Category: City

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Activity Amsterdam City Cycling Europe Heritage Netherlands Uncategorized

Amsterdam, Netherlands

An organised canal boat cruise is actually a very good way to get your bearings in the city. A bit like a hop-on hop-off bus excursion that you will find in most European cities today. The fact you are lower down on the surface of the water will give you a different perspective. Life seems more sedate on the water. You might well enjoy yourself so much you will want to book a night cruise and see the city in a whole new light.

Amsterdam at Night – The Netherlands

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. It is the principal national museum in the Netherlands. There are 8000 objects including paintings and books, in 80 rooms that illustrate the art and history of the country over the past 800 years until the present day. On display are paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Fran Hals, Jan Steen and Johannes Vermeer whose “The Milkmaid” is shown below.

The Milkmaid – Johannes Vermeer – c. 1657–1661

The most famous picture on display is Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”, it its time it has been attacked with a shoemaker’s knife, a bread knife and sprayed with acid. One thing that will strike you is the sheer size of the painting. What you probably didn’t realise is that the painting was cut down in size when it was moved to the town hall. Operation Night Watch is a project by the museum to reconstruct the missing pieces based on a copy and you can now see these on your visit.

Night Watch Restoration

After a day of culture, then turn your attention to the Amsterdam’s markets. There are over thirty of them and some have been going for over 100 years. You will find everything and anything at these markets. According to Time Out if you are only going to visit one market then it should be the “Albert Cuyp Market” otherwise known as the “the Cuyp”. Since 1905, it’s a one-stop shop for fresh meat, fish, fruit and veg. Today you can buy clothes, jewellery and just about everything else.

Dappermarkt – Amsterdam – The Netherlands

Another highly regarded market is the Dappermarkt. National Geographic Traveler judged it to be one of the Top 10 Shopping Streets in the world. Why don’t you visit it and judge for yourself. With 250 stalls you are bound to find something of interest.

One thing to do in advance when visiting Amsterdam is to make sure that you pre-book your tickets to the Anne Frank House which can be found at Prinsengracht 263. On 6 July 1942, the Frank family went into hiding in the building. The building consisted of two parts: the main house and the annex. The eight people hid on the top floors of the annex. Anne’s father Otto, who was the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust published her diaries in 1947 .In 1960, the Anne Frank House opened its doors as a museum, but at his the annex stayed empty.

Anne Frank’s House / Museum – Amsterdam – The Netherlands
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City Heritage Indiana USA Walking

Indiana

We want to visit Indiana and in particular the state capital of Indianapolis. The most famous event in the Indianapolis year, is the Indianapolis 500 motor race, which including practice and qualifying takes up most of the month of May.

The Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport.

If you are contemplating attending next year’s race, it might be wise to start making plans now, and book your flights, hotel and race tickets. Compared to the price of tickets for say, the British Formula One Grand Prix, tickets for the Indy 500 are very reasonable. Tickets for a practice day start at $10, whilst general admission on race day starts from $35 and reserved seats from $50.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Indiana – USA

If you don’t manage to get to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for race day then a visit to the track museum is still a must for any motorsport fan. The museum has one of the largest collections of racing, antique and classic cars in the world including 30 that have one of the Indy 500. Treat yourself to the 2 hour private golf cart tour for just $20. (All prices are correct at the time of writing July 2021).

Central Canal – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA

After you have been to the track you may well be asking what else is there to see and do in Indianapolis. The answer is that there is plenty. Check out the White River State Park. Here you will find 250 acres which contains the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians, the Indiana State Museum, a zoo, a canal with gondolas, Indianapolis Indians baseball, an IMAX cinema, an amphitheatre, the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana Cultural Trail, plus many cycling and walking trails.

White River State Park – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA

If you are taking children, then do not miss out on a visit to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It is reputedly the largest museum in the world devoted to children. It us rated as one of the best museums in the USA. Founded in 1925, it has almost half a million square feet of exhibition space and includes an outdoor sports area, where children can try out amongst other things, basketball, golf and pedal race cars. The museum is designed to be as hands-on and inactive as possible.

For history lovers, there are museums and several memorials in the city commemorate armed forces or conflict, including the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza. Indianapolis is the home to the largest collection outside Washington DC of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the USA.

Indiana World War Memorial Plaza – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA
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Activity Central America City Costa Rica San Jose Sun Walking

Costa Rica

Over the past few years Costa Rica has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. It’s not difficult to see why. It seems to have it all. Rainforests, beaches and volcanoes are just the start. Costa Rica literally means “Rich Coast” and most tourists will base themselves on the coast. With its many soft sandy beaches and swaying palms you might be forgiven for thinking that you were in paradise. With 800 miles of coastline adjoining the Pacific and the Caribbean you are sure to find one that suits you.

