Ask the general populace to name a famous painter, and they’d probably say Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh. Today his paintings command staggering purchase prices, with his Portrait of Dr. Gachet, painted the last year of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, selling for 152 million dollars in today’s currency.

On my recent visit to Castilla y Léon, Spain, my fifth to the region, I knew there were so many new things to see and do, as-well-as so many I’d done before that I wanted to do again, that I couldn’t possibly fit them all into one week.

The Palladian Traveler is joined by the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Velasquez as he pays a visit to the world famous Hermitage Museum.

While recently charting my course to California’s Eastern Sierra, I spotted a tiny town on the map called Independence. It was located off Highway 395, right along my path. And with a name like Independence, it screamed history and small town California. I had to investigate.

Give or take a few, there are 7.1 sheep for every man, woman and child in New Zealand. Or, to put an actual number on it, approximately 30 million of these mostly white colored animals. Does that mean that sheep overwhelm the country? Certainly not, but it does mean you’ll see a lot of them wherever you go there.

I’ve been reveling in the warmth of my recent trip to Costa Rica, and not just because of the heat and humidity. This alluring Central American nation of five million Ticos (citizens), roughly the size of West Virginia, consists of just .03% of the earth’s landmass, but is home to 5% of its biodiversity.

So yes, of course, the highlights of our Blue Danube River Cruise with Grand Circle Tour Company were the four European capitals we were visiting: Prague, Czech Republic, Vienna, Austria, Bratislava, Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary. But it was the many surprises surrounding the experiences on the ship that truly enhanced the trip.

Sax man extraordinaire Jonny Viau is always in demand. It took four years to get this interview, and before I could ask a single question, his phone goes off. The ringtone is a wailing harmonica solo; just file that away for later in our conversation.

California’s Eastern Sierra is packed with incredible scenic beauty and must-see locations. From Mono Lake and Bodie State Historic Park to Mammoth Mountain and Yosemite National Park, the region is wonderland of nature.

If you thought America’s cradle of history was just for kids, you’re only partially right. Hoist up your britches and grab your tri-corner hat: here’s how grown-ups who want to explore Greater Williamsburg beyond its colorful history can enjoy a visit.

The Palladian Traveler grabs a knife, fork, spoon and beer bottle, along with a front row seat, as he smacks his lips and claps his hands through a two-part folksy night in St. Petersburg.

As I entered Hotel d'Angleterre on the regal Kongens Nytorv Square in Copenhagen, I remember thinking, "Did I just time-travel into Floral Narnia?"

Well, I’m still basking in the memories of my cruise experience aboard Holland America’s ms Veendam. At the end of each day’s illuminating tours of the ports of call – Lucca and Pisa, Malaga, Barcelona, Monaco and Gibraltar – I would excitedly rush back to the vessel to my favorite lounge, the Crow’s Nest, where I’d compile my notes over a crisp, full flavored Budweiser Budvar (circa 1245).

After lunching on caviar, The Palladian Traveler hops aboard a hydrofoil and files his fourth dispatch from Peterhof, the sprawling and ornate Russian version of Versailles, just a few nautical miles outside St. Petersburg.

Toys are a wonderful way to inspire travel, imagination, creativity and spark ideas on how to view the world. Here are a number of toys that will bring out the engineer, architect, fireman and artist in your kids, not to mention the budding archaeologist, athlete and journalist.

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan are set to play the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, California on Saturday night, October 26th. A momentous occasion that marks the 40th Anniversary in the duo’s life of ‘Good Time Blues.’ Truly a phenomenal achievement; 40 Years!

Do YOU believe – really believe – in witches? I mean on October 31st all kinds of craziness comes to the fore, with people – mostly kids – dressing up in all kinds of weird looking clothes, and outlandish outfits to celebrate Halloween. But the truth is Halloween night is one of the biggest nights of the year for witches. How do YOU imagine a witch actually looks?

The lobster ravioli was delicious, the Bloody Mary was spicy and potent, and the view of colorful boats bobbing in the water behind my table was incredible. Dinner at Café del Rey was a great way to end a wonderful day in Marina del Rey.

The Palladian Traveler arrives at the very spot where Peter the Great grabbed a shovel, broke ground and gave birth to St. Petersburg as he files his third dispatch from his Easy Pace Russia journey.

As I window shopped along the pristine streets of Monaco’s Golden Circle, where the chic clothing venues of Hermes, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada are located, I decided then and there I would save my Christmas shopping for later. Passing the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, it occurred to me that I could fatten my billfold at the palatial establishment.

Every summer, throngs of tourists from Germany and Great Britain descend to splay their pallid bodies on the glorious beaches that ring this island off the coast of Spain. They soak up the sun, swim and sail in the Mediterranean, swarm Mallorca's shops and restaurants, drink her wine, consume her olive oil, and snore in her hotels.

Okay, I know not everyone believes in the Loch Ness Monster, the Easter Bunny or even Santa Claus but everyone believes in Bigfoot, right? Right???? I know this because I’ve actually been to his very own park in Branson, Missouri, dedicated to all things related to the big, hairy guy.

A balmy breeze wafted across our faces. The mountain air was as refreshing as only a mountain atmosphere can brighten one’s day. The crisp and unique aromas of summer drifted over all those at this mountainside location. It was exquisite. Given what we were about to see was in complete contrast to the marvelous climate, and far more about why so many from around the world are still mesmerized by a man and a unique building that he occasionally visited: The Eagles Nest & Adolf Hitler.