Category: UNESCO
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Wadi Rum ‘Valley of the Moon’ – Jordan | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Wadi Rum in Jordan is beautifully referred to as the “Valley of the Moon”. That name came to life for me when I visited this sandstone desert in the Middle East. I had spent the day exploring the sands of Wadi Rum, which led to quietly watching the evening sunset, and finishing off by sleeping…
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Historic Centre of Prague – A UNESCO World Heritage Site – Exploring the Czech Republic
The city of Prague has been on the radar of travelers since the fall of communism in the Czech Republic thirty years ago. This city is unlike any other in the world with its unique culture, centuries of history, renowned Czech restaurants, and of course its fairy-tale architecture. I do love Prague, I have been…
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Historic Centre of Riga, Latvia – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are so many reasons to love Riga, and every place I visited within the city just added to my “Love List”. The restaurant scene, Bastejklana Park, the Art Nouveau neighborhoods, the markets, the city’s vibe, and its historic centre- just to name a few. ‘Old Town’ in Riga is a charmer, and is the…
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Historic Centre of Warsaw, Poland – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The city of Warsaw was my first introduction to Poland, a country that I would come to love, and had since revisited. My very first encounter with Warsaw was in 2015, and although much has changed, the vibrant historic center has stayed the same. The colorful buildings, cobble stone streets, and medieval city planning of…
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The Magic of Machu Picchu | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Machu Picchu is a place of magic and mysticism, and those who have made the lengthy journey to visit it have experienced just that. Even while looking at photos of this sacred Incan site, it opens up inspiration and wonderment. Machu Picchu’s energy is that powerful and special. It is one of those locations on…
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Canterbury Cathedral – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering England
Although I do not have connections to any religious beliefs, I have always admired places of worship of any religion. I have visited numerous cathedrals and churches throughout Europe and the United Kingdom, and have loved them all. The history, energy, and period architecture of different places of worship, will always strike a cord in…
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The Historical City of Lima – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Peru
The remarkable city of Lima was our first introduction into Peru. From here we traveled throughout the country into Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and onto the grand prize of the trip, Machu Picchu. Lima was a brilliant way to get ourselves grounded into this country, as well as its climate. If…
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The Magic of Mont Saint-Michel | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
I believe it would be fair to express that viewing images of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France are stirring and magical. It evokes feelings of wonderment and enchantment, and for some possible moments of breathlessness. Mont Saint-Michel was that for me, from the moment I first saw photos when I was young, until the moment…
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Edinburgh Old & New Town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Scotland
Edinburgh was everything that I was hoping it would be and more. I enjoyed my first round so much that I came back again a couple years later. Much of my love for this city was the majestic Old Town neighborhood, and the Royal Mile. Although New Town Edinburgh was quite exciting too, and where…
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Edinburgh’s Majestic Royal Mile | Discovering Scotland
The city of Edinburgh was everything that I was hoping it would be and more. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I came back again a couple years later for round two. Much of my fondness for Old Town Edinburgh was the Royal Mile, with all its majestic and historic energy that it…
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The Extraordinary Edinburgh Castle | Discovering Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is by far my most favorite in the United Kingdom. I have been to numerous fortified castle structures throughout Europe and the UK, and this one has always stood out. It was just not the castle alone, but the encompassing of old town Edinburgh, the Royal Mile, and the castle that created a…
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Exploring The Painted Monasteries of Moldavia – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
True story- I sat by myself being publicly interrogated by undercover police who were yelling at me in Romanian, and then having to turn over my passport; all while I was traveling by train for six hours from Bucharest into northern Moldavia. I started to question this undertaking, and thought to myself, “Is this trip…
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Karlovy Vary – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering the Czech Republic
Exploring West Bohemia in the Czech Republic brought me into the charming spa town of Karlovy Vary, and it was stunning. The town is nestled within a valley, which is built along the Tepla with beautiful art deco, art nouveau, and secessionist buildings. Karlovy Vary, also known as Karlsbad (German name), is most famous for…
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Venice and its Lagoon – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Italy
Venice is one of the most unique and picturesque cities in the world. Instead of streets there are canals, and instead of cars there are boats and gondolas. The winding pedestrian streets on the islands are a labyrinth, and heaven knows that I got lost more than I could count. Although it was never a…
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The Mythical Island of Delos – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
While we were taking a ferry across the Grecian Sea to the Island of Delos, my daughter who at the time was 18 years old commented, “No wonder people wrote stories about crossing the sea in Greece”. As we both looked out onto that deep sea, riding the choppy waves with harsh winds in our…
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Cusco – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Peru
Sitting at the top of a double decker tour bus can give you a unique view of a city. While visiting Cusco we hopped onto a double decker bus serendipitously, and before we even left my eyes were on the people of the city. I was intrigued how they moved throughout this ancient Incan city,…
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Redwood National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring California
I remember the first time I read about the Redwood National Park in elementary school, and how even back then I felt that traveler’s pull that I often speak about. I can still recall those photos of the giant ancient redwoods, and as a child I was struck by their enormous size and peaceful energy.…
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The Palace of Versailles – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering France
The Palace of Versailles was just so very! The culture, history and politics of France are woven right into this palace; from the glorious gardens, the extravagant Royal Apartments, to its famous Hall of Mirrors. There are centuries of historical moments and various incarnations of the Palace of Versailles, each one intriguing in its own…