Sandy Beach – Pacific Coast – Costa Rica

Home to over 20 National Parks, Costa Rica has really developed itself as an Ecotourism destination. The Corcovado National is internationally renowned for its biodiversity and visitors can expect a wide range of wildlife including all four Costa Rican monkey species. Costa Rica is the first tropical country to have stopped and reversed deforestation.

White-headed capuchin Monkey – Panama

We like volcanoes here at Travellogs, especially when they are connected with thermal spas. There are 6 active and over 60 dormant volcanoes in Costa Rica. You could do worse than stay somewhere like the “Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort. The hotel consists of just 54 rooms with great views of the volcano and a less than 5 minute walk from the Eco Termales Fortuna thermal pools.

EcoTermales Fortuna – Costa Rica

Amongst those volcanoes is Arenal Volcano, about 56 miles northwest of the capital city of San Jose. The volcano is 5,358 ft (1633 m) high. After being dormant for many years it erupted in 1968 destroying a nearby town. It continued to erupt until 2010 since when it has been dormant again. It is one of the countries’ most popular tourist destinations and is very popular with hikers.

Arenal Volcano – Costa Rica

In those many National Parks you will find over over 500,000 species of animals, including scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, colourful butterflies, humpback whales, iguanas, sea turtles, and sloths.

According to the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica is ranked as the Number 1 happiest country in the world. It states “Strong social networks, investment in health and education and a deep connection to nature may help explain why Costa Ricans are happier and live longer than the residents of most rich nations. A national commitment to environmental protection and use of renewable energy also keeps Costa Rica’s Ecological Footprint small.”

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Activity City Massachusetts USA

Boston, MA

Known as the “Cradle of Modern America, Boston was the birthplace of the American Revolution, therefore one of the first places that you will want to head off to, is the location of the Boston Tea Party.  Here you will find a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels! You can recreate your own Boston Tea Party by throwing tea into the water.

Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts, USA

Most of Boston’s historical sites can be reached by following what is known as the Freedom Trail across the city.  Keeping with a nautical theme, 2nd stop on your trail could be a visit to the USS Constitution, which is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned her nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, she captured a number of merchant ships and defeated five British warships including HMS Guerriere which is where she earned her nickname.

USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

A visit to Boston wouldn’t be complete without an outing to watch one of the cities top class sports team play.  Visiting from April to September a trip to Fenway Park to watch the Boston Red Sox is must.  Since 1912, Fenway has been home to the Red Sox and is the oldest Baseball Arena in the USA if not the world.  Unlike some of the newer arenas, the compact design of Fenway takes you back in history and gives you a spectator experience that you will not find anywhere else except maybe Wrigley Field in Chicago.  If there are no games scheduled, then a stadium tour is recommended.

Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox
Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox

On a more cultural level, Boston is home to over 60 museums of which the most famous is the Museum of Fine Arts, which is the 5th largest museum in the USA and one of the top 50 most visited museums in the world.  It is home to over half a million exhibits, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.  The 1888 painting by Vincent Van Gogh’s Postman Joseph Roulin, is one of the museum’s best known works in its collection. 

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Activity City Europe Iceland Rejkjavik Uncategorized

Iceland

Iceland is on the UK government’s green list and might seem like a strange destination for a summer break.  Many people view Iceland as a winter destination with the northern lights and various cold related activities to pursue. However, in the summer you will be able to benefit from the long almost endless days.  The average day starts at 3am and ends at midnight.  Plenty of time to get more done.

Sunset – Iceland

The summer will also give you better access to the Highlands which can be impossible to access in the winter due to the icy conditions.  You will be almost wandering into the unknown so double check the weather before you set off in your 4×4. Even if you are not heading for the Highlands, then why not hit the Ring Road, which Icelandic style will take you round the country rather than round a city.  The roads are well maintained and in the summer, they will be snow free!  Travelling the Ring Road will give you access to parts of the country might not otherwise see.

Iceland by road.

Summer is a prime time for hiking and Iceland provides routes for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. Every region of the country has something different to offer, whether its waterfall, beaches or volcanoes that take your fancy.  For serious hikers look out for the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, the Fimmvörðuháls hike between Skógar and Þórsmörk and Hornstrandir in the Westfjords.

Vesturland – Iceland

If you are not that brave you will find a number of escorted tours that will take you to see the best of the Iceland and this can be just what is needed to give you the confidence to head out on your own. Iceland is sometimes known as the land of Fire and Ice. You can take an escorted trip out to one of the glaciers where you can glacier hike, snow mobile or ice climb is you have the nerve and energy.  On the fire side, after a hard day exploring why not visit one or more geothermal baths and natural hot springs. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular but there are so many other interesting pools to discover.

