Fado is to Portugal what flamenco is to Spain: a cultural symbol. But there, for the most part, the similarities end. While flamenco is energetic and vigorous, equal parts music and dance, fado is soulful.
This native form of music arose as a confluence of several sources: from the Lundum of Brazil, the songs of the [...]

Portugal has a long history of sea exploration, filled with colorful tales of discovery. This history is amply illustrated in Lisbon’s Belem section. For the traveler, there are enough things to see here to occupy several vacations.
One of the most often visited sites is the Jeronimos Monastery also known as the Monastery of the Hieronymites, [...]

The oldest astronomical center in Australia, the Sydney Observatory has a long and glorious history of scientific endeavors. Now converted to a museum and educational facility, it’s officially part of the Powerhouse science museum complex.
The site is located at the top of the appropriately named Observatory Hill, close to the historic shopping and dining area [...]

Officially known as Port Jackson, Sydney Harbor reaches 20km (12mi) inland, where it joins the mouth of the Parramatta River. But on the ocean side of the harbor is a much more interesting sight: the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Completed in 1932, the bridge is unquestionably one of the most famous of that famed city’s landmarks. Coming [...]

The gallery is as individual as the country of Australia itself. Housing every style from 16th century landscape to the latest fad-with-no-name, this Sydney museum offers something for every taste.
One of three major public galleries but the only one in Sydney, the building itself is worth a long visit. Classical Greek columns festooned with cloth [...]

Like many large public projects, the building of the Sydney Opera House was bathed in controversy. But the final result is nonetheless breathtaking. While the interior has many flaws, such as the stage being blocked from portions of the seating area, inside and out it’s an architectural marvel.
The exterior is now known the world over, [...]

A part of Sydney for over 125 years, the Powerhouse Museum has housed science and technology exhibits at the present site since 1988.
With over 400,000 artifacts - many acquired from the original owners - the museum offers one of the world’s outstanding collections. It also offers ongoing and ever-changing displays that educate and entertain -  [...]

The Sydney Harbor (technically, Port Jackson) offers a number of stunning views. But how much more delightful to see them from a different angle on the water, while moving at top speed in a jet boat, or cruising along on a sailboat.
There are a dozen or more companies that offer boat rides of the harbor. [...]

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is an art experience inside and out. Housing a fine collection, the museum is located on a stellar site with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.
Re-opened in 1995 after a two-year, $35 million renovation, even the building itself is a work of art. Inside there are [...]

From its magnificent bayside vistas to the intimate cafes, San Francisco offers a visit par excellence.
Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge may be the city’s two most well known attractions - and well deserving of their reputations - but the city at the lower edge of Northern California offers much more.
Rides on the famed [...]