Category: Places & Tourism
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The Library of Siena Cathedral
This summer I had my first ever trip to Italy – 14 incredible days of culture, history, and food. I thought I’d share a few highlights from time to time on the old blog. On our tour of ancient capital of Siena, the magnificent cathedral impressed for architecture and art. What else is new? It’s…
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PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA – From the top of the Rotunda
Here’s one of my favorite not Italian spots in the world – PNC Park. It has, of course, been lauded over and over as a modern baseball marvel. One of the truly outstanding features of this stadium is the navy steel rotunda which forms a spiral walkway to the very top of the ballpark. I’ve…
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I’ve Been Hiding in Italy on Vacation
My poor blog. It has lost the fight against ancient relics and priceless cuisine. I’ve been on the most amazing tour of Italy the last week plus that I forgot there was a world out there I used to know. Way to much to show and tell on this one little post, but I thought…
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Out of the Bubble
I currently live in Saudi Arabia, and as an expat, it’s easy to find yourself living in comfortable bubble. My life in Jeddah feels that way in many respects. My main existence is a combination of apartment living on a compound, busing to school and back, all day at an American school that looks and…
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Bethany Beyond Jordan: A Pilgrimage
Last weekend I took my first trip to Jordan. I surely hope it’s not my last. Jordan was inviting and laid-back. A perfect destination for a weekend of relaxation and reflection. We arrived in Amman’s airport about fifteen miles south of the city and directly started our descent into the Jordan River Valley. The descent…
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Perception
What is your perception of Saudi Arabia? (assuming you have never visited) I’m sure there are certain images or preconceived notions which naturally bubble to the forefront of your mind. Where did your perception come from? Media? Friends? Perception of a particular culture almost never turns out to true when one finally comes in contact…
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Visiting Arlington Makes One Remember
Arlington National Cemetery is a solemn and sobering place. There are many picturesque sites, and I spent the morning yesterday wandering around on a terrifically sunny and blue-sky-day to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy, perhaps, isn’t the correct word. One can enjoy a walk in the sun, but how does one enjoy a walk through a…
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Goodbye, Malaysia. A Memoir in Food Photos
I’m leaving Malaysia for good after eleven wonderful years living in Penang. Though there are people and customs and culture and other things I’ll miss about Malaysia, I thought my Goodbye Post should highlight some of the food items I ate in my last week. I will miss all of this tremendously. Imagine the fragrance…
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Visiting Malacca or Melaka
I recently took what might be my last trip to Malacca. I’ve visited there eight times (I think), and I’ve enjoyed it each time. It’s a great place to take in some history, learn about the Portuguese, Dutch, British and how they elbowed their way into the spice trade. They’ve done a fantastic job developing…
Author Mark W Sasse 