Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Brazil and all the world. Completed in 1931, Christ the Redeemer is set atop Corcovado Mountain and is part of the larger Tijuca Forest National Park. This entire landscape – known as the Carioca Landscape – encompasses Corcovado Mountain, […]
Vallee de Mai, Seychelles
On a recent trip to Seychelles, one of the highlights was visiting Vallee de Mai, a primeval palm forest home to the coco de mer, the largest seed in the plant kingdom. It is also home to the endemic black parrot, which unfortunately I did not get to see. Having lived mostly in places that […]
Independence Hall, USA
What do cheesesteaks, Rocky, and the birthplace of America have in common? They are all inextricably linked to the city of brotherly love: Philadelphia. Cheesesteaks are tied to the infamous rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s, Rocky is tied to the 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the birthplace of America […]