Top 5 Things To Do In Venice

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Venice is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Surrounded by water, the city’s islands are joined by bridges. Venice is famous for its canals and is said to be sinking,  although extremely slowly, so there’s nothing to worry about just yet. Visiting this Italian city is on almost every European traveller’s list and it’s well worth it. With so many things to do and see in Venice, it was hard to narrow it down, but here are the top five things you absolutely cannot miss out on when you’re there.

1.Ride Through The Canals In A Gondola

The popular mode of transport in Venice is by boat, so it’s only fitting that every tourist experiences a ride through the canals on a Venetian rowing boat: the gondola. Gondolas used to be the main means of transport back in the day; these days however, it is used predominantly to take tourists on sightseeing tours around the city.

 

The gondolas are rowed by gondoliers, who all hold a licence for it. They dress in the traditional uniform of black pants and a striped top, making the experience that much more authentic. The boats can hold up to six people, but many couples take the opportunity to go on a romantic boat ride for two. If you plan on visiting Venice you’ll need to save up for riding in a gondola as it will set you back about £68 (€80) in the day and £85 (£100) at night.

2.Explore Piazza San Marco

If you really want to experience the hustle and bustle of Venice, the best thing to do is visit the heart of it: Piazza San Marco, or St Mark’s Square. The huge square is a mix of culture, history and awe-inspiring architecture, dating as far back as the 9th century. The square is also home to many shops and little side street cafes, making it a popular hangout spot for tourists and locals alike. Get your dose of history by exploring the west side of the square (rebuilt by Napoleon no less), before discovering the Gothic architecture of Doge’s Palace, as well as Venice’s most famous church, St Mark’s Basilica. The Clock Tower is also in the square, where you can admire the large, unique clock of golden zodiac signs. Lastly, for the ultimate bird’s eye-view of the city, make your way to the top of the Campanile. This bell tower is a staggering 323 feet high and serves as the landmark of Venice.

3.Go On The Grand Canal Tour

When visiting any city, it’s usually a must-do to walk down its most famous street. You’ll experience something a little different in Venice though, with its most famous street being a canal over 2 miles long. The Grand Canal runs through the city and is always filled with traffic – of the boat kind. There are many places that organise tours of the Grand Canal, also giving tourists an opportunity to brush up on the histories of the buildings they ride past. If you want to save cash though, I would suggest going on a vaporetto, or water bus, as they are generally cheap and travel all along the canal. What better way to spend an hour of your day in Venice than sailing past the Gothic and Renaissance architecture along the banks of the canal.

4. Visit Murano Island

When you walk around the shops or souvenir stores of Venice, you’ll notice the beautifully delicate glass items for sale. Venice, or more specifically Murano, is renowned for their glass. Murano Island is a short boat trip off the shore of Venice (less than a mile) and it’s here where you can witness the breathtaking art of glass blowing. Dating all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire, glass blowers use an array of techniques to create some of the world’s most beautiful glass – which becomes actual glasses, jewelry, lamps, chandeliers, ornaments and plenty more. When you arrive at the island, the best would be to visit one of the glass factories before making your way to the Murano Glass Museum. Make sure to buy yourself an object made from this glass – they make it in many forms – multi-coloured, crystals and gems.

5. Eat Like The Locals Do

While most people think of Italian food being pizzas and pastas, Venetian food is a little different from the general stereotype. Along the coast, seafood dishes prove to be the staple diet in this city, while duck is also a very popular meat there. Traditional cuisine is polenta, a cornmeal porridge that can accompany a variety of dishes, and it can be fried and baked too. If you’re not too keen on eating like the locals do, and you would prefer to eat like a tourist in Italy, then of course you can indulge in amazing pizza, pasta, tiramisu and gelato until your heart’s content. Beware though, there are gelato stands on every corner and you will find yourself tempted to try out every flavour.
If you’re interested in finding out more about anything to do with travel, make sure to check out the Essential Travel Magazine – filled with tips and travel ideas.

International Travel and Study: Interview with Irene

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Choosing to study abroad is a really great way for people who who want to improve their language skills, experience a new culture and do a bit of international travel. This is exactly what Irene decided to do in 1999 when she moved from her home in Indonesia to enroll in a language course in Colorado. Since then she has developed her English language skills, met lots of people from around the world and now lives and works in Seattle, Washington.

