Category: History

Culture / History / Off-the-beaten-path / Off-the-cuff / South America

Jewish Holocaust Memorial – Montevideo, Uruguay

While walking along the Montevideo waterfront, I happened upon a plaque which announced (in Spanish) the Jewish Holocaust Memorial. So I followed the short path toward the waterline to check it out. The memorial itself is very simple yet incredibly powerful. It consists entirely of just two sections of sea...

Dining / History / Logistics / South America

Buenos Aires: the most European city in the Americas

The first image in this set is the street I stayed on while I was in Buenos Aires. Throughout many of the neighborhoods of “old” Buenos Aires, the main arterial roads are all standard asphalt. But nearly all of the side streets are narrow cobblestone. Everywhere you look, there are...

Active / Activities / Bucket List / History / South America

Learning Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

I’ve read that dance is a conversation between body and soul. Sometimes that conversation comes in whispers, other times in shouts. Tango is like those passionate cries that make the neighbors blush. Tango is very much a conversation… and a sexy one, at that. The entire conversation takes place strictly with body...

Activities / Africa / Bucket List / Facts & Trivia / History / Laid-back / Middle East

Egyptian National Museum, part 3 – Statues

The statues that were carved in ancient Egypt ranged from tiny (small enough to stand three of them on a coin) to enormous. All of them were incredibly detailed. Far more detailed than I was expecting. They are also far more well-preserved than I expected. Of course some are broken...

Africa / Facts & Trivia / History / Laid-back / Middle East

Egyptian National Museum, part 2 – Mummies

Probably 90% of the people who go to the Egyptian Museum go there to see the mummies and the most famous mummy of all: King Tut. I got to see both. Photos of everything in the King Tut room is strictly forbidden, however I did get one cool photo that...

Activities / Africa / Bucket List / Facts & Trivia / History / Laid-back / Middle East

Egyptian National Museum, part 1 – Hieroglyphics

After an earlier aborted attempt, I finally got to visit the Egyptian National Museum. First of all, their website is woefully out of date. The admission price had increased from EGP£150 (~US$8.47) to EGP£240 (~US$13.55). That’s only a few cents to Americans but, for some people coming from poorer countries,...

Activities / Africa / Bucket List / History / Laid-back / Middle East / Moderately Active

What I Learned by Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids

I recently quit my day job, sold my house, put all my belongings in storage and set out to wander the world. Part of the whole purpose of this insane plan was to see as much of the world as possible. I also wanted to do it in a way...

Adventure / Bucket List / History / South America

Dream trip to Machu Picchu

Having actually been to Machu Picchu before, I won’t simply help you book your trip. I’ll give you all the tips and insider knowledge that will make the trip smooth and unforgettable! This itinerary can be customized to your preferences and activity level but here is a sample that would...

Bucket List / Disability Friendly / History / Laid-back / Logistics / Mexico / Moderately Active / Sedate

Mayan sites that are accessible to all

Touring the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is one of those things that seems to make it onto everyone’s bucket list. Roaming the grounds at one of these sites, you may notice a lot of ramps next to or in place of steps. Or you may not notice...

Adventure / History / Modes of Transport / USA

Take a Ride… on Heavy Metal

With a great deal of chuffing, 500 tons of steel slowly begins inching along. Not even walking speed. Trees and landmarks creep by the windows. The brass fixtures and polished wooden trim speak of a bygone era. An era most of us have never seen firsthand and yet, one which...