Vacation And Travel Photos

Hawkers’ Heaven - Tasting Penang’s Famous Street Food, Penang, Malasia

2009-12-27T12:49:00.008Z

And it's thank you Lin again. This time for the tasty Malaysian post that follows. Reading it made water grew in my mouth and if I ever go to Penang Island, I'm most certainly going to follow your advice and try some of those dishes ;)

You find yourself in the throng of one of the food capitals in the world, where cuisine is as much a main draw for tourists as its beautiful beaches; and the wafting aroma of spices and flavors fill the street and become the stuff of literature. We are talking of Penang, a beautiful island in Malaysia where fusion cuisine existed long before the phrase was even crafted.
And so you ask yourself, "What do I eat?" Before we even begin to give you suggestions, some backgrounders: Penang was once home to the Dutch and the Brits. Because of its port, the island became a center of trade for Chinese, Thai, Malay and Indian traders. So what you see on the streets of Penang—those hawkers who sell you more flavorful food than you once thought imaginable—is a blend of the cuisines of these countries, as the traders brought their own dishes and spices with them and over time, the fusion became Penang.

So when you eat, expect to find something a little bit Thai, a little bit Chinese. Maybe a taste of Tamil mingled with Dutch flavor. It all goes together and somehow, it works. And while there may be specific dishes to look for, each hawker will have his own personal twist to it. That said, what does one eat in the streets of Penang? Here are five suggestions:

Nasi Kandar - This steamed rice dish originated in Penang. With the rice come innumerable curries and side dishes such as fried chicken, fish, squid, curried spleen, beef, fried prawns or fried squid. Vegetables include aubergines and okra. All of these side dishes are served in one plate with the rice. Finally, mixed curry sauce is always poured on top of the rice. Nasi Kandar is mostly served by Tamil Muslim stalls, and this is actually the top dish in Penang.

Laksa - This is a noodle dish that can either be served sour and spicy, or else it can be richly flavored and cooked in coconut milk. Laksa actually means "rice noodles" with black prawn paste, mackerel, ginger flower, Thai basil, tamarind juice, lemon grass, lengkuas, shallots, cucumber, lettuce, shrimp paste, pineapple, and spices like chili, turmeric, and mint. Indeed, where food in Penang is concerned, more is more. All this is served in a bowl with vegetables and gravy on top.

Hokkien Mee - This is a yellow noodle soup laced with prawns, shrimp heads, shells, vegetables, a soft boiled egg, and fried onions on top. The Penang version of this dish is so popular that people from other parts of Malaysia order this when they are here.

Eurasian food - This cuisine emanated from Dutch and British men who married Malaysian women. The Little Penang Street Market at Upper Penang Road still serves this cuisine at times, and there are some Eurasian restaurants in Penang as well. Usually a Eurasian meal has seven or eight dishes, and two of them must be curries. Debel (devil) curry pork is very popular. Other dishes would be something either fried or roasted, a pie, sweetmeat, pickels, spicy Mulligatawny Soup and kedgerees, among other possibilities. All the dishes are served with rice.

Roti Canai - You could call this Penang’s 24-hour dish. It can be served whether you are having breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also snack on it. Usually it is served with chicken, mutton or lamb. It is actually dough made from flour, ghee, water and salt to taste. This flat bread is usually dipped in curry sauce. Have a coke with it, and you will have had a very tasty mid-afternoon snack.

Street food defines the character of Penang. It is a hawker’s haven but for the customer, it is hawkers’ heaven. You can eat amazing dishes worth many times over the very cheap cost of it. The sheer variety of flavors and choices may overwhelm, as there are literally hundreds of selections. This is one time when you should be guided just as much by your stomach as by your nose.

Lin writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers luxury briefcases and a great laptop briefcase selection, all direct from the manufacturer. Lin is an avid traveler and linguist. She currently resides in Calcutta, India and writes in her free time.

The photo from the capital of Penang, Georgetown, used in this post was obtained in commons.wikimedia.org so a special thanks goes to them too.

Where East Meets West, Shanghai, China

2009-12-18T23:24:00.010Z

Thanks to Lin vacationandtravelphotos can go all around the globe to the distant Shanghai for it's tenth Guest Post. With a big thank you from Portugal it's words to you Lin! :)

An old lady passes you by on the road, her basket filled with fresh vegetables, while businessmen jostle you aside with their briefcases in a mad rush to get to work. It probably doesn’t get stranger than this, but this is Shanghai, what do you expect?

If all you’ve ever heard about China is from the news, then this city may come as a shock. The largest city in the Middle Kingdom, Shanghai is a jumble of East and West, freedom and restriction, a strange collection of cultures (American Business, European Fashion and Chinese Tradition), which confuse first time visitors, but entice many to come back. You can start walking down one street filled with humble residential apartments with laundry hanging out the windows to dry, then turn a corner and be faced with the hippest dance club in town.

So, if you have limited time, how can you get the best of all world in this cosmopolitan city? Here are some of the must-sees, must dos and must-experiences in Shanghai.

