Of all the islands I have visited over the years, the first island I ever visited in Europe many years ago left a lasting impression on me. This was Paros, Greece. I was backpacking with my brother throughout Europe in summer. We had just arrived in Athens where the city was suffering through it's worst heat wave of the season with temperatures in the day hovering in the low 40's (105+ F). Incidentally Athens holds the record temperature for any … [Read more...]
Activities to do in the Cape Winelands
Aside from swirling and sipping in tasting rooms of fabulous wine estates, there are plenty of scenic activities to be done in the Cape Winelands. The rows of vineyards against the majestic background of mountain ranges, and the narrow roads that expose lush gardens are ample reason why it’s essential for you to explore while visiting Cape Town. Explore the towns on a bicycle With a bicycle, you’ll appreciate meandering through the towns of … [Read more...]
Six Things You Didn’t Know About Beijing
“I speak and speak. But the listener retains only the words he is expecting." So cautioned Marco Polo as he left the court of the great Kublai Khan in Dadu (modern day Beijing) in the year 1295 C.E. Certainly this was a timely reminder for me as I stepped off the plane in Beijing for the first time. Over the years, I had heard lots about Beijing, most of which with a negative slant. Much to my delight, I encountered a wonderful and fascinating … [Read more...]
Visiting the best of Northern Vietnam
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live with in a rural community, deep in the northern mountains of Vietnam? Eating local delicacies and drinking happy water into the later hours of the night? Away from the bustling noise of the city and all the tourism? Waking up with the farmers as the sun comes up, hearing the sound of roosters singing in the valleys? I always … [Read more...]
Murano and Burano: Islands of Glass, Lace and Brightly Colored Houses
Fragile Art When people hear the word Murano, they immediately think of glass. Artfully blown glass consisting of a rainbow of colors in whimsical shapes of fish, horses, chickens, unicorns and other creatures. Everyday items like bowls and mugs and plates come alive with images and designs never seen or even imagined. Jewelry of every taste is also abundant in the many shops of Murano and Burano. As visitors pass through the various shops … [Read more...]
Five Places to visit in Europe During Winter
When the days become shorter and temperatures start to drop, you know that winter is on its way. Although some people like to wrap up warm and get cosy in front of an open fire, the rest of us get impatient for the return of hot weather and glorious sunshine. But rather than waiting months on end for summer to return, why not take a trip to more sultry climes instead? In Europe for example, there are several places where you can wear shorts … [Read more...]
Suzhou, China: An Edible Garden of Eden
If I were a philosopher, my motto would be “I eat, therefore I travel.” My first step towards understanding a culture is through food. Taste is the silent thread that binds me to fellow gastronomes around the globe. This is especially true when I visit a country where I know not a soul nor a single word of the native language, my exact situation during my recent visit to Suzhou, China. As alien as I felt upon arrival, I correctly suspected that … [Read more...]
Bouncing from Island to Island in the Caribbean
I began my day in Anguilla, then hopped on a ferry to Sint Marteen and with a few hours to kill between flights I headed over to the nearby Maho Beach for some #planespotting. This is one of the more famous airports because this tiny sliver of sand is situated right next to the edge of the runway - framed on one end by aquamarine waters and landing planes on the other end. I arrived in the late morning - and the beach was fairly empty. I was … [Read more...]
Between the Traditional and the Modern, there Lies Ulaanbaatar
Somewhere between the modern and the traditional, there lies Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s fascinating capital is a city evolving before our very eyes. Its population is rapidly trading its ancestral, nomadic ways for a more modern life while still trying to retain the uniqueness of its rich culture. Ulaanbaatar is a city in transition, moved by dynamics bigger than itself. It lies at the intersection of globalization, capitalism, the legacy of … [Read more...]
Last-Minute Travel Secrets, 121 Ingenious Tips by Joey Green
This is a fun read yet at the same time offers many useful tips and tricks for surviving the hassles of travel. Author Green is no stranger to travel having spent years exploring the world and having tested out a number of his ideas on a two year backpacking trip around the world as part of his honeymoon. Some of the tricks covered in this guide may sound a bit off the wall but in reality they do work. Take his idea for sleeping in economy … [Read more...]
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