Blog - Go Backpacking

Teotihuacan: The Ancient Pyramids of a Lost Civilization

The Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent).

[T]he Pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 30 miles outside of Mexico City.

Dating back 2,000 years, the city was once thought to support 125,000 people, making it one of the largest urban centers in the world at that time.

Despite its grandeur, little is known about the civilization that built the pyramids at Teotihuacan.

By the time the Aztecs discovered the city, it had already been abandoned for hundreds of years.

Today, modern technology including radar and robots are slowly lifting the veil on the mysterious history of a lost civilization.

In the late 1980's, a burial pit containing the remains of 200 sacrificed warriors was discovered at the core of the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. As recently as 2011, a robot was used to discover ancient burial chambers, which have been sealed off for as many as 1,800 years. Source

The Pyramid of the Sun — Completed around 200 AD, the Pyramid of the Sun is 63 meters tall, with a base 225 meters long on each of the four sides. It is the largest structure in Teotihuacan, and one of the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

The steep climb up the Pyramid of the Sun rewards visitors with sweeping views of Teotihuacan, including the Pyramid of the Moon (seen in the upper right).

A straight view toward the Avenue of the Dead, which runs the length of Teotihuacan, from atop the Temple of the Sun. — A straight view toward the Avenue of the Dead, which runs the length of Teotihuacan, from atop the Pyramid of the Sun.

People of all ages were climbing the Pyramid of the Sun, from toddlers to older folks. Like me, I believe most felt a lot more comfortable once they were back down again.

The Pyramid of the Sun as viewed from the Avenue of the Dead.

Walking down the Avenue of the Dead, toward the Pyramid of the Moon. This main street through Teotihuacan runs north/south for approximately two miles.

The 46-meter Pyramid of the Moon also contains evidence of human and animal sacrifices.

Green bird painted in the Templo de los Caracoles Emplumados (Green Bird Procession).

Patio de los Pilares (Patio of Pillars) located in the Quetzalpapalotl Palace, near the Pyramid of the Moon.

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The Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan became a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Click here for the full list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

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My Mexico Ancient Civilizations tour is in partnership with G Adventures. Any opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Dubai Art Scene

It's a familiar story in cities worldwide: artists move into rundown areas for the cheap rents, which begins a process of regeneration and-to use a dirtier word-gentrification.

Dubai doesn't need any help with either of those things. I mean, why would it need artists to help regenerate areas of the city when it can simply build the living daylights out of anything that isn't already spectacular?

Dubai Marina — Dubai (photo: Fabio Achilli)

But anyone who loves art and its effect on a place ought to be pleased by Dubai's art scene. Like in other cities, it's a grass-roots movement rather than an installation from above.

Dubai's Al Quoz district started blossoming as an artistic haven around the same time as East London and Brooklyn, New York City. Like those hubs of creativity, Al Quoz is a formerly rundown area that still looks like an industrial no-man's land.

Old factories and warehouses, which have barely changed on the outside, are now home to art galleries and studios - the backbone of the Middle East's groovy new arts scene.

Traveling down its streets, there are vantages where you could confuse Al Quoz for the industrial zones of London and Brooklyn, where young artists have migrated in search of cheap rent and studio space. It looks, feels, and mostly is a world away from the glitz and hubris of central Dubai.

The nucleus of the Middle East's avant-garde is the Third Line gallery, an ultra-modernist white cube where the UAE meets the West Coast of the USA.

From the outside, you could be staring at a piece of California pop art-a scene from Ruscha, Hopper, or early Hockney. However, inside, a Western template is given over to support mostly up-and-coming and established artists from the Middle East.

Step into the Third Line on any given day, and you could be treated to an exhibition or a talk by one of the region's many accomplished artists and a bookshop supporting its growing body of fantastic contemporary art.

Make no mistake, Dubai isn't a pale imitation of a Western gallery. It holds its own on the international stage, as do the many other relatively new galleries in Al Quoz. Middle Eastern artists are increasingly breaking into the global art scene, and the world appears to be taking notice.

Attend one of the private views or exhibition openings in Al Quoz. You won't just find Arabian art dealers scouting for pieces from the local talent. You'll hear art connoisseurs from London, New York, and Paris come to see what Dubai has to offer. And, like me, they're usually very impressed.

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This post was brought to you by Letsgo2.com.

The Old Wailuku Inn: Maui's Historic B&B

Anyone who visits Hawaii knows that the tiny island of Maui is a land dedicated to the blend of traditions and history with the new and modern.

Any luau you go to or trail you hike is reminiscent of the customs and concepts of the Hawaiian past but designed to accommodate today's travelers.

As budget travelers, often with more time to travel than the average vacationers, we like to find a place's real cultural attractions.

After enough time on the road, the hotels, natural attractions, and food tend to blend together.

That's why I sought out a Hawaiian-themed Bed & Breakfast to base myself as I traveled around Maui.

Even Hawaiian architecture is indicative of the time it was made, crossing European stylings with adjustments made for the natural light and warmth offered up by the beautiful islands.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Hawaii and want to see the blend of old and new for yourself when you wake up every morning, then The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono is the ideal spot.

Initially built in 1924 by banking industry pioneer Charles Dexter Lufkin as a wedding present for his son and daughter-in-law, The Old Wailuku Inn is known as the "Queen of Old Wailuku" homes.

It has been registered and recognized by the Hawaii Historic Preservation Division as a noteworthy building. It's easy to see why.

Lufkin adapted his building plan to the natural resources available on what was then called High Street, the most desirable piece of property on the island.

An H-shaped floor plan allowed the valley's cooling trade winds to serve as nature's air conditioner, and the many double-hung windows let plenty of bright light in.

For readers without architecture degrees, it means that The Old Wailuku Inn is just as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Ulu Room at The Old Wailuk (photo: Tony Novak-Clifford)

However, like all beautiful things, the building eventually lost much of its luster. It fell into disuse and disrepair until it was purchased by hospitality specialists Tom and Janice Fairbanks in 1995.

I bet it was the ideal place for urban exploration in Maui.

Tom and Janice spent the next two years restoring and renovating the building with the help of some of the top architecture firms in Maui.

Tom and Janice Fairbanks at The Old Wailuku Inn (photo: Tony Novak-Clifford)

I should also mention that a B&B is only as good as the owners.

Tom and Janice are the type of personable Innkeepers who will greet you when you arrive, chat with you at breakfast, and make sure you find your way to the off-the-beaten-track restaurants, natural wonders, and events.

The Old Wailuku Inn Lanai (photo: Ric Noyle)

They add the personal Hawaii touch to the property because both were born and raised in Hawaii, unlike most hospitality workers who migrate from mainland U.S.A.

And they are just as passionate about living in Maui as those who chose to move to Hawaii of their own free will.

In 1997, they opened the doors to The Old Wailuku Inn, originally a seven-room bed and breakfast sought out by travelers worldwide.

But in 2002, three additional rooms were opened in the separate building where I stayed, known as Vagabond's House. Is it a coincidence they placed me there?

A shared porch, dining area, and artifact-filled living room make The Old Wailuku Inn perfectly suitable for guests to meet each other, share stories, and form friendships on their travels, including the older German woman I swapped stories with at breakfast one morning.

Besides the beautiful and spacious rooms, the highlight of any visit is the gourmet breakfast, filled with intricately cut fresh fruits and soft pastries like homemade cinnamon buns.

The Old Wailuku Inn is located a short walk away from many stores and attractions downtown, but you may just spend the day talking with other travelers.

Meeting classical charm and modern stylings, The Old Wailuku Inn is the best rest in Maui.

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My trip to Maui was provided in collaboration with Maui, the Magic Isle. The opinions expressed above are my own.

Flying from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama

My Sky Airlines plane at Santiago's International Airport

Last May, I boarded a Sky Airline flight from Santiago to Calama, in northern Chile.

Calama is the nearest airport to San Pedro de Atacama, a small pueblo in the middle of the Atacama Desert.

The first flight took an hour and twenty minutes to go from Santiago to Copiapo. After a brief layover, we then flew another hour further north to Calama.

My flights delivered me from Santiago to Calama in two and a half hours, whereas the bus, though cheaper, takes 24 hours.

And from what I've heard, it's tedious and boring (you're driving through the desert after all), so do yourself a favor and spend the extra money to fly.

View of Santiago during take off — Taking off from Santiago was the only time in five days that I had this good a view of the snow-capped mountains surrounding the Chilean capital

Chamonate Airport outside Copiapo — My first flight landed halfway between Santiago and Calama, at the Chamonate Airport which services the city of Copiapo

Airport terminal — The airport terminal's roof is shaped like waves, or perhaps they're meant to mimic sand dunes, as we were clearly in the desert by this point. A yellow sign toward the right spells "Atacama."

Snow-capped volcano — Passing a snow-capped volcano as we near Calama in northern Chile

Descending toward the Martian landscape — As our plane descended, along with the sun, the ground glowed a brilliant orange-red. It felt as though we were about to land on Mars.

The otherworldly Atacama desert landscape

Wing transformation — As we approached the runway at Calama's El Loa Airport, the wings and engines transformed in a way I'd never seen before

Passengers walk off the Sky Airlines plane on the tarmac at El Loa Airport at sunset

My first sunset over the Atacama Desert, as seen from the tarmac at El Loa Airport in Calama

Chilling With George Kahumoku Jr and the Slack Key Show

Slack Key Guitar Show — George Kahumoku Jr and Da Ukulele Boyz

[L]ike all cultures, music is vital to Hawaiian expression and identity.

Most mainlanders associate the ukulele as the chosen instrument of the islands, but for over 150 years, Hawaiians have been playing a guitar of their own.

These musicians created a new method commonly referred to as "Slack Key" that's unique and relaxed, just like the Hawaiian spirit.

In the early 19th century, Mexican cowboys introduced Islanders to the guitar, and the native Hawaiians invented a new style known as ki ho‘alu, which literally means "Loosen the [tuning] key".

"Slack Key" guitar consists of taking normal guitar tuning and loosening the strings until they form a completely new, gentler, more soothing chord when strummed openly.

Of course, this new style means a completely new way of playing, and fortunately the Napili Kai Beach Resort has been the home to George Kahumoku Jr, one of the world's masters of slack-key playing, for the past few years.

They call it the Slack Key Show - Masters of Hawaiian Music.

You enter the Aloha pavilion at the Napili Kai Beach Resort in Lahaina, with a tropical theme and the palm tree-lined beach a short distance below.

George Kahumoku, Jr. is the original star and clearly a mentor to the other slack key guitar musicians.

From the moment George takes the stage, on thing is clear: This is the house of George. It's his home, and you will never see anyone more at ease on stage.

George Kahumoku, Jr has won multiple Grammy awards and contributed to multiple film and documentary soundtracks.

True to his roots, he constantly gives back to the island community, teaching music and art at local community colleges and high schools.

He's also well-known on the island for bringing fresh produce from his farm everywhere he goes to share with his friends and neighbors. The people in the audience may know this, or they may not.

The just know that George Kahumoku, Jr is one of the most chill human beings.

His music relaxes and calms the nerves better than any massage, and in between songs, he tells jokes and stories about growing up on the islands.

He's probably told these same tales every single night for years, but tonight he is just as wide-eyed and refreshed as if this was the first time, like these stories had just happened.

Of course, the show isn't entire about George Kahumoku. He serves as the emcee, introducing a constantly rotating lineup of performers and luau dancers, most of which collaborate with George during his Grammy-winning albums.

These guest artists include fellow slack key players, Ukulele masters, Vocalists, and Steel Guitarists. Each of these people has their own following, and they're all just as talented and interesting as George.

Peter deAquino of Da Ukulele Boyz is hilarious, but my personal favorite is Sean Na’auao with his distinct tribal forearm tattoos and stand out voice. I suggest you listen to him while I continue wondering what the tattoos mean.

As you sip on Mai Tais, you will experience that feeling known only as Hawaiian Hospitality, realizing that this is more than just a show, not just your average weekday entertainment: George Kahumoku is opening his home to you, inviting you in, and making you his honored guest.

So stay a while. Dude's got some great stories.

How to Attend:

Tickets: http://www.slackkeyshow.com/calendar/
Price: $37.99
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM
Where: Napili Kai Beach Resort Aloha Pavilion, 5900 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI

First venue ever dedicated to presenting Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar

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My trip to Maui was provided in collaboration with Maui, the Magic Isle. Opinions expressed above are my own.

Intramuros: The Colonial Historical Area of Manila

View of modern Manila from Intramuros - Fort Santiago

Manila is the capital and largest city in the Philippines.

It's a mega Asian city full of energy and action that never stops day and night.

The traffic is horrendous, full of vehicles, trucks, and the iconic public jeepney's that prowl the streets.

But when you visit Intramuros, things are on hold; the city seems to come to a halt as life slows down.

Intramuros is the colonial historic district of Manila, a walled-in area where the Spanish built their colony and where the Spanish government was formed in the Philippines.

The walls, which were built in the 16th century, are still in place and contain some real gems for those that enjoy history.

When I was volunteering in the Philippines, I had a chance to explore quite a bit of Manila, and I enjoyed walking around Intramuros.

There are two main ways to get around Intramuros, walking, or taking a horse-drawn wagon.

I walked most of the time, but since a driver offered me a good deal, I also decided to jump in the back of a horse cart for the experience.

Though both methods of transportation are nice, I'd have to say I preferred to walk and be able to take photos and browse as I pleased.

San Agustin Church in Manila, Philippines

Though there were formerly eight different cathedrals within the walls of Intramuros, there are now just two left.

San Agustin Church has a lengthy history, and it was the first church built by the Spanish in Intramuros.

It's now been rebuilt and renovated numerous times, but it was initially constructed from local bamboo and palm branches.

Fires, earthquakes, and a variety of conflicts and invasions, yet San Agustin Church still stands.

Another church that has a similar history and is perhaps more visually pleasing is the Manila Cathedral.

This Roman Catholic cathedral was first constructed in 1571, and it's also gone through several devastating disasters, with a final renovation completed in 1958.

The Manila Cathedral is a great meeting point, a place to find a horse carriage if you're interested, and an excellent place to begin your exploration of Intramuros.

As for museums, Casa Manila is one of the most famous in Intramuros. It's a representation of an old Spanish colonial home, and there's even a restaurant, coffee shop, and hotel inside.

Fort Santiago, which is connected to the outer wall, is another landmark of importance in Intramuros. It was used as a stronghold for defense within the city.

The fort is also particularly famous for being where José Rizal, one of the founding fathers of the modern Philippines, was detained.

On the ground, you'll also find Rizal's footprints where you can follow the national hero from his prison cell to the place where he was finally executed.

Also within Intramuros nowadays you'll find schools, a few cafes, and some restaurants. Luckily it remains quiet and peaceful, unlike the rowdy traffic that roars just on the other side of the walls.

Of all the things to do in Manila, exploring Intramuros is one of the best ways to learn about the city's history and see the mixture of cultural heritage in the Philippines.

For a self sightseeing tour around Intramuros district, give yourself about 2 - 3 hours, make sure you wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water!

Mt. Everest Time Lapse

Everest -A time lapse short film from Elia Saikaly.

Experience the beauty of Mt. Everest at night in time-lapse. While most climbers slept, I attempted to capture some of the magic that the Himalayan skies have to offer while climbing to the top of the world.

