Category Archives: Destination Details

The Ultimate Prize for Sailors? Their Destination.

May 1, 2013 Adam Shinners Leave a comment

So it has long been said that the Pacific Northwest lacks sun, warmth, and friendliness (see Seattle Freeze). I’ve lived here all my life, and there are some things I simply cannot admit to when speaking of my lovely region. It is perfect for a guy like myself, an extrovert, who is always looking for valuable friendships and beauty. For those of you who crave the comforts of home, you can always find something to look forward to while visiting, especially if you’re on a sailboat.

Now, of course, many of you are thinking I am pushing the boundaries of reality. I know there are a lot of people out there that believe you have to own a sailboat, or know someone that does to be able to enjoy the breathtaking experience of gliding on the water during a beautiful PNW sunset. I want to squash that idea right now.

If you check out my first Oh Hey World welcome kit geared at sailers living or visiting Seattle, you will see that there are many destinations, options, and possibilities for sailing in this part of the country. Whether you know the intricacies of a J/105, or have only dreamed of floating on the water, racing, or catching the gorgeous geographical scenery we have to offer, living out that experience is made to be very simple in the PNW. You will find that sailing is more about the people you are with, and where you are heading, not about what you do for a living, or where you’re from. The PNW has some of the most beautiful sailing canvas in the entire world, and just to paint the picture for you, here’s an email I received from a veteran seaman, owner of Delirium, and one of the first people to welcome me on board, captain Jerry Dierks.

Team Delirium

The sailboat racing crew of Delirium out of Seattle, WA, or at least the more seasoned of the crew, finally booked a cruising vacation where making a sailboat go fast was NOT the priority. We arrived in Bellingham Friday afternoon to check out our charter boat at San Juan Sailing. We received a terrific briefing from the staff that was entertaining and informative about the boat, the area and what would make for a fun and safe experience in the beautiful San Juan Islands. (EG we learned that there are bunchers and there are folders. Yes we are talking about toilet paper and folders are much more welcome on sailboats that have delicate head systems I.e. toilets.)

San Juan Sailing (http://www.sanjuansailing.com/) has to be one of the top 3 charter companies in the world in terms of the quality of boats they charter, the maintenance and cleanliness of those boats and their helpful staff. They are in the hospitality industry and they know it and they do it extremely well.

On Saturday morning, we left Bellingham Bay and sailed across Rosario Straight, through Obstruction Pass, below East Sound and into Blind Bay where we set anchor for our first night. Sunday we sailed West and North and around Stuart Island and into Prevost Harbor where we set the hook and rode out a mild gale from the west. We t under “Suicide Cliff.” It was a remarkable site watching mother and baby swim deep into the cold depths off the bluff as their white spots grew green until they vanished and the next pair breached and repeated the process.

On Monday, we reconnected with civilization when we moored at the beautiful Roche Harbor Marina. Tuesday morning we were treated to fresh donuts from the bakery/coffee shop at the head of the dock. Hot donuts and coffee on a chilly morning….. It can’t be beat. After enjoying a hot donut and a hot shower, we sailed North to the serene and secluded Sucia Island. We circumnavigated the whole island all of which is a Washington State Marine Park with great trails and several beautiful anchorages. The weather allowed us to anchor in the Western facing Shallow Bay so we could watch the sunsets as we played bridge and drank rum.

Our anchorage was so perfect, we decided to spend a second night here which meant sailing back toward Bellingham Bay through Hale Passage on Thursday. We decided to take advantage of the light and sailed into Chuckanut Bay and anchored in the North end of the bay. Friday meant time to return the boat, or maybe just sailing away to the North and hope they couldn’t find us. We couldn’t bare the bad karma of depriving the next group the charter of our floating hotel. So, we sailed back into Bellingham harbor, fueled up and cleaned the boat so the next group could have as much fun as we did.

What made the trip such a success? Great planning by the crew, great preparation by San Juan Sailing and some terrific luck to find lovely weather, a bunch of whales and a fantastic time among extraordinary friends.

