Land Of Marvels

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10 Things to Do this Year that Will Change Your Life

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Happy New Year!!! It’s the age-old adage to make resolutions for the new year ahead, to look forward and make goals for yourself to accomplish.  But, I know for me at least, as much as we want to keep them throughout the year, often times life gets in the way and things come up, leading us off that goal-oriented path.  So this year, as we look forward to the new year ahead, instead of making resolutions, maybe it’s better to just make plans.  Making plans is so much more concrete and holds us to do those things that might scare us, that might push us out of our comfort zones but that ultimately make us better people and better citizens of this world.  So this year, here are 10 things you should plan to do that will forever change your life!

1.  Visit a country you’ve never been to before.

Whether this means driving over the nearest border of a country near your own (i.e.. Canada from the States) or traveling abroad for the first time, you’ll never regret this decision.  Seeing a different country will open up your perspective.

2.  Take at least 3 days off of work in a place you love.

One thing that I hear over and over (especially from Americans) is that they can’t take time off of work.  The thing is, it’s not healthy to do that.  As humans we need to recharge, to de-stress and get a change of scenery.  Take a few days off, go someplace you love and don’t worry about it.  A few days away from work isn’t going to matter in the long run.

3.  Don’t overfill your calendar.

I’m guilty of this a lot.  I book myself too much, extending myself when I really don’t have the time.  This goes for booking travel as well as your day to day schedule.  Give yourself time to breath, to recharge, to have a moment.

4.  Book a plane ticket on a random afternoon in the middle of the week.

One of the most exhilarating feelings is to just book a plane ticket in the middle of a weekday.  You can plan it out or just do it spontaneously, but either way, it’s a feeling that will put you on a high for a while!

5.  Explore your surroundings.

One thing that people always say to me is that they can’t afford to travel, that they don’t have the resources or the priorities to do it.  The thing is, traveling doesn’t need to mean flying across the world.  It can also mean booking out a weekend a month to explore your own area and surroundings.  There are gorgeous places all around us and it’s those that are willing to look at those places with a different perspective that will get the most out of it.  You’ll be surprised by how much beauty you’ll find around you!

6.  Upend your priorities.

We all get bogged down at times with our priorities and responsibilities and it’s easy to get tired and stressed out.  On those days when you just want to throw your hands in the air and say “screw it,” do something completely out of the ordinary.  Go out to a fancy dinner or a movie on a weeknight.  Upend your priorities even if for a few hours, it will make a world of difference and chances are you’ll remember it as a great memory down the road.

7.  Start a savings account for a life-changing trip.

Can’t afford to take that life-changing trip in 2015?  That’s ok, but start saving for it.  The longer you put off saving for it, the longer down the road it will be.  Even if it’s just $10 a month, start a specific savings account for it and start saving.  Just looking at it on your account online will make you giddy, knowing you’re working toward it!

8.  Do something you’re afraid of.

Whatever it is, do something you’re afraid of this year.  When you conquer your fears, you’ll feel amazing!

9.  Take day and weekend trips.

Getting away from the grind of life is often needed, so when you finish that big project or when your anniversary is coming up, grab a loved one and head away for the day or weekend.  Even if it’s just an hour away, a change of scenery is never a bad thing.

10.  Take a leap of faith.

Some of my favorite memories are moments when I threw caution to the wind and took a leap of faith.  It’s not always easy to do but often in life, we need those moments to book a last minute flight or surprise someone we love on the fly to inspire us.  Inspire yourself this year!

London By Day

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London is one of the most vibrant cities in the entire world, and for those of you who have been lucky enough to travel there or even live in the city; you’ll know how overwhelming it can be for newbie travellers. That’s why researching this bustling urban jungle before you leave for your journey is essential, so you’ll know what to expect and can prepare for London as best as possible.

But this isn’t going to be your average list of things to check out while on holiday in England’s capital city. We are going to cover some of the more quirky aspects of the city for our readers.

Museums

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London has a plethora of museums that provide its patrons with a wealth of knowledge, and the best part about it, is that the majority are free to enter. Take the British Museum for instance, which has a myriad of exhibitions on throughout the year, including the BP exhibition Ming: 50 Years that Changed China which is currently on show until January 5. The museum is open 7 days a week and attracts thousands daily.

