Presiding proudly over the city of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is the most recognizable building in the city’s skyline.  It’s that iconic symbol, often photographed, that helps identify the city to millions of people who have never, and perhaps will never, visit.

The Gateway Arch is located in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, near the location where the Lewis & Clark expedition started, giving rise to its moniker Gateway to the West.  It was designed by Eero Saarinen, the renowned Finnish architect, and completed in 1965.  It wasn’t opened to the public, however, until June 1967.  At its tallest point, the arch stands 630 feet tall, the same dimension as its base from leg-to-leg.  That’s the equivalent of 63 stories.

At the bottom of the arch is a visitor center and a Museum of Westward Expansion.  Visitors are required to go through a security checkpoint before accessing the visitor center, so allow a little additional time in your plans.  Exhibits in the visitor center and museum show the history of St. Louis and the surround riverfront area.  After a look around there, it’s time to head to the top of the Arch.  An elevator like tram takes visitors to the top of the Arch in a quick 4-minute ride.  The tram leaves every 10 minutes, but during peak tourism times, the wait can be lengthy.

The viewing area at the top of the arch will hold up to about 160 people.  That can be a bit crowded as everyone waits to look out the windows (there are only 32 windows), but the view is worth it.  On a clear day you should be able to see for about 30 miles.  After you’ve enjoyed the view you can take the tram back down.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  There are no restrooms at the top.

There are steps to the top – 1,076 of them – but are used only by workers and staff.  Visitors are not permitted to make the climb to the top.  But it’s nice to know the stairs are there, just in case of an emergency.

Allow about two hours for a visit to the St. Louis Arch.  That will give you time to explore the museum as well as have some time at the top.  Allow additional time to explore the rest of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial or during peak times when crowds will likely result in long wait times.

Location:  Memorial Drive.

Hours:  9 am-6 pm during the winter, and 8 am-10 pm during the summer.  Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  It is most crowded during the midday hours.

Tickets:  $10 adults; $5 kids (3-15); and $7 with a National Park Passport.  Tickets for the tram can be purchased in advance online or onsite on day of visit.  During the heavily visited summer months, advance purchase is strongly recommended.

Public Transportation:  Take the MetroLink Lightrail to Laclede’s Landing stop.  The Memorial is about a 5 minute walk.  From the airport, the ride is about half an hour, with departures every 15-20 minutes.

Photo credit:  Buphoff (exterior shot), Daniel Schwen (observation deck), both via wikimedia commons

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Sacramento is the capital city of California and home to its Capitol Building, a classical revival style patterned after the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.  The Capitol Building and its grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the center of the building is the rotunda, which divides the State Senate and Assembly into north and south wings.  The rotunda is 128 feet tall, from the basement of the building to the height of its inner dome.  The Rotunda serves as a ceremonial space, but also as the starting point for most visitors to the Capitol.

In this area you can sign up for a tour, enjoy a look at some of the decorative murals and interior décor, or look up at the beautifully detailed ceiling.

At the center of the rotund is Columbus’ Last Appeal to Queen Isabella, a massive statue carved out of Carrara marble.  Slightly larger than life, the statue was placed there in 1883.  While seeing it eye-to-eye is impressive, it’s worth the time to go to the second floor and see it from that angle as well.

The legislative bodies of the state of California are the State Assembly and the State Senate, both of which were patterned after British legislative bodies. The upper house, or State Senate, meets in a large red chamber, as does the British House of Lords. The chamber features Corinthian columns, high arched windows, and dark red curtains. Even the desks and seating area are red.

The lower house, or State Assembly, is  located at the opposite end of the building and is nearly identical in its style and decor – except that its chamber is green, patterned after the British House of Commons

Also housed in the State House is the Governor’s office, guarded by both a bear and a state trooper.

A walk through the Capitol Building is a lesson in state history, architecture, art, and politics.  Often contentious, usually serious, and sometimes whimsical, a stop off for a guided or self-guided tour is well worth an hour or so of your time.

The Capitol Building is located at 10th & L Street in Sacramento.  It’s open 8 am-5 pm weekdays, and 9 am-5 pm on weekends.  Admission is free.  Public tours are conducted daily (also free), on the hour, from 10 am-4 pm.  You can check on tours and sign up in the rotunda area.  Group tours (10 or more) are by reservations only.

