News From the Place Where You Find a Fast 5!

 

1.   The New Palace, Old Palace, King's Palace, National Palace or The Istana Negara.  No matter how you put it, it's the royal residence for Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the current ruling royalty of Malaysia.  The Palace is in Kuala Lumpur.  Good to note on this one that it is included in a lot of tours you can take, and is one of the more dramatic sights in the city.  The thing to remember about this site is that you can't enter the palace.  There is; however, a royal museum on the grounds that you can visit for the equivalent of around $2.

https://www.viator.com/Kuala-Lumpur-attractions/Royal-Kings-Palace-Istana-Negara/d335-a12977

https://www.istananegara.gov.my/#

http://abckualalumpur.com/info_guide/kl_istananegara.html

https://www.malaysia-traveller.com/national-palace.html

https://visitkualalumpur.com/what-to-do/attractions/kings-palace-istana-negara/

2.     It's called Grab!  If you happen to be in most parts of Asia; Grab is your Uber or Lyft.  They also cover most things that Grub Hub or Door Dash do as well.  As a matter of fact, you can ship things through them too.  It's not a place to visit, but if you're out and about and you need anything done for you and you didn't rent a car; Grab is the app you need to get and they'll do just about anything for you.  Available on most phones that operate in Asian countries.

https://www.grab.com/sg/

https://www.grab.com/ph/transport/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grabtaxi.passenger&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1

https://www.yelp.com/biz/grab-taxi-makati

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grab-taxi-ride-food-delivery/id647268330

3.   Cafe del Mar, Cartagena, Columbia.  I know, you hear all kinds of crazy stuff about Columbia, and this was the city that Joan Wilder was trying to get to in "Romancing the Stone."   However, Cartagena is a very popular tourist location these days, and there's a lot to see.  But while you're there, don't miss the chance to see a sunset from Cafe del Mar.  It's a rooftop venue with an amazing view over the ocean of the sunset in the evenings.  It comes with great food and drink.  It's a must include for you vacation.

https://cartagenacolombiarentals.com/2018/10/sunsets-cafe-del-mar/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297476-d1222318-Reviews-Cafe_Del_Mar_Cartagena-Cartagena_Cartagena_District_Bolivar_Department.html

https://www.cafedelmarcartagena.com.co/

https://www.therooftopguide.com/rooftop-bars-in-cartagena/cafe-del-mar.html

https://colombia.travel/en/cartagena-de-indias

4.    Go kayaking in St. Lucia.   I did this last winter, and it was a great time.  Marigot Bay is one of the most beautiful spots on the island, and they are all about water.  There are no roads around the bay, only to and from.  For $20 you can paddle right out into the Caribbean if you like, or you can take a more quiet tour as I did around the enormous scenic bay.  If you like a real adventure, for around $100 you can take a tour that goes out into the sea and up one of the rivers nearby.  Total adventure or quiet voyage; it's up to you.  You can also follow it up with some great food and drink from Doolittle's Restaurant right next to the beach where you rent the kayaks.

https://www.marigotbeachclub.com/kayaking-tours/

https://marigotbayyachthaven.com/

https://wanderlusters.com/marigot-bay-offers-adventurous-travellers-more/

https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/zoetry/st-lucia/marigot-bay-st-lucia/

https://www.expedia.com/Marigot-Bay-Marigot-Bay.d6067595.Vacation-Attraction

5.    The Klementium and the National Library of the Czech Republic.  I can tell you that Prague is one of the most amazing cities in the world to visit.  There's no end to the ancient beauty all around you.  You'll visit the castle, the Charles Street Bridge, the astronomical clock and old town, St. Wenceslas Square, and on and on.  The Klementium is one of the more overlooked complexes in the city with a number of beautiful buildings, including the National Library.  It's one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe, known for it's Baroque style.  It's also one of the largest and you can visit it while in town for less than a buck.

https://www.praguego.com/attractions/clementinum/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274707-d2358452-Reviews-Klementinum-Prague_Bohemia.html

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic/prague/stare-mesto/attractions/klementinum/a/poi-sig/401315/1323269

https://www.en.nkp.cz/

https://www.prague.eu/en

So, there you have it.  I finally got around to posting this fast 5.  I hope to be more consistent in the future with these, but in the mean time; I hope this has provided you with some great ideas for inclusion into your next great trip.  I covered a lot of different areas and different continents, so have fun and enjoy!

