#villages & houses & cities & churches & lighthouses | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fitchbanks09 · 1 month

Text

Malaga - The Capital Of The Costa Del Sol

But, have you not sometimes wondered what there must be like to capture a sailfish or giant marlin? Some of its buildings, in addition to church date back to the 12th-century. Tin Top Khanh Hoa AZ News So you will never be bored of anything in order to do here. Created in 1987, the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir is synonymous with trophy bass fishing. This 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach, became one of the several hottest bass lakes online during fat loss products . decade. FWC biologists predict a continuation of excellent bass fishing in might years. View More: topkhanhhoaaz.com - Top Khanh Hoa AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Khanh Hoa AZ: Bùi Quốc Bảo - Bui Quoc Bao Beverly beach is situated on one side of the actual while the Pacific Ocean is for that other edge. But don't worry! There is a walkway under the highway that emerges towards the long expanse of sandy beach. Top Khánh Hòa AZ News The beach extends south to Yaquina Head Lighthouse, into the north for the headland of Otter Rock. Top Khánh Hòa AZ Aoraki/Mount Cook - Established in 1953, this park covers some 70,696 hectares. Located in the central a part of South Island, Twizel could be the nearest municipality.

View More: topkhanhhoaaz.com - Top Khanh Hoa AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Khanh Hoa AZ: Bùi Quốc Bảo - Bui Quoc Bao One of California's hidden jewels is Montana De Oro State Beach. Upon the Central Coast just miles from the town of San Luis Obispo, it's wonderful local for hiking, camping, and examining the rugged coastline. Sorry to you surfers out presently. The waves would do great to ride, but smashing into the rocks is often less glamorous. Not to fear, just 10 miles north lies Morro Strand State Beach and Pismo Beach is exactly a few miles south. However, there is a minor stretch of sand at Montona De Oro State Park good for basking in the sun and enjoying flora and fauna. You will need come across whether not really you apparent resort that sits suitable the ocean beachfront. Many visitors to pick a almost automatically assume which all MB hotels do, but clearly to get not the situation. A 3 hour drive from here will require to Washington, DC. Again here can be a city with good history with Lincoln Park, Old Town House, Washington Monument as well as the White House are places notice. There can be a wonderful nightlife and a lot of theatre productions for you love. There are also many parks that you could relax in these as Rock Creek Park and Pocomac Park. Here you may also enjoy a personal game of Golf if a person with your mates to Rock Creek Greens. Kimilos lies to the NE of Milos. Usually are two anchorages in Ormos Sikia inside of the SW from the island. Nevertheless exposed towards the N - NW and unsuitable once the Meltemi is blowing. Pirgonisi is a long-term sandy beach on the south coast and yachts can anchor almost anywhere along it in attractive surroundings. Good holding on sand and weed. Psathi lies further along the coast to the east. Go bows to your quay or anchor going. There is little shelter with the Meltemi and yachts really should use this anchorage only in calm weather. Lucrative a couple tavernas ashore and limited provisions could be obtained in the village. Just to the north is Semina Creek and yachts can anchor your past bay. Like Psathi, is actually no little shelter from the Meltemi and Psathi should be used only in calm weather. After my fun afternoon at Hearst Castle, the time had come to return to the J. Patrick House in Cambria. To get hungry and cold and couldn't wait to warm-up Khanh Hoa Province in front of the fireside in my room. Yes, I had my custom fireplace! This may be my last stop one particular I was looking toward. It is the floral Emblem of Tasmania. It grows on a tree and occurs singly on what happens. As far as appearance is concerned, the flower is warty and features cap representing the petals and sepals. It are available throughout this island of Tasmania and grows in early summer. From here you might go onto Florida and spend another full week in and around exploring Orlando, Key West, Tampa and more places. So why not get a Car hire USA and develop your own fly-drive holiday!

youtube

Big Sur is a beautiful area on California's central coast and covers a 90 mile length of coastline between Ragged Point out Carmel in the west. About 20 miles to the east the area is bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, which rises sharply above the Pacific ocean. Enjoy beautiful ocean views, beaches, inland forests, and an abundance of interesting wildlife. Big Sur is a popular spot for whale streaming. Gray Whales, Blue Whales, and Humpback Whales can be seen migrating up and within the coast many months the actual the year. California Condors flying overhead and blubbery Elephant Seals sprawled from the beach, soaking over the sun, are also fun to see. "It was my first time back in the swamp as soon as the storm," Neil tells me over cell phone two years later near the second anniversary of Katrina's landfall. "It was heart breaking. I'm not really an emotional person, having said that i have to inform you I in rips." A couple hours on a boat with Captain Neil reveals his zeal for this place. Beaches? Beach vacations can be almost anytime. Summer would be best on both east and west Ough.S. coasts, but you can be a beach bum in the winter months by heading for Hawaii, the NSW Central Coast in Austraia, Mexico or a few Caribbean Countries. Shoulder seasons in the Caribbean could be nice, just a little cheaper and infrequently less crowded, but you are going to take chance with tornados.

Huntington Beach State Park also posesses a historic "castle." The building, called Atalaya, was integrated the 1930's by the Huntington's. They bought the place that would have been to become the park in 1930 and used Atalaya as their winter residence. An education center in the park uses a number of displays of local flora and fauna, including an aquarium with a number of live marine animals. Just out anterior to the education center is the doorway to prolonged boardwalk that reaches out in the park's salt marsh. On the other side of the causeway that borders the salt marsh is a freshwater pond. Here you may be capable of seeing alligators even a variety of birds. Issues to do in the park include surf fishing, fishing using the inlet's south jetty and too a number of hiking pistes. 1) Have a hike! Many many well maintained nature trails around th Lincoln City and Newport, Oregon states. The hike up Cascade Head just North of Lincoln City on Three Rocks Road is fantastic. It is a steep climb through forest until you reach the meadow a part of the upper headland. Bradenton is protected for automobiles Silverspot Butterfly so be courteous turn out to be on the trail. The views from up detailed breathtaking. You can Khanh Hoa Province continue hiking up a tremendously steep, narrow trail towards top within the headland even beyond through more forest to the forest service road with the total of 6.6 miles roundtrip. Thick, billowing fog hung out just offshore, the television screen lowering sun lit the rocky cliffs with orange hues and also the water along with a brilliant blue-green. Neil killed the engine as the slough opened into an oxbow lake or billabong, created a new wide meander of the river is cut wrong. I noticed a small green tree frog perched concerning the handrail almost my shoulder. Though the swamp is densely populated with wildlife, it requires a trained eye to actually spot most it. Whenever i saw that frog, I began noticing them everywhere. The swamp is like a 3-D Where's Waldo booking. The best way spot wildlife can be always to think of one type of animal and scan banking institutions until look at it. 8) Eco-friendly stop for your very own weekend trip and that might the Yaquina Head Lighthouse just north of smaller population center. Turn left at Izzy's pizza and either have an Oregon Coast Passport ready or some profit for the doorway fee. There might be a great visitors center that talks close to history for the lighthouse and if you're lucky, the lighthouse itself will most probably for organized excursions. There is a long spiral staircase that reaches to the top where you employ a peek at the handcrafted Fresnel lens. The guides factors very well informed. When finished touring this historic lighthouse, hike along the steps into the rocky beach area if it's low tide and check into tide swimming pool take. Just remember, these are living creatures and can easily be damaged. Be conscious where you live walking. Have a great Saturday or sunday! 7) Continue North in Newport to Olive Street where Hwy 20 can be bought from the east and turn left (west) and head in order to the Nye Beach location. You will see the historic street signs which enable it to park almost anyplace. This area has really become a hot spot of Newport in of late. There are a whole lot shops such as organic clothing, beads, hair salon / spa and spa and some good places for lunch. You definitely want to check out the shops at Nye Swimming pool. I like it because the area is not aimed in the souvenir trinket market like so several other areas generally there are good shops for visitors and residents similarly. And, if you're prefer to drive, can be a spanking new highways this also take you there within five hours from Costa Rica's capitol, San Jose. Should you drive, your adventure will almost certainly take you to Jaco, a limited amount of city down the central region. Jaco is a famous party town in Costa Rica, a favorite among college kids, surfers, and partiers. And, are generally fishing outfitters, as well, if choose to stay there. View More: topkhanhhoaaz.com - Top Khanh Hoa AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Khanh Hoa AZ: Bùi Quốc Bảo - Bui Quoc Bao Written By Author in topkhanhhoaaz.com: Bùi Hữu Bảo - Bui Huu Bao Written By Author in topkhanhhoaaz.com: Đỗ Thị Thùy My - Do Thi Thuy My

#Top Khanh Hoa AZ #Khanh Hoa #Khanh Hoa Province

0 notes

nithishma · 9 months

Text

Places To Visit In Macau

Macau is a vibrant and unique destination known for its blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, stunning architecture, and lively entertainment options. Here are some Places To Visit In Macau:

Ruins of St. Paul's: This iconic site is the remains of a 17th-century church, showcasing intricate stone carvings and offering a glimpse into Macau's colonial history.

Senado Square: A charming pedestrian square surrounded by pastel-colored buildings, this area is perfect for leisurely strolls, shopping, and people-watching.

A-Ma Temple: One of the oldest temples in Macau, dedicated to the goddess of seafarers, A-Ma Temple offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful architecture and stunning views.

Macau Tower: If you're an adrenaline junkie, you can try bungee jumping from the Macau Tower, or simply enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Macau Peninsula: Explore the historic heart of Macau, where you'll find colonial-era architecture, charming streets, and markets.

Taipa Village: This charming area features traditional Macanese houses, cobblestone streets, and a variety of dining options that showcase the unique fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cuisines.

Coloane Village: Known for its tranquil atmosphere, Coloane Village offers scenic hiking trails, quaint streets, and the famous Lord Stow's Bakery known for its Portuguese egg tarts.

Macau Fisherman's Wharf: A themed entertainment complex with various attractions, including shopping, restaurants, and a casino.

Cotai Strip: This area is home to many of Macau's modern casinos, luxury hotels, and entertainment complexes. The Venetian Macao, with its indoor canals and gondola rides, is a highlight.

Museum of Macau: Learn about the history and culture of Macau through a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Guia Fortress and Lighthouse: Climb up to the fortress for panoramic views of Macau, and visit the lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in China.

Hac Sa Beach: Relax on this black sand beach located on Coloane Island, where you can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and outdoor activities.

Macau Science Center: A modern and interactive science museum suitable for visitors of all ages.

Street Food Markets: Don't miss the opportunity to try local snacks and street food at markets like Red Market and Taipa Village Food Street.

Wine and Grand Prix Museums: If you're interested in wine or motorsports, these unique museums offer insights into Macau's history and culture.

CONCLUSION : Remember that Macau is a relatively small destination, so you can easily explore many of these attractions within a few days. Make sure to also indulge in the local cuisine and enjoy the unique blend of cultures that Macau has to offer.

#Places To Visit In Macau

0 notes

gingerhotelsindia · 9 months

Text

Best Season and Places to Visit Chennai

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu in India, is a vibrant metropolis that effortlessly blends rich history, cultural heritage, and urban modernity. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or a foodie, Chennai has something to offer.

In this article, we will guide you through the best season to visit this captivating city and highlight some must-see destinations along with the best budget hotels in Chennai OMR.

Chennai experiences a tropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Chennai is during the winter season, from November to February. During this time, the temperature remains pleasant, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).

The humidity is relatively lower, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall and occasional cyclones, which may disrupt travel plans. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid visiting during this period.

No visit to Chennai is complete without a trip to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Spanning over 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, this sandy shoreline is perfect for a leisurely stroll, enjoying breathtaking sunsets, or indulging in local snacks like sundal and murukku. The place is also close to the best budget hotels in Chennai OMR.

The beach is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Triumph of Labour statue and the lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Marina Beach truly captures the essence of Chennai and is a must-visit destination for all travelers.

For history buffs, Fort St. George is a treasure trove of colonial heritage. Built-in 1644, this fort was the first English fortress in India and served as the headquarters of the British East India Company. Today, it houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and several museums, including the Fort Museum and the St. Mary's Church.

The museum displays artifacts from the colonial era, including weapons, uniforms, coins, and paintings, providing fascinating insights into Chennai's history. Exploring the fort and its surroundings is like stepping back in time and discovering the city's colonial past. The place is also close to the best budget hotels in Chennai OMR.

Chennai is renowned for its ancient temples, and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most prominent. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this magnificent temple boasts stunning Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings. The towering gopuram (gateway tower) adorned with colorful sculptures is a sight to behold.

Inside, you'll find ornate halls, shrines, and a sacred tank. The temple is a hub of religious and cultural activities, and visiting during festivals like Arupathimoovar and Panguni Peruvizha offers a chance to witness vibrant processions and traditional rituals. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a spiritual oasis in the heart of Chennai. The place is also close to the best budget hotels in Chennai OMR.

To delve deeper into South Indian art, culture, and heritage, a visit to DakshinaChitra is highly recommended. Situated on the outskirts of Chennai, this living museum showcases traditional houses, crafts, and performing arts from the southern states of India.

The meticulously recreated village settings transport you to a bygone era, providing insights into the daily life and customs of different communities. You can also witness live demonstrations by artisans, learn traditional crafts, and indulge in delectable regional cuisine. DakshinaChitra offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultural fabric of South India. The place is also close to the best budget hotels in Chennai OMR.

Located in the bustling city of Chennai, Ginger Hotel on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) is a haven for travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay. As part of the Ginger Hotels chain, known for their smart and efficient hospitality, this property stands out for its impeccable service and contemporary design.

Ginger Hotel, Chennai OMR, having the best rooms in Chennai OMR boasts a prime location that offers easy access to major IT parks, corporate offices, and educational institutions. Whether you're a business traveler or a tourist exploring the city, the hotel's strategic position ensures that you are never far from your destination. Moreover, the Chennai International Airport is just a short drive away, making it a convenient choice for air travelers.

The hotel's interiors are designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring clean lines, vibrant colors, and a minimalist approach. The rooms are thoughtfully furnished, providing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Each room comes equipped with essential amenities such as a comfortable bed, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a well-appointed bathroom. The hotel also offers accessible rooms for guests with special needs.

Ginger Hotel, Chennai OMR, having the best rooms in Chennai OMR takes pride in its dedicated and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for every guest. The front desk operates round the clock, providing assistance with check-ins, reservations, and any other inquiries you may have. The hotel's housekeeping services are efficient and ensure that your room is always impeccably clean and well-maintained.

For dining options, the hotel features a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a delectable array of dishes to cater to diverse palates. Whether you're craving local flavors or international cuisine, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

So, the next time you plan a trip to Chennai, consider Ginger Hotel, Chennai OMR, having the best rooms in Chennai OMR and letting them take care of all your accommodation needs.

