After a considerable amount of research it became clear that the weight was particularly important. Many countries actually require a drone-pilot license to pilot devices exceeding 249g; so it made sense to start out with an unproblematic device which did not require too much paperwork and bureaucracy to fly. Having such a small weight means that I can also carry my Nikon DSLR too without breaking my back.

I managed to find a pretty good deal on a bundle known as the Combo. I’m now equipped with a carry case, a drone with a 12MP camera capable of shooting 2.7K Quad HD videos, a remote controller with the ability to maintain a HD video feed at a distance of up to 2km and three batteries! At around €500, the bundle wasn’t exactly cheap but considering the goodies inside the box and company support, I believe it was worth the expense. The Combo also comes with spare propellers, a micro USB cable, a gimbal flight protector, spare screws, RC cables and a screwdriver too. The price did not include the micro memory card, which needs to be purchased separately.

Any unforeseen problems?

I’m obviously no pro with the drone. I am still learning. I have used the drone a handful of times and yeah, I have naturally bumped into a few problems, the bulk of which can be avoided. Here are a few things that I’ve learnt till now:

1. Do not fly the drone indoors – to experiment a bit, like a kid, I did the mistake of flying it inside a narrow apartment corridor and bashed it against the wall. Avoid this if possible or at least install the propeller protectors before you do to avoid damaging the drone.
2. Launch the drone in an open field – find an open space where you can learn to maneuver the drone. Give yourself time to get used to the system of hovering, tilting, rotating and general functionality. Sometimes even syncing the controller with the drone takes some getting used to!
3. Confidence comes gradually – I still get a bit concerned about the drone getting attacked by a seagull. Joking aside, the device offers a number of features to help you increase confidence gradually. For example you can set a limited distance or altitude.
4. Drone auto-return feature: Always make sure the auto-return altitude (height) of the drone is above any buildings, trees and street lights or cable. In case the connection between the controller and the drone is lost, it will come back automatically based on the settings you give it. Avoid areas with many satellites and cranes due to interference.
5. Not particularly ideal for Malta: Being a small island, I’ve bumped into numerous issues on the locations where I can fly the drone. Due to the airport being centrally located, a big ‘X’ crosses much of the island creating multiple spots which are no fly zones. Don’t be discouraged though, it means you will need to find places which are not frequented by loads of people. A new Maltese regulation also requires you to register the drone. Refer to the following site for more information. Hunting season gives a new reason to worry about it too.

Reach out if you’re looking for some guidance and stay tuned for some new captures and some videography projects that I am currently working on.

The post Mavic Mini Drone appeared first on theglobenomad.

Agritourism locations are usually found very close to popular towns such as Catania and Taormina, they provide visitors with amazing local food and the accommodation options are usually quite affordable. Taking into consideration the 40-minute flight to/from Malta, these three factors tend to make the island extremely popular with Maltese people – this is why I have never actually considered Sicily as a place to visit – until a close friend of mine recommended a place along the border of Nebrodi Park – a few kilometers from the city of San Piero Patti – totally isolated, in a forest of hazelnut, walnut and chestnut trees.

I immediately knew that I would enjoy the place when I saw a couple of photos of potential trekking paths which are very close to the lodge. Agriturismo Il Capitano is located in the Province of Messina, a drive which takes around two hours to get to from Catania’s airport. You need to understand that this lodge is located in a mountainous area, so you can safely assume that roads are continuously curved. I will not lie to you – if you are not the driver, the serpentine highways and roads could easily make a sailor sick and “yes”, you will need a car. I would however go back in an instant; allow me explain why.

What to expect

The agritourism lodge is run by an ex-captain who is also a farmer, an arborist, a forager and a shepherd. After entering the property it was clear that this place could not be run by one man alone. A team of individuals do in fact contribute to the daily running of the premises by working in the orchards, taking care of livestock, cooking, cleaning and patching up the one road which leads to the lodge. The lodge operates extremely efficiently. They are truly like a small family – and they treat their guests like family, too. This is what makes the experience totally amazing.

The lodge has a very limited number of rooms available, all of which contain relatively comfortable amenities – beds, a decent bathroom and a wardrobe. Let’s be honest – what else do you need? If you plan to go during Winter, it will get cold – very cold. Luckily, the rooms are all centrally heated with a furnace which was purposely built to do just that. It might come as a surprise to also experience the large heated swimming pool which is also located on the same premises, a short walk away from the rooms. The lodge also offers a place for archery, darts and a sauna which is located next to the pool area. A lounging room with sofas and a big fireplace is also present – ideal for socializing or playing board games while having a few carafe’s of wine.

Wine and dine

One of the highlights of the place is without a doubt, the food. Generally people stay for breakfast and dinner. In between you may go and explore the area or visit some other locations. You may stay for lunch but keep in mind that you will need to inform The Captain before, so he and his team can cater for your gluttonous needs. Do this ideally a day before.

