Castles sit above the middle Rhine in Germany every few miles. The most imposing castle ruin you can tour is Rheinfels Castle, which towers over the tiny town of St. Goar. The castle, built in 1275, housed Counts and stood for centuries as an impregnable fortress. Finally, in 1796, French troops breached the walls and…
Where did the Allied Codebreakers of WWII carry on their secretive, vital work? It was at an unassuming place outside London called Bletchley Park, a Victorian mansion and its grounds and outbuildings. The house, on its way to ruin, was grabbed up by the Allies in WWII, and some of the greatest secrets of the…
The charm of San Francisco climbs to new heights when Christmas comes to town. Last week we enjoyed a quick get-away to this city — one of my favorite places. We arrived at the Grand Hyatt on Union Square and right away found Christmas in the elegant lobby. It’s easy to fill a couple of…
Impressionist painter Claude Monet chose a little town near Vernon, a small village in the country outside of Paris, as his residence in 1883. Here at his home in Giverny, the gardens would become the subject of many of his great works. And you can visit these gardens today, planting yourself in essence in the…
Westminster Abbey, located in the heart of London, England, is one of the most iconic and historically significant religious buildings in the United Kingdom. This magnificent Gothic abbey has played a central role in the country’s history, serving as the venue for coronations, royal weddings, and numerous other important events for over a thousand years….
Luxembourg Gardens definitely ranks as a highlight of a visit to Paris. If you go early in the day you’ll find yourself among joggers and rollerbladers and local families. If you visit only one of the beautiful gardens in Paris, I would put this at the top of the list. Here are five reasons you…
What is the London Eye? Although it’s similar to a Ferris wheel, it’s unlike any other similar ride in the world. The uniqueness of experiencing it, along with the spectacular views, make this fun part of a trip to London. This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on them may result in a commission being paid…
What do you think of when you hear “The Tower of London?” Here’s an overview of this place with its structures dating back for centuries. Contrary to what you may picture, the Tower of London is actually a complex of different towers, a palace, and an exhibition of the official Crown Jewels. This post contains…
What do you think of when you see the iconic Hollywood sign? The nine-letter symbol of Tinseltown has perched high on a hill since 1923. It conjures up all that Hollywood and the entertainment industry give us: glamor, film stars who are larger than life, epic movies and enduring TV shows, dreams and drama. You…
Summer Sunday afternoons in Coronado, California offer a free concert in the park for all ages to enjoy. A different band is on tap every week. Last week the San Diego Marine Band provided lively and patriotic music. Horns and drums and fifes filled the air while we all relaxed in camp chairs on the…