Photo credits:  All from the personal collection of Mary Jo Manzanares

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Standing in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle (also called the Place de l’Étoile) at the western end of the Champs-Élyseés, the Arc de Triomphe is the largest triumphal arch in the world.  It honors those who bravely fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, and beneath the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I, the grave marked by the very first eternal flame.  The flame burns in memory of those who died, but were not identified, in both WWI and WWII.  The English translation of the inscription reads “Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918.”  It’s said that this flame was the inspiration for an eternal flame being placed on the grave of assassinated President John F. Kennedy.

The Arc de Triomphe stands about 165 feet tall, and measures about 148 feet wide, and is surrounded by one of the busiest roundabouts in Paris. Seriously – do not try to dodge in and out of this traffic! Not only is it dangerous, but you’ll quickly be branded as a nutcase tourist.  I stood and watched for awhile at visitors who were tempted to make a dash across lanes of traffic – but didn’t see anyone acting on that temptation.  To reach the arch in a sensible and safe fashion, just follow the signs to the underground passageway that will take you beneath the crazy roundabout to the monument.  Just take a short elevator ride back up to ground level or climb the stairs.  Whew!  You’re there – and you didn’t have to do battle with Paris traffic.

Once at the monument, spend some time walking around looking at the sculptured facade. A few highlights include a winged figure of Victory, a sculpture of Napoleon, and 30 shields (each representing a victorious battle) on the crown of the arch. On the inside and top of the arch are inscribed the names of generals and battles fought, with the names of those who died in battle underlined. Conveniently missing are some of Napoleon’s later battles.

If you’re up to it, climb the 284 steps to the top of the arch. There is no elevator. The steps are stone, and the passageway narrow and circular. It’s okay if you need to stop and catch your breath – most people did, more from a sense of vertigo or claustrophobia rather than fatigue.  Once at the top, you’ll be treated to magnificent views in all directions.

Take a look around and you’ll see 12 major arterials leading into the Place, and as you watch how they merge into the roundabout, you’ll have a real appreciation for driving in Paris. And you’ll be glad you didn’t try to make that crazy dash across the lanes of traffic.  There are fabulous photo opportunities from the top, and  since the Arc is open late, it’s a favorite spot for sunset and evening photos.

Location:  Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 8th arrondissement, Paris.

Getting there:  RER line A (train), Metro lines 1, 2, and 6 (subway) both getting off at the Charles de Gaulle-Etoile stop.  Also accessible by numerous bus lines.

Hours:  10 am – 11 pm daily.  Closing is one half hour earlier during the fall and winter months.

Admission:  There is no charge to walk around and explore the base of the arch.  Access to the top is € 9,50 for adults.  Those under 18 years of age (26 years for EU citizens) are admitted free, as are disabled visitors and their escorts, and the unemployed.  Discounts are often available.  Admission is also covered by the Paris Museum Card.

Time:  The ground level of the arch is easily seen in half an hour, allow an addition hour if you plan on going to the top.  That allows time for exploration and photography, but if you want to spend some serious photography time, you can easily spend the day there as you enjoy the light from so many different angles.

Photo credits:  All via flickr, fly72 (top photo); Anna Fox (eternal flame); Edwin Lee (inscriptions); aliciat89 (night)

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In just a little over 6 months, the Pacific Science Center will host the boy king with the opening of Tutankhamun:  The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs.  Seattle is the final stop for this touring exhibit, a partnership between National Geographic and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, before its return home to Egypt.

Perhaps the grandest exhibition in the world, it features more than 100 objects from King Tut’s tomb and other ancient sites from some of the most important rulers of 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history.  This is over twice the artifacts that the 1970 exhibition had, and that one was pretty spectacular, including many objects that have never been displayed in the United States before this exhibition.  The highlight of the exhibition is the ten foot statue of King Tut, the largest image of him ever found, that was discovered at the remains of the funerary temple of two of his high officials.  Other authenticated artifacts from his tomb include jewelry, furniture, weapons, and the golden sandals that were created for him specifically for the afterlife (they were found on his mummified remains).

The exhibition opens in Houston on October 16th at the Museum of Fine Arts, and then travels to Seattle.

