What makes a neighborhood evolve? Is that evolution good or bad - or can it be both? These are the questions in my head as I stroll the streets of Over-the-Rhine, an iconic urban neighborhood just north of downtown Cincinnati. OTR, as it is known to locals, is an area in flux, an historically working-class…
France is an amazing country, and one of the easiest for Americans to see and navigate. However, from my extensive experience in the land of croissants and cheese (trademark pending), there are some things foreigners should know before arriving here. 1. France is More than Paris For many people, going to France means going to…
It's all Southern Californians are currently talking about, what with baseball season barely underway and the Lakers far out of the playoff picture in the NBA. It is a natural phenomenon breathtaking to behold, and on such a scale that it can be seen from space. No, not fires, although that's a good guess, sadly.…
Lyon is France's third largest city and second largest metro area. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in the shadow of the Alps, it is a perfect base to explore eastern France. More than that, it is an incredible destination in its own right, and is easily my favorite city in…
France is known for many things, but good food probably stands out as one of the top reasons visitors flock here. And good food abounds. It can be found everywhere. Yet one city stands out from among the crowd for its gastronomic greatness: Lyon. Lyon sits in between the rivers Rhône and Saône, fetching incredible…
Crystal clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Quaint medieval buildings along hillside cobblestone streets. Canals lined with cafes, criss-crossed by bridges. Lakefront parks. A castle and hilltop church overlooking the whole scene. It sounds pretty perfect, doesn't it? I am only a two hour - and €18 - bus ride from my apartment in bustling…
In the year 43 BC, what is now Lyon was founded as the Roman city of Lugdunum. 2,062 years later Jonathan from The Royal Tour visited the city, now a proper modern metropolis. As the great Rabbi Hillel would have said, "That is the whole history of Lyon. The rest is commentary. Now go and…
On the border of France, Germany, and Belgium lies Luxembourg, the world's only remains Grand Duchy (being ruled by a Grand Duke or Duchess), and my third tiny country bordering France that I've seen in my three months here. I loved Andorra. I hated Monaco. Where would Luxembourg rank? I arrived in Luxembourg City, the…
I only have two weeks left in my three month France adventure, and it's a sort of scary thought. This trip has been everything I could have asked for, and I will be returning home a different, more confident guy than I was when I left. I'll write more in detail over the next several…
Lyon, France's third largest city, is beautiful, and the Presqu'ile - the "almost island" between the Rhône and Saône - is especially so. The buildings here are nineteenth century marvels, with intricate stone facades, domes, and balconies. It is only natural, when walking around, to look up at them. However, visitors also need to make…