Recoleta

Categories: Accommodations · Argentina · Art · Buenos Aires · TravelTags: · · · · · · · ·

Adopted by upper-class porteños (or locals) after yellow fever broke out in San Telmo in 1871, the barrio of Recoleta has grown into a model of bourgeois refinement as one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. Recoleta has a distinctly European feel with its French and Italian architecture, tree-lined streets, big-name international brand stores, restaurants and galleries and of course, the barrio’s famous cemetery — the Cemeterio de la Recoleta.   Cemeterio de la Recoleta has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great necropolis. Occupying an area of 14 acres, the Recoleta Cemetery is a labyrinth of more than 6,400 tombs and mausoleums…

Cappadocia

Categories: Accommodations · Cappadocia · Türkiye · TravelTags: · · · · 2 Comments

A short one hour flight from Istanbul to central Turkey will bring you to the breathtaking region of Cappadocia. There are many other interesting cities to visit in Turkey, but during my trip a few years back, I decided to visit here instead. Often described as a lunar landscape or an open air sculpture, the erosion caused by wind and water that started 60 million years ago, carved out the topography in this area. It was also in this region that early Christians following the footsteps of St. Paul took refuge and established colonies in the area.   The Caravansaries (or “Caravan Palace“) were used as military bases during the wartime and…

Ayasofya & Chora

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Istanbul · Türkiye · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

Known in Greek as Hagia Sophia and in English as St. Sophia, the Ayasofya in Istanbul was designed to surpass the grandeur of any other monument to God. Built in A.D. 537 as the greatest church in Christendom and symbol of the Byzantium, Ayasofya was converted into a mosque in 1453 during the Conquest, where adjustments were made that included covering of the frescoes and mosaics and the addition of minarets. In 1935, Ayasofya was turned into a museum. Definitely worth a short drive outside of the city centre of Istanbul is the St. Savior in Chora. The original church in this site…

Arkoun!

Categories: Accommodations · Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: · · · · ·

“Thank you!” in Khmer. After visiting a dozen temples in and around Angkor under close to 40C degree heat — I say goodbye and thank you to Cambodia! The temples are simply impressive, breathtaking and should be in every traveller’s list of must-see. The people are very friendly and helpful. There are many tourists in Siem Reap and Angkor and it is apparent that every effort is being made to cater to them. Costs are relatively reasonable, probably with the exception of hotel accommodations – but there is a variety of standards to choose from. The U.S. dollar is the currency being quoted and accepted by…

Hasta Luego, Colombia!

Categories: Accommodations · Bogota · Colombia · Travel · Villa de Leyva · ZipaquiraTags: · · ·

See you later, Colombia! The land of gold and emeralds, the mythical yet inspiring quest for El Dorado, the delicious empanadas, ajiacos and lulo fruit, and more importantly, the easy-going and always cheerful people! I stayed at the Hotel Morrison 114 located at Avenida 19 No. 114 in the northern area of Bogotá. This boutique hotel opened 16 months ago and is managed by Eduardo Sanchez, a very affable gentleman who used to be based in Calgary, Canada. There is a great Spanish restaurant, Chef Julian, next door that serves excellent paella. And last but not the least, muchas gracias, Señor…

Tot straks

Categories: Accommodations · Amsterdam · Europe · Netherlands · TravelTags: · 2 Comments

See you later ! After four weeks as my home base, I say good-bye to Amsterdam. It was a most enjoyable and relaxing stay. People are extremely friendly and affable (and everyone being conversant in English helped a lot too!). The relaxed pace, the bicycle bells, the warm smiles, the amazing seafood and Indonesian cuisine, the pastries from Holtkamp and Pompadour, Heineken beer, cheeses, and of course, the canals! Zie je later! I stayed at two wonderful well-located apartments during my stay in Amsterdam. Both were from Pied a Terre Properties of Amsterdam. The first apartment was located on the second…

Berlin ist Wunderbar!

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Art · Berlin · Europe · Germany · TravelTags: · · · ·

Berlin is wonderful! Close to 25 years after the fall of the Wall, Berlin is a mix of trendy and grit. The city welcomes its future as an international centre for avant-garde culture, art and media while it enjoys a major re-birth post-communism. As its mayor famously quipped “Berlin is poor, but sexy!” Gemaldegalerie is Germany’s must-see art gallery housing a vast collection of European art, including many by the Old Masters. One will certainly enjoy viewing pieces by Boticelli, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer and many more without the crowds. The Wall and its Art I stayed at the…

Hong Kong

Categories: Accommodations · China · Hong Kong · TravelTags: · ·

The confluence of sensory contradictions – this is Hong Kong. Gleaming modern skyscrapers, highly efficient and expansive subway system, Michelin-starred dining establishments stand side-by-side with bamboo scaffolding, the Star Ferry, and many street side food stalls. Welcome to HK! I have stayed at several hotels in Hong Kong over the years and the Upper House Hotel is simply one of the best. Located at the Pacific Place complex, trendsetting designer Andre Fu collaborated with Swire Hotels to create this very private and exclusive hotel that offers massive sized rooms, outstanding service and delectable food. This hotel delivers – from the time…

Singapore

Categories: Accommodations · Singapore · TravelTags: ·

From the serenity and simplicity of Bhutan, I arrived in the very global and on the surface, very consumer-driven city-state of Singapore. Initially, it is a bit of a shock to the senses coming from a landscape of rice fields, mountains and monasteries to a canyon of steel and glass towers, well manicured avenues and high end shopping malls. However, upon a closer look there is a cultural soul. I stayed at the Fairmont Singapore at Raffles City. Location is execllent as it is above a shopping mall with a subway stop and close to the central business district. Service is very…

Kadriche

Categories: Accommodations · Bhutan · TravelTags: ·

Today is my last day in Bhutan so I say Kadriche or “Thank you” to the true Shangri-la! The surreal beauty of the landscapes, the warm hospitality of her people (from offering biscuits to weary hikers like me or to farmers graciously inviting me to their homes), their strong focus on environmental responsibility, and the introduction to the philosophical banner of Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product. (A revolutionary philosophy that places real value on things such as cultural heritage, health, education, ecological diversity and individual well-being instead of economic measures.) All the people I have met along…