Being in Ketchikan, Alaska and taking a “spirit bear photo tour” with Captain Jim Holston got me to thinking about the history of the Native Alaskan tribes. I was wondering about the meanings of the “black bear paw tattoo”, the bear paw print tattoo I saw on the totem pole carver’s arms, and bear culture …
Adventure
Oh, Paris! Paris is a beautiful city located in eastern France, which has long been regarded as the capital of romance and elegance. So it’s not difficult to see why Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world and known as the city of lights. Paris’ tourist appeal and iconic landmarks is …
I started to pack for my very first ride on an Alaska cruise ship with Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam for the upcoming summer months. It was most definitely on my bucket list. I was trying to decide what to take with me, since I knew there was a big difference from going to Juneau, Icy …
Three days in Barcelona might seem like a short time, but it can be enough to explore this beautiful city and experience its rich culture. Barcelona, the capital and largest city of Spain, is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, second only to Paris. There are thousands of things you can do while …
Many wonderful thoughts come to mind when I think of the city of Philadelphia. For starters, the Declaration of Independence was signed here and that is a huge deal! And who can forget the 90’s hit shows, Brotherly Love and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? With the catchy theme song that started like this, “In …
Dry Tortugas National Park, you have heard of it, right? Right? Well, that’s ok, as there are a huge number of Americans that have never heard of it. But if there is one thing I know about the Dry Tortugas National Park and that is that it is an absolute water paradise on Garden Key. …
On my trip from Seattle to Alaska with Holland America, I noticed they talked quite a bit about black bears at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary in Ketchikan. When you first arrive at the sanctuary, a naturalist guide joins you down a raised walk path. Soon he has us watching out for black bears in search …
The rich Mexican culture has empowered UNESCO to name at least 35 Mexican landmarks as ‘World Heritage Sites’. There are 27 cultural sites, 6 natural sites, and 2 mixed sites (geography with the architecture mixed in) according to UNESCO. Scores of ancient civilizations such as the Aztec, Inca, Mayan, Olmec, and Zapotec have contributed to …
When I tell you that there is more to St. Augustine, Florida than originally meets the eye. it’s true. There is a charm here that will capture your heart and make you long for more, especially if you only stay for a little while. I had a chance to talk to a few locals and …
In what has become a worldwide phenomenon, Havasu Falls is the place to be if you love hiking, camping, and nature. The birth of the internet has also helped to boost its popularity (almost too much but we will discuss that later) making it one of the most famous hiking destinations in the United States. …
I think I have decided that it can be extremely hard to try to plan an epic one-day itinerary in Yosemite National Park! Believe me, I get it! I simply tried to go there for one day and felt like a chicken with my head cut off by the time I left. I was running …
Are you looking for a great city to visit in Texas? Well, I have got one for you where you can experience shopping, dining, unique attractions, historic buildings, and Texas-sized culture all wrapped into one! It is none other than the city of Houston Texas, a place where I find no shortage of things to …