Category Archive: Destinations

Decorative Portuguese Azulejos Tiles: History & Culture Significance

Wander most any street in Portugal, and you’ll see azulejos tiles, those decorative blue tiles on buildings, churches, and homes. At first glance, they seem merely decorative, but a closer look reveals artistic storytelling — a majestic sailing ship navigating the seas, a biblical scene, a marketplace depicting every day life. 

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16 Incredible Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, a bustling metropolis, is not just busy, it’s also friendly and a paradise for food enthusiasts. And don’t even get me started on the nightlife! It’s a city that truly never sleeps. But don’t worry, Bangkok is typically a safe and welcoming place for travelers. Known as the “City of Angels that never sleeps,” Bangkok is a place of historic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and limitless entertainment options. Getting around is easy with its efficient Skytrain, underground, tuk-tuks, taxis, and even the occasional trundling ancient bus. Whatever your taste or lifestyle, you can find it in Bangkok. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend coming during the “cool season” from late November to mid-January when the temperatures are a bit more bearable, around 90 Fahrenheit (36 Celsius) – especially if this is your first time visiting. But the best […]

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Gouda Cheese & Gouda the Town: Two Dutch Treats to Discover

Ah, Gouda – a delicious cheese that we’re all familiar with! Eat it as it is, on a cheese board, or slice it up and pop it on a sandwich – you simply can’t go wrong.  Gouda is named after a city found in the South Holland province of the Netherlands. And the city has a lot going for it, not just the cheese.  This post will serve as a primer on what you need to know about Gouda – the cheese name and the Dutch city. So, stick with us as we cover the basics of the city of Gouda, the origins of the cheese, how to pronounce it, and most importantly, how to eat it. With this info in mind, you’ll be primed to dig in to learn – and eat – more Gouda. How to Pronounce Gouda […]

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Giacomo Puccini: Historical Sites in Lucca, Italy

Lucca is a walled city in the Tuscany region of Italy. The walls, built in the 16th century, are a popular option for walking or biking around the city. It’s a convenient getaway destination for travelers visiting Florence (about an hour an a half drive) when they want to escape the busyness of the city. We visited Lucca on a day trip while on a Mediterranean cruise, and enjoyed the time we spent there. We had the better part of the day to explore Lucca, which was time to see the highlights, but there’s plenty more to see on a return visit. Lucca is the birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini. Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858 and died in Brussels in 1924, and music fans – especially opera lovers – consider visiting an homage to Puccini. While there, […]

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Washington Wine Tasting: Darby Winery, West Seattle

Darby Winery in West Seattle is a great urban spot for wine lovers. Located in the West Seattle junction, it’s an easy walk to much of the neighborhood, and if you’re coming from further away, the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge makes it an easy drive. The Darby Story The winery started in 2002 when Darby English, the founder, and head winemaker, began making wine in his basement. His goal was to make the best wine in the state using the best products and winemaking techniques.  Three years later, he started producing wine for commercial sale. With less than 400 cases total, about half Syrah and half Viognier/Roussanne, the supply sold out extremely fast.  One year later, Darby tripled his wine production to 1,200 cases in one year and opened a tasting room. Locals loved his wine then, and […]

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