You had me at 'Kimchi'....

It is always nice to visit Korea because I get to see my Korean family (whom I lived with for a year in 2001). Here is my Korea sister and Hanguk Uma (Korean mom). Insadong, is know for its traditional tea houses and antique shops. The hanbok is the traditional dress....comes in all sizes. You can find so much random stuff on the markets.

UAE

Dubai...once a small fishing village. This is inside the Dubai Museum. Outside of these walls is a different story.In fact, many, many stories. The Burj Dubai is almost completed and is the world tallest structure. Nothing says Dubai like at trip to the Gold Market....Or to their indoor ski resort.I like the traditional henna tattooing...and experienced a short camel ride in the desert.

UAE and Korea

Coming soon...I'm going to try to get these pictures up really soon but the Chinese government has blocked this website. I am having a difficult time re-routing to find a way to get pictures up.

Istanbul......so amazing!!!

The Hagia Sophia-once a basilica, then a mosque, now a museum. The Spice Market is so full of color and lively banter!Inside the Blue Mosque. The basilica cistern, built in the 6th century, is breathtaking.

Germany and Switzerland

The Glockenspiel in the center of Munich. Everyone 'Oooooohhhs and Ahhhhhs' about 3 times a day at it. The clock parts spin to music and re-enacts the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V (founder of the infamous Hofbrauhaus)Inside the Hofbrauhaus. You know you are in Switzerland when...While staying at the Ecole d'Humanite, I would hear the cow bells each evening as the cows were brought in to the barn. Zurich...such a beautiful city.

Frankfurt

The old main plaza of Frankfurt, most of which was destroyed during WWII. All of the buildings were rebuilt to look like the originals Here is the book burning memorial located in the center of the plaza where nazi book burnings were held. The inscription translates to 'Where they burn books, they will ultimately also burn people'.A small portion of the Jewish Memorial Wall.

More of sunny Portugal... and the following day in rainy London

I visited the town of Silves in Portugal. This castle was built over a Roman structure during the occupation of the Moors. Beautiful views from the towers.My mom and I took a boat trip around the coastline of Lagos to explore the caves and the fantastic rock formations. Our boat guide told us this rock formation is nicknamed 'The Camel'. A rather cloudy day at Trafalgar Square...but you still see Big Ben in the distance. The Candian flag caught my eye across from Trafalgar Square. Hello Canadian Embassy :)