Category: Travel & Destinations

AS THE MONTHS GO BY: JANUARY 2018 IN ENGLAND

Travel itinerary in January 2018

Back on the old continent for the end of the year, I decided this year to mainly explore the European continent, returning to places I already knew or discovering new ones. Who knows, maybe I’ll discover my little piece of paradise one day?

  • France –  5 days
  • York, England – 24 days
  • Whitby –  2 days

My favorite place in January

Winter Walk in Whitby, England - Trips and Wanderings over Months - Monthly Review January 2018

Yorkshire is a beautiful part of England, but I was stuck by the picturesque Whitby and its ruined abbey. The walks along the coast, the surrounding villages and the nearby national park make it truly a unique place to discover. I hope I can come back for a longer time someday.

Back at home…

Sunset in York, England - Travel and Wanderings over the months - Monthly Review January 2018

There are places in the world where you feel great, like at home. Sometimes it’s because the family lives there, because we left all our friends there, because it’s the perfect country for us, because we’ve lived there for a long time or because of an “I do not know what “inexplicable. I lived in London for three years and I always felt good in the UK. I return at least once a year to London, but since my departure around the world , even if I felt comfortable in the country, I did not feel really in my place, I m ‘felt disconnected.

Something changed because I felt at home as soon as I took the train from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Bus Station. The United Kingdom and Argentina , although diametrically opposed, are my two home, two countries where I would always feel comfortable. It was on these good bases that I took a night bus that took me from London to York.

In Henry VIII’s room at Hampton Court Palace

Visit Hampton Court Palace

The old part of the castle

The old part of the castle

Fan of history, Tudors or large gardens, Hampton Court Palace is the place for you! Forty minutes by train from the center of London , Kingston-on-Thames, a town in Greater London, this palace opens its doors from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 18h in summer and 16h30 in winter. And believe me you will not have too much of a day to explore this palace!

Its construction began in 1514 and was first the residence of Cardinal Thomas Wolsley before being requisitioned as a main residence by Henry VIII. This palace will be used for more than 200 years by the Court, before being opened to the public in 1838 by Queen Victoria.

For William III's private dinners

For William III’s private dinners

To be interested in the history in a playful way, it is definitely what proposes the visit of this palace. Audio-guides for the most knowledge-hungry, modern museography, reconstructions of the different rooms of life in the time of Henry VIII and William III, historical reenactments with actors throughout the day, employees ready to answer all your questions, explanatory panels clear and precise … In short, everything is designed for you to spend an educational and exciting day. Without failing to explore the grandiose gardens, get lost in the oldest labyrinth of England and enjoy some of the banks of the Thames.tulips

The palace offers punctual events such as vintage cooking workshops or concerts.

The Hampton Court experience , you have to live it … dress like you did at the time, attend the life of the Court, take a trip to the kitchens for a quick snack and enjoy the different apartments of the castle, the austere apartments from Henry VIII to the luxurious apartments of William III. And if you meet Henry VIII or Catherine Howard maybe they are impostors … or maybe the ghosts of an exciting past …

A road trip on the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland in practice

The distance from this road trip is short, but the roads are small and winding and you will want to stop everywhere. Some do it in one day, others in two, but if you have the time, do not hesitate to spend as much time as possible on this beautiful part of the country to really enjoy the places and the atmosphere, visit different sites and test different activities. I did this trip in two full days, but the pace was very intense, from 9am to 8pm, without really taking a break. If you only have two days, I advise you to choose a few places you want to see and not scatter everywhere (in short, do not like me!), But four days seem much more reasonable.

Depending on the season, you may not need to book your accommodations in advance for a little more flexibility. Despite the beautiful weather, I was there in the low season and it was quite possible to advance without reservation. Find out in advance, as this trip has become very popular in recent years.

Once again, depending on the season, leave early and return late, to enjoy the beautiful light and the lack of tourists. Lunch time can also be conducive to avoid organized tours.

Do not forget that you’ll be in some fairly remote areas, so plan for gas, snacks and picnics and some cash just in case. There is no telephone signal everywhere, but you do not have to travel many miles to find it again.

I am preparing a full article on a solo road trip in Northern Ireland, where you will have more practical details to prepare your trip.