MAGLEV TRAIN - You’ve just stepped off a very long flight and want nothing more than to just check into your room and lie down. Want to get into the city in less than 10 minutes? Not even the best taxi driver can compete with the Maglev Train. Developed by German-based Transrapid, the trains reach a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour in less than 2 minutes. Dubbed as the “Fastest Train in the World” you’ll be rocketing towards Shanghai’s city center and be there faster than you can say “Xie xie ni” (that’s Mandarin for ‘thank you’.)

PUDONG - Even if you’re not here on business (over 50% over Shanghai’s visitors are), then a visit to Pudong’s dizzying skyline. All the buildings seem to be competing to be the best, tallest and largest of them all and you’ll have a tough time deciding where to go. Oriental Pearl Tower’s iconic purple sphere is Asia’s tallest tower and has 15 observation levels and a revolving restaurant and gives visitors a magnificent 360 degree view of Shanghai (best at night). If you’re superstitious, then the Jin Mao Building, then this 88-storey building is for you (8 is lucky in Chinese numerology.)
This Gothic-inspired, spire-like tower boasts office spaces, a hotel, a shopping mall, an entertainment complex as well as the “world’s tallest post office.” Right next door is the Shanghai World Financial Center, and is, at 1,614.2 ft, the tallest building in China. After many setbacks, it was completed after 11 years and is just 4 feet behind the world’s tallest building, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

SHOPPING - Paris, New York, Milan…Shanghai? This city is set to be the next fashion capital, with multinational luxury brands flocking here to cater to the newly affluent sector of the market. Don’t leave home without your credit cards, as you stroll down Nanjing West Road and Huaihai Road where you’ll find shops such as Dior, Prada, Armani and Chanel. If your tastes are not quite there yet, Huaihai Road in the lovely French Concession district has some moderately priced brands (including international cheap chic retailer H & M) that fit anyone’s budget.

SHANGHAI ACROBATS - A visit to China wouldn’t be complete without some form of entertainment, and the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe is the best there is. The group performs at the Shanghai Center Theatre, and dazzles audiences with their high-flying antics, from umbrella tossing to knife throwing and traditional acts like hoop diving and chair balancing.
People of all ages will enjoy this show and be amazed at the amazing feats these skilled artists perform.

These are just some of the things you can do in Shanghai – this city has some of the best restaurants, markets, amazing sights and activities all in one place. So, whatever your interest and wherever you come from, Shanghai has it all. And with the rapid developments happening in this fast-paced city, if they don’t have it, then they surely will in the near future.

Lin writes for www.briefcasesdirect.com, a website that offers luxury briefcases direct from the manufacturer. Lin is an avid traveler and currently resides in Kolkata, India where she writes in her free time.

Movable Steel Bridges, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-10-12T16:14:00.001+01:00

After my last post about the Old Stone Bridges it wouldn't be fair if I didn't publish also a few lines dedicated to Amsterdam's so characteristic Movable Steel Bridges.

Above and bellow, two of the finest examples - with it's industrial age style it's my opinion that they contribute, and much, for the fabulous landscape of the city.

Just one word of advice, if you ear an insistent bell, don't forget that they move ;)

Old Stone Bridges, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-10-03T15:45:00.007+01:00

Sorry for the absence but, between pushing furniture and painting my flat, I haven't had much free time lately. Nevertheless I'm almost done now so, off we go to Amsterdam! This time I start by calling your attention to the city's beautiful stone bridges.

Above, the Blauwbrug bridge (or in English, the Blue Bridge). Built in the place where lied an old blue wooden bridge (hence it's name) it has in it's lanterns the most amazing stone decorations. Bellow the lanterns a shape that reminds a boat and on the top several beautiful crowns (Austrian ones, they said).

Another fantastic stone bridge is the one near the Munttoren Tower. Fully decorated with metal statues like the one above, this bridge it's a true work of art. and most definitively worthy of a visit :)

Bike Taxis, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-09-03T00:10:00.012+01:00

How to travel from one place to another when in Amsterdam? Well, as secure options you have the city trams and the traditional taxis. If you're into a bit of exercise, you can always rent a bike but if you're into something a bit different... Just look bellow :)
Not only they have bike-taxis there!! They have them in several colours and models!! Above, a white one so comfortable, so comfortable, that one can even read the paper during the travel :)

Followed of course by an exclusive vintage model that we've found working near the centre of the city (right beside the Rembrandt Square).

And by this orange one, we've found near the Royal Palace. Although a bit slow, I'm sure they're a funny way to get you to your destination ;)

Rembrandt Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-08-28T00:24:00.000+01:00

Independently of the destiny there are two things my friends always ask me. Where should they go to grab a bite to eat or for drink at night? In Amsterdam it's easy - and the answer to both questions is the same - head to the Rembrandt Square.

During the day, the place has a very cosy garden and all around the square are several restaurants and coffees with tables outside. If the weather is good it's a spot where one can really enjoy a nice meal.

Like the name of the place indicates you'll have as an extra company the distinct and well know Dutch painter. You'll find him right in the middle of the plaza looking towards the street from his pedestal.

