Category: Year
-
Touring the Dohány Street Synagogue: A Monument to Faith, Resilience, and Unity
During our time in Budapest, we had the opportunity to visit the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, a site that is not only visually striking but also deeply significant in European Jewish history. As the second-largest synagogue in the world—second only to the Temple Emanu-El in New York City—this landmark stands as a testament to the…
-
Virtual Adventure in Buda: Saving Queen Sisi & Savoring Goulash 🇭🇺
What started as a casual sightseeing plan turned into an unexpected adventure on the Buda side of Budapest — complete with a virtual mystery, historical intrigue, royal guards, and a hearty bowl of goulash. Here’s how we explored Buda in the most immersive way: by joining a virtual game to save Queen Sisi from an…
-
European Country #19, Hungary 🇭🇺
First stop Budapest Parliament which was made during the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and far greater than needed. Today the parliament occupies about 10% of the building. We stopped at the kids favorite museum so far, the Pin Ball Museum! Hungarian Parliament (Országház) The Parliament was built from 1885 to 1902 to celebrate the Hungarian millennium year…
-
Planes, Trains & Automobiles Through Hungary & Romania 🇭🇺🇷🇴
Our spring adventure began in Budapest, where we landed and spent a few unforgettable days soaking in the city’s mix of elegance and edge. From the thermal baths at Széchenyi to sunset views from Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian capital delivered nonstop charm, paprika-spiced dishes, and riverside walks along the Danube. Then came the next leg…
-
Port, Pastries & Painted Houses in Northern Portugal 🇵🇹
Our trip began in beautiful Porto, where we wandered the riverside, admired the azulejo-covered buildings, and enjoyed a relaxing port wine tasting with a view of the Douro. The city’s rich flavors and laid-back charm made it easy to fall in love. From there, we headed to the coastal gem of Costa Nova do Prado,…
-
Lantern Lights & Indoor Skiing in Metz 🇫🇷
For the MLK long weekend, we slipped away for a quick adventure to Metz, France. It was just the right mix of festive lights, winter fun, and easy travel. We stayed at a cozy hotel in Amnéville, just outside Metz, which gave us the perfect base for exploring. The first evening, we headed straight to…
-
Layover Luxury: High Tea and The Lion King in London 🏴 🇬🇧
With just a one-day layover in London, we managed to save €1,000 on flights—and we definitely put that to good use! We met up with friends for a classic high tea, savoring finger sandwiches, scones, and endless cups of tea in a cozy, elegant spot. Later, we caught The Lion King at the theatre—a highlight…
-
A Relaxed Morning and Arctic Wonders Before Glamping Under the Stars 🇳🇴
After a well-deserved sleep-in, we started the day with visits to two fascinating Tromsø attractions. First up was the Polarmuseet (Polar Museum), where we dived into Norway’s rich history of Arctic exploration, hunting, and survival. The exhibits bring to life the grit and daring of early polar adventurers—a perfect way to connect with the spirit…
-
Chasing the Aurora: A Night I’ll Never Forget 🇳🇴
That evening, we joined a guided tour to chase the Northern Lights, and what unfolded was, without exaggeration, the most magical travel experience of my life. We drove out away from Tromsø’s city lights into the quiet Arctic night, where the sky opened up into a curtain of stars—and then, slowly, it began. The aurora…
-
Fishing Through History on the Hermes II 🇳🇴
The next day, we stepped aboard something truly special: the Hermes II—a beautifully restored, over 100-year-old wooden boat that still sails the Arctic waters around Tromsø. More than just a scenic cruise, this was a journey deep into northern Norwegian heritage Our half-day fishing tour took us past dramatic fjords and snowy peaks, all while…