The old cliché “Global Village” sounds quaint, but in a world of unlimited travel choices every tourist board and city government knows that their marketing plan must include an icon. Continue reading
Category Archives: Architecture
Architecture / Art / Travel
Hearts Abound: Chance Favors the Prepared Mind
“Chance favors the prepared mind.” –Louis Pasteur Continue reading
A Gem and a Gym: Bratislava’s Art Nouveau
On a crisp Fall day with clear, azure skies it’s hard to take a bad photo – but I’m having no luck. It’s “Blue on Blue.” My subject seems to blend right into the sky and nearly disappear – except for the white icing and sparkly bits. Continue reading
Rockin’ the Rhinos Since 1903: Kyiv’s Chimera House
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
Architecture / Latvia / Travel
Jūrmala, Latvia: Where Modern Fortune Meets Faded Glory
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
Architecture / Mexico / Travel
The Ruins at Palenque: A True Jungle Gem
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
Architecture / Mexico / Travel
Uxmal: The Coolest, Closest Ancient City Out There
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