By night it's the place to go for a drink. With several bars and clubs available for you to choose from you'll find the streets filled with people at least until 1:00 or 2:00 am and a fantastic mood there. Cheers! :)

Tuschinski Theater, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-08-17T01:20:00.002+01:00

Also in the proximities of the Flower Market, about half way on the right side of the street that takes you from the Munttoner to the Rembrandt's Plaza, is another of Amsterdam's highlights - the Tuschinski Theater.

The building is currently used as movie theatre and it's architecture is really something else. As if the entrance (photo above) wasn't enough to make it stand out from the rest, let me take you a few steps back into the middle of the street so you can check the building as a whole (photo bellow) - amazing, right?

Although one could say that the stone walls make it appear very cold, it has a lot of Gothic elements mixed with and Art-Deco design (specially inside) that work's perfectly - it's very cosy, warm and, without doubts, absolutely unique as a movie theatre.

Taken from the balcony of the main room this last photo illustrates the quality of the place and it's decoration. In one sentence, a glamorous showroom from the past perfectly maintained until today.

Munttoren, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-08-09T22:32:00.008+01:00

Located in the Muntplein square (very close to the Flower Market from the last post) the Munttoren, in English the Mint Tower (named after the mint coin process that used to take place there), is without doubt one of Amsterdam's landmarks. Given it's central location it's very easy to reach so - try not miss it :)

Above photographed from the channel and bellow from the street nearby, I find amazing how the tower manages to stand out from the rest of the scenery - which by the way is beautiful and only makes the achievement even more difficult.

Destroyed by a fire in 1618 only the guard house and part of the tower remained. Rebuilt in the start of the seventeenth century in Amsterdam's Renaissance style, the Munttoren gained then both it's four beautiful clocks and it's bells carillon.

Floating Flower Market, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-08-03T23:35:00.016+01:00

Locally know as Bloemenmarkt the Amsterdam's flower market is rather different from the regular markets one is used to see. It's stores are all built over the water on several platforms that accompany the curve shore of the Singel Canal.
As if floating stores wasn't enough to make of this one an unique market, you'll find another unusual characteristic when looking from the other side of the canal. Instead of naked building walls, the back of all the market's stores are decorated with several flowers motives that all together result in the view you can see bellow.
As to the market itself, it's open from 9am to 6pm everyday except Sunday and I assure you that you'll have no trouble in finding there tulips in every colour there is. Already packed in small kits they make the perfect souvenir for you to take back home.
If tulips are not your thing and the first store doesn't have the flower you're looking for - no problem! Just walk down the street to the next one that, from lotus flowers to little bonsai trees, I believe they sell all kinds of plants there ;)

Amsterdam, Netherlands

2009-07-31T16:00:00.005+01:00

Hi there! And sorry for the recently lack of new posts but, between a few days of vacations (without computer) and my busy work, I haven't been able to "blog" much. Nevertheless, sometimes working helps and this time it was exactly that what happened - my work took me to a conference in Amsterdam for a few days ;)
In a quick opinion I must say that I simply loved Amsterdam. To give you an overview of the place I'll start by publishing some panoramic photos of the city's centre in this first Amsterdam post.
As you can see above and bellow the combination of the city's beautiful architecture with it's many channels produces a fantastic atmosphere. As to the food there it's good and you'll find a lot, and I mean a lot, of restaurants and bars available for you to choose from.
Another plus factor of the town is it's public transportation system and it's geography with almost no hills who allows the many, many bicycles - between the trams and the bikes cars were almost removed from the scene.

Desert Mirages, Sal, Cape Verde

2009-06-18T23:58:00.011+01:00

After the refreshing Buracona Natural Pools the tour continues and it's then time to head towards the Desert in the center of the island. Bellow, you can see the main attraction of the place, the huge mirages that take form there.

The place is very hot so do remind yourself to take some water with you - take my word for it - I'm positively sure you wouldn't wanna drink from the lake (behind the bus to the right) you can "see" in the photo above :)

Besides being a very dry spot, the place is also a bit windy - just check the tree above - this time it's no mirage and it illustrates the fact perfectly. Well, I think that that's about all from the desert so I'll see you in the final post of the tour, the Salt Mines.

Buracona Natural Pool, Ponta Norte, Sal, Cape Verde

2009-06-04T01:52:00.010+01:00

Located in the north shore of the island Buracona is the place where you'll find the fabulous natural pool of the photo bellow. Although only a few kilometers away from our previous stop Palmeira you might take a while to get there - the road is bumpy so drive slow okay :)

Besides the pool Buracona also presents its visitors with a fantastic landscape. Simply turn your back to the pool and you'll be able to admire the notorious contrast between its ocean blue tones and the red ones of the desert behind it.

Dominating the desert landscape is the highest mountain of the island. With its 405 meters of high, Monte Vermelho (in English, Red Mountain) do complete the beautiful landscape.

Hided close to the pool, deep in one of the caves nearby, is what the locals call Olho Azul (in English, the Blue Eye) - a beautiful light effect one can admire when the sunlight hits the ocean waters in the bottom of the cave (about 25 meters bellow surface) reflecting up its magnificent colors.

