Archive for November, 2011

Even though I lived in Charleston for three years, I never once kayaked while I was there.  Thus, when the Wild Dunes Resort booked us for a “Champagne and Sunset tour” as part of our romantic Southern getaway, my husband and I could not have been more excited for our adventure on Shem Creek.

We crossed the bridge from Isle of Palms into Mt. Pleasant where we met our tour operator at Nature Adventures Outfitters.  I debated before getting into the kayak whether or not to bring my camera or iPhone and decided to not take the chance and brought the latter.  Thus, all of the following photos were taken using the app Instagr.am.

Our paddle down historic Shem Creek began amongst shrimp boats and festive restaurants.  Happy Hour was just beginning and the locals greeted us with friendly waves as we floated by.

We then journeyed (well, my husband paddled, while I took the photos) out to a twenty-two acre island preserve named Crab Bank, which is home to thousands of nesting shorebirds.

As the sun began to set we stopped at another nearby island, one that was not protected, so that we could celebrate the end of our day with some champagne.

Is there anything more beautiful than the sun changing a myriad of colors right before your eyes while you are sipping champagne next to your loved one and the sound of the ocean provides a romantic soundtrack?

The best part of the tour was when the dolphins would swim right up next to our kayak.  Our hearts would beat with absolute delight being so close to them!  I highly recommend this tour if you should find yourself in this part of the world.

We all know that body language plays a very important role in human communication.  Actually, research says that about 70% of people’s attraction to others is based on body gestures and tone of voice and only 30% is due to what we say.  The problem about this non-verbal language is precisely that it talks on our behalf and the worst of it is that most of us are not even aware of the signs we are giving away.

This is why I would like to discuss this matter, especially for those traveling solo, so that everyone can be in line with what they think and the real signs their body is giving.  Remember that cultural aspects are important.  People do not move the same way in the US than in China and also body signs are not interpreted the same way everywhere.

Here is an example: thanks to a study exchange, I now have a friend from a traditional family from a small town in Ireland.  Several years ago, I took him to spend some days at one of the apartments in Seville in the summer.  It was extremely hot and there were local festivals.  Thus, you can imagine how my friend interpreted those Andalusian girls’ body language; dressing in few clothes and dancing to rowdy music.  He was alternating between being flushed and exited.  Of course, they were behaving completely normal and paid no attention to him at all.

So, first thing to bear in mind when traveling: pay attention to the locals gestures to see what is “normal” and what is “not normal.”

Secondly: pay attention to how you move.  And I will not mention the typical gestures and their meanings, so that you move artificially to look adorable or to look uninterested.  I would rather advise you to be conscious of what your most typical gestures are and how you think they are being translated by others.  Notice how you sit, how you stand, how you use your hands and legs, and what you do while talking to someone.

You do not need to go as far as to one of the Seville apartments to realize body language is important when traveling and in life in general.  Maybe you want to meet new people and no one approaches you.  Or the contrary, you just do not feel like talking to anybody, but your body language may be sending other signs, like  if you are smiling all the time — it invites people to talk with you.

I hope this post has been useful and please feel free to share your opinions with me on the matter.

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.

I am definitely late to the iPhoneography craze, as I only just bought my first iPhone several months ago.  However, it did not take me long to fall in love with it just like everyone else.  It will never replace my “real camera,” but I have had so much fun experimenting with the different camera apps, especially Instagr.am.  While I was vacationing at the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina I awoke to a glorious sunrise one morning.  I was inspired to photograph it with Instagr.am and after seeing the results I then decided to document my entire day with it. . .

What is your favorite photo?

Christmas in London is a pretty special time of the year.  While the unpredictable British weather may not always produce a flurry of snow in December, the city nevertheless well and truly enters into the spirit of things over the festive period and has a host of seasonal events that prove incredibly popular with residents and tourists alike.

With a plethora of different accommodations — ranging from hotels and hostels to Tower Bridge apartments and penthouse apartments London — there are options aplenty for anybody keen to head to the English capital in the build-up to Christmas or to welcome in 2012 in style.

London is transformed into a winter wonderland in November and December, as various temporary ice rinks crop up in some of the most iconic parts of the city; such as in Hyde Park, Somerset House, or right next to the Natural History Museum.  The rink at Somerset House is particularly enchanting as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye loom large on the horizon.

Speaking of the London Eye, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world forms the centerpiece of a stunning firework display when ‘Big Ben’ chimes to signal the start of a new year.  In fact, the whole of the South Bank stages a firework and light show extravaganza to rival any of their counterparts around the globe on December 31st.  Imagine what an amazing moment it would be to experience this in 2012 on the banks of the River Thames with thousands of other revelers.

A number of high-profile free carol services take place throughout London and they give people of all ages the chance to come together and belt out a few timeless classics.  Trafalgar Square is one such venue set to stage a sing-a-long with a difference and will be decked out with a huge tree and eye-catching decorations.

If you have kids, to keep amused then fear not because Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to appear in grottos like the world-famous grotto at Harrods, while he will also be on hand to dish out presents and plenty of seasonal cheer at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.  As well as a grotto and ice rink, there is also a Christmas market and circus, meaning there is fun to be had for all the family.

No trip to England during the festive season is complete with taking in a pantomime.  Going to watch one of these musical comedies is quite unlike any other theater trip you will have ever experienced in the past.  Last, but no means least, remember to check out the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and in and around Covent Garden.

Wild Dunes Resort: Isle of Palms, South Carolina

First Impression

Charleston, South Carolina is without a doubt one of my favorite cities in the world.  I treasured every second of the time that I went to College there and even more so when I moved out to the Isle of Palms; a gorgeous barrier island right off the coast that is only accessible via a bridge.  Wild Dunes Resort is arguably the heart and soul of the island and is one of the leading resorts in the United States.  It was there that I chose to celebrate my graduation with my family.  Now I returned, years later, however this time I was on a romantic getaway and would be experiencing a different side of both the island and the resort.  The resort is massive — occupying 1,600 acres of private, oceanfront property — with accommodations ranging from hotel rooms to condos to private homes.