THE CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE IN NORTHERN IRELAND: ONE OF THE BEST ROAD TRIPS IN THE WORLD

It’s on this picture that I started my one-week trip to Northern Ireland and my road trip on the Causeway Coastal Route. It was absolutely splendid weather, the azure sky mingled with the turquoise sea, while touches of green and yellow tried to catch my attention in the corners of my eyes. The hot wind ruffled my hair, some tourists and locals picnicked peacefully on this Monday holiday of May and I had a haste: get off the car, run in all directions, climb rocks and try to photograph the beauty the spectacle of nature that presented itself to me. For the first time in a long time, I had tears in my eyes of wonder.

The scenery was so beautiful, nature was so spectacular and enchanting, Ireland offered me so generously that I was ready to cry. It had been several months since I had felt the intense happiness,the pure freedom of solo travel , discovering the wonders of this world and that day, and the following days in Northern Ireland, I realized how lucky I was to live this life. The burnout of the trip seemed a long way off and I was ready for an extraordinary adventure in Northern Ireland. Starting with the legendary Causeway Coastal Route.

The Causeway Coastal Route road trip in Northern Ireland has been nominated by National Geographic and many other publications, as one of the most beautiful road trips in the world and we understand very quickly why by taking this route . The road trip will take you from the capital Belfast to the city of Derry (or vice versa) and stretches for about 200 kilometers. It is possible to take scenic detours and join other legendary routes, such as the Wild Atlantic Way or the Morne Scenic Route. Between fields, wild beaches, nature in its pure state, history, picturesque villages, gastronomy, UNESCO site, sports activities and much more, roadtrip lovers will be able to have fun and enjoy some great adventures.

Cycling in the Sperrins in Northern Ireland: like a taste of slow travel

Cycling in Northern Ireland is an excellent way to discover the country and soak up your soul while adopting the slow travel mode par excellence, resting and enjoying active holidays. In Northern Ireland, you will find signs on the roads showing the paths for bicycles. However, these roads are quite old and have not been recently redone and they often go through major national roads, frequented by cars and trucks that run at full speed.

But to get around this and reintroduce cycle tourism safely and quietly in the Sperrin region, Lorcan has created a nature, historical and gourmet discovery trail of Northern Ireland and the Sperrins region by bike with Far and Wild. The Sperrins region is the mountainous region of Northern Ireland, at 638m above sea level, but it’s still quite feasible, even by non-sports people, like me. It is an area rich in heritage, culture and history, a region still unknown, which is really worth a visit.

The concept is really very interesting, since the idea is to put cycling tourism in the spotlight, but also to put forward the slow travel , promoting an unknown destination, putting forward a healthy and ecological way of travel and in promoting local addresses, whether through places to sleep, places to eat or local farms and artisans to visit. “Sleeping local, eating healthy and active getaway” to the program. Guided or not, a day of cycling or more, and up to four days, the route is flexible and flexible according to your desires, your timing and your sports abilities. For my part,

I tested a few hours in the vicinity of Park, to the cheese dairy Dart Mountain Cheese. There were some hills, but I got out and the ride was very nice and soothing in pretty typical Irish landscapes, between farms, sheep and gorse. I talked a lot and “philsophé” with Lorcan, burnout, nature, nomadism, homecoming and it was exciting and inspiring.

RELAXING ON A JOURNEY AND STAYING IN SHAPE: NATURE AND SPORT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Recharge your batteries while traveling: a need

If you follow me these last months on the blog, you must have noticed my great need to rest and to relax, after more than three years of nomadism to travel the roads of the world. After my burnout of the trip , I did not know how to get out of this negative pass, find myself and refocus. Relaxing on a trip is not easy at all, especially when you are constantly on the move, trying to manage both a professional career and a nomadic life. So much so that I had reached an impasse and even though today I still have a long way to go, I was able to see and find a solution during my trip to Northern Ireland.