Adam Shinners

Adam loves the unfamiliar. He is a social butterfly, and lives for a good story. You can catch him joking around, playing with his dog, or planning his next adventure with his group of friends. As a native to Seattle, he is no stranger to gorgeous geographical landscapes, and wants the world to experience...well...the WORLD 🙂

Follow Me:

Destination Details

The Earth Hour Forest in Uganda

April 22, 2013 Oh Hey World Leave a comment

One of our goals at Oh Hey World is to open people’s eyes to their surroundings. Those who have been to Uganda have likely seen first hand the devastated forests (6,000 hectares of deforestation occurs in the country every month) portrayed below with their own eyes…but for everyone else, the video will have to do.

Oh Hey World

Oh Hey World -- Share your location with the people, communities, and services that matter. Now working on Horizon.

More Posts - Website

Destination Details, Things to Do

Traveling the World One Cabin at a Time

February 5, 2013 David Bryce Leave a comment

The world that we live in is full of an assortment of beautiful sights and locations. While the sweeping hills and mountains of Kashmir Valley are beyond majestic and the crystal-blue waters of Lau Archipelago in Fiji is certainly stunning, some of the best views and vantage points in the world comes from a structure that you might not have given much thought to.

Cabins and other structures constructed from the Earth’s arsenal of naturally occurring materials have long been an integral part of the evolutionary chain as cultures become more developed. While on a whole, the world has largely departed from the continuing construction of cabins and cabin-like homes, there are still several spots around the world that are capable of stealing your breath in an act of sheer beauty and tranquility. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the cabins below and perhaps you will have a change of heart.

Stone and thatch cottage; Pescaglia, Italy

Photo courtesy of Tommaso Meschi

Located in the heart of Tuscany, the small municipality of Pescaglia is home to a series of three valleys that offer citizens of Italy as well as destination travelers picturesque views and the opportunity to visit a number of unique vineyards scattered across the province.

Located on a small hill in the Pedgona valley portion of Pescaglia, this stone and thatch cottage looks like it was lifted straight from the pages of Beowulf. Secluded several hundred kilometers from any other structures in the area, a visit to this cottage will put you at one with the beautiful green carpeted rolling hills and valleys that make up the surrounding area.

The structure is currently privately owned so an overnight stay is currently not possible. Visitors and hikers will instead have to settle for a stroll by this fantastic piece of architecture. If just a walk by wont suffice, many services offer a number of stone and thatch cottages throughout Europe that offer guest a chance to inhabit their walls, for a set fee that is.

Muir Trail Hut, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Photo courtesy of http://www.hikejmt.com

Situated at the peak of Muir Pass along the John Muir Trail, the Muir Trail Hut is as rich in history as it is in its architecture. During the 1930’s an organization known as the California Conservation Corps constructed this shelter as a reprieve for hikers and climbers who were looking for a pardon from the elements during a strong storm or foul weather system. The Corps, originally part of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” program has since gone on to be a thriving organization of young adults, but their endeavors at the peak of the Muir Trail definitely mark a high point among all of their projects.

The structure itself is constructed from materials and stone from the nearby mountains, and from a distance, almost appears to blend in with the rest of the rocky landscape. While hikers are urged to not sleep inside of it anymore, if you find yourself hiking along this gorgeous trail, you’ll be sure to want to take a few moments to stop, sit down and enjoy the wonder of this beautiful stone structure.

Sod Hut, Geiranger, Norway

Image credit cabinporn.com

This history of the sod house is one that is both rooted here States-side as well as in areas of Europe and Iceland. These structures came into being through the lack of traditional building materials that existed in areas of these countries. For the United States, the majority of sod houses sprung up during the Homestead Act which states that a set portion of land could be given to an individual if they built housing, farmed and maintained the area. Trees for lumber weren’t exactly plentiful in these parts so large chunks of sod had to suffice. The results were these sod homes.

