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ROWING DOWN THE STREAM: Gondoliers taking some folks around the lagoon in hefty priced gondolas.

VENICE A journey in the lagoon, the water-lapped maze of streets and canals.

I landed on Venice, I was taking an excessive amount of pictures and was only a fanny pack away from full-fledged touristic all over everyone.

Venice is a city with ample walking around in, so it’s always great to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes. You can definitely choose to take the vaporetto everywhere at a cost, but do keep in mind that you will be packed and pushed in like sardines.

There were also bridges like in Paris where they put locks on them. Of course, where there are bridges with locks on them there are vendors with all manner of locks for sale at people (not

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“to” people, but at them). They tried to sell a lock to me and I tried my “Speak-With-A-Russian-Accent-And-It’ll-Scare-Off-Hawkers” trick and it worked surprisingly well.

Nobody wants to mess with or annoy Russians, after all.

Very quickly you’ll notice that Venice has many bridges and canals. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Wherever you go, there’s a bridge and a canal.

Wherever there’s a canal, there’s a good chance you’ll see a gondola and gondolier taking some folks around the town for upwards of 200 euro (and more if THE TIME they’re singing during the ride).

‘... BY THEY’VE FORMULATED A CUSTOMERFRIENDLY WAY OF CALLING YOU A LIAR, YOU’RE ALREADY GONE...’

I’d also use the “Sorry, I don’t speak English” trick, where if you say it right they’ll sit there, having heard you say it in unaccented and clearly native English, and by the time they’ve formulated a customer-friendly way of calling you a liar, you’re already gone. Either trick works.

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Eventually I made my way to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge that spans the Grand Canal which runs through the center of town. The bridge has been there in some shape or form since 1181, with the current stone rendition existing since 1591.

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The Rialto area was the center of the tourism industry, which means it was a gathering place for gondoliers. It view was amazing. However, I think the key is to expect to overpay for marginal food and drinks if you eat anywhere that you can see on this bridge - everything here are sold at a high price premium!

I eventually made my way all the way north to where my friends were staying, the Boscolo Venezia, which is a Marriott Autograph property. It was about as far as possible away from my hotel. It’s located in a mostly residential area, which I enjoyed, otherwise I don’t know if I could’ve seen a quiet residential area in Venice and would probably have assumed that every inch of Venice was all touristy and loud and gondoliery.

While I waited on them, I walked around the quiet area and got some good pictures. I eventually got a text from Heather, asking what the heck they needed to do to get to Venice, and was able to get them on a vaporetto. I’m glad I was there to tell them exactly what they needed to do, they were exhausted from a long day of travel. They actually lucked out and only had one stop to make on the vaporetto before their stop, and I met them there to show them the way to the hotel. They went to their room while I got a $10 Coca Cola in the hotel bar.

Once they were ready to tourist a bit, we started making our way back towards the main tourist place: St. Mark’s Square. On our way, we saw

quite a handful of really interesting things and may or may not have gotten lost a bit.

We arrived at St. Mark’s Square after having a late lunch/early dinner at a random pizza place we found by getting lost and was in the process of getting ready for a big musical show that had something to do with the Sochi Olympics. No idea. On a side note, there are many small pizza and snack eateries along the streets of Venice, which tastes pretty decent but charges the tourist premium.

When we finally arrived at the Basilica, we decided not to go in as the lines were really long. Buttressing the Basilica is the Doge’s Palace (no, it’s not related to the internet meme of Reddit and Nascar fame).

At this point we were all a bit loopy from jet lag, so we just casually walked around some more and I shot some more video. We then decided to head back towards the south, where I’d meet my shuttle across the canal, to get some ice cream and relax as the sun set before going our separate ways.

Along the way, I got what turned out to be my favorite picture from Venice. We then got gondola salesman’d. Fortunately my hawkeravoidance tricks worked again.

We chose an ice cream/gelato place and sat down at a canal-side place, overpaying for some sub-par “gelato” (the good gelato won’t puff up), enjoying the view and people-watching. As the

sun began to set, we went on separate ways, leaving us with a beautiful memory of our time together.

