The tidy rows of chá bushes that stripe the rolling, emerald hillsides almost seem out of place. Chá, the Portuguese word for tea, is certainly not something you’d expect to see growing on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, the fifty-or-so hectares at the Chá Gorreana tea plantation (Plantações de […]
It may seem a bit macabre, but it’s popular for tourists to seek out the graves of famous people when they’re traveling. I know that when I was in Buenos Aires, I made a beeline to Eva Perón’s grave at Recoleta Cemetery (along with what seemed like dozens of tour groups.) Another time, when I […]
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this weekend, the Golden Gate Bridge is the iconic symbol of San Francisco and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful structures in the world. Linking the city of San Francisco with Marin County to the north, the bridge spans 4600 feet (nearly nine-tenths of a mile) over the Golden Gate Strait, the […]
It’s always wonderful to see animals in their natural habitat. Just outside the entrance to one of the most majestic natural wonders in the world—Iguaçu Falls—is a little gem that’s definitely worth a couple hours visit. The Parque das Aves (Bird Park) is Latin America’s largest, featuring gorgeous birds in every color of the rainbow. […]
Today’s travel photo celebrates travel, discovery and the sense of adventure. Lisbon’s Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is dedicated to the Portuguese who led Europe’s Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was constructed in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, the first […]
After a two week hiatus, it’s time for the “Where in the world am I?” photo challenge again! Like in the past, I’ll give no clues up front, but will periodically tweet and post clues on my Facebook and new Google+ page to help you out. So, if you don’t already follow me on Twitter, click HERE. One […]
I used to think that I’d have to fly to Europe to enjoy a good espresso, cappuccino, latte or macchiato. Here in America, we aren’t a café culture like in many other parts of the world. Everyone here seems to be addicted to Starbucks. As if Starbucks is good coffee or something. The fact that […]
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil This was the view from our hotel’s rooftop pool on world-famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Not bad, eh? After a whirlwind two-and-a-half weeklong trek from Rio to Buenos Aires to Punta del Este to Iguaçu Falls and back to Rio, it was awesome to just relax […]
Often called the “Paris of South America,” cosmopolitan Buenos Aires has it all: a wide array of cultural sights, fine restaurants, fashionable shopping and countless chic hotels. Argentina’s sprawling capital city offers something for every type of traveler. It’s no wonder why porteños—the residents of Buenos Aires—are so proud of their city. Here’s my list […]
Tucked in a tranquil garden behind downtown L.A.’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall is the Lillian Disney Memorial Fountain. This beautiful work of art was personally designed by the concert hall’s architect, Frank Gehry, in honor of its primary benefactor, Lillian Disney. Mrs. Disney had a great love for Delftware, the famous white and blue […]
