National Geographic: 100 Places That Will Change Your Life

Mind: Intellectual & Historical Growth

1. Athens, Greece: Walk the Acropolis to stand where democracy and Western philosophy were born.
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Witness the largest religious monument in the world, a feat of Khmer engineering.
3. Great Wall, China: Walk the winding stone paths to contemplate human perseverance and isolation.
4. Oxford, England: Immerse yourself in the "city of dreaming spires" and its 800-year academic legacy.
5. Kyoto, Japan: Master the art of the tea ceremony and explore the quiet precision of Zen gardens.
6. Florence, Italy: See the works of Michelangelo and Da Vinci where the Renaissance redefined humanity.
7. Machu Picchu, Peru: Study Incan astronomy and agriculture at this cloud-level citadel.
8. Cairo, Egypt: Stand before the Pyramids of Giza to feel the weight of 4,500 years of history.
9. Petra, Jordan: Marvel at a city literally carved into rose-red desert cliffs.
10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: See the living laboratory that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.
11. St. Petersburg, Russia: Explore the Hermitage and the grandeur of the "Venice of the North."
12. The Smithsonian, Washington D.C.: Visit the world's largest museum complex to see the scope of human achievement.
13. Timbuktu, Mali: Visit the fabled center of Islamic scholarship and ancient manuscripts.
14. Cusco, Peru: Explore the Incan capital where colonial and ancient stonework seamlessly merge.
15. The Parthenon, Greece: Contemplate the perfection of Golden Ratio architecture.
16. Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt: Revisit the spirit of the Ancient Library of Alexandria in this modern marvel.
17. Cambridge, England: Experience the intellectual rigor of the world’s second-oldest English-speaking university.
18. The Louvre, France: Lose yourself in the world’s most visited museum of art and history.
19. Persepolis, Iran: Witness the monumental ruins of the seat of the Achaemenid Empire.
20. Xi’an, China: Stand before the thousands of unique faces of the Terracotta Army.
21. Cartagena, Colombia: Walk the walled city to learn about Caribbean colonial history and literature.
22. Heidelberg, Germany: Experience the romanticism and intellectual depth of Germany’s oldest university.
23. Auroville, India: Visit the "City of Dawn," an experimental township dedicated to human unity.
24. Island of Rhodes, Greece: Explore the medieval street of the Knights and the site of a lost Wonder.
25. The British Museum, London: See the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles in this global archive.

Body: Physical Challenge & Vitality

26. The Swiss Alps: Take in the thinning air and grand vistas on some of Europe's highest trails.
27. Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Snorkel the world’s largest coral system to witness vibrant underwater life.
28. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Feel the rumble of the Great Migration across the vast savannah.
29. Patagonia, Chile/Argentina: Hike the rugged trails of the "End of the World" amid glaciers and granite peaks.
30. Himalayas, Nepal: Test your limits on the roof of the world in the presence of Mount Everest.
31. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon: Soak in silica-rich geothermal waters surrounded by volcanic lava fields.
32. Boundary Waters, Minnesota: Paddle through a pristine wilderness of 1,000 lakes and no cell service.
33. Amalfi Coast, Italy: Navigate the "Path of the Gods" for vertical views of the Mediterranean.
34. Kauai, Hawaii: Hike the Na Pali Coast to see the "Garden Isle" in its most rugged form.
35. The Amazon Rainforest: Experience the sensory overload of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystem.
36. Milford Sound, New Zealand: Kayak through glacial fjords where waterfalls drop from 1,000-meter cliffs.
37. The Grand Canyon, Arizona: Hike from rim to river to see millions of years of geological time.
38. Mont Saint-Michel, France: Climb the winding stairs of this island abbey as the tide rushes in.
39. Table Mountain, South Africa: Hike to the flat-topped summit for a view of two merging oceans.
40. Denali National Park, Alaska: Experience true scale in the shadow of North America’s tallest peak.
41. The Dolomites, Italy: Tackle the "Iron Ways" (Via Ferrata) in these jagged limestone mountains.
42. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Swim with rays and sharks in one of the world's most beautiful lagoons.
43. Lake Baikal, Russia: Walk across the world's deepest and oldest lake, frozen clear as glass.
44. Okavango Delta, Botswana: Navigate the reed-filled waterways in a traditional dugout mokoro.
45. Appalachian Trail, USA: Walk a portion of this 2,000-mile journey of endurance and forest immersion.
46. Yosemite National Park, California: Stand at the base of El Capitan and feel the power of granite.
47. Torres del Paine, Chile: Trek the "W Circuit" for views of the world’s most iconic spires.
48. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe: Feel the spray of the "Smoke that Thunders," the world's largest falling curtain of water.
49. The Sahara Desert: Traverse the dunes by camel and experience the silence of the deep desert.
50. Great Rift Valley, Kenya: Explore the cradle of humanity where the earth is literally pulling apart.

