Category Archives: WANDER

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Airplane Yoga: 8 Moves to Keep Calm and Stretched on the Go

The verdict is in: sitting is out. Evidence suggests sitting for long periods of time can contribute to cardiovascular problems, on top of general stiffness and discomfort. Not great news for people clocking in a 40-hour work week (by Wednesday). Standing desks, exercise balls and periodic walks are good solutions for the office, but what if your job has you logging lots of seated hours at 30,000 feet? Check out these breathing exercises and modified yoga poses, which can be done just about anywhere, anytime, to make flying easier for mind, body and soul.

1. Ujjayi Breathing

Calmness comes from within, so start by checking in with your breath. Take a moment to notice its tempo and intensity, which is usually a reflection of your energy level and state of mind. Take deep, full breaths in and out through the nose, allowing air to pass through the back of the throat (like the beginning of a yawn) on the exhale. Try to make your exhales slightly longer than your inhales. Known as ujjayi breathing or “ocean breath,” this foundational yoga technique is by itself a powerful stress reliever. A great move to remember the next time you’re stuck in the security check-in line.

2. Neck Rolls

Excessive sitting and carrying heavy bags can both contribute to tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This exercise helps to relieve tightness in all three areas. Begin by sitting upright with a straight spine, shoulders slightly back. Exhale and drop your left ear to your left shoulder. Inhale and slowly rotate your head forward until your right ear touches your right shoulder. Keep your head heavy and neutral and your shoulders relaxed. Repeat, moving left to right, 10 times. Reverse, rotating right to left, and repeat another 10 times.

3. Seated Cat-Cow

This subtle move is great for keeping the spine supple and flexible in flight. Seated with a neutral spine, place hands on your thighs. As you inhale, gently puff your chest outward while sliding shoulders back, creating a curve in your back (“the cow”). As you exhale, slide shoulders forward, look down and round the spine, creating an arch (“the cat”). Repeat five times, holding in each position for a breath or two.

4. Seated Spinal Twist

For deeper spinal tension and to relieve knots and kinks, try this gentle twist. Begin by crossing your left knee over your right. Place right hand on left knee and, with an inhale, twist to the left while keeping your spine as straight as possible. Hold the twist for three breaths, looking over your left shoulder. Then, return to a neutral seated position. Repeat three times on each side.

5. Seated Chair Pose

The name might sound redundant, but chair pose is actually an intense quad-strengthening exercise similar to a standing squat. This modified version tones back and arm muscles while lengthening the spine. Begin at the edge of your seat with a straight spine, feet firmly planted on the floor. With an inhale, raise arms straight up. With an exhale, bend forward to a 45-degree angle, keeping your spine straight and chin slightly tucked. Keep arms firmly lifted, relaxing shoulders down and away from your ears. Hold for five breaths. Repeat three times.

6. Thigh Lifts

 This is a great move for warding off that “tingly toes” feeling that often accompanies long flights, with an added bonus of core strengthening. Seated with a straight spine, knees bent, lift one thigh as high as you can on an inhale. Keeping abdominal muscles tight and engaged, hold thigh lifted for two breaths. Repeat 10 times with each leg. For extra tummy toning power, try lifting both legs at the same time, using the arm rests for support if necessary.

7. Ankle Rolls

In addition to improving circulation, this simple move helps to prevent fluid from collecting in the ankles, which can cause swelling and the dreaded “travel cankles.” Sitting with legs stretched slightly out in front of you (ideally with shoes off), roll each ankle in a complete circle several times in each direction. After a few reps, incorporate pointing and flexing of your toes for a deeper stretch of the entire foot.

8. Breath of Fire

This breathing technique is a great way to close your airplane yoga session, or to simply arrive at your destination with a greater sense of calm and energetic focus. Begin by sitting upright and notice the movement of your abdomen as you inhale and exhale. Open your mouth and pant like a dog, noticing the change in abdominal movement. Maintaining the panting action, close your mouth and allow the breath to move rapidly in and out through the nose. Breathe quickly, moving the abdomen rapidly. Each exhale should be as sharp and staccato as possible, but the duration of inhale and exhale should be equal. Continue for three minutes, while keeping the jaw and face muscles relaxed.

Living off the Dover Land

At six a.m. on a Tuesday morning, a father and son quietly creep through the woods around Dover, New Hampshire, searching for elusive brassica leaves, aster flowers, sunchoke and black garlic. All ingredients that the hunter and gatherer hope to plate up for tonight’s dinner at Stages at One Washington, one of the country’s top new restaurants owned and operated by Chef Evan Hennessey.