#good hotels in omr road chennai #best hotels in chennai near omr road #budget hotels in chennai omr #hotels near omr road chennai #hotels near omr chennai #best hotels in omr chennai

0 notes

life-sport-travel · 1 year

Text

Discover the Enchanting faroe island itinerary: A Comprehensive 7-Day Itinerary for the Ultimate Nordic Adventure

https://lifesporttravel.com/?p=1734 Discover the Enchanting faroe island itinerary: A Comprehensive 7-Day Itinerary for the Ultimate Nordic Adventure - https://lifesporttravel.com/?p=1734 Table of Contents IntroductionBy AirBy FerryDay 1: Arrival and TórshavnDay 2: Nólsoy IslandDay 3: Saksun and GjógvDay 4: Mykines IslandDay 5: Klaksvík and Kalsoy IslandDay 6: Suðuroy IslandDay 7: Tórshavn and DepartureConclusion Introduction The Faroe Islands, an archipelago located between Iceland and Norway, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking dramatic landscapes, unspoiled nature, and unique cultural experiences. With an intriguing blend of Norse and Celtic influences, the Faroe Islands offer unforgettable adventures to those who visit. In this article, we’ll guide you through a comprehensive 7-day Faroe Island itinerary, filled with the top sights, practical tips, and insider recommendations. How to Get to the Faroe Islands By Air The easiest way to reach the Faroe Islands is by air, with direct flights from several European cities, including Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and Edinburgh. Vágar Airport is the only airport in the islands and serves as the main gateway. By Ferry Alternatively, you can take the Smyril Line ferry from Denmark or Iceland. The journey takes around 36 hours from Denmark and 18 hours from Iceland, but it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenic views and experience the islands from a different perspective. Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is between May and September, when the weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer. June and July offer the warmest temperatures, averaging 11-13°C (52-55°F), and are ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Suggested 7-Day Faroe Island Itinerary Day 1: Arrival and Tórshavn Upon arrival at Vágar Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Spend your first day exploring this charming city, wandering through its colorful streets and historic buildings. Don’t miss the Tinganes district, the old town, and the picturesque harbor. Day 2: Nólsoy Island Take a 20-minute ferry ride from Tórshavn to Nólsoy Island. This small island is a haven for birdlife, including the largest population of storm petrels in the world. Discover its small village, hike to the island’s lighthouse, and enjoy a relaxing day away from the crowds. Day 3: Saksun and Gjógv Head to the northwest of Streymoy Island to visit the picturesque village of Saksun, with its iconic turf-roofed houses and a tidal lagoon. Next, drive to Eysturoy Island and visit Gjógv, a charming village known for its spectacular natural harbor and scenic hiking trails. Before returning to Tórshavn, make sure to stop at the Fossá Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands. Day 4: Mykines Island Mykines Island is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers, home to the largest puffin colony in the Faroe Islands. Take a guided hike to the island’s famous lighthouse, passing through steep cliffs, breathtaking views, and nesting seabirds. Note that the island is only accessible by boat or helicopter and is highly weather-dependent, so plan accordingly. Day 5: Klaksvík and Kalsoy Island Start your day in Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroe Islands, located on the island of Borðoy. Explore the town and visit the Christianskirkja, a modern church with an impressive interior design. Later, take a short ferry ride to Kalsoy Island, often referred to as the “Flute” due to its narrow shape and numerous tunnels. Hike to the Kallur Lighthouse for some of the most stunning views in the islands. Day 6: Suðuroy Island Dedicate this day to exploring Suðuroy, the southernmost island in the archipelago. The island boasts dramatic cliffs, quaint villages, and rich history. Visit the Hvannhagi nature reserve and take in the views from Eggjarnar lookout point. Discover the local history at the Tvøroyri village and its well-preserved historical buildings. Day 7: Tórshavn and Departure Spend your last day in Tórshavn, visiting any attractions you may have missed and shopping for souvenirs. If you have time, consider a guided tour of the Nordic House, a cultural center that showcases Faroese and Nordic art, design, and performances. Finally, drive back to Vágar Airport for your departure. Accommodation Options The Faroe Islands offer various accommodation options, ranging from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and private cottages. In Tórshavn, you’ll find a greater selection of hotels, while guesthouses and Airbnb rentals are popular choices throughout the islands. Food and Dining Faroese cuisine focuses on locally sourced ingredients, such as seafood, lamb, and root vegetables. Traditional dishes include skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton), ræst kjøt (fermented meat), and freshly caught fish. Restaurants in Tórshavn offer a mix of traditional and modern cuisine, while smaller villages often have local pubs serving hearty meals. Practical Tips for Your Faroe Island Itinerary Rent a car to explore the islands at your own pace and access remote areas. Weather can be unpredictable, so pack waterproof clothing and layers for changing conditions. Hiking is a popular activity, but always stay on marked trails and follow local guidelines to protect the fragile environment. The local currency is the Faroese Króna (DKK), but credit cards are widely accepted. Conclusion The Faroe Islands are a captivating destination, offering visitors stunning landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and a chance to connect with nature. By following this 7-day Faroe Island itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of what the islands have to offer, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a visa to visit the Faroe Islands? The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark but are not part of the Schengen Area. If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or a visa-exempt country for the Schengen Area, you can visit the Faroe Islands without a visa for short stays. However, it is always best to check the most recent visa requirements before planning your trip. What language is spoken in the Faroe Islands? The official language of the Faroe Islands is Faroese, a North Germanic language closely related to Icelandic and Norwegian. However, most Faroese people speak English fluently, and you should not have any communication problems during your visit. Is it expensive to travel in the Faroe Islands? The cost of traveling in the Faroe Islands can be relatively high compared to other destinations. Accommodation, food, and transportation may be more expensive due to the islands’ remote location and limited resources. However, by planning ahead, booking budget accommodations, and self-catering when possible, you can manage your expenses and enjoy an affordable trip. What wildlife can I expect to see in the Faroe Islands? The Faroe Islands are home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, storm petrels, guillemots, and kittiwakes. In addition to birdlife, you may also encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, spot whales or dolphins off the coast during boat tours or ferry rides. Is it safe to travel in the Faroe Islands? The Faroe Islands are generally a very safe destination, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, the unpredictable weather and rugged landscapes can pose risks for travelers, especially when hiking or exploring remote areas. It is essential to take safety precautions, such as checking the weather forecast, staying on marked trails, and letting someone know your plans before venturing out. Additional Attractions and Activities in the Faroe Islands In addition to the highlights mentioned in our 7-day itinerary, the Faroe Islands offer many more attractions and activities for travelers seeking a deeper exploration of the archipelago. Lake Sørvágsvatn/Leitisvatn Located on the island of Vágar, this impressive lake appears to float above the ocean due to an optical illusion created by the surrounding cliffs. A moderate hike takes you to a viewpoint where you can capture stunning photographs of this natural wonder. Vestmanna Bird Cliffs Take a boat tour to the impressive Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds. This popular attraction offers an unforgettable experience as you cruise along the towering cliffs and through narrow grottos, all while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bird colonies. Slættaratindur For hiking enthusiasts, climbing Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the Faroe Islands, is a must-do. The hike offers incredible panoramic views of the archipelago, but be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and challenging terrain. Fugloy and Svínoy Islands These remote northeastern islands are well worth a visit for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Rich in birdlife, dramatic landscapes, and small villages steeped in history, Fugloy and Svínoy provide a glimpse into traditional Faroese life. Sandoy Island Sandoy, known for its sandy beaches and rolling landscapes, offers a change of pace from the rugged terrain of the other islands. Here, you can visit picturesque villages, explore ancient archaeological sites, and enjoy leisurely walks along the coast. Travel Responsibly As the popularity of the Faroe Islands as a tourist destination increases, it is crucial to travel responsibly and respect the environment, culture, and local communities. Stick to designated trails, follow local guidelines and regulations, and leave no trace when exploring the islands. By doing so, you help ensure the preservation of the Faroe Islands’ unique beauty and charm for future generations to enjoy. Also check out this >>> https://fullsuitcase.com/faroe-islands-itinerary/ Mike Izzo https://lifesporttravel.com/?p=1734

0 notes

dunwichhoarder · 2 years

Photo

D&D: Mistwatchers

Session #2: Sunday, May 8, 2022

PLAYER CHARACTERS Cormag - Circle of the Moon Druid (Me) Barnabas - Artificer Faustaus - Plague Doctor Namless - Oni??? Grace - Brawler Grayson - Human ??? Kaitlynn - Cleric of Light

SETTING The town of Mistwatch is a port city located on the shore of Mistveil Lake. A population of 2,000 souls has dwindled closer to 500. The only access are via boat to the mist-shrouded docks or over a large stone bridge lined with statues of hooded figures holding dark lanterns.

From the bridge, a dark lighthouse can be seen in the distance. The small castle of the ruling lord, CADMUS ZASPAR, looms over the town. A tower in the castle is roughly the same elevation as the lighthouse.

RECAP In the previous session, it was learned the dead come out of the mists at night. They are not automatically hostile, seeming to perform actions related to their former lives. The remaining villagers remain quiet to avoid detection. The undead return to the mists as dawn approaches, but some fall inanimate to the streets where they are avoided for fear of infection.

The first group of players tried to get to the bottom of the mystery. They were told LORD CADMUS had fathered a child, but both it and the mother are believed to have died in childbirth. Some villagers say a witch spawned the undead when the baby died.

FAUSTUS obtained a few sample of necrotic flesh for experimentation. BARNABAS, charging through a house of the dead and stepping in the remains of a slaughtered dog, has become infected. The players saved children from zombiefied parents. The players set a zombie on fire, but it toppled into the village well and was extinguished. Near the village, the light and smoke of a large bonfire is visible. NAMELESS learns the zombies are indifferent to her presence.

SESSION The first group of players are clearing the remains of the zombie from the well as a wagon carrying CORMAG, GRACE and KAITLYN pulls up about a half-mile outside the village. They walk the rest of the way, passing an encampment of pale, robed figures. Irritated at first by their attitude, Cormag recognizes them as the Shadar-Kai, assassins also in service to the RAVEN QUEEN. Their leader explains that they were sent to retrieve a tall obsidian mirror that had been stolen. When she'd gone to the castle to insist on its return, her powers were unexpectedly removed. The Shadar-Kai plan to burn the village to the ground in two days in order to contain the plague of undead.

The leader's diminishing power allows her to see inside the village. Barnabas agrees to carry a small feather on a leather strap with him to aid her skrying powers. As the three prepare to leave, the leader gives them two healing potions.

A dog runs out of the mist and walks up to Grayson. Faustus examines it and finds it's just a normal mutt.

Nameless, needing to feed, enters a stable and kills a horse. She devours a good part of it before a stable boy enters and catches her. He runs in a panic, but she catches him and calms him (Nat 20). The child asks "Are you here to stop the dead?" She says they plan to try, and the child says they'll blame the zombies for the horse. With night fast approaching and the inn's doors now barred to troublemaking adventurers, the players split into groups: 1) CORMAG speaks to the DOG and learns the undead are everywhere in the mist-shrouded docks, but they ignored the dog completely. 2) FAUSTUS speaks to the leader of the Shadar-Kai on the bridge. She denies causing the plague of undead and warns him of "dark bargains" in the castle and tells him the obsidian mirror is from the Shadowfell. She says she barely escaped from the castle with her life. Her skrying allowed her to see into the bonfire area and robed figures who worship the Chained God. 3) GRACE, GRAYSON and KAITLYNN go to the church and try to gain entrance for the night. The graves in the cemetery are undisturbed, making it clear only the newly-dead are affected. The players are unable to get inside, but they hear the voice of an old man warning them away: "The town is lost!" 4) BARNABAS and NAMELESS investigate the bonfire outside of town. The cult of the CHAINED GOD have created a ring of barricades and chains. Inanimate zombies are strung throughout the perimeter's chains. Some of the villagers are gathered inside, handing over food or whatever tributes they can scrounge in exchange for safety. A robed WOMAN WITH BLUE HAIR greets BARNABAS and NAMELESSand offers them sanctuary for the night.

The leader of the cult, BARTLEBY HEFF, has chained himself to a large platform inside the circle near the large bonfire. The chains go through the platform and into the ground. He seems to recognizes BARNABAS, exclaiming that the CHAINED GOD had said others would come "to help guide these wayward souls." BARTLEBY claims his faith in the CHAINED GOD keeps the zombies at bay, but BARNABAS believes it could simply be the chained zombies are acting as a shield.

The players, in desperate need to rest, decide to take shelter with the cult.

In the remaining hour before sunset, NAMELESS, CORMAG (in the form of a mastiff), and DOG investigate the mist-shrouded docks. There are hundreds of zombies inside the mist, but they ignore the trio. All of the boats have been smashed except for one, the Mistwatcher, which is surrounded by undead who stare at it as if entranced. DOG leads CORMAG to the door of a tavern, The Sink, but they have no time to investigate and head for the bonfire to join their friends as the eyes of the surrounding zombies begin to turn red.

Back at the bonfire, BARTLEBY begins his loud sermon. FAUSTUS investigates and finds there is no special magic to the chains; they're just plain metal. The chained zombies begin to animate but are unable to break free. A villager recognizes BARNABAS as one of the infected and brings him to the attention of the cultists. The HOTHEAD CULTIST confronts BARNABAS, threatening to throw him out of the circle. GRACE scoffs and says they can't throw them all out. BARNABAS says no matter what happens, the HOTHEAD CULTIST will be the first to die. The WOMAN WITH BLUE HAIR tries to calm the situation.

BARNABAS proposes climbing up to the zombies to see if they'll react. To his surprise, their eyes go red and they try to attack him. BARNABAS is attacked but manages to make a perfect landing (Nat 20). The zombie breaks free and BARNABAS shoots it. In the ensuing fight, the gun is knocked out of his hands.

The battle begins as NAMELESS and CORMAG near the circle. NAMELESS leaps up to the roof of a building and leaps into the circle. CORMAG, his time expended, shifts back to human form as he rushes toward the gap in the chains. A zombie slams him as he passes.

GRACE wades into the undead and begins pummeling them, and also fires a dart to damage the zombie attacking CORMAG. GRAYSON picks up the gun and shoots one of the attacking zombies. The WOMAN WITH BLUE HAIR stabs zombies to prevent them breaking through into the circle. BARNABAS retrieves his gun and shoots another zombie.

FAUSTUS, still on the platform with BARTLEBY, sprays a stream of acid at three of the nearby cultists. He tries to grapple with the old man, who screams "KILL THEM ALL!" before knocking FAUSTUS to the ground. Now it's zombies and cultists against the adventurers, but the zombies don't care who they attack. Some cultists are brought down by the undead.

