Lisbon is known for decorative ceramic tiles. On houses and apartment buildings, shops and restaurants, churches and theaters; they are everywhere creating a distinctive sense of place. It is fun to walk through the city and see the grand murals and individual geometric masterpieces. For anyone interested in this historic art form, a visit to the National Tile Museum is
Finding history in East Texas
Nacogdoches, Texas is the oldest community in the state. Around 1700, the Spanish began establishing missions in and around Nacogdoches to have a presence in the area and to bring Christianity to Native Americans. Naturally when you visit this East Texas city you expect to find several historic attractions and you won’t be disappointed. Two homes open for tour are
East Texas Animal Park offers education and fun
On a beautiful winter’s day recently I experienced a little bit of Africa and other exotic locations in the rolling hills of East Texas. My destination was Cherokee Trace Wild Animal Park, just east of Jacksonville, a 300-acre preserve and drive-thru safari. “The safari as it is today was started in 2003. It is still owned by the same family,”
EXPLORING CLASSIC GREECE
By Marilyn Jones Many visitors to Greece vacation only on its islands, but the mainland has its own appeal. It is a place of antediluvian history, mythology, legend, and lore. Start in Athens, which is regarded as the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization. Named for the goddess Athena, this welcoming modern city is at least 5,000
On a tour in Tanzania, a friendly cheetah and an elusive black rhino
By Marilyn Jones It is late morning in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania when we spot a cheetah in the tall, yellow grass. She is looking for prey, maybe a gazelle, our guide tells the six of us in the truck. Her hunting success rate is 100%. She can run up to 75 mph for short distances. As we photograph the beautiful
Plan your family vacation now
If you are thinking about your upcoming summer vacation, try to find a destination offering natural beauty, history and lots of fun activities. When my children were young, we went all over the United States. Below are a few of my favorite places that cater to children, parents and grandparents all rolled into one. Williamsburg Williamsburg, the 18th century capital
New software offers the best in home video editing
Adobe has done it again. This time with amazing software to create beautiful effects, slideshows, and collages from photos, video clips or a combination of both! When Best Buy gave me the opportunity to try Adobe Premiere Elements 2020, I was thrilled. I have used Adobe Photoshop for years and have always been pleased with its versatility and ease of
Celebrating the season with history
Community tree lighting is commonplace in many communities around the world. But in Kilgore, Texas, it’s A Very Derrick Christmas as stars atop oil derrick replicas are lit to honor the city’s history. “It was October 3, 1930 when the Daisy Bradford #3 came in at 6,000 barrels of oil a day changing the future of the communities of East
Shreveport Aquarium; tiny and mighty
In the shadow of Eldorado Resort Casino – a 400-room hotel-gaming complex – is Shreveport Aquarium looking small and blue; like a tiny lake at the foot of a mountain. But what’s inside this welcoming haven for nature lovers and children of all ages is anything but small. Although it is blue. On this unseasonably hot October day I welcome
Holiday Gift Giving Guide
It’s that time again when the stores are filled with ideas to buy your family and friends for the holidays. Looking for the best gifts for travelers? Look no further! There are lots of options for every budget to make your gift giving easier. Ornaments Tree ornaments are a favorite with lots of travelers. At Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan,