Armenia, once a vast ancient empire, is now a landlocked country whose ever-present Mount Ararat serves as a painful reminder of its past. The country…
Georgia – Potpourri
I arrived in Georgia without any preconceived notions or knowledge of the former Soviet republic. The route was well crafted and gave me an opportunity…
Georgia — Geography and Destiny
Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia’s spectacular, sometimes brutal landscape has acted as both a highway for invading superpowers and a fortress for a culture…
Azerbaijan- Land of Contradictions
Azerbaijan is roughly the size of Maine, but its footprint on the global stage—and its history—is massive. Known historically for its “black gold,” this unique…
Venice — The Floating City
The Birth of a Floating City Venice was established in the 5th century by individuals fleeing barbarian invasions and the fall of the Roman Empire.…
South Tyrol – The Dolomites
South Tyrol, officially Trentino Alto-Adige in Italian or Südtirol in German, is an absolutely “must experience” locale. A walk along an alpine mesa is an…
Lombardi Italy
Philippa and I arrived into Malpensa, the Milan Airport, on a Saturday afternoon. Passport control went quickly and within an hour of landing, we were on…
Stockholm
Arriving into Stockholm by ferry is a serene experience. The verdant shoreline gradually becomes more urban. The periodic colorful wooden homes transition to small communities. In…
Sámis and Swedes
Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is a short ferry ride away from Tallinn. The ferry is a giant shopping arcade with several restaurants, a grocery store, bars…
Estonia
There is a beautiful short hike just past the border of Latvia. The bog is protected by raised walkways. It was alive with color and new…