CIT Tours

Literary Café Culture in Europe

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 09:27:14 +0000

The beautiful photographs and interesting stories in the book ,Grand Literary Cafés of Europe, by Noel Fitch, provide both the background behind the history of café culture in Europe and great ideas for places to relax on your next European city trip. “Coffee is the beverage of thought, dialectic and dream”. From the first cafés formed in Ottoman Empire to today’s chain boutiques, café culture has always been a part of the European cultural identity. Some of the most fantastic cafés featured in this guide include:

Café Américain (Amsterdam)
Just off the bustling Leidseplein is this Dutch version of an Art Noveau paradise. Located in a canal-side hotel, the café within is popular with locals wanting to read a newspaper or enjoy a good book. Tourists often drop in for a coffee and to admire the wonderful architecture, complete with lamps and murals from the 1920s.

Café de Flore (Paris)
Originally, Café de Flore offered a separate floor as a quiet sitting room for writers to work during the day. Today, the café is packed with tourists soaking up the brilliant cosmopolitan atmosphere overflowing here on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. The venue offers old world charms with a warm ambience but continues to be en vogue even in modern times.

Café Gerbeaud (Budapest)
Gerbeaud is popular for many reasons – not only does it serve up wonderful coffees, but it is famous for delicious pastries and towering bowls of ice cream. Set on the corner of a picturesque square on the Pest side of the city, the terrace here is one of the busiest places in town on a warm, sunny day.

Café Central (Vienna)
One of Vienna’s architectural masterpieces, Café Central is an amazing space, with vaulted ceilings gently echoing the frequent hiss of the espresso machine or clanking of glasses. The coffee here is absolutely delicious, served piping hot with thick milky foam on top and a cold glass of water to accompany.

Want to know more about the origins of coffee? Need a guide as to the best old-world cafés steeped with history in your next European excursion? Then grab yourself a copy of The Grand Literary Cafés of Europe.

Lisbon Travel Guide

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:27:29 +0000

Sunset at Lisboa

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is known for its friendly people, vibrant nightlife, old-fashioned traditions, distinctive art, soulful Fado music clubs, delicious seafood, mosaic pavements, sidewalk portrait painters, riverside restaurants, street cafes, and its splendid architecture as witnessed in its Art Nouveau buildings, church towers and domes, and old monuments. The best time to visit Lisbon is in the off-season in spring or in fall when the weather is not too hot and the city not yet crowded by the deluge of summer tourists.

Geographically, Lisbon is spread out over seven hills and descends into the Tagus (Tejo) River. These seven hills include the Senhora do Monte, Santa Catarina, Estrela, São Pedro Alcantara, Penha de França, Graça, and the São Jorge, on which the famous castle, Castelo de São Jorge, is perched atop. Each of the seven hills offers a panoramic view of the city at the top, making them all worth the climb.

There are many things to do in Lisbon and all that is worth doing can be done without a car – the city is small enough and the public transportation extensive enough. Architecturally, there are a number of must-see historic buildings. The Moorish castle Castelo de Sao Jorge, the 12th to 14th century Romanesque Sé de Lisboa Cathedral (or Lisbon Cathedral), and the 16th century Mosteiro dos Jerónimos at Belém are all architectural marvels. North of Lisbon in Queluz, you’ll also find the Palácio de Queluz (Queluz National Palace), which is the 18th century palace of the King of Portugal. It features baroque, rococo-style architecture and gardens and it is nicknamed the “Versailles” of Lisbon. For 19th century romance architecture, the Lisbon municipality of Sintra is the heritage site of various palaces and castles, including the Pena Palace, the Castelo dos Mouros, and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra (or Sintra National Palace) where the King of Portugal used to reside in the summer.

Culturally, there are three major museums: the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, which is Portugal’s national art museum, the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, which has an extensive collection of ancient and modern art, and the Oceanário, which is Europe’s second largest oceanarium. For the outdoorsy traveler, there are beaches in the suburbs of Cascais and Estoril about a half-hour away from the city, as well as in the resort town of Sesimbra nearby where you can also enjoy sport fishing.

