Cartagena is definitely a destination to which I will return one day. It is an amazing city, diverse in its charm, in its history, architecture, colors, vibrancy and especially its people. 

From the Spanish colonial architecture restored or left to crumble to the decades-old local restaurants mixed in with hip new ones as well as shops and boutique hotels within the weathered walls of Old Town to the modern high rise hotels, congested traffic, shiny new shopping malls and beachside shack cafes outside the walls, Cartagena has something really special for everyone.

There are so many reasons to visit Cartagena. Let me just name a few of my favorites and explain each one in which I will use at least an example (one of a plethora to see) of each category ::

1. Old World Charm

The Old Walled town of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds so many amazing structures and views that it is indescribable in words. In order to truly appreciate the wonder that is Cartagena you must visit and see this area of Colombia for yourself.

Plaza de San Diego

One of the many, many areas that are beautiful examples of the old world charm of Cartagena is Plaza de San Diego. Filled with churches, restaurants, bars, music and excitement on a daily basis this is only just one perfect example of what makes Cartagena so special.

You will find local artisans in the square at night, music of all kinds and generations all day and night, restaurants filled with locals and tourists throughout, bars filled with lively entertainment and colors… I can go on and on. But what it boils down to is that Cartagena is filled with color, fun, excitement and everything that makes coming to Colombia more than worth it. Old world charm in all of its glory. This is Cartagena.

2. History

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is only one example of the amazing history held in Cartagena. This colonial-era castle is the greatest Spanish fortress in the Americas, one that could never be breached. It took nearly a century to build but it certainly did what it was designed to do :: keep the enemies out. The most famous attack on Cartagena was called the Battle of Cartagena de Indias and gives great insight as to how strong this fortress is.

The history of course is what makes Castillo San Felipe de Barajas so incredible but there is another reason to visit Cartagena. If you can make the strenuous climb up the hill to the castle you will be richly rewarded by the most amazing views of Cartagena you can get anywhere in the city.

UNESCO’s World Heritage site Castillo San Felipede Barajas is one of so many reasons Cartagena is such a rewarding destination to visit.

Tip :: be prepared – it is HOT up there so be sure to bring water up with you on your climb!

Location :: Cra. 17, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena
Hours :: 8am to 6pm
Entrance :: $25,000 COP (about $8) for adults, $10,500 COP (about $3 US) for kids ages 6 to 13

3. New Life

Modern times have over the years taken Colombia into a forward direction and Cartagena is one of the leading cities to be most successful in this effort. Where its rich history is still prevalent everywhere you turn, the new Cartagena has been built to provide a stark and shocking contrast.

Bocagrande

The neighboring district to Old Town, Bocagrande, resembles Miami with its long strip of colorful cabana covered beachfront and shimmering new architecture. Cartagena has a truly dichotomous skyline.

As we walked from the old part of town to the new Plaza Bocagrande, a modern mall on that strip of beachfront, was a much-needed respite for us to get out of the heat. It certainly seemed like much longer than a 30-minute walk! Plaza Bocagrande has some good food options and shopping but certainly not my first choice of where to spend time the majority of time in Cartagena. Since the air conditioning did feel good for a rest before heading back we did find a place with a large flat screen that showed a good futbol game. So Roydio enjoyed that while I strolled around and found some ice cream at Crepes & Waffles. So good.

Location :: Cra. 1 ##12-118, Cartagena
Phone :: +57 5 6436509
Website :: http://www.plazabocagrande.com

4. Coffee (duh)

Cafe del Mural

We did some reading about how to have a fun Colombian coffee experience in Cartagena and found this eclectic cafe. We stopped by Cafe del Mural one day and it was not open yet, and another day it was too late because they were already closed. But when we finally arrived during open hours without a long line of people at the door we stepped in to find it to resemble more of a laboratory than anything else. Looking around you we found all kinds of old equipment, relics really, that were really interesting. We didn’t actually partake in the entire experience because we arrived late in the day.

It was interesting to find that in Colombia the popular hours for coffee are at 3pm and 7pm :: this explains the unusual (for us) hours of operation here. And you will pay more here than the typical Colombian cafe but it was a very fun and eclectic place.

Location :: CRA 9a (Callé san juan) no 25-60
Hours :: 3pm to 8pm
Phone :: +57 5 6472912
Social Medial : Cafe del Mural Facebook page

5. Ambiance

Getsemani

IMHO Getsemani, located within the Old Walls, is the perfect location to stay in Cartagena with its wonderful old world ambiance. It is walking distance to everything and I really loved the funky vibe of this emerging neighborhood full of artists, poets and writers. I loved the amazing street art and graffiti that covered nearly every brick and concrete wall. 

6. Vibrancy

During the daytime you can see kids play soccer in the street while you stroll through a plethora of vibrant streets filled to the rim with every bright color imaginable. But the area really comes alive at night as bands, dancers and performers come out in this eclectic hotspot. Music fills the air every night in Cartagena. And joy just oozes from each neighborhood you stroll along. Oh, and the street food. Lots of street food.

7. Colors

Colors of Cartagena

Beautiful colors everywhere you go :: umbrellas, flags, graffiti, murals, OMG such beautiful colorful displays of talent everywhere you walk. Seriously, you will find it difficult to stroll along without snapping away on your camera (or iPhoneX as I did) because every nook and cranny will get your attention, I promise you!

8. Sunsets

Oh the sunsets in Cartagena… they are absolutely spectacular. There are several places to plant yourself for this experience. Allow yourself time to get there in plenty of time and take your time as you make memories

Cafe del Mar

For an unobstructed view of the sunset over the ocean be sure to get there early. I would estimate at least an hour or more before sunset. Although it’s a touristy thing to do you won’t be disappointed and that’s why I recommend it. Grab a table right up against the wall and have dinner and/or drinks. Just don’t plan on leaving for a while because you will enjoy this experience more than I can tell you.

Santa Isabel Food Trucks

For a more casual atmosphere be sure to visit Santa Isabel Food Trucks. You will find a wonderful ambiance, lots of chairs to relax in with a wonderful view of the water and the Cartagena skyline.

I recommend you dine at sunset here on the waterfront because the food is wonderful. You have your choice of several trucks but each is unique and very tasty. For us we had the perfect evening weather, enjoyed the lighted atmosphere and the sunset :: Oh! Em! Gee! Don’t miss this!

9. Lights

The lights at night in Old Town as well as Playa de Bocagrande (new town) are equally as beautiful. It just so happens that Bocagrande dominates the skyline of Cartagena and make the picture-perfect postcard memories. And since it is the modern part of town outside the walls you will find even more tourists. So you can count on the beach always being crowded.

The high-rise apartments and hotels make up this skyline and will provide some pretty great views no matter where you are. Stunning!

Location :: Cra. 1 #1A-23, Cartagena

10. Atmosphere

It feels like it’s always a party in Cartagena! No matter if it’s day or night, you will experience an atmosphere like nowhere else in the world. There will be a little wiggle in your walk as you stroll the beautiful, colorful streets of Cartagena.

At night the city comes alive like no other city! Bright lights, music and excitement are all synonyms of Cartagena at night. And when you are there you become one with the city and its people. The atmosphere is truly infectious.

Chiva tours

Although we did not join in on the fun on these brightly painted, wooden-framed buses they are hard to miss and it was really fun watching them go by. Once the most popular form of transportation in rural areas of Colombia Chiva buses are now used only for tours, during the daytime they will guide you through some of Cartagena’s best attractions. But at night this colorful party bus gets wild, complete with pulsing lights and honking horns to dance beats that blare out into the streets from loudspeakers. You’ll pay about $12 per person to join in on the fun. Several companies offer the chiva tours.

Location :: Torre del Reloj Av. Venezuela, Cartagena

Use the form below to find activities while in Cartagena ::

TIP :: While Colombian pesos will be welcomed by cab drivers, street vendors and some smaller shops and restaurants, credit cards are accepted (unlike in other parts of Colombia) just about everywhere in Cartagena.

And one more thing I want to bring your attention to ::

Bed and Breakfast

We stayed at Les Lezards in Getsemani and although we didn’t experience any other lodging in Cartagena I can’t imagine you’ll find one more amazing than this. We stayed in the La Mer room which included a cozy bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen.

Owner, Marcus, and his entire staff is very friendly and accommodating. Everything is walking distance, you’re in the middle of all the fun but just far enough away from the noise so you can rest. And a wonderful homemade breakfast is included in your stay.

Location :: Calle De Las Chancletas #10B-39 Getsemani, Cartagena
Phone :: (786) 224-1982
Social Media :: Les Lezards Facebook page

Book Les Lezards by clicking on this link. I Promise You :: You will NOT be disappointed!

Oh, and ONE MORE THING I thought you might enjoy :: check out this video that Will Smith made in Cartagena :: I think he agrees with me that this city is one you will want to return to again and again and again!

Read More ::

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10 of My Very Favorite Things in Bogota

All of these amazing traits of Cartagena are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, of all of the compelling reasons that put Cartagena on the top of my list of places to which I will definitely return. And I’m sure you will more than agree when you visit this incredible city for yourself.

The post Cartagena :: 10 Wonderful Reasons to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Bogota is definitely a city of contrast. For example check out the colonial architecture and modern buildings. There is a vast divide between rich and poor. And this cosmopolitan city seems stuck in the past. 99% of the population speaks Spanish yet it is a rich tourist destination. Bogota also has a diverse mix of hometown foodie stalls and modern day malls.

Many roads are closed to cars on Sundays from 7am to 2pm and are reserved for bicycles. And it seems everyone here takes advantage of this traffic-free day.

And don’t expect to find people to speak anything but Spanish on the streets of this dichotomous city. The culture in Bogota is prominent everywhere you go. Tell-tale signs of the Spanish colonization and architecture abound.

Now that I’ve given you an introduction to this fabulous city, let me tell you my personal 10 favorite things about Bogota ::

10. THE FOOD + DRINKS

One of the things I loved about Bogota is the food and drinks. Although I loved the food in Armenia and Medellin I would have to rate Bogota above the others if not for anything else but the overwhelming choices you have in this big city.

A. Catacion Publica Let me start with the coffee. This is one place I have to recommend. My experience here was so good. Our barista, Andres, was the best. He was thoughtful, considerate, prompt and not overbearing. He went above and beyond to make sure we were happy and he knew everything there was to know about the coffee. Very conscientious young man and eager to please. Oh, and the coffee is pretty terrific as well!

I am not a coffee drinker so I didn’t expect to be partaking with Roydio and our friend Catalina who brought us here. When Roydio asked for sugar, Andres explained that they do not serve sugar with their coffee in Colombia. Or cream, for that matter. With over 560,000 coffee farms in this country you would think they serve coffee every way a customer would want it. Well, Colombians are very proud about the quality of coffee they serve and I guess to add anything to it would be an insult to its quality.

And another thing I found interesting is that the more popular time to drink coffee here isn’t in the morning. Try more like 3pm and 7pm. There is no emphasis on caffeine when it comes to coffee in Colombia.

Location :: Cl. 120a ##3A-47
Hours :: weekdays from 11am to 6pm and weekends to 7pm
Social Media :: Catacion Publica Facebook page

I also have to mention the juices. You can get any juice at any time and it is always freshly squeezed. My very favorite (and you may remember me mentioning it a few times before) is the limonada de cocos. Coconut lemonade. It is to die for! And I tried lots of other fruit juices as well. Whether in a restaurant or on the street OMG the fresh juice in Colombia is the BEST!

B. Crepes & Waffles I usually don’t go for chain restaurants especially when I’m in another country, but this one is so special and so good with an amazing concept and extensive menu that I just have to recommend it.

The idea for this Colombian chain restaurant was born in 1980 by a couple of CESA university students who had the vision to open a business in which they believed :: hiring only women who are “head of household.”

Trust me, it’s not just the concept that makes this restaurant so popular with lines out the door from open to close. The menu is absolutely amazing. Their original offerings included crepes, waffles and ice cream but has expanded to include many delicious and healthy dishes. But certainly their philosophy behind the food they serve is another big reason it’s grown in popularity.

Locations :: Colombia, Chili, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Spain
Website :: Crepes & Waffles
Social Media :: Crepes & Waffles Facebook page

C. OBLEAS I’ve mentioned eating on the streets of Colombia but there is one thing I wish I would have enjoyed more than just the one time. Everywhere and in every city you will find a colorful cart selling obleas. And Bogota is no different. The cart will contain a stack of super thin waffles and several jars of colorful sauces that they place between two waffles. You have your choice. I chose the milk caramel sauce. OMG it was so delicious! The waffles are so thin that it really doesn’t take much room in your tummy.

I had every intention of grabbing another before we left Colombia but that never happened. 🙁 Be sure to try one when you see one of those colorful carts on the street. And don’t miss out on having at least another during your time in Colombia! You’ll thank me, I promise!

D. Coctel del Mar We lifted our glasses in celebration of our friendship. And enjoyed the food here very much!

Just a walk around the corner and down the block from our friends Juan and Catalina’s home is this beautiful restaurant. Such a wonderful menu. But most of all we enjoyed the company of Catalina and her mama. What an awesome way to spend our last day in Bogota.

