"Good Morning Baltimore!"

Much to my disappointment, I only had a half day in Baltimore. The weather was just not cooperating! The morning was misty, damp and cloudy, but I still had a wonderful time. Since my time was short I chose to focus on just the Inner Harbor area. There's a lot more to the city of Baltimore, but the Inner Harbor is the hip tourist district.

Cost Saver's Tip: DON'T PARK ON THE PIER. It was horribly expensive. I parked on pier 5 because I was close to the attractions and would save me time! But it cost me $24 for just 3.5hrs of parking!

Any way, on Pier 5 is the Seven-Foot Knoll Lighthouse, along with some of the high-end dining establishments. 

But just before this I had an amazing thing happen to me. I stopped for coffee and the barista offered me an umbrella to use! It was a wonderful #RandomActofKindness and really made my day! Check it out! 

It has cats in it! 😸😽😻 which I'm allergic to 😷 so it was rather ironic. 😏

After the lighthouse, I went to cross the bridge towards pier 4 and came across the USCGC (United States Coast Gaurs Cutter) Taney. As I've perviously said, my Grandfather and my Dad were both in the Coast Guard so I always love to see tributes and memorials to them. 

Next it was on to pier 4! My main point of interest was the National Aquarium, but it didn't open for another 30 minutes (10am) so I went and explored the rest of that pier. There's several shops and restaurants, so if you're planning for lunch down there don't worry! Plenty of variety. I very much liked the look of their Barnes and Noble store. It was a beautifully renovated factory! 

Disneyland!

So the question on everyone's mind: How did I enjoy my first trip to Disneyland?! Answer: It was AMAZING!

What an experience?! And that right there is the difference between WDW and Dland. WDW is a destination, but Dland is an experience. That's why over 50% of guests at Dland are Annual Passholders. They are local and coming here is something they like to do as often as possible!

So you want to know my ratings? Well I'm not a Disney Blogger, but I will give you my top 5.

#5. The Monorail:

Due to a tragic accident in 2009, guests are no longer allowed to ride in the front cabin of WDW monorails. However, since Dland only has 1 track and no more than 2 trains at one time they still allow guests to the front. WHAT A VIEW?! The loop takes you from Tomorrowland over through California Adventure and The Grand Californian Resort to Downtown Disney and back again. Plus in the front you can have an amazing chat with the pilot.

#4. California Screamin':

This is not your average Disney coaster! Loops and barrel rolls have it living up to it's name and the soundtrack is killer too. We road it about half a dozen times and never waited more than 20minutes. It was a holiday weekend, so I found that to be amazing as well!

#3. FOOD!!!!:

All the food! It was so good. I didn't have a bad bite the whole trip. I wish WDW would get some of these restaurants over here. For Table Service we dined at Golden Vine Winery and Carnation Cafe. For quick service... Well I ate a lot, but my 2 favorites were Pizza Port (huge portions!) and The Cozy Cone Motel (everything is served in a cone!).

My chili CONE queso

My "not bad" face when trying a PB&J drink at Carnation Cafe.

#2. Street-mospher:

This is all the extra-magical shows you sometimes stumble upon at a Disney park. I've always loved these, but they can be hard to find at WDW. But not in Disneyland! We saw so many and I just loved them. In Fantasyland we saw The Pearl Button Band. At New Orlean's Square we stumbled upon The Bootstrap Band. On Main Street there was a Fire House band, and tons more we didn't get to see. Entertainment quality is high in these parks. I really recommend seeing as many shows as you can!

And finally-

#1. World of Color:

Wow, just wow. I cried, not even going to try and cover that up. The first time we saw it we got fast passes... Kinda a huge waste. I couldn't see anything behind these 6foot guys. The 2nd time we spent the best $30 of my life for a dining package. We bought lunch at Golden Vine Winery and it came with reserved viewing area. Guys, I was on the railing! By the time the show was over my hair looked like I'd just come out of the shower! My world was rocked. I can't say enough good things, but go and see it! It will change your life.

So did I have a good time? It's Disney, how could I not?! But it was an exceptional trip. I can't wait to go back again and experience the magic.

Honorable mentions to my list:

Disneyland Cast Members! They were phenomenal. Every interaction was one of the best I've had with a cast member to date. WDW could take some pointers from them!