Spirit: Inner Peace & Connection

51. Varanasi, India: Watch the Aarti ceremonies along the Ganges, the most sacred site in Hinduism.
52. Santiago de Compostela, Spain: Join the "Camino" pilgrims at the shrine of St. James.
53. Lumbini, Nepal: Visit the peaceful garden known as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha).
54. Sedona, Arizona: Meditate among the red rock vortexes believed to hold intense healing energy.
55. Mount Sinai, Egypt: Climb the biblical peak to watch the sunrise over the desert.
56. The Vatican City: Witness the intersection of high art and global Catholic tradition.
57. Lhasa, Tibet: Visit the Potala Palace, the historical winter home of the Dalai Lama.
58. Assisi, Italy: Find tranquility in the home of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology.
59. Jerusalem, Israel: Experience the spiritual density of the Old City, holy to three major faiths.
60. Mount Kailash, China: Complete a "Kora" (pilgrimage circuit) around this sacred Himalayan peak.
61. Bodh Gaya, India: Sit under the Mahabodhi tree where the Buddha achieved enlightenment.
62. Rishikesh, India: Practice yoga in the "Yoga Capital of the World" along the foothills of the Himalayas.
63. Mount Athos, Greece: Visit the "Holy Mountain," a center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.
64. Iona, Scotland: Experience the "thin place" on this island, a cradle of Christianity in Scotland.
65. Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan: Visit 88 temples on a journey of self-reflection and perseverance.
66. Western Wall, Jerusalem: Place a prayer in the cracks of the last remnant of the Second Temple.
67. Glastonbury, England: Explore the myths of King Arthur and the spiritual energy of the Tor.
68. Mecca, Saudi Arabia: The ultimate spiritual destination for Muslims (restricted access).
69. The Golden Temple, India: Witness the Sikh tradition of community and selfless service in Amritsar.
70. Mount Fuji, Japan: Ascend the sacred volcano that has inspired poets and monks for centuries.
71. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico: Experience the enduring spiritual traditions of the Pueblo people.
72. Montserrat, Spain: Visit the "Serrated Mountain" and the shrine of the Black Madonna.
73. Uluru, Australia: Respect the sacred Dreamtime stories of the Anangu people at this red monolith.
74. The Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan: Float in the lowest place on earth and experience its healing minerals.
75. Medjugorje, Bosnia: Join the thousands who visit this site of reported modern miracles.