BARTLEBY'S yelling draws the attention of BARNABAS and NAMELESS, who look beyond him and sees a MASKED CULTIST breaking the chains and allowing the zombies inside. GRAYSON looks at BARTLEBY but does not see the MASKED CULTIST ("I don't perceive shit."). BARTLEBY uses a magic attack that brings FAUSTUS to the edge of death, where he begins to have visions of his former assistant Magdalena ("You're almost there.")

CORMAG, having suffered damage from the undead, swings his scimitar at a cultist and then transforms into a DIRE WOLF. Two of the cultists tries to flee, but CORMAG rips out the throat of one of them. BARNABAS swings his sword at one cultist and fires at BARTLEBY.NAMELESS sprints across the battlefield to the MASKED CULTIST and begins attacking him. As his robes are ripped away, she sees he has pale skin and black hair. Before she decapitates him, she demands to know whom he serves. He answers "The Raven Queen" before he dies. The nearby zombies that had been attacking immediately lose interest. On his body, NAMELESS finds another feather with a leather strap.

By now the zombies are swarming into the circle. Frightened villagers try to run but the zombies bring them down with little effort. With no way to save the remaining villagers, the adventurers call a retreat. CORMAG leaps onto the platform and attacks BARTLEBY, who falls and breaks his tangled legs on the edge of the platform. His screams continue as zombies -- some of them his former cult members -- begin to stream toward him. NAMELESS picks up the unconscious FAUSTUS and runs for the church.

BARNABAS kills the HOTHEAD CULTIST. He quickly searches the body and finds a bracelet of tangled chain before fleeing with the rest.

The church is still barred, but NAMELESS climbs the bell tower and drops inside. The FRIAR is praying frantically at an altar as NAMELESS begins clearing the items blocking the door. CORMAG reverts to human form so he can fit through the narrow doorway with the rest. BARNABAS lights his lantern, which causes orbs of light to become visible around FAUSTUS. CORMAG begins to heal FAUSTUS.

As the zombies near the church, the FRIAR yells "You've doomed us all!"

-- SESSION ENDS --

#Dungeons and Dragons #D&D

0 notes

misslisterkeepsajournal · 3 years

Text

1831 Thursday 6 October

8 3/4 10 20/..

Ready at 9 5/.. at which hour Fahrenheit 64°. and small rainy morning as it has been since 6 a.m. - rather unlucky - an end I fear to all my walking schemes - breakfast at 9 1/4 to 10 5/.. - saw and spoke to the man the waiter recommended as guide to walk with me - much more like postboy than guide - would not do at all - went to a bookseller's shop close by - Bought Brannon's guide and miniature map of the island and saw a 4to. [quarto] volume of views of his (50 views) at 40/. with text - not dear - ordered a one horse car -

Cameron and George inside with me, and off from West Cowes at 11 20/.. - still raining - a hopeless day - yet better as we proceeded and not rain to wet us tho' our has only a square top over our heads, and all the side curtains undrawn - west and East Cowes with the castle of the latter (Mr. Nash) peeping out from the trees, very pretty - losing sight of these no beauty to Newport about a mile before the town (right) pass the barracks, like a square village of one story brick houses - the 14th. regiment there - a little farther (left) the neat large good looking brick house of industry or, as we in Yorkshire should call it, workhouse for the whole island -

Newport a tolerably good looking town - neat Ionic porticoed town hall with market and shops on the ground floor - goodish looking old gothic church - Charles the 1st's. 2nd daughter Elizabeth who died at Carisbrook castle was buried here - her lead coffin found about 30 years ago - Carisbrook Castle about a mile beyond Newport - drove up the hill to the castle gate or heavy wooden door of the time of Edward 3 and therefore said to be about 500 years old - 3/4 hour there - mount 40 steps up to the Keep tower said to have been built by the Romans - a well at the top said to be 300 feet deep, covered over for fear of accident - very fine view - Carisbrook (Cary's brook) a picturesque little town at one part Newport and its river medina (medeena) the town-like barracks, looking very well - could have seen portsmouth and Spithead -, and the tower of Xst.chch. [Christchurch] church but too hazy and very windy - the inside of the tower grown round with the most magnificent tree-like ivy I ever saw - Lord Bolton the late governor laid out a great deal of money on the castle planted the trees, and shut it up - it was open to the public before who did much damage - Lord B- [Bolton] had thought of making a gallery from one of the house windows (he lived in it) to the Keep Tower - would have spoilt the look - Lord Malmesbury present governor £1200 a year and a lieutenant governor at 20/. a day - the tilting ground taken in by queen Elizabeth and converted into a bowling green for Charles 1st. when prisoner here is now turned to an archery ground and the archers dine in the great dining room now only used for this purpose - the duchess of Kent and princess Victoria at the last meeting - Miss Ward whose father had so much property in the island and whose brother is M.P. for the city of London won the last prize - the best lady archer here as at Southampton (at Southampton ladies bows 30lb. [pound] for 50 yards gents. [gentlemens] 50lbs [pounds] for 80 yards) -

Carisbrooke Castle [Image Source]

A farm of 300 or 400 acres belonging to the castle and some forest land - have planted some of the latter with firs - say oaks will not grow - the castle yard small and rather choked up with building - saw lamp let down to the water's surface of the fine old Roman well 300 feet deep - cut thro' solid rock at about ten or 12 yards from the surface of the castle yard - 90 feet deep of water - saw the poor ass turn the wheel - this one 3 or 4 yards [sic] old - much trouble to teach it - the last about above 40 years old - the window from which Charles tried to escape is stone mullioned in 3 divisions above and 3 below each division having 3 iron stauncheons - this suite of rooms quite gone - saw the little white wainscotted room in which the princess Elizabeth Stuart died - the 2 little round towers in advance of the great entrance gate the most perfect part of the remain -

Old looking gothic church at Carisbrook - from the hill above the town (on our road to Freshwater gate Inn) very fine view of the castle - narrow good downy road - at least, down for the most part and 1 or 2 farm houses left right and fields and very thinly scattered farmhouses and cottages were on the right - not much wood to be seen save once or twice round gentlemens seats - distant views of Newtown and Yarmouth and the sea (right) -

The village of Freshwater merely a few scattered cottages and farm houses - the neat little picturesque Inn 1 1/2 mile off close on the sea at Freshwater bay - a bold high perpendicular chalk recess in the cliffs - from here to the needles a very fine bold range of chalk cliffs - went into the 2 caverns close by here which can be entered at low water a fine arch in the cliff, but caverns of no great extent -

Then took George and off at 4 and in an hour walked over the down (3 miles) to the Lighthouse - a circular 2 story high round tower - 10 fixed reflecting lights - burn 500 gallons oil a year - the people man and his wife and 6 children have 20/. a week and coals and house found them - much sitting up at night - lamps must be trimmed every 3 hours in winter -

Lighthouse at Freshwater [Image Source]

The woman went down with me to the needles point (3 needles) - the little bay (left i.e. south) that looked like a fantenil from Hengistbury or Xst.chch. [Christchurch] head is Scratsell Scratchell's bay at the bottom of which the cavern not so large, the woman said, as the cavern at Freshwater gate in Freshwater bay and she had been in both - was in the former in August last - could only be entered in a boat when the water was very smooth - It is in this bay that the sea gulls build in such numbers and the men are let down by ropes to get the eggs - the Eider duck too comes here, and the men seek the down - the bay on the right north is alum bay - very pretty little bay - the western half precipitous white chalk the Eastern half streaked all colours with coal, clay, pink sand, etc. etc.

The Needles at Freshwater [Image Source]

35 mins. [minutes] at lighthouse and looking about and back again at the Inn in 8 mins. [minutes] under the hour at 6 27/.. - tea at 7 - settled accounts - wrote the above of today till 9 1/2 -

[Margin] Rainy day till about 1 1/4 afterwards pretty fine - very high wind on the down this evening - Fahrenheit 66°. now at 9 1/2 p.m. at which hour went to my room -

Reference: SH:7/ML/E/14/0128

#anne lister #anne lister code breaker #gentleman jack #1831 #southern england tour #isle of wight #carisbrooke castle #freshwater

6 notes · View notes

yourboatholiday · 3 years

Text

A boat journey to the Aeolian Islands departing from Tropea, Calabria

Southern Italy is rich in history, traditions, and flavors as well as an enchanting sea that surrounds spectacular landscapes. Follow us on our itinerary in which we will “sail” the southern Tyrrhenian Sea with our sailboat, (or catamaran or yacht for hire, that’s your choice!) following the route to the Aeolian Islands. What are we waiting for?

CONTACT YBH FOR YOUR BOAT JOURNEY IN THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Where are located the Aeolian Islands?

We are in Italy and precisely in the south of this beautiful country. The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago of 7 islands located off the northeastern coast of Sicily. They can be reached by sea with a few hours of navigation both from Sicily itself and from nearby destinations such as Tropea, a Calabrian town from which we will start our journey.

Why choose Tropea as a starting point for the Aeolian Islands?

The choice to sail from Tropea and not from another of the ports from which it is possible to reach the Aeolian Islands is due to its excellent tourist port equipped with all services. Tropea is also a seaside town rich in history, places of interest, beaches, and the sea among the best in Italy.

VIEW ALL THE BOATS BASED IN TROPEA

Alternatively, if you wish to leave from a different port, other marinas are available along the north coast of nearby Sicily such as Milazzo, Capo D’Orlando, and Portorosa.

What is the saying about the Tropea marina for embarking on the Aeolian Islands?

The Port of Tropea is located near the historic city center and has about 600 berths that can accommodate megayachts up to 55 meters in length. Its depths range from 3 to 5 meters deep and all moorings are equipped with water and electricity supply columns.

The Marina is equipped with all the necessary services to make your stay comfortable and reception always available.

How to reach our home base, Tropea?

Tropea is easily accessible by car from the main cities of southern Italy, but the best way to get here is by air, landing at the international airport of Lamezia Terme, only about 60 km from the center of Tropea.

Any advice? For this kind of journey, rely on a serious and reliable rental company. Our choice is Your Boat Holiday, a safety in boat rental thanks to its professionalism.

So let’s start the itinerary that leads us to the discovery of Tropea and the Aeolian Islands in seven days:

Day 1 – Discovering Tropea

Once get in the city it is a must to spend at least one day there.

The historic Tropea center is located high up, about 70 meters above sea level, and dominates the sea which it overlooks. It is characterized by a maze of alleys, streets, churches, noble palaces, panoramic terraces, and incredible sea views that suddenly open up while walking. Among the many things to see, we would like to point out the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, located on a cliff overlooking the Aeolian Islands and the beach of Marina dell’Isola, made of white sand, overlooking the blue sea. From here you can reach the Grotta del Palombaro, which encloses a strip of sand lapped by turquoise waters at its feet.

Day 2 – From Tropea to Stromboli

We finally lift anchor and set sail for our first destination: the Stromboli island.

Stromboli is the most surprising of the Aeolian Islands, it is in fact a large active submerged volcano and is the ideal destination for excursions and trekking.

Famous for its explosive volcano that produces spectacular eruptions, earning it the nickname of the Mediterranean Lighthouse, Stromboli is located on the northernmost and easternmost island of the Aeolian archipelago. Suggestive and fascinating, Stromboli is nothing but the top of a large submerged active volcano where you can find wonderful black sand beaches, the most beautiful of the Aeolian Islands.

The main town is the homonyms Stromboli. It’s placed along the northeastern coast and is formed by the villages of San Vincenzo and San Bartolomeo, suggestive with their white houses set along the lower slopes of the volcanic crater. The second town, Ginostra, is a small village along the south-eastern coast that can only be reached by sea.

Day 3 – From Stromboli to Panarea

Panarea is the smallest and the lowest of the Aeolian islands. Just 3 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, Panarea is a chic and worldly island. It is in fact frequented by wealthy tourists and personalities of the international jet set, who very often anchor their yachts along its coast.

Panarea is known for its thermal muds, black beaches, and wonderful sea. In addition, its whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows are reminiscent of the charm of the Aegean Sea Greek islands.

The small port of San Pietro, Ditella, and Drautto are the only centers on the island.

Day 4 – From Panarea to Salina

Very different from the other Aeolian islands, Salina is located in the central part of the Archipelago together with Lipari and Vulcano and is second in size.

It is divided into three municipalities, Santa Marina, the main port of the island to the south, Malfa to the north, and Leni to the southwest.

Salina is a green island much loved by families thanks to its tranquility.

Among the most famous beaches, we find the black beach of Rinella, surmounted by caves carved into the rock, and the bay of Pollara located inside an ancient crater that has largely collapsed.

In Salina, excellent wines are produced including the unmissable Malvasia, a sweet and aromatic wine.

Day 5 – Day 6 – From Salina to Lipari

Lipari is the largest of the 7 islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago and from a tourist point of view, it is the most developed. For this reason, we decide to dedicate two whole days to it.

With its rugged coasts along which unique beaches, wide bays, and deep caves follow one another, Lipari seems made to be discovered by boat.

Its plateaus are ideal for trekking while its cliffs overlooking the sea offer splendid views. For these and other reasons, Lipari is a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Lipari town is the main transport hub between the Aeolian Islands. The center is dotted with shops, restaurants, and bars while in the ancient Palazzo dei Vescovi, adjacent to the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo, there is an important Aeolian archaeological museum.

Spiaggia Bianca is the most famous island beach: located about 4 kilometers north of Lipari town and just beyond the village of Canneto, the beach owes its name to the spectacular expanse of pumice powder that makes it up.

Day 7 – From Lipari to Vulcano

Vulcano is one of the most evocative of the Aeolian Islands, with its fumaroles, black sand beaches, sulfurous muds, and jets of steam.

Among the main attractions are the thermal mud pool, the Sabbie Nere beach from where you can admire the splendid sunsets on the island of Filicudi, and the beach of Gelso.

Vulcano has a unique nature suitable for wonderful excursions. If you love walking, reach Capo Grillo, heading north, and admire astonishing views of the nearby islands while reaching the Fossa della Fucina, on top of the volcano, you will feel like you have set foot in a lunar landscape.

Finally, don’t miss the Grotta del Cavallo, with its extraordinary play of lights and colors.

Contact now YBH Charter Brokers:

You can contact us by sending an email at [email protected] or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.

#ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .ipt_fsqm_form_logo img, #ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .ipt-eform-width-restrain, #ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .ipt_fsqm_form_message_restore, #ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .ipt_fsqm_form_message_success, #ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .ipt_fsqm_form_message_error, #ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .ipt_fsqm_form_message_process, #ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .ipt_fsqm_form_validation_error, #ipt_fsqm_form_wrap_7 .eform-ui-estimator { max-width: 100%; min-width: 240px; } /**/

/**/

Javascript is disabled

Javascript is disabled on your browser. Please enable it in order to use this form.

