August 21, 2012

Must-Visit Destination: Exploring Jeju Island In South Korea

by Lindsay Shapka in Destinations, Travel, Adventure

THE STATS:

Location — Jeju-do (‘do’ means island) is a large, subtropical volcanic island located 85km off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula.

Population — This small island has a population of 540,000 permanent residents, though this can as much as double during the summer.

Claim To Fame — Considered by Koreans to be Paradise, Hawaii, and Disneyland combined, this is THE honeymoon location for newlyweds. The island contains South Korea’s highest mountain — a 2,000m high extinct volcano — long sandy beaches, impressive waterfalls, extremely rare lave-tube caves, and delicious oranges.

Female divers, or haenyeo, are found on many of Korea’s islands, but are the most famous on Jeju. These divers use NO scuba gear and are able to hold their breath for a full 2 minutes to allow them to reach a depth of 20 meters! At their peak i… — *Female divers, or* ***haenyeo***, are found on many of Korea’s islands, but are the most famous on Jeju. These divers use NO scuba gear and are able to hold their breath for a full 2 minutes to allow them to reach a depth of 20 meters! At their peak in the 1950s, there were over 30,000 ***haenyeo****, but now there are only around 3000 of these impressive women left.*

Orientation — The island is about 200km around and is divided into four quadrants with the lush Hallasan National Park in the centre. The southern side is where most of the attractions, and resort-like hotels are located and so is the most tourist-friendly.

Getting Around — There are buses that can take you to all of the major tourist sites, and renting a taxi for the day is relatively affordable.

Your best bet (especially in the off-season when taxis and buses aren’t as numerous) would be to rent a car from one of the rental agencies at the airport. Just MAKE SURE YOU DON”T SPEED!! There are speed traps EVERYWHERE — trust me, I got a ticket.

Getting There and Away — There is a small airport on the island, but you can only fly in from one of South Korea’s major cities. Busan or Seoul would be your best points of departure. You can also reach the island by ferry, but the sea between the mainland and the island tends to be really rough, so unless you have an iron stomach, I suggest flying.

Where To Stay — Because Jeju is a major tourist destination, there is no lack of hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and resorts. Whatever your price point, ensure that you book ahead of time, and count on prices raising on weekends and in the summer months.

What To Do — By far, the most unique thing to do on the island is exploring the world’s longest system of lava-tube caves. The system in 13.4km long with a height and width anywhere from 3m to 20m. It is damp, incredibly humid, rocky, cold, and dark in the tubes, but what makes them so unique is the fact that they are relatively unregulated. Unlike attractions similar to these found in the Western world, the tubes don’t have roped-off areas, walkways, no-go zones, or park rangers that keep tourists from going somewhere they shouldn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT advocating doing something to risk your safety, all I am saying is take advantage of an experience that will let you feel like an adventurer, discovering something for the first time.

There are shrines and museums throughout the island, and no visit to Jeju could be complete without hiking up to one of the 360 volcanic craters that can be found throughout. These craters are incredibly lush and give hikers an amazing view of the surrounding ocean.

How I Found It — When I was living in South Korea, my brother and sister came to visit me for a week. While they were there, we decided to check out this amazing island that everyone kept telling me about.

We took a flight from Seoul (it was only about $60 each) and spent 3 days exploring the island. I was there in the off-season (it was not yet bathing suit weather) and, though I wouldn’t call it Hawaii, it was beautiful, interesting, and well-worth the visit!

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July 17, 2012

Must-Visit Destination: The Enchanting City of Cortona in Italy

by Lindsay Shapka in Destinations, Travel, Travel Tips, Adventure

THE STATS:

Location — If you look at a map of Italy, Cortona is pretty much smack-dab in the middle. It is located between Rome and Florence, in the province of Arezzo, set on the side of one of the Tuscan hills covered in olive groves.

Population —The city is surrounded by high, stone walls and so its expansion is limited. There are currently around 23,000 people.

Cortona's Claim To Fame — American author Frances Mayes moved to Cortona, found love, and wrote a book called Under The Tuscan Sun. This book was turned into a movie of the same name which was filmed in the town. Cortona’s opera house made an appearance in the movie Life Is Beautiful and, on a more historical note, it is one of the few cities bypassed by Alexander The Great who apparently marched right by on his journey to conquer the known world.

Orientation — Because the city is built into a hill, it has only one level street, Via Nazionale or Main Street, located near Piazzale Garibaldi — the main gate. As I mentioned before, an ancient stone wall (going back to the time of the Etruscans) encircles the entire city and there are only a few exits or entrances. Most of the hotels, restaurants and cafes are located near, or just off, the Main Street. At the top of the hill is a huge cathedral and the old historical fort. You can walk around the entire city in about an hour.