Breakfast is usually relatively basic since this is not your typical hotel – with most of the food being home-made, such as jams, juices, butter and some form of cake/sweets – enough to kick start your day. If you plan on having lunch in the afternoon, I recommend that you eat something small.

Dinner is prepared in the lodge’s kitchen and most of the food is grown and foraged on the premises. You start off with a starter of local bread, cheeses, jams and wild boar. Way too good to miss out on, till you realize that the starter is also made up of another two to three plates of locally grown or foraged goodness such as local mushrooms in bacon, asparagus, lightly fried broccoli or aubergine bruschetta (to mention a few). It’s different every time and the cook will keep you craving for something new. Pace yourself so you get to enjoy the full meal each and every time.

The next plate is the pasta. Like most Italian households, at Il Capitano the cooks prepare their own pasta. A few pasta dishes that really stood out were a creamy ravioli with mushrooms, a delicious asparagus risotto and bucatini with a ragu sauce. Trust me, you cannot miss out on this. Just when you thought that you cannot eat anymore – here comes the meat. A meat dish is offered after the pasta – a few portions of either beef, lamb or chicken with a side-dish of vegetables (and some gravy!). All were extremely delicious and reminded me of a home cooked Sunday meal. The final plate is dessert – I want some of that lava chocolate brownie now.

To be clear – you do not get to choose what food comes out – they serve whatever is available. If you do not like it, pass your plate to your friend or significant other.

Il Capitano Advantages

• Extremely well kept lodge with clean rooms
• Friendly owner and staff
• Extremely good food (including wine and juices)
• Isolated for those who prefer to get away from it all
• Great for outdoor activities
• Best value for money (Depending on season ~€65/night)
  

Il Capitano Disadvantages

• You need a vehicle
• 2 hours away from Catania Airport
• Dangerous foggy roads in the area (4×4 recommended)
• Totally GPS dependent when driving

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My personal best views of Singapore’s skyline were reached via the inexpensive MRT system (and some generous walking). Go ahead… board an MRT train and check out the best views this island has to offer.

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Chances are you’ve seen some photos on your favourite social network. You’ve craved going for a dip in the infinity pool with a corona in hand, amazed at the view in front of you. The Marina Bay Sands resort potentially has one of the best views of Singapore’s panoramic skyline. Needless to say, there’s generally a price to pay for the view and you may only use the pool if you have booked accommodation in the resort – a price well worth it if you ask me. If you are not a resident though, don’t worry. A separate entrance fee for the observation deck is still available and you will get to see the same panoramic view which includes seeing the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Barrage and the Singapore Strait to mention a few.

Gardens by the Bay

The Marina Bay Sands Skypark is amazing. The Gardens by the Bay are fucking awesome. As the name implies, you are in a massive garden; but not just any garden. This iconic place offers one of the best vantage points of Singapore. From the Skyway you will get to see a good part of the skyline along with the pretty buildings known as the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The Super Trees, as they are known, are incredible and in the evening they are lit in different colours, making you feel like you’re in an Avatar movie!

Marina Barrage

When I visited, the Marina Barrage wasn’t as busy as the other places. Truth be told, the sound of working drones could ruin the ambiance, but I doubt it, especially when you have one hell of a skyline in front of you. The Marina Barrage is practically a dam and a reservoir which connects five rivers, providing water storage and flood control to mention a few. The skyline gives an extremely good view of the Singapore Flyer (Ferris wheel), the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark too. This isn’t all though. Looking on the right hand-side of the Singapore Flyer, you will also see the east side of Singapore known as Marina East which includes the Gardens by the Bay East. Behind the Barrage you will get the chance to see the blue, endless Singapore Strait which is very often filled with huge tankers due to the Indonesia-Singapore border which is considered a main trading route.

Merlion Park

If you are in the area, you probably just finished your shopping spree. Before the amount of cash you just spent hits you, drop by Merlion Park to pass away peacefully under a spitting Merlion statue (yes, a combination of a mermaid and a lion). The Merlion is a very well known tourist icon and this isn’t the only one in Singapore (I will not ruin the adventure for you). The skyline from Merlion Park is also beautiful, with views of the Jubilee Bridge, the Waterfront Promenade and the Esplanade Outdoor Theater. You may also see the Louis Vuitton Maison, the architectural beauty of the Art Science Museum and an amazing light show if you head there in the evening.

Esplanade Waterfront / Theaters on the Bay

Opposite Merlion Park, the Esplanade Waterfront is worth visiting too. Grab yourself an ice-cream in a coconut shell and enjoy the skyline which includes views of Merlion Park, the Art Science Museum, the Skypark and the business centre sky scrapers. I suggest you go here in the evening. If you’re lucky you might even be able to enjoy these views while watching a concert or a small performance.