Relaxing on a journey and staying in shape: nature and sport in Northern IrelandIt all started when I came back to France from Japan and started walking a minimum of 10 kilometers a day in my city park for a month. I walked, I thought, I listened to Hello Planet and in doing so, I was better, much better. I found great strength in nature and in walking, both become a kind of engine, a kind of natural antidepressant, a daily need. And then, there was  inspiration from the Travel Bloggers Lounge who invigorated me. And then, when the time came to go to London, I was exhausted, unmotivated and I did not want to go. For the first time in my life, I did not want to go on a trip. I forced myself and once there, I was delighted, but I felt that I was exhausted. Add to that the fraud of my bank card, my worries of health knocking on the door again, the loss of my transport card … this trip to London was punctuated by misfortunes. It was with relief that I left London, cold and rain. I, the great city dweller, the one who had always dreamed of living in Paris, London, New York and Tokyo, needed pure air and nature. But I did not know it yet …

A saving trip to Northern Ireland

Relaxing on a journey and staying in shape: nature and sport in Northern Ireland

I landed in Belfast safely and took the road directly to the coast, to start my road trip on the mythical Causeway Coastal Route. When I took my first steps outside, along the sea, under a bright sun, facing a nature so generous and fulfilled, it’s as if the weight that had held me back for months had gone and that of new wings pushed me. A great inspiration, a smile, tears in my eyes in front of so much beauty and I knew then that Northern Ireland would be the perfect place to relax, to rest and to take a breath of fresh air, the time of one week. The magic of the country, the incredible beauty of its landscapes, the kindness of its people, the warmth of this culture make Northern Ireland a very special place and in a way, I felt like a saving power in everything what surrounded me. I felt the inspiration invade me, I felt the nature heal me and the sun give me a smile. This week was exhausting in the light of my busy schedule, but I left feeling completely refreshed, rejuvenated, happy, motivated and with a huge desire to keep on chewing the world. And I’m not sure any destination could have accomplished this little miracle … Anyway, much of the credit goes to nature and sport.

Fine Dining in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian cuisine is renowned for aromas and rich flavors with a variety of dishes using only a few ingredients. Saudi food is known for its delicacy and presentation. A family eating in a restaurant in Saudi Arabia will be fully stuffed and contented in every meal. Saudi Arabians provide high significance to a feast, treat the guests as their family, and serve every plate with due respect. If connoisseurs had a chance of tasting the Arabian food, they are naturally tempted to have it again.

The staples used in an Arabian diet are rice, wheat, chick peas, lentils, pitta bread, lamb, chicken, yogurt, potatoes, and dates. Saudi Arabian dates are in the pure form and world famous. As much of the land is desert in the country, camel milk and camel meat are part of their culinary.

There have been many Islamic influences that brought changes to the Saudi cuisine. The Lebanese brought chick peas, tabbouleh (a salad), and spices that are now common in many parts of the country. Though traditional food has been the same for thousands of years, there are modern food chains in this land.

Food Regulations

Unlike other countries, Saudi Arabia has some laws and restrictions on their food and drink. During the month of Ramadan, the local folks will be fasting during the daytime. Animals may be killed and consumed only in a “halal” way. Eating pork and drinking wine are strictly prohibited in the country as per the Islamic laws. Arabian date soup or coffee is served in restaurants in place of wine.

As per the country norms, eating with an opposite sex should be strictly avoided, unless it is your spouse, child, or sibling. It is also a common practice in Saudi restaurants leaving a tip of at least 10 percent.

Common Recipes

Kabsa, which is prepared with rice, chicken, vegetables, and raisins, is the national dish of Saudi Arabia. Basmati rice is more common in all rice-based recipes. Haneeth is a dish made from rice, lamb, and spices. Other traditional dishes include Mandi (meat biryani), aseedah (wheat), Mansaf, and Manti (spiced lamb dumpling).

Food Restaurants

One of the most popular dining centers is “Assarya Turkish Restaurant” in Riyad. It is an authentic cuisine that caters its best service with a variety of delights and more vegetarian dishes. Other fine dining restaurants are Dar Al Tawhid in Mecca, Al Habibi (vegetarian friendly) in Medina, and Piatto in Jeddah. There are wine-free taverns serving drinks and special beverages.

Also, foreigners may easily find some American, Indian, Chinese, Turkish, and Iraqi cuisines in Saudi Arabia.

Special Recipes

A wide range of kababs with variations in flour, meat, or vegetables are available in the country. Kultra is a dish of lamb or chicken on skewers. Arabian Mezze is served with platters of different small dishes or starters.

