What can be said of Mohandas K. Gandhi? He was without a doubt, one of the most influential individuals of the twentieth century. His stance on nonviolent protests (he endured several hunger strikes in his lifetime) are legendary as well as his work towards a unified and independent India. In fact, he is still to this day incredibly revered throughout India. Reminders of "The Father Of The Nation" still appear everywhere, from statues, to street names. His image even appears on the Indian currency, the Rupee. For most Indians, Gandhi is synonymous with India itself.
The best way to understand this amazing man and his beliefs, is to see The National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. Here you can view many of the artifacts from Gandhi's life, from his walking stick and blood soaked dhoti he was wearing when he was assassinated in 1948, to several of his spinning wheels that he used in his Khadi (homemade cotton) crusade. The museum is well endowed with photographs, video's and exhibits providing a detailed look into the life and legacy that Gandhi left behind.
After visiting The National Gandhi Museum, cross the street to see Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat is the national monument dedicated to the life of this iconic figure. This is the location where Gandhi's body was cremated after his murder. It is a somber and reverent court yard where people come from all over the world to pay their respects. In the center of the court yard prominently lays a black marble slab covered in marigolds and flanked by an eternal flame. These marigolds are arranged in elegant patterns and change on a daily basis. The court yard is encircled by sand stone walls with passages by Gandhi inscribed into them. These words of wisdom have been translated into seven different languages, in order to spread his inspirational advice throughout the world.
These two sites can provide one with a sense of who this legendary man was and to the impact that he has had in shaping the world.
www.gandhimuseum.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=harbfaDIUr48noredirect=1
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
How To Embrace One's Dream
For most people there is a dream destination out there. Be it a sugary sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters, or to sip the most creamiest cup of cafe creme in a quaint brasserie overlooking the Eiffel Tower, or to feel the cool breeze in your face as you slowly ascend a snow covered peak in the Andes. We all have our idea of what makes the ideal vacation. So how does one prepare for such a trip?
Personally, I put a lot of effort in the preparation for such an endeavor. How horrible would it be to go half way around the world to Australia, to snorkel in The Great Barrier Reef, only to find out that the place is swarming with box jelly fish. To make matters worse, that most tour companies won't even take you out to the reef because of the liability to your safety (box jelly fish are extremely poisonous and can kill a person with their sting). This can happen in February and March but will rarely occur in May or October. Or how tragic it would be to go all the way to Barcelona and miss seeing an iconic site like Parc Guell, just because you didn't know about it until you were back in the states. Or to go to Florence to see Michelangelo's master piece "The David", only to not get in because of the crowds and a four hour wait in line. But if you only knew that a call a month earlier would have allowed you to skip the line entirely and give you the opportunity to see this awe inspiring sculpture.
To avoid these types of pitfalls, you should come prepared. The more homework you do, the smoother your trip will be. The first thing that you need to do is to invest in a good guild book These are inexpensive tools that will help you design an itinerary for this trip of a life time and provide up to date advice on when to go, where to go, what to see, where to sleep and eat at. A good guild book will tell you, the documentation required to enter a particular country and if a visa is needed, it will explain how to get one. I typically will go to my local library and check out a few of the guild books available. Every guild book is different and I try to figure out which one will be the most helpful, then I go to my local book store and buy it for the trip. This way you will have it readily available when you are living your dream.
Next, I suggest checking out movies or books that involve the places and sites you plan to see. How much more meaningful will the Alamo be if you saw a movie or read a book about the conflict and the people involved. Or what could get you more excited for a trip to Tuscany than watching "Under The Tuscan Sun"? I believe that movies and books have a way to fuel ones passion for travel like nothing else. Of course, there are some amazing travel programs out there that will help you get prepared for this adventure. My traditional go too's are Rick Steve's Europe, Rudy Maxa's World, Art Wolf's Travels To The Edge, and Globe Trekker. Just to name a few of the wonderful travel programs out there.
