TravelVisions

Walking in Memphis

2012-04-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

One of the places I have to visit here in the United States is Tennessee. My mom has often asked "Where should we go for vacation this year?" and many times I have responded "Tennessee". But of course I get a look, like "why?" I will tell you why right now. I met a girl last summer from Tennessee and she confirmed everything I'd already heard about this state, she said even the biggest country music stars just walk around like everyday people. From the food, to the music and the friendly faces, this a place I want to vist very soon.

I am a huge country music fan so of course we would have to start in the capital of Nashville, home of the Grand Ole Opry. This is where the biggest of all the country stars perform on a nightly basis. And before I leave Nashville, I would have to take a tour at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
I can't wait to be able to sink my teeth into some down-home Tennessee cooking. Fresh food off the farms, and meat cooked like you've never tasted. All the food festivals and homestyle restaurants are definitely on my list.

And of course, a huge draw is the history and culture down south. It's something we don't see at all up north and would be a nice change to experience. I feel like I would be very happy living in Tennessee one day, but I think I'll have to start with a visit or two first!

Her Name Is Rio

2012-04-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

It’s the ‘city that never sleeps’ of the southern hemisphere: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s an iconic city known for its famous beaches, and perhaps even more famous entertainment and nightlife. Rio is considered the Carnival Capital of the World, as it is home to the biggest and most well-known carnival celebration in the world. Held every February, Carnival consists of parades, samba music and dancing, and street parties with performers and visitors alike dressed in elaborate costumes. It looks crazy (in a good way), but it gets rather crowded since Carnival is held during their high season.

Rio is also home to two of the world’s most famous beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana. As a lover of pretty much any and all beaches, I would have to check them out. Located fairly close to each other, both beaches are in the richer neighborhoods of Rio and are full of bars, restaurants, and beautiful hotels.

When one pictures Rio, they probably think of the giant statue of Christ with arms wide open looking out over the city (like the picture at the top of this post). This is the Christ the Redeemer statue, and it is located on top of Corcovado Mountain. The statue is one of the seven wonders of the world and is easily accessible by cog train, which takes you through Tijuca Forest National Park. Another popular mountain to visit is called Sugar Loaf. I think it would be cool to take a cable car up to the mountain, but for the fit and daring you can also climb it. The view looks incredible from the top either way!

For more info, check out Rio’s website. It has anything and everything from shopping to samba shows.

Bermuda, Bahama Come on Pretty Mama

2012-04-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

At the end of May my family and I will be setting sail on a weeklong cruise in Bermuda! We will leave from New York and sail for two days down to the beautiful island that awaits. Bermuda is a United Kingdom territory and is home to one of the largest off-shore financing industries in the world. Interestingly enough, Bermuda is about 700 Km closer to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina than it is to Miami, Florida. It is even 400 Km closer to Canada than it is to Florida!

The island is right at the tip of the famous Bermuda Triangle, a section of water famous for many naval and aircraft disappearances over the years. This may be real or may just be superstition fueled by the extreme weather that leads to widespread blackouts and damage on land. Hopefully while we are there the weather is as nice and tropical as it usually is!

A famous site to see here is the Bermuda Fortress on Ireland Island. It is an old revolutionary war fort that was rebuilt during the war of 1812 to protect the Atlantic shipping trade routes.

Bermuda is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world that are surrounded by the beautiful scenery and wonderful weather to accompany it. Another famous sport that is getting popular with the years is the nations cricket team, which participated in the Cricket World Cup in 2007.

I cannot wait for my trip there and after this research I will know exactly what I will want to do there. It is a beautiful island and has a very rich culture for only being about 20 square miles. This is definitely a place you should visit and is a great stop for a sailing trip throughout the Atlantic!

Awesome Austria

2012-04-11T14:43:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine recently got to visit Austria, and I am so insanely jealous! Of all the places I want to travel to someday, Austria is definitely within my top 5. The cities of Vienna and Salzburg look so beautiful and are full of things to do and places to see. If I had won that lottery, I would be on a plane heading there now.

Schonbrunn Palace

Vienna

Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria. One spot that stood out to me after looking at pictures of the city was Schonbrunn Palace. This palace belonged to the Habsburgs, the dynasty who ruled the Austrian empire for six centuries up until 1918. Today, it is a cultural treasure with exquisite decor and gardens. I would ideally like to visit Vienna in the winter, when Christmas markets pop up around the city. One of the most well-known markets is held in the town square in front of city hall (Rathausplatz). You can buy gifts such as handmade chocolate and various crafts amidst an amazing display of Christmas lights.

