Sunday, October 28, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Flying Kites in Nepal
In the ancient city of Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley, a young child enjoys flying his kite.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Oktoberfest
I'm not sure about any of you, but everywhere I look these days there's an ad or poster for Oktoberfest celebrations. Oktoberfest is about a 16 to 17 day festival held in Munich, Germany that runs from late September to the first weekend in October. I know it seems odd to call it Oktoberfest if in the birthplace of the festival it is mostly held in September. When I was in Munich, one of my tour guides mentioned that it used to be primarily in October but was moved up, so that there would be better weather. For those of you who aren't familiar with the festival, it basically celebrates beer, although I think it originally was a celebration of the wedding of King Ludwig I.
I was not in Munich during Oktoberfest, but if you want to celebrate the great tradition of beer and sausage, then you must go to the Hofbrauhaus to eat. It is filled with history as well. Here's the irony of it all when I went there. I don't drink, and I don't eat pork. That wasn't going to stop me from experiencing this place, so I ordered spaetzle noodles (which is basically mac and cheese) and a coke. Sure the waiter gave Hozafa and I a weird look, and we stuck out like sore thumbs in the midst of all the others with their half liter and one liter steins, but you can't go to Munich without eating here.
This festival is celebrated worldwide, and my first experience with Oktoberfest was in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario where I went to college. Oddly enough I don't drink, but Oktoberfest is a lot of fun in Kitchener since it is one of the biggest celebrations of the festival in Canada. So if you're going to be in Toronto around the beginning of October, take an hour and half trip west to Kitchener and enjoy in some of the festivities.
I was not in Munich during Oktoberfest, but if you want to celebrate the great tradition of beer and sausage, then you must go to the Hofbrauhaus to eat. It is filled with history as well. Here's the irony of it all when I went there. I don't drink, and I don't eat pork. That wasn't going to stop me from experiencing this place, so I ordered spaetzle noodles (which is basically mac and cheese) and a coke. Sure the waiter gave Hozafa and I a weird look, and we stuck out like sore thumbs in the midst of all the others with their half liter and one liter steins, but you can't go to Munich without eating here.
For those of you partaking in any Oktoberfest events where you live, remember to be safe :-)
Enjoy the Cold, But Stay Warm
If any of you are like me, you dislike the cold. I dislike wearing layers of clothing. If I could wear flip flops and t-shirts all year, I'd be a happy camper. As the weather turns here and temperatures start to fall and it feels like 0C/32F, I am sitting wrapped in a blanket writing this post and thinking of warmer times.
One way to stay warm, but still enjoy the cold is by going to places with heated outdoor pools. Here are some places I recommend depending on where you are in the world or where you hope to find yourself to be.
Alpamare
Ludwigstrasse 14, Bad-Tolz, Germany (an easy day trip from Munich)
There is a lot of fun to be had here for adults and children alike. My husband and I went here as a day trip from Munich. We discovered this place through reading of my Lonely Planet guide. We took a train from Munich to Bad Tolz. We did get lost on the way because we discovered that Germany's trains do something I've never seen happen before. We boarded the train in Munich and we reached a certain station and it split apart and went on different tracks. Hozafa and I were sitting in the train and an announcement in German came over the loud speaker. I wasn't listening carefully and I don't speak German, but I did understand that if you are going to place x, y, z go to the front or a, b, c go to the back cars. Which places for which part of the train, I had no clue. We were seated in the back and decided to move to the front cars. The train then split, and as I watched us pass different stations, I realized we should have stayed where we were. Luckily, we managed to find our way back to the original station and eventually to Bad Tolz, but only after a brief scolding in German by the ticket checker who realized that we were ignorant looking tourists. Alpamare has three outdoor heated pools and one indoors. They were an absolutely relaxing way to spend my birthday. We swam, sat and enjoyed the massage jets. It even started to snow briefly, which was fine since the pools are at 32C/90F. If you have kids, there are water slides, indoor surfing and a wave pool. The price wasn't bad. It can range for adults from 20 euros to about 36 euros depending on what day you go and how long you want to stay and what you want to do. The town of Bad Tolz is also very charming. We strolled through a quaint Easter market in the middle of a pedestrian only street selling jams and pottery and the like.