When you finally arrive at your dream destination, talk to the locals. The local residents will give you in site on what to see (what's important to them) and advice on how to go about seeing it (they will know if reservations are required or that you can take the #44 bus to get there). Also, locals usually know the best restaurants so definitely ask around before heading off to diner. One thing that you should always do when traveling is to check out the post card racks, especially at museums. This will give you an idea what the key sites in town are and the not to be missed works of art are at any given museum. This will insure that you do not miss anything that you might regret later.
I hope that these tips will in able you to have that memorable trip that you always dreamed of.
Personally, I put a lot of effort in the preparation for such an endeavor. How horrible would it be to go half way around the world to Australia, to snorkel in The Great Barrier Reef, only to find out that the place is swarming with box jelly fish. To make matters worse, that most tour companies won't even take you out to the reef because of the liability to your safety (box jelly fish are extremely poisonous and can kill a person with their sting). This can happen in February and March but will rarely occur in May or October. Or how tragic it would be to go all the way to Barcelona and miss seeing an iconic site like Parc Guell, just because you didn't know about it until you were back in the states. Or to go to Florence to see Michelangelo's master piece "The David", only to not get in because of the crowds and a four hour wait in line. But if you only knew that a call a month earlier would have allowed you to skip the line entirely and give you the opportunity to see this awe inspiring sculpture.
To avoid these types of pitfalls, you should come prepared. The more homework you do, the smoother your trip will be. The first thing that you need to do is to invest in a good guild book These are inexpensive tools that will help you design an itinerary for this trip of a life time and provide up to date advice on when to go, where to go, what to see, where to sleep and eat at. A good guild book will tell you, the documentation required to enter a particular country and if a visa is needed, it will explain how to get one. I typically will go to my local library and check out a few of the guild books available. Every guild book is different and I try to figure out which one will be the most helpful, then I go to my local book store and buy it for the trip. This way you will have it readily available when you are living your dream.
Next, I suggest checking out movies or books that involve the places and sites you plan to see. How much more meaningful will the Alamo be if you saw a movie or read a book about the conflict and the people involved. Or what could get you more excited for a trip to Tuscany than watching "Under The Tuscan Sun"? I believe that movies and books have a way to fuel ones passion for travel like nothing else. Of course, there are some amazing travel programs out there that will help you get prepared for this adventure. My traditional go too's are Rick Steve's Europe, Rudy Maxa's World, Art Wolf's Travels To The Edge, and Globe Trekker. Just to name a few of the wonderful travel programs out there.
When you finally arrive at your dream destination, talk to the locals. The local residents will give you in site on what to see (what's important to them) and advice on how to go about seeing it (they will know if reservations are required or that you can take the #44 bus to get there). Also, locals usually know the best restaurants so definitely ask around before heading off to diner. One thing that you should always do when traveling is to check out the post card racks, especially at museums. This will give you an idea what the key sites in town are and the not to be missed works of art are at any given museum. This will insure that you do not miss anything that you might regret later.
I hope that these tips will in able you to have that memorable trip that you always dreamed of.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Where Can A Guy Get A Good Cup Of Coffee?
Where can a guy get a good cup of coffee? Like most Americans, I am constantly in search for a phenomenal cup of Joe. Don't get me wrong, most coffee houses produce a good quality product, and when the gals at Starbucks have your order memorized, it typically is a sign that you are regular but my eternal quest is to find the best tasting cup of coffee anywhere!
This quest of mine has taken me to some amazing places and have spoiled my taste buds time and again. I have had the smokiest chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde's in New Orleans. The place is an absolute institution in the "Big Easy" and cannot be missed. Oh, and make sure to try their legendary beignet's, they are fabulous! I have indulged myself with incredible island coffee from both Jamaica and Hawaii. The blue mountain coffee is so intense with flavor and a freshly brewed cup of Kona is a true delight. But for me, I have to say the best coffee is found over the pound in the cafes of Europe.
Is it the atmosphere or could it be the unpasteurized cream? I am truly perplexed by the fact that the best coffee is found abroad. So far the holy trinity of the coffee world really boils down to the cappuccino's of Florence, the cafe con leche of Barcelona and the cafe creme of Paris. Each of these delectable drinks have something in common, they are very rich, full of depth and just so creamy.
