Up Next....Greece!

In case you couldn't tell so far, I would love, love to travel all of Europe. Another must see for me is Greece. It's one of those places that you see in movies often and it is the most beautiful place you've ever seen. It is not only the birthplace of the world famous Olympic games, but also of some of the most famous pieces of literature. When I think of Greece I picture bright blue water and the old homes built up the side of the land, over looking the Aegean Sea. And then there's Athens, to see all of the famous Greek history that lies there, the Temple of Zeus, the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens. 

The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens is a symbol of classical Greece. 

The Acropolis, not only will you get to have a close up look at all these
ancient buildings and ruins, but you’ll also get a great view of the
 city of Athens from here as well.

The village of Oios (Oia) on the island of Santorini, Greece.

Panoramic view of Santorini, a major tourist attraction.

Hermoupolis, on the island of Syros, is the capital of
the Cyclades and was the capital of Greece before Athens.

America the Beautiful: U.S. National Parks

You don’t have to leave the mainland to travel to these next destinations.  Another dream of mine is to visit some of America’s National Parks.  There’s so many beautiful spots right here in the U.S. that it seems almost silly not to visit at least some of them.  There are 397 national parks, so I’m going to have to narrow down my trip to four.  Here’s my list (you can click on the park names for more info from the  National Park Service):

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon.  Probably one of the first places that comes to mind when thinking about the U.S. National Parks.  It became a national park in 1919 and now receives about five million visitors per year.  Don’t worry though, at 1,218,375 acres there’s plenty of room for everybody.  The Canyon is up to 15 miles wide, 277 miles long, 4,000 ft. deep on average.  I would love to go on a hike into the canyon.  There are plenty of guided tours to choose from, along with mule rides, 3 river trip options on the Colorado River, and campgrounds on the North or South Rim.  The South Rim is the most popular, while the North Rim is harder to access.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California

General Sherman

These two parks are located side by side in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.  You can go horseback riding (yes!), rock climbing, skiing, or hiking.  There are over 800 miles of trails throughout the park, so bring some comfy shoes.  But what’s my main reason for travelling here?  To see the giant sequoias.  Prepare to feel like an ant.  These trees can be as tall as a 26 story building with bases wider than most city streets.  The General Sherman tree is the largest tree in the world (about 275 ft.) and is thousands of years old.  I can go stand next to it and feel shorter than usual!

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite was one of the first parks in the U.S.  The scenery here looks amazing, with mountains, meadows, and of course waterfalls which the park is best known for.  Like the other parks, you can go hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing.  Tired of walking?  Hop in your car and go for a ride on Tioga Drive, the park’s most famous scenic drive.  What I really want to do here is go on a photography walk.  Yosemite has been a dream destination for artists and photographers for years, and free photography walks are offered all year long.  I’m no professional with a camera, but I love to try.  What better place to learn?    

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, & Idaho

America’s first national park!  It spans into three different states and is famous for its’ geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.  The first spot to check out is Old Faithful, considered the most popular geyser in the world.  It erupts about every 35-120 minutes, reaching heights of up to 184 ft.  I am most interested in seeing the wildlife of the west.  There are wolves, elk, bison, mountain lions, moose, and grizzly bears to name a few.  Just don’t get too close.

Bahamas-Bound

I just found out yesterday that I get to go back to the Bahamas after graduation!  I’m returning to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, where I stayed two years ago and I highly, highly recommend.  And

let me tell you, it’s not called Paradise Island for nothing.  The beaches are beautiful and the people are very friendly.  The resort itself is honestly amazing.  The photo on the bottom right is the view from our room (the water really is that blue)! Best of all, you will never be bored.  There is a 141-acre water ‘metropolis’ complete with 11 pools, 9 water slides, a lazy river, and a river rapids ride thrown in for good measure.  You can lay on the white sand beaches (piña colada in hand of course), go snorkeling or scuba diving, check out one of the largest marine exhibits in the world with more than 50,000 aquatic animals spread throughout the property, or play with some dolphins.  I actually got to go in the water and interact with them.  Definitely something everyone should try to do!  There’s so much going on at Atlantis that I could probably ramble for days, so here is my wish list for my upcoming trip (aside from doing all of the above again). 

                                                                                                                            Spa Day

After working my butt off for four years of college, I think I deserve a trip to the spa.  The Mandara Spa at Atlantis combines Asian techniques and European therapies to create one relaxing experience.  They offer massages, facials, full body treatments, and salon services.  I don’t need anything fancy, although having an alfresco massage and getting to listen to the ocean sounds pretty nice.

          Play with some Sea Lions

     I already got to hang out with the dolphins, so naturally I have to move on to the sea lions.  You can hug, play, and take pictures with them, and then get a behind the scenes tour of how they are taken care of.  I think they’re adorable!