Norway and Iceland also took advantage of these naturally occurring resources and thus, the result is the cabin pictures above. This one, located in Geiranger Norway is a marriage of both traditional lumber cabins and the sod variety. With a foundation of stone from nearby mountainsides and a traditional sod roof, this cabin is truly a unique coming together of the elements. The Norwegian countryside is full of similarly crafted structures. If you are going to be in the area and want to experience one of these cabins first hand, make sure to inquire with one of the staff members of VisitNorway.com to find out which trails can offer you a glimpse at one of these unique structures.

Have any other unique cabins that you have visited or seen? I’d love to hear from you below.

David Bryce

David Bryce is an online publisher and he often writes on the topics of travel, vacation and the in's and out's of the world of golf. He can usually be found writing in his cabin in Branson.

More Posts - Website

Destination Details

A Backpacker’s Guide to Amsterdam

December 18, 2012 Dunya Carter 1 Comment

Backpacking is one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam. This friendly city welcomes backpackers from all over the world with its pedestrian walkways and various outdoor spaces. Hostels in Amsterdam are numerous and inexpensive. The city is safe and clean, making it ideal for first-time backpackers as well as seasoned pros.

CC by _dChris

Entertainment

Backpackers on a budget can find free walking tours in Amsterdam. These tours are the best way to see the city at no cost. Most Amsterdam walking tours are operated by volunteers who are native to the area. They know the best places to eat, the most exciting clubs, the hippest shops, and museums and galleries that are off the beaten path.

Amsterdam has plenty of free activities throughout the year that should fit any taste. Look for free concerts and orchestral performances like those at Concertgebuow each Wednesday from fall to spring. You can also head to one of the city’s many parks or take a free ferry ride from Centraal Station.

The Amsterdam Card is a wise investment for backpackers. The cost of this card gives visitors access to public transportation and city museums for three days.

Dining on the Go

Dining out in Amsterdam can be very expensive. However, to save a few dollars, there are several options. Automats are peppered throughout the city. These are filled with meal-sized treats like kaasouffle, a type of fried cheese; kipcorn, a chicken dish; and several types of hamburgers. You can also try out a squat restaurant. These eateries are run by volunteers in once-abandoned buildings, which helps to keep prices low. Try De Peper near Vondelpark or head to Java Island to eat at Einde van de Wereld.

Another option is to purchase food at an outdoor market. The city’s largest is Albert Cuyp Market, located in the De Pijp neighborhood. Backpackers can find fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and herring for far less than can be purchased in a restaurant. On Saturday’s backpackers might try the farmer’s market at Noordermarkt. Open from 9 until 3, this farmer’s market welcomes all who are interested in fresh food. Dutch foods you should try include chocoladeletters, hollandse nieuwe haring, patat, poffertjes, stamppot and the delicious stroopwafels.

Finding Accommodation in Amsterdam

The low price accommodation in hostels makes them attractive to backpackers. There are more than 50 hostels in the city, but they can fill up quickly. It is important to book rooms in advance, which can be done online. The biggest benefit of the large number of hostels in Amsterdam is that they are located in spots that are attractive to any backpacker. Backpackers can choose to stay at a number of hostels located near Centraal Station, Dam Square and the Red Light District. There are also excellent hostels near museums and the lively Leidseplein. Others may prefer to stay in a quiet area outside of Amsterdam. Those backpackers can choose to stay in a city campground like the Bostel Amsterdamse Bos, which is only a train ride away from the center of the city.

Location isn’t the only item to consider when choosing a hostel in Amsterdam. Some hostels provide breakfast or have beer gardens for their guests. Many have private rooms with baths for a slightly higher price. Female travelers may prefer to stay at Hostelle, which only offers rooms to women. Backpackers who are concerned about drugs and alcohol might choose a spot like Shelter City, where those activities are not allowed. As is true with most places, most hostels in Amsterdam do not provide toiletry items or bath towels. Backpackers should also inquire about storing luggage if they feel they will need this service.

