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Duckwyn's Travel Blog
Become the author of your travel adventures
Visit the 50 United States Capitals
Starting today, all 50 state capitals have special Duckwyn Coins to collect. The coins can be found near each state’s capitol building or...
Chris
Apr 29, 20191 min read
The Vatican: St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Papal Audience
If you're spending a few days in Rome then you should plan to spend one of those days at the Vatican. Vatican City is its own independent city-state. It prints its own stamps, mints its own euros, issues passports, and has its own anthem and flag. While visiting the Vatican be sure to check out St. Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum. If you're in the area on a Wednesday, then consider attending the Papal Audience. This gives you an opportu
Chris
Apr 25, 20191 min read
William Shakespeare: Poet, Playwright, Actor
Visit William Shakespeare's birth home and the original location of the Globe theatre to collect the two latest additions to the growing...
Chris
Apr 23, 20191 min read
Park Güell: Unique architecture, panoramic views of Barcelona
Antoni Gaudí's influence can be seen all over Barcelona but Park Güell may showcase his style and talents best. Gaudi's style and imagination for using organic shapes to create surreal spaces is highlighted throughout the park. Park Güell was originally part of an unsuccessful housing venture by Eusebi Güell in 1900. The intent was to build a community of luxury homes that took advantage of the beautiful views present from the rocky, hillside location. The project didn't g
Chris
Apr 19, 20191 min read
A sad day in Paris
I had the fortune to visit Notre Dame a few times. It's one of those places you never forget. The first time I visited, I remember taking...
Chris
Apr 15, 20191 min read
Pantheon: A 1900 year old work of art and design
The original Pantheon was built in 27 B.C. It burned to the ground in 80 A.D. and was rebuilt and dedicated around 125 A.D. The Pantheon...
Chris
Apr 12, 20191 min read
Visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome with Kids
Rome is one of those cities you can visit again and again — and if the legend is true, the Trevi Fountain might just make sure of it. Tradition says that if you turn your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, you’re destined to return to Rome one day. Every year, millions of visitors take part in this ritual, filling the fountain with coins that are later collected to support local charities. Standing before the Trevi Fountain is u
Chris
Apr 1, 20191 min read
Grace Hopper: Computer Scientist & United States Navy Rear Admiral
Today, Grace Hopper was added to the list of people to find using your DuckAbroad passport. Grace Hopper was an early computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. Her work in the early days of computer programming led to many practices that are still used today. Her work on the first compiler made it easier to program using English terms that could then be converted to machine code. She retired from the Navy 1986 and went on to continue her computers as a consultan
Chris
Feb 27, 20191 min read
Explore Tower Bridge in London
Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 and has become one of the most iconic symbols of London. It's just a short walk from the Tower of London. If you have the time, I'd recommend the self guided tour. It will take you through the history and inner-workings of the bridge. It's a fun tour for families and it includes a fun photo opportunity as your cross over a glass floor between the two towers of the bridge. At the end of the tour, you can go inside the base of the bridge and see
Chris
Jan 29, 20191 min read
Harriet Tubman
Today Harriet Tubman, was added as a new historical figure to discover and learn about. Harriet led an inspiring life. At the age of 27, she escaped slavery and found freedom in Philadelphia. Shortly after, she would risk her freedom and her life to save hundreds of other slaves. Her knowledge of the local area and the strong bonds she made helped her build a network of safe houses, called the Underground Railroad, that allowed her to guide slaves to freedom. Later, she would
Chris
Jan 4, 20191 min read
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