Irene on the Washington Ferry

Irene began her U.S. studies by attending the American Language Academy (ALA) in 1999 at the University of Southern Colorado. Then in the fall of 2000 she transferred to the Art Institute of Seattle in Washington State, from which she graduated with an Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree in 2002.

Irene now works for Study in the USA, a company that serves as liaison between U.S. schools and international students. She is based at their Seattle office where she is putting her Multimedia and Web Design degree to work as a full time member of its graphic design team. She is also the exclusive Indonesian Media Specialist there.

Here’s more about Irene’s story:

Q: Where in Indonesia did you grow up?

Irene: I was born and grew up in Padang, West Sumatra. I moved to Jakarta when I was 18 to go to college.

Q: Why did you decide to attend a U.S. university?

Irene: After I finished high school in Indonesia, I continued my education, majoring in architecture at Tarumanagara University in Jakarta. After I had graduated from the university,  I was thinking about improving my skills in computers. Because my English wasn’t very good at that time, I thought it was better to get into a language school to work on my TOEFL.  After I reached the requirement and felt comfortable, I continued to study at the Art Institute of Seattle.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your semesters spent at the American Language Academy?  And did you enjoy the cultural experiences?

Irene: It was great to sit down in a classroom with people from all over the world (Mexico, Dominican Republic, France, China, Japanese, and Korea). Although we learned English language, we still shared about our own culture too. The most cultural experiences I had (were) when I was in Language School.

Q: What was it like adjusting to a different educational system, academically and socially?

Irene: Here, instructors are more like friends, but we still respect them. That makes the learning process easy and exciting. When I was in language academy, we did a lot of study excursions to some places. One of my hobbies is traveling, so it gave me the opportunity to see some of the famous places in Colorado. On national holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween, we did the turkey dinner and crafted the pumpkins.

Q: What are your favorite places you’ve visited in the US?

Irene: I have so many favorites places in the U.S. Some of them are Colorado, Washington D.C, Florida, San Francisco, and islands in Washington State’s San Juan Islands archipelago, like San Juan Island and Orcas Island. I also have had a couple of chances to explore the Puget Sound area on a small airplane. The views from above were amazing!

Doing the pose after kayaking at Lopez Island in San Juan Islands, WA

Q: What favorite places or landmarks in Colorado did you visit?

Irene: The favorite places I visited when I stayed in Colorado were Garden of the Gods and Old Colorado City, they were both in the city of Colorado Springs. I liked Garden of the Gods because the natural park is so beautiful and breathtaking. There were trails that you can take to see the red rock formations. I was always curious of the old stories of the cities. At Old Colorado City, I strolled past the restaurants, cafes and boutiques, and looked at the old architecture. I was fascinated by the rich history of the Colorado Gold Rush Era.

Q: Did you go to these places with other students?

Irene: Yes, I did. At the language academy, one of the activities was visiting the famous places in Colorado with classmates.

Q: What tourist attractions would you recommend to foreign students studying in the US?

Irene: Find some tourist attractions that have history behind them. Then they would not only enjoy their vacation but they would also learn the history of USA at the same time.

Q: Any travel tips for students wanting to make the most of their time studying in the USA?

Irene: Being a student, you always want to save money. Plan your travels in advance, browse the websites that offer flight tickets at reasonable prices. If you try to book some accommodation online, search for the reviews. If you have friends who live in the cities you wanted to visit, arrange to could stay with them if possible. Last but not least, be safe. Being safe is just as important as having fun.

Q: What do you miss about home?

Irene: I miss the food. My hometown food, it’s called Padang Food. It’s more spicy than the rest of Indonesian food. Now I would find the recipes online and try to make the similar food using some ingredients I found at the local market. The result is close but not the same.

Makanan Padang. Photo by Closari

Q: How relevant has your U.S. education been to your personal goals?

Irene: For international students, after we graduate we are allowed to have a 1 year OPT (Optional Practical Training). For me, it was very useful. It gave me the opportunity to practice what I had learned in school.

Q: What is your advice to other students who are considering studying in the USA?