     Win Big!

    This might be my most far-fetched dream yet, but here it goes.  Atlantis is home to the Caribbean’s largest casino, which spans seven-acres with 80 tables games and 750 slot machines.  Games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker to name a few.  I’m hoping betting all of ten bucks will make me instantly rich.

         Take a “Leap of Faith”

     Time to put my brave face on.  The water park’s iconic Mayan Temple houses the “Leap of Faith” water slide, a 60 ft. near-vertical drop into a shark filled lagoon.  One of the top questions I got after going to Atlantis last time was whether I went on this slide or not.  My answer was a firm ‘no way in hell.’  After conquering college, I figure I should be able to conquer a water slide.  We shall see.

    Just writing this post has me wishing it were June already!  Again, I highly recommend this resort.  Everything really is better in the Bahamas!

Guten tag!

Berlin Cathedral, Germany

Germany is home to the largest economy and the highest population of any country in the European Union. Being part German myself, I have always wanted to see where my family originated. The capital city is Berlin, and is home to over 3.5 millions citizens along with historic treasures such as the Berlin Wall from the cold war. The wall has been mostly torn down, but many different artists have decorated what is left over the years. The surrounding areas also hold famous weekly markets that have been around for decades that have supplied the locals with all sorts of goods and delicacies. Frankfurt is the financial capitol of not only Germany, but of the European Union. Another famous detail about this city is the transportation means. It is home to multiple large airport hubs and is the most populated junction of the Deutsche Bahn, or the German railway. The German trade fair is home to many huge fairs ranging from motor vehicles to books.

In Germany, couples will take a lock, and attach it to the bridge's
fence and throw the key into Rhine for love and good luck.
So, all the way across the whole bridge the fence is covered in locks!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Olé!

Escorial Monastery - Madrid, Spain

Ciutat de les Arts I les Ciences - Valencia, Spain

Gaudi Cathedral - Barcelona, Spain

Spain is one of the most beautiful and romantic countries in the world. From the beaches to the bullfights, the whole place is rich with culture and history. I have no Spanish background, no ability to speak the language, I don't even know anyone with a Spanish background. BUT, I would love to visit the three major cities of this country: Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. 

   Starting in the capitol city of Madrid, the main attraction during the summer is the bullfights. For three weeks starting in May, the fights are every night and draws crowds of thousands of tourists and locals to join in one of the many spectacular events that Spain has to offer. Just walking down the streets of Madrid you can feel the history in the buildings around you. With most of the historic neighborhoods still around since the 1700’s, there is so much to learn and appreciate that you can’t just help to get lost in the culture. 

   Barcelona is home to many different fashion shows and is one of the major fashion capitols of the world. Bread & Butter is a famous fashion show that was held in Barcelona from 2000 to 2009. The other major show is The Brandery, an urban fashion show where they display their models twice a year. 

   When visiting Valencia, the number one place to go to is the Ciutat de les Arts I les Ciences. The “City of Arts and Sciences” contains many different buildings such as a huge Imax screen, a planetarium, an interactive science museum, and an opera house. I can't wait to visit!

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

I am not one for camping.  Bugs, sleeping in a bag, and the lack of a shower do nothing for me.  But put that campsite in the middle of Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, and I just might change my tune.  Enter Governors’ Camp, a collection of award winning safari camps and lodges.  I have my eye on one of the tents located in the heart of the Massai Mara, where all you have to do is step outside to experience some of the best game viewing in the world.  Don’t be fooled by the word ‘tents’ though.  These are luxury canvas tents with hot water and flushing toilets.  Travel & Leisure Magazine voted Governors’ Camp one of the top 500 hotels in the world.  There is a separate tent with a bar overlooking the Mara River and a dining tent overlooking the plains.  Just imagine eating dinner and having a herd of elephants stroll by 20 feet away!  I don’t think I’d be able to contain my excitement.  Going on a real safari has been on my bucket list since my 5-year-old self first saw The Lion King.  Not sure what happens if Simba comes for a visit, but I’ll assume they have that figured out.  The camp offers guided safaris by vehicle, by foot, or even by balloon.  Check it out!

Camping I could really get in to.

I can't die without going on a real safari.

Visit the Governors' Camp website for more information.

Bienvenue en France!

Welcome to France!
This has to be next on my "travel wish list". I mean what girl doesn't wish to one day be able to stand under the Eiffel Tower and soak in all the beauty that is Paris. There are many places in explore in France, but since I already mentioned Paris, let's start there. 


Paris: The Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. Versailles. The Arch de Triomphe. I could go on and on. I feel like the amount of time spent here could never be enough. I mean there's Notre Dame. The Avenue Champs-Elysées. Not to mention shopping on Avenue Montaigne and Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Okay, I'll stop there, I think you get the point. So many beautiful places, so little time...and money. 