.ipt_uif_ajax_loader, .ipt_uif_ajax_loader *, ipt_uif_ajax_loader *::before, ipt_uif_ajax_loader *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }

FIND YOUR BOAT Go ahead, it's quick and simple

FIND YOUR BOATGo ahead, it's quick and simple

Select your boat Type(s)*

Motor YachtSail YachtCatamaranGulet

Departure*

Click here ×

Lenght of charter*

Week-end7 Days14 Days21 Days28 DaysOther

Where*

Just type the place you dream

Budget

Help us to find the best solutions for you0 - 25002500 - 50005000 - 1000010.000 - 20.00020.000 - 50.00050.000 -100.000+ 100.000

Write your name here

Write your e-mail address here

Write here

Get a quote!

Your form has been submitted

Thank you for your request. Our team will answer to you within 24 hours. I you have an urgent request then you can also call us on +39-3343600997.

Server Side Error

We faced problems while connecting to the server or receiving data from the server. Please wait for a few seconds and try again.

If the problem persists, then check your internet connectivity. If all other sites open fine, then please contact the administrator of this website with the following information.

TextStatus: undefined HTTP Error: undefined

.ipt_uif_ajax_loader, .ipt_uif_ajax_loader *, ipt_uif_ajax_loader *::before, ipt_uif_ajax_loader *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }

Processing you request

Error

Some error has occured.

A boat journey to the Aeolian Islands departing from Tropea, Calabria

February 27, 2021

Have you ever heard about Aruba? A paradise suitable for any season break!

February 26, 2021

Sailing Tuscany and Sardinia? Discover these mediterranean pearls during a boat tour itinerary!

February 25, 2021

Yachts with swimming pools, a dip into luxury!

February 24, 2021

Share this Post

The post A boat journey to the Aeolian Islands departing from Tropea, Calabria appeared first on YBH.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3r0puP9 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

2 notes · View notes

topfygad · 4 years

Text

Corfu island – epitomizes the Magic of the Greek Isles

Corfu Ionian Islands The Greek IslandsApril 16, 2020

The reason Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece is that it one of the greenest, with dense vegetation. The island is located in the Ionian island group, west of the Greek mainland.

Despite the island attracting a lot of visitors, it has retained its wild beauty, making it perfect for hikes along narrow mountain paths and trails. On these walks, you’ll experience the wondrous nature of the island as well as tiny villages, monasteries, monuments and splendid views of the Ionian Sea. The trails are marked by yellow signs and the walks are most times suitable for kids as well.

Corfu Island: Just so Much Variety

Much of Corfu is mountainous. In fact, it was during the Middle Ages that the island had the name Corypho which actually means ‘Place with peaks’. It is thought to have been named after the two peaks of the island’s highest mountain Pantokrator. Most places on the island are visible from the mountain peak.

The beauty of the island isn’t confined to just one part of the island either, and magnificent resorts are spread around the island. If you had to choose, you might opt for the north of the island as it is more hilly and there are lots of beautiful little bays.

You’ll be amazed at the crystal clear water and coves. The island has some 217 kilometers of coast, but if you’re not a beach lover, the interior has plenty to offer as well.

A Mix of Sightseeing, Nightlife and Shopping

If you want a taste of what Corfu is all about, there are many half- and full-day tours for those who want a taste of the place. Corfu is always a popular destination and you can also hire a minibus with driver and enjoy a magical day of sightseeing. A trip like this could include Aqualand, Achilleion Palace, the view of Mouse Island or the must-see monastery at Paleokastritsa, set on a hill about the beach.

Achilleion Palace

A trip to the old town to explore the fortress and do some shopping has to be on your to-do list as well. Speaking of shopping, for those who want to make waves in Corfu and don’t mind bending their bank balances, there is a never-ending list of must-see and must-do activities.

Best Time to Visit Corfu

The beauty of visiting the Greek isles is that they are pretty much all-year-around holiday destinations. However, it also depends on what experience you’re looking for.

The climate on Corfu is generally mild with hot and dry Summers and mild winters. The winter may appeal to those who want to avoid the crowds as this is when the island is extremely quiet. Many of the restaurants and hotels actually close.

January is the coldest month on the island and July and August are the hottest months with temperatures being capable of soaring to 35°C(95°F), with some days becoming even hotter. With such high temperatures, you’ll want to be on the beach, but you’ll be sharing the sand with plenty of other beach visitors as July and August are the island’s peak tourist times.

Everything is expensive in Corfu over this peak holiday time. If you visit out of these peak times you can cut down a great deal on your flight and accommodation costs.

How to get to Corfu

Airplane flying over Mouse Island

It is one of the easiest islands to visit from the UK, with direct flights from many of the airports and all flying to Corfu International Airport. Incidentally, the Kanoni area offers excellent views of the airport and it can be quite entertaining watching the planes taking off and landing.

There are flights every day and all year from Athens to the airport at Corfu. During the island’s high season, there are also charter flights available from all over Europe.

Book you taxi in advance

Private airport pickup can be pre-arranged and this will save you all the hassle. You can Book Your Corfu Airport Taxi – to get you directly from the airport straight to your hotel and they usually have the same price of a taxi or a little bit more. The best thing is that even if your flight is delayed, you’ll have no problem as the driver will be monitoring the flight anyway. You will be met by the driver holding a name sign as soon as you come out at the arrivals with a bottle of water and city map.

To get you into the holiday mood, you can catch one of the open ferries or hydrofoils from various ports such as from Paxi, Brindisi, Trieste, Patras or Igoumenitsa.

Getting Around the Island

If you’re a fitness fanatic, you may want to rent a bike on the island as it’s a great, affordable way to see Corfu. There are quite a few bicycle rentals but the one which comes to mind is Corfu Cycles.

You can rent one of their bikes or even join one of their cycling tours. When you hire a bike from them you get helmet, lock, repair kit, bottle holder and a safety vest plus roadside assistance which is included in the price. They will also deliver and pick up your bike if needed.

Buses are another way to get around. The main bus terminal in Corfu is San Rocco Square. The green buses are long-distance and the blue buses are short-distance. Local blue buses depart from the local bus station in Corfu Old Town. Ticket prices are according to the journey length. Tickets can be bought on the bus. You’ll notice that bus services are somewhat reduced over the weekend.

There is also a Day Ticket which costs roughly 5,50 € and which is valid for a day, offering unlimited rides for all destinations.

Car- and scooter rentals are also available. To hire these transport-modes, you have to be 21 years of age. Both cars and bikes can be delivered to where you are staying.

Shopping in Corfu:

Shops open for business between 8-9 am to 2:30 pm. They close for siesta time, opening doors again at 5:30 pm until 8:30 – 9:00pm. Most shops are closed on Sunday.

Main town in Corfu:

Corfu Town is the capital of the Greek island of Corfu. The Old Town of Corfu city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is absolutely beautiful and you’ll love the Venetian architecture found alongside the quaint, winding cobblestone streets. Here are some of the highlights which you should definitely put on your list of places to see:

St. Spyridon Church

The Saint Spyridon Church is one of the most important landmarks on Corfu. Dedicated to the patron saint of the island, Saint Spyridon, it was built in the 1580s and houses his relics. The beautiful single-nave basilica with its imposing bell tower is visible from various parts of Corfu Old Town.

The Old Fortress of Corfu

This imposing Venetian fortress is hard to miss. As it dominates the front part of the Corfu Old Town, this massive fortification plays a crucial role in the history of Corfu.

The entrance to the Old Fortress is located just a short walk from Liston Square and to reach the grounds you must cross a small wooden bridge. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of Corfu’s Old Town. There is also a fabulous lighthouse known as the Sea-Town which offers spectacular views.

Spianada

This large square in front of the Corfu Old Town set across from the Old Fortress, is one of the largest squares in Greece. Liston which was build by the French is part of the Spianada square and houses numerous cafes and bars.

Cricket matches used to be played on the Esplanade, the only place in Greece where this sport was played.

Museum of Asian Art

Located right in the heart of Corfu’s Old Town inside the Palace of St. Michael and St. George it is the only museum in Greece which is dedicated to the art of Asia and features a remarkable collection of Chinese, Japanese and India art among others. In the summer there are several concerts taking place at the outdoor premises of the museum.

The New Fortress of Corfu

The New Fortress is a Venetian fortification built on the hill of St. Mark in Corfu in several stages.The original structure was completed in the 16th century by a military engineer Ferrante Vitelli and is located across from the Old Fortress. What is visible today inside the fortress are works which were built by the British during their ruling in Corfu.

Mon Repos Palace

A neoclassical building set at the east side of Paleopolis, which was Corfu’s ancient city. It was built in 1830 by the British Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam right at the beginning of the Kanoni peninsula opposite the ruins of Paleopolis. It is not as glorious as the Achilleion palace yet it overs spectacular sea views extending all the way to the eastern coast of Corfu island.

Nightlife in Corfu:

Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands with a vibrant nightlife. The island is geared towards tourism and it presents its visitors and locals with an excellent line-up of trendy restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Most of the pubs and bars open early in the morning and remain so past midnight into the early hours of the morning. The nightlife is offered at lots of different venues, from restaurants to disco clubs to lap dance clubs and pool halls.

The most popular night-life destinations are Kavos, Ipsos, Sidari, Dassia, Glyfada and Paleokastritsa. If loud music, dancing and exotic cocktails are your thing, then Corfu won’t disappoint.

Fun & Unique Things to Do in Corfu

Governor Olive Oil

The Dafnis family has revived the olive oil production on Corfu. The family olive grove is located in Agios Mathaios, where three generations have been cultivating the aged Lianolia variety olive trees in the family grove. Producing a high quality, award winning olive oil, the Governor has quickly gained world recognition as one of the premium olive oil brands in the world.

The passion for what they do is evident from the moment you step foot on their family olive grove, and when meeting the Dafnis brothers I was instantly impressed by their dedication, — it is truly inspiring. This is definitely one of the top experiences on Corfu, which you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Aqualand

Like all resort islands, Corfu offers tourists and locals unlimited activities to enjoy whether you’re single, a couple, a family or a group. Located on the main road, Aqualand is a must. It is equipped with thrilling slides and pools and is surrounded by beautiful green forests.

There are free sunbeds and umbrellas and lots of restaurants and cafes to keep visitors fed. Qualified lifeguards make sure everyone has a safe, happy time. For all it offers, it is small wonder it’s known as one of the best waterparks in Europe.

Culinary travel

Greek cuisine is so decadently delicious so that many visitors who have tried it want to know more. Food lovers can get the chance to experience fantastic Greek restaurants and learn to cook at the same time. Ambelonas is more than just a restaurant and vineyard. The owner transformed a small artisan food business into a vineyard, restaurant and a venue for light-hearted, casual cooking classes.

Cooking classes take place outdoors, under the tree arches where you participate as a cook or you can just watch. You’ll learn how to make Zucchini pie and Sofrito cooked with white wine and lots of garlic. The Ambelonas restaurant is rated as one of the best in Corfu.

You can also attend pasta making classes, visit a vineyard for wine tasting or visit an olive oil farm where high quality olive oils are produced.

Boat Hire

Did you know that you can hire a boat and cruise around Corfu’s coastline? Check out Agni Boats as they offer a big selection of boats for hire with all the mandatory safety equipment in place.

You can stop over at any of the quiet, beautiful bays and coves along the coast. You get support throughout the rental period and it’s a super, cool way to see some of the island from this fun activity.

Festivals and Markets

Corfu is a vibrant cosmopolitan island and there are always celebrations, festivals, concerts and markets happening. Quite frankly it is beyond the scope of this guide to include all the events planned in Corfu.

Paleokastritsa Monastery

The variety of the island is such that a person needs to spend a year just to get an idea of all that takes place. The Paleokastrítsa’s Varkarola Festival for instance in August commemorates the Ottoman siege of 1716 and there are mock naval battles and plenty of fireworks.

There is also a sardine festival in August as well The Agiotfest soul, rock and folk festival in August.

Best Beaches on Corfu

Ermones Beach:

This most beautiful beach is found about 18 km west of Corfu. It’s a quiet beach, while being busy enough for those who like to take in everything from behind dark sunglasses.

Water sports lovers will be pleased to know that there is a diving center that operates at the beach as the water is super clear for snorkeling and diving. There are plenty of taverns and cafes along the beach as well as beach umbrellas and deck-chairs to ensure you can spend the entire day at the beach.

Paleokastritsa:

Paleokastritsa Beach is postcard-beautiful with its turquoise sea, golden sands and harbors. Many people go on boat trips to other beaches along the coast. The village of Paleokastritsa offers beachgoers plenty of taverns overlooking the bay. The main beach of Paleokastritsa is attractively small and is thought to be one of the finest beaches in the Greek islands.

If you’re particularly looking for child-friendly beaches, the west beaches of Glyfada and Pelekas might be worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Corfu

There is no shortage of hotels and other forms of accommodation in Corfu that offer unbelievable value if you find the right one. There are a number of credible tourism partners in Greece that can offer you quality hotel breaks in the Greek isles.

Between the hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses, you can find amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms, health spas and more.

Marbella Corfu:

This is a magnificent 5-star, air conditioned hotel with the most magnificent views and featuring lots of luxurious features. The hotel also has a water park on-site complete with restaurant and bar. It offers other luxury facilities such as kids play area, wifi, flat-screen TV, nightly entertainment, private bathrooms, free toiletries and 24-hour front desk. Read our hotel review here.

Corfu Villa Rainbow:

Beautifully set amongst olive tree groves, Villa Rainbow rooms & Apartments is excellent, affordable self-catering accommodation. It is made up of clean, comfortable, stylish rooms and apartments offering a host of features to ensure a comfortable stay. It is also well situated to Glyfada- and Kontogialos Beach among others.

Summing Up:

The Greek isles are one of the most visited places in the world, and Corfu is one of the popular islands with its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise seawater, active nightlife, amazing nature and unlimited activities.

Your holiday on the island can be as quiet or as active as you like. It’s always crowded in the Summer months with a vibrant atmosphere. Dance and music lovers will be enraptured with the live venues while the many bars and nightclubs attract their own jubilant crowds.

The activities on Corfu are endless, the accommodation vast and varied, with everything being laid on with visitors in mind. It’s no wonder that when you tell people where you’re headed they’re jealous, because Corfu is filled with all the ingredients to ensure that visitors have the time of their lives.

PIN IT!