Chinese Garden Pagoda

If you prefer a more laid back, less social place away from the crowds, another beautiful and certainly unique skyline can be seen from the pagoda located in the Jurong garden islands. The skyline is very different from the other ones I mentioned, in fact the building blocks are actually resident and business buildings which are located in the areas of both Jurong West and East. From the top of the pagoda however you will also manage to see a 360-view of the beautiful park which includes a massive Chinese and a Japanese garden including The White Rainbow Bridge, a stone boat and tea house, a bonsai garden and the Pagoda Twins. Simply beautiful. Did I mention that you will need to climb the 7-storey pagoda to enjoy the view? Oh ye, there’s also a live turtle and tortoise museum.

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I personally love planning out a trip and focusing on what interests me the most, however to save you plenty of time I am going to include the itinerary we followed. I’m confident that you will find this information useful if you ever plan to ever visit this beautiful country.

Tokyo and Nikkō

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan is one huge metropolis. There’s so much to do it is very easy to waste time coming up with a plan on the fly. Prior to visiting Tokyo, I suggest you get a little familiar with its districts. You don’t need to drive yourself crazy and physically map out all the districts and points of interest, but I do recommend that you have a high level plan of what a district offers. For example, it is good to know that Ginza is Japan’s premier shopping district or Akihabara is the technology district. In this way you will be able to balance your activities easily.

During the 6 days, you may dedicate a day trip to go to Nikkō, which is a city in the mountains of Japan. Here you can enjoy the city’s National Park, ‘onsen‘ hot springs and experience walking a couple of awesome trails.

Another day trip may be dedicated to visit Mount Fuji.

Usually tourists and locals opt for the Hakone Tour and a cruise which takes you round Lake Ashi. Some of the best places to visit in Tokyo include the temple complex next to Senso-ji, the Tsukiji fish market, the Skytree observation tower, the picturesque Imperial Palace and the National Museum which is located in the beautiful Ueno Park. The district of Shinjuku must also go on the list with Akihabara and Ginza. Kids will also appreciate a trip to the Ueno Zoo which hosts a couple of giant pandas, gorillas, crocodiles and Sumatran tigers, to mention a few.

Koyasan and Mount Koya

A small town on a mountain surrounded by forests, Koyasan is a place you need to visit. You will not regret it. Mainly because it is a little out of the way, many Japanese people haven’t even had the opportunity to visit this place. Many tourists avoid it for the same reason. Why should you visit this place? Simple. It is one of the best places where you can experience living with the monks in a temple. Apart from experiencing their cuisine, known as shojin ryori, you will have the opportunity to attend early morning prayers with a few monks. There are well over 35 temples in the area, but you will need to book as early as possible before even arriving in Japan. The rooms are always taken and the prices tend to be quite steep. The town also boasts a massive temple complex and also a picturesque cemetery known as Okunoin.

Hiroshima

For some reason I thought that Hiroshima would be a disappointment, mainly due to the atomic bomb’s history. I couldn’t have been more wrong about this beautiful city. Although the city is quite large, you immediately feel the difference in comparison to Tokyo. The city somehow feels a little more laid back, minus the men in suits. It felt strange. A few places which are worth visiting in Hiroshima include the Peace Museum, Hiroshima Castle and hands down the most beautiful park I’ve ever laid my eyes on – Shukkei-en (Asano Park). Dedicate a few nights walking around the lit up streets, especially next to the river called Ōta.

Himeji

Before leaving Hiroshima, we decided to make a stop by Himeji which is a city found in the Hyōgo Prefecture between Osaka and Hiroshima. The aim was to visit the Himeji Castle, a white Japanese castle-complex located on a hill. Paying a little more will give you direct access to the top part of the castle located in the keep. The first floor of the castle is known as the “thousand-mat room”, which is filled with Tatami mats. There are also big gates which divide the different sections of the castle, which is surrounded by moats. Three moats existed in the past, however only a couple survive today. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see much of the city, but visiting Himeji Castle, its surrounding grounds and gardens should be on anyone’s bucket list.

Osaka

Osaka is the second largest metropolitan city in Japan. It is a port city. Like Tokyo, Osaka is littered with activities and places to see. We had opted to take a break from city life, so we decided to head directly to a place known as the Universal District. In this district lies Universal Studios Japan which definitely offered something completely different from what we had experienced during our stay. Most of the time was spent around the Universal grounds and we were lucky to experience most of the entertainment that the theme park threw at us. The theme park includes major attractions like the Spider-Man ride, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a Jurassic Park ride and also a small cruise with Jaws. There are many other rides apart from these, all of which come with an adjacent shop.