They went back to their hotel and I caught the shuttle back across the canal and up to the hotel rooftop bar to cap off a wonderful day in Venice.

I shot one last video and called it a night, since I’d have to get up early the next morning to catch the water bus back to the airport.

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF VENICE Heck yeah it was touristy. But it’s one of those places that’s touristy for a reason: there are few, if any, places like it in the world. Venice used to be a major trading power and its own kingdom.

It’s unique topography led to a completely unique way of living that integrates the old and new in creative ways. It’s a wonderful place to visit for a few days, just expect tourist prices and experiences. While I do wish I had more time, I won’t be in a hurry to go back unless there’s a great deal available.

I loved getting to experience Venice with my friends. Just like Barcelona last October, it’s just more fun to meet up with friends who are there on vacation. It takes a bit of the tourist edge off of the city when you have friends to explore with. I’ve said many times that I won’t let traveling alone stop me from a trip, but I so much prefer traveling with friends, so I was grateful for a wonderful day with two close friends.

THE VENETIAN COAST-LINE AND THE ISLANDS

FROM WIKIPEDIA/ CC-BY-SA 3.0 UNPORTED LICENSE

The Venetian Lagoon is an enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, in northern Italy, in which the city of Venice is situated.

MURANO

BURANO

TORCELLO

Murano is most famous for its glassmaking factories, and tourists throng the main canal sides, which are lined with shops and showrooms. In 1291 Venice’s glass furnaces were all moved to this island, to protect the city from outbreaks of fire.

Burano is also known for its small, brightly painted houses, which are popular with artists.

The colors of the houses follow a specific system originating from the golden age of its development; the government will respond by making notice of the certain colors permitted to someone who wishes to paint their house.

Today’s main attraction is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 and with much 11th and 12th century Byzantine work, including mosaics surviving. Another noteworthy sight for tourists is an ancient stone chair, known as Attila’s Throne.

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Travel

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE It’s kinda nice that a Budapest holiday probably doesn’t chart the top of every traveler’s list of dream destinations, but it should.

BY LARA TAFFER/ CC-BY 4.O - Plenty of people

have reminisced and written about the golden ages of New York City in the 70s and Berlin in the 90s. A sense of lawlessness, wild, alternative, creating your own rules and lifestyle – filled with art, music, culture, and liveliness, these cities helped usher in a new definitions of cool.

And now a hidden gem in Europe is hitting a similar stride – Budapest is a cool city.

Hungary is a country that finds itself in the cleavage of the East-West divide of Europe, and since the 1990s, a serious effort has been made to reshape the discourse for this corner of the globe, thus the idea of Central Europe was born. Though Hungary today is trying to reshape its image, its past is still a huge part of its character.

The Budapest of today is composed of three formerly separate cities – Buda, Pest, and Óbuda – and were only officially united in 1873.

Before becoming a single capital city, Budapest switched between the hands of the Turks, Ottomans, and Habsburgs, and later formed a portion of the Soviet Bloc.

LITTLE PRINCESS: An iconic image of Budapest found on the Danube Promenade.

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HUNGARIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM Almost every country has a national museum, but few of these museums played such a huge role in their country’s history. On the steps of the Hungarian National Museum in 1848,Sándor Petofi read his famous poem that arguably began the Hungarian Revolution. Inside, you will find the most important relics and national treasures for Hungary, and the museum is also home to one of the largest lapidariums in Europe.

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From monuments dedicated to former leaders If you like finding underground to the blue metro line that looks bands playing at lesser known like it is straight out of communist ‘BUDAPEST venues, trekking through cities era, the past is still very much alive EARNED THE that still have corners left untoday in Budapest – in a massively TITLE OF “CITY good way. touched by modern industrial architecture, or discovering a OF BATHS”, new unknown pristine hangout BUDAPEST BATHS WITH GOOD without too many crowds, The Turks occupied Budapest in the REASON’ Budapest could be for you.

