Chateau Potelle, Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley isn’t my favourite wine region really, but the most beautiful vineyard in the world (in my opinion) can be found here.   The vineyard, Chateau Potelle, is tucked away hidden on a hill away from the main road.  The winery produces a number of different types of wines and in fact is probably the most delicious wine in Napa as well.  This is a must-see in vineyard: friendly owners, a beautiful picnic spot, and amazing wine.  What’s not to like?

Tallavera Grove, Hunter Valley, Australia

Hunter Valley has quite a few most beautiful vineyards, so it’s tough to pick just one, but if I had to, it would be Tallavera Grove. It’s so beautiful it is actually one of the featured images on our travel desktop wallpaper next month.  They have some tasty wines and the lakes and rolling hills behind the winery seem to stretch on forever.  So wonderful, just simply wonderful.

Rippon Vineyards, Central Otago, New Zealand

One of the most beautiful vineyards in New Zealand is near Lake Wanaka, probably one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen.  It’s one of those postcard shots – lush green grass surrounding a rich blue lake with a set of perfectly jagged peaks, snow-capped, jutting between the background and the sky.  So what better place to put a winery than here?  That’s what Rippon Vineyards thought, and they chose wisely.  The Otago region has some of the best Kiwi wines, in my opinion, so the combination of unbeatable views and amazing wines is nothing short of bliss.

O. Fournier, Mendoza, Argentina

The mix of the sharp modern architecture and the backdrop of the Andex Mountains puts the O. Fournier winery on the world’s most beautiful wineyards list.  It’s an interesting winery as the facility uses gravity, not pumps, to help service the mountaintop facility. Syrah and Malbec never tasted so good.

Mission Hill, British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is a beautiful part of the world, so its no doubt that one of our most beautiful vineyards is here.  Top marks go to the Mission Hill Winery – no only the view fantastic, but the estate’s incredible architecture is gorgeous – from the heights of the bell tower to the cavernous barrel cellar.  Oh, and did I mention the wine is fantastic?  Yup.

Staffelter Hof, of the Moselle River, Germany

Cruisng down the Rhine and Moselle rivers in western Germany is simply a European must-do.  It’s a charming part of the world, with the steep slopes covered with castles and vineyards.  One of the most beautiful vineyards with a great view is the Staffelter Hof, one of the oldest wineries in Germany.  Apart from their tasty Riesling, you can also visit their distillery for tasty spirits such as quince and peach.

Vergelegen, South Africa

With a name that means remotely situated in Dutch, you know you’re on to something good.  And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Vergelegen, a near picture postcard perfect stretch of octagonal-shaped land on the Western Cape of South Africa.  It was established in 1700 and is just as beautiful today as it was then.  I can’t help but agree with this quote from their website: “I saw this place with exceptional pleasure, since everything there was laid out wonderfully finely” – Reverend Francois Valentijn, Nov 1700

McGregor Vineyard, Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is some of America’s most beautiful countryside, and home to a little-known but fantastic wine region.  A favourite winery of one of our readers, offering with sweeping views of Keuka Lake, is the McGregor Winery.  Its’s hard not to argue with views like that, but wait until you try the wines – and McGregor offers some of the more innovative and unique productions in this region.

Gaspereau Winery, Nova Scotia

Wine is one of the many charms of Nova Scotia, and the perfect place to soak up great views with a tasty glass is at the Gaspereau Winery.  Why not try a Canada classic, the Maple Wine (obviouly a touch sweet) or any of the other wines, which have been described as “dangerously drinkable.”  Not a surprise considering your attention will likely be diverted by the fresh air and gorgeous backdrop.

The Dézaley Vineyards, Switzerland

We all know of Europe’s ability to grow wine and grapes on seemingly inaccessible locations making for many of the world’s most beautiful vineyards.  But none is more picturesque and beautiful than the Dézaley Vineyards in Switzerland, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Geneva.  They say the grapes so lucky to be growing here are blessed by the sun from three angles: sun from heaven, sun off the stone walls and sun off the lake.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Wandering the seaside walkways between the villages of the Cinque Terre in Northwest Italy are some of my favourite Italian memories.  But can you believe that on these cliffs there are tiny vineyards?  Believe me, it’s worth feeling the burn to head up onto the top of the cliffs for better views: not only of the sea, but also a fresh perspective on the seaside views.

Scala Dei, Priorat, Spain

Scala Dei means God’s Staircase, and that’s how you’ll feel when visiting this winery just an hour southwest of Barcelona. Monks established their monastery here in the 12th century (so one of the oldest world’s most beautiful vineyards) and wine tourism is growing in popularity here, meaning you will find plenty of options for accommodation, exploring, and of course, time to taste those tasty wines.

