Travel and Leisure

The Big Trees of Yosemite

Between the heavy pine and silver fir zones towers the Big Tree (Sequoia gigantea), the king of all the conifers in the world, "the noblest of the noble race." The groves nearest Yosemite Valley are about twenty miles to the westward and southward and are called the Tuolumne, Merced and Ma Read More

A Brief History of the Palace of Versailles

Situated about 10 miles southwest of Paris France is an epic and historic production known as the Palace of Versailles. On a land that was once the home of a dreary marsh and ramshackle old farm buildings, Versailles has risen to become one of Paris' main attractions and one of the gran Read More

Istanbul's Hagia Sophia: A History of Two Cultures and an Architectural Marvel

Istanbul, one of the most popular cities in Europe for weekend trips, annually hosts over 8 million tourists. This number places it among the ten most-visited metropolises in the world. Located in the area between two continents, Europe and Asia, is this thriving industrial and cultural center. You Read More

Portugal the Country and Popular Destinations

Portugal is a peaceful, beautiful, and mesmerizing southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula of the Atlantic Ocean. The country shares eastern and northern borders with Spain. Panoramic views of the Ocean are showcased in the western and southern sections. The Portuguese Republic’s su Read More

The Flowers of Yosemite

Yosemite was all one glorious flower garden before plows and scythes and trampling, biting horses came to make its wide open spaces look like farmers' pasture fields. Nevertheless, countless flowers still bloom every year in glorious profusion on the grand talus slopes, wall benches and tablets, Read More

Should You Visit Thailand's Phuket or Koh Samui?

Thailand is one of the most unique tropical destinations in the world with its numerous natural and cultural attractions. Whether it be the multiple world-class beaches (with their unique rock formations), temperate climate, great food, or the perfect snorkeling opportunities, Thailand is Read More