Location :: Cl. 69 #17-60
Phone :: +57 1 2173109
Hours :: Monday to Saturday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 12 noon to 10pm, Sunday 11am to 9pm
Website :: Coctel del Mar
Social Media :: Coctel del Mar Facebook page

E. Carulla One of the things I love doing when I travel the world is to visit a local grocery store. In Colombia this is one I really enjoyed.

I believe Carulla is a little more high end than the typical supermarket but it was walking distance to where we stayed in Bogota and we ended up having breakfast there a couple of mornings. The bakery is pretty extensive and always fresh. For the first time ever I tried the pan de yucca (yucca bread) and it was so delicious! Thank you, Catalina, for introducing us to it!

A little fun fact :: Carulla was the first retailer in Colombia to introduce a loyalty card and it currently has 250,000 members.

Location :: 206 locations throughout Colombia
Hours :: 7am to 10pm
Website :: Carulla
Social Media :: Carulla Facebook page

F. La Puerta Falsa I can’t be remiss in recommending an iconic restaurant with a one-page menu which is famous for their tamales. In fact, they have been serving them for 200 years. Best tamale I’ve every had. Anywhere.

Expect to stand in line and wait for at least half an hour (if you’re lucky) or longer. This two-story cafe is tiny and always packed. We had thought about going elsewhere but I’m so glad we waited. Trust me, patience is your friend at La Puerta Falsa as you will ultimately experience a piece of Bogota culinary history.

Location :: Cl. 11 #6-50, Bogota
Hours :: 6am to 9pm every day
Phone :: +57 1 2865091

9. IGLESIA SANTA BIBIANA

Our sweet friend Catalina took us to an adorable church in Bogota that is definitely worth a mention here. I know there are lots of iglesias (churches) in Bogota but this one is truly special. I hope you get a chance to visit.

Location :: Cl. 109, Bogotá, Colombia
Hours :: Tuesday to Saturday 7am to 6:30pm, Sunday 7:15am to 8pm, closed Monday
Entrance Fee :: FREE (donations are always welcome)
Phone :: +57 1 2134683
Social Media :: Iglesia Santa Bibiana Facebook page

8. VILLA DE LEYVA

Although this town is not in Bogota itself you would be remiss in not taking the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of days to relax. Villa de Leyva is home to some of Colombia’s best-preserved architecture with cobblestoned streets, white-washed buildings and terra cotta tile roofs.

In this little town you will just park your car and walk around. Immediately upon entering you will see why. In the center, Plaza Major spans 150,700 square feet and is one of the largest cobblestone squares in South America. What a gorgeous place. Not much to do here but relax and enjoy this sweet 16th-century environment.

Campanario de la Villa de Leyva is the place you want to stay. It is a beautiful colonial property including breakfast (8-10am daily) a shared lounge, fireplace, swimming pool (open 11am to 7pm) and a spa and wellness center.

Our room came with a wrap-around balcony with wonderful views of the city. I highly recommend this property.

Location :: Villa de Leyva is located about 100 miles northeast of Bogotá.
Phone :: +57 310 5500216
Website :: Villa de Leyva (translated to English)

7. CASA TERRACOTA

Within the city limits of Villa de Leyva you will find an amazing piece of clay architecture (artwork, really) that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

Location :: Casa Terracota is located about 1.2 miles west of Villa de Leyva, about a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute walk – Vereda Monquira, Villa de Leyva
Hours :: Daily 9am to 6pm
Entrance Fee :: $5 (in COP only)
Website :: Casa Terracota
Social Media :: Casa Terracota Facebook page

6. RAQUIRA

Located in Boyaca Department of Colombia, Raquira “village of the pans” is a cute little colorful town and sits at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level directly on the Raquira River.

This truly adorable town is known for its terra cotta clay pottery and the artisans who make them. In fact it is known as the pottery capital of Colombia. When driving around the area you will find clay everywhere and it seems that the mountains here are all made of terra cotta.

Location :: 3.5 hrs drive north of Bogota
Social Media :: Raquira Facebook page

5. USAQUEN FLEA MARKET

I have to say that this is seriously the BEST flea market I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to many all over the world. The variety of products and quality craftsmanship and unique designs and absolutely delicious homemade food of all kinds all play into my five-star rating of this great market. When you visit Bogota make sure you spend your Sunday here.

While walking around this flea market you will be entertained with a background of vibrant music. This adorable couple were so happy to receive a few pesos from passersby. And I just had to include a video of this amazing violinist.

My opinion is that he belongs in a concert hall (don’t you agree?) but his love is to play for the locals on the street.

Location :: Usaquen Park, Calle 119 Con Carrera 6a
Hours :: Open Only on Sundays from 8am to 6pm
Entrance Fee :: FREE

4. MUSEO DE ORO

Museo de Oro (Museum of Gold) in Bogota is a truly impressive collection of 55,000 pieces through history, the life and thought of the different societies which lived in present-day Colombia before the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

Museo de Oro also happens to be one of the most visited attractions in Colombia with over 500,000 tourists every year. 

Location :: Cra. 6 ##15-88, Bogota
Hours :: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm
Phone :: +57 1 3432222
Entrance Fee :: $4000 COP ($1.35 US) and FREE to Senior Citizens
Website :: Museo de Oro
Social Media :: Museo de Oro Facebook page

3. LA CANDELARIA WALKING TOUR

Your English-speaking tour guide will walk you through all the nooks and crannies that make La Candelaria so special. The colors and the graffiti make this area stand out. Begin the tour with a fruit and juice tasting at a local stand, walk through the town and learn all about it and end with a demonstration and tasting of the famous Colombian coffee.

This 2-hour tour is free but make sure you make a reservation ahead of time to reserve your spot. You do not want to miss this beautiful part of Bogota. After the tour you will want to check out some of the cute shops and restaurants (there are many) and get your camera ready to get some amazing footage!

Location :: La Candelaria, Bogota
Hours :: 10am to 5pm
Cost :: FREE (pay what you think your guide is worth) – in English
Website :: Freetour Bogota

2. TELEFERICO UP TO MONSERRATE

Rather than take the funicular up the mountain we decided on the teleferico instead. It was a much quicker ride up. Steep as all get out, though, so be prepared! But oh the amazing views!

Taking this ride up the mountain was pretty amazing. But when we finally got to the top the views were magnificent!

Plan to spend time up there, there is so much to see. Two restaurants, the church, shopping, snacks, lots of paths and arches and flowers and statues… it is pretty incredible.

We were even blessed to witness a church service up there. Wow. What a beautiful place. And don’t forget your camera because you will take photos that you’ll talk about for years to come.

Location :: Carrera 2 Este No. 21-48 Paseo Bolívar
Hours :: 7:30am to 8pm
Entrance Fee :: $27,500 COP ($8.25 US), Senior Citizens $22,000 COP ($6.75 US)
Website :: Cerro de Monserrate
Social Media :: Cerro de Monserrat Facebook page

1. ZIPAQUIRA SALT CATHEDRAL

Zipaquira is the salt mining capital of Colombia. The story of the Salt Cathedral begins in the 1930s. Miners carved out a makeshift chapel in the mine tunnel. There, they prayed for their safety each day before starting work.

One of the most spectacular sites I’ve seen in my lifetime is the Catedral de la Sal Zipaquira. What an amazing structure. To take the walking tour you’ll need at least two hours and you will walk about a mile while inside, if not more, if you’re anything like me and want to go back and capture some beautiful images at your leisure.

There were so many amazing facets to this place. Just take a look at some of the photos I took and I’ll let you decide for yourself.

While I was video taping one of the exhibits someone started singing in one of the chambers and you could hear it clearly throughout the entire cathedral. It was definitely a moment that gave me chills.

Not only did we take the tour inside the cathedral but we also took the mining tour (extra fee). It was so interesting to put on hardhats and walk into and through this giant shaft.

Tips :: 1. They do not give this tour in English, only in Spanish. 2. Also, there is a part of this tour that you will be walking in the pitch black, holding on to the person in front of you. Only after that section can you turn on your headlamp and actually see the inside.

Your entrance ticket to the cathedral includes a shuttle to the town.

It is also nice to walk the town of Zipaquira if you have some time.

Location :: Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá
Hours :: 9am to 6pm, free tours are given in Spanish and English, every hour on the hour
Entrance Fee :: $58,000 COP ($18 US), with mine tour $89,000 ($28 US)
Website :: Catedral de Sal Zipaquira
Social Media :: Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira Facebook page

Read More ::

Medellin :: 10 Do’s and Don’ts You Must Know

Bahamas :: 5 of My Favorite Things

Lisbon :: 95 Images to Inspire You to Go

To sum up my time in Bogota and its surrounding areas I have to say that it held a lot of inspiration for me. Besides the difficulty breathing due to the high altitude nothing stopped us as we experienced as many of Bogota attractions as possible. From the simple things to the absolutely unbelievable Bogota proved to be amazing. Many thanks to our friends Juan and Catalina for hosting us in the the city! We love you guys!

The post 10 of My Very Favorite Things In Bogota appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Let me repeat :: This will NOT be your typical travel blog post about Colombia but more about my adventures. As a matter of fact it is more something you may read in a book or something.  Don’t encourage me about that though HA!

For this portion of our adventures in Colombia Roydio planned what was supposed to be a romantic time at the beach. So far we had pretty much flown from one place to the other and we kinda missed driving as we do in so many of our other travel adventures. So we rented a car in Cartagena (I’ll cover our time in this magnificent place in a later post in this series).

We set out to what we had read was an undiscovered gem of a coastal location south of Cartagena, “a peaceful oasis that cultivates the idea of sustainable travel.” And we were really looking forward to it getting away from the hustle and bustle.

The beginning of our drive was a breeze. The sky was a little overcast but perfect for driving because it wasn’t too hot. The landscape was amazing. Have I told you how much I love the landscape of Colombia? We were so happy we chose to drive this portion of our trip.

And then the rain came.

It didn’t just come, it literally attacked us. The wind and rain pelted our windshield and it became difficult to see. And wouldn’t you know it Roydio had to use the facilities right when it started. It seemed like hours before it let up. And he patiently waited until the rain let up a bit before getting back in the car.

We got back on the road and after driving a few miles the rain finally stopped. And we could see in the far distance that the clouds were giving way to blue skies. When we got off the main highway we took the turn off and proceeded on our leisurely drive to the beautiful Colombia beaches we’d heard so much about. This is where our adventures continued.

So most of the roads off the beaten path in Colombia are made of dirt and rocks. We had experienced that in Armenia and again in Medellin but because we weren’t doing the driving I didn’t take much notice of it. We took it slow and tried to enjoy the ride.

We arrived in a small town called San Onofre. We took a turn where the road split. And we noticed that there were no cars on this road, only a motorcycle or two. (I may or may not have mentioned that I am married to Indiana Jones #2 but I have to keep it real) So Roydio went into “Colombia adventures mode,” driving slowly because the rain left huge holes in the muddy road that were difficult to navigate. Now see at this point my anxiety reared its ugly head. I couldn’t help thinking that now would NOT be a good time for a flat tire. Not that there would ever be a good time mind you. But the rocks on the road were really big and we were in a rental car with nary a soul in sight. Eek!

After what seemed like hours we finally saw life on this road, a motorcyclist. It gave us hope that we were nearing our destination. Then we saw another motorcycle. But still not a single car. Ours was the only car. When we finally arrived in what appeared to be a small town we slowly made our way down the road over bumps and into ditches.

People stopped to stare at us as we bumbled by. At the end of the road a barefoot man with a big smile came over to our car and directed us into a “parking lot” which was just a plot of grass under a tree, after which he insisted on carrying our two suitcases about 200 yards down the street and around the corner until we reached a beach with white sand. We walked about 100 yards….

…and there it was :: Dos Aguas Lodge.

This beautiful undiscovered paradise on a pristine white sand beach. This “peaceful oasis that cultivates the idea of sustainable travel” was indeed beautiful, indeed undiscovered and I can see why!

And it was indeed sustainable. No potable or hot water, mosquito nets over the beds and to say it was hot is an understatement. The ceiling fan didn’t do much more than move the hot air around. The mattress was hard (I love a hard mattress but this was H A R D). There was a hammock hanging in our room and a night stand by the bed.

The owner and staff were super friendly and actually spoke English so that was really nice, especially in Colombia where very few do. Once we checked in and dropped our bags off in our room we came out to have lunch in the little hut of a restaurant on the beach next door. After the adventure we had getting there we were really hungry!

After lunch we grabbed an available chair and took a nice long rest.

Well actually that is pretty much where I stayed, on the beach, for the next two days in Rincon del Mar. Roydio did get into the water but I was content to just lay out in the sun and relax after the craziness that had ensued getting here.

If you are a backpacker, used to roughing it and looking for a beautiful place to relax for a few days you will enjoy this paradise and beautiful beach with clear water in front and amazing mangroves in back. And they do serve a good breakfast, too.

If you are not used to carrying a pack on your back and getting around on a motorcycle I’d say you might want to get there by boat. That’s really what we should have done.

