Travel and Leisure

Portugal's Fortaleza de Peniche (Fort of Peniche)

Fortaleza de Peniche (Fort of Peniche), built in the sixteenth century on the island of Peniche, began to be used as a prison in the 18th century. However, it wasn’t until 1934, during the fascist dictatorial political system of António de Oliveira Salazar, that it became a political pr Read More

Our Wonderful Anniversary Cruise Along the Beautiful Danube River

It was the most romantic, beautiful, and educational cruise we’ve ever taken, and it happened to be our anniversary. We cruised all the way down the Danube from our port of departure in Passau Germany, not far from the black Bavarian Forest. We then drifted through numerous towns and cities in Read More

Peniche: The Surfing Destination of Portugal

Enclosed by three breathtaking walls of deep blue ocean, Peniche is the surfing destination of Portugal and maybe all of Europe. Home to several renowned surfing schools, and what many consider the best waves in Western Europe this fishing port has all the essentials for an amazing surfing experienc Read More

Agra Fort and Tales of Mughal Empire

The name Agra is mainly famous for the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taj Mahal. However, the city is more than just the Taj Mahal; it holds the history of a significant part of the Mughal Empire. The famous Agra Fort had been the home of Mughal Emperors for many generations.  Read More

Is Portuguese Food as Good as the Portuguese Think It Is

Is Portuguese food as good as the Portuguese people say and think it is? The answer to that question is simple, yes, …and no. Let me explain. After I first moved to Portugal at the beginning of 2017, many of my Portuguese friends would ask me, “How do you like Portugal?” Howeve Read More

St. Stephen's Cathedral: The Resplendent Baroque Church of Passau

A majestic House of God sits atop a hill in the Altstadt, “Old City”, of Passau. It overlooks the glistening Danube River and the junction of Ilz, a tributary of the Danube running through the Bavarian Forest. Inside is said to sit the largest organ in Europe, a powerful instrument which Read More