Christmas Market

The winter is also "ball season" in Vienna, with the traditional dances held at some of the palaces. If you're feeling fancy, you can brush up on your Viennese Waltz and check out the celebration.

If there is nothing else I see in Vienna, I need to visit the Spanish Riding School. I've already mentioned that I love horses and horseback riding, so without question I need to check out some of the most highly trained horses and riders in the world. They have been practicing High School of Classical Horsemanship here for about 440 years. The iconic white Lipizzaner stallions are known for the amazing leaps and perfect dressage routines they perform. My horse has a white coat too, so I just want to know how on Earth they get them so clean!

____________________________________________________

Salzburg

The hills are alive! I'm hoping that you all know I'm referring to "The Sound of Music." This classic movie was filmed in Salzburg, Austria, and if I could pick one city to travel to right this second, Salzburg would probably be it. Surrounded by the Alps, the historic center of the city is listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. The city boasts numerous streets and squares for shopping, over 20 museums, and seven remarkable fortresses and palaces. Hellbrunn Palace, for example, is considered one of the most magnificent Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. One cool feature of the palace is the 'trick' fountains that visitors can run through, which have been a main attraction there for over 400 years.

Trick Fountains

Salzburg is also renowned for music, which remains a big part of its' culture. If you are a fan of classical music, I really don't think there is a better place to visit. 'Some guy' named Mozart was born and raised here. You can check out his birthplace and residence, and I'm sure find a million souvenirs. His geburtshaus (or 'birth house') is located in the Getreidegasse, which is Salzburg's most famous shopping lane. The house was turned into a museum, which holds many of Mozart's instruments. I realize this might not be everyone's cup of tea, but as someone who has been learning about and playing music for most of her life, this is kind of a big deal.

Since I briefly mentioned the movie, one thing I also want to do is go on a tour of the filming locations for "The Sound of Music." The tour takes you into the hills for a breathtaking view, as well as to many architectural landmarks shown in the movie. You can feel like a Von Trapp in no time.

Salzburg has some neat festivals that take place in the summer months, and since I also want to see the Christmas markets and holiday celebrations in Vienna, I guess I'll just have to travel here twice. What a shame...

Calm Down

2012-04-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and realized that my college classes will end forever exactly four weeks from today. This means graduation is also right around the corner, which is just fantastic since I still don’t have anything figured out. Cue quarter-life crisis! In response to my (and probably everyone else’s) freaking out, I thought it might be good to share some of the top spa destinations right in New York City. It’s a short trip for me and probably a lot of people who read this, which is wonderful because I’m going to need all the relaxation I can get a.s.a.p. Here are the 6 best spas in NYC according to CBS NY. Each one is a little urban oasis that lets visitors block out the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, and of life. Conducting the research for this must have been so grueling…

Jeunesse Spa

131 W. 22^nd St.

jeunessespa.com

Ohm Spa

260 Fifth Ave.

ohmspa.com

Greenhouse Holistic

88 Roebling & North 7^th

Brooklyn

greenhouseholistic.com

Kiehl’s

841 Lexington Ave.

kiehls.com

Great Jones Spa

29 Great Jones St.

greatjonesspa.com

Mezzanine Medical Day Spa

62 Crosby Street

mezzaninespa.com

Everyone stresses out; it's a part of life. Problem is, it can be a factor in illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and hypertension. I say that if indulging in a spa treatment every now and again is going to help me chill out and lead an overall healthier lifestyle, than it's just a sacrifice I'm going to have to make!

Walk Like an Egyptian

2012-03-29T09:41:00.001-07:00

The Great Pyramid and the Sphinx.

A camel ride through the desert.

I recently did a project on the fashions of ancient Egyptians and it has inspired me to want to take a trip there! Who wouldn't want to see one of the coolest of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the pyramids! First I would travel to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. There I would see the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These icons of Egypt were built over 2,000 years ago and are still standing today. Ranging from 200-450 feet tall, these pyramids really do make you wonder how the ancient Egyptians were able to build them without the technology we have today.And of course, while you are in Egypt you have to take a camel ride through the desert! How cool would that be! Then in modern Cairo, you can visit the museums and have a nice dinner in the Cairo tower were you can see the whole city from the sky. It would also be fun to take a boat ride down the Nile and see all the surrounding scenery.
However, if you do decide to take a trip here, beware, the hygiene is not of the highest standards and many tourists often suffer from a parasite or bacterial infection!

