A perfect escape or a blog post hit?

“You need a holiday?”, my friend remarked with a smirk when I told him I needed a holiday.

That was quickly followed by: “You’re a travel blogger. You’re always on holiday!”

I thought about those two remarks for a bit. Yes, travel bloggers seem like they’re always on holiday because they’re travelling all the time. What many fail to realise is that it’s a job. True, it’s a job I love but it remains a job. As a travel blogger who’s often on the road, I’m always thinking about things to write about, taking the best pictures and conjuring unique angles to a story. Once I’m back at my hotel or at an internet café, I start tapping away on my laptop, uploading my pictures, piecing everything together, proofreading and publishing. When that’s done, I log onto Twitter, facebook and other platforms to market my blog posts. This is a process that repeats itself several times a week. Pretty glamorous, don’t you think?

Taking off the blogger cap

As with any other job, I believe it’s important for travel bloggers to get away from it all, even if it’s just for a weekend, to unwind and recharge our batteries. During my last blog trip to Valencia, an interesting discussion about travel bloggers taking a holiday caught my attention. The main question was: “Is it possible for a travel blogger to take a holiday without having our blogger caps on?”. As a travel blogger, it’s hard not to think of an ‘angle’ or a good shot for a potential post wherever we are. We wondered if it’s possible at all to take off that blogger cap. My answer was YES, though certain conditions have to be met. These are:

1. Go to a place you’re familiar with; a place that relaxes you
2. Leave your laptops, iPads, etc.. at home
3. Ensure the place you’re going to doesn’t have an internet connection that’s easily available
4. Bring your camera if you wish but try not to use it as much as possible. Even better: leave it behind!
5. Don’t check your emails via your phone!

I would call this a cold turkey unplug! And that’s exactly what I’m going to do for the next five days. I’m going camping on a small island for some chill time. No laptop, no camera, no internet connection. Just my tent, the trees and the beach.

My next post will be on Tuesday 3rd August right in time for #TravelTuesday! Yay!

Hope to see you then.

Cheerio!

Keith

Note: my trip to the Benicassim Festival 2010 was sponsored by the Land of Valencia.

• La Boqueria Market, Barcelona, Spain
• Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

I’ve listed below ten mountains which I’ve visited for truly breathtaking views. If you’re in any of these cities, I highly recommend making it to the top of these mountains for an unforgettable visual experience.

Victoria Peak – Hong Kong

It’s a fun ride to the top with the funicular. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of one of the most spectacular skylines in the world.

Grouse Mountain – Vancouver

Just a short hop away from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a ski-resort as well as a much-loved hiking area. The views of Vancouver and the snowy peaks of Vancouver Island in the distance on a clear day are stupendous. This amazing picture was taken on a foggy night.

Corcovado – Rio de Janeiro

The ‘hunchback’ mountain of Rio de Janeiro is the home of the Christ Statue (one of the new ‘Wonders of the World’) and the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable panorama of Rio de Janeiro.

Table Mountain – Cape Town

Table Mountain overlooks Cape Town and Table Bay. The cable-car that brings visitors to the top is the start of a spectacular visual experience. The views from the top of Cape Town, Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head, Table Bay and Robben Island are amazing. Save some time for a lovely stroll around the fijnbos shrubs on the mountain-top.

Twin Peaks – San Francisco

Twin Peaks is the place to be for the most mind-blowing views of San Francisco. The view of the city-lights at night is absolutely awe-inspiring.

Mt. Victoria – Wellington

Mount Victoria lies at the edge of downtown Wellington and is a great place to enjoy Wellington’s beautiful location, wedged in between Wellington Harbour and the surrounding mountains of the Rimutaka Range. Various scenes from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy were shot on Mount Victoria.

Tibidabo – Barcelona

Tibidabo is the highest peak in Barcelona and the views of the city and the coastline from up here are truly spectacular. There’s more up here to keep visitors occupied other than the views, such as the beautiful Sagrat Cor Church and Barcelona’s oldest amusement park.

Cerro de la Cruz – Antigua

Cerro de la Cruz is not the highest peak overlooking the stunning UNESCO Heritage town of Antigua in Guatemala but it offers some of the most stunning views. It’s a relatively easy hike to get to the top and the classic view of Antigua below with the imposing Volcan Agua as a backdrop will leave you speechless.

Cerro San Cristobal – Santiago

Located to the north of Santiago, Cerro San Cristobal is a superb spot to view the Santiago sprawl as well as the mighty Andes mountains that overlook the city. A huge statue of the Virgin Mary stands proudly atop the mountain.

Elephant Mountain – Taipei

Elephant Mountain lies smack in the middle of Taipei and offers arguably the best vantage point over the city and its famous Taipei 101 Tower, until recently, the world’s tallest building. A pleasant 20-minute stroll leads to the top. The trail is lit so you can walk up in the early evenings to take in the sunset and the city lights.

Do you know of other city peaks that are worth the climb? Please leave your suggestions in the comments section below. Thanks!

Read other articles in the Velvet Escape “Ten” series:

• Ten things to do in Manchester
• Ten incredible bridge walks
• Ten unforgettable city cruises
• Ten things to do in Kuala Lumpur
• Ten things to do in Hamburg
• Ten reasons to travel alone

The plane took off in an easterly direction towards the Mediterranean Sea. The city sprawl quickly came into view straight after the take-off. The labyrinth of streets in the old town of Valencia quickly made way for a boxy grid and the broad boulevards of modern Valencia. The City of Arts & Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), with its striking white buildings and shimmering blue pools, was unmistakable. Seeing this architectural masterpeice from the air provided a great perspective of this massive development that stretches 2 kilometers along the old riverbed of the Turia.

As the plane flew over the city’s port, it banked to the left in a northerly direction, providing more stunning views of Valencia and its seemingly endless stretch of beaches. Awesome stuff!

Note: my trip to Valencia was sponsored by the Land of Valencia.

Read other Plane Views posts:

• Plane Views: The Beauty of a Window Seat (with contributions from readers)
• Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
• Atacama desert, Chile
• Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile
• Sydney Harbour, Australia
• Vancouver to Portland, OR

Since that very first time, I’ve taken thousands of failed pictures and deleted almost all of them. I did save some of them though for a variety of reasons. Some turned out rather artistic-looking or downright quirky while some were saved for sentimental reasons or simply because of the hilarity of the situation. Most of the failed shots were taken during a mobile situation, i.e. taken from a vehicle, or at night (I’m still learning how to work the settings for night photography!). Here are some of my favourite failed photos. Enjoy!

Loved these fish in an aquarium in a restaurant in Bruges. I tried different angles & settings to get rid of the reflections but nothing worked. This shot turned out pretty cool though.

I was in a taxi and wanted to take a shot of the Balinese rice fields. I clicked just as these two guys on a motorbike decided to overtake the taxi! LOL!

I had a great view from my seat in the bus of the walled-town of Morella, but this tree got in the way.

Another shot from a car. We were at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. I whipped out my camera but the traffic light turned green the moment I clicked.

I wanted to capture the stunning view from my plane seat of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean when the pilot changed course. Instead of the sunset, I got a picture of the plane's wing like it was on fire!

It was a clear night and Kuala Lumpur looked like a shimmering fairyland from my plane window. The Petronas Twin Towers were unmistakable. Too bad I didn't have my tripod with me - my hands were too shaky to get a decent shot.

Read the accompanying post: ‘The Delights of La Boqueria‘.

• Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
• Murals of Valparaiso, Chile
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

We entered the town through the stunning Sant Miquel gate, with its striking twin towers. I didn’t have much knowledge of the history of Morella but walking through this gate, it was clear that this heavily-fortified town was an important centre centuries ago that must’ve seen many a war. Our guide was quick to affirm this. Many of the ancient powers occupied this town at some stage; from the Greeks and the Carthaginians, to the Romans and the Moors. The town played a pivotal role during the Napoleonic Wars and the Spanish Civil War, and helped shape the course of the history of Spain.

Nowadays, the town is a serene place that begs to be explored. There are many things to see and do. Inside the walls are a labyrinth of streets, lined by charming houses with their characteristic hanging balconies and gorgeous buildings in a multitude of styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic.

Culinary delights

As we walked along the cobblestone streets, the first thing I noticed were the gorgeous shops selling all kinds of local produce. The sight of dozens of sausage varieties, olive oils, honey, cheese, wines and my absolute favourite, black truffles, made my mouth water. I took my time exploring the shops and savouring the scents of cured meats and cheese. Striking up a conversation with the shop owner was easy enough (I don’t speak Spanish but food is a universal language isn’t it? ) and I found myself going from one tasting to another: chorizo, honey, jams, cheese, truffles and olive oil. It was absolutely delightful.

We soon discovered that Morella is a true culinary paradise that takes its inspiration from the large variety of local produce. Dishes that Morella is especially famous for include ‘ternasco’ (Morellan leg of lamb), ‘gallina trufada’ (truffled hen!), ‘perdiu en escabetx’ (marinated partridge) and various wild mushrooms. We stopped for lunch at Restaurante Casa Roque, a lunch I won’t easily forget!

Architectural treasures

I wandered along the main street, Blasco de Alagón, and soaked up the lovely atmosphere. The town elders sat under the arches of ancient arcades chatting boisterously while enjoying a coffee and a cigar; vendors showed off their produce of the day on rickety wooden tables; and day-trippers filled their bags with sausages, cheeses and wines.

The Romanesque-style houses and the Gothic façades of the historic buildings, such as the Ajuntament (Town Hall), were especially striking. Elegant staircases led up and down from the Blasco de Alagón, offering beautiful vistas of the castle atop the hill or the verdant valley below.

We stepped into the Gothic cloister of the Convent of Sant Francesc, a serene oasis with a stunning view of the castle high above.

The main road wound its way gradually to the Archpriest’s Church of Santa Maria la Major. This architectural jewel has two portals and a striking blue dome. Once inside, I was completely bowled over by the impressive spiral staircase, the church organ and the breathtaking gold-gilded alter-piece.

From the Archpriest’s church, several lanes wind their way further up the hill to the castle. It’s a steep climb but the panorama of the surrounding hills and valleys is certainly worth the effort.

Morella is absolutely worth a day-trip from the coast or from Valencia. If you visit Morella, make sure you plan sufficient time for a meal in one of the many restaurants or mesón to experience authentic Morellan cuisine.

Note: my trip was sponsored by the Land of Valencia.

Read the accompanying post: ‘Plane Views: Mt. Vesuvius‘

• Murals of Valparaiso, Chile
• Floating villages, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

The Skyline Gondola

The town is situated in a corner of Lake Wakatipu and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains – the Remarkables, in particular, provide a magnificent backdrop. A great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Queenstown, the lake and the mountains is to ride the Skyline Gondola, a cableway, to the top of the mountain overlooking Queenstown. Once at the top, there’s a viewing terrace and a café. Sit back, relax and take in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Other more thrilling options

The thrill-seekers among us will also appreciate The Ledge – Sky Swing, which is located adjacent to the Skyline Gondola. Designed and created by the legendary AJ Hackett (the founder of bungy jumping madness), you’ll be harnessed in and lowered out over the ledge before being swung out and dropped 400 meters above Queenstown! Not for the faint-hearted or those scared of heights! Would you try it?

For those seeking a slightly less adrenaline-infused experience, I can recommend an exhilarating paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola. The initial adrenaline rush I experienced during the take-off quickly evaporated as we glided silently in the air and the spectacular scenery unfolded below me. The flight is a ten minute experience you’ll never forget.

