In the 1500s, German merchant Jakob Fugger became extravagantly wealthy. Historians estimate that, at the height of his success, Jakob Fugger’s fortune was valued at 400 billion USD. Fugger, often referred to as “Jakob the Rich,” is among the wealthiest people who ever lived. Moreover, Jakob Fugger was a devout Catholic who felt compelled to…
In recent years, Malaga—which is located in the Spanish region of Andalusia—has become a popular tourist destination. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Malaga is a beachy paradise that was once the home of painter Pablo Picasso. Flying into the Malaga airport and renting a car is the ideal staring point for an…
Despite its breathtakingly beautiful scenery, British Columbia’s Yoho National Park does not receive as much fanfare as nearby Banff or Jasper. Yoho, a Cree word meaning “awe,” truly lives up to its name and deserves just as much acclaim as any other popular National Park in Canada. Emerald Lake, one of Yoho National Park’s most…
In the dense forests of northern Sweden, just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle, you’ll find a series of distinctive, themed treehouses. These aren’t your average treehouses; they serve as upscale hotels for travelers seeking unique and sustainable accommodations. Options range from a mirrored cube reflecting its verdant surroundings to a birdhouse dotted with…
Saudi Arabia is home to one of the most picturesque stretches of desert in the Middle East. A sweeping valley known as Wadi Al Disah—or “Valley of the Palm Trees”—stands out as one of the most celebrated locales in Saudi Arabia’s arid regions. Wadi Al Disah boasts natural springs with pristine water, towering red rock…
On a sleepy street lined with residential homes in Toronto, there is a quirky garden that never fails to attract attention. After her husband died of an untimely death, Shirley Sumaiser started to decorate her garden with dolls in an effort to quell her grief. As the years passed, Shirley’s doll collection grew so large…
In 2017, a tourist snapped a photo of an ancient house in Aveyron, France, known for its unusual stacked appearance. This weathered old house quickly captivated internet audiences. Amateur historians soon asserted that this dwelling, dubbed the “Maison de Jeanne,” might be the oldest house in France. However, in recent years, officials from Aveyron have…
Starting around 1075, Romanian miners wielding pickaxes began chipping away at one of the largest salt deposits in Europe. This vast cache of salt was transformed into the expansive mine known as Salina Turda. The mine flourished until the early 1930s when the Great Depression led to a global economic downturn. After operations at Salina…