Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Travel and Vacation: Reasons Why Mallorca, Spain Should Be on Your Places to Visit Bucket List

Mallorca, Spain: Tantalizing Facts, Timeless History & Why Travelers Can’t Stay Away🌅 


Mallorca is the backdrop for "The Last Sunrise", a 2026 Amazon Prime Original film.  It's no wonder it was chosen for a love story.  The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca blends ancient history, Mediterranean beauty, and modern luxury in a way few destinations can match.

Mallorca's Ancient Roots & Storied History🌿 

Mallorca’s history stretches back over 4,000 years, shaped by waves of settlers and conquerors who left their mark on the island’s culture and architecture.

  • Talaiotic Culture (c. 1000 BCE) — Mallorca’s earliest known civilization built mysterious stone towers called talaiots, many of which still stand today.

  • Roman Conquest (123 BCE) — The Romans founded Palmaria Palmensis, today’s Palma, turning Mallorca into a thriving Mediterranean port.

  • Moorish Rule (902–1229) — Under Islamic rule, Mallorca blossomed with irrigation systems, architecture, and trade networks.

  • Catalan Reconquest (1229) — King James I of Aragon reclaimed the island, shaping the Catalan language and culture that remain central today.

Mallorca’s layered past gives it a unique identity — part Spanish, part Catalan, part Mediterranean crossroads.

Mallorca NOW?  A Mediterranean Powerhouse🌞 

Modern Mallorca is a global tourism magnet, drawing more than 10 million visitors a year. It’s known for:

  • Luxury resorts and boutique hotels

  • World‑class beaches and coves

  • A thriving culinary scene featuring fresh seafood, sobrasada, and ensaïmada

  • Outdoor adventure — cycling, hiking, sailing, cliff diving

  • A vibrant arts community inspired by Joan Miró, who lived and worked on the island

Mallorca balances its booming tourism industry with strong preservation efforts, especially in its UNESCO‑protected mountain range.

Tourist Destinations You Can’t Miss🏖️ (Or You'll Be Sorry)

Palma de Mallorca

The island’s capital blends Gothic architecture, seaside promenades, and cosmopolitan energy.

  • Must‑see: La Seu Cathedral, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Arab Baths

Serra de Tramuntana (UNESCO Site)

A dramatic mountain range perfect for hikers, cyclists, and photographers.

  • Must‑see: Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller

Cala d’Or & Cala Millor

Crystal‑clear waters, white‑sand beaches, and hidden coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Cap de Formentor

A breathtaking peninsula with cliffside views that feel straight out of a romance film.  Some say Cap de Formentor feels like the soul of Mallorca made visible. Those cliffs catch the sunrise in a way that makes the sea look endless and alive.

Port de Pollença

A serene coastal town beloved by families, artists, and travelers seeking quiet beauty.

Valldemossa

A serene stone village tucked into the mountains, famous for its monastery and artistic heritage. Highlights: Royal Charterhouse, Chopin’s residence, charming plant-lined streets.

Deià
A bohemian cliffside village beloved by artists, writers, and filmmakers. Highlights: Cala Deià, Robert Graves House, golden sunset views.
  • NOTE: Valldemossa and Deià are more niche, intimate, and cultural destinations — not the big resort‑style areas that casual travelers usually search first. They’re beloved by: artists, writers, photographers, luxury travelers, film crews, and people seeking quiet, romantic villages.

DID YOU KNOW? 🌟 

  • Mallorca is home to Europe’s largest underground lake, located inside the Cuevas del Drach.

  • Chopin lived in Mallorca, composing some of his most famous works in Valldemossa.

  • The island has over 250 beaches, ranging from bustling resort strips to secluded coves accessible only by boat.

  • Mallorca’s wine industry is booming, with over 70 bodegas producing award‑winning vintages.

  • The island’s light is legendary, inspiring painters, photographers, and filmmakers — making it a natural choice for romantic cinema.

✨ Mallorca is more than a Mediterranean getaway — it’s a place where history, nature, and emotion collide. Its sun‑washed cliffs, ancient villages, and turquoise waters create a setting that feels both timeless and cinematic. Whether you’re exploring its Roman ruins, wandering through mountain towns, or diving into hidden coves, Mallorca invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and chase your own sunrise. It’s no wonder filmmakers choose it as the backdrop for stories about love, transformation, and second chances.





