Barcelona is much more than the capital city of Catalonia; it's a unique, multi-faceted grouping of unique metropolitan areas, mixed with historically rich Gothic neighbourhoods. Each distinctive district offers a remarkable amount of unique things to do, especially for art aficionados. Barcelona is one of the best cities in Spain because of its art museums, whether you are interested in Spanish art, European art, art from oriental cultures, from … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2012
Guest Post: Social travel – What is a social traveler?
This infographic gives a good picture of the differences between traditional and social travelers. Do you remember the time when the only communication means you had when traveling far away were a phone and postcards? When the Lonely planet used to be the only way to find the best food and hotels? This era seems so distant today: most of us can barely survive without a smartphone and the Internet, and not planning a travel ahead seems impossible … [Read more...]
Los Angeles Times’ THE TASTE Reveals Menu for Labor Day Weekend Event
Tickets on Sale Now for Annual Epicurean Extravaganza LOS ANGELES - June 11, 2012 - THE TASTE, Los Angeles Times' annual celebration of the Southern California culinary scene, today announces the lineup for its three-day gastronomic adventure to be held at The Studios at Paramount. Reflecting The Times' award-winning coverage of all things edible, the five events will highlight distinct aspects of food culture in Southern California. Each … [Read more...]
Hanging out at Aqua Resort, Saipan
Today we breezed through Garapan (the main city on the island) and headed north. Looking for a nice place to stay we visited one resort. Its heyday had passed a long time ago. We then stumbled into Aqua Resort - a beautiful boutique resort located right on the beach overlooking the corral reef which extends well offshore. I walked out about half a mile on the shallow sandy reef until I met spiky corral in shallow waters and could go no further. … [Read more...]
The most cultural island in the world
Visitors to Berlin shouldn't miss Berlin's Museum Island. Even though the museums contain thousands of years of history, the creation of the island filled with museums has a historical past too. Over 170 years ago, the concept of an island of museums had its beginning. The first museum, the Altes, was already in place at the location. By 1859, two museums were complete with the addition of the Neues Museum. The last three, completing the island … [Read more...]
Dropping onto Saipan
Dropped into Saipan in the dead of night - starry skies, the blackness of the sea greeted us - disturbed only by the lights emanating from this small island. I had only done cursory research before our visit here and after speaking for nearly 2 hours to my seatmate who lives here now - I wasn't really sure what to expect. He spoke of sweat shops (now extinct), high alcoholism, a hub for smuggling drugs in from China, unemployment, gambling … [Read more...]
History Comes Alive in Cancun
Situated off the Caribbean Sea in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Cancun is a popular destination. It traces its roots back to the Mayan civilization and you can still find some of the sites at El Meco and El Rey. In fact, along the Riviera Maya and in the Yucatan interior, you will find many archaeological sites like Tulum and Coba. These are fascinating journeys into an almost forgotten life and time so get your cheap tickets to Cancun and go … [Read more...]
From Jasper’s Icefields To Maligne Lake: A Panorama of majestic Colours
"You want to see the Jewels of Jasper National Park!? I suggest you take two tours: one to the Columbia Icefields; and the other to Maligne Lake. They are two gems set in one of the most beautiful spots on earth," a resident of the town of Jasper advised when I asked him what were the most important sites to see during our four day stay in one of Canada's most charming parks. Photo credit: Jasper Tourism I thought of these renowned … [Read more...]
Jetting from Chennai to Bangkok
We jumped on our Air Asia flight last night from MAA-BKK. The route opened up earlier this year and we immediately seized the opportunity to buy severely discounted tickets during Air Asia's promotional period. We paid £89 per person for the round trip ticket - about 3.5 hours each way! Course with Air Asia you get a basic flight - no food or drink, seats that are agonizingly tight for tall people and most of the time a middle or window seat … [Read more...]
Volunteering at YCC Ghana
When you volunteer at YCC Ghana (Youth Creating Change) its of course about the children but in addition its about the family, the family of volunteers that you live with and get to know very well. You are all working towards common goals and the bonds that you will form during your time here are strong. YCC Ghana is located next to the small town of Sogakope about an hours drive from Accra and only about 35 minutes from where the Volta River … [Read more...]