Trader Sam's- it's a bar at The Disneyland Hotel. Something happens every time you order a signature drink from the menu. Go and enjoy the show!

Until next time, fellow travelers!

~Greet

'Tis The Season

Christmas is a time of the year that always leaves me longing for my German lifestyle. It brings back all those amazing experiences that you can only find in a small village during the holidays. So in honor of my bout of homesickness I bring you a list of the top Christmas Markets in Germany.

Nuremberg: With the majestic Alps to the south and the medieval Imperial Castle perched proudly at the top of the Old Town hill, Nuremberg is a spectacular back drop for one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. The Kinderweihnacht, or Children's Market, provides plenty of family fun, featuring an old-fashioned carousel, Ferris wheel, steam train and Nativity scene trail. Over 180 traditional stalls, blanketed in red and white cloth, ensure that this extremely popular market remains authentic. Modern and mass-produced goods are strictly prohibited and officials police the stalls to ensure that the vendors are offering the visitors hand-crafted wares in keeping with the tradition of the market. Favourite food delights at the market include the Nuremberg “plum people” (small figures made from prunes), spicy gingerbread, sweets and Nuremberg sausages.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Home to the Christmas Museum, Rothenburg is a magical place to spend the festive season. Surrounded by imposing town walls, steep-roofed gable houses line narrow cobbled streets, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. Although some dislike the Disney-esque nature of the city, its unspoiled beauty is irrefutable. The Reiterlesmarkt is held on a medieval stage and Rothenburg is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Unlike cosmopolitan Berlin and Cologne, Rothenburg has an entirely different feel, with smaller markets and a more intimate setting. Christmas pastries, white mulled wine and bratwurst can all be bought. Rothenburg's Schneeball (snow ball) is a must-try for those with a sweet-tooth, made from strips of sweet fried dough covered in powdered chocolate or sugar. The market gets its unusual name from the legend of the Rothenburg rider. Once believed to float through the skies with the souls of the dead during winter, the wild horseman has evolved into a friendly messenger and a bringer of luck.

Munich

The gothic town hall that flanks the wooden huts of the Marienplatz creates a spectacular setting for the Christmas market. Selling predominantly Bavarian produce, unique Christmas gifts and delectable treats can be found here. Concerts are played daily and you can look down on the sights of the market, well away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, from the balconies of the spectacular town hall. The Kripperlmarkt is just a short walk away and specialises in all things Nativity. For something completely different, the Tollwood Market is an urban cultural festival offering a diverse range of international music, drama and cuisine. With over 20 different markets in Munich, there is something for everyone; from a medieval market with gospel choir, to the gay-friendly Pink Christmas Market, where wares are sold from pink and purple pagodas with added cabarets and shows.

Berlin: The city's main market is held beneath the spectacularly poignant Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church), making Berlin a great destination for a unique Christmas market experience. This historic and cosmopolitan city has something for everyone with over 60 markets scattered around the centre. The Gendarmenmarkt is hosted in one of the city's most beautiful squares and boasts culinary temptations from some of the country's top chefs as well as a festoon of entertainment including: jugglers, acrobats, fire artists, choirs, dance groups and music ensembles. A 30 minute walk away is Potsdamer Platz Market, which promises a more modern and adventurous event featuring Europe's largest mobile toboggan run. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Market pledges that you can find a present for everyone among the traditional wooden huts; all while nursing your hot cocoa and nibbling on roasted almonds. The Spandau Market celebrates Advent with a Nativity scene featuring live animals. Across the city, the Lucia Christmas Market is Nordic-Scandinavian themed, offering a romantic and intimate atmosphere. If it's nostalgia and tradition that you're looking for, the Staatsoper and Opernpalais Market is for you. From here you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old centre of Berlin.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is an excellent spot for those looking for a hint of nostalgia. Heralded as one of the most beautiful markets in Europe, the main Stuttgart market is held beneath the stunning Old Palace. Inside the palace the festivities continue as you meander through the stalls of the Renaissance inner courtyard, the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling the air. Stuttgart is a fantastic destination, providing easy access to other must-see markets. Only 20km away are the famous Ludwigsburg (north) and Esslingen (south-east) Christmas markets. In Esslingen you can see high-wire artists, fairytale stilt walkers, fire-eaters, minstrels, and acrobats tumbling around the streets in wheels of flame. This medieval market provides an unusual atmosphere with unmissable attractions including the Land of Dwarfs, archery and medieval arts and crafts.
Ludwigsburg is held in the baroque market square and promises visitors romance and history. The spectacular Ludwigsburg palace is the backdrop to this beautiful and spirited market.