One of the World’s Oldest Pubs

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The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden is said to be one of the world’s oldest pubs having first opened its doors to the public in 1623. The pub now attracts many visitors due to its history and its prime location. With the pub or inn as it was referred to in the Tudor times, being very much steeped in tradition, its décor is reminiscent of yesteryear in this quaint drinking establishment in the middle of London’s West End.

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

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As far as theatres go in London, few are more famous than the legendary Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. Currently the theatre is showing their adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory over the Christmas period.

The Theatre Royal is the oldest theatre in England that is still open to the public. Redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1672, the theatre has consistently put some of the biggest productions on in the whole of Europe.

Heston’s New Venture

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If you have any downtime at London’s Heathrow airport while waiting for your flight, revel in some of Heston Blumenthal’s “quintessential British food” that his new venture will be serving. Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal launched his Perfectionists’ Café this year at Heathrow Airport as reported by Parking4Less. The restaurant will showcase his culinary flair while adopting a wholly British menu – serving fish and chips and other notable British dishes.

Blumenthal joins fellow celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey in launching a restaurant in the airport with the Scotsmen opening his Plane Food restaurant recently, too. So, if you’re travelling to the airport on your way back home, you need not worry about the standard of food that you’re going to be served if you don’t mind spending a little bit extra with the Perfectionists’ Café and Plane Food just two of the newly opened restaurants that the airport boasts.

 

*This post was written and contributed by supporters of True Colours.

Still Light : A Look Back at 2014

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As the year comes to a close, I have to say I’m ready to let 2014 slip away and look forward to a brighter 2015.  This past year taught me a lot, perhaps more than many of the years that came before it.  I started 2014 in my own little world, in a time period in my life when everything seemed pretty amazing.  My loved ones were healthy, our travels incredible, our apartment lovely.  It felt like we were on top of the world, with everything working out pretty amazingly.  And then month by month about mid-way through the year things just sort of got complicated.  And for a few months there towards the end of the year, it sort of felt like nothing was going to swing our way.  Between months where everything seemed to break in our apartment, to travel issues galore, to my mom’s on-going battle with cancer, a family emergency after Christmas, my best friend’s father dying way too young and a few of my own health issues along the way, the end of 2014 wasn’t my greatest.

To be honest, it’s a case of a lot of different things happening in my personal life, things that are out of my control, things that have literally brought me to my knees, crying on the floor, things that very physically have tested me greatly.  I pride myself on being strong, on holding it all together when it’s falling apart around me and these past couple of months as 2014 has come to a close, have taught me that while strength is important, so is vulnerability, so are those moments when you are literally hanging by a thread.  It is in those moments that you truly know you’re alive, when you look around you and wonder how you can possibly have this much strength at all, how you can possibly still be standing when your world is breaking apart in front of your eyes.  When you hear someone you love crying, when you don’t know what the future holds, let alone the next few days, when someone you love is in pain, those moments when it seems like you can’t take any more, those are the moments of this life that we are at our purest, when we know there might only be a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel, but there is still light.

Life, I have learned all too well this year, will not always be wonderful.  Sometimes it is sad and tragic and heartbreaking and downright mean, sometimes it’s fragile and trying and gut-wrenching.  And we will all go through times in our lives when we feel these emotions, when we aren’t sure what to do next, when we are tested with each breath we take, but it is up to us what we learn from it and how we move forward.  For me, I know this trying period in my own life is not over yet and might be far from it, but while the light might seem so far away sometimes, there is indeed still light and we must never forget that, we must never stop fighting.

But years like this do happen to us all, years when you wonder how we’ve gone through months and months without really thinking, with nothing seems to swing your way, months when it seems like it’s just obstacle after obstacle.  2014 taught me a lot of lessons, lessons that I think I’ll carry with me always, lessons that seemed to alter the way I thought my life would be, the path I saw ahead and changed what really is important.  But ultimately 2014 taught me that we might encounter times in our life when not everything is good, when we are challenged beyond what we thought we could do but at the end of the day, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, there is still light.