Before we follow to the Desert a serious warning: do stay away from the edge of the pool - as you can see above it is naturally filled with ocean water so be cautious ;)

Palmeira, Sal, Cape Verde

2009-06-03T18:00:00.005+01:00

Proceeding with the tour around Sal's island lets make way and head to the city of Palmeira. The main port of the island is located there and its marina is most certainly one of the local attractions worthy of a visit.

Another thing for what I call your attention, is for the curious architecture of Sal's towns and villages. Like in the capital Espargos, the majority of the houses and city structures are small and very colorful. A good example of what I'm saying is again the local market, similar the one in the capital, it mantains both the size and the "happy" color choice - here instead of green, a combination of red and yellow.

Still about the market, one word of advice - if you're not prepared to negotiate prices, don't even think in passing close to its door. Although they sell there most of the island typical souvenirs one must possess good negotiation skills in order to strike a good bargain.

Finally, and before we continue to the natural pools of Buracona I'll leave you with another great example of Palmeira's colorful environment: the walls of the grocery store. In fact, if you're not certain on which way to take to our next stop, I'm sure these walls will help you :)

Travel Resources

2009-06-02T00:00:00.001+01:00

I was searching the net to choose a backpack for a friend that loves adventure travel (mental note: must tell him to write a few posts about his last vacations, just imagine, he went crossing Sardinia's peeks on foot) and came across with two nice sites that I've decided to share.

The first one, Travel Equipments has advices you on many of the material anyone will often need for a successful travel. From backpacks to binoculars they leave nothing to chance and have a word for almost everything :)

The second one, Adventure Travel goes specially for my friend F. and for all of you who like to camp and take long walks on your vacations. If you ever consider taking seven days on a jeep just to reach Terra do Fogo then check it out, from adventure hiking to rafting they have it all :)

Espargos, Sal, Cape Verde

2009-05-28T21:00:00.006+01:00

Today I'll start a tour around the island of Sal. Starting with capital Espargos, and going from there to Palmeira and Buracona passing by the Desert Mirages and ending with a visit to the salt mines in Pedra de Lume.

Located more or less in the middle of the island the city has the same name of the plant that grows in the wild in the surrounding areas - Espargos is Portuguese for Asparagus.

Above you can see the main plaza of the town, place where you'll find a few coffees and many local kids playing the national sport of the place - soccer. A few steps away from this plaza is another place you don't wanna miss, the local market (photo bellow).

Although most of the people on the island only speak Portuguese and Crioulo (the other local idiom), in Espargos like in the rest of the island, everyone is always very nice with the tourists.

In the next post will continue the tour traveling a few kilometers east to another plant named city - this time Palmeira - Portuguese for Palm Tree :)

Sal, Cape Verde

2009-05-18T22:51:00.011+01:00

Part of the Republic of Cape Verde the island of Sal is very beautiful and it's definitively worthy of a visit. Without being a big island, in fact it has only about 30 km long by 12 km wide, it still has several nice spots to visit, not to mention some of the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago.

As a curiosity about the name of the island - Sal is the Portuguese word for salt and it was chosen to name the place because of the old mines that extracted it located in Pedra de Lume, a little village in the Northeast shore 5 km away from the Capital, Espargos.

Besides the nice beaches and a fabulous ocean this island is also a place where the sun is always shining - as a matter of fact our guide said to us that it had rain last year, adding after a little pause, for the first time in last ten...

One word of caution for the wind who, like the sun, it's always present - as you can see above, Sal's beaches are ideal for water sports like Kitesurf and Windsurf. For those of you who (like me) like to be lying in the sand all the way till sundown this wind may sometimes be a bit to much - Oh well! Time for a drink then ;)

Seattle, Washington, USA

2009-05-14T13:00:00.002+01:00

After the last review on Portland, Lindsay from The Sydenhams decided to send us another one. This time a guide for Seattle who, from music to food, from where to go to what to see, I believe leaves almost nothing overlooked. Again thank you Lindsay for your wiling to participate and, once more with great pleasure, this space is yours...

How to Best Enjoy Seattle: No trip to the United States is complete without an excursion to the going green, tree-hugging, liberal-loving northwest. The Mecca of the northwest is, without a doubt, the city of Seattle, located in northern Washington. Seattle is best known for Bill Gates, Starbucks Coffee, the band Nirvana and the Space Needle. But there are many other hidden treasures in this city that all travelers should have the opportunity to experience.

How to Plan Best for your Trip to Seattle: In an attempt to assure yourself of the best possible visit to Seattle, it is best to create yourself an itinerary of things you want to do and see during your stay. A little bit of spontaneity is fun, but make sure you have a rough outline of what you want to do in Seattle. Purchase yourself a good guide book, review travel blogs on the Internet and research what the locals like to do in their free time. Many times what the locals do can end up being the most authentic and fun parts of your trip.

Food and Drink: One of the most important things to do while you are in Seattle is to eat. Restaurants in Seattle branch out of the box to create their own unique trends and dining atmospheres. The food experience alone is an attraction to experience in Seattle.