Other Lisbon points of interest include the Alfama District (or old town), which is the city’s oldest quarter. This district offers street cafes, flea markets, food stalls, Fado bars and restaurants, the June “Popular Saints” festival, and slopes and terraces that offer some of the best views of the city. For great bars, dance clubs, and restaurants, the Bairro Alto district is another place worth checking out.

Our Three Best Kept Travel Secrets

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:27:28 +0000

We love to travel and we love Europe, so as you can guess, our Best Kept Travel Secrets are Europe-Focused.

Panzano in Chianti

A few years ago, we came across Panzano in Chianti, a tiny Tuscan town with few tourist sights, but with some great places to eat and drink. If you are a foodie, you may have heard of its famous butcher, if not, here’s the scoop:

The town is built upon a long, narrow street. At the far end is the Church of Santa Maria which was completely renovated more than 100 years ago. At the other end of the town is the Antica Macelleria Cecchini, a butcher shop owned by master butcher (and showman) Dario Cecchini. He descends from a long line of butchers and has recreated an antique-style macelleria on the site of the family shop which was destroyed during the war. He is an excellent cook, and has done a lot to promote Panzano and traditional Italian food. His shop is a tourist attraction as well as a place to buy unusual cuts of fresh and prepared meats. When you arrive, if you can get past the mob at the door, you will be offered a sample of fine Chianti wine from Dario’s own vineyard, as well as samples of his sausage, olive oil, bread, “tuscan butter” and whatever he is offering that day. People come from all over to taste his meat and porchetta.

Dario has also opened a restaurant, Solociccio, that serves several courses of, you guessed it, meat. The dinners are served family style at tables seating 12. It is open for two seatings Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m. Reservations highly recommended.
Via Chiantigiana 5
Panzano in Chianti0
11-39-055-852-727.

Directly across the street is a wonderful wine bar, Enoteca Baldi, where we enjoyed a great lunch and a nice visit with the friendly owners.
Piazza Bucciarelli, 25, Panzano in Chianti; 011-39-055-852-843

Market Day
Panzano in Chianti hosts a well attended market every Sunday morning until 1 pm in the main square (Piazza Bucciarelli). You’ll find flowers, vegetables, cheese, fruit, roasted chicken, clothes, hardware and more. All shops in Panzano in Chianti are open on Sunday until 1 p.m.

Vino al Vino
This wine festival is held on the third weekend in September in the main square of Panzano (Piazza Bucciarelli). Wine from many of the Panzano wineries is available for sampling and you will surely enjoy the fine, festive atmosphere accompanied by live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
-Terri Fogarty

Erfurt, Germany

Have you heard of Erfurt, Germany? We hadn’t until doing a tour of Germany a couple of years ago. Erfurt is a beautiful, culturally rich city, set smack dab in the center of Germany. The capital of Germany’s Thuringia region, Erfurt boasts one of the best preserved historic centers in Germany. The old town is built around the Dom Platz, a huge square dominated by the Cathedral of St. Mary ( Mariendom) and the St. Severus Church (Severi-Kirche), a former Benedictine Abbey. The Rathaus (City Hall) is located on Fischmarkt square and is really worth touring. The interior is decorated with historical frescoes depicting the lives of Martin Luther (who lived in Erfurt for awhile) and others. And the Anger Museum, partially closed for restoration at this time, houses a collection of important German paintings.