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Looking at the sweeping views afforded by the rooftop pool of the Sha Wellness Clinic, this is the first descriptive noun that came to my mind. Just a short 15-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm, a Spanish seaside town that welcomes 7 million sunbathers a year, the SHA Wellness Clinic fits the description perfectly.

The SHA Wellness Clinic was founded by Alberto Bataller Parietti on the premise that a healthy macrobiotic diet is the secret to our general well-being and happiness. He combined this philosophy with a mix of Eastern and Western spa treatments as well as meditation and yoga to bring body, mind and spirit into harmony. Alberto chose a secluded spot high up in the hills above Albir and proceeded to build his dream of creating a wellness sanctuary like no other. He recruited some of the best macrobiotic consultants and experts as well as whole teams of natural therapists, aestheticians, masseurs, meditation instructors and chefs. The result is certainly impressive.

Tucked into a hillside, with stupendous views of the lovely seaside community of Albir, the Manhattan-like skyline of Benidorm as well as the imposing mountains that hug the coastline, the SHA is renowned as one of the most exclusive spa retreats in the world. A 2010 Winner of the Condé Nast Award for the Best Medical-, Natural-, Thermal Spa, the SHA counts the likes of Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Campbell among its guests.

As I explored the SHA, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the spacious rooms; breezy terraces; well-equipped spa and the rooftop pool (arguably one of the most inviting pools I’ve ever seen). The whole complex exudes a serene ambiance. Similar to the experience of stepping off a busy street into a place of worship, I quickly found myself talking in hushed tones. The pool area, with its shady cabanas and many private nooks and corners, was clearly designed to facilitate quiet, reflective moments.

Then there’s the food and drinks: everything is organic, from the wines and beer to the honey that’s served as a replacement for sugar. I was very impressed with the quality of the meals. The head chef of the Shamadi restaurant worked for many years at one of the world’s top restaurants in Barcelona. Nowadays, he uses his talents to create exquisite meals that incorporate the macrobiotic regime.

Mr. Bataller has certainly created a unique retreat. My two days there were a bit too short to truly experience the workings of a macrobiotic and spa regime but the wellness concept, the magnificent location and the excellent staff made a big impression on me. The SHA is absolutely a sanctuary like no other. I’m sure a stay at the SHA will get anyone feeling healthier and more balanced,… and ready for the next patatas bravas and deep-fried calamari splurge.

Read other posts related to my trip to Valencia:

• Behind the Scenes of the Valencia Formula One Grand Prix
• An Architectural Marvel in Valencia
• Velvet Moments: Benidorm
• An Aerial Experience of Europe
• Experiencing Valencia

Note: my trip to Valencia and the Sha Wellness Clinic was sponsored by the Land of Valencia.

The New York City Highline

One of my favorite places to go to in New York on a sunny afternoon is the NYC Highline. This completely unique place always inspires me, and makes me happy and proud to be a New Yorker. The Highline used to be a train line, but the trains have not run on it since the 80′s. There was some talk of demolishing it, and at last New York City decided to turn it into an elevated park and I am so glad they did. These days, the Highline is considered one of the most unique urban parks in the world.

Walking along the Highline park and checking out the funky plants and the fresh and modern design of this unique urban park, you also get to see an entirely different perspective of Manhattan, the West Side, the city’s architecture and the skyline. I just love the plants here – they were especially selected to evoke the feel of the overgrown tracks. There’s such an urban perseverance feel to it – the tiny green shrubs breaking through the concrete and looking up at the sky. These plants will survive and thrive in the coldest of New York winters.

People watching on the Highline is one of my favorite pastimes. Here you will find the hippest of NY hipsters, tourists from all over the world, uptowners, downtowners and everyone in between. And somehow everyone seems unusually relaxed for New York City. Maybe it’s the air up here.

The ultimate in New York daytime fare

There are some great New York staples for dining nearby, so whether you are in the mood for a meal or an incredible dessert, you are in luck. One great option and an all time New York staple is Pastis French bistro, which is right around the corner from the Highline on Little West 12 street. The food here is fantastic, fresh, with classic choices such as Salad Nicoise, and Steak Tartar. Being that this is one of the trendiest daytime spots in downtown Manhattan for many years, it is almost always packed, so prepare for a pretty long wait. But if you score a table outside on a nice day consider it your lucky day and enjoy every moment. This is the ultimate in New York daytime fare.

La Bergamote is my favorite pastry shop in the world. It’s so quaint here, with hand-painted Parisian pastel murals on the walls. The pastries are fresh and flaky and are simply little pieces of heaven. They also serve fresh, delicious sandwiches on crunchy baguettes, and really good coffee. I love going to La Bergamote after coming off the Highline as a well-deserved prize for all the walking – like I worked off the calories from the pastries in advance. It’s completely self-deceptive of course, but I fool myself every time!

So make sure to visit the Highline when you are in New York City, and experience this unique urban park’s beauty for yourself.

About this week’s guest writer
Gina Gorelik is a travel writer, a freelance wardrobe stylist, “ants in the pants” traveller, sarcastic New Yorker, a Muse, a friend of jet setters, a non-meat eating foodie (NOT an oxymoron) and someone who has a pretty quirky sense of humor. Having travelled to 26 countries, and lived in 5, some of the most memorable and amazing experiences have occurred to Gina while she was on the road, and she wants to share them with the world, one funny story at a time. Visit Gina’s blog: Eclectic Trips.

Read other ‘Places That Inspire’ posts:

• Rome, Italy
• Yosemite, USA
• Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
• Krak des Chevaliers, Syria
• Karekare beach, New Zealand

Read the accompanying post: ‘A Little Piece of Heaven‘.

• Murals of Valparaiso, Chile
• Floating villages, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

As the plane took off from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, it quickly became clear, from the neat rows of oblong fields how organised the Dutch are. It’s also clear that agriculture is a big business, judging by the size of the fields and how efficiently the land is utilised. Another point that quickly becomes apparent is the centuries-old pre-occupation of the Dutch to keep invading water (from both the rivers and the sea) at bay.

Large lakes and a massive network of waterways were created to distribute water and thereby prevent flooding in this low-lying country – a third of the country lies below sea-level.

The plane crossed into Belgian airspace after a half hour. The northern part of Belgium shares a similar topography with the Netherlands: flat and low-lying. Belgium also has a similar population-density as the Netherlands. However, the differences of the composition of the fields couldn’t be more stark. I imagine culture and history play an important role in explaining the seemingly chaotic patchwork of fields.

As the plane entered French airspace, the scenery changed again. The fields grew in size and the landscape was visibly more hilly. The plane flew directly above Paris before continuing in a southerly direction. We flew over towns which clearly formed the epicentre for the surrounding region – roads from the countryside led to the centre of the towns while the fields fanned-out from the urban areas.

The landscape gradually changed as the plane flew towards the Pyrenees. The large agricultural region surrounding Paris made way for forests, villages and smaller fields. Rolling hills, with their gorgeous patchwork of fields, interchanged with forests and villages, while rivers meandered along the valley floor.

Soon, the mighty snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees came into view. The Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain and boast peaks higher than 3,000 meters (10,000 feet).

The Pyrenees also separate the green north from the dry south. As the plane entered Spain, past the Pyrenees, the landscape quickly became more barren. Green turned to ochre and brown. Unlike the Dutch, who face an eternal struggle with too much water, the Spaniards take large measures to save every drop and distribute it efficiently. Large reservoirs were built to capture the molten snow carried by the rivers from the mountains. These turquoise lakes form a stunning contrast to the brown landscape.

The landscape became increasingly barren as the plane approached Valencia. Irrigation networks that distribute water from the reservoirs to the agricultural areas could clearly be seen between the patches of green. The rugged mountains and the patchwork of fields in countless shades of brown made for simply breathtaking scenery.

And all this on a two-hour flight from Amsterdam to Valencia! I love living in Europe!

Read more about the Plane Views series: Plane Views: The Beauty of a Window Seat.

Note: my trip to Valencia was sponsored by the Land of Valencia and the Dutch airline Transavia.

The City of Arts and Sciences truly is a magnificent architectural marvel, one which cannot be missed if you’re visiting Valencia. Please scroll down to view some of the many photos I took during my tour of this awesome complex.

El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe

El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe

L'Hemisfèric

El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía

El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía

City of Arts and Sciences Valencia

By night

El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe by night

L'Assut de L'Or bridge & a L'Oceanogràfic by night

Note: my trip to Valencia was sponsored by the Land of Valencia.

Sometimes ‘The One Thing’ is a single site or place that exceeds expectations and makes a trip memorable. I liked the recent ‘The One Thing’ vodcasts by Charley Boorman (of The Long Way Around). He travels to Paris, Madrid, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam, demonstrating one site or experience that can transform a trip. The suggestions are inventive and fun: his ‘One Thing’ to do is always off the much-beaten tourist track from Amsterdam’s smallest micro-brewery to a nifty means of travelling the French capital. The videos are certainly worth a look if you’re planning a trip to any of the these cities.

Charley Boorman’s ‘One Thing’ in Amsterdam

The ‘De Prael’ Brewery or (Brouwerij de Prael in Dutch) is a lovely brewery located in the heart of Amsterdam along the Oudezijds Voorburgwal (don’t bother trying to pronounce that one! ), one of the city’s oldest canals.

This post is sponsored by American Express Platinum card: a credit card that offers bonuses for frequent travellers, including privileged access and priority passes. Amex has created a card with such great perks that it’s ‘The One Thing’ that travellers need: the ultimate travel companion.

On a recent plane trip from Amsterdam to Valencia, the flight path took us directly over the heart of Paris. It was a partially cloudy day but the views between the clouds were astounding. I often find myself in row ‘A’ on many regional European flights – I must’ve mentioned a preference for this row some time ago. Sitting in row ‘A’ on a flight from Amsterdam to Spain provides passengers with gorgeous views of, among others, the Millau Viaduct. However, on this particular flight, I was allocated a seat in row ‘F’ (the right side of the plane) and the views were equally stupendous.

As we flew over Paris, the expansive Charles de Gaulles airport came into view. Moments later, the massive Stade de France stadium in the Parisian suburb of St. Denis was unmistakable. At that moment, we were flying at an altitude of 12,000 meters or 40,000 feet. I zoomed in and took a series of pictures. It was easy to recognise the Arc de Triomphe and the network of boulevards, including the Champs-Elysée leading up to it. It was only later, when I got the chance to closely study the pictures I took, that I discovered the presence of other famous Parisian landmarks in the photos. Can you see the Palais de Chaillot (Trocadero) and the Eiffel Tower in the photo below?

Note: my flight to Valencia was sponsored by Dutch regional airline, Transavia.

Read other Plane Views posts:

• Plane Views: The Beauty of a Window Seat (with contributions from readers)
• Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
• Atacama desert, Chile
• Venice, Italy
• Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
• Mallorca, Spain
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile
• Sydney Harbour, Australia
• Vancouver to Portland, OR

Read the accompanying post: ‘An instant love affair with the orangutans of Sabah‘

• Murals of Valparaiso, Chile
• Floating villages, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

The Land of Valencia, the Valencia Tourism Board who sponsored my trip, was incredible. They arranged prime seats in the grandstand that cost EUR 600 each. Even for a F1 dummy like me, it wasn’t hard to figure out that these were seriously hot seats!

