Many Layers – Seeing Past the Red Light District, Amsterdam

Travel is as much a part of my life as family and friends. When I’m on a plane, a train, or a bus heading toward a new location, I’m on an adrenaline high. All I need to do is think about exploring a new country or culture and my heart speeds up. After visiting 33 countries, it’s safe to say that I can’t write about them all and I most certainly can’t write about every experience in every city. So, when I posted about Amsterdam, I wrote about what surprised me the most: The Red Light District. Everything about it was new to me. I don’t normally walk down the street and see prostitutes or strip clubs; smoking anything is not done publicly; and a “coffee” shop sells coffee.  I was in no way uncomfortable with the Dutch tolerance and public display of sexuality; in fact, I might actually think it’s a better system, but it was definitely a notable experience. I left out the twinkling canals, the cleanliness of the city, the bikes that filled the streets, and the Anne Frank Museum that I imagined touring since learning about her in grade ten. Beautiful, open-minded, and filled with something new around every corner, Amsterdam is a delight to visit, even if you skip the Red Light District. 

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Notre Dame’s Legend

Every famous building has a story, a legend hidden deep within it, which intrigues people. In the case of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, it is the story of the hunchback who was the inspiration for the books, movies, and cartoons known as “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.

The Cathedral itself is the most significant aspect of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” novel, acting as both the main setting and the focus of the story’s themes. My passion for reading and my love for the hunchback story, brought me to the Notre Dame Cathedral. I had visualized its beauty and imagined the sound of Quasimodo ringing its bells; actually walking inside was like walking through the pages of my mind. 

Leaning Towards One of the World’s Most Recognizable Buildings

The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is simply a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral; cathedrals all over Italy have bell towers and many of them are leaning for one reason or another, but I’ve seen everyone else’s pictures “propping up” the Leaning Tower and I needed to have one of my own. Tourists stand in front of the tipsy tower, leaning at a jaunty angle themselves, and take snapshots in which they seem to disobey the laws of gravity. Although it’s a tourist trap, I feel into the desire to travel to Pisa with the sole purpose of seeing the Leaning Tower.

Pisa is located in the region of Tuscany, a short train ride away from Florence; so when we arrived in Florence early in the morning and still had a full day of free travel on the Eurorail, we figured a quick jaunt to Pisa was in order. 

Cead Mile Failte at Tig Cóilí’s in Galway, Ireland

Traditional Irish music 7 nights a week, young, friendly, good-looking staff, and a great atmosphere make Tig Cóilí in Galway, Ireland one of my favorite finds during my European trip.

Tig Cóilí is situated on Mainguard Street at the end of Shop Street in Galway, Ireland and is always filled to the brim like the great Guinness that they serve.

Meet Tonje Helene Blomseth: A Girl Who’s Ready to Conquer the World!

Featured Writer:  Erica K. Haugli

Sometimes somebody’s adventurous spirit speaks to our own and stirs in us the desire to dream big.  Maybe it’s because we know the same voice as they do:  Not that of friends, family or society, but the inner voice that calls us to face our fears, test our physical and mental limits, and dare to live life to the fullest.

Tonje Helene Blomseth is someone who stirs this voice within me.  I’d like to introduce you to this adventurous soul and hope that her story inspires you to say yes to the next challenge that awaits you.  Meet Tonje:

Just over three months ago, on December 11, 2011, this blond, energetic, and very determined 17-year old achieved one of her goals. Continue Reading…

Bucharest is Europe’s Best Kept Secret

Featured Writer: Nicole Basaraba

Bucharest is the most lush, sweet and pleasing-to-the-eye city I’ve visited and the best part is that nobody “knows” about it. What I mean is that you don’t hear many people talking about their planned trip to Bucharest or other parts of Romania. The lack of hordes of tourists is what makes this city even more fun to visit. There is no standing in line for two hours to visit the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye or to catch a glimpse of the astronomical clock tower in Prague.

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Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited – #6 Dublin, Ireland

Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited

With 33 countries under my belt, I’ve experienced some of the most amazing cities that the world has to offer. From great beaches, climate, friendly people, personal interests, world-famous attractions, architecture, history, and culture, there are many different factors that make a city great, let alone top ten!

#6 Dublin, Ireland – Home of The Guinness Storehouse!

With world-renowned nightlife, literature, history and so much more, I never wanted to leave Dublin. During my stay, I was able to  drink like an Irishman at Marlborough Hostel, discover the story of iconic drinks at The Guinness Storehouse, trace Dublin’s literary tradition at the Dublin Writers Museum, and follow the disturbing history of Kilmainham Gaol. As an English teacher with Cape Breton, Nova Scotian, roots, there are few better things in life than great literature and history all washed down by the perfect pint of beer. What more could I ask for?

Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited – #7 Santorini, Greece

Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited

With 33 countries under my belt, I’ve experienced some of the most amazing cities that the world has to offer. From great beaches, climate, friendly people, personal interests, world-famous attractions, architecture, history and culture, there are many different factors that make a city great, let alone top ten!

#7 Santorini, Greece - The City Above the Sea!

Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited – #9 Paris, France

Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited

With 33 countries under my belt, I’ve experienced some of the most amazing cities that the world has to offer. From great beaches, climate, friendly people, personal interests, world-famous attractions, architecture, history and culture, there are many different factors that make a city great, let alone top ten!

#9 Paris – France

Paris is the most visited city in the world with an estimated 15.6 million visitors a year. 

Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited – #10 London – United Kingdom

Top 10 Favorite Cities Visited

With 33 countries under my belt, I’ve experienced some of the most amazing cities that the world has to offer. From great beaches, climate, friendly people, personal interests, world-famous attractions, architecture, history and culture, there are many different factors that make a city great, let alone top ten!

So… here goes.

#10. London – United Kingdom

Legendary fog isn’t enough to keep Londontown out of the tourist limelight. London is the 2nd most visited city in the world with estimated 14.8 million visitors a year.