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Exploring the Mysteries of the Great Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, have captivated the imaginations of travelers for centuries. These magnificent structures, standing tall against the backdrop of the Egyptian desert, hold secrets and stories that continue to intrigue and inspire. So, grab your explorer’s hat, and let’s embark on a thrilling journey to unravel the mysteries of the pyramids! A Glimpse Into Ancient Egypt As you approach the Great Pyramids, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Built over 4,500 years ago, these colossal structures were the final resting places of pharaohs and their treasures. The pyramids were not only tombs but…
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TOP 10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN CAIRO, EGYPT
I want to begin by saying this is in no way a complete list of all of the wonderful sights and historical magnificence this city has to offer. I will however say that on my short stay in Cairo these were a few of my favorites. This huge metropolitan city is home to some of the most interesting and unforgettable attractions in the world. The people are friendly and the food is delicious. Bundle that up with a few thousand years of the most interesting history on the planet and who wouldn’t want to come to Cairo? Let’s start this tour with the crown jewel of Egypt. The Pyramids of…
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10 Ways to Have the BEST Week Ever
Sunday….. The blissful day of rest. We’ve worked all week and now is our time for Netflix and Family right?? Well you could do that but if you take just a few minutes to prepare for the week you might not have to look forward to Sunday so much. Here are 10 things that you can do to start your week off right with less stress and more time to relax. MAKE A LIST A to-do list for the week is an absolute must. You can’t get it done if you don’t know you need to do it. I usually keep an ongoing list in my purse and then on…
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A Puerto Rican Food Story
Home of Plantains and Pork Warm tropical breezes, friendly, smiling people, amazing history and no need for a passport. These are all things that describe Puerto Rico but I have to say one of my absolute favorites is the food. The unbelievably, fantastic food. Although Puerto Rican cooking is often compared to Spanish, Cuban and Mexican cuisine, it is a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences, using such indigenous seasonings and ingredients as coriander, papaya, cacao, nispero, apio, plantains, and yampee. Locals call their cuisine “cocina criolla”. Coccina Creole (Créole cooking) can be traced back to the Arawaks and Tainos, the original inhabitants of the island,…
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The Spiritual Side of San Juan.
Puerto Rico, an island inhabited for over 3000 years, millions have lived and died on this tiny island in the Caribbean. So it would stand to reason that it has its fair share of things that go bump in the night. On my recent trip to San Juan I marveled at the history and culture and lush forests of this beautifully bright city but what goes on at night in these fabulous old structures and moonlits paths . While we stare at the thousands of years of history. What stares back? Our first tale is of an animal that has its roots firmly on the island. While stories and sightings…
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Wine and Waterfalls, A Day Trip From Toronto
Being from America I’ve always had this picture of Canada being this wild wilderness type place. After spending a few days in Toronto I was second guessing this belief. So I thought I would take a trip out of the city. Lucky for me AirBNB has a wonderful selection of day trips led by locals who really know their stuff. I chose a trip that took you to see waterfalls and wine.. Who doesn’t like waterfalls and wine??? Well me… Waterfalls I’m good with.. Wine.. mehhhhh… not really my thing… or so I thought. The day started with the meet up at a local Mcdonalds, there I got to meet…
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Electric and Eclectic Kensington Market
I’ll start this blog with a little bit of honesty…. Kensington Market is not a market. What it is, is so much better. What it is, is a crazy cool, offbeat, charming, eclectic, extremely diverse neighborhood set in Toronto. It’s very much like one of my grandma’s crazy quilts. Bright and colorful with the only cohesiveness being the edges drawn together with hard work and love. To give you a little history of the area. In 1815 George Taylor Denison bought a 100-acre plot and built his estate on it. Then in 1850-1860, the land was divided up into plots for the British and Irish immigrants. As the influx in…
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Toronto’s Own Mystical Magical Bookstore
While on my flight from Omaha to Toronto I did a little research. Being a confirmed book-a-holic I was instantly drawn to a bookstore called The Monkey’s Paw. After arriving and getting a good night’s sleep I start my trek to find this mystical place. I decide to walk because on the map it didn’t look that far…. Note to self never trust me when looking at a map… I’m very bad at judging distance. Approximately 2 hours later I arrived and I have to say it was definitely worth it. This little unassuming bookstore is chock full of interesting used books. I’m a huge proponent of buying used books.…
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Mexico City’s Cathedral… a Big Church with an Even Bigger Name
The Metropolitan Cathedral or the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary Into Heaven sits on one side of the Zocalo, the main square of Mexico city, and on top of the pyramids of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. Originally built after the Spanish conquered the Aztecs. To add insult to injury they tore down the Aztec temples and used the stones to build the Catholic church. They wanted to show the power of not only the Spanish but also the church. Mexico city is now predominately Catholic but they often incorporate the Aztec customs. The church has undergone enlargement many times and each time they…
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Dancing With the Aztecs
From across the Zocalo, Mexico City’s largest square , I can hear the beat of drums and the chants of the Aztec dancers or Concheros as they are known in Mexico. While their bright costumes and rhythmic dancing may make you think their purpose is to entertain tourists, while that is a side effect that does bring them some money, these dancers do it to show a history rich in culture that was almost eradicated by the Spanish. Concheros a name given to them by the Spanish is not the original Aztec name, that may be lost forever. Concheros were names for the Concho a stringed instrument that they danced…
