Long before Athens or Rome was even founded, Crete dominated the Mediterranean Sea. The island was home to the Minoans whose art, writing system, and architectural skills are still admirable to these very days.
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San Marino: A Journey to the Mountain Haven
San Marino may be tiny but it’s the only surviving medieval commune in Italy. The microstate has maintained relative peace throughout most of history, thanks to its mountainous landscape and political shrewdness.
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Vietnamese Cuisine: Savory Pastries
Bánh is probably the most diverse category in Vietnamese cuisine. It encompasses all bite-sized dishes that can be eaten by hand or chopsticks. Generally, there are two types of bánh: savory and sweet. They represent the skill and creativity of Vietnamese chefs.
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Rome: Remnants of the Eternal City
Despite its humble beginning, ancient Rome was the cradle of Western civilization. Its rule spread over dozens of modern-day countries, with up to 100 million population. Though two millenniums have passed since its heydays, evidence of this grand city is still very much alive in remnants across the Italian capital, from palaces, and temples, to the marvelous Colosseum.
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Istanbul and Legacies of the Byzantine Empire
In today’s Istanbul, Byzantine legacies stand in tandem with the best monuments of the Ottoman era. Some are obvious, while others are harder to recognize and require some imagination to grasp their bygone grandeur.
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Halong: Bay of the Descending Dragon
Covering an area of over 43,000 hectares, Halong Bay in northeast Vietnam is known for its impressive seascape formed by thousands of limestone islands and islets. These towering pillars rise from the seabed like a defensive wall and locals believe that they are the vestige of a legendary battle.
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Jaipur Forts: Glory of the Rajput Rulers
Standing majestically on the Aravalli ranges, the forts of Jaipur have attracted admiration from far and wide. They are best known for their remarkable architecture which combines Rajput and Mughal elements. The fortresses reflect the glory of Rajput rulers and the expertise of Indian craftsmen.
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Jaipur: Behind the Pink Gates
Jaipur is by no means India’s largest, grandest, or even oldest. Yet behind its earthy pink gates is an energetic city where markets, shops, and splendid architecture jostle against each other.
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Gwalior: An Untapped Treasure
Though located just 120 km from Agra, Gwalior only sees a minuscule share of tourists. The city rarely turns up in the itinerary of first-time visitors; many have never even heard of its name. However, those who travel to Gwalior will be astonished by the grandeur of its fort and palace.
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A Delightful Christmas in Copenhagen
Winter in Copenhagen might be dark and frosty. But during the Christmas season, the Danish capital is transformed into a wonderland. Dazzling decorations and a light extravaganza start lighting up the city. And hygge makes a comeback through steaming hot gløgg and delectable æbleskiver.
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Agra: Beyond the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the reason that draws millions of visitors to Agra. Yet it’s not the only monument built in the former imperial capital of the Mughal empire. Early rulers, from Akbar, Jahangir to Shah Jahan, preferred the city over Delhi. They furnished it with an imposing fort and a sprinkle of magnificent tombs and mausoleums.
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Taj Mahal: An Architectural Perfection
For many, the Taj Mahal is the most impressive monument built for love, an eternal testament to a husband’s devotion to his wife. For others, it represents the perfection of architectural planning and excellent craftsmanship. Regardless, the marble mausoleum is considered to be the icon of India and the greatest architectural achievement of the Mughal dynasty.
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The Mark of Empires in Delhi
Delhi is a city like no other. The capital of India had seen more warlords, conquerors, and emperors than most cities in the world. Each ruler constructed a new capital on, or near, the ruins of his predecessor, leaving today Delhi a mega city that is dotted with ancient monuments, gardens, and forts.
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The Soul of Old Hanoi
Most travelers to Hanoi know about its chaotic streets, its vibrant food scene, and perhaps the 20th-century wars that shape today’s Vietnam. But not many realize that this city has a rich history, dating back as far as the 11th century. It weaves through the historic core like a thread and is waiting to be discovered by those with keen eyes.
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