Despite its grandeur, it is still possible to feel as though you are the only one on the island, especially if you visit during the off-season when there are less tourists and yet the weather is still lovely.

Location

The island is about a thirty minute drive from the historical city of Charleston and is defined by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Room

I stayed in a two-bedroom, oceanfront condo.  It was tucked away at the very end of the resort, which afforded me more privacy.  The master bedroom is spacious and attached to it is an equally spacious balcony that has a table and chairs with a sweeping view of the ocean.  The ultimate in luxury to me is being able to lay in your bed and hear the sounds of the ocean in the distance.

The second bedroom, which is designed for children, is also a comfortable size.

The Bathroom

There are two modern bathrooms attached to both bedrooms that are equipped with all of the necessary amenities.

The Extras

The living/dining room is the perfect size regardless of how many people are staying in the condo.  It contains a flat screen TV and high speed internet, in case you do not want to disconnect completely on your vacation.  It also has a fully equipped kitchen for all of your cooking needs.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

While I immensely enjoyed being able to walk out of the condo and onto the beach within minutes, my favorite thing about my stay at the Wild Dunes Resort were the breathtaking sunsets at night.  Nothing is more romantic than the backdrop of pink skies.

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Ontario’s a pretty cool place.  As vague as that sounds, it is probably the only way to describe the whole of the province without being grossly reductionist; from the quietly majestic forests of Northern Ontario to the bustling metropolis of Toronto, there seems to be so many different sides to this part of Canada that it is difficult to describe it in a single sentence.

My trip started off in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa.  When I first visited Ottawa, I was surprised at how clean, spacious, and calm it was when compared to its rowdy neighbors, Toronto and Montreal.  If you fancy a few days of relaxation, this is the city for you – there is no better place to stick your feet up and get over your jet lag than in this friendly city.  The town center is very walkable and filled with interesting things to do.  I got some cheap maple syrup from the busy ByWard Market, which is like a London market without the chaos.  When you eat out in Ontario, make sure to try a beavertail (or five), Ottawa’s specialty.  Before you ask: there is no actual beaver in it, trust me.

For the best entertainment in Ontario, Toronto is the place to go.  If you are someone who always goes for the biggest, loudest, and liveliest in everything, you can hardly go wrong with Canada’s largest city.  There is a frankly ridiculous amount of clubs on offer here.  I am not even exaggerating, they have a spot downtown called Clubland, which has actually got the highest density of clubs in the whole of North America.  Toronto has an endless amount of things to do besides clubbing: it has a Chinatown, Koreatown, and a national park.  There is no way to accurately describe the sheer amount of stuff on offer here — it really is something you have to experience for yourself.

It would be a mortal sin to go all the way to Toronto without stopping by at Niagara Falls, especially with the discounted coaches that run from Toronto to Niagara Falls from as little as $17.  Try and get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds; you will want to get an eye-full of this natural wonder of the world.

After all the things I have done there, it seems crazy to imagine how little of Ontario I actually saw.  The area I covered from Ottawa to Niagara Falls is just a tiny fraction of the province’s mammoth landmass.  Though it seems impossible to see and do everything in Ontario in one lifetime, I intend to try!

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

It is not difficult to see why Wales is estimated to attract over 13 million tourists every year.  With some of the most stunning landscapes in the entire UK, a cluster of interesting towns and cities to explore, and an abundance of affordable and charming cottages in Wales that prove particularly popular, it has plenty of appeal to visitors.  So, what should you do when you arrive in Wales?  Read on for inspiration!

Go Surfing At Rest Bay

While people who like to get out and enjoy themselves in the great outdoors are probably more likely to head to Snowdonia (the highest mountain in Wales), there are also a few places ideal for a spot of surfing, one of which is Rest Bay.  Rest Bay is considered to be one of the best settings to catch a few waves in Wales, although be warned that the temperature of the water off the coast is likely to be pretty cold.

Enjoy Some Retail Therapy In Cardiff

Cardiff, the Welsh capital, is one of the must-visit shopping destinations in the UK.  Everything is located centrally to make it a convenient place to spend a few hours either perusing through the array of different shops or checking out a few of the city’s sights, such as: Cardiff Castle, taking a tour of the Millennium Stadium, or seeing the revamped Cardiff Bay.

Head Up Snowdonia

As previously mentioned, Snowdonia is the highest mountain in Wales at 3,560ft above sea level; making it popular with walkers and climbers of all ages and abilities.  In fact, a range of outdoor activities can be enjoyed in places like the Snowdonia National Park and Brecon Beacons National Park, from mountain biking to canoeing and everything in between.  What is more, these areas have loads of Welsh cottages nearby that are ideal for setting up an idyllic countryside retreat.

Get Stuck Into Some Hearty Welsh Dishes

Food plays a major part in Welsh culture and you can usually get some hearty tucker wherever you are in the country.  Bara brith, cawl, and laverbread are just a few of the national dishes that you may have heard about before.  If not, bara brith is a fruit-based cake, cawl is a soup with beef or lamb in it, and laverbread is seaweed fried with bacon.  There is bound to be something on the menu to get your taste buds tingling so do not be afraid to take the plunge and order something new.

Learn A Bit Of Welsh

First things first, learning Welsh is difficult.  It is quite a tricky language to master, but that should not put you off from trying to pick up a phrase or two, even if it is just for being polite when out and about.  The Welsh folk you come into contact with will probably be only too happy you are at least trying.