Posts Tagged ‘architecture’
A Milanese landmark since the 4th century – San Ambrogio
I used to live in Milan many years ago. While everyone knows Milan’s famous Duomo, and I never fail to visit when I’m back, I also made a point to get back to my second favorite Milanese church on my last visit. San Ambrogio. San Ambrogio is a must of any trip to Milan. San…
Read MoreMedieval splendor in Gubbio
It’s been years that I’ve wanted to visit the town of Gubbio – in Italy’s Umbria region. I have travelled all throughout the pretty region of Umbria, but Gubbio is on its far eastern side, and I never managed to get there. That’s why I was so happy to visit during the Christmas break. It…
Read MoreEnjoying a new angle – from NY’s The Vessel
When I was back in New York with my family this summer, we were curious to see a new monument that sprung up during our absence. In the building frenzy that is the Hudson Yards neighborhood of downtown Manhattan, a new landmark has taken shape – just beside the Hudson Yards subway stop. The Vessel.…
Read MoreViews over Washington, DC from the Old Post Office Tower
In a city where buildings are not supposed to be built higher than the Capitol dome, there aren’t a lot of panoramic views over Washington. The Washington Monument is the best vantage point, but the Old Post Office Tower comes a close second. The Old Post Office was built between 1892-1899 in the Romanesque Revival…
Read MoreSwans and medieval atmosphere in Bruges, Belgium
I’ve already written about the great spring day my younger son and I had last year biking around picturesque Bruges. But I also wanted to spotlight this stunning town, whether you plan on exploring on two wheels or two feet. If you’re taking public transport, Bruges is an easy train ride from Brussels. We came…
Read MoreMorocco’s stunning coastal fortress of Essaouira
Morocco’s spectacular Atlantic Ocean coastal town of Essaouira – formerly known as Mogador – has witnessed much over its long history. Founded as a base in the 7th century B.C. by the Phoenecians, six centuries later it had grown into an important commercial center for the manufacture of purple dye. By the 15th century A.D.…
Read MoreColonial splendor in Guayaquil’s Las Peñas neighborhood, Ecuador
I always fall for colonial architecture, so when I was in Guayaquil, Ecuador this past autumn, it’s not surprising I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous Las Peñas neighborhood. Las Peñas was the first neighborhood built in Guayaquil – now Ecuador’s largest city. It was constructed 400 years ago in typical colonial Spanish style. Unfortunately,…
Read MoreLuckily no more bulls on Madrid’s Plaza Mayor
On a recent trip to Madrid, we enjoyed clear winter days – perfect walking weather to explore Spain’s capital … and explore the city by foot, we did! Our walks, of course, often led us back to Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. The pedestrianized square is stunning – even more so with a lively Christmas market set…
Read MoreA mini “Bilbao Guggenheim” in New York’s Hudson Valley
This past summer, while I was in New York City with my family, my older son and I took a driving trip up to the beautiful Hudson Valley to look at colleges and enjoy the beauty of this upstate New York region. While there, we were impressed to see The Fisher Center for the Performing…
Read MoreArt deco overload in Arcachon, France
I’ve already written about our visit to the Dune du Pyla – at 105 meters high, officially Europe’s highest sand dune. Very close to this impressive natural wonder in France’s Gironde region is the pretty seaside town of Arcachon. This sleepy Atlantic coastal town became a destination of the international jet-set in the mid 19th…
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