Important Notes

Backpackers should review the laws of any place they visit. Amsterdam is viewed as a liberal city, but there are some important laws that must be obeyed by citizens and vacationers alike. Smoking tobacco is illegal in most public places, including many hostels. Marijuana cannot be carried by those under the age of 18. No one may carry more than five grams of marijuana at a time. All hard drugs are illegal in Holland. All visitors and citizens must carry identification at all times.

Amsterdam is a city made for backpacking. Backpackers who remember these tips are certain to save on their trip while having the time of their lives.

Dunya Carter

Dunya is an avid traveller and travel writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes for Venere, a website where you can find and book affordable accommodation in an Amsterdam youth hostel. She also writes articles for many travel blogs and websites.

More Posts - Website

Asia, Budget Travel Tips, Destination Details, Location Reviews, Regional Oddities, Things to Do

Bangkok’s top 5 off-the-beaten-path attractions

December 6, 2012 Ian Ord 1 Comment

Getting off the tourist trail in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world’s biggest, and most bustling cities. It goes by several names, including the official Thai name “Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit” (no joke!). This is the longest city name in the world, or just “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon” for short, translating to City of Angels. Curiously enough, the more westernized name is almost opposite of this, as it is referred to as the “Sin City of Asia” with reference to the busy night life. Being one of the oldest Asian trade cities in dealing with the West, it has had a long term standing accommodating foreigners. This has brought about many popular attractions, and some at high tourist prices!

So what can you do that’s fun, interesting, and not really on the beaten-path? Being such a massive metropolis, there’s hidden gems around every corner in Bangkok. Here’s some of my favourite discoveries:

Forensic Museum

The forensic museum is not your run of the mill museum. This off-the-beaten-path museum is located at Siriaj Hospital, in central Bangkok. This place is crazy… and certainly not for the faint of heart! The Forensic and Pathology Museum takes you through a variety of different exhibits, examining different elements of the CSI related science, and it’s use in Bangkok. The exhibits include coronary studies, head injuries, a Tsunami 2004 exhibit, and even the mummified cadaver of the most infamous serial killer in Thailand. It’s not your run of the mill attraction, but certainly brings with it a heap of information and an inside look at this interesting study.

Thai Barbecue

Perhaps not best to combine this with your day at the Forensic Museum, this is a very popular Thai activity. Similar to a Korean BBQ, the Thai version incorporates a bowl at the bottom of the grill for making a soup with noodles, greens, wontons and of course some drippings from the meat being cooked on the grill above. It’s a do-it-yourself activity, and all you can eat. The typical Thai BBQs run about 120 Thai Baht, and often don’t have time limits dictating your stay. The buffet is immense, with tons of tasty food to try – including salads and desserts! Best if you go with some friends so you have some company to engage with while waiting on your meat to cook to your liking! They can be found all over the city – my personal favourite is Pla Thong located centrally in Bangkok near the Victory Monument sky train station!

Go to the Cinema… in bed

Going to the movies in Thailand may not seem like such a big deal. Sure there’s lots of English choices available, but they’re no different from the movies you can watch back home… except for one detail. A few theater complexes have developed VIP theatres. If you’ve got an extra evening to kill, and you really want to check out that new film your friends back home have been raving about – this is an experience in itself. Often with 3 different seating options, you can choose between the front gallery, where you’ll sit comfortably under the screen in body fitting bean-bag chairs. Moving up a notch going up the sides of the theatre, you will be watching the movie with the comfort of home, in a leather recliner chair – equipped with a blanket for maximum comfort.

And then.. the cream of the crop – Check out the fully reclinable ‘bed’ seats. These ones go up the centre of the theater for the best seating. They have enclosing walls so you and a friend don’t get the distracting sounds from people chatting around you. They also happen to recline almost completely horizontally for the effect of laying in bed. Equipped with pillows and a blanket, this is the ultimate comfort in movie watching.

