Passion

Blissful Bali

Bali has become the ultimate tourist destination for anyone looking to travel in the last few years. It has become the vision of perfection due to the several celebrities that have spent their vacations in Bali. Advertised unintentionally through every tabloid magazine, Bali has come into the lime light as one of the the best places to vacation in the world. It seems to be the ultimate combination of relaxation and tranquility. I’ve never been to Bali, but from what I’ve seen it is one of the most gorgeous places to be. As a sanctuary for meditators and a hot spot for celebrities, I can’t wait to see what Bali has to offer.

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful things to see in Bali are the rice paddies. Rice paddies are essentially rice fields, but in Bali they are tiered. One of the prettiest locations in all of Bali is The Jatiluwih Rice Fields. It has been quoted in several travel books as one of the top ten sites to see, however, people still seem to skip over it. In fact the rice fields are actually a UNESCO world landscape sight. As quoted by travel blogger Nomadic Matt, “…these rice terraces are stunning. They give new meaning to the word green. They crawl up the sides of the hills like steps leading you towards the sky.” He also mentions it is a must see if you go to Bali. You may be surprised to hear that if you go, you’ll find the fields to be mostly empty, but that’s part of the beauty. You get time to just be alone with nature. The terraces use the Subak irrigation system, which is a system that has been used for centuries. They span an entire mountain from the tip of the peak down to where it meets the sea. It’s so big it would take you days to hike through all the rice fields.Jatiluwih, Bali 2013--54joel-santos-indonesia-13

 

According to Travel and Leisure magazine and CNN travel, Tanah Lot Temple, is one of the best temples to visit in all of Bali. Bali is known for its beautiful architecture when it comes to its temples, and Tanah is one of the best examples. The temple is located on the Tanah Lot. The lot is a rock formation that is actually located of the island of Bali. The lot has been a part of balinese mythology for many centuries. I thought I would share the story that accompanies the myth.

“Legend has it that the site was founded by a roaming 16th century Brahmin priest from the Majapahit Kingdom in Java named Dahyang Niratha. According to the tale, during his travels along Bali’s coastline Niratha saw the rocky outcropping known presently as Tanah Lot and decided to stop there in order to rest and meditate. He was later spotted by some local fishermen, who brought the priest gifts. Niratha decided to spend the night on the little island, and subsequently told the fishermen that they should build a shrine to the gods and goddesses of the sea there because he felt it to be a holy place. Locals believe that small, poisonous black and white sea snakes (along with one very large snake) abound in the waters around the temple, protecting it from evil spirits and intruders. These snakes are said to be Niratha’s sashes, which fell into the sea when he left the sacred spot.”

Now there is a beautiful temple built on this island. Tourists flock to this sites every year to see the famous temple on water.

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Many people believe that Bali has lost its charm and become too popular, but the natural beauty and architecture of Bali is still unsurpassed in many ways. It is an amazing place to escape to if you know where you’re going. I thought this would be a nice way to finish off my passion blogs, because Bali is a reminder that sometimes you just have to escape and explore, which is what travel is all about. It also enforces the fact that we need to relax, and as finals come up, remember one week will not be the end all be all of your life. So just breathe and think about the beautiful fields in Bali!

http://www.departful.com/2014/07/pura-tanah-lot-bali/

http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/escape/destinations/what-to-do-in-bali-641181

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/bali

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/the-jatiluwih-rice-terraces/

 

 

Passion

Ever heard of Kosovo?

Kosovo is a western european country surrounded by Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Albania. However, the country is only eight years old! That’s right, the country separated from Serbia in 2008. The capital of Kosovo, Pristina, is actually a very modern city heavily involved in the idea of consumerism. In fact Travel and Leisure has Pristina on their top 50 cities to visit for 2015! There’s always something to do in Pristina, and today I’m going to highlight some of the main attractions.

National Museum of Kosovo

Besides the wide array of cultural shops and restaurants, Pristina boasts one major museum worth seeing. The National Museum of Kosovo has over 50 thousand exhibits to view. Most of these exhibits revolve around seeing Kosovo through an anthropological and archaeological lens. This entails an extensive selection of pieces that detail Kosovo’s rich history; some pieces even go back as far as the Neolithic era around 8,000 years ago! One of the exhibits you can see is called The Neolithic Goddess of the Throne, or Hynesha ne Fron as the people of Kosovo have named it. This piece of terracotta was made around 6,000 BC and has always been an item of value in it’s time. It was found in Kosovo around 1956. Lonely Planet comments,”It’s well worth coming here to see how Kosovans perceive the past two decades of their troubled history.” The second museum is The Ethnological Museum Emin Gjiku is a sub-museum found in The National Museum and takes a unique perspective on it’s artwork. The Ethnological Museum Emin Gjiku has four major themes that focuses on the cycle of life: birth, life, dead, and spiritual heritage. One of the complexes involved in The Ethnological Museum is The Stone House, which contains some of the more contemporary artworks.