I don’t consider myself a diva but I’ve gotta keep it real. I really didn’t sleep much because the bed was uncomfortably hard and it was so hot all during the night. I got up several times to wet a towel for my face to get a little relief. And I got bit by mosquitos and bugs. A lot. In spite of the net. Ugh. And there was a couple with a baby in the next room who kept crying (why do people bring babies to a place like this?). It’s really a shame because it is such a beautiful place.

I really should have joined in on the night boat tour to see the glowing plankton (that is my one regret) but I really was content to just spend all day sitting in a beach chair or in a hammock relaxing and drinking my limonada de cocos. That part was so great. And I may have taken a few naps out there as well…

Then came the time for us to leave and make the trek back to the main road from Rincon del Mar. If it was bad coming in believe it or not it was worse going out. It had rained again the night before.

The new rain made the roads even worse (if that was even possible to imagine). OMG I tried not to think too much but I definitely had several bouts of anxiety as we bumbled our way out of there.

I kept telling Roydio not to stop because if there’s one thing I know :: you never stop on a muddy road for fear of getting stuck.

Well, sure enough :: it happened! We got stuck in the mud and our wheels just kept spinning and there was no way out.

Out of nowhere appeared a man in the road in front of us who walked over and began trying to push our car out of the mud. After several attempts and to no avail he signaled for us to wait. When he returned he had a shovel in his hand and began digging out the mud from underneath our tire. The ditch we had gotten into was so big it seemed to just get worse.

Then again out of nowhere another guy on a motorcycle appeared. Between the two of them and a shovel and their brute strength lifting up the left side of our car as we revved our engine several more times, they were able to get us free. So very thankful, we gave them 20,000 COP for their help. When we were on our way again we started thinking. Where did they come from? And where in the world did they get a shovel? I looked back and they were gone. Hmmmm, do you believe in angels?

Then as we slowly made our way much further down the road and just as we thought we were in the clear we got stuck a second time. There was a truck coming our way (a truck? on this crazy road?) and we thought maybe he would offer to help us as well. Yea, no. The driver stopped, got out of his truck and just stood at the side of the road and watched us struggle. It was obvious that he couldn’t get through until we moved so I guess he chose to use this time to take a little break. Indiana Jones #2 went into his “Colombia adventures mode” again and after about 10 minutes of rocking the car back and forth, back and forth, he finally got us out and we were again on our way. The Lord was with us for sure on this trek!

Now it was time for us to make it to the second destination on the beach :: the Playa Manglares resort in Isla Baru. As we were making our way there I told Roydio there was no way I was going to go through that again and if the next place had the same kind of roads we should just keep driving and find something else. Well, lucky for us, Playa Manglares was right off a good road and the place was wonderful.

We had air conditioning and even though there was no hot water it was warm and comfortable enough to take great showers. Whew! And no mosquitos. Yay!

At the Playa Manglares resort they serve you breakfast, lunch and dinner because there is not really anywhere you can walk to for meals. It’s located on another beautiful beach (be sure to wear water shoes, though). The owner and her family are lovely as are the rest of the staff. And it is so peaceful and beautiful.

At dinner the first night we met a lovely couple from London with whom we decided to take a boat tour to the Rosario Islands. The following day we had perfect weather. No rain clouds anywhere in sight. It was a truly lovely day with wonderful company.

Our tour guides couldn’t have been older than 17 but they were adorable. The boys spoke only Spanish so this gave us a good opportunity for us to learn more! We went through mangroves and through a group of islands, one where the boys lived. He even pointed out his madre and she waved as we went by.

We arrived at Bendita Beach where we enjoyed a few hours in the sand and water. And on our way back we stopped for lunch on one of the islands.

Interesting Fact :: Several of the Rosario Islands are available for rent. For example, Isla Matamba can be rented for approximately $1300 per night and sleeps 16 (divided by 8 couples that only comes to $162 per night! For an entire island to yourselves!). Available on the island is a restaurant (3 meals are included), bar, jacuzzi, mini golf course, tennis court and various water sport activities.

Here are some more pics of our time on the water ::

Click here to see for yourself what you can do in Cartagena and the Rosario Islands! You won’t regret going. But just take a boat there. Trust me. Just do it.

The two days we spent in the Playa Manglares resort and the Rosario Islands were amazing but it went by much too quickly. If you drive a little further down the road in Isla Baru there are more touristy resort options such as Playa Blanca but I’m really glad we opted for a quieter location.

So there you have it :: our adventures to the beaches in Colombia. Although we would have done things differently had we realized what we were in for, it makes for a great story. And the beaches really were gorgeous.

What do you think of our Colombia adventures to its beautiful beaches? Would you have gone for the adventure or would you have chosen the easier way? HA! Either way I think you would enjoy it there.

TIP :: Do your research, people! You can’t always believe everything you read so make sure you read between the lines to assure that you will have the best experience possible!

Read More ::

Bangkok :: How to See it in 3 Days

Medellin :: 10 Do’s and Don’ts You Must Know

Top 5 Beaches in Curacao :: My Picks

Although this post was more of an adventure article rather than an actual travel post I hope I’ve given you enough reason to explore the beaches of Colombia. Should I be blessed with the opportunity to return I’d love to explore the other islands and perhaps even stay a few days in Rosario. Definitely on my bucket list would be to experience the bioluminescent plankton tour on Isla Grande. I could really kick myself for not going when I had the opportunity! But we’ll just have to come back!!

I do hope you enjoyed this post on my Colombia adventures and that one day you will come out to create your own!

The post Colombia Adventures :: NOT a Typical Travel Post appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

On our journey through Colombia we flew from Armenia to Medellin. 

We were assured that in recent years Medellin has been transformed to a safe place to travel. Of course we are always aware of the dangers of walking the streets at night so that is something we generally avoid no matter where we go. This city was no different. But honestly we never felt unsafe anywhere we went throughout Colombia.

DO … visit La Comuna 13

On our first full day in Medellin, a city once heartbreakingly lost to violence with a most tumultuous history, notorious for the drug and gang wars that once dominated the area, we really wanted to visit La Comuna Trese (13) an over-populated and low socio-economic zone that crawls up along the west hills of the city with thousands of brick and cement homes stacked close to one another which I had read had made an amazing transformation since the days of Pablo Escobar.

I am so thrilled to have taken the time to visit because this is a city with a story of meaningful change, credited to its residents and their resiliency to reinvent itself, transforming the neighborhood which was once a pivotal center for paramilitary, guerrilla and gang activity and a location ideal for crime into a place of optimism that’s livable, vibrant and growing. La Comuna 13 is an amazing place and one I fell in love with.

Since its transformation residents are no longer afraid to leave their homes and quality of life has changed for the good. As we walked through the narrow roadways, kids were playing soccer in the streets, vendors were selling fruit and empanadas and we laughed with friendly shopkeepers who let us sample their signature green mango ice cream topped with lime and salt. It felt safe, comfortable, friendly.

The one thing that is very evident as we walk along the streets is the graffiti. This is what La Comuna 13 is known for :: artistic scenes on its walls. As I came to find out it was art that saved the city, used as a vehicle for creative and political expression. The walls became a canvas to tell its history, beautifying the area and bringing optimism and peace. And there is a story to every artist’s work. I recommend taking a tour so that you can hear the stories for yourself and experience what makes this place so special.

Enjoy the photos I took of some the amazing walls in La Comuna 13. Hopefully it will compel you pay it a visit one day.

DON’T … believe all the hype

Nowhere in our travels to Colombia did we ever feel unsafe. Everywhere we walked we found friendly people and safe atmospheres. Please don’t believe all the hype about dangerous Colombia. Be mindful wherever you go but don’t let it stop you from enjoying your travels!

DO … go see Botero Plaza

A well-known artist born in Medellin is Fernando Botero Angulo. (As a side note, the culture of Latin Americans is to use first the father’s last name and second the mother’s last name) His signature style called Boterismo (no need to describe what it is, just take a look at my photos) makes him the most recognized artist from Latin America and self-titled “the most Colombian of Colombian artists.” In 1958 he won 1st prize at the Salon de Artistas Colombianos and has attained international recognition for his paintings, drawings and sculptures (some of his pieces have sold in the millions of dollars) with exhibitions all over the world. And in 2012 he received the International Sculpture Center’s Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award.

His donation of 23 bronze sculptures for the front of the Museum of Antioquia in Medellin became known as the Botero Plaza which is where all of my photos were taken.

DON’T … miss going to the museum

One thing I wish we would have done is to go into the Museo de Antioquia which is rated as one of the best museums in Medellin and housed in the previous Municipal Palace. It was right there under my nose and I just had a lapse in judgment. It is recommended that you start on the third floor and work your way down.

Louise didn’t go to the Museo de Antioquia. Don’t be like Louise.

DO … eat at Mercado Del Rio

As we travel around the world one of my favorite things to do is visit a mercado. Basically the word mercado means “market” but that definition has been expanded to include fine eateries, like a food court but much more elegant and trendy, and with many amazing food restaurants to choose from. Some do include the sales of produce and seafood and meat as well. While in Medellin we went to Mercado Del Rio and it was beautiful!

Here they serve everything from alcoholic beverages to appetizers to main courses and desserts… and the atmosphere is awesome! They even have large screen TV’s throughout playing the ever popular futbol (soccer). Fabulous! This mercado did not disappoint, for sure.

I would definitely recommend this mercado. But don’t let that stop you from finding others! This was our final night with family and friends – it was a great way to end our time together.

DON’T … forget to bring all your friends!

Mercado del Rio is a great place to hang out with your friends! The atmosphere really lends itself to fun in every sense of the word. Food, friends and fun all go together so have yourselves a great time!

DO … visit Marinilla

We had a wonderful tour guide to drive us out to a famous landmark in Guatape but on our way we had to stop in this yet another adorable Colombian town with yet another cute plaza.

In the municipality of Marinilla we visited the Museo del Cristo y las Cruces where you will find more than 2700 crosses of different styles, sizes, materials and countries of origin on display. The collection was donated in 2005 by Roberto Hoyos Castaño who collected the pieces for more than 35 years from his travels around the world.

DON’T … miss stopping for a cup of cafe

Marinella is a great little town to stop for … what else? COFFEE! Every city in Colombia is actually a great place because after all you are in Coffee Country! Try a cup at 9Bares Tienda de Cafe. It’s highly rated on TA!

DO … climb La Piedra del Penol

Our plans in Medellin included several adventures that we were very excited to participate in…. one of them being to climb La Piedra del Penol. This is a famous landmark also called The Rock of Guatape. At its highest point it is 7005 feet above sea level and is composed of quartz, feldspar and mica. 

At the base you will find food and market stalls. As you climb there are several “resting” points (at least that’s what I used them for HA!) and halfway up is a shrine to the Virgin Mary.

It was an extremely hot and humid day but we did it! We climbed a whopping 745 steep steps to the very top! WHEW!

When we got there there we found a three-story viewpoint tower, a souvenir shop (I bought a “rock” for my collection – how original, right?), a bar and there are lots of chairs and tables where you can enjoy a little refreshment before making your way down.

If you ever find yourself in this area of Colombia this is an absolute must do!

DON’T … miss out on the cerveza michelada con mango

It is tradition to celebrate your climb by having a cerveza michelada con mango, the local beer, which they serve with salt and lime on the rim of the glass. Although I’m not a beer drinker I did have a sip of Roydio’s to celebrate making the trek and then I ordered my fave drink in Colombia :: limonada de cocos (coconut lemonade). OMG it is FABulous! We were both pretty proud of ourselves having made it on this hot and very humid day and these cold drinks were just the ticket!

DO … visit Guatape 

We made our way to Guatape where we stopped again to enjoy another beautifully colorful town.

When you get to the city of Guatape you will find a square. Of course. Like every other town in Colombia. And oh the beautiful Colombian colors were everywhere! I loved it!

And you’ll find great views of La Piedra del Penol on the way as well!

DON’T … miss taking a boat tour!

The building of the dam (see more info below) created a truly picturesque place. We were smart and took a boat tour on the reservoir. And I must say it was a perfect day to be on the water! Don’t miss your chance to take this wonderful tour!

DO … enjoy Viejo El Penol

Since we were in the town of El Penol, or what we thought was El Penol, we had to look around and check it out…

We found out that this is just a replica of the original town which was founded on June 20, 1714 but had to be relocated in 1978 because of a flood and they had to construct a hydroelectric dam which created the Guatape reservoir as we know it today.

If you want to get a taste of how the old town of El Peñol might have been, you can stop at Viejo Peñol, featuring a reconstructed plaza and church. There are souvenir shops and a couple places to grab coffee, ice cream, or something to eat.

DON’T … forget to bring your good camera

Make sure you find your way to the outside behind the shops and you will find THE BEST views of the city! OMG you will not believe how photographic this town is! If you’re looking to take some Instagram-worthy pics, this is definitely the place to go!

DO … take Cable car up to Parque Arvi

It seems that everywhere we went in Colombia we ended up on top of a mountain. I had many opportunities to overcome my fear of heights HA! But I must say that the views are tremendous and it was worth every trek UP!

It was getting late in the day and even though it was closing soon we decided to take the cable car up to Parque Arvi which is both an ecological nature preserve and pre-Hispanic archeological site on the eastern slopes of Aburrá Valley in the northeast area of Medellín.

