A Valentine's Day Fast Five!

 

Let's go!

1.    The Cable Car to Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa.  One of the most fascinating sights I've ever seen in a picture is Table Mountain in Cape Town.  Its flat top alone and its height are stunning.  The people of Cape Town  are well aware of how fascinating it is.  Tourism is a big thing in South Africa whether it be the landscape, the ocean, or the wildlife.  British people are particularly drawn to this place but I get it.  It's awesome.  So, in 1929, the South Africans built the very first cable car to the top of the mountain for those who found the hours long hike a bit much.  

Nowadays, the ride is a $22 wonder to the top of the mountain where you'll find amazing vistas, viewpoints and even a restaurant with outdoor as well as indoor seating.  You can even rent out space at that venue for a private event.  It's all possible.  So, if you find yourself in Cape Town, check out a great ride for a great price and get the priceless views that come with it.  For those of you who love to check off visits to national parks,  Table Mountain is a National Park too.

https://www.tablemountain.net/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312659-d481266-Reviews-Table_Mountain_Aerial_Cableway-Cape_Town_Central_Western_Cape.html

https://www.capetown.travel/listing/table-mountain-aerial-cableway/

https://www.getyourguide.com/cape-town-l103/table-mountain-cableway-hop-on-hop-off-combo-ticket-t126722/?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=14411535009&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=14411535009&adgroup_id=&target_id=&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=&ad_id=&keyword=&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5rGuBhCnARIsAN11vgSZ0bRnbrzr1d1dDZuynjkQTIzWqiyV6-BNoe0ZFVS2lSVKmxOM54gaAj-dEALw_wcB

https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town/d318

2.   Boulders (Penguin) Beach, Cape Town, South Africa.  Do you like penguins?  Honestly, who doesn't?  My dad hated everything and he loved penguins.  Cape Town has a natural attraction that can't be beat.  They have a beach full of African Penguins.  It's not an overly touristy spot, but if you like to see penguins in a more natural setting that a zoo or aquarium, and you don't want to take a cruise to Antarctica; this is a great stop.  The views of the ocean are great as well.  So, if in Cape Town,  check out the local penguins in their natural habitat.  Note that park hours and rules apply.

https://www.capetown.travel/get-to-know-the-african-penguins-at-boulders-beach/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g319718-d629864-Reviews-Boulders_Beach_Penguin_Colony-Simon_s_Town_Western_Cape.html

https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel/article/visit-the-boulders-beach-penguins

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l103/-tc40/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=6654625630&cq_con=81619690240&cq_term=cape%20town%20penguins%20tour&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=6654625630&adgroup_id=81619690240&target_id=aud-1393039795340:kwd-313236754036&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=b&ad_id=395291708318&keyword=cape%20town%20penguins%20tour&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5rGuBhCnARIsAN11vgSiKxfUBjmMaIz9SzaAx_ygMh2z4VhvncbgspegWf5BaQiFvAR17IYaAlbYEALw_wcB

https://www.go2africa.com/destinations/boulders-beach/why-go

3.    Riding a Sub Scooter in Trou-aux-Biches, Mauritius.  Where's Mauritius you ask?  Excellent question.  If you happen to be in Tanzania or Mozambique, Africa; head east.  Pass Madagascar and land in the Indian Ocean just east of Reunion.  That's Mauritius.  They are an island country in the southern Indian Ocean who are crazy about tourism.  It's their main source of income.

That being said, they've come up with a great way to explore the waters.  It's called a sub scooter.  For under $200 you can spend two hours exploring the depths on this device.  They go down to roughly 12 meters, you can rent a single or double seat, and you need no experience to do it.  No dive classes baby!  It's a rare or maybe one of a kind experience; so if you find yourself on a real adventure in Mauritius, you gotta try it!

https://blue-safari.com/

https://mauritiusattractions.com/underwater-scooter-adventure-p-85.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcHB4HVX0kU

https://www.indian-ocean.com/submarine-scooter-mauritius/

https://www.viator.com/en-AU/tours/Mauritius/Sub-Scooter-Tour/d4463-377860P2?m=63845&supag=&supca=20927319006&supsc=&supai=&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt:x&suplp=9003419&supli=&supti=&tsem=true&supci=&supap1=&supap2=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5rGuBhCnARIsAN11vgSOwm0f0vBcMpGrZmvl6cXBQAQh7LrJpcuqUu-NsQYUzinWKvTeoLEaAsI8EALw_wcB

