tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171954762024-03-17T20:04:30.828-07:00TravelswithCharie“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” - James MichenerTravelswithChariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16562328418100535217noreply@blogger.comBlogger775125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-59668765768684328782024-01-09T22:17:00.000-08:002024-01-09T22:35:05.370-08:00Casapueblo and Carlos Páez VilaróCasapueblo, Punta BallenaJust a few minutes from the popular beach destination of Punta del Este is Casapueblo which sits on the edge of a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re staying at the hotel, then you’re in for a big treat. Imagine the view of the blue ocean made more dazzling by the sun. But that’s not all. There’s also an art gallery and museum next door which displays the Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com2Punta Ballena, 20003 Maldonado Department, Uruguay-34.9030384 -55.0424472-63.213272236178845 -90.1986972 -6.5928045638211543 -19.886197199999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-30543973265139218322023-12-28T16:01:00.000-08:002023-12-28T23:12:58.772-08:00Peleș CastlePeleș CastleSurrounded by the Bucegi Mountains, Sinaia is a popular skiing resort town. Its appeal doesn’t stop there. Visitors come year-round to see Peleș Castle and to enjoy the fresh mountain air and forested landscape.Peleș Castle was the summer home of the first King of Romania, Carol I. It is built in the German Neo-Renaissance style. Note the half-timbered walls that define the Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0106100 Sinaia, Romania45.3310429 25.562350417.020809063821154 -9.5938996 73.641276736178838 60.7186004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-48123287936634969982023-12-24T16:17:00.000-08:002023-12-25T16:23:14.235-08:00A Mosque Designed by WomenGrand Çamlica Mosque, IstanbulÇamlica Mosque stands on Çamlica Hill in Üsküdar, a district on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is the biggest mosque in Turkey with a capacity of 60,000+ worshippers and may accommodate up to a 100,000 people as an emergency shelter in case of an earthquake. The mosque was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mizrak and Hayriye Göl Totu, who won the design Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye41.0189417 29.057629814.792584422597677 -6.0986201999999992 67.245298977402314 64.2138798tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-83990383568144107372023-12-15T21:37:00.000-08:002023-12-17T12:04:06.556-08:00Favorite Experiences in Rio de JaneiroCristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)I must confess that I went to Brazil with a lot of trepidation. After years of hearing horror stories from tourists who were robbed in Rio, I didn’t believe I could be safe there especially since I travel solo. But I decided to give Brazil a chance after reading and watching videos about the country and figured there must be a way to travel safely. I’m so gladTravels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-22.9068467 -43.1728965-51.217080536178841 -78.329146500000007 5.4033871361788464 -8.0166465tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-6206833180761257502023-12-08T06:52:00.000-08:002024-01-10T16:12:08.993-08:00Where to go in 2024Sighişoara, Romania (on Fodor's Europe Go List 2024)Have you decided yet where you’re going for vacation or R&R in 2024? If not, here are a number of lists for you to browse and mull over. Hope it helps you make a decision.Afar Magazine Where to go in 2024The readers of Afar Magazine are seeking destinations that offer “ample opportunities for sustainable exploration”. With this in mind,Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-18906704523136633362023-12-03T10:30:00.000-08:002023-12-08T13:56:16.600-08:00The curious life and times of Vlad DraculaBran Castle or Dracula’s CastleThe most popular touristic destination in Romania is undoubtedly Bran Castle, more commonly known as Dracula’s Castle. Dracula is a work of fiction by a 19th century Irish novelist named Bram Stoker who had never been to Romania, let alone to Dracula’s Castle. Yet, Dracula haunts many of us so much so that we follow the pilgrims’ path to Transylvania to be where Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Transylvania, Romania46.1840561 25.222397421.768061755619811 -9.9338526000000016 70.600050444380187 60.3786474tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-22417976735890700402023-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:002023-12-08T13:48:24.213-08:00A Photowalk of Bicaz GorgeAltar Rock (Pitra Altarului)On my way to Bucovina to see the painted monasteries, I was treated to nature at its best. I never heard of Bicaz Gorge before so I had no idea what to expect. This was the most surprising part of my second visit to Romania. I was trying to take a picture of Altar Rock as we drove slowly through the pass. The goal was to make sure I got the cross on top of the Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0DN12C, Romania46.8117302 25.82252222.736983075325952 -9.333728 70.886477324674047 60.978772tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-61658939412346858222023-11-17T14:41:00.000-08:002023-12-08T13:49:43.676-08:0048 Hours in ChișinăuCathedral ParkMoldova is one of the least visited countries in the world according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. It received 174,000 visitors in 2019 and the pandemic effectively slashed the number of visitors to 29,000 in 2020. It’s too bad because Moldova has a lot to offer, especially to wine enthusiasts. But it won’t be long before Moldova will be “rediscovered” by Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Chişinău, Moldova47.0104529 28.863810318.700219063821152 -6.2924396999999992 75.320686736178843 64.0200603tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-39232035951708094222023-11-15T15:16:00.000-08:002023-11-15T20:35:47.031-08:00Taking Notice of Airport ArtThe Canyon, Gordon Huether, 2020Are you one of those