The cost to take the cable car from the metro to Santo Domingo was included in the metro ticket but there we paid 4600 COP ($1.50US) per person for a 10-minute ride up to the park which is a very large, 4352 acres in fact, ecological park deep in the woods on top of the eastern mountains of Medellin where you can hike all around. It was a pretty amazing ride over the tall pine and eucalyptus trees in this forest.

When we got to the park entrance we had a relaxing time exploring the beautiful surroundings. There are some displays with information about Parque Arvi there and some shops and a restaurant as well as some comfortable seating scattered all around.

We ordered some refreshments at the cafe and just enjoyed our surroundings and relaxed for a while before heading down to Santo Domingo.

I highly recommend a trip up in the cable car in Medellin to Parque Arvi. Whether or not you hike the trails in the park or not – trust me you will be rewarded with some of the best views of the city! And if you’re able, time it so that you get the sunset on your way down!

DON’T … expect for anyone to speak English

As a matter of fact, everywhere you travel in Colombia you will be hard-pressed to find English-speaking people. You will be able to find some tour guides that will speak English but not here in Parque Arvi. And as a general rule the local people do not speak English at all.

DO … stop in Santo Domingo

Since it’s on the way down from Parque Arvi Santo Domingo is a great place to stop, especially if you’re looking for some local interaction and community engagement in your travels. Once known to be one of the most violent neighborhoods in Comuna Popular it has turned over a new leaf in its progressing atmosphere and urban improvement initiatives. 

We enjoyed walking the streets of Santo Domingo. Again, we felt completely safe here. And it was really nice to see how the locals live.

DON’T … be afraid to eat on the streets

We had absolutely no worries about eating on the streets anywhere in Colombia. The food is yummy and safe to eat! Here in Santo Domingo you can eat on the streets for much cheaper than in the city. We ordered a local plato (plate) of pollo (chicken) with all the trimmings for a mere 5000 COP ($1.75 US). It was yummy and more than enough for the two of us :: we even had some leftovers to feed a local street dog.

DO … splurge at San Carbon Restaurant

Before leaving Medellin we chose on our final night to enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant located right up the street and walking distance from our hotel. Known for their steaks, the food was delicious, the atmosphere indeed was “fancy” and there was live jazz music which we also really enjoyed. It was a great way for us to end our amazing time in Medellin.

DON’T … expect to pay local prices

Prices at San Carbon are higher than the average restaurant in Medellin, or for Colombia in general, but if you’re looking to have a nice dinner this is the place to go. Excellent food and atmosphere!

Read More ::

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Sorrento :: A Charming Town Along the Coast of Italy

Lisbon Portugal :: 95 Images to Inspire You to Go

Medellin was one of the biggest surprises on my travels to Colombia. Not only was I intimidated by all the hype about it not being a safe place to travel but this amazing city blew me away and made me a believer in all things good about in the world.

If there is one thing that I hope you gleaned from this post is that you can safely and happily travel to this city and have the most amazing time of your life here. I do hope you will follow my lead and come support all the wonderful things Medellin has been doing and continues doing to transform a bad story into a good one. Because that is exactly what is happening in this place. How blessed I feel for having had the opportunity to experience it.

The post Medellin :: 10 Do’s and Don’ts You Must Know appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

“Why would you go to Armenia of all places in Colombia?” you might ask. Let me preface my answer by saying that neither Roydio nor I speak much Spanish (save for the few words and phrases we’ve learned over the years living in California) and yet we found ourselves in Colombia for the very first time, a country where very few people speak or understand English. Our motivation for visiting was a young couple from Colombia whom we had met while vacationing in China. We kept in touch over the years and had hoped to meet each other on the road again but our paths never crossed. So we decided to take matters into our own hands and visit them in their home country.

Our plan was to spend four weeks in Colombia exploring different parts of the country including a week in Bogota where our friends live, a week in Medellin, a week in Cartagena and then another week exploring the coast and Rosario Islands. But then we came upon the opportunity to spend our first week in Colombia with Roydio’s Spanish-speaking brother and his friends who happened to be traveling to Armenia during the time we were to be in Colombia. So although this particular city was not originally in our plans (not even on our radar, to be frank) we changed our itinerary to begin our Colombian journey there.

From what I was able to gather before our trip I found out that Armenia is the capital of Quindio department, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 (you know by now how much I love visiting UNESCO sites!) and named the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia, being an integral part of the coffee triangle, and one of the main centers of the national economy largely due to, I would venture to guess, its coffee production).

We were so excited to visit Colombia for the first time and Armenia turned out to be the perfect place to start. Forgive me for taking so long to answer the original question. Of all the amazing qualities held by this city and the areas surrounding it, here are the Top Seven Things I recommend doing when visiting Armenia ::

Warning: You may be getting a Spanish lesson in this post so… be prepared!

#7. Spend time in downtown Armenia.

Being in the center of Colombia’s coffee triangle you will find local cafeterias (coffee shops) on every corner. The people are friendly and are happy to give you samples of the foods they sell. They genuinely want you to taste the goodness before you buy. 

And speaking of taking time, I’d also recommend you visit some of the surrounding towns such as Salento, Buena Vista and Cocora Valley, each of which I will be mentioning again later in this post.

#6. Be sure to eat bandeja paisa.

Bandeja paisa (local Armenian meal) includes cerdo (pork) and huevos (eggs), frijoles (beans – I absolutely LOVED the flavorful frijoles!), chorizo (sausage), and try the mazamorra (porridge made with corn, milk, sugar cane) which are distinctive dishes in Armenia. 

Patacones (plantains) grow abundantly in Quindio department so naturally they have found many ways to eat it. One dish is “Salentune Patacon” which is a smashed, thin fried layer covered with queso molido (ground cheese), carne molido (ground beef) and salsa de pina (pineapple sauce).

Arepa, a thick tortilla-type food made of ground maize (corn), is also popular and can be eaten plain (be sure to add table salt!) along with huevos (eggs) and/or cheese and sometimes comes filled with pollo desmenuzado (shredded chicken), carne asada (roasted beef) or pieces of chicharron (fried pork belly).

TIP :: When eating plain arepas be sure to add table salt (there’s a reason they put salt on the table) because the flavor can be quite bland.

At one of the local places we had the pollo a la parrilla y papas (barbecued chicken and potatoes) and although that may sound like a simple meal the only thing simple about how the Armenia’s serve it is the way it simply melts in your mouth (see what I did there?) with a wonderful local flavor! And then always served with patacones.

TIP :: When tipping at a Colombian restaurant some people tip anywhere from 1000 pesos (less than 30 US cents) to 2000 pesos (less than 75 cents US). Locals generally tip very little if at all. Tipping is not expected but always appreciated.

I also recommend stopping at one of the local panaderias (bakeries) for the bunuelos (round fried dough balls or fritters like donuts only without the hole) or the cocadas blancas (or what we called “coconut balls” because really, that’s what they are) which are made with sweetened condensed milk. Oh Em Gee. You definitely don’t want to miss that.

There are a couple of nearby towns that are worth a visit as well. In Filandia try the desserts at La Casa Del Pandebon which served amazing baked items.

In Salento be sure to dine at La Fonda de los Arrieros which has a wonderful ambiance and where they serve the best traditional foods :: arepas, frijoles (beans), arroz (rice), chorizo (sausage), chicharron (pork belly) and aguacate (avocado) and don’t miss trying the refajo (local beer mixed with Colombiano which is a local soda) as well as lulo (local fruit which means “little orange” made into an amazing juice – my very fave in Armenia). They also have a little mariachi band that will come and play for you at your table. So fun!

#5. Visit a local finca (farm).

The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and it is really a wonderful treat to see how the livestock in Armenia is raised and treated and fed.

You might even consider a Farm Stay. Finca Hotel La Tata Premium in Pueblo Tapao Montenegro about a 30-minute drive east of Armenia comes highly recommended. Click on the link and check it out. Great reviews and property! Hiking and coffee/banana plantation tours can be arranged from here.

We had the pleasure of visiting our friends’ finca de la familia (family farm). Several of us milked the vacas (cows) and fed their babes (babies)… and a couple of us even rode the caballos (horses). It was a lovely way to spend the day for sure and I highly recommend you do this when you’re in Armenia.

I would highly recommend getting out into the open and visiting a finca or two in Armenia. It is truly a beautiful area and the air is so fresh and clean!

#4. Go river rafting in Montenegro – Balsaje Por El Rio La Vieja.

OK so Montenegro is a country in Europe but it’s also a city in Colombia near Armenia. Who knew? This was the most relaxing day we had in Armenia thus far and it was absolutely perfect! Rather than white-water rafting this is more of a “lazy” river rafting experience that floats along peacefully with the help of the two guides who kept us from bumping into the banks. Sometimes we got a little rush but most times it just gently took us along. And it went slow enough that we were able to jump into the river and just float (or swim) alongside the raft.

The time of year we did this the area had experienced 40 days without rain so we were not able to visit the anticipated waterfall La Cascada and although it was a disappointment it really didn’t take away from our rafting experience at all.

We took a lunch break in a beautiful spot overlooking the river which was absolutely perfect. Lunch was arroz, pollo, patacon and vegetales (vegetables) in a delicious sauce served altogether in a hoja de banana (banana leaf). OMG was it good! Seriously delicious!

TIP :: If it’s a super sunny day be sure to ask them to put up a roof for you (they are more than happy to oblige). It can get hot and being in the shade when you need it is really helpful.

#3. Go paragliding in Buena Vista.

I know, I said it. Me. With my overwhelming fear of heights which I am desperately trying to overcome. Well, by the coercion, I mean encouragement, of our friends and with some reticence as you can see in the pic below, I agreed to give it a try. OMG.

Running off a cliff was seriously one of the scariest things I’ve ever done in my life… who’s idea was this???

But I must say, once I was off the ground and some time had gone by (with the help of my instructor who owned the company *whew!* and who helped distract me by pointing out some interesting views in the distance) I am so glad I did it. The view was breathtaking (I think I’ve used this word many times in describing what I’ve seen of Colombia so far and I don’t think it will be the last) and the air was so fresh and clear. It was a perfect day. I had the perfect instructor. He even let me steer us for a while. One of the highlights of my life so far, for sure.

Considering everything is much more affordable in Colombia than in the US it was really refreshing to be able to do many activities without breaking the bank. For instance, our paragliding experience cost only $40US per person while in California it would cost anywhere from $175 to $250. I am so glad I didn’t chicken out and took the leap… It is definitely one thing checked off my bucket list and something I can brag about (hehe) for years to come.

After our successful experience in the air we spent some time in the cute little town of Buena Vista.

#2. Go horseback riding in the Andes Mountains.

Climb into a jeep for a 2-hour drive to Cocora Valley and ride up into the Andes Mountains on caballos that know the trail very well.

Definitely not a leisurely ride, it was an incredible experience with breathtaking views as we rode our caballos through narrow trails of rocks and streams and trees and waterfalls. This adventure is definitely not for the faint of heart but surely one I will never forget!

Our destination was a hummingbird sanctuary high in the hills to which we had to climb about 100 very steep steps. Once we got up there (whew!) we enjoyed the scenery, refreshments and the beautiful hummingbirds flitting about. This also gave our caballos a break before heading back to town.

Check out this slow-mo video I took of these adorable birds…

TIPS ::
#1. Again, this experience is not for the faint of heart. You will need to be a mediocre horseback rider or else they will give you a guide to help you along the trail as I did (I’ve only been on a horse a handful of times in my life).
#2. We had a dry and beautiful sunny day but I have heard that it can rain and get muddy on this trail so be prepared with a raincoat and boots.
#3. Be prepared for this ride to take your breath away at times. Seriously incredible.

#1. Visit a coffee farm and take the tour.

Since Armenia is located in the middle of the Coffee Triangle and named the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia for good reason it really is a must to see how the coffee is grown, harvested and prepared for public consumption. WakeCup Coffee Tour by Experiencia Cafetera is located about an hour’s drive south of Armenia in Pijao where you will experience an immersive, full-day coffee tour known to be one of the best coffee tours in Colombia. The tour will take you through every step of the production process as well as all the way through to the end product and how best to serve it.

There are also other farms and tours available in Salento and in Armenia itself. It doesn’t really matter where you go, just don’t miss the opportunity to take a tour. Especially if you’re a coffee connoisseur (but even if you aren’t – like me) you will not want to miss this experience.

In the pic above I am drinking coffee. Duh! But what you may not know is that I am NOT a coffee drinker. Well, unless you count Starbucks Frapuccino as coffee; most people don’t. HA!

But as I was explaining this to the server he gave me the rare opportunity to change my mind by giving me pure Colombian coffee with the actual coffee cherries as a sweetener instead of sugar (a true Colombian coffee shop does not believe in using sugar in coffee – in fact, they don’t even have it available in the store!). He asked me to chew the coffee cherry (the outside of the coffee bean that is usually removed before the bean is roasted) and then take a swallow of coffee and cherry at the same time. OMG.

This is the first time I have ever really enjoyed a cup of java. Wow. I wish we could get these coffee cherries in the US!

Read More ::

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Armenia was the perfect start to our time in Colombia. The fact that we were able to travel this week with Spanish-speaking people really helped us get more comfortable, learn and understand more Spanish.