Irene: Find programs that really interest you, if you’re not sure, make sure the university offers transfer programs.

This interview was kindly shared by Study in the USA, an online and print publication that educates international students about US schools.

Experience Danish happiness and ‘Hygge’ when visiting Copenhagen

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Danish values are centered around friends, family, sport/exercise, nature and leisure and not around materialistic gain and status.  One of the fundamental aspects of Danish culture and an important part of quality life is a concept called “hygge’, pronounced HueGa.

Hygge, loosely translated it can be considered “coziness” and includes the presence of and pleasure from comforting, gentle, and soothing things. Hygge is described as a deep sense of place & well-being; a feeling of friendship, warmth, contentment and peace with your immediate surroundings.

The true essense of hygge is lost if it is too elegant, too extravagant, too luxurious. Hygge must be modest in a way, mundane and familiar – it is the celebration of the dull that hygge embodies.

It is a word you will hear endlessly here in Denmark and to describe many things – a moody candlelit table, an intimate dinner party, a warm silky bath, a delicious gourmet coffee, a fresh walk in the Nordic forest even a freshly baked bread straight from the oven.

Danes try to experience hygge on a daily/weekly basis, but as you can imagine they go into full overdrive during winter.

What’s great about hygge is that is easy to come by and anyone can do it.

Here are my recommendations for hyggelig restaurants, shops and experiences in Copenhagen, Denmark:

Royal cafe: http://www.theroyalcafe.dk/about-us/

One of my favorite Copenhagen cafes, the Royal Café is next to the Royal Copenhagen porcelain shop on the pedestrian shopping street, Strøget. The café is an eclectic (Alice in Wonderland) style with a funky baroque setting and all food is served on unusual Danish porcelain combinations from the shop next door.

Try delicious Smushi: they are traditional Danish open sandwiches but in mini form.

Lagekagehuset: http://lagkagehuset.dk/

These wonderful bakeries are located all over Denmark and in the Copenhagen airport. They make the most scrumptious breads and cakes. If you want to try a classic Danish birthday speciality, have a slice of their trademark, decadent Lagekage (layer cake filled with whipped cream and strawberries) or if you want to be adventurous try a new bread product, called –Chokorug- it is a combination Danish rye bread mixed with dark chocolate pieces and nuts. (less guilty pleasure)

Day. Birger et Mikkelsen: http://www.day.dk/eu/en

This concept shop is one of my favorite designers for the classic, cool Copenhagen look. The style is chic but rocker trendy and has high quality t-shirts, gorgeous buttery soft, leather jackets and silk shirts.

Address: Pilestræde 16, DK – 1112 København K

I Rosens Navn: http://irosensnavn.dk/

In my neighborhood, Charlottenlund, about 20 minutes outside central Copenhagen is this totally fantastic ‘Hygge’ shop. I can literally spend hours in here, gazing at the fresh flowers, scented candles, reindeer throws, etc. If you want to get a flavor for Danish home lifestyle- come to this shop and explore.

Ilse Jakobsen, Hørnbæk: http://www.ilsejacobsen.dk/dk/

If you have a chance to visit the elegant beach town, Hornbæk (1 hour from Copenhagen) try popping into the various Ilse Jakobsen concept stores. (No worries if you cannot travel to Hornbæk, since she has outlets all over Denmark)

Since being in nature is linked to happiness, Ilse’s practical clothing lines allow one to be stylish in the rain, or shine. Her unique, hand made, rubber boots, (a favorite with Danish women) enable you to experience outdoor hygge in comfort. Once you have shopped, don your new shoes and check out the beautiful beaches and forests nearby.

Torvehallerne: http://torvehallernekbh.dk/

Thanks to Noma, Danes are becoming total foodies and we now have a huge, new gourmet food market in central Copenhagen. Experience the excitement of freshly made Danish cheeses, jams and chutneys and jars of pickled herrings. The market has tables and chairs, so you can devour your newly purchased goodies right there!

Sharmi Albrechtsen, 39, is a journalist living in Denmark. She is writing a book about Danish Happiness and her project Investigating Danish Happiness can be followed via her blog: http://blogs.denmark.dk/sharmi

 

Top 10 Exciting Sights to See in Ireland.