This is like flying first class, minus the turbulence, and with a giant state of the art screen and surround sound system, to comfortably transport you to a far away land. Oh.. and did I mention they deliver popcorn and drinks directly to your seat? The seating runs about 300-1000 Thai Baht – cheaper than a night out back home, and in much more class and comfort. The Paragon Cineplex in central Bangkok is perhaps the most state of the art if considering this fun option.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

This is about as full on as markets get. At the very end of the sky train and subway lines, it’s easy to get to from nearly every central point in Bangkok. This market is probably the largest of it’s kind that I’ve ever been to. It’s definitely the biggest in Bangkok. It’s so big in fact, there’s maps available showing you the different areas to visit, and how to navigate to them. It’s roughly 4 city blocks in size, and easy to get caught up in and just spend the day browsing! You can get just about anything here – from clothing, to food, to art work, and even pure bred puppies! Once you’ve finished your shopping, or just need a break, there’s a massive park right next to it that you can go and lounge in and examine your loot! You’ll find some of the best prices here, and is a great option for buying souvenirs.

Visit Refugee Prisoners at the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC)

Now this can be a tough one for some people. It doesn’t exactly sound like the beaches and temples vacation you had originally planned on doing, but may be one of the most rewarding off-the-beaten-path experiences in Bangkok. There are countless people who have been imprisoned for overstaying their visas or living here illegally as refugees. They live with very little, and lack some basic necessities, such as vitamins, carbohydrates and hygiene products. There are a few NGOs in Bangkok who, for a very small fee of about $15, take you to visit some of the refugees and bring them these products with your donation. When you get out of your comfort zone and try to help others in need, you quickly learn the benefits of love and adventure that come from changing people’s lives for the better.

Ian Ord

An explorer since birth, Ian has now spent the better half of his life travelling. Spanning all 7 continents, and leaving no stone unturned, he continues to pursue discover new cultures, festivals, foods and all the other riches the world has to offer.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

Destination Details

How Different is Australia from the West Really?

November 29, 2012 VictorD Leave a comment

Australia is often thought of as part of the western world, but when you consider the geographical neighborhood: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia, you might begin to wonder just how different it is in Australia really? After all, it is on the other side of the world.

One way to think of it is this: Australia is to the West what Hawaii is to America. On a map, the space between them is vast. But in person the differences are only subtle.

Australia is on par size wise compared to the West. Bigger than all of Europe and as big as the United States, if you don’t count Alaska. However, there’s far fewer Aussies than there are Europeans or Americans. That leaves lots of room down under. And that is important to consider while you travel in Australia. There are not as many major cities to see.

Australia’s flag contains the Union Jack, so unsurprisingly there are some similarities to the United Kingdom, but those similarities make it different than America. For example, in Australia they drive on the left side of the road. When it comes to spelling and slang words Australians use what is usually called “proper English” by everyone not American. For instance, ‘colour’ versus ‘color’, Australians would use the former spelling.

Language differences are probably one of the most obvious difference you are likely to encounter. The Australian accent and use of slang words is often one of the first things that comes to mind. And you are probably thinking right now, “G’day mate!” But that is a stereotype.

A good thing to know is that in restaurants the word “docket” is used instead of “receipt” or “bill.” Slang words are often just shortened or abbreviated words with “o” or “ie” added to the end. The word Aussie is a good example of this. You will pick up on the local and colorful language, just listen!

But what about sports? In America the game is Baseball. In Europe it is Football. But in Australia the game of choice is definitely Cricket. You probably will not figure out all the rules of Cricket during your time in Australia, but it is worth watching a match and drinking a beer. You will be surprised at how expensive the beer is in Sydney, the most expensive city overall.

If you are dependent on having free wifi access know that there is much less connectivity available compared to Western cities. Perhaps, a good way to summarize the differences between Australia and the West in general would be to say that Australia has a bit of the same, but much less of it.

