Travel and Leisure

Brief Facts and History of the Danube River

Flowing across ten countries, the Danube River is the second longest river in Europe with the longest being the Volga River. The river’s source is in the Germany’s Black Forest and flows spectacularly through countries such as Bulgaria and Austria. It continues to flow through major 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

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

Portugal's Coastline: A Photographic Journey

Portugal is a beautiful country with beautiful people and a long, rich history. Suffice to say; many things make Portugal a special place; from rolling hills in interior Portugal with their quilted landscapes of vineyards and olive trees to beautiful sandy beaches to majestic and imposing Monasterie Read More

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

The Palace of Mafra: Portugal's Magnificent Palace

The Palace of Mafra was built in the 18th Century and remains the most important baroque monument in Portugal to this day. It was commissioned by King João V as a symbol of his gratitude that he was able to bear children with his wife. The Palace was constructed from marble and limestone and Read More