An amazing coincidence

Call it a stroke of luck or a simple coincidence but something amazing happened on the evening before the big race. We were having dinner at a restaurant in Valencia’s Old Quarter when I noticed the Lotus Racing Team sitting at the table next to us. In the middle of the group sat Tony Fernandes, CEO of Air Asia, and Tune Group, the owner of the Lotus Team. I’d met him several times before and I knew he was in Valencia for the races but imagine my surprise to see him sitting at the very next table! I walked up to him and said ‘hello’ and after a brief chat, he extended an invitation to show me (and a few blogger friends) the Formula One paddock and tour the Lotus Team garage.

For a F1 dummy like me, even I knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that most people can only dream of! I headed back to my table and excitedly announced that I’d been invited to visit the “Lotus pits”. The roar of laughter was deafening! I quickly learned that it’s called the “pitlane”. Duh!

Our visit to the Lotus Formula One paddock

On the day of the big race, six of us headed to the Formula One track where we were met by Tom Webb, the press officer of the Lotus Racing Team. He handed us special green VIP passes for the paddock and casually mentioned that these were worth EUR 30,000 EACH!

Our excitement of being there in the paddock was almost tangible. Tom led us down the paddock to the Lotus garage, and as he explained the different areas of the paddock, I noticed that everyone just couldn’t stop grinning.

The first thing that struck me when we entered the garage was how spotless and organised everything was. There was a section where the tires were kept warm, another section filled with computer screens, a wall of personalised headphones and then the garage itself. Just two cars (that looked incredibly tiny) and a dozen technicians carrying out the final tests, just 90 minutes before the race. I felt like a kid in a candy store, albeit one that costs millions!

Tom left us for five minutes to have a look around – we looked at each other in total bewilderment. He was leaving us ALONE in here??!!! We were free to wander around the cars and watch how they tested the engines. The sound of those powerful engines was absolutely mind-blowing! I walked to the edge of the pitlane and watched the other teams prepare their cars. It was an impressive sight, seeing the technicians fiddling with the cars, testing the engines and analysing the streams of data on the screens.

Watch the video of the engine test in the Lotus garage:

The Valencia Grand Prix Race

I asked my friend John how long the race would last and he said 57 laps. Err, why 57? He explained that the difficulty of the Formula One circuits around the world differ greatly but the race should last approximately two hours. In Valencia, that translates into 57 laps and top speeds of up to 350km/h. Rrrrright!

The crash

Posing with the Air Asia girls

The race itself was quite uninteresting. The leader from the qualifying rounds, Sebastian Vettel, led from start to finish. It was fun seeing Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, cheer on her boyfriend, Lewis Hamilton.

The ringing in my ears continued for a while but I was too excited to notice. It was an amazing day behind the scenes of the Formula One race, one that I’m happy I shared with my friends Melvin, Abigail, John, Diego and Stef.

Other posts on our Formula One weekend:

• Abigail King’s ‘Inside Action at the Valencia Formula One Grand Prix‘
• Andy Jarosz’s ‘Watching the Formula One Grand Prix: An Idiot’s Guide‘

Read the accompanying post: ‘Experiencing Valencia‘.

Note: my trip to Valencia and Benidorm was sponsored by the Land of Valencia and Transavia.

• Floating villages, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

I was thrilled to receive an invitation from the Tourism Board of the region of Valencia for a five-day visit along with travel bloggers from around the world. The trip includes beach time (yay!), indulgence at the Sha Wellness Clinic, many undoubtedly fabulous meals, delicious cocktails, a travel blogger gathering and concludes with the Formula One race. Needless to say… I can’t wait!

My flight to Valencia with Transavia, a fun Dutch regional airline, takes off in a few hours. I’m really looking forward to meeting my Twitter friends @Traveldudes, @AbigailKing, @501places, @Adventuregirl, @WildJunket, @IsabellesTravel, @HotelIsabel, and making new friends with other Tweeps and travel bloggers.

Update

Read my posts on Valencia and other posts related to this trip:

• Behind the Scenes of the Valencia Formula One Grand Prix
• An Architectural Marvel in Valencia
• Velvet Moments: Benidorm
• An Aerial Experience of Europe

You’re most welcome to follow our trip to Valencia via the Twitter feed below or on Twitter. The hashtag we’ll be using is #blogtripF1.

Note: Twitter occasionally experiences periods of high traffic – the feed below may not show up during these periods.

In the 17th century, Amsterdam was one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Ships from its port sailed the world over and formed a powerful global trading network. It was during this time that the ‘grachten-gordel’ (a girdle of concentric canals; ‘gracht’ = canal) was created and the city’s richest merchants built their stately canalside mansions. Today, this girdle of canals forms one of the city’s greatest attractions. Lined with beautiful 17th and 18th century houses, and crossed by hundreds of bridges, the canals are a gorgeous sight and a focal point for Amsterdammers, many of whom take to their boats for a leisurely cruise or sit at one of the many canal-side cafés when the weather permits. Needless to say, these are two of my favourite ‘velvet escapes’ in Amsterdam!

Canal cruises in Amsterdam

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, a canal cruise should be on your list of things to do as it simply is the best way to quickly get acquainted with the city, its history and its architecture. Many companies offer canalboat tours which cover the Ij harbour, the Golden Bend at the Herengracht (Gentlemen’s canal) – site of some of the most impressive canalside mansions, the Reguliersgracht with its seven bridges, and the Amstel river. Some companies also include the canals of the Wallen (the oldest part of Amsterdam and site of the city’s world famous red light district) and the quaint canals of the Jordaan. Canal cruises leave from various points around the city such as the Central Station and vary in length (1 – 2 hours).

The Canal Bus

Another way to explore the canals is by buying a ticket for the Canal Bus. The hop-on, hop-off Canal Bus stops at strategic points around the city centre and is a great way to see the sights and enjoy a scenic cruise. An alternative method is to rent a Canal Bike. This method allows you to get a great workout while you enjoy the sights!

Romance on the canals

For a truly romantic experience, book one of the evening cruises, especially in the spring/summer season when the atmosphere is truly mesmerising. Most evening cruises include a cheese platter and wine while some serve a full dinner on board. An even more delightful way to explore the Amsterdam canals is to hire a boat for a few hours. Pack a basketfull of food and wine, and a map. Then navigate yourself through the network of canals – hiring a boat provides you with a great opportunity to explore the charming nooks and corners of this city, such as the Jordaan neighbourhood, the ‘tunnel of love’ between the Flower Market and the Amstel River, and the wonderfully atmospheric canals between the City Hall and the Wallen. The best time to do this is in the late-afternoons and early-evenings, especially in the warm late-spring and summer months. Bring a warm jacket or blanket for those chilly evenings.

Gay Pride Canal Parade

The canals are also the decor of one of the city’s biggest annual events: the Gay Pride Canal Parade. Held on the first Saturday of August each year, the spectacular boat parade follows the Prinsengracht (the longest of the concentric canals in the historic centre) to the Amstel River, and often attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world.

Suggested routes for a boat trip along the Amsterdam canals

Have a look at the map below for various suggested routes (if you opt to rent a boat) through the historic centre. Enjoy!

Read other Velvet Escape posts on Amsterdam:

• Picture perfect Amsterdam
• Velvet Escape’s Culinary Journey: Amsterdam
• Enchanting spots: Amsterdam

This is what the Radisson Blu chain of hotels is offering as a grand prize in their new travel competition: The Greatest Holiday in the World.

With this competition, you stand to win 365 hotel nights in any of Radisson Blu’s 200+ hotels over a 5 year period. All one has to do is visit the greatest holiday in the world site and tell Radisson why you deserve to win. You can write about why you deserve the prize above everyone else and upload photos or videos to back your arguments. Make it quirky and original. Then spread the word and ask your friends, family and colleagues to vote for your entry. The contestant with the most votes wins!

This competition is only open to citizens of the European Union as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. However, everyone can vote for your entry. It’s that simple! The competition closes on July 24th 2010.

In addition to the main competition, there will also be up to 10 weekly prizes for the most entertaining entries. Winners are selected based on humour, creativity and originality used to present their stories. My advice: get your creative juices flowing and pour it into an entry that’s simple, catchy and funny.

This is a simple competition with an amazing prize. Go ahead, submit your entry and who knows, you might be the lucky winner of 365 hotel nights anywhere in the world!

PS/ If you’ve entered the competition, let me know in the comments section below – you’ll get my vote!

Note: this is a Sponsored Post.

Chef Daniel - the friendly giant helming the kitchen.

One of my favourite ‘Velvet Escape’ experiences here in Kuala Lumpur is dining at the restaurant Sage. Situated on the roof top of The Garden’s Shopping Mall, this is the place to enjoy haute cuisine at its best. One of the great experiences I had included a personalised lunch menu that Chef Daniel, the Head Chef of Sage, put together for us on short notice. Chef Daniel is the friendly giant helming the kitchen. This guy really knows his stuff. Just don’t mess up in his kitchen or you will know about it!

First up, the Smoked Salmon with Assorted vegetable and Akame Herb. Looking at the gorgeous plump salmon it looked somewhat like a Satsuma! Its plump, peachy little body was bursting with fresh juices (not unlike a satsuma) and lightly seared on the side of the skin to offer that crunchy texture that is mind-blowingly addictive. Apparently they smoke their own salmon at Sage. Impressive.

Smoked Salmon with Assorted vegetable, Akame Herb

This was quickly followed by Cheese breads, hot from the oven. Piping hot and covered in molten cheese, these breads made for a nice intermission before our next course.

My favourite dish of the day

Then came my favourite dish of the day, the Capellini Pasta with trio of seafood and Togarashi. The capellini turned out to be long strands of pasta that is very similar to Angel hair pasta, only Capellini is slightly thicker. Often Capellini and Angel hair pasta are referred to as the same pasta. This sort of pasta has an amazing way of ‘catching’ and soaking up the sauces in your dish and goes fantastically well with light sauces. Golly, I could have just stopped right here and been a happy camper! The fresh prawns and scallops were bouncy and firm. The freshness of the seafood is what smacks you in the face and makes you sit up and notice what a great creation this is. I particularly loved the way the oceanic flavours of the prawn and the scallop mesh with the capellini. Superb.

Capellini Pasta with trio of seafood and Togarashi.

The next dish is for the red meat lovers. The Mijoté Wagyu Beef with spinach and Sherry Wine was amazing. Tender, medium grade 9 Wagyu, cooked in a savoury-sweet sherry base that went perfectly well with a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir.

Finally, the Mulloway Seabass with Enoki Mushroom and wine sauce was the grand and last main course. Apparently the Mulloway can be found in the cold Australian waters and looks like a European Seabass. Mulloway is particularly suited to sashimi frying, roasting and stir-frying in cooked preparations. The preparation of the fish at Sage was fantastic. The Enoki mushroom and the wine sauce complemented the light taste and flaky texture of the fish to perfection. I loved this dish.

Mulloway Seabass with Enoki Mushroom, Wine sauce.

Bing cherries

Bing cherries

For dessert we partook of “Bing cherries “ and ice-cream. Did you know that Mr. Bing was an actual person who walked the face of this earth? Ah-Bing to be precise (he was Chinese). Bing cherries originated in  Milwaukee, Oregon in the U.S. and were created as a crossbred graft from the Republican cherry in the 1875 by Oregon horticulturist Seth Lewelling and his Manchurian Chinese foreman Ah Bing, after whom the cherry is named.  Some sources claim that Ah Bing cared for the trees from which the cherry was developed, while others claim that he had been responsible for cultivating the fruit. How cool is that? Way to go Chinaman! Nowadays, other countries produce Bing cherries too.

