I love my Travel Pro Pilot case carry-on rolling suitcases with the little Eiffel Tower emblem. They are tattered and battered and have a history almost as long as me and my husband. They have been on trains, planes, ships, buses and automobiles. They have been tossed around, broken and bruised along the way but they have had so many happy adventures with us.

I love carry on luggage because it makes traveling so much easier. I simply whisk through the airport to my destination. Our Travel Pro Pilot suitcases have shared so many wonderful memories with us. On our first trip to Italy years ago, we arrived in Rome and took the train to Florence. It was our first experience on a train in Europe complete with dining car. It was thrilling to watch the landscape change as we rode into Tuscany. I also remember the romance of Paris in the winter, walking along the Seine at one in the morning. It was freezing. The only one warm (or smart) were our suitcases in the hotel room. We would get in the room our feet frozen and pour a hot bath and defrost. The bed with a thick down comforter was really inviting after a long day of sightseeing. The box of Belgian chocolates on the pillow was a welcome treat as was the best hot chocolate I have ever had served in the finest French Limoges.

The suitcases wear their tatters like a badge of honor. They are veterans of travel. Parts are missing or broken. The zip that you pull to open the case has broken off years ago and in its place I put a keychain. It works great (though it looks a little funky). One of the plastic feet on the bottom to aid in its standing upright is broken. A battle scar from being tossed around on so many flights. But they still roll along.

My Travel Pro's French Connection

I don’t think we ever have to worry about anyone rummaging through them. They don’t look like they’d have any treasures inside. Maybe it is the hot pink and lime green vinyl luggage tags attached. I found the ugliest and brightest tags so they would stand out in a sea of black suitcases.

I often wonder what their favorite trip was. The road trips through mountains, getting lost (one of our specialties) in Verona, our beach or historic vacations?

A few years back I bought two new red suitcases because I thought it was time. The Travel Pros were looking pretty worn and maybe they should retire. I started to pack my new suitcases and to my surprise, they didn’t hold nearly as much. And I just couldn’t go on vacation with them. So the new suitcases are in the garage (still unused) and my old suitcases are getting ready for the next adventure. So T-Pros, I think we better start packing. Where are you going, you ask dear suitcases? California, here you come.

About this week’s guest writer
Jill Love is a travel industry consultant for Gerson Lehrman, a social media enthusiast and a lover of all things travel. With over 20 years in the travel industry (with a specialty in cruises) Jill is very happy to plan your cruise vacation. Catch Jill on Twitter while she’s planning her next adventure which includes a never ending quest to find the perfect pizza.

Seminyak, Bali

Read the accompanying post: Bali, the island of Gods

Manchester is home to a wide array of brilliant historical sights, impressive museums, a vibrant cultural scene and a pumping nightlife – the city’s energy is absolutely infectious. I recommend spending at least three full days to see the sights and to get a feel of the city. It’s not easy to compile a list of things to see and do for a city that has so much to offer. I’ve given it a try anyway and I hope you enjoy Manchester as much as I did.

1. Gawk at the stunning interior of the John Rylands Library – this library, located along Deansgate Street, is easily one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. The central reading room is a special treat.

John Rylands library

2. Visit some of the fabulous museums and art galleries – Manchester teems with museums and art galleries. Go on a history hop by starting at the Manchester Art Gallery, then head past Lincoln Square (stop for a moment to read the plaque under the Abraham Lincoln statue) to the stunning People’s History Museum, before continuing to the Museum of Science and Industry (home of the world’s first train station). And save some time in your itinerary for a walk down Oxford Road.

Palace Hotel

3. Take in a performance at one of the many theatres – the number and diversity of cultural events in Manchester at any given time of the year is pretty staggering. Attend a musical at the famous Palace Theatre or a ballet performance at the Opera House. Look up what’s on stage at the Contact Theatre, the Dancehouse, the Royal Exchange (a stunning building), the Bolton Octagon or The Lowry.

4. Admire the Victorian architecture – Manchester boasts some of the most breathtaking examples of Victorian architecture anywhere. The Town Hall is a prime example, as is the Palace Hotel. Check out Albert Square, Deansgate Street or the Canal Street neighbourhoods for more gorgeous buildings.

Barton Arcade

5. Go on a shopping spree – Manchester has a diverse shopping scene spread out across King Street, Market Street, St. Ann’s Square and Deansgate Street. There are large malls like Manchester Arndale as well as charming arcades (my absolute favourite is the historic Barton Arcade with its stunning iron-and-glass façade) and high-end boutiques (along King Street). For an alternative shopping experience, head to the Northern Quarter (see point 6) or the delightful Chinatown.

6. Go retro at the fascinating Northern Quarter – the bohemian quarter of Manchester is a pure delight, especially for fans of indie clothes and music. Afflecks, with its eclectic mix of little vintage clothing boutiques, jewellery and artwork shops, is a great place to start. Then head for the Crafts and Design Centre which is housed in the beautifully restored former Victorian Fish and Poultry Market. The Northern Quarter is also famous for its vinyl record stores (check out Piccadilly Records on Oldham Street), retro shops and trendy cafés. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon is to go café-hopping in the Northern Quarter – have a long lunch, chat with the locals and admire the beautiful design interiors. I certainly enjoyed it!

Wheel of Manchester

7. See Manchester from above – one option is to hop onto the Wheel of Manchester. It’s a cool 14-minute ride that provides visitors with a spectacular view of Manchester’s skyline and the surrounding hills. Alternatively, you could head to the Hilton Hotel’s ‘Cloud 23′ Skybar for a drink and to enjoy the view. The Hilton is located in the Beetham Tower, Manchester’s tallest building. The Skybar has panoramic windows and peepholes in the floor.

8. Stop for a street performance on Market Street – I loved the many street performances along Market Street, ranging from rock bands, the ’statues’, violinists to a cappella singers. Look out for my favourite: the man sitting in the invisible chair.

Invisible chair

9. Explore the nightlife – Manchester boasts a pulsating nightlife centred around the Deansgate Locks, Oxford Road and the Gay Quarter at Canal Street. There are literally hundreds of cafés, discos, bars and pubs to choose from. For a fun people-watching experience, walk down Canal Street on a Saturday evening. If you’re looking for a quirky local experience, pop into the historic Circus Tavern on Portland Street for a pint – it’s one of the smallest pubs in the UK (it really is tiny!).

10. Catch a football match at Manchester United or Manchester City – Manchester boasts two football (soccer) clubs that are famous all over the world. Man U is the more successful of the two (with the most English Premier League titles) and is also the richest, most valuable club in the world. On the other side of town, Man C’s new owner has grand ambitions, with plenty of cash to match. The fierce rivalry between the two clubs makes it an intriguing spectacle for the casual spectator so if you’re in town during the derby, don’t miss the match!

I bet it is!

Note: my trip to Manchester was sponsored by Creative Tourist.

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

• 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

Velvet Escape – the name sounds perfectly suited for a show horse, be it a hunter/jumper, dressage horse or a beloved pony. With their velvet soft muzzles and ears, horses remind me of velvet and horseback riding is the perfect escape for this equestrian. Let’s go on a Velvet Escape to Fort Bragg, a couple of miles from Mendocino in northern California.

You’ll need a car to get to Mendocino and Fort Bragg from San Francisco. I must warn you that the road to Mendocino and Fort Bragg is windy. If you are prone to carsickness, hop in the driver’s seat and take in the awesome scenery and saltwater smells of the Pacific Ocean.

Once you arrive in the charming village of Mendocino, you’ll have many lodging options. Two of my personal favorites are Alegria Oceanfront Inn and MacCallum House. Both of these properties offer horseback riding packages that partner with Ricochet Ridge Ranch in Fort Bragg.

Once you arrive at the ranch, you’ll take in the sights, smells and sounds. Horse lovers know what I’m talking about; the smell of fresh alfalfa hay in the feed bins; the feel of the well worn leather as you settle into the saddle and grasp the reins.

What’s unique about a riding experience at Ricochet Ridge Ranch is Mendocino County’s geography. Riders can select from an ocean ride, forested trek in the redwoods or combine the two. The horses pick up their pace when the sea salt hits their nostrils. The ocean waves crashing in the distance tells them that they are almost at the beach and soon will be able to stretch their legs.

If you are looking for scenic views high above the trees, owner Lari Shea has established long-time relationships with neighboring ranches, allowing her horses’ access to fern and tree lined trails that will connect you with your spirit. Bring your camera, this Velvet Equestrian Escape will not disappoint.

About this week’s guest writer
Nancy D. Brown is a professional travel writer and blogger at What a Trip. A third generation Californian, Brown loves horseback riding and has created Writing Horseback to combine her love of travel with her passion for horseback riding. When she’s not traveling, she lives in Northern California with her husband, two teenagers and a yellow Labrador.

Follow Nancy and Riding Horseback on Twitter.

Become a Writinghorseback fan on Facebook.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Leuven, Belgium
• Roatan, Honduras
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Tulum, Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona, USA
• Tuscany, Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

Oil and gas are the mainstays of the economy though services, especially tourism, are gradually being developed. Aside from bits about its history and economy, I don’t know much else about Brunei. I’ve heard about the Sultan’s massive palace and the floating village in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and that’s about it. Oh, one more thing I do know… Brunei is a ‘dry’ country – the sale and consumption of alcohol in public are strictly forbidden. Yikes! That’ll be another first for me – I’ve never been to a ‘dry’ country!

I’ll be tweeting about my trip to this country which most people know little of (well, unless you’ve been there and/or you work in the oil industry and/or you’re a geographile . Follow me on my trip by checking out my Twitter feed below or conducting a search on Twitter – I’ll be using a terribly fancy hashtag: #bruneitrip.

I’m not sure what I was expecting of Perth. Definitely not a sleepy hollow. What I knew of Perth beforehand is that it’s the capital and by far the largest city in Western Australia; that it’s located on the banks of the Swan River; it’s close to the Indian Ocean; and that it’s also one of the most isolated cities in the world (a massive desert on one side and a massive ocean on the other).

Perth skyline

What I found was a pleasant surprise. To start, after the stifling heat of the past four weeks in Southeast Asia, the cooler weather was a welcome change. When I arrived, I was greeted by clear blue skies, a gentle ocean breeze and a temperature in the low-20’s. Fab. Then the city itself. Perth is very clean (even the trains are spotless), very green and it has a beautiful riverside setting that’s totally unspoiled. The pace is noticeably laid-back and the many (trendy) bars, terraces and restaurants certainly invite guests to lounge around for hours for lazy chats and people-watching. Very cool. Perth is also booming, fuelled by high commodity prices, and the wealth is very visible: the ubiquitous expensive cars, designer shops, large villas and waterfront condominiums, and gleaming skyscrapers. In addition, the people here seem to have a slight spring in their step that seemingly conveys the message that life here is indeed good.

Fremantle harbour

When I wasn’t visiting relatives (I have many living here), I was out and about, exploring the city. I took the train to Fremantle one afternoon. Fremantle is located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, at the mouth of the Swan River.

It’s a rather sleepy town with gorgeous heritage buildings and a lovely waterfront. I had an amazing lunch there at the Mussel Bar.

On my way back to Perth, I stopped at Subiaco, one of the western suburbs. Subiaco’s atmospheric tree-lined streets are just chockful of trendy shops, bars, restaurants and the like. I stopped by for a beer at the bar of the Subiaco Hotel – lovely courtyard, beautiful restaurant, and a bar that was designed for people-watching.

Heritage buildings, Fremantle

I spent one afternoon exploring the Perth city centre. Hay Street and Murray Street are the main shopping areas. Just off Hay Street, there’s a beautiful alley with an authentic English feel. That’s one of the things I like about this city: there are the glass and steel skyscrapers but in between you’ll find some real gems: gorgeous Tudor or Victorian-style buildings that add a unique touch to this city. After a few hours of walking around, I stopped for a beer at the Belgian Cafe. I ordered a Hoegaarden (a white beer) as it’s pronounced in Dutch and the bartender didn’t understand me so had to switch to the English pronunciation (i.e. without the guttural ‘g’ ). The guy next to me at the bar smiled and said, “you must be Dutch”, in Dutch. Turns out, he’s a tourist, just like me, from the Netherlands, who’s travelling around Australia. Really, the Dutch are everywhere!