A stone’s throw away from the Universal District you can also find a ferry shuttle service which drops you off next to a couple more awesome places – the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel which I recommend you consider visiting. If you have never seen whale sharks or manta rays, you will enjoy this. In the same area, which is on an island, there is also a shopping mall with little restaurants inside it. The prices range from average to high, but there are some really good options. There is also the Tempozan Park which you may visit and lights up very beautiful at night. Consider a walk in the surrounding area before catching a ferry ride back to the Universal District.

Osaka’s centre also boasts a number of great places to visit however you may need to catch a couple of trains to fit them all in. The first is Osaka Castle and the surrounding grounds. The Umeda Sky Building is another. If you are into parks, then you need to drop by Tennoji Park. There is also Nagai Botanical Garden next to Nagai Park. Osaka also has its own zoo known as Tennoji Zoo which currently houses around 1000 animals including a hippo and a rhino house. Like any other place in Japan, you will also find a few temples like Shitenno-ji. The Buddhist temple called Nakayama-dera is also beautiful but it is a bit out of the way to the north. There is also a Shinto shrine known asTenman-gu where a Tenjin Festival is held annually – one of Japan’s top 3 festivals. Namba Parks is a shopping complex, just in case that’s your thing. If you likes museums then I am happy to inform you that you will find a few including the Osaka Science Museum, the Osaka International Peace Center and the National Museum of Art.

Kyoto and Nara

If you’ve seen picturesque temples in gardens on the Internet, chances are you’ve been looking at pictures of Kyoto. Kyoto is very different from the metropolitan cities likes Osaka and Tokyo. The main reason for this is the history. Once the capital city of Japan, Kyoto boasts some of the most spectacular sites and traditions in the country. You will most likely see women dressed up in kimonos. The district of Gion is a must see. The old area houses numerous wooden houses, most of which are in use till this very day. If you’re lucky you will come across the local female entertainers known as geishas.

Having some of the best temples in the world, I suggest giving priority to Kinkaku-ji; The Golden Pavilion. The surrounding gardens are also a pleasure to walk in. A close second is the Kiyomizu-dera UNESCO World Heritage site which is Buddhist temple. The five story pagoda, Ninna-ji should also make it on your list. The list of temples in Kyoto is endless so I highly recommend that you walk the areas which are littered with temples (you cannot miss them) and decide there and then if you’re up for some more temple site-seeing.

Temples however aren’t the only sites that Kyoto has to offer. Chances are you haven’t heard about Arashiyama. You did however see photos of a bamboo forest. Arashiyama is located on the outskirts of Kyoto and can be reached by train. Close by to the forest you will also find the Ōi River and a bridge. Once you cross the bridge you will come across signs to a monkey park which is located on a small mountain. Take some good walking shoes to ease the climb. The monkey park was decent, but you will need to climb for the views of the city underneath. I suggest you store any food or water in your day-pack to avoid any drama with the monkeys.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is another place you need to include when visiting Kyoto. There is a trek which leads up to Mount Inari, which is a three to four hour walk. More than 3/4 of the people who started with us, did not manage to make it to the top. You need good trekking shoes. The beauty of the trek lies in the thousands of red torii gates which you need to pass through. There are well over 10,000 torii gates which have been individually donated by businesses as a way to give thanks for prosperity and to hope for a better future.

If you like museums, consider visiting the Kyoto National Museum and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Kyoto also has a botanical garden known as the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden which is also worth a visit if you have some spare time.

Bordering the Kyoto Prefecture, you can also dedicate a full day to visit the Nara Prefecture. I believe a day is enough to enjoy Nara and interact with the surroundings, including the large number of deer roaming the streets and the parks. A collective number of sites within Nara, known as Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, include Yakushi-ji, Todai-ji, the Great Buddha and Kasuga Shrine.

Helpful Travel Information

Airport

• Tokyo has two main airports, Haneda and Narita.
• I suggest that you try and arrive in Haneda as it is the closest.
• Narita Airport is over an hour away from the centre.

Japan Rail Pass

• If you plan to do some long distance travelling in Japan, I suggest you use bullet trains called Shinkansen.
• I recommend getting what is known as a Japan Rail Pass. I found absolutely no problems with this company.
• Depending on where you are going, especially if you are simply visiting one place away from Tokyo (Example: Tokyo to Kyoto), then it may not be worth getting.
• Having a JR Pass does not mean that you will be able to use any train “for free”. You will not be able to use the pass for the Nozomi, Mizuho and JR trains using non-JR tracks.
• Refer to more information about train access here.
• Price: €426 / $483 for 21 days.

Pocket WIFI

• You don’t trust yourself with directions and using 3G/4G services is way too expensive – go for a Pocket WIFI.
• The same company that offers the Japan Rail Pass, offers Pocket WIFI servicess which you pick up from the airport upon arrival.
• In a nutshell, you have an Internet router with you which will allow you to easily have instantaneous Internet access.
• All you need to keep in mind is that you need to charge it in the same way you would charge a mobile, via a USB adapter which is also provided.
• Price: €44 / $50 for 5 days.