2014 In Review

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Every year I like to look back at the past year, where I’ve been, what experiences I’ve had, what places made an impact on me.  This year we did a lot of travel, both personally and professionally.  We traveled near our home and explored some beautiful spots in Oregon, Washington and California this year including Astoria, the San Juan Islands, Santa Barbara, Eastern Washington and Leavenworth.  And we traveled far to 3 different continents and 9 countries, some new and some returning to old favorites including an incredible trip through India, Cambodia and Thailand, weekend trips to Denver and New Mexico, multiple trips to Hawaii for work as well as a return work trip to Korea, and a whirlwind tour of Northern Europe including stops in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges and Paris.

We had trips that were seemingly perfect and life changing and others that were just a little “blah” and had a lot of issues.  We had trips that were spontaneous to visit family and others that we spent much of the year planning for.  And at the end of the year, looking back, I learned a lot of lessons about travel this year, many I’ll be implementing going forward.  But at the end of the day, I feel very fortunate to have seen much of the world this year, to have traveled both by myself and with Nick and very blessed to have grown to love many more places in this beautiful world.

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Merry Christmas!

I’ll be taking the next couple days off of blogging for the holiday, to soak up the season and enjoy it with those I love.  Have a very merry Christmas and a happy holiday season everyone!

Christmas Festivities in Leavenworth

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Happy Christmas Eve!  We spent our weekend this past week taking in all the Christmas festivities in the little town of Leavenworth, Washington.  This little town is straight out of Bavaria, with wood beamed architecture, German street names and German food.  It’s been on my list to visit for a while and I’m so glad we got the chance to make the trek up there.  Normally it’s only about 1.5-2 hours drive from Seattle but this weekend, the day we visited it was snowing heavily in the area and it took us about 2.5 hours to make the drive from Seattle to Leavenworth.  The roads were pretty slick and it ended up being a pretty long day with the weather conditions to drive there and back to Seattle in one day.  But alas, we enjoyed a few hours in Leavenworth with snow falling, Christmas carolers singing, and wandering the little town in the winter wonderland it was!

Have a wonderful Christmas and here’s some festive pictures to get the festivities started!

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All photos by Nick Nieto Photography

5 Spots for an Exotic Winter Escape

It’s getting to be those winter months where the cold is getting colder and as we approach that time of year where we’re in the tunnel of Winter for a few more months in most parts of the world, many people start dreaming of warmer locations to escape to.  The nice thing about many of the warmer spots around the world this time of year is that they also tend to be more exotic locations as well which makes them perfect destination spots to warm up and spend some time exploring.  So while the temperatures drop here at home, here’s 5 of my favorite spots to escape to for an exotic adventure and that also boast warmer temperatures as well!

CAMBODIA

If you’re looking for an adventure, to wander through temples and night markets, Cambodia is the escape for you.  Warm weather almost year round, lush jungles, ancient temples and bustling cities make Cambodia a perfectly exotic adventure.

HAWAII

If you’re searching for something a little closer to home and you live in the US, Hawaii is a quick 5 hours flight from the West Coast.  For warm temperatures and a beach, Hawaii is a pretty worthy escape.  Add in the local Asian and Hawaiian cultures, venture away from the tourist spots and you’ll experience the true Island experience.

INDIA

Most of India (excluding some of the Northern parts) has fairly good weather most of the year and for an exotic spot, you can’t really beat this lovely country.  You’ll get your fill of incredible food, a unique culture and color everywhere you look.  We visited in February and the weather was wonderful!

THAILAND

A country with warm weather most of the year, beaches and cities alike, incredible food and a gorgeous culture, Thailand is a great place to escape to in SE Asis to beat the cold weather at home.  Grab a tuk tuk to fly down the streets of Bangkok or grab street food and a Thai iced tea and wander on your own, either way, you won’t regret this escape!

MOROCCO

The Middle East and Africa have lots of amazing places to escape to year round since temperatures in that region of the world tend to stay higher year round but one of my favorites is Morocco.  Wander the spice markets, indulge in delicious chicken bastilla and sleep in the gorgeous guest houses called Riads.  Morocco is indeed an exotic escape year round.

Travel Tips : How To Make Travel Easier

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Travel can be exhausting and infuriating and full of obstacles, but it is also one of those things that is incredibly fulfilling and substantial.  Over the years I’ve figured out ways to lessen the obstacles of trips, to make the amazing moments prevail over the ones that might not be so easy to deal with or that are out of our control.  So when traveling, here are some ways to make those moments that seem completely draining while traveling a little bit better and to make your travels just a little bit easier so you can have that trip of a lifetime on every adventure you take!

