The Latvian capital of Riga is undoubtedly the country’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. But I was keen to track down Latvia’s second, more obscure entry on the list: the Struve Geodetic Arc. In the mid-1800s, Danish astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve conducted a survey along the meridian running between Norway and the Black […]
UNESCO
Exploring Krakow, the Cultural Heart of Poland
Krakow is a special place. As one of the oldest cities in Poland, this former capital is a culture-lover’s delight. This is especially true since much of its medieval core survived WWII relatively unscathed. From a stately castle and ornate churches to a rich Jewish history and incredible food scene, there are tons of unique […]
Essential Poland: Warsaw, Krakow, and Auschwitz
Poland is a nation of incredible beauty and terrible tragedy. Rarely have I felt so many conflicting emotions in one destination. But to travel there and overlook the past is impossible. As a Polish friend told me, everyone she knows has been affected in some way by war and occupation, whether through the loss of […]
Why You Need to Visit Lisbon in Winter
Winter sun in Europe can be as elusive as a unicorn. Even destinations you might expect to stay warm, like the Amalfi Coast and Istanbul, can be blanketed in fog or even snow. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I traveled to Lisbon in December, but I needn’t have worried. Thanks to the city’s […]
12 Unique and Fun Things to Do in Porto
Porto is the second larges city in Portugal after Lisbon, and located on the opposite end of the coast. This important commercial center is mostly known for its port wine, but has plenty more to offer whether you plan to imbibe or not. From whimsical botanical gardens and bookstores to azulejo-covered churches and jaw-dropping views, […]