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2SapwEQ via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

1 note · View note

scooby-doo-exploration · 6 months

Text

shakespearestwin - Plougrescan, Brittany, France

#shakespearestwin #houses #plougrescan #brittany #france #photos #villages & houses & cities & churches & lighthouses

567 notes · View notes

the-european-portuguese · 5 years

Text

Portugal’s Top 12

1. Lisbon

History, culture and pumping nightlife The capital of the Portuguese world, Lisbon is a fascinating place of trundling trams, breathtaking architecture and thumping nightlife. The Alfama district, with its labyrinthine alleyways, hidden courtyards and curving, shadow-filled lanes, is a magical place in which to delve into the soul of the city.. It’s also where you are most likely to hear fado, the melancholy music of the city’s old working-class districts.

2. Porto

Portugal’s romantic second city It would be hard to dream up a more romantic city than Portugal’s second largest. Laced with narrow pedestrian laneways, Porto is blessed with baroque churches, epic theatres and sprawling plazas. Its Ribeira district - a Unesco World Heritage Site - is just a short walk from centuries-old port wineries where you can sip the world’s best port. A sense of renewal - in the form of modern architecture, cosmopolitan restaurants and a vibrant arts scene - is palpable

3. Algarve

Stunning beaches, secluded islands Sunseekers have much to celebrate when it comes to beaches. Along Portugal’s south coast, the Algarve is home to a wildly varied coastline. There are sandy islands reachable only by boat, dramatic cliff-backed shores, rugged rarely visited beaches and people-packed sands near buzzing nightlife. Days are spent playing in the waves, taking long ocean-front strolls and surfing memorable breaks

4. Évora

Queen of the Alentejo One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Évora is an enchanting place to spend several days delving into the Portuguese past. Within the chunky, 14th-century stone walls built to the protect the town from invaders, Évora’s narrow, winding lanes lead to striking architectural works: an elaborate medieval cathedral and cloisters, Roman ruins and a picturesque town square. Historic and aesthetic virtues aside, Évora is also a lively university town, and its many attractive restaurants serve up excellent hearty Alentejan cuisine.

5. Rio Douro Valley

Breathtaking valley wine route The exquisite Alto Douro wine country is the oldest demarcated wine region on earth. Its steeply terraced hills, stitched together with craggy vines that have produced luscious wines for centuries loom either side of the Rio Douro. Whether you get here by driving the impossibly scenic back roads or by train or boat from Porto, take the time to hike cruise and taste. Countless vintners receive guests for tours, tastings and overnight stays, and if you find one that ‘s still family-owned, you may sample something very old and very special

6. Braga

Portugal’s lively third city Portugal’s third-largest city is blessed with terrific restaurants, a vibrant university and raucous festivals, but when it comes to historic sited it is unparalleled in Portugal. Braga has a remarkable 12th-century cathedral, a 14th-century church and not one but two sets of Roman ruins, countless 17th-century plazas and an 18th-century palace turned museum. Then there’s that splendid baroque staircase: Escadaria do Bom Jesus

7. Coimbra

Portugal’s best-known university town Portugal’s atmospheric college town, Coimbra rises steeply from the Rio Mondego to a medieval quarter housing one of Europe's oldest universities. Students roam the narrow streets clad in black capes while strolling fado musicians give free concerts. Kids can keep busy at Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park with miniature versions of Portuguese monuments; grown-ups will appreciate the upper town’s student-driven nightlife

8. Aveiro

Portugal’s answer to Venice Every visitor to this coastal city sooner or later finds themself aboard a moliceiro a traditionally fashioned boat that was once used to dredge up seaweed from the bottom of the town's canals. Retired from service many years ago, these have now been put to work as a tourist attraction. Away from the water, Aveiro is a lively place of museums, great seafood restaurants and cafes selling sickly sweet ovos moles

9. Sintra

Fairy-tale palaces and castles Less than an hour by train from the capital, Sintra feels like another world. Like an illustration from a fairy tale, Sintra is sprinkled with stone-walled taverns and has a whitewashed palace looming over it. Forested hillsides form the backdrop to the village’s storybook setting, with imposing castles, mystical gardens, strange mansions and centuries-old monasteries hidden among the woodlands. The fog that sweeps in by night adds another layer of mystery and cool evenings are best-spent fireside in one of Sintra’s many charming B&Bs.

10. Óbidos

An enchanting walled town Wandering through the tangle of ancient streets of Óbidos is enchanting any time of year, but come during one of its festivals and you’ll be in for a special treat. Whether attending a jousting match or climbing the castle walls at the medieval fair or delving into the written world ar Fólio - Portugal’s newest international literature festival - you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop

11. Cabo de São Vicente

The edge of the ancient world It’s thrilling standing at Europe’s most southwestern edge, a headland of barren cliffs to which Portuguese sailors used to bid a nervous farewell as they sailed past during Portugal’s golden years of exploration. The windswept cape is redolent of history - If you squint hard (really hard), you’ll see the ghost of Vasco da Gama sailing past - These days, a fortress and lighthouse perch on the cape and a new museum beautifully highlights Portugal’s maritime-navigation history.

12. Batalha

A marvellous monastery This medieval Christian monument - a Unesco World Heritage site since 1983 - constitutes one of Portugal’s greatest national treasures and one of Ibera’s finest chunks of Gothic architecture. The monastery has certain magic with the whimsy of Manueline adornments and the haunting roofless shell of the unfinished Capelas Imeprfeitas wowing the thousands of tourists who make a pilgrimage to Batalha here every year

#culture #tourism #portugal #discover #cities

20 notes · View notes

drtanstravels · 4 years

Text

We recently stayed in Tel Aviv, Israel for four days so Anna could attend a teaching seminar for the International Retinal Panel. During our stay we would take a tour of Jerusalem, travel along the West Bank while venturing into Palestine, visit the ancient village of Masada, and then float and get all muddy in the Dead Sea. All of the main events happened in the final two days of the trip so this will just be a relatively short post in comparison, covering the initial two days of our journey, both spent in Tel Aviv.

Friday, November 1, 2019 We had left Singapore at 11:30pm the previous night, took an 11.5-hour flight to Turkey, had a 90-minute layover in Istanbul Airport, and then took another two-hour flight to Tel Aviv. When we were in Seoul, South Korea recently we got chatting to some friends of mine who had traveled to Israel in the past and the nightmares they had faced going through immigration once they had reached Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. One of them even told us about how he got cavity-searched, so we were both prepared for the worst. Once we were off the plane and inside the airport I cringed a bit when the first security guard snapped on a pair of disposable gloves, but it turned out to be just for him to search through our hand luggage. After that the line at the passport counter was taking forever, but it turned out that the reason the queue was taking so long to move was because we just had a really talkative guy checking our passports and when he first saw my Australian document, he looked up, gave me a curious look, and asked, “Do you watch Home and Away?” I smiled and mentioned that my sister used to have it on every night back in the day and that was it. We had to ask for entry border crossing cards, a separate slip of paper to be put into our passports instead of a stamp, because having an Israeli passport stamp can cause quite a bit of trouble when traveling overseas. There are currently eight countries that won’t accept passports containing Israeli visas, the most notable one being Saudi Arabia, a country to which we may need to travel one day. There are also quite a few countries whose passport holders are forbidden entrance to Israel without official confirmation from the Israeli government, Malaysia being on that list, so one of Anna’s colleagues was unable to attend. In fact, if Anna hadn’t taken Singaporean citizenship after we got married, this journey would never have happened.

As has been a pattern over recent trips, we arrived in Tel Aviv early in the morning, well before our hotel room was available so we dumped our bags with the concierge and decided to have a look around town. We were staying at the Crowne Plaza, which had an attached shopping mall so that was our first stop, mainly for a much-needed coffee and a couple of pastries, and then we discovered that there was a park and shopping district nearby called Sarona, a place with an interesting history:

Sarona was a German Templer colony established in Ottoman Palestine in 1871. Sarona is now a neighbourhood of Tel Aviv, Israel. It was one of the earliest modern villages established by Europeans in Ottoman Palestine. In July 1941, the British Mandate authorities deported 188 residents of Sarona, who were considered hard-core Nazi sympathisers. By the 2000s, the area had fallen into disrepair and was a haven for drug addicts. However, since 2003, the area has undergone massive renovation, which involved moving and relocating historical buildings before their restoration. The area is now a popular shopping district, as well as housing museums, cultural artefacts centring on its history, and IDF complexes.

Walking around Sarona was really cool with its mix of shops, bars, and cafes, as well as the Sarona Market. When Anna was purchasing a ring in one of the stores she asked for some recommendations in the area and the first one immediately given was Anita, a boutique ice-cream store. We initially thought this was a one-off, but we ended up finding incredible ice-cream shops all over the city. Anyway, we ordered a cup with two flavours, Pavlova & Mix Berries and Salted Pretzel, before we continued walking around, visiting among other shops a handmade dreidel store called Draydel House, a place with some unique takes on the spinning tops, and then it was on to Sarona Market. The market had some great looking food and there were plenty of free samples, but as you will find out over the course of this post and the next, it wasn’t an accurate representation of kosher food. We walked around sampling different cheeses, pickles, and halva, possibly the driest substance on earth. Seriously, dust is more mouth-watering than halva. Another thing that Israel is known for is pomegranate juice, generally used for detoxing, so we ordered a large one each, a decision we would later deeply regret and one that would also put the pair of us off pomegranates for the foreseeable future, despite how nice it tasted. Once we were done with the market and walking around the gardens in Sarona, we were able to check into our room at the Crowne Plaza at around 2:00pm and take a nap for a bit. Our day up until that point (besides the awesome pickle store in the market that wouldn’t let me take photos):

Anna near the entrance of Sarona

The way Sarona is set up is really cool

Looking down a row of stores

A map of Sarona in Hebrew

Anna’s dreidel

The dreidel Anna would probably get for me

Some of the ice-cream flavours available at Anita

A few more

They also had a custom soft-serve yoghurt bar

Anna about to buy ours

Our sweet and salty combination was definitely a good mix

Halva inside the market

One of the food stall rows

There is a huge variety available in this market

Unfortunately, not all Israeli food is as good as this looks

Anna in the garden

Now in our room

After sleeping for a bit we caught a cab to the waterfront, which is split into two parts; Alma Beach, a modern seaside area, and the Old City area of Jaffa. Most modern beach areas are similar, whereas ancient cities are always fascinating so Jaffa was the obvious choice to spend some time exploring first. It would be nigh on impossible to summarise the history of a 3,800-year-old port city in the Middle East, but here’s the general background:

Jaffa, in Hebrew Yafo and also called Japho or Joppa, the southern and oldest part of Tel Aviv–Yafo, is an ancient port city in Israel. Jaffa is famous for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon and Saint Peter as well as the mythological story of Andromeda and Perseus, and later for its oranges. The city as such was established at the latest around 1800 BCE.

Modern Jaffa has a heterogeneous population of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Jaffa currently has 46,000 residents, of whom 30,000 are Jews and 16,000 are Arabs. The 2010 film Port of Memory explores these themes. Tabeetha School in Jaffa was founded in 1863. It is owned by the Church of Scotland. The school provides education in English to children from Christian, Jewish and Muslim backgrounds.

Our taxi driver was an elderly man who kept explaining to us along the way that Tel Aviv was a party city, that around 69% of people there were aged between 30-40, and that we’d be among the older people out that night. I wasn’t expecting that, but another thing we weren’t expecting was the fact that the sun sets in Tel Aviv before 5:00pm, it’s almost as if the city is in the entirely wrong timezone and is something that would throw our body clocks off for the duration of this trip. When it had been dark there for a few hours, you’d be led to think it was getting kind of late when in reality it was only about eight o’clock in the evening. So, despite the fact that we arrived at Jaffa at 4:30pm, the sun was already setting, but this just made the place that much more beautiful. We spent the evening wandering through the narrow streets and laneways of Jaffa, taking in all of the ancient buildings, towers, and structures, plus the major landmarks in the area such as Jaffa Lighthouse, Clock Square, and the coastal canons, all while the sun set over the ocean.

After all of that walking we were beginning to get hungry and the waterside restaurants at Alma Beach were supposed to be pretty decent so we chose one called Manta Ray for dinner where we sat outdoors with some drinks and feasted on some selections from their great meze platter, as well as a grilled fish. We were to meet the organisers and other attendees of Anna’s course at 9:30pm after everyone had arrived in town, but it was barely 7:30pm by the time we finished dinner so we found a nearby shisha bar for a few more drinks and a pipe. After a while we both began to bloat up, neither of us could stop farting, and I was burping constantly, feeling the need to vomit. It was too soon after dinner to be from the fish or the meze dishes we chose, I had already checked that the water was safe to drink so that wasn’t it, coffee, pastries, and ice-cream don’t have this effect on me, and nothing else we had tried had been a large enough sample to make us sick. Except for the pomegranate juice, that is. We had drunk about a litre (33.8 fl. oz.) each several hours ago and it now seemed like we were paying for it, however, we couldn’t be 100% certain. Whatever it was, we both wanted to go back to the hotel and let it all out, resulting in me violently throwing up for a few minutes once inside, but then we felt reasonably fine as soon as we were both empty.

We met up with Anna’s course-mates in the lobby of our hotel and we walked down to a pub in another nearby part of town where everyone chatted over some beers, while those who hadn’t eaten had dinner. It was a really fun night and Anna decided to ask one of the local organisers, Tamir, if it could’ve been the pomegranate juice that bloated us. He said it’s good for you, most people just take a small glass and share it. When she told him that we’d had a litre each he was gobsmacked. “That’s not detox, that’s just tox!” was the response. Here are a whole bunch of photos from around Jaffa that evening, plus a couple of our dinner and the shisha bar before we bloated up like a couple of non-embalmed corpses:

Hashan Square

Anna and and I on the peninsula

Part of Jaffa from a distance

Looking over the ocean

People washing their hands

One of the coastal canons, imported by the Ottoman government in the 18th century to protect Jaffa from Bedouin raids

Overlooking a mosque

You can even find cool bars in towns dating back to the bronze age

Walking down a wide thoroughfare

The sun setting over the ocean

A museum surrounded by shops

Walking down an avenue

Anna posing in an alley

One of many interesting sculptures in Jaffa

The view of Clock Square from a very narrow stairway

We were both wondering if this was the Jewish equivalent of leaving your tie on the door handle so your roommate knows you have a girl inside

Etzel House

Dinner is served

We chose a few dishes from this platter

Baked blue bream with Jerusalem artichokes

Smoking a shisha while we both rapidly expand

Saturday, November 2, 2019 Anna was going to her course so I was free to do my own thing for the bulk of the day, but there was one small problem — Saturday is the sabbath, also known as Shabbat in Judaism, and this would severely limit what I was able to do due to many actions being classed as melakhah and thus being prohibited on this day of rest or historically punishable by death! Here’s a better description of melakhah:

Jewish law (halakha) prohibits doing any form of melakhah (מְלָאכָה, plural melakhoth) on Shabbat, unless an urgent human or medical need is life-threatening. Though melakhah is commonly translated as “work” in English, a better definition is “deliberate activity” or “skill and craftmanship”. There are 39 categories of prohibited activities (melakhoth) listed in Mishnah Tractate Shabbat 7:2.