All in all, a fantastic meal. I highly recommend Sage to anyone who wants to experience a ‘Velvet Escape’ first hand. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Address:

Sage,
The Gardens Residences,
6th Floor, The Gardens,
Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel:  603 2268 1188

About this week’s guest writer
Mei is an avid traveller, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who enjoys writing about her travel and gastronomic experiences. In her words: “It all started out a couple of years back as a means to journal our travels and related photos. However, because we enjoy eating so much (as do other Malaysians) this blog soon took on the form of a food blog: Cumi & Ciki is a Malaysian food and travel blog. The name is derived from a popular educational television puppet show for Malaysian children in the 70s and 80s. This is the tale of the two traveling, eating, thrill-seeking monkeys from Kuala Lumpur. Food and culture go hand in hand. We feel that in life, we need to enjoy what we do, have passion; cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. We hope that this is conveyed through our Cumi dan Ciki blog.”

Follow Mei on Twitter.

Read other Velvet Escape posts on Kuala Lumpur:

• My Velvet Escape Travel Tip: Kuala Lumpur
• Shop till you drop in Kuala Lumpur
• Ten things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Read the accompanying post: ‘The murals of Valparaiso‘.

• Floating villages, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

Take a cruise

The majesty of this place can best be appreciated by taking a cruise – there are various options including an overnight cruise. This is one of the top visitor attractions on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island so if you’re visiting Milford Sound on your own, go in the mornings or later in the afternoon to avoid the hordes of tourist buses. The boats take visitors across the fjord, alongside the awe-inspiring rock face of Mitre Peak and past several waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins, seals and penguins along the way. If you’re standing outside on the deck – something I recommend you do – make sure you have a raincoat on when the boat passes some of the waterfalls – feeling the cold droplets on your face is a glorious experience. As the boat gets closer, the fine mist turns into a blistering cold shower!

“The Finest Walk in the World”

An alternative method, if you have more time, is to hike along one of the many trails around the fjord. The most famous trail is the ‘Milford Track‘, often called the “finest walk in the world”. The trail winds its way through stunning mountain scenery and the gorgeous temperate rainforests of the Fiordland National Park. Various tour companies in Queenstown offer guided hikes along the Milford Track as a 5-day/4-night package. If you have the time and are physically fit, I seriously recommend this hike. The sight of the imposing snow-capped mountains, massive granite canyons, dark blue lakes and eerie mossy forests is simply enchanting!

See other Velvet Escape Enchanting Spots:

• Palazzo Ducale Mantua, Italy
• Cappadocia, Turkey
• Tortuguero, Costa Rica
• Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
• Palenque, Mexico
• Sydney Opera House, Australia
• Mount Nemrud, Turkey
• Tikal, Guatemala
• Petra, Jordan
• Blue Lagoon, Iceland
• Ngorongoro, Tanzania
• Whitehaven beach, Australia

Maho Beach

For those out there, like me, who love beaches and airplanes, this beach offers the best of both worlds! Maho Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach, with turquoise blue water lapping at its sands on the Dutch side of the Caribbean isle of St. Maarten. What makes this beach unique is its location: at the start/end of the runway of the Princess Juliana International Airport.

The planes literally swoop down less than fifty meters over your head for the landing. Many people come here just to watch the planes and whirl in the sandstorm when a plane takes off – a planespotter’s ideal holiday spot and a unique opportunity for thrill-seekers!

There’s a fun beach club at a corner of the beach with benches and tables facing the planes’ approach path while loudspeakers broadcast the interaction between the airport tower and the pilot of the approaching plane. The airport’s arrivals and departures are listed on a blackboard; the highlights being the arrival and take off of the KLM 747-400 and the Air France A340-300 several times a week. The beach club also organises quirky promotions like free drinks to those who flash their bottoms or breasts as planes come in to land! Check out the awesome scenes of different types of aircraft landing and taking off in the videos below.

There are signs warning the public of a plane’s jet blast upon take-off; the blast from a twin-engined 757 is sufficient to push the waves back from the beach! Cars have to stop at the side of the runway when a plane is about to take-off. The bigger planes roll down the runway a bit before going into full throttle. It’s an awesome experience to lie on the beach and see a massive 747-400 swoop in with a thunderous roar just 20-odd meters above you! The thrill-seekers head out to the beach when a bigger plane takes off to brave the sandstorm as the pilot revs up the engines.

If you’re visiting Dutch St. Maarten or its French neighbour St. Martin, you shouldn’t miss this experience!

Read other Velvet Escape posts on the Eastern Caribbean:

• A Short Hop to Anguilla
• Stunning St. Lucia

Read the accompanying post: ‘Plane Views: Kota Kinabalu‘

• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
• Valle de la Luna, Chile
• Positano, Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Seminyak, Indonesia
• Lang Tengah island, Malaysia
• Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
• The Great Ocean Road, Australia
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Here are my ten travel tips for a safe and enjoyable World Cup 2010 trip to South Africa:

Before you leave for South Africa

1. Make sure you’re insured
Medical expenses can be a costly affair so make sure you’re insured. Check if your travel insurance also covers theft.

2. Bring warm clothing
Winter has arrived in South Africa. Cape Town has a mild Mediterranean climate but it can get a lot colder in the other host cities. Temperatures in Johannesburg can dip below freezing in the winter. Make sure you pack a good number of woolly sweaters, caps and gloves. Temperatures can vary significantly during the day so it’s a good idea to dress in layers. If you’re visiting Cape Town, pack an umbrella or a raincoat as it rains quite a bit in the winter months.

3. Pack some ear plugs
You’ll undoubtedly be sitting next to groups of fans blowing Vuvuzelas in the stadium. A Vuvuzela is a blowing horn that emits a loud monotone and is used by South Africans during football matches to cheer their team on. Unfortunately, the Vuvuzela has been known to cause ear damage. Better be safe than sorry – pack some ear plugs!

4. Check with your credit card company
It’s probably a good idea to call your credit card company to inform them of your trip to South Africa. This will help the credit card company keep an eye on transactions and avoid your card being blocked by mistake for anti-fraud reasons. When you’re in South Africa, never lose sight of your credit card during a transaction. I learned this lesson the hard way several years ago!

Safety tips when in South Africa

5. Safety on the road
If you’re planning to drive around South Africa, make sure you familiarise yourself with the local road rules. One thing I’ve learned in South Africa is to drive defensively as situations can be quite unpredictable on the road. When you’re there, for your own safety, do not give a lift to hitchhikers, keep your bags in the boot at all times, and if you’re driving through an urban area, keep your windows closed and doors locked, especially when stopping at traffic lights.

6. Travel safe
The South African government has taken many measures to ensure the safety of visitors but you should take your own precautions. If possible, always travel in the safety of groups. Keep all jewelry or valuable items safely locked up in a safe in your hotel room. If you’re carrying a bag, always keep your hand on it. Avoid walking around the city centres at night; instead, take a licensed taxi. In addition, it’s a good idea to have your mobile phone switched on at all times so you can quickly make a call should an emergency arise. The national emergency number for mobiles is 112. In addition, a 24-hour multilingual hotline is available for visitors seeking police or medical services. The hotline number is: +27 87 803 4636 from any phone.

Have FUN!

7. Expand your culinary horizons
South Africa boasts a varied cuisine featuring a number of unique game and seafood dishes. Try a kudu or zebra steak, the South African biltong (a cured meat similar to beef jerky), grilled kingklip (a type of fish found in South African waters) or a crocodile carpaccio. South Africa is also one of the largest producers of fine wines in the world. There are too many excellent South African wines to mention so just go ahead and indulge yourself. One more tip: don’t leave South Africa without visiting a local ‘braai‘, the famous South African barbecue.

8. Go on a safari
Game concentrations are higher in some parts of the country during the winter months so you will see a variety of species which are sometimes harder to spot in the summer. The most famous South African reserve is the Kruger National Park but there are many game reserves scattered across the country that are absolutely worthwhile.

9. Explore the countryside
South Africa is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world: rolling green hills reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside interchange with towering mountains and savanna plains while the coast features dramatic cliffs and mile upon mile of white sandy beaches. In between World Cup matches, hire a car (you should do this in advance as cars will be in short supply during the event) or book a tour to explore the magnificent South African countryside. Stay in a rustic South Africa accommodation and enjoy wonderful hospitality, food and wines.

10. Mingle with other supporters
The World Cup is a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with the locals and people from all corners of the world. In addition to the many parties organised by the South African World Cup committee, many participating countries will also be hosting their own events in the various cities.

Visit the official FIFA World Cup 2010 website for more information or to download the official Fan Guide.

Read other Velvet Escape posts on South Africa:

• Driving the Cape Peninsula Loop
• Ten things to do in Cape Town
• The marine life of the Western Cape
• Driving the Klein Karoo loop
• Cederberg: mountain passes, safaris & San rock art
• A kaleidoscope of colour

In the post above, I’ve included a number of links to related articles by SA Venues, an online tourism resource. With its countless articles and gorgeous photos, SA Venues truly is a treasure trove of information on South Africa. Visit the SA Venues World Cup page.

Rome

It isn’t difficult to become inspired by Italy. From the beautiful people, amazing food, and fantastic architecture, it’s a rare person who isn’t charmed. However, my trip, 26 years in the making, brought tears to be eyes for a different reason. To me, my Rome getaway meant my life had come full circle.

My grandfather stowed away on a boat from Italy to come to America. My family made a life in New York and I grew up learning to speak Italian, cook Italian, grow vegetables, and sing songs. It was amazing. But for my family, the trip from Italy was for progress, and vacations lounging on the Roman countryside were not possible.

This year, after jaunts to Brussels, France, Germany, and many more, I finally got the opportunity to visit Rome. Of course my breathe was taken away by the shops, the meals, the history, but on more than one occasion, my eye wandered to a random family, or an old woman feeding stray cats, or a group of children eating pizza on a stoop, and I remembered how amazing my family was, and everything they had gone through. And because of that, I was able to spend time in Italy, not wondering how I would reach a new country, but enjoying myself, enjoying the culture, and soaking in the experience.

While I absolutely love that everyone who visits Rome finds him or herself in a state of enchantment, I find it difficult to explain the sort of inspiration I felt during my (too) short time there. I’m lucky to be able to travel, but I’m ridiculously lucky to be able to experience the land of my heritage in a leisurely and blessed way.

About this week’s guest writer
Annemarie Dooling is a travel writer based in New York. “I grew up in New York City, finding my way around Union Square before most kids could order their own meals. My family came over on a boat from Italy, and although being raised by a single mother and non-English speaking grandparents was hard, I loved having backyard vegetable gardens, fresh wine, and playing bocce with my grandfather.” Visit Annemarie’s blog: Frill Seeker Diary or follow her on  Twitter.

Read other ‘Places That Inspire’ posts:

• Yosemite, USA
• Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
• Krak des Chevaliers, Syria
• Karekare beach, New Zealand

Read the accompanying post: The Exotic Isle of Zanzibar

• Lago Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile
• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
• Valle de la Luna, Chile
• Positano, Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Seminyak, Indonesia
• Lang Tengah island, Malaysia
• Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
• The Great Ocean Road, Australia
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia

I was extremely lucky on a flight from Sydney to Brisbane not so long ago – I sat on the left of the plane (i.e. row ‘A’) and as the plane took off from Sydney, I was treated to stunning views of Sydney Harbour. As the plane approached Brisbane, the views of Brisbane’s Central Business District and the sprawling suburbs were pretty awesome.

