username: (winterkjm)




I am originally from a town of about 300 people in Northern Wisconsin. While my WHS count is not particularly high, I have been blessed to be able to travel frequently. For my wife and I, Los Angeles is our home of 10 years. Still waiting on that 1st world heritage site in LA! I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History, and a Master's degree in Teaching (Social Studies). I have a particular interest in Korea, and have spent considerable time exploring the country.

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Complete California

NEXT TRIPS: 2018-2019

- Washington D.C. (Spring 2019)
- Wisconsin (Summer 2019)
- Iceland (Fall 2019)

ROAD TRIPS: 2018-2019

- New Orleans (Poverty Point)
- Northern Mexico (Gulf of California/Paquimé)
- Rocky Mountains (Yellowstone, Glacier, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump)
- New Mexico (Carlsbad)

A cultural route that connects Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Chile, Indonesia, Philippines, Portugal, and Spain? This is an ambitious undertaking only comparable to the Silk Road and Qhapaq Ñan world heritage sites.

Based on numerous tangible and intangible elements, its still unclear which sites would make up this world circumnavigating route. One wonders will there actually be large natural marine areas from Africa to South America included as components? 

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This was the first monastery we visited on our road trip to Coimbra. It certainly was not a disappointment as the day was ideal for these rural small town monasteries. The royal pantheon is noteworthy and the details on these tombs are really superb. These sarcophagi with their stories finely carved on their exteriors are memorable.

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For me this was the most exceptional Monastery in Portugal. The whole structure is photogenic, well-kept, and simply a lovely place to explore. The weather during my visit was perfect, it really does make a difference when visiting world heritage sites. 

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My trip to Sinta was blessed with triumphs and (unavoidable?) pitfalls. I planned early based on reviews in our community that a day trip was not enough. Moreover, staying one night and using a rental car allowed me to see a pleasant mix of what Sintra offers. Granted, there was plenty I did not see.

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My time in the Algarve was centered around Lagos. Therefore, it was easy to explore some of the historic sites of the city that are connected with "Globalization". The city walls have an imposing gate that faces the harbor, yet the walls themselves are not well preserved and much of their authenticity has been lost. The expanding vacation city of Lagos, tourist infrastructure, and visitor services has certainly strained the historic heart of the city. Indeed, most people are not going to Lagos for its history, they are going to enjoy a slice of the Algavre coast.

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