The selection of seafood and fish is unbelievable. Be sure you travel to Pikes Place Market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood (best fish ever) and local artisan crafts. The walk through the market will take you a whole morning. Stroll through the market, as locals do, and enjoy the atmosphere along with the tasty goods.

On my last trip to Seattle, I discovered a really helpful consumer reviews Web site that helped me to plan my trip in regards to food. The review site is based in Seattle and thousands of locals in the city use the site to rate local businesses and restaurants. It’s a great way to see how the locals feel. I always like to look for the best restaurants, or ones that locals highly recommend, so I don’t end up eating McDonalds because of my lack of planning. The consumer reviews site that I used showed ratings and testimonials about many of Seattle’s best restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. I found all of my favorite kinds of food and went to almost every restaurant that was on my list.

Lastly, drink coffee. You will be in the city that started the world’s coffee trend. Be sure to go into small cafes and restaurants and try the local coffee.

Must-See Attractions and Activities - The Space Needle: No trip to Seattle would be complete without an excursion to the Space Needle. You have seen the Space Needle in movies and on television and it is one of the world’s most famous landmarks. It may be a little overpriced, but it is definitely worth it to see a beautiful view of the city. Make sure to bring your camera. In regards to the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle, I would skip it. The food is overpriced and there are plenty of other fabulous restaurants down in the city that are not only cheaper, but taste better.

Must-See Attractions and Activities - Music: Seattle is one of the best places for music. No matter what kind of music you like to listen to, there is something for you in this city. There are many clubs throughout the city where local, aspiring bands play rock music to small crowds. These kinds of opportunities will give you a taste of the authentic Seattle music scene, plus it is fairly cheap to enjoy local music. The Stranger and Seattle Weekly are newspapers that will have information each week about where to find concerts and who is playing. If you’re interested in classical and jazz, there are options for you as well. Go see the Seattle Symphony for classical music or visit Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley for local, live jazz.

Must-See Attractions and Activities - The Original Starbucks: The rumors are true. There is literally a Starbucks Coffee shop on every corner in the city of Seattle. Not surprising, is it? If you’re a huge fan of coffee, you should definitely visit the original Starbucks. For some, the grounds are holy because this is where the world’s obsession with coffee was birthed. It may be touristy, but the bragging right of visiting the original Starbucks is well worth it. And yes, it is essential that you buy yourself a souvenir coffee cup from the place that started it all.

Must-See Attractions and Activities - People Watching: Seattle is home to many unique and interesting characters. The liberal and accepting environment tends to breed individuals who bask in the fact that they are unique. Often times you will find various musical performers, break dancers or people with other talents showing off in parks throughout the city. People watching, such as this, is a great way to get a strong feel for the distinctive culture of Seattle.

Must-See Attractions and Activities - Bookstores: There are many great new and used bookstores in Seattle. If you like to read, or like to collect rare books, then it would be worth it to visit a few of Seattle’s best bookstores. Check out Elliott Bay Book to find thousands of new and used books, including valuable antique books that are rare to find. If you wander the streets in the city you are bound to find a handful of mom-and-pop bookstores. Who knows, you may find a treasure that would be difficult to find elsewhere!

Conclusion: Seattle is a beautiful city with unique characteristics. If you have never been to the northwest, or visited Seattle, it would be well worth your time to take the trip. Seattle is a great place to eat good food, drink tasty coffee, try new wines, listen to local music and to stroll the streets looking for unique shopping opportunities. Enjoy your trip!

Finally a special thanks goes also to the site from where all the photos for this post came from: the free images gallery at www.pachd.com.

Portland, Oregon, USA - Part II

2009-05-11T09:30:00.001+01:00

Off we go for the second part of Lindsay's Portland guide/review. Following, more tips and advices and the rest of Portland's Must-see places...

Must-see in Portland - VooDoo Doughnuts: Looking to spice things up a little? VooDoo Doughnuts has two locations in Portland. This is not an ordinary doughnut shop. This place is best known for their bizarre, but tasty, doughnut shapes and flavors. Many locals flock to this doughnut shop late at night if they have the munchies. It is a great place to network for Portland folk and to just eat a really good doughnut.

Must-see in Portland - Powell’s Books: There are literally millions of books to choose from. Powell’s Books is best known for being the nation’s largest new and used bookstore. Multiple buildings, multiple stories and tons and tons of shelves hold nearly every book title in the world. Looking for rare, antique books? Powells has got them!

Must-see in Portland - People watching at Pioneer Square: The City of Portland encourages and fosters individuality. This can be best understood and witnessed in Pioneer Square, the gathering area in the center of the city. Grab yourself a cup of coffee from the Starbucks on the corner in the untraditional building and sit on the steps and just watch. Street performers, playing instruments, dancing or sometimes preaching, will stand in the middle and do their thing. It is an entertaining experience to observe people at Pioneer Square. We recommend you try it!