English Alley

I had a rather weird day today. I’d booked myself on a Swan River wine cruise a few days back (there are many vineyards along the banks of the river). My cousin dropped me off at the jetty in the morning. Before the boat departed, I went to the loo for a pee and when I was done, I turned to adjust my belt and as I did so, I heard a loud clang (the sickening sound of metal hitting ceramic) and quickly after, a splosh. I turned around and was instantly gripped by terror: my camera had fallen into the toilet bowl (straight out of my jacket pocket)!!! Two camera mishaps within a week (read about the first mishap in Krabi). Unbelievable! Anyway, the camera’s a goner and I resorted to taking pictures during the cruise using my phone (thank you SonyEricsson for making decent camera-phones).

The cruise was beautiful… it would’ve been better if the weather was good; it was overcast throughout, very windy (and cold) and rained from time to time. Still, we managed to have a good time. The wine-tasting started as soon as the boat left the jetty (at 10:00am . We had four different Swan River wines to start (wines from the Houghton estate – the classic white blend was good). Oh, along the way, we saw many pelicans and other colourful Aussie birds (I’m not an ornithologist, ok). We even spotted some dolphins in the river but strangely enough….. no swans! Anyway, back to the vino.

No spitting out the wines here when you’re tasting… it’s considered rude…

By the time we arrived at the first wine estate, we’d had six different wines to taste paired with a big cheese platter with crackers. Then there were more wines to taste at the winery (I can’t for the life of me remember the estate’s name!!). This was like 11:30 am. After that, we got back into the boat and we made our way to the next estate – there were two more wines to ‘taste’ on board (as you can imagine, by this time, they all tasted the same! No spitting out the wines here when you’re tasting… it’s considered rude… this is Down Under after all, haha!).

We got to the second estate safely (the scenery along the way was lovely – I do remember that – beautiful waterfront houses, parklands, etc, etc… and we had a marvellous lunch there. Gorgeous roast chicken and the Chenin Blanc which accompanied it was exquisite. All in all, I was not too impressed with the reds; there were many Merlots, Cab Sauvs, Shiraz and blends available but they were not as full-bodied as I like my reds to be, and I thought the finish was rather flat. On the other hand, the whites were great. There were some beautiful blends such as the Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay. After lunch, we were taken on a quick tour of Western Australia’s oldest wine cellars, then had to run back to the boat as it started to rain rather heavily. We had another three more tastings on board before we arrived back at the jetty in Perth (at about 4:45pm), feeling rather giddy.

I walked (the rain sobered me up very quickly) to the main shopping area on Hay Street and found a camera shop. The specialist/salesman confirmed what I’d suspected (the camera was basically useless and it would probably be more worthwhile to buy a new one than to get the old one fixed). He was probably just trying to sell me a new camera (though he did seem honest enough) but after two camera incidents in a week, I was starting to get the idea that my camera was tired of me. So, I heeded the salesman’s advice and bought a new camera…. I decided to call it an advance birthday gift to myself! Hopefully, I’ll have better luck with this new camera.

See Perth from the air.

Other Travel Journal entries include:

• 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)

Leuven Town Hall

When I got the question, what does Velvet Escape mean to you, my first reaction was escaping it all and unwinding at a beach somewhere. But when I had more time to think about it, my Velvet Escape equals enjoying my passion, which is travel. Experiencing the culture of a country, talking to the locals, … that’s what traveling is to me.

So where do I go in my own country, Belgium, to experience this? I would like to take you to the city I lived in for a couple of years when I was studying at college: Leuven. Leuven is located about 30 kilometers from Brussels (the capital of Belgium).

Here’s where Anheuser-Busch Inbev, the big brewing group is located, but also the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the oldest Catholic university still in existence and at the same time the largest university in Belgium.

Leuven is a city of students, as most of the residents during the year are students. That’s what makes Leuven such a lively city! You can find students from all over the world, together with their culture. Of course, Leuven itself provides lots of opportunities to contribute to its reputation. The ‘Oude Markt’ (Old Market) is a big square with many bars, you just have to pick one to visit and have a delicious Belgian beer!

You can find beautiful old buildings here and the Town Hall is probably the most famous one. The University Library at the Ladeuzeplein is an historical building that’s also worth a visit.

Leuven cafes

When you walk through the city you can feel the bubbliness here. You should definitely take a stroll down the Muntstraat. It’s a pedestrian street filled with restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Especially in the summer with all the tables outside, you’ll feel like you’re in Italy or Spain. Close to the Muntstraat, there is a special place. Well, I think so! It`s called ‘De Werf’ (which literally means construction site) and that’s how it looks. They left it like that on purpose. You can still see the brick wall and they serve bread in bread containers, just little details that make this a cozy place to have lunch or a dessert. I have to warn you, because they offer cheap meals, students love to come here and sometimes it’s difficult to find a free table. But if you get the chance, make a stop here (it’s located at the Hogeschoolsplein.)

And before you leave Leuven, there’s one more place you have to try: ‘Het Zoet Mondje’ (literally translated, it means Sweet Mouth), located at Diestsestraat 212. It’s a cute, little store that makes and sells chocolate. You are, after all, in Belgium, a chocolate paradise for many. This is probably my favorite place to buy chocolates. If you walk into the store, you’ll get an instant feeling of happiness as the fragrance of chocolate embraces you!

About this week’s guest writer
Isabelle is a passionate traveler who built her own website, Isabelle’s Travel Guide, that’s filled with personal experiences, travel tips and information to help others create their own memorable vacation. There’s nothing more Isabelle loves than traveling the world, experiencing new adventures and discovering new destinations. With her website, Isabelle hopes to be an inspiration and help others in their ventures to explore the world.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Roatan, Honduras
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Tulum, Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona, USA
• Tuscany, Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

Manchester Town Hall

Oxford Road is one of Manchester’s main throughfares. It starts at St. Peter’s Square in the heart of the city and runs very much like a straight line into the city’s southern suburbs. Dubbed ‘the Corridor’, Oxford Road is home to Manchester’s two universities, the BBC offices, various architectural gems and a host of splendid theatres and museums.

I started my walk at the Manchester Town Hall. The first thing that struck me was the stately elegance of the many Victorian era buildings in Manchester. The Town Hall, with its many arches and pointy windows, is a brilliant example of the Victorian Gothic Revival style. As I crossed into Oxford Road, I found many more magnificent specimens such as the Palace Hotel that was designed by Alfred Waterhouse. If you’re not staying in this hotel, have a look inside anyway – the domed ceiling in the lobby area is stunning.

Palace Hotel

The universities located along Oxford Road provide a youthful buzz to a street that is steeped in history – this illustrious street was where Karl Marx wrote his earliest thoughts on the Communist theory, the atom was first split and the first modern computer was born. Throngs of students crowd the street and the many shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants are geared mostly at the student populace. There’s also a vibrant cultural scene; during my walk, I passed the Dancehouse (a lovely art Deco building), the Capitol Theatre and the Contact Theatre (an extraordinary factory-like building).

Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum is situated in the heart of the university precinct and is absolutely worth a visit. The exhibits on animal life, world cultures, ancient Egypt and Mediterranean archaeology are magnificent. There’s also an insightful exhibition on the life of Charles Darwin (runs till August 2010). Don’t forget to grab the free ‘Amazing Facts’ booklet at the entrance -  did you know that the Hercules beetle is the strongest creature on earth, capable of carrying up to 80 times its own body weight? I can also recommend a stroll around the university precinct with its historic monuments such as the gorgeous John Owens building.

The Whitworth Art Gallery is located further down the road from the Manchester Museum. Housed in a lovely red-brick building, the museum is particularly noted for its beautiful collections of wallpapers, sculptures and textiles. I’ve never given much thought to the cultural significance of wallpaper until I visited the Whitworth’s ‘Walls Are Talking’ exhibition. An absolute eye-opener!

Whitworth Art Gallery

It’s about a two mile walk from the Town Hall along Oxford Road to the Whitworth Art Gallery but you can easily plan it as a leisurely afternoon stroll. Stop and admire the stunning Victorian architecture, visit the fascinating museums (entrance is free), grab some tickets at any of the theatres and rest your feet at any of the cafe’s or pubs along the way (I can recommend the café at the Whitworth for a light lunch and the nearby Kro Bar for a well-deserved beer). If you’re too tired to walk back, frequent buses will whizz you back into the city centre in ten minutes.

Read my Twitter feed during my trip to Manchester.

Note: my trip to Manchester was sponsored by Creative Tourist.

Traveldudes: Hi Keith, thanks for being my Twitterview partner. First, let us explain what we are doing. It’s simple! We are having an Interview… the twitter way. Short & informative! To be a part of it, just follow us or follow/search for “#Q&A” (Question & Answer). Easy as that.

Let’s begin! You are a quite popular travel tweeter & got your own travel blog.

But you haven’t been a travel blogger all your life. What have you done before?

Velvet Escape: Hi Melvin, thanks for inviting me. I was an investment banker before. I’m a travel blogger now. Here’s my story.

Traveldudes: I already like the start of this Twitterview! But let’s not discuss finances… Right now it’s all about traveling for you, right? I know that you just created a new site. GBN. http://su.pr/7yGSFN Tell us a bit about it.

Velvet Escape: Yes, I have my Velvet Escape travel blog. I also recently co-founded the Global Bloggers Network with @solotraveler. With GBN, we aim to help individual & corporate travel bloggers grow their blogs through our GBN program.

Traveldudes: Wow! That is a great idea! I guess we’ve got a few more readers right now… How exactly does a travel blogger benefit from GBN?

Velvet Escape: We organise webinars by experts. Members can consult our Expert panel. And we help promote our members’ blogs. Our members also benefited from our Blog Feedback exercise: members provided valuable feedback on each others’ blogs. We also have a Blogging Buddy program: bloggers share their tips/advice/feedback with 1 another.

Traveldudes: I’ve attended a Google webinar, that was interesting. Do you have an example of what yours are about?

Velvet Escape: Our 1st webinar was abt monetizing your blog. Our 2nd webinar this Sat.: Positioning/Marketing your blog by @jeffbullas. We’ve lined up among others, @remarkablogger, @rtwdave, Invesp & @chrisgarrett, a well-known social media expert. We also hope to confirm StumbleUpon soon.

Traveldudes: You are going big, I can see that already. I guess there are many people interested already…even the gurus

Velvet Escape: The response is amazing. People can still sign up to join the program & attend the webinars. I’ve learned many things myself!

Traveldudes: Yes, that’s what I like about Twitter & social media, you can learn something new each single day! If I’m interested to join, what do I have to do?

Velvet Escape: Follow us at @GlobalBloggers To join, visit the Member page on GBN. You can join us &/or sign up for our free newsletter. Global: $20/month, all GBN services. Continental: $12/month, webinars, access to experts & blog marketing.

Traveldudes: Sounds good. Are there any new things you’ve planned to do on GBN for the future?

Velvet Escape: The Blog Hop will b fun. We’re adding extra webinars; learning tools & money-making blogging opportunities 4 members from our sponsors.

Traveldudes: Do you still have time to travel, when doing all these things?

Velvet Escape: I do! I just need my laptop & an internet connection. I’ll be co-hosting next month’s webinar from Borneo! Should be fun!

Traveldudes: Borneo, how nice. So you’ll also get a few more travel posts about Borneo soon.

Velvet Escape: Yup, u can expect some posts on Borneo. One of my dreams is to swim with whale sharks in Borneo! Hope that works out.

Traveldudes: What about the Orang Utans?

Velvet Escape: I’ve also arranged a visit to the Orang Utan Sanctuary in Sabah. I might even adopt one! Fab cause!

Traveldudes: Great to hear that. I’m looking forward to read about it! Getting to the end… Do you have a special travel tip you can recommend & you really like?

Velvet Escape: Sabah, Malaysian Borneo is a diver’s paradise with top-notch dive spots like Sipadan & Mabul islands.

Traveldudes: Sabah, (Borneo) looks great! FINAL Question by @agentcikay: Why is there a fee of USD20 involved when joining GBN?

Velvet Escape: The fee covers our costs like the webinars & our personalized services/tools. We’re working wth our GBN sponsors to offer our members money-making opportunities so it’s a win-win for all!

Traveldudes: Thanks a lot for this interesting Twitterview, enjoy Borneo & all the best with the Global Bloggers Network!

Velvet Escape: THANK YOU for inviting me. This was a really cool experience! Thumbs up to you Melvin!

About Traveldudes
Traveldudes is a premier resource for travel tips and advice for backpackers and flashpackers. Visit the site for a treasure trove of information for travelers, by travelers. Follow Traveldudes on Twitter.

Read the accompanying post: Getting over my Jaws complex.

