Colorful and shy Mayan women go about their day, much the same way they have for centuries in Guatemala. Within the country, there are 21 indigenous groups, many existing in traditional style. But look around and you find a more modern Mayan/Spanish ethnic … read more

Ah, Italy! Ancient ruins, century-old churches and basilicas, wonderful restaurants and markets, picture-book scenery, canals, rolling hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see, boutique wineries and friendly people. What’s not to like? Well, it all depends on when you go. If … read more

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest is akin to being a teeny insect in the greatest biodiverse area on the planet. It’s humongous and you will never see it all — 2.1 million square miles. One-fifth of the freshwater flowing into the Earth’s oceans comes … read more

Close your eyes and imagine water as blue as turquoise. Sand shimmering like diamonds. Sunsets glowing like amber. Jungles glistening like emeralds. No, it’s not a fantasy land of rare gemstones in a mystical story. This is Belize. Beautiful, colorful, friendly Belize on … read more

You don’t need to be an engineer or construction worker or sea merchant to appreciate it. In fact, it’s just as fascinating for its historic, geologic and economic attributes. The Panama Canal is one of the ultimate modern-day structures of the world, and … read more

Egypt is a mystical place where your emotions take a rollercoaster ride. Look right and see some of the world’s most ancient antiquities. Look left and see traffic congestion and pollution. Read the news and there is terrorism and unrest. But spend several … read more

Maybe you’re planning a trip to Croatia to see the Instagram-worthy walls of Dubrovnik. Or to Portugal because everyone raves about its food and budget-destination status. Or perhaps to Peru to see Machu Pichu before limits are imposed on daily tourist visits. You’re … read more

We always hear about the well-known and touristy Greek islands such as Crete, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes. All of these islands have an abundance of beauty but also an abundance of tourists. Some, an overabundance. And then there is Antiparos. Where, you … read more

The Seabeck community has one of the most interesting histories in the state of Washington. Marshall Blinn and William Adams founded the community around 1856, when they sailed into the harbor after a trip from Maine that took them 196 days to complete. … read more