Must-see in Portland - Rent a bike: Portland is a bike city. Because the community is a going-green community, many people choose to ride their bikes to work. Not only is this a good choice because it helps the environment, but it is a great way to see the whole city. Portland is possibly the greenest city in the country with trees on every street corner – even in the middle of the city. Since many Portlanders ride their bikes, the city is very friendly to bikers regarding bike parking, bike lanes and drivers are considerate to those who bike.

Must-see in Portland - Multnomah Falls and the Columbia Gorge: Only a half-an-hour drive from Portland, you will find one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Right next to the Columbia river, stands a majestic waterfall known as Multnomah Falls. A short hike up to the top of the bridge will bring you so close to the waterfall that you will nearly get drenched from the mist alone. If you have time, drive further past Multnomah Falls until you reach Horsetail Falls. This hike will bring you to a cave where you can sit behind a huge waterfall. The Columbia Gorge offers many different hikes and many different lengths.

Conclusion: Portland is a delightful city that welcomes visitors year round. The city is small enough to give a very intimate feel when visiting. Do not be afraid to ask a local for help with directions. Any Portlander would be proud to show off their green city. Happy traveling!

Again thanks to Lindsay from The Sydenhams for this fantastic guest post and lets hope for the confirmation of the rumors that say that more are coming from Seattle and Washington ;)

Portland, Oregon, USA - Part I

2009-05-10T00:19:00.010+01:00

Well I'm glad to tell you that Vacation and Travel Photos has a new friend - Lindsay from The Sydenhams who is wrote this fantastic guide/review of her hometown, Portland. Without delays, let's go for its first part - word to Lindsay...

The Best of the Best in Portland: Quirky. Strange. Off-beat. The perfect description of Portland, Oregon. This charming city is best known for being home to the Trail Blazers, rain, the Nike headquarters, indie rock music, going-green, roses of every color and liberal thinking. Portland does not offer traditional sightseeing activities, like many cities around the country. Instead, the city is jam packed with a lively atmosphere and a culture that is one-of-a-kind. Visit Portland to enjoy the laid back way of life and the slow moving culture that appreciates individuality and friendliness.

Before you go Check the weather: The rumor is true. It rains all the time in Portland. But don’t be deterred from this fact because Portland only becomes more charming when it rains. Before your trip make sure you check the local stations for information about the weather during your trip. Sometimes, and we are telling the truth, there is really nice weather in Portland. If you check the weather before you go, you can plan your packing accordingly.

Must-see in Portland - Rose Gardens: Imagine thousands of roses blooming in ever color. Portland boasts one of the most impressive rose gardens in the world. Walk up and down each aisle of roses and you will be surprised that no set of roses is alike. The grounds of the gardens are also beautiful places to have a romantic picnic, take a family portrait or just enjoy a walk in nature without the business of the city. There are also a few points which offer an inspiring view of downtown. The best part? Visiting is free!

Must-see in Portland - Japanese Gardens: If you loved your time at the rose gardens, be sure to head across the street to the Japanese gardens. These gardens have been nurtured for years and crafted perfectly after similar gardens found in Japan. For a small fee, one can tour the Japanese gardens and experience true peace. The gardens are quiet and the perfect place for mediation or quiet thoughts.

Must-see in Portland - NW 23rd: Visit the trendy scene in Portland and visit Northwest 23rd. It’s a street lined with coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, record shops, and specialty stores. Take a stroll down the street and enjoy the atmosphere. At night, the trees along the street are covered in white, Christmas lights. The street twinkles with not only the lights, but also from the bustle of the people walking in and out of Portland’s most unique stores. Be sure to stop at Papa Haydns, a famous Portland restaurant serving French food. The food is good, but what is especially delicious are the desserts. Choose from many kinds of cake and pastries and feel your mouth tingle with excitement.

Learn what the locals like/dislike: It’s always best to go with that the locals like to do. If you are going to shell out money eating at restaurants, staying at hotels and sightseeing, you want to make sure your money is well spent. If you refer to a consumer ratings Web site, you can read what locals say about local businesses and how they rate. This is a great way to figure out what you will be putting on your itinerary.

Research local newspapers to discover upcoming events: For those looking for opportunities to listen to live music, Willamette Week is the perfect place to look. The newspaper features an entire section devoted to local music, tour dates, concerts and anything relating to the music scene. Refer to The Oregonian for information about parades, concerts at the waterfront, firework shows or festivals in the city. Portland is known for having many jazz, soul, and other music festivals a few times a year.

Continue in the next post...

Koroni Ancient Ruins, Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

2009-05-06T22:37:00.009+01:00

Today, the second part of Maggi's guest post on the Peloponnese Peninsula - after the sunny beaches it's time to visit a series of cultural places nearby...

This being Greece, ancient ruins are never far away and the Peloponnese has its fair share of these. Nestor's Palace is not far from Pylos, Ancient Olympia is about 3 hours drive. Mycenae, Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus and more are all within a few hours' travel although an overnight stay is best for some of these. The most famous sites inevitably get crowded, especially Olympia where you can find yourself getting caught up in one of the many tours.

Although some sites have roped off areas, it's still possible to get close to many monuments. Walk through the tunnel used by the original Olympic athletes or sit on the original seats at Epidaurus and you can feel the atmosphere. For reasons best known to themselves the Greeks changed the opening hours last year and many ancient sites closed mid-afternoon. It's always best to check before setting out, especially if you have a long drive.