A Widely Variegated Fast Five!

Here's another list of ideas of special little things to do on already great vacations!  Hope you get inspired!

 

1.   Learn a bit about a traditional dance!  Do you like to dance?  Are you fascinated by some of the world's most famous dances?  This option might be for you.  There are hundreds of dances around the world that are national or folk dances associated with the places we love to travel.  The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, Salsa dancing from so many Latina countries, the Tango; thank you Buenos Aires, Hawaii's Hula, or even Spain's Flamenco.  Those are only a sampling of famous dances that you can learn while traveling.  Most of the locations have a means for you to go to a class or have a session, and it's a great way to add to a great vacation!

https://www.spain-traveller.com/en/flamenco-dance-classes/

https://www.hawaiihulacompany.com/hulalessons.php

https://adrianlunacoach.com/tango/tango-lessons-in-buenos-aires/?gclid=CjwKCAjw3oqoBhAjEiwA_UaLtv-fCxad4Mn_o9AAen34V1mxvYhMeSF8c-TjhEnoVcZdElibySLM7BoCMccQAvD_BwE

https://matadornetwork.com/read/learn-salsa-dancing-cali-colombia/

https://istanbuldervishceremony.com/learn-how-to-do-a-whirling-dervish-dance/

2.  Take a walk on rice terraces in Bali, Indonesia.  Bali is one of the most beautiful islands on Earth, and most of us would love to spend some time there.  There are tons of things to do, but here's another.  Tegalalang Rice Terrace outside of Ubud, Bali is fast becoming a tourist favorite.  While there are several places where you can take a walk through rice terraces, it's wise to check into a tour company for such a thing.  If that doesn't appeal to you, as it never does to me; you can contact the tourism authority in Ubud for places and times for this activity.  Rice terraces are peaceful outdoor rural places where you can get away from it all and just enjoy nature and are a great addition to an exotic Bali vacation.

https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/tegalalang-rice-terrace-walk

https://findingbeyond.com/ubud-rice-fields-walk/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297701-d7708759-Reviews-Ubud_Kajeng_Rice_Fields_Walk-Ubud_Gianyar_Regency_Bali.html

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/indonesia/articles/the-best-bali-rice-fields-to-visit

https://www.introducingbali.com/rice-fields

3.     Ride a cable car in Singapore.  That's right, I said it!  We all know about the infinity pool on top of the hotel.  We all know about the lighted trees in the famous gardens.  We all know that the airport is super cool.  We all know about the food.  Did you know there was a cable car?  It's been there for 50 years and is going to be down for two weeks for maintenance starting at the end of September, but it links Mount Faber to Sentosa Island and the Harbor area.  It's 100 meters in the air and gives you an amazing view.  So, if you saw Crazy Rich Asians and didn't notice it; this could be a great extra activity for you while in Singapore after October 11th!

https://www.mountfaberleisure.com/attraction/singapore-cable-car/

https://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/things-to-do/attractions/singapore-cable-car/

https://gocity.com/singapore/en-us/attractions/singapore-cable-car-sky-pass

https://www.singapore-tickets.com/singapore-cable-car-map/

https://sg.trip.com/guide/info/singapore-cable-car.html

4.    The Lady Buddha Da Nang in Vietnam.  Vietnam is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.  On the Son Tra Peninsula near Da Nang City is a complex with gardens, pagoda, several Buddhas and the largest Buddha in Vietnam known as the Lady Buddha.  She's the size of a thirty story building!  You can visit inside the statue, as well as all around it.  The views from the park are amazing and it's one of the most unique places to visit in Vietnam.  So, it's a great must see if visiting the Da Nang area.