You may try multicultural varieties and appreciate the finesse of Saudi Arabian cuisine that standouts for its taste, texture, and flavors!

Family Vacations in New York City

There are many family friendly destinations in New York City. Even the local people enjoy going weekend getaways with their family.

Parks, museums, forts, zoos, mountains, and forests in NYC are categorized under sightseeing. Escape Games NYC, road shows, ad expos, and team building events—including the indoor games, site warm up events, and concerts—are categorized under events.

Sightseeing Attractions

The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and One World Observatory are the most famous attractions in NYC.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic prodigious statue perched on Liberty Island, New York Harbor. It is noteworthy saying that there are 337 steps to the observation platform inside the crown. The inner visit is applicable only for those having the ability to step (as there is no elevator) and not for children below 4 ft height.

Empire State Building

Empire State Building is a 102-storey skyscraper with national historic significance and an important landmark in Manhattan. The panoramic views of the city can be seen from the Observatory at the 86th floor from a glass pavilion and the wedging esplanade.

One World Observatory

Visitors could see 360 degree views of the city from the 107th to 111th floors of the One World Observatory at World Trade Center. Kids enjoy arriving at the site using Skypod elevators.

Central Park

Central Park, Manhattan, is a manmade wonder and most suitable for local people. It is constructed with many facilities: amusement park, Central Park Lake for boating, zoo, ice skating rinks, theatre, playground, carousel, and workshops. Kids can have a great fun playing in the park and playground, going rounds with the carousel, and looking at the animals and birds in the zoo. Adults can divert their attention from the hustle chores and business for some hours and rejuvenate themselves via recreation activities.

Events

Escape Games NYC

Escape Games NYC are interactive escape room games, which require solving puzzles and riddles within an hour. These are physical games activating the mind and body and help showcasing one’s performance such as team work, decision making, time management, and perseverance.

Escape Games NYC are classified into Mission Escape, Adventure Escape, and Corporate Events.

A group of people will be locked inside a room and asked to solve the puzzles using hints, hidden objects, and strategies before the time is up. The room key will be found after successfully arriving at the final solution of the problem. It is remarkable to know that 20% people among the total participants can alone win the game. Families will have exotic time playing these games and poke at their fellow beings.

Road Shows and Expos

NYC is proud at its culture and features many festivals, cultural expos, and road shows. The midtown people hurry and watch the Broadway or Off Broadway shows, say, digital advertisements, city shows, and concerts. Families may get tantalized with the costumed strangers, the riveting hoardings, and road shows. Beware of these strangers if your family members are afraid.

Team Building Events

Rockaway Beach, Queens, is one of the best beaches in NYC, where swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and many other fun activities may be taken. Catskill Mountain in Hudson Valley, 2 hours from NYC, is an ideal spot for mountain climbing and trekking. Greenways, Cunningham Park, and Flushing Meadows are excellent locations for biking, cycling, and hiking with your family. Cabarets and nightlife events are electrifying for families that they wish to spend most time of the day in them. Multifaceted facilities such as Central Park and Aviator Sports and Events Center, which include many events for recreation and entertainment, will be the most appealing choices for family getaways.

There are plenty of fantastic family locations in NYC. It is now time to plan for your exciting trip.

Long flight connection in NYC? This is how to get around JFK and LaGuardia Airports quickly

Corona, Queens, is the midtown’s rich cultural land bordered by Flushing Meadows, Forest Hills, and Elmhurst. This neighborhood is in the vicinity of LGA and JKF airports.

If planned to have comfy drives with your family to the city and neighborhoods, A car service company serves the best purpose. You can get around the city and neighborhoods easily. Top-notch drivers of Corona drop to your destinations taking fastest routes and driving smartly.

There are other means of transportation to plan your trip. They are relatively cheaper than car services and are equally complementary with their efficacious features. However, car services provide a high degree of safety and comfort than others.

Other Transportation

Airport shuttles, public buses, and subway trains in Corona are other transportation options. The common cons of these means of transportation are as follows:

  • Traffic congestion and transfers/stopovers.
  • Need to get on jammed fleets and wait for the boarding points.
  • Should whisk to the airport/station with your family and the backpacks.
  • Sometimes covering all destinations within the trip may be cumbersome.
  • There is possibility of entering the incorrect route (carry maps to prevent this).
  • It would be a hard slog for traveling at unfavorable weather times.
  • Flexibility depends on geographical differences and degree of access.

