Travel & Tweet

Charming Venice

2010-08-23T21:49:32Z

The word that matches perfectly when describing the city of Venice is “unique”. Positioned in northern Italy, the city is a key tourist destination famous for the fact that it is the only car-free city in the entire world and is thus very pleasant to be explored on foot and with a boat or gondola. Often Venice is named “the city of bridges”, “the city of canals” and the “city of masks” and even “queen of Adriatic”, but whatever the expression, this is definitely the most beautiful settlement ever constructed by people and still one of the most romantic holiday destinations on earth. Venice is positioned on total of 117 small islands set in a lagoon and used to be an important trade center, art zone and maritime power during the Middle Ages and after that during the Renaissance.

Nowadays, Venice remains an intriguing destination for vacationers, romantics and honeymooners alike. It is separated into six main districts including San Marco, Santa Groce, Castello and Dorsoduro, San Polo and Cannaregio, each of which features unique and interesting sites. In addition, there are two main districts Giudecca and Lido di Venezia, as well as several islands like Murano and Burano, Torcello, etc. The city of Venice is a fantastic place to stay at as it features appealing serviced apartments often meters away from the major sites.

Among the major sites that deserve the attention are to be mentioned the main square San Marco with the marvelous basilica bearing the same name with the four horses above the main entrance. Next to it is set the bell tower; where from its top visitors could enjoy delightful panoramic view over Venice and the lagoon. Close to these are set the Correr Museum with its collection of globes and the Doge’s Palace with the Bridge of Sighs. Other places to visit include the Theatre La Fenice, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum.

Accommodations in Venice are ample, but look for furnished and equipped vacation apartments to make your stay reasonable and memorable.

The best advice I can give when heading to Venice is that you allow yourself to be charmed – try to find your way without a map, go on an evening trip with gondola, ride the Vaporetti boats and of course, try the local food and wines.

Top Ten Places to Visit in Bali

2010-08-19T00:39:45Z

Bali is one of the few places on Earth where you can see a lot and do a lot without using up your holiday traveling forever to get there. The Top Ten are a good indication of how well laid out Bali is for tourists.

Kuta

Kuta is is the famous surfing area, and around Kuta’s fabulous beach is a host of different things to see and do. If you’re new to Bali, this is a good place to see a lot of the best of Bali in one place, and acclimatize. For a quick wind down when you’re just off the plane, there’s nothing like it.

Ubud

Ubud is a region of Bali situated in the mountains to the north of Denpasar. This is a truly beautiful, ancient place, with Sumatran elephants, and traditional villages. It’s a whole new world, and one of the best chances to see the unspoiled old culture. It’s also the home of the Balinese royal family. Not to be missed.

Bali Barat National Park

Did you know Bali has its own leopards? How about the barking deer? This is yet another of Bali’s unique features, the wildlife which Bali has been protecting in the face of the last century of development.

Kintamani

Kintamani was once Bali’s biggest city. It’s now a smallish town in the north, right next to a lake with created by a volcanic crater. With typical Balinese understatement, the town has a mountain range and jungle around it, like a lost world. It also has beaches, and hot springs.

Denpasar

Denpasar is the best area for Bali accommodation and a good place to check out the shopping, find the good souvenirs, and do some pricing. You may find yourself sending a few shipping containers home, but the actual merchandise is pretty good, particularly the Balinese craftwork.

Amlapura

North east of Denpasar is Amlapura. This is a mix of the very modern, the not so modern, and the ancient. Amlapura includes the fabulous Water Palace, with a lot of Hindu images, and beautiful gardens. For the culture tourists, a must-see.

Mount Agung

Mount Agung is a holy site. It’s also the biggest mountain on Bali, and you can get a trekking tour. When you get to the top, you’re above the clouds. This is one of Bali’s gems, and if you’re fit, you’ll love it.

The Bali offshore islands

Bali’s satellite islands are like Bali; mysterious, fun, and there’s a lot to do. The Balinese islands are also famous scuba diving and windsurfing places. These are worth a whole day, so plan ahead and enjoy.

Singaraja

If you want beaches, waterfalls, hot springs and a place that doesn’t get too much attention on the tourist maps, Singaraja on the north coast is definitely it. This used to be the old colonial capital of Bali, and it’s a dream.

Negara

In the west is the real wild Bali, much less highly developed. This is a really fascinating place, with tours. It includes a 2400 metre mountain, a volcano, wildlife, and some really nice beaches.

Five Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations

2010-08-19T00:39:20Z

The honeymoon is the perfect time for a new couple to relax and enjoy each other’s company, especially after months spent planning the wedding. There is no longer any planning to worry about and you can use this vacation as way to unwind from stress of planning the wedding celebration. Honeymoons are usually spent in a secluded destination at a private resort. If you are unfamiliar with any destinations that you are considering, it may be best to speak with a travel agent. There are many excellent travel agencies, which include Liberty Travel, Expedia, and AAA. A honeymoon can be enjoyed almost anywhere, but below are five destinations that I enjoy the most.

Mexico

Cancun is an excellent choice with many beautiful beaches. The town of Cancun also offers activities such as horseback riding, scuba diving and para-sailing. It is a popular honeymoon destination with many resorts to choose from. There are many hotel chains available along with lodging unique to Cancun. Along with the beaches, you can experience Mayan culture by visiting the archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba.

Jamaica

Jamaica is a wonderful honeymoon destination because of its sunsets, white beaches, green mountains, and stunning waterfalls. There are a variety of hotels and resorts available, but some hotels are more for families rather than couples on their honeymoon. The Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Resort and Spa or Sandals Montego Bay are two excellent hotel choices that are perfect for a honeymoon. Another excellent hotel is The Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort, which has over 110 acres of property along with championship golf and scuba diving. You could also choose a classic Jamaican hotel by staying at the Jamaica Inn, which has a 700-foot private beach, and every suite has a view of the ocean.

