Hungary

Went to Hungary with my father in 1997, as part of a 12 day GATE 1 tour through Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, and also visited this lovely city in 2009 with my MBA classmates from the University of Tennessee.

Dad and me in 1997 from high up on Fisherman’s Bastion overlooking Budapest, Hungary

“The historic capital of Hungary was formerly two cities, Buda and Pest, divided by the Danube River. Budapest abounds in architectural diversity: from ancient Roman structures, streets of the Middle Ages, monuments from Turkish times, and Renaissance masterpieces. Drive via motorcoach over some of the elegant bridges over the Danube and then to the Parliament building, and the Royal Palace. Drive on the People’s Republic Avenue and visit the magnificent Castle District in Buda. Take in the wonderful view across the Danube from high up on Fisherman’s Bastion, see St. Mathia’s Coronation Church (13th Century) and stop at the Heroes’ Square and Gellert Hill.”

Fisherman’s Bastion looking towards the Danube in Budapest

Marshall Islands

The world travelers ahead of me said that the Marshall Islands were a dump, however, I loved my time here in 2016. I arrived and took a $5 taxi ride from the airport to the center of downtown Majuro. From end-to-end Majuro is 35 miles long and on average is about 100...

Republic of the Congo

Kongo enjoying his favorite food ... onions! (2018) Country Information:  The capital of Congo is Brazzaville. There are approximately 6 million people living here. The official language of Congo is French, with Lingala and Monokutuba as major trade languages and...

Lebanon

Yep, Hesbollah controlled territory! At the famed cedar forest, two-thousand year old trees Lebanon in revolution in 2019 Lebanon in revolution in 2019 Country Information: The capital of Lebanon is Beirut. About 6 million people live here and the official language is...