Here's a bit of what I endured at the end to make this possible: http://www.eliasaikaly.com/2013/05/into-the-death-zone/

One of the most rewarding parts of the journey was being able to share it with thousands of students on www.epals.com/everest

This time lapse video is comprised of thousands of photographs, processed and assembled on Mt. Everest.

5 Adrenaline-Filled Adventures in Maui

When most people think of Hawaii, they picture themselves lazily sipping Mai Tai cocktails at beachside bars, laying in a hammock, and reading a book.

That's perfectly fine, but for the more extreme travelers, there are the adventure activities that can only be found on the island of Maui.

At only 727 square miles, Maui packs a ton of excitement into a small space, filled to the beaches with biking, hiking, kite surfing, scuba and ziplining opportunities galore, as well as some sports and ideas you might not even know existed.

In my travels to Maui, I visited some old favorite happenings and tried some adventure activities I had never heard of, but couldn't live without afterward.

"Aloha" rock — Is this rock saying "Hello" or "Goodbye?" You don't know.

Table of Contents

1. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2. Snorkeling with Sharks
3. Hiking on Volcanic Landscapes
4. Ziplining
5. Driving the Hana Highway

1. Stand-Up Paddleboarding

The first of many new adventure activities I tried isn't new at all, but rather an ancient travel method that has been used by native Hawaiians to travel across the islands for centuries.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, is a relaxing activity that doubles as an intense workout.

Thirty minutes of SUP is equal to six miles of running, but it certainly doesn't feel that way while you're doing it.

SUP places you on what looks like a long, skinny surfboard and gives you an oar with which to propel yourself, essentially turning you into a one person kayaking team.

Many places in Hawaii hold lessons and races, but the best place to do it in Maui is at Tiki Man Stand Up Paddle.

My guide at Tiki Man, Nate Cloud, who doubles as a fashion designer by night with his Spread The Like clothing brand took us into the crescent-shaped harbor with quiet, gentle waters, making it just right for beginners.

With good sarcastic humor, he began teaching us basic techniques to move across the water.

Like yoga, SUP can be a hard-core workout, only if you want it to be.

But I found it incredibly relaxing, to the point where I was so content to bob up and down on the soft current that I laid down for a nap.

Unfortunately, it's not called "Lay-down Paddle Boarding," so Nate blew his whistle at me to check if I was okay.

He also explained that sometimes he straps a cooler filled with beers to the back of the board out in the ocean with him, something I'm positive that dude has done more than once.

In addition to regular SUP lessons, Tiki Man Stand Up Paddle also offers SUP yoga and SUP boot camp lessons, for those who want a more intense core workout.

2. Snorkeling with Sharks

One of the more common adventure activities in Hawaii is snorkeling.

It's easy to make fun of snorkeling as something that only middle-aged tourists do until you find yourself staring face-to-face with a shark, then you realize quickly that it is pretty intense.

Ali‘i Nui Snorkel Sail took me out on a boat with a group of about forty people of all ages to Molokini marine reserve, early in the morning when the air is just the right temperature.

Many people were sunbathing on the roof, but I chose to stay in and socialize, and take advantage of their continental breakfast and lunch.

Scrambled eggs, bacon, sliced fresh island fruits, croissants, bagels, and muffins kept me occupied.

I'll try not to brag about lunch, but I did eat guava-smoked pulled pork, marinated Teriyaki chicken thighs, and homemade macadamia nut cookies.

Unafraid of swimming too soon after eating, I was first in line to dive under when we reached our coral destination.

Sea turtles, brightly colored fish, and the shark mentioned above came by to visit while I was there, none of which seemed to care that a bunch of weird bipedal creatures just dropped into their existence from above.

For them, it was something that happened all the time.

They were just content to dart in about the beautiful coral reef and let me take pictures of them.

Our guide, Kate — Our organic farmer turned hiking guide, Kate

3. Hiking on Volcanic Landscapes

Hiking is another one of those adventure activities that Maui puts its spin on, that spin happens to be that you are walking along an active volcano.

At Haleakala National Park, you can walk around miles of volcanic landscape and encounter species of plants and animals that aren't found anywhere else in the world.

I also went on a guided hike with Hike Maui that involved traversing through a secluded jungle, trying different edible plants, and taking some quick jumps through refreshing waterfalls.

Just off the road to Hana, we stopped at a private farm that is made open to the public.

Our guide, Kate, introduced us to many of the plants and led us through the tropical rainforest down rocks, under trees, and off cliffs into waterfalls.

Her story is particularly impressive.

She gave everything up to work on an organic farm while living in a tent in Maui. Since then, she switched careers and now leads hikes around Maui.

Kate first introduced us to cute mini pineapples. We all just wanted to stuff them into our backpacks and take them home with us.

I wasn't lying when I said the hike included some wild exploration through water-filled tunnels hidden in the rainforest.

The main highlight of the hike was visiting three different waterfalls, two of which we could jump off.

All three of them allowed for model poses you can look back at fifty years from now to prove to your grandchildren that you, in fact, took part in a Maui model photo shoot.

If you are brave like the eight-year-old children, their parents and us twenty-somethings you can leap into the deep, chilly pools like us.

They do not seem so high from below, but while standing above before jumping, I can guarantee your feet will tremble.

Finally, if you happen to stumble upon a few cute girls your age just hanging out under a waterfall, you may have found the best place in Maui. We did.

The Needle in Iao Valley State Park (photo: Traveling Otter)

Then there's the Iao Valley, where travelers can hike up to the Iao Needle, a 365-meter rock outcropping that overlooks a beautiful stream.

The needle was used as a lookout point in many significant Hawaiian conflicts, but now it is a popular destination for hikers.

4. Ziplining

If you'd rather fly than walk, Piiholo Ranch Zipline in the town of Makawao offers three levels of tours across their two different zip line courses, including a whopping 2,800-footer of a line.

You can zoom above the Hawaiian canopies and climb their massive zip line towers for one of the most unforgettable adventure activities in Hawaii.

On the Hana Highway, the whole drive looks like this. Seriously. — On the Hana Highway, the entire drive looks like this. Seriously.

5. Driving the Hana Highway

The famous drive from Paia to Hana, also known as the "Hana highway" is one of the most exciting and picturesque trips on earth.

With dozens of stops to see and check out across the three-hour drive, I wished I could stay on that winding road forever.

I was grateful that I didn't, however, once I reached the red-and-black sand beaches of Hana Bay.

While red sand beach involves a rather sneaky and challenging climb down through private property to reach the famous nude beach, the black sand beach offers incredible adventure through mysterious caves leading to the ocean.

Of all the possible adventure activities Maui has to offer, I never thought my favorite would be driving from one town to the next, but I soon learned that there are reasons this road is so well-known.

I should also mention I have an irrational fear of driving.

The road to Hana was so enticing that I grabbed the wheel from my buddy and drove us the entire way there.

During one point of the journey, he grew tired of my constant stomping on the brakes.

When I left the car to pee, he nearly left me behind to find my way home.

As you can see, the island of Maui is the perfect destination for the adventure-minded traveler.

In my time of one week, I couldn't cover half of the adventure activities that are packed into this place, and there are many, many more categories of fun still to be found.

Maui is an island for everyone, and that reason is plain and simple.

It offers unique, exciting, and fun adventure activities that you can not replicate almost anywhere else when it comes to the natural wonders and small-town island culture.

Will I find you there soon?

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My trip to Maui was provided in collaboration with Maui, the Magic Isle. Opinions expressed above are my own.

Impressions of Hong Kong

Many people jump straight on the airport express train to get to the center of Hong Kong, but the last time I visited I decided to take the bus.

Rolling into Hong Kong, even on a cloudy day, I got some great views of the city.

While there are some affordable attractions in Hong Kong, compared to Southeast Asia, it's quite an expensive destination.

For budget accommodation and a true adventure head to Hong Kong's notorious Chungking Mansions or the next door Mirador Mansion.

Dim sum, a breakfast meal of many small dishes, is one of the most famous things to eat when in Hong Kong.

Dishes are often quite greasy but full of flavor.

One of the best things about Hong Kong is the view of the mega city from Victoria Peak.

You can either choose to ride a cable car to the top or take a hike.

When walking around Hong Kong you're bombarded with advertising plastered on every wall and sign throughout the city.

The bright signs are a sight on their own.

Despite the city being extremely modern, I still love how they use traditional bamboo scaffolding for construction.

Nothing man-made can beat natural bamboo!

Fresh market in the middle of Hong Kong — A fresh market in the middle of Hong Kong

Another thing I love about Hong Kong is within the maze of congested sky-rise buildings, there are fresh wet markets that fill the lanes and alleys.

But nothing in Hong Kong compares to the food. Any trip to Hong Kong would be incomplete without spending plenty of time admiring and then devouring the wide range of cuisine.

Even the simple on-the-go snacks like glutinous rice and Chinese sausages are wonderful.

Rated as having one of the world's most impressive skylines, it's not hard to see why.

The view of Hong Kong from the Kowloon side is always sure to impress during the day or at night.

At night there's also a light show that dances across the buildings.

Hong Kong is one of the world's great entertaining and always thrilling cities to explore.

Niagara Falls From Every Angle

[A]t 165 vertical feet, they aren't the world's tallest, but the three waterfalls which make up Niagara Falls have the highest flow rate in the world.

In the high water season, we're talking more than 6 million cubic feet of water flowing over the edge, per minute.

After wrapping up this year's North American TBEX conference in Toronto, I took a day trip to Niagara Falls.

The tour is extremely efficient, and includes:

Roundtrip bus transport with guide
Wine tasting on the ride out of Toronto
Optional helicopter rides ($104 extra, highly recommended)
Lunch overlooking the Falls
A ride on a Maid of the Mist boat
Visit to a scenic outlook point
Stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a cute town with awesome ice cream

Overall, I felt like I saw Niagara Falls from every possible angle.

One of the safe and comfortable Bell 407 helicopters used for the 10-minute scenic flights over Niagara Falls

Approaching Niagara Falls by helicopter — During the scenic flight, an audio recording cites information about the Falls, but I was too busy taking photos to hear a word that was said

As we flew clockwise over the Falls, a rainbow appeared

If you look left of center, under the rainbow, you can see one of the "Maids of the Mist" tourist boats

The American Falls as viewed from a park across the river

You haven't been to Niagara Falls until you've taken a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat which travels past all three waterfalls. In this photo, we're getting wet under the Horseshoe Falls.

At the edge of Horseshoe Falls — By foot, you can get extremely close to the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. It's hard to believe anyone could survive a drop over the falls, but many people have lived to tell the tale.

Horseshoe Falls as seen from the Canadian side — Horseshoe Falls lookout point on the Canadian side. This scene reminds me of the scene in Superman II where the boy falls over the edge.

Full rainbows make regular appearances at the Falls

A double rainbow. I like how the bridge in the background arches in the same way as the two rainbows.

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This tour was provided in partnership with Viator (minus the helicopter ride).

Tell It On The Mountain Giveaway

The new documentary film, Tell it on the Mountain - Tales from the Pacific Crest Trail, follows half a dozen of the 300 or so hikers who attempt the Pacific Crest Trail every year.

While much of the film was shot by professionals, the producers gave cameras to individual hikers, which help provide an intimate look into their experience.

You'll find some of the Pacific Crest Trail's heavyweights featured in the film, including Scott Williamson (multiple PCT record holder) and Billygoat (John Muir look-alike and trail fixture), as well as first timers.

Shaun Carrigan, the Executive Producer, recently offered me a chance to preview the full 2-hour film, and I thought it was wonderfully done.

Even if you've never considered a multi-month trek, the storytelling and scenery from these remote parts of the western United States are captivating.

Enter the Giveaway

To help get the word out, we're giving away 1 DVD ($25 value, US only) and 1 digital download (anywhere on the planet).

Simply fill out the form here (it takes 10 seconds), and you'll be entered to win.

Rules and Stuff

Entries are being accepted from June 17 through June 28. Winners will be notified via email a few days later.

You do not need to subscribe to the newsletters to qualify to win. It's optional.

To read reviews of the film, check it out on Amazon, and for more information, visit the official website.

Casa Azul: The Former Home and Studio of Frida Kahlo

One of the most popular things to do in Mexico City is the Museo Frida Kahlo, housed in Casa Azul, the artist's former home and studio.

Fully satiated after a gourmet lunch at Pujol, I took a taxi straight from the restaurant to the museum, hoping to squeeze in a visit before closing time.

A short line extended from the entrance, under a tarp, but it was moving quickly.

The cost of entry, including the ability to take photos, is $11.60.

The first scene upon entering the house is a wide-open courtyard.

The interior of the walls is painted the same rich blue as the exterior.

Self portrait of Frida Kahlo experiencing a miscarriage — Self-portrait of Frida Kahlo experiencing a miscarriage

The first room is a gallery featuring a selection of Frida Kahlo's paintings.

I was hoping to see my favorite, The Two Fridas, but it turns out that one is located at Mexico City's Museum of Modern Art.

Next time!

The paintings on display did do a good job of representing her style, and themes.

For those unfamiliar with Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's best-known artists, she led a rather tragic life, as depicted in the 2002 movie Frida, starring Selma Hayek.

As a teenager, she was involved in a traffic accident that left her dealing with related injuries her entire life.

It was after the accident that she began to paint. Her painting drew heavily on her own life, including lots of self-portraits, and depictions of miscarriages.

She desperately wanted to have children, but she never carried a baby to term.

In 1929, she married fellow painter Diego Rivera, but it was a tumultuous union. Kahlo was bisexual and had affairs with both men and women.

Rivera was known to have affairs with women as well.

In 1953, Frida needed to have her right foot amputated. She died shortly thereafter on July 13, 1954, at the age of 47.

Diego Rivera donated the home, upon his death in 1957, in order to create a museum in recognition of Frida's life and work.

Frida's ashes are stored in the toad-shaped vase to the left, which sits on a dresser in her bedroom

Leaving the rooms with her paintings, we enter the other parts of the house, including the dining room, kitchen, and her bedroom, where one can see the pre-Colombian urn which houses her ashes.

From her bedroom, one exits down a staircase back into the courtyard.

Frida lived in Casa Azul her entire life, including her 25 years of marriage with Diego Rivera

Museo Frida Kahlo

Address: Londres 247, Del Carmen Coyoacán, 04100 (Mexico City)

Hours: Tuesday 10 AM - 5:45 PM, Wednesday 11 AM - 5:45 PM, and Thursday to Sunday 10 AM - 5:45 PM

Visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature

Hanoi is the capital, and one of the most popular cities to visit in Vietnam. The Temple of Literature, an ancient complex that is both a temple and an academy, is one of Hanoi's most famous attractions and places of history.

It's a temple dedicated to Confucius, where scholars and students formerly lived and studied. Beginning in 1076, the imperial academy opened and started to enroll students.

Beautiful gardens and huge trees — Beautiful gardens and giant trees

The Temple of Literature is neatly organized in a series of courtyards, each courtyard leading further into the temple and finally to an area that housed shrines and many statues, including one of Confucius himself (see below).

The construction is based on the temple in China where Confucius was born. The temple grounds are lush and green with big, beautiful trees and gardens.

Turtle stelae at Hanoi's Temple of Literature — Turtle stelae

You can browse around all the courtyards at your own pace. I enjoyed looking at the stone steles lined up under an awning when you enter the complex.

Known as the Stelae of Doctors, 82 (though there were formerly 116) of these stone engravings have a turtle as a foundation.

