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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Island Italy Sightseeing Urban

The Grand Basilica San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy

St. Mark’s Basilica stands out like a gem within St. Mark’s square. This domed architecture covered with ancient mosaics is open daily to the public and is absolutely a must-see if you are visiting this gorgeous city.

The Grand Basilica San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
This mosaic floor is decorated into geometric and animal designs. It dates to the 12th century.
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Activities Archaeology Architecture Church Church Europe Greece Greek Historic Ikaria Island Rural Sightseeing

Ikaria’s Theoktistis Monastery and Theoskepasti Chapel

On the northern side of the small Greek Island of Ikaria is the Osias Theoktistis Monastery.  The architecture of the small monastery is a traditional church, like most of the other ones located on this beautiful island.  However, the small chapel, Theoskepasti, located just next door, has the most unique architecture.  Built into a cave underneath a large, flat rock, from the outside, the Theoskepasti chapel looks more akin to a mushroom house than a place of worship.  It is an absolute gem to see!

Ikaria's Theoktistis Monastery and Theoskepasti Chapel
Old fashioned cooking stove.
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Activities Beach Island New York Rural Sightseeing United States

Cupsogue Beach on the Outer Barrier Islands of New York

We visited Cupsogue Beach on the west end of Westhampton Island on a warm day in February for a lovely afternoon of ocean, sand, and seals.  I’ve lived in New York State my entire life and when I want to go to the beach, I never think of Long Island.  That was a mistake I will not be repeating.

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Activities Europe Germany Island Rural Sightseeing

Hallig Hooge of the North Frisian Islands of Germany

Hallig Hooge, the Queen of Halligen, is a small island off the northwest coast of Germany in the Wadden Sea; the southeastern part of the North Sea.  It is one of ten small islands that make up the halligen, the German part of the North Frisian Islands. The North Frisian Islands are located just off the coast of the European mainland next to Germany and Denmark.