The drive from Varadero to Havana took us past small villages and towns, fruit and vegetable orchards, and sugar cane and palm tree plantations. The first thing that struck me was the abject poverty. The houses were run down, the buses were hand-me-downs from the Dutch government, the people wore tattered clothes and there were lines at shops everywhere. And the cars! I could write a separate story about those. I simply gaped at the sight of the colourful American classics (Fords, Chevrolets, Buicks, etc..) from the 1950’s on the roads.

Walking around the streets of Havana was a surreal experience that tantalised all my senses. Dilapidated buildings stood side-by-side with gleaming colonial palaces; the infamous ‘Camel’ buses and antique American cars clogged the streets; and everywhere we went, the wonderful rhythms of the salsa and rumba mingled with the aromatic Montecristo cigar-infused air. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. We visited the imposing Spanish fortress (that was a major slave trading post) and walked along the vibrant Malecón, a seaside boulevard, as the waves crashed around us.

I was very impressed by the city’s stunning architectural jewels. The styles are delightfully eclectic, ranging from the baroque Cathedral to the neo-baroque Grand Theatre, the Art Nouveau El Capitolio and the Art Deco Edificio Bacardi. We were greeted everywhere we went and invited to join in a dance on the streets. The people were poor but their boundless energy was infectious.

The effects of the fall of the Soviet Union and the US trade embargo were clearly visible. Shop windows were empty and people stood in lines for hours to buy simple staples like bread or rice. Petrol was a valuable commodity and we spotted cars parked in the living rooms of houses so no one could siphon off the fuel tank. This formed a stark contrast with the fully-stocked shelves of the ‘dollar shops’ where dollar-earning Cubans and tourists shopped. The glitzy hotels along Varadero’s glorious stretch of pure white sand were mostly European-owned and ingredients for the endless buffets were flown in every day from Europe. We made it a point to collect candy bars, chocolates, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, pens and stationery pads from our hotels and distributed them to the kids in the streets.

At the time, locals and tourists were segregated as much as possible (I understand that these restrictions have since been eased). In Varadero, locals were allocated a separate section of the beach and were not allowed to cross over to the tourist section (and vice-versa). This didn’t stop the ingenious locals from attempting to peddle their wares to tourists. I was enjoying the warm, silky waters of the Caribbean one  afternoon. Standing in the crystal clear, waist-high water, I stared blissfully into the distance as colorful fish swam around my ankles. My dreamy state was abruptly disrupted by a loud splash behind me. I turned around to see a young boy pull off a make-shift snorkeling mask. He flashed a smile at me, then fished a sealed plastic bag from his shorts. The bag contained an exquisite wooden box which he held up to me. With a cheeky grin, he asked me: “Buy cigar, sir?” A priceless moment! I roared with laughter and thought, “ahh, this is Cuba!”.

Note: this post was originally published as a Velvet Escape guest post on Cheapflights.com.

For me, the phrase velvet escape brings back memories of my first foray into the travelling world. I’d managed to make it through all my school years without seeing anything other than European beach resorts and decided it was time to break free. Once school exams were out the way I headed off to teach English in a local village school in Roatan, a small island off the north coast of Honduras.

Roatan is a beautiful place that lives up to all the expectations of a Caribbean island. However, it is quickly becoming a tourist trap, with large resorts shooting up across the island and as many expats living in some areas as there are Hondurans. Backpackers flock there for the beautiful beaches, Caribbean climate and stunning underwater scenery and often end up staying far longer than planned, encapsulated by the laid back lifestyle.

The real Roatan

Punta dance

But this isn’t the full story. The real Roatan lies in the many small towns and villages that stretch from the ‘capital’, Coxen Hole, to the eastern tip. Villages such as Punta Gorda, where I lived during my time as a teacher there and, as one of just two foreigners in the whole village, was welcomed in as part of the community. The village was the first settling place of the Garifuna people and it is one of the few places where their culture is still maintained. They are a fun loving bunch who are happy with the simple things in life; relaxing in the sunshine, spearfishing in search of the family’s dinner and dancing the customary ‘punta’ all night to the bongo drums and maracas.

In my time there I lived as a local, whether it was eating baleadas for breakfast and dinner (the tastiest street snack you’ll find anywhere!) or paddling out to sea in a cayuco (a dugout canoe) to go fishing for the day’s big catch. This became the norm and it quickly made me forget creature comforts such as TV and leather sofas. Even though I often visited the western, touristy end of the island, it was always refreshing to return ‘home’ to Punta Gorda and dive into some beach football with the kids from school followed by a freshly caught fish dinner.

Roatan sunset

Whilst I only lived there for 12 months, it was in Punta Gorda where my passion for travel was ignited and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Having lived in a suburban English town for all of my life it was a huge change, but it was just the escape that I needed. It opened my eyes to all the incredible places out there and gave me the urge to see as many of them as possible – an urge I’m still trying to satisfy.

About today’s guest writer
Tom Mcloughlin is a writer, digital marketeer and passionate traveller from England. Having discovered his love for travel after spending a year teaching in Honduras he has made it his mission to see every corner of the world and leave no stone unturned. With so many destinations under his belt he thought it a shame not to share the knowledge he’s picked up so created Top Backpacking Destinations, a guide to the many places he’s seen along the way.

Follow him at BackpackerBoy and tommcloughlin on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Tulum, Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona, USA
• Tuscany, Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

I can’t wait to experience this city! Follow me on my trip via Twitter – I’ll be using the hashtag #manuktrip in my tweets – or via the Twitter feed below. If you’re planning to visit Manchester, I recommend checking out the Creative Tourist site to download their city guides or following Creative Tourist on Twitter.

Note: This trip is sponsored by Creative Tourist.

Summer flight from Vancouver to Amsterdam

The cabin was quiet. I couldn’t sleep so I checked the flight path – we were above Baffin island in northeastern Canada. I raised the shutter and watched the sun slowly dip its head below the horizon, casting an intense reddish, golden glow across the vast icy landscape. No sooner had the sun disappeared, it rose again. Within a few minutes, the sky was illuminated with fresh, warm hues of pink and orange. Pure magic!

Swimming with dolphins, Curaçao

I had my fins on and I was ready to go. We jumped into the water and looked around for the dolphins. Two dolphins broke the surface of the water a few yards to my left, whistling cheerfully. It was amazing to see these gorgeous creatures up close. I suddenly felt a nudge in my back. I turned around and a third dolphin looked at me. Her playful eyes sparkled with glee. She shoved her fin under my left arm as if to say, “Come on, let’s go for a ride”. I grabbed her fin and off we went, ‘hand in hand’.

Sailing trip around the Whitsunday islands, Australia

It was a warm night. I stretched out on my thin mattress on the deck. Waves gently rocked the boat and in the distance, I could see the twinkling lights of other boats anchored in the little harbour. I turned my gaze to the majestic star-studded sky above. The constellation of Scorpio, with its long curly tail, was unmistakable. A shooting star streaked across the velvety black sky. Then another and another. I didn’t make a wish. I’d never felt so blessed.

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

How Competitours Works

You sign up as a pair and travel around four European countries in nine days, competing along the way with 16 other pairs to win $9,000 in prizes. The itinerary is a mystery that unfolds every day in the form of a “virtual mission packet” – some might feel uneasy about signing up for a mystery itinerary but Competitours seems pretty confident of its capability to deliver a great experience; customers pay for their trip only after they’ve returned home.

Each day, the contestants receive their mission packet that includes a list of 8-10 challenges to choose from. Each challenge carries a certain number of points and the contestants have to pick several challenges they’re comfortable with, using public transport to get around. The contestants have to prove that they’ve completed the challenges by submitting 30-60 second videos of their exploits to a panel of judges, who will then evaluate and score the videos. The pair with the most points wins the grand prize.

FUN!

What I like about Competitours is its high FUN factor. The challenges are not physically demanding so anyone can participate. The emphasis on fun is quite evident from the examples of past challenges, such as creating a TV commercial promoting a 9th century Viking ship as a 21st century cruise vacation or starring as a monster in an impromptu Japanese monster movie (think Godzilla) at a miniature exhibit! Talk about quirky! In the evenings, there are ample opportunities to meet up with the other contestants for a group outing or an enjoyable dinner.

I also like the bonding possibilities of this tour. Contestants travel in pairs so you can sign up with a friend, a family member, your spouse or a colleague. The lighthearted nature of the challenges creates opportunities for the pairs to bond by working together without bickering. I can’t imagine anything worse than a travel partner obsessed with victory!

The challenges introduce the contestants to the many facets of Europe, from the famous highlights in the big cities to off-the-beaten-path spots in the countryside. They also encourage interaction with the locals – indeed, some of the challenges can only be successfully completed if the correct information from the locals is obtained.

All in all, Competitours sounds like a fun experience worthy of a thumbs up from velvet! I would, however, recommend those with little digital media or computer experience to practise filming and downloading videos before embarking on the tour. No videography experience is required (it’s the narrative that will earn you points) but it’ll certainly be handy to familiarise yourself with downloading your video recording onto a computer and uploading it to the judges’ site. In addition, when you arrive at your destination, check around for internet connection options. You’ll have to upload your video each evening so the quicker you complete this task, the more time you’ll have to enjoy your evening.

Note: this post is sponsored by Competitours.

I love escaping, in all connotations of the word. Whether it is physically parting on a journey or mentally transporting myself to places I get contentment from. It is no coincidence that my blog’s name is Genuine Escapism.

Leblon beach

A velvet escape for me is going somewhere that feels good, makes me feel alive and free. A place I could stare forever, where sometimes I sigh by simply being there because of its beauty or the way it makes me feel blissful.

My velvet escape in Rio de Janeiro is a very sensual experience. Not in a carnal, sultry way, but in an implication that it involves all of my senses. I start my way through Leblon’s black and white Portuguese stone boardwalk by standing on the edge and staring at the ocean for a moment. It’s hardly ever cloudy. The sun’s reflection on the water makes me think of a path I wish to walk on, made of stars.

View from Arpoador

I then start walking towards Ipanema. It is so lively here – beach volleyball practice, fresh looking swimmers (still dripping wet), ice sellers on their tricycles, dog walkers, meandering skaters, bikers, runners, baby strollers…

I try to mentally exercise that absolute truths don’t exist. What is true for me, might not be for you, what is necessary, pleasant and beautiful for me, might not be for you. But in Rio certain truths have proven themselves as absolute – there’s always someone at the beach, the beer is always cold and the Christ statue always has its arms wide open.

As I walk from Leblon to Ipanema I can smell sea air, sunscreen, sweat, bathed babies, roasted coalho cheese…

A coconut vendor

I often bump into someone who is always generous with a hug or a friendly kiss on the cheek.

By the time I get to Arpoador beach, I’m sticky, perspiring, a bit more suntanned and smiling. I climb my way up a few rock hills until I find a spot to sit. From there, I contemplate the view of Ipanema and Leblon beaches with the Dois Irmãos Mountain on the far end. I take a deep breath. There’s not a time when I look at that mountain and not lose my breath – but is that my truth or an absolute truth? I could gaze at that landscape ceaselessly. Until I feel the dryness in my mouth and remember I’m parched. I then make my way towards the nearest kiosk and order a fresh, cold, green coconut and sip on a straw, holding my round, natural drink and savor the sweet taste of coconut water, still staring at the most lively beaches I treasure dearly.

About this week’s guest writer
Adriana Lacerda was born in Salvador, Brazil. She first moved abroad when she was eleven months old and has been on the move for the past 26 years in Peru, Brazil, USA, Spain and Cyprus. A few months ago, Adriana decided to move back to Brazil and now lives in Rio. When she’s not in an office engaged in marketing activities, Adriana is out taking photographs, writing and planning her next trip.

Read about Adriana’s travels on her blog, Genuine Escapism and follow her on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Tulum, Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona, USA
• Tuscany, Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

The Contest

Contestants for the dream itinerary can choose up to three countries anywhere in the world, add their preferred types of transportation and accommodation and pick the highlights of the itinerary for each country. Once the dream itinerary is submitted, readers can vote for their favourites. In addition, a panel of judges (which includes the likes of Gap Adventures’ CEO Bruce Poon Tip and Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler) will also provide input. The winning entry will be featured in Gap Adventures’ 2011 brochure and the winner will of course get to experience this dream itinerary!

My dream itinerary is called “The South American Sea to Sky Adventure” and covers the Galapagos Islands, the awe-inspiring volcanoes of Ecuador, the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru and the surreal Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. Your vote for my itinerary would be greatly appreciated!

Head on over to Create Your Own Adventure and get started. You can count on my vote if you leave the link of your dream itinerary in the comments section below. Have fun and good luck!