While we spent a full two-plus days in this charming, historically significant city, we were not able to see and do all that we want. We only scratched the surface and look forward to a return visit to Erfurt.
– Terri Fogarty

Cerbere, France

On our way back to the Netherlands from a trip to Spain, my friend and I narrowly missed our connecting train in Cerbere, France (Languedoc Roussillon region). All we wanted to do was get home, but the next train wasn’t for a few hours. Tired and disoriented, we wandered towards the sparkling blue water that caught our eye beyond the train tracks. Always up for an adventure, we decided to follow a narrow trail etched into the side of a cliff along the shallow water, which to our surprise, led to a stunning little cove resembling a small lagoon. It was a gorgeous day, and after swimming in the cove we picnicked on some sunny rocks. Munching on fresh sandwiches, we smiled at each other as we realized that missing our train was surely worth this delightful detour.
– Mike Coletta

Austin Travel Guide

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 05:27:11 +0000

20080314-2 – North by Northeast and the Manitobans Party

Austin, Manitoba is a town about 110 kilometers or 85 miles west of Winnipeg on the western edge of the province. It sits on the edge of the Portage Plains. The main attraction of the town is a Homesteaders’ Village, which simulates village life in the late 19th century. It includes typical log houses, an elegant clapboard home with a ballroom, and general store. The other attraction of the town is the annual Rodeo and Threshermen’s Reunion, which takes place in late July.

Discover Paris Again

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:29:07 +0000

You’ve been to the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, gazed up at the Eiffel Tower and the Arch of Triumph, taken a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River. Now you want to discover the lesser-known treasures of Paris — which is what we did on our latest visit to this fabulous city. John and I checked out a few old favorites and looked up places we’d never seen. We did our usual endless walking, poking into covered passageways and tiny shops, and when we tired of that we rode the bus.

Everybody loves the Metro subway system, and it’s great for covering distances fast and efficiently, but the city buses give us tours as good as expensive sightseeing buses (without the guide,) a look at the street life, and easy rides to wherever we want to go. Tickets, 1.60 euros, are good on the Metro too.

John and I like to stay in the Latin Quarter, on the Seine’s Left Bank, so we checked in at Hotel St. Jacques, on rue des Ecoles. Rooms cost under 150 euros a night, the location is central, the beds are comfortable, and we had views of Notre Dame and the Pantheon from our windows and tiny balcony. Sometimes rowdy youths made the streets noisy at night — this is a university district, has been since the Middle Ages –so the upper floors (5 and 6) are best for quiet.

If we wanted to spend a bit more, we might stay at Hotel Parc Saint-Séverin, on a small street next to the Saint Severin church. Its uppermost rooms have terraces with views of the church and Paris rooftops. The Hotels Grands Ecoles, also in the 5^th arrondisement, is very special, with its large, flower-filled courtyard. It is so popular they don’t take reservations more than three months in advance. We peeked in Hotel du Levant, which offers rooms from 100 to 160 euros for two, and that includes a buffet breakfast. It looks pleasant, a good value.

We bought flowers from the shop across our street and set them on the window ledge in a wine bottle (our make-it-homey ritual) and headed out to the Quai Branly Museum. Visitors to this modern museum near the Eiffel Tower have strong opinions, from “architectural disaster” to “beautifully done.” I think it’s both. The big, blocky building seems unwieldy and out of place, the traffic flow poorly designed, the audioguide less than helpful. But don’t let that keep you away. The Quai Branly’s collection of art and objects from Oceania, Asia and Africa is outstanding, worth several visits to see it all. Elaborate masks and costumes from New Guinea, huge wooden drums, eery carved figures, gorgeous capes and headdresses –it’s all fabulous.

Paris’ museum restaurants have become known for their good food, and the Quai Branly’s is no exception. Our lunch was one of the best of the trip (I’d love to have the recipe for Asiatic Salad, with its crispy noodles in a light lemongrass sauce), and the service on a busy day was fast and friendly. In fact, service in every restaurant was fine. I’m sure the stereotypical snooty French waiter exists, but we have yet to encounter one.

In sharp contrast to the Branly, the Jacquemart-André Museum, near the lovely Parc Monceau, is set in a grand 19^th century mansion and filled with Italian and French art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Listening to the excellent (and free) audioguide, we went from room to room admiring the Tiepolo fresco, the works by Rembrandt and Van Dyck, the curved double staircase and painted ceilings. When we went in search of lunch, only the long waiting line kept us from the museum café, said to be one of the most beautiful tearooms in Paris. Instead, we sat at an outdoor table (as most of Paris was doing on this sunny day) at Ma Bourgogne, on busy Boulevard Haussmann.