The Goddess of the Throne

The Goddess of the Throne

 

The next major attraction to see in Kosovo is the Newborn Monument. After gaining independence from Serbia on February 17th, 2008, Kosovo unveiled the Newborn Monument. It symbolizes the newfound freedom of self-sovereignty Kosovo now exercises. It’s a typographic sculpture, much like the Hollywood sign in California. Originally painted a bright yellow, the Newborn Monument is now painted differently every year; they reveal the new design annually on February 17. This unveiling has become a routine part of their independence day celebration. In the first redesign of the monument, Kosovo painted the flags of all of the countries who have recognized their independence on the monument. This triggered international media attention, and was even featured on the front page of The New York Times. The monument weighs a hefty 9 tons! It’s dimensions are 10 feet by 79 feet by 3 feet. The Newborn Monument has received six major design awards and has sparked critical acclaim worldwide. The Kosovo Travel Blog states the monument is “One of the most historic places in the very recent history of Europa”. If you can, try to book a ticket sometime in February so you can participate in the unveiling of the monument!

The original unveiling of The Newborn Monument

The original unveiling of The Newborn Monument

Kosovo is an up and coming country that has a lot to offer. If you ever do end up visiting Pristina don’t just get lost in the endless array of cultural diversity it has to offer! Make sure you visit The National Museum and take a selfie with The Goddess of the Throne. Travel blogger Anwar exclaimed how Pristina, “From very friendly people, to its interesting yet tragic history, it really drew me in.” All in all, traveling is what you make it out to be. With that in mind, wherever you go in the world, and whatever you do, just have fun with it.

24-28 June 2000 NATO Press Tour of Kosovo. - View of Pristina

http://www.ancientcraft.co.uk/reenactment/pa_venus_vinca1.html

http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/best-places-to-travel-in-2015/35

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/kosovo/prishtina/sights/museums-galleries/museum-kosovo

http://www.beyondmyfrontdoor.com/wp/friday-photo-newborn-prishtina-kosovo/

http://www.kosovo-info.com/kosovo-tourism/newborn-monument/

 

Passion

Lisbon

I recently found out one of my friends is going to Spain for a study abroad trip, which is very exciting! So I started thinking to myself what if I did my blog on a city in Spain. The problem is everyone has heard of Madrid and Barcelona, and I promised a look into cities that people are more unfamiliar with so I did some research and I found out that not too far away in the country of Portugal is a very cool and actually quite popular city, Lisbon. Lisbon is pushing for recognition in the tourist world because the value for dollar in Lisbon is a great deal for tourists. Lisbon is taking advantage of this circumstance to promote their city to travelers looking for something a little different.

You might have heard of Lisbon before, I think I have heard the name on a few occasions, but I know nothing about Portugal in general.  Lisbon is an absolutely gorgeous city. The city is full of history, art, fashion, poetry, and so much more. There are castles and chapels. I’m only going to be able to discuss a few of the many things there are to do in Lisbon.

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Lisbon has a great history that relates to royalty. One of the main attractions Castelo De Sao Jorge is a castle that was modified for the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques. The building was initially a defensive stronghold for the Moors before the King conquered Portugal. The castle had several conversions over the years. However, it is now a national monument open to visitors. The castle is open all year. There is a museum where you can learn more about the history of the Castle and the city of Lisbon. You can also see the archeological site of a Moorish neighborhood. The Tower of Ulysses-Periscope allows you to take a look at the entire city of Lisbon from an amazing viewpoint. The castle also has beautiful gardens you can take a tour of. There’s a lot to do, but the castle is one of the most prominent sites in Lisbon. Elle has the castle on its list of top things to do in Lisbon, adding that is, “…a quite place to enjoy sensational views.”

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Another must see site is the Jeronimos Monastery. The monastery is of the order of Saint Jerome and its located on the shore of Belem, which is only a few miles outside of Lisbon. It is a true piece of art. The south facade is covered in detailed sculptures of the Our Lady of Bethlehem with the child, apostles, prophets, and other religious figures. The beauty of the church isn’t just on the outside. The inside of the church is amazing. It has high vaulted ceilings covered in ornate detailing. On one side is a wall covered in stained glass windows. Then you can head out to the courtyard and walk around to see the peaceful cloisters and the old confessional doors. Even if your not religious this is one of the most architecturally astounding buildings in the Lisbon area. Travel blog, Hand Luggage Only, claims the monastery has, “…the most stunning gothic architecture in all of Lisbon!”

