All posts tagged: Travel

Must Do’s: Mostar and Kravice Falls (Bosnia & Hercegovina)

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Mostar is my favorite place to visit in Bosnia, partly because of the astonishing scenery. The city is stunning in its own beauty and can easily be compared to a fairy tale setting. I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 things to do and see in Old Town, Mostar. I have been to all of these places and have enjoyed them immensely. Another thing about this charming city is that there is always something new and exciting to see and amazing people to meet. Mostar: To See 1. The Old Bridge (Stari Most) The Old Bridge (Stari Most) is one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks and a fantastic piece of Islamic architecture in the Balkan region. Sadly many memories of this Ottoman bridge stem from November 1993 when the Croatian forces bombarded the bridge. The bridge collapsed into the river. Thanks to the UN, the World Bank, UNESCO and several European countries including Croatia and Turkey, the bridge was rebuilt to its former glory. The original Stari Most was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent …

Traveling With Kids Under 2

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The idea of traveling with an infant or toddler can be daunting. Tons of questions crossed our minds when we first traveled with Kyla, our now 2.5 year girl. How much do I need to pack? Should I bring a stroller? What about a car seat? What if my baby becomes that baby who cries on the airplane? How do I entertain my child? Do I need to purchase a ticket for my baby/toddler? We’ve traveled to 15 U.S. states, 1 international trip (Canada) and a total of 19 one-way plane rides, 1 amtrak train ride, and a lot of road trips with our little girl. We’ve encountered tears, bloody ears, and life to our years during our trips. Here I will summarize lessons I learned during our airplane travels with our babe. For most domestic airlines, a child under 2 years old can travel for free as a “lap child” while accompanied by an adult. You will still need to call the airline ahead of time to reserve a lap child ticket. Bring a …

Metropolitan Museum of Art: China Through the Looking Glass

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Every year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Costume Insitute put on a costume exhibition.  The theme this year is China Through the Looking Glass.  It is a fascinating and vibrant look at China culture and its influence on cinema, fashion, art, and the western world.  The exhibit also has videos of historical and current fashion trends.  It is a spectacle for the senses and a feast for the eyes. The video below from the Metropolitan Museum of Art posted by the World Fashion YouTube channel is a 7 minute overview of the exhibition with fascinating insight. On a sunny Friday morning, I visited the exhibition.  Aside from the stylish clothes, the way in which the fashion is exhibited on a fake lake, in a mock up of a house, and against video tunnels is spectacular.  The exhibition has extended until September 7, 2015.  I highly advise going on a weekday or very early on a weekend as it gets crowded quickly. The exhibition description from the Met: This exhibition explores the impact of Chinese aesthetics …

Bugs: A Hidden Sushi Gem In Its Last Week

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New York is transient by nature with people coming and going at all times.  Some people and moments can leave an impact and a lasting impression.  Bugs, a Japanese sushi restaurant that can seat 15 people located in the East Village, is one of those lasting impressions.  I first met Osaka-born Chef Sho Boo in 2013 when she opened her tiny restaurant that can often be described as a hole in the wall.  This is another connotation for a hidden gem and accurately describes this chef and her restaurant. Coming to Bugs feels like you are coming to Chef Sho Boo’s kitchen where she labors away with an assistant in a makeshift kitchen that comprises of two electric burners, a microwave, a toaster oven, and a rice cooker.  Chef Boo, her assistant, and a waitress work together to put on a meal worthy of any noted sushi restaurant in NYC.  Unfortunately, Chef Boo did some soul searching after the death of her mother this year and decided to travel the world volunteering and learning new …

Airline Review: Japan Airlines Premium Economy

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As one of the founders for Orphans’ Futures Alliance, I take several trips each  year to Asia to oversee operations and meet our partner orphanages and government contacts.  I normally dread the 17+ flight from Boston.  In recent years, I have found an affordable option to make these trips less painful and more enjoyable.  Japan Airlines (JAL)) introduced their “Premium Economy” a few years ago and I have become an ardent fan. Disclaimer:  The author paid for the upgrade to premium economy at her own expense.  Value:  Above Average Japan Airlines offers larger Premium Economy seats, above average service, and amazing lounge access for a great value.  The ticket is $200-400 round trip for the upgrade from economy and is cheaper than other airlines. Seat:  Above Average Japan Airlines Premium Economy has “fully recline” seats with much bigger space and leg room.  The plane is divided into first class, business, premium economy, and economy.  The premium economy is sectioned off for the flight.  The bathrooms are shared between the premium economy and economy cabins. Priority Boarding: Average Priority …

