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

Bahrain

Country Information: The capital is Manama. About 2 million people live here and the official language is Arabic. The dominant religion is Islam. The time zone is 7 hours ahead of EST. Bahrain is unique in that it is a tax-free economy (with exceptions on oil, gas,...

Brazil

Legendary Iguazu Falls Country Information: Tropical Brazil is the largest country in South America. After nearly three centuries of Portuguese rule, Brazil gained independence in 1822. Because of this Portuguese is the most widely spoken language of Brazil and is the...

Finland

Helsinki, Finland: Jim and Susan in 1992, sitting at the statue & flowers in front of the White Cathedral Country Information: Finland gained independence in 1917. The capital is Helsinki. About 5.5 million people live here and the official language is Finnish...