Chef Hennessey is bringing new meaning to the idea of living off the land to Dover and to anyone who visits, offering his guests locally sourced and foraged produce, and meat and poultry from farmers with whom he has longstanding relationships. Often going to the farms himself to see the animal husbandry and slaughter, he forms a relationship with the food before he prepares it, ensuring that the animals are happy and well-cared for, which is quite unorthodox and refreshing in today’s factory farmed food economy.

 

living off the dover land featured

Although Evan has spent most of his life in Dover, his culinary skills have been sampled and awarded internationally by the likes of James Beard and StarChefs.com where he recently was named the region’s rising star. His approach to creating novel culinary experiences each night is as fresh as whatever he’s picked that morning. Tonight’s dinner will be comprised of a twenty-seven course tasting menu, something that even chef Hennessey isn’t sure he can pull off. But that’s his whole philosophy.

He says, “We have something that we like to say: Never stop creating, never stop pushing, never stop. We wanted to create something that nobody has tried here yet. A restaurant that never stops changing, evolving, and creating. Our mission is to utilize produce, meats, fish, and products only from local farms. To create an old world approach to sourcing our food. A relationship with nature that evolves with growing cycles and schedules and local farms. Those farms growing vegetables and herbs just for us, and because of us. Raising heritage breed poultry, pigs, and sheep, just for us. Eggs from the farmers hands directly to us. Fish dictated by what the fishermen tells us they’ve just caught as they are coming back into dock. This system has led to our food constantly evolving, becoming more thoughtful, more purposeful, more rooted in history.

 

Dover Land

 

Tonight, I’m one of eight foodies sitting in the large kitchen that comprises one third of the space, while another twenty-two are eagerly awaiting their own portions in the dining room.  I taste two mouthfuls of ingredients like smoked duck, black currant jam, fried leek roots and honey caviar sorbet.

There’s a bite of cabbage, mushroom, smoked crème fraiche and black garlic.

DL

Another of preserved cucumber, long bean, sunchoke, artichoke and tiny yellow aster flowers.

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Followed by peas, Romanesco, pickled mushroom, brassica leaves and forest flowers.

jk;

Pork neck, potato millefeuille, blistered carrot, rutabaga jam…

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The courses go on and on and on, ending with sorbet that has been spun with house-smoked and caramelized popcorn.

At some point I simply lose count and the ability to know what exactly it is that I’m consuming. It’s all alien but I succumb to the invasion and it all tastes amazing and looks like art. I almost feel bad eating it.

I walk out feeling more satisfied from a meal than I can remember. Knowing the amount of work and care that went into each bite is remarkable, and I feel like I’ve just experienced what I used to think of as a cliché: food made with love just tastes better. Chef Hennessey loves what he does, and he pours that love and care back into the local community, making for a sustainable and unique top-tier restaurant in an unlikely spot. If you make the trip up through the North Eastern corridor to visit, it will be worth it.

America’s Top 9 Best Cities to Travel to—If You Love Snacks

Let’s say you identify as a “foodie” and you want to find the world’s best place to brunch. The Internet is built for people like you: the people who will cross streets, cities and mountains to locate the highest ranking “eggs benedict and a side salad.” A quick Google search will return hundreds of results for the best cities to brunch, lunch and dine in. You have a need, and somewhere, a listicle has an answer.

But not all of us identify as “meal people:” some of us live our lives perfectly content just to eat snacks. Despite what the “meal majority” says, many snacks are quite nutritious, and even the medical community has recently come in out in favor of a snack-based society. Snacks taste good, they feel good and they often “cost good” too. Yet it can be hard to find out what cities to travel to (and eat in) if you identify as a snacker. The Internet doesn’t have easy answers. That’s why we—after an in-depth investigation and extensive amounts of round-the-clock-snacking—decided to identify and share the best 9 cities to travel to—if you love snacks (which obviously, you do).

 

1. Philadelphia, PA

It’s home to some of America’s most beloved landmarks, including The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the world’s best pretzel stall—Miller’s Twist. For people who grew up with Rold Golds and Bachmann’s, pretzels bring up salty, dry, underwhelming memories. But Miller’s Twists, located in Reading Terminal’s glorious food market, reinvents the often abused snack. Slightly sweet, lightly buttered and just soft enough, Miller’s Twists are a must-eat-NOW in a must-see-soon city.