I’ve had this exhibition on my calendar since it was first announced, and was glad to hear that I would have to travel to see it.  Seattle tickets go on sale to members first – on October 22nd, 2011.  I’ve been a proud member of the Pacific Science Center for a few years now, and early ticket sales is just one of the benefits.  Ticket prices have not yet been announced, but Houston tickets appear to be priced in the $15-35 range.  Tickets are for timed admissions, and they will sell out.  If you’re interested in seeing the exhibition, especially during the first few weeks, keep checking the science center’s website for ticket information.

The Seattle exhibition runs May 24th, 2012 through January 6th, 2013.  Then the artifacts go to their permanent home in Egypt.

Will you be going to see King Tut?

Photo credits:  Courtesy of Tutankhamun:  The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, ©Sandro Vannini

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The spooky, eerie, and downright creepy, take center stage in October as interest in the paranormal peaks for Halloween-time.  If visitors are not too nervous to leave their London hotels, it’s a good time to explore the spookier side of London.  Here are seven haunted sites in London to get you started:

1. Tower of London – The claim is that this is the most haunted place in England, perhaps not a surprise as so many people lost their heads here.  Literally.  Do you think it’s true that the White Lady haunts the White Tower?  And it’s said that the spirits of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey (both wives of Henry the VIII) are said to haunt the Tower as well.
2. The Bank of London – The location on Threadneedle Street is said to be occupied as a ghost named the Bank Nun.  The story has it that the woman is the sister of a man hung for bank forgery.  After the hanging she would make daily visits to the bank, always dressed in a long black dress and veil.  She was eventually given a settlement for her promise never to return.  She kept that promise during her lifetime.  Not so after her death.
3. Theatre Royal Drury Lane – I’m sure this oldest working theater in London has staged a mystery or two, so perhaps some of the lurking ghosts here are former actors from those performances.  Sightings include The Man in grey, who appears in a powdered wig and white shirt, pantomimist Joseph Grimaldi, and clown Dan Leno.  It’s said that other ghosts lurk in the shadows.
4. Highgate Cemetery – You’d expect a cemetery to be haunted, and this one doesn’t disappoint.  Dwelling among the Gothic mausoleums and tombs are a number of spirits including the Highgate vampire and an elderly woman looking for the children she murdered.  That’s Highgate in the photo above.
5. Covent Garden Tube Station – Paranormal sightings include the Screaming Spectre, a 13-year old hat maker, and the ghost of an actor who was stabbed near the Adelphi Theatre.
6. Handel’s House Museum – Composer George Frederic Handel lived in this house and died in an upstairs bedroom.  It’s said that a ghost of a woman has been seen in that bedroom, and that she leaves behind a lingering trace of her perfume.
7. Ten Bells Pub – Jack the Ripper’s last victim was a patron at the pub the night she was murdered, giving this place a creepy vibe based on its history alone.  Pub staff have reported seeing an elderly man, dressed in Victorian clothes, making random appearances around the place.  It’s believed that the gentleman is a former owner of the pub who was murdered.

If you don’t want to tackle the spooky side of London on your own, there are various walking tours that combine history with a visit to haunted sites.  There are many more sites than just the seven mentioned here, and while sightings have been recorded at all times of the year, there’s just something extra special about visiting during Halloween time.

My recommendation:  Learn the history, visit the site, let your imagine run wild.  Then decide if you believe!

Photo credit:  Alex Norton via wikimedia

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When travelers think of the Costa del Sol in Spain, the first thing to come to mind is often American-style resorts. What was once a quiet coastline of fishing villages has expanded rapidly, resulting into what many would call over development. Yet this isn’t the only side of Andalucia.

Venture away from the coastline and into the hills and you will find the region’s famous white villages. Stunning from afar, impossibly perched up on hillsides, they are somehow even more fascinating when you finally reach them after a series of hairpin turns on two lane roads. All you will need to explore is a rental car, a basic map, and an appetite, and with so many options for cheap holidays to Spain, it’s fascinating and affordable.

Once you arrive in each of the following villages, explore on foot and find a restaurant or tapas bar that strikes your fancy.

