Cholula: The Oldest Living City in America

Colorful Restaurant

There is a song called “Que Chula es Puebla” (or How beautiful is Puebla). If Puebla is beautiful, then Cholula is magnificent. Puebla’s western neighbor (it is located 7 miles from the center) is famous because of its Great Pyramid.  Visitors are used to make a short trip to this ancient city.  Based on what [...]

Callejon de los Sapos: Splash of Color in Puebla

Scene from the alley

The term “Disneyesque” is used to describe places that are surrounded by an aura of perfection. There is an area or “barrio” in Puebla which tends to be described with such a term.  Its name even resembles a fairy tale land.  Locals know it as the “Callejon de los Sapos” or “Alley of the Frogs.”  [...]

Casa del Dean: Small Museum, Old Murals

Casa del Dean

Many times, I have heard Rick Steves saying, “If art is boring to you, it is because you do not understand it.”  I can’t agree more with his comment. In some museums, I have felt like leaving right away because nothing appeals to me.  The story is different when I buy and audio tour.  Things [...]

Solvang: A Piece of Denmark Close to Home

Windmill

You probably have heard about Solvang.  It is a Danish city in the middle of California’s Santa Ynez Valley (close to Santa Barbara). Yes, you may have negative connotations about Disneyfied places like this.  After all, you can find the following in Solvang: Danish architecture A replica of the Little Mermaid Statue A bust of [...]

The Stunning Architecture of Amsterdam

Amsterdam: Houses along the Amstel River (photo credit: permesola.com)

Amsterdam might have a reputation as a town of loose morals where tolerance is the name of the game, but that’s not all there is to this unique city. You might have been introduced to this city’s other great attraction on your flights in to Amsterdam: Amsterdam’s architecture is a sight to behold. Home to [...]

Papillon Photos: Getty Center, Los Angeles

Reflecting building and fountain

You must have heard of the J. Paul Getty Center located in Los Angeles. This place is a campus for cultural institutions opened in the late 90s and funded by oilman J. Paul Getty. The entire Center cost $1.3 billion.  Yes, you read that right. One visit to this place can give you an idea [...]

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