4.   Quinta di Regaleira, Sintra, Portugal.  Sintra is not far from Lisbon; a little north and a little west toward the Atlantic.  There are several amazing estates you can visit in the Sintra area, but there's just something about this one.  It was built as it stands around the turn from the 19th to 20th century.  It's gothic and has some amazing works to look at indoors and out.  It has a chapel, magnificent gardens, mysterious tunnels and caves, and some of the most amazing wells you've ever seen.  It's well worth the day trip if in Lisbon, and it just adds that little something to a trip to Portugal.

https://www.regaleira.pt/en

https://portugalvirtual.pt/sintra/quinta-da-regaleira.php

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/quinta-da-regaleira

https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/palacio-e-quinta-da-regaleira

https://www.viator.com/Sintra-attractions/Quinta-da-Regaleira/d50861-a99061?m=63845&supag=&supca=20927319006&supsc=&supai=&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt:x&suplp=9003419&supli=&supti=&tsem=true&supci=&supap1=&supap2=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5rGuBhCnARIsAN11vgT-X543BfgPCG78AFD74XUyC4KtuZLPcdCwCOost6W7o8uFr-M_-hMaAgafEALw_wcB

5.    Some advice about local dress codes.  No, I'm not peddling Saris, Burqas, or Turbans.  I've been learning a lot about culture lately, and I wanted to make a point.  We all know that there are certain dress codes when entering temples, mosques, churches and the like.  As always, I implore you to do as you are asked.  It's so disrespectful to refuse to behave in another person's place of worship.  There are also countries that have a dress code everywhere.  You can't wear camouflage in St. Lucia.  It's the law.

That being said, and I shouldn't have to say it; there are other cultural dress codes that aren't necessarily rules, but should be followed and here's why.  If you are in a desert country, or an extremely hot country, or an extremely cold country; the locals might know something you don't about how to dress for the climate.  Recently, my husband and I went to Iceland in the winter, and he found out that he should buy the hats that they were wearing.  They didn't look any different than the ones we buy at home, but the material was different and it made a huge difference to my husband.  It had nothing to do with religion.  It was just a better way to stay warm.  So, embrace the culture wherever you are and consider wearing a more native style of clothing to go along with a particular climate.

https://www.columbusdirect.com/content/dress-etiquette-around-the-world/

https://travel.earth/unusual-dress-code-rules-around-the-world/

https://www.worldatlas.com/society/countries-with-the-strictest-dress-codes.html

https://www.thetravel.com/places-with-strictest-dress-codes/#bicycle-helmets-are-compulsory-in-new-zealand-amp-australia

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/04/05/restrictions-on-womens-religious-attire/

https://gogirlguides.com/solo-female-travel/what-to-wear-in-religious-sites-of-the-world/

There's this week's fast five.  I hope you enjoy the ideas and little side trips that I've been putting out there.  I find that when I travel, I go to a place to do or see a thing, and then what do I do with the rest of my time?  I'm not much of a shopper unless the climate calls for it, so I kind of wing it.  For instance, I went to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.  That lasted about an hour, so what to do with the rest of the trip?  We asked around and got some great ideas.  I also check out YouTube channels and blogs.  They are a great source of information on some of the more off the beaten path things to do.  Some of my favorite memories come from the side trips and things I didn't expect before I reached the destination.  Always look for the thing that isn't the main draw.  Most of the time, the main draw isn't my favorite part of the journey.

So, look for the unusual, talk to the people who live where you're visiting, follow the rules and enjoy!

A Little February 7th Fast Five! Got Some Unusual Stuff to Talk About

 

1.     It's called Ferropolis, City of Iron.  Germans love technology and building things.  In Lutherstadt-Wittenberg there is an old brown coal mine.  The larger than life machines were built to use at one of Europe's largest mines, and now that the mine is closed; it's become an enormous open air museum.

I find it a bit strange that the other thing the area is famous for is being the home of Martin Luther for many years and one of the hotspots on the Lutheran Trail.  There's a lot of varied history in the area, complete with beautiful buildings and churches.  There's also lots of outdoors to explore in that part of the country.

Ferropolis is one of those side spots to check out if you're visiting anyway.  You can climb all over the machines and check out so much about them.  If you come on the right day at the right time, you might see a music concert.  Ferropolis is one of the most interesting venues you'll ever attend a music concert or festival at.

https://www.ferropolis.de/en/

https://lutherstadt-wittenberg.de/en/

https://www.erih.net/i-want-to-go-there/site/ferropolis-town-of-iron

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1185847-d3141470-Reviews-Ferropolis-Grafenhainichen_Saxony_Anhalt.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SQVIZxUrDg

2.  The Warche Valley, Belgium.  This is one for outdoor enthusiasts.  Belgium isn't as small as it seems, and this area is along the German border.  You might be in the area to take a drive or see a small town and get out of Antwerp or Brussels.  Don't sell this area short.