Worth A Thousand (Norwegian) Words

2012-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt moved by a photograph? Have you ever looked at a picture and immediately thought ‘wow, if only I could see that in person?’ Well, I have, and this is that picture:

This is Western Norway, famous for the fjords shown above. Norway has never been on my radar of places to travel to, but now I can’t imagine not going. Shows what a photo can do to a person. I’m continually awestruck while writing this blog that places this beautiful actually exist in the world. So anyway, what exactly is a fjord? A fjord is basically a steep-sided inlet formed when glaciers retreat, causing the sea to flood the newly formed U-shaped valley. These fjords can be very deep, as in ‘over 4,000 ft. below sea level’ deep. Western Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world, therefore the region is often referred to as Fjord Norway. Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord, is centrally located in the region and is home to two national parks. One of its’ branches, the Nærøyfjord (don’t ask me how to pronounce that, I’ve got no clue), is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Sognefjord area has a lot to see and do, so this is where I plan to go.

Being outdoors is the name of the game here. You can hike a mountain or hike a glacier. You can explore waterfalls, go for a bike ride, or get cultured by visiting heritage sites throughout the region. In the winter, you can do everything from skiing to ice climbing. And for the truly daring among us, you can even go body rafting. They put you in a wetsuit and life jacket, slap on a helmet, and send you down the river. Think I’m joking? Check out the picture below.

All of this is great, but what I really want to do is take a cruise through the fjords. There are a bunch of different cruises to choose from, and you could even charter a boat if you wanted. I think it’s the perfect way to see this landscape up close and personal, and it seems to be a popular item on people’s travel bucket lists. Seriously, is this even real? Amazing.

For more information about the fjords, including places to stay and things to do, check out these sites!

http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Where-to-go/Fjord-Norway/

http://www.sognefjord.no/en/

Bali or Bust

2012-03-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across the island of Bali not too long ago while watching a show on TV, and now I'm a little obsessed with this Indonesian paradise. I don't think I expected Indonesia to be quite so beautiful, but it really is. Bali has been ranked by Travel & Leisure as the No. 1 island in Asia every year since 1998! To top it off, it was recently ranked as the 2nd best island in the world. To put that in perspective, Indonesia alone is made up of 17,500 islands, so to be ranked that high is amazing. My personal dream is to stay in one of the many luxury villas and spas the island has to offer. They look so beautiful and relaxing that I don't think I would ever want to leave. I love their simple style and the way the outside and inside become one.

You get the best of both worlds on Bali: One minute you can be on a white sand beach, the next exploring jungles filled with hidden temples. Bali's many beaches are great for swimming, surfing, or exploring below the surface. Want something a little out of the ordinary? Check out the Elephant Safari Park! Opened in 2000, visitors can get up close and personal with some of the largest mammals on Earth. Hand feed them, pet them, or even go for a ride around the park. There are certain times during the day where you can see them paint or play games. Whatever you choose to do in Bali, you're bound to have an amazing experience. It's an island rich in culture and tradition, renowned for art, music and dance. Honestly, how can you not love a place that looks like this?

Just a note: Check travel warnings before visiting here. It's a beautiful place, but recently there have been threats against it. As with anywhere, but especially this part of the world, it's smart to know what's going on before heading out.

The City of Stars

2012-03-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

....and by stars, I mean movie stars, also know as the City of Angels: Los Angeles County. I have always been an east coast girl, (and I'm almost positive that I always will be) but perhaps a visit to the west coast could one day change my mind.
Los Angeles has always been a place that fascinates me. In my mind, it is like New York but warmer and sunnier with palm trees and movie stars. There are so many places in LA that you have to see. Who would wouldn't want to see the movie sets in Hollywood one day and be shopping on Melrose Ave the next. Imagine seeing all those multi-million dollar homes in Orange County. I think I might have a hard time leaving. I hear the traffic is atrocious, but it can't be too much worse then driving through NYC. Here are some sites I definitely want to visit, you might too!

The first thing I would want to do would be to take a helicopter ride over the city. A helicopter ride in general just sounds fun, but to see the 400 miles of LA from the sky would be pretty cool. You could get an up close view of the Hollywood sign and see the mansions hidden in the Hollywood hills. You could fly over Downtown skyline and over to the Santa Monica Mountains, following the sandy beach coast.

Next it would be cool to go on a studio tour of a live set. But I'm not so sure how easy that is for an ordinary person to do. So if I can't see any real movie stars, I'll take the next best thing: the 3.5 mile Hollywood Walk of Fame. The history behind all the stars who have been given a star along this sidewalk is amazing. It would be so fun to see all the names! You could even hit up a local TV show taping (for free usually) if you can't see your big movie stars.