Soul: Reflection & Humanity

76. Easter Island, Chile: Contemplate the isolation and mystery of the massive Moai statues.
77. Antarctica: Experience the absolute silence and raw purity of the uninhabited continent.
78. Cape Town, South Africa: Witness the resilience of the human spirit at Robben Island.
79. Bhutan: Discover the kingdom that measures "Gross National Happiness" over profit.
80. Bagan, Myanmar: Watch the mist rise over 2,000 ancient Buddhist pagodas.
81. Luang Prabang, Laos: Participate in the silent morning alms giving to the local monks.
82. Mesa Verde, Colorado: Reflect on the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans in their cliff dwellings.
83. Samaná, Dominican Republic: Watch humpback whales and reconnect with the rhythms of the sea.
84. Venice, Italy: Contemplate the fragile beauty of a city built on water.
85. Serengeti (The Migration): Connect with the primal cycle of life, death, and renewal.
86. Chichen Itza, Mexico: Reflect on the astronomical brilliance of the ancient Maya.
87. Lalibela, Ethiopia: See the monolithic churches hewn out of solid rock from the ground down.
88. The Taj Mahal, India: Stand before the world’s most famous monument to eternal love.
89. Isle of Skye, Scotland: Find your soul in the "Old Man of Storr" and the misty Fairy Pools.
90. Maasai Mara, Kenya: Learn about the coexistence of traditional culture and wild nature.
91. Old Havana, Cuba: Experience the soul of music and dance in a city frozen in time.
92. Zanzibar, Tanzania: Wander the Stone Town spice markets to feel the blend of African and Arab soul.
93. Prague, Czech Republic: Walk the Charles Bridge to feel the fairy-tale magic of Central Europe.
94. The Alhambra, Spain: Discover the mathematical and poetic beauty of Moorish architecture.
95. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: Sail among 1,600 limestone islands and reflect on nature’s artistry.
96. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil: Stand on the "Devil’s Throat" walkway to feel the roar of nature.
97. South Island, New Zealand: Find solitude in the vast, cinematic landscapes of the Southern Alps.
98. Costa Rica Rainforests: Embrace "Pura Vida" and the importance of conservation.
99. Provence Lavender Fields, France: Experience the sensory peace of blooming purple landscapes.
100. Baffin Island, Canada: Find the soul of the Arctic in a world of ice, Inuit culture, and polar bears.

Glasses

Well, I made it almost 70 years without needing glasses.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Late Tuesday afternoon, Sharon and I saw the Devil Wears Prada 2 at the CinemaWest Country Club Theater. We rewatched The Devil Wears Prada about two weeks ago.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a comedy drama film directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna. A sequel to the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprise their roles. They are joined by Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, and Kenneth Branagh.

Set two decades after the events of the first film, it follows Andy Sachs (Hathaway) as she helps Miranda Priestly (Streep) navigate a new media landscape and corporate threats to the survival of Runway magazine. We were glad that we had rewatched the original recently; the back stories from the first film were important.

I think that I enjoyed the film more than Sharon. There are a number of things about the plot that I enjoyed, including: the demise of print media and the corresponding shift to social media; a short segment with the management consultants describing how to fix the company; and the scenes filmed in Milan. We have been through Milan twice, but never really explored the city. I have added Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper to my list of Places to Travel. Sharon doesn't think that the film will garner any Oscar nominations...

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Rewatch)

Saturday night, Carmen, Drew, Jack, Sharon and I watched Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Jack, Sharon and I had watched the movie in 2018 after Paul Newman died.

At the 1970 Academy Awards, the film received seven nominations and won four Oscars. The wins included: Best Original Screenplay: William Goldman; Best Cinematography: Conrad L. Hall; Best Original Score (Non-Musical): Burt Bacharach; and Best Original Song: "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (Burt Bacharach and Hal David).

It was also nominated in the following major categories but did not win: Best Picture; Best Director: George Roy Hill; and Best Sound: William Edmondson and David Dockendorf. Despite the iconic performances of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, neither lead actor received an Oscar nomination for their roles in this film.

I had forgotten how long the chase scene is in the middle of the movie and how long they were in Bolivia. Although more than fifty-five years old, I feel like the movie holds up pretty well and is pretty rewatchable.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head is included in the Soundtrack for my Life.

Mother's Day 2026

After a hectic celebration on Saturday, we had a very low key day.

Up early, I took Jack to the Amtrak station to catch a 7:27 am train back to the city. Saturday night, he thought he was catching a 7 am train...

Drew and I walked Tiber. We had a leisurely breakfast on the deck with Dawson, Carmen and Drew. Afterwards, they rolled to Chico.

In addition to a rose bush for the pot in the front of the house, I gave her a card and a workout jacket.

Naps in the afternoon.

After hanging out on the back deck, we finished the day with leftover tri-tip, salad and potato salad from Saturday.

Mother's Day/Morgan Birthday Celebration

When we had lunch with my sisters in December, we put a get together on the calendar for today to celebrate Mother's Day and Morgan's Birthday. We were able to get everyone together! The group totaled twelve including: Jack; Drew, Carmen and Dawson; Morgan, Daniel, Lee and Clem; my sisters Sharon and LeeAnn; and Sharon and I.