15th and 16th century. When they It’s kind of nice that a Budawere driven out, they left with the pest holiday probably doesn’t chart the top of city the tradition of glorious hot baths, and they every traveler’s list of dream destinations, but it are one of the must do things in Budapest. But should. even before then, the Romans were drawn to the Carpathian Basin, specifically to Aquincum, Just A Platform’s Lara Taffer will be giving you due these hot springs. her definitive three part guide to Budapest, looking at the past, present and future. In After the 1920s, the commercialized spas took her first installment she will be looking at the off, and in 1934, Budapest earned the title of fascinating heritage of a city with a rich cultural ‘City of Baths,’ with good reason. Hungary is history. a land blessed with thermal springs and their obvious, salubrious and life affirming qualities.

PAST Budapest baths – a guide to the best in the city.

ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA This site and its surrounding plaza may be the most popular place to visit in Budapest. It was erected in 1901 for the Millennium celebrations, which was a citywide event commemorating the first Hungarian tribes to settle in the region.

This church is home to an interesting relic: St. Stephen’s hand, which, in all seriousness, has one of the most interesting histories for a relic.

For a small fee, you can climb to the top for a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Budapest skyline (it’s worth it).

HERO’S SQUARE/ANDRÁSSY ÚT Andrássy út (street) is to Budapest what the Champs Elysses is to Paris. The long avenue is lined with buildings dating to the late 19th century, linking the city center with the City Park.

Underneath Andrássy út is continental Europe’s oldest metro line, the Millennium Yellow line

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(M1), second oldest in the whole of Europe only to London’s underground.

In the center of the square is the famous Millennium Monument, memorializing important Hungarian figures and leaders throughout its history. And to make the walk even more worthwhile, Hero’s Square is right in front of the City Park and near the Budapest Zoo. THE CASTLE DISTRICT Earning a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, the Danube River, its embankments, and the Buda Castle District form the heart of the small metropolis that is the capital of Hungary.

And with the Castle District clocking in at over 800 years old despite earthquakes, sieges, fires and world wars, you can not pass up the opportunity to walk the cobblestone paths situated on the Buda hills.

Once a medieval village, the Castle District is

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now home to a number of magnificent churches like the Matthias Church, plenty of museums including the Hospital in the Rock, and the famed Fisherman’s Bastion built into one of the hills. You should reserve at least a whole day (or more!) to explore this district.

OTHER PLACES TO SEE FOR BUDAPEST’S PAST: SZENTDENRE A medieval town outside the city and makes for one of the best day trips from Budapest.

Budapest History Museum – Archaeological items uncovered in various local excavations in Pest, Buda and Obuda HUNGARIAN JEWISH MUSEUM Adjacent to the Great Synagogue, the museum features Jewish traditions and costumes, as well as the History of Hungarian Jews, including the Holocaust.

GELLÉRT HILL & THE CITADELLA High hill overlooking the Danube and named after Saint Gerard who was thrown to death from the hill.

PRESENT BUDAPEST PARLIAMENT I am convinced that the Budapest Parliament is one of the most remarkable buildings on Earth.

A combination of medieval and renaissance architecture, the building which was finished and opened in 1904, is seated on the bank of the Danube opposite the Castle District. Occasionally, Parliament will be open for tours, but you have to book in advance, although if you can’t make it inside, the façade alone is worth the trip over, not to mention the grand plaza

and statues that surround the building.

BUDAPEST RUIN PUBS These bars definitely have their fair share of write-ups and publicity already, but for good reason. The trendy hangouts are not just pubs, they are pieces of art in themselves. Ruin Pubs take the idea of “ready made” and “found” art seriously.

These unique Budapest pubs are essentially old buildings that were deemed unfit for FOOD AND DRINKS: (top) Ruin pubs scattered everywhere in use, with the walls crumbling, Budapest (bottom) Langos - fried dough with generous toppings court yards in disrepair, but now are the heart that keeps Budapest nightlife pumping until the late hours. For those looking to stay out way past midnight, head for Szimpla Kert, Instant, & Tébolykert.

WINE & FOOD Hungary produces some pretty decent wines, with its traditions dating back at least to the time of the Romans.

Do yourself a favor and go to a wine tasting while you are here! Another traditional drink is Pálinka, a type of fruit brandy that you’ve got to try it at least once. There’s a festival every year celebrating the drink, if you can handle it!