Our post-meal stroll took us to the oldest wine shop in Paris, Caves Auges. You might expect a romantic atmosphere, but these chilly rooms are all business, with hundreds of cases of wine bottles stacked high. We’ll look for cozy tastings elsewhere.

Because we wanted to become more familiar with our own neighborhood, the 5^th, we had most meals at nearby restaurants — small places you aren’t likely to find in the Michelin Guide. Les Fàtes Galantes, near the Pantheon, is tiny, with a festive, whimsical atmosphere –bras (yes, women’s underwear) tacked to one wall, photos of jazz musicians, memorabilia — and tasty meals at reasonable prices. A block or so from there, the ChantAirelle, popular with local folk, offers hearty country food typical of France’s Auvergne region, served indoors or in a courtyard in back.

As a break from French cooking, we tried a Thai/Vietnamese restaurant, La Rose de Sommerard and gave it mixed reviews. The soggy fish in a bowl of coconut milk was inedible, but the fried rice was fine, and dishes at other tables looked great. The message: know what you are ordering. The menu showed much variety, and the cost was low.

Our biggest splurge was in the 7^th arrondisement, close to the Eiffel Tower. Les Fables de la Fontaine, owned by the noted chef Christian Constant, is truly exceptional. We sat at an outdoor table and feasted on gazpacho with melon, an elegant salad, and grilled cod on pasta. Divine, if pricier than our usual bistro meals. The sky was darkening when we strolled from the restaurant to join the crowds milling happily around the lighted Eiffel Tower, which looked like an immense golden jewel. It’s a festive scene, not to be missed.

Less visited by tourists is the Paris Mosque, an oasis of calm near the Jardins des Plantes, walking distance from our hotel. A courtyard with flowers and splashing fountains and walls tiled in geometric patterns offer a restful space. Jardins des Plantes is a respite, too, with its many paths and a rose garden.

Les Caves Augé
116 Blvd Haussmann
75008 Paris

Restaurant Les fàtes galantes
17, rue de l’école Polytechnique
75005 Paris

La Rose de Sommerard
16, Rue Du Sommerard
75005 Paris

Les Fables de la Fontaine
131 Rue St Dominique
75007 Paris
Tel: 0144183755

Unexpected Delights: Istanbul, Turkey

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:27:51 +0000

Due to a strange, yet fortuitous, turn of events during a trip to Greece, I found myself in Istanbul, Turkey for two days with some of my favorite travel companions: my parents, sister, and our beloved grandmother. My father, who didn’t have many opportunities to travel in his younger years, is perhaps the most joyful and respectful traveler I have ever met. In his quest to “soak it all in,” he never wastes a moment. No sooner had my sister and I flopped our suitcases on our beds when we heard a knock on the door and Dad’s voice (full of tireless enthusiasm) asking “You guys want to go for a walk?”

As we stepped out onto the stone sidewalk in Istanbul’s Old Town at dusk, we heard the call to prayer from a local Mosque. There was a quiet, pulsing energy in the air as locals made their way home from work. As a linguist, hearing Turkish spoken was a rare treat. The lilting and authoritative tones blended perfectly with the mysterious, yet comfortable surroundings of the neighborhood around our hotel. It is these ordinary moments while traveling that I like best; these are the ones that stick in my memory and make me feel truly connected to a place, even if I have only spent a few hours there.

The next morning, we visited Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi, or Covered Market). Armed with a wallet full of Turkish lira and accompanied by four rabid shoppers, my father took on the unenviable task of trying to keep up with us (and avoid getting pick-pocketed, a common occurrence in the Bazaar) as we wove through the crowds of tourists. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is overwhelming (in both the best and worst senses of the term) because of the myriad beautiful Turkish products one can purchase (carpets, glazed tiles, pottery, copper and brassware, leather goods, textiles, alabaster boxes and ashtrays) and the sheer number of shops and people. The nearby Egyptian Market, known for its large variety of spices, is a bit less intimidating and incredibly beautiful, allowing for a more relaxed experience, depending on the time of day. (Note: the Bazaar and Market are both closed on Sunday. They also typically close at noon on the day before major Islamic holidays. And yes, bargaining is expected at both!)

