Growing up in California, I learned all about missions. Well, I learned a watered-down story of them, one of Spanish friars civilizing and colonizing the area, bringing farming techniques to the natives. It was, and in fact still is, part of the fourth grade curriculum, complete with visiting a local mission and - in my…
Editor’s note: it gives me great pleasure to introduce you all to Reina Abreyava, our newest writer here at The Royal Tour. I’ve known Reina for more than a decade now. She is smart, kind, driven, and downright wonderful. She is also, as you’ll come to find out, one heck of a writer, with her…
Editor’s note: I have to agree with Sam. Kamakura is an amazing day trip from Tokyo for those eager for a charming day outside the capital. Sam, however, does a better job capturing the appeal of the city than I could hope to do, and makes me want to return. For more of Sam Spector’s…
Editor’s note: the last time I visited Yad Vashem was in 1998, and the memory is still vivid. As Sam writes so eloquently, it is a place that will change you. For more of Sam’s articles here on The Royal Tour, click here to visit his index. Today is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day as…
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…
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…
Editor’s note: I absolutely LOVE Singapore as a destination, and have called it my favorite city in the world on a number of occasions. So it is awesome for me to read a different perspective on the city-state from Sam in this article. For more about Singapore, click here for our Ultimate Guide. For more…
Editor’s note: Chanukah is over now, as is Christmas, but the warmth of the holidays can last well beyond the actual dates. I am so thrilled for this unique look into what Chanukah is like in the one Jewish-majority country on the planet. For more of Tamara Parkhurst’s awesome writing, click here to visit her…
Editor’s note: like Sam, I find myself wanting to choose destinations where my dollars make the most impact, hence my being in Puerto Rico currently. Unlike Sam, I have never been to Bali, so I am excited to be able to share his experience with all of you! For more of Sam’s adventures - and…