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Trying to decide what the top ten sights in Ireland are is quite an intimidating task. There are a number of places, attractions and sights that draw thousands of visitors, both national and international each year. However there are a number of must see locations that will display the best that Ireland as to offer.

The best way to enjoy your holiday in Ireland is to make sure that you have as much time possible to explore, by renting a car allows you to do so.

1. Nestled in the heart of Co. Wicklow, Glendalough is an ancient monastic settlement in a tranquil lakeshore setting. The world famous Monastic site with its round tower is just one of its amazing attractions along with its luscious lakes and valleys. Glendalough is an incredible place that will stir the heart, fulfill the soul and calm the mind.

 

Upper Lake at Glendalough – Photo by arkaitz.zubiaga

2. Dublin City is somewhat compact and the best way to explore this vibrant city is by hopping on and off one of the many city tour buses. Dublin is bursting with culture, museums, history and stunning sights. It will keep a tourist fully occupied for a week or more! With so much to do and see in this city, you will need at least a weekend and a great pair of walking shoes to discover all the sights. The more adventurous visitors to Dublin will love the Viking Splash Tour which takes you through the historic streets of Dublin before venturing on to the waters of the River Liffey.

3. Cork City is a small walkable city with dozens of bridges over the River Lee’s many channels, giving rise to its nickname as ‘Venice of the North’. The coastal route from Cork to Kerry is only rivalled for its splendour by the drive through the mountains of North Cork to arrive at Killarney of the Lakes. Gorgeous whichever way you go!.

4. The Ring of Kerry is one of those bucket-list places you simply must visit. No matter how you decide to make the circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula; the Ring of Kerry wows and dazzles, offering you some of the most memorably beautiful terrain to be found anywhere on this planet. Visit the peaceful, quaint lure of Killarney’s lakes, houses and castles; this is most certainly the place to see.

5. The stark limestone of The Burren in Co. Clare is a unique habitat and the Cliffs of Moher are a geological wonder. The rolling landscape abruptly halts in a steep decline into the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the most dramatic coastal areas in Europe.

6. Giant’s Causeway Coast and Glens – The Causeway Coastal Route is well known as one of the Top Five Road Trips worldwide and when you drive it, you’ll see why. It’s a magical array of colours, set against a dramatic coastal backdrop that will leave you breathless. The beautiful Causeway Coast has something for everyone … including of course the magnificent Giant’s Causeway!

Giant’s Causeway – Photo by Sean MacEntee

7. Brú na Bóinne – A vast historical landscape which lies on the banks of the river Boyne, the area is sprinkled with ancient monuments. The biggest ones being Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange. Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, in Co. Meath, is the sole access point to these Neolithic monuments.

8. The fabled Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle is an absolute must see. The Irish are known to have been blessed with the ‘gift of the gab’. Legend has it that it’s all due to the Blarney Stone. The promising stone, laid into the battlements has been an attraction for visitors for well over two centuries.

9. Situated off the western coast of Ireland, lie the Aran Islands. With Irish being the mother tongue here, you get the feeling that the islands have remained untouched by time. The biggest island is Inishmór, home to the prehistoric stone fort while the smaller two islands, Inisheer and Inishmaan will take you far from the beaten track.

Aran Islands Cliff top – Photo by Scarto

10. Sligo Area – The spectacular surroundings of Sligo include Knocknarea, host to the alleged grave of Queen Maeve, the biggest Stone Age graveyard lies in Carrowmore, and in Drumcliff you can find the grave of WB Yeats situated next to the stunning table mountain that is Ben Bulben.

There’s so much more to the top sights in Ireland. This is only one suggested version. Alter it to your own preferences or even better; invent your own!

This is a guest post from Irish Car Rentals.

Irish Car Rentals offers fully inclusive car rental in Ireland. 100% Irish company.

Ten Brilliant UK Cities to Visit Besides London

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This is a guest post by Kelly from Global-Goose.com

When tourists think of visiting the UK, they usually have one destination in mind: London. The capital city of England seems to dominate the international image of the UK and many other cities are not usually considered in most tourists’ plans. Of course, the city of Big Ben and Beefeaters is certainly worth visiting, as it is a world class capital with many impressive art galleries, historical sites, restaurants, parks and gardens. However, if you only visit London you are missing out on many of the other fantastic UK cities which each have their own unique characteristics.