Banyuls, France

The Banyuls vineyard is on Frances southern coast, near the Spanish border.  Wine has been grown here since the time of the Greeks and Romans they say, and you’ll want to come for a visit to check out the coastal scenery and try out the tasty dessert wines (both red and white).  Very yummy.

Quinta do Infantado, Portugal

We close out our list of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, the Quinta do Infantado, where you can find many an opportunity to get your Port on.  They say this district has some of the best Ports, which might be because traditional, manual methods are still employed (due to the rugged terrain).  Despite all our efforts to eradicate those great bastions of traditional winemaking, there’s nothing like uncorking a bottle fresh from the vineyard and soaking in the view of some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards.

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

Is it true you used travel as a solace to help you find yourself and reorientate yourself after a particular rough period in your life?

Yes, it is true! Within just a few months, I got divorced and fired from my job. I was devastated as my life was turned upside down both personally and professionally. In an effort to overcome my depression, my friends and I would plan “girlfriend getaway” trips that allowed me to create new memories and new adventures through traveling with some of my very best friends. While taking these trips, we quickly realized that there were no city-specific travel guides for women. That’s when the Girls Getaway Guide travel series was born. I guess what they say is true, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

Andy:  Yes, lemonade…it’s funny how it sounds trite and silly but it’s very true.

Your getaway guides are aimed at women travellers. What makes your getaway guides special/different?

While there are several great travel guides, none of them cater specifically to women looking for that perfect girlfriend getaway. The Girls Getaway Guide series focuses on things that women love to do while traveling (shopping, spas, finding great cuisine and recreational activities geared towards women). For example, a recommended side trip from Orlando is to the Mt Dora antique district, which women love. Since most of my travel research is done with my girlfriends, we know what works and what doesn’t for the perfect Girls Getaway to that destination.

Your first guide was to Orlando. Any recommended experiences beyond the traditional stops for the women (and men!) listening to do?

I started with Orlando because I would travel to Washington, DC for work and on my return flight, women, who were traveling to Orlando for a conference, would always ask me, “Besides Disney, what can we do in Orlando?” Although Orlando is best known for its theme parks, the city has a lot to offer for Girlfriend Getaways as well. I love the Winter Park area (just north of downtown Orlando), which has two great outdoor shopping areas (Winter Park Village and Park Avenue) that offer fabulous boutiques, art galleries, eateries. Plus, this area is home to beautiful Rollins College that visitors can stroll through. In addition, Winter Park has several museums and art galleries and is home to the terrific Winter Park Art Festival every March. For the outdoor lovers, it is home to several golf courses and the Scenic Boat Tours, which provide a unique view of the area. With so much to do in the Winter Park area, women (and men) can stay busy all day long!

Andy:  Great tips – I didn’t really know much about what was on offer apart from the theme park, as you say.  Definitely filing this away for future use!

Tell us about your most inspirational travel experience?

WOW! Most inspirational….that is really difficult to answer. One of the things I love about traveling is meeting new people who help you learn (indirectly) about yourself. My trips to Nashville, TN were really inspiring. While there, I met several aspiring country music singers. The stories they told me about leaving home to pursue their dreams in Nashville were amazing! Many of them landed in town with no money and no contacts. They just knew they had to follow their dreams no matter what it took. During a few trips to Nashville was also the time I was contemplating writing my first Girls Getaway Guide book. After hearing the stories from Nashville, I knew if they could follow their dreams, than I should too and I began to write. I learned that following your dreams is really hard work, but those who believe in themselves will ultimately succeed.

Andy:  Someone once told me that patience, persistence, and hard work are bigger contributors to success than talent.  I continue to find, over and over again, that this is very very true.

And YAY for passionate people; I’ve been to Nashville a long time ago, and I agree, while country music isn’t necessarily my favourite, I found some of the most passionate and hard working people I’ve ever seen.

Anything interesting on your “bucket list” that you plan on tackling soon?

What a great question! Yes, I have my top three places I want to visit. I call them my Top As: Australia/New Zealand, Africa and Alaska. I hope to make it to all three very soon (and before the bucket)!

Andy:  Great choices.  Don’t miss our round-up of things to do in Alaska, a circle tour of the south island of New Zealand, as well as my personal favourite, Melbourne.

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

Luxor, lovely Luxor. How can one best describe it? Outside the normal tourist haunts one finds a beautiful people. Egyptians are always ready to help and always with a smile. Sometimes of course they are keen to help when no help is actually required, but their offer is always genuine!

The heat of summer is best avoided, but between October and April the sky is nearly always a bright, startling blue, with sunshine throughout the day and the slow pace of life automatically slows your pace and gladdens your heart. The call to prayer adds to the feeling and one sees people tucked away with their prayer mat, stopping for a few minutes to pray. Majestic palm trees, donkeys and camels ambling past. It all adds to one’s sense of well being. Driving or walking through the countryside, scenes that are positively Biblical unfold in front of your eyes. Egyptian people toiling in the fields resemble almost totally scenes that one can find on the walls of tombs, unchanged from Pharaonic times.

