Photo shared today during the #passionpassport Twitter chat! This week we discussed travel cuisine. Photo taken from a cafe in the surrounding mountains of Innsbruck, Austria. Photo by Shannen Garza.

Outside of Los Angeles, California. Photo by Shannen Garza.

In Spanish Town, outside of Kingston, Jamaica. Photo by Shannen Garza.

The Giant's Causeway is an area of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns on the northern coast of Northern Ireland resulting from an ancient volcanic eruption. It is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Photo by Shannen Garza.

In flight over Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Shannen Garza.

Photo shared during #passionpassport chat today! Prison outside of Kingston, Jamaica. Photo by Shannen Garza.

Big Ben, London, England. Photo by Shannen Garza.

One of the more unique Presidential memorials in Washington D.C. is the one dedicated to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It spreads over seven and a half acres, and is divided into four sections, one for each of his terms of office. Bronze sculptures and quotes carved in stone chronicle his terms in a meaningful and aesthetic manner. Included is a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt, the only Presidential memorial to include a depiction of a First Lady. Photo by Rachael Holliday.

Montrose views from University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX. Photo by Shannen Garza.

MV DIY Cafe, Houston, TX. A unique cafe with handcrafted soaps and candles, in addition to siphon filtered coffee. Definitely worth a visit! Photo by Shannen Garza.

Hydra (pronounced Ee-draw) is a small island located in the Sardonic Gulf.  It is known for its picturesque port, and sloping hills covered in poppies and bougainvillea. The town surrounds the harbor, and is filled with shops and restaurants.  Cars and motorcycles are not allowed on the island.  Transportation is limited to walking, bicycling or riding donkeys. Photo by Rachael Holliday.

Divis Street Murals, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photo by Rachael Holliday.

University of West Indies at Mona, Kingston, Jamaica. Photo by Shannen Garza.

New York City, view from Le Bain Nightclub. Photo by Shannen Garza.

Downtown Houston, Texas. Photo by Shannen Garza.

Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Rachael Holliday.

If you are visiting Washington D.C., take time to visit the hidden gem of Glen Echo Park, which lies just a few miles northwest of the city. The park began its life as a learning center in 1891, and was turned into an amusement park in the early 1900’s. It closed in 1968, and was purchased by the National Park Service in 1971. Through the work of the NPS and local non-profit arts organizations, Glen Echo has been turned into a unique art community.  It offers numerous classes in the visual and performance art, artist studios, children’s theater, summer concerts and exhibits, all housed in the wonderful Art Deco amusement park buildings.  The beauty of the architecture mixed with the vibrant art scene makes for a heady experience. Photo by Rachael Holliday.

The Panathenaic Stadium, Athens, Greece. Photo by Rachael Holliday.

I love Bewley’s Oriental Café in Dublin, and make sure to go there whenever I am visiting the city.  The first time I ate at Bewley’s was quite by happenstance. I was alone in Dublin, my first time there. After spending the day walking around, warding off jet lag and homesickness, I was tired.  I happened to walk past Bewley’s, then stopped and turned back, beckoned inside by the warm glow and delicious smells.  I was given an unanticipated gift by being seated in the Harry Clarke room, actually next to one of the stain glass windows.  I’ve been back several times, and have enjoyed each moment spent there, but the first time was the most special.  I had been tired and lonely, but I was reinvigorated, my body restored by the meal and my soul nourished by the beauty of the stained glass.  - Rachael Holliday

Houston, Texas. View from KBR tower.