite the old-world feel with its network of antiquated trams, Lisbon definitely has a modern edge. 

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Portugal’s hilly capital, is a coastal city known for many things – from the blue-and-white azulejo architecture, to the spectacular views that can be seen from anywhere on top of the seven hills to the imposing São Jorge Castle. The rambling alleyway are lined with pastel colored houses covered in pretty flower boxes.  The sweet citrus smells drift over the walls, hiding a fruit-laden lemon tree in the courtyard.  Even though the streets are confusing, it’s definitely walk-able, just make sure you bring your running shoes along.  Here are a few places to explore in Lisbon’s labyrinthine streets: Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Towers

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IMG_2368Cologne, Germany

From the the other side of the Rhine River, you can clearly see the towers of Cologne Cathedral.  They are visible from every point in the city center, dominating the skyline. Not only is this magnificent structure the pride of Cologne, it is also Germany’s most visited landmark, attracting tens of thousands of people every day.  

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Eating in Lisbon

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To me, eating is the best way to appreciate and explore a new country and culture.  It is always the favorite part of my trips – and the most memorable.  A good dish is something that I will remember for the rest of my life when memories of the city long fade into the cobwebs of my mind.  Portugal has fast become my favorite European country for food.  As you know, I had a really positive experience eating in Porto and couldn’t wait to try the cuisine in Lisbon.  Continue reading →

Exploring the Miradouros of Lisbon

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The Portuguese often refer to Lisbon as the cidade das sete colinas, or “city of the seven hills.” This is not an exaggeration as we found out on our first day.  Climbing all of the stairs in Lisbon was a challenge, but the outstanding views from the top make the trips worthwhile. Each miradouro offers different perspectives of the city, with panoramic views of popular landmarks from the castle down to the river. Continue reading →

Exploring the Miradouros of Porto

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Porto – with its well worn buildings, colorful facades, and red rooftops that dot the hillside along the river Douro; is extremely photogenic whether you’re wandering through the streets or taking in the views from above.  There are many lookouts with different vantage points over Porto. These places are called miradouros in Portuguese and are usually high points with clear sights of popular landmarks amongst the sea of rooftops. These hilltop terraces are popular with locals and visitors for their panoramic views.  Here are a few of our favorite places for the perfect sweeping vista of the city: Continue reading →