Next, Lyon. This city is know for its famous light festival, called the Fete des Lumieres. It takes place on December 8th of every year and last for four days. giving the city the title of "Capital of Lights". Also in Lyon you can see museums for anything from luxurious silks, to cinematography, the French resistance, printing, and models.

The South of France: Just the phrase makes you picture bight blue waters and big, expensive yachts. Only in Cannes can you go to the world famous film festival, or a festival for boats. Or to Nice to visit some of the most beautiful botanical gardens. Or take a trip to the vineyards of Corsica, an island of wines. 

No matter where you choose to visit, you can't go wrong in France.         

Follow the Yellow Brick Turnpike

Hello, my name is Kim, and I proudly admit to being from New Jersey (don't say “Joisey” and no one gets hurt).  I know, I know: it’s a toxic wasteland littered with factories, truck stops, and questionable smells.  I’m guessing that the people who think this have never ventured much further than the area surrounding Newark Airport (which in that case, I do feel your pain about the smell).  Tired of being asked ‘which exit,’ it has become a life goal of mine to get people to see the New Jersey that I see.  The one without a gang of Oompa Loompas running around on a beach.  So I wanted to share a few of my favorite spots that I love going to again and again, showing just how beautiful Jersey can be.  There's no place like home. 

Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch.  One of my favorite spots in the world.  I’ve been hiking up here since I was in elementary school, and I still remember the first time I witnessed the view after the mile-long walk.  I remember going up there with friends and eating lunch on the rocks.  I remember letting birds eat seed right out of my hand.  I remember being able to see the World Trade Center, and I remember not seeing it.  Sitting up there high above the trees makes me forget about everything going on below.  Recommendation:  Go in the fall, the colors are awesome.

I come to Liberty State Park in Jersey City during the summer just to walk or ride my bike on the Liberty Walk promenade.  It’s a 1.3 mile stretch along the Hudson River right across from the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.  I almost forget I’m exercising when I get to see all of New York Harbor.  Almost.

Splitrock Reservoir is actually very close to Hawkwatch.  The area itself is relatively unspoiled so it’s a beautiful spot to go kayaking or just sit.  I ride my horse on the trails back there a lot, and aside from him getting scared of the occasional chipmunk, it’s a pretty relaxing time.  Also, you can breathe here.  I promise.

Hawaiian Island Hopping

It’s mid-February, 30^oF, and I’m dreaming of the beach.  Even when it’s mid-July, 95^oF, and the sand leaves burn marks on your feet, I still want to be on the beach.  That being said, Hawaii is on my list of places to go one day.  And I can’t just visit one island now can I?  Of course not!  So why not do a little island hopping, starting with Oahu.

Lanikai Beach...Is this real life?

Oahu: Kick off in Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu, where there’s historic landmarks (Pearl Harbor is here), shopping, arts and culture, and tons of nightlife.  I’ve always wanted to try surfing, even though I know it could end up being the subject of an SNL skit.  Waikiki Beach is an iconic spot where you can take surf lessons, paddle in an outrigger canoe, go stand-up paddle boarding, or park your butt in the sand and sip a Mai Tai.  Another beach to check out is Lanikai Beach in Kailua, which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world.  Based on the pictures, I’d be happy sleeping in a cardboard box in a place like this.  If cardboard isn’t your style, there’s a number of bed and breakfasts in the area that look very nice.   

So. Cool.

Maui:  Next island up on the tour is Maui.  Conde Nast Traveler readers have voted this island the “Best Island in the World” for the past seventeen years.  Yes, seventeen.  In a place so beautiful I don’t know that you could pick a bad spot to stay, but I would head to the historic town of Lahaina in western Maui.  My main reason for this is to take a whale watching tour out of Lahaina Harbor.  Humpback whales are drawn to the areas warm, shallow waters during the winter months (they’re not stupid!).  I would take a tour/cruise with the Pacific Whale Foundation.  They are researchers and marine educators dedicated to protecting the oceans and its’ inhabitants, with 100% of the profits from the tour going towards research, education, and conservation.  Can’t get better than that.  At night, reward your moral awesomeness with the traditional Old Lahaina Luau right at sunset.  Food, fun, and hula!   

Lana’i: Take the ferry right from Lahaina Harbor to Manele Harbor on the island of Lana’i.  This is perfect because the resort I most want to visit is literally right there: The Four Seasons Resort Lana’i At Manele Bay.  I first saw this resort on Travel Channel’s Great Hotels with Samantha Brown about 7 or 8 years ago and it stuck with me ever since.  However, this is not a cheap place to stay, hence this being a dream place to go someday.  If I tried to go there now I might have to sell a kidney.  The oceanfront terrace guestroom does look amazing (it better for $945 a night).  The resort has a private beach and a pool with an amazing ocean view.  You can also take a hula lesson and learn how to make a lei.  Relaxation and seclusion is key on this island, and that sounds pretty good right about now.