 

#NationalHotDogDay? Don’t mind if we do! #MillersTwist #PretzelDog #LoveRTM

A photo posted by Reading Terminal Market (@rdgterminalmkt) on

   

2. Madison, WI

Madison might have a fascinating and storied history, but all of their accomplishments pale in comparison to their chief regional export: cheese curds. Head down to The Old Fashioned to eat the city’s best soft-yet-stable, milky-yet-moist, cheesy pieces of heaven. Is it good for you? Irrelevant. It’s a cheese curd, and it is wonderful.    

3. Brooklyn, NY

Called the “snack capital” by snack-enthusiasts everywhere (this writer), there are so many reasons to head to Brooklyn for snacks—chief among them, donuts. While the city is home to many donut specialists, locals recommend Clinton Hill’s Dough, known for its strange and wild variety of flavors: hibiscus, chocolate salted, Earl Grey. Dough donuts are softer than traditional donuts, which makes eating them feel like you’re eating a really delicious pillow.        

4. St. Louis, MO

Bacon might have the best reputation, but people who care about pork know the best place to find it is in prosciutto. St. Louis is home to Volpi, a brand you might be able to find in your fancy supermarket, but originates in this bustling city. Head down to Volpi for freshly sliced slabs of joy, and the never-to-be-missed opportunity for free samples.

5. Chicago, IL

Chicago might be the restaurant capital of the Midwest, but their biggest culinary delicacy is a little more quotidien: popcorn. Sure, you might be able to find branches of Garrett Popcorn in other cities, but Chicago is home to the original legendary popper and flavors such as: Cashew CaramelCrisp, Macadamia CaramelCrisp, and the one and only—plain.

 

My favourite popcorn from where it originated.. straight outta Chicago!

A photo posted by YeeWen Tan (@yeewenscreams) on

   

6. Palo Alto, CA

Sometime in the last decade, hummus simply went viral in the United States. And while most supermarket shoppers are familiar with decent alternatives Sabra and Tribe, some people want and deserve the best. Oren’s Hummus Shop in Palo Alto, California, imports many of their organic ingredients from Israel, and their time and attention shows up in both their silky smooth hummus and five-star Yelp results.    

7. Hyannis, MA

Forget the stunning beaches and legendary families that travel here every summer: let’s talk chips. You might have seen or eaten Cape Cod Chips if you have access to a local Whole Foods or up-and-coming bodega. But seriously—why buy one bag when you can eat free ones in a factory, without shame, without judgment? Back in the 80’s, Cape Cod Chips–crispy, salty, and not full of poison—brought “kettle chips” into the mainstream.        

8. Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces might have been rated one of the most boring places to live in America, but who cares: they’ve got nachos. Specifically, nachos covered with smoky-sweet brisket over at the infamous El Patron. That, combined with guacamole, salsa, cheese and homemade tortillas, will make all of your subsequent health problems seem totally worth it.

9. Portland, OR

No comprehensive snack list would be complete without Portland, home to some of America’s best healthy snacks, and yes—chicken wings. While there’s a bevy of socially conscious wing joints to choose from, we recommend Pok Pok, a Thai eatery with awesome, garlicky, fish-saucy wings and absolutely reasonable prices. Win-win, wing-wing.

Destination: Reykjavik, Iceland

Touching down at the Reykjavik airport is a bit like landing on the moon. Windswept volcanic lava flows cover the ground for miles, again covered by snow and ice, or green moss depending on the season. Sky blue water flows from under rocks and steam vents erupt in the distance, showing a hint of the country’s geothermal prowess.

snow-capped mountains

The temperatures are extreme and moon boots (or Uggs) are welcomed, if not completely mandatory for being comfortable in such seemingly inhospitable beauty. Thirty minutes down the road from the airport, one quickly discovers home base to this small nation in the quaint town of Reykjavik.

Colorful rooftops and an eclectic mix of stores, restaurants and bars line the small European style streets.

colorful rooftops

Walking down Bankastræti, the main street in  Reykjavik’s city centre, you’ll find stores selling Icelandic wool sweaters, backpacking gear, beautifully designed kitchen gadgets in a wide range of pastel colors, furniture carved using Scandinavian design principles and kids toys too cute to play with.

balloons

Icelandic meals

The traditional restaurants serve up rotten shark, shots of Cod liver oil and Skyr (a thick and delicious yogurt) while more modern approaches to cuisine feature Michelin star worthy food from around the globe. Down the hill near the water a beer festival takes place, where Viking descendants and plenty of tourists down pints of craft ale from Europe and the United States.

muskat

The drinks are made with novel ingredients and the bread is truly other worldly. Maybe it’s something in the water or something in the air or maybe it’s some secret Viking baker mojo. But if you go, eat the bread.

