Andorra might be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it is certainly high on the list of the most picturesque. Located high in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is one of the world’s oldest democracies and the world’s only co-principality (the co-heads of state are the President of France …
The beauty of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is not something you expect from Oklahoma. Nestled in the Wichita Mountain range, you can find herds of bison, Texas Longhorns, elk and deer freely roaming the Refuge. In fact, I would say you can find an abundance of wildlife there. This is 60,000 acres prestige land. …
From the World Heritage inscription for the Villa Adriana (Tivoli): The Villa Adriana (Tivoli) is a masterpiece that uniquely brings together the highest expressions of the material cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world. Study its monuments played a crucial role in the rediscovery of the elements of classical architecture by the architects of the Renaissance …
This week Gary, Chris and Jen record their preTBEX show without any guests.
From the World Heritage inscription for the Villa d’Este, Tivoli: The gardens of the Villa d’Este had a profound influence on the development of garden design throughout Europe. They are among the earliest and finest of the giardini delle meraviglie and symbolize the flowering of Renaissance culture. On 9 September 1550, Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este …
I am writing this somewhere over the Atlantic ocean between Brussels and New York. I’m returning to the US (briefly) after 4 of the most hectic months of travel I’ve experienced since I began traveling full time in 2007. In just the first 5-months of 2013 I have been to 16 countries, 69 UNESCO World …
From the Amalfi Coast World Heritage inscription for the Costiera Amalfitana: Costiera Amalfitana is an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values resulting from its dramatic topography and historical evolution. The area covers 11,231 ha in 15 [16?]communes in the Province of Salerno. Its natural boundary is the southern …
For generations the buffalo were the Plains Indians’ source of food, clothing, tools and dwellings. These animals were gifts from their Gods, and each piece of the animal had a purpose. Even the buffalo chips were used as fuel. They were plentiful on the plains before the middle of the 1800’s, like pigeons in New …
From the World Heritage inscription for the 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex: The monumental complex at Caserta, while cast in the same mold as other 18th-century royal establishments, is exceptional for the broad sweep of its design, incorporating an imposing palace and park, …