Foto Friday – Yank Tanks of Cuba

Since the US embargo took effect in 1962, no American cars or car parts have been imported to Cuba and Cuban government regulations have restricted the purchase of new cars imported from other countries. For 50 years talented and creative mechanics have kept classic American models (Yank Tanks) rolling down the roads of Cuba. Many are in mint condition but even the clunky ones are lovely to behold. If you’re into classic cars, or beautifully designed objects of any sort, this is paradise.

Click for information on tours to Cuba for Americans. Continue reading

Foto Friday – Israel

All the images in this post are courtesy of our friends at the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

Church of Mary Magdalene, photo by Noam Chen

Church of Mary Magdalene, photo by Noam Chen

Mona Lisa of the Galilee at Zippori, photo by Itamar Grinberg

Mona Lisa of the Galilee at Zippori, photo by Itamar Grinberg

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Foto Friday – Beaches

Beach holidays are not our specialty. For the most part, American travelers do not cross the Atlantic ocean to lie on a beach. However, many do work a couple of R&R days into otherwise busy cultural itineraries. In any case, while much of the US is still suffering the epic winter of 2015, we offer this brief, mental escape to gentler climes.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Paradise Beach, Corfu, Greece

Paradise Beach, Corfu, Greece

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Foto Friday – It’s Raining Classic Cars in Cuba!

Since the US embargo took effect in 1962, no American cars or car parts have been imported to Cuba and Cuban government regulations have restricted the purchase of new cars imported from other countries. For 50 years talented and creative mechanics have kept classic American models (Yank Tanks) rolling down the roads of Cuba. Many are in mint condition but even the clunky ones are lovely to behold. If you’re into classic cars, or beautifully designed objects of any sort, this is paradise.

Click for information on tours to Cuba for Americans. Continue reading

Foto Friday – Dome Alot 2

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

Baha'i Gardens and Shrine, Haifa, Israel

Baha’i Gardens and Shrine, Haifa, Israel

Bin Ali tomb, near Mirbat, Dhofar, Oman

Bin Ali tomb, near Mirbat, Dhofar, Oman

Chora Museum, Istanbul, Turkey

Chora Museum, Istanbul, Turkey

Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene, Jerusalem, Israel

Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene, Jerusalem, Israel

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel, photo by Noam Chen, courtesy of the Israel Ministry of Tourism

Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel, photo by Noam Chen, courtesy of the Israel Ministry of Tourism

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Istanbul, Turkey

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Istanbul, Turkey

Qasr Amra, Jordan

Qasr Amra, Jordan