Recommended Monasteries in Koyasan:

The experience booking through Japanese Guest Houses was great. We booked successfully online and once we got to both Ryokans, we encountered no problems whatsoever. Here are the two Ryokans we spent one night in.

• Hoon-in Ryokan: Price: ~ €80 / $90 night
• Shojoshin-in Ryokan: Price: ~ €120 / $136 night

The post 21 Days in Japan appeared first on theglobenomad.

1 country, 5 guys and around 15 days of leave, we knew that time was bottlenecked against thousands of points of interest worth visiting. After some planning, we agreed that we couldn’t miss out on the beauty of Phi Phi Islands, the chaotic Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s top recommended activities. Anything else that we managed to fit in was going to be a plus.

Chiang Mai

Our first stop was Bangkok. You’re expecting some information on this city, right? You will have to wait. While planning the trip, a few friends had told us that they didn’t really like the city due to a number of reasons. Based on this information, we had decided to get out of the city immediately upon arrival. We had organized ticket bookings with AirAsia, catching a flight up to the north – Chiang Mai, which is considered to be one of Thailand’s gems. After way too many hours in the air, we needed to spoil ourselves with some high-end accommodation. We had the opportunity to stay for a few days in a place called Shewe Wana Suite Resort. The suite looked like a bungalow, a great start to the holiday – a place which I highly recommend. Depending on your views about walking or catching a tuk-tuk, it is worth mentioning that this place is located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, away from the old city.

There are many points of interest worth visiting in Chiang Mai and we had the privilege to visit most of them. I recommend that you kick off your itinerary in Chiang Mai by visiting Wat Chedi Luang. Depending on where your accommodation is located, ideally in the central area of the city, this trip can be done by simply walking. It is good to start with this place as you can get familiar with your surroundings and immerse yourself in what it is like to live in Chiang Mai. The first thing that may hit you is the heat, especially when you’re walking through this large temple complex and its gardens. Next to the entrance you will find people selling water, stock up if you don’t have any and go explore the area. If you’re lucky you will find someone selling coconuts. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or simply Doi Suthep is another site which you must visit. Located around 15 kilometers from the city center, this temple is located on a mountain and naturally comes with some really awesome views of the city and the surrounding areas.

Additionally, I’m sure you’ve heard about the ‘fun-activities’ in Chiang Mai. The list of activities is extensive and includes visits to elephant ‘parks’ and a ride in the surrounding jungles. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also combine the elephant experience with a long trek which usually occurs after the ride. You can obviously keep these two activities separate and maybe dedicate a full day trekking and visiting hill-tribe villages located among rice paddies. White-water rafting, zip-lining, going on a night safari ride and getting a massage are also recommended.

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We booked flights via RyanAir to catch a flight directly to Bologna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region. Italy is made up of different regions, one of them being the region of Tuscany which is located in the centre of Italy. The plan was to focus the holiday on the magnificent city of Florence, but things turned out a little differently.

Bologna

We spent a day in the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and we enjoyed walking around Bologna’s streets, familiarizing ourselves with the city and visiting some of the top places of interest. Walking in Bologna felt like I went back in time. The architecture was the first characteristic that caught my eye. Bologna boasts some great monuments from renaissance, baroque and medieval times.

You should spend some time in the Piazza Maggiore area, Bologna’s main square. It is particularly beautiful at night. You should visit an outdoor café and enjoy the activity around you.

Consider walking through the old market area within the streets of Quadrilatero which has kept its ancient tradition of trading. Here you will find numerous stores and shops selling local produce such as cheese, oil, vegetables, wine and cured meats. I recommend that you visit a salumeria. Why not buy something to take home with you?

Burn off some of that awesome pasta alla bolognese by hiking to the Sanctuary of San Luca which boasts the longest portico in the world!

If you have enough time in Bologna, consider visiting a few of the following places.

Florence

It was time to head to Florence. The best way to get to Florence is by train. Italy has a very efficient train system and you can book your seats online or physically from ticket machines located in every city’s train station. The capital city of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is known as the ‘Athens of the Middle Ages‘ and the city attracts millions of tourists yearly. Walk a little in its streets and you will immediately notice why people visit. The city is a haven for people who appreciate art and culture. I suggest that you take your time and walk around the city and allow yourself time to adventurously discover new places but here are a few sights which you should definitely fit into your itinerary.

