Living Like an Empress Dowager at Beijing’s Summer Palace

The Summer Palace lies on the northwest edge of Beijing, China by Kunming Lake, in what used to be countryside.

As the name implies, it was the imperial getaway from summer in the city, but palace only describes a part of this place… CONTINUE READING >>

The Summer Palace lies on the northwest edge of Beijing, China by Kunming Lake, in what used to be countryside.

As the name implies, it was the imperial getaway from summer in the city, but palace only describes a part of this place… CONTINUE READING >>

Stockholm Syndrome: Captured by Sweden


From now on, when we visit a city and wish we had been able to stay much longer, we shall refer to the situation as Stockholm syndrome.

The Swedish capital was completely captivating.

And we couldn’t help but have fond feelings for our captor… CONTINUE READING >>


From now on, when we visit a city and wish we had been able to stay much longer, we shall refer to the situation as Stockholm syndrome.

The Swedish capital was completely captivating.

And we couldn’t help but have fond feelings for our captor… CONTINUE READING >>

Dispatch Two: North to the Arctic Circle by Train in Norway, A Live Blog

It’s snowy, it’s cold… it’s awesome!

Norway is amazing in the wintertime – and we are planning to see as much of it as we can, by train!

Follow us LIVE as we discover fjords, master painters, breathtaking scenery, strange food, amazing animals on our way to our to our ultimate goal – the Arctic Circle and the Northern Lights… CONTINUE READING >>

It’s snowy, it’s cold… it’s awesome!

Norway is amazing in the wintertime – and we are planning to see as much of it as we can, by train!

Follow us LIVE as we discover fjords, master painters, breathtaking scenery, strange food, amazing animals on our way to our to our ultimate goal – the Arctic Circle and the Northern Lights… CONTINUE READING >>

Dispatch Two: River Cruising Paris to Prague, A Live-Blog

It’s a living fairy tale – we’re still happily river cruisin’ through France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic!

Don’t miss a single fabulous moment – and

Join us LIVE for every step of the way!..CONTINUE READING >>

It’s a living fairy tale – we’re still happily river cruisin’ through France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic!

Don’t miss a single fabulous moment – and

Join us LIVE for every step of the way!..CONTINUE READING >>

Dispatch One: River Cruising Cities of Light, A Live-Blog

We’re excited to bring you along LIVE as we explore the cities of light along the Rhine, Moselle and Main Rivers!

We’ll be cruisin’ through France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic starting in Paris and steaming toward Prague.

Join us for every step of the way – live!.. CONTINUE READING >>

We’re excited to bring you along LIVE as we explore the cities of light along the Rhine, Moselle and Main Rivers!

We’ll be cruisin’ through France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic starting in Paris and steaming toward Prague.

Join us for every step of the way – live!.. CONTINUE READING >>

Getting Centered at the Equator in Ecuador (or Our Journey to the Center of the Earth)


Just outside of Quito, Ecuador lies the exact midway point between the North and South poles and, being of reasonably sound minds, we had to see it.

Seriously, when do you get the chance to stand on  Latitude 00° 00′ 00”?

We did some wacky things there, but only one of us got a certificate for the wackiest thing of all… CONTINUE READING >>


Just outside of Quito, Ecuador lies the exact midway point between the North and South poles and, being of reasonably sound minds, we had to see it.

Seriously, when do you get the chance to stand on  Latitude 00° 00′ 00”?

We did some wacky things there, but only one of us got a certificate for the wackiest thing of all… CONTINUE READING >>

Florence on the Fly

Widely heralded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Firenza is the center of Italy’s art universe, and home to many of the world’s greatest masterpieces.

Florence has treasures that could take days, weeks, months, years, or perhaps a lifetime to fully exploreCONTINUE READING >>

Widely heralded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Firenza is the center of Italy’s art universe, and home to many of the world’s greatest masterpieces.

Florence has treasures that could take days, weeks, months, years, or perhaps a lifetime to fully exploreCONTINUE READING >>

Wachau Talkin’ About? Austria Along the Danube

In this region — far removed from any modern hustle and bustle — the river winds beneath church towers, vineyards, and ancient castle ruins as it passes the hamlets that dot the hillsides along the banks.

No wonder the entire area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage… CONTINUE READING >>

In this region — far removed from any modern hustle and bustle — the river winds beneath church towers, vineyards, and ancient castle ruins as it passes the hamlets that dot the hillsides along the banks.

No wonder the entire area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage… CONTINUE READING >>