Some acts forbidden on Shabbat include:

Threshing/Extraction Definition: Removal of an undesirable outer from a desirable inner.

Dissection Definition: Reducing an earth-borne thing’s size for a productive purpose.

Kneading/Amalgamation Definition: Combining particles into a semi-solid or solid mass via liquid.

Cooking/Baking Definition for solids: Changing the properties of something via heat. Definition for liquids: Bringing a liquid’s temperature to the heat threshold. This threshold is known as yad soledet (lit. “A hand reflexively recoils [due to such heat]”). According to Igrot Moshe this temperature is 43 °C (110 °F).

Extinguishing a Fire Definition: Extinguishing a fire/flame, or diminishing its intensity.

Ignition: Definition: Igniting, fuelling or spreading a fire/flame.

Transferring Between Domains Definition: Transferring something from one domain type to another domain type, or transferring within a public thoroughfare.

Now, some of you reading this are probably thinking, “Why would you care, you’re not Jewish.” This is true, however, despite me seeing fewer Orthodox Jews in Israel than I did on any given day in New York City, prohibition of melakhah on Shabbat is enforced by law, although not to an extreme. Although no shops would be open, these restrictions would severely limit my food purchasing options. Because it had been powered down for Shabbat, I pushed my way through the revolving door to exit the hotel and hit the street. I was quite hungry due to the fact that I had vomited everything I had eaten the previous evening so I figured I might get lucky finding somewhere open to eat at Sarona. I saw a cafe with people all around it so that’s where I went and I ordered the egg white omelette on the menu, which came with some bread and a side salad. I guess the hotplate must’ve been kept burning from the previous day and eggs aren’t really a solid or liquid so changing their properties via heat would be fine. Salad was also okay because the form of the lettuce doesn’t change, only the size, and it was cut quite large so it wasn’t done to make it into a more usable, productive state. The bread had obviously been made the previous day and when it came to dissection of the food in order to eat, that was all on me, not the cafe. Juice wasn’t an option due to threshing/extraction, but it was when I ordered a latte that things got weird. The waiter told me that he could only offer me a “very weak coffee” which was the result of the water and milk only being heated to about 40°C in keeping with the law, a temperature that also isn’t really hot enough for the coffee to properly infuse the water, thus making it not very strong. It actually turned out to be infinitely easier to get a beer anywhere in town that morning than coffee. My order at the cafe was able to be brought from the kitchen to my table, and also to diners who were seated outside, without transferring between domains due to the installation of an eruv, described as:

An urban area enclosed by a wire boundary which symbolically extends the private domain of Jewish households into public areas, permitting activities within it that are normally forbidden in public on the Sabbath.

Although the Jewish community must strictly adhere to laws of prohibition on Shabbat, going to the effort of building eruvs and heating liquids to a slightly cooler temperature than normal seem like ways of pranking an almighty deity who is easily fooled by the loopholes in the rules he wrote. Then I remembered this scene from the documentary Religulous:

youtube

After eating I decided to have a look around the beach area, making my way there via the main shopping district en route, but obviously everything was closed except for bars, restaurants, and cafes and wouldn’t be opening again until late in the evening or within the next few days. I was also having trouble getting cash out of an ATM again and this time I wasn’t sure whether the machines weren’t accepting my card or were just unable to function in general. I arrived at the beach and it was quite nice with a bunch more seaside bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of entertainment, some of which was unintentionally funny. There was Israeli folk dancing that happens at Gordon Beach every Saturday, as well as a big outdoor gym area where meatheads could work out like in Venice Beach, California, all just grunting, flexing, and slapping butts. Instead, I walked out along the pier to a lighthouse, just taking in the sights. It was a nice walk, but I could feel myself getting sunburnt so I went back to a shaded area along the shore to sit down with a bunch of senior citizens for a bit and that’s where I got the biggest laugh of the day. There were three guys working out there, one was absolutely ripped and doing chin-ups and some other impressive feats on horizontal bars directly in front of us, another was doing push ups, all the while giving the third guy tips on capoeira moves. If you are unaware of what capoeira is, it’s a Brazilian martial art that combines acrobatics, dancing, and complex moves involving hand plants, kicks, and flips (that link is a video that will give you a decent idea). The only problem was that the guy trying to do it wasn’t particularly good at capoeira so I found myself sitting there with a bunch of confused older people who were innocently trying to figure out why a muscly dude was doing cartwheels in the sand in front of several other muscly guys. It was a hot day, a dry heat compared to the insane humidity of Singapore, but I had no cash for a drink so I had a sip out of the drinking fountain where people also washed the sand off their feet, and walked for forty minutes back to the hotel, passing a cheese shop that you could smell before you could see, despite it being closed, along the way. Once back I killed two birds with one stone, grabbing a bottle of sparkling water from the minibar and making an instant coffee in the room, which turned into mud when I added water, but it still gave me the caffeine fix I had been lacking. I also managed to get cash out of an ATM next our hotel and Anna was still going to be a while so I planted myself in a bar back in Sarona for a few hours until she was done.

My kosher Shabbat breakfast with very weak coffee

Walking into town

At the beach

Looking down the boardwalk and across the road

Some huts near the ocean

Now walking down the promenade

Was Banksy in town?

More art, this time honouring the older community

Israeli folk-dancing

Beanbags on the beach

One of many cafes along the promenade

Coming over a little cloudy

That’s better

Waves crashing along the pier

A lighthouse at the end

I’m still trying to figure out if this building had caught fire or was just art-deco

The cheese shop on the way home. I wish it was open

The bottom of my instant mud coffee

Anna was soon back from her teaching and we had a dinner that night with everyone else involved in the course. This meant taking a minibus with the International Retinal Panel crew back to a restaurant at the beach, Anna’s first venture into that area of Tel Aviv, so we had a look around the boardwalk and took a few photos first. It was nice to hang out with everyone while we were feeling 100%, they were really cool people and an interesting mix of nationalities, some local, others coming from Columbia, Italy, India, France, Argentina, China, and a multitude of other other countries. The restaurant we went to looked good, but the entire group, myself included, consisted of about 30 people, taking up two massive tables, and the platters we received, two per table, were to be shared. The problem with this system was that Anna, myself, and a few others were tucked away in a corner on the back table and our food and drinks kept failing to appear. Everyone else received a meze platter except us, we waited about 20 minutes and then had to ask for it, as well as remind the staff that we had also ordered drinks. When it finally arrived, the other areas of both tables were receiving a grilled fish that looked delicious, but when we finished our platter the fish never arrived, nor did the second drink I ordered. We asked about the fish and when it finally came ours was just what seemed like fish offcuts including several heads, all of which was deep-fried to the point that it was so crunchy it was pretty much inedible. We didn’t bother eating much of it, that second beer never came, and everyone that was there for the course had homework to do so we got back in the bus, the interior blue light making my Rick and Morty “Pickle Rick” shirt appear as if it were covered in turds, and we went back to the hotel, them to do group work and me to have a couple of drinks at the hotel bar until it closed.

Anna’s first stroll along this area of the beach

The boardwalk at night

All of the people involved in Anna’s course

A merry-go-round

Some of the food has arrived, but it also looks like others are asking for stuff that hasn’t

If our fish were pork, it would’ve been the parts that go into a sausage roll

Definitely looks like faeces

Tel Aviv is such a cool city and nothing like we expected, yet a completely hidden gem when it comes to traveling, but this was just the beginning! Stay tuned for the next instalment when we do all the cool stuff you would expect one to do while in Israel that in no way would fit into this post, like visiting Jerusalem and floating in the Dead Sea.

The first two days of our four-night trip to Israel We recently stayed in Tel Aviv, Israel for four days so Anna could attend a teaching seminar for the International Retinal Panel.

#beach #Jaffa #sabbath #Sarona #Shabbat #Tel Aviv

3 notes · View notes

marcelapeckova · 5 years

Text

Iceland

To visit Iceland was my all time dream which come true. In the next few rows I would love to introduce you Iceland how I see it and how I experienced it. Warning, this is going to be a bit longer :)

Me and my boyfriend visited Iceland in the beginning of September 2019. For me it's a country of amazing nature, perfect calm and coziness!

Last few minutes of the flight I was sticked on the window of airplane and stunned by how strange the country is! The glaciers, the amazing river beds, suddenly kilometres of orange ground and from time to time small dot - a lonely home in middle of nothing. It's hardly describe how exciting minutes it was!

Our roads started in Keflavík- we picked up our car there and start our long journey :)

First of all what is going to “got you” when you are on Iceland is the relief of the ground - it's absolutely brutalism view. You are walking trough absolutely flat ground and suddenly you are surrounded with high mountains. By the long distances in between civilization you are sometimes totally alone in nature - green moss ground, lava mountains, nothing alive around you, no trees, really nothing only ships. And trust me, it's enormous mind shower. I enjoyed this feeling with full heart.

Because we want to see always maximum what we can, we scheduled our “hotels”to have them always on “middle of our road” and because Iceland might be bigger as you can imagine, was normal to drive 400km per each day (and some of the days spent there we drove even more - I'm adding you here also a map of places which we visited. ) However, each km of this land was breathtaking and I was glad we decided to work whole circle around the island! Even now with distance of time I'm not able to tell where it was the most beautiful to me. Every part of the island has it's own magic and I just love this kind of magic :)

Day 1, 2, 3 - Reykjanes and South Iceland

As I mentioned, we started in Keflavík, from Keflavík to Reykjavík where we stayed for 2 nights. First day we made just a long walk across the city and enjoyed a local atmosphere. Reykjavík is really beautiful and cozy so you will definitely not get bored here! The city is not su busy, with such a lovely architecture so walk with not an exact goal was exactly made for us :)

Next day we went to see the Geysir and from Geysir we made hike to the thermal river - on Google we found an info it's 5minutes from car so it seems to us as a great idea to end the day here, but on place we found it's one hour trough the mountains. However to see and to sit in Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River really worth it :) Just imagine sitting in 40C stream, in a fogy weather surrounded with monumental mountains! It was absolute relax and I'm glad we made it here!

Day 3 started and our plan was to see the waterfalls located on East coast, Black sand beach and glacier. The plan was ambitious because in from of us was exactly 428km! First on our road was Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

I can only highly recommend to visit this place as the waterfall was mesmerise! From Seljalandsfoss it's just a few minutes driving to Skógafoss Waterfall which is again absolutely beautiful. I would say that during whole road we meet with so many waterfalls but not all of them were easy to access, but Skógafoss Waterfall is really easy to access and you can enjoy the view as rom the down as from the up of it and it is going to be definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls you ever seen :)

Then a Black sand beach - we didn't make it to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck as it was like hour of walk across the windy beach so we rather enjoy the view on the beach from up (you will find there also Dyrhólaey Lighthouse ) and then spend some relaxing time on the beach :) Honestly said, the beach was totally rowdy although we were there already a bit of “out season” but still nice to see. The rocks there was shaped into amazing geometrical forms and we both just love it.

As we continue in our road to Höfn where our next accommodation was we were crossing magnificent lava fields ( Eldhraun ) - you will go trough a kilometres of black lava rocks overgrown with fluffy green moss and the picture you are going to see here is far more than amazing :) It's so unbelievable how the artsy nature is here!

The sun was about to set and we finally arrive to the glacier lake Jökulsárlón. This place left in me really strong memory. It was my first time seeing glacier and again it was one breath taking view for me. In the lake was a group of about 20 grey seals which were totally curious about us :) However, standing there make you to realise how year after year we are closer to lost the glaciers and how important is to protect them.

Day 3 - East Iceland

We left our accommodation early in the morning and drive few kilometres to get Stokksenes - one of the place which you always see on the photos from Iceland. Well, here I can only write and reccomend - sometimes it's better to Google the place first ;) It was the only place which we visited and were needed to pay entry fee. The Viking village which is here is in very poor condition, but I enjoyed a lot the view across black sandy beach on the majestic mountains! And benefit of coming early is - no humans around, only you and nature! ;)

Our next stop on map is going to be Seyðisfjörður but first of all, in front of us is long road around fjords and trough high mountains. When we were in the mountains, there was slowly zero visibility, no signal and turn after turn, but each time we drive down from the mountains there was awaiting on us something special - calming surroundings of the fjord, hidden waterfalls, or Cristal-clear rivers (and of course sheep ).

As we were closer to the Seyðisfjörður we entered to the totally different Iceland as we seen before! It's difficult to describe why, maybe it was because there were no clouds on the skies and no rain, maybe because there were a trees (yes, trees were missing in most of the areas) but that's ok as each part of Iceland seems to me unique in their own way and each kilomer of the land was different. And now ... Seyðisfjörður - It's really small town with only a few cozy houses (about 700 inhabitants ). In the end of the town is fjord with the same name Seyðisfjörður and sitting there, looking on the town was absolutely peaceful feeling. You are surround by high mountains, over below them are colorful houses, nice streets and in the middle of that is blue wooden church. It left a very special feelings in my heart and I will always thing about this town as about one of the loveliest I ever visited. It's a bit out of the road, I know, but if you are going around, stop by for a baked cod with fennel!

Final destination of the day - Borgarfjörður Eystri - small village mostly know for beautiful nature. If you are coming in season from mid- April to mid- August then you definitely must see Puffins paradise here! In Borgarfjörður Eystri is one of the best places in the world to see the Puffins (however we were there in September, so not lucky us :D ). Anyway, the nature here is so beautiful that that you don't want to stop discovering it. We were accommodated here in Blábjörg Guesthouse and they do have their spa outside of the Guesthouse, so you can be watching how the sun set over the fjord from hot tup (and I did so and I love it! )

Day 4 - North Iceland

I'm still on East and just a very shortly about Stuðlagil Canyon in Jökla - It's mesmerising canyon of longest glacier river. Almost nobody knew about until recently ( for a long time it was hidden under water). There are 2 options how to get there and if you can, definitely go to see it as it really wort it. One option will bring you to the parking place and you can easily walk few meters to see the canyon from up. On the other (east) side of the river is option 2 - you will drive to the parking place and then you need to walk - walk for a really longer (8km) and you will be able to access to inside of the canyon. We didn't had so much time to make such a hike so we see the canyon only from up, but I have never seen such a shaped canyon - Stuðlagil Canyon has one of the biggest and most beautiful basalt columns formation in Iceland.

Let's go to another waterfalls. And not just any regular waterfalls, but the greatest waterfalls in Europe called Dettifoss waterfalls.

