The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Italy

Michelangelo's Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is legendary. Who hasn't seen the mural where the hands of God and Adam reaching towards each other? During height tourist season, one must navigate through the Vatican Museum and the hoards of crowds in order to reach the acclaimed Sistine Chapel. History buffs can see art and artifacts in the city's history.

Travel, CityYafen LiangMarch 24, 2017travel, city, vatican city, vatican, michelangelo, sistine chapel, chapel, history, art, italy, rome, rome single post day 3Comment

Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy

A far less crowded site than the nearby Vatican City during the height of tourist season, it is a great reprieve from the sun, offering shade, history, and some light provisions on top. Not to mention the 360 views of Rome, including the Tiber River and Vatican City.

Travel, CityYafen LiangMarch 22, 2017travel, city, rome, italy, castel santangelo, castle, fort, angels, history, roman, birdseye view, birdseye, rome single post day 2Comment

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

The Colosseum is on most tourists' bucketlist of things to see while in Rome. An impressive structure that is nestled between a combination of old ruins and new complexes, Rome's appreciation for their past is evident. So much history is preserved in the bustling city.

Travel, CityYafen LiangMarch 21, 2017travel, city, rome, italy, roman, roman ruins, colosseum, history, ruins, rome single post day 2Comment

Fourvière in Lyon, France

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon. The structure itself is iconic in Lyon's postcards. It sits next to the Tour métallique de Fourvière or Metallic Tower of Fourvière, known so some as the sister Eiffel Tower. The courtyards provide expansive views of the city, all the way to Mont Blanc. Inside, the murals glisten with gold leaf adornments.

Travel, CityYafen LiangMarch 20, 2017fourviere, lyon, france, old lyon, vieux lyon, birdseye, birdseye view, mont blanc, cathedral, history, lyon single post day 1Comment

Beaujolais, France

The Beaujolais is a historical province and wine-producing region in France, just north of Lyon. We drove down the windy roads and came upon a patch of land with craggily, grapeless vines. Despite the gloominess of the day, the landscape remained vibrant.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangFebruary 21, 2017beaujolais, wine, winery, travel, nature, france, history, terroir, french, countryside, lyon single post day 3Comment

Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle or "Place de l'Étoile" and for most tourists is the anchor of the west end the famous shopping street, Champs-Élysées.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 21, 2017paris, france, arc de triomphe, travel, city, charles de gaulle, champs elysees, history, birdseye view, birdseyeComment

Versailles, France

Versailles stands unrivaled as a place of grandeur and opulence. Beyond the looming gold gilded gates is a magnificent estate, also gilded in gold. Everything glints underneath the sun. Beyond the estate are sprawling, well manicured gardens, with blooming with wildflowers nestled in well kept hedges. The gardens are a living museum, an homage to a time and a man who demanded perfection and excellence.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangFebruary 20, 2017versailles, france, paris, travel, nature, estate, palace, king, walking, gardens, gold, wildflowers, park, trianon estate, trianon, history Comment

Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island

Thanks to the Preservation Society of Newport County, the mansions erected during the Gilded Age are still standing and now serve as windows to the past. These museums honor the history of a budding and industrializing America. It also encapsulates the architecture of the time.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 19, 2017mansions, newport, rhode island, breakers, the elms, the breakers, rosecliff, marble house, chateau-sur-mer, museum, museums, history, travel, cityComment