But more than that our adventures in Armenia were unforgettable. The landscape was breathtaking. Everywhere we went we were overwhelmed by God’s beautiful creations in nature. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time in this incredible area of Colombia and especially to be able to spend it with family and friends.

Our next adventure in Colombia takes us to Medellin. Stay tuned in next week’s post for a recap of our time there. You will not want to miss it!

The post Armenia Colombia :: 7 Experiences Not to Miss appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

You’d probably like to know how to pronounce Bruges, right? Ah, if it were just that simple. As is common in Belgium I’ve come to find out, this beautiful city has two different names and spellings/pronunciations. Bruges [pronounced broozh] is the English and French version. And Brugge [pronounced broo-gha] is the Flemish version. Both are correct. But here in the US we say Bruges and in Belgium and The Netherlands they say Brugge. It can get a little confusing when talking with the Dutchies (nickname for my cousins).

You may very well never even have heard of Bruges before. It is not necessarily one of those cities like Paris or Rome or London that roll off your tongue when you think of Europe. *By the way, I’ll be writing about all three of those fascinating cities in the future.* But let me tell you Bruges will certainly not disappoint. As a matter of fact, I guarantee you will fall in love with Bruges the minute you step foot there.

But let’s just dive right in to the best of (IMHO) what I will refer to as Bruges hereon out. Let the countdown begin!

“I would rather own a little and see the world than own the world and see a little.” 
—Alexander Sattler

#10 :: Belgian lace-making

Lace is not just a craft in Belgium but a part of this region’s cultural heritage. Dating back as far as the 15th century this art form became more and more popular in Bruges. By the early 20th century nearly 70% of Belgium’s lace was being made in Bruges.

The Lace Centre where lace-making is taught is also home to a fine and interactive lace museum where you can actually learn some tricks of the trade. Short- and long-term courses for lace-making are available here and on the second floor of the Lace Centre you can see the lace-makers at work. It is truly fascinating to see these talented artisans making bobbin-lace (as shown below) and needle-lace. I am really disappointed that I didn’t think to video tape the fascinating demonstration myself. But lo and behold I found one online for you:

Although this centuries old art form has a rich history, designer lace-making has also found its way into contemporary high-end couture showrooms such as the lingerie of Korean designer Sun Mae and the wedding couture of Veerle Praet.

#9 :: Zand Square Fountain

Zand is the largest public square in Bruges. Used as an open air market on the weekend it also serves as a popular venue for open air concerts.

The fountain has a central pool with 4 sculptures around it (a mermaid, a group of cyclists, fishermen and four bathing ladies) and is at its most dramatic when the jets are turned up high.

Zand Square Fountain is really quite charming. And the atmosphere surrounding it is pretty awesome so when you visit Bruges you shouldn’t miss it.

#8 :: Horse and Carriage ride through town

One thing that makes a visit to Bruges really special is a romantic carriage ride (like I did in Vienna) through the heart of the city along the canals and historic small bridges. The carriage driver will provide you with a colorful recollection of the history of Bruges. Along the way you will see small picturesque nooks and crannies within the city center, several museums and other historic sites.

In good weather conditions the carriages roll until 10 pm. 50EU will get you a carriage full (max 5 people) for a 30-minute ride. This is truly a delightful way to see the city.

#7 :: The Beerwall

In this 15th century mayor’s house you will find an exposition called “All Belgian Beers.” They call this the Beerwall, appropriately named, which displays all of 1721 Belgian beers. It is a really impressive collection.

Behind the Beerwall is their 2Be-Shop where you can pick up souvenirs as well as 2Be-Bar which serves a dozen beers on tap and has a magnificent view of the canal from the terrace. Roydio and his cousin Joan enjoyed a flight of beers and it was here that Roydio decided that Belgian beer is the best in the world. You’ll have to come to Bruges to find out if that indeed holds true for you but I’m confident that you might just agree.

As we enjoyed the absolutely perfect weather and cozy atmosphere on the terrace of this charming medieval city I couldn’t help notice some swans making a meal of the low hanging foliage along the canal. I mean, when do you ever find an adorable scene like that? Not often for sure. I was thoroughly entertained and it certainly added more of that typical Bruges charm to my visit.

#6 :: Canal Tour

After a long enjoyable break at the Beerwall we went back to see about a canal tour. Bruges is often called “the Venice of the North” referring to the numerous canals and bridges on the river “Reie.” Make sure to take a canal boat tour because there are many sides of Bruges you can only see from the water.

Tours take only about 30 minutes but the tour guides do a great job of packing in a lot of information about the city in that short time frame. And I consider the price of 8EU very reasonable for a unique perspective and view of Bruges. I loved all the old bridges especially. It was a comfortable and worthwhile ride.

#5 :: Belgian waffles and chocolates and more

Did you know that Belgium is famous for some of their delicacies? We are all familiar with Belgian Waffles. It was Belgium that came up with the idea of adding all of those delicious sauces and fruit and whipped cream on top of plain old waffles. What a great idea!

And did you know that Belgian chocolate is known to be among the finest in the world? You’ve heard of Godiva, right? Yep, Belgian! Leonidas? Also. And two of the world’s largest chocolate factories are located in Belgium. Moeder Babeluut is a fine chocolatier in Bruges so of course we had to stop in and take a look (taste).

If you’ve heard of Flaamse Friet I would be surprised but this is the Belgian term for what we call “french fries.” Yes, you read that right. French Fries. HA! They originated in Belgium not France! And they double fry them in Bruges the way they were originally intended to be made. Flaamse Friet is bomb! And once you’ve had it in Belgium (or The Netherlands for that matter) you will never want the US version ever again.

Delicious coffee is always served with chocolate or cookies (both Belgian, of course). As a matter of fact if you’ve ever flown Delta Airlines chances are you’ve had one of their Bischoff cookies made in… you guessed it, Belgium!

And last but certainly not least :: Belgian fresh bread is to die for and it is unbelievable how many different kinds are available.

#4 :: Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady with its 400-foot brick steeple (the largest brick construction such as this in the world) dominates the skyline of Bruges. It is quite literally the ‘high point’ of the stonemasons’ art in this medieval city and took two centuries (13th-15th) to build.

Church of Our Lady houses the Carrara marble Madonna and Child the only Michelangelo sculpture believed to have left Italy in his lifetime. And although it was protected for hundreds of years this famous sculpture was taken by soldiers in both the French revolution and in World War II and hidden from everyone. It was later found and returned to Belgium. And now you can find it in the transept of this church.

#3 :: What a great walking town!

I loved exploring the different areas of town on foot. I have an affinity for little alleys and exotic looking doors as well as quaint waterways. All three were present in this beautiful town and walking is the best way to experience all the nuances of Bruges.

Buses are not allowed on the streets of the Bruges city center so walking is the only way you will see the entire town. But what a great way to see this charming city with all of its old world nooks and crannies throughout.

#2 :: The Best BnB ever :: De Vijf Zuilen

We were so fortunate to have found a gem and the best Bed and Breakfast we’ve ever experienced in our travels thus far. Roydio found this 5-star rated BnB on Booking.com and those ratings and reviews are not exaggerated one bit. I can confirm every single one.

Ginette is the owner and our most amazing hostess. She is delightful, informative and will treat you like kings and queens! And she has a wonderful sense of humor to boot. You will remember her name always. “Like Gilette, the best a man can get” she will recall the commercial jingle from the razor company. “I’m Ginette, the worst a man can get!”

Every room is delightful. The bed linens are top notch, the mattresses are super comfy, the dresser was adorned with a beautiful welcome gift and the beds were decorated to perfection. A sign hung out on Joan and Mitch’s door that said “Just Married” and ours was for our 29th Anniversary. Ginette sees to it that every detail is perfectly attended to.

I highly recommend De Vijf Zuilen, located walking distance from the city center. Next time we come to Bruges we will definitely stay there again. I’m really looking forward to it.

#1 :: The Historic Center of Bruges

Finally, my #1 reason that Bruges will steal your heart is its Historic Center which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. According to the UNESCO website “Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town’s identity. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Brugge developed cultural links to different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of Flemish Primitive painting.”

Crossing over the bridge and through the medieval town gate entrance was like going back in time… Thick walls and fortifications surround the city for protection from Viking marauders back in the day.

Bruges first rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries thanks to viable waterways and the influx of well-off merchants and other elites. By the 19th century its fortunes had changed, funding was strapped tight so they could not afford modern building projects. Yet it was a blessing in disguise for this beautiful town. Medieval houses were spared the wrecking ball and Bruges’ quaint, historic beauty was rediscovered nearing the 20th century.

Architecture dating back to the 9th century, hand-laid cobble stones, crow-stepped gables, unspoiled historic cityscape and charming canals that weave through the town all contribute to making this a delightful place to visit.

While Bruges is technically a city any local will tell you the atmosphere is much more that of a village :: one swimming with tourists. But locals know that despite its many attractions Bruges is really a nostalgic town at heart and one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been.

Bruges completely exceeded my expectations on every level. Not only did the atmosphere blow me away but every aspect of this charming medieval town made its way into my heart. From our AirBnB to the food to the Beerwall to the canals and historic laanddmarks and local people, Bruges is definitely a place I want to return to again and again.

Read more ::

10 Unique Things to Do in Prague

15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour

10 Other Things that Make Berlin Special

And this may also be helpful on your travels ::

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

The post Bruges :: 10 Reasons She Will Steal Your Heart appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Six :: Barceloneta Beach and Platja de Barcelona

According to TripAdvisor Barceloneta Beach is the best city beach in Europe.

I took the following video at Platja de Barceloneta, a wonderful open square surrounded by restaurants and bars on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.

Although you can expect it to be pretty crowded with tourists year round you can see it is a really delightful area to hang out. Whether you’re there to sunbathe, swim, dine, drink, people-watch or just stroll around here you will find the perfect atmosphere.

Tips:
1. Be aware that you will be approached by vendors trying to sell you everything from a circular towel to massages. Sometimes it can be annoying but you might actually enjoy some of their wares.
2. August is the most crowded month so if you’re not into waiting in lines you might want to choose another time to visit.

Five :: Try the food

Of course you know I’m going to talk about the local food. Food in Barcelona is all about making the most of the best local produce and boasts some of the best gourmet delicacies in Spain. I’m just going to touch on a couple of options here. In another post you can read more details :: Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tapas

Known for its Tapas (small plates) bars, Barcelona does not fall short of variety and flavor and quality.

This is actually my favorite way to eat: small plates of a variety of flavors and textures. I prefer this type of dining over a big piece of meat with a big helping of potatoes and vegetables.

Paella

Another recommendation I have for you is the paella (rice and seafood cooked and served in a large flat shallow pan). Paella originated in Valencia and you can therefore find the best of the best in that beautiful coastal town but with a little research you should be able to find quality paella in Barcelona as well.

There is much too much to cover when it comes to the food in Spain so I’ve gone into more depth in my post Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tip: Do your research to find places that serve authentic cuisine rather than the cheap and tasteless tourist versions. Once you taste the real thing you won’t want to settle for less.

Four :: La Rambla

[AKA Las Ramblas. Originally a series of 5 smaller “ramblas” have been incorporated into one big La Rambla]

La Rambla is the most famous promenade in Spain, a beautifully tree-lined pedestrian street 3/4 of a mile long, stretching from the Christopher Columbus Monument on the south end to Placa de Catalunya on the north end. La Rambla is filled with restaurants and shops and souvenir shops and street performers, etc. This very popular Catalonian landmark is visited by tourists from all over the world all year long. Once you experience it you’ll understand why.

Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria

My hotel in Barcelona was located less than a block off the center of La Rambla, not far from probably one of the reasons why (you might have guessed) I love finding local markets everywhere I go: Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria.

Font de Canaletes

On the north end of La Rambla and the heart of Barcelona by Placa de Catalunya you will find Font de Canaletes, a popular meeting point.

Font de Canaletes’ legend is this: “If you drink water from the Font de Canaletes you will always be in love with Barcelona. And however far away you go you will always return.” I can attest to that! I DO love Barcelona and I DO plan to return, so in my eyes this saying is not just a legend.

Tips for La Rambla:
1. Barcelona is known as the Pickpocket Capital of the World. Be very aware of your belongings when walking the streets, especially in the crowded tourist attractions and late at night. Your pockets are not safe. I would recommend you wear a money belt or a jacket or vest with inside pockets in which to keep your money, phone, etc. I’ll tell you what happened to Roydio in my next post: Don’t Do’s in Barcelona
2. There is no way to avoid crowds altogether in Barcelona but August is their busiest month. Just a heads up.

Three :: Camp Nou

My Roydio is a futbol player and therefore a huge futbol fan [not to be confused with American football: in the US futbol is known as soccer]. And because of him I’ve become a fan as well. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, in fact the third largest in the world in capacity – just over 121,000 and home to FC Barcelona whose captain is Lionel Messi who happens to be my fave player. So my visit to Camp Nou was compulsory. And it certainly did not disappoint.

**CHEESE WARNING** The following video is a little cheesy I admit, but Roydio was over-the-top excited about visiting this iconic stadium and couldn’t help himself from getting in front of the camera (not that he’s shy by any means). So I decided to include it here for you. You’re welcome.