I worked over the last couple of days to pull together a menu. It included barbecued tri-tip, Santa Maria Style Picnic Slaw, Grilled Asparagus with Lemon & Parmesan, and potato salad. I got tiramisu for dessert. I barbecued the tri-tip, Drew made the slaw and Daniel grilled the asparagus. It was a nice early dinner. After taking some pictures, we had dessert on the deck.

Dawson, Drew and Carmen spent the night. We finished the day watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Once upon a Time... in Hollywood (rewatch)

Friday night, Jack, Sharon and I rewatched Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood. We had seen it in the theater when it first came out. Sharon actually saw it twice in the theater: once with me; and once with Jack. The movie is on the New York Times list of the 100 best films of the 21st century.

The movie was nominated for ten Oscars, including: Best Picture; Best Director (Quentin Tarantino); Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio); Best Original Screenplay (Quentin Tarantino); Best Cinematography (Robert Richardson); Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt; Best Production Design: Barbara Ling and Nancy Haigh; Best Costume Design: Arianne Phillips (lost to Little Women); Best Sound Editing: Wylie Stateman; and Best Sound Mixing.

Although I predicted it to win best picture in 2020, it was beat out out by Parasite!?! It took home two wins: Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt (for his performance as Cliff Booth); and Best Production Design: Barbara Ling and Nancy Haigh (for their meticulous recreation of 1969 Los Angeles). This was Brad Pitt's first-ever Oscar for acting (he had previously won as a producer for 12 Years a Slave).

Both Sharon and I enjoyed rewatching the movie more than we expected.

Jack is back plus Survivor 50 Episode #11

I picked Jack up at the downtown Amtrak station at 3 pm.

Thurday evening, Sharon's brother Tom and her nephew Eric came over for dinner. Sharon made a boneless leg of lamb, potatoes and aspargus.

The five of us watched episode eleven of Survivor 50. In early March, the five of us drafted the Survivor 50 contestants.

Our updated draft board is here.

Dean Dahnke Pictures

My sister LeeAnn's husband passed away on April 25th.

A short obituary is here.

Morgan - Over the Years

Happy Birthday, Morgan!

from 2009

Bullet Train

Flying from Frankfurt to San Francisco, I watched Bullet Train on my iPad. Seeing me watching the movie, Sharon ended up watching it on the inflight entertainment system.

Bullet Train is a 2022 action comedy film directed by David Leitch. It is based on the 2010 Japanese novel by Kōtarō Isaka. The film is known for its fast-paced dialogue, neon aesthetics, and interconnected plotlines.

It centers around a group of assassins on a Japanese high-speed train who end up in conflict with each other. The ensemble cast consists of Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Bad Bunny, and Sandra Bullock.

Although more violent than I expected, it was entertaining. It was a good way to kill a couple of hours on an eleven and a half hour flight.

Pickleball

Sharon and I wandered down to Greg and Michele's house on Sunday morning to play pickleball. Over the course of three games, Sharon and I lost to Jim and Debbie by the score of 11 to 4, Sharon and Jim lost to Greg and Michele by the score of 11 to 8, and Jim and I lost to Greg and Michele by the score of 11 to 8.

Afterwards, the six of us hung out in Greg and Michele's backyard.

At Teal Bend Golf Club

Sharon and I met Holly and Van at Teal Bend. We had a 12:20 pm tee time. Not having played in a month, still feeling a little under the weather and getting to the course a little late, I felt very harried. I hit a few balls on the driving range and feel inconsistent. As usual, I rode with Van.

This inconsistency carried over to the course. I had a lot of very good shots, but struggled to string them together. My chipping was a hot mess on the front nine.

With a handful of mulligans on the back nine, I scored a very liberal 109. Although I got a little frustrated with myself, there was a lot to be happy with...

It was slow four hour and 45 minute round. It had to wait on the group in front of us on almost every hole.

The four of us finished the day with dinner at Aiona. This new restaurant opened in the space where the Esquire Grill on the "K" Street Mall. It has only been open for two weeks.

