Amsterdam’s cityscape, with its narrow houses tilting at various angles like rows of dominoes frozen mid-fall, at times looks like a scene from a Dr. Suess story. These leaning buildings, far from being architectural mistakes, represent centuries of adaptation to the unique challenges posed by building a city on swampland.
The foundation of Amsterdam’s architectural character lies, quite literally, in its unusual geology. The city was built on a swampy delta, where the River Amstel …
Hidden in the forests of Romania’s Bucovina region, just two kilometers from the famous Putna Monastery, lies a rather remarkable home built by an Orthodox Christian Monk – the hermitage cave of Daniel the Hesychast (Daniil Sihastru). This sanctuary, Daniel the Hesychast carved from a massive rock formation with 15th-century tools and his bare hands, and in doing so, became one of Romania’s most venerated spiritual figures.
Daniel the Hesychast (1400-1482) was a Romanian Orthodox …
In Rajasthan, it’s the colors that strike you first.
It’s the vibrant, striking colors worn by the residents of this ancient – and very proud – region, called “Land of Kings” because of a royal history like no other part of India. The land in which they live is a dry, often-monochromatic desert. But the history of Rajasthan is anything but monochromatic. It pulses with the ebbs and tides of a tumultuous history. And even …
In the heart of Ethiopia’s mountainous region of Amhara stand eleven Coptic Christian churches carved out of solid rock 800 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world, eager to witness this amazing architectural achievement built by the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Lalibela is located 370 miles north of Addis Ababa in the Amhara Region, at an altitude of 8,200 feet.
The history of Lalibela dates back to …
Castellfollit de la Roca is one of the smallest towns in Catalonia, Spain, but the views it offers is nothing short of dramatic. This remarkable village is precariously perched on the top of a slender basalt crag rising 160 feet above the Fluvià and Toronell rivers flowing below. Stretching nearly a kilometer in length, the basalt cliff that forms the foundation of Castellfollit de la Roca is the result of volcanic activity. The area was …
A shaded forest with dappled sunlight dancing between the trees; a clear stream that cascades over a severe, silver rock face; a certain hush, save the occasional bird and the crunching of leaves underfoot, and there, in the middle of it, a house like a no other, rising from a waterfall.
There’s a reason why Frank Lloyd Wright remains one of America’s most beloved architects. Falling Water, the stunning summer home that Wright designed for …
Cappadocia is a historic district that lies north of the Taurus Mountains, at the heart of Turkey. It is renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery, characterized by expansive soft volcanic rock formations molded by erosion into cones, valleys, towers, and caves.
In 1963, a local resident stumbled upon a hidden entrance in his home when he uncovered a passageway that led to a labyrinth of underground chambers, including dwellings, storage rooms, stables, schools, wineries, and even …
It’s only 10 p.m., but everyone has retreated to bed except the five of us playing cards in the hostel dining room.
“Deal another round,” I say, “I’m staying up all night.” Sleep seems unlikely when the temperature is plunging towards minus 12 degrees C (10 deg F), there’s no hot water for showers, and six people are sharing each room where the beds are blocks of salt.
I’ve discovered that you can’t enjoy the …
The myths and legends of Scotland are fitting of the storyteller culture it is. The tales call forth the natural surroundings of foggy coasts and cliffs. With more than 790 islands along its coast and hills as far as the eye can see, Scotland has plenty of true wilderness to explore. Its cities are reminiscent of the middle ages that coexist with the growing modern world. Add hospitable and down-to-earth people – you have an …