These are their stunning contributions. Enjoy these magical experiences!

China

Stepping off the trans-Siberian train in Beijing to arrive in a whirlwind of intense sensations: new sights, sounds and smells hit us instantly, and after spending 6 days on the train we soaked it up with a euphoria that would have had people wondering if we had crossed Russia on foot!

By: Andy Jarosz
Blog: 501 places

Cambodia

Having my fortune read by a Buddhist fortune teller at Banteay Samre temple, in Cambodia. I’ll never forget his huge, welcoming smile and gentle voice. I wasn’t going to visit that temple, but was so glad I did and happened upon this spiritual character – it was quiet, peaceful and beautiful, a purely magical experience.

By: Natalie K.

Argentina

A few steps, a short turn and we arrived at the Devil’s Throat. Rainbows shone through the watery haze, our skin shimmered with droplets from the falling wall of thunder and birds swooped past and back into the jungle. Iguazu Falls justified the early start to the day.

By: Abigail King
Blog: Inside The Travel Lab

China

In a hotel room in Xi ‘An, China we sat on chairs facing 12 orphanage nannies holding 12 crying babies. My daughter’s name was called. She walked to the center of the room. Lotus, her given daughter was placed in her arms. After three years of waiting — a dream fulfilled.

By: Evelyn Hannon
Site: Journeywoman

USA

The Burning Man doesn’t burn like he should. At first people cheer and whistle, then they start to leave. I wait 20 more minutes and finally decide to accept that he’s changed if not fallen. He’s a new Man and I define him. In that moment, my life is altered.

By: JoAnna Haugen
Blog: Kaleidoscopic Wandering

Malaysia

There is nothing more magical than turning a corner and witnessing a landscape that doesn’t seem real. We witnessed this when we trekked to the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Like sentries they stood silent, towering over the jungle like a giant painted canvas. Nature’s work of art.

By: Dave and Deb
Blog: The Planet D

Please read the accompanying post: The Spectacular Great Ocean Road.

Our Segway crash course

When I received the itinerary for the travel bloggers’ trip to Catalonia last December, the first thing that caught my eye was the Segway tour of Barcelona. I’d heard of the Segway, a two-wheeled electric vehicle; I’d seen groups of Segway riders in the streets of Amsterdam and Hamburg before but I was rather apprehensive about giving it a try. I’d read that the Segway balances itself so there’s almost no way its rider could fall off but I wasn’t convinced. The many bicycle and skateboard mishaps I’d had in the past kept me on guard.

It was a gorgeous Sunday morning in Barcelona. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and though it was freezing, the sun’s rays warmed us up sufficiently. I felt rather nervous as we made our way to the Gothic Quarter (El Gotic) to pick up our Segways. As we approached the Segway Cat office in a narrow alley in the Gothic Quarter, I could feel my heart pounding heavily. There they were: those two-wheeled, 40 kilo machines, lined up neatly against a wall. We were instructed to pick one and pull them by the handlebar to the Plaça San Just around the corner. They were indeed heavy but wheeling them around on foot was surprisingly easy. I stood in a corner of the small square and listened intently as the two instructors gave us a ten minute crash course in handling a Segway. We were then helped onto the Segway, one after the other. I watched in horror as one of my travel mates smashed into a wall whilst another ran into a post – fortunately, no one was hurt.

This thing was made for me!

Our guide explains the sights

I was one of the last to step onto the Segway. By this time, my breathing had been reduced to short gasps – fear had me tightly in its grip. I hesitated for several moments before putting my foot on the Segway’s little platform. My mind was racing. What if I stepped on and fell right over, crushed by this 40 kilo contraption? You see, I’ve always been prone to accidents from the time I was a child. Through the years, I’ve had my fair share of ‘freak’ accidents, so I was right to be cautious, I thought. I took several deep breaths and instructed myself to think about my shark encounter in Malaysia and how that had helped me get over my Jaws complex. “You know how to handle fear”, I assured myself. I snapped back into the present and heard the instructor say that I should get onto the Segway, one foot at a time, with my hands gently on the handlebar and stand straight. I did precisely as he instructed…. and hey, I wasn’t falling over! The Segway’s sensors were indeed keeping me balanced. In a split second, my fear was overcome and replaced by excitement and curiosity. I leaned forward by a few degrees and wow…I moved forward. I could brake by simply leaning back slightly. It took a minute to get used to the balance mechanism and how to make turns. After several minutes, I was convinced: this thing was made for me!

Barcelonetta beaches

After ten minutes of practice on one of Barcelona’s oldest squares, we embarked on the tour through the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter in single file. I was glad that it was a quiet Sunday morning. There were few pedestrians and traffic was still light. The uneven, sometimes, sloping pavements and blind corners were a challenge though. We made our way around some of the Quarter’s oldest spots, passing elderly folk on their way to church. The bewildered look on their faces as we zoomed by made me chuckle. The contrast between the centuries-old Quarter and the futuristic-looking Segways couldn’t have been greater.

The Segway & me

I was a bit relieved as we exited the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter and hit the wide boulevard that curls its way around the harbour. My confidence grew out here in the open. I was soon testing the limits of this machine, hitting the maximum speed of eight kilometers per hour. I felt like I had grown a new set of wings as we zoomed past the yacht harbour towards the beaches of Barcelonetta. We stopped at the very edge of the boulevard, in the shadow of the brand-new, Burj Dubai-like, W Hotel, where we were treated to fabulous views of the city and the coast. The Mediterranean Sea sparkled before us. The sun shone and there wasn’t a single cloud in the bright blue sky. Barcelona spread out behind us up to the Tibidado hills and the Montjuïc castle.

I enjoyed each and every second I was on the Segway. After a while, I was confident enough to take both hands off the handlebar as I took pictures. I spun around columns and benches, and revved up the engine on open stretches. I absolutely loved it.

And to think that an hour before, I was almost choked by the fear of falling over! Fear is indeed a peculiar thing.

Read other posts on this Segway experience by my fellow travel bloggers:

• Barcelona Segway: the best way to see the city? By @Europealacarte
• Travel bloggers Barcelona Segway tour. By @RMWhitaker
• The Blogger, the Coast & the Segway. By @abigailking

Read more about my visit to Catalonia:

• Experiencing Catalonia
• Culinary Journey: Castellar del Riu, Catalonia
• The delights of La Boqueria

Note: my visit to Catalonia was part of a sponsored travel bloggers trip organised by the Department of Tourism of Catalonia with the collaboration of the Department of Tourism of Barcelona.

What do the words “Velvet Escape” evoke? When I think of those words, I think of escaping from the outside world, in search of the peaceful spot for getting in touch with your inner world. That’s what it evokes in me.

I was born in Cancun and I’ve been living there for 20 years. As much as I love my hometown (if you haven’t been here what are you waiting for?), it does get kind of… noisy, sometimes. It is a densely populated paradise, with population numbers increasing yearly. So, being a big city now, it can become stressful. Sometimes I literally need to escape from all that. A sweet escape, to a sweet spot, where I can get in touch with myself, breathe, and return refreshed. To me, that place is Tulum.

Located 130 kilometers south of Cancun (an approximate 1hr 20 min drive by car), Tulum is one of the last semi-virgin, “unspoiled” spots on the Riviera Maya or ‘Costa Maya’. Tulum is a place that offers many things for your enjoyement: it is home to a very big & important Mayan archaeological site, the ruins of Tulum. It is also a small village full of little bistros, charming little restaurants, and places with a very relaxed ambiance. You can also find world-class Spas and even a few resorts, although the place is more well-known for its cozy rustic style “Cabañas” or huts, located right on the beach.

What I love about Tulum is that so far, the community of cabaña owners have been developing it right. Slowly, respecting nature.  Most of the power used in Tulum is generated by alternative sources: wind, solar panels, etc. There is a recent initiative to develop a more “city-like” neighborhood, which I personally (and many more people) don’t like. I think the very reason for the charm of Tulum is precisely its semi-virgin, secluded, relaxed ambiance. Turning it more city-like would end all that.

And let’s not forget about the beaches! The beaches of Tulum are some of my favorite beaches in the world (and I have been to a few!). They are like how the beaches of Cancun were decades ago: mile after mile of pure white, powdery sand. Warm & calm (a coral reef barrier keeps the wave activity low) turquoise blue sea, and best of all, the people there all share the same vibe: relaxed and laid back. People go to Tulum to seek relaxation, not to party. It’s the complete opposite of Cancun! And that’s why I love it so much. To me, it’s a way of disconnecting from the city life.

Tulum is also, depending on where you go, very cheap! At least compared to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, in my personal opinion, it is! You can stay at cabañas ranging from a couple of dollars a night, to more upscale resorts. It really depends on your preferences. Me, I personally prefer the cheap cabañas, they are right in front of the ocean, and you have the sand of the beach as your natural floor!

To me, that’s my Velvet Escape! The beautiful town & beaches of Tulum, Quintana Roo. The perfect place to disconnect from the city and embrace nature! I hope everybody gets a chance to visit it someday!

About this week’s guest writer
Camilo Olea is a Computer Systems Engineer / Social Media Marketer born and living in Cancun.  Founder of Cancun is Safe!, a website devoted to promoting the good image of Cancun, Riviera Maya & Costa Maya as safe & beautiful destinations to visit. In his spare time he loves to drink wine and tea, and travel whenever he can.

Follow Camilo and Cancun Is Safe on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Phoenix, Arizona, USA
• Tuscany, Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

Ten Things to do in Macau

1. Adventure enthusiasts – Jump of the 10th tallest building in Macau: the Macau Tower. The freefall lasts 10 seconds! Don’t worry – you’re harnessed for the 700 foot drop!

2. Try and plan a trip to Macau in November for the famed Macau Grand Prix. It’s one of the few street circuit racing events in the world and many famous Formula One drivers launched their careers on this demanding circuit.

3. ‘Get lost’ in the Three Lamps district, where the locals go to shop!

4. Take in a show. Cirque du Soleil’s ZAIA at the Venetian Hotel Macau is a stunning display of mastery in balletic circus. This amazing show highlights a young girl whose fantasy unfolds in space among the stars and galaxies.

Chinese Poles performance at ZAIA

5. If you’re a runner – try hashing. It’s an international running group that has worldwide chapters. So, wherever you go, you will have people to run with. Macau’s two groups schedule runs, and then hit the local bars and restaurants for some socializing. It’s a great way to meet locals and expats, and tour the city.

6. Karting in Macau isn’t like anything I’ve seen before. It’s not your local “go-kart” racing experience. These guys are serious. So suit up and be prepared to race against some pretty serious competitors.

7. The Macanese love Karaoke. Hit one of the dozens of Karaoke bars and sing a tune or two. Makes for a fun and interactive evening in Macau. Most karaoke bars also offer private rooms for groups.

8. Gambling is a major attraction – Macau is often called the Las Vegas of the Far East. From Las Vegas Hotels and Casinos comes Steve Wynn’s The Wynn. Also a hit, The Sands and most impressive – The Venetian with its own exterior canal that’s scaled to the exact size of the canals in Venice, Italy.

9. Head to Coloane Island for a special restaurant called Espaco Lisboa – 8 Rua das Gaivotas, Colôane Village – a family-run Portuguese restaurant that makes you wonder if you’ve stepped into old world Portugal. The food is amazing. It’s also been voted Macau’s most romantic restaurant.

10. Portuguese Egg tarts are everywhere! These lightly sweetened egg breads with caramel are a daily snack for locals and a must-try when in Macau. From specialized egg tart patisseries to egg tart carts – they’re everywhere… thankfully!

About today’s guest writer
Stefanie Michaels, known to legions of fans as “Adventure Girl®,” has carved a unique niche in the world of travel and entertainment. Her website, AdventureGirl.com, has been utilized by millions looking for tips on exciting places to visit, be it sleeping in an Ice Hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland, swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas, or tapping into the chicest eco-friendly destinations in travel today.

Within just 7 months of joining Twitter, Stefanie has been named Twitter’s Top Global 100 and Top 50 Tweeple to follow. With 1.5 million+ followers and growing, she is the Go-To Girl for everything travel.

Follow Stef on Twitter.

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

• 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 ‘A desert full of wonders‘

You can venture on hiking tours or boat through the numerous naturally-formed canals to observe the awesome flora and fauna in this area. The boat trips are especially unforgettable. Cruise through the canals which are sometimes completely covered by the canopy of the rainforest and spot a wide variety of animals (monkeys, sloths, tapirs, jaguars, crocodiles, caimans, etc..) and birds (herons, toucans, brightly-coloured parrots, kingfishers, etc..). I’ll never forget one particular hair-raising moment during the boat trip when a large caiman tried to jump into the boat as we got a tad too close.

