Street Art in Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia

Getsemani: Old Cartagena’s Real Neighborhood

We ventured outside the fabled Walled City and explored the other district of Old Cartagena – Getsemani.  While it does not possess the grandeur of the Walled City, Getsamani offers a more authentic Old Cartagena experience as it is a neighborhood where local families still live and where Colombian hospitality is still very much alive. It is also where artistry thrives.... Read more
Horse carriages in the street of Old Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia: The Walled City of Old Cartagena

One of the unforgettable highlights of any travel to Colombia is a visit to the historic and magnificent Walled City in the heart of Old Cartagena. Strategically located in the country’s Caribbean Coast, Old Cartagena was one of Colonial Spain’s important ports. Stone fortresses and massive walls up to 20 meters thick and 11 kilometers long surround the... Read more
People relaxing by Berlin Wall in Mauerpark, Berlin, Germany

Berlin: A Sunday with Locals at Mauerpark

If you have been to Berlin before and have seen all the must-see attractions or simply tired of the tourist track, why not check out many of its local scenes?  If you happen to be in Berlin on a weekend, I suggest that you head to Mauerpark, where a lot of Berliners flock on Sundays. Located in... Read more
Arts, Paintings in Berlin Wall's East Side Gallery

The Murals on Berlin Wall’s East Side Gallery

It has been 25 years since the fall of Berlin Wall but the expression of global euphoria of that historic time remains vivid on the longest surviving section of the Wall. Along the Spree River, the real border between East and West Germany, a section of the Berlin Wall on the eastern bank was left intact and... Read more
Bransfield House Museum, Port Lockroy, Britishh Bse A, Antarctica, National Geographic Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions

Antarctica: Sunrise, a Museum & Final Sea Ice Walk

Journey to Antartica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer – Days 8 to 10 I felt someone woke me up from my sleep.  I looked at the clock and it was only 2:30 am.  I laid my head back on the pillow and then bolted right up.  It’s 2:30! It’s sunrise time in Antarctica! I ran to the window to see... Read more
Kayaking in Neko Harbor, Antarctica, National Geographic Explorer Lindblad Expeditions

Antarctica: Kayaking, Neko Harbor & Cuverville’s Icebergs

Journey to Antartica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer – Day 7 So far, we have seen so much beauty in Antarctica and each day presented new wonders. Still in awe from the staggering grandeur of the Lemaire Channel from the day before, we were anxious to see what this day would bring. Kayaking and Hiking in Neko... Read more
Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal

Remembering Kathmandu City

Gentle and charming people, exquisite temples, deep spirituality, vibrant culture, rich artistic heritage, bursting with colors, delightful chaos – those are what come to mind when we think of Kathmandu. Our hearts wrenched thinking that many of the splendid cultural heritage sites and sacred places that captivated us no longer stand as a result of the recent... Read more
Betwa River and Ram Raja Temple, Orchha, India

India: A Walk Around the Town of Orchha

We visited, a small, charming town of Orchha, where most travelers make a short stop to break the long drive to the magnificent temple town of Khajuraho. What makes it worth a stop for many are its grand temples as well as its medieval forts and palaces built in the 16th and 17th centuries by Bundela dynasty. However, we were feeling so “templed-out”... Read more
Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

Antarctica: Lemaire Channel, Booth Island & Full Moon

Journey to Antartica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer – Day 6 The Lamaire Channel Early this morning we sailed through the most narrow and most scenic passageway in our voyage, the Lamaire Channel.  Seven miles long and one mile wide, this picturesque channel is dubbed as “Kodak Gap.” Towering, jagged cliffs greeted us as we entered this narrow channel that maybe challenging to... Read more