501 Places

Have you ever stood outside a world famous monument or historic site and questioned whether you can justify spending the money on the entrance ticket? The chances are that you’ve only thought about it briefly before accepting your lot and paying up for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, you’re not likely to return to that part of [...]

I don’t know what I had expected from Mexico City. It was our final stop on our six week tour of Central America, and as such one of the few immovable objects in our plans. Yet I knew precious little about the place. The most populous city in the western hemisphere (depending on what arbitrary [...]

This is one list I couldn’t resist compiling. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the many colourful, creative and downright bizarre depictions of the birth of Jesus that are displays in central America’s many churches. Months of hard work culminates in elaborate scenes that portray the Christmas story, each with their own unique twist. [...]

When I realised that I would be in Philadelphia at a convention for the start of the 2002 World Cup I could never have guessed just how hard it would be to watch a game. I mean, they have over 100 channels don’t they? And I was staying at the Crowne Plaza, so I would [...]

Most readers will probably remember the old classic whose title I borrowed for this post. For those who don’t, and for those who do, here it is – enjoy while reading. Take it away, Credence Clearwater Revival: If the eskimos have 200 words for snow, then perhaps the British should have the same number of [...]

When we overindulge in something, a natural consequence is to give it up altogether. So it was for me, having eaten burgers 2 or 3 times a week in a job that involved endless hours driving around the UK and almost daily lunches in motorway service stations. I stopped eating fast food in 2002 and [...]

Despite the statistics that show how safe flying really is, those who fly often enough will have some stories to tell. The vast majority of us will never experience the trauma of an actual air crash, but we will eventually travel on a flight where we are glad to get out in one piece. I [...]

One of my top places in the world to visit, the west of the United States is rich with natural wonders and well-managed national parks. I have raved on about the American national parks in this area in a recent post so will spare you my words and just share a few of the favourite [...]

Over the years I’ve encountered many Europeans and Antipodeans who have travelled extensively throughout the world, yet they have never been to America. When I ask them why they have neglected this big chunk of the globe the reply is nearly always the same: “we can do America when we’re too old to do the [...]

The latest guest post on 501 Places is from good friend and fellow St Albans resident Veronica Cooper. Recently home from a trip to the East Coast, Veronica makes her debut in the world of blogging by sharing some of the highlights of her time in one of my favourite US cities: Boston. Over to [...]