Category: Great Cities

 

I love visiting exciting cities around the world and sharing my photos and stories from these experiences.

Finding the Magic – My Harry Potter Studio Tour Review and Tips for a Perfect Vsit

As a huge Harry Potter fan, visiting Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Brothers Studios in London was magical. This is my Harry Potter Studio Tour review with lots and lots of photos and tips for experiencing this magical place.

Some days I wish I had a magic wand. Or that I also had received a letter on my eleventh birthday saying I was accepted into the Hogwarts School of Wizarding and Witchcraft. Of course the Sorting Hat would put me in the Gryffindor house and I also would have a beautiful white owl as my companion. For one day, I was able to be part of this magical world during my Wizarding World of Harry Potter London experience.

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Loved These 25 Festive Things To Do in London in December – No Bah Humbugs Here

I love to visit London any time of year, but the Christmas holiday season is one of my favorite times to visit because there are so many fun and festive things to do in London in December.

Christmas Markets, decorated trees, sparkling lights, and holiday concerts galore. On my holiday trip to London I found the city  wrapped up in all things Christmas.

There is always a lot to do in London and this time of year, even more so. So after spending ten days getting into the holiday spirit, this is my list of festive things I did in London in December.

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How I Spent a Wonderful 3 Days in Thessaloniki, Greece

3 days in Thessaloniki was a good amount of time to discover the historic and cultural sights in Greece’s second largest city. Read all about my Thessaloniki itinerary to help you plan a visit to this inspiring destination.

Three days in Thessaloniki was all the time I had to discover all the diverse offerings in Greece’s second largest city. I would have liked more time, but that was what my schedule allowed, so I made the most of my time in this cosmopolitan metropolis and managed to see all the highlights.

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A Love Letter to Beautiful Istanbul

Straddling two continents and over 2000 years of history, there is no other place like Istanbul. With its friendly locals, delicious food and incredible architecture, it is one of my favorite global cities to visit and photograph. So, along with my favorite 25 images, here is my love letter to beautiful Istanbul.

Since the age of 9, I have always wanted to see Istanbul. When I emigrated to the USA from Romania with my parents in the summer of 1970, our flight was rerouted through Istanbul to pick up more passengers. I don’t exactly remember what that 9 year old saw out of the plane window, but it left a lasting impression.

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Oh My! There is So Much To Do On a Chicago 4 Day Itinerary

I grew up in Chicago and still visit frequently and after traveling the world, it still remains my favorite city. Here is a list of my 25 top things to do on a Chicago 4 day itinerary (though I suggest spending more time in my favorite city if you can).

Frank Sinatra said it best when he sang “My Kind of town Chicago is”. If you are planning a first trip to the “Windy City”, there are a wide range of sights and things to do in Chicago for all interests. Here is my list of top 25 Chicago attractions in my favorite city.

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A Walk Down 42nd Street in New York City – Let Me Take You There

Take a walk with me down 42nd street in New York and discover 100 years of history and architecture in the heart of the city that never sleeps.

If Midtown is the heart of Manhattan, then 42nd street in New York City must be its main artery. It’s only a two mile walk from the East River to the Hudson River on this historic lane, but you pass through a handful of defined neighborhoods in the process, each with its own distinctive flavor. You also pass by some of the city’s most iconic and decorative buildings, both old and new.

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Chicago on a Budget – A Winter Weekend Break in My Favorite City

Chicago is a popular tourist destination. To visit Chicago on a budget consider a winter weekend break to find cheaper flights, hotels and restaurant deals.

Chicago winters get a bad rap. Yes, Chicago is called the “Windy City” for a reason, and winters there do still get snowy and cold. But like everywhere else in the world, global warming has had its impact here as well, and Chicago winters are nowhere near as frigid as they were when I grew up there in the 70’s and 80’s. If you are looking to visit Chicago on a budget, then consider a winter weekend break in my favorite city as your best option.

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PhotoPOSTcard: Reflecting on My Favorite City

This is my favorite view of Chicago. This is the view I grew up with. As a teenager I used to bike from my house to the lake and along the lakeshore all summer long. Today the parkland along the lake is as popular as ever – even more so as millions of annual tourists also take advantage of the 19 mile Lakefront Trail. Don’t have a bike? Not a problem. Bike rental kiosks are located troughout the city and are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

PhotoPOSTcard: Doing it for the ‘Gram

This post was recognized by the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) with  a Silver journalism in travel excellence award in 2020  in the category Photography – Portrait, People

 

The glass box called “The Ledge” is a popular selfie photo spot on the 103rd floor Skydeck of the Willis Tower in Chicago. Stand, jump or lay on the clear glass floor and look down 1353 feet to the street below. Would you do it?

Thanks for visiting.

Rose