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: Arch of Peace in Milan, Italy, Ridicules Napoleon Bonaparte’s France

The Arch of Peace in Milan, Italy, was ordered built by Napoleon after he conquered northern Italy in 1805.

On March 17, 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte’s armies conquered northern Italy. Two months later, Napoleon had himself crowned at the Duomo di Milano, taking the title “Emperor of the French and King of Italy.” To commemorate his victory, Napoleon ordered a grand Arco delle Vittorie (Arch of Victory) to be built at the point on the … Read more

PHOTO: Subterranean Wine Tasting Room at Cricova Winery in Chisinau, Moldova

When you think of Moldova, you must think of Moldovan wine, my tour guide claimed. I understood when he drove me through mile after mile of subterranean cellars, with tasting rooms like this one

“When you think of Moldova, you must think of Moldovan wine,” my tour guide said. I’d come to this Eastern European country with no research and little knowledge; it was just one of four countries in Europe I’d not yet visited and I was curious. Whenever I mentioned the name of the country to anyone, … Read more

PHOTO: Volcano Caldera in Santorini, Greece, A Study in Blue and White

The volcano caldera in Santorini, a study in blue, black, and white, seen frm the village of Oia

The volcano caldera in Santorini is a study in blue, and white, with the ominous black volcano cone squatting in the center of the lagoon. Since the beginning of the Christian Era, the volcano has had eight eruption episodes, in 46-47, 726, 1570-1573, 1707-1711, 1866-1870, 1925-1928, 1939-1941, and 1950. Though the average number of years … Read more