There are not as many major cities save Sydney and Melbourne. There are fewer architecturally stunning or historically important buildings to gawk at. There is arguably only one great museum: Australian War Memorial in Canberra. (Western cities generally have several museums worth noting.) And compared to Europe, Australia has a lot less cultural diversity.

This isn’t to “knock” Australia. It is its own continent for crying out loud! The birds are more exotic, the beaches are great, but beware the bugs are massive. You are probably going to get more mosquito bites than you have ever received.

Hopefully, this post has got you thinking a bit about what to expect when you travel to Australia. It is all the way on the other side of the world, but you probably are not going to suffer from any culture shock. Which is not such a bad thing. Australia has a charm of its own that you’ll need to discover for yourself as with all places.

VictorD

Victor is an passionate blogger and experienced traveler. He writes for Melbourne car rental as well as several other reputable blogs.

More Posts - Website

Asia, Day Trips, Destination Details, Location Reviews, Things to Do

Chiang Rai’s White Temple: This is a Must-See in Thailand!

November 28, 2012 Ian Ord 1 Comment

The White Temple of Chiang Rai

There is a general ‘tourist trail’ that most people follow when heading to Thailand for the first time. This usually includes a trip to the beaches in the south, pit-stops in Bangkok, and a trip up to one of the northern provinces of Chiang Mai. It is a fair bit less common for people to venture much beyond that, as the city of Chiang Mai holds so many relics and activities already. This being said, for those adventurous enough, a short 3 hour bus ride to the northern most province of Chiang Rai can be well worth the time. Amongst the mountains, rice patties and natural beauty, amidst the ancient history and old cities, there lies another incredible – and bizarre – attraction: The White Temple.

The White Temple

Locally known as Wat Rong Khun, the unconventional temple is a tourist attraction for locals, foreigners, and even monks alike. Though completely different from the usual temples you may see in the north, it is still considered a place of spiritual worship for practicing Buddhists and should be treated as such.

Buddha’s everywhere

Before arriving to the gates, you can already tell that there’s something truly spectacular about this place! The immense complex of the White Temple is, as the name states, almost entirely white, with small reflective mirrors ornately decorating it. It’s is a beacon of light to all those within even the slightest bit of an eye-shot away from it, luring them in with it’s beaming glow.

Guardians of the bridge

This modern temple began it’s construction in 1997. You may say it’s a work in progress, as you can see new structures going up even to this day. With that said, however, there are already a myriad of temples and stupas found on the holy grounds which already completed.

The reason the White Temple is a little ‘different’ from your traditional temples is because it has completely modern elements, which lack in the older temples you may visit. It brings in an unusual contrast of good vs evil. Evil being represented largely in part by sins, modern warfare, and funny enough – Hollywood movies.

Crossing Over the bridge of Purgatory

With a mixed bag of appearance such as Neo (from the Matrix), Superman, Osama Bin Laden, and even Sponge Bob Squarepants, there is no shortage of recognizable characters in the stories being illustrated. Completely decorated with murals, statues, and even bridges crossing over purgatory, you find yourself becoming part of the journey to enlightenment.

A place of worship

To anyone thinking of visiting outside the regular tourist trail, this is a highly recommended, and unique, destination to consider. You should give yourself about 3 hours to walk around, and another 30 mins in each direction getting to and from the temple from the city of Chiang Rai’s centre.

Please note: You should dress appropriately while visiting the White Temple. Although it’s bizarre, it is still a place of worship, and should be treated as such.

Ian Ord

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

Asia, Destination Details

Chiang Mai – A welcoming Oasis filled with wonder and intrigue

November 22, 2012 Ian Ord Leave a comment

Chiang Mai, Thailand – At a first glance

There’s only a few places on Earth which can create such an immediate feeling of coming home again on your first visit, as Chiang Mai can. A large, yet peaceful city of just over 1 million inhabitants, Chiang Mai is situated in the hills of Northern Thailand. It’s picturesque backdrop of rolling mountains and lush green jungle, is complimented by it’s ancient history, which is still visible around nearly every turn! With an endless supply of activities delicious food, and smiling locals, it’s no wonder so many expats choose to live here – some short term, others, indefinitely.