Scandinave Spa - Blue Mountain
152 Grey Rd, Blue Mountain, Ontario, Canada (An hour drive outside of Toronto)
This spa can make a great day trip. If you go mid-week you can have access to the Scandinave Baths for about $40-$50. There's a method to using the heated pools, cold pools, sauna, steam, relaxation rooms, solarium and outdoor fire places. It's a great way to spend a day out with your significant other, which is what I did or even a girls getaway. It's only about an hour drive from Toronto, which makes it a great day away from the city. There are also packages that you can get to stay the night in the Blue Mountain area. I would recommend going through the Blue Mountain Inn. The prices are pretty reasonable, and they also have outdoor hot tubs if you don't get enough at the spa. Collingwood is also a wonderful area to explore. The least busiest time to go would be in the spring and fall because Blue Mountain is a popular summer and winter getaway. Coincidentally, my husband brought me here for my birthday. Maybe this is going to be a trend?
One way to stay warm, but still enjoy the cold is by going to places with heated outdoor pools. Here are some places I recommend depending on where you are in the world or where you hope to find yourself to be.
Alpamare
Ludwigstrasse 14, Bad-Tolz, Germany (an easy day trip from Munich)
There is a lot of fun to be had here for adults and children alike. My husband and I went here as a day trip from Munich. We discovered this place through reading of my Lonely Planet guide. We took a train from Munich to Bad Tolz. We did get lost on the way because we discovered that Germany's trains do something I've never seen happen before. We boarded the train in Munich and we reached a certain station and it split apart and went on different tracks. Hozafa and I were sitting in the train and an announcement in German came over the loud speaker. I wasn't listening carefully and I don't speak German, but I did understand that if you are going to place x, y, z go to the front or a, b, c go to the back cars. Which places for which part of the train, I had no clue. We were seated in the back and decided to move to the front cars. The train then split, and as I watched us pass different stations, I realized we should have stayed where we were. Luckily, we managed to find our way back to the original station and eventually to Bad Tolz, but only after a brief scolding in German by the ticket checker who realized that we were ignorant looking tourists. Alpamare has three outdoor heated pools and one indoors. They were an absolutely relaxing way to spend my birthday. We swam, sat and enjoyed the massage jets. It even started to snow briefly, which was fine since the pools are at 32C/90F. If you have kids, there are water slides, indoor surfing and a wave pool. The price wasn't bad. It can range for adults from 20 euros to about 36 euros depending on what day you go and how long you want to stay and what you want to do. The town of Bad Tolz is also very charming. We strolled through a quaint Easter market in the middle of a pedestrian only street selling jams and pottery and the like.Scandinave Spa - Blue Mountain
152 Grey Rd, Blue Mountain, Ontario, Canada (An hour drive outside of Toronto)
This spa can make a great day trip. If you go mid-week you can have access to the Scandinave Baths for about $40-$50. There's a method to using the heated pools, cold pools, sauna, steam, relaxation rooms, solarium and outdoor fire places. It's a great way to spend a day out with your significant other, which is what I did or even a girls getaway. It's only about an hour drive from Toronto, which makes it a great day away from the city. There are also packages that you can get to stay the night in the Blue Mountain area. I would recommend going through the Blue Mountain Inn. The prices are pretty reasonable, and they also have outdoor hot tubs if you don't get enough at the spa. Collingwood is also a wonderful area to explore. The least busiest time to go would be in the spring and fall because Blue Mountain is a popular summer and winter getaway. Coincidentally, my husband brought me here for my birthday. Maybe this is going to be a trend?
