Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany, possibly founded before 16 BC. It is a lovely town in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Mosel wine region, population of around 100,000. One of its most celebrated landmarks is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Porta Nigra (Latin for black gate), a huge Roman city gate built around 186-200 AD. The name most …
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Another morning, another train ride… this time to the town of Wieliczka, known for one of the world’s oldest salt mines, dating back to the 1200s. When I get off at my stop, however, it feels like a ghost town. Not a soul in sight, and the train station is completely boarded up: It does feel a little bit like …
Krakow, Poland
So last night was not the best way to meet Krakow, Poland for the first time, but I wake up to its bright, puffy clouds gazing down at me through my hotel room’s skylight, which sadly is the only fabulous feature in my room. Well, that and the strong water pressure. I tell myself daylight is probably a better alarm …
Beyond Infinity
 It’s not really possible to determine where Prague Castle begins or ends; it is considered one of the biggest in the world. This sprawling 70,000 m² castle compound consists of palaces, ecclesiastical structures, gardens, galleries, riding centers, and other buildings dating back to the 10th century. It’s not until I examine the map a few days later do I realize that when …
Ayutthaya
 I wasn’t kidding yesterday about being in Buddha overdrive. If there are a million Buddha statues in Bangkok, I’ve probably seen 999,999 of them. First there’s the colossal reclining golden Buddha at Wat Pho that measures a whopping 46 meters long. His feet alone measure 3 meters long and are inlaid with mother-of-pearl illustrations of laksanas. He is completely …