Throughout the year, different species of turtles (green turtles, giant leatherbacks and hawksbills) come to lay their eggs on Tortuguero’s beaches (Tortuguero literally means ‘region of turtles’). A guided tour at night to see the nesting turtles is definitely a must. It was a rather surreal experience, being on that beach in the middle of the night. The moon was hidden behind some clouds so we had to rely on our torch-lights. After more than a half hour of trudging through the sand, we found a large green turtle. It had already dug a hole and was almost finished laying its eggs. We kept our distance and watched as it slowly, rather clumsily covered the hole and headed back to sea. A magnificent sight!

Read about other ‘Enchanting spots‘:

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

What does velvet escape mean to me? It’s the essence of travel. The soft, gentle sensations of pure adventure as you break free from your day to day responsibilities and commitments. It is the sweet sensation of new experiences, people and adventures – all wrapped into one exciting package.

I have to confess to being a green/water person, which makes it difficult at times to live in central Arizona: A destination world famous for its arid climate. While others might hail climbing the local mountains or boating on one of the local lakes as Phoenix’s ideal escapes – mine is far more intimate. Every Sunday evening I rummage around my room for an old beat up pair of Keen shoes (whose soles are worn almost smooth), a pair of jeans, and a nightclub friendly dress shirt. Then, bottle of water in hand, I make the 20 minute trek from North Scottsdale, where I live, to Paragon Dance Studio in South Tempe for the Sunday Night Salsa Social.

Wedged in the corner of an unassuming shopping center, Paragon (the current venue for the Sunday Night Function) is home to throbbing, pulsating Latin music, drawing together strangers, old friends, and lovers. Bodies are swept into motion whirling, spinning, dipping and at times intertwined almost as one. Time melts away, and, drenched in sweat, you forget about the heat, pausing momentarily between dances to silently drink in deep breaths as you prepare for your next dance.

Experts and newcomers alike find their way to Paragon and the Phoenix Salsa scene. They bring to the event a wonderful mixture of cultures, races, faiths, nationalities, and professional careers, all the while offering the extended hand of potential friendship in the guise of a quick Salsa, Bachata or ChaCha.

If you ever find yourself in Phoenix on a Sunday evening, I hope you’ll come and join the party!

About this week’s guest writer
Alex Berger is passionate about fly-fishing, video games, web and software development, and ballroom dancing. A recent graduate of Arizona State University (Tempe), Alex founded FusionVirtual.com and spends his time researching the relationship between video games and ballroom dancing with business models and tools. In between, he pursues his other passion: traveling, and writing about it on his blog, Virtual Wayfarer.

Follow Alex on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Tuscany, Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

When someone tells you “Get ready, we are going to dinner at Iggy’s”, what this actually means is , get out your Louboutins, we are going to have the dinner of a lifetime. Iggy’s is ranked No.45 on the S Pellegrino World’s 50 best restaurants List 2009 so I made sure my camera had batteries in it.. and that my hair looked great.

At Iggy’s whilst the deco and ambiance of the place is not something you would call super modern (the main dining room looks cozy rather than clinical), the food itself is really rather cutting edge, beautifully presented and encompasses all the subtleties and style of modern cuisine. Iggy’s plays with textures, colors, and flavours like how a child plays without inhibitions at Kindergarten art class.

There is only one thing on the Dinner Menu. The Gastronomic menu of USD $140++ (without booze) whether you walk in at 9pm or 11pm, that’s what you get. To kick off the night, we were served two amuse bouche, on the house , which was a rather nice touch.

The first amuse bouche was the sashimi-grade sea urchin served on a bed of shiso jelly topped with cauliflower mousse. This sea-urchin was smooth on the palate and really pleasing to the eye. It looked like someone served up spring on a white plate. The second amuse bouche (also on the house) was smoked trout. Cherry wood was employed to produce the white fumes inside that futuristic looking semi-metallic semi-Perspex orb. Smoky, woody, and fishy.. I really loved the caviar (not lump fish either.. but beluga).

Service here is top notch too. Discreet yet attentive, with lightning reflexes – the waiters anticipate your every need to within a nano-second. It’s like an art form!

Looking at the Hamachi, you could say that the Japanese Kaiseki dining style has also been an influence at Iggy’s. Classy, delicate and ‘no rush’ are words that come to mind, eating this young, sweet yellow tail. Be prepared to dine for at least two and a half to three hours here.

At Iggy’s you get to eat rare Japanese mushrooms gathered at their apex of maturity. With this ingenious creation, one is supposed to toss the mushrooms with the foam and eat the end product as it is. Incredibly exquisite. The sanma fish on wild rice , olive and thyme was nothing short of superb.

I was told by the waiter that the Chef himself likes to employ a light touch in cooking his food, and that is how he so successfully brings out the subtle flavours in a dish. Of course, make no mistake, the fact that the produce is super fresh contributes to how fantastic things taste.

Next up, the oats and gizzards with lobster. This  perfect ensemble, was brilliantly executed. Taste wise not too gamy and the lobster was superbly fresh.

After the palette cleanser, the Wagyu beef was served. Grade 9 Wagyu that melted in one’s mouth -  I gave up my flute of champagne for a glass of  Burgundy to complement the aroma and textures in the Beef.

For the dessert, the juicy sweet seed pulp, and slightly gritty flesh of the feijoa was purposely converted into a smooth jelly – a complete contradiction in texture. So molecular.. dining made so incredibly entertaining. I felt like I could start the entire course over!

Enter the Petite Fours, which literally translated to Little Oven. The little cake was rich, and thick with cream nuts and fruit. A gorgeous mini tiramisu.

If you are a big kid at heart, like I am, then you will love the “pop-rocks” tart.. on the house. Hugely amusing, these cute bite size morsels explode and crackle in your mouth. Our waiter’s advice, “kindly consume in one swift mouth full and do not chew, rather suck for maximum satisfaction”. Did I not say that service here was par excellent?

Well, it was a fantastic experience. What can I say, except… for maximum indulgence, just visit Iggy’s!

Address:
Iggy’s, 1 Cuscaden Road, The Regent Singapore, Singapore.

Strongly advised to call 65 6732 2234 for reservations.

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 & Ciki blog.”

Follow  Mei on Twitter.

Read other posts by Mei on Velvet Escape:

• My velvet escape travel tip: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Opulent gastronomy in Shanghai

Read the accompanying post: The Wonders of Angkor Wat

BMAG

Birmingham is Britain’s second-largest city and is located in the West Midlands region northwest of London. In the 1800’s, the city was known as the ‘Workshop of the World’ as it was here that the Industrial Revolution began. Birmingham attracted merchants and workers from around Britain as industries blossomed. A whole network of canals was dug for the transportation of goods and the city become the focal point of a wealthy region.

In the late-20th century, Birmingham underwent a metamorphosis as manufacturing made way for services. Whole swathes of the city were redeveloped – old factories and warehouses were transformed into stylish apartments, office blocks and centres of art.

Brindleyplace

The transformation continues till this day. The canals have been rejuvenated and are now a tranquil sight in this bustling city. The gorgeous heritage buildings that line long stretches of the canals now house a wide variety of restaurants, shops and cafés. The city’s grand Victorian monuments have been lovingly restored and a massive scheme to redevelop the city’s historic core, the Bull Ring, has given the city centre an unmistakable international flair.

Birmingham is absolutely worth a visit for a few days. The city is very compact, making it easy to get around on foot. There are many stunning old and modern architectural gems to admire, museums and markets to wander around in, charming cafés and pubs to stop for a breather, and a multi-faceted culinary scene to tease your senses.

If you’re visiting Birmingham for the first time, here are ten things to do to get a good feel of this fascinating city.

BMAG interior

1. Visit a few of the magnificent museums and art galleries. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) provides interesting insights into the city’s rich history. The building’s imposing exterior forms a sharp contrast to its bright, colourful interior. The gorgeous staircases, stunning ceilings and fascinating exhibits will keep you occupied for a bit. Another great museum is the Barber Institute (at the University of Birmingham), one of the city’s finest Art Deco buildings, with its collection of Monets, Manets and Renoirs. Or you could visit the beautiful Aston Hall, just outside the city. For something more contemporary, head to the Ikon Gallery and the Custard Factory.

The Bull at the Bull Ring

2. Have your picture taken with the great, big bull at the front of the Bull Ring shopping centre. The bull is the symbol of Birmingham. Find out why at the BMAG.

3. Walk around the eye-catching Selfridges building. This iconic building is covered with 16,000+ silver-coloured discs. Watch how its shape changes as you circle the building. Then step inside and marvel at the interior, with its breathtaking central atrium. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the jelly bean bull on the ground floor!

The markets adjacent to the Bull Ring

4. Wander around the markets located adjacent to the Bull Ring. My favourite is the Rag Market. It’s an intriguing mish-mash of ‘rags’, cosmetics, hosiery and other merchandise. It’s also a wonderful place to watch the colourful vendors and their haggling customers.

5. Take a leisurely stroll along the canals in the late-afternoon/early-evening. Let the calm water and charming scenes soothe your senses, say ‘hi’ to the resident geese or stop for a pint at one of the many canalside pubs. You can also opt to join a canal cruise on one of the narrow boats. The cruises depart from Brindleyplace.

Stroll along the charming canals

6. Birmingham is a haven for shopaholics. There’s the Jewellery Quarter with its wide array of jewellers (the Jewellery Quarter Museum is absolutely worth a stop), the huge malls at the Bull Ring (including Selfridges), New Street with its mainstream fashion stores and the gorgeous MailBox building with its upmarket boutiques.

7. Brummies love food. Every two stores is an eatery so it’s not difficult to find a place to eat. Choosing one is the hard part. If you love curries, head out to the Balti Triangle. Balti is a spicy dish perfected in Birmingham. There are more than 50 restaurants that serve this must-try dish in the Balti Triangle. It’s difficult to choose so just follow your instincts!

8. Attend a pantomime performance at the Hippodrome. This is a truly local experience that will leave you in stitches! Oh, and get some panto ‘attributes’ from the vendors at the entrance of the Hippodrome. Feeling thirsty afterwards? Head to one of the local pubs across the street for a pint!

The Mailbox

9. Join the tour of the BBC Studios at the Mailbox building. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of broadcasting (both television and radio). The longest British radio drama series, the Archers, is produced here, as well as other regional radio and television programmes. During the tour, you’ll also be invited to present your own BBC News programme; a really fun experience!

10. Walk around the city centre and admire the gorgeous Victorian architecture. Some of the most precious examples can be found in the Church Street neighbourhood. While you’re in the area, pop into the Cathedral to admire the lovely Baroque architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows.

Old and new

Birmingham also makes a great base from which to explore the many attractions in the region. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston are just a short hop away. One of England’s most stunning medieval castles, Warwick Castle can also be found in the vicinity. And, for the fans of Shakespeare, a visit to Straftford-Upon-Avon, just outside Birmingham, is an absolute must!

Please visit Experiencing Birmingham to view my Twitter feed during my stay in Birmingham.

Note: My visit to Birmingham was a sponsored travel blogger’s trip organised by Visit Birmingham and bmibaby.

Read other articles in the “Ten” series:

• 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

Via Leopoldina

If you ask me, a velvet escape is an escape to a place that relaxes you, makes you happy and surprises you at all times. If I had to recommend a destination for such an escape in my area, I would certainly recommend a drive, walk, bike- or horseback ride along a stretch of the ancient Via Leopoldina, a road that runs near the village where I live, in Tuscany.

The Via Leopoldina follows the path of an ancient Roman road that led from Siena to the coast of the Maremma and ensured a steady supply of salt. Now, it is just a minor country road, dotted with old stone houses, ancient castles and majestic country villas. The views over the valley of the River Ombrone towards the Val d’Orcia and Monte Amiata are just breathtaking. It’s quintessential Tuscany at its best.

Terme di Petriolo

Via Leopoldina

My tip is to get on the Leopoldina leaving the Siena-Grosseto highway E78 at Iesa – Terme di Petriolo. The road leads down to some natural hot springs. The old Roman thermal baths are still visible, and so are the remains of the medieval fortifications. The natural hot pools and the river (cold water) can be accessed freely, and the woods around them are perfect for a picnic or a nice walk.

