Jonathan - The Royal Tour
@theroyaltour.bsky.social
Traveler, Jew, liberal, dual citizen, Dodgers fan.
He/Him/His
Building a community of travelers and history lovers; say hi if that’s you!
The site: www.theroyaltourblog.com
He/Him/His
Building a community of travelers and history lovers; say hi if that’s you!
The site: www.theroyaltourblog.com
Pinned
Reintroducing myself.
I’m a travel writer from California. I am here for the politics and current events, but also looking to build community around travel, history, books, and more!
Let’s build the Bluesky of our dreams.
Connect and say hi!
I’m a travel writer from California. I am here for the politics and current events, but also looking to build community around travel, history, books, and more!
Let’s build the Bluesky of our dreams.
Connect and say hi!
Drinking wine and watching Olympic figure skating. A solid Friday night.
February 13, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Drinking wine and watching Olympic figure skating. A solid Friday night.
NEW TODAY!!
My first article from January in Italy takes us to Milan, and one of the most gorgeous cemeteries you’ll find anywhere. Seriously, check this place out!!
Who else likes old cemeteries? What is your favorite?
#TravelAddicts #Italy
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/13/m...
My first article from January in Italy takes us to Milan, and one of the most gorgeous cemeteries you’ll find anywhere. Seriously, check this place out!!
Who else likes old cemeteries? What is your favorite?
#TravelAddicts #Italy
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/13/m...
Milan’s Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale) - The Royal Tour
While for some people, cemeteries evoke the macabre, for me they are a truly wonderful cultural experience. It isn’t to say I’d gladly stroll these paths at night - and indeed I am grateful most cemet...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:54 PM
NEW TODAY!!
My first article from January in Italy takes us to Milan, and one of the most gorgeous cemeteries you’ll find anywhere. Seriously, check this place out!!
Who else likes old cemeteries? What is your favorite?
#TravelAddicts #Italy
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/13/m...
My first article from January in Italy takes us to Milan, and one of the most gorgeous cemeteries you’ll find anywhere. Seriously, check this place out!!
Who else likes old cemeteries? What is your favorite?
#TravelAddicts #Italy
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/13/m...
Every city in America should be building the resistance infrastructure that Minneapolis did. Do it preemptively; do it now. We will need it over the coming year(s).
February 12, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Every city in America should be building the resistance infrastructure that Minneapolis did. Do it preemptively; do it now. We will need it over the coming year(s).
Got to explore the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild yesterday. It is the best example of early 20th century wealth flocking to Nice for winter homes. It also has 9 sculpted gardens with sea views around!
February 12, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Got to explore the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild yesterday. It is the best example of early 20th century wealth flocking to Nice for winter homes. It also has 9 sculpted gardens with sea views around!
NEW TODAY!!
Every so often, I write an article about me writing articles. Meta, I know. Today we focus on the research that goes into supplementing the travel experiences I have. I hope you find it interesting!
#TravelAddicts #WriterSky
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/11/b...
Every so often, I write an article about me writing articles. Meta, I know. Today we focus on the research that goes into supplementing the travel experiences I have. I hope you find it interesting!
#TravelAddicts #WriterSky
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/11/b...
Behind the Writing: Article Research - The Royal Tour
A while ago, I started this series, trying to give readers a basic idea of my process as a writer, and what it takes to make The Royal Tour happen. Part one was how I organize my article ideas, which ...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:37 PM
NEW TODAY!!
Every so often, I write an article about me writing articles. Meta, I know. Today we focus on the research that goes into supplementing the travel experiences I have. I hope you find it interesting!
#TravelAddicts #WriterSky
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/11/b...
Every so often, I write an article about me writing articles. Meta, I know. Today we focus on the research that goes into supplementing the travel experiences I have. I hope you find it interesting!
#TravelAddicts #WriterSky
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/11/b...
Did you know Nice has one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia, and that it was built by the Romanov family? Check this place out!
February 9, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Did you know Nice has one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia, and that it was built by the Romanov family? Check this place out!
NEW TODAY!!!
While it’s a bit touristy in its current form, the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles actually has a cool and authentic history. Check it out!!
#TravelAddicts #California
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/09/l...
While it’s a bit touristy in its current form, the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles actually has a cool and authentic history. Check it out!!
#TravelAddicts #California
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/09/l...
LA’s Original Farmers Market - The Royal Tour
There is a nostalgia here. Like other iconic places in my hometown of Los Angeles, the Original Farmers Market has a strong association with my childhood, of being something special to be done with fa...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:32 PM
NEW TODAY!!!
While it’s a bit touristy in its current form, the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles actually has a cool and authentic history. Check it out!!
#TravelAddicts #California
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/09/l...
While it’s a bit touristy in its current form, the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles actually has a cool and authentic history. Check it out!!
#TravelAddicts #California
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/09/l...
Just watched the halftime show here in France. Wow! What incredible sets, dancers, and a celebration of the diversity of America.
