Oaxaca, Mexico is closer to the shores of the Pacific Ocean than to the warm waters and white beaches of the Caribbean Sea. For this reason, if a beach vacation is what you are looking for, it can hardly be comparable to Mexico destinations such as Cancún or Cozumel. But if you are a fan of folk art, could admire hand-made crafts for hours, and you’d be interested in exploring the vibrant world of Mexico’s distinct contemporary art and the country’s ancient traditions, Oaxaca has a lot to offer.
Death is a real part of the Mexican culture, and Oaxaca is a city that celebrates the dead in ecstatic thrill of life. In almost every craft store, you will find art-pieces referencing death. Looking at tiny statues of skeletons placed next to vividly painted masks and wooden boxes, you get a grasp of how visions of contemporary artists fuse with subtle influences of ancient cultures.
The same thing could be said about many festivals and celebrations that Oaxaca is so well known for. The Night of the Radishes, celebrated on December 23, is probably the strangest of Oaxaca’s fiestas. On the night before Christmas, people from all over the valley meet at the zócalo, the main square, to present the largest of their homegrown radishes, which they have carved into any imaginable objects. The greatest local celebration is, however, the Day of the Dead. This Mexican equivalent to Halloween is celebrated on November 2 and represents an opportunity to actually mock the death by preparing lavish altars and dishes dedicated to the deceased and celebrating life. Oaxaca is a very popular place to celebrate Day of the Dead, so anyone considering visiting Oaxaca around this time should book accommodation in advance.
To me personally, Oaxaca is a perfect spot for a romantic vacation. Here, you can spend the day visiting galleries and city markets, and have a lunch in one of several restaurants at the main square. Later, you can stop by at the Centro Cultural Santo Domingo, where you’ll find a magnificent collection of gold and ancient jewelry retrieved from Monte Alban, a large pre-Columbian archeological site located about 5.6 miles west of Oaxaca City. And as the evening falls, you have a great opportunity to explore several great restaurants and bars of the Oaxaca City. Even if your budget does not allow you to stay in the luxurious Camino Real, you can still enjoy an afternoon cup of fine cappuccino in the hotel’s garden restaurant while listening to Mexican performers singing in the background. Another romantic spot might be the Hostal de La Noria, a beautifully restored colonial mansion with a very good indoor and outdoor restaurant, in which will the chef prepare some of the less complicated courses right in front of your eyes. But as for a quiet late evening for two, I recommend Casa Oaxaca – a hotel with an adjacent art gallery, a great restaurant serving delicious food and excellent wine, and a beautiful small bar, where the bartenders will prepare for you one of the smoothest margarita cocktails you’ve ever had. It is probably the best place to finish, or start, an evening.
July 24, 2007 No Comments
Visiting Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland, is something I recommend to everyone. Krakow’s Old Town was declared a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 1978and it became the most densely ‘pub-populated’ UNESCO Heritage Site in the world. Some Krakovians pride themselves with a saying that there’s more drinking holes per square meter here than anywhere else. And although the service is not always the best and finding a place to sit after 10 pm may be difficult, the spark of the vibrant Krakow night life will surely brighten up your travels.
The horizon above the Old Town is dominated by a mythical Wawel Castle, notable for its stunning courtyard and an incredible collection of jewel-encrusted. It is in Krakow where you will find Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece Lady with an Ermine. Arguably the most beautiful out of only three female portraits know to be painted by Leonardo, Lady with an Ermine is displayed in the Czartoryskich Museum at 19 Sw. Jana Street.
Poles are film fanatics and art-house films, many of them in English with Polish subtitles, are mainstream here. So if you have time, you can go to see them in some of the coolest cinemas in Europe. Once in Krakow, don’t miss the unique Wieliczka Salt Mines with wonderful rooms, sculptures and a chapel craved entirely from salt! And while somebody might just be getting married in the salty chapel 200 meters under the ground, you may indulge in another one of Leonardo’s masterpieces, The Last Supper.
July 20, 2007 No Comments
It hasn’t been long since I stayed in a bed and breakfast for the first time myself, but ever since I did, B&B has become my favorite type of accommodation while traveling. Staying at a bed and breakfast is a very enjoyable experience, but it is also quite different from staying in a hotel. Here are some B&B basics that first time B&B goers might find useful to remember:
1. Things in the house are not easily replaceable
Before anything else, it is important to realize that the majority of B&Bs are family-run or owner-operated. This means that the furniture is antique and that fine linens and beddings offered are usually family heirlooms. This is what makes staying at B&B so special, but also makes the items a lot more difficult to replace than in a hotel. Also, unlike in a hotel, there is usually no front desk with an at-all-time available staff at a bed and breakfast.