Here are ten great cities to visit besides London during your next trip to the UK:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh

The capital city of Scotland is as layered with history as a medieval oil painting, with its castle perched on the hill and the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town leading you past quaint shops and pubs until you emerge on the bustling thoroughfare of the Royal Mile. The city really comes to life in August during the Fringe Festival, the largest independent theatre festival in the world when hundreds of improv troupes, comedians and theatre companies flock to the city creating a full-on smorgasbord of culture.

Liverpool

Liverpool is famous for being the home of the Beatles and there are enough Fab Four themed activities to please the biggest Beatle-maniac. However, there is also so much more to this great Northern English city. Liverpool has a strong cultural heritage and was given the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008. It has the largest national museum collection outside of London and also has the oldest Chinatown in Europe.

Manchester

Manchester

With a cool music scene, a strong industrial history and a huge football culture, Manchester is the “Capital of the North”. The vibe is young, vibrant and cutting edge and there is always something interesting happening. Check out a live gig by a local band or the funky alternative shops and cafes in the Northern Quarter.

York

This medieval walled city is the second most visited destination in England and is heaven for architecture and history geeks. The city has some of the best preserved historical buildings in all of Europe, including its York Minster Cathedral which is a stunning Gothic masterpiece which will make your neck tired from gazing at its soaring ceilings.

York Minster. Photo by ♍

Stratford Upon Avon

This lovely historic town in Warwickshire is of course famous for being the home town of good old Billy the Bard. These days, theatre lovers visit Stratford Upon Avon still to watch the Royal Shakespeare Company perform. Many of the buildings still look the same as they would have during the days when William walked the streets and the Falstaff Experience, the largest museum in the city, has now created Tudor World which is a museum dedicated solely to an authentic recreation of the era.

Brighton

Brighton is a funky and laid back seaside town on the south coast of England. It is known as the Gay Capital of Britain and the best nightlife is in the flamboyant Kemp Town District. Take a stroll down the seafront to soak up the atmosphere and try some fantastic fish and chips. BathBack in Roman times, this city was a popular destination for its natural hot springs. The Roman period baths are still intact and have been surrounded by gorgeous Medieval and Georgian architecture throughout the ages. Steeped in many centuries of history, this great Somerset city is often praised for its restaurants, theatres, museums, nightclubs and walking tours.

Cardiff

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Photo by idleformat

The capital of Wales is quickly becoming one of the UK’s top tourist hotspots and is considered to be one of the best shopping destinations in the country. Cardiff also has the highest amount green space per person in the UK, so when you are tired of shopping or looking at the five historical castles, you can cool your heels in lovely Bute Park in the heart of the city.

Birmingham

Birmingham, in the West Midlands, is the second largest city in the UK. It was at the heart of the industrial revolution in the UK during the Victorian era and is now enjoying a new resurgence as a fantastic cultural and shopping city. Check out the Bull Ring Markets, which is an indoor market complex that comprises the original trading centre that Birmingham was built on. You will be able to find everything you could possibly want here, from food to clothing to jewelry.

Bristol

Bristol is considered the capital of the West Country in England and it is a friendly, laid back city with a great range of attractions. It is famous for its Maritime history and also has a great nightlife and several cool festivals throughout the summer months. The music scene draws many visitors to Bristol, so make sure you catch a gig while you are here.

These brilliant cities will show you another side of UK culture, with plenty of great attractions and history but fewer tourists and cheaper prices. Your trip to the UK is not complete without venturing outside of the city of London, so make sure that you explore some of these other great cities as well.

Honorable Mentions: Chester, Nottingham, Belfast, Aberdeen, Newcastle

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Lee and Kelly are two creative and passionate travelers who have teamed up to create an unconventional life together working as digital nomads and exploring this big and beautiful world. Everything they own fits in their backpacks and with no permanent address they are perpetual wanderers on not just a Gap Year but a “Gap Decade”.
Together this Canadian girl and English guy have created Global-Goose.com, a comprehensive travel resource for those who have been stricken by wanderlust. Their blog contains practical guides, stories from the road, interviews with inspiring travelers, and much more.
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