Florence- So I should really work on this planning ahead thing.

August 8, 2012, 4:51 am

≫ Next: Mixed feelings about Rome

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So this is definitely the second time I have written this post, so I apologize because the first post was a very well drafted thought-out blog post. and this one, well we’ll see how lazy I am and how much I remember. Next time I will remember to save my posts.

Vlog #6: Contiki European Panorama: Florence, Italy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3kTulecTSg

Just like on tour, sometimes I get really lazy since so much planning is done for me that I forget that I am traveling in peak tourist season and visiting peak tourist hotspots. So, it should be no surprise that we would need to book tickets before hand to visit popular tourist museums holding famous pieces of art like David. Of course I did not do this and therefore instead of seeing the real David, I only got to see the fake David.

Fake David, almost as good as the real thing.

For lunch in Florence our tour manager took us to this restaurant that supposedly has the best steak in Europe. First off, how do people even measure what restaurants or what food is the “best”. Of course you can say it’s by personal taste, but how would you remember and be able to compare each to the other? Not to mention taking into account other influences like being extreme hungry, hungover or having cravings.

While the steak was indeed very tasty, I wouldn’t call it the best I’ve ever had. Maybe that is because you are suppose to have it cooked rare/medium rare, and I only eat steak well done.

This wine on the other hand was absolutely delightful. Do yourself a favor and if you ever see this on a shelf, purchase it, you will not regret it.

Duomo

After filling up with steak and then gelato I had the brilliant idea to climb up to the top of the Duomo in Florence, the highest point in the city. Climbing in 38 degree heat, up a stair master on steroids, and with only 30 minutes to get up and back down before I miss my bus. Again, that whole planning ahead thing would have come in handy here.

However, once I got to the top and saw the beautiful paintings, the spectacular views over the city, I knew all those steps were worth it.

Florence- So I should really work on this planning ahead thing. |Hey Nadine

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Mixed feelings about Rome

August 10, 2012, 8:09 am

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Vlog #7: Contiki European Panorama: Rome, Italy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3kTulecTSg

I have mixed feelings about Italy and Rome.

On one hand Rome is one of a kind,  so much history and mind blowing things to see. You can’t help but be amazed at what the Romans had built and accomplished.  On the other hand, the only downside is, you have to share those feelings with the thousands of other tourists also wanting to see Rome. Blame me for going during the high season, when it’s 42 degrees outside and packed with tourists. So you can see where my love hate relationship stems from.

Now I’m not a huge fan of complaining about tourists since let’s be honest, I am one. I’m sure it would have been much more enjoyable in the fall or spring, and if I wasn’t sick. So there is my tip for you if you ever go to Rome.

The Colosseum

What can you say about this building that hasn’t already been said. It’s massive, incredible and iconic. Check off one more for the bucket list.

The Roman Forum

The Pantheon

Now I know the Colosseum is a pretty big dea,l however, I actually think the Pantheon is the most impressive building in Rome. It is an engineering marvel and although simple, it’s almost 2000 years old!

Trevi Fountain

Fountain of the Four Rivers

The Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

Although all of Rome is really a “wow” moment,  the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica are really the icing on the cake. The number of paintings, sculptures and extent of all the interior marble is simply something else. So much detail, time and dedication went into making the Vatican what it is today.

Now one of the highlights of the Vatican City is the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately I was not allowed to film or take photos of the inside and I wasn’t brave enough to try the sneeky sneeky camera shots. Besides, there are tons of photos of the inside on the internet so I figured it wasn’t really necessary.

It’s crazy to think how they actually painted the ceilings in the cathedrals and churches. I can’t even sit and do a painting for more than a couple hours at a time. Imagine months of painting for hours each day and on the roof! Well I guess that’s why I never went to art school.

Mixed feelings about Rome |Hey Nadine

Mamma Mia, let’s cook some pizza!

August 13, 2012, 7:26 am

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Vlog #8: Contiki European Panorama: Pompeii, Rome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFSQzER02y8

Pizza Cooking Lesson

I am no chef. I can’t even prepare the most basic meals, but I figured Pizza is something even the most amateur cook could prepare. I doubt the lovely Eugenio Rossi knew this before inviting me to his Scoglio di Frisio Restaurant for a cooking lesson.

