First off, I’m very sorry about the unannounced 3 month hiatus. I just got married and it completely took over my world! I will get back to regularly scheduled posts here shortly. But first off, a post about Himeji castle! Fortunately for my readers, my latest trip (my honeymoon!) was to Japan, and I’m here to share all the tidbits I picked up on my way to this...
10 unique carnival / masquerade traditions around the world Lent is coming up quickly, and with it the colorful Carnival celebrations around the world. Also known as Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, masquerades, and bacchanals, Carnival is traditionally an indulgent and hedonistic holiday observed before the strict fasting of Lent. For the most part, celebrations take place...
A Fairytale History Neuschwanstein has a fairytale history to match its design. Bavarian “Mad King” Ludwig II commissioned the castle to fit a Wagner theme. Neuschwanstein castle was meant to be a medieval style retreat, and was built in what is now called the “Romanesque Revival” style, also known as “castle romanticism” or Burgenromantik. Contrary to popular myth...
Bulgaria is a country full of surprises. I wasn’t expecting to find much of an art scene there, but I was pleasantly surprised, particularly by Bulgarian pottery. I was enchanted by the tradition Troyan pottery. Dazzling patterns in soothing colors dance across solid oven-ready ceramics. And it was extremely cheap to start your own collection once you left Sofia. I’m...
It’s the end of the year, and time to reflect on the year past and plan for the year ahead. I am very pleased to report I knocked my Goodreads goal of 30 books for 2017 out of the park (I read 40!). Should I stretch myself in 2018 and aim for a book a week? Anyhow, it’s time to share some of my favorite travel books from this year that kept my wanderlust stoked while...
During my summer visit to Bulgaria this year, I knew I had to make my way to the stunning Rila Monastery. I had seen images circling all around social media of the beautiful Eastern Orthodox monastery colorful frescoes. I was worried it might be a tourist trap, but it was stunningly enchanting in person. If you find yourself in Bulgaria, I highly recommend taking a...