This former mining, now ghost town was founded in 1905 with the discovery of gold in quartz by several miners. Its development was as quick as its bust. Its heyday only lasted for about 5 short years before the mines began to be tapped out and residents moved elsewhere. During its peak this was a formidable community of over 7,000 people with several railroad spurs going to town, some 50 saloons, nearly 20 hotels, numerous restaurants, the … [Read more...]
Big Pit National Coal Museum – August 2020
This historic mine first opened in 1812 and closed in 1979. It is located about a 45 minute drive from Cardiff. Admission is free. Tour guides tend to be former miners. Work here was extremely difficult in the early days - children as young as 5 years old worked in the mine - up to 12 hour shifts opening and closing air ventilation doors in complete darkness. There used to be many coal mines in Wales but there are no more mines of this type … [Read more...]
Visit Ushuaia, Argentina – July 2020
El Fin del Mundo, or in English, the End of the World. Such is an appropriate phrase to describe the southernmost city on the entire planet. Several airlines including Aerolíneas Argentinas, TAM & LAN Airlines fly to the airport - the primary connector city is Buenos Aires. Ushuaia's tiny airport is located only about a 10 minute drive from downtown. If you spend any amount of time here, it is helpful if you enjoy seafood! A number of … [Read more...]
Lago di Como, Bellagio – Italy – June 2020
This International hot spot for inspirational natural beauty is world renown. The lake itself resembles the figure of a headless person in mid stride - with the two legs forming the main parts of the lake. Old small towns are perched at times precariously on the edges of its steep shores. Roads are narrow, steep and very windy. Bellagio (otherwise known as the "pearl of Lake Como) is one such town very popular with tourists for its scenic … [Read more...]
Ballarat, California – May 2020
Not to be mistaken for the original Ballarat in Australia (which is still a thriving city and a popular tourist destination), this Ballarat was named after the Australian town by an Australian miner. Originally founded in 1897, it provided services and accommodation for miners working several mines in the nearby vicinity. Its peak population was around 500 - like other remote gold mining towns, once the gold began to play out, the population … [Read more...]
Varese Ligure, Italy – April 2020
There are so many places in Italy that face the fire of International tourism - regions that boast inspirational natural beauty, charming villages and rich history. With extended coverage in guidebooks and a word of mouth that travels quickly when it comes to planning summer vacations - these places are often over-run with visitors. However there is a charming part of Italy that is not yet over over visited. About 30 minutes into the hills from … [Read more...]
Underwater Exploration Institute, Bermuda – March 2020
Underwater Exploration Institute is one of the must visit attractions on the island; their focus is on education and appreciation of the under water world which surrounds Bermuda. The diversity of sea life contained off Bermuda’s shores is remarkable. Bermuda exists because of an old volcano – the land on the island is a limestone cap covering the original lava from the volcano. The drop off is precipitous around the island – down several miles … [Read more...]
Solar do Vinho do Porto Lisbon – February 2020
This is the historic Institute of Port - located at Rua São Pedro de Alcântara 45, 1250 in Lisbon Portugal. What a selection of ports - ranging from young wines to those over 50 years old - and reasonably priced by International standards. Portugal is the home of Port and what better place to start your drinking then with a visit here. The institute was founded in 1947 - it is a homey place to sit around in pale leather chairs and pale green … [Read more...]
Houttuyn Wellness River Resort – January 2020
The Houttuyn Wellness River Resort is a slice of serenity hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname. Located only about a 30 minute drive from the city (or about an hour from Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport), the resort is built on the green riverbanks of the Suriname River. Opened in 2016 as the first wellness hotel and villa resort in the entire country. While there are a number of cozy … [Read more...]
Cruise with Holland America Line ms Eurodam – December 2019
This spacious mid-sized ship can support a small town at times - with capacity for up to approximately 2,100 passengers and over 900 crew. While that is a lot of people the ship is sizable so that while on board it never feels to crowded (with perhaps at times the exception of the pool area on the top deck). The ship offers a wide variety of activities for the entire family, one will not be board when on board! Entertainment and music is a big … [Read more...]
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