travelers who rush through airports, train and metro stations to your designated gate/quay as soon as you clear Customs and TSA? If so you may have missed some interesting and intriguing artworks which are now mainstays in many terminals around the world. The Louvre-Rivoli metro stop in Paris displays replicas of sculptures from its museum Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Incheon International Airport (ICN), 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea37.4493342 126.45133959.1391003638211572 91.2950895 65.759568036178848 161.60758950000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-26776595953012184182023-11-12T09:14:00.000-08:002023-11-15T10:14:18.596-08:003 Easy Excursions by Train from OsakaThese three cities in the Kansai region will leave your diary full of memorable entries.NaraNara is awash with historical temples, shrines and ruins, a legacy from its early influence as the capital of Japan in the 8th century. Todai-ji Is the most visited of these temples. It is the home of the seated Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the largest bronze statues in Japan. TravelswithChariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16562328418100535217noreply@blogger.com0Osaka, Japan34.6937249 135.50225356.4662137254951482 100.3460035 62.921236074504847 170.6585035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-15367701291952014642023-11-12T03:20:00.000-08:002023-11-12T03:25:03.528-08:00Oh, the books you’ll read
Long Room, Trinity College Library
“The library card is a passport to wonders and miracles, glimpses into other lives, religions, experiences, the hopes and dreams and strivings of ALL human beings, and it is this passport that opens our eyes and hearts to the world beyond our front doors, that is one of our best hopes against tyranny, xenophobia, hopelessness, despair, anarchy, and ignoranceTravels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Europe54.5259614 15.2551187-13.773431099999996 -149.9792563 90 -179.51050629999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-1290585229365519272023-10-15T16:44:00.006-07:002023-10-23T09:56:02.698-07:00Basilica Cistern - the Sunken Palace of IstanbulBasilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)The Basilica Cistern or the Sunken Palace, has been around since the 6th century when it was constructed as a reservoir for the palace of Constantinople and the surrounding neighborhood. It takes its name from the Stoa Basilica which once stood on the very same site.There are 336 marble columns standing 30 ft. high supporting the ceiling. Many of these columns Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0İstanbul, Türkiye41.0082376 28.978358912.698003763821156 -6.1778911 69.318471436178839 64.1346089tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-85650595001680272632023-10-08T17:18:00.012-07:002023-10-15T10:33:58.538-07:00Chernivtsi, a study in contrastsChernivtsi National UniversityWhen your country is at war but you live a thousand kilometers from the combat zones, how is your way of life affected? I had a surprisingly pleasant visit in Ukraine in September. There was no hint of the conflict happening on the eastern front. This is what I saw in Chernivtsi, a university town in Western Ukraine. The Chernivtsi National University, onceTravels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Chernivtsi, Chernivtsi Oblast, Ukraine, 5800048.2920787 25.935836719.981844863821152 -9.2204133 76.602312536178843 61.092086699999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-27768101794810280712023-10-03T13:45:00.008-07:002023-10-07T19:44:38.885-07:00Nevermore Academy Nevermore AcademyI had never heard about Wednesday nor Nevermore Academy until recently through a post on Instagram where I discovered that the filming location is in Romania. As it turned out, the Academy was on our way to Brașov and I had a glimpse of it. Since then, I have checked out the series, Wednesday, and found that this is about the daughter of the Addams Family. I enjoyed Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Bușteni, Romania45.4101378 25.534652917.099903963821156 -9.6215970999999989 73.720371636178839 60.6909029tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-90042423179621278962023-10-02T16:31:00.009-07:002023-12-17T12:55:44.846-08:00Constanța and the Black SeaA beach in Mamaia It was Friday in mid-September. School had just started in Romania and the kids were deep into their books. The summer crowds had gone home. The umbrellas at beaches along the coast of the Black Sea were mostly folded up and the scene in front of me was one of abandonment. A welcome site, I might add. As I walked (with my Sketchers on) and sunk deeply into the warm sand, Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Constanța, Romania44.1759147 28.651935915.865680863821154 -6.5043140999999984 72.486148536178845 63.8081859tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-60226673543957993962023-09-20T22:19:00.005-07:002023-10-02T04:31:36.289-07:00Harvest at Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Fall is here and along with it the return of the iconic pumpkin. It’s almost time to visit the pumpkin patch to pick up a pumpkin or two to carve. In the meantime, here are some colorful images of big and little pumpkins amidst giant floral encrusted mushrooms, fairies, mushroom capped habitats, an oversized sewing machine and a variety of seasonal flowers and plants. Bellagio Conservatory Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Las Vegas, NV, USA36.171563 -115.13910097.8613291638211535 -150.29535090000002 64.481796836178845 -79.9828509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-37570350981409765812023-09-18T03:56:00.001-07:002023-12-08T13:52:49.613-08:00Riga, the Capital of the BalticsGreen spacesTwo things become apparent when you arrive in Riga. First, there are a lot of green spaces and parks in the city and more lovely woods as you travel around Latvia. The Brotherhood of the Blackheads Guild HouseThe second thing you’ll notice is the variety of architectural styles from