A real Italian cooking class. From Eugenio I learned the value of family and the history and background of where pizza originates.  Together we cooked a batch of dough from scratch and I learned how to flip and toss the dough. I ended up cooking a margarita pizza and a half pomodoro half artichoke and mushroom pizza. Now I’m not saying this just because I made it but that was honesty one of the best pizzas I have ever had. It was so fresh, light,  soft and fluffy.

It tasted better than it looks.

Pompeii

Like all of Italy, the day we visited Pompeii was a scorcher- 38 plus degree heat. So our lovely tour guide tried to give us a super condensed quick tour of Pompeii- which is huge.

Pompeii contains: 2 graveyards, 2 ports, 1 amphitheater, 2 gymnasiums, 2 theatres, 2 main squares, 5000 shops, 46 bakery, 27 brothels, 5 roman baths and main other houses, condominiums and villas.

Unlike some other ruins, with Pompeii you really get a sense of what the city was like. You can see where the roads and walls were and you don’t have to use your imagination to fill in too much.

One of the most fascinating things I learned about Pompeii was about the plaster casts. Plaster casts are formed from filling the air pocket left under the ash from the rotten organic materials, i.e. humans, with plaster. Once the plaster hardens you then have a mold of what was once buried under the ash.

Quick and to the point; however, I truly wish we could have spent more time in Pompeii since there is simple just so much to see.

Mamma Mia, let’s cook some pizza! |Hey Nadine

Venice You Confuse Me

August 27, 2012, 1:35 am

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Vlog #10: Contiki European Panorama: Venice, Italy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oelMbCXhaHA

Venice is one crazy, beautiful city. It’s one of the most unique places you can ever visit since it’s not every day that you see a city essentially “floating” on the water.  It’s one of  the many European cities that have pedestrianized zones; which I personally wish every North American city had. It’s wonderful, no cars, no bikes, just people. This is how you get rid of our obesity epidemic.

Like Rome, visiting Venice during the summer months is something I wouldn’t recommend. It’s crowded and hot and everything is overpriced; however, this was the time I chose to visit so that is what I had to deal with.

Venice was rather confusing. At first glance you see crowded streets and people everywhere and in your way; however, the second you look up at the buildings or down one of the more isolated ally ways it is a completely different story. Where is everyone? Venice as a city seems quiet and almost reminds me of a ghost town . It’s eerie and ominous. It made me feel sad inside realizing that Venice is literally becoming a postcard, a snapshot of the past.

Lace School

One stop we had was at the one and only remaining lace school in Venice. Being the horrible blogger I am, I can’t seem to find the name of the school. It was taught by a lovely lady who told us all about the history and process of lace work, which originated in Venice. Can you believe all these doilies are hand stitched with a needle and thread? Some pieces take months to complete and are done by teams of ladies. It is very obviously as to why this art form died out, machines can manufacture these style table clothes and patterns in minute and at a fraction of the cost. It’s a good thing the lace school is so heavily subsidized.  Score one for the government trying to preserve local culture like this, even if it is a loosing battle.

One of the recommended foods to try in Venice was the cuddle fish, while I failed at finding the plain fish version, I did manage to find €15 cuddle fish pasta. This is what 15 euros gets you in Venice. While the oily texture was definitely a first, I leave Venice still wondering what actual cuddle fish tastes like.

 Gondola Rides

After stepping off my Gondola ride I wondered,  “where did my 20 minute gondola ride go?”.  After reviewing the many ridiculous photos and videos of myself, and adding in the time spent trying to play impromptu DJ on my iPhone with my Mozart tracks, I realized where all my time went.

I do wish my gondola ride was longer. Oh well, maybe next time. Venice, live long and prosper.

P.S. I’m sorry I quoted Star Trek.

Venice You Confuse Me |Hey Nadine

How TRAVEL helps you live a FULL LIFE

October 20, 2015, 10:05 pm

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This video was kindly sponsored by Abbott as part of their LIFE. TO THE FULLEST. mission. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How do YOU live your life to the fullest? Take the quiz and send me your answers using #fullosophy

◂ ◃ ✘ ABBOTT LINKS ✘ ▸ ▹

• → Website
• → Quiz
• → Taking a vacation is good for your health article.

