The Welsh Dragon, Symbol of Wales Since Time Immemorial

Red dragon sculpture squats at the base of an obelisk in the center of Cardiff

The Welsh love their symbols. The leek has been a national symbol of Wales since Saint David ordered Welsh soldiers to wear a leek on their helmets to identify themselves. The tradition ostensibly hails from a battle with Saxons that occurred in a field of leeks. The daffodil, also known as “Peter’s Leek,” apparently became … Read more

PHOTO: Cardiff Bay in Cardiff, Wales – From Wasteland to Tourist Mecca

Cardiff Bay in the Welsh capital city is the second most popular tourist area, after the city center

The city center of Cardiff, Wales, with its spectacular castle, may be the number one tourist destination in the Welsh capital, but Cardiff Bay runs a close second. The popular waterfront area owes its existence to abundant coal and iron deposits that were discovered in Wales during the 1700’s. Both commodities were in great demand … Read more

PHOTO: Cardiff Castle, a Must-See for any Visitor to Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff Castle, a Must-See for any Visitor to Cardiff, Wales

With more than 2,000 years of history enclosed within its walls, Cardiff Castle is a popular destination for history buffs who visit the capital city of Wales. The earliest fortifications on the site were likely built by the Romans around A.D. 50. Today, all that remains of the Roman era is a small section of … Read more

EcoYoga Scotland – Gorgeous and Totally Off the Grid

The glass geodesic dome covers two rainforest showers and the wooden hot tub. A cold plunge tub is on the outside deck.

I was completely and utterly exhausted. A couple of months earlier, my right hip and knee had begun to ache constantly and walking long distances was becoming increasingly difficult. I booted up the laptop, opened my calendar, and began counting. It was mid-October, 2016, and I’d visited 23 countries so far that year, some of … Read more

PHOTO: London’s Financial District and Tower of London from the Tower Bridge

London's financial district and Tower of London, seen from the Tower Bridge

London’s financial district and the Tower of London, seen from the Tower Bridge across the River Thames. Notable among the gleaming skyscrapers, from left to right, are 20 Fenchurch Street, the Leadenhall Building, and 30 St. Mary’s Axe. Nicknamed ‘The Walkie-Talkie’ because of its distinctive shape, 20 Fenchurch Street is a commercial skyscraper with 34 … Read more