Duckwyn's Travel Blog

Visit the 50 United States Capitals

4/29/2019

Starting today, all 50 state capitals have special Duckwyn Coins to collect. The coins can be found near each state’s capitol building or statehouse.

Duckwyn Coins are all new and will expand across different categories. To start with, we're launching with state capitals but expect to see many more coming soon.

How many can you find and collect?

The Vatican: St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Papal Audience

4/25/2019

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 opportunity to see the Pope. The Audience starts at 10am but people start arriving around 8am to get the best spots.

Vatican City has been added as a destination in the Duckwyn passport app.

William Shakespeare: Poet, Playwright, Actor

4/23/2019

Visit William Shakespeare's birth home and the original location of the Globe theatre to collect the two latest additions to the growing list of people to find in your Duckwyn app.

William Shakespeare is one of the best know playwrights in history. His works included Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Henry VIII. In total, Shakespeare has written over 35 plays, more than 150 sonnets, along with other verses and poems. His work continues to have an influence across languages and cultures even today.

If you're traveling in and around London, make sure to keep an eye out for him on your map.

Park Güell: Unique architecture, panoramic views of Barcelona

4/19/2019

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 generate enough interest. In 1906, Gaudi bought one of the homes and moved in with his family.

Today, Park Güell had been converted into a municipal garden and it's open to the public to explore. You will need to by tickets in advance if you want to view the whole grounds which I'd recommend. There are sections of the park that can be accessed for free if you don't have tickets or don't have the time to completely explore the gardens.

We walked to Park Güell from Sagrada Familia. It was a pleasant walk but be prepared for it to take some time. In this direction, much of the walk was up hill. There is also public transportation that can drop you near the park entry.

As of today, Park Güell has been added as a point of interest to the Duckwyn passport app.

A sad day in Paris

4/15/2019

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 the batobus there. The water taxi dropped us off right next to the cathedral. The view from the water was unbelievable. It was a warm spring day and the pattern in the clouds produced some amazing photos. I came back a few more times over the years, once taking a tour through the towers with my wife.

Today, Notre Dame was severely damaged by a fire. I had so many emotions watching it burn. It was so sad to see the spire collapse and to think about the stained glass, paintings, and other artifacts getting destroyed inside. It seems especially cruel for this to happen during such an important holy week.

Exactly 3 years ago, I was able to take my then 10 and 7 year old kids to Paris. We took pictures outside Notre Dame and toured the inside. I feel so fortunately to have been able to take them there and that they got to experience the cathedral in all its glory. Seeing their sadness confirmed to me that this 800+ year old cathedral could be appreciated by all, regardless of age, race, or religion. I hope that it can be returned to its former glory. It will take years to recover but I know the Parisians will find a way.

Pantheon: A 1900 year old work of art and design

4/12/2019

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 is now almost 1900 years old. It is the most well preserved building from ancient Rome. The most significant architectural design of the Pantheon is its dome roof. The interior dimension of the dome is over 141 feet making it the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The Roman architects and engineers were ahead of their time with their ability to work with arches, marble, and concrete. If you're traveling through Rome, take some time to visit and appreciate this amazing work.

Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, military genius

4/10/2019

One of the most significant people in European history was Napoleon. In the late 1700's and early 1800's, he fought 60 battles, losing only eight. Most of this success took place during the Napoleonic Wars from 1803 to 1815. During much of this time, he was emperor of France. It wasn't until the battle of Waterloo, in 1815, that Napoleon was finally defeated. He was exiled to Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.

Today, Napoleon has been added to the list of people you can find and collect. If you're exploring Paris, be sure to go to Napoleon's Tomb where you'll be able to collect your virtual coin.

Trevi Fountain

4/1/2019

There is so much to do in Rome that you will probably need to make a second trip. If this is the case, then be sure to visit the Trevi Fountain. It is believed that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a penny with your right hand, over your left shoulder into the water, that you will return to Rome. Following this tradition should increase your odds of making a return visit to this wonderful city.

We had a great time touring Rome and the almost 300 year old fountain was one of the many highlights. On a bright sunny day, the stonework highlighting the Roman God Neptune and clear blue water provide a refreshing retreat. Just be sure to visit earlier in the day when the crowds are smaller.

Starting today, the Trevi Fountain can be found in your Duckwyn family travel app. If you don't have the app, then you can get started today with our special beta price of $5 per year.