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Armenian wine: A 6,000-year-old tradition becoming a major player from a small mountain village

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Armenian wine is growing on the international wine scene and its center is a small village of only 1,700 people in the south end of the country. The town of Areni boasts not only three of the biggest wineries in the Armenia but also the oldest winery in the world. In 2007, archaeologists discovered a cave that had all the well-preserved remains of a wine manufacturing operation. Areni is a fascinating place and delicious, too.

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Armenia: Surviving and thriving after generations of suffering

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Is there a more persecuted people in the world than the Armenians? After spending 10 days there last month, I suspect there isn’t. But despite earthquakes, genocide, Soviet rule and the recent wars with Azerbaijan, Armenia is growing and thriving. Marina and I loved it, particularly the bustling, lively capital of Yerevan.

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Italy’s cost of living: It’s gone up here, too, folks

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All my friends in the United States are complaining about higher costs. I believe them. I know. But here in Italy, the cost of living has gone up, too. It’s not as bad as in the U.S. but bad enough for Italians to take to the streets and protest. Here’s a hard look at what it is costing Italians and me today.

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Turkmenistan: Toasting marshmallows at the Gates of Hell

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Turkmenistan’s top tourist attaction is a giant, fiery pit four hours north of the capital. The Darvaza Gas Craters, better known as the Gates of Hell, have been burning ever since a sinkhole occurred in 1971. Today it is a dangerous but fascinating sight I was privileged to experience in my recent trip to the mysterious desert country. This is the second of a three-part series on Turkmenistan.

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Turkmenistan: Hello from “The Weirdest Country in the World”

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No individual travel aloud. Dirty cars heavily fined. A monument for dogs. Turkmenistan is one of the most isolated countries in the world and definitely the weirdest. I spent nine days in the desert country recently and came away with this report. It’s the first of a three-part series.

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Italy travels: My five favorite trips over 11 years

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Since retiring to Rome in 2014, I’ve made countless trips across Italy, from Sicily to the Alps. Many Italians don’t leave the country during their vacation. I do but I can see the appeal. Here are my five favorite trips in Italy, in order, with transportation and price info and links to more detailed blogs.

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Traveling in Muslim countries: Today’s trip to Istanbul reminds me of what lures me back to land of Islam

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I’m going to Istanbul today. Turkey is one of 17 Muslim countries that I’ve traveled in, much to the chagrin of many Americans. I love traveling in Muslim countries for a variety of reasons, from the history to the architecture to the fact that they are just so different. I give 10 reasons why I’m lured to the land of Islam plus some travel tips for worried travelers.

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Danger zones: Ten most dangerous places I’ve traveled

Danger zones: Sharks are very common off Australia

I’m heading Wednesday to Turkmenistan, one of the most isolated countries on earth. It made me think of all the dangerous places I’ve been during 47 years of international travel. To be honest, most have been in the United States. But I have been to a few overseas that were either sketchy when I visited or have grown downright frightening today. This is my top 10 list.

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