Travel and Leisure

Some Tidbits about the Language of Portugal

Travelers who want to be more in tune with the culture can learn the official language, European Portuguese, online. Podcasts, videos, and downloads are currently available. Whether you achieve fluency or familiarity, this is the quintessential Romance language. Teachers and translators are another Read More

Slovenia: The Stunning Overlooked Treasure of Europe

Snow-capped peaks of the Alps, warm Adriatic waters and world-class monuments are only some of the things that small country of Slovenia has to offer. Extending only about 20,000 square kilometers is one of the most underestimated and stunningly beautiful countries in Europe. However, in spite Read More

Istanbul, Turkey: Facts, Travel, and Points of Interest

If traveling many centuries back in time is on your agenda, then Istanbul is just the place for you. Being more than 2500 years old, the name of this city was changed twice; from Byzantium to Constantinople to the current Istanbul. Set across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul was a much-coveted city th Read More

Lisbon's Impressive Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), Facts

Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is one of the most impressive examples of wealth and power that Portugal had during the Age of Discovery. It is one of the best examples of European Gothic architecture in the whole of Portugal. Located in Lisbon, the Mostei Read More

Budapest Facts, Travel and Points of Interest

A city formed by the amalgamation of two separate cities, Buda and Pest, modern Budapest is Hungary’s capital. The striking feature of Budapest is its youthful vibe that blends perfectly with its world famous classical music scene and vibrant nightlife. Added to this mix are the sceni Read More

Thimphu, Bhutan: Where the Happiness of Shangri-La Resides

It was a cold morning in February recently when I boarded my flight to Paro to reach the capital of Bhutan, Thimpu, for a four-day visit. While I was booking my trip, I realized that there were not too many flight options available to Paro. Instead, the list of possibilities was restricted to j Read More