Closer, and just as good in my opinion, is Ancient Messini – Ithaca. Unlike the other sites this is free and when you're tired of wandering over the ruins there's a nice cafe just up the hill where you can sit and look out over the valley.

If you prefer your ruins a little more recent the Byzantine city of Mystras near Sparta is fascinating. The road to Mystras from Kalamata twists up and down mountainsides–not for the faint hearted. It's hard to believe there can be several feet of snow on these hills in winter but the Peloponnese is also home to mountains and even a few ski resorts, a fact not known to many non-Greeks.

Turn away from the coast and you can follow roads leading to old villages and abandoned settlements. There's even the odd waterfall hidden away, a welcome sight in the middle of the hot, dry summer. Don't try this if you dislike getting lost though – Greek signposting is never going to win any awards for accuracy. Nor are Greek maps, but that's part of the adventure. Greek people are always willing to help you on your way, and asking directions can sometimes lead to an invitation to rest a while with a coffee or glass of wine.

A couple of hours' drive from Koroni puts you across on the Mani, still feeling as wild as it was a couple of hundred years ago. Or pay a visit to Agia Theodora at Vasta, a tiny church with 17 trees growing inside the walls. Look inside and there's no evidence of the trees at all, but they are definitely sticking out of the roof. Weird!

If you're looking for expensively appointed restaurants, noisy nightlife or lots of fashionable shopping this part of Greece will likely disappoint you. But if you want to explore unspoilt villages, quiet beaches, experience life going on in much the same way it has for years, or just relax in a friendly atmosphere, you're in for a real treat.

Maggi, I'm convinced! If I ever go to Greece, besides Athens and some of the islands, I'll surely pay a visit to your fantastic Peloponnese Peninsula. Once more, thank you Maggi from FaceDestiny & GreeceDonkeyDroppings for this fantastic insights on Greece.

Koroni Beaches, Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

2009-05-05T01:35:00.005+01:00

Today the first part of a guest post about the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece, sent by Maggi from FaceDestiny & GreeceDonkeyDroppings. Thanks Maggi and off we go to Greece...

Think of Greece as a holiday destination and I can predict the picture that will come to mind: intense blue sky and sea, sandy beaches, blindingly white houses, and more likely than not it will be an island you're thinking of. It's hardly surprising given the number of islands that form part of Greece. And that's exactly how it was for us on our first visits.

After a few years we decided we wanted to explore mainland Greece and we liked what we found so much that we actually moved to the southern Peloponnese at the beginning of 2008.

The Peloponnese is that big piece at the bottom left of Greece on the map, attached to the rest of the mainland by the Corinth Canal. At its southern end it splits into 3 peninsulas and we live on the western most of the 3, just on the inside of the southern tip. We're around 4 hours' drive from Athens, accessible by bus and train as well as hire car, and there are some charter flights into the local airport at Kalamata, a mere 40 km away, in summer.

For those who do make the journey, which includes a fair number who drive their motor homes down from northern Europe, the effort is definitely worth it. Many return year after year and some, like us, find they don't want to leave, adding to the growing non-Greek population.

Driving down the peninsula from Kalamata you're never more than a couple of kilometers from the sea as the road passes through small towns and villages.

Our little piece of paradise is Koroni, a small town that is a tourist spot in traditional Greek fashion. By that I mean it doesn't try too hard: it hasn't 'sold its soul' for tourism. If people want to come, this area will welcome them, but if they don't come life will go on. Accommodation is in small hotels or self catering units, the latter ranging from cheap and cheerful to large, well appointed apartments. The town sits on a slight promontory with sea on 2 sides and mountain views to the opposite peninsula, so a good view from your balcony and a short walk to the beach are virtually guaranteed.

The town center has just 2 streets: the harbor front lined with cafes, tavernas and shops and the main shopping street behind with more small shops.

Away from the seafront, houses crowd the hillside, connected by lanes, alleys and stairways. Above the harbor is a ruined Venetian fort with a small monastery and a tiny chapel, and excellent views. It's easy to see why the Venetians chose this as a base.

The main beach starts at the town end where it's called Zaga, and stretches along the shoreline, becoming Memi beach a couple of kilometers along the coast. It's mostly fine golden sand, shelving gently into the stunningly clear sea, and great for children. It's so long it never feels crowded even in August. Most people stay close to the few cafe-bars, but if you're prepared to walk a hundred meters or so you'll most likely find yourself alone.

You can get by without transport here but it's better if you have access to a car. This puts several other beautiful beaches within range: Vounaria/Peroulia a little to the north, crescent shaped Amoudi just along the coast, remote Tsapi, then into the small tourist area of Finikounda with several fine beaches to choose from.

But the most stunning of all is Voidakilia, just the other side of Pylos, with its horse-shoe of fine sand and sheltered bay. Pylos itself is worth a visit. Linear B script was discovered here (so my nephew tells me) and there's a castle to explore. Or you can just sit in the lively square sipping an ouzo and watching the world go by. Methoni boasts a bigger Venetian fort that you can wander around.