And of course the beaches. Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Monica Sate Beach. A day at the beach any where is a treat, but these beaches you hear about all the time in the movies. All about the boho Venice Beach area, the hipster Hermosa and classic Santa Monica. I'm sure you'll want to spend a day at each!

There are so many places and things to do in LA, this doesn't even begin to describe them. The shopping there has to be glamorous, and the nightlife just the same. I think LA is a place you definitely have to experience at some point.

Definitely Dubai

2012-03-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dubai is one of the biggest up and coming cities in the world. Never would I have ever imagined wanting to travel to the middle east until I came across Dubai a few years ago. This city has gone from being a humble fishing village to a modern, upscale metropolis in just 30 years. Dubai is a city full of the latest and greatest technology, innovations and events. The WikiTravel site says it best: "It is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination."

Being located on the coast of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai experiences desert temperatures with coastal humidity. In the summers the air is dry and can reach up to 129 degrees fahrenheit and the humid winters drop to around 50-60 degrees.

Dubai Must Sees:

The Burj Khalifa. Currenty the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa stands at 2,716.5 feet, more then 160 stories.This giangantic building houses nine hotels, a mall, over 900 residences, 144 private residences, a 4-story gym, restaurants, a park and much more.

The Dubai Fountain. Check out this video of the Dubai Fountain. With jets that shoot water up to 500 feet, this dancing fountain has to be a sight to see.

Burj al-Arab hotel. This hotel is the definition of luxury and really gives a glimpse of "how the other half lives". It is the self-proclaimed only 7 star hotel in the world. You need a reservation just to get through the entry gate. Tours run only when the hotel isn't full. A reservation of a few days ahead is required for meals at the hotel, while months in advanced are suggested for a room. They like to keep their luxury appearance with a "very smart casual" dress code.

Besides checking out these sights there are so many other activitles a tourist can try: visit the beaches, ski (yes as in snow), go on a safari, drive through the sand dunes, hot air balloon, shop in an authentic souk market, and virtually anything else you can think of.

London Calling

2012-03-13T20:58:00.001-07:00

From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, there are so many places I want to see in London, England. I know many people who have gotten to travel there, and whether it was for business or pleasure, they loved it. London is definitely on many peoples' radar lately because of the upcoming Summer Olympics. Now, it’s a dream of mine to go. So, what should you do when visiting this city? Well, if you feel like going for a ride, take a spin in the London Eye, one of the largest observation wheels in the world. It takes about half an hour to go all the way around, but that gives you all the more time to enjoy the scenery. It’s a ‘view fit for a queen:’ on a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor Castle (about 25 miles away)!

Speaking of the Queen, if you feel like reliving the royal wedding, be sure to check out Westminster Abbey. The Abbey looks beautiful and it’s full of history. It was founded in 960 and has been the coronation church for kings and queens since 1066. Over one million people visit the Abbey every year, showing that you don’t have to be Kate to walk down its’ aisle.

Located on the north bank of the River Thames lies the Tower of London, a historic fortress, palace, and prison all in one. See the Crown Jewels, armor worn by knights, and the Tower Green (which now serves as a memorial to those like Anne Boleyn who were beheaded there). Once you’ve had your fill, mosey on over to the Tower Bridge, another London icon.

I could probably spend days in London checking out all the historic places and neighborhoods. I want to shop at Harrods, catch a show on the West End, and visit King’s Cross Station (yes, I want to see platform 9 ¾ ). So much to see and do, so little time. Have any of you been to London, or want to visit any other sites there?

Up Next....Greece!

2012-02-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

In case you couldn't tell so far, I would love, love to travel all of Europe. Another must see for me is Greece. It's one of those places that you see in movies often and it is the most beautiful place you've ever seen. It is not only the birthplace of the world famous Olympic games, but also of some of the most famous pieces of literature. When I think of Greece I picture bright blue water and the old homes built up the side of the land, over looking the Aegean Sea. And then there's Athens, to see all of the famous Greek history that lies there, the Temple of Zeus, the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens.

The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens is a symbol of classical Greece.

The Acropolis, not only will you get to have a close up look at all these
ancient buildings and ruins, but you’ll also get a great view of the
city of Athens from here as well.

The village of Oios (Oia) on the island of Santorini, Greece.

Panoramic view of Santorini, a major tourist attraction.