Getting Around — There is no need to do anything but walk within the city walls. Most of the roads are very steep and made of uneven cobblestones, so make sure you are wearing comfortable footwear (leave the heels at home ladies).

Getting There And Away — The Florence-Rome train line does not stop in Cortona, but in Camucia located at the bottom of the hill; the stop is called Camucia-Cortona. It is close enough to both of the big cities that you can easily visit Cortona as a day trip (but I recommend staying at least one night). Buses, running every half hour, will take you up to Cortona’s main gate, BUT if you are up for it, a 20-30 minute walk through olive groves and past stone farmhouses is also an option.

Where To Stay — Ostello San Marco is the main hostel is the city and is located in an old monastery which means that it has huge, clean rooms. Their website is pretty rough, but it's where I stayed and is a fantastic hostel. There are a few small hotels and B&Bs as well.

What To Do — Though Cortona is small and not full of the usual attractions, what makes this place so special is the atmosphere. It has the feel, smells, and look of another time — everything that you imagine the idealized ‘Tuscany’ to be can be found within the city walls.

There are incredible views of the valley from multiple locations, bakeries full of treats, wine bars bursting with local flavours, and family-run restaurants full of melt-in-your-mouth dishes. There are also stunning examples of Renaissance architecture, churches with beautiful sculpture, and the Museo Diocesano has some incredible pieces (notable is a masterpiece by Fra Angelico).

A hike up to the 16th century Fortezza, originally built for the Medici family, is definitely worth the sweat, as it offers stunning views and a unique look at the interior of the fortified walls of the city.

How I Found It — My University had a campus located in Cortona, so in 2004, I was lucky to spend almost 4 months living in the city. While there, I studied art history, history, and classics from people who lived or worked in the area.

I went for morning jogs past Frances Mayes’ home, drank Tuscan wine daily, and became a regular at Bar Sport, my favourite cappuccino spot, where I learned the art of drinking coffee in Italy.

It is — without a doubt — one of the most magical places that I have ever been, and well worth the hike up the hill to visit it!

Must-Visit Destination: The Picturesque City of York in England

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Destinations, Adventure

The Clifford Tower             York, UK — *The Clifford Tower York, UK*

THE STATS:

Location — Approximately 280 km north of London, in the county of Yorkshire, where the Ouse and Foss rivers meet.

Population — Around 203,000 permanent residents.

Claim to Fame — A medieval spider web of narrow streets, lined with period architecture, that makes you feel like you have stepped into a scene from a Harry Potter movie; 13th century walls that are STILL intact and surround the city; the city’s Minster (big ‘ol stone church) is the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe and one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic buildings.

The York Minster York, UK

Detail of the Minster ceiling York, UK

Orientation —‘Old York’, full of shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, is surrounded by the old wall and contains an abundance of pedestrian streets. The minster is visible from almost everywhere within the walls so just look up if you get disoriented.

Getting Around —Traffic within the walls can get pretty congested, so walking is your best bet. There is so much to look at, that even those of you who hate walking will have covered a lot of ground before you even realize it. Taxis are available of course, but unless the British Pound is your native currency, the fare can add up very fast.

Getting There and Away — A train station lies just outside the wall that also serves as the city’s bus terminal. The nearest airports are in Leeds and Manchester. Driving is also an option, just remember that they drive on the right side of the road in the UK and it is difficult to rent automatic vehicles.

Where To Stay — As you can imagine, this quaint, picturesque village is the perfect location for B&B’s and they are available in abundance. Though there are many within the city walls, if you are willing to walk 5-10 minutes beyond the wall, you will be rewarded with a bed for a fraction of the price. Hotels are also popular, and most have restaurants located in their lobby. There are a few hostels as well, but they fill up fast in the summer months, so you will have to plan ahead.

What To Do — Walk along the city walls; explore the museum gardens filled with ancient ruins; wander through the breathtaking Minster and then climb the narrow spiral staircase to the roof for stunning 360 degree views of the city; take a river cruise and see the city from a different angle; soak up street entertainment while lounging in one of the hundreds of cafes; hike up to the historic Clifford’s Tower, all that remains of York Castle; spend a day betting on horses at the nearby racecourse; let yourself get lost is the maze of history as you imagine what life was like when the cobblestones you are walking over were first laid; OR (if none of that interests you) enjoy some ‘high-street’ style shopping and then kick back with a pint in one of the traditional English pubs!

How I Found It — One of my closest friends was getting married, and because her fiance was in the British military that happened to have him stationed in York, that was where the wedding was scheduled to take place. Lucky for her (and us) it couldn’t have been a more picturesque locale.

The other bridesmaids and I arrived a week before the ceremony to help her prepare which gave us a chance to explore the city and soak up the culture.