Following the road uphill, towards Grosseto, a stop in the perfectly-preserved hilltop hamlet of Pari is a must. The views from the top of the hill are really priceless. Besides, if you want to try local food, it doesn’t get any more authentic than at La Locanda del Cacciatore, but you will probably have to ask for “Siro”, the owner, as most of the locals wouldn’t know any other name! Don’t expect a menu, or printed prices!

A couple of kilometers past Pari, the “velvet escape part” begins. The road branches towards Casenovole and gets full of surprises. The best way to enjoy this “velvet escape” would be either on foot or on horseback. Driving or cycling (if you are an expert and in great shape) is perfect too, though.

View across to Pari

What you should not miss, besides the sound of the woods, the many wild animals (beware of deer and wild boar crossing the road… and occasionally cows and sheep as well), are the beautiful castle of Casenovole and the spectacular panoramic views that stretch from here to the Castle of Monte Antico. Casenovole is a picture perfect castle, but the road to Monte Antico is picture perfect Tuscany: a steep, winding, cypress-lined road plunging towards the sunflower fields, through green hills, vineyards, and olive groves.

View from Monte Antico

If you are up for a real “velvety escape”, you should probably stop at Fattoria Nuova Pievanella for a plush, and romantic meal in a very beautiful setting. The owners are an Italian-German couple who really know how to take care of their guests.

Monte Antico, among the other things, is on the railway line that links Florence to Grosseto: it’s small, long, and very slow, but it passes through the Val d’Orcia and that makes for a really nice ride. Check the events organized for the steam engine train called Treno Natura: it stops here too.

When you are ready to go back to the rhythms of modern life, follow the Via Leopoldina to the walled village of Paganico and get back onto highway E78. But if it’s too stressful, turn around and get lost in the countryside of this beautiful area again!

Please visit the website of the tourism council of Civitella Paganico for more information on this gorgeous route.

About this week’s guest writer
Gloria Casinadirosa was born and bred in Tuscany and divides her time between the small village of Civitella Marittima near Siena, and the town of Pisa where she works as a teacher. Gloria shares with us her passion for everything Tuscan via her blog At Home in Tuscany.

Follow Gloria on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Melbourne, Australia
• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

I won’t be posting any new articles in the next few days but I will be tweeting about my endeavors in Birmingham. You’re most welcome to check out my trip report via the Twitter feed below. I’ll be using the hashtag #brumtwitrip in my tweets. You can also follow bmibaby and Visit Birmingham on Twitter.

Note: This trip is sponsored by bmibaby and Visit Birmingham.

Indigenous Girls outside the Cathedral

I had many expectations about San Cristobal de las Casas before I visited the old colonial capital of the State of Chiapas in Mexico. Some of these expectations were met or even superseded, and others weren’t, but each day that I spent there I learned something new about this magical place.

The outskirts of the town are not particularly attractive due to pollution and traffic. But once you manage to get to the town centre, the landscape becomes absolutely fascinating. An interesting fact is that there are almost no traffic lights in the centre of San Cristobal. Apparently, years ago when they did exist, this used to cause a lot of traffic and pollution. Pretty ironic, don’t you think?

It is only in towns like this one, that I get the feeling that there’s no need to rush around to get anywhere; strolling during the afternoon, people-watching or finding somewhere to eat or have a drink becomes the only purpose of taking a walk.

Lost in her thoughts

I hadn’t been to Mexico in a year, so my first dining option was to have some Mexican tacos (not those horrible fast food things in hard shells, whose name I won’t mention, but the real thing instead!). After dinner, it was nice to have a drink at a cute bohemian-jazzy-trendy bar called Perfidia, which was the perfect end of our first day in San Cristobal.

The day after, we spent the morning in the picturesque Santo Domingo market, where many indigenous people come from their towns to sell their handcrafts. Chiapas’ handcrafts are famous for their colourful designs. Besides a variety of textiles, we found very interesting wooden masks painted in a variety of colours depicting stylized animals.

Santo Domingo market

It was difficult to take photos in the market because it seems that some people can get very annoyed when they’re photographed. I’m not surprised about this, especially considering that it has been known for some tourists and/or photographers to follow the locals trying to snap them. So the best advice in the photography department is to be considerate towards people and respect the fact that some of them won’t want to appear in pictures. And to add further discretion, a good telephoto lens always helps!

Besides its market, another “must see” aspect of the town is its churches. The number of churches in San Cristobal is outstanding, and walking along 20 de Noviembre Street, a number of them can be found. Especially beautiful are Santo Domingo and Templo del Carmen, the latter being one of the few Mudejar (Moorish) style churches in Mexico.

Santo Domingo Church

A particularly enigmatic fact about San Cristobal is how the indigenous cultures and beliefs intersect with the Catholic faith. The indigenous people have managed to maintain their culture but at the same time have embraced the Catholicism that was imposed by the Spaniards. If there is a fact that makes San Cristobal such a special place, I would say that it is this mix of prehispanic and colonial beliefs and people that have managed to survive over the centuries and make us feel that for a moment, we are transported to that past.

I would like to thank Sol y Luna B&B for supporting this article by kindly offering a special rate during my stay in San Cristobal.

About this week’s guest writer
Paola Santos is a traveller and photographer inspired by world cultures, anthropology, local arts, communities and languages. Born in Mexico, she currently lives in the UK after experiencing life in Canada and India. Her aim is to write about her travel experiences and the challenges and rewards of choosing an expat life.

Read other Velvet Escape posts on Mexico:

• Palenque
• Chichen Itza

Venice, the bridge, airport & lagoon

On my flight from Amsterdam to Naples last summer, the plane flew over the Alps into Italy, past the lovely town of Bolzano (Bozen), then along the Adige valley (the home of the gorgeous Valpolicella wines) to Verona and past the stunning historical treasure that is Venice . It was a bit hazy but I managed to get some decent shots of the city, the islands and the Venetian lagoon.

Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport (top left in the first photo), the industrial areas and the port on the mainland, as well as the bridge that links Venice to the mainland, can clearly be seen in the first photo.

Venice and the Grand Canal

A gap in the haze gave me a better view of the city in the lagoon as we flew past. The S-shaped Grand Canal was unmistakable. Can you spot the whitish silhouette of San Marco Square in the second or third photos?

Zooming into Venice

See other ‘Plane Views’ articles:

• Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
• Putrajaya, Malaysia
• Mallorca, Spain
• Millau, France
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile
• Perth, Western Australia
• Sydney Harbour, Australia
• Vancouver to Portland, OR

From my bedroom window, if I stand on tippy-toes and cock my head, I have a fabulous view out to Mount Dandenong. Whilst not a big mountain, it is the highest point close to Melbourne’s Central Business District and I am right at the foothills making it very accessible for my ‘velvet escape’!

In a short fifteen minute drive from my home, the road weaves up the side of the mountain, past tree ferns, towering mountain ash gum trees, through the small mountain villages of Sassafras and Olinda to the summit. From here, there is a spectacular view eastwards over the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to the city centre which is clearly marked by the towering skyscrapers but is totally peaceful and far removed from the chaos of city life.

Throughout the Dandenongs there are some well-known landmarks that are frequented by both national and international visitors. The most well-known being the historic steam train ‘Puffing Billy’. The journey carries its passengers along a 24km stretch of track from Belgrave to Gembrook through forests and over the famous wooden trestle bridge built in 1899.

Another well-know location is the ‘William Ricketts Sanctuary’. A four-acre property purchased by sculptor William Ricketts during the 1930s and ended up expanding by the 1960s when the Victorian Government purchased the adjoining properties. William Ricketts remained on the property and continued to produce his Australian sculptures that can be enjoyed throughout the outdoor gallery, until his death in 1993 when he was 94 years of age.

There are also many less-known and well hidden treasures dotted through the hills. One of my favourites for that true velvet escape experience is the ‘Alfred Nicholas Gardens’. Set on a steep slope opposite Sherbrooke Forest, it is a magnificent garden of rhododendrons, camelias, azaleas and other exotics dwarfed by the surrounding mountain ash eucalypts.

Taking the path that meanders down the hill through the garden, you arrive to a small, secluded lake with small walkway bridges and families of ducks. At the end of the lake is a little, wooden boat shed framed by the garden and mirrored by its reflection in the lake. It’s an image that could be straight from a fairytale book. It’s not unusual to have this velvet escape all to yourself!

About this week’s guest writer
Kirsty Wilson is a Melbourne based Virtual Assistant with a passion for travel to exotic destinations. You can catch Kirsty on Twitter or view her travel blog Travel Tips Plus which offers inspirational travel destinations.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Seville, Spain
• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

I’ve crossed many bridges on foot but I’ve chosen ten which were absolutely memorable. If you’re in any of these places, spare some time in your itinerary for an incredible bridge walk experience.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of my absolute favourites. You can do the simple walk from one end to the other or you can choose the exhilarating Bridge Climb which takes you along the arch to the summit of this magnificent bridge on catwalks and ladders, more than 130 meters (+300 feet) above Sydney Harbour. I tried it several years ago to challenge my fear of heights. I guess that’s why I’ll never forget this bridge walk. Check out the Bridge Climb video below.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge is certainly one of the most famous bridges in the world. Crossing it by foot is an experience to treasure. The wind, the terrifying heights, the fog, the vibrating deck, and the views will be etched in your memory forever! It’s a long walk from the San Francisco city side to Marin County on the other end (and back) but oh so worth it!

Yokohama Bay Bridge, Yokohama, Japan

It’s not the longest or highest bridge in Japan but the Yokohama Bay Bridge is definitely one of the most spectacular. About a third of the way across the bridge is a viewing platform which offers amazing views of Yokohama Bay, the city skyline and on clear days, the stunning Mount Fuji. Not to be missed if you’re visiting Yokohama.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, USA

The Brooklyn Bridge is arguably one of the most famous bridges in the world. It’s been in dozens of movies and television series. In addition, who can ever forget the images of terrified New Yorkers crossing the bridge, covered in blankets of dust, in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks? The bridge is truly a global icon and a visit to New York will not be complete without a leisurely stroll across it. The views of the Manhattan skyline are breathtaking and the incessant buzz of the New York traffic below is unforgettable.

Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey

The Galata Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Golden Horn in Istanbul. There were many designs for a bridge crossing at this spot over the centuries, including drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. However, the first bridge was built in the 19th century. The Galata Bridge that spans the Golden Horn today is the fifth version. A walk across the Galata is a true feast for the senses. The stunning minarets of the Hagia Sophia, Blue and Süleymaniyeh mosques and the Galata Tower form a striking backdrop while the spice-filled air, the anglers, and the traffic (cars, buses and trams) on the bridge and the many boats plying the Golden Horn below will keep your senses tantalised!

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava river that meanders through the city of Prague. It is one of the city’s most famous icons and deservedly so. This historic bridge, with its 16 arches and three Gothic bridge towers, was built in the 14th century and is lined with gorgeous statues. I recommend walking across the bridge both in the daytime, when the bridge is crowded with day-trippers, artisans, artists and souvenir vendors, and in the early evening. When the vendors and artisans have packed up, the day-trippers have left, and the lights illuminating the bridge and Prague Castle are turned on, the bridge turns into, arguably, one of the most romantic spots in Europe.

Tower Bridge, London, England

Often mistakenly referred to as London Bridge (I guess that nursery rhyme had something to do with it), the Tower Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of London, and probably the most famous bascule bridge in the world. It’s a short stroll across the bridge but the views over the Thames to the Tower of London (another iconic landmark), the lovely Butler’s Wharf and the futuristic London City Hall (designed by Norman Foster) will stay with you forever.

Pont des Arts, Paris, France

The Pont des Arts is my favourite bridge in Paris. This elegant metal bridge, with its nine arches, crosses the Seine river and connects the Louvre with the Institut de France. The best part: it’s a pedestrian bridge. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge in the evenings to watch the Paris lights and be temporarily blinded by the cruise boats as they pass by below!

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

The Ponte Vecchio is a gorgeous medieval bridge that spans the Arno river in Florence. Its most distinguishing feature is the fact that it has houses and shops built on it. If you’re visiting Florence, do some research on the fascinating history of this bridge before you visit. It’s an amazing story involving the Medici family, merchants and some of Italy’s greatest architects. As you walk across the present-day bridge, with its jewellery, art houses and souvenir shops, recalling the history of the bridge will help you truly appreciate its beauty.

Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni, Japan

My favourite wooden bridge, the Kintai Bridge is absolutely one-of-a-kind. Located in Iwakuni, a town in the Yamaguchi Prefecture on Honshu island, the Kintai Bridge will keep you captivated for hours. I’d never seen anything like it before. Built in the 17th century, the bridge is one of the National Treasures of Japan and crosses the Nishiki river in a series of wave-like curves. The views from the bridge of the lush forested hills and the impressive Iwakuni Castle are absolutely gorgeous. In spring, the breathtaking cherry blossoms add a touch of magic to the surroundings of this incredible bridge.