I remember when I first arrived to Chiang Mai, I was first taken by it’s awesome location. High in the hills, it sits very close to the Burmese border. This has given it a rich history of both cultural mixing, and invasions. A notable feature is the incredibly large moat and old city walls which still protect the old city’s centre. You are immediately inundated with historical features, which bring light to the magic of a city of such long standings.

In addition to Chiang Mai’s rich history, it is also one of the most spiritual cities, with ornate Thai Buddhist temples hiding at almost every turn! I spent countless days wandering the winding old streets, and exploring the shoeless temples at almost every chance I got. Not only can you explore these beautiful temples, you are often welcomed into the ceremonies and services being conducted within them, as long as you keep a respectful air about you while there.

The food is really one of the biggest highlights for me, being a long time foodie! Not only do they have one of the best, (and CHEAPEST) selections of street food I’ve seen in all of Thailand, there’s a seemingly endless variety of choice for foreign foods as well! From Mexican, to French, to Italian cuisine, they seem to have a knack for doing an exceptional job no matter what food is being prepared. You will also find Thai dishes which are more exclusive to the North. My favourites being Massaman – a peanut-beef curry, and Kow Soy – a crunchy noodle curry.

For anyone looking for somewhere to have a quick visit, or even to settle down and try a new, longer-term adventure, I would recommend putting Chiang Mai high on your bucket-wish-list. It truly has a welcoming charm, giving anyone who visits a sense of finding a home and comfort.

Ian Ord

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

Destination Details

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Hawaii

October 23, 2012 Melissa Davis Leave a comment

There are more than enough reasons to visit the USA’s most tropical state – whether it’s the laid back culture, dramatic landscape or the famous surf beaches. But the Hawaiian islands are more than just palm trees and pineapples – they are rich in history, culture and tradition.

Here are five things you probably didn’t know about Hawaii.

1. Hawaii is the only coffee-growing U.S. state

There’s no doubt Americans love to drink coffee – after all, they did make Starbucks a household name – but what many don’t realise is that there is no coffee grown on the mainland.

Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate, however, Hawaii is home to some of the most delicious and expensive coffee in the world. The Hawaiians have been growing coffee ever since it was brought in from Brazil by a British warship around 1825.

Not only is it the only U.S. state to grow coffee, but it is one of the only places in the world where the entire coffee journey – from the ground to cup – happens in one region. Most other coffee-growing regions export their coffee.

2. Astronauts trained in Hawaii

Back in the 1960’s, astronauts trained for the first missions to the moon by walking on the hardened lava fields of Mauna Loa, which are very similar to the surface of the moon. People who go there say it’s a very surreal experience.

3. Hawaii has its own language

Not only does Hawaii have its own Polynesian language, but it only has 12 letters in its alphabet. Both Hawaiian and English are the national languages of Hawaii, however the number of native Hawaiian speakers has dropped significantly in the past century.

It has only be relatively recently (in history book terms) that the Hawaiian language has been written. When Captain Cook discovered the islands in 1778, he noted that they only spoke – they did not write. In 1820, westerners set out to standardise the language in the written form.

Want to impress the locals? Say ‘Mahalo’ (thank you) and learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases before you leave.

4. Mauna Kea is higher than Mount Everest

Most of us will never get the opportunity to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, but if you scale Hawaii’s famous Mauna Kea volcano, you can technically claim to have stood atop the world’s tallest mountain. If it’s calculated from the ocean floor, that is.

All volcanic islands naturally start from the bottom of the ocean, making Mauna Kea 10,204 meters tall compared to Mount Everest’s 8,850 meters.

5. Leis are more than just a decoration

One of the first things that comes into people’s minds when they think of Hawaii holidays are the colourful flower necklaces called Leis. However, not many know about the significance and tradition surrounding them.