The steles were created as a way to encourage students to pursue knowledge and to continue learning.

The Chinese writings on these stones steles have been a significant source of information into Vietnam's past lives and culture nearly 1,000 years ago.

These steles also include information about students and those who graduated from the academy.

The fourth of five courtyards is where the main temple is located. On either side of the main shrine, two halls were used to honor some of the most faithful Confucian followers.

At the front of the courtyard, surrounded by statues and burning incense, was the elaborate statue of Confucius himself.

As a Confucian temple, Confucius was studied and worshipped here. Just outside the main shrine were some cabinet displays of old clothes, pens, notebooks, and a few small personal belongings from students who had attended the imperial academy.

Dragons on the roof of a building at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam — Dragons on the roof

Like any historical site I visit, while I enjoy the overall attraction, I like to pay attention to the small details. The little things can make a place stand out and be worth visiting.

The Temple of Literature is packed with symbols and details that are easy to miss, but if you look in the right places, they can make the experience more rewarding.

The dragons on top of the roof carved from stone are in place according to Feng shui and give the building protection, not so much from human enemies, but from natural things like fires and other devastating disasters.

After spending a few hours walking around the Temple of Literature, we were hungry.

Luckily, after just a few minutes of searching, I found a local restaurant serving Vietnamese noodles. It wasn't long before I was seated in front of a piping hot bowl of chicken pho and ready to dig in!

Be sure to include the Temple of Literature on your tour of Hanoi.

Swimming with Dolphins in Cancun

Dreams come in all shapes and sizes, and in the case of swimming with dolphins in Cancun, they can include wet kisses and belly rubs too.

My desire to swim with dolphins goes back to 2007 when I was on a snorkeling trip off the island of Moorea in French Polynesia.

Our small boat puttered past luxury bungalows built over water. Outside the bungalows, in a fenced area of water, were guests swimming and playing with a dolphin.

View of Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres, upon arrival by ferry from Cancun — The facilities at Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres

Since then, I've always associated the activity with luxury travel, but it's surprisingly affordable, as I found out in Cancun.

Based on my dolphin encounter at Isla Mujeres, swimming with dolphins may be one of the most popular activities in Riviera Maya.

Table of Contents

My Experience

My Experience

Departing the Mainland

Booking a 10:30 a.m. swim, the earliest of three each day, meant arriving at the Playa Tortuga ferry terminal in the area with Hotels in Cancun at 8:30 a.m.

You present your voucher and get a bracelet with your particular tour.

There are many options and prices to choose from when it comes to swimming with dolphins in Cancun, and the bracelets ensure the boatloads of customers match up with the tours they purchased.

Dolphin Discovery, located on Isla Mujeres, operates a ferry. With a bracelet on my wrist, I left on the 9 AM ferry with excited tourists from around the world.

There were lots of families with young kids and couples and groups of friends.

The 45-minute ferry ride brought us to the southern end of Isla Mujeres, where the water is colder and more suitable for the dolphins.

Isla Mujeres

To my surprise, we pulled right up to the dock from which we'd later get in the water with the dolphins. Other customers and trainers were already in the water playing with them.

After depositing our clothes and valuables in the free lockers, we were given life vests. Everyone got in groups based on bracelets.

We were reminded no cameras, even waterproof ones, were allowed into the water. Each group would have a dedicated photographer taking photos, which were available later for purchase.

There were about 39 people in my group, and it was then split up into four sub-groups, with ten people per trainer. I was assigned to a group of eight Brazilians.

The dolphin trainer, at a minimum, was trilingual, speaking Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

We walked around the dock and removed our flip-flops in front of a metal staircase descending into the water.

In the Water

At the bottom of the staircase was an underwater platform made of rubber-coated fencing. A similar material stood vertically under the docks, creating a secure enclosure for the dolphins.

The trainer immediately introduced us to our dolphin friend by having him glide by us as we held out our hands to rub his belly.

I later learned that it was smooth and silky because dolphins lose and regenerate their skin once every two hours.

Next, the trainer demonstrated how we would each take turns kissing the dolphin.

Man's best friend...in the water — Man's best friend, in the water

This was followed by a trick where we each took turns holding our arm out parallel to the water, with the dolphin standing upright to touch its nose to our hands.

Everything was happening so fast that I didn't have time to appreciate what was happening, but I enjoyed every minute.

Around this time, grey clouds began to descend on the island, and the winds picked up.

Our trainer continued, unaffected. Trick number three had each of us swimming about 30 feet with a boogie board and then waiting for the dolphin to come from behind and push us by our feet.

The trainer used what appeared to be a dog whistle and hand motions to call out the commands.

By the time we cycled through all nine people in our group, the winds had kicked up the waves, and some struggled to hold the correct position.

Life jackets ensured even novice swimmers were in no immediate danger. On several occasions, I saw a red-shirted lifeguard dive into the water to assist people in other groups.

The next big trick has us swimming out 30 feet into the pool's center again. This time, we held one arm out perpendicular to our body.

When the dolphin came around underneath us, we were instructed to grab ahold of his right flipper with our right hand and then his left with our left hand, and he'd pull us back to the platform.

The tricks with the dolphin pushing and pulling us weren't what I anticipated, and they caught me by surprise.

I was happy to be in the water with these fantastic creatures, but I felt a little strange participating in the tricks that required such attention and energy from the dolphins.

I would pay again to spend an hour rubbing his belly, but I know many more people want the big tricks.

A baby dolphin born in captivity swims next to her mother

The rain began to fall on our experience swimming with dolphins in Cancun, but our trainer intended to ensure everyone had a chance to do all the tricks.

I was looking forward to getting out, as the wind-kicked waves required one's attention.

One of the last tricks involved us swimming out 30 feet as a group, donning snorkeling masks (provided), and watching underwater as the dolphin swam by us.

When all the tricks were completed, we climbed back up the staircase. My flip-flops had been plunged between the boars in the dock to ensure they didn't blow away.

The rain began falling harder, and we hurried back to the lockers, where we were provided towels.

I dried off quickly, skipping the shower, and before I could reach the gift shop, I realized I didn't get to ask our dolphin trainer any questions.

Talking to a Dolphin Trainer

I asked another trainer in passing if he had some time, and he replied that he did. We walked over to the railing overlooking the dolphin pools, and I began asking him questions.

I kicked the impromptu interview off with questions about reproduction.

Dolphin Discovery has a mating program, and the baby dolphins stay with their mothers for two years.

In the wild, it's typically three, but there are also fewer threats to them in captivity.

Male Bottlenose Dolphins reach sexual maturity after ten years, and females between 5-10 years.

The average dolphin in the wild can live 25-30 years, with an additional 5-10 years possible when held in captivity.

All the dolphins receive regular medical care, including daily check-ups before the customers arrive for their swims.

He explained that each dolphin has a unique personality, and their moods are continuously monitored.

If a trainer determines a dolphin is having an off-day, they aren't paired with customers.

I was also curious about the trainers. While most have a marine biology or psychology background, the trainer I talked to got his start at the bottom.

He began by separating the fish the dolphin would eat, removing the low-quality ones missing eyes, and stuff.

Ten minutes later, I thanked the trainer for his time and headed for the gift shop.

Buying Photos

The rates were $25 for one photo or $50 for everything, but I didn't want most of them. When I told the girl helping me, she met me in the middle: three photos for $35.

It's still expensive, no doubt, but you have little choice when you're not allowed to take photos. The images were burned to a CD, including stock pictures of the dolphins.

Lunch Buffet

At noon, the buffet lunch was served. A mix of familiar Mexican and Western favorites, including pasta, ensured something for everyone.

The first ferry back to Cancun didn't leave until 3 PM, so I returned to the beautiful Playa Norte, where we stopped for lunch on my whale shark adventure the week before.

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I was provided with a complimentary dolphin swim in partnership with Get Your Guide.

Exotic Rides Cancun: Racing a Ferrari F430

Coming out of the final turn, I slam the gas pedal until it's flush against the floor.

The 483-horsepower Ferrari F430 responds immediately, and I savor the smooth acceleration of a car designed to go from 0-60 MPH in 4.0 seconds.

But the first turn comes up fast, a yellow cone warning me to slow down before we enter a series of twists and turns on the back side of the track.

My confidence is high as I navigate the curves, thrilled to be at Exotic Rides Cancun a year after they first invited me to visit.

I'd arrived at the facility a half hour earlier, at the scheduled time of 12 PM, and was quickly greeted by cool air conditioning, and friendly staff.

The main reception area was bright and spacious, with plenty of seating. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a direct view to the track.

As I was filling out paperwork, my contact, Fernando, greeted me with a smile and introduction. He tells me we'll catch up after my driving experience.

I join a 50+ year old Canadian woman, and a couple, in a small room with the driving instructor.

We watch a short safety video specific to drivers of the Ferrari F430, and then walk out to the track.

There's an outdoor bar set up with umbrellas, allowing spectators to watch their friends and loved ones.

First, we all take turns going around the track twice as passengers in a black Camaro SS.

These "discovery" laps help ensure we have at least a hint of how the track is laid out before we get behind the wheel.

Along the way, our instructor points out all the color-coded cones, which signal where to aim the car, and where to start braking before entering the turns.

These points of reference help ensure we navigate the track in the fastest, most efficient way possible.

Another driver takes laps around the race track

The driving instructor asks for the first person, and I don't hesitate to step forward. One of the staff hands me a helmet.

I'm not totally unfamiliar with this car, having driven the convertible version, the Ferrari F430 Spider, in the French Riviera last year.

But driving on public roads ensured my anxiety levels were high, and I had to constantly use the paddle shifting to change gears.

At the track, we were going to drive the F430 in automatic, no shifting required.

The ease of driving these exotic cars in automatic ensures everyone from teens to senior citizens can get behind the wheel, and have a blast.

Drivers hit the gas coming out of this turn, as it leads into the track's longest straightaway

Driving on the track is a very different experience from regular roads. I have nothing to worry about except trying to go as fast as possible on the straightaway.

Despite the lack of traffic, I drive cautiously my first lap.

Realizing I only have two laps left, and thus two chances to hit the gas hard, I floor it coming around the last turn, which leads into the straightaway.

It feels like we're going fast, but the instructor explicitly told us not to look at the speedometer, so I can't say for sure.

I resist the urge to ask him how fast I'm going, remembering that all three laps were being recorded on video.

After an exhilarating three and a half minutes (about one minute and thirty seconds per lap), I pull off the track, and exit the car.

The male customer puts on his helmet, and pauses for a photo by his girlfriend or spouse, before getting in the car. He's bought five laps, and makes full use of them.

The third and final customer is the older woman from Toronto, Canada. The track day in the Ferrari is a birthday gift from her husband.

Her excitement had been tangible from the moment we met, and now it was her turn to don the helmet, and drive one of the world's finest cars.

I watched her take her laps. The roar of the engine gives no clues to the woman old enough to be my mother inside.

The 563-horsepower Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Once everyone's done, I go inside to check out the video footage. It shows not only the driver's view from the car, but the lap times and car speed.

I patiently await my top speed. 80 MPH. I was hoping to break 100, but it's a short straightaway, and I probably wasn't hitting the gas earlier enough to take full advantage of it.

I buy a single print (the one of me in the driver's seat) for $25, but skip the video.

Fernando returns, and I share my experience on the track. He then offers to take me through their garage to see the other cars which give Exotic Cars Cancun its name.

Tops on the list is a black Lamborghini Murcielago, which can go from 0-60 MPH in 3.3 seconds.

It's a beautiful car, and I walk around it, fantasizing about a drive one day.

The yellow 500-horsepower Lamborghini Gallardo with black rims is a beauty too.

This Ferrari 458 Italia is the latest arrival in the Exotic Rides fleet. It's the latest model, replacing the F430.

On the other side of it is the newest addition to the garage, a Ferrari 458 Italia, which had just arrived, and was still being readied for customers, and the track.

Fernando explained the maintenance required for these kinds of cars. Every month, mechanics fly in from Mexico City or the USA to service them.

I linger, enjoying their company.

In addition to driving the cars on the track, it's also possible for customers to go on road trips to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and even as far as the ruins of Chichen Itza, a 6-7 hour drive round trip.

The road trip option, if you get a few cars, is an excellent bachelor party style adventure.

During the high season, Fernando tells me they can have over 100 customers a day at the track.

When I ask him about the typical customer, he says it's mostly normal people.

Occasionally, billionaires will stop by for a drive, like the son of Carlos Slim, a Mexican businessman who's currently the wealthiest person in the world.

Sir Richard Branson visited too, choosing to race the Go Karts instead of the cars.

The Pit Stop restaurant overlooks the race track

Inside Pit Stop, the on site restaurant, pictures hang on the wall of other notable patrons, including world-famous Spanish chef Ferran Adria.

The restaurant overlooks the outdoor bar, and offers an opportunity for drivers to extend their time at the track, soaking up the atmosphere.

The menu features a mix of traditional Mexican food, and Western favorites.

In fact, I decide I'm not ready to leave, and sit down for a juicy cheeseburger, a brownie sundae, and a view of the next driver preparing to take his laps in the F430.

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My driving experience was compliments of Exotic Rides Cancun.

Backpacking in the Snowy Mountains

Lake Albinia in the Snowy Mountains (photo: Tim Keegan)

[I]f you are looking to hike or ski in Australia, then you are in for a real treat at the Snowy Mountains.

It’s one of the largest ski areas in the country, but also a phenomenal area with national parks and walking trails available to enjoy every month of the year.

Getting Here

Although it’s still in New South Wales, getting to the Snowy Mountains is a bit of a drive – approximately 460km from Sydney.

Most activities around the Snowy Mountains are quite spread apart. You will need to either, arrange a bus trip or travel by car.

If you’re driving in a campervan, you may want to use public transport to take you to the opposite end of your hiking trail and then walk back to your campsite, especially if you plan on hitting higher elevations with narrow roads.

Things to Do

Kosciuszko National Park is at the heart of the Snowy Mountains, and you could spend weeks exploring its peaks and valleys. In winter, you’ll ski, and in summer, you’ll cross endless fields of wildflowers and spectacular views for kilometres.

The best known track in the area is the Australian Alps Walking Track – that’s perhaps because it is 655km long!

If you wanted to walk its entirety, most experts say to plan on 10 weeks.

If you don’t have quite that much holiday time, try one of the smaller sections: Bogong plains, Jagungal wilderness, or the Baw Baw plateau. Another long but beloved track is the Hume and Hovell Walking Track.

Don’t feel like walking all day? Check out the famous Yarrangobilly Caves for a shorter, but very interesting, walk -- or how about an afternoon of abseiling?

Your sports activities don’t have to be quite so adventurous: you can go fly fishing, swimming, hot air ballooning, or horse riding.

Food and Drink

You need a little something to keep you going, and the Snowy Mountains deliver.

Glenburnie Vineyard and Mannus Wines, both in Tumbarumba, offer locally made wine in their charming tasting rooms to try.

Prefer hops?

Near Jindabyne, there's the Snowy Vineyard and Microbrewery.

If that’s still not enough, try the Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, which is sure to put a perk in your step – just no overdoing it.

If you don’t like your fruit distilled, there’s always the Wilgro Orchards, where you can sample what an apple tastes like fresh from the tree – there’s nothing like it.

Where to Stay

Given the size of the area, it’s obviously best to plan to base yourself near the cities and activities where you’ll be spending the majority of your time.

