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History

History

The treats of San Francisco

Every notable city has its standard "halo" locations:  those places that, for better or worse, define the city it most peoples' eyes and minds.  Paris has the Eiffel Tower, London has Big Ben, Peru has Machu Pichu and, here, the USA has San Francisco and it's Transamerica edifice.  Like it or not, they're the eye-catchers,…

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Ceylon, sailor, to Sri Lanka

See what we did there?  We are such pranksters.  We promise that the rest of this article is pun-free. For background, or as a refresher - Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is in Southern Asia. It is an island country in the Indian Ocean, south of India.  Sri Lanka has more than 2,550 years…

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The eighth wonder of the world

Turkey stands at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, and has so for millenia.  Its importance cannot be understated, especially when you consider all that it has brought to the world. If you've been, you'll know that one of the most unforgettable experiences there is the Bosphorus.  Huge, bustling, vibrant and stunning, it has also had…

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Wisconsin is not just cows

Quiz:  how much do you know about Wisconsin, USA? The honest answer is "probably not much."  It's one of those states "in the  middle" of the country that has always had a low profile, except for periodic victories in American football or baseball. It is big on dairy farming, cheesemaking, ethnic festivals, polka and the…

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As old as Moses’ toes . . .

And twice as corny . . . This must be a tough claim to back up:  being the oldest place on earth. And there must be a reason for wanting to make that claim, especially when your claim resides in one of the least populated locations on the planet. But in recent years, science has…

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Your name will be written across the cosmos

Want to really impress your sweetheart?  Yes, a ring is nice.  So is a holiday in Tahiti.  You can never go wrong with a new convertible. But, once you'll achieved these milestones, what do you do next? Well, even if your chances of being launched into space via Blue Origin, or SpaceX or Virgin are slim to…

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More for you to do in Peru

If you have done your research (or, even better) have visited the alluring country of Peru, in South America, chances are good that you have - at the very least - visited Machu Pichu:  that is a must-see. (And the knowledge of that mystical place grows every year.)  Learn more about Peru -  click here. You…

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On the trail of the Holy Grail

Finding the Holy Grail would be, well . . . like finding the Holy Grail. For background, The Holy Grail (French: Saint Graal, Breton: Graal Santel, Welsh: Greal Sanctaidd, Cornish: Gral) is a treasure that serves as an important motif in Arthurian literature. Different traditions describe it as a cup, dish or stone with miraculous powers that provides eternal youth or sustenance in infinite abundance, often…

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Where would we be without Google Maps?

Look away if you're over a certain age.  This next sentence will be painful. As of the date of this article, Google celebrates its twenty-fourth year in existence.   And Google Maps is seventeen.  They grow up so quickly. But, as you might imagine, it hasn't always been completely smooth.  And it's had its issues.  Here…

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Why, you lousy rat gangster

When you think of old-style mobsters, you usually think of New York City, where almost all crime happens in American cinema.  But, Chicago Illinois had its run of criminals, especially in the 1930's.  People like  "Al" Capone, John Dillinger,  "Baby Face" Nelson.... the list goes on and on. There is still an element of romance with…

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Plan a Savannah (holiday)

The United States is a vast chunk of land, with all types of terrain, climates and adventures.  Many of you may have already visited -  or may even reside there. (We did, a long time ago.)  Calling it diverse would be an understatement. Most travelers tend to focus on New York, or Los Angeles, San…

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Updated: Luxury train through the USA

If you’re a regular visitor here to our site, you’ll know how much we love trains and rail travel. So, we’re happy to offer this mash-up for you train buffs: a USA New England rail tour courtesy of the UK’s Great Rail Journeys. Discover the stunning warm hues of New England's golden season, exploring America's…

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Turkish delight

Here's a bit of fun for you. The amusing (and complex, so pay attention) Turkish Netflix series, Midnight at the Pera Palace, is a sharp, stylish and binge-worthy adventure.  Initially set in modern-day Istanbul, a journalist is thrust into the past and must stop a plot that could change the fate of modern Turkey. What…

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Here comes the sun… stone

Little darling . . . the the Aztec sun stone (Spanish: Piedra del Sol) is a late post-classic Mexica sculpture housed in the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City, and is perhaps the most famous work of Mexican sculpture.  It is also somewhat of an enigma. There are no clear indications about the authorship or purpose…

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India’s underwater kingdom

India is a spectacular place.  So many layers of so many things.  History that stretches far into the past and a future that is rocketing into fantastic new directions.  Lovely, kind and curious people.   But, its antiquity also holds its own foggy mysteries.  One of which is the lost kingdom Dwarka.  Originally,  Dwarka was believed to…

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Take Italy from the authorities – Italians.

Imagine living in one of the most desired travel destinations in the world.  Friends are jealous when you visit there, especially when they haven't (yet.)  You visit there often, but are still bamboozled with all of the places you haven't seen.  And Covid has set your travel plans back at least two years. Welcome to the…

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