A genius gone mad.

Every time I see Antoni Gaudí’s perpetually unfinished Sagrada Família, the crown jewel of the Catalan architect’s vast œuvre, these four words well up along with, I confess, an occasional tear. It’s simply not possible to witness the soaring prayer in stone that is this most unusual of temples, and not be moved — in part, no doubt, by the mad genius’ inability to see his grand opus through to completion.

It seems, however, that we finally have a date: Barcelona architect J

A city whose unique beauty none can challenge is Prague. I had the chance to visit it once again a few days ago. Beautiful Prague welcomed me with pleasantly warm temperatures. I stayed for four days as I was on a business trip, however I got the chance to take the short cruise on Moldau River and enjoyed the city from another point of view!

Prague is the largest city and the capital of the Czech Republic. According to historians, this an area inhabited since the Eolithic age. It's also the bas

by José Miguel Rodriguez

Most of the time we find ourselves passing through expansive airports with amenities and services galore, and nice, wide, long runways. And then, of course, there are the other airports. The ones that make for great cocktail-party tales of harrowing landings amid spectacular settings. Today we take you on a quick tour of some of the most dangerous airports in the world: 

Courchevel, France

Located at the renowned French Alps ski resort of the same name, Courchevel po

The 5 million people living on the island surely make Sicily the largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to arts, music, cuisine history and language. If visiting for a week, here’s our list of top 5 things to do when in Sicily.

#1. Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano

Etna is a must. To see Europe’s largest active volcano, is a fantastic experience. We recommend getting right to the top along with a volcano guide and wander around the crate

The northwestern province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica has one of the largest dry tropical forest areas in the Americas. Dry tropical forests are unique with many deciduous broad-leaf trees and vegetation that survive with much less water than a tropical rainforest. It endures a dry season lasting approximately eight months, yet is still home to a splendid diversity of plants, trees and wildlife.

The book Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, by William Allen (20

The Pantanal is one of the most prominent nature destinations in Brazil. It is one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world, an enormous stretch of land which extends into the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as into Paraguay and Bolivia. Contrary to what its name suggests, the Pantanal is not a large pantano, or ‘marsh’. It is a hugely extensive alluvial plain which is partially covered with water during the rainy season and exposed during the summer. The ri

Halloween, the annual festival, brought to America by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland has become America's biggest party day, perhaps after New Year's eve. For the last 200 years Americans have celebrated Halloween. The customs of carving pumpkins, jack o' lanterns comes to us from the Celtic traditions. What is the magical allure that so many folks want to celebrate at Halloween?  The costumes?  The Halloween parties? The memory of childhood?  A chance to throw off inhibitions and to becom

Along with showcasing exceptional wines, paired with equally spectacular food, the partnership of Martin Corso (Chef Marty) of The M Group, and Ken Barnes of Temecula Night Out, has fostered a sense of camaraderie and fellowship in the Temecula Valley Wine Country community in presenting “Good Times in the Vines.”  The beautiful wine country home of Al and Jean Glaser on a lovely summer evening made for a perfect setting. The evocative musical ambience – a walk down memory lane with Neil Diamond

Long Beach Island is exactly as the name implies...an 18-mile-long narrow barrier island off New Jersey's central coast complete with sugar soft beach the entire length, body surfing, and plenty of frozen custard and grill joints to fortify you along the way. Upon crossing the causeway on the Manahawkin Bay Bridge, your options are simple. Turn left (north) and hit quieter more residential beach communities crowned by Barnegat Light at the tip or turn right (south) onto Long Beach Boulevad where

Recently tthis month, even as we head toward the end of the year marking the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, I found myself visiting America's oldest continuously occupied city, St. Augustine, for the first time since a long-ago trip with my family as a kid. I expected to find some of the same things - the massive old Castillo San Marcos fort and the historic downtown, of course, plus a whole raft of new amenities and attractions. And that I certainly did. But I also found somethin

The scariest night of the year, when ghouls and goblins roam the streets, and otherwise sane adults dress to depress while children trick or treat for candy some likely may not won’t even be allowed to eat for fear of tampering. Yes, Halloween is a strange holiday (then again, many of them are, when you think about it), but it’s also mighty fun, and these days you can find a zany celebration just about anywhere you happen to be on this fearsome feast.

As fate would have it, in recent years I’v

Kallithea

Halkidiki lies roughly one hour from Thessaloniki and is a beloved summer destination for many people from all over the world. The beaches of the region are picturesque, accessible and well set up for tourism - and the nightlife is just as appealing, with plenty of restaurants, Greek tavernas, bars, and clubs.

Ouranoupoli

The last station in Halkidiki before the visitor takes a ride with the boats that sail around Mount Athos. Coastal place, beautiful, with azure waters, Ouranoupoli cons

by Doug Bardwell

 Got a special holiday coming up? Chances are you plan to document your every move with a healthy collection of travel photos (who doesn’t these days?). As a professional photographer who’s been at this game for quite a few years, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way about what makes a shot truly memorable. For your edification, then, here are a dozenphotography tips distilling my hard-earned wisdom, whether you’re shooting with acamera phone or an expensive DSLR. Even if a

Coming face to face with a giant manta ray is the thrill of a lifetime. They are amazing and curious creatures. People are fascinated by their opposite-seeming natures -  ominous looks, but sweet dispositions.

The Sheraton Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii pays homage to these gentle giants by providing a viewing area for visitors at the resort’s Rays on the Bay restaurant. 

From the restaurant’s lookout, the magnificent and mysterious creatures can be seen gliding in the night ocean far bel

Part mountaineering and part rock climbing, but in reverse, with the added challenge of pounding water, the waterfall rappelling extreme sport of canyoneering is the latest top popular adventure tour in Costa Rica.

One of the best places for canyoneering, also called canyoning, is by the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. The rugged, mountainous rainforest around the popular volcano is ideal for canyoning in Costa Rica.

Operated by Desafio Adventure Company, the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour at Arenal

I am an evangelist of all that is "Cretan," especially in the off season. This is largely true because I often visit there after or before the humongous crowds arrive. This majestic, friendly, and ultimately charming Greek island under the sun, it's so much better to take in beyond the noise. At least this is my view.

Let's face it, as social as we may be as creatures under the sun, living wondrously often means living in peace, harmony, and with the ability to drink in life. Such is the case on

The historical and imperial Rome unfolds around the Roman Forum and the world’s largest amphitheater, theColosseum, where gladiators sacrificed their lives for the emperor’s favor and the bloodthirsty spectators delight. The archaeological interest of Rome lies buried in the catacombs along the Via Appia Antica and the abundant life is hidden behind the villa-facades of Villa Borghese.

But where the modern, jazzy Rome with bohemian bars is hidden? Read our guide to Rome‘s buzzing life.

Accommodati

The Serra de Tramuntana in Majorca is dotted with beautiful towns and a special charm, but if there were one town on the Costa Nord (North Coast) which you must not forget in your trip through the region, it would without doubt be Valldemossa.   This small town is beautiful at any time of the year, but it is perhaps best enjoyed in wintertime when tranquility invades its cobbled streets decorated with potted plants or colorful tiles in honor of Saint Catherine.  In fact, if you are lucky enough

Whoever built that hut meant it to last. Four-square and stolid, it stood on the mountain, defying anything the elements might throw at it. This was a real chalet, a world away from the tacky ‘shally’ of the holiday camp.

It was still used for its rightful purpose, too. From within came a lowing, and the dull ‘tong’ of cattle bells. In former times, there’d have been accommodation on an upper story for the herder and maybe his family, for it’s a long, hard climb from the village. But, today, if