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Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Getting Outdoors With This Week's Fast Five!

 Another week has passed and I will soon be writing about a great experience I just had.  In the meantime; Spring is coming and I thought it would be a great time to mention some outdoorsy things you might want to check out on your next trip!























1.    Watch the sunset from Mallory Square, Key West, Florida, USA.  If you just can't wait until spring, head there now.  Key West, the Conch Republic, and a laid back atmosphere of six toed cats and lots of warm, sun, great food, entertainment, beaches and that amazing sunset.


Mallory Square is one of those rare spots where even the locals come at night to watch the sunset.  Nothing fancy.  No big shows, no food truck festival, no sports going on.  Just a great sunset most every night.  There are regular spots where you can get some food and drink while you enjoy the ambience.  When in Rome folks.  It's the way in the Conch Republic and you shouldn't miss it if you happen to be ready for some fun in the sun before spring truly breaks out elsewhere.



https://www.mallorysquare.com/



https://www.pierhouse.com/in-the-area/sunset-celebration-at-mallory-square



https://www.keywestexpress.net/prepare-and-go/activities/key-west-sunset-celebration-mallory-square



https://www.trolleytours.com/key-west/mallory-square-sunset



https://www.facebook.com/mallorysquarekeywest/
























2.    The Train Wreck Hiking Trail, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.  This is an outdoorsy wonder, just about an hour and a half outside of Vancouver.  A hiking trail that's only about 2 kilometers long, and roughly 1.6 miles round trip from the main trailhead, with wrecked train cars along the way.  



I have to say, I've visited the site of the crashed B-52 in Greenville, Maine; and these places are fascinating.  Whistler has some of the most beautiful scenery in western Canada, so visiting is high on a lot of lists.  This hiking trail is just south of Whistler off of Jane Lakes road which is also home of the Sky Trail.  There are seven boxcars to see along the way and a great suspension bridge as well.  It's that special something to add to any trip to Whistler.



https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/whistler-train-wreck/



https://www.whistler.ca/culture-recreation/trails/train-wreck-trail/



https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/whistler-trainwreck-trail



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154948-d2508702-Reviews-The_Whistler_Train_Wreck_Trail-Whistler_British_Columbia.html



https://happiestoutdoors.ca/whistler-train-wreck-hike/































3.    Stay at the Hotel de Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel at Iguazu Falls, Brazil.  That's a mouthful, but I mentioned it for a reason.  I don't advocate spending a lot of money on hotels, but once in a while, it's worth it.  At Iguazu Falls, you're on the border between three countries in the wilds of South America.  There's so much to see and a lot to do at one of the biggest and most famous falls in the world.


That being said; this is the hotel on the premises, so to speak.  This is where you can wake up to that view of the falls.  This is the place that makes you close to the viewing platforms, the activities that go along with the falls and so on.  Iguazu Falls isn't really a day trip, so you'll have to stay somewhere to truly enjoy it and this fabulous hotel with all the great amenities and the villas and the pools.  Well, it's one of those rare times that I say, splurge on that hotel and get the view of a lifetime.












































4.    Dress in traditional clothing to visit five palaces in Seoul, South Korea.  This one sounds really interesting.


There are shops where you don't need to buy Hanbok; traditional garb.  You can rent.  And when you visit the five palaces in traditional Hanbok, they waive the entrance fee.  It's a win win.  You get to dress like a traditional local on a special day, you don't have to buy and figure out what to do with it after that day, and you get some free bees.  How can you beat that?


The palaces include: Gyeaongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung. 


You can consult a tour program in the area or look it up on Google.  It's really easy and quite popular.  You won't offend the locals and you'll have a great time.  So, if you're in Seoul; check out that option.























































5.    Swimming the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland.   The Swiss are landlocked and they love to swim.  I've looked into it over the years and found that they are using rivers for countless activities from surfing to kayaking and of course, swimming all over the country.


Swimming in the summertime in the river is one of the most popular activities in Basel.  People pack up their clothes and use the river for their commute to and/or from work.  The banks are lined with people and the river is full.


If you'd like to try some river swimming, summer in Basel is one of your best options and the locals will love that you're joining in.  There are so many ways to enjoy Switzerland in the summer that I couldn't name them all, but if you happen to be near Basel in summer; try this out.























If you're looking forward to summer as I am; you'll want some great ways to get out and enjoy the view.  I love being outside.  I love the woods, the water, and of course; the sunset.  As spring approaches and I'm anxious after a really harsh winter; take a look at some options for truly great outdoor adventures.  Remember, mother nature has a lot to offer, so download some AllTrails, pack a bag with lunch and enjoy!
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Thursday, February 27, 2025

Take a Little side Trip to Some Great Locations in This Week's Fast Five!

 I've always said to locate the prime tourist destination and take a hard left.  I've found some of my favorite spots in the world that way, and here's a few to take a look at.























1.    Suzhou, China.  This spot is not far from Shanghai, and it's got it's own wonderful flavors to offer.  China has a lot of places to visit, and Shanghai is a very popular stop.  Being at the delta of the Yangtze River and a multi faceted megalopolis makes this a must see for more than one reason.