When in Florence, I swing by this tiny little hole in the wall, just off of the Piazza Signoria. The place is a tad spartan, yet is overflowing with old world charm. They have two minuscule tables accented by simple bar stools and a large mahogany counter where locals squeeze in shoulder to shoulder to have their all important espresso shots. Toss in a freshly made pastry and that's how Italians start their days off. The counter is always jam packed with locals conversing about corrupt Italian politics and the local soccer clubs miserable show the previous night. The atmosphere alone is timeless, but their cappuccino's are epic. Imagine an espresso shot potent enough to fuel a jet and covered in the most frothiest of milk. This combination of ingredients and finely crafted techniques, create a drink that could only be described as simple perfection! Delizioso!
Of course, one could make an argument that the cafe con leche of Barcelona is just as sublime. Last time I was wandering through the produce stands at La Boqueria, I stumbled across the most basic coffee counter one could imagine. Surrounded by the chaos and succulent smells of the market, this pint size stall produces one of the best drinks one will ever encounter. It was operated by the most adorable husband and wife team. These two proprietors had to be in their 70's but were as affectionate as a pair of teenagers in love. The coffee that they served is smokey and rich, and mixed with the silkiest cream imaginable. Toss in a couple of homemade churrios right out of the oven and you are in for a real treat!
Finally, how could you go wrong consuming a culinary concoction crafted by the french? I know it's incredibly cliche', but to sit at an outdoor table at Les Deux Magots overlooking Boulevard St. Germain, sipping a cafe creme is an experience to be treasured. Les Duex Magots is a chic french cafe, made famous by it's patronage of Ernest Hemingway (he wrote the novel "Fare Well To Arms" right here) and home to the most decadent coffee that I have ever had. The coffee it self is so flavorful and smooth, than bathed in the most enchanting of cream. The combination is absolutely astounding and will have you on the next flight for Paris.
These coffee's are all mind blowing and legendary in their own right, but I do wonder if there is something else out there? A drink that is even better than these mahogany colored goddesses. This idea propels me onward in hopes of finding that holy grail of delectable delights, "The World's Best Cup of Coffee!"
www.cafedumonde.com
www.lesdeuxmagot.fr
www.boqueria.info
This quest of mine has taken me to some amazing places and have spoiled my taste buds time and again. I have had the smokiest chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde's in New Orleans. The place is an absolute institution in the "Big Easy" and cannot be missed. Oh, and make sure to try their legendary beignet's, they are fabulous! I have indulged myself with incredible island coffee from both Jamaica and Hawaii. The blue mountain coffee is so intense with flavor and a freshly brewed cup of Kona is a true delight. But for me, I have to say the best coffee is found over the pound in the cafes of Europe.
Is it the atmosphere or could it be the unpasteurized cream? I am truly perplexed by the fact that the best coffee is found abroad. So far the holy trinity of the coffee world really boils down to the cappuccino's of Florence, the cafe con leche of Barcelona and the cafe creme of Paris. Each of these delectable drinks have something in common, they are very rich, full of depth and just so creamy.
When in Florence, I swing by this tiny little hole in the wall, just off of the Piazza Signoria. The place is a tad spartan, yet is overflowing with old world charm. They have two minuscule tables accented by simple bar stools and a large mahogany counter where locals squeeze in shoulder to shoulder to have their all important espresso shots. Toss in a freshly made pastry and that's how Italians start their days off. The counter is always jam packed with locals conversing about corrupt Italian politics and the local soccer clubs miserable show the previous night. The atmosphere alone is timeless, but their cappuccino's are epic. Imagine an espresso shot potent enough to fuel a jet and covered in the most frothiest of milk. This combination of ingredients and finely crafted techniques, create a drink that could only be described as simple perfection! Delizioso!