The Duomo is possibly the first building that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of. The duomo is a massive cathedral complex known as Il Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) and it is made up of a cathedral, a cathedral square (known in Italian as Piazza) located in the heart of Florence, the baptistery, Giotto’s Campanile which is a bell tower, a Gothic building known as the Loggia del Bigallo and the Opera del Duomo Museum. All of them are worth a visit or at least a photo and they are all located close to each other. In the piazza you will find a number of shops, restaurants and small cafeterias. I recommend that you drop by one of the cafeterias and have an espresso or a cappuccino while you enjoy the view of the massive duomo in front of you.

If you are in the mood for loads of culture and art, drop by the Uffizi Gallery. The museum, located next to the Piazza della Signoria is huge and brilliantly designed. To mention a few, you will have the opportunity to view the works of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Giotto and Caravaggio. The visit took me a good part of the day but this is highly dependant on the person. You could easily spend a whole day here, so plan ahead. Expect a lot of art, paintings, classical sculptures and work that involves textiles and designs.

I was quite tired after visiting the Uffizi Gallery and since I had experienced a form of culture overload, it was time to head somewhere to relax and enjoy a vista. I headed towards Florence’s famous bridge which is located close by to Uffizi, known as Ponte Vecchio. The bridge is a medieval stone bridge located over the river Arno. On both sides of the bridge you can visit one of the shops, most of which are jewellery stores. The roads leading to Ponte Vecchio give you a good opportunity to capture the perfect photo. If you are crossing the bridge away from Uffizi, you will come across a cafeteria called Gelateria Caffe delle Carrozze. Treat yourself to a delicious ice-cream.

Also boasting some amazing museums is Palazzo Pitti which is located quite close to Ponte Vecchio. It is considered to be the largest museum complex in Florence and it contains a good number of galleries and museums including a porcelain museum, a costume gallery, a modern art gallery, a silver museum and a physical display of royal apartments which you can walk through used by the famous Medici family. Boboli Gardens can be found behind Palazzo Pitti and the place is also worth a visit especially if you are visiting Florence for a few days. The gardens host a vast collection of sculptures which date back to the 16th through the 18th centuries. Roman antiquities can also be found here. An entrance fee is required before entering the gardens and if you will be visiting the museums in the palazzo, look out for the ‘biglietto cumulativo‘ which is basically a ticket to visit all of the museums and the garden.

The one place I highly recommend you visit is Piazzale Mechelangelo. Another square and located a little far out from the centre, you will be able to experience the panoramic view of Florence from the district known as Oltrarno. There is also a bronze cast of David which directly faces Florence and it can be found in the square’s centre, however this is just an additional plus to the awesome view of Florence.

To top things off, part of Florence’s great culture is its food. If you are a meat lover, you need to try what is known as a bistecca fiorentina. Don’t miss out on this t-bone steak which will leave you craving for more. Trippa (tripe) alla fiorentina is also delicious. A starter pasta dish I really enjoyed was Pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale (wild boar). Consider visiting one of these trattorias: Trattoria Osteria da Què Ganzi and Trattoria Sostanza.

Day Trips

The great thing about Tuscany is that there are other famous cities which are very close by and it makes sense to take off from Florence’s train station to visit them. Dedicating a full day to each city should be enough. It would be better if you plan on boarding a train first thing in the early morning as this would allow you to experience the cities at your own leisure and without any time constraints. Keep in mind that certain sites may potentially have very long queues and you will need to factor in travelling time also (going to and coming from).

Pisa

Chances are you’ve heard about the leaning tower of Pisa. You’ve been wanting to take a picture next to it for ages (…and pretend that you’re pushing it), but don’t think that it is the only building worth seeing. Pisa is a relatively small city and everything is in walking distance and definitely manageable in a day or so. Some places include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, Santa Maria della Spina, Pisa Baptistry, Knights’ Square, Camposanto della Carovana, Santa Caterina, San Paolo a Ripa D’Arno, Orto botanico di Pisa and the Domus Galilaeana. In the central part of the city, between the leaning tower and the botanical gardens, you will also find some very good restaurants. Grab yourself a good plate of pasta or a pizza while you’re here.

June is a perfect time to visit Pisa as you will experience a couple of their big festivities. The Luminara which takes place on June 16th (evening), over 70000 candles are lit inside wooden frames and fit into buildings along the Arno river. This is done to bring out the architectural profiles of the buildings. Additionally, the reflection can also be seen in the river itself. You definitely need to be somewhere along the river on this day. On the 17th of June there is also an event known as the Regatta. In the afternoon teams from the four neighbourhoods of Pisa compete against each other in a nautical race.

Siena

Siena is a city which is also located in Tuscany and it also shares similar characteristics with its sister cities. It is famous for its museums, art and cuisine. Apart from its picturesque streets, Siena is known for its horse races which are usually held once a year in the iconic Piazza del Campo. There are several places you can visit including the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre Del Mangia, the Duomo di Siena, Basilica of San Domenico and the Pinacoteca Nazionale. During Christmas time a number of activities and events are organized in Siena including a medieval market where you can buy handicrafts, decorations and food or wine. Music during this period is also a main protagonist and you will may get the chance to listed to the Italian Opera in Siena. Take some time to walk through Siena’s streets. It is impossible to get lost and you will immerse yourself in what daily life feels like in this beautiful and peaceful city.

