If you’re concerned that modernity has caused the Emerald Isle to lose its rural charm, set your compass to County Tipperary for a taste of “the real Ireland.” Tipperary, Ireland’s largest inland county, was immortalized in the popular British marching song from World War I, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.” And while that […]
Rediscovering Cebu
The voyage of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose 16th-century mission for Spain was the first to circumnavigate the globe, took a tragic turn in 1521 when he was killed during a Custer-like attack on the local populace in Cebu, The Philippines. Today’s explorers will find a more friendly welcome in Cebu than that received by […]
D-Day Memorial Commemorates the Beginning of the End of Nazism
There is perhaps no better example of the heroism of the "Greatest Generation" than D-Day – June 6, 1944 – when the Allied forces from the U.S., Britain, Canada, France and eight other nations stormed the beaches of Normandy during World War II. It was the beginning of the end of Nazi domination in Europe. […]
Dubrovnik: Like You Want Europe to Be
If the Europe of your daydreams has walled cities, castles, medieval churches and ancient palaces filled with art treasures, instead of Starbucks, tourist traps, and traffic jams, then you’ll want to see Dubrovnik, Croatia’s Old World masterpiece. The majestic ramparts encircling the city came into view as my wife, Liza, and I sailed the Adriatic […]
Bangkok:It’s the Temples That Are Most Spectacular
Shopping and gawking at the nightlife are what draw most visitors to Thailand’s capital city. But for me, it was Bangkok’s history and architecture that were truly spectacular. On the ride into the city from the airport, I was initially unimpressed. The high rises, the new mega shopping centers, even the old neighborhood markets […]
Find Your Island Paradise in Bohol, the Phillipines
My wife, Liza, and I visited Bohol after a few days at the much more famous Philippine beach resort of Boracay. And while Boracay does have perfect white sand beaches, it draws large crowds of tourists and its beachfront has become very commercialized. The island of Bohol, a ferry ride from thebustling Philippine city of […]