Haters can say what they want; it was triumphal! Thank you Bad Bunny. Gracias!
Haters can say what they want; it was triumphal! Thank you Bad Bunny. Gracias!
February 9, 2026 at 8:16 AM
Just watched the halftime show here in France. Wow! What incredible sets, dancers, and a celebration of the diversity of America.
Haters can say what they want; it was triumphal! Thank you Bad Bunny. Gracias!
Haters can say what they want; it was triumphal! Thank you Bad Bunny. Gracias!
Being afternoon wine drunk is an intrinsic part of what it means to be in France on a Sunday. To me.
February 8, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Being afternoon wine drunk is an intrinsic part of what it means to be in France on a Sunday. To me.
Say what you want about Monaco, but it sure is pretty.
February 7, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Say what you want about Monaco, but it sure is pretty.
NEW TODAY!!!
Join my favorite guest writer and rabbi for a day trip into Ramallah, Palestine. Check out a rarely visited but awesome place!
#TravelAddicts #Palestine
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/06/a...
Join my favorite guest writer and rabbi for a day trip into Ramallah, Palestine. Check out a rarely visited but awesome place!
#TravelAddicts #Palestine
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/06/a...
A Day Trip to Ramallah - The Royal Tour
Editor’s note: First, a disclaimer. This is NOT an article about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This IS an article about a cool Palestinian city. I was in Ramallah when I was in Israel as a high sc...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:22 PM
NEW TODAY!!!
Join my favorite guest writer and rabbi for a day trip into Ramallah, Palestine. Check out a rarely visited but awesome place!
#TravelAddicts #Palestine
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/06/a...
Join my favorite guest writer and rabbi for a day trip into Ramallah, Palestine. Check out a rarely visited but awesome place!
#TravelAddicts #Palestine
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/06/a...
I’m normally not in favor of shutdowns, and heaven knows TSA and the Coast Guard aren’t deserving of losing pay. Again.
But this is exactly right. It’s the only leverage Democrats have at this point. Major concessions need to be made (although I don’t think defunding ICE will happen sadly).
But this is exactly right. It’s the only leverage Democrats have at this point. Major concessions need to be made (although I don’t think defunding ICE will happen sadly).
Bad idea. ICE is pre-funded by the BBB. Also, CBP is just as bad if not worse and also pre-funded by the BBB. Severing ICE gives away any leverage we have to shut down the rest of DHS. We should be demanding to defund ICE/CBP of its BBB money and shut down ALL of DHS if they don’t agree.
February 6, 2026 at 12:15 PM
I’m normally not in favor of shutdowns, and heaven knows TSA and the Coast Guard aren’t deserving of losing pay. Again.
But this is exactly right. It’s the only leverage Democrats have at this point. Major concessions need to be made (although I don’t think defunding ICE will happen sadly).
But this is exactly right. It’s the only leverage Democrats have at this point. Major concessions need to be made (although I don’t think defunding ICE will happen sadly).
Just a few of the works that made me smile exploring the Matisse Museum in Nice. The artist lived here for about half of his life, and personally donated most of this collection.
February 6, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Just a few of the works that made me smile exploring the Matisse Museum in Nice. The artist lived here for about half of his life, and personally donated most of this collection.
Today’s awesome adventure in Nice: the Roman ruins at Cemenelum. This Roman city of 10,000 in what is now the Cimiez neighborhood of Nice was once the provincial capital. Not much is excavated except baths and an arena (since modern buildings are here), but super cool!
February 5, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Today’s awesome adventure in Nice: the Roman ruins at Cemenelum. This Roman city of 10,000 in what is now the Cimiez neighborhood of Nice was once the provincial capital. Not much is excavated except baths and an arena (since modern buildings are here), but super cool!
After the Union Terminal article came out yesterday, I took a run through updating my Ultimate Guide to Cincinnati. It’s actually a really cool city, everyone, despite the looks I get when I tell people that.
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2019/09/16/t...
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2019/09/16/t...
The Ultimate Guide to Cincinnati! - The Royal Tour
Cincinnati. Queen City. Once a hugely important river port and cultural hub of the Midwest, it has since faded mostly to obscurity. Nationally unimportant, it is, in a word, pleasant. Cincinnati isn't...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:05 PM
After the Union Terminal article came out yesterday, I took a run through updating my Ultimate Guide to Cincinnati. It’s actually a really cool city, everyone, despite the looks I get when I tell people that.
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2019/09/16/t...
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2019/09/16/t...
I know that most of what I write will not be seen by many people. I’m ok with it, although sometimes it gets me down. This week, a proud dad shared a piece I wrote that featured his son, and gushed on his podcast about it.
Today what I do feels worthwhile.
Today what I do feels worthwhile.
February 5, 2026 at 8:07 AM
I know that most of what I write will not be seen by many people. I’m ok with it, although sometimes it gets me down. This week, a proud dad shared a piece I wrote that featured his son, and gushed on his podcast about it.