medieval to Art Nouveau to Soviet era architecture and modern aesthetic. The Blacksheads Guild Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Riga, Latvia56.9676941 24.105622128.657460263821157 -11.050627899999999 85.277927936178855 59.261872100000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-64216052022884976132023-09-15T01:54:00.005-07:002023-10-09T08:10:42.456-07:00Brașov was once called Stalin CityWhite TowerBrașov is a city nestled in the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania. Remnants of its medieval fortifications and bastions are added attractions to this buzzing city. The White Tower along with the Black Tower are two of the remaining watchtowers still visible today.During the Communist period, Brașov was called Orasul Stalin or Stalin City after the Soviet leader, Joseph Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Brașov, Romania45.6426802 25.588725217.332446363821155 -9.5675248000000011 73.952914036178839 60.7449752tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-3357111386509060682023-08-12T17:45:00.003-07:002023-08-23T08:21:41.941-07:008 things to love about SofiaSofia Airport Metro Station1 Easy to navigateSofia is not a big city when compared to other European cities like Paris or Berlin. This means that walking around the city can be a pleasurable experience and no crowds to jostle with. The metro system is simple and easy to use and gets you to the center of the city from the airport in 30 minutes for only 1.60 BGN. There are monitors in the train Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Sofia, Bulgaria42.6977082 23.321867514.387474363821156 -11.8343825 71.007942036178846 58.478117499999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-38281828509387212702023-08-06T15:24:00.005-07:002023-08-23T08:22:44.162-07:00DIY Sightseeing in BucharestStavropoleos Monastery CloisterOne of the top attractions of Bucharest is the Stavropoleos Church and Monastery from the 18th century. While it is in the heart of the old town, it is a tranquil place.Church of Stavropoleos Monastery The Church was built in 1724. It was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1838. In 1841 the steeple was taken down due to the risk of its imminent collapse. The Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Bucharest, Romania44.4267674 26.102538416.116533563821157 -9.0537116 72.737001236178855 61.2587884tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-68884702789570115692023-08-01T21:59:00.011-07:002023-10-02T16:42:39.799-07:00Sighișoara, A Medieval Hilltop TownStrada Tamplârilor (Carpenter’s Street)When I was planning a trip to Romania, the place I wanted to visit the most was Sighisoara (pronounced see gui sho ara; the ghi is the same sound as gui in guild). It was the one place that called to me among all the pretty little towns in the country. Perhaps it was the image of colorful houses and the rustic ambience that appealed to me the most. I knew Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Sighișoara, Romania46.2197025 24.796387817.909468663821151 -10.359862199999998 74.529936336178849 59.952637800000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-1246097902587279412023-07-29T18:22:00.002-07:002023-09-18T01:47:24.771-07:00Shopping at Fantastic Indoor Swap MeetAisle from main entranceI had heard a lot about Fantastic Indoor Flea Market but never had the chance to check it out on previous visits to Las Vegas. But this month a friend and I decided to go and find out what the hype was all about. The temperature in July soars past the century mark in Vegas but the flea market was cool and pleasant. It wasn’t crowded on a Friday morning so we Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Las Vegas, NV, USA36.171563 -115.13910097.8613291638211535 -150.29535090000002 64.481796836178845 -79.9828509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-44744055495795236232023-07-17T15:45:00.004-07:002023-08-11T10:44:28.232-07:00The Frescoes of Rila MonasteryRila Monastery sits in a forested valley surrounded by snow capped mountain peaks. The setting can’t get any more wholesome with the exception that this is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination. Weekends are the worst days to visit when the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mother is so crowded, there’s little room to move inside the stunning church. We got there after lunch on a SundayTravels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com02630 Rila, Bulgaria42.1256751 23.131586413.815441263821157 -12.0246636 70.435908936178848 58.2878364tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-65700225336747350462023-07-13T23:37:00.001-07:002023-08-11T10:43:05.309-07:00Bellagio presents the Grandeur of NatureThe theme of this year’s summer floral display is about the grandeur of nature. Thousand of flowers and potted plants make up this evocative show to remind us the “intricate and wondrous diversity of nature”.These 28-foot tall hands represent “environmental stewardship, partnership and renewal”.The colors of this wisteria tree is so arresting, you are immediately drawn to it. Mythical Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Las Vegas, NV, USA36.171563 -115.13910097.8613291638211535 -150.29535090000002 64.481796836178845 -79.9828509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17195476.post-51660635202757433832023-07-09T15:58:00.005-07:002023-08-11T10:42:09.978-07:00Helsinki Airport Design AestheticPassing through Helsinki International Airport last May, I was struck by the furnishings I found while waiting for my flight. The benches are clearly different from the standard metal and polyester airport chairs and the minimal look is eye pleasing. The use of wood is attractive, warm and certainly welcoming.These simple, modern benches are also ideal for stretching out (when no one is Travels with Chariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711474232380298140noreply@blogger.com0Helsinki Airport (HEL), Lentoasemantie 1, 01530 Vantaa, Finland60.3179446 24.94962442.327487012857794 -10.206626 78.3084021871422 60.105874