Sharon and I shared Kalamari [Skordalia, Fried Lemon, Herb Gremolata] and a Village Salad [Beet, Apple, Arugula, Feta, Olive]. For entrees, I had Risotto [Iberico Ham, Cipollini, Smoked Peas], while Sharon had Bucatini [Grilled Prawns, Green Garlic, Anchovy, Caper]. Sharon judged the food as "ok."

The Devil Wear Prada (rewatch)

Friday night, Sharon and I rewatched The Devil Wears Prada. We had watched it almost eight years ago in 2018. We wanted to rewatch because we are planning to go see the Devil Wears Prada 2 in the theater this week. As an aside, Bill Simmons has ranked The Devil Wears Prada as the number one most Rewatchable Movie of the 21st Century?!?

The 2006 film is based on Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel of the same name. It stars Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, a powerful fashion magazine editor, and Anne Hathaway as Andrea (Andy) Sachs, a college graduate who goes to New York City and lands a job as Priestly's co-assistant. Emily Blunt co-stars as co-assistant Emily Charlton.

Streep's performance drew critical acclaim, including her record-setting 14th Oscar bid. Streep was nominated for best Actress. Streep now has 21 Oscar nominations... The film was also nominated for Best Costume Design.

I enjoyed the film and recommend it. Frankly, I had forgotten a number of the plot points. I am glad that we rewatched before we see the sequel.

Down for the count

I typically end up with an upper respiratory infection on our long overseas trips. While Sharon had a cold at the end of the trip, I thought that I had dodged a bullet. I hadn't. Starting Wednesday night, I developed a chest cold. By Thurday morning, I was down for the count. We were supposed to play golf at Haggin Oaks with the Gainsleys, but had to cancel.

On the bright side, the problems that I had with my back last week have cleared up. I was able to hit a medium bucket of golf balls at Ancil Hoffman on Tuesday and Haggin Oaks on Wednesday without any pain or problem.

Football by Chuck Klosterman

My book for April is Football by Chuck Klosterman. I bought the book after hearing Klosterman talk about it on one of Bill Simmons' recent podcasts. I read it on our way to Eastern Europe and back.

The book is really a series of loosely interconnected essays rather than a linear history. Klosterman argues that football is uniquely suited for TV because its structure—brief bursts of high-stakes action separated by long pauses—perfectly matches how we consume media and hold social conversations.

Klosterman traces his own obsession back to his childhood in North Dakota. He explores how regional identities (like high school ball in Texas) create a national "secular religion." The book also examines the "uncompromising head coach" as a cultural archetype and challenges modern assumptions about who the "greatest" players actually are, looking as far back as Jim Thorpe.

One of the book’s most debated points is his theory that football will eventually lose its cultural dominance in the next 60 to 70 years, much like horse racing did, as youth participation drops and societal values shift. Although I played football in high school, fewer and fewer kids are. Klosterman also makes an interesting point that it is the only sport that you can't really play recreationally. You can play baseball, golf and tennis; there are even adult hockey leagues. He also suggests that the current model supported by advertising will collapse; Klosterman argues that the advertising is not effective.

I give the book a lukewarm thumbs up. It is interesting, but not compelling. It is a little like listening to him talk to Simmons on a podcast...

Abercrombie & Kent

Tuesday night, Kevin, Donna, Sharon and I went to an Asia travel presentation at Shawna's Hands on Travel. The presenter from Abercrombie & Kent was very good. He talked about Japan, South Korea, China and Mongolia. Sharon and I are interested in planning a trip to Japan. Unfortunately, Abercrombie & Kent is a "luxury travel company." It doesn't really fit in our budget...

Dean Dahnke

My sister LeeAnn's husband Dean passed away early Saturday morning.

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #17 - Heading Home

Although we set our alarms for 1:45 am, we were up and moving about 1:30 am. We packed the room and set our bags in the hall at 2:15 am.

We headed down to the hotel lobby at 2:45 am. Viking had an odd breakfast bag for us. We loaded on the bus just before 3 am. I was surprised how full the bus was; there were more than 40 people on board.