Dresden

With accounts dating back to 1434, Dresden's Christmas Market, traditionally known as Striezelmarkt, is the oldest in Germany. With the backdrop of the River Elbe, Dresden is annually turned into a Winter Wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights: romantic, festive and charming. The Striezelmarkt boasts both the world's tallest Nutcracker, and the world's tallest Christmas pyramid. Smoking figures, Herrenhut Advent stars and Dresden's traditional Pflaumentoffel, a chimney-sweep crafted from dried prunes, can all be bought here. Peruse the stalls and watch the traditional glass-blowers, carvers and bakers practice their crafts.
The highlight of the market is the Stollen Festival on the second Saturday in Advent. Held on 8 December in 2012, a giant stollen cake will be processed through the streets, ceremoniously cut and distributed among the crowd for a small fee (the proceeds go to charity). There are numerous other markets of note to be found around the city including those held in the stable yards at Residenzschloss, the famous Frauenkirche Market and the intimate market held in Loschwitz.

This one is a little different: Schloss Guteneck 

Hosted in the grounds of the beautiful Castle Guteneck, this medieval market plays host to the Middle Ages. Fanfares, processions, minstrels, clowns and jugglers can all be seen roaming through the stalls. Although the fair is only held on weekends throughout December, it offers something different every day, from falconry to fire-dancing. The evening's events revolve around the various Advent celebrations, along with live Nativity scenes. A variety of music can be enjoyed throughout the festivities, including baroque flautists, choirs, brass bands and concerts in the barn. The aroma of mulled wine and flame roasted-almonds scents the air, while fried doughnuts and Langosch are the fair's more unique culinary choices.

Finally, my FAVORITE-

Cologne: Cologne is host to a number of Christmas markets throughout the run-up to Christmas. The most famous of these is held in the shadow of the Cologne Cathedral, the largest in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With the imposing Gothic backdrop and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhine, the 'Am Dom' Market offers over 160 stalls selling the traditional Yuletide wares and their famous Glühwein (mulled wine). Traditional music fills the air, providing the perfect atmosphere for Christmas shopping. For children, the Alter Markt is the place to go, with a Santa's grotto, puppet theatre and stands filled with toys. The Rudolfplatz will transport children both big and small to the world of the brothers Grimm, with fairytale figures and festive illuminations.

Lost but not forgotten

My title says it all today. I have been very lost lately, in work and career advancement. I have not taken the time to focus on my passion for travel and for sharing my passion with you, my readers. I'm hoping to change that. I'm trying my hardest to find a balance of work and personal time. This is a challenge everyone must face at some point in their careers, I'm just lucky enough that my passion for travel bridges my work and my personal loves.

But as I said, you are not forgotten! I recently was able to touch base with one of my great travel companions who will be visiting my this November and she reminded me of something I've been meaning to share with you all. She is my ticket to affordable travel!

Now how is that possible? Ever heard of a Buddy Pass?

A buddy pass is a coupon that is exchanged for an open seat on an airplane. When using a buddy pass, one doesn't pay for the actual flight, but pays for taxes and fees. Passengers using buddy passes are non-revenue, standby passengers who get the last open seats on flights after revenue passengers and airlines allocate buddy passes to employees that they can give to friends and relatives.

If you ever have the opportunity to travel this way, TAKE IT!!!! Often times these open seats are in first class! That's how I got to experience the luxury of Delta's First Class. It's been hard to go back to coach, but I really have NO money so I simple must.

This is why I have founded my new goal in life: Marry A Pilot!
Just kidding, but if he's dreamy then maybe I'm not ;)

Safe Travels, Friends! 

All Aboard!

Many a rail did I ride in my times overseas, but here in the US it's a bit different. I've been missing my train hopping days, especially after master the day trips during my recent Italy experience. So I've been researching some exciting Train-focused adventures to share with everyone. Oh boy have I found a few! My bucket list is growing by the minute.

