Category Archives: Uncategorized

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 41

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These traditionally dressed members of the elite Presidential Guard (Evzones) watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Constitution Square in the capital city of our mystery country. The changing of the guard happens every hour on the hour.

At 11:00 on Sunday mornings, the changing of the guard is a full-on military parade, with a band and over 100 Evzones in full dress uniform. This is a real spectacle and worth scheduling around, if you like that sort of thing.

Can you name that country? 
See below for answers.

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NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 39

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Pictured above is the memorial and mausoleum of one the greatest heroes of our mystery country, Ernesto Guevara, better known as Che. Although not a native, Che was a leader of this country’s Marxist revolution in the middle of the last century. Che survived that revolution but several years later, while fighting in the revolution of another country, he was captured and executed. He was buried there in an unmarked grave. Thirty years later, his body was exhumed and brought back to our mystery country.

Can you name that country? 
See below for answers.

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Foto Friday – Yank Tanks of Cuba

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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 →

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 38

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Between sea and desert, a swath of craggy mountains are rich with exquisite valleys or wadis, where rugged terrain shelters clear, fresh-water pools, lush palm groves and waterfalls. These natural features are treasured by our mystery country and attract the range of visitors, from picnicking local families to adventure-seeking travelers from abroad. Around the edges, wadis can be gentle and easy to access but most often a 4-wheel drive will be required. A hike into the depths of a wadi will likely involve climbing over large rocks and wading or swimming through fresh water pools.

Can you name that country? 
See below for answers.

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L’Chaim! a Brief Look at Wine in Israel

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vineyards in the Upper Galilee

vineyards in the Upper Galilee

Jews, in general, have never been big drinkers, but they have been making wine for use in ritual for thousands of years. Most of that wine was pretty awful, maybe purposely so, to discourage recreational imbibing. If you’ve ever tasted Manischewitz wine, you know what I mean. Continue reading →

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 37

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 You might be surprised to learn that this mystery city is not all about extravagant, record-breaking real estate developments, luxury shopping and fast cars. It has a slower, more traditional side too. In the days before fossil fuel powered air-conditioning, wind tower houses like the one pictured above kept occupants cool in the searing heat and wicked humidity of this desert by the sea. Wind is drawn down into the tower and cooled by water standing at the bottom before circulating through the building.

Can you name that city? Country? What about the site?
See below for answers.

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Foto Friday – Israel

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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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NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 36

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 You might not expect to find such a lush place in our mystery country, which is largely desert. This small green ribbon is in the far west of the country. The river pictured forms part of the western border. This specific place has been a site of Christian pilgrimage since the 4th century, if not before. The Greek Orthodox church in the distance is a modern addition but the remains of ancient churches and lodgings for pilgrims are scattered around the site. Excavations only began 20 years ago, after our mystery country and its neighbor to the west made peace.

Can you name that country? What about the site?
See below for answers.

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Foto Friday – Beaches

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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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