Copenhagen: Wherever you go, don't forget where you came from

In Copenhagen.

This Danish sailor has got it right. With some pride, knowledge and integrity, he's ready to sail the Danish seas. And beyond.

Ready to set sail from the shores of Copenhagen.

If you had the opportunity to do so, where would you like to go and explore?

Currently Under Construction: Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia's figurative "Currently Under Construction" sign surely must have quite the story to tell, having seen much of Barcelona and world history unfold before it since its inception in 1882.

After 144 years of construction, all should be complete come 2026. Hopefully.

This beautiful masterpiece of a Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, towers over Barcelona, piercing its skyline.

That fact that Sagrada Familia is visible from all around various part of Barcelona, it serves as a constant reminder of the city's heritage, foundation and artistic and architectural mastery as exhibited by its (most) famous architect, Gaudi and his impact on the makeup of the city (as seen in Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Casa Batllo and La Pedrera).

A Catalan jewel in Barcelona - Sagrada Familia

Stained glass window inside Sagrada Familia

Spires reaching high above Barcelona's skyline

View from Sagrada Familia - Barcelona and the Mediterranean  Sea

#FranceFriday: Never want to leave the French Riviera

Nice, FR is nice. Very nice.

Nice is the second-largest city in France's Provence region, following Marseille.

Let us relish in some gorgeous views of this beautiful city.

Your 'to-do' list in Nice should most definitely include:

• strolling the Promenade des Anglais
• enjoying the view from the local chateau
• soaking up the sun, sitting along the Mediterranean, on a pebbly beach
• tantalizing your taste buds with all the lavender and rose-flavored gelato you can manage
• enjoying the beauty of the city's (and overall region's) multitude of colorfully shuttered windows
• picking up a locally-crafted lavender product to take home with you

We left Nantes one October evening on an overnight couchette train and about 11 hours later, arrived in Nice the following morning. We left the chilly, autumnal northwest corner of France and seemingly traveled back through the season, seeing as we arrived to this...

Bienvenue! Our train has arrived

All who visit Nice simply must hike up to the top of the local chateau, located at the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais. You will be rewarded with an outstanding view of the entire city similar to this one.

View of the Mediterranean Sea, Promenade and  Old and New town

Strolling, rollerblading and people-watching under the palm trees is made easy on the Promenade.

Promenade des Anglais

Don't forget to bring a sturdy pair of sandals when trapsing along the beach. Pebbly beaches are the norm here. I suppose this is a good way to engage the core and get an extra ab workout.

Pebbly beaches are the norm in Nice, FR

Fun Fact: Michael Jackson once stayed at Nice's Hotel Negresco, located on the Promenade des Anglais