GOULASH SOUP BUDAPEST Regarding Hungarian food, prepare yourself to try lots and lots of meat dishes. You should definitely try the local cuisine, but I would try to avoid District V, Vaci utca, and the Castle District if you are in search of a ‘real’ Hungarian meal. Like any city, there are places where tourist traffic is heavy and the food will be disappointing and overpriced.

BUDAPEST FOOD That’s not to say all the city center Budapest restaurants are not worth a try, but be aware of the steep price changes, especially for street food.

Instead, branch out to the other quarters, like Józsefváros, and Terézváros. There are plenty SOAKING UP THE SUN: Famous SzeChenYi thermal baths attracting crowds all year round.

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of traditional Hungarian restaurants scattered about the city.

LÁNGOS BUDAPEST I recommend Belvárosi Lugas Vendéglo and Huszár Étterem by the Kerepesi Cemetery, and if you see a food cart, definitely grab yourself a lángos, or a Kürtoskalács. But beware! These tasty snacks at the castle and in the metro stations are almost three times as much as you would pay at a food cart elsewhere. *Quick tip : in Hungarian, wine = bor.

THE HOUSE OF TERROR A museum that outlines the history of communism and World War II in Hungary. Arguably, this should fall in the past category, but I beg to differ. If you go to this museum, make sure you look at the exhibits and descriptions with a discerning eye.

This museum has received a decent amount of criticism for its portrayal of Hungary in the World Wars, its relationship with the Soviet

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AQUINCUM MUSEUM Archaeological findings from the remains of Aquincum are on display there.

Union, and attitude towards the Jewish population, essentially rewriting the old narrative of WWII and communism in Eastern Europe while putting Hungary in a kinder light.

ESCAPE ROOM GAMES Escape Games are not unique to Budapest, but they make for a really fun afternoon and allow to you roam to a different part of the city.

Never heard of an escape game? It’s basically a live-action puzzle game, where you are “locked” into a room. Each of the Escape Rooms in Budapest has its own theme and character, but they all essentially work towards the same goal – to get out! You and your team (it’s best if you have at least two players) work through a series of puzzles and challenges to find keys, combinations, decode messages, search for hidden items, etc. Personally, I prefer rooms that have a story line and plot worked into the game, like Mystique Room and Trap.

MARGARET ISLAND (MARGITSZIGET) If you are here in the warmer months of the year, chances are you will find a number of events being held on the small island in the middle of the Danube. The island is outlined with a running/bike path and outdoor festivals are common. It’s also a great place to wander, have a picnic, and take in the scenery of the river. A popular spot for tourists and the locals, Margaret Island is a great escape from the bustling city. The Budapest Summer Festival also takes place here every year during June, July, and August.

OTHER PLACES TO SEE: BUDAPEST ZOO Opened in 1866, the zoo is one of the oldest in the world and is an ideal spot for families. Be sure to check out the Elephant House!

GREAT MARKET HALL The largest and oldest indoor market in the city was completed in 1896 and is located at the very end of Váci utca. This covered market is another item to add to your to-do list if you’re wondering where to shop in Budapest, as this place has some of the best meats, pastries, and traditional Hungarian foods BUDAPEST PINBALL MUSEUM A charming and unusual museum, tucked away in one of the corners of the city. Worth a trip if you are around for a while!

For video guide to suggested itinerary for Budapest, please see this week’s iPad edition of The Weekly Planet.

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Travel

SOLO TRAVEL Some things to note especially when traveling alone ADAPTED FROM UTRECHT/ CC-BY-SA 3.0 - If you

are going to travel, whether it be just for the weekend, or for an extended Round the World trip, the last thing you want is to get involved in any unsafe situation. If you are not worried yourself, at least your parents might be worried about your first trip alone to the other side of the world. Safety in general is not restricted to possible criminal activities you might be exposed to, but also includes subjects like natural hazards and traffic.

PICTURE PERFECT (Left and Bottom) The place that houses the best meats, pastries, and traditional Hungarian foods. (Top) Ranked as one of the most popular places to go, the intricate architectural details of St Stephen’s Basilica never disappoints.