Monday, July 13, 2026

What Do Paris, France, and Miami, Florida Have in Common? Moi!

A humorous look back at my childhood growing up in Miami, Florida. I almost went to Paris, France.

Growing up in Miami, Florida is a wonderfully multicultural experience. Hanging out in Downtown Miami is the best fun ever for kids who have no money. The bus ride only cost ten cents (back in the day). If you had an extra twenty-five cents, you could stop by Woolworth or McCrory’s and buy a quarter-pound bag of cashew nuts and share it. That’s what my late sister and I used to do. We thought we knew all about downtown and that there was nothing we had not seen that we did not want to see again and again. But one day we decided to be adventurous and travel a little bit further than we usually did. We turned down a street, and we were immediately transported to Paris, France. Of course, we were still in Miami, but it sure felt like we were on the streets of Paris.

I HEART PARIS

People were sitting and eating at a sidewalk cafe. There was an artist painting a picture. He was a light-skinned man, but his complexion had been kissed by the sun, so there was a hint of bronze color. Not very tall, with a trim, slender build. He was wearing a black beret as if he were a soldier; a black T-shirt, and black pants. He had a dazzling smile and the most amazing blue eyes. Blue like the sky!

When he noticed that I was admiring his artwork, he looked directly at me. He was about to say something when my overprotective sister grabbed my arm and started dragging me away. “Let’s go! We have to catch the bus and get back home!” I could have protested, but she was right. It was getting late. Downtown was fun during the day but not a safe place for two young girls at night. No matter.

That day, a memory was created that I would always cherish, and it has a little mystery.

Wonder what the man was going to say to me?

Was he going to ask me if I liked his painting? Was he going to ask if he could paint my picture? Was he going to try to pick me up? He looked French, and I imagined that was something French men did when they saw young girls. Give me a break! I was about 12 years old and watched a lot of television. Anyway, I’ll never know what he was going to say to me. From that day, whenever we would go on our outings, my big sister would insist we stay on the safe streets.

Paris, France is on my list of places to visit at least one time in my life. 

Realistically though, it looks as if that may never happen. Oh well! There’s always virtual travel via the Internet. When I dream of Paris, I see a city for artists, poets, and lovers, oozing with diversity and great food! Because of that one day when my sister and I decided to turn down that one street we had never been on before, I like to think that Paris is like Miami, only French. So that means — technically — I’ve already visited this fabulous city and could scratch it off my list. But I won’t!

* * * POST NOTE: No sooner than the 2015 new year had begun, we were all saddened by an horrific event, the massacre at Charlie Hebdo. Can no longer think of Paris through the eyes of an innocent child. It is now interrupted by the memory of this tragic event. #CharlieHebdo

Friday, July 3, 2026

Travel and Vacation: 3 Destinations on My Dream Travel Bucket List

These are the Top 3 cities on my dream travel bucket list. Do you agree? 

travel the worldrepub

If you are like me and you have been blessed to travel, then there are some cities you have visited and your trips are wonderful memories. But there are some cities which you will probably never see in your lifetime. That doesn’t stop you from wishing you could visit. Those “wished for” cities end up on your bucket list or, in my case, a “dream travel bucket list”. Some people may actually one day get to visit the places on their bucket list. However, I am an armchair traveler now, and hopefully one day I will get an opportunity to leave my chair and get into the real world. Here are the cities on my bucket list.

1) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2) Melbourne, Australia
3) Paris, France

I often like to compare my picks with official lists published by organizations that are in the travel business 7or those who are “in the know”.

TripSavvy is an award-winning travel site, and many people rely on their information and advice, which is written by experts and not by anonymous reviewers. According to this site, Toronto, Ontario, Canada is Number 1 on the list (dated November 2019) of the Top 10 cities to visit in Canada.

How did I choose this city? It had nothing to do with recommendations from travel professionals or reviews by people who had visited the city. You might think it’s silly, but there is a television show called “Murdoch Mysteries” and it was the first detective series I ever watched where the setting was in Canada. From episode 1 of the first season, when the main character introduced himself as “Detective William Murdoch of the Toronto Constabulary”, I made up my mind to add Toronto to my dream travel bucket list. Because the series was set in the 19th century and the characters were so interesting and diverse, it piqued my interest. I wanted to visit a city in a country in North America that was similar to the United States of America, with diverse peoples, and yet different.

Yes! A decision to travel to a real place was based on a fictional TV show. Haven’t you ever wished to go somewhere because you read about it in a book? For me, it was a TV program instead of a book.