That afternoon we toured Istanbul’s most famous sites. Our first stop was the Hagia Sofia, a former patriarchal basilica, which then became a mosque, and now is a museum. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and boasts one of the most innovatively designed domes in the world. We continued on to the Aqueduct of Valens, which was built in the reign of Valens (368 A.D.), and is still in use. During our tour of part of the massive system of subterranean pipes and above ground arches, we learned that this two-story aqueduct spans the lower ground between the third and the fourth of the city’s hills. Our last stop of the afternoon was the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), with its impressive dome measuring 43m/141ft high, 23.5m/77ft in diameter and six majestic minarets.

Though we only spent two days in this fascinating city, I can easily say that, in all my travels, it was one of my favorite destinations. Throughout my time there, I felt like I was peering into an ancient jewelry box full of rare, complex treasures– occasionally blinded by intense flashes of culture, and overcome by an intense desire to keep digging deeper, to reveal forgotten gems of history that would shed light on contemporary Turkish realities.

Catalina Island Travel Guide

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:27:13 +0000

Sunrise Avalon Harbor Catalina Island

Catalina Island (or Santa Catalina Island) is about an hour away from San Pedro by car, 75 minutes away by ferry, and 15 minutes away by helicopter. The island has only one sizeable town and it looks a lot like a Southern California town from the 1970s. The island lies 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast and resembles a Mediterranean village more than a California resort. Homes are built along steep, terraced hills. The island itself measures 21 miles long and 8 miles wide and is fronted by Avalon Harbor where sail boats are anchored neatly in rows. With less than 4,000 residents, the atmosphere in Catalina is naturally low-key and village-like.[1]

The development of Catalina began in 1919 when William Wrigley Jr., a member of the famous chewing gum family, bought a controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company. Today, the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy protects over 80% of the island, ensuring homes for the foxes, ground squirrels, ornate shrews, western harvest and deer mice, and other creatures unique to the island. Plants endemic to Catalina include the Catalina mahogany tree and the lovely St. Catherine’s lace, among seven other rare plants.[2]

Most people arrive via the Catalina Express. This speedy ferry runs multiple times a day with scheduled services from San Pedro and Long Beach. It departs and arrives at the Pleasure Pier, which itself is lined with numerous shops. Large cruise ships usually make Avalon Harbor one of its port of calls on three- and four-day excursions that tour the Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico area.[3]

Attractions
Unlike its smoggy neighbor across the straight, Catalina Island is a place where cars are out of place. Driving is strictly limited and there are no car rental companies. Most people walk. Bikes and golf carts, however, are available for rent and charge by the hour.[4]

Accommodations in Catalina are comprehensive. There are several comfortable hotels, cozy cottages, and even luxurious hostelries complete with full kitchens, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. One notable place is the stately white Inn. This elegant bed and breakfast is situated on Mount Ada, offering guests sweeping ocean vistas. It is a Georgian colonial mansion that has been restored. There are only six guest rooms, so advanced reservations are a must.[5]

The Casino Building, one of the best examples of Art Deco in the country, is the most recognizable landmark on the island. Standing 140 feet tall in circular form, the structure was completed in 1929 and used as a ballroom to host big dances during the days of Glen Miller, Jimmy Dorsey, and other big-band orchestras. The building has since been converted into a movie theatre. It also houses the Catalina Museum.[6]

If you are interested in seeing the rugged interior of the island, the best way to do that is by hopping aboard the tram tour. This four-hour trip on an old stagecoach takes passengers up 2,000 feet to Skyline Drive where panoramas of the entire island can be enjoyed. The tour also makes a stop at El Rancho Escondido where you can see spirited Arabian horses.[7]