In general, you are more vulnerable when traveling alone. This applies even more to women, especially in certain countries where both different dressing codes as well as the fact that blond hair is not natural, means you have to take extra precautions. There is no need to panic however, it’s just advisable to be aware of those differences and to adjust your own behavior and dress accordingly. Being respectful to local culture and customs is one of the most important things to bear in mind. And more than traveling as a couple (or group), try to travel during the day and avoid walking alone at night, take taxis instead. Especially back streets or badly lit and uncrowded areas should be avoided.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Emergency phone numbers vary from country to country. It’s good to be aware of the number wherever you are. If you have to remember one, then 112 is the best one, because it is used on GSM networks across the world and other countries, particularly in the Americas.

MOBILE PHONES Most GSM mobile phones have several emergency numbers pre-programmed, usually 112, 999 an 911. These numbers work even when the phone doesn’t have a SIM card, the keypad is locked or when the number is entered instead of a PIN. If you have any GSM coverage at all, then this is a good number. It will work on any GSM network worldwide.

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THE MARRAKECH DESERT EXCURSIONS THAT WILL BEWILDER YOU If visiting exotic and delightful places and spots are some of your magical dreams, then you should try and acquire the best quest by running up towards Marrakech desert organized tours.

ADAPTED FROM BLOG.HR/ CC-BY-SA-2.5HR -

The quiet and calm spots of the desert will help you meditate and chill out. With this, you can reconnect with yourself on a spiritual level. As you go on with your life in the desert, you may think it’s not deluxe, but on the other hand, it will give you the wisdom with regards to giving worth to life and your existence.

dunes during the trip. In fact, you will also gain one of the main highlights of the trip which would be to watch the lush and secluded oases.

You can also go on the trip to some Kasbahs in which the culture of the desert settlers can be felt and the most sumptuous delicacies can be tasted.

Camel back riding will make the Morocco The Sahara desert is the source of ideas to many excursions more genuine. Since camels are stories and legends. This is of no surprise for part of the Berber nomads transportation, you the reason that this fairly borderless ocean of definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on this one. dunes is a great spot for those who cherish Should you be an admirer of some thrilling adventure. Going on a day trip movies that have been taken in starting from Marrakech, will the desert, then camel trekking is ‘... ENJOY allow you to see the clear blue a prospect for you as a way to feel WATCHING sky and the Saharan sands that the adventures on that film. appears to be composed of gold.

MANY STARS IN During the night, you will be able THE DARK SKY, Marrakech adventure trips are to enjoy watching many stars in LIKE EXPENSIVE supplied by tourism agencies. the dark sky, like expensive and Tourism agencies include a AND GLITTERING variety of tour packages offering glittering diamonds. You don’t DIAMONDS’ have to worry about getting lost Marrakech desert trips. Within during a Morocco organized this tour packages, you will be excursion, because a dependable provided some alternatives like team of tourist guides will be with you during the length of time you would like to spend on the entire trip. As these tourist guides will work the trip along with the places you want to go cooperatively, you will be guaranteed to love during your day trip from Marrakech. On top and relish this once in a lifetime experience. of that, they are free to get some negotiations They also care most about your safety. regarding your trip. If you plan to get in touch with them, then go ahead and log on to the site Folks who are liable in providing the said of these agencies. The outlook you can see in services as the most effective tourist guides Sahara is undeniably impressive and scenic. For on Morocco adventure trips are 100% locals you to offer yourself a break in the noise of the who travels and know every single part of this city, savoring this place is best for you. area ever since they were young. They are able to direct you to the right paths as well as the SUN BATHING: The vast sand dunes in the perfect places to have a great Arabian adventure Sahara Deserts along with picturesque views of nature. experience. You can’t only expect sands and

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LIVING THE NOMAD LIFE (Clockwise from top left) Nomad guides that help us mount on the camel backs, bringing us across the sand dunes to their camps for an overnight stay; the only source of light after the sunset -- candle lit lamps; having traditional appetizers of olives and dried red dates under the candle light while waiting for the main courses to be served.

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TAKING A BREATHER: (Top) Singing and dancing through the night around a campfire despite the language barriers between the Moroccan nomads.

(Bottom) Catching the early morning glow on top of the highest sand dune in a vast plain of emptiness.

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