Nuremberg Trial Courthouse

On March 30, 2018 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Germany5 Comments

You don’t need to be a history buff to visit the famous courthouse in Nuremberg where the trials of the leaders of the Nazi party were held following the end of WWII. It is a stark reminder of the horrors that people are capable of when their power is left unchecked. It was also probably the most notable use of international law to punish those who committed the atrocities of the Holocaust as well as other war crimes. The courthouse is a short distance from the old town area of Nuremberg, but it is worth taking the time to visit this famous location.

As you take your self-guided tour of the courthouse, there are video stations at the different seats that allow you to see actual footage of the court hearings and listen to the prosecutors, judges, defendants, and others giving testimony. Hearing and seeing these moments from the past is certainly fascinating, although it is almost seems a little surreal. It is important for all generations to understand the significance of what occurred during this horrific period of our history. As you watch the trials through the footage taken at the time, you understand that these were real people, not just mythological figures in history books, who made decisions that seem unfathomable to us now.

Visiting courthouses and prisons aren’t often on the top of anyone’s trip itinerary, but there are times when it is important to make a point to visit these places. As a society, we turn these types of places into museums and historical landmarks as reminder of not only what happened, but also what the human race is capable of if we turn a blind eye to events that unfold around us. These might not be the most beautiful locations, nor should they be, but that doesn’t necessarily lesson the impression that they make upon you.

Creating a Photo Diary

On March 8, 2018 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge, South America, Travel Tips16 Comments

Almost everyone takes photographs when they are traveling, but there is a difference between taking photographs at each location that you visit and capturing the experience as a whole. If you take photographs as you walk around a city and capture the entire experience, it almost becomes its own visual diary. You can look back at those pictures and literally remember walking from one site to another. For example, when we were in Lima, Peru, we were so amazed by some of the architecture that we took photos as we walked the streets and as we look back now, we can almost relive that afternoon. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun, feel the nervousness as we passed by the police with riot gear, or hear the children laughing as they played in the plaza by the fountain. We also take videos occasionally to capture the sights and sounds, but we don’t always go back and look at them as we often do with our photographs. Do you create a photo diary that documents the moments of your entire trip or do you just take photos at each of the important places that you visit?

Florence, Italy

On March 2, 2018 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Italy24 Comments

There are only a few cities in the world that leave an impression on your soul that will remain with you forever. Florence is definitely one of those cities. There is something uniquely special about the way you feel when walking the streets of this historic city with all of its art and medieval architecture. It isn’t just that it retains its old world charm, there is something very romantic about Florence that is hard to explain. It is a place where time seems to stand still and you feel as if you can just truly relax and absorb the culture and history while sharing some pasta and wine.

View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo

It is clear why so many of the great artists spent time in Florence, the city as well as the countryside of Tuscany are incredibly beautiful. One of the places that you must visit while in Florence is the Piazzale Michelangelo. The views from this hillside plaza are simply amazing as you gaze over the city. The Duomo dominates the skyline as it towers above the buildings that line the narrow streets of the city. As you turn away from the city, you can see the ancient wall that surrounded the city and the lush green hillsides of the Tuscan countryside. Of course, the replica of the statue of David is worth seeing, but the original marble statue in the Accademia Gallery is definitely even more stunning.

Replica of David in the Piazzale Michelangelo

Certainly, Ponte Vecchio is something that you must visit during your time in Florence. As you cross this historic bridge, you have the opportunity to buy jewelry and other souvenirs in stores that have been there throughout its history. In the past, these store fronts were obviously not for tourists as they are today and were used by butchers and other more common merchants. Amazingly, the bridge survived World War II and not destroyed like all of the other bridges in Florence. If you do decide to visit the narrow pedestrian bridge, be prepared for heavy traffic as it is definitely a tourist hot spot. We would recommend having dinner at one of the restaurants that overlook the Arno River next to the bridge as the views at night are well worth the hefty price tag.

As you walk the streets of Florence, you will undoubtedly eventually end up at the Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower). Having seen many different cathedrals all across Europe, this is definitely one of the most unique and most stunning cathedrals to gaze upon. The architecture, artwork, and white façade have so many details that you could spend hours just enjoying the views from various angles. There are plenty of restaurant options available around the Duomo, so it is a perfect place to enjoy a pizza at one of the many pizzerias on the surrounding streets.

Although you could spend a couple of days in Florence and probably see all of the major sights, if you really want to enjoy everything that the city has to offer, you should probably consider a minimum of four days or possibly a full week. Florence is truly a magical city with beauty around every corner and will forever hold a special place in our hearts.