A Home Free Global Life
In 1949 the communists took over mainland China, founding the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at which point the defeated KMT opposition leader Chiang Kai-shek retreated to Taiwan with about 2 million Chinese people, re-establishing the KMT political party and claiming to still be the legitimate government of all of China. From 1949 onwards two China’s existed, Read more
Nestled amid rolling hills, Kyoto is a testament to Japan’s rich history and timeless beauty. With a population of roughly 1.5 million its one of the oldest municipalities in Japan, chosen in 794 to be the seat of Japan’s imperial court by Emperor Kanmu. The city was spared from large-scale destruction during WWII and as a result, its beautiful cultural heritage has mostly been preserved. Often called the “City of Ten Thousand Shrines” Read more
Tokyo, Japan is one of the most densly populated cities in the world with over 14 million residents in the city and over 40 million residents in the greater Tokyo area. The city covers 2,187 square kilometers (844 sq miles), and the number of people everywhere is staggering. Tokyo is so large that it would take staying in each district to properly explore the sights and grasp the sheer magnitude of this city. Read more
Once again we returned to our former home town of Calgary for the summer, a time to catch up with family and friends as well as enjoy some travel down time. It’s easy and relaxing to be somewhere familiar surrounded by people we know Read more
Prague is the capital city of Czechia (Czech Republic), and the largest city in the country with a population of just over 1.4 million. During the 14th century Prague became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Habsburg rule, and since the Middle Ages has been considered one of the most beautiful European cities. Read more
While in Vienna we went for a day trip to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, and only an hour away by train. It’s one of Europe’s smaller capitals, but that’s part of its charm, its very walkable, relaxed and full of history. Read more
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of Europe’s most elegant and historically rich cities and has been a major political and cultural center for centuries. Vienna is also known as the City of Music having been home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with baroque imperial palaces and gardens. Read more
Budapest, the capital of Hungary is one of Europe’s most beautiful, historically rich and underrated cities. It’s split by the Danube River into two main parts: Buda, with its historic castles and hills, and Pest, the flatter more modern side full of energy, nightlife and cultural attractions. Read more