Suzhou is large.  It is part modern industrial city, but it has a historic and peaceful side to it that gives it the title of Venice of the East.  



Suzhou has Venetian Canals that you can travel with markets and historic neighborhoods all along the way.  They also have many beautiful gardens that you can visit.  You'll want to set aside some serious time in this city to visit gardens, take strolls, navigate canals and shop narrow ancient streets.  There are only so many places in the world that are so modern and busy, yet have such a peaceful, beautiful, historic area in the middle of it all.



https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/jiangsu/suzhou 



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297442-Activities-Suzhou_Jiangsu.html



https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/813/



https://www.chinadiscovery.com/jiangsu/suzhou.html



https://www.asiaodysseytravel.com/suzhou/things-to-do-in-suzhou.html
























2.    Guimaraes, Portugal.   Anyone who's been following along, knows how much I love Portugal.  I already looked at Lisbon and took a hard left to go to Porto, but you can do that again.  Take that hard left from Porto and you will find the birthplace of all Portugal; Guimaraes.



There are castles, palaces, churches and cathedrals, with a lot less crowds.  With all the beauty in this country, there are a few places that just don't get the traffic.  If anybody has been to Lisbon, you know what I'm talking about.  This little hamlet's city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has so much to see.  It sounds like a day trip, but it's at least a few days worth if you slow down and enjoy the views.



https://porto-north-portugal.com/guimaraes-portugal.html#google_vignette



https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1031/



https://goaskalocal.com/blog/travel-guide-to-guimaraes-portugal



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189174-Activities-Guimaraes_Braga_District_Northern_Portugal.html



https://escales.ponant.com/en/guimaraes-portugal/
























3.    Krabi, Province in Thailand and also Krabi City.   South of Bangkok, on the west of the western peninsula of the country heading south toward Singapore is Krabi and the area.  It's not far from Phuket and its peninsula, so it's a great tourist area, but Krabi isn't as crowded as some of the others.



Krabi has amazing beaches.  Awesome food.  Rocky views that stun and enthrall.  It has a bit of a party atmosphere at night if you're into that, and a lot of boat tours to take.  There's snorkeling and scuba diving as well as pristine beaches.  It also has gorgeous temples and a laid back vibe that's not to be missed.  A lot of things are cheaper in this area.  There are less crowds in the area.  It's that slightly off the beaten path location that's worth looking into.



https://thailandstartshere.com/krabi-travel-guide/



https://www.getyourguide.com/krabi-l2174/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLeGOrZ2WJU



https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/krabi



https://www.hotels.com/go/thailand/krabi
























4.    Eze, France.  I've known about this one for a long time, and I love it.  Have you ever wanted to feel like you're visiting the top of the world?  Just outside of Monaco and slightly north of the coast of the French Riviera is Eze.  This hilltop medieval village is completely charming and stunning.



This is one of those tiny places that don't have cars within the walls, with narrow pedestrian streets, harboring adorable shops, restaurants and even a hotel or two if you like.  The whole place is like stepping back in time and while there are tourists there, it's nothing like the rest of the French Riviera. 



You can take your time, look out over the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy the laid back vibe.  Everything has a view there, especially the cafes and restaurants.  It's not only a room with a view, but a whole town with a view.



https://allthingsfrench.com/eze-french-riviera/



https://frenchriviera.travel/eze/



https://slh.com/europe/france/eze-village



https://www.fortloc.com/pages/articles/travel/Eze-Village/



https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/french-riviera-beyond-beaches
























5.    Ronda, Andalucía, Spain.  This city is in the beautiful southern province of Spain and is famous for its towering gorge bridge.  But, it's also a little out of the way unlike Seville and some other cities in the region.   And, it has far more to see and do than just the gorge and the bridge.



Ronda has all the ancient charm of other cities with city squares and beautiful buildings.  There are also tons of activities besides everything to do with their bridge.  It's steeped in history, including the Spanish contest of bullfighting, which still takes place in the town's historic arena.  



There's a lot  to see and do both in and around the village of Ronda, and it's that little bit off the beaten path where you'll find less crowds, but wonderfully unique sights and activities.



https://www.andalucia.com/ronda/home.htm



https://danae-explore.com/en/o-que-fazer-em-ronda-espanha/



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g265784-d4406269-Reviews-Historic_Center_Of_Ronda-Ronda_Costa_del_Sol_Province_of_Malaga_Andalucia.html



https://www.travelandleisure.com/ronda-spain-guide-8419022



https://www.discoverronda.com/history.html




I've been saying for years that visiting the most popular areas isn't always best.  I'm also not saying to never visit the most popular spot, but I've found that there are more surprises in a good way when you get off the norm and see something that you haven't been oversaturated with ahead of your visit.  Most of the lesser visited areas have amazing history, nature, activities, food and on and on.  They also tend to be cheaper overall.  Don't rule out seeing the second or third city or province in a country.  You might just be missing out if all you see is the most famous parts.  So, keep in mind that most popular isn't always best, take a hard left follow me and enjoy!

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