Much like TripSavvy, Trip Advisor is also a respected site that people consult for travel tips. Trip Advisor includes Melbourne, Australia on its 2019 list of top cities to visit in Australia. It’s not Number 1. It’s Number 4. Eh! Good enough!

How did I choose this city? Thanks to streaming sites like Netflix, I get more exposure to foreign (i.e., non-American) TV programs. As I mentioned in the first paragraph of this article, I am physically unable to travel. What I did not mention is that I heart detective crime-solving mystery TV shows. When I go to places I have never been, it’s either via the Internet or a travel channel or … a really cool detective mystery series. Australia is on my travel list because of "Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries" and "The Doctor Blake Mysteries", the and two detective series I loved watching. The main character in the first series is an independent woman who is a private detective living in 1920s Melbourne. The main character in the second series is a doctor who is also a police surgeon, and it is set in the 1950s in a town named Ballarat, which is near Melbourne. Both shows are fascinating and introduced me to life in Australia, albeit it wasn’t life during the 21st century.

The question is not why Paris, France is on my list. The question is why isn’t the City of Love on everybody’s list? You don’t need a travel professional to recommend this city. Who doesn’t want to go to Paris? Once again, it was another television show that convinced me. But this time it was an American TV comedy show, “Rhoda” a sitcom series from the 70s. The central character in the series was a Jewish woman who moved to New York City from Minneapolis. In one particular episode, Rhoda was down in the dumps and wanted to do something she had never done to make herself happy. In other words, she had a bucket list. She wrote her bucket list on pieces of paper and put it in a bowl, and she would do what she picked. Guess what she pulled out of the hat? On the piece of paper was written: “Fly to Paris for a day.” That’s how Paris, France ended up on my dream travel bucket list.


Previously published on Read.Cash


Thursday, June 18, 2026

Artists I Fancy: Venice in Beautiful Color Images 125 Years Ago | Open Culture

Historical photography.  Below is a view of the Rialto Bridge, which spans one of the city's famous canals, Venice, 125 years ago.  Though not "real" color photographs, they have been colorized and, as such more accurately reflect a lively period in late 19th-century Europe.

The Library of Congress' page on the photocrom process explains it: "Photochrom prints are ink-based images produced through 'the direct photographic transfer of an original negative onto litho and chromographic printing plates.'"  

Have you always wanted to visit Venice?

Wouldn't it be even more interesting to travel back in time and visit 19th century Venice?

You can do so through this wonderful collection of photographs.


Venice in Beautiful Color Images 125 Years Ago:
The Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & More


Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris ~ The Past and the Future

On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out, and the building many of us know as the sanctuary for the gypsy Esmeralda was ablaze!  The Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris was in flames. It was an unbelievable sight to see!  The world was rocked and shocked by the fire that destroyed this iconic structure.  The fact that the fire happened during the week before Easter Sunday made the event even more poignant for a lot of people.  However, within 24 hours after hearing the news reports, people and businesses from various parts of the globe offered to make monetary contributions for its restoration.  Let’s celebrate the past and the future of this historic monument.





#1 Thank the Lord for digital technology.

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#2 The Cathedral de Notre Dame Took Almost a Century to Build
(Link to archived copy. The Virily site shut down.) 

♦


#3 Kings of France Were Crowned in the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris
(Link to archived copy. The Virily site shut down.) 

♦


#4 The Iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame Has a Sister.

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Notre-Dame de Paris (reopened Dec 2024) and Amiens Cathedral are masterpieces of French Gothic architecture. Notre-Dame de Paris is iconic for its central location, history, and restoration, while Amiens is the largest, with twice the interior volume. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

#5 The basilica in Montreal is comparable to the cathedral in Paris.

♦
The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is a stunning Gothic Revival masterpiece located in Old Montreal, Quebec, renowned for its dramatic, deeply colored interior, intricate wood carvings, and celestial blue ceiling with gold stars. Completed in 1829, it is a premier Canadian heritage site that hosts the famous AURA light show and welcomes millions of visitors annually.


#6 The Fire is History

♦


#7 The Spire Went Down, but the Spire Will Go Up Again

♦


#8 The Cathedral de Notre Dame will be restored.

♦

The future of the Cathedral de Notre Dame looks anything but bleak.  It will be restored and will still be one of the most visited sites in Paris, France.  So if it was on your bucket list of Places to Visit, keep it on the list!