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday Breakfast
As I sit here at my table, quietly enjoying my morning cup of chai and bagel, I am reminded of how much I enjoy breakfast. I think that comes from many Sunday breakfasts with my parents. My dad making his famous omelette, and my mom serving up hot cups of chai. As we got older, we cultivated a tradition of going out for breakfast for everyone's birthday. My husband is not so much a morning person or a food person, so when I do get the opportunity to enjoy a good breakfast somewhere I am definitely reminded of my family. I just realized that this may sound like something has happened to my family, but nothing has. I just moved from home about a year ago, and they aren't as close as I'd like them to be.
So on the topic of breakfast, here are some breakfast restaurants I encourage you to try depending on where you find yourself.
Market Street Cafe
701 Front Street, Celebration, Florida 34747
It is in this quaint little area about five minutes from the intersection of International Drive and US192. I couldn't believe it. US192 is a circus of signs for chain restaurants and helicopter rides and goofy gift stores. This seemed like the main strip for a quiet little town. I'm sure this area is a lot busier during peak season of June to August, but in mid-September it was a tranquil way to spend the morning. The food is nothing fancy, but the view of the lake across the street was really nice. The price is right as well. For scrambled eggs, home fries and coffee, it ran me $8.
Cora
Anywhere in the Toronto Area
If you find yourself in Toronto or the surrounding area, look for Cora. This is where my family and I go for breakfast. They are a breakfast and lunch only restaurant. The food presentation, the fresh fruits, the fresh juice/coffee and the friendly service are four reasons we keep going back. My sister and I are not big eaters, so many times we'll order one of the bigger plates and just share the meal. Get there early because this place can have line ups that stretch quite a ways, especially on a Sunday morning.
Blue's Egg
317 North 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
I took my mother-in-law and my husband here for Mother's day. We arrived at 7:45am (the place opens at 7am), and we still had an hour and a half wait. I can't imagine if we had arrived any later than that. It was a struggle in itself to get them there for 7:45am. We went up to the hostess and asked for a table of three, and she handed us a playing card. We waited and enjoyed cups of coffee and conversation as we passed the time. Around 9am, we were seated. The food was fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed a ratatouille omelette with fresh basil. My mother-in-law and had a Mother's day special, which was a Parisian omelette. I can't remember what was in it now, but I believe the creamy brie is what made it mouthwateringly good. I have a feeling this place has a line up even when it isn't a special occasion, so get there early and start your day off right.
Mugg & Bean
Spinney's Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, UAE
This is a restaurant chain that originates in South Africa. I personally have not been to South Africa, but I have been to the ones in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi locations do not have a website yet, so the link above is to the South African site. I looked around the UAE site is under construction. The location in Abu Dhabi I prefer is the one located above Spinney's in the Khalidya area. This is a typical restaurant, but it's a great place to go before going grocery shopping for those items you miss from home. Patrons range from locals to expats. The menu is standard breakfast and lunch fare, and it's all pretty consistent. It is also a stone's throw from the Abu Dhabi Corniche, which would be a great place to walk off the big breakfast you eat.
So on the topic of breakfast, here are some breakfast restaurants I encourage you to try depending on where you find yourself.
Market Street Cafe
701 Front Street, Celebration, Florida 34747
It is in this quaint little area about five minutes from the intersection of International Drive and US192. I couldn't believe it. US192 is a circus of signs for chain restaurants and helicopter rides and goofy gift stores. This seemed like the main strip for a quiet little town. I'm sure this area is a lot busier during peak season of June to August, but in mid-September it was a tranquil way to spend the morning. The food is nothing fancy, but the view of the lake across the street was really nice. The price is right as well. For scrambled eggs, home fries and coffee, it ran me $8.
Cora
Anywhere in the Toronto Area
If you find yourself in Toronto or the surrounding area, look for Cora. This is where my family and I go for breakfast. They are a breakfast and lunch only restaurant. The food presentation, the fresh fruits, the fresh juice/coffee and the friendly service are four reasons we keep going back. My sister and I are not big eaters, so many times we'll order one of the bigger plates and just share the meal. Get there early because this place can have line ups that stretch quite a ways, especially on a Sunday morning.