Blue Lagoon – Iceland
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Activity Asia Bangkok City Heritage Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

You cannot spend a day in Bangkok without a visit to Wat Pho.  It is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. The temple complex known as the Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds. The larger northern walled compound, is open to visitors and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and very famously the 46m long reclining Buddha. The southern compound, contains the living quarters for Buddist monks and a school.

The Temple of the Reclining Bhudda – Wat Pho – Bangkok – Thailand

Next on your list and be prepared to set aside a good few hours for this one, is a visit to the Grand Palace. The palace at one time was the king’s home (1782 -1925) as well as the place where the government of Thailand carried out their work.  The Great Palace is not a single building but a collection of buildings divided up into four main courts: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Some buildings are open to the general public, whilst others are still used by various government departments.

Grand Palace – Bangkok – Thailand

For contrast take yourself shopping.  At one end of the scale head for Chatuchak Market which is open on Saturdays and Sundays.  With over 8000 stalls and at local prices you are bound to find a bargain or two here.  At the other end of the scale head for Siam Paragon.  You will only find 250 shops here, but they are high end brands and even include car manufacturers including Bentley, BMW and Porsche.  You will also find South East Asia’s biggest aquarium and numerous food outlets.

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Activity Bucharest City Europe Heritage Romania

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is home to the world’s biggest parliamentary building.  Originally at The Palace of Parliament but more commonly known today as the People’s Palace construction started in 1984 and took thirteen years to build. An area of s (2.7 sq mi) of the old city centre was flattened to allow the construction including monasteries, factories and a hospital. One engineer set out to save as much as he could.

Moving Churches to Safety – Bucharest.

Today the People’s Palace, both houses of the Romanian Parliament., along with the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Communist Totalitarianism and the Museum of the Palace.

The People’s Palace – Bucharest, Romania.

Prior to the Second World War Bucharest was known as the “Paris of the East”.  The war, the Communist era and an earthquake in 1977 robbed the city of many or the art nouveau buildings. Here and there are places where that former sophistication. The Cantacuzino Palace which now houses the George Enescu museum is one such example which was built between 1901 and 1903 by architect Ion D. Berindey. 

Paris of the East, Bucharest, Romania

Berindey was responsible for a number of famous landmarks during this time including the Bucharest observatory that was built between 1908 and 1910. George Enescu incidently is regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Romanian history. You might even choose to stay in the elegant Athenee Palace Hilton hotel designed by the French Theophile Bradeau. Around and about you will find more examples that listed here.  Remember to look out for Bucharest’s copy of the Arc de Triomphe.

Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest, Romania.

Personally, I would recommend seeking out the beautiful churches and chapels that fuse Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman and Renaissance styles.  On your list head for The Stavropoleous Church in the old city, St Apostle’s and the Doamnei Church.

Orthodox Church, Bucharest, Romania

If you are interested in looking back in time, you might be interested in watching the TV series “Comrade Detective” on Amazon Prime. Set in 1980s Bucharest it tells the story of two police detectives investigating the murder of a colleague. There is more to this story than meets the eye!

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Activity City Fly Drive Road Sioux Falls South Dakota USA

Road Trip, South Dakota

A good starting point for any trip to South Dakota is a road trip based on I-90.  I-90 is the longest interstate highway in the USA and the longest east-west road across South Dakota.  Although it doesn’t pass through the South Dakotan capital of Pierre it does provide the focus on a great holiday in this part of the world.

The route will take in a number of impressive geographical features starting off with the Sioux Falls after which the state’s largest city is named.  Over 7000 gallons of water cascade down every second.  That’s a lot of water by anyone’s standards.

Sioux Falls - South Dakota USA
Sioux Falls – South Dakota USA

The striking landscape of Badlands National Parks features a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. The native Lakota people gave this land its name, “mako sica,” meaning “land bad.” Erosion of the Badlands reveals sedimentary layers of different colors: purple and yellow, tan and grey, red and orange and white. Bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule and whitetail deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, eagles and hawks are amongst the wildlife you are likely to see.

Badlands - South Dakota USA
Badlands – South Dakota USA

If Native American history and culture is your cup of tea then at Mitchell you will find a  Prehistoric Indian Village that is more than 1,000 years old. On-going excavations and laboratory analyses are discovering more about how these people lived.  A trip to the  Akta Lakota Museum on the campus of the St Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain provides history and learning about Native American life in a unique way. Check out the mini-theater, interactive displays, English-Lakota descriptions, and its beautiful gift shop.

Finally there are a few attractions that you will want to check out that you might not have expected. Whilst visiting the Akta Lakota museum take in the Dignity Monument.