One of the best spectacles on the island is the herds of bison and buffalo that still graze the grasslands of the interior. They were brought there in 1924 to film the silent movie “The Vanishing American”.[8]

Another draw in Catalina is its water and beaches. Scuba divers are particularly drawn to the island’s clear water and teeming sea life. Backpackers enjoy going on excursions from Avalon and hiking into the interior. A number of well-equipped campgrounds are within a day to three days reach of the bay. Golfing on the island is surreal. There is a well-kept 9-hole golf course set amidst stunning views of the coast, mountains, and ocean. Pleasure Pier is the scene of boats, fishermen, and recreational anglers.[9]

Catalina’s charm is that it is mellow-paced and devoid of the glitz you’ll find in Los Angeles. You can go at your own pace, converse with friendly people, and transact at reasonable prices. The island is worth spending a relaxing day or two.[10]

References:
Baker, Christopher, Judy Wade, and Morten Strange. California. New York: Macmillan General Reference, 1994. ISBN: 0671879065.

[1] Baker, 180
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id. at 181
[5] Id.
[6] Id.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Id.
[10] Id.

Boating in France: Volcanoes, Train Strikes, and Cold, Oh My!

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:28:37 +0000

For over nine years, Neil and Joan Malling have been spending their summers cruising the canals and rivers of Western Europe aboard their now thirty-one-year-old Dutch motor-cruiser, the “Estate.” This year they are again sharing their experiences. This is the first of their 2010 articles.

We arrived in France ahead of the volcano, but just in time for the French train strike. This year has certainly gotten off to a newsworthy start! We landed in Paris on Tuesday morning, April 13, and took an Air France bus to the Gare de Lyon. We had decided to stay in a new-to-us hotel, Hotel Palym, that is a very convenient, short walk from the gare. We were quite satisfied: friendly staff; small but clean and comfortable room and bathroom – 99 euros/night double. We spent the next 24 hours trying to get over the worst of our jet lag. Along the way we discovered a pleasant little café, Café de Lyon,on nearby rue de Lyon. We had a lunch and dinner there: simple food, well prepared, and good value. Frequented by local residents and bargain travelers, it was just what we needed in our physically discombobulated state

The next morning we discovered the train strike when we arrived at the Gare de Lyon. I had made reservations on line for the TGV before leaving the US. Unfortunately, that train to Dijon, the 10:24 was canceled. The next train left at about 11:30. The SNCF (French train system) provided English-speaking personnel to help passengers sort out what was a very confusing situation. We were told that we should just get on the next train and take whatever seat we could find. If someone arrived who had a reservation for the seat, we would have to move. Luckily, we chose well and that leg of the trip was uneventful. Our next train connection was from Dijon to St Jean de Losne. Instead of the expected 30 minute wait, this time we spent 3½ hours killing time in the station café with other delayed travelers. But we did get there, just a half-day later than expected.

We took a taxi to Les Charmilles, the B and B we usually stay in while setting up the boat in St Jean de Losne. Its owners, Sylvie and Gerard, were as pleasant and welcoming as always. It was good to be “home.”

Thursday the volcano in Iceland erupted, causing havoc in Western European air space and all the people and commerce associated with it. We have not been affected by it– yet. The ash cloud seems to be just to the north of us. No one knows what the pattern of the volcano will be: eruptions could be for a few days or sporadically over a few months. Today I heard a couple of airplanes overhead, so some planes are flying again..

We are now fully engaged in getting our boat, Estate, ready for its planned cruise of the entire length of the Canal de Bourgogne. We went into the details of what it takes to clean-up/fix-up in a couple of our blogs last year. If you’re interested take a look at First Days Aboard.

