As destinations go, Split, Croatia is one of the more extraordinary I’ve come across. In fact, the Old City as we know it today shouldn’t even exist! At the beginning of the 4th century, Roman Emperor Diocletian built a retirement palace on the shore of the Adriatic Sea near his hometown in what is now Croatia. I’ve […]
Destinations
Exploring Dubrovnik and Its Medieval Walls
Imposing stone walls have encircled Dubrovnik, Croatia since the 9th century, protecting it from invaders. Visitors now patrol the ramparts, searching for ships on the horizon and perfect photo ops, of which there are many. It’s possible to walk the entire length of the Dubrovnik City Walls, which continue unbroken for 1,940 meters. Watch towers […]
Discovering the Magic of Dublin
Dublin is a magical brew, with the key ingredient its warm and outgoing people. From the immigration officer whose melodious voice first gave me a friendly welcome to the chatty locals offering sightseeing tips at breakfast, each person I encountered left a positive imprint on my recent trip – my first to the Emerald Isle. It seems silly […]
Versailles: In the Footsteps of Kings and Tourists
In the 1670s, Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles on the site of his father’s hunting lodge. Louis was fed up with the scheming nobility and relocated the entire French court from Paris to a remote location where he could monitor them more closely. Versailles was designed to show off Louis’s absolute power as […]
50 Incredible Photos of Riga in Winter
I never liked winter until I moved to Riga, Latvia. Sure, playing in the snow was fun as a kid, but digging out my car and commuting to work was another matter entirely. Teeth chattering behind the steering wheel, I dreamed of warmth and sunshine and planned my vacations accordingly. To say that I was […]