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If you’re looking to just do a little shopping and find a good place to eat the best place to go is the Praca de Comercio. The square faces the water and a has a very iconic entrance leading into the square itself. Elle describes the arch as an “…impressive triumphal arch…”Once inside the square you can walk around on the old streets exploring shops and small eateries. There is also street performers around most of the time. A good place to enjoy the Lisbon life, Praca de Comercio is a good place to go after a long day of sightseeing.

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Lisbon is actually a very diverse city. The sites I have talked about were mostly of historic significance. However, there is also a very famous museum of fashion in Lisbon, which holds creations by some of the biggest designers in the world. There is also many places along the shore where you can just relax. You can also take a trip to Cabo De Roca, which is the westernmost point in Europe. I know I had a lot of fun learning about Lisbon, I hope you did too!

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http://castelodesaojorge.pt/en/plan-your-visit/

http://www.elle.com/culture/travel-food/g8752/lisbon-sightseeing-places-to-see/?slide=7

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189158-d195318-Reviews-Mosteiro_dos_Jeronimos-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Portugal.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189158-d199878-Reviews-Praca_do_Comercio_Terreiro_do_Paco-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Portugal.html

http://handluggageonly.co.uk/2014/07/15/12-things-lisbon/

Passion

New Zealand

I’ve personally always wanted to go to New Zealand. This is primarily because I spent about two years of my life in New Zealand. I was very young, about 2 years old, when we moved there. New Zealand is where I went to school for the first time. That’s right I started pre-school in New Zealand. I really don’t remember anything though. Anyway in preparation for a very much anticipated trip to New Zealand, I have compiled a list of things I must see! I got even more excited because for those of us who follow cricket (virtually no one in the US) New Zealand made it to the final match! They lost but it was still a great journey to the final match. New Zealand is actually making an active effort to create a safer environment for tourists. They are taking on the task of changing road signs and markers to allow for safer driving for all. That way when you go to visit you can be at ease when it comes to traveling around the country.

If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings you will know that Hobbiton is located in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, Hobbiton is a huge attraction for even the slightest of fans. There are movie tours and even evening dinner tours. During the tour they bring you into Hobbiton and explain how the set was designed and built. The set is located on 1,250 acres of sheep farm land. You can see the Kamai range from the set. The tour takes you through the Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and other structures built for the set. If you have always wondered what it would be like to walk around Middle Earth, don’t miss you chance!

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Queenstown is a gorgeous resort destination. It sums up what New Zealand is truly about. The vast mountains and lakes will take your breath away. Since the seasons are flipped in New Zealand. Queenstown functions as a ski resort from June-August. From September to May, the resort is full of hikes, kayaking, biking, and so much more. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There are many great tours you can take around the area. There is also a great nightlife in Queenstown. The restaurants and entertainment per capita are some of the greatest in New Zealand.  One main sight to see is Milford Sound. A must see if you are in Queenstown. Conde Nast sums up Queenstown by saying, “…head all the way south to Queenstown, dubbed the adrenaline-junkie capital of the world, and you’ll find more than a few ways to look danger in the eye, while also checking out some of the most stunning views in the world.”

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Milford Sound has been called the eighth wonder of the world. It was carved out by the glaciers that stood there before. The fjords are magnificent creations of nature. They are so huge you would think they are touching the clouds. Conde Nast Traveller exclaims, “Milford Sound is the magnum opus in the South Island’s repertory of landscape spectaculars.” Fiordland National Park is a great way to go around the area. There are many wildlife hikes they have mapped out. There are also several cruises you can take around the sound. There is also the Milford Discovery Centre. The discovery centre is a great place to learn more about the sound and its history. There is also an underwater observatory at the centre. You can experience the underwater life up close.

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One place I think is really cool is the 90 mile beach, which happens to actually only be 55 miles. However, its still pretty awesome. It actually considered an official highway, but only 4WD cars are allowed on the sand. It’s supposed to be one of the best places to go surfboarding and there is even a five day fishing cruise that goes along the beach.