Maui

Hawaii is an amazing location for couples on their honeymoon. Maui is a large island with many sightseeing opportunities like snorkeling, helicopter tours, and you can even tour a volcano. The Four Seasons Maui Resort is the only 5-Star Resort in Hawaii and it provides couples with an amazing experience. If you want to get even farther away, then check out Hotel Hana Maui and Honua Spa. Another interesting choice is the ka’anapali beach hotel, which stays true to Hawaiian culture.

St. Lucia

St Lucia is located in the Lesser Antilles and it is perfect for couples who want to relax in a secluded location that is not overcrowded with tourists. This island is known for its hiking and cycling trails, gardens, and fishing. St. Lucia is rich is French culture and it is a small, lush island that remains less developed when compared to other Islands in the Caribbean.

Bahamas

If you are interested in diving and snorkeling in clear blue water or relaxing in the sun, the Bahamas may be the destination for you. It is in close proximity to the United States and the flight would not be very long. The two largest resorts are The Reef Atlantis and the Cove Atlantis, but there are also more private resorts like Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Offshore Island.

Guest authored by Josh Brown

A Weekend in Alicante

2010-08-19T00:08:14Z

While idly wandering the cobbles of Alicante’s Explanada de Espana, it struck me how perfect the city is for weekend breaks. Although it’s a firm favourite with European holidaymakers looking for relaxing sun holidays, Alicante seems to offer something special besides. You know – the type of qualities you encounter in much larger cities. Not only is the old town friendly and charismatic, it has its very own international airport (I would be flying out of here), clothing shops galore and there are enough interesting attractions and curiosities to keep even the most world-weary traveler amused for a day or two should the sun go AWOL.

So how come it’s not up there with Madrid, Bilbao and Barcelona?

Believe me, it’s getting there. A new Maritime station was constructed here just 5 years ago to encourage cruise tourism and with the Old Town just a 10 minute walk from the port, tourist numbers have been steadily increasing over the past few years.

Alicante is fortunate in terms of its location. Set on the east coast of Spain in the heart of the Costa Blanca, it may find itself on the Mediterranean coast but there is definitely an air of the exotic about the town. On the waterfront and esplanades there’s a distinctly African feel. Street traders selling hand carved African masks hustle for your attention, while women dressed in vibrant kaftans preside over colorful jewelry and craft stalls.

At the center of Alicante is the historic heart of the city. If you stand around here long enough, you can almost hear the aged Baroque buildings whispering swashbuckling tales of seafaring adventures. Not really, but if the walls could indeed talk, they’d tell you all about Alicante’s rich maritime history. Unfortunately they can’t so instead, visitors must make do with the exhibits in the cool, air-conditioned surrounds of the Municipal Archeological Museum and the Bullfighting Museum.

Not all of the city’s sights are locked away behind glass cases. Keep your eyes peeled and you won’t be disappointed in the old town. Close to the middle, you’ll find the impressive Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, which is encircled by the narrow streets of the old quarter known as El Barro. This is the place to find the best nightlife and cheapest accommodation if you’re on a budget. Heading a little further along here, you’ll come to Calle de Italia, the main tourist information center where you’ll see post offices as well as bus and trains which lead into and out of Alicante city.

Like fashionable Barcelona, Alicante has its very own colourful thoroughfare called Las Rambla. It is lined with palm trees, sunny pavement cafés and cute little ice-cream parlours. If you have time to spare around here, I’d recommend you try the local horchata, a traditional drink made from almonds. There are plenty of places to stroll and explore in the vicinity. You can basically take your pick from lush gardens and parks, marble paved plazas and the wide Explanada d’Espanya that surrounds the yacht harbour. Wooden benches are dotted all around, making it tempting to take the weight off your feet and watch the world go by for an hour or so.

Should you choose to walk a little further, you’ll be rewarded by the view of the Mediterranean which looks so inviting that it’s easy to see why so many people visit Alicante for its beaches alone.

The beach at San Juan is worth the trek, even if you’re not into sunbathing, you’ll find a fine selection of restaurants and cafés where you can try local favorite, Mandeditas. Similar to tapas, the waiter calculates your bill based on the number of cocktail sticks on your plate. Sobrasada and cream cheese, herring and tomato, red pepper, anchovy, egg mayonnaise, black pudding and goats cheese are just some of tasty snacks waiting to tempt you.

Unfortunately, I got home just before the whole town erupted for the traditional San Juan celebrations of June 23^rd. I was sorry I didn’t stay longer. If you’re not familiar, San Juan is the festival of St John. It is a celebration of change. It is about night turning to day, fire turning to water. Although it has religious connotations today, its origins can be traced back to pagan times when people believed that fire purified while water refreshed and rejuvenated.

I would have loved to have witnessed all the weird and wonderful traditions that go along with San Juan. It must be quite something to witness the haze of bonfires and fireworks on the beaches while thousands of people wade through the water after midnight.

Oh well, there’s always next time!

About the Author:

Fiona Hilliard usually writes about Alicante car hire for award-winning site ArgusCarHire.com. On a recent trip to Spain, she stopped off in the old town of Alicante for a spot of sight-seeing. Here she shares her impressions of the tourist hotspot.

Top Ten Mediterranean Cruise Ports

2010-06-06T21:22:46Z

With the summer cruise season in full throttle mode, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about one of my favorite cruise destinations – the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Sea divides Africa and Europe and is the largest sea in the world (based on coverage area). It also boasts great summer weather with lots of sunshine and cool breezes. But most importantly, it is host to many famous sea ports and cities like Venice, Athens, Barcelona, Nice and Alexandria. Additionally, islands like Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Santorini, all sway to the tune of the Mediterranean Sea.

The decision to cruise the Mediterranean is simple enough, but its deciding which route and ports to visit that is difficult. So, I have attempted to list my ten favorite ports here, along with what you can expect to do at each of these ports.