Of course, one could make an argument that the cafe con leche of Barcelona is just as sublime. Last time I was wandering through the produce stands at La Boqueria, I stumbled across the most basic coffee counter one could imagine. Surrounded by the chaos and succulent smells of the market, this pint size stall produces one of the best drinks one will ever encounter. It was operated by the most adorable husband and wife team. These two proprietors had to be in their 70's but were as affectionate as a pair of teenagers in love. The coffee that they served is smokey and rich, and mixed with the silkiest cream imaginable. Toss in a couple of homemade churrios right out of the oven and you are in for a real treat!
Finally, how could you go wrong consuming a culinary concoction crafted by the french? I know it's incredibly cliche', but to sit at an outdoor table at Les Deux Magots overlooking Boulevard St. Germain, sipping a cafe creme is an experience to be treasured. Les Duex Magots is a chic french cafe, made famous by it's patronage of Ernest Hemingway (he wrote the novel "Fare Well To Arms" right here) and home to the most decadent coffee that I have ever had. The coffee it self is so flavorful and smooth, than bathed in the most enchanting of cream. The combination is absolutely astounding and will have you on the next flight for Paris.
These coffee's are all mind blowing and legendary in their own right, but I do wonder if there is something else out there? A drink that is even better than these mahogany colored goddesses. This idea propels me onward in hopes of finding that holy grail of delectable delights, "The World's Best Cup of Coffee!"
www.cafedumonde.com
www.lesdeuxmagot.fr
www.boqueria.info
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Fool Me Once Shame on You! Fool Me Twice Shame On Me!
Traveling abroad can be a fun and rewarding experience. You get the opportunity to see amazing places, have many memorable experiences, and meet interesting people. Regretfully, some of those people are very interested in obtaining some of our money. There are many con artists, swindlers, and thiefs abound, who have made it a career out of parting tourists away from their money and other valuables. Here are just a few of the prevalent scams that you should try and avoid.
One major scam that I have herd about involves a person that approaches you, usually wearing a uniform, and notifies you that a counterfeit ring has been passing off fake money all over town, and would like to see your money. When you show them your bills, they will "examine them" and find a few fakes that they must confiscate. First of all, never show your money to strangers! By doing this, you are just asking for trouble. Also, if a police officer ever approaches you for any reason, ask for their credentials. The best thing to do in this situation is to just walk away. If the con artist persists than scream at the top of your lungs for a police officer. This will typically scare off the would be cop.
Last time I was in Paris, I witnessed the friendship bracelet scam. You are typically walking along in a touristy area like Sacre-Coeur and a stranger approaches you. He wants to show you his "Traditional African Bracelets" or "Friendship Bracelets". The guy will place the bracelet on your wrist and ties it on very tight. So tight in fact that you cannot remove it from your wrist to give it back to him. Thus, you have to pay him a dollar or two for this cheaply made bracelet that you did not even want.
Lastly, a lady approaches you and asks if you just lost a ring. She happened to find one lying on the ground. You say that you have not, so she offers to sell it to you at a bargain price. You pay her for the ring thinking that you just got a very good deal, until you discover that the ring is just an inexpensive piece of costume jewelry. Thus, you just payed way too much for a cheap trinket that you had no intention in getting.
The moral of the story is to be mindful of your surroundings and watch out for con artists. They come in all shapes and sizes, and have one mission, to part you from your money and valuables.
One major scam that I have herd about involves a person that approaches you, usually wearing a uniform, and notifies you that a counterfeit ring has been passing off fake money all over town, and would like to see your money. When you show them your bills, they will "examine them" and find a few fakes that they must confiscate. First of all, never show your money to strangers! By doing this, you are just asking for trouble. Also, if a police officer ever approaches you for any reason, ask for their credentials. The best thing to do in this situation is to just walk away. If the con artist persists than scream at the top of your lungs for a police officer. This will typically scare off the would be cop.
Last time I was in Paris, I witnessed the friendship bracelet scam. You are typically walking along in a touristy area like Sacre-Coeur and a stranger approaches you. He wants to show you his "Traditional African Bracelets" or "Friendship Bracelets". The guy will place the bracelet on your wrist and ties it on very tight. So tight in fact that you cannot remove it from your wrist to give it back to him. Thus, you have to pay him a dollar or two for this cheaply made bracelet that you did not even want.