Which other great bridge walks would you add to this list? Please add your suggestions in the comments section.

Update
Inspired by this post, Air Treks has created a customised round-the-world itinerary for bridge lovers so that you can see all these bridges. A brilliant idea!

Air Treks' Bridge RTW itinerary

The best way to explore Bruges is to walk. You’ll soon discover that the word ‘quaint’ was probably invented here! The lovely centuries-old buildings, cobblestone streets, enchanting squares, picturesque canals and gorgeous houses will transport you back to an almost surreal medieval world (if you can block out the droves of day-trippers!). A visit to Belgium would not be complete without spending at least two days in Bruges.

Scroll down to view a photo essay of Bruges.

The Bruges Belfry

A quaint street in Bruges (Academie straat)

There are a lot of shops selling Bruges lace

The 'Markt' or main square with the town hall

Dumon chocolatier; one of the oldest & most famous in Bruges

The Cambrinus beer house serves more than 400 types of beer!

Some of Bruges' most famous monuments

The lovely Steenhouwers canal

The enchanting Begijnhof or beguinage

An intriguing sculpture on the Wal square

Chocolates galore!

Orval beer: one of my favourites! Fab bottle!

And you can't leave Bruges without having mussels & fries!

Another favourite beer of mine: Brugse Zot

I saw this in a window and thought, WOW! That's a VELVET ESCAPE!

A street in Seville

Seville intoxicates, that’s for sure. Its temperatures blaze for most of the year, alongside its passions for two of Spain’s most iconic – and controversial – traditions: bullfighting and flamenco. While polka-dot dancers reserve their castanets for the tourist crowds, you can find the stomp of real flamenco in bars across the city: fierce-eyed dancers driving their feet into the stage, men wailing in song to the guitar notes that incite them. Dried ham, jamón serrano, hangs from the ceilings in smoky tapas bars, alongside bull head trophies and framed photos of matadors arching backwards, swords poised for the kill.

Then there’s the heat. The tightly-knit streets of the Santa Cruz barrio criss-cross together to drive out the sun and locals block every window with thick-slatted shutters during the day. The horse-drawn carts, orange trees and flowering courtyards create a romantic atmosphere, the smells of the summer drains do not.

That’s when you need a velvet escape. A cool breeze or a sheltered retreat.

Inside the Real Alcazar

Try the Real Alcázar, a former palace and series of courtyards, whose curious geography reminds me of a collection of Russian dolls. In its heyday, the Alcázar served as a Moorish palace, decorated with intricate carved arches and gentle fountains. It then housed arguably the world’s most powerful people at the time: Isabella and Ferdinand, the catholic monarchs who funded Columbus’s expeditions from within these very walls and then catalogued the gold and silver that returned.

The Real Alcazar Gardens

That’s the attraction of the Alcázar, but for a true velvet escape walk on through to the Royal Gardens. Landscaped palm trees and figs, pavilions and waterways unfold from the central buildings, pathways branching further and further away from the crowds. Finally the air smells fresh and the heat soothes instead of sears. Shady spaces beneath the old walls are usually deserted, except for a few strutting peacocks, tails fanning open in an explosion of blue and gold. In flamboyant Seville, even the birds put on a show.

About this week’s guest writer
Abigail King is a professional writer with a passion for travel. She left a successful career in medicine to circle the globe, camp in the snows of Kilimanjaro and Patagonia and track down tigers, turtles and panda bears. She then had a hot shower and embraced the city life of New York, Rio, Paris and Tokyo.

Read more about her travels at Inside the Travel Lab, a blog on the art and science of unusual journeys.

Follow Abigail on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Zambezi River, Zambia
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

Webinars

The first webinar will take place on Saturday, January 30th. Trisha Miller, the Managing Director of The Travel Writers Exchange will present the topic ‘Monetizing Your Blog‘. The Travel Writers Exchange is dedicated to helping travel writers and bloggers make money online.

We are also proud to announce that Jeff Bullas, a social media expert based in Sydney, Australia, has agreed to speak about ‘Positioning & Marketing Your Blog‘ during the webinar on February 27th. Jeff Bullas helps companies use the Internet to market efficiently — not in an intrusive way through interruption marketing but by engaging people and companies in conversations that build trust and relationships.

You can get details about and sign up for the webinars (as a Continental or Global member) at the Global Bloggers Network.

The Blog Hop contest

We are in the process of attracting sponsors for our Blog Hop contest to provide some great prizes. Watch this space for more announcements.

I was in Vancouver with a friend to celebrate the Millenium there with some other friends. We’d had a great time and it was the day before our flight back to Amsterdam. Just like my previous visits to Vancouver, the day before my departure meant one thing: reclaim the VAT on my shopping and use the money to have one last fab dinner! We’d done quite a bit of shopping so the amount reclaimed would be quite substantial. We’d booked a table for our last night out at one of my favourite restaurants and I was really looking forward to it. Armed with our purchases, receipts, flight tickets and passports, we made our way to the VAT Refund office at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

Once inside the VAT Refund office, we filled in the appropriate forms with the help of the friendly lady who then inspected our purchases and compared them with our receipts. No problem there. She then took our passports and flight tickets for a final verification. We stood lazily at the counter as the lady flipped through the paperwork.

As the lady went through the paperwork one last time, she looked up and with a puzzled look said, ”You’ve filled in your departure date incorrectly. It should read the 6th”.

“No, my flight back is on the 7th”, I retorted.

“No”, she insisted, “the 6th”.

I was starting to get annoyed with this lady who obviously had the dates confused. I grabbed the form and my flight ticket from her and was about to point out the correct date when I froze. I quickly looked at my watch, then at the calendar on the wall. By this time, my friend, who was beginning to wonder what the confusion was about, had taken a step towards the counter and stood next to me. I looked at him in horror and was totally speechless.

“What’s the problem?”, he asked.

I didn’t know how to put it. I could hardly get the words out of my mouth: “err, our flight is on the 6th”.

“No, no. Our flight is on the 7th”, he said defiantly. I shook my head and this time, it was he who froze. “And… today’s the 6th?”, he asked quietly. I nodded.

“Our flight is at 12:20 right?”, he sputtered.

I glanced at my watch again. “Yup…in twenty minutes”, I replied.

We looked at each other. We both considered ourselves highly experienced world travellers; we’d seen the four corners of the planet; flew tens of thousands of miles each year…. and now, we stood there in silence. We were supposed to be here:

But, we were… errr.. here:

Neither of us had ever missed a flight in this fashion before: somehow, we’d mixed up our arrival date in Amsterdam (the 7th) with our departure date from Vancouver (the 6th). Those few moments of silence felt like an eternity, then we both simultaneously broke out in laughter. Realising our mistake, we cracked up and laughed uncontrollably until the tears ran down our cheeks. The lady looked at us quizzically, wondering why this could be so funny.

Ten minutes later, we stood outside the Fairmont Hotel with our shopping bags, still stunned by the whole incident, as our plane took off from the airport, many miles away…. without us. We made several calls to the airline office but our tickets were non-refundable and non-everything basically. We found a travel agent, took a seat and explained our predicament. The lady tried to stifle her laugh and I said, “Oh go ahead… we had a great laugh too!”. She was absolutely fantastic. She checked her screen, made a few calls and within fifteen minutes, she’d booked us for an incredibly cheap rate on a direct flight home the very next day!

As we walked through the hotel lobby, exhausted from all the excitement, the hotel manager called out to us from behind the reception.

“Good afternoon sir. I’ve been trying to contact you all morning”.

We both looked at him and realised what for…Oh no…We explained what happened and he joked that he was about to get our baggage removed from the room. “I hope you’re not fully booked for tonight”, I said.

He looked at me and said, very solemnly, “I’m sorry but we are….. but I can offer you another room, a better room for the same rate; the only room that’s available tonight”.

“Cool”, I offered. I was too tired to think.

We went back to our room, packed our bags and moved to the other room. As I opened the door, I counted our blessings. Yes, we missed our flight but we were able to get some cheap seats back the next day and now this: the hotel had given us a super luxurious suite with views of Vancouver to die for!

That evening, we had dinner with all our friends at my favourite restaurant. It was a side-splitting affair as we were the topic of many, many jokes.

The moral of this story?

Always double-check, even better, triple-check your flight schedule several days ahead of your departure. You can never be too sure!

What

Where: Assiette Blanche, Bruges, Belgium.

Note: Bruges is a gorgeous medieval town in the west of Belgium. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its historic monuments, charming canals and wonderful medieval atmosphere, but also for its gastronomic delights. Some of the best restaurants in Belgium are located in Bruges (or Brugge in Flemish) and its surroundings. In addition, the town is also world-famous for its intricate lace and divine chocolates.

I celebrated Christmas Eve in Assiette Blanche, a cosy restaurant in the centre of Bruges, and opted for the five-course Christmas dinner with matching wines. To get our taste buds going, we were served a glass of De Faveri Prosecco, one of the best I’ve ever had, accompanied by a shrimp croquette and a light foie gras mousse. My taste buds certainly perked-up!

Shrimp croquette & foie gras mousse

One of the highlights of the meal was the first course, which featured a crispy slice of veal topped with foie gras, and a small chicory and chive salad on the side with a smooth mustard vinaigrette. Absolutely gorgeous!

The second course was another highlight: lightly-fried monk-fish fillets topped with pancetta, on a bed of couscous that was prepared in a strong shrimp bouillon (broth). I’m not a big fan of couscous but it certainly complemented the richly flavoured monk-fish beautifully.

The main courses and dessert were of an equally high quality and we left the restaurant feeling like we’d just had the meal of a lifetime!

Monk fish, pancetta & couscous

If you’re visiting Bruges and feel like indulging yourself with an exquisite meal, I can certainly recommend Assiette Blanche. It has a lovely interior, the food is stunning and the service is top-notch.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Castellar del Riu, Catalonia
• Bali
• Air Asia
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso

As a tribute to the magic of skyscrapers, here are the profiles of five of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Enjoy!

Check out this awesome video of the view from the top of the spire of the Burj Dubai (824 meters high)! Warning: keep your eyes closed if you’re afraid of heights!

Vancouver

1. Canada The Winter Olympics will be held in Vancouver in February, which should ensure a blaze of publicity and a barrage of visitors. Aside from that, Vancouver is a sure bet for stunning sea and mountain scenery, gorgeous food and a laid-back lifestyle. However, Canada offers so much more – from the bustling metropoles of Toronto and Montreal to the desolate ice of Nunavut to the rugged coast of Nova Scotia.

2. China Another big event that will be a crowd-puller: the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The organisers expect 70 million visitors!! China, of course, has so many other must-see attractions, from the Great Wall to the Li River; the Forbidden City in Beijing to the terracotta soldiers in Xi’An; and the towering Himalayas in Tibet to the desolate landscapes of the Gobi desert.

Shanghai

3. South Africa The FIFA World Cup is the second largest sporting in the world after the Summer Olympics. This will be South Africa’s ultimate opportunity to shine, and I’m confident they will. My favourite place is Cape Town (and the Western Cape province). Spectacular scenery, fine food and wines, and magnificent flora and fauna are just some of the things any visitor can expect in this amazing province. I want to go back there!

4. Antarctica Tourist numbers showed a significant increase in 2008-2009 and I expect it to be the same story in 2010. Its ‘last frontier’ image draws an increasing number of cruise liners packed with tourists. I wish I’ll be on one of those ships this year!

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

5. Iceland This country was for many years branded as a pricey destination (and for good reason!). That all changed in 2008 when the financial crisis resulted in a near-bankruptcy. As a consequence, it is now a lot more affordable to explore the pristine natural treasures of Iceland. The surreal landscapes and mind-blowing natural wonders certainly warrant a visit. And I wouldn’t mind another soak in the Blue Lagoon!

6. Mexico The staggering diversity of ecological and archeological sites, combined with blindingly-white beaches, excellent cuisine and ditto hotels make Mexico a very attractive holiday destination. The swine flu and economic crisis severely damaged the country’s tourism industry in 2009. As the real danger of swine flu dissipates and the global economy recovers, I hope tourists will once again turn their attention to this magnificent country. I hear the gorgeous beaches of the Riviera Maya calling my name…

Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

7. Bhutan This tiny Himalayan kingdom is still relatively isolated despite its huge tourism potential, and that aspect makes it a precious gem. Bhutan is a country of stunning contrasts: rustic villages dot the verdant valleys while the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas tower high above. Bhutan is unique in the world as it adheres to a concept called ‘Gross National Happiness’ (GNH). Coined by the former king as an alternative model to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GNH stresses a balance between material and spiritual development. GNH may be a model that is difficult, maybe even impossible, to quantify but Bhutan often ranks as one of the ‘happiest countries in the world’.