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Overall New Zealand is a country full of natural beauty. It is place where you can just slow down and breathe. Kiwis (New Zealanders) are also supposed to be some of the kindest, most welcoming people around. I wish I could run away there right now, State College doesn’t always allow for slowing down!    imgres-4

http://www.hobbitontours.com/

http://www.milford-sound.co.nz/thingstodo/milford-sound-cruise/

http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/information/tours/

http://www.northlandnz.com/destinations/ahipara_ninety_mile_beach

http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-01-22/queenstown-new-zealand-the-adventure-capital-of-the-world-extreme-sports

http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2012-04-24/new-zealand-maori-lord-of-the-rings-alps-bay-islands-adventure-travel-susan-hack

Passion

Seattle: A City of Unknown Surprises

I have always wanted to go to Seattle. We used to live there when I was a baby. My mother and father talk about our time in Seattle with such fondness, I’ve wondered what it was like to live there.My mom says her favorite part was taking me on morning and afternoon walks around Pike Place Market. She talks about how beautiful the Sound looked with the sunset and sunrise. I can tell she misses it sometimes. So I thought it was about time I explored what made this city so sleepless. What is so wonderful about this mysterious city? We all know about New York City, Philly, LA, and Boston, but Seattle, where does that fall into play? Seattle is actually growing rapidly due to the tech boom being fueled by young tech geniuses who are looking for the next Silicon Valley. Seattle is providing a great platform for these young innovators to grow. The city is also getting a lot of hype because it will be the first pacific northwestern city to host the Golf ‘s US Open Championships. It is also going to be the recipient of the best IMAX theater in the world in the Boeing Theater. The technology consists of a 4K laser projector! Not to mention the Seattle Seahawks made it to the Superbowl this year!

I should start off with the most obvious reason this city sleeps so little. The first Starbucks opened in Pike Place Market in 1971. In fact since the entire Pike Place Market is a historic district the Starbucks looks exactly the way it did the day it opened. Starbucks is the reason that brought my family to Seattle. My father was assigned an engineering assignment for the company and we upped and moved. I guess that explains my growing love of coffee. If you are looking for more entrepreneurship, you can catch a glimpse of Bill Gates House on the shore of the Lake Washington. Apparently, a vast 60,000 square feet, the house is a spectacular scene hiding in the outdoors

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Microsoft’s influence expands to the Experience Music Project Museum. Founded by the co-founder of Microsoft, Paul Allen, EMP Museum is designed to showcase pop culture. It allows people of any age to explore the history of contemporary music, pop culture, and art. The building is a sight to see in itself. The building was designed by Frank O. Gehry. He wanted to capture the spirit of rock n’ roll. Conde Nast Traveller has the museum on their top five arts destinations for Seattle claiming it is a “shrine” to rock and roll lovers.

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Okay I know you’re wondering when am I going to mention the famous space needle. Well here goes the Space Needle is main feature in the entire landscape of Seattle. The Space Needle stands at 605 feet tall. The Needle also offers you the opportunity to eat at 500 feet above the ground at the Skycity restaurant. Another 20 feet up and at 52o feet above the ground, you are in the observation deck staring out toward the city.

Space-Needle

Another absolute must in Seattle is Pike Place Market. The market has been around for 108 years. It is filled with shops, stands from local vendors. You can find veggies, fruits, local art, tea and spices. Basically Pike Place has almost anything you could think of and its full of life. A traveller posted on tripadvisor, “I’m sure there a hundreds of reviews for the legendary Pike St. Market. Well, it is a must see/do/taste/smell type of place. It’s a narrow walkway that is pressed on either side by vendors of all sorts. And you will love it!” It sounds like a great place just to stroll around and take in Seattle’s buzzing culture and life. It is in fact one of the top tourist attraction on lists across magazines like Travel and Leisure, Conde Nast Traveller, and even on Tripadvisor’s website. Travel and Leisure says,Yes, it’s one of the Emerald City’s top tourist spots, but Pike Place is also a true neighborhood market bursting with gorgeous local produce, riotous flowers, and famous flying fish.”

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A few other place you should definitely check out if you’re ever in Seattle are the Waterfront Park, The Chihuly Gardens and Glass, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. If you have some extra time make your way to one of the many museums in Seattle and don’t forget Mt.Rainer National Park!