Lastly, a lady approaches you and asks if you just lost a ring. She happened to find one lying on the ground. You say that you have not, so she offers to sell it to you at a bargain price. You pay her for the ring thinking that you just got a very good deal, until you discover that the ring is just an inexpensive piece of costume jewelry. Thus, you just payed way too much for a cheap trinket that you had no intention in getting.
The moral of the story is to be mindful of your surroundings and watch out for con artists. They come in all shapes and sizes, and have one mission, to part you from your money and valuables.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
"Can I Get Another Pint?" (The Guinness Storehouse)
When you think of Ireland, what comes to mind? Breath taking pastors and the most beautiful rolling green hills imaginable, how about four leafed shamrocks for good luck, or maybe a delectable plate of corned beef and cabbage. What about a pint of a good dark stout? Nothing epitomises Ireland more then the iconic Guinness. If you have not had the opportunity to savor this velvety textured, creamy, rich flavored beer then you are missing out on an absolutely memorable experience. Especially when tasted on the emerald isle, it does not travel well, and what better place to enjoy this beverage then at it's birth place, The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
The first thing that you will notice when you arrive at The Guinness Storehouse is that this not your typical brewery tour, it is an immersion into the world of Guinness. This sprawling exhibit consists of interactive displays on brewing (including how this iconic stout is made), video's of classic advertisements, cooperage demonstrations (how they make the barrels to store the freshly brewed Guinness) and of course The Gravity Bar. The Gravity Bar is the highest pub in Dublin, featuring spectacular 360 degree views of the city and simply an incredible place to savor a free pint of Guinness. Some might ask why all of the hype over an Irish beer? Besides the fact that Arthur Guinness started this company in 1759 and it has become one of the most successful corporations on the planet. In fact over 10 million pints are consumed everyday. It is that Guinness is representative of the people of Ireland. It has become synonymous with good times, great company, and rich character; all of which the people of Ireland have prided themselves on and it is hard to miss when visiting this enchanting land.
So the next time your in Dublin, swing by a local pub or even better yet, The Guinness Storehouse and enjoy "The Black Beauty" that is Guinness.
www.guinness-storehouse.com
The first thing that you will notice when you arrive at The Guinness Storehouse is that this not your typical brewery tour, it is an immersion into the world of Guinness. This sprawling exhibit consists of interactive displays on brewing (including how this iconic stout is made), video's of classic advertisements, cooperage demonstrations (how they make the barrels to store the freshly brewed Guinness) and of course The Gravity Bar. The Gravity Bar is the highest pub in Dublin, featuring spectacular 360 degree views of the city and simply an incredible place to savor a free pint of Guinness. Some might ask why all of the hype over an Irish beer? Besides the fact that Arthur Guinness started this company in 1759 and it has become one of the most successful corporations on the planet. In fact over 10 million pints are consumed everyday. It is that Guinness is representative of the people of Ireland. It has become synonymous with good times, great company, and rich character; all of which the people of Ireland have prided themselves on and it is hard to miss when visiting this enchanting land.
So the next time your in Dublin, swing by a local pub or even better yet, The Guinness Storehouse and enjoy "The Black Beauty" that is Guinness.
www.guinness-storehouse.com
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Eating On The Cheap
One of the most memorable experiences you can have in Europe is dining at a great restaurant, but what do you do if you are trying to stay on a budget. Well there are several things to consider when trying to save money on your food expenses. First, where you sit in a restaurant can affect your bill. If you choose to sit at one of those charming outdoor tables it will cost you more than sitting inside, and standing at the bar will cost you less than sitting. Many locals joke that the price difference occurs because the waiters have to walk farther to serve you outside. However, the difference in rates actually derives from the fact that people who usually sit at a table will typically spend over two hours eating as opposed to those standing at the bar who are in for a quick meal. Thus, many restaurants have a harder time turning over the tables and charge more to compensate for this. Consequently, if you want to save some money at a restaurant in Europe, then try hanging out at the bar.