See other posts from the ‘Plane Views’ series:

• Plane Views: The Beauty of a Window Seat (with contributions from readers)
• Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
• Atacama desert, Chile
• Venice, Italy
• Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
• Putrajaya, Malaysia
• Mallorca, Spain
• Millau, France
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile
• Sydney Harbour, Australia
• Vancouver to Portland, OR

Yosemite National Park

The drive to Yosemite National Park is on an unassuming single lane highway that curves along the Sierra Nevada foothills. It’s an understated introduction to the region, meandering along river valleys and climbing up pine-covered hillsides. Traveling there is beautiful in its own right but it pales in comparison to the destination. Ten minutes after passing through the entrance gate the road curves around the last bend, the tree line fades back, the valley walls open up and you find yourself in one of the most spectacular valleys nature has created.

Once the old stomping ground of glaciers, the main valley of Yosemite National Park was created when climate change forced the glaciers to recede. Unlike a v-shaped valley carved out by river flow, like the Grand Canyon, the Yosemite valley is flat due to its glacial past. Souring up from this valley floor are sheer rock walls, like the famous sites of El Capitan and the often photographed Half Dome.

Yosemite valley

The park was a favorite of the photographer Ansel Adams, who produced stunning photographs of the region. They’re brilliant, yes, but they don’t come close to the first time you see that valley in person. To say that it blew me away would be putting it mildly. Standing in that valley made me long to be a world-class photographer so I could capture the park’s grandeur, or an artist, so I could depict the way the sunlight shines off the massive granite walls.

Artistic inspirations aside, it’s also a place that makes you want to jump out of your car and enjoy the landscape. Everywhere you look people are being active. Hiking trails crisscross the valley. Bicycle teams fly along the valley road, passing the gawking, camera-happy visitors. Nature enthusiasts are walking in groups, eager to find the next botanical gem. This is nature at its finest: a magical combination of awe-inspiring views and thrilling appeal for the adventurer in all of us.

About this week’s guest writer
Jaime Engstrom is currently on a 18 month career break with her husband, Martin. Once an accountant and travel dreamer, she’s now fulfilling her travel dreams and busy plotting how to begin the next trip. Their shared blog Seat of Our Pants chronicles the couple’s adventures around the world. It dishes up a daily dose of the good, the bad or the downright nasty of life on the road.

Follow Jaime on Twitter.

Read other ‘Places That Inspire’ posts:

• Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
• Krak des Chevaliers, Syria
• Karekare beach, New Zealand

I’ve chosen to highlight a beautiful chapter from the section on Palaces. Enjoy!

The Palazzo Ducale in Mantua

Of all the 500 rooms in the humongous Palazzo Ducale, the two teeniest, hidden away on the ground floor, are the most enchanting. They are the grotta and studiolo of Isabella d’Este, aka First Lady of the Renaissance. Here’s where she’d come to leave the world behind and read the classics, play her lute, or have her friends over to marvel over the paintings, antiques, and gems she’d collected.

It was all the rage for Renaissance palaces to have a studiolo. The idea behind it was to move away from the sterile, monastic retreats of the Dark Ages and into a space inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans, where the appreciation of beauty was the path to transcendence.

The treasures that once filled Isabella’s rooms have been sent off to museums, but there’s still a tantalizing magic here. Her studiolo’s deep blue walls, stars, and gilded woodwork create the ambience of an evening sky in paradise. In the grotta, polished cabinets of wood inlays form pictures of idyllic cities and palaces. Alabaster carvings of mythological figures grace the moldings. Right out the door is her secret garden, a square patch of trimmed shrubs and pots of laurel. I’d love to move in.

Isabella moved into the Palazzo Ducale in 1490 when she was sixteen and married Marchese Francesco Gonzaga. His powerhouse family dominated Mantua for 300 years, and the town is full of Renaissance buildings built during their reign. Francesco was a Captain General, off on fighting trips for long stretches, but came home enough so Isabella ended up having seven children. She was a faithful wife, while Francesco dallied about, even having a fling with the infamous Lucrezia Borgia.

Isabella let her husband’s affairs slide and put her energies into ruling Mantua while he was away. She was already highly educated, from growing up the daughter of the Duke of Ferrara, and then studied agriculture, architecture, and industry to get up to speed in other areas. Besides her brains, she had a natural talent for diplomacy, and could deftly swim in the shark tank of Renaissance politics. She did such a bang-up job that Mantua was raised in status to a Duchy.

While she was at it, she also made the palace a gathering place for poets, artists, and musicians, turning Mantua into a thriving cultural center. Leonardo da Vinci stopped by and made a sketch of her that now hangs in the Louvre. Titian painted her twice.

Her voracious appetite for beauty was where this almost perfect woman slid into naughty behavior. She insisted on wearing sables and elaborate costumes, even though the Mantua treasury couldn’t afford it.

She left behind hundreds of letters and some are hilarious to read, showing her needy-greedy side. These are the ones she’d address to relatives of sick people whom she knew had precious collections. She’d begin with much sympathy, but soon enough stick it to them, all but begging to be informed immediately if their relative died, so she could get her hands on their stuff.

As an art patron she could be downright annoying. In one instance, she hounded the established master Perugino demanding the painting she commissioned fit her standards exactly. The goddesses could not be naked. The theme had to be Chastity (Minerva and Diana) triumphing over earthly love (Venus and Cupid). It was Isabelle’s blatant way of standing up against that ne’er-do-well husband of hers, pushing a “Purity is Power” line.

All through the early years of her marriage, Isabelle filled her downstairs grotta with her growing collection. When Francesco retired from the army, he came back to Mantua debilitated and addled from syphilis, but still managed to grump about how Isabella had become the boss, which she didn’t let bother her in the least.

“Nec Speranza, Nec Metu: Neither Hope, Nor Fear”

Isabella was forty-six when Francesco died, which was old in those days. She’d always had weight problems, so climbing the palace stairs to her rooms was getting to her. Just like empty nesters who trade in their family home for a condo, Isabella moved out of her upstairs palazzo digs and redecorated this ground floor space which would be her beloved haven until she died eighteen years later.

Engraved in the wall is her motto, from the Roman poet Seneca: Nec Speranza, Nec Metu: Neither Hope, Nor Fear. It was this forge-ahead attitude that fueled strong, independent Isabella, who in an age when many women couldn’t even leave the house, undeniably triumphed.

Palazzo Ducale: Tuesday – Sunday 8:30am – 7pm.

Golden Day: Visit Isabella’s studiolo and grotta in the Palazzo Ducale, and don’t miss the upstairs Camera degli Sposi and Hall of Mirrors. Eat nearby at Ristorante Aquila Nigra (Vicolo Bonacolsi 4, closed on Monday), a converted Gothic townhouse. Sleep at Casa Poli Hotel, a sleek boutique hotel about a ten-minute walk from the Palazzo Ducale.

About Susan Van Allen
Susan Van Allen’s love for Italy stems from her maternal grandparents, who emigrated from Southern Italy. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up on the Jersey shore amidst wonderful food and drama.

When she first stepped off the train into Roma Termini in 1976, she got hooked on Italian travel. Since then she’s explored the country up and down the boot–visiting relatives, immersing herself in the country’s masterpieces and culture, taking language and cooking classes, and going on boating, biking, and hiking adventures. She’s written about Italian travel for many media outlets, including National Public Radio, Town & Country, Student Traveler, Tastes of Italia, Chicago Daily Herald, several Travelers Tales anthologies (including Best Travel Writing 2009), and CNN.com. Van Allen also writes for television, and was on staff of the Emmy winning sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. When she’s not in Italy, she is based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and makes scrumptious lasagnas.

Note: Permission to publish this excerpt was granted by Travelers’ Tales and Susan Van Allen.

See other Velvet Escape Enchanting Spots:

• Cappadocia, Turkey
• Tortuguero, Costa Rica
• Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
• Palenque, Mexico
• Sydney Opera House, Australia
• Mount Nemrud, Turkey
• Tikal, Guatemala
• Petra, Jordan
• Blue Lagoon, Iceland
• Ngorongoro, Tanzania
• Whitehaven beach, Australia

1. Get Jazzed

Few places on Earth possess the year-round party atmosphere as does New Orleans. And it all starts on Bourbon Street.

This is New Orleans’ most famous street, a place dominated by drinks and drinkers where the cocktail is king and bars stand side-by-side block after block. Weekdays are hardly distinguishable from weekends. In most cities, the weekend starts on a Thursday. In New Orleans, it has no beginning or end!

A great way to get to know the city is to stroll along Bourbon Street, Frenchman and Fulton, where jazz pours out onto the streets.. right up into the wee hours of the morning.

2. Get Eating

New Orleans is famous for so many great dishes , it’s hard to keep track. Louisiana Creole cuisine is a style of cooking originating in Louisiana which is a melting pot cuisine that blends French, Portuguese, Spanish, Canarian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Deep Southern American, Indian, and African influences. For my own personal recommendations, please check out 7 Great Eats you must not miss in New Orleans.

However, for some good old classics, check out:

(a) Café du Monde

Café du Monde is a coffee shop on Decatur Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is best known for its café au lait and its French-style beignets. In the New Orleans style, the coffee is blended with chicory. The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. The Cafe is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(b) Mandina

In a city renowned for its small, funky neighborhood joints, Mandina is the ultimate for great Nawlins food. Tommy Mandina’s family has owned and operated this restaurant and bar since the late 1800’s, and the menu hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years or so. This is a good thing!

You need to come here for the best Homemade Gumbo and Turtle Soup au Sherry ($4.50 for a cup; $7.00 for a bowl) and Po Boy in town. The gumbo was thick and starchy and super yummy. I learned to enjoy this favourite New Orleans dish, by the end of my stay!

(c) Crawfish at Dennis’s seafood in Metairie

Forget about having your crawfish at a regular sit down restaurant. How about getting it weighed straight at the wholesalers, having them cook it fresh, then taking it away and eating it out of the back of your car?

This place has the best boiled crabs, crawfish and shrimp in town and is situated on Lorino street, Metairie. It is family owned and has been in operation for over 30 years. A great seafood market where the locals go. It’s pretty hard to spot tourists here unless you are taken to Dennis’s by a discerning NOLA friend!

3. Drink a Hurricane at Pat O’briens

Pat O’brien’s is famous for the dueling pianists. For a small tip, they will play just about anything! They take turns playing – a rely of sorts on the grand piano, and each tries to out do the other. You can see the huge mirror that spans the room, reflecting the two pianists and the keyboard.

4. See the Longest Bridge in not just New Orleans, but the USA

This is the longest bridge in New Orleans as well as the USA. It can be viewed from many points around the city. A magnificent bridge that actually escaped unscathed by the recent hurricane. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway consists of two parallel bridges crossing Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. The longer of the two bridges is either the longest or third-longest in the world depending on definitions, measuring at 23.87 miles (38.42 km) long.

5. Enjoy the Gorgeous Parks

Walk or go for a jog among the centuries-old oaks of City Park, picnic in picturesque Audubon Park or enjoy views of the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park.

There is also the famous New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park near the French Quarter. It was created in 1994 to celebrate the origins and evolution of jazz, America’s most widely-recognized indigenous music. Hang out here and learn about the origins of Jazz for free.