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http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60878-d103584-Reviews-Pike_Place_Market-Seattle_Washington.html

http://www.seattle.gov/visiting-seattle

http://www.spaceneedle.com/home/

http://www.empmuseum.org/

http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/a-locals-favorite-seattle-experiences/5

http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2011-10-28/seattle-arts-culture

Passion

Santa Monica ( I wish I was there instead of here)

Just to be clear, I love Penn State, but you must agree the weather has been less than pleasant lately. Snow is beautiful, and I love every bit of it unless its hitting me in the face aggressively. So I thought this week we should travel to a warmer part of the country. This city may not be the most glamorous or famous, but it’s beautiful. When I think of Santa Monica, I have a picture of pure happiness. The sun is shining and the sand is warm. Do you feel better yet?The city is even trying to do a complete eco friendly revamp. The city is actually home to Global Green USA. It is one of the greenest cities in the US and it’s working on trying to become even greener. Their ferris wheel is solar powered, they are a super bike friendly city, they have a few community gardens, and they require every new house to be solar power equipped. Santa Monica has just partnered with LivingHomes to create floor plans for net zero houses. That means the house uses just as much power as it emits. The city is excited to see how the plans work out!

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According to Tripadvisor, the 26-Mile Bike Path is absolute best thing to do in Santa Monica. I believe that completely. Santa Monica is the quintessential California town. One commenter wrote that its a perfect ride with beaches on one side and shops on the other. The amazing views are all around you, its supposed to be the best way to see all the areas around Santa Monica. It’s also not supposed to be too strenuous of a ride. The path is mostly flat the entire way. A must do in Santa Monica, the 26 mile bike path is something I would like to in the future!

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On your way back from your 26 Mile Beach Path, I would suggest (as would tripadvisor) to stop at the pier and relax at the beach. The pier is a great place to hang out and have some fun. They have the good old boardwalk rides and foods. Travel and Leisure magazine ranks the Santa Monica Pier as the number one attraction in Santa Monica. I wouldn’t skip it if I was you! They also have tons of little souvenir shops so you never forget you went to Santa Monica. I doubt you could if you wanted to! As far as the beach goes, it’s a lot different from the beaches we have here on the jersey coast. The water is much warmer, the sand is soothing and soft, and it feels like the sun is always out. It is also the best place to see a sunset from. I can’t imagine spending a better day relaxing.

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A good place to eat lunch and see some unique art is the Bergamot Station. The Bergamot Station is located on an eight acre plot of land. It happens to be the largest art gallery complex and cultural center in Southern California. It is comprised of galleries, museums, cafes, design firms, and shops. The Bergamot Cafe is a very cost friendly place to grab lunch. They offer soups, sandwiches, and salads, offering new specials almost every day. After picking up a sandwich, you should head over to the Santa Monica Museum of Art. They are always getting new exhibitions. Bergamot Station is definitely the best place to explore all types of art. imgres-8

I thought I would include a fun top ten list made by someone who is very familiar with Santa Monica.

10 BEST IN THE #1 CITY

Submitted by Lise Hill
1. Best Sunset View – Marisol on the Santa Monica Pier
2. Best Happy Hour – Xino Santa Monica Place
3. Best 1st Date – Third Street Promenade
4. Best Place for a Birthday Party – Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier
5. Best Gallery – Bergamot Station 2525 Michigan
6. Best Family Restaurant – Norms
7. Best Place to Work Out – Running at the Beach in the Early Morning
8. Best Transportation – Big Blue Bus
9. Best Entertainment – Free Twilight Dance Series Concerts
10. Best Stage Plays – Santa Monica Playhouse

http://www.santamonica.com/10-best/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33052-Activities-Santa_Monica_California.html

http://www.travelandleisure.com/weekend-getaways/los-angeles/los-angeles-tour-santa-monica

Passion

Yellowstone: My most favorite place ever!

A couple summers ago we went to Yellowstone National Park! Yellowstone was America and the world’s first National Park. It was established in 1872. Today it is still one of the most visited National Parks in the world. Recently the Lake Yellowstone Hotel was named a national historical landmark. The hotel was constructed in 1891 and is going to go through some renovation to restore it to its full glory. Yellowstone is a place filled with history. I had loads of fun when we went! We went for about a week. I fell in love almost immediately with the beautiful landscapes and the serenity of my surrounding.

On the first day we arrived in Bozeman, Montana in the afternoon and decided to do some grocery shopping since we would be staying inside Yellowstone National Park most of our trip. Then we drove to Yellowstone through the north entrance:Livingston. The trip down to Yellowstone was so breathtaking! This was only the beginning of what was to come. We took some pictures with the famous arch and the Welcome to Yellowstone sign. We continued on towards our lodging, which was the Mammoth Hot Spring Cabins. We left all our luggage in the cabin and went to see the Mammoth Hot Springs,which are sulphur hot springs. They look like frozen waterfall but there is hot water running over them.