It was about 35 minutes to the airport. I was shocked by the number of people at the airport at 4 am in the morning!

With the large group following the Viking guide from the bus to the terminal, we lost contact with the group. Standing in the terminal, we ran into another Viking guide that pointed us in the right direction. We ended up getting in a line that was probably better than the one that the larger group did.

After checking our bags and getting boarding passes, we headed towards security. In spite of a mass of people, we got through the security check reasonably quickly.

Boarding a smaller Lufthansa Airbus A319 about 5:30 am, we realized that we both had aisle seats across from each other. While I think that the Larkins usually fly that way, I don't think Sharon and I have ever had seats across the aisle from each other before.

We were on the ground on schedule at 7:30 am. They bussed us from the plane to the terminal. Although we have had struggles in the Frankfurt in the past, everything was pretty straightforward. We got to the gate about an hour before it was scheduled to board.

The plane was a Lufthansa Boeing 747-400. They started boarding about 50 minutes before takeoff. Boarding in group 3, we had two nice premium econony seats next to the window. I was surprised that there were only four premium economy rows on the plane.

It was an 11 1/2 hour flight. I worked on my blog, read my book (Football by Chuck Klosterman), watched a movie (Bullet Train with Brad Pitt) and slept for about an hour. Unfortunately, I couldn't get back on the wifi after the first meal that we fed us. Although I got a little restless the last three hours, it was a relatively easy flight. The only issue was that the giant German in front of Sharon had his seat all the way back for most of the flight...

At the gate a little behind schedule at 12:53 pm, we breezed through Global Entry. They called out our name as we walked by!?!

The luggage took a while. We dragged our luggage to the Air Train and took the train to the long term parking. I was shocked that the parking lot was half empty. It was a zoo when I dropped the car.

We were on the road just after 2 pm. With a couple of slowdowns and a stop to switch drivers in Fairfield, we were home about 4:45 pm.

23 hours and 45 minutes from the door of the hotel to our front door. The trip to Africa last fall was 41 hours door to door on the way home.

I was going to work on some trip musings in the next week.

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #16 - Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest & the Palace of Parliament
Visit Parliament and See Iconic City Sights During a Guided Walk
Discover Bucharest’s Old Town on foot and step inside the opulent Palace of Parliament for an intriguing tour.

Set off by motor coach on a panoramic drive to the Palace of Parliament and learn about the fascinating history behind the impressive site during an inside visit. The second-largest administrative building in the world, it was commissioned by the former Romanian president, Nicolae Ceauşescu, and took 13 years to build. Admire the ornate interior and large rooms adorned with crystal chandeliers and enjoy a traditional lunch at the Parliament’s restaurant. As you dine, listen to stories of how this former Eastern Bloc country overcame an oppressive regime to become a thriving member of the European Union. After, drive to Revolution Square for a guided walk in the old town, strolling the cobblestoned streets to admire the neo-baroque architecture in the heart of the city.


Sights & Flavors of Bucharest
Sample Romanian Fare and See Famous Landmarks
Enjoy a mix of authentic Romanian cuisine and see the city’s sights during a stroll of the Old Town.

Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach, passing the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, to the heart of the city. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk to a local restaurant. Here, sample regional beers, wines and appetizers before delighting in traditional Romanian fare for your main course. After, stroll along the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town and through the beautiful Macca-Villacrosse Passage to admire the yellow glass-covered arcade. Reboard your coach and enjoy a short drive to another establishment, where you will savor classic Romanian desserts, paired with schnapps. Your appetite sated, enjoy a peaceful drive as you return to your hotel.

Sharon and I were both up and moving shortly after 5:30 am. We have both had a lot of trouble sleeping on this trip.

After packing up the room, we headed to breakfast before 7 am. Marty (Wisconsin) ended up joining us. We have been talking to him and his wife Sandy since the pre-tour in Prague.

We put the luggage out in the hall at 7:45 am and headed off the ship to join our excursion for the day. [Note to self], in a post trip musing blog entry when we are back home, I need to write more about the room and ship.