When you arrive to Dettifoss, first what absolutely got me was the rocky road here (from the parking place you go trough land of nothing only rocks, but not any regular rocks, the land was reminding me the pictures of moon and it was absolutely strange and breath-taking in the same time). Before we go there I saw a lot of pictures, read something about this place, but it absolutely shocked me when I was standing on the rocks over the waterfall. The volume of running water! The sound was so powerful! It was one of the feelings when you realise how small you are and how strong the nature is! I was trying to capture this place somehow, but on none of the pictures I took was pictured the power.

Let's continue! This day was full of experiences! :) Our next destination was little fishing town over the fjord called Ólafsfjörður and there are 3 more interesting places to see by the road :)

Just a few minutes from Dettifoss you will drive around Námafjall and it's worth to stop there, because I have never ever seen something like this piece of land.

Námafjall geothermal area known as Hverir, can be seen from distance due many smoking fumaroles. Whole are is dressed in orange/ brown color and on first look it seems like Mars looking-alike ground with boiling mud pots, surrounded by sulphur crystals of many different colours. This sulphur gives the area an overwhelming smell of egg (and the first moment was really uncomfortable, but the picture you are going to see will hypnotise you! )

Just like a 5 minutes from Hverir you can find Grjotagja cave. A small lava cave with Cristal blue water - in the past it was popular bathing place for locals but due volcanic activities the temperature of water heat up to more than 50 degrees Celsius and that’s far too hot for taking a relaxing bath in and bathing is prohibited. However, it’s beautiful place to see anyway!

Next on our map is beautiful Goðafoss waterfall - Whole day we had “grey” weather and when we arrived to this The Godafoss waterfall (one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland) the sun was shinning and in the middle of the waterfall was beautiful shaped rainbow! Goðafoss = The water of the gods was really looking like the name is, but maybe it was only because of the magical weather over this place. However, they stayed in my mind as on of the most beautiful waterfalls I ever seen!

To get to the Ólafsfjörður we were crossing beautiful city Akureyri. Did you ever seen a traffic light where is instead of basic red light heart? Iceland is full of simply lovely details light this and when you saw them, they just made you a day better :)

Ólafsfjörður is a really really small town - fishing is the main industry here (mainly herrings) but it's also a home of many whales in waters around, so if you would like to watch the whales, you are on the right place! We were not on a whale tour (although it's very attractive) so I am not able to tell you more, but what I can tell you that the local people here are absolutely kindly and friendly (but I don't meet with unfriendly Icelanders anywhere! ) and we got so many tips what to see in this are of Iceland from locals! I am really thankful for that :) Nature around is so beautiful that this a bit out-of hand place worth to visit.

Day 5 - West Iceland & Westfojds

A road from Ólafsfjörður to Westfjords (city Hólmavík ) can be done trough highway or a bit longer variant - across the coasts. I love the view from cliffs and the atmosphere on the coasts so we took it - as locals recommended, across the cliffs and coasts.

I'm glad we did that, because we stoped on eastern shore of Vatnsnes Peninsula to see Hvítserkur . The view on 15 meters high monolith or sea-stack, an eroded volcanic dyke standing out of the water is quite spectacular! Hvítserkur is a home of many seagulls and if you come here in the right time, you can spot a grey seals - we saw a group of maybe 20 or 30 seals sunbathing a small island 50m from the land.

However, if you come to watch the seals, I have one more place which I can highly recommend to visit :) About 15 / 20 minutes from Hvítserkur is located Illugastaðir farm where you can view seals in their natural environment! Their quarrels and their love for each other. You can sit and watch their life - You are going to see there seals in groups spend time chilling on the rocks, sleeping and relaxing or playing in water. Most of the seals are quite social, so if you will sit on rock, in calm and quite maybe some of them will like to see you and will naturally swim closer to you, however, keep on mind that they are wildlife, shy animals. From my experience : Me and my boyfriend were sitting on rock and watching 3 seals which swim in front of us when suddenly senior German couple in neon green nylon jackets start “running” around and loudly talking each other - seals were immediately away. By the way, sending regards to these 2! Basically I don't remember random strangers, but I would still recognise them :D But back to the topics - on Iceland is many seal watching places, but Seal Colony Illugastaðir is definitely one of the best places to see them.

Our next stop is our final destination of the day - Hólmavík. In from of us is absolutely amazing road which we both enjoyed as the view will totally entertain you :)

Hólmavík is a small village but still largest settlement in the region. We stayed there because we both just love the countryside. Everything around seems to me very cozy. When the sun set, we went to the local restaurant for a local fish and can only recommend :) (And in this point of view is no needed to describe the restaurant more, because there is only one ;) ). During whole our stay I wish to see Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) - Northern lights on Iceland can be seen between September to April - of course during winter it's more easier to hunt Northern light. In September when it's only starting you need to be more lucky and more far from city light. From what I read Westfjords is perfect for seeing Northern light so that was also one of the reason why we decided to visit Hólmavík. During whole our stay on Iceland I was carefully watching Aurora forecast apps (yes, I downloaded more of them to be sure :D ) and each night wherever we were we stayed a part of the night outside watching the skies. Honestly? I really felt a lack of sleep but the will was stronger :D Each night we had very low prediction of to see it and when there was higher chance, there was a heavy clouds. This night in Hólmavík was prediction for Aurora Borealis on level 2 (so not so much - locals said when it's on level 3 you will probably see it If are good skies), but I see the place as the only chance to see it, because our next day will be on more populated place. Over the town is a small hill (right over the church) where we walked in the night - it was maybe 11:30 p.m. and as we were a bit more far from the street (only a few meters) we start see green light on the skies. In the beginning it was only a week visible green lines, but suddenly it start shinning bright, moving around the skies and dancing above us. We spent there maybe a hour and it's the experience I wish to had - my dream come true and it definitely worth the hours of waiting while others were sleeping :)

Day 6 - Snæfellsnes peninsula

Ok, Snæfellsnes peninsula is truly reach on interesting places and things to see, so I am going to try to take it in a nutshell :) You can see there amazing waterfalls, beautiful Gerðuberg basal columns, popular spot with little black wooden church Búðakirkja church, gold beaches and amazing cliffs, rhyolite mountains, Mt. Stapafell which is high palagonite volcano few amazing cozy little colourful fishing towns, caves and Snæfellsjökull glacier which second largest glacier on Iceland after jökulsárlón. Snæfellsnes peninsula definitely deserve your attend and I'm sure each visitor of this land will find there your “piece of cake”. In Arnarstapi is “bridge” over the sea made of basal columns ( Gatklettur - Arch Rock ). We spent there whole day and I can absolutely imagine to have there more days to discover all of these beauties more! In Hellnar you will find a lovely spot for a coffee & cake stop called café Fjöruhúsið located just over the sea. Next to that you can see there Berserkjahraun Lava Fields - absolutely extraordinary place where volcanic rocks are formed to many shapes and are overgrown with fluffy green moss and red blueberry bushes. Huge tourist attraction and one of the most photographed places on Iceland is Kirkjufellsfoss not because it’s very big but because it has the uniquely shaped Mt. Kirkjufell as a backdrop - when we arrived there whole Mt. Kirkjufell was hidden in rain clouds but it's beautiful place anyway :)

This night we stayed in very charming place - Staðarhús - Horse farm guesthouse in middle of nothing (but really, there was no village around, nothing). When sun set and we come out, it was the darkest night I ever seen. There was no sounds of civilisation, only a sound of wind. It was truly magical. However, there is one interesting place which I would like to mention on way from Snæfellsnes peninsula to Staðarhús! Geothermal tub where you can chill and warm up after a windy / rainy day - Landbrotalaug Hot Springs! It's very random spot close to the main road and when you are in, you are surrounded only by wonderful scenic landscape and nothing else. Iceland is full of geothermal areas and hot springs, but are not that popular. Most of the visitors know Blue lagoon or Myvatn Natural Bath, but there is plenty places where you can stop and chill for a couple of minutes before you will go to another journey. We were crossing 4 places and many left undiscovered. It's one of the things I absolutely enjoyed and highly recommend :) On Google you can find a maps with marked areas with natural springs where you can bath.

My personal remarks and recommendations

Iceland is amazing island! Full of natural beauty! Wherever your roads will take you, you will be amazed. That's why it's better to not have your itinerary planed tightly. We were stopping on many place we didn't ever know about them and I was enjoying it. Sometimes we even stop next to the road to just enjoy the landscape view more!

When I read about weather conditions on Iceland I didn't know what to expect. On most of the blogs I read that I should be prepared for crazy weather! Yes, it's true Iceland is very windy, better jacket is better :) However, when it's not windy, the temperature is more or less friendly. What I highly recommend is to take sure you have comfy good shoes, because you will be not limited with where you would like to go if you shoe well :)

Local cuisine - try as many fishes as you can! They cook them absolutely delicious! Also Icelanders bake perfect kinds of bread and amazing rhubarb cakes ;) If you are planing to order beer with your baked cod, you might be surprised that the beer can cost half price of the main dish or even more. Me and my boyfriend were not eating in restaurants often, we had our gas burner and were cooking our dished and making tea on camping places by the roads (and Iceland is rich on camping places - you can find them very often and they are all clean, in beautiful nature).

Grocery stores - well this might be something you should google. There can happen to you that you will be passing 100km without any grocery store by the road, so It's better to google it and cross to some city around you. Icelanders have a map with grocery stores and we were using it too (for object this one ).

Geothermal pools / hot springs - bath in as much as you can, it's awesome relax to be sitting in 35C + water in such an amazing scenery nature!

Sheep are everywhere.

I got many questions on Instagram if is Iceland expensive? So the answer is yes and no - it all depends on you. Most of the activities on Iceland are for free. We were only on one parking were was required to pay (some were voluntary and some absolutely free). What was very surprising for me that was toilets - slowly on all of the parking places where we were was a free or voluntary fee toilets in absolutely clean condition with no lack of toilet paper! If you want to eat in restaurants, you can find cheaper restaurants or expensive - In standard restaurant costs dinner about 15€ - 20€.

Another frequently question was - what kind of car do I need to rent? And here it again depends on you :) We had 4x4 car and I would suggest it, because some roads required it, but if you are going to see only Golden circle then it's Ok if you don't have 4x4. In winter it might be different and if you are going here in winter I wouldn't consider anything else only powerful 4x4 car :)

Right at the moment I feel like I write it all, but if is there anything what interested you, feel free to write me! :) I will be happy to share with you my experiences!

Where we stayed

Reykjavík - Norðurey Hotel City Garden Höfn - Lilja Guesthouse Borgarfjörður Eystri - Blabjorg Guesthouse Ólafsfjörður - Brimnes Hotel & Cabins Hólmavík - Finna Hotel Borgarnes - Staðarhús - Hestaland Guesthouse Maybe not all of these hotels were perfect butter us were good located. If you are going to visit Iceland, I suggest to find a place to stay “on your road” because the distances there are big and driving 50km extra just because of sleeping seems to me too much :) And other factor of choosing the hotel is availability.... well :) I got this trip in August for my B-day from my handsome boyfriend and our journey was starting in 20 days so we were meeting with already booked out hotels often.

Thank you for reading! Hope if you are about to go to Iceland my experiences help you a bit :)

Wish you a lovely day! Marcela

#travel #iceland

4 notes · View notes

mileheitcity-blog · 5 years

Text

Three Days in Iceland

Pre-Trip

I had planned on hitting Iceland on my way to Europe for some time. It was around 2012 that I first heard of the extended layover on Icelandair, but never really thought to look much into it, at least until I had a reason to. Study abroad finally gave me that reason. Turns out you can stay up to seven days in Iceland on your way to wherever you want to go without incurring extra service fees. Combine that with relatively cheap airfare and it seemed like the easiest way to beat jetlag and see somewhere new. I figured a place like Iceland would be a little expensive, and not wanting to blow my entire wallet before I even hit Amsterdam, I decided on a three day layover. It seemed like enough time to see some of Western Iceland and maybe get a feel for the place. I made sure to pack for some outdoors: raincoat, hiking shoes, swimsuit, sweatshirts. When researching places to stay, I found my hunch about price was correct: Iceland was more than a little expensive. Staying in Reykjavik was out of the question, so instead I found a guesthouse in the village of Akranes, about 45 minutes up the road. After the quarter ended in early June, I flew to Denver to see my parents and tie up some important loose ends before my trip. On June 17, I caught my first flight from Denver International Airport and tried to sleep on the seven hour flight to Keflavik.

Day 1

Our flight was a little late getting out of Denver, so we landed at around 9:30 local time in Iceland. Running on about 3.5 hours of sleep, I got my rental car and headed straight for my 11:00 appointment at the Blue Lagoon. I was running about an hour late, of course, but they didn’t seem to mind at all. In fact, it was one of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had. If I went down the wrong hallway, they immediately pointed me in the right direction or let me through with my wristband anyway. The sushi I had was nourishing after all that time in the air. The water was nothing short of spectacular: milky white, warm and relaxing. Two steam baths and a sauna were open and accessible in the corner and both were quite necessary. One kiosk on the left hand side sold mud masks, like the Dead Sea, and offered a silica one for free. Two rounds of the silica mask made the skin on my face feel as happy as it had been in years. Another kiosk in the corner sold beer and drinks, so I got the Icelandic national brew: Gull. Drinking and driving in Iceland is strictly forbidden, so I wanted to make sure to limit myself to only two drinks on my trip, this being one of them. I’ll get to the other one later. Gull isn’t too bad, but not too great. Something of a standard macro lager, a few shades better than Rainier. Enjoying my drink slowly allowed me to make friends with some folks around me from the Pacific Northwest, which definitely made the transition to a foreign land a little easier. My only regret from a place like this is that eventually you’ll have to leave. But I’ll be back...

Feeling refreshed, relaxed, and sobered up from my one beer, I hopped in the car and went to Reykjavik. It’s a fairly small city: you can see much of the main areas in a day. The main landmark in the city is Halgrimskirkja: the cathedral of the Church of Iceland. It’s fairly impressive, with a really cool looking pipe organ and a statue of Leif Erikson in front. I had forgotten he was of Iceland, that his father was Erik the Red. Not far from Halgrimskirkja was the Laugevegur, the main restaurant and shopping district. It was along this street that I knew where to find my second and final drink in Iceland. Many of the hot spots along this street carried oddly American names: the Chuck Norris Grill, a pub called Boston that looked like it was taken directly out of Cheers. I finally came upon the one I wanted: Lebowskibar. It was absolutely kitsch, sure, but I’m a sucker for anything to do with The Big Lebowski. I had to have my White Russian, and a “hell of a Caucasian” it was.

About 3000 ISK later, I took a short walk to the Icelandic Punk Museum to sober up a bit, but it was nothing special. The coolest thing there was a little joke at Hitler’s expense, which is never a bad thing. After the Punk Museum it was time to head on up to Akranes. There was no one at the desk, but my key was waiting for me inside, with the sun still shining at around 10pm. I took a walk down to the lighthouse at the end of town to catch the closest thing Iceland has to a summer sunset, and caught the midnight sun as I got back to the guesthouse for the night. A solid day one.