Hermoupolis, on the island of Syros, is the capital of
the Cyclades and was the capital of Greece before Athens.

America the Beautiful: U.S. National Parks

2012-02-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

You don’t have to leave the mainland to travel to these next destinations. Another dream of mine is to visit some of America’s National Parks. There’s so many beautiful spots right here in the U.S. that it seems almost silly not to visit at least some of them. There are 397 national parks, so I’m going to have to narrow down my trip to four. Here’s my list (you can click on the park names for more info from the National Park Service):

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon. Probably one of the first places that comes to mind when thinking about the U.S. National Parks. It became a national park in 1919 and now receives about five million visitors per year. Don’t worry though, at 1,218,375 acres there’s plenty of room for everybody. The Canyon is up to 15 miles wide, 277 miles long, 4,000 ft. deep on average. I would love to go on a hike into the canyon. There are plenty of guided tours to choose from, along with mule rides, 3 river trip options on the Colorado River, and campgrounds on the North or South Rim. The South Rim is the most popular, while the North Rim is harder to access.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California

General Sherman

These two parks are located side by side in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. You can go horseback riding (yes!), rock climbing, skiing, or hiking. There are over 800 miles of trails throughout the park, so bring some comfy shoes. But what’s my main reason for travelling here? To see the giant sequoias. Prepare to feel like an ant. These trees can be as tall as a 26 story building with bases wider than most city streets. The General Sherman tree is the largest tree in the world (about 275 ft.) and is thousands of years old. I can go stand next to it and feel shorter than usual!

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite was one of the first parks in the U.S. The scenery here looks amazing, with mountains, meadows, and of course waterfalls which the park is best known for. Like the other parks, you can go hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Tired of walking? Hop in your car and go for a ride on Tioga Drive, the park’s most famous scenic drive. What I really want to do here is go on a photography walk. Yosemite has been a dream destination for artists and photographers for years, and free photography walks are offered all year long. I’m no professional with a camera, but I love to try. What better place to learn?

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, & Idaho

America’s first national park! It spans into three different states and is famous for its’ geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. The first spot to check out is Old Faithful, considered the most popular geyser in the world. It erupts about every 35-120 minutes, reaching heights of up to 184 ft. I am most interested in seeing the wildlife of the west. There are wolves, elk, bison, mountain lions, moose, and grizzly bears to name a few. Just don’t get too close.

Bahamas-Bound

2012-02-23T13:16:00.001-08:00

I just found out yesterday that I get to go back to the Bahamas after graduation! I’m returning to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, where I stayed two years ago and I highly, highly recommend. And

let me tell you, it’s not called Paradise Island for nothing. The beaches are beautiful and the people are very friendly. The resort itself is honestly amazing. The photo on the bottom right is the view from our room (the water really is that blue)! Best of all, you will never be bored. There is a 141-acre water ‘metropolis’ complete with 11 pools, 9 water slides, a lazy river, and a river rapids ride thrown in for good measure. You can lay on the white sand beaches (piña colada in hand of course), go snorkeling or scuba diving, check out one of the largest marine exhibits in the world with more than 50,000 aquatic animals spread throughout the property, or play with some dolphins. I actually got to go in the water and interact with them. Definitely something everyone should try to do! There’s so much going on at Atlantis that I could probably ramble for days, so here is my wish list for my upcoming trip (aside from doing all of the above again).

Spa Day

After working my butt off for four years of college, I think I deserve a trip to the spa. The Mandara Spa at Atlantis combines Asian techniques and European therapies to create one relaxing experience. They offer massages, facials, full body treatments, and salon services. I don’t need anything fancy, although having an alfresco massage and getting to listen to the ocean sounds pretty nice.

Play with some Sea Lions

I already got to hang out with the dolphins, so naturally I have to move on to the sea lions. You can hug, play, and take pictures with them, and then get a behind the scenes tour of how they are taken care of. I think they’re adorable!

Win Big!

This might be my most far-fetched dream yet, but here it goes. Atlantis is home to the Caribbean’s largest casino, which spans seven-acres with 80 tables games and 750 slot machines. Games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker to name a few. I’m hoping betting all of ten bucks will make me instantly rich.

Take a “Leap of Faith”

Time to put my brave face on. The water park’s iconic Mayan Temple houses the “Leap of Faith” water slide, a 60 ft. near-vertical drop into a shark filled lagoon. One of the top questions I got after going to Atlantis last time was whether I went on this slide or not. My answer was a firm ‘no way in hell.’ After conquering college, I figure I should be able to conquer a water slide. We shall see.

