activities
Whether you're a sight-seer, thrill seeker or beach lounger, activities to satisfy bucket lists of all kinds.
Hong Kong: An Exercise In Controlled Chaos
Despite the fact that Hong Kong is a modern metropolis and one of the financial epicentres of the world, strong local traditions are still not lost among the infinite cultural crossovers. Aromatic scents and even the smell of oriental food hang in the air, enveloping you almost everywhere you go. Along the streets an infinite number of neon signs flash in both English and Chinese, huge TV screens hang from the walls of buildings, adding to a overwhelming sensory overload of flashing lights as a barrage of voices, music and background noise envelops its visitors.
Scott SnowdenPublished 7 years ago in WanderHow to Stay in Shape While Traveling
Staying in shape while traveling became my jam on two epic road trips I took recently. When my kids became teenagers life got a little, well, complicated. We’d been through the normal ups and downs as well as some not-so-normal ups and downs. After celebrating my daughter’s graduation from university she said, “Mom, you never took that road trip. Wanna go now?” We Thelma-and-Louised everything into our Prius.
Mackenzie LuPublished 7 years ago in WanderCelebrating King's Day in Amsterdam
The King's Day national holiday commemorates the birthday of the King of the Netherlands on 30th April and serves as a symbol for patriotism and national unity. The night before King's Day is also celebrated in some Dutch cities. Keeping with convention, it’s known as King's Night and the largest of these celebrations takes place in Amsterdam where many of the restaurants, bars and clubs will remain open throughout the night.
Scott SnowdenPublished 7 years ago in WanderThe Sky's the Limit at Skyspace LA
The Sky’s the limit in Los Angeles and thanks to OUE Skyspace LA, they’re giving Angelinos a bird’s eye view of the City of Dreams. This is OUE’s first attraction in Los Angeles and opened its doors on June 25, 2016—Its 1 year Anniversary is approaching in a couple of months, and what better way to celebrate?
Yvette CordovaPublished 7 years ago in WanderAbu Dhabi: Desert Rose or Just Dust and Rocks?
Fifty years ago, Abu Dhabi was not much more than empty desert punctuated only by the occasional palm tree. Bedouin tribes still roamed, sustaining themselves by harvesting dates, pearls and fish. Then oil was discovered and everything changed. Ten years later, the United Arab Emirates was born, forged from seven territories – called emirates – including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Scott SnowdenPublished 7 years ago in WanderUnofficial Japanese Calendar Anniversaries (Jan-Jun)
Everyone loves to celebrate something, and the Japanese are no different, but a few Japanese companies and organizations have taken this to a whole new level. In an effort to promote a product or event, they petition the Japan Anniversary Association for certification. Perhaps the most well-known of these in the West are White Day (3/14) and Pocky Day (11/11).
Made in DNAPublished 7 years ago in WanderSkiing the Slopes of Val d’Isère
Two of the top ski resorts in Europe are Val d’Isère and Tignes, in the French Alps located practically next door to each other. So close are they that many make their way over across the slopes to enjoy the other resort’s runs for a day.
Scott SnowdenPublished 7 years ago in WanderSearching for the Old Star Wars Sets in Tunisia
In addition to being a favourite film location for the likes of George Lucas, much of Monty Python’s The Life of Brian was shot here, as was The English Patient. However, it’s easy to see why this eerie, otherworldly landscape with its unique architecture and bizarre buildings could capture the imagination of a director looking to depict an arid, alien planet.
Scott SnowdenPublished 7 years ago in WanderFire on the Mountain: The Appalachian Culture
By 1966 in the mountains of North Georgia, much of the old folk knowledge was disappearing. The culture of Appalachia was being replaced with fast food and discount stores. This was a culture of oral tradition rather than the written word. The older people of the region had pursued a way of life learned from their parents and not too changed in over a century. Young people had discovered Wal-Mart and McDonald. The times had changed and there was no longer a need for weavers, blacksmiths, carters and ham curers.
Kathleen WallsPublished 7 years ago in WanderThe Infamous Teakettle Junction and Lost Burro Mine
If you have ever driven the road from Scotty's Castle in Death Valley to The Racetrack, you will know what I mean when I say LONG DRIVE .........VERY LONG DRIVE! Because of the washboard we couldn't go over 10 mph. Of course, the shorter wheel based Jeeps were hauling ass and passing us. So do the math. It's 19 miles (give or take) from where the dirt starts to Teakettle Junction and then another 6 miles from there to the start of The Racetrack. It took hours and hours to get to Teakettle Junction. I'm not exaggerating..... Anyhow, Teakettle Junction is actually a landmark out in the desert, a waypoint for the lost, a beacon of hope........Okay, it's just a sign, and yes, teakettles hanging off said sign. I was impressed as to how many there were. I am thinking that they take them down every year because they were all from 2016. Nothing older than that.
Michele JamesPublished 7 years ago in WanderFinding Crowley Lake Columns
So one Sunday morning found us driving HWY 395. Needless to say, when you are driving for any length of time you tend to think a lot. Mike and I have always been able to drive in a companionable silence. We don't find it awkward and we don't feel the need to fill the silence with idle chit chat. To some this may seem weird but to us it is completely normal.
Michele JamesPublished 7 years ago in WanderFree and Cheap in The Big Easy
Back in the fifties when Gordon MacRae and Sheree North sang their hearts out in The Best Things in Life are Free, you could see the movie for one quarter. At that time I was living in New Orleans and too young to appreciate the truth in that song.
Kathleen WallsPublished 7 years ago in Wander