One Day Offline

October 28, 2015, 9:33 am

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Wait what? A blogger going offline, that is absurd! Let me tell you a bit more.

Myself and a group of Travel Bloggers ( aka some of the most connected people on the planet),  were invited by Cathay Pacific and Mashable to a farm house in Hudson, New York.  We were here for  #onedayoffline , Cathay Pacific’s movement to convince people to turn off their phones, laptops, tablets and all the various other ways we are connected, for a day, to have a chance to experience life. Real life, a chance to connect with nature, and with each other.

Well, what happens when 20 bloggers turn off their phones for 24hrs? Guess you’ll have to watch the video to find out…

What would YOU do with your #onedayoffline ?

Beijing…No Filter

November 8, 2015, 9:25 pm

≫ Next: What I Eat In A Day | BEIJING #2

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What I Eat In A Day | BEIJING #2

November 12, 2015, 9:17 pm

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Lost in China

November 16, 2015, 11:19 pm

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Trying Healthy Chinese Snacks

November 23, 2015, 11:54 pm

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Female Travel Tips

November 25, 2015, 11:16 am

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Travel Fitness Tips

November 27, 2015, 3:46 pm

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How do YOU live your life to the fullest? Take the Quiz and send me your answers using #fullosophy

This video was kindly sponsored by Abbott as part of their LIFE. TO THE FULLEST. mission. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

Top 10 Things To Do in Beijing, China

December 2, 2015, 11:33 am

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Beijing holds a lot of fond memories for me as it’s one of the first places I traveled to back in 2010.  Therefore I was super thrilled that this fall I got to visit once again. So, having spent a collective 10 days exploring Beijing, I have put together some of the Top Things to Do plus my recommendations on each.

798 Art Zone

Call this the hipster paradise of Beijing. 798 is a grouping of decommissioned military factory buildings that have been transformed into Art Galleries. They house dozens of unique, beautiful, odd and fascinating paintings, sculptures and many other means of artistic expression. Plus there are many coffee houses, shops and vegetarian restaurants! A very pleasant surprise and a wonderful place to visit, I highly recommend.

Temple of Heaven

The royal altar where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven. It’s also a large park with several temples, green space and great ancient architecture. Very easy to get to on the metro, photographs great and can take as little or as long as you want it to take.

Hou Hai (Back Lakes)

Shops and restaurants galore. If you are looking for a great place to eat and shop outside of the main big box stores, come down to the lakes. Heck, you don’t even need to shop, you can just walk around the lake or take a boat. Very cool area that really lights up at night. Hip, fun, all around I really enjoyed Hou Hai.

Prince Gong’s Mansion

A 10 minute walk from the lakes is Prince Gong’s Mansion, second only to the Forbidden City. Not gonna lie, when I visited it was very busy so I didn’t get a huge chance to explore, but from what I did see it look pretty nice and since it’s right near the lakes you can do the two of them at the same time.

Summer Palace

These are the royal gardens built in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong for his mothers birthday. If you ask most people in Beijing what their favour cultural and historical attraction is, they say Summer Palace. I second this choice and it’s also one of my favourites. Perched temples over looking the lake and the city of Beijing. From every angle it really is a stunning place to visit. You can be high up on the mountains, down around the lake, or even on the lake.

Wangfujing Street

The main shopping street and where you can find souvenirs, large electronics brand, high end luxury goods, hotels and restaurants. This street has it all! Plus on one of the side streets is a night market and all the strange, “unique” foods you can think off. I’m talking about bugs here. So, if you need shopping done and can deal with a bit of a crowd, head on over.

The Forbidden City 

Also know as the Palace Museum. This place is MASSIVE, it served as the Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Most of the palaces, temples, and large attractions that I visited in China are from either the Ming(1368–1644) or Qinq(1644–1912) Dynasty, as they where the most recent and most things have since stayed in tact.

The Forbidden City contains over 980 surviving buildings with 8,707 rooms! Needless to say, I did NOT walk into every room. If you are up for a walk and major architecture, head over here.

