Tag Archives: architecture

I Heart Lisbon in One Day

Nestled amid rolling hills and along the Tagus River is Lisbon — the capital city of Portugal, and an ideal travel destination for anyone who enjoys history, art, Mediterranean cuisine, music, unique architecture, and a happy environment. Practically everything about the city is cheerful and bright, from the sunny skies to the friendly residents; and tourists quickly fall in love with their surroundings.

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

There is plenty to keep you busy, but the first thing to do when you wake up in Lisbon is head to a local café and enjoy coffee with a simple breakfast of bread and butter or a tosta (a toasted sandwich of your choice). Few cultures bake bread better than the Portuguese, and the butter will have you salivating for more. Also, for around $3 (or less) how can you go wrong?

Literature lovers may opt to enjoy their morning coffee at Café A Brasileira, which was commonly frequented by writers and artists, including the famous Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa in the early 1900s. This charming spot is one of the oldest and most famous cafés in Lisbon.

iStock.com/Holger Mette
iStock.com/Holger Mette

One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon is meander through the neighborhoods on foot. There is so much to see and walking gives you time to absorb the sites. Plus, walking allows you to see half of the city streets that are connected with stone steps leading up and down the seven hills.

stairs lisbon portugal
Stairs through the Seven Hills in Lisbon neighborhood

Asking for the city center is a vague request, and a few neighborhoods are all considered central. Baixa-Chiado is one that attract droves of tourists for its shopping and proximity to other hotspots. There is also Avenida, known for designer stores and big name hotels, Bairro Alto, which is full of restaurant patrons by day and swarming with party animals at night, and the beautifully eclectic Cais de Sodré, famous for its Pink Street (Rua Cor-de-Rosa), colorful history, and sexually-charged burlesque shows and risque themed clubs.

Chiado Lisbon Portugal
Chiado neighborhood, Lisbon, Portugal

Freckled across these neighborhoods are parks decorated with gardens, statues, and benches, and crowned with lookout points that allow visitors to see across the city. Some have views of the river while others look over the city and toward the Moorish castle of São Jorge. They are the perfect locations for picnics and picture-taking.

castelo de sao jorge
Castelo de São Jorge

Though much of the city will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time, not everything is old and historic. When you need a modern setting, check out Parque das Naçoes, the site of the World Exposition 1998. Here you will find the aquarium, a theater, and plenty of restaurants, all settled along a boardwalk where people run, hang out, and walk their dogs along the river. This is also the location of Oriente train station, where trains connect travelers to other locations across the country.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Belem Tower | Image via Pixabay under license CC0

From Parque das Naçoes, visitors have a close view of the Vasco da Gama bridge, the longest bridge in Europe. South of the city you will find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Both were built in the 16th century and are worth a visit for a glimpse of Portugal’s traditional gothic-themed architecture mixed with the renaissance flair.

jeronimo monastery
Jeronimo Monastery | Image via Pixabay under license CC0

While exploring, you will get hungry, and Lisbon has no shortage of delightful restaurants and cafés to satisfy most palates. Like its history, the Portuguese cuisine is rich in maritime influences. Squid, clams, cod, sardines, mussels, and snails are a few examples of seafood you can find in a Portuguese dish. Other popular dishes include a variety of soups, pork-based sausages, and surf-turf blends.

Do you want to sit outside with friends and hear music? Visit Martim Moniz! The expanse of green lawn is lined with food vendors that reflect cuisine from the mainland as well as Madeira Island and the Azores, and almost always serenaded with concerts reflecting various music styles.

arroz de marisco
Arroz de Marisco (Seafood rice)

When dining in Lisbon, there is usually never a need to pay more than $20 per plate, and budget savvy travelers can eat well at dinner time for under $10. And don’t miss dessert! The residents of Lisbon, known as Lisboetas (pronounced leesh-bow-et-ash), have a sweet tooth; a fact that won’t be missed when looking through the windows of the bakeries and sweet shops. Pasteis de Nata, small custard cakes with egg cream filling, are a must-try that melt on the tongue. You should also sample the variety of cakes, puddings, cookies, creams, fried dough, and truffles available at every street and corner.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Pasteis de Nata | Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Of course, there are times when we feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, and the Lisbon district has the perfect getaway location. Hop on a train from Oriente Station and in under an hour later, you will find yourself in the enchanting, storybook town of Sintra, located in the mountains and with a view of the ocean. Surrounded by forest and dotted with castles, remnants that date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, and lavish gardens, this location will make you feel like you’ve traveled to the world where kings and queens still rule and fairies grant wishes.

