History

One of the world’s largest floor mosaics was unveiled on Oct. 29 at Qasr Hisham, or Hisham’s Palace, in Jericho, West Bank Palestine, after a 5-year restoration. The more than 1,000-year-old mosaic depicts animals such as lions and gazelles as well as repeating geometric patterns. 

Qasr Hisham was built during the Umayyad Caliphate as a winter lodge for caliphs. Its ruins were rediscovered in the 19th century. 

The palace is open daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Entry costs NIS10 (near $3).

16 days, 15 nights. Departures May-Sept. 2022. Group limit, 12-24. Highlights: In Copenhagen, DENMARK, Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle/in Helsingør, Kronborg Castle/in Rungsted, Karen Blixen House & Museum/ferry to Oslo, NORWAY, for Viking Ship Museum/in Lillehammer, Maihaugen open-air museum/Geirangerfjord/in Bergen, Bryggen district/Flåm railway/Hardanger Nature Center. From New York, $5,894-$6,394 per person, double occupancy (ppdo), based on dates. Call for air from other cities & land-only. Single supp., $1,395.

The history behind the building in our November mystery photo — located in Helsingør, Denmark — began in the 1420s, when Denmark's King Eric VII chose that spot to build a stronghold known as Krogen ("The Hook"). Over a century later, in 1574, King Frederick II transformed it into a Renaissance castle that was eventually named Kronborg Castle. Following a fire in 1629, the castle was reconstructed in the same style.

15 days, 14 nights, Aug. 27-Sept. 11, 2022. Highlights: In Scotland, whisky-tasting lesson in Edinburgh/Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness/Eilean Donan castle on Isle of Skye/Glenfinnan Viaduct/Oban/Glasgow/ferry, drive from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Dublin, Ireland/Rock of Cashel/Blarney Castle/Kenmare/Ring of Kerry, Killarney Nat’l Park/Cliffs of Moher/in Doolin, traditional music in pubs. $7,699 per person, double occupancy (ppdo).

I was alone, exploring the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea, in 2006 when I was approached by a young woman. She was followed at a good distance by a group of young teens.

The woman explained that she was a teacher at a rural school and that her class of 7th graders was learning English. She shyly asked if I would take a few minutes to talk with them. I told her, “Yes, of course!”

The kids were so excited, chattering away. We talked for half an hour. Some even took my email address and later wrote to me.