Ronda

One of the best known white villages is Ronda. Located just over 60 miles from Malaga, it is an easy day trip from anywhere along the Costa del Sol. Take your time on the drive up as you will pass many other villages and scenic lookout points along the two-lane road.

Ronda is famous for a gorge that runs down the center of the village (seen in photo above). This canyon plummets for over 100 meters to a river below. Standing on a bridge over this gorge, seeing white buildings built into the rocky cliff face, is sure to be one of your most memorable moments in Spain.

Frigiliana

The white village of Frigiliana has often been called “the prettiest little village in all of Andalucia”. As you approach by car, it will be easy to agree. This hilltop town is pristine white, full of shops with handmade items like pottery and jewelry, and has many options for restaurants from the affordable to the splurge worthy.

The only way to explore this village is on foot, so be prepared with a good pair of walking shoes. Frigiliana is very hilly and full of stairs, but with each climb, the views are your reward. If you’re interested in more than just soaking up the culture over a coffee, there are a few local attractions including a 17th century church and a Roman fort.

Vejer

If you’re looking for a town that is a little off the tourist map, check out Vejer. While the other two options are accustomed to receiving visitors seeking the beauty of the “pueblos blancos”, Vejer remains under the radar. Just like the other villages, the thing to do here is wander the cobbled streets, browse the craft shops, and nibble the day away at different tapas bars.

Besides the beautiful white buildings that give these towns in Andalucia their name, Vejer is also home to another architectural style. This town was controlled by the Moors for a period of over 500 years. As you stroll through the town, you will see the influence of the Moors through architecture and patterned tile work.

A trip to the Costa del Sol can be about relaxing on the beach and soaking up the famous Spanish sun, but get away from the coastline into the mountains, and you will discover a different, more culturally rich side of Andalucia.

Photo credits:  This post was written by travel blogger and writer Jessica Colley.  Jessica also provided the photos.

NOTE:  This is a sponsored post.

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With its historical significance and message of freedom, a visit to see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia will be on most history buffs travel list.  The Liberty Bell is one of the iconic symbols of the American Revolutions, and since then has served as a symbol of independence, freedom, and liberty.

The bell was originally cast in London and designed to be used at the Pennsylvania State House.  It cracked soon after its arrival in Philadelphia.  Local craftsmen cast a new one and it was installed in the State House in 1753.  Weighing a little over a ton, the bell rang many times as the official bell of the Pennsylvania State House.  It tolled many public announcements, including the opening of the 1774 First Continental Congress and after the 1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord.  But perhaps the Liberty Bell’s most famous ringing was on July 8th, 1776, when it called the citizens together for the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

As a result of all the ringing, a thin cracked developed in the Liberty Bell.  It was able to be repaired, but when it rang for a George Washington birthday celebration on February 22, 1846, it cracked again.  This time, the previous crack was stressed again and it expanded to the crown of the bell.  After this crack the Liberty Bell was unusable as a ringing bell, and it has not been rung since.

Although it was unusable, the Liberty Bell traveled around the country, making appearances at fairs, expositions, and local events.  The country had been torn apart during the Civil War, and the traveling exhibit was designed as part of the efforts to heal and unite the country.  Unfortunately, all that travel caused the bell to crack even further.  Finally, in 1915 the Liberty Bell returned to its home in Philadelphia, where it now rests silently, reminding us of the power and importance of our freedoms and of the often intangible concept of liberty.

Once back in Philadelphia, the bell was housed in the bell tower at Independence Hall.  When preparations got underway for the American Bicentennial celebration, a small glass pavilion was built to showcase the bell.  Queen Elizabeth attended the ceremonies, presents a full-size replicate of the Liberty Bell that had been cast at the same British foundry as the original one.  That replica bell hangs in the tower at Independence Hall where the original was intended to be housed.  The Bicentennial pavilion proved too small to accommodate the millions of visitors who came to view the Liberty Bell, and eventually a larger pavilion was created and named the Liberty Bell Center.

Visiting the Liberty Bell Center is a lesson in patience.  The line is usually long, often full of students on a group trip.  Once you get to the entrance you’ll need to pass through a security screen and things get backed up once again.  You’ll need to remove all your coats, jackets, sweaters, etc., and remove EVERYTHING from your pockets, before passing through a metal detector.  If you can manage to do this at the airport, you’ll be fine, but there are always a few people who find this difficult and slow up the process.  Make sure you’re all ready to go when you get to the front of the line and try to be patient with those having difficulty.

