top travel apps - Google Translate

When traveling in non-English speaking countries and Australia the Google Translate app is my lifeline. In fact, it’s probably the most valuable travel app I’ve got on my smartphone. And the great thing about this free translation tool is that it’s being continually updated by some of the best developers in the business. Which means […]

The Great Railway Bazaar

Ten-second book summary First published in 1975, Paul Theroux’s The Great Railway Bazaar chronicles the author’s four-month rail journey from England to Japan via the Middle East and Asia and back again via Russia. Despite its age or perhaps because of it, it’s a very entertaining and surprisingly honest and refreshing read. Realistic details, not […]

Skiing near Nice at Isola 2000

Despite it’s location on the French Riviera, it’s possible to go snow skiing near Nice during the winter. One of the most accessible ski fields is Isola 2000, 60 miles north of the city. Set in a high valley inside Mercantour National Park, the ski field gets its name from its altitude (2000 meters/6560 feet) […]

walking tour of public art

The purpose of this walking tour of public art in Nice is to introduce you to some of the more interesting artworks on display in town. With the exception of the stairs at the beginning and end, the tour takes place on level ground. The entire tour can be completed in about an hour, but […]

Chagall Museum, Nice, France

The Chagall Museum (Musée Chagall) is one of Nice’s two most popular museums, along with the Musée Matisse, which is located just up the hill. Although the collection is relatively small, it provides a satisfying and intimate glimpse into the magical and mystical world that Chagall envisioned. Chagall was closely involved in the design and arrangement […]

Burj Khalifa light show, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Laser light show on the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Aside from minor cropping, this photo is unedited. The light beams, colors, and dotted lights around the building appear exactly as they did during the show. Originally staged as part of Dubai’s New Year’s Eve 2018 celebration, the light show drew such […]

Winter sunset and giant ferris wheel, Place Massena

Ferris wheel and winter sunset in Place Massena, Nice, France. Tickets cost about US $8 and you sit in enclosed cars rather than in swinging seats. The result is an enjoyable ride, even if you aren’t a fan of heights. In all, it’s a great way to spend a leisurely half-hour or so. Nice erects […]

Dubai al Arab Jumeirah Hotel

Dubai al Arab Jumeirah Hotel, which bills itself as the most luxurious hotel in the world. And it’s not just the hotel operators saying that. Travel agents and industry analysts consider it one of the only true 6-star hotels in the world. Completed in 1999 for approximately $1 billion, it sits on a man-made island […]

Skyline of Valletta, Malta

Skyline view of Valletta, Malta, the smallest capital city in Europe. With a population of just 6,400 people, this 16th century walled town covers a mere .3 square miles (.8 square kilometers). Despite this, Valletta is a bustling town during the day. Thousands of cruise ship passengers wander its streets nearly every day taking in […]