2. B&B is not very suitable for children
Unless a special family room is offered, taking very young children with you to a bed and breakfast is not advisable. While there are some B&Bs that accept babies and little children, most don’t. This is because many of the bed and breakfast guests prefer peace and quiet, and because the rooms are rarely child-proof. On the other hand, bed and breakfast is an ideal place to stay for women traveling alone.
3. Have special dietary needs? Ask in advance.
The menu usually consists of culinary specialties cooked by the innkeepers and is the same for all. If you have any special dietary needs, ask about them while making a reservation. This is when you should also discuss your breakfast preferences. Many B&B owners will try to accommodate your requests.
4. Eating in the rooms is not always allowed
While complimentary refreshments alongside with a fridge to keep things cold are commonly provided, many bed and breakfast owners don’t allow eating in the bedrooms. Also, you shouldn’t expect a TV set or a telephone in every room. Check with the owner what is permitted and what facilities are available prior to your arrival.
5. Ask the host
The attention you will receive in a bed and breakfast is at a much more personal level than it would be in a hotel. The innkeeper will tell you all he or she knows about the history of the place you are visiting and will happily recommend where to go and what to see. If you are wondering which restaurant to pick or which castle is open to public when, ask the host.
6. Before bringing your own stuff, check what’s available
Things like bikes, beach chairs, ski, or towels are often available at B&B. Asking prior to the arrival can save you carrying equipment you may not need.
7. Use guidebook certificates
Many guidebooks contain buy-one-get-one-free certificates. The money saved using them can add up to several hundreds of dollars.
8. Cancellation periods may be long
Before booking a room at B&B, make sure you know what the cancellation policy states. The cancellation period in bed and breakfast is usually longer than for hotels or motels. During the high season, it may be as long as 45 days.
July 20, 2007 No Comments
Camping is the ultimate summer activity. I know I have always enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature with my friends and family. And one of the great camping locations in the United States is the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. It is a great place whether you want to relax or have an outdoor adventure. The mountains are a haven for outdoor recreation of all kinds, and no matter how old you are, you are guaranteed to have a good time camping at the Adirondack Mountains.
The region can boast of over 3,000 ponds and lakes perfect for canoeing, swimming and fishing. For more adventurous people, there are 1,500 miles of rivers allowing for whitewater rafting of many different levels. If you prefer to stay dry, you can take advantage of the nation’s largest hiking trail system, consisting of 2,000 miles of hiking trails. I am a history buff, and the Adirondacks region even allowed me to satisfy that fix with museums and French and Indian War-era forts.
One other advantage of the Adirondacks Mountains as a summer recreational area is the incredible variety of places to stay. There are more 4-star resorts in the area than any other destination in the state. For those that would rather “rough” it, there are nearly 100 different campgrounds available. My favorite of the many camping destinations is called Yogi Bear’s Jelllystone National Park at Paradise Pines (800-232-5349).
Jellystone National Park is the perfect jumping-off point for family campers. If you are not traveling with kids, this is probably not the place for you. But if you are, the campground is clean, friendly and family-oriented. There are new cabins (designed for two adults and two children) with new bathrooms and new kitchens stating at $65 per day. But for a better value try the new large campsites that are compatible with any kind of camping equipment that you decide to bring. They start at $41 per day.
The camping area is safe and secure, and its setting along the Schroon River yields the most gorgeous views between the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Jellystone National park is in a perfect area too, allowing you the serenity of a relaxing resort but also easy access to all the attractions in the Adirondacks region. If that isn’t enough, the staff at the campground also offers food delivered right to your campsite. Jellystone even allows you to bring your pets camping with you (although this is only available for those staying in cabins). Open from May 1 to October 20, is the perfect summer camping site for you and your family.
July 19, 2007 No Comments
Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic’s new airline, has finally trekked across the Atlantic to make a permanent landing on U.S. soil. As of August 9th and 29th, Virgin America will become a functioning domestic airline. The San Francisco based airline Virgin Atlantic Airways, originating in 1984, has expanded their repertoire and is now offering flights between five U.S. cities ranging from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angles (LAX), New York (JFK), Las Vegas (LAS), and Washington D.C (IAD). This is excluding the 27 other locations that Virgin Atlantic Airways regularly services.
Virgin Atlantic Airways is known for their luxurious amenities, being the first airline to supply every individual passenger with his/her own television. Each individual traveler will experience subtle mood lighting, leather seats, a nine-inch TV with live feeds, an array of 25 movies to choose from, and has access to a power outlet. Extra luxuries in first class include all of the above amenities, as well as oversized massaging seats.