1. The Classic- The Trans-Siberian Railway
       On this amazing trip you will pass through eight distinct time zones, and travel over 6,000 miles – one third of the way around the world! The best option is with the golden eaglel uxury trains, but the price is pretty high. Although you have to consider just how big of an experience this truly is!

2. The Palace on Wheels
       India’s original luxury train. Every Wednesday, the Palace on Wheels sets off for her seven day journey from Delhi to Delhi. The train visits Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambhore, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and finally Agra, before heading back to Delhi. The Palace on Wheels travels by night, whilst its guests are sleeping on board in private luxury cabins. During the day, the Palace on Wheels is parked at the station as its guests explore the ancient Rajasthani forts, crumbling ruins and exquisite palaces. SO COOL!!!!
3. Rovos Rail
      This multiply journey company has earned a reputation for world class rail travel and offer a variety of enticing itineraries that will take you though the heart of the African bush to a time when the journey was just as important as the end destination. A few of their highlighted trips are:
                        
                                                 The Pretoria to Cape Town itinerary
These 48 hour journeys are a wonderful addition to a luxury South Africa safari.  Covering a distance of 1600 kilometres, you will see why South Africa is often referred to as the “world in one country”.  You will travel through the golden grasslands of the Highveld, to the starkly beautiful semi desert region of the Great Karoo before trundling through the fertile and lush valleys of the Cape Winelands – finally ending your journey in the vibrant city of Cape Town, nestled beneath the imposing mass of Table Mountain.  Highlights of this trip include a visit to the historical town of Matjiesfontein and a stop at Kimberly to visit the Big Hole.
                                                    A luxury Durban rail itinerary
This luxury rail journey between Pretoria and Durban takes place during the summer months and includes game drives in two exclusive private safari reserves.  The journey starts in Pretoria and meanders its way through the grasslands of the Highveld region and the scenically spectacular escarpment between Belfast and Waterval Onder before stopping at Malelane (on the border of the Kruger National Park).  The journey then continues onwards towards Swaziland where you can enjoy an afternoon game drive at Mkhaya Game Reserve.  You will then travel on an overnight journey to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve where you will stop for an amazing safari where you will the endangered white and black rhino and a variety of other species.  The last stretch of the journey takes you into KwaZulu Natal – arriving in Durban in the afternoon.

4. The Wine Train.
      Watch the sunset from their elegantly restored, vintage Pullman cars as you pass through wine country. This train travels through some of the most famous vineyards in the world and gives you an unobstructed view of the golden, Napa Valley sunset. Dine in elevated style in the Vista Dome Car, or chose a more traditional rail dining experience with a Gourmet Express Package.

5.  Hiram Bingham Train.
      Totally just made my Bucket List! This train has it all. Cocktail and traditional dances at the greeting, guides roaming the train, 2 hour tours of the Ruins... SIGN ME UP! I've already texted my friend, we are so going to experience this first hand some day.

Italy: June 2013

Well I'm back, safe and sound! What an amazing experience this trip was?! It was so great to see Patricia, she actually screamed when she saw me and cried- of course. She is truly a great friend and I'm so glad I had this opportunity. And to see the wedding- WOW! So interesting and beautiful. Lari was everything the pictures promised and more. So here's how it all went:

The flights on Tuesday to Wednesday were smooth sailing and we landing only 15minutes behind schedule. We hopped a taxi and headed straight to the apartment, which turned out to be a real gem! The place wasn't glamorous or even very large, but it fit our needs just find and really forced us to become familiar with the bus system. That was great, we felt like locals by the 2nd day.
After settling, unpacking and taking a short nap we hit the town. The leaning tower is so... white and clean. The area around it was amazing as well. Holly bought some art and we wondered down some winding streets to find a little restaurant. It was a great day and on the way home we stop by the grocery store!
Now I know what you're thinking- "What's so exciting about a grocery store?" but that is one of my favorite things to see in a foreign country. It really let's you see how they live, what they eat. For example, they have huge butcher section since most people buy fresh cut meats- not frozen. And the deli section? So many types of Salami that I've never even heard of! It's really amazing to me.