Nice, France – I believe most cruise ships call this port Cannes which is known for its popular Film Festival. But the charm of this port is Nice with its pebble beaches and cobblestone streets. In the old town, cars are forbidden abd tourists can outdoor markets, cafe’s and the beautiful sites of the French Riviera. 30 minutes from Nice, a small quaint town called Eze sits perched above the Mediterranean. This is the epitome of what is called Côte d’Azur. The town of Eze, albeit small, is very picturesque and has great pathways that reveal some post card views of the Mediterranean. You can take a bus from Nice to go to Eze and save some money. For the young and the restless, I don’t recommend an excursion here.

Monaco – The second smallest country in the world and ruled by a monarch, Monaco’s most famous icons are Grace Kelly and Casino Royale. Living there is something few of us could ever afford, but it is worth a visit. The Palace in Monaco is still home to the Prince of Monaco but is open to the public. Cafe du Paris, right outside Casino Royale offers great coffee and sundaes and the Casino itself is also worth a peek. The whole country can be walked on foot in about 1 to 2 hours. Take in the Palace and the Casino and you can spend the whole day enjoying Monaco and its elegant beauty.

Monaco

Florence, Italy – Florence is a beautiful city. But its beauty lies not in the sea and the views, but in its historic buildings and cathedrals. The port itself is Livorno, and getting to Florence takes well over an hour. I recommend taking a cab from the port (hint: cab sharing with fellow cruisers is an easy way to save money). Make sure you negotiate both pisa and Florence with your cab driver. During my visit in 2009, our group of 8 people paid 320 euros total for the whole day (including Pisa and Florence).

Go to Pisa first, (20 minutes from Livorno) and climb the Tower. I say this because they don’t let more than 30 people climb the Leaning Tower at a given time. Lines can be long, specially if you go with the crowds. So if you put it off as the last thing you do before heading to the ship, you may not be able to make it.

In Florence, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), at Piazza del Duomo. Also check out the famous statue of Michelangelo’s David, and stroll to the 14th century Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) over River Arno, with its many shops. Florence is an art lover’s dream and the short amount of time a cruise ship allows you to visit this great city does not do it justice. Given that you have both Pisa and Florence to cover in a day, you definitely want to get an early start and get to Florence as quickly as possible so you can see as much as possible. Oh and if you want to buy a souvenir, a painting on the streets of Florence makes for a great collectible. Just make sure you bargain hard. Usually, you can get something for at least 50% of what the vendors first quote you.

Florence, Italy - The Duomo

Rome, Italy – Rome needs no introduction. It is the capital of the ancient world and the best preserved city from the Roman empire. However, the port for Rome is Civitavecchia (a nightmare for anyone spelling, pronouncing or visiting). It takes two hours just to get to Rome via a taxi so don’t even try the rail or bus. Get a taxi for your group or simply do an excursion. Better yet, if your cruise has Rome as its first or last stop, you can spend a few days here. This is the best way to go. But if you are simply stopping here for a day, you can either do an end to end tour of Vatican City (including St. Peter’s) or simply take in a city tour that will cover the Forum, the Coliseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon and perhaps Piazza Navona. I also recommend the Angels and Demons tours that have sprouted in light of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.

St. Peters Basilica, Vatican City

Naples, Italy – If you are on a budget, consider public transportation to get around Naples. While most consider Naples, loud, dirty and rough, I think it is one of the best stops on a cruise. There are four major attractions in Naples, each warranting attention. Pompei is an obvious choice for its rich history. Then there is Mount Vesuvius, which destroyed most of ancient Pompei. Isle of Capri is another option with its glamorous views of the ocean. Finally, there is the huge National Archeology Museum with the largest collection of artifacts from the Roman empire anywhere. Needless to say, Naples is quite a destination. If your cruise itinerary involves any of the Greek Islands, you might want to consider skipping Capri.

Pompei near Naples, Italy

In any case, I recommend picking one option from the above rather than trying to do too much. I say this because Naples has a great shopping scene, as well as the fact that it was the birthplace of Pizza (Neapolitan pizza). So, save a couple of hours for shopping and pizza before departing.

Venice, Italy – Paris, while beautiful and romantic, is often over hyped. Pound for pound, I believe Venice is the more romantic of the two. St Mark’s square (Piazza San Marcos) is where all the action is. Grand buildings lines the square with St. Mark’s Basilica on one end, neighbored by Doge’s Palace. Both these structures are worth seeing. Rialto Bridge, which is a 10 minute walk from St. Mark’s square is famous for its shopping and dining. If you can get just transportation from port to San Marcos, you can figure out how to navigate this port. It is very easy to get around on foot. I am sure you can also just take a water shuttle tour to take you to various stops (like a Hop-on, Hop-off).

Piazza San Marcos, Venice

Since Venice is a connection of small islands, they don’t have cars. You take the Vaporatto (their version of a public bus system) or a water taxi (the more expensive option) to move around. Venetian architecture is quite distinct from Roman.

Venice is also known for Murano glass, which comes from the island of Murano in Venice. If this is something you fancy, you might want to consider touring Murano. During my stay there, we were offered to do the tour for free.

One thing everyone likes to do in Venice is the gondola ride. While these are expensive, you can negotiate with the gondola operators if business is slow. It is certainly worth the price to do this at least once.

Santorini, Greece – I have never seen anything more beautiful than Santorini. Every picture you take her is post card material. Every corner yields a dreamy landscape. The white-washed stone buildings with shiny blue tops, white churches with blue domes, the narrow stone streets of Oia and the black sand beach, all add to the allure of Santorini. Make sure you either do the Donkey ride up the stairs or climb the stairs if you can withstand the physical exertion. It is quite an experience and the views along the way are breathtaking. Food in Santorini is divine and for dessert, try the yogurt with honey and nuts. It is the perfect summer dessert.