http://ladybuddha.org/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298085-d5531576-Reviews-Lady_Buddha-Da_Nang.html

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/lady-buddha

https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/central-vietnam/da-nang

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l939/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=15511502792&cq_con=130339350705&cq_term=things%20to%20do%20in%20da%20nang&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=15511502792&adgroup_id=130339350705&target_id=aud-1393039795340:kwd-15920607183&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=e&ad_id=569326848122&keyword=things%20to%20do%20in%20da%20nang&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gclid=CjwKCAjw3oqoBhAjEiwA_UaLtvGousdWiYKv2V4XgG_pa86K6b25ZJQk5w2p5DiNhQShuyOSROCXTRoCOigQAvD_BwE

5.    Check out a mural or several in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Kuala Lumpur, in what has become a city famous for catering to people wanting to spend money, has a surprise.  After you've visited the Petronas Twin Towers, tried the food, checked out a museum or two and gone shopping; check out the murals around town.  This city has become one of the premiere street art destinations in the world.  There are a bunch of tours to book, which is the way I'd probably go with this attraction, due to it's wandering locations.  A guide can take you to the best places to get your art geek on.  It's a great way to spend a little extra time in an amazing city!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298570-Activities-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html

https://www.townandtourist.com/malaysia-street-art/

https://thegeestravel.com/jalan-alor-kl-street-art-collections/

https://www.viator.com/Kuala-Lumpur-tours/Street-Art-Tour/d335-tag21519

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAA4n7EO9lc

So, there's this week's fast five.  I took special consideration into working in some Asian activities.  I know I don't go to Asia myself, but I would love to if I could just find the time.  I hope you enjoy these ideas for things to do that will enhance an already great trip.  Just remember, keep your bucket list going and enjoy!

This Week's Amazing Fast Five!

 

1.  The Kelpies and Helix Park of Falkirk, Scotland.  Kelpies are a mythical shape shifting water horse of legend in Scotland.  They are probably created after the large workhorses of the country and legend says that they appear as kind spirits but lure children to the river where the demon comes out and the end is tragic.  I don't know what I think of the legend, but the three hundred foot high statues are amazing.  There's an adventure park and water fountain to play in, a visitor's center for shopping and information needs.  It's, of course, near the Falkirk Wheel and there are lots of trails for hiking in the area.  One of my favorite parts is that you can book a tour of the sculptures.  That's right.  You can go inside.  Not that you would travel to the area to look at some statues, but it's a vibrant area of Scotland with a lot to do and this is just a small part of it.

https://www.thehelix.co.uk/visit/kelpies-tour/

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-helix-home-of-the-kelpies-p889261

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsz5jKCq2iQ

https://scotland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-guide/attractions/central-and-southern-scotland/stirling-and-trossachs-national-park/the-kelpies/

2.    Rent a cabin or farmhouse in the wilds of Iceland.  I can't recommend this one enough.  Whether you want to see the northern lights, go hiking, help with a sheep roundup or just get away from it all; there's no better experience than renting a remote cabin in Iceland.  I did this once a while ago.  Rented a farmhouse that's used during the fall roundup, but during spring and hiked the Eldga.  It was wonderful.  It was a real house, so we could cook, shower, sleep and everything as though we lived there and we did for a week.  It's a one of a kind experience, especially during the extreme light or extreme dark seasons; depending when you want to come and what you wish to see.  You won't see the northern lights during the light season.  Just a fact.  