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The next day we started at Mammoth Hot Springs and saw both the upper and lower terraces, the smell of sulphur just surrounds you. Then we headed east towards Lamar river valley. The Lamar valley is supposed to be the serengeti of Yellowstone. We saw tons of bison everywhere. Sunset magazine says Lamar Valley is one of the top “wow” spots in all of Yellowstone. Then we continued towards Fishing Bridge. On our way we saw the Sulphur Cauldron, and Mud Volcano. Mud Volcano was an amazing thermal activity area. You could see the giant mud pot, which bubbled and the steamy sulphuric water. My favorite was the Dragon Mouth Spring. It was a cave from which huge amounts of steam emitted, which carried the strong smell of sulphur with it. I loved the mysteriousness of it. Then we drove down to Yellowstone Lake. The lake is humongous, you can never see the end. While driving back to Canyon Village, which is where we were staying, we saw the upper and lower falls, which were magnificent. The falls are actually located on a loop, which is called the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Image result for lamar river valley

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The third day we took a detour to Grand Teton National Park, which is right on the other side of Yellowstone and just as magnificent! Once we got to Grand Teton, we stopped at the info center and drove on to find a picnic spot right on Jackson Lake. I don’t think I’ve ever had lunch in a more picturesque location. I was eating good old cucumber sandwiches surrounded by massive glaciers and a bright blue lake right by me. It was definitely a day to remember! New York Times Travel agrees in that the scenery at Grand Teton is stunning. Conde Nast highlights the beauty of the peaks by stating, “so differently does the light play in their snowy crevices than on the meadows below, that you might imagine you’re looking at a movie backdrop.” I have to agree full heartedly on that statement.

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Our fourth day we saw a grizzly bear from about 15ft away! This is was while we were headed to Old Faithful. The hot springs is one of the most active springs. We saw it erupt and many others in the upper geyser basin. In fact we saw about 8 eruptions! On our drive to our cabin my father and I took an amazing hike to a spot called artists paint pots. There were so may different colored mud pots. It was just gorgeous. The mud pots also have small “mud eruptions”. Since these were so many different colors, it looked like it was out of a Tim Burton movie.

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Our last day  we were traveling towards Norris geyser basin. On the way we saw a mama grizzly bear with two baby cubs. They were crossing the street! We got to Norris and we did most of the back basin. We saw the porkchop, steamboat, green dragon, and many other active thermal sites. Then we saw the museum and saw the porcelain basin, which was a group of very colorful pools. Then we went towards the west entrance. This where we left Yellowstone officially. We just drove toward Bozeman, because we were leaving the next day from the local airport. I would just like to add, when you leave Yellowstone, it feels so strange to be back in society. Not that the areas surrounding Yellowstone are new york city or anything, but still it feels like you’ve just entered a different world. 

I know I didn’t officially bring in a lot of outside input on this post, but everything we did was planned my amazing mother who I remember spent weeks compiling an itinerary. She must have read 5 different books and spent hours on trip advisor to figure out the best way to spend five days in yellowstone. So in a way this entire trip was successful because of others past experiences.

http://www.sunset.com/travel/rockies/yellowstone-national-park-guide

http://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/01/travel/rediscovering-the-grandeur-of-the-tetons.html?pagewanted=3

http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2009-10-08/10-perfect-days-in-big-sky-country-montana-and-wyoming

Passion

Singapore

I am going to Singapore this summer for an Engineering class and I thought I would do some research on what I should be looking forward to. I thought it was exciting that in June, Singapore would be hosting one of the biggest sport festivals in  Asia, the South East Asian Games. Starting June 6th, Singapore will be transformed into a sports enthused community. The games consist of 36 games and 406 events overall. This is very special for Singapore since this year they are celebrating their 50th year of independence as a country. In celebration of 50 years of independence, Singapore is also pumping 20 million dollars of promotions and special deals for tourists. If you want to see Singapore, this year would be a good time to go! Here are some main attractions with some first hand advice from my friend Trishita, who has been there a few times before.