Virgin America is currently holding an opening sale seven days a week, through November 14th. This sale includes cross country flights from both New York to Los Angles (starting August 29th) and New York to San Francisco (starting August 9th) for only $139 each way. If you want to upgrade to the mechanical masseuse class, it’s $389 each way. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, accommodating, and relaxing airline between the major cities in the states, Virgin America is your provider.
July 19, 2007 No Comments
The Gulf of Mexico has long been a popular vacation spot for American tourists. But that popularity has its downside in crowded beaches, long lines and booked hotel rooms. There is a better alternative, though, for those that wish to enjoy the white sand beaches and blue waters of the Gulf. Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers all of the amenities without the congestion.
Alabama’s southern shore offers something for everyone. For water enthusiasts, the area offers everything from fishing and deep-sea fishing to sailing, boating and parasailing. You can even go scuba diving in the warm, beautiful water of the Gulf of Mexico. There are designer discount shopping malls that cater to every need. And eight pristine golf courses are in the area, offering you the chance to engage in the ultimate warm-weather activity.
The coastal region has two major towns, Gulf Shore and Orange Beach. Of the two, Orange Beach only has 6,000 permanent residents, making it the perfect getaway for a great vacation. Most of the city is located on a completely man-made plot of land called Pleasure Island, making Orange Beach ideally suited for your beach vacation. There is even a Charter Fishing Fleet through which you can rent your own boat during the time you stay there. Amazingly, the town even has its own football team, the North American Football League’s Alabama Lightning. If football is not your thing, Orange Beach is also known for a lively artistic scene, featuring local musicians, painters, photographers, sculptors and writers.
It is relatively easy to get to Orange Beach as well. The town is 60 miles from Mobile and only 20 miles from Pensacola. All the major American airlines fly to Pensacola, and while you’re there, you can even check out the United States Naval Air Station and Museum.
Perdido Beach Resort, one of the best beach resorts in America, is located right on the Gulf of Mexico in Orange beach. The hotel has some top restaurants, including Café Palm Breeze and the Voyager’s Restaurant. There you will be served local seafood, Gulf-style. You can enjoy yourself with a private beach, reserved solely for the hotel’s guests. Or, you can lounge by the poolside bar, enjoying the piano music from the lobby. The Perdido Beach resort and Orange Beach can be enjoyed year-round for as low as $112 per night. For more information, call the Perdido Beach Resort at 1-800-634-8001. Don’t miss this summer on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, one of America’s best-kept secrets.
July 19, 2007 No Comments
If the magic of medieval European cities is what you’re into, you’ll love Tallinn. I fell in love with Tallinn immediately, when I visited the Estonian capital for the first time a couple years ago. Full of 13th through 17th century buildings, churches and towers, the city offers an interesting cultural mix of Danish, Swedish, Russian, and German influences. Not many outsiders know that the city’s name, derived from the Estonian for “Danish Fort” (taani linnus), is a reminder of the fact that Tallinn was founded by the Danes in early 13th century and the political control over the city has nearly always been in the hands of foreigners from then on. In the past, Tallinn was dominated by Germans, ruled by the kinds of Sweden and the tsars of Russia and later, it became a part of the USSR.
Tallinn is a wonderful place to be indulging in hot chocolates, fine European pastries, delicious Estonian food and excellent beer. During the day, you can soak up the northern European sun at the beaches of the Baltic Sea. You could also stay in the city center and climb a few more than 270 stairs up to the top of St. Olaf’s cathedral. Once the tallest building in the world, you enjoy the magnificent view of the city from here. I actually think that the most amazing thing to do in Tallinn is to walk around its cobblestone streets and observe the little details of the city. You will find wooden doors covered with peculiar geometric patterns, beautiful stained glass windows, or a myriad of architectonic styles and designs noticeable in the city’s numerous churches.
While the overall image of Tallinn is that of a very historic city, I was amazed to find how widespread and accessible free Wifi zones in Tallinn are. Many bars and cafes let you bring in your laptop and surf the Internet for free.
Tallinn is a small city, so three days may be just enough time to stay there, especially if you don’t particularly love history and architecture or are on a tight travel schedule. But it’s definitely worth seeing.
July 18, 2007 No Comments
The number of Canadian tourists visiting the United States is increasing as the Canadian dollar approaches parity with the U.S. dollar. Strong currency has encouraged Canadians to travel to the States already last summer when the loonie, as Canada’s currency is called after the loon in the back of the dollar coin, reached its 28-year high against the US dollar. But while the loonie was worth 90 U.S. cents back then, the deal is even better for Canadians now. Currently, the loonie is being traded for 95 U.S. cents. Considering that a Canadian traveler would receive no more than some 62 U.S. cents for one Canadian dollar five years ago, this is a dramatic change. As a result, Canadian travel to the USA has increased by 23 percent within the past five years. Reportedly, some Canadian banks even had to dip into their reserves after running out of the green bills as more and more Canadians exchange their loonies for their trips south across the boarder.