Ming Tombs

Cemetery of the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. It’s a little ways from Beijing, about 50km so it’s best to do it on a trip out of the city. I did it along with the Great Wall of China.  The site itself is pretty cool, you get to go underground and learn a lot about the Emperors so if you’re into history this is for you. If not, I’d probably skip it.

Olympic Park

Yes it is not the Olympics anymore, however, that is no reason NOT to visit the Olympic Park in Beijing; which is actually a huge city park. If you ARE an Olympics fan, there are of course two very famous landmarks, the Birdsnest Stadium and the National Aquatics Center. I really enjoyed the Olympic Park for the sole purpose of being a really nice park. If you’re looking for a less crowded, casual place to stroll definitely stop by for a visit.

The Great Wall of China

Establish in the 14th century the Great Wall of China is over 6000km long. Obviously, you cannot see it all. Not only that, many parts are still in ruin and have not been restored, as well as are not open to the public. When visiting Beijing you have to decide which section of the wall to visit. Luckily I have visited 4 different sections so here is my comparison. Note: Regardless of what section you do choose, you’ll still be amazed by the Great Wall cause well, it’s the Great Wall.

Badaling

The easiest section of the wall to get to from Beijing not to mention the closest. It’s also the most restored section and as you can thus imagine, it is also the most busiest. If you are looking for a solo photo of yourself on the great wall this is not where you are going to find it. I would only recommend if you are pressed for time in Beijing and you are just looking to check off the bucket list.

• Distance from Beijing: 60 km northwest of central Beijing, approx. 1½ hours drive.

A note about the pictures, taken 5 years ago in the winter… things are MUCH busier now.

 

Mutianyu

Mutianyu is the longest fully restored Great Wall section open to tourists. Beautifully restored with 23 original-style watchtowers. This is a very lovely section that is not nearly as busy as Badaling, plus there is still many tour buses that will take you there. One of my favourites sections and everything you would expect from the great wall and I very much recommend to visit.

• Distance from Beijing: 73 kms, 1½-2 hours drive.

 

 Juyongguan and Juyong Pass

Technically, the closest section to Beijing, this section contains one of the greatest forts defending ancient Beijing: The Juyong Pass Fort.  But aside from that, this section isn’t vast, like the others. And prepare yourselves for stairs, lots and lots of ups and downs on stairs. You don’t really get a sense of the length of the wall at this section. However, it is wheelchair-friendly, so suitable for older or disabled travellers, but only the lower parts.  It’s also close to the Badaling section, so you can always hop on over there and do both sections at once, like we did. Overall, not my favorite section at all, I would only do this if you are also going to visit another section as well.

• Distance from Beijing: 60 kms , 1½ hours’ drive.

Simatai

The Simatai section of the Great Wall is one of the most unique sections that retain the original look and appearance of the Ming Dynasty. It is also hands down my favourite section. Several reasons, even in the busiest tourist days it is still not crowed on the wall. This is because they limit the amount of people each day that can visit this section, since it hasn’t been fully restored and it is more rugged and therefore cannot handle the amount of volume the other sections can. It’s small, intimate, the scenery is breathtaking and it has a secret gem attached to it call Gubei Water Town: an ancient village that’s been restored and transformed into a resort town. Water Town is a wonderful area of shops, restaurants, hotels and more.

• Distance from Beijing: 120 kms , 2 -3 hours drive.

Water Town

There’s my list! If you’ve been to Beijing before, what were some of your favourites?

Come Meet Me At WITS

December 7, 2015, 2:50 pm

≫ Next: How To Get Cheap Flights

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I am so beyond excited and honoured to announce that I am a KEYNOTE speaker at the 3rd Annual Women in Travel Summit (WITS)! It is the first and only travel blogging summit by and for women and it will be held at Hotel Irvine in Irvine, California from March 18­- 20, 2016.

This will be my first keynote but definitely not my first speaking event, so I’m super excited to inspire and share my knowledge with all the wonderful women attending! If you are a female looking to get into the travel industry or looking to learn more about travel, I HIGHLY suggest you attend. Plus, I’ll be there and I would love to meet all you lovely ladies plus answer any of your questions you might have.

