Archive for July, 2011

There is no secret that scuba diving is one of my greatest passions in life.  In fact, I think there was a huge flaw in evolution since humans cannot breath underwater.  Someone asked me the other day, “Would you rather be able to breath underwater or have wings to fly?” and there was not a moment of hesitation when I responded, “Absolutely, I would prefer to breath under water!”

Before my first foray into diving in the Dominican Republic, the only thing that I had ever heard regarding diving in the country was that it was the place to go if you wanted to dive with whale sharks.  Well, it was not whale shark season, however I was still excited to see what aquatic surprises awaited me.  I dove with Northern Coast Diving in Sosua, a quiet seaside town located about 30 minutes away from Puerto Plata.

I went on two dives; the first I descended around 50 feet and the second around 20 feet.  While, I did not see any marine life that I had never previously seen before, the visibility was spectacular allowing for some excellent underwater macro-photography.  Here are some of my favorite photos from the dives:

**A special thank you to the owners of Northern Coast Diving.  I had a traumatic accident that involved my hair.  It was very scary and they came to my rescue.  I owe them a world of gratitude and I will never forget their kindness.**

 For the best and most affordable Dominican Republic holidays, make sure to visit Low Cost Holidays.

Being a postcard photographer in Slovenia must be the easiest job ever.  Wherever you look, the country’s lush scenery seems to stretch out before you in the most perfect way and the architecture seems to work in harmony with its surroundings.  You could seriously travel anywhere in the country, point your camera in a random direction before taking a shot, and still end up with a picture worthy to be framed (the blurriness is artistic).  From gorgeous stretches of coastline to ancient castles, I will be going through my experiences of some iconic Slovenian destinations.

The easiest way for me to describe Lake Bled is that it is pretty much what Walt Disney World wishes it was, though fortunately Bled is not made out of plastic.  The clear blue waters of the lake lay nestled within beautiful green hills on which sits Bled Castle, provides an amazing view of the lake.  In the middle of the lake is a miniature island, on which stands a picturesque church from 1698.  It truly is as amazing as it sounds.  After hearing the area so hyped up, I opted to go for the most expensive option (€12 per person) of getting to the island via traditional means, the Pletna boat.  The relaxing 45 minute trip to the island was probably as nice as the visit itself.

Ljubljana, being the capital of Slovenia, is the place to go for Slovenia nightlife — I recommend the Metelkova mesto, which actually contains 6 clubs, each catering to a different crowd.  The city is surprisingly small for a capital and its population of 300, 000 gives it a friendlier atmosphere than what you would expect from an urban center.  There is a huge deal of museums to visit, my personal favorite being Kinoteka, a film museum that doubles up as a cinema.  However, I think that Ljubljana’s beauty reveals itself when aimlessly wandering its historic streets.  As cliché as it sounds, it is all about forgetting the destination and basking in the moment.

Though there are an endless number of gorgeous spots to visit in this small country, my final highlight is Postonja, a town relatively near the coast.  I can guarantee you will not be looking at the coast, rather the giant, odd-looking castle which seems to be growing out of a cave.  A medieval knight was said to have been besieged in Predjama Castle for evading taxes; a fascinating story you can delve into more deeply by taking a tour.

My biggest regret in Slovenia was that I did not have a better camera (my photographs are not exactly going to end up on MyDestination.com/Slovenia).  I guess the second easiest job in Slovenia must be camera salesman?

Louis Jobin is an undergraduate studying English and Japanese Studies.  His passions are European literature, Asian cuisine, and Scandinavian music.

Up until my dining experience at Lucia, the restaurant at Casa Colonial, I had been quite disappointed with the cuisine that I had tasted thus far in the Dominican Republic.  However, after my sensational 4-course meal at this Asian-Latin fusion restaurant, my perceptions were radically changed.

Besides the gourmet dishes being delectably unforgettable, the ambiance was superb.  You are guaranteed a view from any table in the restaurant, as one of the 4 walls is made out of glass, which looks out onto a mangrove jungle overflowing with exotic flora and fauna

At night the candles come out in abundance casting the most romantic of glows.

My meals were a perfect example of how you can successfully combine Asian and Latin foods to create a flavor that tantalizes the senses and leaves you wanting more even after you feel like you cannot possibly eat one more bite.

Tres Ceviches

But of course, I saved just enough room for the signature dessert.  It might not be unique or even considered a fusion-dish for that matter, though anything with chocolate in my book is a winner.  And so is Lucia!

For the best and most affordable Dominican Republic holidays, make sure to visit Low Cost Holidays.

There is always a part in every city that is a little “off-beat,” more bohemian if you will, where you come across an eclectic range of people.  In Lisbon, you can find this part of town in the neighboring districts of Chiado and Barrio Alto.

Barrio Alto is referred by many as the center for youth culture and night life.  Since the early 16^th Century, most of the famous Portuguese artists have lived in this neighborhood.