bread

nice view

For those looking to get a view from above, a helicopter ride over the city and surrounding volcanic mountains is well worth every large penny that it costs. The country’s power grid is completely supported by geothermal activity and from the sky it’s obvious that the land runs deep with energy. Volcanic lava vents cover the ground and steams rises from multiple peaks creating clouds of steam hundreds of feet in the air.

snow on ground

There are also frozen waterfalls of equal height and a clear view of two massive tectonic plates colliding. At first glance the island seems dormant but the longer you spend understanding it, the more it reveals itself as a living and breathing host to its inhabitants. Mid flight it’s mandatory to take a pit stop on one of the active volcanoes to sip a bit of champagne and take a couple #nofilter Instagram pics.

There are plenty of things to do and see during the day but night offers up its own bounty inside and outside of Reykjavik. Iceland is one of the best places to see the northern lights to witness solar clouds passing overhead like illuminated ghosts. People in the city party late into the night, listening to live music and dancing while most outside of the cosmopolitan enclave huddle around warm hearths with a book or a story and a few eager listeners. There are many beautiful lodges outside of town to do so in.

beautiful lodge

For a day trip outside of town it’s great to get out to the coast where the sea collides with rocky cliff sides and oceanic birds soar overhead.

nice day at the beach

There are tales of Viking landings as well as nuggets of volcanic rock on the beach, considered magical as they were blessed by nomadic trolls. One of the rock formations is named after a Viking ship and its not hard to see why.

sunset

There are seemingly few animals as you drive down endless roads but there are horses. And their ability to survive in this harsh ecosphere is apparent by thicker than normal fur and heavy manes. The horses in the barren field to the side stand steadfast in a circle. No shelter other than one another. I can only believe their ability to survive is a testament to thousands of years of genetic selection. Along the road there are farms brimming with activity (although I’m not sure what you can farm in the middle of winter) and plenty of houses that have seen better years, now standing only for photo ops.

house on beach

No trip to Iceland would be complete with at least one stop at one of the world’s most famous wonders (and tourist traps) The Blue Lagoon.

house on the water

Here you can bathe in natural springs heated by volcanic energy. The bottom of the lagoon is coated in silica rock that has healing powers and above the lagoon you can order a fresh juice or glass of champagne from the in-water bar. It’s a bit of scene but it’s also something that has to be seen, as is pretty much everything in this stunning country.

Eat, Drink and Be Arty in San Diego

Despite being one of the 10 largest cities in the country, San Diego has an easy breezy small town feel. Seventeen miles of coastline ring the city, bringing wafting ocean breezes to the collection of diverse neighborhoods that comprise it. Known for its sunshine, surf culture and laidback attitude, San Diego is coming into its own. Whether you have a week or a weekend to explore, we’ve gathered our top picks of must-sees in this sunny, seaside city, whatever your mood.

Get Caffeinated: Swell Café Mission Beach

 

Begin the day sipping coffee by the sea at the Swell Café in Mission Beach. Located a block from the ocean, the sweet smell of coffee mixes tantalizingly with an ocean breeze. The popular spot roasts its own beans while staying conscious of its impact on the environment. You won’t find any Styrofoam here. So, grab a cup “for here” and order from their diverse breakfast menu. From acai bowls to vanilla bean French toast, there is something delicious for everyone from the health-conscious to the less-so.

 

Get Arty: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Downtown

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the architecture of our downtown location this Saturday! Join us for two FREE…

Posted by Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Wednesday, October 14, 2015

 

This offshoot of the larger MCASD space in La Jolla is worth a visit, especially if you’re under 25 (admission is free!). Dedicated to art made after 1950, the space is small and intimate with just a few quiet galleries to explore. Currently on display through February is Robert Irwin’s literally brilliant Light and Space, a room-sized installation of florescent light tubes. You can also interact with Judith Barry’s experiential video installation, Voice Off, an exploration of our interior and exterior voices made manifest at the same time.

 

Get Shopping: Junc Life in South Park

It takes a village to create holiday spirit! Start yours with one of these! #junclife #lifestyle #shopsmall #christmasvillage #gifts #decorations #shoplocal #accessories #southparksd

Posted by JUNC LIFE on Wednesday, December 16, 2015

 

From Downtown San Diego, the cozy and tree-lined enclave of South Park is less than a 10-minute drive away. Meander in and out of a bevy of boutiques, many of which specialize in local and artisanal goods. It’s like a well-curated Instagram account come to life. Junc Life bills itself as a “lifestyle mercantile” and carries new and vintage clothes, accessories, furniture and food. Its offerings are quirky, eclectic and often one-of-a-kind, just like the neighborhood itself.