After you finally get through security, you’ll enter a lobby where you’ll see a short video presentation, exhibits about the creation and history of the bell, and some displays of bell artifacts.  History buffs seem to spend a bit of time in this area, appreciating what’s happened to get us to this point.  Once through these exhibits you’ll enter the glass chamber that houses the Liberty Bell.  The bell is displayed at ground level and through the windows in the background you can see Independence Hall.

It’s a simple bell.  With a crack.  On the floor of a room made of glass.  And what it represents took my breath away.

Location:  Independence National Historical Park.  On Market, between 5th & 6th.

Hours:  Open daily, 9 am-5 pm, with extended summer hours.

Admission:  FREE

Photo credit:  Cliff via flickr

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If you’re a castle lover, Slovenia is the right place for a blend of history and culture in a country that’s still untainted by the tourist factor. First stop on your list will likely be the capital city’s Ljubljana Castle built in the 15^th century.  Located in the city of its namesake, the castle sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the city and the countryside and it’s the largest and most visited castle in the country.

Not surprising.

It’s free to enter the castle courtyard so even if you just want a good view and a cup of coffee or glass of wine at the top, you’ll be able to take in the atmosphere no cost.

Guided tours take place daily from June to mid-September at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and are about an hour long.  From September 15 until the summer season rolls around again guided tours are conducted only if arranged in advance.

Tours aren’t mandatory, but will give you a good taste of the castle’s history.  The area was inhabited as far back as the 12th century BC, eventually became a Celtic stronghold and finally morphed into what it is today.   The tour guides are also full of legends and lore of the castle and the surrounding area, so as you discover the medieval jail, the old Gothic chapel, renovated halls and a 2000-year-old Roman well you’ll also hear the stories that have shaped this part of the world.

On tour or not you can climb to the top of the tower for an even better view.  Take some time and watch the 3-D documentary about the history of the castle and the city.  On the left side of the castle chapel you will also find the Museum of Slovene History along with a restaurant featuring traditional Slovenian food.

Locals and visitors alike find their way up the hill during the summertime to attend one of the many cultural events.  Art exhibitions are free and take place in various parts of the castle; concerts, theatre and open air cinema are also featured during the warm weather. Then, just as fall begins to peak its head on the horizon, the castle courtyard plays host to Medieval Day which celebrates the history of Ljubljana .

There are several options for getting to the castle, depending on the time of year you visit.  You definitely don’t want to drive since there’s no place to park at the top.  So leave your car at your hotel,  Slovenia has a good variety of accommodations, and walk along one of the paths to the top.  Walking will take you about 10 minutes from the city’s Old Town.  Or choose the funicular.  The funicular runs about every 10 minutes, leaving from the Krekov trg between 9 am-11 pm during the summer, and 10 am-9 pm during the remainder of the year.

Photo credit:  Sebastian Bermann via flickr

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by My Destination Info.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the guest writer, Rita Cook.

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July 4th, 2011.  In the United States it was a holiday celebrating the 235th anniversary of the country’s independence.

Back home friends had get-togethers with family and friends.  There were steaks, chicken, and burgers on the grill.  There was time for a game of baseball, badminton, or maybe a little time to be out on the water.  There was probably ice cream, watermelon, beer, and plenty of good natured fun.  When it was finally dark, the fireworks came out – whether they were the safe and sane sparklers, the bigger fire power purchased on the reservation, or the even bigger powered community displays.  The weather looked like it was fairly nice (and that’s a real blessing in Seattle right now) and I’m guessing it was a pretty good day all around.

But here in Italy, July 4th, 2011 was simply a Monday, a little cooler, a little cloudier, but just a Monday.

We slept in a little bit, spent some time by the pool, and then headed off to see the town of Pitigliano.

Pitigliano seemed like it was out in the middle of nowhere – but then you round a bend in the road and you see the town seemingly growing out of a rock formation.  It’s both on top of the rocks and growing out of the rocks, and is one of the most dramatic sights I’ve seen here in Italy (and there have been some pretty dramatic ones).