If you are looking for apartments in Lisbon to rent, it is recommended that you look for something in this area, because it will cater to almost all the needs that an avid traveler has.  As mentioned earlier, the cultural crowd of the city (and the country) has frequented this part of town for a long time and you will find many bars and cafés where artists used to go for drinks.  This area is very inviting with its laid back atmosphere.  If you would like to listen to authentic Portuguese music you will also find many Fado clubs.

The most popular café in Chiado is Café A Brasileira.  It was an important meeting point for the intellectuals.  Portuguese writer, Fernando Pessoa, was very fond of this place and in his honor you can see a bronze statue of him in front of the café today.

If you are in the mood for more culture you should stop by the Museo do Chiado.  It holds one of the greatest collections of Portuguese paintings and sculptures produced between 1850 and 1950.

The Chiado and the Barrio Alto are amongst the oldest districts in Lisbon, which can be seen in the architecture as well. In late August 1988, however, a fire destroyed almost 20 buildings.  The city ordered Portuguese architect, Álvaro Siza Vieira, to take charge of rebuilding and renovating what had been destroyed.  Thanks to his project, the beauty from before was almost fully restored.

Lastly, these parts of the city are great for some shopping.  Along the two main streets, Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett, you will find internationally known chain stores, but also small original boutiques.

Staying in Lisbon apartments in either of these neighborhoods will guarantee you the full package: entertainment, culture and shopping.

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.

Puerto Plata has a secret that I am going to share with you and that secret is Casa Colonial.  Amidst the all-inclusive resorts is a private getaway located on the beaches of Playa Dorada.  After I dried off from my dive with the dolphins, I headed there for a spa experience that left me a changed woman.

Casa Colonial is owned by 5 Dominican sisters and was designed from head to toe by one of them who happens to have quite an affinity for Victorian architecture.  While the resort oozed the charm of a bygone era, it also contained all of the modern luxuries one would expect from a 5-star hotel and spa.  I did not get a chance to see any of the rooms, but if they were anything like the spa then I am sure they were nothing less than spectacular.

Before my hour-long massage I had a soak in their hydrotherapy bath.  I have soaked in hydrotherapy baths before, but none that had simultaneous color light therapy.  Once all of my treatments were over, I was led to a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out onto the ocean.  While I had some tea and admired the view, I contemplated moving to Puerto Plata and never leaving.

But first, before I executed my escape to the Dominican Republic, I had a dinner reservation at Casa Colonial’s Lucia that simply could not be missed. . .

For the best and most affordable Dominican Republic holidays, make sure to visit Low Cost Holidays.

British Columbia is possibly the most beautiful part of the world I have ever seen.  Endless forests, soaring mountains, and pristine lakes; this province of Canada has everything you could want when looking for an outdoors, adventure-type holiday and after I saw all the guides on mydestination.com/britishcolumbia I just could not keep away!

For me, the highlight of my trip to British Columbia was Yoho National Park.  It would no doubt take days to fully explore here, but I would say at the very least go to Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake.  Both have a hiking trail and during the summer canoes can be rented to explore the lake by water, something I cannot recommend enough (warning: do not fall in, as I learned the hard way just how cold it is).  Conveniently there are a couple of lodges and hotels dotted around, in, and near the park, with the town of Field nearby, which has a few little restaurants and serves as a hub for local hikers.

In British Columbia golf is big business and it is no wonder people are drawn from all over the world to play here in such a beautiful setting.  The area boasts so many golf courses you will be spoiled for choice.  If you are looking to play golf and see nature at the same time, then you must head to the town of Whistler.  Whilst in Whistler, I was constantly reminded by the locals of how it hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010; they are very proud of it, and trust me, when you are there you will see why.  All the mountains, valleys, lakes, and forests are the perfect backdrop to any sport, especially golf.  The two best courses in the area would have to be the Nicklaus North course, providing views of the valleys, or the Fairmont Chateau course, which is actually cut into a mountain and you play around waterfalls.  Whistler is also a world famed location for all sorts of other sports, and is always ranked very highly for skiing and snowboarding.  After all how often do you get to ski around the Olympic courses?

Finally, one thing I would not miss is whale-watching from Vancouver Island.  It might be a little pricey, but it is well worth it and there are so many companies you can shop around a bit.  I was not brave enough to take up the offer of “Kayaking with Killer Whales.”

For anyone looking to experience the great outdoors in one of the most beautiful parts of the world I really cannot recommend anywhere other than British Columbia.  Amazing scenery and fantastic activities will make this a holiday you will never forget!

Alex Sayers from England dreams of traveling the world on a cultural odyssey, seeking out new adventures, fantastic experiences, and seeing all the sights one exciting country at a time.

Thinking about spending some time in South Beach?  Check out these tips to get the most out of your trip.  There are plenty of actives to fill your schedule, whether you are spending a weekend or the winter.