The Food

Wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables await you at a fraction of the cost we find them in the West. Tomatoes that really smell “tomatoey” as if they have just been picked, which of course, they probably have. One sees donkey carts laden with fresh produce making their way to the market stalls and you know that you are eating really fresh fruit and vegetables which have not been sprayed with anything. There is something rather nice about eating things that are in season, rather than being able to buy them throughout the year, as we can in the West.

You can find just about anything you need and if it isn’t readily available, there is always someone who can find it, make it, produce it for you in next to no time. It is lovely to have clothes made for you in beautiful soft Egyptian cotton and to collect it within a day or two. Dusty little side streets that contain a myriad of different goods, quite different from the tourist bazaars, all await you.

History

Then there is the history. Stroll through ancient temples and visualize the world of the Pharaohs. Transport yourself through the millennia to the world and culture of the Ancient Egyptians, ready to unfold by way of the hieroglyphics and tomb paintings, some of which look as if they were surely done only yesterday. Must see stops include:

• the Valley of the Kings
• the temple complex of Luxor
• the temple complex of Karnak
• Medinet Habu
• the Tombs of the Nobles

There’s lots to see in Luxor – you won’t be bored, for sure.

The Luxor Charm

Living here, as I do, I have found a culture totally opposite to one I am accustomed to. Lessons I have learned about this different culture and about myself – that the precious moments in a day can be quiet and slowed down; that reusing possessions can be a virtue and that opening one’s heart and mind to a different people and culture can bring about an appreciation of how all humans share a connection and can awaken a part of yourself that you never knew existed. Should others, by reading my experiences, come to Luxor and enjoy the charms and delight that make Egypt what it is, then my writing will have been for very good purpose.

To Learn More

Want to know more about the Luxor Charm? Margaret is the author of Living the Egyptian Dream, where she explores the delights and disappointments of her time in Egypt. You can purchase a copy today via the links below.

Photos by kayugee, girolame, charlie philips, apdk

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

However, whilst most people are familiar – at least by name – with the three largest Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza, the fourth island of Formentera is often neglected or simply unknown.

Peace and Quiet

Formentera is the smallest and most secluded of the Balearic Islands. Unlike the other islands, which have fully mature tourism markets with regular cheap flights to and from Britain and mainland Spain, Formentera is only accessible by boat. To get there you’ll need to fly to Ibiza and then take a 40 minute ferry across to the island. The bonus of this is that Formentera is quieter than its Balearic sister islands and much less crowded in beaches and restaurants, offering an idyllic and tranquil holiday.  There is a high season, around July and August, but still you can find some special places that you’ll have all to yourself.

Authentic Balearic Experience

Unlike some of the more popular islands, Formentera remains a truly Spanish destination unspoiled by the demand for British cuisine, pubs and culture. The exquisite local seafood dishes and beach markets provide an authentic Balearic magic, which has been lost slightly in the overcrowded and over-commercialised spots in Ibiza and Majorca.  Most beaches have small chiringuitos (beach bars) that serve fresh local fish.  Another Formentera speciality is paella; Juan y Andrea is probably the best and the most well-known paella.

Great for Family Holidays

You can find some top cheap holidays in Majorca to enjoy with all the family but Formentera offers that little something extra which you won’t find on the other islands. As the island is considerably smaller than the other Balearics, there is a closer tight-knit feel to the island atmosphere that’s often absent in the club-lands of Ibiza or even Menorca. Crime is virtually non-existent in Formentera and kids are safe to wander the bazaars at night without concern from parents. Formentera is extremely family friendly and a wonderful place to take children for the summer holidays.

Jelly Free

No, not that kind of jellly! One of the downsides of the beautiful Balearic beaches is that they are an ideal breeding ground for jellyfish. The problem was so prolific in Ibiza that fishermen were paid €600 a kilo for hauling jellyfish out of the waters. Fortunately this is not the case in Formentera, which is totally jelly free. Swimmers and sunbathers can enjoy the beaches with no fear of being stung by a jellyfish.  You can’t go wrong on Ses Illetes or Cala Conta, two of the top rated stretches of shore.

Naturism

Naturism has been a part of Formentera’s culture for many years and those who prefer to enjoy the beaches in their birthday suit can do so at a number of Formentera’s secluded spots. There are designated family areas where clothing is required along the coasts, but many areas are relaxed about naturalism and allow people to be free to enjoy themselves as nature intended.

If you don’t want to strip down to your birthday suit, then another great option for “feeling free” is to rent a bicycle – it’s a great way wander, explore, and find your own serendipity on Formentera.

