Sicily, Travel

Marzamemi Sicily

During a recent to Sicily, our tour guide took a slight detour from our journey to the baroque style city of Noto. It was to see the tiny and ancient fishing village of Marzamemi. It was definitely worth it if just for the beautiful views and photo opportunities. The village is small and easily walkable.… Continue reading Marzamemi Sicily

Sicily, Travel

A Roman Villa in Sicily

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, the Villa Romana del Casale is worth the short trip from the town of Piazza Armerina, Sicily (~ 3km). This ancient Roman villa or palace is known for its 40 beautiful mosaic floors. One could spend hours here exploring these decorative mosaics. This open-air museum differently should be part… Continue reading A Roman Villa in Sicily

Sicily, Travel

Salt Pans of Stagnone Reserve and Mozia Island

During our time in Palermo, we decided to take a day trip to the Salt Pans in the Stagnone Reserve and the Mozia Island. We booked this tour via Viator. Our guide Michael was both a great driver and an informal guide. Salt Pans in the Stagnone Reserve Salt Pans of Stagnone Lagoon The Salt… Continue reading Salt Pans of Stagnone Reserve and Mozia Island

France, Travel

A Visit to Lyon, France

Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) Our viking river cruises ended in Lyon, France. One of my favorite parts of this city was the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), which is located at the foot of Fourvière Hill. This part of the city has colorful cascades, pedestrian streets, and the Les Traboules. The les Traboules are secret passageways… Continue reading A Visit to Lyon, France

Oregon, Travel

Lan Su Chinese Garden

A recent visit to Portland, Oregon gave me the opportunity to explore the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This little oasis in the small Chinatown district of  Portland gives you the opportunity to experience a tranquil, quiet, and beautiful environment behind the walls. In addition, you have the opportunity to learn how two cities, Portland and… Continue reading Lan Su Chinese Garden

Texas, Travel

Oleander Hotel’s Past Better Left Forgotten or Should It?

Galveston Island, Texas Galveston Island has some wonderful historical sites including the Moody Mansion, the Bishop's Palace, St. Joseph Church, and of course, the Pleasure Pier just to name a few. I will be exploring each of these in upcoming posts. There is still more to learn about this wonderful island.  Galveston Island has experienced its… Continue reading Oleander Hotel’s Past Better Left Forgotten or Should It?

Palestine

Stars and Bucks Coffee, Bethlehem, Palestine

What is Stars and Bucks Cafe? This is little chain of coffee shops is not to be confused with the more popular and known  Seattle-based Starbucks chain.  You will only find Stars and Bucks Cafe in Palestine. There were two from what I could tell during my first into the West Bank. One in Bethlehem and the… Continue reading Stars and Bucks Coffee, Bethlehem, Palestine