It is definitely worth the trip, just try and avoid visiting from June to August — unless you don’t mind fighting swarms of tourists.

Must-Visit Destination: Explore The Island of Procida In Italy

by Lindsay Shapka in Destinations, Travel, Adventure

THE STATS:

Location – One of the tiniest (it is so small that it wasn’t even on the map in my Lonely Planet) Flegrean Islands located just off the coast of Naples, Italy.

Population – approx. 10,000 (this number can double in the heart of the summer).

Claim To Fame – The Talented Mr. Ripley filmed the end of the movie (remember the amazing aerial views of colorful Mediterranean houses?) in the historic harbour of the island (photo above); home of THE MOST AMAZING bruschetta that I have ever tasted in my life.

Orientation – Pastel pink, white and yellow square houses clutter the waterfront, while narrow roads (more like alleyways) lead to the homes in the interior. The entire island can be walked around in less then 4 hours.

Getting Around – You could try and take a cab, but walking or biking will get you there faster!

Getting There and Away – You can reach the island by boat from Naples or one of the surrounding islands.

Where to Stay – There are only a handful of hotels and campsites on the island. An option to consider is short-term home rental. I stayed in a lovely cottage that overlooked the ocean for only about 60 Euros a night (it was split 3 ways).

What to Do – Explore the galleries, boutiques and bistros near the harbour; snap photos of the weathered local fishermen and their boats; climb to the old watchtower and enjoy a breathtaking view; check out some of the historical Mediterranean architecture; laze on one of the quiet, expansive beaches.

How I Found It – My travel buddies and I were in a hostel in Florence, chatting and organizing our packs, when a tanned girl burst into the room, threw her bags on the ground, looked at us and said, “You HAVE to go to the island I was just on! IT WAS AMAZING!”

Hearing her account of amazing sunsets, quiet beaches, warm water and friendly locals convinced me, and before the night was over, we had decided to change our plans and make our way to Procida… best decision I ever made!

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April 21, 2012

Don't Touch The Pineapple! How To Get Arrested In Hawaii

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips, Destinations, Adventure

If you would like to spend your time in Hawaii with a view of prison bars rather than palm trees, or if you feel like shelling out a bunch of money to the police instead of buying souvenirs, all you have to do is wander into one of the thousands of acres of pineapple fields all over the Hawaiian islands and pick one of the spiky fruits off its plant.

Though each acre of pineapple field supports about 6,500 plants, it takes nearly TWO YEARS for a plant to reach the point where it can begin to bear fruit.

Each plant will only produce 2 pineapples in its lifetime, one in its second year and one in its third.

The fruit is not considered ready to pick until it weighs about 5lbs and is unique among fruits in that it does not continue to ripen after it is picked, so the timing must be perfect.

Because of the length of time they take to grow, and how important it is that they are on the plant until ripe (and the fact that it is one of the country’s largest exports), it is illegal to pick pineapples in Hawaii.

If you are still desperate to have the experience of plucking the fruit from a field yourself, don’t risk wandering into one of the well-monitored fields on your own and ending up with Dog The Bounty Hunter on your tail. Avoid getting arrested by going on a ‘picking’ tour at the Dole Plantation on the island of Oahu instead OR order a pina colada at your hotel bar and ‘pick’ a piece of fresh pineapple off the side of your glass.

How To Survive a Trip To The City of Venice

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips, Adventure, Destinations

“Dear old Venice has lost her complexion, her figure, her reputation, her self-respect; and yet, with it all, has so puzzlingly not lost a shred of her distinction”

— Henry James

To those that have never visited the canal city before, Venice seems to be the destination that dreams are made of. A mystical place that is full of amazing photo opportunities, people dressed in masks, and intrigue around every corner.

Though all of these elements do exist, there is no denying the fact the the buildings are in serious decay, the city itself in sinking, and only about 30,000 people currently live there, leaving many of the buildings vacant and uncared for.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the place (I have been there three times) and there is nothing better than meandering down a sunny canal, with a warm cappuccino in hand. But if you aren’t prepared, your trip could end up filled with memories of wet feet, horrible smells, tourist traps, and bug bites.

Let yourself get lost

Venice is made up of 117 small islands, 150 canals and 409 bridges, none of which run in any sort of traditional grid pattern. Uneven alleys lead to bridges that lead to nowhere, and what is called a via (street) in the rest of Italy could be labeled calle, fondamenta, ruga, salizzada, ramo, corte, riva, sotoportego — you get the picture. Unless you want to keep your nose firmly planted in a map rather than enjoying the sights, fight every instinct, put your map away, and just wander.