Car versus Other Transportation

Hiring cabs eliminates the above pitfalls that planned comfortable trips are right at your discretion. In other words, the pros of cabs over the others are as follows:

  • Traffic congestion may be avoided by taking shortcuts and sojourns may be planned.
  • No crowded situation and no intermediate delays.
  • Comfortable travel with your family and the backpacks (no lugging).
  • Time saving option, yet covers all destinations within the trip.
  • Even newbie drivers can prevent entering the wrong route with their system maps.
  • Customer friendly travel even at unfavorable weather times.
  • High flexibility with customized requirements.

Facets of Car Service Corona

A suite of car services in Corona offer affordable packages and private charters for specific purposes, say, official trips and bands. Some of the prominent leaders are Cooperative, Mexicana, and Santo Domingo. You can schedule for delicious meals at restaurants, events, neighborhood visits, and more with Car Service Corona. Sight visits of the city from the car are just wonderful, which saves time not needing to get on to specific sites. Car Service Corona provides shared, nonstop, and private booking for the customers.

Enjoy getting anywhere in the city, just type Car Service near me and you’ll get several car companies to take you to all the desired destinations. Happy traveling!

 

 

Fun things to do in Colombia

Colombia in South America is an amazing country with a mix of natural beauty and thriving business. There are a lot of fun activities to do apart from sightseeing in Colombia. You can go bicycling on the coastal areas of Caribbean Sea, long hiking or biking in the avenues or streets of La Candelaria, kitesurfing/boating in Cartagena, delve into the depths of salt mines in Zipaquirá, birdwatch in Corcora Valley, and more.

Islands from Cartagena

Day trips from Cartegana to islands away from the Caribbean Sea will be a pleasant experience. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago situated off the Caribbean coast. It offers an oasis of peace resting on the beaches of these private islands. You will be impressed with the stretch of flora and fauna all the way. The pristine waters beckon you to go for boating and snorkeling, just tumultuous for the day! Enjoy Colombian lunch in a restaurant on the coastlines. Sunset views of the Caribbean coast are amazing.

Colombian Coffee

Colombian coffee is luscious and world famous, as the geographical conditions of Colombia are ideal for fresh and rich flavored coffee. It tastes superb because of a wide range of beans grown in the fields. Different roasts have different flavors. The aroma and flavor of the Colombian morning coffee takes you to the coffee fields of Colombia. You may go for coffee tours to the Colombian coffee cities such as Cali, Medellin, and Bogotá.

Corcora Valley

This is the place near haven of Salento, inviting us to the cloud forest, the wax palms, and the valley with a river surrounded by rugged foothills. So, you will get tantalized with the diverse areas in Salento. Hiking through the cloud forest takes at least 5 hours. Bird enthusiasts crave for perfect birdwatching in the Acaime Hummingbird Sanctuary. Along the hills of the Andes Mountains, you can have a thrill of mountain climbing and horse riding. You may go for a side trip to the neighborhood Los Nevados National Park, the sightseeing of which includes sparkling mountain lakes and volcanoes.

Zipaquirá

The Zipaquirá Salt Park is most eye-catching with different wonders: the Salt Mine, Salt Catherine, the Brine Museum, the Salt Auditorium, and the forests. Bizarrely enough, as you enter into the mine the site changes. Darkness and phosphorescence appear alternatively as you move. The statue of Virgin de Guasá will be there. Inside the Salt Cathedral, the halite rock ornamental carving, the Sacred Axis is placed in altar, and other places to visit there are the museum and the auditorium. Outside the mine, hike around the reservoir and the forests flanking the Salt Mine. Rock climbing will be more adventurous but exciting here.

Caving in San Gil

If you wish to go caving, San Gil is the ideal location. As this is underground, the experience compliments that of the Mexico’s cenote. Tapering cave columns, steep rocks, and narrow spacing will be awe-inspiring to the travelers.

Colombia is an excellent city of sightseeing, events, and small tours. Have more fun in your planned trip for going around the city!