The central part of Toledo is on top of a steep hill that if you are smart, you will take a ride up or take the escalators (many of them) to the top. You can also take the stairs if you are so inclined, but that would be a substantial workout. If you walk up …
Continue reading Toledo, the city on a hill, Spain – UNESCO site
This is the little glass elephant I made with Backstreet Academy in Chiang Mai Thailand. Backstreet Academy offers many classes in Chiang Mai, including batik, jewelry making, metalworking, soap carving, painting, leatherwork, cooking, etc. . . I did this class and the batik class (in another post). They have classes in many cities in Asia, …
Continue reading Making a glass lampwork elephant (Thailand)
As a fair-skinned person, I am always looking for the best ways to hide from the sun. In addition to sunscreen and sunhats, I have a really nice compact and light umbrella/ sunbrella. This works for rain and sun so it is great for going anywhere. It's got a pretty flower on the inside, and …
Continue reading Sun protection options: umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen
When you travel internationally these days, there is a chance they will weigh your carry-on bag(s) before you get on the plane. Sometimes the weights allowed are exceptionally low - like only 15 pounds. So even if you travel in a carry-on, you have to pay attention to the weight of your backpack or roll-aboard. …
Some things come with me on every trip. I always use more than one of these items and they don't take much space, so they just live in my suitcase ready for the next trip A few zip-lock bags in different sizes - great for that partially eaten muffin, or packs of stickers you buy, …
Continue reading Things from home you should travel with (with which you should travel?, lol)
Beijing must-see The Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is a sizable temple complex in Beijing. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like many attractions in China, you do not get a map when entering, so be sure to print one at home and bring it with you. You should plan on …
Continue reading Beijing, China: The Temple of Heaven (a must see)
Travel where you don't speak the language If you haven't recently traveled to a place where you don't speak the language, you'd likely be surprised how easy it can be these days. First, it's amazing to see how well pantomime works. When we were in Panama, and I couldn't remember the word for ice (kept …
Continue reading Don’t be afraid to travel where you don’t speak the language
When you leave the Drum Tower area in Xi'an, you basically are right next to the Muslim Quarter, which is a must-see if you are in Xi'an. It is lit like Las Vegas, crowded, visually entertaining and just an amazing experience. Vendors line the streets with every kind of food. There are motorbikes, and other …
Continue reading It’s a little bit crazy, and a lot Muslim Quarter, Xi’an (China)
If you get to the Blue Mosque very early in the morning, you can be in the first batch of people to enter. The Blue Mosque (which is called Sultanahmet Camii by locals) was built in the early 1600s during the reign of Ahmed I. The Ottoman mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because …
The people in Key West are a little bit odd and they like it that way. It's remote (although not as remote as it used to be), with only one way in and out and many residents have been there since before it was so "easily accessible" One part of Key West I particularly enjoyed …
For a recent trip to Asia I wasn't really looking for anything more than the trekking poles, some bathroom funnels so I didn't have to use the squat toilets if they are really gross, and an assortment of antibacterial products and consumable stuff like that. But then I found these kawaii cuties: They are as …
Continue reading Super cute TSA approved toiletry liquids/gels containers
In Beijing, you can do a Hutong tour with a visit to The Cricket Man (with or without lunch). To me, the cricket man was the only worthwhile part of the tour, so I'm so glad I didn't do one of the many hutong tours that didn't visit The Cricket Man This is The Cricket …
A power line runs through it (The Great Wall, Beijing, China) I was surprised to see this when I visited the Great Wall of China: I bought a tour that went to the Ming tombs because I wanted to see the Sacred Way. The tour however just went to one of the tombs so I …
Continue reading A power line runs through it (The Great Wall, Beijing, China);
Unusual adventure: Zip-line in a cave (unique experience in Louisville area) Having zip-lined in a couple places already, I was excited to find out about an in-cave zip-line experience. This is available just outside Louisville Kentucky and is the world's only fully-underground zip-line course. Mega-zips is a really fun experience. If you go: make sure …
Continue reading Unusual adventure: Zip-line in a cave (unique experience in Louisville area)
Hi everyone, I'm currently looking for a good Mediterranean cruise without a bunch of sea days (please send suggestions), and saw this quote. When you travel, even on a cruise with an itinerary, things can change. The port stop may be shortened. The excursion you want to go on is full or not as expected. …
Continue reading People don’t take trips, trips take people. – John Steinbeck
Travel Around, Experience the World 