 

Get Tipsy: Societe Brewing Company in Kearny Mesa

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Photo Courtesy of: Societe Brewing Company

San Diegans love their beer as evidenced by a booming craft brewery scene. More than 100 breweries entice locals and tourists alike to taste their specialties. Brewery-hopping tours have popped up in the last few years, but we suggest heading directly to the tasting room at Societe Brewing Company. Brewed on the premises, four distinct series of beers can be sipped and analyzed in a big open space. Get a bite from one of the food trucks that rotate throughout the week and if you plan to stay a while, grab a board game and play with your new beer-loving friends.

 

Get Down: RoofTop600 in the Gaslamp Quarter

Give yourself a midweek treat with drinks by the Rooftop600 at Andaz fire pit!

Posted by Rooftop600 at Andaz on Wednesday, April 9, 2014

 

Revelers of all kinds are drawn to the Gaslamp Quarter, the heart of San Diego’s booming nightlife scene. Victorian buildings are nestled among skyscrapers and a trolley chugs its way down the main drag. The walkable neighborhood makes bar- or club-hopping eminently doable, even in heels. Head up to RoofTop600 at Andaz. This poolside hotel lounge transforms into a club at night, complete with velvet ropes, fire pits, DJs and bottle service. But if Vegas-level clubbing isn’t your scene, there are plenty of other options all within stumbling distance.

 

 

How to do Vegas for People Who Don’t Do Vegas

We know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but what if you’re the type that wants to remember everything? Maybe you’re the kind of person that wants an unforgettable itinerary instead of one to forget. It’s a common misconception that things to do in Las Vegas are usually reduced to buffets and casinos (and other gambles…). In fact, there’s a side to Las Vegas attractions that might make you a regular in no time.

 

Swim the Pools of the Strip

Encore Beach Club
Photo by: Almc1217 (Own work) under license CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Things to do in Vegas include a lot of options to pamper you like an A-lister. We know Lady Luck isn’t for everyone but poolside scenes rarely disappoint. A variety of designer visions against the desert backdrop will transform your outlook. Take advantage of some the most luxuriant pools in America at your pick of 5-star resorts. Most hotel pools don’t require you to be a guest. Simply get a day pass for a lounger or a cabana and indulge in some well-deserved R&R.

 


Head Back to Nature

Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
Photo by flickr/Bureau of Land Management under license CC BY 2.0

Maybe a few heady days of indulgence will have you feeling like you need the cathartic effects of Mother Nature. Drive 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip for the pleasures of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: almost 200,000 acres of unique geologic formations, wildlife, hiking trails, horseback riding and picnic areas and more. The Mojave Desert landscape is positively ethereal so bring your camera to snap shots that people won’t believe are from your “Vegas trip.”

 


Get Eco-artsy

The Smith Center Las Vegas
Published with permission, photo by: Geri Kodey/The Smith Center

Fancy yourself an eco-traveler? Visit a building. Green enthusiasts and architecture buffs will appreciate a visit to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the only arts center in the nation to earn Gold LEED certification. LEED, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, awards best-in-class, sustainable architecture. These buildings manage resources more effectively, provide healthier environs for occupants and use clean energy. The gorgeous, Neo-Art Deco building is worth a visit for this reason alone but it also offers a variety of entertainment whether your taste is Broadway productions or Lyle Lovett acoustic, cabaret and more.

 


Indulge Your Inner Foodie

CarneVino_4161
Published with permission, photo by: Kelly Campbell

Las Vegas restaurants expend righteous resources to attract some of the best chefs in the world. Don’t miss out on the latest trends in gastronomy and mixology to satisfy your palate with strange and unique dishes, or even just some amazing interpretations on a classic, like pancakes. Start with a breakfast of red velvet pancakes. You’re welcome. A few pool laps later, you know what’s going to hit the right spot? Oxtail croquets. Hiking the long trail? By the time you get back downtown, you’ll be primed for Mario Batali’s world-famous, 240-day aged Riserva ribeye. If you need one last hurrah, then grab a nightcap of liquid nitrogen cocktails. Your pillow will never feel softer.

So you see, while Las Vegas is best known for certain indulgences, it’s a city that lets you define decadence however you wish. Enjoy!

21 Things You Must Do When Visiting Helsinki

Forget Reykjavik, Helsinki is the dreamy Nordic city you need to visit this year. From the culinary scene to the steaming saunas, to the boutique shopping (yes, shopping), Helsinki is booming with activities.