A few popular sites:

Cooma Snowy Mountains Tourist Park

An easy walk from Cooma, this well-maintained park has a variety of cabins and caravan parking options for guests.

Tumbarumba Creek Caravan Park

A great spot to park your caravan if you want to be close to the wineries and distilleries in this neighbourhood. The park is pet-friendly as well, and despite being close to town, it is a peaceful spot, with a trout stream right outside your door.

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat

This mountain retreat is a site in the heart of the national park and is also close to Jindabyne. This excellent facility offers great hiking access and clean camping grounds that feel very much like an alpine resort.

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This post was written and brought to you by Mighty Campers Australia. Rent a cheap campervan at our Melbourne or Sydney depot for your trip to the Snowy Mountains.

The 2013 Garuda Indonesia World Photo Contest

[O]ne of the highlights of my travels last year was the chance to revisit Indonesia, and go beyond the tourism hotspot of Bali.

Four years had passed since my first visit, and I was viewing the country through a more curious eye, and a higher quality camera.

My first stop was the island of Borneo, much of which belongs to Indonesia. Borneo is one of the few places in the world where it's possible to view wild orangutans in their natural habitat.

As a result, there's now a steady flow of tourists making their way through the rivers and forests on wooden boats, called klotoks, to view these amazing creatures.

After viewing an organized feeding by park rangers our first afternoon, and spending the night sleeping aboard the klotok, I awoke early the next morning to a sweet surprise.

A young female orangutan was watching our boats from a tree near the dock. Her name was Sweet Hope, and she cautiously began to make her way toward us.

For thirty minutes in the gentle light of dawn, I revelled in Sweet Hope's company, as she climbed around the dock, drinking water from the river below, and posing for my camera.

It was as if she could sense a performance was required, and was up to the task. I took photos of a dozen or more orangutans during my time in Borneo, but Sweet Hope's were far and away my favorites.

The 2013 Garuda Indonesia World Photo Contest is now underway, and I'd like to invite you to participate.

The theme of this year's photography contest is “My Enchanting Town” and contestants are asked to submit photos representing their home town or country from three different perspectives, including: nature, culture, and people.

The winner of Best Overall photo, as judged by a panel of professional photographers, will receive a cash prize of approximately $4,000 in addition to roundtrip airfare on Garuda Indonesia airline.

Additional categories and prizes are also available. The contest runs through July 28, 2013, and is open to participants from around the world, regardless of age.

For more information, visit the official contest page. Submissions are already being received and posted to the Gallery, so don't delay!

If you've got questions or comments about the 2013 Garuda Indonesia World Photo Contest, share them below and I'd be happy to answer them.

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This post was written by Dave and brought to you by Garuda Indonesia.

Transport Options to Queenstown

While Queenstown is one of the most popular spots on the South Island of New Zealand, its remote location makes it tricky to reach. The city does have an airport with quite a few flights, not just to domestic destinations, like Auckland or Christchurch.

Road To Queenstown (photo: Peter Harrison)

You can also fly internationally to Melbourne or Sydney from Queenstown. Unfortunately, these options are often quite expensive. Traveling overland is often the best option; here are some suggestions to help you decide.

Table of Contents

Tour Bus Options
- Tour Guide
- Additional Discounts
Local Bus Transport
Queenstown Transport Tips

Tour Bus Options

The Kiwi Experience is one of the best travel options if you want to travel to Queenstown, because of the variety of passes they offer; for example, you can start in Christchurch, Auckland, or Wellington and visit other attractions and sights along the way before arriving in Queenstown (or to visit after you have enjoyed Queenstown).

There are two primary benefits of travelling by a tour bus as opposed to other transportation options.

Tour Guide

Bus drivers provide commentary on sights and can answer any questions, help you make other tour or hotel bookings, or even give you directions if you're looking for a memorable hike or view.

Additional Discounts

Tour bus providers often have free or discounted access to attractions along their route. They also have agreements with other providers to offer extra discounts even when you are off the bus - anything from a meal deal to bungy jumping.

Tour buses are not as quick as driving yourself or taking a flight, since you're stopping along the way - but as they say, getting there is part of the adventure.

Local Bus Transport

New Zealand doesn't have a national bus line, per se, but Intercity services offer what one would expect. They have various routes connecting all South Island cities, but there is typically only one scheduled departure per day.

Direct connections to Queenstown include Te Anau, Invercargill, Dunedin, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, and Christchurch. Book ahead as many popular routes (especially Christchurch) sell out in advance.

Queenstown Transport Tips

Travelling by tour bus in New Zealand isn't that much different than elsewhere, but some good rules to follow:

1. In most - if not all - cases, bus schedules only have one or two departures per day, and because of the potential for delays travelling long distances, buses leave their origin promptly.

It's always good to be at least 15-30 minutes early, even if your bus leaves very early in the morning. Your provider will likely issue a suggested arrival time for you, so pay attention to the departure point, as sometimes there is no formal bus depot.

2. Print out your confirmation emails for check-in; some buses just need your name, but others require a confirmation number. Make sure to note down the phone number, so you can call if you have a problem finding the bus (or if you are late - but don't be, as they will likely leave without you).

3. Pack snacks and water to bring with you, just in case; stops can be quite far between.

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This post was written and brought to you by Kiwi Experience. Look at our bus tickets and plan a Kiwi bus tour today.

Pujol Restaurant Review: The Best Mexican Food on the Planet

Round slices of avocado sandwich a seed-covered mole in the middle — Appetizers: Round slices of avocado sandwich a chia seed-covered mole in the middle

"It's subjective," Chef Enrique Olvera said, shrugging off my mention of Pujol's recent ranking as the 17th best restaurant in the world.

That may be true, but after a stunning display of service and 11 delicious courses showing off Mexican cuisine, it was hard for me to imagine a more exceptional restaurant experience.

A week earlier, while still in Puerto Vallarta, I'd first learned of Pujol's reputation and made a 2 PM lunch reservation for my sole Saturday in the capital.

I spent the morning walking Mexico City's historic center and then took a $10 taxi west to the Polanco neighborhood.

The restaurant's exterior was unpretentious and unassuming. A doorman greeted me on the sidewalk.

I commented about arriving a few minutes early, but he didn't hesitate to walk me inside, where several tables were already being serviced.

The restaurant was small, just 13 tables, which was a number chosen for its luck.

As it happens, 13 was the lucky number associated with my college, and thus became my lucky number as well.

The intimate atmosphere is a departure from the much larger Astrid & Gaston in Lima, the only other restaurant I've been to from the list of the world's 50 best restaurants.

I sat down at a table for two, offering me a full view of the restaurant.

The wait staff worked harmoniously together throughout the two-hour lunch, and most (if not all) were bilingual.

Appetizers: This baby corn on a skewer was presented in a large gourd, which was brought to the table

The drink and wine menu was extensive, but I kept it simple, ordering a mojito. It was familiar, and I knew they'd make me a good one.

In retrospect, I wish I'd ordered a signature cocktail, something a little more unique to the experience.

I'd already scoped out the tasting menu online and didn't hesitate to order it at 890 pesos ($69).

The mojito arrived, followed by quelites aromatica, an aromatic tea that tasted more like soup broth.

Appetizers: Filled with turnip and cabbage, this bite-sized appetizer melted in my mouth

I was also served a variety of bite-sized appetizers.

I quickly realized my attempt to document the detailed descriptions of every dish would only serve to slow everyone down.

Service was so efficient. I barely had time to type a few words into my iPhone before each new dish arrived.

At this point in my Pujol restaurant review, I'm going to let the photos do the talking.

Course #3: Roasted beef tartar with alfalfa and serrano chile, topped with a tortilla (which I broke before taking the picture) — Course #2: Roasted beef tartar with alfalfa and serrano chile oil, topped with a tortilla (which I broke before taking the picture)

Red and green salsas are brought to the table, both of which I forget to use

Course #3: Fish ceviche taco with crispy fish skin and beans

Course #5: Purslane noodles, grilled onions, peppermint, and chile-covered balls of sheep cheese — Course #4: Purslane noodles, grilled onions, peppermint, and chile-covered balls of sheep cheese

Course #5: Organic chicken, red onion, and epazote (a Mexican herb also known as wormseed)

Course #6: Pork confit, a rich mole, drop of sweet tamarind sauce, and white cabbage. This was my favorite dish of the lunch!

Course #7: Mole Madre. At first I thought it was a palm-sized circle of mole, but there's a thin taco under there, which you eat as well. — Course #7: Mole Madre. At first, I thought it was a palm-sized circle of mole, but there's a thin taco under there, which you eat as well. It had a strong, slightly spicy flavor.

Course #8: Dominican banana, macadamia zest, chamomile flower, cocoa, and sour cream

Course #9: Guayaba sorbet, mezcal and chile salt

Course #10: Thyme glazed biscuit, lemon gelatin, ice cream, cookie soup, and white chocolate

Course 11: Chocolate mousse with mezcal and orange, served warm. It was divine! — Course #11: Chocolate mousse with mezcal and orange, served warm. It was divine!

The total bill for my lunch came to $106, including tax and tip. A real steal for a restaurant regarded as the best in Mexico, and one of the best in Latin America.

To ensure seating, book ahead by phone or through their website. The dress is casual, especially during lunch. I wore my usual jeans and a t-shirt.

Restaurante Pujol

Address: Francisco Petrarca 254, Polanco, Mexico City

Tel: +52 (55) 5545 - 4111

Hours: Monday to Saturday 2 PM - 4 PM, 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM. Closed Sundays.

Walking Tour of Mexico City's Historic Center

Diego Rivera's "Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park"

My second attempt at exploring Mexico City's Historic Center was much more fruitful than the first.

Well-rested and ready for another big day in the capital, I worked my way from east to west across the Centro Historico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Table of Contents

1. Museo Mural Diego Rivera
2. Parque Alameda
3. Palacio de Bellas Artes
4. Torre Latinoamericana
5. Catedral Metropolitina
6. Templo Mayor and Museum
7. Palacio Virreinal

1. Museo Mural Diego Rivera

Most of the museums in the historic center open at 10 AM, and I began small with the Museo Mural Diego Rivera, located on Plaza Solaridad, near Alameda Park.

The main draw is Diego Rivera's mural entitled "Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park" which features an eclectic cast of characters including the artist himself, his wife and fellow artist Frida Kahlo, and a depiction of death itself (the skeleton wearing a dress in the middle).

Maps describing all of the characters in both English and Spanish can be found at the opposite end of the room.

It's a fun exercise going through them all to decode what you're seeing.

2. Parque Alameda

Leaving the Diego Rivera museum, I walked east through Alameda Park.

Given how overwhelmingly large Mexico City can feel, it's a pleasant surprise to find an oasis of green in the middle of all the action.

There are plenty of water fountains and park benches, and few vendors, though a market is set up on weekends.

3. Palacio de Bellas Artes

At the east end of the park is Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Palace of Fine Arts). The grand building houses a theater where the Mexican ballet performs.

The second and third floors feature more Diego Rivera murals, as well as works by other artists. Plus, there's additional gallery space for smaller installations.

Even if you choose to forgo paying the museum entrance to see the murals, step inside and take a gander at the impressive lobby.

The modern lines of Torre Latinoamericana contrast sharply with a nearby church — The juxtaposition of new and old

4. Torre Latinoamericana

Visible from the Palacio de Bellas Artes is the 182-meter tall Torre Latinoamericana, one of Latin America's iconic skyscrapers.

For those visitors who want a view from the top, admission is 60 pesos, or about $4.65. The lookout is open 365 days a year.

The Cathedral Metropolitana is the largest church in the Americas

5. Catedral Metropolitina

I continued east, walking seven blocks along the pedestrian-only Avenida Francisco I. Madero.

This passageway is filled with shops, restaurants, and old churches.

At the eastern end, it spills out into the Zócalo, or main plaza, which is the epicenter of the historic district.

Here, one's eyes are immediately drawn to Catedral Metropolitana, the largest church in North and South America.

Inside, you'll find a monumental golden altarpiece close to the front door for what I believe to be small services.

During both my visits, I was not allowed to walk the length of the nave, and to my knowledge, it's not possible to climb the spires.

The Zócalo is also ground zero for tourism in Mexico City.

North Americans, especially, take advantage of cheap holiday packages.

Bringing together the value of backpacking with the comfort of an organized holiday, these trips can provide a great introduction to those who are new to travel abroad.

The Cathedral as seen from across Templo Mayor

6. Templo Mayor and Museum

Adjacent the Cathedral is Templo Mayor, an important temple belonging to the ancient Aztecs.

The earliest construction dates back to the 14th century, and it was later destroyed by the Spanish in 1521.

Its discovery and full-scale excavation did not occur until the late 20th century.

Not knowing of Templo Mayor before my walking tour, it was a fascinating experience to stumble upon an archaeological site of this significance in the city center.

A modern museum housing related artifacts was built on site, and admission is included with the 57-peso ($4.40) entrance to Templo Mayor.

Austere facade of Mexico's National Palace

7. Palacio Virreinal

Exiting Templo Mayor, I walked over to the National Palace, across the street, and occupying the eastern side of the Zócalo.

The highlight of the palace visit is a viewing of Diego Rivera's "The Epic of the Mexican People" depicting Mexico's history.

There was an event going on when I stopped by, and thus I lost my last opportunity to visit before leaving the city.

Next time, Palacio Virreinal will be tops on my "to do" list.

I'd allotted the first half of my day to see the city center, and after three to four hours, I'd seen a lot.

I hailed a taxi and headed for my 2 PM lunch at Pujol.

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The Historic City Center of Mexico City became a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Click here for the full list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

The Time I was Ripped Off By a Taxi in Mexico City

[O]n my first full day in Mexico City, I challenged myself to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single day.

I began at the Central Campus of UNAM, and followed it up with a guided tour of Casa Luis Barragan.

At dusk, I completed the trifecta with a visit to Mexico City's Historic Center, which was both hurried and overwhelming.

The heat, air pollution, crowds, and grandeur of the neighborhood was enough to manage in itself, let alone trying to appreciate the points of interest.

I took a few pictures of the Cathedral, and hopped in a cab for the short ride back to my nearby hostel, thus saving me a twenty-minute walk.

As the drive began, I realized the meter was off, so I asked the driver about it.

He shrugged me off, saying it wasn't needed, which instantly set off alarm bells that this guy was positioning himself to overcharge me.

I tried to regain some control, asking for an estimate of the fare, but he shrugged me off again.

Too tired, or perhaps too complacent to push harder, I allowed the ride to come to its conclusion at my hostel, where he finally declared a value, 100 pesos ($7.80).

I responded angrily, knowing this was well above the actual rate.

He refused to budge.

In the heat of the moment, I lacked the confidence to argue any further, and handed him a 100-peso note (conveniently, he asked for a value that can be paid with a single bill), and entered the hostel.

Flustered from the exchange, I peppered the young receptionist with questions about the incident, to which she responded the ride should've been about 35 pesos ($2.75), or three times less than what I was asked to pay.

Expletives spewed out of my mouth as I trudged upstairs to my empty dorm room, where I continued to fume for another hour at the gall of the driver.

I opened up Go Backpacking's Facebook page and let off a rant involving cheating taxi drivers, and karma, which generated quite a few responses, including one girl telling me to "get over it" because it's just a few dollars.

She was right, of course, but it wasn't the money that bothered me, it was the driver's ability to lie to my face, and ultimately rip me off without hesitation.