https://www.vrbo.com/search/keywords:iceland/filter:64?semcid=VRBO-US.UB.GOOGLE.DL-DSA-c-EN.VR&ktarget=dsa-1191892227793&ksprof_id=700000002166899&ksdevice=c&k_clickid=CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9o3S1dwoYHCYNEbXclYjq56QNmc407IgQ1NWn1S4cc8y8G7h7r1vxxoC2XwQAvD_BwE&klocf=9003419&kloct=&ha_t=::&ds_cid=71700000080047762&ds_aid=58700006721571344&ds_kid=39700062045759283&ds_kids=p62045759283&utm_source=GOOGLE&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DL:GLOB:ALL:XX:X:X:X:X:SEO:1:&utm_term=DYNAMIC+SEARCH+ADS&utm_content=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DT:GLOB:ALL:XX:X:X:X:X:SEO:&semdtl=a112344012627:b1120774338354:g1dsa-1191892227793:l1:e1c:m1CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9o3S1dwoYHCYNEbXclYjq56QNmc407IgQ1NWn1S4cc8y8G7h7r1vxxoC2XwQAvD_BwE:r1:c1:j19003419:k1:d1498709947827:h1:i1:n1:o1:p1:q1:s1:t1:x1:f1:u1:v1:w1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9o3S1dwoYHCYNEbXclYjq56QNmc407IgQ1NWn1S4cc8y8G7h7r1vxxoC2XwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.expedia.com/Western-Iceland-Cabins.d668924433240973312-aaCabins.Travel-Guide-Accommodation?semcid=US.UB.GOOGLE.DL-DSA-c-EN.VR&semdtl=a111346549587.b1110777644306.g1aud-1665560112682:dsa-1059520339884.e1c.m1CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9lft5yHeNY5388x50aYQ0HIpWrPtPNP6Oi2gay-zAtq_Wl07p1nZjBoCAbsQAvD_BwE.r1.c1.j19003419.k1.d1660861139561.h1.i1.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9lft5yHeNY5388x50aYQ0HIpWrPtPNP6Oi2gay-zAtq_Wl07p1nZjBoCAbsQAvD_BwE

https://elevenexperience.com/optout

https://www.iceland-like-a-local.com/travel/stay

3.    Arnarstapi Cliffs of Western Iceland.  If the cabin you rent happens to be on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you'll have the opportunity to visit these basalt cliffs.  There's a natural arch within them called Gatklettur, and it's one of the few remaining basalt arches in the country.  Nevertheless, this area is also home to a glacier, a volcano and a small village that dates back centuries.  This is the Western fjords part of the country, providing dramatic views that you can't get anywhere else.

https://www.introducingiceland.com/arnarstapi

https://www.icelandroadtrip.com/iceland/places/what-to-see/west/arnarstapi-village

https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-magical-snaefellsnes-peninsula-part-iii

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g12873242-d24865562-Reviews-Arnarstapi_Cliff-Arnarstapi_West_Region.html

4.  Sliding down Cerro Negro in Nicaragua.  That's right,  I said it.  I'd probably kill myself if I tried this one, but what a rush!  You do have to hike with your board to the starting point.  It is a live volcano.  It just looks like so much fun!  Pilas, an eco cooperative operates most of the activities.  They provide guidance and equipment for the sliding.  It's not for the feint of heart; that's for sure, but it is one of the few locations in the world where you can slide down a volcano.

https://vianica.com/attraction/7/cerro-negro-volcano

https://www.volcanoboard.com/

https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/visitar/cerro-negro-volcano/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNUcA3h4VyE

5.    The watermills and waterfalls of the town of Jajce, Bosnia.  There's something I bet you never thought about.  Bosnia is beautiful and hilly and full of interesting places and is just now starting to fall on the tourism map.  Jajce is an ancient walled town with an enormous, beautiful waterfall right in the middle of town.  But that's not all.  Long ago the town warmed to hydrodynamics and built a network of watermills to harness that power.  The mills aren't in use today, but they are a great site to visit in the countryside of Bosnia.  

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/watermills-of-jajce

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/watermills-of-jajce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLZpRZDV1H4

https://www.agencija-jajce.ba/video-galerija/#

So there you have it; this week's five.  They are a little out there, but they all are unique.  Remember, travel is about finding the different, the unique, the one of a kind.  Anyone can take a tour or follow the leader and go to the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building.  Being a traveler is different.  It's about experiences.  It's about doing something that not everyone else has done.  It's about following your own muse.  I try to give ideas about exactly that kind of travel and will continue to do so.  I'm still going my own way and finding my own travel treasures and can't wait to share them all with you.  In the meantime, get out there, find something truly different and amazing and enjoy!