Topics

Nov

Travels to the Past: Sweden’s Vasa Ship

by Meredith Mullins on November 5, 2019

A model of the Vasa, with full sails
© Meredith Mullins

The Shortest Maiden Voyage in History

She was as tall as a four-story building and weighed 1,300 tons.

She housed two gun decks with 64 cannons and could transport more than 450 crew members.

She was both inspiring and intimidating with her 700 intricate carvings decorating the ship.

Intricate carvings on every part of the Vasa ship
© Meredith Mullins

She was the most significant statement of power that King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden had ever created.

She was the Vasa—the mightiest warship of her time. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 5 Comments

Sweden/Travels to the Past

Oct

Travel Inspiration on an American Road Trip

by Meredith Mullins on October 21, 2019

Butterfly Town U.S.A.
© Meredith Mullins

The Telltale Stories of Town Slogans

Sometimes, a city’s descriptive moniker is so memorable, it becomes a part of modern culture.

New York—The Big Apple
Philadelphia—The City of Brotherly Love
Las Vegas—What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.

One slogan like “The Big Apple” may not be enough for a city like New York (also represented by
“The City that Never Sleeps,” “Gotham,” and “I Love New York”).
© iStock/emyu

However, there is a unique universe to explore in the town slogans and welcome signs of some of America’s smaller cities. And the focus that each community chooses can be a travel inspiration. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 2 Comments

Art of Travel/USA

Oct

Is Paris Disappearing?

by Meredith Mullins on October 7, 2019

Change Comes to Four Cultural Icons

“Panta Rhei” wrote the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. “Life is flux.”

This prescient philosophy, from more than 2000 years ago, is more commonly known as “Change is the only constant.” A truth in 500 BCE and a truth today.

In a city like Paris, the process of change can affect the visible cityscape, as well as its cultural icons. We are the witnesses as we go about our daily rhythms of sitting in our beloved cafés, taking the bus, getting the news, and, yes, finding a restroom. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 8 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Cultural Symbols/France (Paris)

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