Dignity Monument - South Dakota USA
Dignity Monument – South Dakota USA

The sculpture was erected in 2016 near I-90 in honour of the 125th anniversary of South Dakota statehood.  It depicts an indigenous woman in plains style attire.  If you enjoy sculptures, then head to the Porter Sculpture Park at Exit 374 and spend time viewing the sculptures made by Wayne Porter who makes his sculptures mainly from junk metal.

If you are visiting South Dakota as a road trip that a trip to the Pioneer Auto Show at Murdo is a must. There are more than 30 buildings displaying it’s unrivaled collection of cars, motorcycles, tractors, scooters and bicycles.  Plus other automobilia including gas pumps and antique toys.  In case you are in the mood, they also have classic American cars for sale.

Rapid City is South Dakota’s second-largest city and this is the place to head for to see the Mount Rushmore Memorial, the Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Which is where we started.  We have run out of space to do justice to everything South Dakota has to offer, we will be back again.

Mount Rushmore - South Dakota USA
Mount Rushmore – South Dakota USA
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Activity Beach City Florida St Augustine Sun USA

St Augustine, FL

St Augustine itself is the oldest city in the USA, it is home to the oldest wooden school house in the USA and it is the location of the oldest street in the USA.  The St Augustine tourist authority describes the destination as full of old-world charm, historical monuments, unique attractions, world class shopping, sunny weather and beaches just minutes away.  On that basis St Augustine makes an ideal holiday destination for everyone.

Aviles Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Aviles Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA

Aviles Street in St. Augustine is the oldest street in the USA.  Archaeologists digging down several layers under the brick paving, have found pottery shards from the early 1600s. The Pilgrim Fathers didn’t land on the continent until 1620.  This historic street is also St. Augustine’s original artist district, dating back to the 1930s when the Hamblin Hardware warehouse at 11 Aviles Street was transformed into studio and gallery spaces for artists. The street also boasts some of St Augustine’s oldest historical sites.

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is one of the best preserved colonial buildings in the town and is preserved to recall the first tourist boom in Florida from the 1830s to 1850s.  The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is an authentic reconstruction of a military hospital that stood on this site during the Second Spanish Colonial Period (1784–1821) and depicts the state of care that was on offer during the 1790s.. Finally the Father O’Reilly House Museum that was constructed in 1691, purchased by Father Miguel O’Reilly in 1785. Father Miguel, an Irish priest in the service of the preserving the old values.

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the USA, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the USA, St Augustine, Florida, USA

The Oldest Wooden School House is cited as being the oldest wooden school building in the United States. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it first appears on tax records in 1716. We know that it cannot have been built before 1702 because the British burnt the City to the ground. Since 1937 the building has been encircled by a large chain, to help anchor it to the ground in case of a hurricane. The classroom was one of the first in the US to be co-ed educating both boys and girls since 1788.

Bridge of Lions, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Bridge of Lions, St Augustine, Florida, USA

In 1982, the Bridge of Lions was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in the mid-1920s as a way for cars to travel from St. Augustine on the mainland to Anastasia Island The bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge, also known simply as a drawbridge, which allows commercial and recreational boats to pass through a center channel when the moveable span is in the up position.  It poses a magical image at dusk as it is all lit up.

There is plenty more to see in St Augustine.  We haven’t even mentioned the pirates!!  I hope that the video above by “Dawes” has inspired you to find out more about this beautiful city, often forgotten as a holiday destination due the bright lights and thrill rides of destinations like Miami and Orlando.

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Activity Beach City Uncategorized

Los Angeles, CA

It might seem strange to suggest that you visit LA because of the beaches, but it actually has some of the best beaches in the US. The names of them are easily recalled by most of us due to their locations being used in numerous US films and TV series. Venice Beach is one of LA’s most known beaches, with its numerous galleries, quirky shops, street performers, what is less well known are the Venice canals. Whilst in the area dont’t miss out on Muscle Beach. The perfect place for people watching.

Guitar Player – Venice Beach LA

Many people prefer Santa Monica Beach to Venice, I will leave that up to you to decide. Santa Monica attracts more than 7 million visitors a year who come primarily for the beach connection. It is also close to other Los Angeles attractions. Santa Monica is very attractive as a walkable and bike friendly destination. Don’t miss a trip to the world famous Santa Monica Pier, yes they have them in the States as well.

Santa Monica Beach, LA, CA
Santa Monica Beach, LA

For the kids and young wizards at heart. Los Angeles is home to the brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Hollywood. Complete with its own Hogwarts Castle and Harry Potter themed rides. Of course you can not really visit Los Angeles without doing something celebrity / entertainment based. You can make your own tour if you plan ahead or book yourself onto many of the themed tours. Fully recommended are the tours of Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony Pictures. Finally we can not do justice to all LA has to offer so we will be back.