The taproot of the tree of civilization, Iran. While the USA is an entity less than a quarter a millennium young, Iran’s recorded history bows back 5000 years. At its height, about 500 B.C., Persia controlled more than 2.9 million square miles of land spanning three continents, east into India, south to Egypt, westward to Greece. It reigned over roughly 44% of the world’s population, making it the largest world power ever by population … [Read more...]
My Solo Adventure in the Mount Baker Wilderness
Many people associate Washington State with Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park. North of Seattle, however, is filled with wonderful mountain trails to entice any type of hiker or mountain enthusiast. As a former resident of the state, I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't get a chance to explore much of the trekking destinations in Washington. Luckily, on a trip to California for a travel conference that I attended as part of my social … [Read more...]
My Time Exploring the Baltics
While exploring Eastern Europe with a friend a few years back, I decided to visit Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Each country is relatively small and the highlights seen in a few days. And the nice part is this part of Europe is really not that far from the UK. I stopped over at Heathrow Airport on my way to Helsinki - I remember the flight time was only a few hours. After spending a few days in Helsinki - including a memorable stay in a … [Read more...]
A Journey on the Trail of Martin Luther
In the footsteps of 500 Years of Reformation October 31st, 2017 will mark the 500th Anniversary of the world changing event when religious reformer Martin Luther nailed his arguments against the practices of the Catholic Church, his “95 Theses” to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany beginning the Protestant Reformation. I recently took a trip to follow in the footsteps of the monk turned protestant icon, and wondered how to frame it. It’s a … [Read more...]
Ghosts of Verdun
"On the battlefield of Verdun I stand. Half a million, young as I, are buried here. Where are they now?" - excerpt from Verdun and You, a poem by German battle survivor William Hermanns Marshal Ferdinand Foch, France's Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in WW1, is said to have once remarked that the training of a Major General requires about 15,000 dead soldiers. In 1916, at the infamous battle of Verdun, more than 20 times that number … [Read more...]
Eating Essentials in New Haven, CT
I’m not a big fan of pizza. I like it well enough, but I had never had a pizza that I thought was extraordinary. There is one exception - I’m originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and pizza from the town of Old Forge really is delicious. But with square cuts from a big rectangular crust, thick tomato sauce, and an American cheese blend, Old Forge pizza always seemed outside the realm of ordinary pizza, in its own category, at least in my … [Read more...]
5 Things You Must Do in Lisbon
Every city has some things we simply can’t miss. Because they’re part of its tradition, because they’re genuine and because they perfectly represent its culture. Lisbon is no exception – the capital of Portugal has some things you can’t miss while visiting it and today I invite you to discover five of them. Visit the most famous Portuguese bakery. In the early 19th century, in Belém, right next to the Jerónimos Monastery, there was a … [Read more...]
Small-town Travels in France’s Alsace Region
France’s oft-neglected eastern border is notable for a few things: lush countryside, Germanic architecture, and storybook charm. There’s nowhere in the world that sings to the heart like Alsace; somehow, its cobbled streets create the desire to get lost in back alleys with a pastry or two. Alsace is a fairly small section of France, with just under two million people calling it home. Strasbourg, seat of the European Parliament and capital of … [Read more...]
Four of my favourite farm stalls in the Western Cape South Africa
As a child, whenever my parents told me we were going on holiday I became really excited, not only for the destination, but for all the stops that we’d make along the way. It’s tradition in our family that when we travel, that we stop at a farm stall to purchase organic vegetables and fruit, biltong and delicious farmstyle pies. So now I’m going to share with you four of my favourite farm stalls along the N2 in the Western Cape that my family … [Read more...]
Quick Stops Around Napa Valley
So you're visiting the Bay Area and you've learned that Napa Valley in Northern California has been making a name for itself as a world class destination (for some time now, actually). Now wouldn't it be great to go wine tasting there? Brilliant! Most people only have a day to spend. And there's a variety of ways to spend this day. Some book wine tours, some rent a car (or bikes or Segways) and take in the scenery, and enjoy some fine wines … [Read more...]
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