New York, Florida and Washington are among the U.S. destinations that attract Canadian visitors the most. Another popular vacation spot is Old Orchard in Maine, which offers 7 miles of a sandy beach and is just a few hours of driving away from Quebec. And with gas being roughly one dollar cheaper in the United States than in Canada, those few hours behind the wheel are well worth it. Not even lengthy wait times at boarder crossings or chilly waters of the North Atlantic can discourage Canadians from enjoying an affordable vacation.
In accordance with the overall trend, the number of overnight trips from Canada to the U.S. has also been rising. Analysts conclude that strong currency has apparently helped Canadians to overcome concerns over the war in Iraq and the SARS scare that was haunting Canadian travelers three years ago.
According to currency strategists, the trend of the Canadian dollar approaching parity with its U.S. counterpart is likely to continue for a number of years. If the future is to prove the prognosis correct, we can expect Canadian travel to the United States to rise further.
July 18, 2007 No Comments
I decided to visit Bordeaux because I love wine. While I don’t think it would be impossible to appreciate the superb quality of French wine without the approval of a wine specialist, paying for an organized trip with a knowledgeable host is most definitely worth your money. Also, some of the exclusive estates where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the world’s most famous chateaux, like Chateaux Margaux, Latour or Lafite Rotschild, are not always open to the general public.
My personal problem with the wine world is that it tends to be pretentious and elitist at times. And – as the locals admit themselves – Bordeaux is no exception. So if you are like me, you are probably planning your wine tasting vacation with one question in mind: how do I truly enjoy luxury wine snobbery-free? The good news is that there are some companies, such as Wine Lovers Tour Bordeaux that offer passionate yet relaxed and informal tours run. Having a host who is a wine professional and a Bordeaux local is something I recommend. Locals’ understanding of the complexities of this world’s most celebrated wine region is usually unparalleled by those who are mere Bordeaux visitors.
Good food is an obvious part of a wine tasting experience and Bordeaux is known for its excellent Michelin starred restaurants. But while the dining is sure to be superb, eating in some of these impressive restaurants can sometimes turn into an exam. That’s why I was relieved when our guide made it clear that our wine tour is meant to be truly gourmet but without the formal stuffiness. My absolutely favorite was the Relais & Chateaux Restaurant Hautrive Saint James – a great restaurant surrounded by its own vineyard, offering a fabulous view on Bordeaux.
My Bordeaux wine tasting trip was exactly what I had hoped for. I was amazed by the depth of our host’s knowledge. Not only do I know the taste of the best Bordeaux wine but I also learned to see how to choose a really good wine from those more affordable ones. No more panic when I’m handed the wine list or the cork.
I call myself a wine beginner, but some of the people in our group were advanced wine enthusiasts. Regardless of the level differences, we all loved the tour, for we have one thing in common: we love wine and hate snobbery.
July 17, 2007 No Comments
The Greek islands have been a popular destination for a long time. But if you’re like me, then you are turned off by the incredible throngs of people you cannot help but run into at a place like Crete. The island of Lesbos, on the other hand, is green, fun, accessible and, best of all, relatively quiet.
It is a little bit of a trek to get to Lesbos because the island is actually closer to Turkey than to Greece. But ferries do leave Piraeus (which is a major port in Greece and relatively easy to get to) every day, usually around dusk. You’ll arrive at the provincial capital of Mytilene at around 7 AM. The key is not to spend much time in Mytilene; there is much more to do in the island’s other major cities of Eressos, Kaloni and Molyvos.
Eressos is the birthplace of the Greek poet Sappho. Widely considered to be the originator of modern lyrical poetry, Sappho’s poems are full of powerful emotion towards other women. The association of this island with her poems is how we get the term “lesbian.” As such, the town is a popular destination for lesbian tourists. But it is also a spectacular family destination that boasts one of the best beaches in the world.
Kaloni is one of the two big bays on the island. If you like to fish, this town will feel like heaven. The locals claim that the region’s sardines are internationally renowned and treasured. Last, you have to drink some ouzo while you’re in Kaloni. It is the national liquor of Greece, and it is very similar to anise. I mention this because Kaloni serves the best ouzo in all of Greece.
You should end your day in Lesbos in the town of Molyvos. It is on a beautiful harbor, and has a hotel called the Sera Horse that is both affordable and convenient. That’s true of the island as a whole, really; everything is inexpensive but it does not detract from the experience. You save money by traveling to Lesbos, but you have just as much fun here as anywhere else. Traveling to Lesbos is a great experience and a great value; that’s why it is one of my favorite Greek islands.
July 17, 2007 No Comments
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