Travelogues & History

Finding a Southern Treasure
Protecting its most beautiful waters and landscapes is a cultural priority seen as a civic responsibility in New Zealand. One example can be found in a shimmering body of water known as Te Waikoporopupu Springs, which stands among the island nation’s dreamlike places that are being treasured and preserved for future generations – and a great reason to visit. ...
The Divine & Deadly Pit of Mystery
Bodies of water are often the center of attention, especially those located in historic settings. When the water is the subject of mystery and folklore, interest can be piqued even higher. That’s certainly the case for a spring known as Fosse Dionne in France’s Burgundy region, where the water is shrouded in death, myth and mystery. ...
End of the Endless Summer
The lives of beach bums, surfer girls and hodads everywhere have become less comfortable in recent years, observes Eric Herman. In fact, the summer of 2023 might stand as the most unpleasant beach season ever, and one that sadly concluded with the passing of summer's high priest, Jimmy Buffett.  ...
Treasures in the Sand
There are many ways to enjoy a visit to the beach. From surfing to sunbathing, the sand’s edge encompasses some of the most enjoyable human experiences. For some, the preferred activity involves little more than wandering the shore with a pair of keen eyes looking for treasures in the form of sea glass. ...
The Hidden Wonder of Abiqua Creek
Time spent in the company of natural waters can become an obsession, and those experiences can fuel the creative spirit with inspiration and endless “design” ideas. Here Eric Herman recalls a day trip to a place in Oregon that stands as a perfect example of the serendipity of days devoed to seeking hidden wonders. ...
Guarding Mountain Waters
Located in the heart of Tuscany, the Colossus of the Apennines stands guard over the surrounding historic landscape like an ancient sentinel. Not only an imposing sculpture, the massive statue was also a remarkable example of early watershaping innovation. ...
On the Steps of Freedom
Celebrating the birth of the United States is for many both a joyous and somber occasion. At least it is for Eric Herman, who shares memories of his first childhood trip to Washington D.C. and the pride he takes in our nation’s history, as well as the lessons of the great “American Experiment.” ...
A Century of Reflections
Completed in 1923, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is one of the truly iconic and most recognizable watershapes in the U.S. Serving as a visual centerpiece for the Mall in Washington D.C., the glassy expanse of water has undergone a major renovation, faced a number of ongoing maintenance challenges -- and been the site of numerous historic events. ...
Cascading Achievement
The elegant contemporary watershapes at the recently completed Apple Store in Abu Dhabi, UAE, stand among Crystal Fountains’ most sublime recent achievements, one in which they collaborated with an elite project team. Here’s a look at how the highly transparent process unfolded, both literally and figuratively. ...
Dreamscape in Blue
Crystal-clear waters, lush tropical forest and dramatic landforms conspire to create some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. One example that has been capturing imaginations for centuries is nestled within soaring cliffs on a remote island in the Philippines. ...