We signed up for the eight hour optional Viking "Bucharest & the Palace of Parliaments" excursion. I was very pleased to see that this was a small ten person group in a sprinter. The group included Coleen and Chris (Houston and Park City) who we have probably gotten to know the best over the course of the trip.

It was about an hour and twenty minute drive from the ship to downtown Bucharest. Along the way, there was miles of concrete four story apartment buildings.

The first stop was Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției). It is one of the most significant historical and architectural landmarks in Bucharest, serving as a symbol of Romania's transition from communism to democracy.
The square gained its current name following the Romanian Revolution of 1989. It was here, on December 21, 1989, that Nicolae Ceaușescu gave his final televised speech from the balcony of the Central Committee Building. What was intended as a staged show of support turned into a riot, forcing the dictator and his wife to flee by helicopter from the roof of the building the following day. This event marked the beginning of the end of the communist regime in Romania.

The most prominent—and debated—monument in the square is the Memorial of Rebirth (Memorialul Renașterii). Completed in 2005, it commemorates the victims of the 1989 Romanian Revolution. It features a 25-meter-tall white marble pillar that pierces a large, metal, crown-like object. The abstract design is highly controversial among locals, who have given it various nicknames like "the potato on a stick."

After the Revolution Square, we did a short panoramic drive through Bucharest. It is more of a substantial city than I expected.

We stopped in Old Town for a walking tour. Bucharest’s Old Town, known locally as Centrul Vechi (the Old Center) or the Lipscani district, is the only part of the city where the pre-World War II street layout remains largely intact. While much of Bucharest was redesigned during the communist era, this pocket of the city preserved its narrow, winding cobblestone streets and eclectic 19th-century architecture.


We stopped briefly at the Church of the "Stavropoleos" Monastery in Old Town. Founded in 1724, it is a masterpiece of the Brâncovenesc style, which combines Byzantine, Ottoman, and Western Baroque elements.


We had lunch at Hanu' Berarilor (Casa Oprea Soare). It is widely considered one of the most beautiful restaurants in Bucharest. The restaurant is housed in a landmark building that is a masterpiece of early 20th-century Romanian architecture. The building was completed in 1914 and is a prime example of the Neo-Romanian (Neo-Brâncovenesc) architectural style.

Sitting with Mike(?) and Bonnie (Florida), we had pork knuckle served with horseradish and polenta as the entree. This was a couple that we hadn't interacted with on the trip. We spent part of the large talking about our trip to South Africa and selling them on Rothschild Safari.

Interestingly, this was the second couple that I was selling on Rothschild Safari. We had a number of conversations over the course of the week with Larry and Sharon about our trip and the company.

There was an odd situation at lunch. There was a large group seated at a long table in the same room. Shortly after we sat down, an Eastern Orthodox priest started a long ceremony at the head of the table. In the Eastern Orthodox religion, and specifically within Romanian culture, there are Mercy Meals (Makaria or Pomană) at different intervals after someone dies.

From there, we headed to the parking lot across the street from the Palace of the Parliment for some pictures. The Palace of Parliament is one of the most polarizing and physically massive landmarks in the world. It stands as a colossal monument to the ambition and excess of the late dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. The building’s statistics are difficult to comprehend without seeing it in person. It is frequently cited as the world’s heaviest building and the second-largest administrative building, surpassed only by the Pentagon.

We parked in a smaller lot behind the building and walked to the entrance. Including a short break, we did an hour and a half walking tour of the building with a different guide. The pictures don't do justice to the size and scale of the outside or inside of the building.


Viking dropped us at the JW Marriott Hotel just before 4 pm. This is the nicest hotel that we have had as part of any Viking trip.

We were scheduled to go on a evening Viking excursion. With Sharon feeling a little under the weather and a very, very early start for home scheduled for Sunday, we decided to skip the excursion and have an early dinner in the hotel.

We had dinner in the JW Steakhouse. Sharon had a beef filet, while I had lamb chops. We split a caesar salad, a twice-baked potato and some asparagus.

We crashed just after 8:30 pm...

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #15 - Ruse, Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
Witness True Bulgarian Character
Tour two cultural gems rich in Bulgarian heritage during this full-day excursion into the heart of the country.

