A classical way to discover Europe
If you love classical music, then considering touring some of the historically interesting spots in Europe that are linked to the continent’s most famous composers.
Photograph by: Wildbild , AFP/Getty Images
I’ve always taught what I loved and I’ve always loved music. I spent my high school years as a piano teacher. I’d start out my students with boogies and pop songs, and eventually get them turned on to Bach and Beethoven.
In 1980, a truck dropped off 2,500 copies of my first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door. During that year’s Christmas recital, some parents sat on boxes of travel books while their kids played carols, boogies and Bach. By the next Christmas, I had let my piano students go.
From then on, I would be teaching European culture in print rather than on the keyboard. But I haven’t abandoned my Bach and Beethoven.
Just as travel broadens your perspectives, so can music.
Free Walking Tours
In all my travels Ive always struggled with orientating myself in a new city. Sure Ive had maps, researched what I wanted to see and taken notes as best I can. The minute Ive stepped into the street however all of that changes and Ill look left or right and be immediately lost. For others that struggle with finding their way around a new city from day one there is a solution, take a free walking tour.
When I first arrived in Europe as a freshly dispensed traveller I was oblivious to free walking tours and had planned out my own adventures. My first day I got lost about a hundred times and while the experience was great I was frustrated not being able to find the museum or attraction I wanted. Luckily for you guys there are now free walking tours offered in all the major European cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Madrid etc and in lesser travelled places like Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius to name a few. Some of which that I have used are:
- Sandermans New Europe
- Alternative Berlin
- Alternative London
- Yellow Free Tours
Taking a free tour helps to reduce the lost factor by walking you around many of the major landmarks in your chosen city so you can get you bearings.
Events Celebrating The Opening of The Jersey Shore
I have made it my mission to make sure that beach lovers know that despite Hurricane Sandy, despite all the devastation she left behind in New Jersey, many have worked hard to bring the shore back to life and help local businesses strive once again.
And just weeks away from summer, the Jersey Shore now is OPEN, the region is coming back with favorites and offering the classic tastes and treats all summer long for you to enjoy first-hand. To ensure you have the opportunity to experience all that the shore has to offer, region residents and business owners are hosting four upcoming events this month of June (2013).
These are not only great foodie events, but also serve as a way to help drive tourism back by sharing that the shore is OPEN and “Stronger than the Storm.” Follow the Stronger Than The Storm campaign for event updates and more information (#STTS). Fac
Celebs, presidents flock to California for Sunnylands escape [Photos]
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The White House, 24 Sussex Drive, etc. etc., we all know where the President and Prime Minister live, but where do they travel? Here are 10 vacation spots visited by presidents and prime ministers past and present.
Blue Heron Farm on Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Massachusetts – The 28.5 acre property is located on the west side of the exclusive vineyard, complete with tennis court, golf course and apple orchard. The
Pic of the Week: Taipei, Taiwan
Wulai Waterfalls.
The Pic of the Week is drawn from photos submitted to the Solo Travel Society Facebook Group, providing an opportunity for solo travelers to share with us a favorite photo from their travels.
This week’s pic from Solo Travel Society member Mahadi was taken At Wulai Waterfalls in Taipei, Taiwan.
The Silk Road – Following in the Footsteps of Marco Polo
The Silk Road in China, the network of trade routes between Europe and China in the first millennium, usually brings up a romantic vision long ambling camel caravans traversing great deserts with the crescent moon looking down on a line of weary and ancient travelers.
And why not, its a part of our collective history after all.
The route itself dates as far back as 3000 B.C., with its heyday being between the 1st century B.C. and the 10th century A.D. The land route spanned Northern China, the giant Taklamakan Desert, Persia and the Middle East, and Constantinople ending in points along the Mediterranean, namely Rome and Venice.
The term Silk Road, coined in 1877 by German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen, is a bit of a misnomer considering silk was not the primary product to travel along the route. Historically, a variety of other items passed through including perfumes, spices, jewels, nuts, teas, salts and glassware, with lacquer and porcelain products coming from China.
It’s a bummer when the rain hides the sun, but law of averages catches up — even in Bora Bora
It’s still raining in paradise.
It’s day five of a five-day vacation in one of the most beautiful locales on earth, and it is still raining.
Not like it was on days one and two with torrential downpours and umbrella snapping wind. Now it is just a gentle rain, but the wetness is unrelenting. We have yet to see the sun.
A special occasion vacation that I had dreamed about for 20 years. An overwater bungalow at a five-star resort on a beautiful island in French Polynesia. And not just any island. Bora Bora is truly in a class all by itself.
Ever had a trip be spoiled by weather? I guess we all have. Meteorologically speaking, if you travel enough, the law of averages catches up with you. Bum weather can affect your opinion of a place forever. Especially if it is your first time visiting. Because of that lousy first impression you may never give that locale a second chance. If it’s a repeat visit one tends to be a bit more understanding and just painfully aware that this time your luck just ran out.
That’s how it is for me. I had b