Here is a panoramic shot for you as well.

For those who are fans (or not), Camp Nou is about as impressive as it gets. 25EU will get you in the door without paying for a tour. We went on a self-guided tour of the museum, the changing rooms, the press room and commentary boxes. We experienced the audiovisual and multimedia installations, sat in the VIP area, then down in the stands.

We were not allowed to go onto the field which was a disappointment but it was well worth seeing this massive stadium in all its glory. The next time we watch an FC Barcelona game we will feel as though we’re right there!

Tip for Camp Nou: Go during futbol season so you can catch a live game!

Two :: Montjuic

Montjuic “Jewish Mountain” is Barcelona’s biggest hill. On the side of the hill is the Montjuic Cemetery which you can’t help but notice as you drive into Barcelona from the airport. It is quite a beautiful sight.

Castell Montjuic itself is not near as impressive as other castles we have visited but what makes it so special is the view from the top.

From the castle I took a zoomed in shot of La Sagrada Familia that shows how big this cathedral is compared to the houses around it. So IMHO it was totally worth paying the reasonable entrance fee of 5EU.

Montjuic itself is a huge 57 acre park that sprawls over the entire hill and includes several parks within itself. Entrance is free, making this the best deal in Barcelona IMO.

I took the local bus to Montjuic and took the cable car up. I then walked around the parks and fountains and took the local bus back into town.

Don’t do what I did. Since the distances between the attractions on Montjuic are spaced fairly far apart I missed seeing several of them because of how long it took me to walk everywhere, although I saw more of the details by walking which was very cool.

Having said that, I would still recommend taking the Hop On Hop Off bus.

Tips for Montjuic:
1. Start at the top and work your way down.
2. Set aside an entire day if you want to see it in its entirety
3. Take the HOHO bus and get off at the different attractions in order to see it all because there is a LOT to see
4. Visit the castle on Sunday after 3pm to get in for free

One :: Works of Gaudi

Barcelona is home to the works of world-renown genius architect Antoni Gaudi, the world’s best practitioner of Catalan Modernism. Here are 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of his you shouldn’t miss when visiting Barcelona:

1. Casa Mila

La Pedrera “stone quarry” as it is popularly known. One of Antonio Gaudi’s main residential buildings, his last and a total work of art. The next time I’m in Barcelona I’d like to go back and take the full tour so I can see its rooftop terrace.

2. Casa Batllo

Antoni Gaudi was commissioned by its owner to restore this old house originally built in the 1800’s and to make it stand out. One of Gaudi’s most spectacular works.

3. Parc Guell

Located on Carmel Hills, Parc Guell is now a garden complex comprised of a series of Antoni Gaudi’s houses (including his own). It was originally designed as a housing development project that ultimately failed. The city took it over and made it public in1926. Parc Guell has been one of the city’s most important acquisitions since.

4. Basilica de La Sagrada Familia

Maybe not many people realize this but Antoni Gaudi was not the original architect on this project but took it over after one year of construction and completely changed its original design. This is considered the most famous of Gaudi’s works. La Sagrada Familia has been in construction since 1882 with its completion not to be expected until 2030.

Click here to find out more about UNESCO.

Other tips for Barcelona: 
1. Put that gratuity away. Tips are almost unheard of among the locals in Spain. If you feel your server has gone above and beyond in your eyes in an elegant restaurant, a 5-10% tip is more than enough. If your server is waiting for a tip, you’re probably in the wrong restaurant.
2. With the exception of the touristy areas and a few grocery stores, Spain closes many of its shops on Sundays. Restaurants are usually open only in the mornings on Sundays but closed in the evenings.

Click here to check out everything Barcelona has to offer and use it to book tickets, restaurant reservations, tours, etc. Goooooooaaaaaal!

Read More ::

9 Don’t Do’s in Barcelona

Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona

Bangkok :: How to See It in 3 Days

Lisbon :: One of My Very Favorite Cities in Europe

I definitely want to return to Barcelona in the future – there is only so much you can do in one visit or even two and there are just way too many amazing things to see here. Tell me what you think about Barcelona so far?

In my next post I will share with you what NOT to do in Barcelona. Because I want to make sure you are fully prepared for a great time without running into snags. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

The post Top 6 Must Do’s in Barcelona appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

All I knew about Bangkok was that it is the capital of Thailand and known for their delicious, spicy food. Well, I am familiar with Thai food and love it so I was looking forward to tasting the authentic cuisine.

Oh, and I knew that Thailand was a predominantly Buddhist country but I’d never been inside a temple before. I started getting excited about the prospect of embarking on this new adventure.

“…where to begin?”

When I began my research I read everything about what things to do and which places I wanted to visit. From the river to the streets to the markets to the temples… where to begin?

OK, so yea, you got me. You can’t see all of Bangkok in 3 days. But that’s all I had so I began prioritizing my time. If I must say so myself, I was able to see quite a bit of this fascinating city in the relatively short period of time. It was, however, super difficult to decide what fell into my “must see” category and what would have to wait until next time. Let’s just start with lodging.

We arrived at “Suva” Airport midday and were greeted by our shuttle driver who took us directly to our poshtel.

What in the world is a “poshtel?”

So you’re probably thinking: what is a poshtel? I’d never heard of the term, either. Come to find out a poshtel is a portmanteau or blended word for an upscale or luxury hostel which combines the style and comfort of a boutique hotel but is offered at the price and practicality of a hostel.

Let me stop you here. If you think this “hostel” is just a room with a shared bathroom (don’t mind my feet in this pic HA!), you are so wrong. Not only do you have your own bathroom but it has absolutely NO resemblance to a hostel in any way, shape or form. This unbelievable find is a wonderful place to stay at an affordable price. Check out more at Bangkok Saran here.

A typical room at the Bangkok Saran is simple yet has every amenity you need: a safe, refrigerator, air conditioning, television, closet, shelves, desk and chair, wifi, comfortable bed and linens, a comfy chair (not shown) and last but certainly not least international electrical plugs. As a traveler this last item is a luxury! And as I said earlier, you have your own bathroom with a toilet, shower and they provide 2-in-1 shampoo and a liquid soap dispenser.

And we got super lucky with a gorgeous view of the cable-stayed Rama VIII Bridge which crosses the Chao Phraya River from our window.

“All the comforts of home”

The price of the room comes with a full breakfast each morning and you are welcome to help yourself to a refrigerator full of bottled water [no charge] as often as you’d like. And they even have a washer and dryer [for a fee]. I did a load on my last day. All the comforts of home.

I highly recommend the simple yet charming Bangkok Saran. It’s located in the Old District near the Grand Palace, Khao San Road and the Big Reclining Buddha as well as the local market. The front desk staff are not only warm and friendly but also very helpful and accommodating. And they speak English really well!

After reviewing all of the information I had collected on what to see and do in Bangkok I decided that my 3 days visit would not be complete without experiencing the beauty of the city’s most famous landmark: the Grand Palace, the spiritual heart of Thailand. So I made sure to get there first thing in the morning.

Grand Palace

The plan for the day was to get there early enough to beat the crowds. I was lucky enough to be amongst the first 50 people in line at 10am when the doors opened.

The dress code for the Grand Palace  is very strict as it is the most sacred site in all of Thailand because it houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Both men and women are required to have their shoulders and legs covered, no see-through clothes and you must wear socks (no bare feet). A t-shirt and long pants or skirt should suffice.

“that was on my list to buy, anyway”

My sleeveless shirt and Roydio’s shorts fell short of the required dress code so we just stopped at the little shop near the entrance where he bought some elephant pants [that was on my list to buy, anyway] and I got myself a souvenir t-shirt. The prices were very affordable and now we had ourselves a couple of souvenirs! Win-win!

Once inside the Grand Palace, I picked up a map that shows the lay of the land. There are several buildings within the complex including the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand :: Wat Phra Kaew [Temple of the Emerald Buddha]. So I headed there first.  As I made my way over I couldn’t help but notice the exquisite detail on the facades of these impressive structures :: they were just jaw-dropping!

Inside Wat Phra Kaew is the highly revered Emerald Buddha which is meticulously carved from a single block of jade. Wow! Since this is the most sacred site in the complex I was not allowed to take pictures. I completely understood of course but I was pretty disappointed because this was truly an astonishing place. I now have to just keep this image ingrained in my memory for posterity.

The Grand Palace complex is filled with fascinating architecture. Everywhere I turned there was yet another beautiful statue or building made with intricate detail.

Most of the areas in the complex are accessible with the exception of the Inner Court which was once the residence of the King’s consorts and daughters. This space is completely off limits :: there are guards tending to making sure no one entered.

I seriously took at least a hundred pictures in the few hours I spent here but if I wanted to hit all of the must-do places on my list I had to make my way out. Plus the crowds were getting pretty heavy at that point and the perfect time to move on! I’m so glad I had the opportunity to have witnessed the overwhelming beauty of the Grand Palace. 

Wat Arun  :: Temple of Dawn

Certainly one of the world’s most famous landmarks the Wat Arun Temple stands tall above the city on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Leaving the Grand Palace I could see its tallest spire towering above everything else so it was not difficult to find. Just follow the spire. It called to me like a beacon in the night (ok, it was daytime, but you get what I’m saying).

The design of Wat Arun is quite different from other temples. The stunning beauty of its fine craftsmanship, the intricate patterns of colorful decorated spires made of fine Chinese porcelain, make it easy to see why many consider Wat Arun the most beautiful temple in all of Thailand.

Wat Arun is located on the river, the reflection of which makes this place even more captivating. If you were so inclined [see what I did there?] you can actually climb the inner spire which would have been a pretty amazing adventure in itself. But by this time in the day long lines were forming.

Tip :: if you are interested in doing this I’d suggest you get there very early in the day. I’ve heard the views from the top are spectacular. Louise missed her opportunity. Don’t be like Louise.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of my favorite things to do as I travel from place to place is to visit their local markets. I am always curious about how the local people live and the markets are a great way to get insight into their culture. Here in Bangkok, the sights and smells in the local markets are enchanting.

35 acres. Over 8,000 market stalls. More than 200,000 visitors on a typical weekend. That’s an overview of what Chatuchak is about. It was pretty overwhelming :: I only covered a small portion on this trip. And as you can see from my pictures I spent most of my time in the food section.

Some of the other things for sale here are clothing, accessories, plants, art, ceramics, books, antiques… the list goes on and on. I wasn’t in the market for souvenirs at this point [see what I did there?] and I wanted to cover more than just one market so I moved through as quickly as possible.

Ta Tien Market

The next market I visited was Ta Tien on the riverfront, hidden behind Wat Pho [Temple of the Reclining Buddha] in a heritage-style building that looks more like a warehouse.

A discreet door easily missed by the public opens to a tunnel that leads to this market place in which you will see all kinds of dried sea products in large sacks and fresh produce ranging from the well-known fruit and vegetables to totally alien-looking ingredients. Originally set up as a wholesale market they now sell also to the general public. I wish I could have taken some of this home.

What makes trading places such as this so interesting to me is that they provide a fascinating window into the local daily life and exactly what I find so intriguing. Ta Tien is very intimate compared to Chatuchak which I personally am much more attracted to so I could have easily spent more time here and probably would have if I had it.

We didn’t visit the Night Markets but click here to read about where they are.

Chao Phraya River Tour

Another must-do in Bangkok is a river tour on the Chao Phraya River [translation: “River of Kings”]. Chao Phraya is considered the life blood or main artery of the city. Many locals use the ferries to cross this river to get to and from work every day. And there are many tourist boats that sail on its waters. My tour guide spoke both Thai and English which made it more informative. I’m told some only talk Thai. “You talk Thai?” (Do you know what movie is that quote is from?)

“…city of contradictions…”

The tour I took sailed us past the ancient temples such as Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun as well as the modern high rises such as Shangri-la Bangkok Hotel, the Super Tower, Mahanakhon Tower and Canapaya residences. Bangkok is yet another city of contradictions where old world charm meets the 20th century.

It was refreshing to be given a unique local perspective of Bangkok on this river tour and I would recommend it if you plan to visit. Wish I’d taken more pics but the boat got a little rocky at times.

Floating Market Tour

One of the things on my must-do list was seeing the Floating Markets. There are several in the area in and around Bangkok and I figured the best way to see most of them is by taking a boat tour.

“…food is a really. big. deal.”

By now you must know that I’m obsessed with food because that’s all I seem to be photographing. HA! Well, in my intro I think I did mention (I should have included the word: WARNING) that food would be making an appearance in my blog posts. And Thailand is one of the top destinations where food is a really. big. deal. I may have to do a blog post just on the food. Hmmmm….

Lots of interesting things to see at the floating markets. I had to take a video of the fish. It is un.be.lievable how many fish are in this river. I’ve never seen anything like it! Apparently a real popular thing for tourists is to feed these fish and watch the frenzy that unfolds. Of course there are lots of other things floating in that water as well…

As I walked through one of the floating markets it was a nice surprise to hear an ensemble playing the angklung which is a musical instrument made of bamboo originating in Indonesia, the place where both my parents were born. So I am very familiar with the sound which gave this floating market a really fun and ethnic vibe. 

