With San Antonio, Austin, and Houston already in the books, Dallas was the last major Texas city for me to complete the "Big Four." So when work decided to send me to a conference there, and a favorite band happened to announce a local show for the exact same weekend, I flew in early to... Continue Reading →
Most people head to Anaheim for one of two things: a conference or a trip to Disneyland. But if you think you need a theme park ticket to enjoy this corner of Southern California, think again. After a busy few days exploring Los Angeles and a jam-packed schedule at the convention center, I set out... Continue Reading →
This past February, work sent me to Anaheim. Since I hadn’t been to Los Angeles since I was a baby, I jumped at the chance to tack on a few extra days to explore the City of Angels. If you’re used to reading about my solo adventures, though, this trip looked a little different. My... Continue Reading →
Beer has long been a powerhouse industry in Poland, which consistently ranks among the top three producers in Europe alongside its western neighbor, Germany. While the region is deeply rooted in traditional lagers, crisp pilsners, and robust Baltic porters, a massive craft beer boom has been taking over since the 2010s. Spend any time here... Continue Reading →
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Visiting the concentration camp of Auschwitz should be on everyone's list of things to see in their lifetime. No, it's not a pleasant travel experience. It's a stark reminder of the ugliest days of world history and the evil that exists in this... Continue Reading →
A half hour outside of Gdańsk lies one of the most significant pieces of medieval architecture in Europe. Sitting on a total of 21 hectares, Malbork Castle is by land mass the largest Gothic castle complex in the world and the largest brick castle in Europe. It was built in the late 13th century, and... Continue Reading →
Kraków isn't just Poland’s most popular destination. It’s a city that effortlessly balances a heavy past with a buzzing, modern present. From the medieval charm of the Old Town, encircled by the serene Planty park, to the trendy, history-steeped streets of the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, there is a rhythm here that captures everyone. Best of... Continue Reading →
The second stop on my Polish adventure was Warsaw, Poland's capital and largest city. Nearly entirely decimated during the Second World War, you won't find as much "old world" charm here as you would in other Polish cities like Kraków, but that doesn't mean you won't feel the history throughout the city. From the cobblestone... Continue Reading →
An important seaport city on the Baltic coast, Gdańsk has been a contested area throughout history. Early Gdańsk was part of the Polish state, but was annexed by Prussia and later incorporated into the German empire in 1871. From 1807-1814 and 1920-1939, it operated as a free city-state known as the Free City of Danzig.... Continue Reading →
If you've traveled at all through Central Europe, there's a good chance you've had a connection through Frankfurt Airport (FRA), the fifth busiest airport in Europe. I had been through it a few times before, en route to other destinations like Rome and Vienna, but never left the airport. When I booked my getaway to... Continue Reading →
C to Shining C 