As world capitals go, Washington, DC is among the most impressive. Sure, it’s relatively young, without the distinguished history of the grand dames of Europe. But what it lacks in age, it makes up for in stately monuments and memorials. Many of the most significant are grouped around the National Mall, a large public park and gathering place also known […]
City Guide
Friendship and Chocolate in New York City: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
My travels around the East Coast continued last week with an all-too-brief sojourn in New York. Having once lived in the city, I have many friends there and try to go back as often as I can. I usually take the bus from DC, relaxing with free WiFi until the famous skyline first comes into […]
A Guide to the Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Festival
The Washington, DC cherry blossoms are a most extraordinary gift. In 1912, Japan gave the United States 3,020 cherry trees in a grand show of international friendship. First Lady Helen Taft and the wife of the Japanese ambassador planted two of the trees along the banks of the Tidal Basin. Little did they know the […]
Exploring the Cultural Quirks of Japan
Many countries have things they are widely recognized for, such as tulips in the Netherlands, the Eiffel Tower in France, and Carnival in Brazil. But there are also cultural intangibles that might not be as obvious but can be equally interesting. By way of greetings, Americans exchange hugs while Europeans prefer to kiss on the […]
36 Hours in Tokyo, Japan
Home to nearly 37 million people, Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world. This megacity is packed with so many interesting attractions and fun things to do that you’d need several weeks to tick everything off the list. But for many travelers, especially those coming from far away, Tokyo is one stop of […]