Akaka Falls

Hawaii:  Last but not least, the Big Island.  I can’t go to Hawaii and not see a volcano, so I would take time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), you can actually see the lava flow and change the landscape, and even drive around the rim of it.  I would advise checking the park website for eruption schedules though.  Safety first people!  Another park worth checking out is Akaka Falls State Park.  Sure, I could be like everyone else and walk through it.  Or, I could be all adventurous and zip line above it.  Um, yes!  I want to go zooming past a 250ft. waterfall.  Seriously, I do.  I can’t lay on the beach the entire time.

For everything you could possibly want to know about visiting Hawaii (including the 2 islands not mentioned), check out http://www.gohawaii.com/  Aloha! 

When are we going to eat spaghetti?

A place that I have always wanted to go to is Italy. From the classical Italian food to the inspirational art that has emerged from there, it really is one of the greatest countries to visit. I can only imagine the feeling of walking past the Colosseum and being dwarfed by is enormous size. While it hasn’t been in use in over 2000 years, it is still one of the most visited places in all of Italy. I bet the developers of it weren’t planning on it being that successful, haha. In Rome the Trevi Fountain is also a must-see. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the water, with your back to the fountain, then you will soon return to Rome. The country is also home to the famous Vatican City, where the Pope and Catholic Church officials reside. It is the location of many famous statues and most of all, St. Peter’s Basilica. This is the “church of all church’s.” It holds art from some of the most famous artists of the last two millenniums. The best part of Italy is that you do not have to travel far or wait in line to see some of the most spectacular sights in the world. Just walking down the streets of Rome or Tuscany can show you how truly blessed the country is with its architecture and rich cultural history. 

      And you have to admit, there is nothing like having a city where the major means of travel is in a gondola.  Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world and is definitely on the top of my travel list! When you think of Italy, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is my favorite… FOOD! One of my favorite foods to eat just happens to be one that Italy is famous for, its pasta. This along with a number of unique dishes such as tripe, fresh sausages and especially pizza are some of the backbone of Italian culture. Italy is known for its freshly grown ingredients and homemade pasta and dough. 

      From the sights and sounds, to the food and everything in between, Italy seems to be on everyone's travel-to-do list...even if you aren't Italian, like me. I know I will get there one day! 

You Have to Know Where You've Been to Know Where You're Going

This blog is meant to be a showcase for places we hope to travel to one day, but I want to start off with somewhere I’ve been.  I recently got back from a week in Ireland with my school’s music department.  I have to admit, it wasn’t first on my list of places to go.  I really don’t know why, but it just wasn’t.  I know people who have gone and loved it.  Once I got there, I understood.  We landed in Dublin after an overnight flight from New York, and then proceeded to take a five-hour bus ride across the country to Dingle.  Despite feeling borderline narcoleptic at this point from going 30+ hours without sleep, I managed to take in the gorgeous Irish countryside.  I have never seen grass so green in all my life; it almost didn’t seem real, and neither did the amount of sheep. So. Many. Sheep! I never need to see another one again as long as I live.  Eventually, we arrived in the quaint town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.  Nice little shops, friendly locals, and, oh yeah, pubs everywhere.  We only spent 3 days there, and the weather was less than perfect, but it was beautiful nonetheless.  The mist actually made the experience more authentic.  There were so many areas of the peninsula to explore, but what was my favorite Dingle experience? Easy: Horseback riding in the hills of Ceann Trá.  I’ve ridden horses for ten years and even own one, and yet I couldn’t have been more excited to saddle up in the horse Mecca that is Ireland.  Amazing.

Horseback riding in Ceann Trá

 Ring of Kerry

After Dingle, we took that lovely five-hour bus ride back to Dublin.  Along the way we stopped in Blarney, famous for Blarney Castle and the Stone of Eloquence.  The castle itself was so much fun to explore, though if you’re claustrophobic you may have some issues.  At the top of the castle lies the Blarney Stone (quite frankly, it’s just a rock).  And yes, I kissed that rock.  I’m still a little ashamed of being that much of a tourist, but you only live once, right?  Anyway, back in the bus we went, off to Dublin.  The city was different than others I have experienced.  There were no skyscrapers, no huge crowds, and no road rage!  Coming from the NY metro area, it was almost unsettling not to hear car horns and expletives every five seconds.  The city was charming, and I liked it.  We went on a short tour to places like the Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was such a beautiful church.  Again, there are pubs everywhere.  Many have live music and/or Irish step dancing, so you will not be bored at night.  I truly had a great time on the trip.  I would love to go back and see more of the country, like the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher.  For now, I’ll sum it up like this:  Ireland- Good times, friendly people, and scenery that will make you question if you’re in Heaven.