Travel and Leisure

Wondrous Juneau, Playful Whales, and the Defiant Inside Passage

It was the northernmost journey's end of our Alaska Inside Passage cruise and the 2nd most remarkable destination of the trip: only behind Canada’s Yukon Territory. It was the serene, surprisingly temperate, and nature-filled Juneau Alaska. Juneau is a magnificent panorama of natur 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

Hong Kong, China: Facts, Travel, and Points of Interest

Hong Kong is a colorful, dynamic, and self-governing metropolis located on the southern coast of China. The name Hong Kong means “Fragrant Harbor” due to its deep-water harbor which is enclosed by mountainous terrain, the South China Sea, and Pearl River Delta. It is this harbo 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

Casal de São Simão Portugal

Casal de São Simão is a beautiful old-world stone village that is surrounded by tall mountain cliffs with amazing views. This welcoming village in the interior of Portugal, about 30 minutes north Tomar, is home to some of the nicest people in all of Portugal. Some of the 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