Category: 2024
-

Christmas Garden on Island Mainau ๐ฉ๐ช
Just visited the magical Christmas Garden on Island Mainau, and it set the stage for the holiday season! The sparkling lights, festive music, and unique experiences made it the perfect way to end the evening.
-

Hohenzollern Castle Winter Magic ๐ฉ๐ช
Hohenzollern Castle, sitting high on the mountain, is about 1,000 years old and was the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern family, who helped shape German history. With its breathtaking views and fairy-tale design, itโs a must-see for history buffs and travelers alike. We were fortunate to catch the Christmas festivities ๐ ๐
-

Cyprus ๐จ๐พ
Country # 28, Cyprus ๐จ๐พ. A quick beach stop in this complicated island. The Cyprus conflict centers around the islandโs divided population of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, along with the historical presence of British colonial interests. Following independence from Britain in 1960, tensions escalated between the two communities, leading to intercommunal violence and a…
-

Bodrum Turkey ๐น๐ท
Next stop, Bodrum Turkey ๐น๐ท
-

Ephesus, Turkey ๐น๐ท
During my visit to Ephesus in Turkey ๐น๐ท , I was struck by how advanced the ancient culture was. The impressive ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theatre, highlighted their architectural and engineering skills. However, the city eventually declined due to the bay silting up, which affected trade and access. It was…
-

Mykonos ๐ฌ๐ท
During my visit to Mykonos ๐ฌ๐ท, we enjoyed strolling through the narrow streets. The whitewashed buildings and colorful flowers created a pleasant atmosphere. I found small shops and cafes at every turn, and each corner offered a nice view of the sea.
-

Cruise Ship Highlights ๐ฎ๐น๐ฌ๐ท ๐น๐ท๐จ๐พ
The Royal Caribbean cruise was our first and likely not our last.
-

Spa Town, Pilsen ๐จ๐ฟ
Pilsen is absolutely a spa town option. ๐ ๐๐งโโ๏ธ๐จ๐ฟ
-

Patton Liberated Pilsen ๐จ๐ฟ
If you find yourself in Western Bohemia, a stop in Pilsen (Plzeล) is usually synonymous with world-class beer. But for history buffsโespecially those with a connection to the US militaryโthere is a much deeper, more emotional story to uncover at the Patton Memorial Pilsen. Opened in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of the end…
-

Deep Dives and High Peaks: Exploring the Layers of Pilsen ๐จ๐ฟ
Our arrival to Pilsen in October 2024 felt like stepping into a city in transition. While the summer crowds had thinned, the energy in Republic Square (Nรกmฤstรญ Republiky) was buzzing as the traditional Havelโs Market was being set up. The scent of trdelnรญk and grilled sausages began to fill the air as craftsmen prepared their…