Have an umbrella and rubber boots on hand

During the winter (November to April) there is frequent rain and flooding during high tide (called Acque Alte) in the city. Sirens will announce the flooding giving you time to race back to your hotel and throw on your boots so that you can continue your touring. If you think you can hack having wet feet consider this: the canals are extremely polluted and the water that floods the streets is usually overflow from them or the sewer drains.

Get off the tourist trail

Everyone who arrives in Venice heads straight to Piazza San Marco. A zig-zag path, marked by signs and passing by souvenir shops, takes about thirty minutes to navigate and will bring you "straight" to the famous square.

Though a must see, there are so many other areas of the city that, even in the busiest time of year, will be mostly deserted.

Venice contains over 200 churches full of famous works of art, the majority of which are located in the outlying areas like Dorsoduro and Castello.

Staying away from the cramped, people filled streets will also take you away from another huge problem in the city — pickpockets.

Be prepared for bedbugs

No one likes to talk about it, but in the last few years, with more people travelling, the incidence of these microscopic bugs that feed off human blood has risen. Though they don’t transmit diseases, they are annoying and can cause rashes and allergic reactions. They love living in warm, damp environments with porous wood, which makes Venice the perfect location. If you find yourself waking up with little red bumps on your skin, the best way to get rid of them is to wash all of your clothing and your linens in hot water and find a new place to stay.

Avoid overpriced tours

I know that every tourist’s dream is riding a gondola through the canals with your hunny while a man in a striped shirt sings to you, but the cost of these rides will quickly shatter those dreams, especially if you are on a budget. A 45 minute ride can cost over $100 for 2 people-even more if you have a larger group. Taking a water taxi through the canals, can give you the view from the water that you are looking for (though admittedly is a lot less romantic) and save you a bundle.

Avoid the high season

Lastly, for a more authentic experience with fewer tourists to contend with, try to avoid visiting between July and August, Christmas and New Years, and during Easter.

How to survive a trip to the City of Venice in Italy

5 Popular Tourist Spots That Will Exceed Your Expectations

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel Tips, Travel, Destinations, Adventure

There's nothing worse than going out of your way to visit some must-see-hyped-up-attraction that turns out to be a total disappointment. It's a waste of time, money, and daylight — even more frustrating if you are traveling for a short period or with a small budget.

Well, I can promise you that these five attractions are well worth the lines you may have to stand in or the distances you may have to travel to get to them. They definitely live up to the hype, and are not to be missed!

1. Anne Frank’s House Amsterdam, Netherlands

This, the actual house where Anne hid from the Nazi’s in World War II, receives nearly a million visitors each year.

The focus of the museum is the rear house where the Franks lived before they were betrayed and sent to their deaths. The space is dark, airless and shockingly real.

Visitors leaving the space pass through a light filled stairwell with words from Anne’s dairy etched into the walls:

"April 9, 1944
I'll make my voice heard. I'll go out into the world and work for all mankind!"
—Anne Frank

It is one of the most moving exhibitions I have ever visited.

2. Temples of Angkor Siem Reap, Cambodia

No matter how many photos you see, or how many movies you watch with the temples as a backdrop, nothing will prepare you for actually standing in front of them.

The Angkor complex is huge and each temple has completely unique characteristics — some are getting torn apart (yet held together) by the jungle while others are home to mischievous monkeys. Each corner you turn will make you feel more like Indiana Jones as you stumble upon smoking incense left by unseen hands, or find yourself alone in a maze of moss covered mysterious history.

3. The Holocaust Memorial Berlin, Germany

Also called "Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe", instead of being a simple statue or plaque, this outdoor holocaust memorial in Berlin contains a grid of 2711 square columns set at different heights on uneven ground. It can be entered from any side and presents different, disorienting, unsettling perspectives as you move through it. It is unlike any memorial I have ever seen and definitely leaves a lasting impression.

4. Seoraksan National Park Sokcho, South Korea

Seoraksan (or "Snowy Crag Mountains" in English) is a region of rugged high peaks, granite cliffs, lush forests, huge waterfalls, and ancient temples in northern South Korea, and is a major draw for tourists and locals alike.

There are hiking trails that will satisfy even the most expert of mountaineers, but there are easy trails for the day-trippers as well. No matter what level you choose, you will have breathtaking and untouched views, a rare treat in such a highly populated urban country.

5. Musee De L’Orangerie Paris, France

Often overlooked, this museum sits in the shadow of the Louvre and the Musee D’Orsay, but is well worth the visit. Though it contains important Impressionist works by artists like Cezanne, Picasso, and Renoir, the real draw of this site is two huge, light filled oval rooms that contain an eight-panel series of Monet’s Water Lilies. Built in 1927 to the artist’s specifications, the paintings are breathtaking and visitors to the museum could easily spend hours taking in the work (I know I did!).