When early Polynesian voyagers came to the Hawaiian islands they brought with them necklaces made from a range of local items such as shells, flowers, leaves and feathers. They were then worn as a way for Hawaiian people to distinguish themselves from others.

If you are offered a lei, always accept it – it is rude not to. You should also wear it draped over the shoulders, hanging both at the front and back.

Melissa Davis

Melissa is a travel blogger from Australia. She has been writing and giving travel advice related to Hawaiian holidays on blogs across the Internet. Melissa lives in Brisbane with her husband and young daughter where she enjoys parenting, cycling, and other extreme sports.

Destination Details

Istanbul Nightlife – Here we Come

July 24, 2012 Maria Holburt Leave a comment

You might not appreciate it off hand but Istanbul has a nightclub and cafe culture as developed as any of those in the rest of Europe. Being one of the oldest cities in the world and located as it is on one of history’s most pivotal points in terms of trade, education and culture Istanbul has a thousands of years of experience of people coming together.

This fact is borne out by the size of the city and the variety in cultural hubs that you will see as you hop from nightspot to nightspot. I booked a great central spot with this site, so didn’t have far too trek back on those late nights out partying!

Despite the fact that Turkey is by tradition a Muslim nation the government is secular and what with all the European influences bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs all exist within the city, although nightclubs predominate on the Western side of the Bosphorus. However, beer, wine, raki and other spirits are all perfectly legal in licensed premises all over the city.

This being the case Istanbul has a night scene just like any other major European conurbation, there are venues that appeal to those who want to see a show, dance, party, watch bands, spot celebrities or whatever else it is you choose to do with your evenings while on vacation.

If you want to play by the sea then the Ortakoy area is where you should be headed, where the three floors of the Anjelique await, There’s a nightclub on the top floor while the other floors are dedicated to Angelique’s restaurant and cocktail bar. People head here for the atmosphere and the music.

Alternatively there is Blackk, they describe themselves “With our elegant decoration and world-class music, Blackk is a unique night club in Ortaköy, Istanbul offering a magnificent view of the Bosphorus. On the upper floor, you can find a resto-lounge where you can enjoy the view of the Bosphorus as you dine or have a drink at the bar.

Then there is Suada, not actually on the coast but on a small island just off it. 165 metres from the European shoreline the nightclub and 6 restaurant s are just one part of a complex owned by Glatasaray Sports Club and is famous for its glamorous soirées frequented by internationally famous celebrities and sportspersons as well as its first class food.

Alternatively you might like to stay within the city’s precincts, for the best city centre nightlife you need to head over to Beyoglu. It’s here that you’ll find spots such as Al Jamal, a venue that defines what it is to be Istanbul, there is middle eastern cuisine, belly dancing, a harem interior with western music, food, drinks and live entertainment.

Then there is Babylon, a venue which exists for live bands to play in a small, intimate space, musicians and musical styles from all over the world including Latin, Jazz, Electo, Reggae and even Turkish can all be found here. Entrance is free, however, there is ticketed admission for concerts.

Confusingly there are four Buddha bars in Istanbul, The Buddha Rock Bar, Big Buddha and Little Buddha as well as The Buddha Bar. The Buddha Rock Bar caters mainly for students, it’s cheap and comfortable and a good place to start a night out. Big and little Buddha play a range of music from Latin and Blues to Techno and Jungle. The Buddha Bar plays alternative rock from the 90’s and 00’s.

If you want to sample some fabulous local cuisine while listening to Pop and Jazz performed by locals too then Hayal Kahvesi is a cafe bar you’ll want to check out.

That’s just a few of the best known nightclubs in Istanbul, local guidebooks or staff at your hotel will be able to give you a good idea of the best clubs and bars local to where you’re staying.

[Photo via live.villapashahotel.com]

Getting off the tourist trail in Bangkok

Forensic Museum

Thai Barbecue

Go to the Cinema… in bed

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Visit Refugee Prisoners at the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC)

The White Temple of Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai, Thailand – At a first glance

Exploring the Wild Blue Yonder