america
Travel from sea to shining sea; by car or by plane, there's plenty to see in the good ole US of A.
Creatures by the Roadside
In Abita Springs, Louisiana, you can come upon the Bassigator. Which mercifully is not a live creature because it is half-alligator and half-bass, 22 feet long, and has eyes that are the size of beach balls. Where can you meet up with this amazing being?
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
Away from the Crowds in Connecticut
The Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem is known for its artisanal cheese-making tradition. Benedictine nuns have been making cheese here for decades. Mother Noella, a microbiologist and nun, has meticulously preserved the abbey’s cheese-making methods, producing award-winning cheeses. The abbey remains a testament to how time-honored techniques can create exceptional culinary products.
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
Any Tampa Bay Area Parties for Halloween?
Oh oh! Only 13 more days until Halloween. I hear spooky music. The door just closed on its own. Etcetera. It's October and spook lovers are vibing to the monster mash and looking for festivities. Moms and Pops with the little ones are either throwing home parties or have already found a family-friendly place to gather and collect treats. Churches usually have a pumpkin patch or a trunk-or-treat thing going on. But I'm sure there's also a bunch of Tampons like me wondering what to do for Halloween. Should we go out there? Can we hide behind a costume and mask and have some fun for once in our boring old lives? Can we get some candy and relive just a bit of those fabulous glory days while we can still carry a plastic pumpkin? I think so. I hope so. I've got my costume ready just in case.
By Shanon Angermeyer Norman4 months ago in Wander
Incredible Mexican Castles
Casa Colomos is located in Guadalajara and used to be the water control center for Mexico City. The casa features medieval-style bridges stretching over narrow walkways. There is a Japanese-style garden. Casa Colomos Arcos Vallarta, also known as El Castillo, is a cultural center that opened its doors in 1902. It offers art exhibitions and courses for those interested in the arts.
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
The Impressive Bridges of New York City
New York City consists of five boroughs—Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The Big Apple depends upon a network of almost two thousand bridges. Here are some of the most well-known bridges in the city.
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
Away from the Crowds in California
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is found in the White Mountains. This is a protected area of Invo County. It is home to the Great Basin bristlecone pines. These trees grow in the Inyo National Forest between 9,800 and 11,000 feet above sea level, along with foxtail pines, and are far older than most other things found in California.
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
Wanderlust Wonders
Wanderlust Wonders A Journey of Discovery, Connection, and Unforgettable Moments For years, Maya had dreamed of seeing the world beyond her office window. Her days were filled with emails, meetings, and routines that rarely changed. But one rainy afternoon, while sipping tea and scrolling through photos of faraway places, she made a decision that would change her life—she signed up for a 10-day cultural tour through southern Europe. From the moment she stepped off the plane in Lisbon, Portugal, everything felt different. The air smelled of sea salt and pastries, and the streets buzzed with a rhythm that made her feel alive. She was joined by a small group of travelers from different corners of the globe—each with their own reasons for being there, but all united by curiosity and wonder. Their tour guide, Rafael, was passionate and full of stories. As they wandered through cobblestone streets, visited ancient castles, and tasted local delicacies, he brought history to life. In Lisbon, they marveled at tiled buildings and rode the iconic yellow trams. In Seville, Spain, they clapped along to flamenco dancers, their heels striking the floor like thunder. Every stop was a new adventure. But the true beauty of the tour wasn’t just in the places they visited—it was in the connections Maya made. On the third day, while watching the sunset from a vineyard in Andalusia, she struck up a conversation with Elena, a teacher from Argentina. They spoke about life, family, and the courage it takes to chase your dreams. By the end of the evening, they were laughing like old friends, sharing stories over glasses of local wine. As the group continued on to Granada, and then to the Mediterranean coast, Maya noticed herself changing. She began waking up earlier, excited for the day ahead. She started journaling again, capturing moments and emotions she hadn’t felt in years. She learned to say “thank you” in five different languages, tried foods she couldn’t pronounce, and danced in plazas under string lights with people she’d only just met. One of the most unforgettable moments came on the ninth day, in a small coastal town in southern France. The group had just arrived, and the sun was setting over the water. Rafael gave everyone free time to explore. Maya wandered toward a quiet beach and found a local artist painting the ocean. They spoke in a mix of English, French, and gestures, and he let her try her hand at painting. As she brushed soft blues and oranges onto the canvas, Maya felt something shift inside her—a peaceful joy she hadn’t known she was missing. On the final day of the tour, the group gathered for a farewell dinner. There were hugs, photos, and promises to stay in touch. Maya stood up to thank Rafael and her fellow travelers. Her voice trembled slightly, but her smile was wide. “This trip reminded me that the world is full of beauty and kind people,” she said. “Sometimes, you just have to take that first step out of your comfort zone.” When she returned home, things looked the same, but Maya no longer felt the same. She had stories to tell, memories to cherish, and a heart full of gratitude. The trip had awakened something in her—a sense of possibility, of connection, and of wonder. And perhaps most importantly, it reminded her that it’s never too late to start exploring.
By Muhammad Saad 4 months ago in Wander
Away from the Crowds in Alaska
Cordova is a small fishing community located in southcentral Alaska on Prince William Sound. You can get there by ferry or plane. It is an area for those who love adventure, birdwatchers, and fishing enthusiasts. Among the highlights are charter boats to fish for salmon and halibut and kayak tours.
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
Southern Comfort
Florida Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. The fort is more than 320 years old and educates visitors about the Spanish military life in the 1600s. There are many interesting interactive and educational elements here. Castillo de San Marcos is home to several preservation projects, among which the best known are the Cannon Preservation Project and the 3D Digital Documentation Project, which will benefit museums and historical preservation throughout the world.
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
Away from the Crowds in Arkansas
Imagine finding Beatles Park in Walnut Ridge. The Beatles arrived in Walnut Ridge in September 1964. From the Walnut Ridge Airport, the Fab Four were to be secretly transported to a vacation spot. However, this did not turn out to be a secret, and on the day of their departure from Walnut Ridge, the entire town gathered at the airport, and it became one of the biggest events that ever happened to this town.
By Rasma Raisters4 months ago in Wander