The 2nd day was our trip to Rome and while the city may not have been built in one day, we did a pretty good job of conquoring it in that short amount of time! We stuck to the route I had already planned- see the previous post about planning excursions- but we ended up doing it in reverse. We had heard that the Colosseum would get busier as the day went on so we decided to hit that first. Then it was off to the Pantheon and Campo dei Fiori. Another traveler told us we couldn't miss the Forum and it was right next to the Pantheon so it wasn't like it was out of the way. Then the day ended with brief stops at the Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain. Here's my piece of art-

On Friday, the day before the wedding we went on this big adventure of Public Transit to visit Lari. The Bride and Groom had some tours planned for their guests and we didn't want to miss the experience! Still we were almost out 40Euros because we didn't know we needed to validate our train tickets.* Then we waited several minutes for our Bus connection and I thought Holly was going to have a heartattack on the bus from the narrow roads and Italian drivers! However, once we got there it was the most amazing day! The countryside views from the village are some of the most breathtaking we saw.
*Italy sells two types of train tickets- Instant and Commuter. This is an awesome option for its locals, however for travelers it can be confusing. An Instant ticket must be use for the exact train it was sold for or it is no longer vaild, where a Commuter ticket can be sold for a destination but can be used at any time within 30 days. Once you have decided to use that ticket it must be punched and validated... we did NOT know this last bit.
Once we were there, Patricia and Semir had 3 tours and a meal planned out for us. It was really considerate of them to plan these outings for their guests! We toured the local Butcher shop, Italy's smallest pasta factory, and an All-Orangic Vineyard- where they still cut every vine by hand!!!! It was really fantastic and it all tied back together with the wedding, because they were using items from each location.

Saturday was the day of the wedding and we rented a car. Italian driving is something I am familiar with from last summer so I was well prepared, poor Holly was not. Still our little Fiat 500 handled those little roads just fine! We reached the wedding and enjoyed a beautiful evening of Italian and German hospitality. It was the highlight of the trip.

Still with all the beauty of Lari, I think Florence turned out to be our hidden gem on this adventure! We could have easily spend another 3 days there. All the museums and piazzas! It was spectacular and the day flew by. My favorite part was the view from the lounge at the top of the Continental Hotel- a tip we received from a fellow traveler. It has a nearly 360 degree view of Florence! I also recommend the mojito. ;)

All in all it was a wonderful trip. I had the opportunity to travel with a good friend and the blessing to visit another. PLUS! The Vatican puts me one country closer to my goal: 30 before 30. Only 8 more to go! I'm thinking Greece, Croatia, and Turkey might be next. Then Australia and New Zealand, which would leave China, Japan, and Cambodia for my 30th birthday! I'm liking the sound of that.

Happy Travels my friends!
~Greet

The Finale of Alice's Adventure

Prague- Walking tour of the city and The Lennon Wall.

This piece of wall is the only that it is completely legal to graffiti in the city.

Copenhagen- This was a city for wandering! Obviously, find your way to the docks and snap a pic with The Little Mermaid... and all those random elephant statues they have there. I also highly recommend Tivoli Gardens. This was the most influential theme park Walt Disney visited in his trips around the world. He considered it a huge inspiration for his Disneyland, in California.

Not exactly what you get in the movie.

Edinburgh- My favorite city in the WORLD!!!! While the walking tour here is amazing, what I highly suggest is the HAUNTED walking tour. I also suggest hiking up Arthur's Seat, the view is well worth the walk!

This natural wonder takes you high about the city, allowing you to spy down on the Royals if they're in town!

Zurich- Most of Zurich's sights are located within the area on either side of the Limmat river, between the Main railway station and Lake Zurich. The churches and houses of the old town are clustered here, as are the most expensive shops along the famous Bahnhofstrasse. The Lindenhof in the old town is the historical site of the Roman castle, and the later Carolingian Imperial Palace.

Luxembourg- Places of interest include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame, the fortifications, the Grand Ducal Palace, the Gëlle Fra war memorial, the casemates, the Neumünster Abbey, the Place d'Armes, the Adolphe Bridge and the city hall. I think top on my list would be the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, because I'm so patriotic.