Just writing this post has me wishing it were June already! Again, I highly recommend this resort. Everything really is better in the Bahamas!

Guten tag!

2012-02-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Berlin Cathedral, Germany

Germany is home to the largest economy and the highest population of any country in the European Union. Being part German myself, I have always wanted to see where my family originated. The capital city is Berlin, and is home to over 3.5 millions citizens along with historic treasures such as the Berlin Wall from the cold war. The wall has been mostly torn down, but many different artists have decorated what is left over the years. The surrounding areas also hold famous weekly markets that have been around for decades that have supplied the locals with all sorts of goods and delicacies. Frankfurt is the financial capitol of not only Germany, but of the European Union. Another famous detail about this city is the transportation means. It is home to multiple large airport hubs and is the most populated junction of the Deutsche Bahn, or the German railway. The German trade fair is home to many huge fairs ranging from motor vehicles to books.

In Germany, couples will take a lock, and attach it to the bridge's
fence and throw the key into Rhine for love and good luck.
So, all the way across the whole bridge the fence is covered in locks!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Olé!

2012-02-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

Escorial Monastery - Madrid, Spain

Ciutat de les Arts I les Ciences - Valencia, Spain

Gaudi Cathedral - Barcelona, Spain

Spain is one of the most beautiful and romantic countries in the world. From the beaches to the bullfights, the whole place is rich with culture and history. I have no Spanish background, no ability to speak the language, I don't even know anyone with a Spanish background. BUT, I would love to visit the three major cities of this country: Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Starting in the capitol city of Madrid, the main attraction during the summer is the bullfights. For three weeks starting in May, the fights are every night and draws crowds of thousands of tourists and locals to join in one of the many spectacular events that Spain has to offer. Just walking down the streets of Madrid you can feel the history in the buildings around you. With most of the historic neighborhoods still around since the 1700’s, there is so much to learn and appreciate that you can’t just help to get lost in the culture.

Barcelona is home to many different fashion shows and is one of the major fashion capitols of the world. Bread & Butter is a famous fashion show that was held in Barcelona from 2000 to 2009. The other major show is The Brandery, an urban fashion show where they display their models twice a year.

When visiting Valencia, the number one place to go to is the Ciutat de les Arts I les Ciences. The “City of Arts and Sciences” contains many different buildings such as a huge Imax screen, a planetarium, an interactive science museum, and an opera house. I can't wait to visit!

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

2012-02-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

I am not one for camping. Bugs, sleeping in a bag, and the lack of a shower do nothing for me. But put that campsite in the middle of Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, and I just might change my tune. Enter Governors’ Camp, a collection of award winning safari camps and lodges. I have my eye on one of the tents located in the heart of the Massai Mara, where all you have to do is step outside to experience some of the best game viewing in the world. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘tents’ though. These are luxury canvas tents with hot water and flushing toilets. Travel & Leisure Magazine voted Governors’ Camp one of the top 500 hotels in the world. There is a separate tent with a bar overlooking the Mara River and a dining tent overlooking the plains. Just imagine eating dinner and having a herd of elephants stroll by 20 feet away! I don’t think I’d be able to contain my excitement. Going on a real safari has been on my bucket list since my 5-year-old self first saw The Lion King. Not sure what happens if Simba comes for a visit, but I’ll assume they have that figured out. The camp offers guided safaris by vehicle, by foot, or even by balloon. Check it out!

Camping I could really get in to.

I can't die without going on a real safari.

Visit the Governors' Camp website for more information.

Bienvenue en France!

2012-02-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to France!
This has to be next on my "travel wish list". I mean what girl doesn't wish to one day be able to stand under the Eiffel Tower and soak in all the beauty that is Paris. There are many places in explore in France, but since I already mentioned Paris, let's start there.

Paris: The Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. Versailles. The Arch de Triomphe. I could go on and on. I feel like the amount of time spent here could never be enough. I mean there's Notre Dame. The Avenue Champs-Elysées. Not to mention shopping on Avenue Montaigne and Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Okay, I'll stop there, I think you get the point. So many beautiful places, so little time...and money.

Next, Lyon. This city is know for its famous light festival, called the Fete des Lumieres. It takes place on December 8th of every year and last for four days. giving the city the title of "Capital of Lights". Also in Lyon you can see museums for anything from luxurious silks, to cinematography, the French resistance, printing, and models.