As if the fire wasn't bad enough.  In April 2020, the world was in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic.



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Monday, March 16, 2026

Travel and Vacation: South Dakota is a Great Place for Vacation

It’s easy to find articles trying to entice people to relocate to North Dakota. Like this one published by Livability: 8 Reasons to Move to North Dakota. You get no argument from me PRO or CON. North Dakota might be the best state in the USA to live in. But I think that South Dakota is a great place to VACATION!! Specifically, Black Hills, South Dakota.

For personal reasons, I no longer travel. But if I did, this state would have a spot on my bucket list. Even though I have never been to either of the Dakotas, I believe I can provide some convincing arguments that might persuade someone who was planning a vacation to visit Black Hills.



Sacred Ground for the Native Americans

The Black Hills, called “Paha Sapa” by the Native Americans, is considered sacred ground to many tribes across the country. The Lakota Nation believes all life comes from “Paha Sapa”, and they fought fiercely to protect it during the Indian Wars of the 1800s. One of the most sacred places is Bear Butte in the northern Black Hills. This formation of magma never erupted and looks like a giant sleeping bear.  Now a state park, Bear Butte is still used as a place of worship for more than 60 Native American tribes.  More than 62,000 Native Americans currently live in South Dakota.
“South Dakota Travel Guide – Wikitravel.” Free Worldwide Travel Guides – Wikitravel.Web. 04 Apr. 2011.

History of Black Hills

1874 Gold was found in the Black Hills (part of the “Great Sioux-Reservation” in South Dakota). The government planned a separation from the reservation and an immediate relocation of the inhabitants of this area.  This led to the Indian Wars.

1876 Little Big Horn: a battle between Indian armed forces (under Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull) and the 7th U.S. cavalry regiment (under Colonel Custer).  It was the last and most striking military success for the American Indians.

Famous Tourist Attraction: Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is one of the United States’ most famous attractions for both U.S. citizens and foreigners.  This epic sculpture features the faces of four exalted American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.   South Dakota’s Black Hills provide the backdrop for Mount Rushmore, the world’s greatest mountain carving.  These 60-foot high faces, 500 feet up, look out over a setting of pine, spruce, birch, and aspen in the clear western air.
“Mount Rushmore – Shrine Of Democracy – South Dakota Tourism.” South Dakota Tourism – Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, Badlands NationalPark, Deadwood, Black Hills. Web. 04 Apr. 2011.

Great Family Vacation!

Get more info.





5 Black Hills Towns to Base your South Dakota Vacation




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Have you ever considered going on vacation to Black Hills, South Dakota?

Content previously published at RationalMind.club

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Five (5) Reasons to Add Busan, South Korea, To Your Travel Bucket List

Watching certain Korean dramas makes you curious about the location. For me, it was the gritty realism and emotional storytelling of the Friend trilogy that sparked a deep curiosity about Busan. The films captured a city that felt raw yet beautiful, tough yet tender. Here are five compelling reasons to move Busan to the top of your travel bucket list.

AI image of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple 


Reason 1. Stunning Coastal Scenery

Busan’s coastal landscape is nothing short of breathtaking. Unlike many major cities that turn inward, Busan opens itself to the sea. Dramatic cliffs meet rolling waves, and walking paths trace the shoreline with panoramic views at every turn.

Spots like the Oryukdo Skywalk and Igidae Coastal Walk offer sweeping vistas of the Korea Strait, while seaside parks provide peaceful corners to sit and watch fishing boats drift across the horizon. Whether you’re catching sunrise over the water or admiring the city lights reflecting on the ocean at night, Busan delivers postcard-worthy scenery in every season.

Reason 2. Beautiful Beaches With a Relaxed Vibe

When most people think of South Korea, beaches may not be the first image that comes to mind — but Busan will change that. The city is home to some of the country’s most beloved stretches of sand.

Haeundae Beach is perhaps the most famous, drawing visitors with its wide shoreline, summer festivals, and vibrant nightlife. For a slightly more laid-back atmosphere, Gwangalli Beach offers soft sand paired with stunning views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge after sunset.

Despite their popularity, Busan’s beaches maintain a relaxed, welcoming feel. Locals stroll along the boardwalk, couples linger over coffee at seaside cafés, and street performers add energy without overwhelming the space. It’s easy to spend hours simply soaking in the rhythm of the waves.


