One town was abandoned while one lives on. Both Calico and Daggett were founded in the early 1880s, part of a silver boom in this part of California’s Mojave Desert. And yet, only a few decades later, one - Calico - had been abandoned, while Daggett lives on to this day. Why? What can we…
The small Baltic state of Lithuania has been in the news a lot recently, for some pretty cool things. Risking economic backlash from China, the country did the right thing and allowed Taiwan to open an embassy under its own name (rather than the commonly used Chinese Taipei). Second, it became the first European country…
Editor’s note: I didn’t even know there was a Dutch Carnaval until I read this awesome story from Hedy, our resident Dutch writer here at The Royal Tour. Count me in to visit sometime! For more of Hedy’s writing, click here to visit her index page. We all have heard of the Brazilian Carnaval, and…
It is, perhaps, the most famous road in existence. Once a mighty highway taking people on the journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 today lies somewhat forgotten. Here in California’s Mojave Desert, it is a small, two lane highway running parallel to the mighty Interstate 40. Today’s travelers zip down I-40 heading to…
Walking on the streets, little would indicate that I’m in one of the central areas of Portuguese culture on the west coast. Today, in 2021, this is a mainly Hispanic neighborhood, with most of the shops and sounds reflecting that. However, in the twentieth century, what is now called Little Portugal was home to one…
Where is the dividing line? Where is the dark, thick line that we can use to decide whether a person is/was good or bad? The question fills my head as I wander through the stunning Strentzel-Muir House, the highlight of John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California. Here, the famed naturalist and “Father of…
Editor’s note: Malta is one of the few Western European countries I have yet to visit, having never had it make sense in an itinerary. After reading this story from Sam, I know I just HAVE to make it work one day soon. For more of Sam’s writing, click here to visit his index page.…
When the swallows come back to Capistrano,That’s the day I pray that you’ll come back to meLeon Rene, 1940 Made famous by the Ink Spots, the beautiful song written by Leon Rene in 1940 reverberates through the arches and passageways of Mission San Juan Capistrano on a beautiful Saturday morning. Sung today by Renee Bondi…
Shockingly, the line at Saffron and Rose, the award-winning Persian ice cream shop, is short. While service is fast, the selection is vast, with flavors ranging from their signature orange blossom to white or pink rose to saffron and pistachio, and it can take a while to decide, even though a small cup gets two…
San Juan. Puerto Rico’s capital city and only major metropolitan area, with well over half of the population of the island. It is Caribbean, Latin, American, and more, all rolled into one amazing city. In this guide, we will explore what to see, where to go, what to eat, and how to experience this incredible…