I've taken hundreds of (metered) taxis in Medellin without a problem, and dozens more in Lima (unmetered) without being so blatantly overcharged.

The following day, I would take several, longer taxis covering large distances, and they barely tipped over the 100-peso mark, which hit home how obvious it was that the driver the day before had ripped me off.

But by then, I'd truly gotten over it.

What would you have done? Paid the asking price knowing it's too much? Given less, and left the car without apology?

Leave your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Cancun

"Go now," the guide shouts as a large black dorsal fin glides past our boat, bobbing in the open sea.

I hit the water feet first, followed quickly by the rest of my body. My head dips below the water's surface from the momentum, and a life jacket ensures I immediately bounce back up.

Adjusting my snorkel mask, I face down just in time to see the white-speckled body of a whale shark, the world's largest fish, pass before my eyes.

One of our group's two boats departing the marina

Remembering the guide's instructions, I begin swimming next to it, against the current, before it passes effortlessly into the distance.

My first attempt at snorkeling beside these graceful creatures on my whale shark adventure was over in minutes.

The guide in the water signals me to return to the boat and wait for my next turn.

Our boat has nine passengers and two guides. Each guide takes turns snorkeling in the water with two customers at a time.

The small ratio of guides to passengers eased my concerns about snorkeling in the open sea, forty-five minutes to an hour off the coast of Cancun.

Whale sharks can be spotted in the open sea thanks to their black fins

It'd been a bumpy ride out to sea, with the boat's hull smacking up and down against the five to six-foot waves.

I took some comfort in the assurance that the seas were calmer on this day than earlier in the week, but maybe the guides tell everyone this to help ease their anxieties.

Whale shark season in Cancun runs from mid-May through September, with the whales passing by Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in their migratory search for food.

Despite their ominous name, teeth, and size (up to 40 feet in length, weighing an average of 20 tons), whale sharks feed on mostly plankton and small fish.

They open their giant mouths, which span the width of their heads, and filter the nutrients out of the water. They have poor eyesight, as is the case with most sharks.

Earlier, we'd been instructed to stay put if we saw a whale shark coming directly toward us in the water because they'd sense us (not see us) and either turn or dive.

A whale shark skims the surface as it feeds

To my surprise, the whale sharks feed near the water's surface, making snorkeling with them so easy.

I'd anticipated we'd be looking down on them, but that wasn't the case. We could see them from the boat, but we also had to turn our heads upward in the water to see them cruising around.

I could tell that most of the other passengers on my boat were divers. And it wasn't just the underwater cameras and GoPros strapped to people's heads.

Those who didn't bring their wetsuits and snorkel gear rented wetsuits from the tour company at the marina before we left.

Wearing a wetsuit ensures sun protection and allows you to do your snorkeling without a life vest (as the suits provide buoyancy).

I skipped the wetsuit to save money ($12) but had a bad sunburn by the end of the day.

As I waited my turn, seasickness crept into my conscience. I wasn't the only one, either. A German diver on our boat also began feeling ill.

Another woman on board was kind enough to offer me a motion sickness tablet, which I readily consumed, and a bottle of water (included on the tour).

Underwater view of a whale shark, similar to what I saw while snorkeling (photo: Marcel Ekkel)

The guide recommended I get back in the water because I'd feel better, but I resisted initially and allowed others to go in my place.

But time was running out, and I couldn't ignore how excited the others were every time they exited the water after snorkeling with the whale sharks.

I took a deep breath and proclaimed across the boat, "One last time!"

Familiar with the process now, I readied myself on the side of the boat and waited for the guide's signal.

My second time in the water, I got a clearer view of the massive whale shark swimming before me. It was so beautiful; I forgot to swim.

I was content to tread water and watch it pass before my eyes as if in a trance. The sunlight reflected off the white dots across its body.

The guide snapped me out of the moment with instructions to swim, but it was too late. The whale shark had gotten too far ahead of me, and because they swim against the current, it's not easy to catch up.

Later, the guide laughed at my expense, joking that I was supposed to SWIM with them.

The crystal clear waters of Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres

My nausea began to decrease once the boat was moving again. Our destination was Playa Norte, off the northern coast of Isla Mujeres, where we'd stop for lunch.

A bumpy 45-minute ride later, we eased our way into the gorgeous, shallow waters off the palm tree-lined Playa Norte.

The stunning scenery was a surprise, the calm waters a welcome respite from the open sea waves.

I sprayed on a new layer of sunscreen and gently hopped off the boat, my feet sinking into the soft white sand. Boats from other companies were anchored around us, but the beach was empty.

Wading through the warm waters, I imagined the scene during Christmas break in December or Spring Break in March; I preferred to have the beach to myself.

Related: Riviera Maya's Best Beaches

Our group goes for a swim, before returning to the boat for a ceviche lunch — Our group goes for a swim before returning to the boat for a ceviche lunch.

Our crew began preparing fresh shrimp ceviche for lunch on board the boat. It was tangy and delicious, the perfect end to our whale shark adventure in Cancun.

Tips to Enjoy Your Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure

Get Your Guide's whale shark tour in Cancun offers hotel pick-up from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The further you are from Cancun, the earlier you need to wake up, and the later you return.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof camera. I regretted not buying a disposable camera for $20, as the water is clear, and you're close enough to the whale sharks to get decent photos.

Rent a wetsuit for further sun protection, don't depend on the life jacket, as it doesn't provide full coverage.

Take motion sickness pills even if you don't usually get motion sick. You don't want nausea to ruin your experience.

Plenty of bottled water and lunch are included, but bringing extra water and snacks is not a bad idea. It's better to eat something than depart on an empty stomach.

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I was provided with a complimentary tour in partnership with GetYourGuide.

Jalan Alor - Marmite Frog and Crab in Kuala Lumpur

Bukit Bintang is one of the main shopping and trendy districts of Kuala Lumpur.

With a wide selection of hotels, endless shopping opportunities, and markets, the area attracts many locals and quite a few tourists as well.

Parallel to Jalan Bukit Bintang, the street that houses many fancy shopping malls and designers boutiques, is Jalan Alor.

This street, which is almost a world of difference from the next street over, is one of the most famous streets in the city for Chinese Malaysian food.

During the day the street can be a little quiet, and while even though some of the restaurants are open, there's not much outside seating.

However, at night is when the street comes alive and round tables are wheeled onto the road accompanied by those all familiar plastic chairs.

Both sit down restaurants and small street stalls line the road.

Most of the culinary options are of the Chinese Malaysian variety; you'll find Chinese food, satays, fresh durian, and those famous Jalan Alor chicken wings.

The last time I went to Kuala Lumpur, I consulted my Facebook friends on where to eat, and I was recommended to eat at Wong Ah Wah restaurant along Jalan Alor.

While some of the restaurants along Jalan Alor have seemingly started to cater more towards Western tourists, Wong Ah Wah is still a famous local restaurant.

It is well known that Wong Ah Wah is where many Malaysian chefs that cook at nearby luxury hotels come to eat, drink, and relax after their night shifts - so it's that kind of a restaurant - good comforting food with a simple relaxing environment.

We started our meal with the chicken wings, a dish no one who eats there misses; their chicken wings are famous!

There's an entire specialized chicken wing roaster outside the restaurant and you can smell the wings along the entire street.

They were really good, sort of a sweet honey soy sauce barbecue glaze on them. I do wish the chicken skin had been a little crispier though.

Seeing Marmite frog on the menu, I just couldn't resist the temptation to sample something so unique.

At that time I didn't know Marmite was such a popular ingredient used in sauces at Chinese Malaysian restaurants, but I soon found it elsewhere as well.

This was the real deal, a superb dish that was salty, sweet, and the frog legs were succulent and juicy.

I had had Marmite a number of times on bread, but somehow the sauce, which was also mixed with soy sauce and other ingredients, created the perfect salty glaze for the legs.

While the Marmite frog was a wonderful and unique dish, nothing compared to the crab.

This beauty was cooked and stir fried in a sweet chili soy sauce along with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

The claws were packed with sweet buttery flesh and the preparation was outstanding.

When you're in Kuala Lumpur be sure to stop at Jalan Alor and eat a delicious meal at Wong Ah Wah.

Also, just a few kilometers down the road is another legendary food street known as Pudu Wai Sek Kai. On both streets you're sure to find something tasty!

Architect Luis Barragán's House and Studio

I left the UNAM campus for my second UNESCO site of the day, Casa Luis Barragán.

To make things easy, I took a cab to Barranca del Muerto station on Line 7 and then took the metro up to Constituyentes.

From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the Barragán House and Studio.

I arrived just as the house was closing for lunch. A guided tour is required, and the next one in English would be at 3 PM.

To kill time, I walked to another house he designed as a private residence, but the woman living there charges 200 pesos ($16) for a short tour, which is the same cost as the architect's own house.

By the time I had a bite to eat and walked back, it was almost 3 PM.

I paid the 200 peso admission but skipped paying for the rights to take photos of the interior, which was more than double the cost (500 pesos, $40).

The very private rooftop terrace, where Luis Barragan liked to entertain guests

I always enjoy visiting the former homes of artists like Barragán, Frida Kahlo, or Chile's Pablo Neruda, because you gain greater insight into what it would've been like for them to live and work there.

It's a chance to see the decor and art they chose to surround themselves with (though all the originals from Barragán's house are in storage) on a daily basis.

In the case of an architect, you can learn a lot about their use of natural light, space, color, and perspective.

Barragán was born in Guadalajara in 1902.

He began designing this house in Mexico City for someone else in 1948 but then decided to keep it for himself.

...the House and Studio of architect Luis Barragán in the suburbs of Mexico City represents an outstanding example of the architect's creative work in the post-Second World War period.
The concrete building, totalling 1,161 m2, consists of a ground floor and two upper storeys, as well as a small private garden.
Barragán's work integrated modern and traditional artistic and vernacular currents and elements into a new synthesis, which has been greatly influential, especially in the contemporary design of gardens, plazas and landscapes. -- UNESCO

He never married but was fond of entertaining. Interestingly, as our guide pointed out, the guest room reserved for his female friends was the only room without religious art.

Barragán, it turns out, was a real playboy. And he lived in the same house for 40 years, until he died in 1988.

At the time, the house was valued at 10 million dollars, and bought by a foundation dedicated to preserving it as a museum highlighting his life and contributions as an architect.

See also: Mexico City's Best Restaurants

A Barragan-designed home 10 minutes away from his residence — A Barragan-designed home a 10 minute walk away from his residence

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Luis Barragan's House and Studio became a World Heritage Site in 2004.

Click here for the full list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

Central Campus at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Sculpture outside the Contemporary Art Museum

A few days before my Ancient Civilizations tour with G Adventures was set to begin, I arrived in Mexico City from Guadalajara by plane.

To see and do as much as possible, I prioritized my activities, choosing to see a few off-the-beaten-track sites before the historic city center.

After a good night's sleep in a hostel dorm I had to myself, I began my first day with a subway ride to the Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

I know, it's a mouthful.

Why spend my first morning in Mexico City visiting a university campus?

Here's how UNESCO summarizes the importance of the architecture at UNAM:

The ensemble of buildings, sports facilities and open spaces of the Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), was built from 1949 to 1952 by more than 60 architects, engineers and artists who were involved in the project.
As a result, the campus constitutes a unique example of 20th-century modernism integrating urbanism, architecture, engineering, landscape design and fine arts with references to local traditions, especially to Mexico's pre-Hispanic past.
The ensemble embodies social and cultural values of universal significance and is one of the most significant icons of modernity in Latin America.

Looking at the campus on Google Maps, I was intimidated. It looked like a city within a city. I decided to figure it out once I got there.

A colorful, hanging sculpture reflects sunlight in the main hall of the Contemporary Art Museum.

I took Line 3 of the metro heading south to the aptly named Universidad station at the southeast end of campus.

Alternatively, the northeast area of campus is accessible from the Copilco station.

Still unsure of what the heck I was doing, I exited the station along with crowds of students and walked through a small maze of Mexican stands selling food and drinks.

It felt like unchartered territory, if only because I was still utterly clueless about where I was going.

I saw a bus stop and a map with concentric rings of bus routes.

It didn't look very easy. I decided to walk, but I didn't make it far before remembering this wasn't like my small college campus in New York.

I hailed a taxi and asked him to take me to the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporaneo (Contemporary Art Museum), or MUAC for short. It was as good a starting point as any.

He dropped me off in front of a large, near-empty plaza, with the museum to my left. The sun was already bearing down, and it was only mid-morning.

I bought a ticket for $3.30 but found the architecture of the building more fascinating than the art within it.

Before leaving, my eyes drew me down to the basement level, where the museum restaurant, Nube Siete, is located.

I ate a quick brunch of huevos rancheros over a glass floor covering volcanic rocks.

In the separate smoking section, the rocks were exposed and overflowing into the space.

Sophisticated and unique setting aside, the restaurant was also reasonably priced, and I'd recommend visitors grab at least a coffee.

Campus building near the Contemporary Art Museum

After brunch, I poked around the campus buildings in the immediate vicinity before hopping on one of the free shuttle buses to the sculpture park around the corner.

It was a much shorter distance than I expected, and I could've walked in five to ten minutes, but at least I learned the campus buses were free for everyone.

The sculpture park is located within an ecological reserve. Remember, this is all still well within the university's campus.

The road bisects the park. The direction I went first led me to a monumental sculpture installation.

Large concrete blocks were situated around an open circle of exposed volcanic rock.

Of course, I did what anyone would do upon seeing such a sight. I ran up one of the blocks to get a better view.

Look for the students sitting on top of the blocks in the photo above to get a sense of scale.

A mask-shaped sculpture acts as a portal through which people can pass

Going up was easy, but looking back down at the ground from what appeared to be a 45-degree angle was another story.

I hurried down the top section like a crab and then stood up and hit the ground running.

On the other side of the road were smaller sculptures and a bunch of academic buildings.

The facades of Biblioteca Central (Central Library) are mosacis of thousands of colored tiles. — The facades of Biblioteca Central (Central Library) are mosaics of thousands of colored tiles.

I hailed another taxi north to the Biblioteca Central (Central Library) for my third and final stop.

With over 400,000 books, it's one of the largest libraries in the country. It's also the most popular building for curious tourists.

One look at the scale of the mosaics designed by Juan O'Gorman adorning all four sides, and it's easy to see why.

Each wall depicts a different period in Mexican history.

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The Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) became a World Heritage Site in 2007.

Click here for the complete list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

Dal Bhat: What You'll Be Eating in Nepal

[W]hen you're in Nepal, it's likely that you'll be eating dal bhat each and every day, so it's a great thing that dal baht makes a wonderful well-rounded meal.

What is Dal Bhat?

Dal, which is similar to the Indian staple, is normally a lentil soup.

In Nepal it's often thin, more of a soupy consistency than a curry. Bhat refers to a type of starch, which normally means rice, but can mean another form of starch if no rice happens to be available.

Together the combination of dal and bhat forms the most basic and widely eaten staple meal in Nepal. Locals will often eat two or even three meals of dal bhat per day.

Items like fried bread are sometimes eaten for a Nepali breakfast, but later on in the day, dal bhat is most common.

Though just rice and lentil soup is the most basic form, most of the time you'll also be served whatever vegetable is on hand, a dish referred to as tarkari.

Sometimes I was served fresh stir fried green vegetables, other times it was potatoes and onions, or cauliflower curry.