The South of France: Just the phrase makes you picture bight blue waters and big, expensive yachts. Only in Cannes can you go to the world famous film festival, or a festival for boats. Or to Nice to visit some of the most beautiful botanical gardens. Or take a trip to the vineyards of Corsica, an island of wines.

No matter where you choose to visit, you can't go wrong in France.

Follow the Yellow Brick Turnpike

2012-02-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Kim, and I proudly admit to being from New Jersey (don't say “Joisey” and no one gets hurt). I know, I know: it’s a toxic wasteland littered with factories, truck stops, and questionable smells. I’m guessing that the people who think this have never ventured much further than the area surrounding Newark Airport (which in that case, I do feel your pain about the smell). Tired of being asked ‘which exit,’ it has become a life goal of mine to get people to see the New Jersey that I see. The one without a gang of Oompa Loompas running around on a beach. So I wanted to share a few of my favorite spots that I love going to again and again, showing just how beautiful Jersey can be. There's no place like home.

Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch. One of my favorite spots in the world. I’ve been hiking up here since I was in elementary school, and I still remember the first time I witnessed the view after the mile-long walk. I remember going up there with friends and eating lunch on the rocks. I remember letting birds eat seed right out of my hand. I remember being able to see the World Trade Center, and I remember not seeing it. Sitting up there high above the trees makes me forget about everything going on below. Recommendation: Go in the fall, the colors are awesome.

I come to Liberty State Park in Jersey City during the summer just to walk or ride my bike on the Liberty Walk promenade. It’s a 1.3 mile stretch along the Hudson River right across from the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. I almost forget I’m exercising when I get to see all of New York Harbor. Almost.

Splitrock Reservoir is actually very close to Hawkwatch. The area itself is relatively unspoiled so it’s a beautiful spot to go kayaking or just sit. I ride my horse on the trails back there a lot, and aside from him getting scared of the occasional chipmunk, it’s a pretty relaxing time. Also, you can breathe here. I promise.

Hawaiian Island Hopping

2012-02-13T19:56:00.000-08:00

It’s mid-February, 30^oF, and I’m dreaming of the beach. Even when it’s mid-July, 95^oF, and the sand leaves burn marks on your feet, I still want to be on the beach. That being said, Hawaii is on my list of places to go one day. And I can’t just visit one island now can I? Of course not! So why not do a little island hopping, starting with Oahu.

Lanikai Beach...Is this real life?

Oahu: Kick off in Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu, where there’s historic landmarks (Pearl Harbor is here), shopping, arts and culture, and tons of nightlife. I’ve always wanted to try surfing, even though I know it could end up being the subject of an SNL skit. Waikiki Beach is an iconic spot where you can take surf lessons, paddle in an outrigger canoe, go stand-up paddle boarding, or park your butt in the sand and sip a Mai Tai. Another beach to check out is Lanikai Beach in Kailua, which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world. Based on the pictures, I’d be happy sleeping in a cardboard box in a place like this. If cardboard isn’t your style, there’s a number of bed and breakfasts in the area that look very nice.

So. Cool.

Maui: Next island up on the tour is Maui. Conde Nast Traveler readers have voted this island the “Best Island in the World” for the past seventeen years. Yes, seventeen. In a place so beautiful I don’t know that you could pick a bad spot to stay, but I would head to the historic town of Lahaina in western Maui. My main reason for this is to take a whale watching tour out of Lahaina Harbor. Humpback whales are drawn to the areas warm, shallow waters during the winter months (they’re not stupid!). I would take a tour/cruise with the Pacific Whale Foundation. They are researchers and marine educators dedicated to protecting the oceans and its’ inhabitants, with 100% of the profits from the tour going towards research, education, and conservation. Can’t get better than that. At night, reward your moral awesomeness with the traditional Old Lahaina Luau right at sunset. Food, fun, and hula!

Lana’i: Take the ferry right from Lahaina Harbor to Manele Harbor on the island of Lana’i. This is perfect because the resort I most want to visit is literally right there: The Four Seasons Resort Lana’i At Manele Bay. I first saw this resort on Travel Channel’s Great Hotels with Samantha Brown about 7 or 8 years ago and it stuck with me ever since. However, this is not a cheap place to stay, hence this being a dream place to go someday. If I tried to go there now I might have to sell a kidney. The oceanfront terrace guestroom does look amazing (it better for $945 a night). The resort has a private beach and a pool with an amazing ocean view. You can also take a hula lesson and learn how to make a lei. Relaxation and seclusion is key on this island, and that sounds pretty good right about now.

