Terracotta Warriors Exhibit in Alicante

Earlier this week I went to see the Terracotta Warriors exhibit at the Archeological Museum in Alicante. I had heard about these soldiers in China and was always curious to know more about them. These sculptures were constructed near Xi'an in the late 200s before the Common Era, more than 2,000 years ago, on the … Continue reading Terracotta Warriors Exhibit in Alicante →

Two Days in Frankfurt

I need to start out by saying that I have been spending time on the free language-learning app Duolingo in preparation for this trip to Germany. I had wanted to be able to at least understand some of the signs when we went to Germany. I have to say it actually worked too! Not only … Continue reading Two Days in Frankfurt →

México City is Amazing

First, I must make a profound apology to all Mexicans. Your country is rich in history, culture and art. Somehow I never understood that before. Perhaps it's because I am from the United States where children are educated primarily in their own history and culture. Nearby countries, like Canada and Mexico, are ignored as are … Continue reading México City is Amazing →

Italy at Christmas Despite the Pandemic

During Christmas time 2020, we had planned to go to Italy as a family. Of course, this plan was cancelled along with everyone else's plans once the pandemic struck us hard starting in March of that year. We decided to try again to see this culture-rich country in 2021. The original plan was that our … Continue reading Italy at Christmas Despite the Pandemic →

Torn Between Worlds Topics

Rather than explain the plot of my novel, Torn Between Worlds: A Mexican Immigrant’s Journey to Find Herself, in a traditional way, I thought it might be more effective to list some of the topics my novel touches on to give you a sense of my book from a more engaging perspective: Illegal immigration... Bilingual … Continue reading Torn Between Worlds Topics →

The Many Sights of Southern Holland

Most people who travel to the Netherlands go to its lively capital Amsterdam. And this is undoubtedly a place worth visiting for its history, charm and many sights to see. However, if you ever get a chance to visit the area around Eindhoven, in the southern part of this charming country, you will find a … Continue reading The Many Sights of Southern Holland →

What’s Special About Warsaw

Most of Warsaw was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. In response, the Poles rebuilt the city as it was before it was destroyed. They did this over many years with the help of photographs taken and paintings done before the devastation. Talk about a resilient people! Isn't that something? Hitler wanted all … Continue reading What’s Special About Warsaw →

The Great Disruption or the Great Awakening?

2020, the first year of the Great Disruption. It had been 100 years since our last pandemic. We were due for another one and Covid-19 obliged us. Most everyone suffered. Millions died. The world was turned upside down. All the things that brought us joy were no longer allowed: No hugs or kisses. No parties. … Continue reading The Great Disruption or the Great Awakening? →

Five Days in Lisbon, Portugal

The beautiful city of Lisbon reminds some people of San Francisco: it's hilly, there are trams everywhere, it's beside the water, and it even has a big bridge built by the same company that constructed the Golden Gate Bridge. If you visit Lisbon, one thing I recommend you do is take the Yellow Bus tram … Continue reading Five Days in Lisbon, Portugal →

Manet and Modern Beauty Exhibit

Jeanne (Spring) painted in 1881 When you were a child learning about famous French painters, did you confuse Manet with Monet? I certainly did. But I came up with a memory device that helped me figure out the difference between these two awesome painters. That is, Manet has the word Man in it and Edouard … Continue reading Manet and Modern Beauty Exhibit →