It’s springtime in France, after a very hard winter. Everyone we have talked with, local residents to Scots boaters, has commented on how cold and how long the European winter was, and how welcome spring is. Since starting this article, we’ve had blues skies, sunshine, and a cloudburst! The mornings are a chilly 40F – but by mid-afternoon, it’s a sunny, warm 65F and everyone who can is sitting on their boat or in the nearby park, soaking up the sun. The trees are starting to show green and the birds are celebrating with song. And a sure sign of spring is posted on the door of the supermarket: “Geraniums and vegetable starts arrive on Thursday!”

Café de Lyon
27, rue de Lyon
75012 Paris
Tel: 01 43 43 27 97

Les Charmilles
15 rue Monge
21170 St Jean de Losne
Tel: 03 80 50 13 37

Ten Tips for a Safe and Pleasant European Vacation

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:27:13 +0000

Of course you may not really care what others think about how you look and/or act when you are traveling abroad, but to a certain extent, blending in and not acting like a typical tourist can make your trip a much safer, more pleasant experience.

Here are My Top Ten Tips for A Safe and Pleasant European Vacation:

1) Keep your voice down!!!
This is probably the number one complaint by locals when tourists come to town, either alone or with a tour group. You may think it unnatural to speak softly, but if you want to blend in and be less of a target for pickpocketing, then limit your loudness. This goes for speaking on your cell phone as well, as many people often do not realize how loud they are during a phone conversation. Not only might you be profiled, but you are probably also disturbing the peace.

2) Lose the map
Don’t pull out the big old map or bulky guidebook in the middle of a public square or in a crowded metro or tram car. Not only will you be getting in someone’s way, but again, this is a perfect chance for a pickpocket to slip swiftly in and out with some of your valuables. In larger cities, you will be one of many lost tourists, and therefore may attract a scam artist who will offer to show you the route in exchange for cash or may even direct you to the wrong place.

3) Don’t accept offers from people on the street
Don’t accept offers for hotel accomodations, currency exchange (especially), or nearby restaurants/bars from persons soliciting on the street or at a train or metro station. They are simply preying on clueless, unprepared tourists. Read your guidebook ahead of time and get an idea of where you can exchange currency, have a meal, or spend the night. If you really can’t find what you are looking for, go to a respectable looking business or even a police officer to get direction assistance.

4) Skip the fanny pack
Maybe you find the fanny pack a comfy and convenient way to carry around your money and other valuables. You will, however, rarely find any Europeans wearing them, and it will be more than obvious that you are a tourist. Try a money pouch that you can wear under your shirt or coat instead and use a small day pack that fits inside your backpack or carry-on luggage.

5) Be aware of your surroundings while taking pictures
Taking lots of photos of landmarks and bridges, can’t be helped. That is what you are there for; to be awed and to capture that awe through your photos. But if you go snap happy with your camera, you will attract plenty of attention, guaranteed. Just make sure you have your possessions securely on your person while you are busy being distracted by the view.

6) Use neutral-colored luggage
As normal as it may be in the US to have fun-colored suitcases (like neon green or pink) which no doubt can help you swiftly identify your luggage in the chaos of baggage claim, it is amazing how many people will stare at you and immediately know that you are from out of town… way out of town. If you want to fit in, carry dark blue, black or brown luggage. Not only will it decrease your chances of being stopped by curious customs agents, but dirt or stains won’t show as easily either.

7) Wear neutral colors
Dress in black, or some other neutral, rather bland color–at least on the days of rail or air travel. Try not to stand out by dressing too artsy or hippie or flashy–at least for your flights. With ever-tightening airport security and “random” searches, you want to avoid standing out in a crowd. Keep your sunglasses and hats off as well.

8 ) Dress like a local
If you know a few things about the customs and fashion of the place to which you are traveling, try to either dress like the locals or make sure you can purchase a few small items to wear once you are there. For example, instead of wearing your baseball cap (huge giveaway that you are a tourist, and most likely American!) when it rains, you would do better to carry an umbrella. Generally women in central and eastern Europe don’t wear shorts. Bring a skirt and you’ll feel part of the crowd,

9) Speak the language
On a similar note, it always helps to pick up a few phrases of the local language before traveling. Locals will respond much better if you just give their language a try. They will likely speak enough English to answer your questions, but will appreciate your effort. Carry a phrase book with you or make sure you buy a guidebook that has plenty of practical phrases in it.

