Hong Kong is not known for hiking, but it should be. One can do many urban hikes there, as less than an hour’s public transport gets you out of the urban jungle into the incredible dramatic countryside. Here, one outer island named Lamma offers an easy trail with a beach, scenery, and seafood restaurants at the end.
We travel, we make plans. But our goals don’t always happen. This is Part II about the sights we miss – how the plan to see that famous village becomes derailed when a tempting market conveniently and gratefully gets in the way.
A man named Andrea Borderi in Sicily’s Siracusa Ortigia market is simply the best sandwich-maker in the world. He demonstrates his craft-making performance art outside his shop called Caseificio Borderi daily, making the best sandwiches ever. He charms his customers and the crowd, and you’re happy to wait for him.
Listening to Fado music in Lisbon, Portugal is an entry into the country’s raw emotions, the melancholy, wistful singing taking you on its own journey that explores the concept of fate. You need to see Fado live, and here is where and how to do it.
Tbilisi, Georgia, is known as the heartland of wine, and thus is a brilliant place in which to drink it. Here’s how to go about doing so, with panache and polish.
Why Batumi, Georgia, on the Black Sea, is the next playground/resort to check out. It’s contrived, as they are all, but with great food and drink and a seaside playground to enjoy.
Is visiting Bratislava worth it? It’s a city that doesn’t quicken hearts, but deserves more than a normal day trip. It has a charming old city center, a castle on a hill, and it’s right on the Danube. Stay the night at least, but then move on.
Not everyone likes L.A., but there’s one section where the people-watching makes it worth it: Venice Beach. The freak show on the pedestrian strip is worth the trip; you don’t need another reason to go. It’s where everyone loose in L.A. winds up.
Bangkok’s Metal Castle (Loha Prasat) is a unique (yes, really) sight in a city otherwise full of similar temples & few must-sees. You’ve never seen anything like it, and you might have the place to yourself.
Visiting Malta is like ordering a small, unknown appetizer and lucking out with an amazing dish. Their wine helps, and here I explain exactly why Malta is a good dish.
The resort town of Taormina is Sicily’s most popular destination. Worthy of a visit? Even though it’s a resort town? I hit the town and the beach, spending way too much money, to find out.
In Palermo, Sicily, the Taverna Azzurra dive bar has a split personality. Go in the day and then in the evening and you’ll find very different places, both utterly worth it.