Santorini, Greece

Athens, Greece – Much like Rome, Athens needs no introduction. The oldest of civilizations and architectural wonders are here. Acropolis sits with the grand Parthenon, overlooking the city, giving it a God-like appearance. Athens, much like Rome, is a busy and bustling city. The language is Greek (pun intended) and the city is rather dirty and loud. But if you are a history buff, you must visit Athens. There are plenty of other sites here other than Acropolis, but that alone will take most of the day. If you have time to spare, check out the new museum at the base of the Acropolis and enjoy charcoaled corn with lemon from a street vendor.

Acropolis, Athens

Corfu, Greece – Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian islands. It looks very different from most Greek towns, because of Corfu’s unique history. For almost four centuries, from the 1300’s to the 1700’s, Corfu was ruled by the Venetian nobility. In the 1800’s, it was first part of the French colony and then the British. This diverse history has left its architectural mark on Corfu. Some buildings look distinctly Venetian, yet some others look French.

Corfu, Greece

There is plenty to do in Corfu. From walking around, shopping and hiking to the top of the Island and enjoying the views from the old fort to renting a jeep or motorbikes and exploring the island and its sandy beaches, Corfu has a lot to offer. For lunch, the place to eat is Spilia. Owners Andreas and his wife are friendly and warm and prepare a great meal. Try either the Sofrito or the Pastitsado, along with the local drink called Retsina.

Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona is another port that might be best served as a destination. There are far too many places to visit here than a docked cruise ships allows for.

Barcelona is a walkable city, particularly places such as Barrio Gothic. There’s an excellent tube and public transportation system. Large cruise ships dock at a location accessible to Las Ramblas, one of the most popular streets in Barcelona. Take the cruise ship’s shuttle to Las Ramblas. From there, you can catch public transportation to one or two of many attractions including La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished but gorgeous structure and fantastic view from the top, the Gothic Quarter with its boutique galleries, narrow streets and 13th century architecture and the monastery of Montserrat.

No matter what stops you have on your Mediterranean Cruise, one thing is for sure. It will be one heck of a cruise and if you are thinking about cruising the Mediterranean, stop thinking and just do it. Find special deals on Mediterranean Cruises on CruiseDirect.

If you liked this post, and do end up booking a cruise, I’d appreciate you doing it through this link. It helps support my costs for this site.

Hope in Africa

2010-08-19T00:36:15Z

Often what we hear about Africa from the media is about conflict, HIV-AIDS, famine, and disease. As a result most of us are aware of the problems, but feel powerless to do anything about them. We are made to feel that Africa is a lost cause, a place that will always be the way it is. Worse yet, many of us don’t travel there, worried about their safety, scared of what we might see.

While some of us will travel here to see the World Cup or head on a safari, a lot of these packaged vacations are tightly controlled, bringing you a very sanitized experience. So we embarked on a journey to visit nearly every country on the continent because we wanted to see it for ourselves. We also want to write about things going right, or so called “good news,” stories about hope and success, visiting projects led by Africans working to alleviate hunger, poverty, and protecting the environment. We are meeting with farmers, workers, organizations, NGO’s, media and even governments wherever we go, learning as much as we can, and sharing what we see.

After seventeen countries and one hundred and thirty projects so far, here are five people and organizations we thought are doing incredible work in the field.

1. Project DISC (Slow Food International), Kampala, Uganda:

We visited the Mukono District, about an hour outside of Kampala, Uganda, where we met up with Edward Mukiibi and Roger Serunjogi, coordinators of the Developing Innovations in School Cultivation (DISC) project. Edward, 23, and Roger, 22 started the project in 2006 as a way to improve nutrition, environmental awareness, and food traditions and culture in Mukono by establishing school gardens at 15 preschool, day and boarding schools. And over the last year, DISC has received global attention for its work—DISC is now partly funded by Slow Food International.

They started with Sunrise School, a preschool taking care of children between the ages of 3 and 6. By teaching these kids early about growing, preparing, and eating food they hope to cultivate the next generation of farmers and eaters who can preserve Uganda’s culinary traditions. In addition to teaching the children about planting indigenous and traditional vegetables and fruit trees, DISC puts a big emphasis on food preparation and processing. “If a person doesn’t know how to cook or prepare food, they don’t know how to eat,” says Edward. The kids at Sunrise—and the other schools working with DISC—know how to grow, how to prepare, and how to eat food, as well as its nutritional content.

As a result, these students grow up with more respect—and excitement—about farming. At Sirapollo Kaggwass Secondary School, we met 19 year-old Mary Naku, who is learning farming skills from DISC. This was her school’s first year with the project and Mary has gained leadership and farming skills. “As youth we have learned to grow fruits and vegetables,” she says, “to support our lives.”

Thanks to DISC, students no longer see agriculture as an option of last resort, but rather as a way to make money, help their communities, and preserve biodiversity.

2. Heifer International, Kigali, Rwanda:

Traveling in the countryside we saw many success stories, including the work of Heifer International Rwanda who are training farmers and increasing food security. “Heifer is helping a recovery process,” explained Dr. Dennis Karamuzi, a veterinarian and the Programs Manager for Heifer. Heifer started its projects in Rwanda in 2000 in a community in Gicumbi District, about an hour outside of Kigali, the capital. This community was especially hard hit by the genocide because it’s close to the border with Uganda. Residents who weren’t killed fled to Kigali for safety.

In the years following the genocide, Gicumbi District is making a comeback thanks, in part, to Heifer International. Heifer International works with farmers all over the world, helping them develop sustainable agriculture practices, including providing livestock and training farmers how raise them.