Nestled against the sea, Finland’s capital city offers everything you need for a holiday of adrenaline-filled adventures, luxurious pampering, or a combination of the two. And with Finnair’s stopover program, which lets you stop in Helsinki for up to five days on your way to or from select European and Asian destinations for no additional fee, it’s easier than ever to visit. 

Here are the 21 things to eat, see, and do that should be on your Helsinki itinerary.

21 Things to Do in Helsinki

  1. Sniff, swirl and sip natural wines at Baskeri & Basso.
  2. Explore Helsinki’s Central Park. The mystical forest park stretches across the city from north to south. Pro Tip: If you visit during the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland which is best explored on cross-country skis. Rent a pair at the Paloheinä Recreational Center.
  3. Melt your worries away at Lonna, a traditional Finnish sauna.
  4. Tuck in at night surrounded by modern luxury at Hotel Lilla Roberts.
  5. Love Marimekko? Learn all about Finnish design culture at the Design Museum.
  6. Or make a day out of museum hopping with visits to the Helsinki Art Museum and the Helsinki City Museum
  7. Smell the hops and have a Finnish craft beer at Bryggeri. Whatever brew you order will go well with one of their pretzels. 
  8. Take an icy plunge in a fresh pool at Allas Sea Pool and then warm up with a steamy soak at the floating seap spa. 
  9. Take a 15-minute ferry ride to the islands of Suomenlinna, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress of Suomenlinna.
  10. Indulge in vegetarian comfort food at Yes Yes Yes!.
  11. Slurp the salmon soup at Kauppatori in Market Square. The famous market with a variety of food and craft stalls is also a good place to buy friends and family (or yourself) souvenirs. 
  12. Briefly get out of the city with a day trip to charming Porvoo. Roughly 30 miles from Helsinki, the historic city is known for brilliant red houses, cozy cafes and funky shops. 
  13. Listen to Finland’s emerging artists at Semifinal.
  14. Take a trip back in time at the Tram Museum
  15. Dance the night away at Los Cojones (the place is small but dancing on the table is allowed if not encouraged). 
  16. Spend an afternoon or a day wandering around Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood. From its market square of Hakaniemi to its vintage shops it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from this part of the city.
  17. Stop by the Central Railway Station and marvel at 1919 National Romantic style building.
  18. Surround yourself in Art Nouveau architecture with a walk through the neighborhoods of  Katajanokka, Kruunuhaka or Eira.
  19. Put the pedal to medal cycling around the city by renting a city bike for the day or week. 
  20. Dine at the farm (hydroponic that is). Ultima grows a majority of its ingredients inside its restaurant thanks to an on-site hydroponic farm.
  21. Escape the bustle of the city with a walk around the bay in Töölönlahti park.

Moving Abroad: One of the Scariest, Craziest, and Best Decisions I Ever Made

One day, not unlike any other, I got a call from my husband that would inevitably change our lives forever. There was a job opening for a position in England and he wanted to apply for it. We both thought that it would be an amazing opportunity for us and for our children to try something new and experience a completely different culture. We decided to go for it and let fate decide.

About a week later, he called me and told me that he had been selected for the job. I was equally thrilled and anxious. I’ve always wanted to visit England, but living there would be quite different. We only had three months to prepare for our move and there was so much to do. After we got the big stuff out of the way (passports, visas, and travel plans) I started to feel more excited than anything else. Finally, moving day came and we were on our way. The actual trip over went better than I had imagined. Our infant and toddler rocked the long flights, even with delays and sleep deprivation.

passengers plane blue
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

As we handed our paperwork to the customs officer, it really set in: I live in England. I’m thousands of miles away from everything and everyone I know. We wouldn’t be seeing our families much over the next few years, unless it was on a screen. I suddenly felt displaced and alone. Maybe I would feel better after I got some rest and regained my bearing, I thought.

When the jet lag finally wore off and coffee was enough to pull me out of the haze I was in, I started transitioning to my new life in England. We started looking for a house and a car. There was definitely a bit of culture shock at first. Everything was smaller here. Looking at houses and cars made me panic for a moment. Are we going to find a place that works for us? Are the kids going to be happy? Was moving here the right decision?

