Whether by design or default, our homes reflect a good deal about our personalities. But what does a 6-story house covered with rhinos, elephants, frogs, catfish, lizards, stags, mermaids, and a snake hanging down like a scaly drain pipe say about the owner? Continue reading
For Europe-bound travelers trying to avoid hordes of high-season tourists, autumn shoulder season is the perfect time to visit. But, one of the downsides is unpredictable weather. Our day trip to Jūrmala, Latvia was a shivery reminder of how capricious weather can turn a cold shoulder. Continue reading
Honestly, you never know what those wacky Mayanist scholars are going to say next. In their book The Maya, authors Michael Coe and Stephen Houston describe a stone relief as “God L, the patron of warriors and traders, smoking a cigar,” The minute I read this, I knew that I had to see it. I … Continue reading
Travelers are thrilled when world-class attractions are easy to visit and not overrun with tourists. We were certainly surprised by the ancient city of Uxmal because it’s just this type of rare gem. Continue reading
To the delight of modern tourists, Maya kings sought to outdo each other with more and more impressive temples, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mal) is an outstanding example. Continue reading
Every traveler must certainly remember their first trip abroad, and for me, that was Belize in Central America. The trip’s downside was catching my first case of dengue fever, but the upside was a visit to the ruins of the Maya city of Altun Ha. Continue reading
If you’re looking for an all-purpose goddess, look no further than Athena. Her wide-ranging purview included the arts, wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law, justice, mathematics, strength, strategy, crafts, skill, … and, justifiable (hmmm?) warfare. Continue reading
