Finally it was time for another excursion. As a true architecture buff, Detroit had been on my radar for a long time, and I definitely wanted to explore this unique city in detail. So for the last few weeks I had been working with Visitdetroit, the city's visitor and convention office, to map out a detailed itinerary of the city that would expose me to all sorts of unique facets of the Motor City.After a hectic day at the office on October 16,...more
It was barely mid-day by now and we had already seen so much. Our ride on the Number 11 bus had introduced us to some of the citys main sights from the comfort of the upper level of a double-decker bus. And our subsequent walking tour had taken us past Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and the Houses of Parliament where we listened to Big Ben ringing in the noon hour.But our whirlwind London sightseeing adventure was to continue. To get an even better...more
After a busy morning exploring Smithfield Market, two historic train stations (St. Pancras and Kings Cross), an enjoyable stroll through the world-famous Portobello Market, an interview with one of the organizers of the Notting Hill Carnival which we followed up with a first-hand exploration of this charming neighbourhood and a brief excursion to Edgeware Road, Londons Little Beirut area, we were off to check out another London landmark: Hyde Park.One of Londons largest parks. Hyde Park is also one of Londons Royal Parks and connected to Kensington Gardens which is considered a separate area. Together these two park areas measure a very substantial 625 acres (or 2.5 square kilometers). Hundreds of young people were sprawling out on the lawns on this warm afternoon, playing Frisbee or enjoying a picnic.Hyde Park was originally a private hunting ground for the Royal Family until James I permitted limited access to common people in the 16th century. In 1637 finally the park was opened to the public. The Serpentine Lake divides the park into two separate areas, and the park also features restaurants and an art gallery. Of course Hyde Parks most famous landmark is Speakers Corner, an...more
Our last day in London had arrived, far too quickly I might add. My travel partner Andrea and I had already spent two action-packed days in this cosmopolitan metropolis which included explorations of Portobello Market and Notting Hill, a ride on the River Thames and a guided tour through Londons fascinating East End. This morning would hold a very...more
Our last day in London had arrived. After our serene and peaceful early-morning kayak tour on Regents Canal we freshened up quickly, grabbed a bite to eat and got ready for our final adventure in London: a guided tour of Southall, one of Londons many fascinating ethnic neighbourhoods.Punctually at 11 am our personal tour guide, Anne Mark, picked us...more
Our second day in London greeted us with brilliant sunshine, and even though it was still early May, temperatures in the mid twenties (Celsius, of course) were in store for us. Andrea and I started our day with a nice breakfast at the Zetter Hotel, a boutique hotel in Londons fashionable Clerkenwell area. The main floor restaurant offers an extensive breakfast buffet, but occasionally, when I really enjoy a menu item I have no hesitation to order it again. Yesterday I had already savoured the Zetters Banana Strawberry Crepe, and today it called me again. The sun was flooding in through the tall windows in the restaurant, and we started to devise our plan of attack for our explorations of the city.I wanted to get a good overview of London, so I turned to my travel partner and London aficionado Andrea to get an idea of how we should best get an introduction to this huge, exciting city. Of course one of the traditional ways of doing this is by booking a sight-seeing trip with a tour company. But Andrea, being an insider of the city who has been to London probably about 30 times, knew a more efficient and affordable way of doing this: the Number 11 bus, part of Londons extensive public...more
Its amazing what you can pack into a day: our sightseeing tour on the Number 11 bus had introduced us to some of Londons most important sights. During our walking tour we explored Buckingham Palace, the Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, arriving...more
Kaput is a common term these days that Europe's summer backpackers use which in layman's terms mean finished. Do not dread the day your daughter runs off to Europe with just a backpack. Backpacker travel insurance is available. This concept is not...more
After five great days in my temporary home in the Western Bay of Palma it was now time to relocate and have a closer look at the eastern side of island. I needed to check out today and move into my next apartment in Port dAlcudia. I packed my...more
With my love for the Spanish language and my fascination for Mediterranean landscapes, the island of Mallorca has been one of my dream destinations for a long time. A couple of months ago or so I had finally decided that 2009 was going to be year for...more
I love unearthing small, quirky cocktail bars in London. When you open the door, you get transported to another world, a magical world away from the hustle and bustle of London. After a lot of searching I think I have found my three...more
On my last full day in Mallorca my plan was to explore the eastern part of the island. I had spent the vast majority of my time in the north of Mallorca, where the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range had held an almost magical spell on me....more