Photo credits planeta_roig, alfvet, frankipanki, maurice_flower, nicoatridge, Formentra Tourism Board

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
2. The fact or occurrence of such discoveries.
3. An instance of making such a discovery.

Isn’t serendipity a fascinating word? Where did it come from? What experience first caused someone to use it?

I love to imagine. One thing is certain, serendipity is one of the most lovely occurrences that you can bump into. On the road, it takes on an almost fateful quality. It’s as if you were meant to be in a far off place just to stumble upon that brilliant sunset, take the ride with the singing cab driver, discover an out of the way tapas bar, or to make a great new friend. Serendipity travel: it’s the stuff that holiday memories are made of.

It reminds me of the following quote:

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

~John Lennon

The plans we make in our lifetime are sometimes not nearly so good as the serendipity travel moments that replaced those plans, and this can be especially true of travel. Have you ever looked back on a trip, and realized that whatever you happened upon was much better than what you were expecting? That little cafe you discovered when you got lost looking for the touristy restaurant was unbelievably intimate and romantic, and is now where you and your partner return each year to celebrate your anniversary. The little park you accidentally found was magical, and surely couldn’t have been bettered by the more famous park, or museum, you were looking for.

There is one problem with serendipity travel. It can’t be looked for, it must just happen. Like many other things, the more you chase it the more elusive it becomes. There are a few things you can do to invite serendipity to join you on your travels though, and here are a few suggestions:

1. Book a travel deal: Rather than deciding on a location, roll the dice. See where the deals are. Go off the beaten track, or against the season. Don’t head to a beach for a warm winter holiday, visit Vienna in the snow instead. It can be magical.  There’s a reason why the STE super specials change every month.

2. Wander: Book a flight, a hotel room and nothing more. Pick up a map and ask the concierge which direction a wanderer should point themselves in. Browse the used book shops, drop in to an inviting place for a glass of champagne, stop at a pub and enjoy a football match, or walk a country road. It could be the most interesting trip you’ll ever take, and it might encourage you to become a wanderer rather than a planner.  If you need help choosing a destination, there’s a travel recommendation tool for that.

3. Be open to what you discover: Try something you’d never think you’d enjoy. I have a friend who went to their first Broadway show at 47 years old (or rather, was cooerced into going), and now wouldn’t dream of missing an opportunity to take in a West End production. So, take a chance and listen to a travel site’s advice. Take a cooking class even if you can’t boil water, snorkel while you’re overcoming your fear of sea life, go to a poetry reading especially if you’ve never been, visit an obscure museum even if you haven’t attended an art appreciation course, watch a cricket match even if you dislike sport. Do whatever is the speciality of the spot you’re visiting. You never know what new interest might be spurred on.

4. Talk to strangers: I know I’m suggesting you ignore your mother’s wise advice, but sometimes we miss out on the best things in life when we’re too cautious. Most people in the world are just like us. They’re nice, normal and would love to tell you about their favourite little spot for wine and cheese. Take advantage of their enthusiasm and try the Rioja and Manchego cheese in Spain.

5. Let go: This may be the most difficult of all the suggestions, but you are on holiday after all. Must every moment be as planned as your daily life? Both children and adults need unplanned time to daydream and discover. So what if you swim in the pool all day and miss the tour of the ruins? Finding unexpected rest and relaxation on a vacation can sometimes be just what you needed, and what is more important, having unplanned time can open up moments for the serendipitous opportunities that do arise, like dinner with the couple you met by the pool.  If you can’t quiet your mind, then write in a travel journal.

Serendipity does happen, even if it sometimes involves stepping outside of your comfort zone. Just ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen? You’ll at least end up with a crazy, funny story to share about how you missed the last train, and had to take a bus filled with crazy Spaniards yelling “A la playa!”, because you’d stayed longer than expected at the village festival you’d stumbled upon; but that’s part of the adventure. Serendipity travel might not be easy to find, but here’s to it finding you!

Photo by eschipul

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

Can you introduce yourself?

I’ve worn a lot of hats in life, and all the different collar colors. I’ve been a secretary, cook, marketing executive, salesperson, factory worker, and counselor. I’ve written through all of my experiences, and have since I was a teen in search of stories that reflected my life. There were none, so I began writing my own.

You’re currently writing a series of stories about travelling across America. What triggered your idea for this journey?

I spent the latter part of 2008 and much of 2009 being ill with autoimmune disorders. For a time, I did not know if I’d survive. During my illness, I had a lot of time to examine the life I’d lived, and found it wanting. I spent too many years as a self-supporting teenager, then a struggling single parent, working whatever jobs paid the rent. My passions for writing, travel, and cultural learning were, out of necessity, suppressed. When I got the news that I’d live, I knew I wanted to do something totally different.

