Tag: historical
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The Medieval Kerak Castle | Discovering Jordan
I was on the last few days of my tour of Jordan in the Middle East, when I had found myself in the medieval Kerak Castle, and I was in awe. I have been to many castles throughout Europe before, but this was my first in the Levant. This impressive fortification is one of the…
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Oxford and Cambridge | Discovering the United Kingdom
Oxford and Cambridge are two of the leading and most prestigious university towns in the United Kingdom. Visiting both cities were inspirational- walking the grounds where many of the world’s leaders, intellectuals, scientists, and entertainers spent their youth was unforgettable. The architecture of both university towns was another reason for my two visits, although Oxford…
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Plzeň – Home of Pilsner Urquell | Discovering Czech Republic
There are plenty of intriguing Czech Republic towns, and cities to explore outside of its capital, Prague. The city of Plzeň in one of those intriguing locations that is colorful, low key, and home to the country’s most popular beer- Pilsner Urquell. I had stayed in Plzeň to visit its famous brewery, but was charmed…
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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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Cathedrals and Churches of Venice | Discovering Italy
Italy has deep roots within the Roman Catholic religion, about 1,500 years deep. It is no wonder that this country is not short of its share of churches and cathedrals, which includes Venice. Throughout this city’s 118 little Islands, the centuries old churches were mostly constructed during Venice’s period of profound wealth. The city’s religious…
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Beautiful Budapest – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Hungary
The Queen of the Danube, the beautiful city of Budapest lives up to that noble title. Once upon a time this city was two separate towns, Buda and Pest, with Buda being the royal capital and Pest the commercial side. Both sides being divided by the grand Danube River. It was not until 1837 when…
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The Picturesque Peles Castle | Discovering Romania
Peles Castle was one of the most picturesque palaces that I had visited throughout Eastern Europe. The wood framed exterior reminded me of Bavaria, another European region that I have always enjoyed. It was built between 1873 and 1914, although its inauguration was in 1883. It was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style for King Carol…
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Salisbury Cathedral-Oldest Clock & the Magna Carta | Discovering England
Salisbury Cathedral located in the heart of the city offers a trinity of historical experiences – The extraordinary architecture of its Early English Gothic design (inside and out), it also houses one of the oldest working clocks in the world, as well as one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. The glorious…
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Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnova | Discovering Bulgaria
One of my highlights while visiting the beautiful hilly town of Veliko Tarnova in Bulgaria, was visiting the mighty Tsarevets Fortress. It sat high on the hills overlooking the town, and was surrounded on three sides by the river Yantra. The views from the fortress were amazing, as well as strolling through this medieval town…
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Historic Centre of Vilnius, Lithuania | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Exploring the historic centre of Vilnius was like diving into a large delicious bag of eye candy for me. I have always been one for architecture, as well as a love for Eastern Europe, and the centre of Vilnius had combined those passions for me. The historic city centre embraces several significant architectural styles including…
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The Roman City of Bath – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering England
Visiting the Roman city of Bath in England was a fantastic trip. Not only for the historical significance, but strolling the beautiful city was well worth the venture. The city of bath is located in the Avon Valley, just outside of the Cotswolds in England. It is about 2.5 hours away from London, so you…
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Wurzburg Residenz – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Germany
When I had arrived to the city of Wurzburg in Germany, it was to only visit the Wurzburg Residence, and I was in complete awe of the grandeur of this palace. I have a special passion for European art and architecture, so it was not an eccentric move for me to take a side trip…
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Zion National Park | Exploring Utah
After our first initial visit to Zion National Park back in 2010, this magnificent valley in Utah had become a favorite. I have come back several times with friends to hike the Emerald Pools trail, the Narrows, and to find a sense of grounding. My now adult daughter hikes, camps here with friends, and even…
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Gateway Arch National Park | Exploring Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri– The Gateway Arch National Park is unlike its sister parks of Yosemite, Zion, or Yellowstone, which are glorious wonders of nature. This significant national park located in the heart of Saint Louis, Missouri is a reminder and acknowledgement of America’s expansion to the West. It holds an importance and remembrance to those…
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St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
South Sinai, Egypt– St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt felt very far away from everything, and everywhere when I had traveled there in late 2019. I was already in Sharm el-Sheikh along the Red Sea when I took a day trip to this ancient monastery, which is also a UNESCO…
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Khan el-Khalili – Cairo’s Most Famous Bazaar | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
“I used to get upset watching people running through a maze of alleyways, only to get stuck in a dead end and then get caught. Now I know what they feel like.” One of my friends had said this while we were trying to find our way back out of the Bazaar, and she was…
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Abu Simbel in Egypt | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Like many others, Abu Simbel in Egypt was on our bucket lists. I am sure those who have come before me would agree that it is one thing to see these Egyptian temples in photos or videos, but nothing beats witnessing them first hand. When our private guide walked my friends and I towards the…
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The Sanctuary of Isis at Philae in ASWAN, EGYPT | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
While in Aswan, my friends and I had visited the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae UNESCO sites, and I was in awe. Not only for the architectural wonder of these temples built for their Egyptian Gods, but for the shear fact that these temples were dismantled and reconstructed to save them. Last century,…
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A Day at the Pyramids of Giza | Seven Wonders of the World & UNESCO World Heritage Site
Three ladies, three camels, three pyramids, a Sphynx, a solar boat, and a day well spent! The Pyramids of Giza was on our bucket list, and I believe it is on yours as well. This famous archeological site in Egypt is noted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as part…
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At the Legendary Café Gerbeaud | Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary – This goes out to the lovers of fine chocolates and the connoisseurs of divine pastries, I share your passion and would never steer you wrong. Café Gerbeaud has been a gastronomic delight since 1858, and is one of the oldest cafe’s in Europe. Stepping inside the saloon is a lavish step back…
Trixie Navarre 