Budapest- I have not yet had the pleasure of exploring this city, but a good friend told me that it took her breath away- even in the dead of winter. I highly recommend getting a little lost in this one! Take a walk in the evenings down the great Danube and stop in a street side cafe. Explore the culture and visit Castle Hill, the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings.

Istanbul- Don't miss the Silahtarağa Power Station, now the art museum SantralIstanbul. Then hit the shops! Istanbul has numerous shopping centers, from the historic to the modern. The Grand Bazaar, in operation since 1461, is among the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

Alice's Adventure Continues!

Pisa- Go ahead, take the silly picture! You know you want to and besides, everyone else is. It's OK to be cliche every once in a while. Now get out of my way, we're in Wine Country!!! I know I'm excited to see it all for myself this month.

Venice- Everyone scrambles to pay a fortune for a brief ride in one of those gonadals, but I say forget 'em! I had the best of times simply strolling along the many streets and dipping into the shops. You have to try Carpaccio! I thought it was going to be gross, but I loved it. 

Rome- "When in Rome..." you've got two options: Cliche or Once-In-A-Lifetime! Since Sandman Tours doesn't extend into Italy you probably thought you were off the hook for a walking tour, right? Think again! Be prepared for a taste explosion on this unique style of tour: Eating Italy. Are you brave? Do you have a death wish? Rent a scooter and do as the Romans do... run red lights!

Florence- Great places to walk include along the Arno and across any of its bridges; through narrow, medieval back streets in the Santa Croce area; and in the Oltr'Arno - on the south side of the river, in many ways like Rome's Trastevere or Paris's Left Bank - but far, far smaller. There are also superb shopping streets, such as the Via Tornabuoni, the Via del Parione, and the Via Maggio.

Milan- what makes Milan interesting compared to other places is that the city is truly more about the lifestyle of enjoying worldly pleasures: a paradise for shopping, football, opera, and nightlife. Milan remains the marketplace for Italian fashion. Must See's:
         the Duomo, one of the biggest and grandest Gothic cathedrals in the world
         La Scala, one of the best established opera houses in the globe
         the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an ancient and glamorous arcaded shopping gallery
         the Brera art gallery, with some of the finest artistic works in Europe,
         the Pirelli tower, a majestic example of 1960s modernist Italian architecture
         the San Siro, a huge and famed stadium
         the Castello Sforzesco, a grand medieval castle
... Sorry, that was way more than 2 things!

Dubrovnik- Croatia is Top on my bucket list currently. I read an article in Food & Wine that Croatia was producing the best wine in the world in 2012. So 1st thing to do: DRINK WINE! Walk on the walls around the old town, great views. It is highly recommended to visit the walls during the early morning hours or the late afternoon hours during mid-summer months as it can become hot.

Athens- Mythology is a passion of mine and no one tells a story like the Greeks. If you're there during the summer attend an event at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. It runs during the summer and offers a wide spectrum of events covering almost every taste. Try to attend a performance at the ancient theater of Epidaurus -a truly unforgettable experience. See the Parthenon before it crumbles.

Vienna- There are 21 marketswith stands and small characteristically Viennese hut-like shops that are open daily (except Sunday). Additionally many of these have true farmers' markets, often on Saturday mornings. There is a large variety of sellers and markets, from the upscale to the dirt cheap. You have to try some Schnitzel!

Munich- Guess what?! We've back in Sandeman land! Which means awesome walking tours for FREE. Get excited people. The tour begins on Marienplatz (Mary’s square) at 10:45am and 1pm every day in all weather. Have a beer! The Hofbräuhaus may be the most famous (and certainly the most touristy) beer hall, but there are countless more beautiful beer halls scattered throughout the city.

Berlin- This is a big city, so you might be VERY tired after the 3.5hour tour. Still, it's worth it: The start point for this tour is in East Berlin at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the Brandenburg Gate, in front of Starbucks. (S/U-Bahn Brandenburger Tor). If that's too much, then grab one of those hop on and off buses. You can cover a lot of ground on those without exhausting yourself too much. You can't come to Germany without trying Döner, it is a flat bread, filled with Lamb or chicken meat and vegetables,you can get it at many Turkish stands.

