As the oldest museum in Bali, the idea was dreamt up in the late 1930s by Rudolf Bonnet, a Dutch painter, and Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, the former prince of Ubud, and his brother Tjokrda Gde Raka Sukawati as an effort to protect Balinese art and artists. The museum opened its doors in 1956 to the public.
Read MoreMandala Wisata Wenara Wana or Ubud Monkey Forest or Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali, is a place where nature meets civilization. There is a sort of mysticism here where the wild and the religious collide. Home to the Balinese long-tailed monkey or long-tailed macaques, this place is a true sanctuary for them. Set on nearly 30 acres of land, the sanctuary is home to anywhere from five hundred to one thousand monkeys.
Read MoreAn icon in Bali, Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck has many locations throughout Indonesia; we visited the Nusa Dua location. Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) thankfully does not live up to its namesake. The seating is wide and open, and far from dirty.
Read MoreMy first introduction to Balinese cuisine should have been at Warung Pondok Madu instead of an airport cafe version of Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice). Touted as the best bbq local pork ribs in Ubud, it certainly does not disappoint. The pork is well balanced with savory and sweet and smokiness, marinated with great care and falling apart from the bone. The way I gush about this pork is sincere, given that barbecue meat is not a favorite meal of mine.
Read MoreCastelo dos Mouros or Castle of the Moors is a medieval castle located atop a hill in Sintra, Portugal. Built in the 10th century after the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors, the two rings of wall trace the granite boulders and cliffs. Then, it served as a watchtower for enemies and protested Lisbon and beyond.
Read MoreQuinta da Regaleira is a quinta or historic estate located on a hill in Sintra, Portugal. Visitors can roam the vast estate exploring the palace, chapel, tunnels, grottos, wells, and fountains. A lot of mystery and enigma surrounds this estate, with rumored ties to the Knights Templar and Freemasons and steeped in alchemy.
Read MoreThe Park and National Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal is a national treasure. King Ferdinand II contributed to erecting this grand palace and incorporated styles of 19th-century romanticism and has Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture that is evident in the archways, towers, and domes.
Read MorePart of the Park and National Palace of Pena, stumbling upon the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla is like stumbling upon a dream. This yellow cottage in the woods is surrounded by trees and beautiful blooming flowers. It is designated a Property of Public Interest as of 1993 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site as of 1995. Nearby there are gardens and a horse stables.
Read MoreA stroll through Seville’s winding streets, with narrow walkways and high walls makes the average tourist feel like a rat stuck in a maze. Every turn leads to a new plaza and new visual delights and sometimes dead ends with gorgeous entryways. Like most older European cities, the streets are narrow but pedestrians can access most anywhere.
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