While on this “covered” boat tour and on this very warm day all of a sudden the sky turned dark, we heard super loud thunder and a couple of minutes later rains came pouring down for about 3-5 minutes. I mean HARD! I quickly learned another reason (besides the sun) why these boats are covered. Apparently this is a daily occurrence in Thailand. It actually kind of surprised me because it came on so suddenly! But boy did it cool down the temps… nature, doing its job.

I think some of the only English words this tour guide knew was “ok, everyone!” If you listen real closely you’ll hear her. It was quite comical. Turns out she is a karaoke singer. How do I know? At one of the stops she ran over to a stage and started singing karaoke. Oh, and then she continued singing on the boat! OMG best tour guide FAIL ever. Unless you like that kind of thing. I couldn’t bring myself to video-tape her because it really was bad. She sure was having fun though!

Khao San Road

Street food. Yep, that is one of the things Bangkok (probably all of Thailand) is best known for. And they really DO have the best street food on Khao San Road. If you’re a foodie or an amateur foodie like me you must come here to experience this food mania!

Tuk-tuk

If you’ve never taken a tuk-tuk before I highly recommend you try it. It is a popular mode of transportation among tourists and an experience you don’t want to miss. There are more practical and quicker ways to get around town but I guarantee it’s not as fun. And you get to see a lot on your way to wherever you’re going.

This particular trip we grabbed a tuk-tuk because it was starting to rain and it would have taken us a lot longer to get where we were going if we hadn’t grabbed it. As it turned out the rain stopped in about 5 minutes (as it always does) and we were able to get out and walk the rest of the way to Chinatown.

Chinatown

You will find a Chinatown in every major city in the world. Throughout history the Chinese worked hard to build up their own communities in wherever they had a mass migration. Food being a very important part of their culture bringing Chinatown to their new home was just a way of life.

Roydio’s grandmother who has long since passed away was full Chinese and so this heritage and culture have strongly influenced his life. Noodles and rice and soup have been staples in his family and continues to thrive with his generation and on. So whenever we travel to a different part of the world it is always a priority to find a Chinatown.

When we made it to Chinatown Roydio took the food game to a completely different level. One of his favorite foods in Southeast Asia has always been durian otherwise known as the “stinky fruit.” It can only be found in tropical climates which Thailand definitely is. So yea, he headed straight for the durian stand. I can’t get past the smell myself so I’ve never put it in my mouth. But he swears it tastes like heaven. You be the judge. Have you ever eaten durian?

Train Ride to Ayutthaya

Taking the train is probably the best and most efficient way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. It is about a 2.5 hour train ride and I must say it’s quite an entertaining one.

Once onboard you can expect 6-7 vendors to come walking by at any given point to sell you snacks, drinks, toys and sometimes even full meals. They have a captive audience in you :: you’re not going anywhere :: so I’m sure they do really well.

We purchased a Thai iced coffee and felt as though we had done our part in keeping these people in business.

Once we arrived in Ayutthaya I was surprised at what a fun place it was. Again, food stalls abounded but everything seemed pretty affordable.

We caught the end of what appeared to be a cool fire show. Dang, we missed it. So we took a nice stroll around the facilities. What a cute place! They had a petting zoo, a small market like we’ve seen around Bangkok, a couple of cute little restaurants and shops…

We ended up having a few snacks and drinks there in an air conditioned shop with wifi that we had pretty much all to ourselves. It was nice to get out of the crowds for a bit.

1. There is a very strict dress code for entering the sacred temples in Thailand so be sure to wear something that covers your shoulders and legs (no tank tops or shorts) and nothing see-through. And you must wear socks inside the temple (no bare feet).
2. Another mode of transportation is “Grab” which is their version of Uber. Download the app. It works great!

Read more ::

Phuket :: Where the Action is… and Not

10 Reasons to Have Your Destination Birthday in Bali

My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

Bangkok was a pretty amazing city to visit but IMHO there are just too many places to see in just 3 days. It can be done as you see here. But next time I’d love to venture out and explore more down the Chao Phraya River to see where it would take me. I’m sure I’ll have more of the fried bananas on the street as well as the Pad Thai. My mouth is watering thinking about the Thai food. Yea, there will be food involved on my next trip for sure.

Tips for Bangkok ::

The post Bangkok :: How to See it in 3 Days appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

But one thing’s for sure, if it isn’t already you’ll want to add it to your Bucket List.

BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel and Apartments Phuket

Let’s start with our amazing hotel. I know, right? I have to give credit to my Roydio for most of these hotel bookings. He’s a master at research although I can hold my own in that department…

“…it has everything but the kitchen sink.”

This place has a balcony to enjoy the view of what is happening out on the street, it’s walking distance to the beach… so beautiful and it has everything but the kitchen sink.

Wait, it DOES have a kitchen sink! And a kitchen and a microwave oven, dishes, glasses, dishwasher, refrigerator stocked with water and drinks for two and even fresh fruit to welcome you. 

Again, what a find. BYD Lofts. Just make a note for when you go to Phuket. I’ve given you more details down below in my “tips.”

I don’t want to be remiss in giving a shout out to the staff here. They make you feel like kings and queens, greeting you with a refreshing drink and cool towel and escorting you to your room. Click here to check out BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel.

So I feel like I need to clear something up before I go any further.

“…I travel on my own dime…”

I am not one of those travel bloggers who gets paid to travel, stays in four and five star hotels and writes about it!  I wish! I travel on my own dime. And before you start thinking that I must be made of money staying in all of these amazing hotels, just know that my goal is to always get the most for my money. 

Most of the places I stay at are affordable, you can afford them too. And by doing your own (serious) research you too can find incredible deals. This particular trip to Southeast Asia we are celebrating a very special occasion so we did splurge a bit more than usual.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way let’s take first things first: unwind from my flight into town and then unpack. That’s not difficult to do with my packing cubes all ready to be laid out! Have you heard of them? Have you tried them? I swear by them and will never travel without them again. Once you experience packing cubes, you won’t either I promise. I’ve given you more details about them in my “tips” below.

You’re welcome!

Patong Beach

Hey, I’m in Phuket, I’ve got to see the beach. Let’s go! 

After leaving one destination for another and after everything it takes to get there it can be exhausting. There’s just something about a beautiful, serene beach at which to relax when you’re all wound up, right? And Patong Beach surely didn’t disappoint.

The only noise you’ll hear is vendors selling their handmade souvenirs and drinks and snacks. I would totally have gone for something but the water was calling my name. Well actually it was calling “Roydio!!” HA! And when the water calls him, he listens, then dives right in! 

Me, I am happy to just get some sand between my toes, relax, close my eyes and hear nothing. but. the. ocean. waves. rocking back and forth. Can you hear it?

Thai massage

I guess any trip to Thailand without getting a massage would just be wrong. So of course one is ordered up. Roydio volunteered for the job. HA! And I get to watch.

According to him, it is brutal. From my vantage point it doesn’t look brutal. But he insisted it is one of the best massages he’s ever had. I’ll take his word for it.

Bangla Road

If you’ve read anything on Phuket you know about Bangla Road. Again, walking distance from our place. How can I describe it? Well, let’s start with the fact that nearly every online reviewer seems to rate Bangla Road as either the #1 or #2 thing to do in Phuket.

“…it reminds me of the strip in Las Vegas.”

I’m going to reserve my comments and let you be the judge for yourself when you visit. Suffice it to say that it reminds me of the strip in Las Vegas. On Steroids. If you’ve ever been to Vegas you know what I’m talking about. But next to a beach. A dichotomy.

There are a lot of great places to eat in the little alleys off the main drag of this pedestrian-only street where I had dinner (NO I did not try the scorpions on a stick). 

When it gets dark everything turns… NEON. Check out the pics of Bangla Road at night. Lots of nightclubs and beer bars. And I’ll leave out the R- and X-rated stuff, k?

Did you see the tricked out tuk-tuk? They look like regular tuk-tuks during the day (remember the one you saw me riding in in Bangkok?), then at night all the neon lights come on and they turn into disco drivers. It’s a hoot!

Do I dare post a video of what Phuket is like after dark?

Tell you what, I’ll give you a taste of the environment at the “Beer Garden” where we had dinner.

The stage at the Beer Garden features several different acts. These fire dancers are cool. Then the go-go dancers and “other” things happen on that stage. But again, I’ll skip that part and leave you to discover all that for yourself. 

Before heading back I stopped to order and watch the making of their well-known ice cream rolls. It was really tasty, not sweet like American ice cream. Real yummy!

I then took the path along the beach back to the apartment. All in all it was a fun night. Tomorrow would start early…

Island Hopping Tour

This is my very favorite part of my time in Phuket:  an all-day speedboat trip to and around the Phi Phi Islands. We took off from the Royal Phuket Marina and had an amazing adventure on the water.

Let me just introduce you to the Phi Phi Islands, a small archipelago of 6 islands about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Phuket. The islands consist of classic tropical beaches, stunning rock formations and vivid turquoise waters filled with colorful marine life. A true tropical paradise. We visited two of the islands and made several stops.

Phi Phi Leh

Our first stop was the world famous Maya Bay on the uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh. Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the movie “The Beach” which was filmed here in 2000. Maya Bay is the main beach on Phi Phi Leh, sheltered on three sides by 100-metre high limestone cliffs and greenery. We didn’t go ashore but believe me when I say it is absolutely breathtaking.

We also went to Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Lagoon to snorkel. 

We stopped at Viking Cave to check out where the Birds’ Nest producing swallows dwell. That was really interesting to see. These birds’ nests are used to make a Chinese soup and are one of the most expensive foods on the planet. I had no idea. I’ll bet you didn’t know about it either, did you?

I’d never see the Birds’ Nests prepared before so when I saw some in a store I made sure to take a picture for you. Click here to read more about why this food is so expensive and what it’s used for.

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited of these islands but it has no roads. 

On this island is where you find Monkey Bay. We didn’t stop but “lingered” just long enough to see the monkeys in this rather steep limestone cliff, the vegetation of which offer the monkeys a comfortable place to dwell.

Then we went to snorkel the Great Coral Reef. This has to be my favorite part of this tour. The clear, warm water is just Un. Believable.

After all the snorkeling it was time for lunch. They brought us to a private beach called Phi Phi Natural Resort to enjoy a wonderful lunch with our new friends from Russia, Australia and South Africa. We were the only Americans on this tour so we did our best to represent. The company was awesome and the lunch was quite good for “tour” food.

Bamboo Island

Almost shaped like a heart, this island is entirely surrounded by a strip of soft, white sand. We spent some time on the beach here just relaxing and soaking up that gorgeous sun. 

The day went by too quickly. We were all pretty tired when we got back to the Royal Phuket Marina. The guides were great, giving us just enough time at each stop. I would highly recommend this speedboat tour to the Phi Phi Islands.

I would do it again in a heartbeat. Or maybe someone can just drop me off on Phi Phi Don and I’ll just stay in the water all day. That might be the perfect day for me.

Our final night and morning

After a short nap at our apartment wouldn’t you know it we found ourselves back at Bangla Road. I have to admit the food was pretty delicious so a great reason to “tough through” another night of pamphlet-pushing, half-naked girls seeking the attention of anyone who would look their way. (Oh, did I leave those details out earlier?) Ugh.

Dinner and a leisurely stroll past the seafood vendors was a perfecting ending to this incredible day.

In the morning we had breakfast at a cute little place around the corner. 

Do you see now why I said in my opening statement that Phuket is a dichotomy? It is action-packed and it is laid-back. It is eventful and it is relaxing. It is pristine and it is raw. It was quiet and it is loud. You can have it all or you can have nothing. But any way you have it put it on your bucket list. You won’t regret it.

Thailand has been an experience I’ll never forget. Hopefully one day I’ll get back there to explore more of the islands. I think I’d like to stay in Koh Phi Phi Don and spend my entire time there snorkeling and swimming and boating. I think that would be my ideal trip there…

Goodbye beautiful Phuket, I’ll surely be back to visit you again.

Tips just for you ::

1. I have two words for you. Packing Cubes. They are game-changers.  They save me so much time! I’m organized, at a moment’s notice I can find what I’m looking for and there is no unpacking them. Just unzip and lay them in the drawers. Done! You can find them online here.
2. BYD Lofts in Phuket is located at 5/28 Haad Patong, Patong, Kathu. They have several buildings located 5 minutes’ walking distance from the beach. Check them out: Click here!
3. Ping Pong is not a game in Phuket. It is big business. Consider yourself warned.

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How to See Bangkok in 3 Days

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The post Phuket: Where the Action is… and Not appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

After researching several boutique hotels and Bed n Breakfasts both of which I really enjoy, I opted for staying in an Airbnb in Vienna.

Surprise #1 About Vienna :: Our Airbnb was over the top

“… she took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor (whaaaat? an elevator? in Europe??)”

OMG I was absolutely blown away by the Airbnb Roydio found for us in Vienna! Christiane met us at the front door and took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor. Whaaaat? An elevator? In Europe?? Then she gave us the grand tour. And I do mean GRAND!

The first thing I noticed about the apartment which appears to be normally used as a training/conference center (this is a first for me!) a conference-type living room with a full-sized conference room. The bedroom is located behind pocket doors and there are two full bathrooms. 