6. View the Architecture of the French Quarter

French Quarter architecture is a mix of Spanish, French, Creole and American styles. Plastered walls and single chimneys reflect laws enacted after fire virtually destroyed the city in 1788 and 1794.

Walled courtyards, perfect for French Quarter parties, are a gift of the Spanish influence. Cast iron balconies, lacy galleries, along with plentiful stoops and porches on younger buildings, make the Quarter a great place for people-watching – and every kind of person imaginable can be spotted on the sidewalks of the Quarter!

The whimsical architecture and the gorgeous play on colors will make you want to just take a long stroll along the French Quarter in the waning light of evening .. enjoying the romantic atmosphere. One word of advice, try to be there with a “special someone” or a loved one!

7. Browse Art throughout the City

There are dozens of art galleries in several different art districts throughout the city. Many galleries are locally-owned and even better, artist-owned.

Art lovers will enjoy the Warehouse District turned Arts District along the river next to the Central Business District, just on the other side of Canal away from the French Quarter. There are many nationally acclaimed museums, such as the World War II and Children’s Museums. Some galleries even stay open late with wine and finger foods for a cultural street party with music! It seems like you can find art in every corner of New Orleans – the galleries on Julia and Royal, the Mid-city and Baywater art markets, Jackson Square vendors, etc. This place just pulses with creativity and colour.

8. Ride the River

You’ll witness some of the best views of the original city of New Orleans via a Canal Street Ferry ride across the Mississippi River, and learn why New Orleans is called the Crescent City as the ferry traverses the river’s natural crescent to historic Algiers Point on the West Bank. This ride is free.

9. Be moved by Breathtaking Churches

The large Catholic population of New Orleans means many beautiful churches you can visit e.g. St Louis Cathedral, St. Augustine and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

10. Be a “Voluntourist”

Whole communities were reduced to a baseline when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Millions were affected, approximately $81.2 billion losses were incurred and the death toll was over 1,836. The hurricane caused more than 50 breaches in drainage canal levees and also in navigational canal levees and precipitated the worst engineering disaster in the history of the United States. 80% of New Orleans was flooded, with some parts under 15 feet of water.

Though New Orleans is currently thriving, there are parts of the city that could still use some help following Hurricane Katrina. Just a few hours of Volunteering can make a lasting impact on this place and also on YOU.

About this week’s guest writer
Mei is an avid traveller, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who enjoys writing about her travel and gastronomic experiences. In her words: “It all started out a couple of years back as a means to journal our travels and related photos. However, because we enjoy eating so much (as do other Malaysians) this blog soon took on the form of a food blog: Cumi & Ciki is a Malaysian food and travel blog. The name is derived from a popular educational television puppet show for Malaysian children in the 70s and 80s. This is the tale of the two traveling, eating, thrill-seeking monkeys from Kuala Lumpur. Food and culture go hand in hand. We feel that in life, we need to enjoy what we do, have passion; cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. We hope that this is conveyed through our Cumi dan Ciki blog.”

Follow Mei on Twitter.

Read other articles in the Velvet Escape “Ten” series:

• Ten things to do in Manchester
• Ten things to do in Macau
• Ten things to do in Birmingham (UK)
• Ten incredible bridge walks
• Ten velvet escapes for 2010
• Ten unforgettable city cruises
• Ten things to do in Cape Town
• Ten things to do in Kuala Lumpur
• Ten things to do in Hamburg
• Ten things to do when you travel alone
• Ten reasons to travel alone

Read the accompanying post: Patagonia: Home of the Gods (Part II)

• Pompeii, Italy
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
• Valle de la Luna, Chile
• Positano, Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Seminyak, Indonesia
• Lang Tengah island, Malaysia
• Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
• The Great Ocean Road, Australia
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Laguna Chaxa, Chile

One of the most breathtaking drives in the world

Constantia to False Bay

From Cape Town, drive around the Table Mountain, past the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (you can choose to stop here or save the gardens for another day as there’s a lot more to see and do along the Loop) in the direction of the upmarket suburb of Constantia. There are several wineries in this neighbourhood which are absolutely worth a visit. The oldest and one of the most beautiful wineries is Groot Constantia.

From Constantia, head towards Muizenberg. At Muizenberg, continue along False Bay, with its gorgeous sandy beaches and colourful changing rooms, past Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town.

If you see groups of people standing along the roadside staring at the water, chances are, they’ve spotted some whales. False Bay is an excellent place to spot whales close to the shoreline in the spring and early-summer months. Simon’s Town is a great place to stop for a drink or lunch while you gaze across the bay. There are also many quaint, beautifully-restored cottages, lovely cobblestone streets, shops and interesting art galleries to explore.

Cape of Good Hope

From Simon’s Town, drive southwards to Miller’s Point (the coastal scenery here is just staggering). Stop along the way at Boulder’s Beach, the site of a large penguin colony. It’s a stunning spot for a leisurely walk to visit the penguins. From here, head towards the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (watch out for the baboons which frequently hang out along the main road – they can be quite vicious).

At Cape Point, it’s easier to take the funicular railway to the top (though you’ll have to climb the stairs on the last stretch to the lighthouse) for some astounding views of the cape. Contrary to popular belief, Cape Point is not the southernmost point of the African continent – that distinction goes to Cape Agulhas, further up the Western Cape coast, which is also the dividing point between the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans.

Back at the nature reserve’s exit, you can choose two routes back to Cape Town: a pretty straightforward drive to Scarborough or the same coastal road back to Simon’s Town. I prefer the latter as the scenery across False Bay is really spectacular and now you get to enjoy it again, this time from a different angle.

Just after Simon’s Town, turn left up to Red Hill/Scarborough. It’s quite a steep climb with a few hairpin bends but you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of False Bay and Simon’s Town. Get your binoculars and scan the bay for whales (in the spring and early-summer) – the water is crystal clear so it’s not too difficult to spot them from this vantage point. Once you cross the ridge, be prepared for a possible temperature drop (it can be a lot cooler on the ocean-facing side). At the junction where the road forks – one goes to Scarborough, the other back to the Cape of Good Hope – stop to admire the open-air exhibition of stone sculptures. Then continue in the direction of Scarborough.

There’s a beautiful beach at Scarborough but don’t venture into the water. Instead, have your picture taken at one of the shark warning signs! Continue along the coast in the direction of Kommetjie. Take a moment to inspect the shoreline along the Witsand road with your binoculars. You might spot some Great Whites as they float on the waves just off the beach. You’ll see the full length of them as the waves roll in.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

From Kommetjie, drive in the direction of Sunnydale, then Chapman’s Peak. The Chapman’s Peak Drive along Hout Bay is undoubtedly the highlight of this loop. If I were to move to Cape Town, I would live here, at Hout Bay. The bay is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, with majestic rocky mountains on two sides, the deep blue water and the magnificent Sentinel (mountain) guarding its entrance. The Chapman’s Peak Drive is a spectacular route that offers unforgettable views of the bay.

Drive slowly and stop at the various viewpoints for some magnificent scenery. If you’re lucky (like I was), you might spot some Southern Right whales (the best time for this is October/November). Plan a meal at Mariner’s Wharf in Hout Bay on your way back to Cape Town to enjoy the views and the mouth-watering garlic butter prawns and calamari. Upon reaching Hout Bay, head towards Llandudno and along Victoria Drive, past the Twelve Apostles, back to Cape Town. The whole experience of this daytrip is truly inspiring.

Read other Velvet Escape posts on South Africa:

• Ten things to do in Cape Town
• The marine life of the Western Cape
• Driving the Klein Karoo loop
• Cederberg: mountain passes, safaris & San rock art
• A kaleidoscope of colour

In the post above, I’ve included a number of links to related articles by SA Venues, an online tourism resource. With its countless articles and gorgeous photos, SA Venues truly is a treasure trove of information on South Africa.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Scientists recently discovered that negative ions are abundant in places of natural serenity, such as beaches, forests, mountains and waterfalls. As oxymoronic as it sounds, negative ions have a positive effect on people. They alleviate stress, increase alertness and boost energy levels. I’d even say they provide inspiration.

I don’t often escape the fast-paced city life, even on my travels. But when I get away from honking horns, flashing lights, and the pitter-patter of my fingers across the keyboard, I feel refreshed and energized. I often get my best ideas when I’m outdoors.

But nothing compared to the explosion of inspiration I experienced at Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

Other writers will understand what I mean when I say good ideas tend to come out of nowhere, like magic. One moment you’re going about your life and the next moment it’s as if you stepped into an invisible vortex of creativity. Ideas rush at you so fast, your hand can barely keep up with the information you’re receiving.

Standing in front of Multnomah Falls, watching water cascade 620 feet, the icy mist invigorating the senses, the violent crash of the water drowning out the world, I slipped into one of those mysterious vortexes, tapping into the ether where all creative ideas hang, waiting to be plucked like an apple from a tree.

I took my fair share. But there are an endless amount left. Ripe and waiting.

About this week’s guest writer
Bret Ahmed is the brains (clearly not the looks) behind The Jetpacker, a fun travel blog that features humorous tales, lists, deals, tips and strange stories from the travel universe. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter and have a blast!

Read other ‘Places That Inspire’ posts:

• Krak des Chevaliers, Syria
• Karekare beach, New Zealand

I’m heading out to my garden in a minute with a chilled Pinot Nero to enjoy my little Velvet Escape right in my own backyard.

Photos of my garden:

Ok, my Pinot Nero is chilled! Catch you later.

Cheers!

Palma is a historic seaside city with a stunning old centre. Approaching from the sea, the first thing most visitors will see is the magnificent Cathedral of Palma, La Seu, which proudly sits atop a hill overlooking the Old Town. A stroll around the compact city centre is the best way to explore the city’s many historic monuments, admire the gorgeous architecture and experience the laidback Mallorcan lifestyle.

A stroll through Palma Mallorca – a suggested route

Grand Café Cappucino

Start your walk in the morning at the Plaça d’Espanya, stopping at the Mercat Olivar (market) and continue along the shopping street through to Calle Sant Miquel. I love this street, first of all, because it houses my favourite café where I had breakfast every day for a week: the Grand Café Cappucino.

Located in a renovated townhouse, this café is simply gorgeous. I highly recommend stopping here for a hearty breakfast in the lovely garden in the back. The Calle Sant Miquel is also home to a multitude of old chapels and churches, historic buildings with beautiful courtyards, and many boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

Plaza Mayor to Plaza Cort

Can Rei

The Calle Sant Miguel will lead you to the Plaza Mayor de Palma, the city’s central square. As with the many Plaza Mayors found throughout the Latin world, this square is a place to saunter, sit, see and be seen.

Plaza Mayor Palma

It’s a lovely square with many terraces and restaurants – a great spot to stop for an early sangria (you are on holiday after all! ) and to people-watch.

Just outside the Plaza Mayor, at the corner of Carrer Bolseria, look up to admire the colourfully-tiled façade of C’an Rei, with its quirky balconies. Then head down Calle Colom or Calle Jaume II towards the Plaça Cort, where Palma’s 17th century baroque-style Ajuntament (City Hall) is situated. This is the heart of Palma’s Old Town.

The olive tree

You’ll also notice an ancient-looking tree with its twisting bark – this olive tree is believed to be about 800 years old and is one of the city’s most popular icons. Take your time checking out the many shops in this atmospheric neighbourhood – I loved the ice-cream salons and the quaint shops selling all sorts of Mallorcan produce.