The idea for findingmyamerica.com sprung up, oddly enough, in a therapy session. I was seeing a counselor to help determine the next course of my life, and one day I’d casually told her I entered a sweepstakes. She asked what I would do if I won. Instantly, without any pause, I said, “I’d travel across the country and write stories.” I didn’t even know such an idea was in my head. She then asked what I would do if I didn’t win, and that’s when the proverbial light bulb went off.

Of course, I was in no position to go. Illness had exhausted my resources. I was broke and driving an old, beat-up Ford, but this was important to me. I came to the conclusion that I could just as well be broke on the road. I was very fortunate, though, that General Motors found my idea worthwhile and decided to sponsor the automobile portion of my trip. It has been a blast to test drive GM products like the Chevy Camaro and GMC Yukon Denali. The cars have really become part of the story since I spend so much time in them, not only driving, but writing.

Andy:  Wow, thanks for being so honest and upfront.  Powerful stuff here.

How long have you been on this journey? Have you found anything profound so far? Any surprises?

I began in October, 2009. The most profound lesson so far has been simply “don’t look back.” During the trip, I decided to go back to the city of my childhood, which was full of misery and despair for me then. It still is. Certain memories do not really fade, they only burrow. I discovered the same thing again recently when I visited Minnesota. Apparently, I needed to learn this lesson twice.

The best surprise has been the warm welcome I’ve received from readers, who often invite me to stay with them in-between drives. The worst has been discovering that whatever drew certain people to comment on your blog can end after meeting in person. Part of it may be some disappointment factor — part of it may be the feeling that now that we’re friends it’s not necessary to communicate that way — and part of it may be that they didn’t like what you later wrote about them or their city. I don’t know, but it makes me sad and somewhat self-doubting.

Andy:  I suppose this is a sorry truth of being a writer/journalist; you know what they say – you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

I think your journey is inspiring for people who want to explore but are afraid to leave their own country. What would you tell people who are stuck on their sofa and afraid (for whatever reason) to travel?

I used to have this imagining when I was a child that fear was a thing in my pocket, and all I had to do to quell it was take it out and throw it away. As an adult, I realize it’s a very fanciful idea, but I still abide by its simplicity. Fears naturally dissipate when they are faced — and when what drives them ceases to be of great value or importance.

Not everyone would like to live as I do. Most, in fact, might find it unthinkable. I have no savings, no retirement account, no keys to a house — there is no safety net. There never was much of one in my previous life, but like worker bee I thought “one day, one day…”. I kept doing the same things and expecting different results — and isn’t that the definition of futility? When I answered that question affirmatively, my values changed, and suddenly having the keys to a cramped place that I worked 40 miserable hours a week to maintain didn’t seem to make any sense at all.

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

Things that inspire me and inspire readers are sometimes different. For me, New Mexico was healing on several levels. I’ve written two articles on my experiences there, one deals with the family behind La Mirada Inn, and the other is a piece on gratitude. The Sisneros family inspired me with their closeness, warmth, and laughter. I fell in love with the matriarch, Viola, and her three daughters. They are truly amazing people.

The gratitude — for where I am, what I’m doing, and the supporters I have — washed over me powerfully on a second trip to New Mexico. There’s something about the desert and mountains there that takes layers and years of hubris off and scrubs the soul clean.

When will you end your trans-American journey? What happens after that?

I planned a one-year journey, but if I could I would do this for the rest of my life. I really don’t wish for it to end. When I think about what may happen afterward, I frankly find it depressing. The thought of returning to a life spent under fluorescent lights is one I find cataclysmically sad, so I am determined not to think of it until the end is in immediate sight. I am too interested in right now to fret about tomorrow.

For those reading, you can follow Jane’s travels on her site, Finding My America. Connect with her on Twitter.

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

I was put on assignment by my company in Campinas, Brazil with less than 3 weeks notice. But I was younger and single and it thus was a cool adventure. Plus I was living in a city I do not like, so getting away was even more appealing. My lease was up anyway, so I put my stuff in storage and started a life without a fixed address… literally “homeless.”

My assignment lasted a little over 3 months. During that time, I’d learned enough portuguese to express interest in a lovely young lady and for her to express interest in me. But I knew my assignment would be ending, so I stayed the gentleman and took no steps to advance the relationship. On my last night there, she was truly shocked that I was leaving permanently. That stunk.