Heifer began working in Rwanda in 2000, but their start was a little rocky. At first the community was suspicious of the group—because they were giving farmers “very expensive cows,” says Holimdintwoli Cyprien, one of the farmers trained by Heifer to raise dairy cows; they didn’t understand how the group could just give them away. Many community members thought that it was a plot by the government to have them raise livestock and then take them away, a remnant of the ethnic rivalry between the Hutus and Tutsis that started the conflict there in the 1990s. And Heifer has certain conditions for receiving cows—including that farmers build a pen and dedicate part of their land to growing pasture—which made people skeptical, especially when they were used to letting animals roam freely to graze on grass. But as people began seeing the results of Heifer’s training, they become less suspicious and more interested in working with the group.

Heifer introduced a South African dairy breed, known for its high milk production, because, according to Dr. Karamuzi, “no stock of good [dairy cow] genes” was left in the country after the genocide. And he says that these animals help prove “that even poor farmers can take care of high producing cows.”

And these animals don’t only provide milk—which can be an important source of protein for the hungry—and income to families. They also provide manure, which provides not only fertilizer for crops, but also is now helping provide biogas for cooking to households raising cows in the country as part of a the National Biogas Program.

We were very inspired as we met with several farmers all over the countryside, who were lifting themselves out of poverty using help provided to them by Heifer.

Several of the farmers became teachers in their own communities, helping their neighbors learn new skills and techniques that they were benefiting from, and working with them to implement them.

3. Nairobi, Kenya; Urban Harvest:

Nowhere is it more apparent that women feed the world than in the largest slum in Kenya. Packed full of people, Kibera slum in Nairobi is populated by anywhere from 700,000 to a million people. In an area of of about 225 hectares, the equivalent of just over half the size of Central Park in Manhattan, the women we met are growing food not just to feed their families, but to also to generate income.

Some of the women we met earlier this month are raising vegetables on what they call “vertical farms.” Instead of skyscrapers, however, these farms are contained in tall sacks, filled with dirt. The women received training from the French NGO Soladarites to start their sack gardens and now grow a variety of vegetables, including greens like spinach and kale.

And more than 1,000 of their neighbors are doing the same thing. A skill that came in handy over the last few years as election violence spread through the slum in 2007 and 2008 when there was conflict in the slums of Nairobi. No food could come into these areas, but most residents didn’t go hungry because so many of them were growing crops—in sacks, vacant land, or elsewhere.

With the help of the organization, Urban Harvest, the farmers are not only growing food to eat and sell, but, perhaps surprisingly, becoming a source of seed for rural farmers. Kibera’s farmers have always grown fodder for livestock feed for both urban and rural farmers, but by establishing a continual source of seed for traditional African vegetables, they’re helping dispel the myth that urban agriculture only benefits poor people living in cities.

4. Accra, Ghana: Ecasard

In Abokobi, just outside of Accra, traveling with the Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (ECASARD), we met with women who are using dairy cows donated to make yogurt to sell to local businesses and schools. These woman are working collaboratively on diary cow rearing, honey processing, and in milk processing. In the village of Akimoda, we met the “King” of the village who is working with farmers to grow and market moringa, a plant known as the green gold of Ghana because of its health benefits for people and livestock.

In Kasoa we met small-scale livestock farmers who are helping prevent slash-and-burn agriculture by raising grasscutters – large rodents which, to the locals at least, are considered a delicacy. And in Cape Coast we met with a group of women fishmongers who are working together to process and sell fish. There we also met Mr. Emmanuel Akai-Taylor who is a farmer-innovator that developed a local vaccine distribution program for poultry.

Ecasard is helping to train, connect, and support farmers in practicing more sustainable agriculture.

5. Arusha, Tanzania: World Vegetable Center

As hunger and drought spread across Africa, there’s a huge focus on increasing yields of staple crops, such as maize, wheat, cassava, and rice. And while these crops are important for food security, providing much needed calories, they don’t provide much protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, other important vitamins and micronutrients—or much taste. “None of the staple crops,” says Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, the World Vegetable Center’s Regional Director for Africa, “would be palatable without vegetables.” And vegetables, he says, “are less risk prone” than staple crops that stay in the field for longer periods of time.

Because vegetables typically have a shorter growing time, they can maximize often scarce water supplies and soil nutrients better than crops such as maize which need a lot of water and fertilizer.

Unfortunately no country in Africa, according to Dr. Tenkouano, has a big focus on vegetable production. But that’s where the Center steps in. Since the 1990s, the Center (which is a part of the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center based in Taiwan) has been working in Africa to breed cultivars that best suit farmers’ needs.

Despite the focus on staple crops, vegetable production generates more income on and off the farm than most other agricultural enterprises, according to the Center’s website. And unlike staple crops, vegetable production is something that benefits urban and rural farmers alike (See our posts on urban farmers in Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya).

In addition, vegetable production is the most sustainable and affordable way of alleviating micronutrient deficiencies among the poor. Often referred to as “hidden hunger,” micronutrient deficiencies—including lack of Vitamin A, iron, and iodine—affect some 1 billion people worldwide. They lead to poor mental and physical development, especially among children, and cause poor performance in work and in school, further crippling communities already facing poverty and other health problems.

But by listening to farmers and including them in breeding research, the Center is helping to alleviate these problems.

About the Author

Contributed by: Danielle Nierenberg and Bernard Pollack, who are currently travelling across Africa. Nierenberg is co-director of the Worldwatch Institute’s Nourishing the Planet project (http://www.nourishingtheplanet.org). Pollack is an expert on local labor movements and in communications, and his travel writing has also been featured in several newspapers. You can learn more about the pair and their adventures and work in Africa on their own blog, Border Jumpers (http://borderjumpers.org).

Top Five Film-Inspired Tours in London

2010-08-19T00:36:16Z

Ever been inspired to visit a location because you liked the look of it on a cinema screen? You’re not alone; a recent survey compiled by travelsupermarket.com shows that almost one in five British travelers have been inspired to visit locations that they’ve seen in movies.

