In brief: Even when the rain drenches Spain, Córdoba offers delights. We just visited Córdoba in as off an off-season as you could choose: cold and rainy, with a series of drenching storms from the…
In brief: At Córdoba's famous Mosque-Cathedral, the blending of styles and materials reminded us how faiths could harmonize as well. For millennia, in Europe, wealthy cultures would build grand spaces where the devout could gather,…
In brief: On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, alongside magnificent landscapes, we explored ancient cities that were important some 2000 years ago and still revelatory today. Greco-Roman Cities "I am Alpha and Omega, the…
In brief: Our swing to the south of Turkey led us to its lovely Mediterranean coast and two very different cultural heritages. Neolithic Çatalhoyuk: The origins of community They established a model for how to…
In brief: Our drive through western Turkey first covered the north and central regions – a land of ancient empires, magnificent artistry, and geological wonders. Hittite Empire & Ankara Museum The Hittite Empire – possibly…
In brief: Istanbul has many monuments to show for all its storied past, while its population comes alive outdoors at its bazaars and cafes. Walking for a week around the historic city of Istanbul uncovers…
In brief: The bounty was unexpected. This fall we found a wide range of new things to do in Lisbon after all the time we’ve been here. A Presidential Palace. A weekend of drama and…
In brief: For a couple of days, we enjoyed seatrekking, hiking among schist towns, flopping, and even talking into the night. It was a weekend filled with rivers and rocks. With eight other hardy, young…
In brief: While exploring the Douro River valley, we found other enticements in the vicinity - Bragança, Viana do Castelo, Arouca. Our main goal was to do the Douro River valley and its towns, as…
In brief: We finally took the opportunity to go with the flow - visiting the Douro River and environs - after seeing much of the rest of the country. There are many ways to “do…