Another way to save money when abroad is to find out where the locals eat, especially during the lunch rush. Many locals will seek out great tasting and affordable restaurants to eat at. These restaurants will typically be very busy and not always include an English menu. As a rule, busy restaurants usually equate to great food at good prices. Otherwise, why would all of these people be waiting around for a terrible meal? Also, restaurants who do not have a menu in English are typically more authentic and will provide you with a more memorable experience. Most restaurants that are geared towards tourists will usually charge more than those who cater to locals.
Finally, if you are in a city with large public spaces like Paris and London, than consider a picnic. What could be better than picking up a fresh bagget, an inexpensive bottle of wine and some local bree at a near by market and pay less than 10 Euros for the the whole meal for two. What a deal! Now take these delicacies to a beautiful park like The Tuileries or Hyde Park or my favorite Parc de Champ de Mars over looking The Eiffel Tower and enjoy the atmosphere with your inexpensive bounty! Bon appetite!
Another way to save money when abroad is to find out where the locals eat, especially during the lunch rush. Many locals will seek out great tasting and affordable restaurants to eat at. These restaurants will typically be very busy and not always include an English menu. As a rule, busy restaurants usually equate to great food at good prices. Otherwise, why would all of these people be waiting around for a terrible meal? Also, restaurants who do not have a menu in English are typically more authentic and will provide you with a more memorable experience. Most restaurants that are geared towards tourists will usually charge more than those who cater to locals.
Finally, if you are in a city with large public spaces like Paris and London, than consider a picnic. What could be better than picking up a fresh bagget, an inexpensive bottle of wine and some local bree at a near by market and pay less than 10 Euros for the the whole meal for two. What a deal! Now take these delicacies to a beautiful park like The Tuileries or Hyde Park or my favorite Parc de Champ de Mars over looking The Eiffel Tower and enjoy the atmosphere with your inexpensive bounty! Bon appetite!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Lisbon, Europe's Hidden Gem
People often ask me where are my favorite places to travel to. I usually will answer with Rome or Paris or Sydney, but sometimes I throw them for a loop with Lisbon. Yes, Lisbon, Portugal! This incredibly beautiful city is the most underrated place to visit in all of western Europe. It's a romantic Mediterranean city (even though it is technically on the Atlantic) with the charm to match any place I have ever visited. The people are remarkably kind and open to visitors, which there are few. In fact, in three days of site seeing, I encountered maybe twenty tourists from the states and most of these were enjoying delectable glasses of vino at The Portuguese Wine Tasting Center. This lack of tourism equates to some of the cheapest prices in all of Europe. To make maters even better, is that most people speak English fluently. This is due to the fact that most Europeans do not speak Portuguese and thus English is the common ground language used with travelers.
The Lisbon is blessed with sensational architecture varying from baroque towers and monasteries in Belem to a tangle of medieval streets in the Alfama. They have Romanesque churches in Baixa and Art Nuveau cafes, they even have a "Golden Gate Bridge" look alike. The city is a cornucopia of beauty from the last 800 years, but the most iconic structures come from it's hay day in the 1400 and 1500's when Portugal dominated the spice trade. To cap it all off, Lisbon has a formidable castle towering over the city and has a series of rickety trams that snake their way through it's cobblestone streets.
The food in Lisbon is an eclectic mix of Portugal's former empire. It has influences from African, Brazilian, Indian and Indonesian cuisines that are integrated with traditional food elements from the Iberian Peninsula. Add in the fact that Lisbon is on the Atlantic and that they are the seventh biggest producer of wine in the world and you have the receipt for some of the most unforgettable food that you will ever encounter. Try the cuddle fish sauteed in olive oil and garlic or the pork and clam dishes. These unique dishes will simply blow away your taste buds and provide you with a new perspective on Mediterranean cuisine!
So when you take great food, wonderful people, beautiful architecture, inexpensive prices and a lack of tourism, you get the city of Lisbon. One of Europe's truly hidden gems and one of my favorite cities in the world.
