In order to pass the time, veteran Huang Yung-Fu decided to beautify the dull, grey Taiwanese village that he called home. Huang Yung-Fu’s neighbors—also fellow veterans—were beginning to leave in droves. Huang Yung-Fu had settled in his neighborhood after fighting in the Second Sino-Chinese War and the Chinese Civil War. Several neighborhoods in Taiwan were…
For some, hiking can be a daunting outdoor activity. Many fear the cold weather, the idea of being away from the convenience they’ve gotten used to, etc. But, it’s actually a fun and healthy activity to try to reconnect with nature, your loved ones, and even with yourself. If you want to get rid of…
The world is full to the brim with places that are awe-inspiring. A family or an individual who is planning a vacation has a string of options to choose from. The options range from culturally vibrant cities Asian continent, incomparable hospitality of the Middle East, natural magnificence of Africa, tranquility in Europe, to the vibrance…
When most people who are relatively unfamiliar with the Pacific Northwest think of Washington state, the first things that come to mind are snow-covered Mount Rainer, or the majestic Cascade Range. One of the most stunning sights in all of Washington State is lesser-known Lake Chelan. Located in the shadow of the North Cascades, royal…
In the days before trains, planes, and automobiles medieval towns had to rely on sturdy, towering walls to protect their populations from hostile invaders. Countless remnants of formerly grand defensive rampart walls are scattered throughout Europe. One of the most stunning examples of a fully intact rampart wall is in the Tuscan town of Monteriggioni….
In the late 1980s. Austin resident Vince Hannemann took the phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” quite literally. Hannemann began to construct a fort in his backyard out of discarded items such as license plates, surf boards, street signs, and bicycles. Vince Hannemann didn’t start out with any grand plans for his trash…
The small Spanish town of Castellfollit de la Roca is not the ideal travel destination for those who are claustrophobic or afraid of heights. Castellfollit de la Roca is located atop a frightfully narrow cliff with a 160-foot drop. Throughout most of the town, a single slim walkway separates rows of multistory dwellings. The town’s…
Near the border of Austria and Switzerland, the Italian waters of Lake Resia are home to a lone church tower that rises out of the serene lake like the final remnant of an enchanted city. The church tower is the last standing piece of the 14th-century Church of Santa Caterina di Alessandria—which many locals refer…