Day 2

Got a late start after sleeping off the jetlag and went right for what I really came for: Hákarl. I knew that fermented shark was pretty gnarly, but I wasn’t gonna miss it. The spot to go find shark is on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. The museum is located pretty well out in the middle of nowhere, about two hours up the road from Akranes. I didn’t get on the road until almost noon, so I thought I was out of time. I quickly grabbed a cup of coffee and a full tank of gas (around 250ISK per litre!) found my way. I found out later I had quite a bit of sunlight to work with. The Shark Museum itself is a small house on a windswept headland on the northern side of the peninsula. A spectacular view. Undaunted, I paid my 1000 ISK to see the place. The museum itself is a rather eclectic collection of maritime memorabilia and Icelandic antiques. The collection seemed almost unorganized, but I wasn’t there for the collection, I was there for the shark. The presentation was short, but interesting: a burly Icelander explains how the shark is poisonous when eaten fresh because it doesn’t process urine, so they have to basically let the thing rot in wooden tubs before letting it dry out back for a while, leading to its notorious smell. The smell can best be described as a mix of ammonia and urine, which makes sense, and though it is indeed quite foul it’s not nearly as strong or permeating as I expected it to be. It tasted much better than it smelled: like a slightly buttery fish, nothing too offensive. After a short peek at the collection, the burly Icelander directs you to the drying house out back. That’s where the magic happens, and the food gets its stinky reputation. Where the fish was pretty mild, the drying house is extremely pungent and stings your nose. The visual appearance of the shark as its cured is no more appealing: brown, crusty, and oozing with liquid. Overall though, the shark wasn’t too bad. A man in need could almost make a meal out of the stuff, and definitely could make a side dish.

Next stop was Kirkjufell and the town of Grundarfjörður about 30 minutes further out along the peninsula. Kirkjufell was featured on seasons six and seven of Game of Thrones, which was totally why I wanted to see it and not because it was a symbol of Iceland. But that was a nice perk too. I grabbed a hot dog in Grundarfjörður and found a nice little cafe that was also a small library, a great find along the trail. The mountain itself is impressive, and the nearby stream is fed by a sprawling waterfall across the highway. Very picturesque.

My third and final stop was the Vatnshellir Cave on the far end of the peninsula, about another hour out. I pull in at around 17:50, about ten minutes before they close for the day, and this place is remote. I mean even the WiFi router I brought in the car with me, the one that worked for my entire Iceland trip, couldn’t find anything out there. If there was an “end of the Earth”, this was it. The cave itself is an experience onto itself. They fit you with a helmet and a flashlight, and a friendly guide takes you down a long spiral metal staircase made slick by constant water dripping through the soil. The cave was created by a volcanic explosion, like pretty much everything else on this island, and is layered with eons of nature’s bidding. Afteer some time exploring the worn lava rock, you go down another staircase: this one even longer (about 40 meters) and slicker. At the end of the cave tour, the guide has us all close our eyes and turn out our lights. When we open them, all language barriers between the tour group disappears with a loud “whoa!” in relative unison as we all process the complete lack of light. Pitch black has new meaning there. The darkness is absolute, whole, enveloping. There really isn’t a way to describe just how dark it is with absolutely no sunlight whatsoever. After a few meditative minutes we all climbed back up, glad we had made the trek down. On the way out, I happened upon what looked like the keeper of the lighthouse at the end of the jetty lowering the Icelandic flag for the night. Felt like the perfect symbol to cap off a truly Icelandic day.

Day 3

My final day in Iceland I wanted to pack in anything else I missed before I took off to Amsterdam. I got up and headed straight back too Reykjavik. The Alþingi building is beautiful from the outside, and claims to be the oldest active parliament in the world, however, they had no tours for the day. Undaunted, I stumbled to the Settlement Exhibition up the street, colloquially called 871+- 2, in reference to the probably year Iceland was first settled by Vikings, within a range of a year or two. The Settlement Museum is very interactive, and contains replica models of some of the houses the original settlers built. The Settlement Exhibition is part of a museum network with two others, of which I only went to one: the oldest extant house in Reykjavik. The house held a small photo exhibition of Icelandic life in 1918, and was fairly well curated.

My second stop of the day was...shall we say a little different: the Icelandic Phallocalogical Museum. This guy, for some reason, had a large curated collection of animal penises, and somehow found it within himself to mount and display them in a complete museum dedicated to his collection. There are large penises, like that of a blue whale, and small penises, like that of a hamster. He even has a couple of bronze casts of human penises. The voice on the audio guide never explains why he has such a collection, and why he decided to display it on the wall for everyone to see, but boy does he go into detail about each penis. Far more than I wanted to know, but still worth a chuckle.

The Icelandic Rock and Roll Museum was only 30 more minutes down the road in Reykjanesbær , and contained a well curated mix of materials dating back to the early days and some bands I had never heard of. I mostly just went to geek on bunch of Björk and Sigur Rós and Of Monsters and Men. The collection did not disappoint. The museum was interactive, and even had a karaoke booth (that wasn’t soundproof, as I found out later). I was able to get my fill of guitars and strange costumes and even a band made out of wood. Fans of MoPop in Seattle (formerly known as the Experience Music Project) might be a little underwhelmed, but this was a fun tribute to the fascinating music history of such a tiny place. I may have spent a little too much time and energy in the karaoke room singing some of my favorites; the woman working at the desk barged in about halfway through song six (I think?) to tell me the room wasn’t soundproof. Oops.

My next two stops were a bit far away, and it was already 3pm, so I needed to hit the road. Only about nine more hours of sunlight. Reykjadalur Hot Springs got some rave reviews on YouTube, and was only about 90 minutes up the road. Or so I thought. The parking lot sits down at the bottom of a steep mountain pass near the town of Hveragerði. A little coffee shop greets visitors, but it had shut down for the day. It was pretty chili outside so I grabbed my sweatshirt for what I thought was a short walk to the river. Turns out the springs itself is a three kilometer walk up the hill. And people swim in the river. I immediately regretted forgetting both my hiking shoes and my swimsuit. The hike up to the springs is stunning. Sweeping valleys and steep canyons give way to open fields full of sheep. So many sheep. They graze in the valley, drink some of the colder water downstream, and even walk right up towards the trail for the freshest grass. Off in the distance steam literally billows out of the earth. The only time I’ve ever seen anything like it was at Yellowstone, but this was different. It was....quiet. Peaceful. The smell of sulfur carries with the wind. Near the end of the hike, you walk right through one of those steam vents, which was somehow simultaneously refreshing and blinding. The hot springs themselves are more like a spot in the river. Something in the soil is volcanic, so the ground heats the water to some naturally balmy temperatures. The bathing area is nearly the opposite of the Blue Lagoon. There are no amenities, there is no one bringing you a drink or offering you a mud mask. There are no saunas or steam baths, or any real facilities of any kind for that matter. Not a roof in sight, not even a restroom. Only a few privacy barriers indicated a potential spot to change out. I wasn’t exactly prepared for a full swim, so I took my shoes off and soaked my aching feet a while. The hot mineral water was quite soothing, really softened up the calluses.

The hike up and down created quite an appetite. I saw a sign on the road back to the main highway for a pizza bar and geothermal brewery: Ölverk. Good enough for me. The place was a little fancier than I expected, but the food and service were both really delicious. Got a pizza with dates, bacon, and blue cheese on it, and it’s probably the only pizza with fruit I’d do again. I passed on the beer: around 2700 ISK for a taster flight of four, 4000 ISK for a draft pour. Makes the ballpark seem cheap. Turns out the geothermal thing was just how they generated their power anyway, which is kinda cool I suppose, but that’s how they generate much of their electricity there. That’s like saying a brewery in Seattle is hydroelectric powered. It was getting late in the day at this point, but my friend recommended I hit a spot a little further up the road: Kerið Crater. It’s a sinkhole, but an impressive one. The parking lot backs right up to the crater, and there’s a short hike around and a staircase to the bottom. At the bottom is a pool of clean, cool groundwater. Like everywhere else in that country, it was created by volcanic activity. Some kind of sinkhole type process. I took the staircase to the bottom, took a drink of the water (tasted great!), and had a lovely conversation with some folks from Russia. A chat with some folks from the other side of the world seemed like a good way to transition to the next portion of my trip. I took a windy route back through the southern portion of Þingvellir National Park, but it was around 10:30pm at that point so I knew I needed to drive the couple hours back to Akranes to make my flight. The back roads were wide open and peaceful: for kilometers on end I might have been the only person. There was also some gravel, but some experience living in the Colorado mountains served me well. I cranked up the tunes and thought wistfully of the summer ahead of me. Amsterdam, I’m ready.

Final Thoughts

Iceland is a place unto itself. My only regret is that I didn’t allow myself one more day. More than that though, oof. It gets expensive. Outside of Reykjavik is extremely rural and provincial, and Reykjavik is indeed lovely, but not exactly the most cosmopolitan or bustling city. I would go back, and would recommend it to almost everyone, but unless you plan on doing some hardcore expeditions you can see pretty much everything in three to four days. For me, it served its purpose: I relaxed at the Blue Lagoon, ate Hákarl, slept off the jetlag, and adjusted to some of the differences of European culture. Overall, a lovely experience. Oh, and be aware the tap water smells like sulfur.

1 note · View note

sso-emotree · 6 years

Text

All Around Jorvik Masterpost

Hey guys! As I’m sure most of you have seen (even though I haven’t done it in a while), I have a project on my blog called “All Around Jorvik”. It’s really just me going around Jorvik and taking pictures of the landscapes. Each time I post, I’m picking one from this list. I figured I might as well post this list so if anyone is looking for a reference or just wants to see the landscapes of the game, they can find it here. The list and links are all under the bar. I’ll edit this post each time I post. Sometimes I may reblog it as a reminder, but most of the time I’ll just link it in the photo post.

If you have any requests from the below locations for me to do next, shoot me an ask! Otherwise I just select them randomly.

Misc. (Mixture of Places)

As a note --> this includes, say someone took photos *all over Epona*. Because it’s not just a single place in Epona, it’ll be put here.

[x]

Epona

Butter Hill

The Cauldron [x]

Campsite

Crescent Moon Village

Dew’s Farm

The Eastern Slopes

Epona Lake

Epona River

Fort Maria

The Great Thunder

Guardian’s Dale

Mirror Crag

Mirror Marshes [x]

The Moon Spring [x]

Moses Lighthouse

New Hillcrest

New Hillcrest Stables

Observatory 12 [x]

The Old Bunker [x]

Old Hillcrest

Old Stormgarden

Old Wreck

Poison Pond

Ruined Entrance

Shipwreck Shore

Snowstorm Beach

Stormgarden

Stormgarden Fields

Sunset Island

Twilight Temple

Goldenhills Valley

Cape West Fishing Village

Eastglade

Goldenleaf Stables

Goldenleaf Woods

Jasper’s Pumpkin Farm

Labyrinth Shore

North Iron Gate

Old Church Ruin

Scarecrow Hill

Shadowy Hills

Smuggler’s Den

Smuggler’s Hideout

South Iron Gate

South Sea Acres

West Iron Gate

The Harvest Counties

Abandoned Picnic

Dew’s Paddock

The Forgotten Fields [x]

Goldspur Farm

Goldspur’s Mill

Gray Gate Pass

Greendale

Greydew Coast [x]

Greydew Mountains

Ingun’s Cliffs

The Inn by the Bridge

Jarlaheim [x]

The Jarlaheim Fields

The Jarlasson Farm

Jorvik Stables

Jorvik Stables Arena

Old Runestone [x]

Paddock Island

Prospecting Site Alpha

Prospecting Site Beta

Prospecting Site Delta

Prospecting Site Gamma

Pumpkin Cliff

Seahorse Beach

Seahorse Point

Secret Smuggler Place

Stablebucks Cafe

Sunfield Farm

Toll Booth

Tor’s Heel

Under the Road

Unfortunate Dews’ Farm

Wolf Meadow [x]

Jorvik City

Aideen’s Plaza

Govenor’s Fall

Jorvik City Mall

Pier 13

Mistfall

Birk’s Grange

Birk’s Passage

Bramble Gorge [x]

Dundull

The Keel

Mistfall Lake

South Mistfall Forest

South Mistfall Ranger Station

Silverglade

Abandoned Farm

Abandoned Summerhouse

The Ancient Tree

Apple Grove

The Baroness’s Racetrack

Birch Hill

Cliffside County

Cozy Picnic

The Damascus Mine

Doyle’s Abbey

Firgrove

Firgrove Village

Fisherman’s Hut

Fort Pinta

Fort Pinta Beach [x]

Fort Pinta Cafe

Everwind Dumping Site

The Everwind Fields

The Everwind Oil Fields

GED Construction Site

Golden Fields

The Grape Fields

Hillside Construction Site

Hollow Woods [x]

Jarl’s Tomb

Marley’s Farm

Mill Hill of Will

Moorland [x]

Moorland South Beach [x]

The Moorland Forge

Mountain Druid Grove

Mountain Dumping Site

Mountain Vista

Mountaineer’s Hut

Mrs. Holdsworth’s House

A Mystic Wagon

Nilmer’s Highland

Northlink [x]

An Old Boathouse

Old Druid Circle

Old Man Jasper’s House

The Overlook Chasm

Pony Point

Riding Hall/Arena

Silverglade Acres

Silverglade Castle

Silverglade Equestrian Center

Silverglade Manor

The Silverglade Mine

Silverglade Observatory

The Silverglade Sandpit

Silverglade Village [x]

Silverglade Vineyard [x]

Silversong River

Southsilver Waters

The Spymaster’s Hideout [x]

Steve’s Farm

The Thorn Rocks

UFO Crash Site

Valedale Lake

Valedale Village [x]

Water Mill

South Hoof Peninsula

Ancient Tree [x]

Cape Sorrow

Dead Man’s Sands

Hermit’s Cottage

South Hoof Beach [x]

South Hoof Farm [x]

South Hoof Farm (Ruins) [x] [x]

South Hoof Ferry Landing (Old) [x]

South Hoof Lighthouse

Stone Circle

Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur

The Ashen Steep

The Hidden Dinosaur

Frozen Vale Lake [x]

Icendell [x]

Icengate

Icenwood [x]

Icepeak Island

Nic Stoneground’s Camp

The Old Elevator

Valley of Frozen Mist

Other Areas

Birthday 2018

Christmas Village

Cloud Kingdom

Galloper’s Keep [x] [x]

Midsummer Festival

Pandoria

#sso #star stable #star stable online #allaroundjorvik #my post #masterpost #masterlist

14 notes · View notes