Castle in Sintra, Portugal | Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Castle in Sintra, Portugal | Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Take a Roadtrip Through Magical Scotland

All the ingredients for a dreamy getaway are in Scotland. For its size, roughly that of South Carolina, it packs a wallop. There’s history at every turn, bustling modern metropolises, breathtaking open spaces, and so many more treasures.

Don’t try to cramp too many sights into one visit. You could spend a month traveling throughout the country and still feel like there’s more to see. Instead, spend some time savoring Scotland’s biggest city before hitting the open road to explore one of the country’s famous national parks and one of its mystical islands. Fly into Glasgow in the spring or fall for the best weather and get ready for fairytale vacation. Here’s our guide to a Scotland road tip that you could do in a long-weekend or stretch out over the course of a week.

Days 1-3: Start Your Scotland Getaway in Glasgow

Handsome old Victorian buildings, stylish bars, amazing whiskey. It’s no wonder Glasgow made The New York Times “52 Places to Go in 2018” list. Fly into Scotland’s largest city and, depending on the length of your stay, plan to spend two to three days exploring.

glasgow scotland
Glasgow, Scotland

Wander up and down Byres Road, popping in and out of the various boutiques. If museums are your thing, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the West End is not only free but full of more than 8,000 works housed in gorgeous buildings. The stunning architecture will almost make you forget to look at the art. And then there’s the whiskey. It would be hard to visit Scotland without having at least one glass. Take a whiskey walking tour of Glasgow or create one of your own at one of the city’s pubs, almost all of which will have whiskeys from across the country.

Days 3-4: Get Familiar With One of Scotland’s Many Lochs

After a couple of days in the city it’ll be time to get in touch with Scotland’s stunning nature. Roughly an hour from Glasgow lies Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in all of Scotland and together with the Trossachs National Park covers more than 700 square miles.

loch lomand scotland
Two Highland calves chilling out in Loch Archay in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Depending on how in touch with nature you want to get you could spend anywhere from an hour, on one of the shorter trails, to a full day, that even includes a night of camping in the park. If you prefer a nice cozy bed to a tent, stay at the Queen of the Loch Hotel in the Loch Lomond Shores area which is home to many shops and restaurants. For Instagram-worthy snaps of the Loch Lomond area, visit the pier on the loch near the Village of Luss. After marveling at the loch, walk around the village full of adorable stone cottages. If you only do one thing in the area, though, make a tour of the loch on the water; there are kayak rentals and also boat cruises that will take you by the islands within the loch.

Days 4-6: Indulge in Delicious Seafood While Exploring the Isles

After a day or two of Scotland outdoor adventures get back on the road for a 90-minute drive north to Oban. Climb McCaig’s Tower to take in views of the bays and Scottish isles before touring Oban Distillery, which dates back to 1794. They offer several types of tours, including a basic which includes a tour of a distillery, tasting, and an overview of the whiskey making process.

After your tours, indulge in seafood. Oban has a long history as a fishing village and is known as Scotland’s seafood capital. Almost every restaurant will have delicious seafood dishes. Walk up and down the small village (it’s all accessible on foot) and pick the one you want.

McCaig's Tower in Oban, Scotland
McCaig’s Tower in Oban, Scotland

Oban is a great base for exploring the surrounding area and taking in the views of the castles that seem to spring up out of nowhere. After a night in Oban, take a ferry to the Isle of Mull. The Scottish isle is full of history. It’s been inhabited since the Ice Age, there’s plenty of wildlife to see, including whale watching tours, and there are even golf courses and basket willow weaving courses. You’ll leave Scotland already planning you’re next trip back.

 

 

Isle of Mull, Scotland
Isle of Mull, Scotland

*Featured image at top: Carsaig Arches rocks formation captured from inside cave, Isle of Mull, Scotland

7 of the World’s Most Beautiful Theatres

Walking into a theatre is to step into a land of fairytales. For centuries they’ve been places where stories come alive, discoveries are made and dreams come true. So it’s no wonder that the theatres themselves are works of art. From expressionist marvels to open-air masterpieces, here are seven of the world’s most beautiful theatres, all of them sure to inspire.