Heading North

My colleagues in Campinas spoke highly of the beaches in the North of Brazil. So, at the end of my assignment, I planned a two-week vacation to Maceió and Fortaleza. I’ve often traveled internationally alone, both business and pleasure, so this seemed a great idea. Fortaleza has a relatively developed casino industry and a good airport. (At the time, there were direct flights there from Amsterdam Schiphol, full of surfers. This may still be true.) But given the development in town, I really wanted to stay outside the city. I used my (very weak) portuguese and a rented car to get me to an isolated fishing village about 100km away. Even if I said the name of the place, you could not find it without asking a local (in portuguese). However, anyone wishing to repeat my journey could instead pick from the large number of great beaches near these cities. Given the isolation, the beaches out of town are unspoiled and mostly deserted: you can have your own mile of beach with no one else on it. I saved some money and stayed in a pousada, which came complete with hooks for my hammock. It was what I wanted — a wonderful break after a tough assignment, completely devoid of email, phone, etc. It’s a rare privilege to find a place so beautiful, unspoiled, and quiet. Mostly I just went to the beach, walking, looking for shells, reading a book, etc. I went to the beach at night too: it’s really something to be able to see the North Star and then turn around to see the Southern Cross!

On the Beach

One of those days, I went down to the beach. Then it hit me, an epiphany that changed my life. I’m not one to be lonely, even when I’m alone. (Cue “Aztec Camera” if you know the song.) I was going to take a swim and I suddenly realized that if I disappeared from the beach… if I drowned or some other disaster befell me… that no one knew where I was. No one in the town knew me and there were certainly no lifeguards! There was no one traveling with me. I had no girlfriend who would worry. I had no address. I was staying at a pousada where one pays cash — no fancy check-in with passport or credit card required. Once they realized I was missing, not one of my relatives or State-side friends knew where to start looking aside from “somewhere in Brazil, probably.” And not one of my collegues in Campinas knew where I was other than “near Fortaleza, maybe.”

Now that’s a pretty scary feeling. It was not just that I was alone on the beach; at that moment, I was alone in the world. I was not suicidal — it’s not that I wanted to have disaster befall me — but who would know or care if something did happen? That’s not just lonely; it’s sad and lonely. And quite the contrast: how could someone who was well-paid, single in a country of beautiful women, on an unspoiled beach on a brilliant, sunny day be unhappy?

The only conclusion I could come to was that my priorities were not aligned with what would make me happy. Right then, I decided I’d change a few things in my life so that I never felt so bad again. I decided that I would not live in a city I did not like… that I would not even interview for “great jobs” unless they were based in a place I wanted to live. I decided I would not go on “adventures” or travel so much just because a company asked me to, regardless of career implications. I decided I’d work to have good relationships with girlfriends and renew friendships with old friends. I decided, right then and there, in an incredible moment of clarity.

The Happy Ending

Upon returning to the States, I remained at the company for a few months, living in a long-term hotel in the city I did not like. I then moved… well, took my stuff out of storage and had it shipped… to take a job in a city I like. I live there still. I met my wife there. We’re still married. In 12 years, I have never been back to the city I did not like, not even the airport. And I have not gone on any business trips longer than a week or so, certainly no lengthy adventures. I fundamentally changed in that moment on that beach and I have never regretted it.

Photo by Izreal

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

I scrunched my nose and coughed.

“And that’s your first experience with burning trash,” Sam said as we were riding back to the hotel. Sam, the United Planet country coordinator, had just met me at the airport and we were in the tuk-tuk on our way back to the guesthouse to meet the other volunteers. This was not the last time I would ask myself, what am I doing here? I had been anticipating my trip to Siem Reap in Cambodia for months. I thought that I was just going to be volunteering in Cambodia at an orphanage and teaching at an English school, but I was in for so much more.

And So It Began

We visited the Imagine Angkor Foundation and met the children at the orphanage that we would be spending time with over the next week and a half. The 12 children at Imagine Angkor range in age from 5-18 and loved spending time with new people. While I was in Siem Reap, one of the other volunteers and I brought crayons, coloring books, stickers, and other stuff for the children. They sat and colored for over an hour.

One night, when it came time to leave, there were no adults around. We didn’t want to leave the children alone and weren’t sure what to do. It was then that I learned you cannot trust the phone network in Cambodia. I finally got in touch with Sam who told me that the older kids would take care of the younger ones and we could leave. Another lesson in how different life in Cambodia was than the United States.

Our School

Our volunteering in Cambodia experience took us to an English school, Khmer Chewy Khmer (Khmer Helping Khmer). The Khmer Chewy Khmer English school is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The Director, Phaly (prounounced Paul-e), has turned his home into a free school for children to learn English since private English classes cost $5-8/month, which most families cannot afford. The teachers are past students who have volunteered to teach there, and some have moved away from their families, or travel a long way each day to meet that commitment.

At Khmer Chewy Khmer, I either helped one of the teachers with pronunciation, or ran a classroom of my own if the teacher was unable to be there that night. Although the students had donated workbooks, they mostly just wanted to practice their conversation skills and listen to native pronunciation of English words. Their goal is to learn English to be able to work in one of the hotels in Siem Reap or to become a temple guide.

