Okay, is there anyone who actually made it through childhood without at least a cursory introduction to Peter Rabbit, Flopsy and Mopsy and that mean old farmer McGregor? Well, this is where they lived until Beatrix caught them and immortalized them forever in little 5" by 4"-sized books.

Centuries ago, when the Lion of St. Mark roared and the known world listened, the doges and aristocrats of La Serenissima built their sprawling warm-weather estates in the countryside  that enhanced the coffers of the money-mad merchants of Venice.

Earlier this summer on my way to visit family vacationing in France, I took a 3 day side trip to Montreux just over the border from France in Switzerland. I wanted a couple of days to recover from jetlag in a nice spot and was impressed with Montreux. It helped that the weather was perfect, giving me a great opportunity to explore the city and its beautiful waterfront. I had flown into Geneva and joy of joy, I was able to pick up a train right from the airport direct to Montreux, about 1 hour away. The train ride was smooth, efficient and perfectly on time.

Nestled on the western coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands consist of three separate islands: Inishmore, Inishmann and Inishere. Located approximately seven miles from the mainland, about 30 miles from Galway City, the islands are easily accessible by ferry from Rossaveal and the musical town of Doolin in County Clare. Today, locals no longer create their own soil and reliable electricity has finally come to the Aran, but the islanders --- the most rugged-looking people that I have ever encountered --- are a hospitable group who are proud to share their history and culture with you. Tourism is now their largest form of income, and visitors come from all over the globe to experience this unique world of primitive forts, medieval churches and dramatic scenery.

TBoy photographer, Deborah Roskamp, shares pictures along the historic Nile River -- where Kings traveled and where the Hebrew race blossomed.

My wife and I recently took a stroll through a charming town in France which, because of its many canals and bridges - we were told it has 131 overpasses - is known as the Venice of the area. While some neighborhoods of Montargis (population about 15,000) have a modern feeling, its downtown area retains an inviting Medieval allure.

The 12 of us gathered for a sumptuous four-course gourmet dinner, each dish seasoned, served and savored with elan. The artistically folded napkins were rivaled only by the several glasses at each setting aligned to designer specification. The conversation flowed as freely as the wine, laughter bubbling up and over the table like a fine bottle of champagne.

The grassy smell of earth is steadfast while the swirling rhythms of Ireland are creating an ecstatic visual harmony, as a wash of air ruffles the trees. The sea, mutating from turquoise to deep blue, to hues of green, is etched and sliced by the wind with little streaks of warmth, as the sun beats a ceaseless tempo. The Irish landscape opens to mossy hillsides, thick woodlands, a canopy of leafy trees lining the roadway, lush fields with grazing horses' tails twitching, and small fishing villages with small-town charm.

I started traveling to Spain after a column I wrote for my local newspaper referenced growing saffron crocus in the Catskill Mountains so I could make paella. (Saffron is one of the most expensive spices, so I definitely wanted to grow my own.) A Spanish friend forwarded my piece to some people of influence who invited me to attend a forum on the “Year of Gastronomy” in Spain. They liked how I reported on that and the curiosity and gravitas I brought to the journey. They have invited me back many times in the decades since.

As an American with Japanese roots, visiting Japan always feels like stepping into a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation. The country’s ability to marry cutting-edge modernity with deep cultural heritage never ceases to amaze me. From high-tech toilets to affordable street food, Japan offers a unique experience that’s both familiar and wonderfully foreign. Here, I’ll share some of my favorite aspects of Japan that stand out: the ingenious toilets with built-in sinks, the deliciously affordable food, the artistic manhole covers, and the impeccably clean hotel rooms.