Helix Bridge- The Helix Bridge is the world’s first curved bridge. The bridge links Marina Bay to Marina Centre. It was opened on 24 April 2010. It’s a 280 meter pedestrian linkway, unlike any other in the world. It is the world’s first double helix structure. The bridge is inspired by the asian yin and yang symbol. It is supposed to bring wealthy, happiness, and prosperity to Singapore. It is a symbol of life and continuity, renewal, everlasting abundance, and growth.

helix_bridge_w100810_cfj1http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/arts-and-entertainment/architecture/helix-bridge.html

Gardens By The Bay-My friend’s sister went to the National University of Singapore for her undergraduate degree. Since her sister was there for four years, my friend, Trishita, was able to explore Singapore when she would visit. I talked to her about what her favorite attraction was in Singapore. Her response, Gardens by The Bay. It is supposed to be a significant site if you’re interested in beautiful gardens and natural life. However, there is one very innovative part of the park. They have these huge tree like structures which are very pretty, but actually have a different use. They capture solar energy to power Sentosa Island ( theme park) and the entire gardens by the bay. They also do seasonal displays. Trishita went in the fall so they had a show of pumpkins and scarecrows. Conde Nast Traveller magazine also had the site as an editor’s pick, calling it “impressive” and “stunning”.

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Marina Bay sands- This is a very famous hotel because of its unique architectural style. Often referred to as the Boat Building, the Marina Bay has a rooftop infinity pool that spans over its’ three buildings. It is the world’s largest rooftop pool measuring to 150 meters. There is an elevator that goes to the Ku De Ta( 57th floor). You’ll be able to see the entire city from the sky. The hotel has several wonderful restaurants as well. The Marina also has a ArtScience museum which features special exhibitions. They have a permanent exhibit in the museum called A Journey Through Creativity.

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http://www.marinabaysands.com/hotel.html

Jurong Bird Park- This Bird Park is the biggest bird park in Asia. Conde Nast calls it “one of the best in the world”. It has more than 8,000 birds and 600 species. The park was opened in 1971 by Goh Keng Swee. Goh was working in finance when he visited an aviary in Rio De Janeiro. After his visit, he wanted Singaporians to be able to have that same type of experience. Now the park is a major attraction for locals and tourists. It is a beautiful park because the exhibits mimic the natural habitats of the birds. The bird park has the world’s largest aviary, which also contains the world’s tallest man made waterfall. I think its so cool that they have a Penguin exhibit. I would have never expected penguins to be in Singapore. Trishita also said a really interesting thing to do in the Jurong Park is to take their Night Safari. It is a walk through the forest that is accompanied by a short show afterwards. She said it was great fun, and the performance they do at the end has a crazy surprise for the audience members. I won’t spill the secret, but I’m sure you can find out if you want to.

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http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_444_2004-12-16.html

http://www.cntraveler.com/activities/gardens-by-the-bay

http://www.cntraveler.com/activities/singapore-zoo-night-safari-and-river-safari

 

Passion

Kochi, India

Kochi or Cochin is the hub of Southern India. Recently it has been pretty active in the news because it is one of the sites that has been nominated for the FIFA Under-17 world cup. As a city that is relatively unknown in outside of India, this is Kochi’s time to shine. There is a lot of work and planning going into renovating the main soccer stadium and all the surrounding practice fields. The people of Kochi are excited for FIFA to come to their city. An active yet gorgeous city, Kochin is a growing hotspot for jobs and career growth. The culture is reflective of traditional south indian customs. My friend, who has family in Kochi, says most of the older generation wears traditional clothing like saris, but the younger generations have become more western. He tells me that the city’s culture is moving from an extended family living together to more nuclear families. This is happening due to the job growth. Families have to break up depending on where they find a job. I happen to also be a big foodie, so I just had to ask him what his favorite dishes are.

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The main one was Appam. Appam is a soft pancake like breakfast item usually eaten with a vegetable stew. It is made of rice, coconut, salt, sugar, and yeast. Coconut is actually a very popular ingredient in many south indian dishes. Most of the curries in South India have a coconut milk base. Another interesting fact about south indian cuisine is that they eat on plantain leaves. Plantain leaves are thought to be very healthy. Therefore eating on them is supposed to keep you in better medical condition.

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As to what to see, Trip Advisor and my mother both say one of the best things to see are the Backwaters of Kochi. The Backwater tours take you through the canals and waterways of Kerala (the state Kochi is in). Visitors have said it was one of the best experiences they have ever had. You get to see all the little villages along the river banks. There are also many stops at local churches and towns during your cruise. Many people choose to stay on a houseboat for a few days while touring the Backwaters. This is a very popular idea. Houseboats are something unique to Kerala in India. The scenery is supposed to be breath-taking, and as since the weather is usually beautiful( watch out for monsoon season), it’s a great trip to take.

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The other big attraction is Jew Town. Jew Town is a neighborhood known for its antique shops. The shopping area itself is an ancient and historic district. Now Jew Town is the center of the spice trade. It is known for its amazing aroma as you walk down the street. This is a great place to take loads of pictures. The town is filled with handicrafts from the area and lots of other traditional south indian specialties.