Reason 3. Fresh Seafood & Bustling Markets

As a major port city, Busan is synonymous with seafood, and experiencing it here is unforgettable. The lively Jagalchi Fish Market is the heart of the city’s culinary culture. Vendors display tanks filled with live fish, crab, and shellfish, calling out daily specials to curious visitors.

You can select your seafood downstairs and have it prepared upstairs within minutes — as sashimi, grilled, or simmered in spicy stew. It’s as fresh as it gets.

Beyond seafood, Busan’s markets are a feast for all the senses. Traditional street foods like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) tempt passersby, while colorful stalls showcase everything from handmade goods to regional specialties. Exploring these markets offers a glimpse into everyday life — lively, flavorful, and wonderfully authentic.

Reason 4. Rich History, Vibrant Culture & Unique Attractions

Busan beautifully balances modern innovation with deep-rooted tradition.

On the contemporary side, the Sky Capsule ride along the coast provides Instagram-worthy views in brightly colored pods gliding above the shoreline. Seasonal drone light shows illuminate the night sky with choreographed displays, reflecting the city’s forward-thinking spirit.

Yet tradition is never far away. The serene Haedong Yonggungsa temple sits dramatically on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea — a rare coastal Buddhist temple that feels both powerful and peaceful. Wandering through its ornate gates and stone lanterns offers a quiet contrast to the city’s buzz.

For a dose of artistic charm, Gamcheon Culture Village enchants visitors with its pastel-painted houses, winding alleyways, and vibrant murals. Once a hillside refuge during the Korean War, it has transformed into a colorful cultural hub filled with galleries and cafés.

Busan’s layered identity — shaped by war, resilience, art, and ambition — makes it far more than just a beach destination.

Reason 5. Iconic Landmarks & Impressive Architecture

From towering bridges to cinematic skylines, Busan’s landmarks leave a lasting impression. The diamond-shaped façade of Busan Cinema Center honors the city’s role as host of the Busan International Film Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious film events.

At night, the city truly sparkles. The illuminated Gwangan Bridge stretches gracefully across the water, while high-rise buildings line the coast in a display of sleek, modern design. It’s a skyline that feels both dynamic and distinctly maritime — urban sophistication meeting ocean breeze.

BONUS: No Zombies

(Humorous reference to the popular pulse-pounding horror thriller Train to Busan.) 


AI image of night view of Gwangan Bridge 

From cinematic roots to coastal charm, Busan captures the imagination long after the credits roll. Whether you’re drawn by its beaches, intrigued by its history, or simply craving unforgettable seafood by the sea, this vibrant port city promises an experience that is both dynamic and deeply memorable.

As highlighted in “Exploring Korea: 10 Reasons Why Busan Is Famous.” | Stripes Korea.

Busan’s blend of culture, cuisine, and coastline makes it one of South Korea’s most compelling travel destinations.


Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Travel and History: Ten Facts About the Republic of Turkey

When you travel, it is good to know historical facts.  Modern-day Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country strategically located between Europe and Asia, and its leaders have an integral role on the world stage. The Asian part of Turkey was at one time called Asia Minor and was a part of the ancient Roman empire. Later, Turkey became part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. 

Its historical, religious, political, and cultural significance, including the fact that its largest city was once the capital of three empires ~ Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ~ should not be discounted or minimized. The heritage of Turkey and its influence in today’s political and economic arena are intricately woven into world history and world affairs.


♦ Here are TEN FACTS About the Republic of Turkey:
  1. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is revered as the founder of the Republic of Turkey and is also called the “Father of the Turks”.
  2. The founder of the Republic of Turkey was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1934.
  3. The current capital city of Turkey is Ankara.
  4. Istanbul was once the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
  5. Istanbul was once historically known by the name Constantinople.
  6. “Turkey entered World War II in 1945 on the side of the Allies, who secured an agreement that Turkey would become a democracy.”
  7. Even though Britain or the UK has voted to exit the EU (“Brexit”), Turkey wishes to be accepted as a member state of the European Union (EU).
  8. NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an international alliance between European and North American countries and Turkey is a member state.
  9. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are all famous buildings in Turkey; must-see places for any traveler or visitor. The Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
  10. The Independent published a list of Turkey’s 7 most popular cities that attract tourists. Even though Cappadocia is located in Central Turkey and is mentioned in the Bible, this city was NOT on their list.
(Content previously published at Virily.)


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