17% of travelers said they’ve been inspired to travel to particular destinations – including New York, Paris and London – after seeing those locations in film sets. Women were more likely to visit film inspired locations, with 20% of women admitting to being screenspired versus 14% of men. The under 20s were the most likely age group to make a film based trip.

From the brilliant mind of Sherlock Holmes to the suave and sophisticated spy James Bond, these characters have captivated fans for years. Film-inspired tours can help give fans an insight into their stories and origins, especially those movies based on adaptations from novels which obviously rely on imagination to set the scene!

Location tours in London, such as Notting Hill, Baker Street and the world famous Abbey Road studios, where the Beatles recorded many of their most famous songs, can be a great way of exploring the scenery and history of your favorite films, television shows and musicians.

London is one of the prime locations for film tourism, having given us some of the most memorable characters in film and literature, as well as acting as a backdrop for a number of cult classics.

Here is our pick of five of the best film character based experiences in London.

James Bond Boat Trip
(http://www.wellwickedstuff.com/james-bond-ultimate-boat-trip-london.asp)
Price: Adults £29 / Children £16*
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Location: Embankment Pier
Nearest Tube Station: Embankment

The opening scenes of Pierce Brosnan’s outing as the famous double agent – The World Is Not Enough – show Bond engaged in a thrilling boat chase down the River Thames, evading a host of baddies before a dramatic confrontation in a hot-air balloon atop the O2 Arena (known then as the Millennium Dome)

Fans of Bond will get a real kick out of this particular tour, from your seat on the boat you’ll get a unique view of many familiar London landmarks, with the route taking you from Canary Wharf to Tower Bridge. Along the way you will learn more about Bond – from his lifestyle, his many missions and gain an insight into the world of Bond’s character and his creator Ian Fleming.

Harry Potter Walks
(http://www.the-magician.co.uk)
Price: free
Location: Starts from Temple Underground Station
Nearest Tube Station: Temple

J.K. Rowling’s boy wizard has become one of the most familiar characters in British literature and film within the last decade. London is intrinsically linked with both the books and the movies, and there are a number of locations in and around London that have acted as backdrops to the blockbuster film adaptations.

Walking tours around these locations, such as this free tour, include treasure hunts and fun facts about Harry Potter locations, providing a fun and insightful experience for the whole family. Along the way you’ll find a number of treasure hunt clues, points of interest and quizzes to keep the kids entertained throughout the tour.

Starting outside Temple station, the tour takes you around several locations used in the films – such as Australia House (Gringotts Bank), Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley), Whitehall (The Ministry of Magic) and Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station.

Platform 9 3/4 made famous by Harry Potter

Follow the above link to download your free PDF, which gives more information about the tour, from the starting point outside Temple station to locations en-route to the finish at Kings Cross Station – where you can snap a photo at Platform 9¾.

Sweeney Todd at the London Dungeon
(http://www.the-dungeons.co.uk/london/en/attractions/sweeney-todd.htm)
Price: Adults £22.50 / Children £16.50 – considerable savings are available by booking online in advance.
Location: Tooley Street, London
Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

The demon barber of Fleet Street is a popular character for London ghost walks, particularly around Halloween, and has been recently portrayed by Johnny Depp in Tim Burton’s movie musical about one of London’s most notorious and well known legends.

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon in London Bridge has an exhibit dedicated to Todd, where visitors are greeted by Mrs Lovett at her infamous pie shop, before taking a seat in one of the chairs of the infamous barber shop. Using animatronics and binaural special effects, visitors can experience the feeling as if Todd is right behind them giving them a close shave – which can feel scarily real!

These spooky walks lead you through the streets of Piccadilly and Fleet Street during which you can experience the shivers of Todd’s infamous barbershop. A short walk across the road will bring you to Bell Yard, just off Fleet Street, the former location of Miss Lovett’s pie shop, where his partner in crime helped dispose of his victims.

Sherlock Holmes Museum
(http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/home.htm)
Price: Adults £6 / Children (under 16) £4
Location: 211b Baker Street
Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street

One of the most famous literary detectives, Sherlock Holmes lived in a lodging house at 221b Baker Street, London, where you will now find a museum dedicated to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional sleuth and his companion, who acted as a narrator for most of the Holmes stories.

Tours of the museum help bring to life the simple splendour of Holmes’ Victorian dwellings, with exhibitions that help give an insight into his brilliant mind, the tools of his trade and a collection of wax character models that help recreate some of the scenes from the novels, all within the style of a Victorian study, located on the third floor of the museum.

Visitors can pose in Holmes’ armchair for pictures, see Dr Watson’s bedroom on the second floor and browse exhibits containing personal possessions, handwritten case notes from his published adventures and some of Holmes’ private papers.

True fans of Sherlock Holmes may also wish to visit some of the locations used in the recent movie adaptation. These include St Paul’s Cathedral, Brompton Cemetery, just off Finborough Road and West Brompton (nearest tube station is West Brompton) – all of which have featured in the latest movie adaptation.

Charles Dickens Walks
(http://www.walksoflondon.co.uk/30/index.shtml)
Price: free
Location: Starts from Chancery Lane Underground Station
Nearest Tube Station: Chancery Lane

Charles Dickens is one of the UK’s most famous authors, over the years many of his works have been adapted for television dramas, Hollywood movies and West End theatre shows, including world famous tales such as Bleak House, Little Dorrit and A Christmas Carol.

Dickensian walking tours allow fans to explore many of the locations around London that feature in his novels or have helped to influence his writing including the site of the original Old Curiosity Shop, Temple Bar (A Tale Of Two Cities) and Gray’s Inn (Great Expectations).

After a stroll round the landmarks of Dickensian London, pay a visit to the Charles Dickens Museum in Doughty Street (a 10 minute walk from Chancery Lane Tube Station) to learn more about Dickens and many of the characters from his works. Discover the origins and personalities of Pip and Ebenezer Scrooge and their roles within these old tales, whilst relaxing in the décor of a Victorian drawing room. Entry to the museum costs £6 for adults and £3 for children.