 

Fox Theatre, United States

The Detroit theatre conjures Gatsby vibes and speakeasy glamour. Not surprising considering the 5,048-seat theatre was built in the 1920s and is the United State’s largest surviving movie palace of that time. The theatre was fully restored in the 1980s which earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it hosts musicals, comedians, singers, and a variety of children’s programs.

detroit theater
Photo: gab482 on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Minack Theatre, United Kingdom

Try not to get so distracted by the views at Minack Theatre that you miss the actual show. Located in Cornwall on England’s southernmost tip, Minack was built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean. It’s a breathtaking setting where the views of the landscape are more than worth the trip to see the landmark.  Because the theatre is open to the elements the theatre season only runs May through September.

minack theater
Minack Theater | Photo: itinerant librarian on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Greece

Step into history at this Greek open-air theatre. Located in the southwest part of the Acropolis, Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the oldest entertainment venues in the world, dating back to at least 174 AD. It was commissioned by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife and the stone theatre structure continues to host acts, mainly musical, to this day.

Odeon of Herodes
Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens | Photo: Tom Doel on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Palau de la Musica Catalana, Spain

Barcelona’s Palau de La Musica Catalana is an art nouveau-styled masterpiece. Stained glass, tiled mosaics, and marble sculptures fill the venue that was built for a Catalan choral society in the early 1900s. In 1997, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. If you go, it’s musical performances you’ll be listening to including symphonies, jazz, and Catalan.

Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana | Photo: Alessandro Gruss on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Teatro Amazonas, Brazil

It look nearly 20 years to complete the Teatro Amazonas in Brazil. The opulent structure had everything from Italian marble to the walls of British steel to the roof tiles and furniture from France shipped to the middle of the rainforest. Inside, Italian painter Domenico de Angelis decorated the Renaissance-style theatre, which is home today to the Amazonas Philharmonic and the annual Amazonas Opera Festival.

amazon theater
Photo: Rob on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

The Winter Garden Theatre, Canada

You’re meant to feel as though you’ve stepped into a garden upon entering The Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto. Flowers, trees and plantings have been handpainted on the walls and beech boughs hang from the ceiling. Originally opened in 1914, the theatre fell into disrepair and was shuttered for decades. The Ontario Heritage Trust restored the property in 1987 and has been a favorite of theatre-goers around the world ever since.

winter garden theater
Photo: Jackman Chiu on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

United Palace Theatre, New York

There’s no shortage of beautiful theatres in Manhattan but the one that often goes unnoticed is United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights. Walk inside and you won’t be able to stop looking at the painted ceiling or the lavish details on the walls. Architect Thomas W. Lamb built it as a movie palace in the 1930s. Today it is part church, part nonprofit cultural center, and part music venue.

In awe of this theatre

A photo posted by Bree Shirvell (@breeshirvell) on

The Most Gorgeous Castles in the World

Everyone’s got their reasons for wanting to travel the world. For someone, it’s to satisfy their hunger and sample some of the best food and beverages different cultures have to offer. For others, it’s to experience utter peace and solitude on some of the globe’s most gorgeous tropical islands. And some want to dive into a world of unique art and architecture in some of the finest museums on the planet. If your bucket list doesn’t include visiting some of the most beautiful castles in the world, feast your eyes on these stunning works of architecture steeped in history, power, and art.

1. Osaka Castle, Japan

castle
Image: Geoff Stearns/Flickr

This is one of the country’s most well-known castles, and it is a symbol of power and fortune. It’s a famous landmark and was crucial to the unification of Japan during the 16th century.

2. Mont Saint Michel, France

beautiful castles across the world
Image: Gilad Rom/Flickr

Located on a rocky island in Normandy, France, Mont Saint Michel is visited by more than three million people every year and is part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.

3. Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

gorgeous castles
Image: christopher_brown/Flickr

Initially built for 4th Earl of Pembroke William Marshal in the first decade of the 30th century, Kilkenny Castle eventually became the residence of the Butler family for nearly 600 years.

4. Peleș Castle, Romania

castle
Image: young shanahan/Flickr

In the town of Sinaia in southern Romania, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, sits what many consider one of the most breathtaking castles in all of Europe. Peles Castle is a result of German new-Renaissance architecture.

5. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

castle
Image: Kevin Poh/Flickr

Located in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is one of the most desirable tourist destinations in all of Europe. It was built by King Ludwig II, who was also known as the Fairytale King, and was even the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

6. Castle of Chambord, France

French castle
Image: Daniel Jolivet/Flickr

Chambord — chateau, park, and village — was once a retreat for the kings of France. The castle has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 13 staircases. Even Leonardo da Vinci couldn’t resist it: The artist paid a visit and added his own touch.

 

7. Windsor Castle, England

Windsor Castle
Image: jogep/Flickr

Windsor Castle has been housing British royalty for over 1,000 years, and it’s not only the oldest but also the largest occupied castle in the entire world.

 

*Featured Image: Bled Castle, Slovenia