Start your trip by checking into a South Beach condo rental.  These rentals give you all the amenities you could dream of.  Meaning equipped kitchen, great views, private pool, and (if you are feeling ambitious) a work out center.  A rental near your must-sees is great, because it means you can stop in at any time to unload your shopping bags or to grab a cold drink.

Speaking of drinks if you find yourself in South Beach in February get ready for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.  This annual festival features top chefs, cooking TV personalities, and wines from across the globe.  Plenty of food and alcohol to go around, with lots of fun sprinkled in.

If you are in the mood for more culture, try visiting the Bass Museum.  The collection includes 19th Century paintings, modern art, and Asian art.  If you are traveling with the family, the Bass Museum can also provide activities.  Once a month it has a family day that focuses on different art projects for the family to do together.  These can be the perfect events to keep your family out of the sun — briefly.

If you are looking for interesting architecture walk into the Art Deco area.  This area, which was devastated in the Hurricane of 1926, was rebuilt in style.  These buildings have a appealing angular and geometric look, along with a great history.  South Beach is often recognized for having the largest collection of Art Deco architecture.

While you are still walking, check out the newly remodeled public park, South Pointe Park.  The park is 17.5  acres, with an amazing view of the water.  There is plenty of room to picnic and lounge, along with great playgrounds to keep the whole family entertained.

There is plenty more to do in South Beach and half the fun can be finding it.  If you have any other recommendations for places to go, be sure to leave a comment.  Have a great trip!

Today is the day.  No, it is not my Birthday (that is this coming Saturday).  No, it is not the day of my 2nd wedding (that date is still unknown, but should be in the next month or so).  It is the day that my husband, Lucas, finally arrives into the United States and our life together begins.  I am about to leave for the airport to pick him up and I cannot describe the overwhelming emotions that I am feeling in this moment.  For those of you who have supported me during our long and frustrating visa saga thank you and muchas gracias.

In honor of the most important day of my life, I have decided to share the video from when I surprised Lucas for his Birthday several weeks ago.  I wanted to finish my Dominican Republic posts before I returned to my posts regarding the surprise, however I simply could not wait another day — I just had to share it!

A special note: this video was not staged.  The only part that was staged was the part in which you will see Lucas walking down the street to the place where I surprised him.  About an hour after the surprise (once he had quit shaking from the shock) we asked him to shoot a little footage in order for the video to tell the entire story.

The Big Surprise from Diego Eiguchi on Vimeo.

An extra special thanks to:

Andrea Novick for being my angel and for making this trip happen.  Julie Watson Gomez for planning this spectacular event and for being more than a best friend, a sister.  Diego Eiguchi for creating this masterpiece and for being an artistic genius.  Duff Douglas and Frances Ren Huang for being genuinely wonderful people, connecting me to Diego, and for the photos that they took (which are soon to come), despite incurring a traumatic event earlier in the day.  Home Hotel and Kiwi Collection for providing us with the most perfect background for the video and for the most perfect place to stay during this trip.

**If you would like a behind-the-scenes look of the video and its creator, Diego, visit here.**

How have I failed to write about this amazing open air flea market in Madrid up until now?  It is called El Rastro and there you will find unsuspected things and curiosities.  Moreover, it is the perfect place if you like to take pictures, since the most bizarre scenes can be seen amongst the stands.

Take a look:

You can find anything from freaky aviation masks (as pictured above) to fancy T-shirts.  It is probably one of the most genuine places you can be in Spain, as El Rastro has always been like this: eccentric, outrageous, and picturesque.  You will see a scene where people from all parts of the world converge; displaying different styles and expressing different thoughts.  From gipsies to hipsters and from local families to groups of tourists, everyone is searching for bargains, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

It occupies a large street in La Latina district, which by the way is a very nice district (this is where the great Joaquin Sabina lives).  When I was living in one of the apartments in Madrid I used to wake up on Sunday mornings (si, totally, like the Velvet Underground song) to take a stroll around Ribera de Curtidores street, the main street of El Rastro, to have a vermouth and some tapas in one of the thousand bars along the way.  It is almost a ritual for Madridians to go to the market on all Sunday mornings.

Just one tip, if you really want to find a bargain there you had better arrive early, as by mid-morning it is incredibly crowded.  And if you go to one of the apartments in Madrid in the summer, remember that the heat in Madrid is suffocating.

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.

There are moments in everybody’s life that are so extraordinary trying to put them into words would truly diminish the experience, thus I will say very little about my Dolphin Dive in Ocean World other than I enjoyed every.single.second.  Swimming with them was already incredible, but to be underneath the water with them, well, in a way I felt like I was a dolphin too!

I hope the following photos inspire you to one day dive with dolphins, whether it is in a place like Ocean World or in the wild.  It is a magical experience that you will be sure to treasure forever and ever. . .

For the best and most affordable Dominican Republic holidays, make sure to visit Low Cost Holidays.