If you like history, you'll love this place.  There are walking trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks and a castle.  That's right, a castle.  Most of history it was called Reinhardstein Castle.  It has a history beginning in the 1400's.  It's belonged to nobility from Luxembourg, Austria, Germany and Belgium.  The area itself has belonged to Germany and France as well as Belgium over time.  Most recently, a professor took the dilapidated castle and made it great again, and lived in it until 1994.  Now, you can visit the castle and the surrounding area of great beauty while you're visiting the area.

https://www.amazing-belgium.com/blogs/travel-blog/hiking-route-through-the-idyllic-warche-valley

https://www.ostbelgien.eu/en/fiche/hiking/genusstour-wanderweg-mit-panorama

https://www.eupedia.com/belgium/reinhardstein.shtml

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1045441-d2648114-Reviews-Chateau_de_Reinhardstein-Ovifat_Liege_Province_The_Ardennes_Wallonia.html

https://www.reinhardstein.net/en/

3.    Bang Pa-in Palace, Thailand.  There's so much to see in Bangkok, that it seems like overkill to add another item to the list, but I like this one.  Everyone knows how crowded Bangkok is and this palace property gives you a chance to take a little day tour and go north a bit to see a palace that's a little bit less crowded.

Built in the 1600's, it wasn't used as a royal property until the 1800's.  There are several buildings to explore and the grounds as well.  It's been refurbished again and again by those in power at different times.  It's a beautiful place and a great reason to get out of the busy city for the day while visiting Bangkok.

https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/bang-pa-in-palace

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303901-d550426-Reviews-Bang_Pa_In_Palace-Bang_Pa_in_Ayutthaya_Province.html

https://www.timetravelturtle.com/thailand/bang-pa-in-palace/

http://thailandforvisitors.com/central/ayuthaya/bang-pa-in/index.php

https://www.getyourguide.com/bang-pa-in-royal-palace-l33886/

4.    Take a cruise in Milford Sound, New Zealand.  Is there anywhere more beautiful than New Zealand?  I doubt it.  Milford Sound is nature's masterpiece outside of Queenstown on the south island.  It's pristine.  It's wild.  The best way to see it is by cruise.

You can choose from many cruises, most of them are day trips.  Some last a few hours, some most of the day.  You can cruise with sails, yachts, or even add a helicopter flight to your package.  You can also add a kayak or canoe trip to your tour.  The peaks, the waterfalls, the sheer beauty of the area is worth seeing.  So, if you happen to be all the way across the world in New Zeland, don't miss it.

https://www.milford-sound-cruises.com/milford-sound-tours/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E2Dgf5ks0_Pl0bxlyOHH1I3YXb85YXA6EChPVXS2WUDEzx08tQcnMhoCLjIQAvD_BwE

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l4468/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=6647659807&cq_con=78725093266&cq_term=milford%20sound&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=6647659807&adgroup_id=78725093266&target_id=aud-1393039795340:kwd-15088081&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=b&ad_id=395290348715&keyword=milford%20sound&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E2U3Z1PCfwIf5mzOaNTChHkN-AH1RLshoYIwm2144Kp5Y2t0TN4OoRoCm-wQAvD_BwE

https://www.realnz.com/en/destinations/milford-sound/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g255121-Activities-c55-Milford_Sound_Southland_Region_South_Island.html

https://www.realnz.com/en/experiences/cruises/milford-sound-cruises/

5.    The many hot springs of Rotorua, New Zealand.  Let me clarify.  Milford Sound is on the South Island.  Rotorua is on the North Island.  It depends on where you are exploring.  Rotorua is a great place to get an authentic Maori experience, but the hot springs are a great way to unwind, be one with nature, and for older folks, relieve pain.  

Rotorua is an area, and there are hot springs all over it.  There are several different kinds to choose from and it depends on what your flavor is.  It's scenic, it's natural, and it's a great way to enjoy the part of the Ring of Fire that New Zealand is parked on.

https://www.newzealand.com/us/rotorua/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g255111-Activities-c57-t61-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_Bay_of_Plenty_Region_North_Island.html

https://www.rotoruanz.com/things-to-do/hot-pools

https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/top-10-hot-pools/

https://nztraveltips.com/hot-pools-rotorua/

There you have it.  Get outside and see some of the best scenery in the world.  Soothe some aching pains in one of the most beautiful settings you'll ever be able to soothe pain in, take a hike to somewhere amazing in a country known for it's cities, take a trip to a quiet and beautiful palace,  and climb around in some of the largest machines in the world.  There's a lot of offbeat things out there to enjoy.  You don't have to see all the usual stuff.  So pack a bag for that normal and popular location and while you're there, do something unusual, get off the beaten tourist path and enjoy!