It's really up to the vendor and the season what kind of vegetable is served.

You don't really request a certain vegetable, but just ask for tarkari and see what shows up on your plate - and luckily whatever it is, it will be good.

Achar sauce, a simple freshly ground chili sauce, is also a standardly served item along with any dal bhat meal.

I had many different varieties while eating in Nepal, so I think it's just up to the particular vendor to decide which version and what ingredients to use.

Some of the chili paste sauces were tomato based and red in color while others seemed to be full of herbs and green. All of them added extra wonderful flavor to my rice and vegetables.

Along with the achar, a few raw vegetables like tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber slices are commonly served as a garnish.

If you're in need of extra protein, you can normally order a side dish of meat curry or fried chicken.

I especially enjoyed a vegetarian dal bhat accompanied by a plate of a dish known as chilly chicken - deep fried pieces of chicken coated in marvelous tangy sauce and garnished with onions and herbs.

A dal bhat meal in Nepal is often served on a heavy metal plate, and the soup is placed in a metal cup.

I was surprised that even at some real budget street restaurants, I was still served this on top of a nice, high quality plate. I loved the presentation.

Traditionally, meals are eaten with your fingers, but if you ask for a spoon and fork, they'll probably find one for you.

I, however, think that eating dal baht with your fingers adds to the delicious experience. You can easily mix and match bits of food with your fingers before taking a perfect bite.

Step into many hole in the wall restaurants in Nepal and you'll be greeted by smiling faces and have an opportunity to ask for a plate of dal bhat. The vendor will be happy to serve you and reward you with a piping hot and satisfying meal.

Yet another great thing about eating dal bhat is that the vendor will normally serve you as many helpings of extra rice and vegetarian dishes as you can handle.

In Nepal you'll eat plenty of dal bhat, so it's a good thing it's such a delicious and nutritious staple meal!

Tequila Tour: Agave Landscape and the Industrial Facilities of Tequila

[I] dedicated my one full day in Guadalajara to a tequila tour through the agave landscape of Jalisco, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I'd already seen fields of blue agave plants on the bus ride from Puerto Vallarta, but it was worth the time to learn more about the process of how agave is turned into tequila.

I don't like tequila, at all, but I wanted to seize this unique opportunity.

The small tour group was a mix of Mexicans and foreigners. Our first stop was Tres Mujeres, an organic distillery one hour west of Guadalajara.

There, we received a full tour and tasting, which was the highlight of the day.

Taking turns chopping off the leaves of the blue agave plant with a traditional tool

New agave is planted every May, before the start of the rainy season. It then takes seven to eight years before the plants are mature enough to be harvested.

Unlike planting the new agave, the harvesting can be done at any time of year.

Workers are paid a mere 70 pesos ($5.50) per ton (2,000 lbs) of agave harvested. The younger men can harvest up to five tons per day, which is the maximum allowed, thus earning 350 pesos ($28) for their work.

The older man who demonstrated the proper technique for cutting off the leaves of the "pineapple," or core of the plant for us, had been working the agave fields for decades.

Due to age, he was now working at a slower pace, and was only able to harvest about three tons per day, which still sounds incredible given the heat.

If I heard correctly, a single pineapple can weigh upwards of 200 pounds.

Every 15 pounds of agave produces one liter of tequila.

The "pineapples" are placed in the ovens for 2-3 days — The "pineapples" are placed in the ovens for two days

Once harvested, the pineapples are placed in ovens for up to two days, and then given an extra day to cool.

At Tres Mujeres, they don't use any machinery. All of the work is done by hand.

From here, the distillation process is reminiscent of wineries.

The pineapples are squeezed of their juices, which then goes into fermentation tanks for four to nine days. They rely on the natural, organic process of sugar converting to alcohol.

A second distillation occurs to separate and remove poisonous methanol, while leftover fiber from the plants is used for fertilizer, or repurposed.

Tequila is typically 34% to 50% alcohol. The Tres Mujeres brands are 38%. They are especially popular with the Russians and Japanese, as both their countries import tequila from the distillery.

We also saw the cellar, where French oak barrels are used to rest the tequila for between three to six years. The barrels are replaced every 10 years.

Of course it wouldn't be a proper tour without a tasting, and Tres Mujeres was very generous in this respect. Everyone was poured a shot of four different tequilas, all 100% agave.

Before we began, I learned you lick the salt first to make you salivate, which is supposed to make the tequila taste better.

I sampled the first two, before realizing organic tequila tastes as bad to me as the regular stuff.

I skipped the third nicest (green bottle), and tried one last time with their higher end tequila (red bottle).

Nope, even with the salt and lime, I squinted as the liquor hit my taste buds.

Church in the pueblo of Tequila — Church of Tequila

We left Tres Mujeres for the pueblo of Tequila.

Yes, there's actually a historic little town called Tequila, which bears the UNESCO emblem in a small plaza adjacent the church.

From the UNESCO website:

"The 34,658 ha site, between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River, is part of an expansive landscape of blue agave, shaped by the culture of the plant used since the 16th century to produce tequila spirit and for at least 2,000 years to make fermented drinks and cloth.

Within the landscape are working distilleries reflecting the growth in the international consumption of tequila in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today, the agave culture is seen as part of national identity. The area encloses a living, working landscape of blue agave fields and the urban settlements of Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitan with large distilleries where the agave 'pineapple' is fermented and distilled.

The property is also a testimony to the Teuchitlan cultures which shaped the Tequila area from AD 200-900, notably through the creation of terraces for agriculture, housing, temples, ceremonial mounds and ball courts."

Tequila is also the location of La Rojeña distillery, the oldest factory in Mexico (at least according to them).

It is here in 1795 that Jose Antonio Cuervo became the world's first producer of tequila.

Today, Jose Cuervo is the largest tequila brand in the world, accounting for 19% of the global market.

Even if you're like me, and not a fan of tequila, it's worth wandering through the public areas of the distillery as the architecture and courtyards are wonderful.

There's also a bar, of course, which was offering two margaritas for 50 pesos ($4). I doubt you'll find a better made margarita anywhere else in the world.

Pueblo fans would do well to spend a night in Tequila, as it's too hot to truly enjoy during the day, and our tour only allowed us an hour to explore.

Tequila is one of several "magic" pueblos throughout Mexico. This appears to be a tourism campaign to highlight the country's prettiest pueblos.

It's a strategy which would serve Colombia well.

Tequila Volcano, and fields of blue agave

The tour finished with lunch at a typical restaurant, Mariscos El Mar II, overlooking Tequila Volcano and the surrounding plantations of blue agave.

The cost of lunch was not included in the tour, but the prices were average.

Whether or not you like the taste of tequila, I recommend taking a day to do a tequila tour when passing through Guadalajara.

Salud!

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The Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila became a World Heritage Site in 2006.

Click here for the full list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

Hospicio Cabañas, and the Murals of José Clemente Orozco

[L]ocated in Guadalajara's historic city center, a short 15-minute walk from the Cathedral, is Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hospicio Cabañas was built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for the disadvantaged - orphans, old people, the handicapped and chronic invalids.

This remarkable complex, which incorporates several unusual features designed specifically to meet the needs of its occupants, was unique for its time. It is also notable for the harmonious relationship between the open and built spaces, the simplicity of its design, and its size.

In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a superb series of murals, now considered some of the masterpieces of Mexican art. They are the work of José Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists of the period. -- UNESCO

As part of my new effort to visit more World Heritage Sites, I stopped into Hospicio Cabañas on my last day in Guadalajara.

Mural by José Clemente Orozco in the Chapel's dome — The Chapel's dome features the "Man on Fire" mural by José Clemente Orozco

Admission is 70 pesos ($5.50), plus an additional 30 pesos ($2.40) if you want to take photos.

The complex is an immense network of interconnected buildings, spaced apart by 23 courtyards.

The main attraction is the chapel decorated with murals by José Clemente Orozco.

According to UNESCO, "Orozco's murals in the chapel represent in part the most symbolic and characteristic elements of the indigenous culture of Mexico (gods, sacrifices, temples) and for the rest those of Spanish culture (kings, monks, churches).

The central feature represents the submission of humans to machines, culminating in the masterpiece Man of Fire ."

Additional ceiling murals in the chapel by José Clemente Orozco

The English brochure for the site includes very little information about the murals, so unless you're with a guide, or reading you'll have no idea what you're looking at.

Still, I found his style aesthetically appealing, even if I didn't understand the themes.

There's not much else to see here, aside from a few small galleries in the adjacent buildings.

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Hospicio Cabañas became a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Click here for the full list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

Scenes from Guadalajara's Historic City Center

My favorite view of Guadalajara Cathedral is from Plaza de la Liberación to the east

[I] waved goodbye to Christine, Drew and family at the Puerto Vallarta bus terminal, and was soon speeding east toward Guadalajara.

Not knowing much of Mexico, I always thought Guadalajara was a pueblo.

Turns out it's the capital of the central state of Jalisco, and the second biggest city in the country after Mexico City (which we all know to be one of the largest cities in the world).

Five hours later, we pulled into the new bus terminal on the western outskirts of the city.

From there, I took a taxi to my hostel in the historic city center.

Downtown Guadalajara is awash in historic buildings, and despite its size, it's still more relaxed and manageable than Mexico City.

Front facade of Guadalajara Cathedral, which was built in the late 16th century. The area in front of the cathedral is known as Plaza Guadalajara.

A French bandstand in the middle of the Plaza de Armas, east of the Cathedral. The Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Palace) can be seen in the back left.

Huge ceiling mural painted by José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Gobierno. You can see more of Orozco's murals at the Instituto Cultutal Cabañas.

The Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres (Rotunda of the Illustrious People of Jalisco) is north of the Cathedral. Statues of notable figures from the state surround the park.

The Teatro Degollado (Opera House) faces the Plaza de la Liberación east of the Cathedral

Behind the Teatro is a fountain and sculpture, which marks the site where Guadalajara was founded in February 1542. In the late afternoon, this becomes a popular space for street performers.

One of the many churches in downtown Guadalajara

Main building at Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a former orphanage and current UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Varied Architecture of Malta

Kappella tas-Sagrament, Qawra, Malta (photo: Shepard4711)

[A]s a country it is one of the smallest states. Yet its strategic position has made it a popular place for empires over the centuries, the most recent of which was the British Empire.

The country gained independence in 1964 and joined the European Union in 2004. Yet, its landscape is a constant reminder of influences of the past.

This has given rise to an eclectic tapestry of buildings.

Co-op Travel have some excellent holiday deals to Malta to allow tourists the chance to experience some of this architecture.

Table of Contents

Kappella tas-Sagrament
Seaside Castle
Spanish Influences
Use of Limestone
Modern Designs

Kappella tas-Sagrament

Kappella tas-Sagrament in Qawra on Malta is a church and one very different to many others on the island.

It’s design has distinct Arab influences and it stands out from the many white buildings that are prominent in the area.

Seaside Castle

In stark contrast to the previous image, in the same town of Qawra is a small castle with a design that screams of Knights of St John design.

This much is evident from its square design, a feature of their castles and buildings.

Spanish Influences

French and Habsburg Spain influences can often be found in the densely populated towns. Iron-gate fenced balconies and boxed windows are a common sight.

Use of Limestone

Limestone architecture is another prominent feature on the island; many official buildings are made in this style.

Modern Designs

Despite the numerous examples of ancient architecture on the island, there is also more modern looking buildings to be found.

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This post was brought to you by Co-op Travel.

Making the Most of a Rainy Weekend in Valparaiso, Chile

In travel, one can rarely account for the weather. I left Santiago by bus to spend the weekend in the historic port city of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Valparaíso is an exceptional testimony to the early phase of globalisation in the late 19th century, when it became the leading merchant port on the sea routes of the Pacific coast of South America. -- UNESCO

I also hoped to visit the beach in nearby Viña del Mar, but the rain, which hung over the city my entire stay, washed away those plans.

Despite the wet weather, the colorful buildings still managed to brighten up the city. Perhaps that's why they paint them.

One of the many colorful houses in the historic district — The orange house is a small hotel and restaurant.

I took a bed in a hostel dorm, with its creaky wooden floorboards and old metal bed frames. I felt like I was in The Goonies, a movie set in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

During my two-day stay, I made a point of visiting La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Neruda's three former homes turned museums. I'd taken a guided tour of his primary residence, La Chascona, during my time in Santiago and enjoyed it.

La Sebastiana, the former home of Chilean Pulitzer Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda — La Sebastiana, the former home of Chilean Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda

His taste in decor and artwork is fascinating. No photos are allowed inside, so you'll have to visit for yourself to see what I mean. Admission to La Sebastiana is 4,000 Chilean pesos ($8), which includes an audio guide.

Graffiti in cerro Bellavista, an artistic neighborhood near Neruda's house — Graffiti in Cerro Bellavista, an artistic neighborhood near Neruda's house

I could not flag down a taxi from Neruda's house, so I began walking downhill toward the town center and my hostel. Along the way, I passed through the Bellavista neighborhood, artfully adorned with graffiti. I imagine it'd be a lot prettier when the sun is shining.

The architecture of Valparaiso is one of the best reasons to visit

The architecture alone made the city worth a visit, and if I hadn't been on a mission to return to Peru for my Amazon trip, I would've stayed a few extra days to wait for the weather to clear. I did, however, ensure I was eating well. I had two fantastic dinners.

The first dinner was at Restaurant La Concepcion. I was seated in a small dining room before a wood fire. I ordered a glass of wine and pumpkin soup, followed by a crabmeat casserole baked in a traditional clay bowl.

Dessert was a decadent flourless cake with chocolate glaze and ice cream. The waiter then brought me a complimentary glass of a local aperitif, which tasted terrible, but I tried to swallow a few sips out of politeness.

The second dinner at Sabor Color was good but not as impressive as the first. I ordered the grilled tuna with mushroom risotto and chocolate ice cream for dessert.

Grilled tuna medallion on quinoa and wild mushroom risotto at Sabor Color restaurant

The Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso became a World Heritage Site in 2003. Click here for the complete list of UNESCO sites I've visited.

San Pancho Beach (aka San Francisco Beach)

[F]ifteen minutes north of Sayulita is San Pancho, which is also known as San Francisco, an even smaller beach town popular with hippies.

Seriously, it's on the scale of Ecuador's hippie beach town of Montanita, with a population of just a few hundred residents.

Only San Francisco doesn't offer good conditions for stand up paddle boarding, or swimming, due to a strong current.

Instead, expats like my friend Shannon are content to meet every evening on the beach to watch the sunset (an advantage to living on the Pacific coast vs. the Caribbean).

Speaking of Shannon, she just wrapped up three months of living and working in San Pancho.

The day after our visit to Sayulita, Christine, Drew, the kids and I met her there for brunch at the all-organic Bistro Organico in the Hotel Cielo Rojo.

The restaurant was situated on a patio on the ground floor, with a small water fountain and pool, which one adult customer actually used to take a full-on dip.

Christine took lots of photos, and posted them over on her blog, Almost Fearless.

After finishing my organic huevos rancheros, I asked the waiter about the "chocolate avocado pudding" advertised on a board in the restaurant.

Unfortunately, the chefs on duty didn't know how to make the dessert. The combination intrigued Christine.

After a very satisfying lunch, we hit the beach.

Unlike Sayulita, San Pancho beach isn't good for surfing, and the strong current means swimming isn't recommended either.

