Lithuanian legend Palanga
Against the backdrop of a holy pagan shrine, the legend of Birutė, the stunning priestess of Palanga, unfolds. Celebrated for her divine beauty, Birutė promised to keep her virginity until death. Her rejection when the aspirational prince Kęstutis sought her hand resulted in a sad marriage marked by treachery. Her returning to serve the gods following his death finally brought…
Rio de Janeiro as a tourist destination
What makes Rio de Janeiro special? Rio is one of the world’s most spectacular cities, set where steep green mountains plunge into sparkling blue sea. As Brazil’s second-largest city (pop. ~6.7 million), Rio is nicknamed the Cidade Maravilhosa (“Marvelous City”) for good reason. Its world-famous landmarks – Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado and the dramatic Sugarloaf peak – dominate…
Only in Cuba …
Cuba is a nation of startling juxtapositions. Old Havana’s Baroque plazas and 1950s Chevrolets exist hand in hand with Soviet-era housing blocks and spartan ration queues. The island’s past – Spanish conquest, African diaspora, revolutionary upheaval – is inscribed in its architecture, music, and faith. Today, UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant Afro-Cuban rituals thrive amid acute scarcity. This guide…