Blue's Egg
317 North 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
I took my mother-in-law and my husband here for Mother's day. We arrived at 7:45am (the place opens at 7am), and we still had an hour and a half wait. I can't imagine if we had arrived any later than that. It was a struggle in itself to get them there for 7:45am. We went up to the hostess and asked for a table of three, and she handed us a playing card. We waited and enjoyed cups of coffee and conversation as we passed the time. Around 9am, we were seated. The food was fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed a ratatouille omelette with fresh basil. My mother-in-law and had a Mother's day special, which was a Parisian omelette. I can't remember what was in it now, but I believe the creamy brie is what made it mouthwateringly good. I have a feeling this place has a line up even when it isn't a special occasion, so get there early and start your day off right.
Mugg & Bean
Spinney's Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, UAE
This is a restaurant chain that originates in South Africa. I personally have not been to South Africa, but I have been to the ones in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi locations do not have a website yet, so the link above is to the South African site. I looked around the UAE site is under construction. The location in Abu Dhabi I prefer is the one located above Spinney's in the Khalidya area. This is a typical restaurant, but it's a great place to go before going grocery shopping for those items you miss from home. Patrons range from locals to expats. The menu is standard breakfast and lunch fare, and it's all pretty consistent. It is also a stone's throw from the Abu Dhabi Corniche, which would be a great place to walk off the big breakfast you eat.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
You Are My Heroes!
In a twist of fate, I happen to be wearing my UMB t-shirt that I bought over the summer when I was at UMASS Dartmouth. So not only did I get to take photos like a little kid with many of her favourite superheroes. I also got to represent UMB while I was at it.
What better advertising for UMB than Captain America? Or Possibly Storm?
That's a little bit of the kid in me. I never read comic books, but there's something about superheroes and their willingness to do things for the greater good that always appealed to me. Sure their superpowers and angst ridden dramatic back stories made for interesting cartoons and now major motion pictures, but that doing what's right moral code really speaks to me, especially when I see such a lack of it in every realm of reality. I digress.
Universal Studios, although expensive, will always be one of my favourite theme parks because of the movies. Luckily, this time around, I was able to at least see this section for free.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Welcome to My Explorations
If you are reading this, then you have some how navigated to my blog interested in either what I've been doing or recommendations on what you might want to do. Either way, I'm happy to have you here. My hope is to not only share my thoughts and experiences, but to also hear what your opinions and experiences are.
I like to share info about things to do, places to eat, where to stay, attractions to see and general things to enjoy when I am out and about. That may be in the city that I reside or any time I'm traveling around.
I encourage you to read all that I write with a grain of salt because at the end of the day they are just my opinions on my experiences. Sometimes the littlest things can be the difference between a great experience or a mediocre one. It's like reading reviews on websites like yelp and TripAdvisor when someone is complaining about a hotel because it doesn't have a flat screen television in the room or about an attraction because it was raining outside. I try not to give places a hard time over things they can't control or what I believe to be trivial. I do my best to be a traveler that enjoys and is a part of her new surroundings rather than expecting it to be just like home. On that note, that is my angle for my musings.
I recently went to Orlando, Florida and had an almost non-theme park/non-Disney/non-chain restaurant experience, so stay tuned for recommendations on where to go and eat that don't have mouse ears or "steak house" any where near it. On the right is a photo of a leucistic alligator at Gatorland. A quick preview of more to come.
Until next time ...
I like to share info about things to do, places to eat, where to stay, attractions to see and general things to enjoy when I am out and about. That may be in the city that I reside or any time I'm traveling around.
I encourage you to read all that I write with a grain of salt because at the end of the day they are just my opinions on my experiences. Sometimes the littlest things can be the difference between a great experience or a mediocre one. It's like reading reviews on websites like yelp and TripAdvisor when someone is complaining about a hotel because it doesn't have a flat screen television in the room or about an attraction because it was raining outside. I try not to give places a hard time over things they can't control or what I believe to be trivial. I do my best to be a traveler that enjoys and is a part of her new surroundings rather than expecting it to be just like home. On that note, that is my angle for my musings.
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| Leucistic Alligator |
Until next time ...
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