Today what I do feels worthwhile.
Today what I do feels worthwhile.
Nice’s Palais Lascaris is a baroque palace built by the descendants of a former Grand Master of the Knights of St John (Malta). While only a few rooms survive in excellent condition, it’s a fun small museum in the old town to explore. There is more history in Nice than I had expected!
February 4, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Nice’s Palais Lascaris is a baroque palace built by the descendants of a former Grand Master of the Knights of St John (Malta). While only a few rooms survive in excellent condition, it’s a fun small museum in the old town to explore. There is more history in Nice than I had expected!
NEW TODAY!!
Who doesn’t like old train stations? We all do, especially when they are converted into incredible museum spaces! Check this one out in Cincinnati!!
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/04/u...
Who doesn’t like old train stations? We all do, especially when they are converted into incredible museum spaces! Check this one out in Cincinnati!!
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/04/u...
Union Terminal and the Cincinnati History Museum - The Royal Tour
In the 1930s, the great age of American railways was coming to an end, as with the end of World War Two, automobile dominance would become ascendant, never to look back. While most major American citi...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:03 PM
NEW TODAY!!
Who doesn’t like old train stations? We all do, especially when they are converted into incredible museum spaces! Check this one out in Cincinnati!!
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/04/u...
Who doesn’t like old train stations? We all do, especially when they are converted into incredible museum spaces! Check this one out in Cincinnati!!
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/04/u...
Loving the positivity I’m seeing from the community here. Yes, there is plenty of bad going on in the world. And we have to negotiate that. But we can also take joy from beauty and friendship and love.
Today I choose those things; they are what I fight for.
Today I choose those things; they are what I fight for.
February 4, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Loving the positivity I’m seeing from the community here. Yes, there is plenty of bad going on in the world. And we have to negotiate that. But we can also take joy from beauty and friendship and love.
Today I choose those things; they are what I fight for.
Today I choose those things; they are what I fight for.
Life could be worse than a fresh baguette from the boulangerie around the corner, a wheel of Camembert, and some good looking pears from the local produce market. Life in France is solid, y’all.
And yes, white wine.
And yes, white wine.
February 4, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Life could be worse than a fresh baguette from the boulangerie around the corner, a wheel of Camembert, and some good looking pears from the local produce market. Life in France is solid, y’all.
And yes, white wine.
And yes, white wine.
I’ve gotten some nice feedback on the Zachary Taylor piece, so here is where it all started, with the shortest serving president’s memorial.
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2025/01/10/w...
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2025/01/10/w...
William Henry Harrison Memorial Outside Cincinnati - The Royal Tour
Sometimes, my readers and editors accuse me - rightly so - of being a bit too concise in my writing. With few exceptions, I prefer my articles to be “bite-sized,” going no more than 1600 or so words. ...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:25 PM
I’ve gotten some nice feedback on the Zachary Taylor piece, so here is where it all started, with the shortest serving president’s memorial.
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2025/01/10/w...
#TravelAddicts #Ohio
theroyaltourblog.com/2025/01/10/w...
Yeah, why make work harder by, you know, having a warrant?
Rep. Mark Harris: "Some of these things are nonstarters. Having judicial warrants? To me, hat's a nonstarter. Being able to make off their mask, putting them at risk? That's a nonstarter. I would say anything that's going to hamstring the work of ICE, that's just not going to go anywhere."
February 3, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Yeah, why make work harder by, you know, having a warrant?
NEW TODAY!!
While Americans today only dream about presidents dying in office, here is one who actually did. Zachary Taylor is the country’s third shortest serving president, and let’s talk about him. Check it out!
#TravelAddicts #Kentucky #History
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/02/l...
While Americans today only dream about presidents dying in office, here is one who actually did. Zachary Taylor is the country’s third shortest serving president, and let’s talk about him. Check it out!
#TravelAddicts #Kentucky #History
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/02/l...
Louisville and the Short Presidency of Zachary Taylor - The Royal Tour
A couple years back, I wrote a story about William Henry Harrison, the shortest serving president in US history. I visited his mausoleum and a monument to the man outside of Cincinnati, and had a gran...
theroyaltourblog.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:37 PM
NEW TODAY!!
While Americans today only dream about presidents dying in office, here is one who actually did. Zachary Taylor is the country’s third shortest serving president, and let’s talk about him. Check it out!
#TravelAddicts #Kentucky #History
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/02/l...
While Americans today only dream about presidents dying in office, here is one who actually did. Zachary Taylor is the country’s third shortest serving president, and let’s talk about him. Check it out!
#TravelAddicts #Kentucky #History
theroyaltourblog.com/2026/02/02/l...
Nice is rather lovely. This is today’s view from one of the viewpoints by what was once the city’s castle, and is now a park.
February 1, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Nice is rather lovely. This is today’s view from one of the viewpoints by what was once the city’s castle, and is now a park.
A solid first dinner in France!
January 31, 2026 at 7:30 PM
A solid first dinner in France!