Cooking, Beaching, and Chocolate! This Week's Fast Five!

 Getting ready to go overseas and find some great stuff, so you won't hear from me for a bit.  However, when I get back I should have some great finds!  For now, here's a fast five to keep you thinking about those things to do while on your own trip.

1.    The Holy Kapinas Monastery, Kalarrites, Greece.  Who doesn't love a monastery built in the 1300's?  This one was founded after a disagreement amongst the faithful at a monastery close by.  It's dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is partially carved out of the surrounding cave for security.  It's been abandoned as a working monastery since the 19th century, but is open for tourists visiting Central Greece.

It's best to book a tour with this one, as its location is remote.  So, book with an agency and enjoy some more of Greece's magnificent religious history and architecture.

https://mytzoumerka.gr/en/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/holy-kipinas-monastery

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1379880-d7225089-Reviews-Kipinas_Monastery-Tzoumerka_North_Tzoumerka_Ioannina_Region_Epirus.html

https://junipertours.com/blog/kipina-monastery/

https://ecotourism-greece.com/attractions/holy-monastery-of-kipinas/

2.    The Minoan Palace of Knossos, Knossos, Greece.   What can I say?  Greece has some cool stuff.  This palace is one of the many cool things you can see near Heraklion, Crete.  

There's more than one Minoan Palace in the area, but this one is beautiful, and a great place to see early in the day.  Most of the time, in the summer especially, it gets both crowded and extremely hot midday.  The throne room is the centerpiece of this prehistoric wonder, and if on Crete, you shouldn't miss it.

Once again, you might want to schedule a tour, because a guide can teach you a lot about what you're seeing while there.

https://knossos-palace.gr/

https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5860/

https://www.heraklion.gr/en/ourplace/knossos/knossos.html

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/crete/knossos/attractions/palace-of-knossos/a/poi-sig/504778/359431

https://www.toursbylocals.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&device=c&network=g&matchtype=p&campaignid=21102847892&devicemodel=&adgroupid=159561424963&utm_term=day%20tours%20in%20heraklion&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21102847892&gbraid=0AAAAAoZhw6TpW5Gr2JHbOnKvn7601gkPp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxJvBBhDuARIsAGUgNfg0iovYf1HJts45LAQRYN44MXrzp5Pzmtr1mFHq3wHoKsLSfhoeoWgaApLPEALw_wcB

3.    Go Shrimp Fishing for Dinner, Tai Pei, Taiwan.  That's right.  I said it.  Just when you thought you'd heard it all, the type of thinking that brought us Hibachi and Korean Barbecue led us to this.

These places are fashionable in Tai Pei and this is how it works.  You go out to eat.  Anytime; 24 hours a day.  When you show up, there's a pool that you go fishing for your own shrimp in.  You sit with any number of folks around the pool and fish your shrimp and then the good folks of the bar or restaurant cook them for you and you get a great meal.  It's that something unusual and new that you can try if you happen to be in Tai Pei.

https://thenextsomewhere.com/2017/02/27/diy-shrimp-fishing-taipei/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNkRuDzu0k8

https://www.vice.com/en/article/youve-got-to-catch-your-own-dinner-at-this-diy-shrimp-fishery-in-taipei/

https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/125310-taipei-shrimping-food-tour-taiwanese-shrimp-fishing-comfort-food/

https://www.twosevenths.com/en/nightlife/amusement-taipei-shrimp/

4.    Take a Tour of the Lindt Chocolate Factory, Zurich, Switzerland.  OMG!  The next time I'm in Zurich, I'm there!

Move over Willy Wonka, as one of the world's favorite chocolate companies takes you on a tour.  It's one of my favorite chocolates and I don't feel the need to say any more than that.

If you happen to be in Zurich, don't miss this!

https://www.lindt-home-of-chocolate.com/en/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1079187-d20379233-Reviews-Lindt_Home_of_Chocolate-Kilchberg.html

https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-id/experiences/lindt-home-of-chocolate/

https://www.summertimeinswitzerland.com/post/lindt-chocolate-factory

https://www.viator.com/Zurich-attractions/Lindt-Home-of-Chocolate/d577-a881

5.    Go To the Beach in Porto, Portugal.  I loved this.  Did it last fall.  Portugal's Algarve is famous for it's beaches, but no one ever talks about Porto's beaches.