The Lisbon is blessed with sensational architecture varying from baroque towers and monasteries in Belem to a tangle of medieval streets in the Alfama. They have Romanesque churches in Baixa and Art Nuveau cafes, they even have a "Golden Gate Bridge" look alike. The city is a cornucopia of beauty from the last 800 years, but the most iconic structures come from it's hay day in the 1400 and 1500's when Portugal dominated the spice trade. To cap it all off, Lisbon has a formidable castle towering over the city and has a series of rickety trams that snake their way through it's cobblestone streets.
The food in Lisbon is an eclectic mix of Portugal's former empire. It has influences from African, Brazilian, Indian and Indonesian cuisines that are integrated with traditional food elements from the Iberian Peninsula. Add in the fact that Lisbon is on the Atlantic and that they are the seventh biggest producer of wine in the world and you have the receipt for some of the most unforgettable food that you will ever encounter. Try the cuddle fish sauteed in olive oil and garlic or the pork and clam dishes. These unique dishes will simply blow away your taste buds and provide you with a new perspective on Mediterranean cuisine!
So when you take great food, wonderful people, beautiful architecture, inexpensive prices and a lack of tourism, you get the city of Lisbon. One of Europe's truly hidden gems and one of my favorite cities in the world.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Saving Money On Airfare
Is it possible to save money by leaving on a specific day of the week? Surprisingly you can save hundreds of dollars by either departing or returning on one day as opposed to another. Why is this possible? Much like any commodity, supply and demand will have a strong impact upon travel and the prices associated with it. Thus, if you know when to travel and manipulate your vacation to fit in this time frame, you can save yourself some money. Most people love to leave on a Friday and come back home on a Sunday. This works well, because they can add several days to their vacation by incorporating the weekend in their trip (nine days as opposed to only five). Who wouldn't want to spend a few extra days lounging on a beach in the Caribbean or getting an additional day to visit with those in-laws. However, on average the most expensive day of the week to travel is on Sundays, followed by Mondays and Fridays. These rates will vary, but you will typically pay a premium rate when flying on these days. So if Sundays and Fridays are the most expensive days to travel on, than what are the cheapest days to fly? Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually less, but surprisingly the cheapest day to depart on is Saturdays. Why are Saturdays the most inexpensive day to start your holiday on? Mainly, because it falls in the middle of the weekend, and thus creates a logistic nightmare for plans. People hate missing out on weekends during their vacations for a whole range of reasons like most of their relatives have weekends off and by coming in on Saturday afternoon you get one day less to spend with them. Also, by leaving on a Saturday you may have to use more vacation time to get the same length of a trip (wanting to spend 10 days in Europe). Or simply you have to take a shorter trip by leaving on a Saturday. These are just a few of the reasons why most people will avoid flying on Saturdays and thus making them the most inexpensive day to go. So for a short get away (a three day weekend), you should consider flying out on a Saturday and coming back on a Tuesday and for longer stays (trips lasting over a week) leave on a Saturday and return on a Saturday. This will save you a significant amount on your airfare! Not to mention minimizing the amount of crowds that you will have to contend with at the airport and who wouldn't want that!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Tapas Hopping: A Fun and Cheap Way To Eat Through Spain!
Spain is a land of great food and underrated wine. It is home to the iconic paella, the most flavorful jamon (the best ham you will ever have in your life), the spicy chorizo sausage, fresh sea food, great olives, amazing red wine, and so many other incredible dishes. In fact, one of the best and most memorable experiences of a trip to Spain is the opportunity to consume tons of these culinary delights, but with only a few meals, how can you truly experience all that Spain has to offer your taste buds? The answer is tapas! Tapas are small portion meals, found at restaurants and bars throughout the country. Typically, you walk up to the counter and ask for a platos or plate and serve yourself. The counters will be covered with plates and plates of the most scrumptious dishes. The food ranges from cold to hot choices. These could be anything from small "slim Jim" like chorizo sausage on bagget style bread to bandeleres, small peppers (sometimes quite spicy) and green olives on skewers to anchovies packed together like a bunt cake to toasty cheese filled croquet's fresh from the oven. Most of items will come with a tooth pick sticking through it. When you are finished devouring your meal, the waiter will tally up your tooth picks and bring you the bill. The part of this experience besides the amazing taste of the food, are the prices. Most tapas bars that I have come across will charge only about $1.75 an item and if that does not get you running for the first plane to Madrid, than how about the wine.