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Day 1 – Old Town

Assuming that you arrive in Prague early in the morning, you should dedicate at least half a day walking round the neighbourhood you’re living in. Get familiar with your surroundings – restaurants, bars, clubs, local eateries and take note of any point of interests you see along the way.

The rest of the day can be spent exploring the Old Town Square neighbourhood. Again, assuming you’re visiting during Christmas time (or Easter), this part of Prague will probably be the core location where you will be passing through each time you want to go to another neighbourhood. You will love it, mainly because during the seasonal period a large market will be set up in the centre selling good food and anything which could potentially attract a tourist. Grab a bite to eat in the evening in one of the many restaurants around the centre.

A few sites worth checking out are the following:

1. Church of Our Lady before Týn – 14th century church.
2. Prague Orloj – Medieval astrological clock.
3. Church of Saint Nicholas – Baroque church.
4. Statue of Jan Hus – A statue dedicated to Jan Hus, a Czech philosopher and priest.
5. Old Town Square – Central square in the middle of all the attractions in this area.
6. Kinský Palace – An art museum which was a Rococo designed palace.
7. Market stalls – Stall vendors selling food and souvenirs.
8. Hard Rock Cafe & Starbucks – Always worth a visit.

Recommended Taxi Services:

• AAA Radiotaxi – tel. 14 0 14 or 222 333 222, www.aaa-taxi.cz
• City Taxi – tel. 257 257 257, www.citytaxi.cz
• Profi Taxi – tel. 261 31 41 51, www.profitaxi.cz

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When me and a couple of friends realized that the stopover between one flight and another was around one hour (this happened in Tokyo), we knew something was wrong. After checking the flight details we noticed that we had to spend what airline personnel call a layover in Dubai, due to a technical glitch in the system. No worries. A new adventure, why not?

We stayed in a hotel belonging to Emirates, quite far away from the centre. Once we checked in, a lady approached us with a few tourist deals which we quickly discussed and accepted. Although a lot of travelling was involved for one day, we genuinely enjoyed all the activities. If you ever drop by Dubai, I highly recommend that you spend at least one day. Believe me, if you’ve travelled for over 11 hours and you have another 8 hours ahead of you, it wouldn’t hurt to spend a day in another country before arriving home.

Dubai Tour

Tours in Dubai are plentiful. There are so many which you can pick and choose from, it is easy to get worked up on something that should be fun, especially if you’re with a group of people. We decided that it would be a good idea to rent a car to take us round the main sights. A pimped out Lexus picked us up and we started going round Dubai’s places of interest. A few of the top attractions which you should visit are the following:

• Burj Al Arab
• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Creek
• Wild Wadi Water Park
• Dubai Museum
• The Dubai Mall
• Madinat Jumeirah
• Palm Jumeirah
• Jumeirah Mosque
• Palm Islands
• Dubai Fountain
• Sky Dubai
• Jumeirah Beach
• Grand Mosque

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Our first ryokan was made up of 2 rooms – a ‘lounging’ area which we turned into our store room for backpacks and a tea room. In the evening after dinner, the tea room was converted into the sleeping room. We had to share basic amenities like bathrooms and a shower with the other guests. The system worked similar to a hostel, but way quieter.

The second ryokan we stayed in was much larger and it was made up of about 5 rooms. We weren’t given a room within the ryokan, in fact it looked more like a medium-sized bungalow in the ryokan’s surrounding grounds. I believe it could have easily accommodated six people. We were lucky to also have a bathroom and a shower inside.

Which Ryokan Should I Choose?

Luxurious Ryokan

Expect prices to be on the high side. The ryokan’s owners and employees will go out of their way to make sure you are happy. Some benefits tied to booking a luxurious ryokan, apart from being treated like royalty include having larger rooms with a bathroom inside. Generally, direct access to a garden is also part of the package, making the experience more unique. Meals, usually breakfast and dinner are also exceptionally good. You will be served kaiseki-style meals which include traditional multi-course Japanese dishes. From a price point of view, the meal alone in a restaurant can cost between $130 up to $350.

Advantages:

• Guaranteed pampering;
• Exceptional food;
• Larger rooms;
• Bathroom and private shower.

Disadvantages:

• Price.

Standard Ryokan

The cheaper, hotel-like version of the ryokan is a common option. They are usually located in cities and in cemented buildings. While basic amenities are Japanese styled, the advantage of living in such a ryokan is probably the price in comparison to the other ryokan options available.