With lovely cafes and restaurants, a historic fort to visit, and a fabulous old time promenade; this is a gorgeous place to spend some time by the Atlantic Ocean.  You'll also find both freight and cruise ship ports and an aquarium. This is a section of the famous gorge city, 10 minutes from downtown by bus, and it's not to be missed.

You can reach the beaches of Porto on buses and trams if you don't wish to drive and it's easy.  The beaches are public, free and amazing.  So, if in Porto, don't miss a day or two at the beach!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g2618568-Activities-c61-t52-Porto_District_Northern_Portugal.html

https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/going-beach-porto-and-north

https://theglobalcurious.com/porto-portugal-beaches/

https://portoalities.com/en/the-best-beaches-in-porto-and-swimming-pools/

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/beach/europe/portugal/north-portugal/porto?semcid=VRBO-US.UB.GOOGLE.DL-DSA-c-EN.VR&semdtl=a113824226968.b1126045974593.g1aud-1723303823223:dsa-1314078967146.e1c.m1Cj0KCQjwxJvBBhDuARIsAGUgNfi9006padjeHvjuM0mi-XLFUDte1TwT2kHc7AMYxrFUPFnct_MD1nUaAkWYEALw_wcB.r1.c1.j19003419.k1.d1532402550323.h1.i1178628992972.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13824226968&gbraid=0AAAAACTxZ9Zt3WGE11_IZlbZhU09b52g3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxJvBBhDuARIsAGUgNfi9006padjeHvjuM0mi-XLFUDte1TwT2kHc7AMYxrFUPFnct_MD1nUaAkWYEALw_wcB

There you have it!  Some quick ideas to enhance your vacation.  I will be traveling for a bit, but I will be back with some great ideas of things to see and do in parts of Scandinavia.  Hope you will join me when I get home.

Until then, remember to never grow less curious, never lose your lust for life, never stop traveling and always enjoy!

Check out my YouTube channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon!

https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466

Education, Outdoors, Indoors, and Fun in This Week's Fast Five!

 Once again, my tastes are eclectic and I love to have fun, so here's what I found this week for you to keep in mind when planning your trip!

1.    Santa Lucia Hill Park, Santiago, Chile.  That's right.  It's a park, but it's a great park.  Also, Santiago just landed on my to do list, so it's relevant. 

In the 1800's the Spaniards built two castle like forts on this hill that stand today.  Over the years, Chile has changed from conquered land to its own country, and instead of tearing it all down, they made it into a gorgeous park.  The hill of Santa Lucia Hill, is 230 feet high, has great hiking trails in addition to the castle forts and a whole lot of other beautiful sights to see.

It's a can't miss when visiting Santiago, and from the top of the hill, you get the best views of the beautiful city of Santiago, Chile.

https://www.santiagoturismo.cl/en/cerro-santa-lucia-2/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294305-d314522-Reviews-Cerro_Santa_Lucia-Santiago_Santiago_Metropolitan_Region.html

https://www.viator.com/Santiago-attractions/Santa-Lucia-Hill/d713-a13368

https://greatchile.com/en/tourist-attraction/santa-lucia-hill/

https://santiagochile.com/cerro-santa-lucia/

1.    The Niagara Parks Power Station and Tour, Niagara Falls, Canada.  115 years ago, this giant for the time power station opened to use the force of the falls to generate power for most of the Eastern Seaboard in the Northeast part of the United States and Canada.  I know this because at one time, it failed and made a real mess where I live.  It provided a lot of power and was an engineering marvel of its time.

Fast forward a bit and it's no longer used, because they have a more modern way, but in what I believe to be a wonderful fashion, it's been turned into a museum which you can visit and tour.  Niagara Falls is one of the most visited places anywhere, and it's something that I haven't visited on a trip, and that says a lot.