But it is less crowded, and prettier than Sayulita.

And as I understand it, a recent storm caused heavy erosion, which is why there is a steep drop-off in the level of the beach as you approach the water.

View from a restaurant. It appears the lack of surfing means fewer visitors to San Francisco, versus Sayulita.

The start of low season seemed to have a bigger effect on San Pancho, which was practically deserted on the Sunday we visited, compared to Sayulita the day before.

I left the beach in an effort to find some cold medicine at a pharmacy.

Despite its diminutive size, San Pancho does feature a hospital, which was part of a former President's project in the town. Apparently, he also built a house for his mistress there.

I liked the look of San Pancho, with its colorful cafes, and opportunities to practice yoga, but the town would be too small for me to live in for a few months.

Sayulita is more my size, and I'd always have the option to visit San Pancho.

Shannon felt the opposite, preferring to live in San Pancho, and occasionally visit Sayulita.

After spending a few hours in San Pancho, we once again packed up the car and kids for the return drive to Bucerias.

Christine's homemade chocolate avocado pudding, with whipped cream

Later that afternoon, Drew picked up supplies for chocolate avocado pudding, which Christine, bless her heart, decided to whip up that night.

The mixture was so rich and creamy, I was unable to finish the cup she served me above. I saved the second half for the following day. Delicious!

For more info, check out San Pancho or San Pancho Life.

My Day Trip to Sayulita Beach: Surf, Sand, and Serene Vibes

Once I'd had a chance to explore Puerto Vallarta, Christine and Drew introduced me to Sayulita, a small beach town 20 minutes north of their house in Bucerias and about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. We took their car, but it's also accessible via a local bus. Another option is taxis, but they'd be a little expensive if traveling alone.

Approaching the beach in Sayulita, Mexico

The view to the left features several hotels

In addition to its beautiful beach, Sayulita is a popular surf town, especially for stand-up paddleboarding. Several surf schools lined the main beach, and people of all ages were in the water.

We camped out on the beach for a little while, enjoying the soothing sound of crashing waves. Cole, their son, enjoyed playing in the water while Stella slept under the shade of our umbrella. The scene reminded me of my visits to Jones Beach and Fire Island in New York as a kid.

I went for a barefoot stroll through the center of town, which was relatively empty because it was the start of the low season. No matter, I could tell Sayulita was my kind of town, and if I had the time, I'd spend at least a week there.

Hang out at the beach by day and grab beers by night. No wonder it's so popular with backpackers and expats making their way through Mexico. If Puerto Vallarta meets the needs of mass tourism, Sayulita Beach still appeals to those looking for a cheaper alternative.

Stand up paddle boarding is a popular sport in Sayulita — Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular sport in Sayulita

North of the main beach is a more residential area on a hill, with fewer surfers and sunbathers

When I returned to the beach, Christine and Drew had packed up the beach stuff and were sitting in the shade of a restaurant. I re-joined them, and we hung out a little longer before packing up the kids and car and heading back to Bucerias. Sayulita became the first of several Mexican towns I could see myself living in for at least a few months.

For more info, visit Sayulitabeach.com or Sayulitalife.com.

Qutub Minar - The Tallest Minaret in India

While in Delhi, I had the opportunity to visit Qutub Minar, one of the most important historical icons of the city.

The attraction is one of the main UNESCO World Heritage sites in Delhi.

After paying the 250 Rupees entrance fee, I began to browse the many ruins and structures positioned within the complex.

Located next to the minaret is Quwwat-ul Mosque, one of the original Delhi mosques built by a Mughal ruler.

But it's the jaw-dropping sight of the 72.5-meter tall minaret, which served as a watch tower, that made visiting Qutub Minar one of the top things to do in Delhi.

It's mainly constructed of red sandstone, with sections dating back nearly 1,000 years ago.

Again, just like many of the historical attractions in India, like the Agra Fort, the fine details were extremely impressive.

Carved into the minaret were countless writings and depictions.

Giant flocks of birds dwelling within the ruins and flying back and forth from perch to perch added to the already amazing ambiance.

There are also a number of Mughal tombs at Qutub Minar, one of them being a favorite place for photos.

The marble and red sandstone carvings were intricately carved and some were well preserved.

While Qutub Minar is a popular foreign tourist attraction, it also attracts many local Indians as well, including lots of students who always love to be photographed!

Just a few hundred meters from the main minaret is the base of another minaret that was started and never completed.

This minaret was intended to be even taller and grander than the original, but unfortunately, it never happened.

Located in South Delhi, Qutub Minar is one attraction you don't want to miss when you're in Delhi.

A Quick Travel Guide to Tanzania

[T]anzania is one of the most visually breath-taking countries on the planet.

Etched with extinct volcanoes, wildlife-packed plains, white sand beaches and the continent’s highest peak – the magnificent Kilimanjaro – this is a holiday destination with kick.

Top 5 Places to Visit

You might not want to dedicate too much time to the capital of Dar-Es-Salam, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t visit Kariakoo Market.

This mad, sprawling assortment of stalls is the biggest in the country and a good place to see what urban Tanzania is really like.

The extinct volcano of Ngorongoro Crater is packed with unique wildlife and offers phenomenal views. It’s a strange feeling to descend down over the high walls of the crater into a national park where lava once bubbled.

You’ll be likely to spot herds of elephants, rhinos and lions and in fact, is the only place in Tanzania where you’re virtually guaranteed to see all of The Big Five.

Take a trip to Karatu, a sweet highland town where much of life goes on as it did before tourism arrived. It’s often used just as a base for visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, but deserves more of your time than this.

The cooler climate offers a break from the lowland heat; you could spend days exploring the rural delights of the coffee plantations, walking through local villages, and watching Maasai herders caring for their cattle.

The gorgeous islands of Zanzibar are the perfect start or end to a holiday in Tanzania. Here, you’ll laze on sparkling white beaches and let the Indian Ocean lap at your toes.

The main island of Unguja has amazing diving on the coral reefs, Pemba is a forest-covered nature paradise, and Mafia offers up rustic fishing village charm.

The Serengeti National Park is a prime wildlife-watching spot, drawing visitors to marvel over the biggest animal migration in the world as wildebeest, antelope and zebra swarm over its great plains.

Book a hot air balloon rise at sunset to see it at its best, from a bird’s eye view.

When to Go

If you’re keen to catch the wildebeest migration, you’ll need to time your visit to fall in August or September.

For wildlife viewing in general, it’s best to visit during the dry season, from June to October, as animals gather at water holes.

Zanzibar is warm and sunny all the year round, although from February to April it’s hotter, more humid and gets a few more showers than the rest of the year.

What to Pack

It can get cooler than you might think in the evenings and early mornings, so take a light sweater or fleece and maybe even some gloves. A bandana or scarf is good for keeping dust off the face.

A few simple first aid items can come in handy, such as anti-diarrhea and anti-nausea pills, electrolyte powder for upset stomachs.

Take some wet wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet rolls too in case you need to use a public restroom!

You’ll also need to make sure you get the necessary jabs and get suitable malaria medication before you leave home.

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This post was brought to you by www.exsus.com.

Where to Stay in Barcelona: The 5 Best Neighbourhoods

[M]aking your way to Barcelona? Excellent choice!

Now to decide in which area of this amazing city you want to stay. Are you a laid-back Barceloneta dweller, or a cool Born urbanite?

With so many different ‘barrios’ in the Catalan capital, each one offering a distinct cultural experience, choosing where to stay in Barcelona can be a little overwhelming.

Whether you are in search of the buzzing beach vibes of Barceloneta or the historic richness of the Gothic Quarter, choosing the right holiday apartment in Barcelona could mean the difference between a good trip and an incredible one.

Take a look at our list of the top five neighborhoods in Barcelona, all with their own charms and all in prime locations, making it easy for visitors to explore all of the Catalan capital, hassle-free!

Table of Contents

1. Barceloneta
2. Gothic Quarter
3. Gràcia
4. Eixample
5. Born

1. Barceloneta

Situated right on the coast of the Mediterranean, the seaside village of Barceloneta offers visitors both astonishing sea views and easy access to all of the sights in and around the city.

This area is a popular choice with many travelers, and is perfect for those looking to make the most of the beaches in Barcelona.

With plenty of bars, shops and picturesque ports, Barceloneta is ideal for kicking back and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

The area is also home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the city, ensuring an all round Mediterranean experience.

2. Gothic Quarter

Intrigued by the longstanding history of Barcelona? Well then, the Barri Gòtic in the Ciutat Vella district is the only choice for you.

Nestled in between El Raval and El Born, the Gothic Quarter is home to winding alleyways and quaint plazas, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of Barcelona’s history up-close.

Here you can stay right beside ancient Roman walls and medieval buildings, which are dotted all around the town.

Situated in the heart of the city, the area is also conveniently close to the famous Las Ramblas, making it easy to explore both the old and more modern parts of Barcelona.

3. Gràcia

In search of a traditional Catalan atmosphere? If so, Gràcia will be right up your alley. The neighborhood is located near the Eixample and Sarrià areas on the upper side of the city.

Here you can experience all the very best in Catalan culture, from small, locally owned boutiques to charming restaurants and lovely plazas, some of which play host to Sardana dances, the national dance of Catalonia, on Sundays.

In Gràcia visitors can enjoy a “small town” feeling, while still remaining close to all of the sights in Barcelona.

The area is slightly quieter during the day, but comes to life at night with a trendy bar scene that attracts everyone from young residents to celebrities.

If you’re heading to Barcelona in August, don’t miss the Festa Major de Gràcia: a week-long festival where the streets of this neighborhood are covered in brightly colored, home-made decorations and Mojitos are on sale around every corner!

4. Eixample

If you’re a Gaudí fanatic, then Eixample is the neighborhood for you.

This Barcelona ‘barrio’ is home to many of the most revered sights in the city, including the towering Sagrada Familia.

The district is also home to many outdoor cafes, shopping areas and parks.

Eixample is split into two districts (Eixample Izquierdo and Eixample Derecho) which hold equally as many exciting things to do or see.

Within this district you will also find the famous shopping street, Passeig de Gràcia, and two more of Gaudí’s best known creations: the colorful Casa Batlló and unique Casa Milà (La Pedrera).

5. Born

One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Barcelona, El Born, is home to charming boutiques, museums, quirky restaurants and cool bars.

This town was once the site of medieval jousting competitions and witch burnings, but it is now known as a trendy cultural hub where travelers can find something for everyone.

The famous Picasso Museum and the Santa María del Mar church can be found here, as well as some interesting eateries and unusual stores.

The Parc de la Ciutadella is to the north of the district and offers a great place to chill out or have a picnic. Choosing El Born as the base for your trip ensures a perfect combination of history and current culture.

So, whether you wish to kick back beachside, enjoy a true Catalan experience or get lost in the winding streets of the Old Town, there is certainly a neighbourhood for everyone looking to rent an apartment in Barcelona, be it for a short or long-term visit.

What’s more, this list is by no means extensive, with areas such as the artistic Raval and the upscale Sarrià providing their own charms to visitors to the city.

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This post was written and brought to you by Apartment Barcelona.

North Indian Food: Typical and Traditional Dishes

The Indian subcontinent is vast and home to a diverse range of cuisine. North Indian cuisines are far different from Northeastern Indian food or South Indian cuisines. And if you get even more specific, each region is famous for individual dishes.

After visiting a few of the major cities in the north of India and dining on lots of local food, I'll try to cover a few of the general things that I noticed distinctly about North Indian cuisine.

Northern Indian cuisines are often what many people would think of as just Indian food. It's the North Indian curries that are usually found outside of India in Western restaurants (but don't forget about South Indian food either - it's equally as delicious, but different).

Within North India, you'll find everything from street stalls to high-end Indian restaurants like Bukhara, all serving classic North Indian fare, just as you would find it in Indian households.

Conventional cooking methods include deep-frying snacks, grilling or roasting meat, and slow-simmering for all sorts of curries. As soon as you arrive in India and start eating, you'll notice that there are many vegetarian restaurants available.

If you are a vegetarian, you'll enjoy the variety of tasty pure-veg dishes; if you're a meat-eater, you'll never be far from outstanding meat either!

Chapatis are typical of North Indian food. — Chapatis

While rice is the ultimate staple food in much of South India, rice is often available in the North, and a meal is never complete without Indian bread.

Tandoori roti, chapati, naan bread, and many other flatbreads, like aloo paratha, are extremely popular and vital for all North Indian meals, both as snacks and as main courses. Bread is the main filler and a great way to scoop up sauces.

Dal, or lentils, is an essential food in India. North Indian styles of dal curry are usually a little thicker and richer than South Indian variations. It's not uncommon for someone to eat dal and bread for a meal.

Diverse curries and barbecue meats are always available for more substantial main dishes.

Chicken, beef, mutton, and eggs are stewed in black pepper, aromatic spices, such as coriander leaves, and ghee (clarified butter). The thick, rich sauces are genuinely marvelous. A particularly rich favorite is butter chicken.

North Indian regions like Uttar Pradesh are also highly famous for barbecued meats.

One of the most famous is tandoori chicken, which is chicken marinated in spices and yogurt and then roasted in a clay oven known as a tandoor. Common vegetables include potatoes, peas, okra, onions, carrots, and beans.

Green leafy vegetables are not all that common, but some vegetables go well in curries. Dairy products play a massive role in North Indian food.

Paneer, a hearty cheese, is one of the most popular main ingredients, especially for vegetarians and those who need protein.

To sample this part of the country's cuisine at its finest, try a rich dish like paneer makhani, palak paneer, paneer tikka, or mutter paneer.

If you live in Europe and want to cook these meals, online Indian grocery stores in Germany can help. They sell real ingredients like paneer, ghee, and garam masala.

Thick full-fat yogurt is heavily used in snacks known as chaats and is often served along with any typical thali (a fixed meal including various dishes and starch).

Milk and milk products, like fresh cream, form the foundation of many North Indian desserts, dry fruits, and coconut milk.

Related: Top 9 Malaysian Foods

Chole bhature is a traditional North Indian food. — Chole bhature

One comfort food I especially enjoyed eating in Delhi is a dish known as chole bhature.

Chickpeas are curried in plenty of spices, dished up with chilies and onions, and garnished with cilantro. They can be found in Indian dishes like dal makhani, urad dal, dal baati, and moong dal.

It's also available in fast food all over the streets of Delhi and eastern India. It's usually eaten along with a few freshly grilled chapatis.

North Indian food is a joy to eat. It's rich, extremely satisfying, and packed full of spicy flavor!

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If you liked this story, check out Feastio, the new food blog from the founder of Go Backpacking.

A Beginner's Guide To Traditional Tunisian Foods

If you've ever travelled to Tunisia before, you'll know it can be pretty expensive. However, if you fly from London Gatwick Airport and use Gatwick parking, you can save a significant amount, which can be spent on delicious Tunisian foods.

Tunisian Brik (photo: Rusty Clark) — Tunisian brik (photo: Rusty Clark)

For those unfamiliar with the practice, eating in Tunisia can seem like a strange and foreign experience.

Commonly served dishes may seem unfamiliar or be prepared with ingredients not typically combined in other countries. Of course, specialties may differ between regions, but certain dishes are considered staples of the Tunisian diet.

Though not a universal truth, many Tunisian dishes are spicy. The cuisine in Tunisia is a mixture of Mediterranean cuisine and that of desert dwellers.

