Travel and Leisure

Portugal's Junta de Freguesia de Dornes

Bordered by the beautiful Zêzere river, Junta de Freguesia de Dornes is home to a traditional Greek-style village that is home to approximately 700 people, giving it that Portuguese small-town charm. One of the peninsula's most famous attributes is its gorgeous beach, if one is brave enoug Read More

A Brief History of Schönbrunn Palace (House of Habsburgs)

Located in Vienna, Austria, Schönbrunn Palace has a history that dates to the Middle Ages. However, it was not until 1569 that the estate came into the possession of the House of Habsburg (Haus Österreich) through Maximilian II. Prior to that, there were many documented owne Read More

Madeira: A Beautiful, Lush, Diverse and Fun Island

We were utterly unprepared for Madeira, at least from an automotive perspective. This unpreparedness was symbolic of the wonder of the Island of Madeira; let me explain. We rented a car, as we always do on vacation so that we could explore the island as it was meant to be explored. As usual, we rent Read More

Yosemite: Winter Storms and Spring Floods

The Bridal Veil and the Upper Yosemite Falls, on account of their height and exposure, are greatly influenced by winds. The common summer winds that come up the river cañon from the plains are seldom very strong; but the north winds do some very wild work, worrying the falls and the forests, Read More

Slovenia: The Stunning Overlooked Treasure of Europe

Snow-capped peaks of the Alps, warm Adriatic waters and world-class monuments are only some of the things that small country of Slovenia has to offer. Extending only about 20,000 square kilometers is one of the most underestimated and stunningly beautiful countries in Europe. However, in spite Read More

Toledo Spain: History's Meeting Point of Past and Present

In the geographical core of Spain, barely an hour drive southeast from the capital Madrid, the ancient city of Toledo is arising from the granite hills of Castille-La Mancha – the province once immortalized by Miguel de Cervantes as the birthplace and the roaming grounds of his famous characte Read More