Is there anything kids love more than playing with toys? Most, if not all, kids enjoy playing with a range of different toys. So leave it to me to introduce you to some of the best toy museums in the world. With toys such as Legos, dolls, Barbie and Ken, Micky Mouse, Lion King, stuffed animals, robots, trains, and Hot Wheels. These are just a
Luigi Lombardi's Garden to his Violin Shop in Forli, Italy La Bottega del Legno: The Wood Shop in Forli, Italy La Bottega del Legno - Luigi Lombardi's Violin Shop in Dovadola, Italy The Violin The year was 1943 and it was blistering cold. The conditions were unbearable and he struggled with making it yet another day. Days ran into more days
This post won the award by Italy Magazine as the best blog post on an art and culture blog for 2014! Carpegna, Italy Rumbling down the road, past the emerald green pastures, dirt, and signs in Italian, I knew I was up for this adventure. The roads became tinier and tinier as we headed toward Carpegna in the Le Marche region of Italy.
The anticipation was thick in the air when we arrived mid-morning for our very first peek deep into Germany’s Black Forest where Carnival comes alive! Not the Carnival you may be thinking of with drunkenness and bead-throwing like in New Orleans, but a traditional type that has been going for centuries in the forests of Germany. This carnival, deep in the Black Forest, is a
A visit to the Black Forest in Germany may bring you sounds you may remember from your childhood: "Cuckoo, Cuckoo, Cuckoo!" that Cuckoo Clock Sound. Remember from an episode of the Carol Burnett show or even "In the Pink of the Night" by the Pink Panther (if you are old enough!) Are you able to bring to mind an awareness of when the Pink Panther
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico was named the "best city in the world" by the world-famous Condé Nast Travellers Magazine (2020) and Travel + Leisure (2017). This Mexican city sits in the eastern part of Guanajuato and is a part of the Bajio region. This fascinating city was founded in 1542 by Franciscan monk Fray Juan de San Miguel, hence the name of the city.
Right at the center of the Indochinese Peninsula is the beautiful country of Thailand. Did you know that in the Thai language, the word “Thailand" means “Land of the Free”? This mirrors Thailand's freedom from all European nations. This is unlike some of its surrounding Asian countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam. Also, Buddhism plays a huge role in Thai society, as nearly
Founded in the 16th century, the small magical town of Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato is unique and charming. It is the perfect place to visit when staying near San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. This interesting town of Mineral de Pozos, or just Pozos as most people call it, is located roughly an hour's drive from San Miguel de Allende. When someone mentioned this place
My introduction to Vietnamese grocery markets was not a journey of taste. Instead, the store that was closest to one of my holiday apartments was a local Vietnam Circle K market, sort of like a 7-11 in the United States. Being new to the community, where I was staying for an entire month, I spent much time hunting for new products that I might like
There are so many things to love about Mexico. It is one of my favorite countries in the world to visit. I bring you ten popular Mexico destinations to visit in this article that you may not even know existed. Mexico has such a deep heart and soul that it wants to show you all of its Mexico tourism. It is also a diverse country that
As luck would have it, I finally had a chance to make my very first visit to Japan! It had been on my bucket list for quite some time, as I have always been interested in their culture. Japan's traditions evoke so much mystique and legend about their culture. Thousands of years as an isolated island country allowed Japan to create cultural evolutions in solitude,
Is Laos open to visitors and how has the coronavirus pandemic affected travel? Discover the entry restrictions for Laos and whether the borders are open. Is Laos Open for Travel? Brimming with old-world charm, Laos is the perfect destination for travelers looking to get off the beaten track. While other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand attract more visitors, Laos is relatively undiscovered by
India is a unique place to visit and honestly, I never thought I would make it there. I think everyone should experience this country at least once in their lifetime. It is like going on a journey through your wildest imagination. India is a massive country that is home to more than a billion people with huge cultural wealth, diverse religions, and a history that
In the sleepy hills of Mexico lies one of the most gorgeous towns I have ever seen, San Miguel de Allende. This picturesque town is sure to give you all the “wow moments” of a big city, but with the pleasure of a small-town atmosphere. Don’t expect to find a fast-paced lifestyle in Saint Miguel, Mexico-- but rather a tranquil one. One that slowly evolves
Chora Museum Chora Museum is No Ordinary Museum! The sights and sounds that are Istanbul are so difficult to explain, but I tried to show you this through my streets of Istanbul article. At first, I was so overwhelmed with the mass difference between the USA and Turkey that I had a hard time describing my thoughts about this capital city. It has taken me
The State Hermitage Museum is full of art and culture in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is the second-largest art museum in the world containing over 3 million pieces of art! And it is a MUST VISIT anytime you find yourself in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was founded by the Empress Catherine the Great in 1764 when she acquired an impressive collection of paintings from Johann
Italy Revealed Camogli: Travel +Leisure Feature I was surprised to see Travel + Leisure with my beloved Camogli, Italy photo featured directly on the front cover. Camogli is like a slice of the Riviera from decades ago before the designer stores came to line seaside promenades. Before the celebrities parked their yachts in the marinas. Camogli is an exquisite village with a perfectly placed seafront
There is this little town in the central highlands of Mexico that isn’t easy to get to, but once you find your way here, you may never want to leave. That is what happened to me 10 years ago, and today I long to go back to a simpler time and place. Founded in the 16th century, San Miguel de Allende is known for its
