Travel and Leisure

Istanbul, Turkey: Facts, Travel, and Points of Interest

If traveling many centuries back in time is on your agenda, then Istanbul is just the place for you. Being more than 2500 years old, the name of this city was changed twice; from Byzantium to Constantinople to the current Istanbul. Set across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul was a much-coveted city th Read More

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana, established by act of Congress May 11, 1910, contains 981,681 acres, or 1,534 square miles, of the finest mountain country in America. Nestled among the higher peaks are more than 60 glaciers and 200 beautiful lakes. During the s Read More

Porto: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Towering cathedrals, a vibrant cityscape, a spectacular wine region to the East, and, a collaboration of old, dilapidated, and new architecture create possibly the best city in Portugal, Porto. This large Portuguese city of Porto (second in size after Lisbon) straddles the Douro River Read More

Some Tidbits about the Language of Portugal

Travelers who want to be more in tune with the culture can learn the official language, European Portuguese, online. Podcasts, videos, and downloads are currently available. Whether you achieve fluency or familiarity, this is the quintessential Romance language. Teachers and translators are another Read More

Camping at Chitkul: Last Himalayan Hamlet Near the Indo-Chinese Border

The mystic and the majestic Himalayas have been carryings millions of myths, stories, and legends in its heart. For instance, the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh used to be known as the land between earth and heaven. The people of this village used to be known as Kinnaras, who were believed to be 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