Phaly told us not to come to the school one morning because there was a huge parade celebrating Angkor’s Wat’s one year anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He was so proud of his country that he thought it was more important for us to see that then help him at the school. The morning of the parade, we started walking along with the procession and ended up walking the whole 6 kilometers to the amazing temple at Angkor Wat.

A couple days later we found out that Phaly’s father was killed by the Khmer Rouge in 1977. I can’t even begin to imagine the devastation and destruction that caused a country to still be recovering from something that happened 30+ years ago. Knowing about his father, and knowing that Phaly himself was imprisoned as a slave during the Khmer Rouge makes his dedication and infallible spirit even more amazing. He inspires everyone he meets and has such a passion for making his country a better place. There aren’t many people in this world like Phaly, and he is a person that I will never forget.

My Favourite Sights

Volunteering in Cambodia wasn’t all business, though.  We still had time to sightsee, and believe me, there are some amazing sights to see!  Some of my favourites:

• Traditional Aspara Dancing
• The Royal Garden
• The Silk Farm – the whole process from the worms to the finished product
• The famous temples of Angkor Wat
• Lake Tonle Sap – a town on the lake

In Reflection

I would highly recommend visiting Cambodia. While I hear the experience is a bit different for men and women, I wouldn’t trade my time there for anything in the world. I went with the non-profit United Planet, an organization that has a variety of volunteer programs (teaching, medical, orphanages, etc.) in several countries across the world. I chose United Planet because it was my first time traveling abroad, and I was traveling alone, so I wanted a bit more support. They provide transfer to and from the airport, an orientation in the country, and take you to the volunteer sites the first day. The cost to volunteer is a bit higher than some other organizations, but you can fundraise and it is tax-deductible, so that helped me offset the cost a bit.

Never have I experienced people that are so connected to one another and have such a strong sense of community. They depend on each other and help each other. This is a country that experienced an awful tragedy under the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970’s, but you would never know that something so terrible had ever happened. The people are so full of life and love. They want to share their culture with you and learn about yours.

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact

Why 13?  Well, 13 has always been an unlucky number, and avoided architecturally whenever possible.  So it’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, because it was so difficulty to narrow this list down to just 13.  It could have easily been 31, or 101. I’ll stop at 13 as a nod to those other amazing and special structures that didn’t make the cut.

But there’s one piece of architectural tourism definitely missing.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the one structure that I’d give anything to go back in time and see is the Library of Alexandria.  As a writer, I’m also a voracious reader, and I can’t imagine what chaos and wonder happened inside the one of the first major libraries in history and the largest library of the ancient world.  Sigh.

Without further ado…

Architectural Boat Tour on the Chicago River, United States

It might be cheesy and touristy, but I think the architectural tourism cruise by riverboat on the Chicago River is fantastic.  Walking around the downtown area gives you so many fantastic views of the skyscrapers reaching up into the skies, but wow the river view provides an entirely different perspective.  You also learn a lot about how the downtown area developed and why the city has such an incredible skyline, so it’s well worth it.

Tip: The best view of the Chicago Skyline is actually from Adler Planetarium.  Head out there, then turn around. Especially at night; it’s incredible and helps you appreciate how amazing Chicago really is.

Petra, Jordan

Petra has been called both “one of places you have to see before you die” and “a rose-red city half as old as time” — it’s hard to argue with words like that.  Built around 6BC (yes, BC!), it was one of the first known cities to use complex drainage systems to cope with floods and the inhabitants basically built an oasis in the desert.   The ancient city, despite being built practically into the mountains, is not coping too well with the stress over over-tourism and other natural elements.  I can’t help but draw the parallels and I wonder if either Petra or our modern day oasis, Dubai, will stand the test of time.

Bath Circus, England

Oh, yes.  Georgian architecture – some of the timeless beauty you’ll see across the UK.  It’s actually a combination of styles, mostly Neoclassical, but grouped  under the term Georgian after the names of the ruling kings of the era: George I-IV.  My number one favourite place to see and experience Georgian architecture is at Bath Circus: a 360 panorama of what I can only describe as architecture porn.  It is beautiful.

Tip:  Other good places to see Georgian architecture in the UK include York and Edinburgh.  While you’re in Bath, though, make reservations for an early morning tour of Stonehenge.  It is without a doubt magical and not far away.

Angkor Wat Complex, Cambodia

I still am astounded by the Angkor Wat Complex of templates, one of my many fascinations with Cambodia.  Without visiting, it is hard to appreciate the immense size of this ancient city, bigger than today’s modern suburbia.  You enter the gates, massive stone faces looking down upon, you, and you drive for miles and miles and miles before reaching a temple.

I laugh as I write this: my friend and I saw the large river near the main Angkor Wat temple (pictured above) and assumed the temple was placed here for the plentiful water source.  In fact, this massive “river” is actually the moat around the temple.  (It’s so big you can’t see the end of it.)  Utterly incredible.