Ajuntament

Further down the road on Carrer Palau Reial, stop for a moment at the stunning neo-Gothic Consell Insular building. Between here and the La Seu Cathedral are several fascinating museums and palaces such as the Fundacio Bartomeu March (which houses beautiful exhibitions and classical concerts) and the Palau de la Almudaina, a stunning medieval palace which is now the official residence of the King of Spain when he visits Mallorca. Take your time exploring the many picturesque lanes with their ancient homes, trés chic boutiques and cozy cafés. The lanes are narrow but don’t forget to look up to truly admire these wonderfully preserved buildings. Between the Palace and the Cathedral, look out for a large Gothic arch called the Arc de la Drassana Reial, once the gateway to the royal docks.

The La Seu Cathedral and beyond

The Cathedral of Palma, La Seu

The La Seu Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to Palma. It took almost four centuries to complete this magnificent building – it’s neo-Gothic façade is astounding while inside, the almost ethereal light and space are simply breathtaking. Don’t forget to visit the adjacent cloisters and museum.

Across from the Cathedral, you’ll find the Parc de la Mar – the site of a series of lakes (designed to reflect the illuminated Cathedral in the evenings) and a gigantic mural by Joan Miró. From here, head over to the Museo de Mallorca and past the Cathedral to the Plaça de la Reina. This square marks the start of the Passeig des Born, Palma’s main boulevard since the 15th century. During the warmer months, this tree-lined street is packed with musicians and vendors.

View across the Old Town to La Seu

Head back down towards the marina in a zig-zag fashion through the old streets between Carrer Mar and Carrer Sant Joan. It should be time for dinner by now and you’re in the perfect neighbourhood for a delightful Mallorcan meal. For something contemporary (think Asian fusion, cocktails, trendy) head to Opio. If you’re looking for authentic Mallorcan cuisine, La Boveda is a great option and if you’re looking for a fabulous seafood meal, I can recommend Caballito de Mar.

Palma de Mallorca windmill

If you’re in for a leisurely evening stroll, walk along the Maritim boulevard, past the massive fortified walls of the Museu D’es Baluard and the Mallorcan windmills down the road. Look up to see the beautifully floodlit Belver Castle atop a nearby hill – this is a great spot to get a vantage view of Palma and its harbour.

If you’re visiting Mallorca, I highly recommend spending a few days exploring the treasures that Palma has to offer. It truly is a lovely town.

Read about other Velvet Escape walks:

• Ten incredible bridge walks
• A walk down Oxford Road, Manchester
• An afternoon in the Keukenhof
• Picture perfect Bruges
• Picture perfect Amsterdam

Read the accompanying post: The Faces of Pompeii.

• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
• Valle de la Luna, Chile
• Positano, Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Seminyak, Indonesia
• Lang Tengah island, Malaysia
• Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
• The Great Ocean Road, Australia
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Laguna Chaxa, Chile

The Keukenhof is a very popular tourist attraction so expect throngs of camera-toting visitors from around the world on any given day. You can also expect almost everything the Dutch are famous for: aside from the millions of tulips, there are the ubiquitous wooden clogs, windmills, traditional folk music, herring, pancakes (pannenkoek), mini-pancakes (poffertjes – I absolutely recommend these!) and gorgeous artwork and sculptures. In case you’re wondering, no, there are no coffee shops here. What you will find are expansive gardens filled to the brim with flower beds, beautiful landscaping and magnificent floral exhibitions. To avoid the crowds, I suggest visiting the park in the late-afternoon (around 4pm) on a week day. The park closes at 8pm, giving you ample time to explore the gardens and enjoy the stunning colours, towering trees and floral scents at a leisurely pace without being elbowed around.

Getting to the Keukenhof

It’s easy to join a tour from any of the major cities or from nearby Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. You can also take a bus or train to Schiphol Airport and hop on the Keukenhof shuttle bus from there.

The flower-growing area around the Keukenhof is absolutely breathtaking – you’ll find massive rows of tulip fields here; the ones every visitor sees in posters and postcards in any souvenir shop. If you have your own car or bicycle, there are various routes you can follow which take you past this sea of flowers, such as the “Bollenroute” (bulb route). There are signs along the roads and bicycle paths which clearly mark the routes. Check with the Dutch Automobile Association (ANWB) or one of the local Tourism Offices (VVV) for more information.

An afternoon in the Keukenhof – in pictures

I had the pleasure last weekend to accompany four fellow tweeps (@WouterBlok @Travelrants @HappyHotelier & @TravelSavvyKayt) on a visit to the Keukenhof. Please scroll down to view a photo essay of our visit.

@WouterBlok in a reading session

@HappyHotelier @WouterBlok & @TravelSavvyKayt

@HappyHotelier @WouterBlok @TravelSavvyKayt & @Travelrants

@TravelSavvyKayt making a point about sculptures in the park.

The Keukenhof is only open in the spring months. If you’re visiting The Netherlands, check here to see if the Keukenhof is open.

Krak des Chevaliers

It is often said the adventure is more about the journey than the destination. So it proved on our visit to the Krak des Chevaliers, a hilltop fortress in western Syria. We left Damascus in our rental car in the warm spring sunshine, and only two hours later we were scrambling through our luggage in a desolate car park, trying to find every layer of clothing we could fit on to shield ourselves from the arctic blasts that came at us from all sides. Syria wasn’t meant to be like this!

Krak des Chevaliers

Once wrapped up as best we could, we started exploring this incredible site. It is described by TE Lawrence as the best preserved castle in the world, and while I have visited many old ruins of European castles I never before found it so easy to transport myself back to the past.

Inside the Krak des Chevaliers

The structure of the castle is so much intact that it is easy to wander through the galleries and the great hall of this crusader stronghold and imagine how the knights would have lived and worked here some 900 years ago. As someone with a fascination in history I was inspired by this wonderful structure, knowing that I was sharing the footsteps and the vistas of many illustrious characters who had gone before.

Krak des Chevaliers is now a World Heritage Site, and as it is only a minor detour on the road from Damascus to Aleppo it attracts a regular flow of tourist traffic. In fact the coaches started to arrive as we were leaving, and the visitors were no doubt surprised to find the winds on this isolated mountain top were strong enough to make even walking in a straight line a struggle. If the Syrian tourist authorities are looking for a catchy marketing slogan for this historic site, may I suggest: “Krak des Chevaliers – it will blow you away”.

About this week’s guest writer
Andy Jarosz is a passionate traveller and a professional writer whom only recently has started to link his work with his passion. Writing in corporate magazines and creating website content might pay the bills, but it is recounting the experiences of his 20+ years of semi-nomadic existence that really get the creative juices flowing. His travel blog 501 places is a selection of his experiences from his travels, and is updated daily.

Follow  Andy on Twitter.

Read the first ‘Places That Inspire‘ post.

Would you like to contribute to this guest series?

Send a photo of a place that has inspired you in some way or other, as well as a few paragraphs of why/how it has inspired you (about 250 words) to keith[ad]velvetescape[dot]com. Submissions will be accepted based on the quality of the photo and the text. Please include a short bio, your blog URL and Twitter name (if applicable). Thank you!

The region was formed by a combination of deposits from rivers and volcanic eruptions. The soft rocks gradually eroded to give the region its unique, surreal landscape with countless pillars, chimney-like structures (called ‘fairy chimneys’) and strange rock formations.

The soft rock also enabled inhabitants in this region to carve out homes, churches and monasteries from the hillsides throughout the centuries. Early-Christians even built elaborate underground cities to escape persecution. Among the underground cities, Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are the most visited. These cities are truly fascinating, consisting of hundreds of rooms, tunnels and shafts, but I do not recommend a visit for those who are prone to claustrophobic attacks – some of the tunnels are narrow and dimly-lit.

The Göreme Open Air Museum in the Göreme Valley should certainly not be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides visitors with a unique insight into the history of the region and its monastic inhabitants, and houses around ten churches, chapels and convents carved out of the mountainside, some of which have magnificent frescoes that date back to the 9th century.

Touring Cappadocia

There are many possibilities to experience the surreal landscape of Cappadocia such as jeep or bus tours, on horseback or in a hot-air balloon.

The hot-air balloon is my personal favourite – it’s a very touristy thing to do but absolutely worth the hefty price tag. The hot-air balloons depart just before sunrise – when weather conditions are excellent, there are sometimes tens of balloons up in the air simultaneously, making it a spectacular sight both from the ground and in the air . The views of the verdant valleys, the fairy chimneys and the deep canyons in the morning light are truly breathtaking. I’ll never forget the sight of the wave-like hills below, coloured with warm hues of pink, peach and cream in the morning glow – absolutely enchanting.

Read about other ‘Enchanting spots‘:

• Tortuguero, Costa Rica
• Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
• Palenque, Mexico
• Sydney Opera House, Australia
• Mount Nemrud, Turkey
• Tikal, Guatemala
• Petra, Jordan
• Blue Lagoon, Iceland
• Ngorongoro, Tanzania
• Whitehaven beach, Australia

Read the accompanying post: ‘Plane Views: Bora Bora‘

• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
• Valle de la Luna, Chile
• Positano, Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Seminyak, Indonesia
• Lang Tengah island, Malaysia
• Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
• The Great Ocean Road, Australia
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Laguna Chaxa, Chile

I had the most amazing time sailing around the Whitsunday islands. There were several firsts for me but I’ll get back to that later. I arrived in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday islands after several lazy days in Sydney.

Airlie Beach

Yikes!

Airlie Beach is a small seaside town and is most famous as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a World Heritage site. The town’s main street is just packed with travel agents, restaurants, bars, souvenir- and surfwear shops, and hostels which predominantly cater to backpackers – it was quite evident when I arrived here: this is backpacker territory. Twentysomethings from all over the globe; some were working here as waiters, drivers or kitchen help, and some were just passing through. I felt quite awkward with my Samsonite suitcase (even though it’s made of canvas!), Diesel jeans and ditto t-shirt. None of that here. This is backpacker country where scruffy t-shirts and surfer shorts rule.

the bathroom was not a pretty sight

I got to my accommodation (Bush Village) and felt totally out-of-place in the dorm with five (very friendly) Brits and Aussies. The dorm was a mess of clothes, bags, toiletries, shoes, unmade beds, you get the picture… What was I thinking?!! I mean, backpacking was something I did in my teens around Australia and in my 20’s around Europe. I’m now 36, accustomed to good hotels where I have my own room, and most importantly, my own bathroom. Just my luck then that three of the five sharing the dorm with me were girls and there was only ONE bathroom!! That evening, I had to wait my turn (more than an hour) in order to have a shower and by the time it was my turn, the bathroom was not a pretty sight; you know, wet floor and hair all over the place. Wonderful.

Capers, Airlie Beach

Anyway, after a quick shower, I headed into town and treated myself to a dinner at one of Airlie Beach’s fancier restaurants, Capers. I looked at the wall and saw a picture of Nicole Kidman having a meal at Capers. I thought, “Hey, if this place is good enough for Nicole, it sure is good enough for me!”. I felt so much better after a sip of that smooth Merlot and I felt even better when the main course arrived: parpadelle (similar to fettucine) with heaps of king prawns, scallops and different types of fish in a blue crab bisque. Absolutely gorgeous.

My sailing trip around the Whitsundays started the next day….. and what a trip it was! There are many boat trips from Airlie Beach and I chose (after meticulous research – the last thing I wanted was to end up on some backpacker party boat… and there are heaps of those party cruises here) the Derwent Hunter, a 90-foot double-masted schooner.