Frankfurt- I'm completely biased since I lived here for 8 months. I love the city, it's a beautiful blend of modern and historical. The Rhomer is in the heart of the city and you should see it, but my must-sees will take you out to the far sides of the city. The Palmengarten is one of my favorite hideaways in the city. It's acres and acres of beautiful gardens. A relaxing way to pass the afternoon. Then grab a traditional bite: Currywurst at my favorite little dive- Culux. It's about a block and a half north on Oeder Weg from the Ubahn station Eschenheimer Tor.

Alice's Adventure

I've been working on this post for a while now, so enjoy it!
My friend Alice has been planning a big backpacking trip for Europe this summer. Since she reads this blog pretty often she's agreed to let me post her travel destination agenda. And I am going to list my top two suggestions of Must Dos in each city. This is a big trip, so it's going to be over the course of 3 blog posts! I mean the girl is going to 25 cities. It takes a lot of planning to utilize all her time wisely.

Amsterdam-Take a walk and grab a bite! Now you can take the free walking tour, of course but I highly suggest paying the 12Euros for the red light district tour. The cafe is Kriterion, a canteen for & completely run by students… a kind of co-op social program commune. I'm not normally into hippies, but the food was great!

Brussels- what first comes to mind? BEER!!!! Of course! But there's more to this lovely city than a good pint. Ascend to the top if the Atomium, a beautiful sculpture that reaches into the sky. Take a stroll through Old Town, especially the Grand Place.

Paris- I really don't care for this city... it's dirty and over-run with tourists, but it's a must-see for any traveler. I suggest paying the well-spent 12euros and touring the montmartre district, better known as the Hill. The tour takes you from the Red light, all the way to the Basilica Sacré Coeur and back. The 2nd is visiting Notre Dame. I regret not climbing to the top... I'll go back some day.

The true main character of Victor Hugo's book was the Cathedral.

Nice- The Nice pedestrian zone, or "zone pietonne," is a hub of activity. This is the place if you need to load up on souvenirs. Street entertainers frequent this area. There are gourmet shops, clothing shops, news stands, bookstores and more. Nice Archaeology Museum and Roman Ruins is an amazing place as well. 

Lisbon- The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a sight to see.  Treasures from the East and the West collected by one man is now one of the world's finest private art collections. It includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and René Lalique. St. George's Castle- From the millennium-old battlements of this castle you have a bird's-eye view of the city in the company of roaming peacocks. Inside is a small archaeological museum and down the hill are a couple of terraces with perfect postcard views over Alfama, the city's medieval village-like neighborhood.

Barcelona- Stroll on La Rambla, but watch your pockets! If you are in great shape, take a bike tour- the hills are a killer, but you get to see so much!
Madrid

Humbling the soul

You hear it all the time, "Travel broadens the mind". But what else does it do? Well for me, travel expanded my friend circle. I know feel an instant bond with those from other countries or people who share my love of adventure. If a discussion with me has lasted more than 20 minutes, then we must be talking about travel! However, recently I've realized a negative effect of travel on my personality.
In the last two weeks I have come in contact with two very nice women who have traveled more than me... which is not something I'm use to. We've began to swap stories and experience and I found myself filled with at evil green beast called jealousy! I couldn't believe it. Here I am, feeling story-topped and insignificant when I should be completely excited about finding people who share my passion. It has made me stop and realise that I have so much more to see and do in this world.
Travel should do more that broaden the mind, it should humble the soul. Travel should be a gateway to experiences and friendships. Travel should be only the start to an adventure. I vow to travel more, learn more, and share more. I hope you do the same.
~Greet

Travel Bucket List

My parents have raised me with the belief that setting goals is the best way to measure personal growth. So I've developed multiple lists over time of places I want to go and events I dream of witnessing. Here are my current 10 tens!

Places I Will Go
1. Greece
2. Croatia
3. Cambodia
4. Peru
5. New Zealand
6. Australia
7. Japan
8. China
9. Egypt
10. Morocco

Events To Experience
1. The Floating Lantern Festival in Taiwan
2. Carnival in Venice
3. Taste of Chicago
4. Burning Man in Nevada
5. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
6. La Tomatina, Spain
7.  New York Film Festival
8. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival, Scotland
9. Sandfest, Port Aransas, Texas
10. Obon Fesitval, Japan
I'd also like to go to the Olympics, but not in Brazil so I have to wait another 8 years!

So... where would you like to go?