More info can be found at witsummit.com.  (Use the code NADINE10  for 10% off your tickets until Jan 31, 2016 )

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WITS was founded by Wanderful, an international community aimed at encouraging, supporting, and offering resources for women who travel. Over 500 women bloggers, world explorers, travel industry entrepreneurs, and allies of all of the above from across the globe to gather, network, and exchange ideas at WITS ‘16!

How To Get Cheap Flights

December 18, 2015, 11:28 am

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 Flight Comparison Engines

http://www.kayak.com
http://www.momondo.com
http://www.skyscanner.com
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com
http://www.hipmunk.com
http://www.google.com/flights

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My Year In Hotel Rooms

December 26, 2015, 5:15 pm

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The video that took all year to film! Every Hotel Room I’ve stayed at this year…minus 7.  Yes, as a travel vlogger you can see, I stay in A LOT of hotel rooms. ENJOY!

My 2015 Epic Year of Travel Montage

December 31, 2015, 9:19 am

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BEST and WORST Travel Moments of 2015

January 8, 2016, 4:14 pm

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Airport & Airplane Travel Hacks

January 21, 2016, 12:17 pm

≫ Next: Backpacking + Trek Travel Packing Guide

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Backpacking + Trek Travel Packing Guide

January 28, 2016, 7:20 pm

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So you are going on a backpacking travel trip, first off congrats! Second, let me show you what I pack. This is what I pack for a 1 month + backpacking trip. NOTE, that I won’t be required to carry both my bags when I am in hiking, only my day bag. So if you need to hike with your larger bag, you should make sure you pick a more hiking style backpack.

Full list below!

Bags

• Osprey Farpoint 70 without the day bag.
• LowePro Photo Sport
• Foldable Purse

Shoes

• Hiking Boots or Running Shoes depending on trip
• Flip Flops
• Everyday shoes
• Fancy Shoe, so a Boot or a Wedge depending on space.
• Bags to place them in so they don’t get bag dirty

Accessories

• Rain bag cover
• 2x Locks
• Cable
• Water bottle with filter
• Laundry Bag
• Laundry powder
• Money Belt
• Pillow Case
• Umbrella
• Microfiber Body Towel
• Microfiber Face Towel
• Sewing Kit
• First Aid Kit
• Travel Blow Dryer
• Travel Hair Straightener
• Toiletries
• Makeup Bag
• First Aid Kit
• Water Purification Tablets
• Swiss Army Knife
• Travel Cutlery Set
• Cleaning Wipes
• Flashlight
• 2x Multi-country Electrical Adapters
• Bug Spray

Trek Clothes

• Waterproof Mittens
• Toque/Beenie
• Buff and or a Scarf
• Thermal leggings and shirt base layer
• Warm Vest
• Long Sleeve Outdoors Pullover
• 2x Hiking Socks

Everyday Clothes

• Raincoat
• Packing Cubes
• 2x Active Shirts
• 1x Active Shorts
• 2x Sleeveless Shirts
• 3x T-Shirts
• 3x Shorts
• 1x Jeans
• 1x Long Jumper
• 1x Dress
• 1x Vest
• 1x Hat
• 1 shirt and shorts sleep wear
• 10x Underwear
• 3x Bralets
• 2x Sports Bras
• 5x Socks
• 1 or 2 Swimming Suits (depending on trip)

Day/Camera Bag

• Waterproof Cover
• Book
• Pocket Language Guide
• Notebook
• 2x Pens
• Passports plus holder.
• Important Documents
• Headphones
• Phone.
• Laptop
• External Harddrive
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Face Power
• Jewelry
• Spare Battery Pack to charge USBs
• All Chargers
• USB Stick
• Mouse

 

Camera Gear

• DLSR Camera
• Second Camera
• Memory Cards
• GoPro + Accessoires
• External Mic + Windsock
• External Audio Recorder
• Chargers
• Tripod
• Gorilla Pod

Bags all packed up and ready to go.

As always, once you start packing up your things you’ll find a few items that just don’t fit. These are those items. Packing is an art, each trip is different. So on this trip these few items just didn’t make the cut.

And there we have it! All turtled up and ready to backpack.

Is there anything I missed? What are some of your items you pack on your travels?