Then I realized that I needed to stop comparing everything and just see it for what it is. Things weren’t wrong, they were just different. The second house we looked at was in a small village and had an amazing view of a big potato farm behind it. Unlike the first house we looked at, it wasn’t on a busy,  narrow street. It was also walking distance from my son’s new preschool and a nature preserve. We fell in love with it almost instantly.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

This is an old country, brimming with historical sites and beautiful architecture. However, the layout of the roads is just as old and was designed with horses in mind. I was actually warned upon my arrival to watch out for horses because they’re worth more than my car: no joke. Many roads are barely wide enough for two cars. Parking is scarce so it’s common to see people parked halfway on a curb anywhere along the road. When driving, you have to weave around them, pedestrians, and cyclists while hoping that the drivers coming at you have had enough tea to keep their reflexes sharp. After awhile, it’s become second nature and I’ve honestly wondered if it’ll be just as weird switching back to driving on the right side of the road when I go back to America.

Once we settled in a little, I began to fall in love with England. The skies here are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Breathtaking blue skies and big, fluffy clouds provide the perfect contrast for the bright green, open fields. Every time I look out at the view behind our house, especially at sunset, I feel serene and content.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Of all the places to move abroad, I’m glad I went to England first. There’s a wide variety of accents and, while they use many words and phrases that I’m not used to, it’s still less of a dramatic difference since they speak English. I keep forgetting that I’m the one with the foreign accent now. Most of the locals don’t seem to care at all and almost all of them have been very friendly.

There are castles, cathedrals, Stonehenge, Shakespeare’s home, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace… the list of things to see and do here goes on and on. It’s also just a cheap train ride or a quick flight to many other places in Europe. I love that my kids get to explore these places rather than just reading about them in a book. Also, my son gets the experience of attending British school for the first few years. My daughter is just learning to speak, so it’ll be interesting to see if either of them pick up a British accent.

I miss my family and friends all the time, but I also feel like this is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so glad we went for it. If you’re considering moving abroad, I would tell you to let go of the fear of the unknown and take the leap. You won’t regret it.

Gothenburg: The West Coast Gem of Sweden

ABBA. Ikea. Swedish meatballs. Many of us think we know Sweden, but there’s a whole lot more to this scenic Nordic country than you think. Head to the west coast, where you’ll find Gothenburg: a huge city with endless opportunities for adventure.

Let Nature Heal You in Gothenburg

In Gothenburg, you’ll find a peaceful openness that’s hard to come by elsewhere. Its many parks and gardens are the perfect setting for leisurely strolls and picnics. The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is home to 16,000 species of plants, and its greenhouses have the largest collection of tropical orchids in Sweden.

gothenburg botanical gardens

If you want to enjoy Gothenburg like a local, make your way to Slottsskogen — Gothenburg’s main park. Aside from dreamy views, you might run into elks, Gotland ponies, Gute sheep, and other friendly creatures at their zoo.

Cap it all off with a visit to Jonsered Gardens, which dates back to the 1800s. It’s green as far as the eye can see, and every photo you snap promises to be 100% Instagram-worthy.

Get Active

Gothenburg is a dream come true for cyclists. Regardless of your fitness level, you’ll love biking through the woods, around the lakes, and along the coast. Stunning country roads line Gothenburg’s beaches and fields. People traveling on foot also love the many trails, paths, and city streets.

gothenburg walking trail

Many locals will tell you that Gothenburg is the place to be for rock climbing, too. Take a boat to the island of Hönö for bouldering or visit the cliffs of Utby for the ultimate experience. If you prefer a more controlled environment, they have plenty of indoor rock climbing, too.

Don’t forget that the archipelago (which is made up of over 20 islands!) affords the best opportunities for unforgettable time spent on the water. Grab a paddle and give canoeing, paddleboarding, or kayaking a try, whether you hit the archipelago, the city canals, or the inland lakes.

If you want to try your hand at reeling in the next big catch, Gothenburg is the place to be — with its lobster safaris and fishing tours.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

If you want to kick back and loosen up, Gothenburg has a wide selection of bars to visit. Bar Centro is known for wines made from organically-grown grapes. Somm is another local favorite for dozens of luxurious libations.

You’ll undoubtedly get hungry on your Gothenburg adventure. Start by hitting up some of the city’s most popular breakfast joints. Kafé Magasinet serves sourdough bread from their in-house bakery and freshly ground organic coffee — the makings of a breakfast fit for royalty.

De Matteo is a local coffee shop chain known for their breakfast buffet, carrying bread, cheese, jam, porridge, juice, and coffee.

We’re not drooling. You’re drooling.

Being surrounded by so much water, you can expect the seafood in the city to be unparalleled. Fiskekrogen is where locals go for a delectable seafood platter and fishcakes. If you want a really fancy experience, head to Restaurang vRå, which seats only 40 guests and combines traditional Swedish ingredients with Japanese flavors. The sushi and raw food experience is unlike any other.