10) Enjoy the culture that you are visiting
Leave your home at home, and don’t expect to find every convenience and custom that you typically take for granted. Yes, things may run a bit slower or there may not be such a thing as customer service or free refills, but the cliche is there for a reason: “When in Rome…..”. You will learn a lot about the culture, the people, and yourself if you just go with the flow. Plus, the most interesting, exciting travel stories usually grow out of a traveler’s encounter with and acceptance of the diversity of people and their cultures.

Nantes, France: the Nautical Ambiance that Inspired Jules Verne

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:27:42 +0000

Gazing out from the shelter of an umbrella across the Loire River to Nantes’ hazy industrial islands, you will be transported back in time to the mystical shores of adventure and scientific discovery enshrouding the novels of Jules Verne (1828 – 1905). He was born and raised on Île Feydeau, a former shipyard that has been recently transformed into a landscaped open-air leisure and exposition center. It is also the permanent host to the Machines of the Isle of Nantes collection. Among the collection’s curiosities is a larger-than-life mechanical elephant that tours the isle, plodding its iron limbs and spraying onlookers with its trunk, to the amusement of visitors atop its back.

There are many tributes to the French author tucked into this lush, rainy maritime city. The Jules Verne Museum, for example, sits atop a staircase viewpoint with balcony views of the Loire, and houses his manuscripts, furniture, machine replicas, and memorabilia. Other traces include Crêperie l’Île Mystérieuse, both an ode to the novel and an excellent restaurant boasting some of the best local Breton fare as well as an intimate setting, and a bright orange air balloon in the corner. Lining a staircase in the middle of the shopping district you’ll find a large mural highlighting Jules Verne’s monsters and machines.

Since Nantes is located only 30 miles from the Atlantic coast, many locals make a daytrip out of St. Nazaire or La Baule, a west-coast version of Nice, right at the mouth of the Loire. In Nantes, you’ll find all sorts of fresh (and often live) seafood displayed in front of restaurants, especially Place Graslin – known for its breathtaking roaring twenties déco and upscale delicacies. Or try the famous brasserie La Cigale – a perfect stop before a night at the Opera - just opposite the roundabout

Nantes is also home to the Châteaux des Ducs de Bretagne. Built in 1207, it offers a recently renovated interior and history museum. Musicians and students picnic down on the banks of its moat where there is a great view of the Musée des Beaux Arts and la Tour LU. The former Lefèvre-Utile Biscuit Co. factory, which now serves as a restaurant, bar, art gallery, and music venue is doubly named ‘Lieu Unique’. It also offers historical tours and a panoramic view of the city.

Countless shops line the sloping streets connecting the major Places of Nantes – Place Graslin, Place Royale, Place du Commerce, and Place Bouffay – with gardens, large grassy roundabouts and fountains, and an old 19th century Passage Pommeraye with worn wooden staircases and angel lampposts around the inner balcony. Bouffay is a great ethnic restaurant district with every type of food imaginable crammed together on narrow streets amidst jewelry shops and lively bars. It is located just around the corner from the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul.

Looking for an extra dose of inspiration? Slip into Fées Maison (a play on the term ‘fait maison’, or homemade, this instead translates to ‘Fairy House’), with its dozens of potions and elixirs to sample in a magical setting of dragon, gnome, and pumpkin artwork.

Musée Jules Verne
3, rue de l’Hermitage
Tél. 02 40 69 72 52
10 to 12h and 14 to 18h except Tuesday, Sunday morning, and holidays
Ligne 1 : arrêt “Gare Maritime”

Crêperie l’Île Mystérieuse
13, Rue Kervégan (south of Tram 1 / Place du Commerce stop)
44000 Nantes, France
+33 2 40 47 42 83

Fées Maison
3, Rue Pré Nian
just off the main north-south tram line 2 near the Place du Cirque stop.