Istanbul's Independent and International Festivals A city with a unique mix of Asian and European cultural influences, Istanbul is the home of two major film festivals which showcase established and up-and-coming talent from both continents. The Independent !F Festival and the Istanbul International Festival celebrate a combination of alternative productions, big blockbusters and quality Turkish movies, often giving national cinema … [Read more...]
ALO’s Guide to Finding yourself in Turkey
The cradle of civilization reaches across Asia and Europe welcoming all who enter its majestic beauty. In the hotel high above the Mediterranean Sea, a sunny day with light grey, puffy clouds wrap the sky in silver gauze. Rain seems imminent, but that is not a concern this morning. Shopping is on the top of my list - that is after room service. I like to brag that my idea of roughing it on vacation is either no cable television or no room … [Read more...]
Valencia – The City That Has It All
Western Europe is such an ultimate travel destination that anything worth seeing has already been triple-packed. It is practically impossible to find a place that has major attractions yet has retained its innocence. And, out of all countries, Spain - the place where annual tourist head count overtakes that of its residents - is a very unlikely candidate for such location. Valencia leaves you perplexed. When you see the vastness of its … [Read more...]
Exploring the World as Paying Crew
Unlike chartering which requires experience, and that you start and finish from a charter base, you usually don't need any sailing experience and you have many more choices of where in the world your trip will start. This is exactly what I did during August 2006. I had briefly tried the "paying crew" option in Thailand several years ago, and after having a great experience there, was ready to try it again. Since I would be traveling alone on … [Read more...]
Istanbul, Turkey
Pelin Ayan is our long time Social Media Director - she also lives in Istanbul and has these recommendations (PDF file) for 3 days in the capital city. Turkiye in the winter can be cold, very cold. However the cold and the largest snow storm in over 50 years did not stop me from spending as much time hopping from one tourist attraction to the next. Over a foot and a half of snow fell in Istanbul the week I was there, and western Turkey is … [Read more...]
Istanbul, Turkey – Must See Attractions
Some of the primary historical attractions are only open on certain days of the week. Many are open from Tuesday through Sunday and are closed Mondays. Dave has visited the following sites within Istanbul. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) was constructed in the early 1600's. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Because this is such a heavily visited tourist destination, tourists are only allowed to enter from one of the side doors … [Read more...]
Istanbul, Turkey – Around Istanbul
A drive to the towns of Polonezkoy, Sile and Agva (all mentioned below) makes a fun day trip, including a stop at the Black Sea. The road to these towns and back to Istanbul is a small narrow windy road that passes through rolling hills - mostly natural landscapes. The author visited all of the locations below. Agva is one of the main weekend getaways for citizens of Istanbul. It is located directly on the Black Sea. As with many of the other … [Read more...]
Istanbul, Turkey – More Info
We used a local car rental company in Istanbul called: Oto Kiralama Rent a Car, also known as Bumerang. Ask for Omer Donat - one can either rent a personal vehicle or rent the car and driver. This company is located at Kucuk Ayasofya Caddesi Kaleci SK.. No 6 in the Sultanahmet District of Istanbul. Phone Number 0212 518 55 22 Havuzbasi Restaurant is located at Keneddy Caddesi Balikcdilar Carsisi 15/B Kumkapi in Istanbul. Its right next to … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – Parikia
Parikia is the hub of Paros. The large whitewashed windmill is a prominent landmark which greets visitors when entering Parikia Bay; it stands next to the ferry arrival and departure area. This windmill's thatched roof seems to be in a state of progressed decay and its large windmill is usually just a skeleton. Typically there are several large cloths that are draped over the wood supports. Did you know that it actually snowed in Paros in … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Carmel Restaurants
Carmel has a great selection of restaurants, many known for their excellent European influenced cuisine. The one type of restaurant you will not find in town are fast food chain restaurants. Note that Carmel does not use street numbers for addresses - so when giving someone directions to a restaurant you have to include the nearest cross streets and or any other signifying landmarks. Some restaurants offer sunset specials - the meals are … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 4
- 5
- 6