Begin with a drive through Ruse, then continue to Veliko Tarnovo, a fascinating medieval town built around Tsarevets Hill and its castle. After a coffee break, stop at the Yantra River bridge for a nice view of the majestic Assenev Brothers monument, a towering obelisk flanked by horses. Next, explore Samovodska Charshia, a traditional street teeming with handicrafts, or visit the castle ruins and enjoy vistas of the Old Town and countryside. Afterward, proceed to Arbanasi, rich in history and Greek influence. After lunch at a local restaurant, sample the Damascus rose products, locally made from the essence of roses. After, you will visit a local merchant house and see the intricate frescoes of the Nativity Church with a local guide.

A very long day!

We were up and moving about 6:10 am. Although my back was better than Thursday night, I skipped my morning Peleton Core or Bodyweight workout.

We had breakfast in the restaurant. We sat with Cindy and Don from Wisconsin This was not someone that we had talked to before; I frankly don't remember seeing them on any of our excursions.

We were signed up for the included Viking "Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi" excursion. We boarded the bus just before 8:30 am. It was a two hour drive to the Village of Arbansi.

I was surprised by the amount of agriculture. There were miles and miles of fields. Apparently, they grow a lot of wheat, rye, corn, sunflowers and rapeseed (often referred to as Canola or winter oilseed rape). The rapeseed fields were bright yellow as we drove through the countryside.

We made a stop for the restrooms and coffee at the Kaloyanova Fortress just outside the viilage.

The first stop in the village of Arbanasi was the Chruch of the Nativity. I was very surprised by this stop. It was beautiful. We had a very good local guide.

The church is often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Balkans." From the outside, it looks like a low, stone house with no bell tower. This was because, during the Ottoman era, Christian churches were not allowed to be taller than a man on a horse. Inside, it is entirely covered in over 3,500 frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries.

After the church, we stopped briefly at the Lema Rose Shop (or simply the Rose Distillery Lema outlet). We tasted Rose Liqueur.

The third stop was the Konstantsalieva House. We toured the upper floor with the Viking guide. The house is one of the most famous examples of the "house-fortress" style that Arbanasi is known for. This 17th-century merchant’s home offered a great look at how wealthy families lived during the Ottoman era—combining high-security defenses with a surprisingly cozy, refined interior.

Finally, we had lunch at the Izvora Tavern nearby. We sat with Colleen and Chris at lunch; we met them on the first Viking tour in Prague. At the end of the meal, there was some regional music and dancing entertainment.

After lunch, we headed to the town of Veliko Tarnovo. The town is one of Bulgaria's most visually striking and historically significant cities. Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars," it served as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the 12th and 14th centuries. The city is famous for its unique layout, with houses stacked steeply along the cliffs of the Yantra River gorge.

We did a walking tour through Samovodska Charshiya (The Old Market). The cobblestone street has workshops for pottery, copper-smithing, and weaving.


While Sharon did some shopping, I continued on the walking tour to Tsar Asen I Square. From there, we had a view of Tsarevets Fortress. This massive medieval stronghold sits on a hill and was once the primary seat of Bulgarian royalty and the patriarchate. It is surrounded by thick walls and features the Patriarchal Cathedral at its summit.


Getting a water and a lemonade, we sat for a while at a cafe along the shopping district. We were back on the bus at 3:45 pm.

It was 5:30 pm by the time we pulled up to the dock. A nine hour excursion!?!

We rushed to get cleaned up and get to the final drink with the captain.

Heading to dinner, we ended up sitting with Jim and Renee (Colorado) and Gary and Germana(?) (New Jersey). I had the regional dinner, including; Ciorba de Perisoare (Romanian meatball soup); Saramura de Pui (brined chicken, bell pepper; grilled polenta); and Alba ca Zapada - "Snow White" (Romanian lemon cream cake). Sharon had Beetroot Salad (pickled pumpkin & radish, seeds, chimichurri sauce) and Seared Sea Bass Fillet (lemon, caper & parsley sauce). She started with the regional chicken, but sent it back.

We crashed just before 10 pm. With a transfer to a hotel in Bucharest tomorrow morning, we never made it to the lounge after dinner...