Pitigliano is basically a volcanic ridge that is located at the meeting point of two rivers.  The caves carved into the landscape their date back to Etruscan times, and if you peer into the canyon you can see the waterfalls caused by the rivers.  It’s much like other medieval towns in that there are a hodgepodge of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways spurring off in all different directions in a haphazard way.  Follow one or another and you’ll see much the same thing – stone buildings, flowers growing everywhere there’s a free spot, and people going about daily life.

The main attraction in the town is the Palazzo Orsini, the 16th century residence of the prominent Orsini family.  Other interesting sights include the remains of a 14th century aqueduct (in the middle of the town) and and 18th century cathedral.  Personally, I suggest wandering through the town and stopping for gelato when you need a break, maybe even stopping more than once.

When we got back to the farmhouse where we are staying there was a large group of Italian travelers finishing up their evening meal.  As is so typical here, we were invited to join them.  Wine was being poured (along with grappa), and conversation was lively even though we knew very little of one another’s language.  Oh, and they passed around watermelon, too.  I guess it wasn’t all that different from back at home.

The Euro to Dollar valuation makes travel to Europe less of a buy that is was last year, but it is still VERY doable.  Look for cheap deals on holidays abroad to find something that fits your budget and then make the most of every single day you’re there.

We’re coming into the home stretch of our holiday – just another couple of days – and I’m already making a list of things that I want to check out on the next trip.

Photo credit:  from the author’s personal collection

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by Direct Holidays; the experiences and opinions are solely those of the author.

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My time in Portugal was abbreviated, but I managed to get a lot done in two days.  However, one of the spots I was unable to get to (and it will have to stay on my to-see list along with the other sights I had to skip) is a visit to the Algarve, an area along Portugal’s southern coast.  It’s about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Lisbon, or catch a quick flight, and is a popular choice for a long beach weekend (which is exactly how I planned to do it).  The Algarve can also be reached by bus and train, and requires a bit of planning and good timing, but these options weren’t in my consideration.

The three spots on my Algarve visit were to be Salema, Cape Sagres, and Lagos.

Salema

At the end of a small road between Lagos and Cape Sagres, Salema is a fishing village that still manages to offer restaurants and bars, a few hotels, some condos and time shares, and a paved boardwalk along its beaches.

What I wanted to do:  Eat fish fresh the boats in a small restaurant in old town.  Wander the morning (weekdays only) market picking up whatever looks and tastes good.  Spend some time on a beach with a good book (or Kindle, in my case) and relax.

Cape Sagres

Back when people believed that the world was flat, Cape Sagres was thought to be that spot right before where the edge of the world dropped off.  Even today it is still referred to as the “End of the World” with a lighthouse marking the spot.

What I wanted to do:  Visit the old fort and learn more about the history of Henry the Navigator and why he decided this spot wasn’t the end of the world.  Check out the wind compass, a mysterious 100 foot circle outlined by round pebbles, that has never been fully explained.  Enjoy the great views with a walk around the Point and reflect on the seafaring lore surrounding the part of the country.  Enjoy a bit of rest on the beach.

Lagos

A big city beach resort town, with attitude to match, the town is still full of history.  This was the spot where the Portuguese explorers launched from and it was home to the first African slave market in Europe (not a pleasant thought, but historical nonetheless).

What I wanted to do:  Wander the walled old town with its crazy mix of streets full of shops, bars, restaurants, and art (in photo above).  Get out on the water with a boat and skipper and soak up some sun away from the beach, and maybe spot some dolphins while we’re out there.

Two days is not near enough time to see the Lisbon area, let alone get a little further afield in discovering the rest of Portugal, but it was enough of a taste to convince me that I’ll need to go back.  With a combination of lovely beaches, and often overlooked history, it’s a wonderful part of the world to spend a few time.  Add in the warm weather (it’s been in the 90’s while I was here and not a cloud in the blue sky) and delicious Portuguese restaurants (try the Bacalhau – a dish of cod, potatoes, and lots of butter and garlic), and you’ll see why Portugal is a place to spend time in.  Maybe next year.

Photo credits: Had01 via wikipedia (cliffs) Lacobrigo via wikimedia (Lagos city)

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by My Destination Info, the opinions expressed herein are those of the author.

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