Tip:  It might sound fun, but biking Angkor will only result in sunburn and dehydration – get a tuk tuk or a driver.  Be sure to explore all the temples, such as Bayon (the temple of faces) or Banteay Srei, with its amazing carvings.

Potala Palace, Tibet

Potala Palace has good credentials:  it was the residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959 and in the ancient world, it was a skyscraper, with a copper foundation to help support it from earthquakes.  It’s survived many attacked and pillaging and still holds enormous volumes of priceless antiques and treasures.

Tip: Don’t miss the park and pond behind the palace.  And there’s a quota system current in use; make sure you read up on it (or ask you guide or travel concierge) to avoid disappointment!

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

It’s no secret that when I want Brazilian beaches, I go to Buzios not Rio.  But you can’t not miss Christ the Redeemer, who towers over the city.  Come for the architectural tourism, stay for the video – sugar loaf mountain never looked so good.  On a sunny day, you may feel just a touch closer to God.

Tip: Time your visit for sunset.  It is an inspirational experience you will not soon forget.

Millau Bridge, France

It’s hard to believe that man has built a bridge so high and so massive it stretches into the clouds.  The picture above isn’t a computer drawing – that’s really what the Millau Bridge or Millau Viaduct looks like in person.  It’s an incredible span that connects the motor over a large gorge.  It’s an engineering marvel and also art, all at the same time.

Tip: Other amazing bridges I love include  The Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York (perfect for an afternoon walk), and the San Francisco Bridge, just to name a few.

Hanging Temple, China

When the going gets tough, the architects get tougher.  That’s what happened in China when this gorgeous temple, restored in 1900, was built.  It might look like it’s hanging on some flimsy posts, but in fact the various sections of the building are well connected into the rockface.  Why hanging?  Well it provides protection from floods and good shelter from the elements, but most importantly:  it’s quiet.

Tip:  Another great architectural sight in China is the Terra Cotta Warriors in the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in  Xi’an.

Chapelle Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe, France

This is truly one of France’s hidden delights.  The picture looks imposing, but don’t worry: there are only 268 steps to reach the top of this clifftop chapel near Le Puy-en-Velay in South central France.   It was supposedly built as a celebration for the Pilgrimage of Saint James.

Tip: Other great chapels in France include my two Parisian favourites, Saint Chapelle (for the stained glass) and Notre Dame (classic Iconography).  And if you like d’Aiguilhe, you’ll love Mont St Michel, which floats in the sea at high tide off the coast of Normandy.

Chrysler Building, New York, United States

I’d be remiss without an entry from Manhattan, the old guard world capital for modern architecture.  I just love this city, and the skyline by day or night is breathtaking.  My personal favourite is the Chrysler Building, with  its fabulous Art Deco spire.  Ironically, the best view of it is from the Empire State Building, which is another must-see experience, though you can go up in the Chrysler (depending on the security restrictions of the day which seem to blow with the wind).

Tip: Other New York favourites of mine The Statue of Liberty is well worth the visit, even if you can’t go up inside.  Otherwise, just walk the city’s avenues.  Look up.  Marvel.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Ah, yes, Cesky Krumlov.  One of Europe’s most charming villages; just look at it – is there any wonder that UNESCO declared the entire place a world heritage site?  Wander the streets and admire the buildings from as many angles as possible, then spend your evenings enjoying the authentic Czech food and locally produced beer.  At times it will feel  too good to be true.

Tip:  Other great sites for Czech architecture are Telc (the main square is dreamy), Bruno (ah, the cathedral!), and of course, Prague if you can stand the crowds.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

This ancient temple is a classic piece of architectural iconography.  The symmetry and clean lines are really amazing, especially with recent restorations.  Don’t miss the other Mayan temples in the area, such as the Temple of Warriors, which doesn’t get as much press but still glorious.

Tip:  The Pyramids of Egypt are no less glorious than Mexico’s.  Make sure both are on your bucket list if you haven’t been already.

Red Square, Moscow, Russia

They say it takes all kinds to make a world, and the colourful and almost comedic symbols of Russian architecture are best found in the Red Square in Moscow.  The name “Red Square” doesn’t come from the colour of the bricks or the buildings, but rather that the itsRussian name (krasnaya) at one time meant both ‘red’ and ‘beautiful.’

Tip:  There’s so much to see here, but stop and reflect on the history that has occurred here.  If this square could talk…

What’s your favourite monument, sight, or structure from the ancient or modern world?

Photo Credits: jeffhot, king chimp, ell-r-brown, scornish, treasurethosehast, over_kind_man, tibchris, satbir, sacred destinations, zingaro, midweekpost, wendalicious

If you are not reading this through a feed reader, it is safe to assume this is stolen content. Feel free to report it at http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/contact