For years, Spanish wine has gone completely unnoticed by the general public and is only now becoming recognized in the wine tasting community for it attributes. When it comes to taste, many of the Rojas from Galatia (northern Spain) can rival high quality Italian and french wines on the market, with only a fraction of the price. In fact, in the states, you can purchase several Spanish vintages rated in the low 90's for less than $10 a bottle. With that said, in Spain you can buy a glass of tinto (house red) or blanco (house white) for less than $2 a glass.
So whenever I travel to Spain, I will start in one tapas or pinxos (Basque tapas) bar and get two or three items and a glass of house wine. When I am done, I simply move on to the next bar and do it all over again. This is a great way to experience the vast culinary heritage of Spain, because each bar has it's own specialties and ambiance. Some restaurants are quiet and subdued (most are before 8 pm), while others are far more rambunctious and colorful. If you can try both varieties it will give you more of an appreciation of the tapas experience and for around $5 a meal, how can you go wrong!
Lastly, try tapas from other regions of Spain. The tapas from the Basque region is going to be more spicy (chorizo al diablo- chorizo sausage soaked in wine then flambeed) where as the fare from Catalan will be more sea food dominated (muscles and shrimp are found in abundance). Even if you are only traveling to one city or region of Spain, you can easily find restaurants specializing in the cuisine of other regions. So do your self a favor and don't miss out. With the food and drinks being so inexpensive and utterly delicious, your next trip to Spain will be a truly memorable experience.
Earlier this year I spent some time in Barcelona and these were some of the exceptional tapas restaurants that I truly enjoyed.
In the Ribera:
Sagardi
Carrer de l'Argenteria 62-64
El Xampanyet
Montcada 22
In Ramblas:
Taverna Basca Irati
Carrer Cardenal Casanyes 15
For years, Spanish wine has gone completely unnoticed by the general public and is only now becoming recognized in the wine tasting community for it attributes. When it comes to taste, many of the Rojas from Galatia (northern Spain) can rival high quality Italian and french wines on the market, with only a fraction of the price. In fact, in the states, you can purchase several Spanish vintages rated in the low 90's for less than $10 a bottle. With that said, in Spain you can buy a glass of tinto (house red) or blanco (house white) for less than $2 a glass.
So whenever I travel to Spain, I will start in one tapas or pinxos (Basque tapas) bar and get two or three items and a glass of house wine. When I am done, I simply move on to the next bar and do it all over again. This is a great way to experience the vast culinary heritage of Spain, because each bar has it's own specialties and ambiance. Some restaurants are quiet and subdued (most are before 8 pm), while others are far more rambunctious and colorful. If you can try both varieties it will give you more of an appreciation of the tapas experience and for around $5 a meal, how can you go wrong!
Lastly, try tapas from other regions of Spain. The tapas from the Basque region is going to be more spicy (chorizo al diablo- chorizo sausage soaked in wine then flambeed) where as the fare from Catalan will be more sea food dominated (muscles and shrimp are found in abundance). Even if you are only traveling to one city or region of Spain, you can easily find restaurants specializing in the cuisine of other regions. So do your self a favor and don't miss out. With the food and drinks being so inexpensive and utterly delicious, your next trip to Spain will be a truly memorable experience.
Earlier this year I spent some time in Barcelona and these were some of the exceptional tapas restaurants that I truly enjoyed.
In the Ribera:
Sagardi
Carrer de l'Argenteria 62-64
El Xampanyet
Montcada 22
In Ramblas:
Taverna Basca Irati
Carrer Cardenal Casanyes 15
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