*All prices are correct at time of writing

Contributed by David Collins of the London Hotels team at travelsupermarket.com

Top Five Breakfast Spots in Los Angeles

2010-08-19T00:36:17Z

I never paid much attention to breakfast as anything more than just cereal and milk or eggs and toast. But for the last few years, it has, as it should, become my most important meal of the day. On weekends specially, I like waking up late to a lazy Southern California morning and heading out for a good brunch. Here are my five faves in Los Angeles:

Uncle Bill’s in Manhattan Beach

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a family owned establishment and has been around for a long time. Steps from Manhattan Beach, this is the ideal place for a weekend breakfast or brunch. They serve breakfast or lunch till 2:30p so be aware that it is not open in the evenings.

Food is great. My favorites being JD’s French Toast and Mitch’s Scramble. Orange Juice is fresh. Prices are very reasonable too.

This place is so popular that anytime you go on weekends, you will encounter long lines outside. And they don’t take reservations, so when you get there, put your name on the wait list and go for a walk on the beach.

Blu Jam Cafe

Blu Jam Cafe is a very unique spot for breakfast. Located in Beverly Hills off Melrose Ave, Blu Jam is another privately owned joint run by owner Kamil Majer who also happens to be the chef.

The decor is casual and fun with brick walls and dark wood furniture. Service is fast and friendly and the place is relatively inexpensive. Expect to spend about $35 for two.

As for the menu, the French Brioche Toast with Yogurt, Blackberry Jam, banana and strawberries is perhaps the best French toast you will ever have. The Eggs Florentine will also tickle your taste buds.

Jinky’s Cafe

Jinky’s has a huge menu and it gets confusing at times. Once you figure out what works for you though, they are consistent and you will find yourself returning often. They have 3 locations in SoCal (Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood) so you can head to the one closest to you.

While I have found service to be a little slow, they have great stuffed pancakes with bananas and blueberries stuffed inside the pancakes. It comes very hot and goes great with a little syrup.

Jack n’ Jill’s

This place is really good. It is slightly expensive, but considering it is smack in the middle of Beverly Hills (there is also a location in Santa Monica) with a view of the finest cars outside its windows, it is perfectly reasonable.

The food is amazing. Specially the Beverly Frittata and the Cinnamon Croissant French Toast. Portions are large so you might be able to share with friends.

Service is quick, but the wait is long. Be ready to put your name down and go for a walk. Expect to run into some of the Hollywood elites at this place too.

Free 2 hour parking is available up the street on Beverly Drive.

Toast Bakery and Cafe

Toast is a bakery and cafe in the heart of Beverly Hills, a few blocks east of the Beverly Center.

First, parking was a pain. They have valet parking but it is quite expensive ($5.50) given that I went for breakfast.

I was surprised to find it was so busy for breakfast even during a weekday but fortunately, we were seated after 10 minutes.

We ordered the eggs florentine, which came on bread rather than the usual english muffin, but it was creamy and delicious. It had extra emphasis on the spinach so you know what to expect.

We also ordered the Stuffed French toast which is apparently one of their specialties, and while the banana pudding and the sliced bananas were great, the french bread itself was a little dry – needed to be a little moist.

Overall, a good place for a Sunday afternoon brunch.

Happy brunching!

Hotel Bela Figueira

2009-11-25T08:52:46Z

Hotel Bela Figueira in Figueira da Foz, Portugal delights travelers with its close proximity to the beach, the town center, the casino, the tourist information center and great eats in the area. The hotel is run by its owners Anil and Rozy, one of the warmest and friendliest couples you will ever meet.

Hotel Bela Figueira

Bela Figueira is a bed and breakfast or as the Portuguese say, a Pensao, located steps from the sandy beaches of Figueira da Foz in central Portugal. Figueira is a must-see destination on your way from Lisbon to Porto and is an hour from other famous places like Coimbra, Batalha and Fatima. With Porto just two hours north, and Lisbon approximately two hours south, Figueira is a great place to spend an afternoon. And for a good night’s sleep, there is Bela Figueira.

Bela Figueira has fourteen large, clean rooms, including two suites. The decor is simplistic, yet tasteful. When you are in Figueira, you will not spend too much time indoors, but if you decide to relax indoors, perhaps work on your blog or read a book, the large windows throw lots of light in the rooms to give you the beachy, sunny feeling that makes your stay special.

Taj Figueira Restaurant

There is an on-site restaurant at the hotel, called Taj Figueira. The food here is a delicious blend of Portuguese and Indian, so definitely try it out. Be warned though that the restaurant is seasonal.

Prices are quite cheap considering the location and other comparable bed and breakfasts in the area and are based on seasonality. So for your next trip to Portugal and Figueira da Foz, I recommend Bela Figueira. Click here to book your stay.

Top Ten Places to Visit in Portugal

2009-11-25T08:56:28Z

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Portugal was one of the five super powers of the colonial era, along with Great Britain, Spain, Netherlands and France. It embodies the heart and soul of ancient Europe, with castles, forts, bridges and historic city centers. Cobble-stone streets, red-tile roofs and great seafood exemplifies the ancient and modern fusion that is Portugal.

Map of Portugal

A visit to Portugal deserves at least 10-12 days and renting a car is highly recommended. Not that public transportation is absent or unreliable. On the contrary, Portugal does have a very reliable and consistent public transportation system, but to save time on getting around the country, a small automobile is your best bet.

Following are the best places to visit on your trip to Portugal.

