Tower of Belém

The Tower of Belém in Lisbon, Portugal was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition. It is a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the modern world and one of the most beautiful Renaissance monuments in Portugal

Although I have seen this famous landmark a couple of times, the only photo I could get hold of right now is during the time of its restoration during the years 1997-1998.

The tower has served various purposes since inception, from a customs post, telegraph office and even lighthouse. It also became a political prison, with its storerooms transformed into dungeons.

At present, it is cultural icon, a symbol of Portugal, and it provides a valuable glimpse into the country's relations with other cultures and civilisations.

In 1983 UNESCO declared the Tower of Belém as "World Heritage Cultural Site".

Foquet's : The famous and elegant Paris Cafe

Known to be the most elegant cafe in Paris, Foquet's is located along the equally famous Champs Elysees and is a great place for people-watching.

This is definitely on the see-and-be-seen arena. Fouquet's was founded in 1901 and has been collecting anecdotes since then.

It is known to be a celebrity favorite and has attracted Chaplin, Chevalier, Dietrich, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Jackie Onassis (their photos line the walls inside the cafe).

The premier cafe on the Champs-Elysées sits behind a barricade of potted flowers at the edge of the sidewalk.

Although this is a full-fledged restaurant, with a regal dining room on the second floor, most guests come by just for a glass of wine, coffee, or sandwich just as Hani and I did during this particular visit to Paris.

Hani's parents wanted her to experience this much talked about cafe so I accompanied her for some drinks. She was the one who took my photo in this post. Yes there are two coca colas on the table but of course I had to order some red wine in paris (which incidentally I wasnt able to finish). It was early spring then so most of the guests stayed inside.

Ice Grotto, Mt Titlis Switzerland

Inside the remarkable Ice Grotto with dad. The Ice Grotto is a man-made ‘eternal ice’ cave tunnelled out of the glacier located within the grounds of Mt. Titlis, the highest peak in Cenral Switzerland.