Have you ever heard the words "Ecuador Mitad del Mundo" or "middle of the world in Ecuador"? I hadn't either until I had a chance to visit the "Mitad del Mundo" right outside of Quito. I had no idea there was an exact location where you could stand at the earth's midpoint - 0 degrees latitude, 0 minutes, 0 seconds in Ecuador! Apparently, people come from
New Orleans Cemetery... New Orleans Jazz Jazz...that sound that put New Orleans on the map. That subgenre of the blues that developed in and around the city of New Orleans with its distinctive reverberance. Not really a "big band swing" sound, but more of a "heavy piano and saxophone" sound. And it is definitely not "pop" music. In fact, New Orleans jazz is a distinct
Nestled away at the tail end of the Rockies known as the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is a high elevation capital like its Colorado cousin. However, with an elevation of 7,199 feet, Santa Fe is officially the highest city in the United States. Thanks to this, you can expect fair weather year-round and over 300 days of sunshine, making this high desert gem
I am almost certain you have heard of Santorini and Mykonos – those famous Greek isles that everyone loves. I’ve written about both of them quite extensively and absolutely love these charming Greek islands. But these islands can sometimes feel like “a tourist island” if you catch them during a cruise ship in port. They can get a bit crowded, especially during peak season. So
Desert Night Camps - Feynan Ecolodge The Feynan Ecolodge is not just another place to stay while in Jordan. It is actually an experience. Somehow placed in the middle of nowhere in Jordan, the Feynan Ecolodge offers you a stay you won't forget. Here is my account of getting there and taking part in a Bedouin experience before making it to the Lodge... We were
Due to the quirkiness and unusual flavors of Japanese snacks, it is no wonder they have become a global phenomenon. The Japanese have been able to incorporate simple yet flavorful ingredients to create scrumptious snacks such as strawberry pocky, ice crackers, and soda candy. While traveling in Japan, you are sure to find many places that offer a variety of snacks. Vending machines are a
The French Quarter I was with my girlfriend over on Royal Street in the French Quarter at the diamond store. She’s from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, so when I sent her a message I would be visiting New Orleans and that I was looking for the best things to do in New Orleans and luxury or boutique hotels in New Orleans, she immediately went to work and
Ultimate Guide to Puerto Penasco Mexico I've always said that Phoenix Arizona was the perfect place to live except for one thing - we do not have a beach! But in a way, we do, as Arizona's Beach is in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, just a few miles down the road, well 212.3 miles that is! We Phoenicians call it Rocky Point (or Arizona's Beach) and
According to the World Tourism Organization, France is considered the world's most popular destination for tourists. It has over 40,000 classified historical monuments, which is more than any other country in Europe! The national motto of the French is "liberty, equality, and fraternity” and you will certainly feel a part of the family among the locals. The French are responsible for numerous inventions such as
Photo by Marco Santos Gorgeous and sunny Lisbon is renowned for its beautifully tiled buildings, sunny weather, incredible food, and not-to-forget the warm and extremely hospitable Portuguese locals who will always welcome you in with a smile. It is this charm and allure that has attracted so many visitors who all instantly fall in love with the city and its personality. But, if
Savannah is by far one of my favorite cities in the USA. With just one visit, I fell madly in love with the romantic side of Savannah. It was love at first sight. At visit number two, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to return. For some reason, I just vibed with the city. It is hard to explain. But by my third visit, I
Nestled in the northern part of the Caribbean lies the beautiful country of Cuba. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and has a population of over 11 million people. Cuba has been inhabited since the 4th century and although many things have changed over the years, some Cuban traditions have remained constant. And one of these is its Cuban appetizers and snacks. Throughout
I've always felt that Japanese drinks should get more attention. The country's cuisine, after all, is among the most celebrated in the world—shouldn't its beverages follow suit? Over the next few paragraphs, I'll highlight some of my go-to drinks in Japan. Although many of these will be familiar to you, others might seem surprising or even strange. Just as many people have limited exposure to Japanese
Antigua Guatemala, the “land of eternal spring” is one of Guatemala's most popular iconic cities. It is culturally rich and filled with Spanish Baroque architecture and decaying colonial cathedrals. It is literally a museum of Spanish Colonial history. The vibe of this city comes to life with its vibrant color palettes and bustling markets and cafes. As I walk the patchwork of concrete, stone, and
The rich Mexican culture has empowered UNESCO to name at least 35 Mexican landmarks as 'World Heritage Sites'. There are 27 cultural sites, 6 natural sites, and 2 mixed sites (geography with the architecture mixed in) according to UNESCO. Scores of ancient civilizations such as the Aztec, Inca, Mayan, Olmec, and Zapotec have contributed to the modern ways of traditional Mexican life. According to archeologists,
Amarillo is actually a pretty fun town, I should know…as I am from around these parts. I spent my childhood only 45 minutes from here. And I loved every minute of it! Little did I know childhoods could be so much fun! So I created a fun guide of things to do in Amarillo Texas! Fun Things to do in Amarillo, TX! Honestly, I loved
The Ultimate Guide to Lederhosen Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest celebrates the Bavarian culture, not necessarily that of Germany as a whole. All of the beer consumed at Oktoberfest is exclusively made in Munich, to further celebrate the Bavarian culture. During the early years of this festival, lederhosen outfits were worn, yet no alcohol was served. Which is unlike the tons of beer consumed
