Travel and Leisure

Madrid and Its Amazing Food, Fun, and Must-See Sights

Bestowed with a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city, Madrid boasts many exciting experiences (food, fun, and attractions) for both its inhabitants and visitors. Besides being in Spain, a country with several other major attractions and cities like Barcelona and Seville, Madrid has alway Read More

Some National Parks at a Glance

[Number, 18; total area, 10,739 square miles] NATIONAL PARKS IN ORDER OF CREATION LOCATION AREA IN SQUARE MILES DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS Hot Springs, 1832 Middle Arkansas 1-1/2 46 hot springs possessing curative properties—M Read More

Batalha and the Monastery of the Battle (Moisteiro da Batalha)

Life in Batalha revolves around a single structure of epic proportions, a truly monolithic sight: the Batalha Monastery (Moisteiro da Batalha), or Monastery of the Battle. With intricate stone latticework decorating the exterior, ornately carved stone ceiling that soars overhead, and high Gothic sty Read More

History, Patience, and Understanding: An American Travel Story of Growth

For three years, my wife and I have lived abroad in Portugal. This time of temporary immigration has led to meeting people of many different cultures and has provided delightful experiences. Recently, I had another learning encounter that teaches all of us a beautiful lesson. I went into a ca Read More

Chichen Itza: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Located deep in the northern end of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World; Chichén Itzá. Loosely translated, it means at the edge of Itza’s wall. Because of its close proximity to the seaside tourist destination of Cancun, only a 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