The Derwent Hunter

There were 17 of us on the boat – the Dutchies were again in the majority, followed closely by the Germans, including (it is sometimes quite amazing how small our planet is) an ex-colleague of mine from the bank.

Whitehaven beach

On the first day, we sailed to the highlight of the Whitsundays: Whitehaven Beach. The beach is a wide arc with an inlet on one end, with sand so white, I needed my sunnies to protect my eyes from the glare. The sea was an astounding spectrum of turquoise and blue – reminded me of the stunning coast around Cancun really. Breathtaking stuff.

I gave the ant’s butt a quick lick…

Our guide took us on a bushwalk around the island to get acquainted with the vegetation and to show us how the Aboriginals utilised the different types of plants and trees. We stopped at a tree and our guide pointed out the hundreds of tree ants on the branches. He gently picked up one of the ants and showed us its lime-green butt. Seems the Aboriginals used the juices from the ant’s butt as a sort of medicine or aphrodisiac. He asked if anyone wanted to taste the juices and I volunteered. I gave the ant’s butt a quick lick and it tasted like a concentrated lime sherbet. I’m serious. Anyway, that was the first of several firsts on this trip for me – licking a tree ant’s butt!

Whitehaven Beach

We then got to spend the afternoon on the beach. The sand felt cool even though it was a hot day and the water, at 24 degrees, was lovely. We were on the constant lookout for blue-spotted stingrays (you don’t want to be stepping on them as they have a nasty sting) but they kept well away. The sand on the beach was quite extraordinary. They said it’s 99.9% silica, some of which was used to make the lens on the Hubble telescope. Whatever it was, it had a very compact structure, kind of like moist salt, and when you walk on it, the sound of each footstep is similar to the barks of seals.

Sailing around the Whitsundays

The clear waters of Whitehaven Beach

From Whitehaven beach, we sailed to a nearby harbour where we moored for the evening. On the way, we spotted some dolphins and humpback whales splashing their massive tails in the water.

That night, after a beautiful dinner, we got to gasp at the magnificent sight of the Milky Way. It was such a clear night, it seemed like we could see every star in the sky. The captain pointed out a series of constellations and planets; Venus, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter were visible but the most breathtaking sight was the constellation of Scorpio, with its head, curly tail and stinger. Absolutely stunning.

I guess because I was travelling alone, the crew allocated me a bunk in the crew quarters next to the kitchen! I laid in it for several minutes: it was narrow and close up against the ceiling (about 50cm between the bunk and the ceiling), and it was a warm night. No way, I thought. I gathered my mattress, sheet and blanket and made my way to the deck where I found a great spot with an unobstructed view of the magnificent sky above. This was my second ‘first’. With a gazillion stars strewn across the dark velvety sky above me and the gentle lapping of the water against the ship’s hull, I fell into a beautifully deep sleep. So deep that I didn’t even feel the light rain that passed in the early hours of the morning! I woke up at first light (about 5:45am) with a damp blanket and a stiff back. I figured it was a small price to pay for avoiding the bunk bed below.

Sailing

After a quick breakfast on the deck, we left the sheltered confines of the harbour and sailed to a lovely snorkelling spot. When we got there, we put on our sexy stinger suits – these are top-to-toe lycra suits which protect you from the stings of jellyfish (yes, loads of dangerous ones here – the box jellyfish sting can literally result in a loss of consciousness within minutes which means you drown!).

The diversity of fish and corals was simply staggering. I think I saw larger numbers of fish in Malaysia and Thailand but the diversity of the marine life here is just mind-blowing. The highlight was seeing a giant moray eel slither around the reef as we chased it.

That evening, the wind picked up and the sea became choppy. We were back in a sheltered cove but this time, I didn’t think it wise to spend another night on the deck as dark clouds were gathering and the wind was very cold. The next morning, I heard from several people who had opted to sleep on the deck that they had to grab their stuff and rush down as it started to rain heavily in the middle of the night.

After lunch, we geared up for the sail back to the mainland. By this time, the winds were gale force and it rained from time to time. We helped to hoist the sails and away we went, across the Whitsunday Passage to Airlie Beach. This sailing trip through bad weather was my third ‘first’. As we cleared the sheltered cove we were in, the waves swelled and we were soon being thrown around from left to right, front to back. We held on tight and the experience was electric.

Sailing across the stormy Whitsunday Passage

The boat crashed through the large waves, sending massive amounts of water onto the deck. We were given raincoats but we were still drenched. Loved it, loved it, loved it! The wind was so strong that we averaged about nine knots across the Passage. Spectacular stuff!

I returned to the backpackers joint at Airlie Beach and dished out a substantial sum for my last night there. No more dorms for me. I had a shower in my own bathroom, then crawled into bed and drifted to sleep with images of the brilliant sands of Whitehaven beach still flashing across my mind. It was an unforgettable Whitsunday adventure!

Other Travel Journal entries include:

• The good life (Mendoza, Argentina)
• Perth: an unexpectedly cool city (Perth, Australia)
• A tropical paradise, five wishes & a setback (Krabi, Thailand)
• Some lazy days in Salta (Salta, Argentina)
• The spectacular bus ride from San Pedro de Atacama to Salta (Chile/Argentina)
• Mystical Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile)
• My great laundry adventure (Bariloche, Argentina)
• A little piece of heaven (Bora Bora, French Polynesia)
• That rock star feeling in the Lost World (Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina)
• Getting over my Jaws complex (Lang Tengah, Malaysia)
• The wonders of Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
• A desert full of wonders (San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)

So, here we go! I’m proud to announce the launch of this new guest series on Velvet Escape: ‘Places That Inspire’. Today’s guest post is by Angela Pearse, a travel writer based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Karekare Beach

I’m fortunate to live just 45 minutes drive from my inspirational place. Karekare is a wild, west coast Auckland beach with a wide black sand shore, scrubby hills and pounding surf. There’s something about being at Karekare that calms the nerves and heals the soul. The black iron sand seems to act like a giant magnet drawing energy off the waves, like a huge battery re-charger (well that’s my theory). Some of my major life decisions, like becoming a travel writer, have been made whilst striding along its shore.

Karekare’s rugged beauty has not gone unnoticed by creative types. Many artists live in the area and Crowded House recorded most of their final album Together Alone there, even immortalising it with a song called Kare Kare. It also played a starring role in the film The Piano. Who can forget the scene where Aida plays a haunting melody while Flora turns cartwheels with seaweed and George Baines slouches moodily around in the background?

Every visit to Karekare is special, I love the way the weather is so unpredictable. One time a freak storm sent me scurrying up the cliff to a small cave. I learnt over the next half hour why Karekare translates as ‘rolling thunder’ from Maori. The noise of the ocean reverberated off the rocky cliffs so loudly I could hardly hear myself think. It was exhilarating though. If I’d had a piano (and could play it) a song surely would have been born that day.

About today’s guest writer
Angela Pearse is an Auckland based travel writer. She has been published in AA Directions Magazine, NZ Herald online and Next Magazine. Angela is the creator of a travel website Bella Italia which provides travel articles and tips about Italy and she has just started a blog Bella Travel which highlights some of her more humourous travel experiences.

Would you like to contribute to this guest series?

Send a photo of a place that has inspired you in some way or other, as well as a few paragraphs of why/how it has inspired you (about 250 words) to keith[ad]velvetescape[dot]com. Submissions will be accepted based on the quality of the photo and the text. Thank you!

My relationship with my Mum has sometimes been tempestuous, especially during my rebellious adolescent years. One thing though that has always shone through the years is her unconditional devotion to and love for her children. It’s her love and devotion, and the many lessons she’s taught me, that have helped to shape me into the person I am today. And that’s something I shall always be grateful for.

As I write this, I can’t help but chuckle about those memorable lessons. Here’s a selection of my favourites:

Competitive spirit - “And you’re proud of coming in second in class???!!!”

Table manners - “Bring your spoon to your mouth, not your mouth to the spoon!” And “Don’t talk with your mouth full… and close your mouth when you chew, I don’t need to see what you’re chewing on.”

Posture – “Sit up straight. Don’t slouch or you’ll start to look like Grandpa.”

Grooming – “Keep your face clean. It’s your most important business card.”

Hygiene – “If you don’t wash your feet before you go to bed, you’ll get scary dreams.” (Especially relevant in many Asian homes where shoes are not worn indoors).

Gratitude – “There are people starving in Africa! If you don’t finish your plate, I’ll send you there!” And “Say ‘thank you’ or you’ll never get a present from anyone again!”

Wealth – “If you don’t finish all your rice, you’ll never be rich!”

To all the mothers out there, have a beautiful Mother’s Day!

Love & hugs,
Keith

Read ‘The Lady with the Twinkling Eyes‘, an inspiring story about a mother and a friend.

It’s my enthusiasm for proper travel research that led me to discover the world of travel blogs. Nothing beats a well-written post about a first-hand experience or a brilliant travel tip that would save me money, time, grief or all three.

Travel the world with the Lonely Planet Blogsherpas

One new place to start searching for travel tips, ideas or inspiration, is the new Lonely Planet Travel Bloggers Squidoo Lens. This is a site that collates the blog posts written by a band of travel bloggers (including myself) from around the world who were specially selected for Lonely Planet’s Blogsherpa programme.

Lonely Planet has selected the cream of the travel blogger crop to take part in their blogsherpa Beta program. All of the bloggers syndicate their content live to the Lonely Planet website so that you can view their articles by location as you research travel destinations. The LP bloggers have banded together to bring you a complete, up to date view of the world by syndicating their content live to a brand new squidoo lens. Sit back and take a trip.

If you’re searching for travel tips, ideas for places to visit or inspiration, or if you’re looking for the best world travel blogs to read, please visit this new Squidoo Lens as this is real world travel brought together by real world travellers… in real time and all in one place!

I discovered TravelPod’s Traveler IQ Challenge several years ago via facebook. I was hooked the first time I played it. Its concept is simple: a place anywhere around the world is randomly selected and you have to drop a pin on the world map to locate it and you have to do this as quickly as possible! The closer the pin to the exact location, and the quicker it’s dropped, the more points you accumulate. As you progress (there are 12 Levels), the places get trickier and you get less time to drop the pin. In the advanced stages, you’ll find yourself trying to locate cities in Siberia or thinking you’ve got the Norwegian town nailed, only to find out it’s 12,000 kilometers from Norway! At the end of the game, your Traveler IQ is calculated. Mine’s currently 137.

It’s a fun and educational game; the perfect challenge for geographiles like me. I have to confess that I used to play this game many times at the office; it provided me with my moment of solitude and it was often a welcome distraction.

Play it here… but beware: this game is highly addictive.

The Traveler IQ Challenge – How Well Do You Know Your World?

Check out the Velvet Escape posts on some of the featured locations in the game:

• Ten things to do in Kuala Lumpur
• Ten unforgettable city cruises
• Breathtaking Positano
• My velvet escape travel tip: Boston
• The good life in Mendoza

Read the accompanying post: ‘Serengeti Magic‘.

• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Sacred Water Temple, Bali, Indonesia
• Masaai Mara, Kenya
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
• Valle de la Luna, Chile
• Positano, Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Seminyak, Indonesia
• Lang Tengah island, Malaysia
• Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
• The Great Ocean Road, Australia
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Laguna Chaxa, Chile