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In the area is also the Pardesi Synagogue. This synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the entire commonwealth. It has many chandeliers, a golden pulpit, and beautiful floor tiles. It looks very plain from the outside, but so intricate from the inside. You’ll never guess its magnificence if you just saw it from the street.

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The reason I decided to write about Kochi is because I have a few friends from South India and I wanted to learn more about the region myself. I have to say, I hope to see the city myself in the future.

http://english.manoramaonline.com/sports/football/u-17-world-cup-a-golden-chance-for-kochi-to-shine.html

Passion

Istanbul, Turkey

This winter my family went to Istanbul, Turkey for a three day vacation. This is the perfect time to visit Istanbul because they just expanded their mass transit system. The new metro system was put into place to help with traffic congestion, which can be an issue when you’re trying to get around the city. The metro is actually a much better way to get see all the sites in Istanbul. The expansion  is consisting of four new lines that will make the metro grand total to 40 miles. This is a great advancement for turkish tourism as it has been much harder to get around Istanbul in the past. The metro will make it much easier for tourists to see both the european and asian sides of Istanbul without ever having to take a car ride!  Here is a summary of our trip to Istanbul, which involved a little bit of metro transport.

  • Day 1: In the morning we arrived into Ataturk International Airport. When we reached the hotel we dropped off our baggage and took the hotel shuttle to the Spice Market. The Spice Market was gorgeous. There were tons of stalls everywhere selling turkish delights, spices, hazelnuts, cheese, fish and much more. In the winter the spice bazaar moves indoors. Each shop having its own little section. Some of these stores have been there for so long that they have decorated the stores with their signs and brightly colored displays. We spent about two hours at the Spice Market buying tea, spices, and turkish delights. Then we took the shuttle to where the Bosphorus River cruise started. Conde Nast Traveller says,”No trip to Istanbul is quite complete without a cruise down the Bosphorus, the strait connecting the city’s two surrounding seas. The view is incredible, as the boat motors past Ottoman empire–era homes and palaces.” Our cruise was one hour and showed us the Europe and Asia side of Istanbul. After the cruise ended we took the shuttle back to the hotel.
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  • Day 2: We started early in the morning again taking the hotel shuttle, but this time we went to The Blue Mosque. Unfortunately, some carpet seller tagged along with us while we were touring the Blue Mosque. On the other hand, the mosque was amazing. The details of the tiles really were the highlights of the whole mosque. We did manage to lose the carpet seller and continued on to the Hagia Sophia. Conde Nast Traveller stated,”This basilica-turned-mosque-turned-museum is another architectural wonder of Istanbul…Hagia Sophia is still one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture.”This is a real sight to see. The Hagia Sophia is huge. The main highlight here was the gold mosaics. The church was turned into a mosque when the ottoman empire took over and many of the mosaics were ruined. Now the city of Istanbul is trying to restore the church back to its original state. After the Hagia Sophia we headed to the Basilica Cistern.
  • The cistern was built during Emperor Justinian’s empire. It has many marble columns, two that have Medusa’s head on them. Then we went to the Topakapi Palace. According to Travel and Leisure magazine,”When you travel to Istanbul, one of the many sites you won’t want to miss is Topkapi Palace.” At the Topakapi Palace we saw the Harem which is the Royal Family’s living quarters and the Treasury, where all the most valuable items are kept. The Harem was over all amazing but the best part was the tiles. They were magnificent! The treasury was quite beautiful as well. The best part though was the three spoons diamond. It was about 80 carats! Next we headed for the Grand Bazaar. It’s this huge indoor marketplace lined with shops on every side. After that we went back to the hotel.
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  • Day 3: All we did today was tour the Dolmabache Palace and walk around Eminonou. From outside the Palace looked beautiful but from the inside it was even better! All the rooms were lined with crystal chandeliers and intricate furniture. The biggest chandelier weighed 4.2 tons, in the Grand Hall. The Grand Hall, was the most spectacular room in the whole palace. We also saw the Harem, but it wasn’t as fancy and brilliant. For the rest of the time we just roamed around the city. Eminonou is the shopping district in Istanbul. The next day we left to come back home.  IMG_6512    IMG_6525
  • http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/istanbul
  • http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-12-01/the-coveteurs-guide-to-shopping-and-sightseeing-in-istanbul/7
  • http://www.dailysabah.com/istanbul/2015/04/19/istanbul-expands-mass-transit-network-with-new-line