The current financial and economic malaise provides us with an opportunity to take stock, reflect and perhaps even re-invent ourselves in time for the expected upturn in 2010. What better way than to do it in Bhutan. The mighty Himalayas will humble any soul while the many serene spots are perfect to meditate, reflect and re-discover our balance.

Perito Moreno glacier

8. Argentina Ahhh…. Buenos Aires. I fell in love with the city during that unforgettable Sunday in San Telmo. It’s one of the most fascinating cities I’ve ever visited. The evening I danced the tango (or something like it) will stay in my memory forever. Then there’s the expansive Pampas, the stunning Iguazu Falls, the beautiful city of Salta, the mind-blowing nature of Patagonia and the Valdes Peninsula, and the awesome food and wines in Mendoza.

9. Mozambique I’m betting that Mozambique will have its big break this year, what with the FIFA World Cup being hosted in neighbouring South Africa. The country is still relatively uncommercialised and there are few tourists. Think private safaris, virgin tropical beaches, colourful towns and magnificent dive spots.

Kamakura, Japan

10. Japan This is Visit Japan Year so there will be tonnes of activities to showcase the best this wonderful country has to offer. Japan is certainly one of my favourite countries in Asia. High-tech Tokyo is one of my favourite cities, but there’s also the historic city of Kyoto, gorgeous Mount Fuji, the temple towns of Nikko and Kamakura, and unspoilt Hokkaido. Then there’s the awesome food and the fabulous onsen (hot springs)… excellent ingredients for a typical velvet escape!

Where will your velvet escapes be in 2010?

go explore. experience. and be inspired.

I remember the first few months very well. I’d just made my first foray into the blogging world and everything about it was new. What do I write about? What is ‘Velvet Escape’ all about? How does this WordPress thingy work? Someone mentioned that there are plugins for everything. Plugins? Err.. what? Who’s going to read my articles? There are many more aspects to blogging that I’ve yet to discover but when I look back at those first few months, I can only grin. Writing was the easy part. Photos weren’t a problem too – I have loads of them. The technical aspects were my biggest challenge. There were times when I really felt like flinging my laptop out the window but the wondrous resources on the internet always came to my rescue. Getting a problem solved gave me the biggest kick.

Writing about my travels allowed me to re-live those marvellous trips and share my personal experiences. I enjoyed it thoroughly (I still do) but people weren’t exactly banging down the door to read my articles.

Stephanie, light that candle will ya!

And then I discovered Twitter. I was delirious the first time I was re-tweeted. I later found out it was a bot but hey.. an RT is an RT! When Lonely Planet re-tweeted one of my articles for the first time, I opened a terrific Merlot reserve to celebrate! The rest is history, I guess, but it certainly has been a memorable year full of wonderful challenges, great discoveries and new insights.

One year on, and 250 posts later, I look back proudly but more importantly, I’m thankful for all the new friends that I’ve made this year and the enormous support they’ve given me. THANK YOU! Another big thank you goes to the many guest writers who have contributed dozens of beautiful articles. Finally, I would like to thank Frits and my family for their unwavering love and support. You’re the best!

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a fabulous 2010. May the new year bring you happiness, good health and much travel inspiration.

Cheers,
Keith

Top-10 Velvet Escape posts in 2009

1. Plane views: Bora Bora
2. Ten things to do in Kuala Lumpur
3. Ten things to do in Cape Town
4. The Blue Grotto, Capri
5. Ten things to do when you travel alone
6. Ten tips for planning a RTW trip
7. A little piece of heaven
8. Ten reasons to travel alone
9. A world of inspiration: A lesson in humanity
10. Travelations: the trip that opened my eyes

Umm… five of the top-10 were ‘list’ posts. Now there’s a lesson!

Whampoa Club lobby

My latest Velvet Escape experience was in Shanghai recently, where I had the pleasure of dining at The Whampoa Club. This restaurant  is an opulent setting for Jereme Leung’s modern interpretations of traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Contemporary Chinese or Chinese Fusion are the other names that this type of cuisine, goes by.

The entrance to the Whampoa Club is in the side street off the Bund. You walk past the up-market Armani store then enter a darker smaller road. You will then see the Whampoa Club signage…  take the lift to the fifth floor where you emerge into a startlingly opulent gilded gold and red lobby/holding area. There is a huge, modern crystal chandelier that dominates this room. As you walk through the long corridor, you will notice two extremely pretty ladies playing traditional Chinese music instruments. If this is not ‘Velvet Escape’ paradise, I don’t know what is.

You will have a gorgeous view of the Pudong district, i.e. , the Bund from where you sit and appraise your menu. Tonight, we decided on the degustation menu priced at RMB688 per person – this is before you add on the wine and champagne.

soup of crab claw

We had the trio starter of old fashioned shanghai smoke fish, chilled drunken chicken in shaved ice and trio marinade in glutinous rice wine brine. Exquisite.

Next up was the soup of crab claw, double boiled in duck, chicken and pigeon stock. This totally knocked our socks off.

Then came to dynamic duo of steamed cod fish with ‘Ji’ vegetable and Crispy king prawn flavoured with crispy milk and oat flakes. The sweet king prawn tempered the salty cod fish to perfection.

Wagyu beef with pistachio

Then, as if to remind you not to forget that the Chef is in tune with European trends, enter the Pan-seared Australian Wagyu beef with pistachio nuts. The beef melted in our mouths and the pistachio complemented its gamy taste to perfection. This was my favourite of the night.

The assorted mushroom handmade noodles in X.O. sauce was a real winner too. Perfectly al-dente and luscious to taste. I loved the heavy-handed way in which they added the X.O. wine… superb!

Mushrooms, noodles in X.O. sauce

For the grand finale and dessert, we had the yogurt and strawberries ice-cream with seasonal fruits. A great end to the night.

I have been told that the prices here at Whampoa Club, would make some of China’s finest choke, but where else then can one go for Chinese food with quiet, yet impeccable service, breathtakingly stylish design and food that will have one surreptitiously licking ones plate!  Whampoa Club is a very serious restaurant serving some perfectly cooked food and we would gladly recommend this velvet escape experience to anyone who enjoys exquisitely good food!

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.

The market may initially seem like a gigantic maze but in fact, it’s very well organised into specific sections for seafood, meats, vegetables, fruits, candy, dairy, organic produce, etc.. If you’re visiting Barcelona, I can certainly recommend a leisurely stroll around La Boqueria. The products are the biggest attraction but pay special attention to the social interaction: the friendly chatter between the sellers and their customers or the connaisseurs (it’s easy to spot the chefs!) and how they choose the freshest products. Stop for a simple yet delicious lunch at one of the tapas bars – Pinotxo and El Quim de la Boqueria come highly recommended. Enjoy typical Catalonian specialities and the highly-entertaining banter at the bar.

Click on the thumbnails below to see some of the sights of this fabulous market.

Our visit to the La Boqueria market in Barcelona was part of a sponsored travel bloggers trip organised by the Department of Tourism of Catalonia with the collaboration of the Department of Tourism of Barcelona.

I love to escape! For me, it is the concept of getting away from the everyday. It is about going out there to appreciate the beauty and adventure that can be found in the big wide expanse of the world. And then there is velvet. I immediately think of the fabric with its distinct and memorable feel. So, when I ponder upon the words ‘velvet escape’ I think of a one of a kind getaway experience that is unique, exciting and personally evocative.

Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi

There is a certain place that demands some activity that draws out the feeling of a ‘velvet escape’ for me. The place is the Zambezi River before it reaches the cavernous catapulting drop of the Victoria Falls in Livingstone in the southern African country of Zambia. Depending on the time of year and your placing on the river, here all is calm, interrupted only by gentle rapids, bird song and wild animals. The activity is canoeing.

The sun is warm. The water reflects. You will catch sight of crocodiles basking lazily on the river banks. You will probably spot a majestic fish eagle at work. You’ll be able to listen to your guide who will dish out the most amazing stories, facts and figures about the surrounding landscape, animals and birds. There will also be wonderful moments of stillness when your guide seems to know that the power of nature demands silence. You will see a whole parade of colourful and ugly birds. The unforgettable deep murmur of hippos will make your heart race. The hippo is exceptionally territorial and you may have to change course or paddle as fast as you can to a nearby island as we had to. Elephants will grace you with their ironic gentle giant presence that must also be respected. They will eat their fill of greenery and drink from the river as you paddle past. This is nature. This is peace. This is true velvet escapism!

About this week’s guest writer
Sara Brown was born in Zambia and spent the first 18 years of her life in rural Zambia. Sara moved to England to pursue her studies and now runs her family design company in the UK. According to Sara, “In early 2008 the idea for the Best of Zambia was born. It seemed obvious – we love Zambia and travel, design websites and recognised the missing link for Zambia tourism was that it was not yet marketed effectively online. We now have a growing office in Zambia and my dream is to have a positive effect on Zambia and other African countries by working with them to showcase what they have to offer on the web and promoting sustainable tourism, growth and investment.” Follow Best of Zambia on Twitter.

Read more ‘My velvet escape travel tips‘:

• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Liguria, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York City, USA
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Paris, France
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Whitsunday islands, Australia
• Normandy, France
• Lake District, Cumbria, England
• Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, Canada
• London, England
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Toronto, Canada

2009 has been an amazing year of new insights and reinvention for me. I discovered a new path, learned many new things about blogging and social media, made many new friends and most of all, I got to do what I love to do: travel and write about it! I have quite a few exciting new ventures planned for 2010 which I’m really looking forward to. I’m also wishing for a year full of travel, and writing that will continue to interest my readers.

To my friends and readers, I wish you a happy and safe holiday season, and a terrific new year.

As always, go explore,experience, and be inspired in 2010. Travel safe!

Cheers,
Keith

What

Where: Restaurant Els Roures, Castellar del Riu, Catalonia (about 1.5 hours drive north of Barcelona)

Note: Els Roures is a popular restaurant among the Catalans. Located in Castellar del Riu, in the Bergueda mountains just north of Barcelona, this cosy restaurant serves a large variety of local specialities. We visited the restaurant for a lunch stop in the heart of the mushroom season. The first things that will grab your attention as you enter the restaurant are the warm wooden interior and the roaring log fire under a large round copper hood.

Chocolate caliente

We sat next to the fire and had our first culinary highlight: hot chocolate or ‘chocolate caliente’. It’s not your every day hot chocolate; this version comes in an espresso cup and is syrupy, rather like melted dark chocolate. Picture this: it’s freezing outside and you’re sitting next to a warm, cosy fireplace. You pick up the small cup and gently lift a teaspoonful of the hot chocolatey syrup into your mouth. The warm chocolate sensation is simply heavenly, a true velvet escape!

Wild mushroom cannelloni

To kick off the lunch, we were served a delicious jug of rosé sangria filled with wild berries. We then had a variety of local dishes as starters: cannelloni, grated tomato on toast, and cooked chick peas with wild mushrooms. The cannelloni stuffed with wild mushrooms in a creamy sauce was absolutely sublime, a true velvet escape highlight!

Yummy salad!

We were also served a big leafy salad with pomegranate, cheese and nuts and topped with a light vinaigrette and fresh thyme, rosemary and drops of honey.

Mushroom liquor

The main course, stewed chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce was cooked to perfection. Just as we thought that we couldn’t possibly eat another ounce of anything, dessert arrived! Fluffy mascarpone with a delicious berry sauce. As a final treat, we were offered a mushroom liquor. I didn’t know such a thing existed! The strong mushroom aroma was unmistakable. It tasted sweet and err.. very mushroom-y.

If you’re visiting the mountains of Bergueda, I recommend stopping at Els Roures, near the town of Berga, for a delightful culinary experience.

Our visit to the Els Roures restaurant was sponsored by the Department of Tourism of Catalonia with the collaboration of Consorci Turisme de l’Alt Bergueda.

Read more Culinary Journey articles:

• Bali
• Air Asia
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cala Sant Viçenc
• Palma de Mallorca
• Whitsunday islands
• Amsterdam
• Hamburg
• Punta Arenas
• Easter island
• Portland
• Valparaiso