It was a crisp Friday morning in December; I was standing on a temple compound in Kathmandu thronged by hundreds of sombre-looking devotees offering prayers with garlands and fruits. The air was scented with a mixture of fragrance from the flowers and incense. The sidewalks were bustling with vendors hawking a wide variety of religious souvenirs and infested with stray dogs scavenging for food through piles of garbage. The place was overrun with … [Read more...]
Essential Smells, Essential Oils, Exploring the Lavender Fields of Provence with Viking Cruises
A highlight of a Viking cruise to Provence is a full-day excursion to the heart of southern France's lavender country. However, plan your trip accordingly - timing is everything when it comes to this aromatic plant. It must be sown at a certain time of year and harvested precisely during dry warm conditions. And for those coming to be inspired by its visual appeal, there is a certain time of year for that as well. The lavender fields hit their … [Read more...]
2018 Penang Temple Fair
Chinese New Year is undoubtedly the best time to visit Penang. During this time, this UNESCO World Heritage site becomes a buzz of activity with crowds, colorful holiday decorations and a lineup of exciting and interesting events. One of the most anticipated events that always draws a diverse crowd is the Temple Fair, otherwise known as Miao Hui in Chinese. This celebration is a large-scale street fair co-hosted by a collective of Chinese … [Read more...]
The Best Disney Vacation Tips & Tricks – Top 10 Planning Hacks to get the Most Out of DVC
Disney Vacation Club Welcome Sign: "Wishing You A Magical Day" Planning a trip to one of Disney Vacation Club’s resorts through Fidelity Real Estate is already sure to be a magical experience. Why not maximize your fun with a few (or all) of these little extras to enjoy every moment of your getaway? In addition to booking your week(s) in advance, we recommend planning the details ahead, at least six months in advance, to ensure availability of … [Read more...]
Best Beer Cities In Europe
Beer. We love it. Drink it. Cook with it... we do everything with it. Our infatuation with beer goes back thousands of year, as a curative against common illnesses, a celebratory beverages, and even a centerpiece of religious ceremony, beer has been central to societies across the world for millennia. Perhaps there's no beer, however, like the best beer in Europe. There are some cities, in fact, where beer continues to be the draw for tourists … [Read more...]
Maximon, the Rum-Swilling, Cigar-Smoking Guatemalan God
Santiago Atitlan is the largest city on the banks of the famous Lake Atitlan in Western Guatemala. It has a large, thriving Mayan community and is significantly less touristy than most of the other Atitlan villages. However, it is a destination famous for one sight in particular: Maximon. Maximon (pronounced mash-ee-mon) is a truly fascinating Mayan deity. Also known as San Simon or Rilaj Mam, he is a complex balance of benevolence and … [Read more...]
Gardens of Singapore
What comes to mind when you hear the name Singapore? For me, it’s high rises, global finance, the famed marina and, of course, that huge infinity pool overlooking the city. But, to my surprise, these were not the things I noticed when I first arrived. Instead, what caught my attention was how green and alive with plants the city was. It started directly at Changi airport, where I immediately spotted the living green wall in the arrivals hall … [Read more...]
Je Me Souviens Quebec / I Remember Quebec
“Quebec is the most beautiful city in North America I’ve seen.” – Sebastian Bach Leaving aside that Sebastian has quite clearly never been to Puebla, Mexico, I am inclined to agree with him. Quebec, indeed, is a most fanciful city, romantically trapped in an era long gone and full of Old World charm. I first visited it on a day trip from Montreal with my dad fifteen years ago. Dare I steal Quebec’s honored motto of “Je me souviens” (I … [Read more...]
Is There Life Beyond Prague?
The short answer to that question is a resounding YES! For most of us, the Czech Republic begins and ends with the beautiful city of Prague. I recently had the amazing opportunity to visit three lovely towns in the Moravian region of Czech Republic: Brno, Kromeriz, and Telc.. In this article, I walk you through the highlights and explain why you should consider exploring beyond the well-trodden city of Prague. GETTING IN From … [Read more...]
An Austrian Journey: Salzburg, the Alps and Hallstatt
When I think of the Alps, Switzerland most often comes to mind. This summer however, I trekked over the Austrian Alps and realized what a hidden gem this country is! Austria has it all, from amazing hut-to-hut trekking to musical Salzburg to the charming salt-mining village of Hallstatt, which is like stepping into a fairytale. DESTINATIONS Salzburg This city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the … [Read more...]
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