I've done most things touristy in Niagara Falls, but this is new since my last visit, so that just means I have to go back and do it.  There are a few ways to visit this museum.  You can go and decide when you get there, between 10 and 6 daily.  There are tours, self guide and even packages that include a visit to the tunnels behind the falls.  It's a great newer thing to do while visiting the ever popular falls.

https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/niagara-parks-power-station

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/attractions/niagara-parks-power-station/

https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/niagara-parks-power-station/the-tunnel-niagara-falls

https://www.getyourguide.com/niagara-falls-ontario-l87891/niagara-power-station-and-tunnel-under-the-falls-tour-t419323/

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/books/

3.    In some places they have "Women Only" metro and train cars.  There are any number of places where this exists.  It's common in parts of Japan, China, India, Iran, and Mexico to name a few.  I brought this up, because of many things.

First, I know that sometimes people, not just women, don't like to travel alone.  It's scary.  I didn't used to do much of it, but now I do it all the time.  I also am aware that a lot of the time women are a little more afraid of traveling around alone.  This is the reason I think it might be a good idea in some of these places.

Let's face it.  The countries I mentioned are crowded.  Crowds can be scary.  So, the idea of giving the girls their own cars in these overcrowded areas isn't a bad idea.  In some cases there are even guards.  I find it interesting, and I wouldn't criticize it.

On the other hand, I hate to be treated like a fragile flower, so I'm not sure what I think of it on that note.  

At any rate, if you happen to be traveling in any of these areas, and you're a bit nervous about overcrowded mass transit; give it a try and see if it puts your mind at ease.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/26/women-only-train-carriages-around-the-world-jeremy-corbyn

https://www.newsweek.com/half-women-want-women-only-subway-train-cars-2024-1936571

https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/why-japan-women-only-cars/

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/04/04/472997605/why-i-love-riding-on-the-women-only-car-on-delhis-metro

https://wearemitu.com/wearemitu/news/mexico-city-women-only-subway-cars/

4.    A Natural Waterslide, Paraty, Brazil or Cachoeira Toboga.  Brazil looks like a lot of fun.  Won't lie.  What I do know is that I tried out a natural water slide once in North Carolina, and it was a lot of fun.

In Bocaina Mountain Range National Park, north of Sao Paulo is a natural water slide; as well as a lot of beautiful things to see.  Paraty was once a colonial port and many of the buildings are still standing in many places today.  There are a lot of tours in the area to enjoy everything it has to offer.

It's a beautiful district, with a magnificent national park, the towns are mostly along the Atlantic Coast, and it's beautiful Brazil.  This waterfall turned natural waterslide is just the cherry on top.

https://thefullpassport.com/natural-waterslide-paraty-brazil/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1529654330390932

https://www.laidbacktrip.com/posts/cachoeira-toboga-waterfall-paraty-brazil

https://www.viator.com/Paraty-attractions/Cachoeira-Toboga/d5426-a12772

https://www.getyourguide.com/paraty-l1845/paraty-jungle-waterfall-and-cachaca-distillery-jeep-tour-t238542/

5.    Go to see the Book of Kells and the Library at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.  Do you like religious history?  Do you like amazing old buildings?  Do you like to investigate libraries?  Well, you won't ever get over this.

The Book of Kells, is an ancient book of the four gospels of the New Testament in Latin created around 800 AD.  It's a fabulous piece of history and going to a college library just to see it is just like going to the Louvre just to see the Mona Lisa.  Totally worth it.

The library was founded in the 1500's and is a marvel of construction and decor.  Being an incredible geek, I would love to visit this one, and it's definitely on my bucket list.  Dublin is a great city with a lot to do, and this is just one more thing you can add to your list.  If you love literature and old libraries; it's a must see.  Don't forget, you can book a tour called "The Book of Kells Experience" and learn all about everything from the guide.

https://www.tcd.ie/library/old-library/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186605-d215062-Reviews-The_Book_of_Kells_Experience-Dublin_County_Dublin.html

https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells-experience/

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/book-of-kells-trinity-college-dublin/

https://www.visitdublin.com/the-book-of-kells-experience

There you have it.  Yes, it's random, but I'm a person who wants to experience everything, so that happens.  I have things that I ponder, things that I wonder about, and things I must experience someday; so sometimes they all fall here.

I hope you found something that piqued your interest here, and include it in your travels.  

In the meantime, you can check out my YouTube channel as well and see what's happening when I do get to go places on Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon (me) on YouTube. 

https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466

Keep checking in here for great little ideas to add to your trips, pack your bags and enjoy!