Must Do’s: The Top 10 Must Do’s in Lyon, France

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My extended family is from Lyon, France.  My artistic cousin, Aurelia Hoang, has a blossoming made-to- measure bridal wear line which is now in its 3rd year and is continuously featured in numerous blogs.  (website)  Her gowns captures the “je ne sais quoi” aspect of a French bride.  Born and raised in Lyon, she was the perfect person to put together the top 10 Must Do’s in Lyon for our readers.  The designer: #1 Le Vieux Lyon (the old Lyon) It was about to be demolished in the 1990’s to make room for a new highway but UNESCO recognized its cultural and historic significance. Fortunately, this very old area, which has been around since the 17th century, is still standing. It is the most touristy district in Lyon with narrow paved streets, typical bouchon restaurants, traboules, the Gadagne Museum, St Jean Cathedral and delicious organic ice cream at Terradelice! #2 Basilique de Fourviere The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere dominates the city of Lyon from the top of the Fourvière Hill.  It is one of the most visible landmarks and a symbol …

Restaurant Review: Townsman (Boston, MA)

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Having been spoiled by the never ending high profile restaurants in NYC, I never thought I would be wowed by a restaurant in Boston. I lived in Boston for 4 years and visited the city a few times each year after I left. I never experienced a restaurant that left a lasting impression. While visiting my sister in Boston one weekend, we all decided to try out a buzzy new restaurant on the outskirts of Chinatown called the Townsman. This is the first time in a long time that I was going to be “that” person photographing all the dishes.  This review was not planned. I had such a memorable time and was inspired by the food that I had to write this review. Decor:  4 out of 5 I was struck by the decor which had a wonderful modern New England style that comprised of Shaker style benches and chairs and a lot of rustic industrial decor.  When we walked in, we were greeted by a large bar that encompasses a large portion of the …

Weekend Unexplored: Martha’s Vineyard

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Martha’s Vineyard is a day trip away from Boston and has been on our list of places to explore.  We never seem to find the time to take the trip.  There have been the usual excuses that the traffic to the Cape is insane to brave the crowds on the island for a 1 day trip is too short to justify the long round trip, etc.  Finally, on a beautiful Saturday in June, my husband and I decided it was now or never and went for it. Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful pristine island off the coast of Cape Cod.  The white houses with shutters and colorful hydrangeas lining the street look exactly like the images in the magazines and movies (probably because these are the houses they filmed!).  The island is dotted with sandy beaches along the coastline and serene vistas. Martha’s Vineyard has different areas to explore: Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Chappaquiddick, Katama, Chilmark, Aquinnah, and Menemsha.  You can drive around the entire island in one day! GETTING TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD: There …

Must Do’s: Đà Nẵng, Vietnam (Part 2)

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Last week, we explored Amy Dao’s recommendations for places to eat in Đà Nẵng.  This week we will introduce places where the locals hang out and the must see sights of the beautiful city. Must See: Linh Ung Pagoda (In But Beach, Son Tra Peninsula, Danang) From the city center, tourists can cross the Han River Bridge and then turn left. The pagoda is approximately 10km to the northeast.  The pagoda is located 700 meters high up in a hill facing to the sea with its back to the mountain.  This pagoda offers sweeping views of Đà Nẵng city and the bay. The pagoda is a combination of modern and traditional architectural styles. The most striking feature is its majestic 67-metre-tall Goddess of Mercy Statue standing on a lotus-shaped platform, which is considered the highest in Viet Nam.  Inside the statue, which is equivalent to a 30-story building, there are 17 levels, allowing visitors to admire the view from different heights. This pagoda is best visited once during the day and again at night to see the gorgeous nightscape. …

Weekend Unexplored: Backpacking through Yosemite

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Wanting to explore Yosemite National Park without the crowds, some friends and I decided to do a 3-day hike with The Wildland Trekking Company along the less traversed trails of the Valley.  None of us were experienced backpackers and owned little to none of the camping gear necessary for the trip.  Booking a backpacking trip with Wildland provided us with an experienced, thoughtful guide, and all of the gear necessary to make for a stress-free journey through arguably California’s most beautiful state park. The most important factor of enjoying the trip was the physical stamina to carry all of the necessary weight.  Each of our packs would have to fit a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, rain gear, toiletries, and bear canisters storing food.  Knowing that I would have to carry a 30Ib. pack over the course of three days, I trained a month before–climbing up and down stairs with weights and doing day hikes with a 15-20 Ib. pack.  I quickly learned that my backpack and trekking poles were the best assets I had …