But the most amazing feature of this Airbnb is the huge windows to let in TONS of light and the most MAGNIFICENT view! 

Yes! This is what you see when you look out our windows! This definitely was one of the most magnificent views outside my window that I’ve ever seen and it was the first thing that surprised me about Vienna :: WOW!

When you enter you find a good-sized open kitchen area with all the sparkling water and local Ottakringer Lager you can drink :: nice perk!

This place is new. It is clean. But the best feature for sure was its location :: Location, LOCATION!

#1 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: our Airbnb

AirBnB Vienna: https://bit.ly/2QKHVcu
Otxakringer Lager: http://www.thebeerstore.ca/beers/ottakringer-wienerorigin

Surprise #2 About Vienna :: Stephansplatz, such a lively square!

Located smack in the center of Vienna, Stephansplatz is a lively square that actually incorporates residences and businesses outside the main square area. You can imagine my surprise when I realized that one of the most exuberant things about Vienna was right there outside my door!

Food stalls and shops galore line the square where you can wander for hours. And actually this is another thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the food wasn’t as boring as I’d remembered from my visits to Austria as a child. As a matter of fact it was rather tasty and special!

“We ate standing at a bar-height table…”

We stopped at what seemed like a very popular stand and ordered a sausage dish that was delicious.  We ate standing at a bar-height table as everyone else did. It was quite crowded so I was pleased when a table opened up just in time.

So yea, the #2 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Stephansplatz. And the fact that it was right outside my door was more than I had ever imagined.

Surprise #3 About Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral, a sight to behold!

The main highlight of Stephansplatz is St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Stephansdom, as it is known in Vienna, is a Romanesque and Gothic medieval cathedral which stands on the ruins of two earlier churches dating back to the 1100’s. One of the tallest churches in the world, I heard its bells ring proudly throughout the day as wells as in the evening. A truly breathtaking sight to see. A beautiful sound to hear especially since it is located directly in front of our Airbnb apartment! Seriously? No better view to be had, for sure! Unbelievable…

Parts of the cathedral require an entrance fee but the main sanctuary is free to the public and definitely worth a look (and listen).

It was so relaxing to wander the square and take in all the sounds and smells of my surroundings. The thought “I’m in Vienna!” kept creeping into my mind. This is a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting and I am actually here.

#3 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral. I just opened my window and there it stood, in its grandeur and splendor! Magnificent doesn’t even begin to describe it.

But there is so much more to this area that is worth mentioning!

The Streets of Vienna

Not too far from my apartment in the oldest square of Vienna “Hoher Markt” I found a wonderful cafe called Joma Cafe Brasserie Bar which came with outstanding reviews and where Roydio and I had breakfast of a soft-boiled egg, toast and egg-filled avocado as well as a latte and hot chocolate. It was all yummy and worth the price we paid.

On the next block over is the famous Anchor Clock representing  a typical art nouveau design. Everyday at 12 noon it does a “dance.” I wasn’t there at the right time so I’m including a video I found online so you can see what it does…

I don’t know but I think I may have developed an affinity for clocks over the years, but this was definitely one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. It was absolutely beautiful!

Rathaus :: Vienna City Hall

The Rathaus is the Vienna City Hall and on the list of the most beautiful buildings in Vienna. Apparently there is always a lot of construction going on inside the Rathaus and sure enough when I was there so I didn’t get to go inside. If you’re there at Christmastime, I hear their decorations compare to none. But I was there in May, so…

I did, however, stop to take some pictures of the outside and the beautiful archways that frame it. 

Surprise #4 About Vienna :: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

They call them “fiakers” taken from the Parisian Rue de Saint Fiacre. Roydio and I took Fiaker Paul for a ride through Vienna’s historic City Center and were blessed with the perfect weather for it. We shared our two-horse carriage with an older couple from a different country. We didn’t recognize their language so we just smiled at each other. HA! 

You can easily find the fiaker stands in Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater/Volksgarten

“finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second!”

The driver spoke English and showed the four of us where Mozart and Sigmund Freud lived. He explained how old some of the buildings were and what their uses are. The highlight of the ride for me was seeing the Spanish Riding School. But finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second! The ride was a little bumpy so I wasn’t able to take good photos on our tour. Bummer. And the tour itself is rather pricey so I recommend doing the shorter. You can certainly see a lot of Vienna in 30 minutes!

The driver was kind enough to take our picture before we continued on our journey through Vienna on foot.

After our fiaker ride we spent some time going back and visiting some of the sites we passed that looked interesting. Although I’m glad we sprung for the carriage ride for the sheer sake of experiencing Vienna in this traditional way, I found that walking is still the best way to see everything in this beautiful city.

#4 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the spectacular way to see it :: in a fiaker!

A little tidbit about Vienna

Vienna is known as Wien [pronounced VEEN] from whence you get the word WIENerschnitzel one of the city’s popular dishes. And for those who live in the US, no, they don’t serve hot dogs…. HA! Wienerschnitzel is actually fried breaded veal. 

Surprise #5 About Vienna :: Roman ruins at Michaelerplatz

I was pleasantly surprised to come across an archaeological excavation where remains of the Roman residential settlement for soldiers’ wives and children from back around 168AD were uncovered. And it apparently was also reputed to have been used as a brothel for those soldiers.

At the junction of two road routes which led across the Kohlmarkt and Michaelerplatz, four different buildings were discovered, inhabited until into the fifth century. A foundation stone was found west of the road junction indicating the existence here of a pillar-type commemorative tomb or monument.

“it’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff”

What a find, this portion of the Wien Museum right in the middle of Michaelerplatz. Located directly in front of the palace complex of the Hofburg which is also one of the pick up locations for the “fiakers.” It’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff.

#5 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: I definitely wasn’t expecting to find these amazing Roman ruins in the middle of town! And it was awesome to see some of these other places on our ride through town ::

Hofburg, Vienna seat of government

As of the 13th century Hofburg has been the documented seat of government for Vienna and was the former imperial palace. Today this is the residence and workplace of the President of Austria. It’s a beautiful grand building located across from Heroes Square, the Kaiser Apartments (renting for $87 and up), the Sisi Museum and Maria-Theresian Platz.

At the dome below the Kaiser Apartments, it appeared to be tradition for people to stand in the center and sing out loud because apparently the acoustics in the dome are magnificent. And it certainly was!

There were several men who took their place in the center of the dome and began singing their hearts out while I was there. It would probably have been considered rude of me to video tape their performances so I decided against it. But it sure was fun to see and hear! And it seriously ranks as one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. I know, I’m quirky like that. But these types of little unexpected experiences is what make traveling so special to me.

Heroes Square also known as Heidenplatz is most notably the place where Adolf Hitler announced the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany in 1938. So many historical places in such close proximity to each other. It made me just stop and think about how grateful I am for the freedoms we enjoy. 

Viennese cafes and coffeehouses

Famous for their cafes and coffee houses I made it a point to keep an eye out for all the cute little Viennese places on my way to here or there. It was fun just strolling down the streets of Vienna and happening upon opportunities to enjoy a cup of coffee, some sparking water and perhaps a light lunch or snack.

“the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna”

As I trekked across town I found the main Tourist office and with info and maps in hand decided to go across the street to the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna, to strategize plans for the next couple of days. Located in the heart of the city this 200 year old coffee house was highly recommended in all the reviews we read. Roydio and I chose seating outside on the patio and ordered an espresso and lemonade to discuss our plans. Seriously, our drinks were wonderful but not worth the 11.50 Eu we paid (hence no pastry). I guess sometimes you just have to pay the standard fare for touristy places. Buy hey, I can now say “I’ve been to Cafe Mozart.”

Hop On Hop Off Bus Vienna

“I highly recommend it!”

Throughout my travels I usually try to find a HOHO bus which is a great mode of transportation. Buy a one-day pass for a great way to see everything the city has to offer and then go back to the places that interest you. I highly recommend it. You can hop on and hop off wherever you think you’d like to spend more time. But this time I took it from beginning to end just to see an overview of the city because I planned to do a lot of walking here.

If the day is beautiful and warm you’ll have an unobstructed view sitting outside on top. If it’s too chilly or if it rains, inside provides shelter from the elements. Either way, it’s a great way to see the entire city because there is a lot to see!

I saw so many special places on this HOHO bus ride including the Danube River, St Francis of Assisi Church, the Millennium Tower and the Donauturm. Happy to have had such a nice day in which to enjoy the ride. Such a great way to see so much.

Surprise #6 About Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace, one of the best

The idea to see the Schoenbrunn Palace actually came from my granddaughter Samy who recently visited there. Upon arrival I found out that the busiest months to visit Schoenbrunn are April to September and the busiest times are 10am-12pm on the weekend. And wouldn’t you know it :: I found myself there in May on a Saturday at 10am… HA!

“…research ahead for this one”

The line for tickets kept me waiting the better part of 2 hours. The time slot I was given was 3:30pm so yea my timing was the worst possible. Too bad this is one place I did not research ahead before visiting. But now I’ve experienced it for you so you don’t have to! I’ve placed some “tips” at the bottom of this post regarding what you can expect when you come to Schoenbrunn.

Schoenbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is my goal in life to visit as many of the UNESCO sites as possible; so far I’ve seen maybe 20+.  Having known better but much to my chagrin I was not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. As a matter of fact they took my purse and emptied my pockets prior to gaining entrance. But let me just say I’ve been to a lot of palaces around the world including what many people consider to be the most beautiful, the Forbidden City in China, but Schoenbrunn must be in the top ten. Go see it!

The grounds of the Schoenbrunn are unbelievably grand much like that of the Palace of Versailles but smaller in scale in which you can spend the better part of the day wandering the grounds. In fact that is exactly what you will do if you don’t book your tickets and a time slot ahead of time (again, check my “tips” at the bottom of this post).
https://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/

#6 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace was magnificent!

Surprise #7 About Vienna :: Glorietta, the best view in Vienna

“On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains…”

I did exactly that: wandered the grounds while waiting for my time slot. I must say it wasn’t the worst way to kill time. The gardens were magnificent! Although there is a tram (for a fee) that takes you to the panoramic terrace called the Glorietta, knowing I had a lot of time I opted to just take the leisurely stroll up the hill. On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains… I would highly recommend you not miss the opportunity to experience this peaceful journey on your way to the highest point of this expansive property.

Once I arrived at the Glorietta, I was awestruck at the gorgeous view! From this vantage point you can see the palace in all its glory. The massive surroundings as well as the city of Vienna behind it make a memory in your mind that will last a lifetime.

#7 thing that surprised me in Vienna :: the amazing view of the entire town from the Glorietta! I wished we could have stayed up there and enjoyed the view for a lot longer than we did.

It would have been nice to have brought a picnic lunch and sat on the grass to enjoy it at my leisure as others were doing. They obviously did their research!

There is a restaurant and swimming pool (for a fee) around the back side of the Glorietta which gives the perfect location for respite before heading back down to the Palace. On Sundays there is a brunch with live music.

“watching the Royal Wedding was so surreal”

It just so happens that I was at Schoenbrunn on the day the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was taking place so during our lunch there I watched a portion of the ceremony on my phone. I have to say it was kind of surreal being at a palace in Vienna while watching the Royals in Windsor. It made me feel as though we were sort of connected…

Back at the apartment

We spent our last evening in Vienna enjoying the nighttime activities in Stephansplatz and ended up at one of the food stands to order dinner. We found what looked like a delicious local dish made with pork and crushed potatoes with onions called “Greste Krumpian.” We then walked over to our favorite bakery Aida Cafe/Konditorei for dessert. We brought our dinner back to our apartment and enjoyed the magnificent view from our amazing Airbnb one last night. 

Of all the things that surprised me about Vienna, the ambiance was evident everywhere we went. From the history to the architecture to the food and the coffee shops :: Vienna was a spectacular find.

Is it time to leave already?

Vienna exceeded all of my expectations… holding all of the old-world charm I had hoped for. Yet this is a city of contradictions with it’s unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. And although we crammed a lot into this three-day booking, the time passed much too quickly and I found myself wishing we could stay longer! Vienna, you are beautiful and I’ll definitely make it a point to return…

TIPS for Schoenbrunn:

1. Plan to visit during the off-season prior to April or after September
2. Plan to arrive on a weekday either early in the morning or later in the afternoon
3. Buy your tickets online; book your time slot before you arrive
4. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful grassy field
5. Bring bottled water. You will need it walking around the vast grounds
6. Know that they will take your bag/purse before entering the palace so be sure not to bring valuables
7. Arrive on Sunday to enjoy brunch in the Glorietta as well as live music ranging from the classics to jazz

TIPS for Vienna:

1. Don’t expect everyone to speak English
2. You’ll have to ask for the bill
3. Stores usually close early
4. There are no non-smoking areas
5. Be sure to carry change (public restrooms charge)
6. Subway: don’t sit where it says “blind,” “pregnant,” “elderly”
7. Tipping: 10% is suitable
8. Let little old ladies cut the line in front of you; it’s expected
9. Don’t forget to partake in a Sachertorte

The post Things That Surprised Me About Vienna appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.