A particular Tunisian spice mix, known as tabil, is used in many dishes. Tabil is made of garlic, cayenne or red pepper, coriander, and caraway seeds.

The ingredients are often mixed in a mortar and dried in the sun's rays. Beef, veal, and game are the most common dishes to be flavoured using tabil.

Visiting Tunisia soon? Book your hostel here

Table of Contents

Tunisian Cuisine
A New World of Tastes

Tunisian Cuisine

Appetizers

Harissa is a ubiquitous Tunisian condiment and is often found as a part of every meal. The dish is a compote made of garlic, cumin, olive oil, and dried chilli peppers.

Many restaurants serve it as a dip for bread, and it is often complimentary, with each establishment or family having its unique harissa recipe. One common variation of Harissa involves sprinkling tuna on top of the dish.

Brik is one of the most common appetizers served in Tunisia. These are essentially fried triangle pastries filled with olive oil, parsley, egg, and tuna, and often served with lemon to be squeezed on top. This is usually a favorite appetizer among tourists.

Main Courses

Tunisian couscous on the right (photo: Rusty Clark). — Tunisian couscous on the right (photo: Rusty Clark)

Famous the world over, couscous is a staple in Tunisian cuisine and is considered the country's most iconic dish.

Tunisian couscous is made from finer grains than many other forms of couscous, and often includes harissa. It is commonly served with various meats, peppers, chickpeas, potatoes, and carrots.

The most common meat is lamb, but some restaurants and dishes use chicken or fish. The best couscous is served in private homes on Sunday.

Ojja is a spicy stew made of meat, olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, harissa, and egg. It is often served in fast food restaurants, generally in a double serving meant for two people.

The most common type of ojja is made with small sausages, but variations include those made with lamb, beef, or seafood. In some places, vegetarian ojja can be ordered.

Baklava (photo: Nikki L). — Baklava (photo: Nikki L)

Desserts

Fruit is heavily consumed in Tunisia as a dessert, but there is also a variety of honey, nut, and pastry sweets that are considered traditional Tunisian desserts. Makroudh has a date filling. Baklava, also known as Balkawa in Greece, is filled with chopped nuts.

A New World of Tastes

Tunisia offers a variety of new tastes to try. If extremely fortunate, a visitor may be invited to a private home to share a meal with a family. If this happens, especially on a Sunday, it is considered a great honor and will undoubtedly be a treat for the visitor's taste buds.

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This post was provided and brought to you by Gatwick Parking.

Puerto Vallarta: My First Taste of Mexico

My first time in Mexico was as a kid. My parents took us on a family vacation to Club Med in Ixtapa, but I never left the resort.

Twenty-five years later, as an adult, I can't imagine going to Mexico and not taking the time to venture out and explore. Yet, the boom in all-inclusive resorts speaks to the popularity of the do-nothing vacation.

Travel Tip: In Mexico and everywhere I travel, I always carry a credit card with a large limit and low fees in case of an emergency. You can compare credit cards to use for travel emergencies online.

I arrived in Puerto Vallarta after 12 hours and three flights from Medellin. I was greeted by Christine and Drew Gilbert, their son Cole, and their new daughter Stella.

There are few things I appreciate more than someone waiting to greet me at an airport, whether it's friends or family or even the occasional tour guide holding my name on a sign.

All the everyday stresses of arriving in a strange and foreign city disappear.

We hopped into the minivan Drew had driven from the U.S. and went to the local Mega supermarket, which was immense. Along the way, we passed Walmart and Sam's Club on the highway.

The U.S. business influence was clear and present here, which is not something I'm used to living in Medellin.

After picking up groceries, we drove a bit further north on the highway, turned off onto a dirt road for a few blocks, and arrived at their house in Bucerias, a town thirty minutes north of Puerto Vallarta with far fewer beach resorts.

Looking for the best places to eat in Puerto Vallarta would have to wait; my first meal would be home-cooked.

From Drew's Instagram photos, I knew that they commonly saw donkeys and horses in the streets around their house, but it was another thing to see them with my own eyes.

The house is surrounded by walls and metal gates, which serve both as protection from the outside and as a way to keep Cole and the dogs inside.

Built by an expat, it was colorfully painted, with large, flower-filled trees winding their way up the surrounding walls.

Puerto Vallarta marina — Puerto Vallarta Marina

I quickly learned my priority was to give Cole attention, lots of it. We played with his Matchbox cars, which reminded me of that phase in my childhood, and threw things in his little kiddie pool (his idea, not mine).

The first evening was spent eating guacamole, drinking Pacifico beers, and catching up on their outdoor patio.

The next day, Christine and Drew had a blogging workshop to teach, and thus, I had the day to myself.

I walked over to the beach in Bucerías for my first look at the Pacific Ocean since leaving Lima last August, then asked a taxi to take me to the Malecón (boardwalk).

Twenty minutes later, he dropped me off at the entrance to the Marina, which has a little boardwalk, but it wasn't the one I had in mind.

It was already early afternoon, and I was getting hungry, so I walked around. The entire harbor is surrounded by restaurants, which would make for a great happy hour and nightlife scene, only it was a ghost town.

April is the start of the low season. Temperatures in Puerto Vallarta are starting to rise, and as Christine told me, many expats leave Mexico to spend the summer in another home, especially Canadians.

I was quickly convinced to grab lunch at Sticky Fingers by a Mexican host who spoke perfect English and was disarmingly effective at his job of getting people in the door.

I ordered fish tacos, and they were good but dry. Another day, I'd get my hands on far juicier ones in Old Vallarta. But it didn't really matter.

I was in Mexico, sipping beer, overlooking a beautiful marina filled with yachts. This was the life.

My next taxi took me down to the Zona Romantica, an older area of Puerto Vallarta ranked #1 on TripAdvisor. There's not much to see, per se, but it's a terrific place to eat and drink.

The Malecón runs along the beach, and there's a giant steel pier offering excellent views of the coastline.

As you can see from the photos, the beach isn't wide, but it's undoubtedly scenic, with the mountains serving as a backdrop for the hotels.

The center of Old Vallarta, with the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the background

From the pier, I began to casually walk the length of the Malecon, shopping for a more stylish hat to replace the $3 Yankees cap I bought in a pinch weeks earlier.

In the center of Old Vallarta, I saw a sign explaining why you always see churches in the main plazas of Latin pueblos and cities (at least those established by the Spanish).

The planners followed a decree by King Phillip II in 1573, which stated that symbols of political and religious power should face a central square.

The Malecón in Puerto Vallarta is clean and well-designed. Statues and local art dot the way, as do dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. This is where you'll find some of the best boutique Puerto Vallarta luxury hotels as well.

I imagined the nightlife to be exciting, given the size and location of the discotecas right along the boardwalk, overlooking the sea.

Add to that a mix of vacationing Mexicans and foreigners from around the world, and you're sure to see many pretty people getting wild off tequila shots and margaritas every weekend.

With Mexico on daylight savings time, I didn't have the patience or energy to wait for the sun to set. I took another cab back to Bucerias to meet up with Christine and Drew.

A few days later, we'd visit Old Vallarta for lunch at Mariscos Cisneros, a restaurant I can't recommend highly enough.

Instead of ordering individual entrees, we ordered a variety of appetizers to taste, including shrimp tostadas, soft crab tacos, shrimp empanadas, and mussels.

Everything was excellent and cheap, a recurring theme in the food I'd eat in Mexico.

Gangaramaya Temple: Colombo's Museum of Relics

Gangamaraya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka

On my last day of visiting Colombo, Sri Lanka, I decided to check out the famous Gangamaraya Temple.

The temple is one of the most well-known Buddhist centers in the city and attracts many locals as well as quite a few tourists each day.

The main part of the temple was built in the 1800s, but since then it has been accumulating more and more Buddhist religious relics and works of art.

There are two main sections of the temple, the main section (which I'll feature here), and just a short distance away is the Simamalaka shrine which is situated within Beira Lake.

One of the many statues at Gangamaraya Temple

Unlike many other temples I've visited in Asia, this temple wasn't overly ornate from the outside, and it wasn't a high-rise towering golden structure.

It was rather the relics and the statues within and surrounding the complex that made it impressive.

Entrance costs 100 Sri Lankan Rupees, and once you're inside you can begin to see the many sculptures, details, and decoration.

Rather than just being a Buddhist temple, Gangaramaya also includes a library, a learning center, and to me, it felt very much like a historical scholarly museum.

Along with the main shrines, there were many artful exhibitions to browse through.

The main sanctuary is filled with a huge statue of Buddha that is surrounded by a host of other statues and sculptures which are all neatly painted and brightly decorated.

Two huge elephant tusks stand on either side of the main statue.

Many Buddhist followers will first enter the sanctuary, possibly offer a gift, and then proceed outdoors where they can light candles and burn incense.

In the outdoor section, there is a series of steps filled with statues of Buddha making various hand signals as well as stone stupas.

The scene really reminded me of Borobudur in Indonesia, and I couldn't help but think that there had been a very similar influence in the design of both religious structures - Borobudur way outdating Gangamaraya.

In both design and decoration, Gangamaraya Temple has been influenced by Thai, Indian, Chinese, and local Sri Lankan styles.

There were many interesting and extravagant shrines like the one pictured above.

Gold, elephant tusks, statues, and fresh flowers were prevalent throughout the temple.

Walking into the Chinese section of the Gangamaraya Temple felt like a complete switch to another location.

The Chinese designed wooden cabinets were filled with Chinese style Buddhist figures and elaborate sculptures.

Just outside of the main sanctuary, surrounded by tables filled with burning candles and incense, and shaded by a huge tree, are a few elephants.

There's also a giant fake elephant sculpture on the complex too, but I preferred the real ones!

After living or traveling extensively in Southeast Asia and seeing many temples, it's sometimes not overly exciting to visit yet another temple.

But Gangaramaya Temple is a top attraction in Colombo, because it's not just a temple, but an entire museum packed with history and art.

Concha y Toro Wine Tasting and Tour

After tackling my list of the top 10 things to do in Santiago, I turned my attention toward a tour and wine tasting at Concha y Toro, the largest producer of wines in Latin America.

While their global reach is noteworthy, it's the fact that I use to drink one of their wines, Casillero del Diablo (translated as "Devil's Locker"), regularly when I was living back in the States.

The name alone enticed me to purchase my first bottle, but it was the relatively low cost and Cabernets and Merlots that kept me going back for more.

I've been lucky enough to visit some of the world's greatest wine regions, including Bordeaux, Stellenbosch, and Mendoza.

But visiting Concha y Toro was more exciting, because it was my first visit to a winery whose wines I'd already been buying and consuming.

19th century summer residence of the Concha y Toro family

Tasting a 2011 Chardonnay by Casillero del Diablo

Barrels fill the Casillero del Diablo (Devil's Locker)

The shadowy figure of a devil stands at the end of this wine cellar in Casillero del Diablo

Tasting four wines by Marques de Casa Concha, with cheese pairings

Checking the color of one of the wines against the white background

Required pose at the entrance to Concha y Toro — Obligatory pose at the entrance to Concha y Toro

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What You Need to Know

How Much: $17 for the traditional tour which includes 1-2 tastings, or $36 for the Marques de Concha tour (which includes the traditional tour + a tasting of 4 premium wines lead by a sommelier).

I highly recommend the Marques de Concha tour, which lasts an additional 30 minutes, and allows you to sample much more wine.

Where to Book: Reserve your spot online through the Concha y Toro site.

Directions: The winery is easily accessible from downtown, taking just one hour by metro. Take the blue line, #4, to Las Mercedes Station, and use the Concha y Toro exit. Then hop the 73, 80, or 81 Metrobus, or a taxi, to the winery.

What to Bring: Camera

Holiday in Columbo: The 5 Must-See Sights of Sri Lanka’s Capital City

Columbo, Sri Lanka – How could one choose anything to see or do in this wonderfully cultural city, with its beautiful array of architecture and diverse religions?

Luckily, I have come across a few things that might help you to see the full spectrum of things to see during your holiday in Sri Lanka. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

1. Temples
2. National Museum
3. The Elephant Orphanage
4. Cinnamon Gardens
5. Sri Pada

1. Temples

The Pettah area of Columbo is home to three Hindu Temples – The Goneshen, The Old Kathiresan and the New Kathiresan.

Each are intricately carved with beautifully coloured doorways; the Old Kathiresan and New Kathiresan Temples are both dedicated to the war-god Murugan, who is sometimes referred to as Skanda.

It is an area definitely worth checking out in the months of July and August, as this is when the annual Hindu Vel festival is in full swing.

During this time Pettah is used as the starting point for the religious procession where a large chariot is dragged to various Hindu Kovils temples on Galle Road.

Personally, this one would be a must for me as it is filled with colour, culture and even an experience you don’t have everyday, however, if you’re criminally insane and are not impressed with these spectacular temples there are some jewelry shops along the way.

2. National Museum

A spectacular white building which encases the long and rich history of Sri Lanka. The Natural History Museum is also included at the back of the property.

At Sri Lanka’s National Museum, the ground floor alone could intrigue you with the history of this astonishing place; the history lesson starts in the prehistoric era through to the present day; the history rooms have information ranging from politics to architecture and literature.

Upstairs, there are plenty of different displays available to observe, including watercolour paintings of Sri Lanka’s landscapes and a gigantic skeleton of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling.

There is an admission fee of Rs 500, and there are no personal cameras allowed inside, but you can check them in at the door. Be sure to check out the gift shop on your way out!

The National Museum should well and truly be considered as one of the key tourist attractions for anyone planning Sri Lanka holidays.

3. The Elephant Orphanage

In the north western town of Kegalla sits a wonderful discovery for anyone who loves animals. Pinnawela Orphanage is situated halfway between Columbo and the ancient royal residence, Kandy.

Established in 1975 this twenty-five acre orphanage is also a breeding ground; Pinnawela holds the largest herd of Elephants in the world, currently consisting of seventy-five impressive beasts.

Originally it was designed to give care and protection to baby elephants that were found in the jungle without their mother, who was either absent or dying (think of Dumbo and it's sad!).

There aren’t many elephant orphanages and this one just so happens to be one of the largest in the world, and thus it is definitely worth a look.

4. Cinnamon Gardens

Picture wide avenues lined with majestic trees, colonial mansions and shaded boulevards – sounds amazing, well readers its real.

The cinnamon gardens, built from the massive profit made by the spice plantations, are a definite must see for anyone with eyes, really.

To tempt you, I will divulge that there are some of Columbo’s most fashionable and exclusive shops, cafes and bars here. At the centre of the Cinnemon gardens is the Vihoramahdevi Park which is the city’s largest open space.

The only thing to watch out for is that Cinnemon Gardens house Sri Lanka’s richest residents who seem to like armed guards stood outside their homes who are of course trained professionals.

5. Sri Pada

Sri Pada (or Adams Peak) is regarded as a very sacred and holy site by Buddhists, Hindu’s, Christians and Muslims.

This amazing mountain stands at 7353ft and at its peak there is an indentation which resembles a footprint.

This supposed footprint of Buddha/Shiva/Adam/St. Thomas (they like to argue), is covered by a very handsome roof and is guarded by the priests of a very wealthy monastery, who reside halfway up the mountain.

Take note that there are many, many steps to reach the footprint and it takes several hours however there are rest stops along the way. Peak pilgrimage is in April.

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This post was provided in partnership with Travelbag.

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