Lisbon – The capital of Portugal will most likely be your first stop on your visit to Portugal. It has the perfect blend of history, culture and nightlife. Your points of interest for Lisbon should include:

Belem – this historic center of Lisbon includes the Discovery Monument, Torre de Belem and Jeronimos Monastery. Also check out Pastelaria de Belem, home of the original Portuguese pastry (Pasteis de Belem).
Castelo Sao Jorge – In the heart of Alfama, the Castle of St. George is a remnant of the Moorish reign in Portugal. From the towers of the castle, you can see the entire city with its red-tile roofed buildings.
Rossio/Baixa – A few minutes from Alfama lies the commercial district of Portugal. Like its French, Italian and Spanish counterparts, this commercial district is nothing like the downtowns of the major cities in the US. With piazza-style squares and its cobble-stone streets, Rossio is the gateway to Lisbon.
Cristo Rei – The statue of Christ is only two of a kind with its sister statue in Rio de Janeiro.
Fado – this traditional music, made famous by Amalia Rodriguez, is specific to Portugal. No trip to Portugal is complete without a night at a local Fado club where you can enjoy a fancy dinner complemented by some live Fado music.
Cabo da Roca – a few minutes drive to the west of Lisbon lies the western most point of mainland Europe . This point is called Cabo da Roca and it boasts fabulous views of the coast of Portugal.
Cascais – Cascais is an upscale beach area of Portugal. Think of it as the Malibu of Lisbon, but with casinos and amazing night life. Restaurants overlooking the ocean, clubs boasting today’s top charts and a gambler’s paradise, make it the ideal place both for high rollers and for people simply looking for a good time .

Sintra – a UNESCO world heritage site for its Romantic architecture, Sintra is some 20 miles from Lisbon and home to some of the most historic buildings in the area. Castelo dos Mouros (the Moorish Castle) and Palacio da Pena, both nestled in the mountains of Sintra are popular tourist attractions in Sintra. Additionally, consider visiting the Sintra-Cascais National Park and Palacio Nacional de Sintra. Travesseiros de Sintra is a dessert local to Sintra and a must-have treat before you leave. Piriquita is one of the oldest and most famous pastelarias in Sintra.

Evora – This historic city, with its fortress like walls is ninety minutes from Lisbon. Evora is a university town, and catching a student studying in the gardens or reflecting on a bench is not a rare sight. For tourists, there are a few must-see sites. The most popular and historic is the Temple of Diana, which is remnant of the Greek influence on the city. The pillars are a miniature version of the Temple of Zeus in Athens. The Castle of Bones, located in the Church of Sao Fernando, is the only one of its kind. The walls of this temple are made of real human bones. Apparently, even the ground would not accept the bones of these mortals. The entrance reads “We bones that are here, We are waiting for yours”. Not for the faint of heart, this place is a must see if your stomach can handle it. Evora is a great place for a day long trip from Lisbon. It embodies a part of historic Portugal that is often forgotten.

Figueira da Foz – Undiscovered beaches, soft sand and surf mark the coastline of Portugal in Figueira da Foz. A sharp contrast from the beaches of the Algarve, Figueira is quieter but be aware the the water is a little cooler as well. Hotel Bela Figueira is a quaint B&B a block up from the beach and is an ideal place to make your stay in Figueira special. While there, make it a point to indulge in some gelato at the famous Emanha.

Porto – The land of the Port wine, Porto is Portugal’s riviera. The Douro river snakes through Porto with houses and wineries on either side of the river. Without a doubt, this is Portugal’s most romantic city and a great honeymoon destination. The Clerics Tower provides a great view of the city of Porto. In addition, Porto also has Palacio da Bolsa and the historic Porto Cathedral. Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without wine tasting and there are plenty of wineries that offer tours and wine tasting along the banks of Douro.

Algarve – Portimao, Lago and Frangos da Guia. That makes the ideal visit to the Algarve. Some of the best coastline in Europe can be found here, with beach-goers flocking to the sandy, clean beaches of Algarve. Frangos da Guia, is a Portuguese-style barbecued chicken, and the original place that came up with the recipe is right here in Algarve – Teodosio. Oh and there is a famous gelataria also local to Algarve called Nuovo Italiano.

Coimbra – The cultural center of Portugal, this former capital of Portugal is home to the famous University of Coimbra. Visconde da Luz Street in the Baixa of Coimbra is similar to the Rossio area of Lisbon, with plenty of good shopping and restaurants. The Monastery of Santa Cruz and the Old Catheral (with its Roman architecture) are the two major buildings I recommend seeing while in Coimbra.

Batalha – Located less than two hours by car from Lisbon, Batalha is one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces. It was built in the 14th century to commemorate King João’s victory over the Castillians in the Battle of Aljubarrota. A statue of Nuno Alvares Pereira, the king’s commander at the battle, stands at one end of the monastery. The magnificent stained glass inside complements the Gothic decor and the tomb of King João lies inside the Founder’s chapel.

Fatima – 30 minutes from Batalha, lies Fatima, a place of great religious and spiritual significance. The name Fatima, derives from a local Arabian princess named Fatima, who was captured and converted to Catholicism, and baptized before marrying the Count of Ourém in 1158. The Marian shrine in Fatima attracts a large number of Catholics, and every year pilgrims fill the country road that leads to the shrine. Fatima is one of the largest catholic churches in the world and a sight to see with its large sprawling grounds and its white stone walls.

Portvgalia – Portvgalia (pronounced Portugalia) is a chain of restaurants in Portugal that serve some of the best, and most traditional food in Portugal. While not cheap, Portvgalia is definitely not expensive and the food is nothing short of amazing. Bitoque (steak with eggs), Prego (steak sandwiches) and Acorda de Camarao are just some of the delicious recipes cooking at Portvgalia. Oh and if you like seafood, they have tiger shrimps the likes of which you have never seen.

So you see, Portugal, in all its beauty and diversity, offers a vast array of activities and opportunities to make your vacation there memorable. Don’t skimp on your days in Portugal. It offers more than some of its better known counterpart countries in Europe, yet offers it for a lot less.

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