Akaka Falls

Hawaii: Last but not least, the Big Island. I can’t go to Hawaii and not see a volcano, so I would take time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), you can actually see the lava flow and change the landscape, and even drive around the rim of it. I would advise checking the park website for eruption schedules though. Safety first people! Another park worth checking out is Akaka Falls State Park. Sure, I could be like everyone else and walk through it. Or, I could be all adventurous and zip line above it. Um, yes! I want to go zooming past a 250ft. waterfall. Seriously, I do. I can’t lay on the beach the entire time.

For everything you could possibly want to know about visiting Hawaii (including the 2 islands not mentioned), check out http://www.gohawaii.com/ Aloha!

When are we going to eat spaghetti?

2012-02-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

A place that I have always wanted to go to is Italy. From the classical Italian food to the inspirational art that has emerged from there, it really is one of the greatest countries to visit. I can only imagine the feeling of walking past the Colosseum and being dwarfed by is enormous size. While it hasn’t been in use in over 2000 years, it is still one of the most visited places in all of Italy. I bet the developers of it weren’t planning on it being that successful, haha. In Rome the Trevi Fountain is also a must-see. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the water, with your back to the fountain, then you will soon return to Rome. The country is also home to the famous Vatican City, where the Pope and Catholic Church officials reside. It is the location of many famous statues and most of all, St. Peter’s Basilica. This is the “church of all church’s.” It holds art from some of the most famous artists of the last two millenniums. The best part of Italy is that you do not have to travel far or wait in line to see some of the most spectacular sights in the world. Just walking down the streets of Rome or Tuscany can show you how truly blessed the country is with its architecture and rich cultural history.

And you have to admit, there is nothing like having a city where the major means of travel is in a gondola. Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world and is definitely on the top of my travel list! When you think of Italy, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is my favorite… FOOD! One of my favorite foods to eat just happens to be one that Italy is famous for, its pasta. This along with a number of unique dishes such as tripe, fresh sausages and especially pizza are some of the backbone of Italian culture. Italy is known for its freshly grown ingredients and homemade pasta and dough.

From the sights and sounds, to the food and everything in between, Italy seems to be on everyone's travel-to-do list...even if you aren't Italian, like me. I know I will get there one day!

You Have to Know Where You've Been to Know Where You're Going

2012-02-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

This blog is meant to be a showcase for places we hope to travel to one day, but I want to start off with somewhere I’ve been. I recently got back from a week in Ireland with my school’s music department. I have to admit, it wasn’t first on my list of places to go. I really don’t know why, but it just wasn’t. I know people who have gone and loved it. Once I got there, I understood. We landed in Dublin after an overnight flight from New York, and then proceeded to take a five-hour bus ride across the country to Dingle. Despite feeling borderline narcoleptic at this point from going 30+ hours without sleep, I managed to take in the gorgeous Irish countryside. I have never seen grass so green in all my life; it almost didn’t seem real, and neither did the amount of sheep. So. Many. Sheep! I never need to see another one again as long as I live. Eventually, we arrived in the quaint town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Nice little shops, friendly locals, and, oh yeah, pubs everywhere. We only spent 3 days there, and the weather was less than perfect, but it was beautiful nonetheless. The mist actually made the experience more authentic. There were so many areas of the peninsula to explore, but what was my favorite Dingle experience? Easy: Horseback riding in the hills of Ceann Trá. I’ve ridden horses for ten years and even own one, and yet I couldn’t have been more excited to saddle up in the horse Mecca that is Ireland. Amazing.

Horseback riding in Ceann Trá

Ring of Kerry

After Dingle, we took that lovely five-hour bus ride back to Dublin. Along the way we stopped in Blarney, famous for Blarney Castle and the Stone of Eloquence. The castle itself was so much fun to explore, though if you’re claustrophobic you may have some issues. At the top of the castle lies the Blarney Stone (quite frankly, it’s just a rock). And yes, I kissed that rock. I’m still a little ashamed of being that much of a tourist, but you only live once, right? Anyway, back in the bus we went, off to Dublin. The city was different than others I have experienced. There were no skyscrapers, no huge crowds, and no road rage! Coming from the NY metro area, it was almost unsettling not to hear car horns and expletives every five seconds. The city was charming, and I liked it. We went on a short tour to places like the Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was such a beautiful church. Again, there are pubs everywhere. Many have live music and/or Irish step dancing, so you will not be bored at night. I truly had a great time on the trip. I would love to go back and see more of the country, like the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher. For now, I’ll sum it up like this: Ireland- Good times, friendly people, and scenery that will make you question if you’re in Heaven.