Discover More Things to Do

Whether you have kids to entertain or you’re just a big kid yourself, Liseberg (Scandinavia’s biggest amusement park) is a winner. Enjoy its many rides, carousels, and concerts.

Satisfy your inner artist and visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Its Nordic collections date back to the 15th century, and you’re guaranteed to experience countless historic works of art.

Do museums pique your interest? Make your way to Universeum and it’s like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. All under one roof, you can explore a rainforest, enjoy an enormous aquarium, and play witness to its many exotic animals. While it’s certainly family-friendly, any adult can get happily lost here for hours.

No matter what your style is, Gothenburg has something for you. The city’s nightlife is alive and well. Lounge(s) is a local favorite, made up of several rooms and floors, all of which are built to entertain, right up to the rooftop. You’ll never get bored with the club’s variety of decor, music, and bars. It’s like visiting multiple bars without ever needing to leave.

To better immerse yourself in the city’s history, visit Valand. It’s one of Gothenburg’s oldest nightclubs, where people have been cutting loose since the 1900s. Admire the old artwork and dazzling crystal chandeliers.

If you want to step outside the box, Yaki-Da is the place to go. The club is famous for its extravagant coffee bar, which presumably helps keep you awake to hang out on the dance floor longer while taking breaks to enjoy the open-air terrace.

To all nature-lovers, nightclub-goers, foodies, and beyond — Gothenburg will never let you down.

If you want to learn more about the Nordic countries, read our article on Reykjavik, Iceland.

Odes to Everyday Things from Every Continent

In the spirit of Pablo Neruda’s marvelous poetry about ordinary things, we’ve compiled a photo essay spanning the seven continents. Plato taught us long ago, that the “beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” Let’s take a moment to celebrate the design of everyday things.

 


 

Africa: Ostrich Egg

Homes all over South Africa include ostrich eggs in their array of objet d’ -art and it’s easy to see why. Perfected by nature, oversized ovals are a unique surface for artisans to decorate. Enameled, painted, or even untouched, save for a stand, the results are astounding.

 

South Africa ostrich eggs
Photo by: flickr/Redmond licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0


 

Antarctica: Ice

Contemplating the ice of Antarctica is a meditation in white. Something commonly thought of as one color, is in the purity of the Arctic landscape, many, many hues. Behold shades of ghostwhite, floralwhite, ivory, lavenderblush; yes, lavenderblush, all in sheets and bergs of ice.

 

Antarctica ice
Photo by: stocksnap.io/Casey Kiernan licensed under CC0 1.0


 

Asia: Bangles

Among the most beautiful creations in all corners of the Indian subcontinent are stalls of shimmering, fragile, glassy, colorful bangles sold by the dozen. A proper “sleeve” of bangles requires at least three dozen bangles. Since they’re glass, they’re expected to break. Shattering one by one, it’s time for another visit to the bazaar when they’ve all broken away.

 

bangles
Photo by: flickr/Garry Knight licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0


 

Australia: Didgeridoo

Indigenous Australians created this exquisite instrument almost 1500 years ago from hollowed out tree limbs. How does one hollow out tree limbs? Termites do it for you. Decorative motifs vary depending on the provenance of the person making the instrument, and makes for a variety of styles and sounds. Its familiar droning is inextricably linked to the culture and people Down Under.

 

Australia Didgeridoo

 


 

Europe: Tulips

It’s a flower so gorgeous it inspired a frenzy in the 1600s. Legend has it that at the height of their value, certain tulip bulbs commanded prices 10 times the yearly income of a skilled craftsman! To this day, economists use the phrase “tulip mania” when speaking about fluctuations in the intrinsic value of goods in the marketplace.

tulips
Photo by: pixabay under license CC0 1.0


 

North America: Maple Syrup

During early European colonization in northeastern North America, indigenous peoples taught arriving colonists how to harvest sap for survival. Many years later, Civil War abolitionists opted to use maple syrup rather than southern sugar cane. And during WWII, maple syrup was the go-to sweetener in a time of increased rations. This is a flapjack syrup with some serious historical cred.

 

maple syrup
Photo by Unsplash/ Sonja Langford


 

South America: Caipirinhas

The classic libation of Brazil that’s as fun to drink as it is to say: KAI-PE-REEN-YA. A refreshing concoction that goes great with Rio’s hot, hot, hot beaches. You can order them with a variety of fruits like pineapples, grapes or strawberries but we recommend taking it classic: a little lime juice, cachaça (sugar cane hard liquor) and a hint of sugar. Saude!

caipirinha
Cachaca Dave/under license GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0, Wikimedia Commons