To be continued in the next post...

Sa Calobra, Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

2009-04-15T17:00:00.006+01:00

Another curious beach I loved in Majorca was Sa Calobra. Located between Sóller and Formentor it has the most funny curvy road to get there - this one large (at least for a car) and with pavement in excellent condition - a true pleasure to drive through.

Above two photos taken from the start of the descent that gives you a very good idea of the place. The one the left taken towards the snaky road and the one on the right facing our final destiny, the beach and ocean down bellow.

Sa Calobra's road will take you all the way to a park (a few kilometers downhill) where you should leave your transport and proceed on foot following a boardwalk which I must rate as a very good one! Just take a look above and check the path you'll have to do on foot to get to the beach - inspiring view right? - three seconds of it and my day is already better ;)

As to the beach itself, fabulous... Having a background dominated by high cliffs and rocky areas and the usual sand replaced by many small round withe and gray river stones makes, the place is unique. One word of advice, beware that in the winter the place may be submerged (notice the local river on the photo above - near the cliffs to the left).

Formentor 's Bay, Pollensa, Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

2009-04-09T14:00:00.003+01:00

Still in the North of the island and about halfway between the city of Pollensa and Cabo Formentor (photo bellow) is a fabulous beach you'll surely not want to miss.

Locally know as the most Caribbean beach on Majorca, Cala Formentor (in English, Formentor's beach) is in fact rather different from the rest of the beaches of the island.

Although still missing some palm trees for the "Caribbean Look" to be complete, the beach is beautiful and the waters are fantastic - clean, clear and warm - another perfect spot for a snorkel session.

You can reach this place by car following the road to Cabo Formentor and then exiting to a smaller road to the right - the signs should point towards Formentor's Hotel or Pietra - reaching there, just ask for the beach ;)

Niagara Falls (part II), Ontario, Canada

2009-04-07T13:00:00.003+01:00

As promised here goes the second part (second and third days) of Liz trip to Niagara Falls...

We started our second day with "Journey Beneath the Falls" which is an underground tunnel that ends with an exit/lookout point quite close to the side of Horseshoe Falls. You really get a feeling of how high the falls are. You shouldn't get wet because they loan you yellow rain jackets.

Of course we had to go on the Maid of the Mist. This is a double-deck boat tour that gets pretty darn close to the falls. Everyone received a lovely blue rain poncho with hood. Wearing rain boots or bringing shoes to change into afterward is highly recommended! People who go on the bottom deck will get a little misty. People who venture up top will get soaked, guaranteed!

First the Maid swings by the American Falls and then loops into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls. Definitely bring your camera but keep it under your poncho when things start getting wet! It is when you are inside the mist that your realize just how big and powerful the waterfall is and how small and insignificant you are!

On our last day we visited the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory, located within the city's Botanical Gardens. It's a glass conservatory with over 2000 rain forest butterflies. They are everywhere - on the bushes, in the air, on the sidewalk, on you! Each visitor has a 99.9% chance of a butterfly landing on them. My favorites were the Blue Morpho butterflies. Most people spend about an hour inside the conservatory.

Must confess that after this post I can't wait to go and visit Niagara Falls one of this days. Hope you liked it! And again many thanks to Liz from Busy Lizzy's Easle ;)

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

2009-04-06T15:09:00.003+01:00

Today, the first one of a series of two guest posts that will take us with Liz from Busy Lizzy's Easle on a trip to the Niagara Falls. With a big thank you, and without any more delays, words and camera to Liz...

Niagara Falls is actually two waterfalls. The "American Falls" is along the city of Niagara Falls, New York (1st photo bellow). It's straight and quite rocky. The "Horseshoe Falls" is along the city of Niagara falls, Ontario (2nd photo bellow). This waterfall is curved and famous for all the mist it creates. Both waterfalls are huge and powerful.

Rainbow Bridge connects the two cities and can be crossed by foot, bicycle or automobile and near the place where was the Honeymoon Bridge is now Prospect Point Park where's a lookout deck that juts out near the American Falls. We stayed at the Embassy Suites hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It's very close to the Canadian shore so we had an awesome view from our balcony of both waterfalls as well as the Friday night fireworks over the river. The falls are illuminated with colored lights at night. It's really beautiful and peaceful.

There are at least a hundred things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This part of town is nicely planned for tourists and vacationers. There are lots of attractions, shows, restaurants and fast food places, tour buses, and shuttles. We first visited Skylon Tower. It's over 500 feet high and has an observation deck and revolving restaurant at the top. The external yellow elevator is nicknamed "the yellow bug." We had great views of everything!

We also visited Clifton Hill, a street filled with fun, shops and places to eat. One could easily spend several hours here. There is an Burger King with a GIANT Frankenstein outside eating a burger (and I do mean "giant")! There is also a wax museum of movie, tv and recording stars. I took some pictures of Angelina Jolie, Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. My daughter and I rode the Skywheel, a giant ferris wheel with amazing views of the entire area.

To be continued in the next post...