Advantages:

• Good food;
• Prices are cheaper in comparison to other ryokans or hotels;
• Generally located in the centre;
• Good access to the city.

Disadvantages:

• Not the real ryokan you wanted to experience;
• Feels like a hotel;
• Plain and simple room interior;
• Not much traditional character.

Shukubo – Temple Stay

If you cannot afford the luxurious ryokan and you’re travelling on a budget, then this could be the best option. Not all are budget-friendly, but you will find some decent prices if you plan ahead. Shukubos are Buddhist Temples run by the temple’s monks. They are one of the best ways to experience traditional Japanese culture and offer an opportunity to experience a monk’s daily activities. The best place to book a shukubo is in Koyasan. Travellers generally like to spend the night in a shukubo before continuing their journey. Shojin ryori (the art of Japanese vegetarian cuisine) is served for dinner and breakfast the next morning and they are usually included in the price. Before breakfast, you may also attend morning prayers with the monks. I’ve had the opportunity to stay in two shukubos in Koyasan and both experiences were amazing.

Advantages:

• Shojin ryori is amazingly delicious and different;
• Well organized rooms;
• Share some time with monks;
• Good access to areas that contain temple complexes (especially in Koyasan);
• Attend a ceremony.

Disadvantages:

• You need to book as early as possible;
• Some people may not like the sharing of basic amenities;
• Prices may be quite steep;
• Depending on the area and the weather, the place may have some insects.

I believe that staying for some time in a ryokan is the best opportunity for a traveller to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Here are a few photos of the ryokan’s grounds, the inside of the temples and the food.

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Madrid’s foodie scene is amazing. Whether you’re searching for a Michelin-starred restaurant, a gourmet market or you’re out with a few friends searching for tapas; you are definitely going to find something to satisfy your cravings. Best of all, most of the food is very affordable and very well priced. You could easily walk away very satisfied, sampling numerous small dishes, after spending around €20 or $23.

During my stay in Madrid I tried various dishes at different eateries, way too many to list here but having said that, here are the one’s I highly recommend.

Tapas

You’re spoiled for choice. The options with tapas are so great that it is impossible to try everything during your stay in Madrid. You could definitely try your best though. Tapas are generally considered to be appetisers or snacks which pair extremely well with a beer or wine while socialising the day/night away – and that is exactly what’s great about them. Tapas vary from simple small dishes like the famous calamares which are rings of battered squid to different types of rice dishes known as paella.

Bocadillo de Calamares

“Don’t forget to try the Bocadillo de Calamares” were the words that came out of my friend’s mouth before I left for Madrid. A simple yet delicious treat, no visit to Madrid is complete without trying one of these local famous sandwiches made from fried squid and a simple bread bun. Generally found in tiny bars, these sandwiches are usually paired with a small beer and olives. The best one I found was under the arches next to Plaza Mayor.

Churros

Churros are basically fried dough made from flour, salt and water that are eaten at any time of the day, typically eaten during breakfast time. While there are different variations, the one I tried in Madrid was accompanied by a large mug of hot melted chocolate. Damn son. Treat yourself to a a few of these sticks at the much visited Chocolatería San Ginés. You will also find the occasional street vendor next to parks too.

Paella

While many non-Spaniards consider paella to be a national dish, it is really a Valencian rice dish. Possibly my favourite dish, paella doesn’t always contain the same ingredients. It can be treated as the Spanish variation of an Italian’s pasta dish. There are therefore many recipes with different ingredients and yes, expect to find numerous variations in Madrid. The top ones you should try include the most famous seafood paella, the vegetarian or vegan paella and my personal favourite –  mixed paella which usually includes chicken, chorizo and shrimp too. Amazing. Most restaurants in Madrid serve paella but if you’re up for a quick snack, I enjoyed the three types that are available at the Mercado de San Miguel.

Jamón

While exploring Madrid I came across numerous shops and even a museum dedicated solely to this delicious cured ham. I also tasted a number of tapas which included jamón too. The most famous ham is known as jamón ibérico (ham from the Iberian black pig). This prime-quality ham tastes particularly unique due to its acorn-based diet. In comparison to other cured hams, typical characteristics in jamón include a darker colour and marbling  (due to a higher fat content).

Overall, the dining experience was amazing – varied, always delicious and affordable. The best three factors in any meal. You are bound to find something you like and my suggestion to you is the following: Walk around Madrid and spend a few evenings exploring different neighbourhoods. Do visit a few restaurants or markets that are marked on travelling sites but don’t limit yourself to these eateries alone. There are some truly authentic places in the small winding alleys and pedestrian streets that are not necessarily mentioned online. You have a better chance of tasting unique dishes in these places and obviously a better chance of interacting with the locals. This is what makes Madrid extra special. ¡Buen apetito!

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