Don’t skimp on the first night’s hotel.

This is something I have started doing more and more even if we are trying to save money in other places on the trip, don’t skimp on your first night somewhere.  You arrive tired, worn out and exhausted anyway, make sure you have some place good to stay the first night and save money elsewhere.  That first night is perhaps the most important so pick a good place!

Upgrade to premium economy.

If you have the chance, book your long haul flights in premium economy.  We don’t always do this, but when we do, it makes all the difference.  It’s usually not that much more money and the comfort it brings while traveling makes all the difference.  Plus, you’re more likely to get upgraded from Premium Economy if the flight is oversold so it’s a win-win.

Eat regularly and well.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t do well if I don’t eat.  Travel throws you off your schedule and our of your routine, so make sure to get on a travel schedule where you are eating and sleeping regularly early on on the trip.  It will make all the difference if you are eating regularly and eating well.

Don’t overbook yourself.

A lot of travelers try to fit in too much in a place and overwhelm themselves.  Make it easier on yourself so you enjoy it more by not overbooking yourself.  See what you want to see and don’t worry about seeing everything… you’ll feel so much better!

5 Reasons to Visit Rome

5 Reasons to visit Rome
Rome is one of those cities you just have to see in your lifetime, a place that is as famous for it’s modern persona as its historic one.  A place with a vast history, a city that holds its own amongst the greats of Europe, Rome is as vibrant and diverse as you expect.  But while it is today a bustling modern city in the heart of Italy, it’s also one that is steeped in history with every step you take among its streets and a place that truly is one of a kind.
There are so many reasons to visit this Italian metropolis, but here are my top 5 reasons why you should book that ticket to Roma!
5 Reasons to visit Rome architecture
Rome has, without a doubt, some of the most fantastic historic architecture in all of Europe.  The piazzas, the fountains, the churches, the cafes, the colored facades, every building you wander by in Rome will take your breath away.  Some feel as if they are falling apart at the seams, though holding an otherworldly beauty in their decay, others looks like time has passed them by, without a mark.  No where does architecture speak to you quite like it does in Rome.
5 Reasons to visit Rome Gelato
Nick still likes to remind me of when I had gelato for breakfast while in Rome, and to be honest, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.  The gelato in Rome is out of this world and multiple flavors must be sampled at all times of day… so go on, enjoy your own gelato for breakfast.
5 Reasons to visit Rome History
No where have I been that the history was so present than it is in Rome.  Whether it’s wandering through ruins scattered throughout the city or touring the Colosseum or taking in the beauty of the Pantheon, Rome blends history with modernity incredibly well.  The immense history of the city is everywhere, reminding us of all those who came before us.
5 Reasons to visit Rome Shopping
Rome has some of the best shopping in the world, from the high street brands to the couture ones, Roma is famous for its shopping.  Just wander the Via Condotti for an hour or so and you’ll see why the crowds flock there.
5 Reasons to visit Rome Side Streets

While Europe in general might have lots of little side streets, no where is quite as picturesque as Roma when it comes to cobblestones.  One of the best things about Rome is getting off the main paths, wandering the little side streets that connect the city and taking in the cobblestone pathways… you might just end up on a little piazza you never would have seen otherwise.

Traveling to Italy?

Check out my archives for more posts on Italy!

Where to Stay in Italy

How to Miss the Tourist Crowds At Vacation Spots Around the World

How to Miss the Tourist Crowds At Vacation Spots Around the World

Seeing amazing places in this world of ours while traveling is one of the greatest feelings; there is nothing like witnessing the Taj Mahal with your own eyes or taking in the Eiffel Tower for the first time.  But one of the greatest downfalls of these amazing tourist draws, is the amount of people there at all times.  I’ve had lots of amazing places totally ruined because of the amount of people there (my experience at the Vatican was like this and totally ruined it for me, among other spots).  Over the years of traveling though, Nick and I have figured out ways to beat the crowds, to see places and really take them in without being pushed and shoved.  And with these tips your next adventure can be free of the massive tourist crowds so you can just experience the place you’re in and enjoy it to the fullest!  Here’s how to miss the tourist crowds at vacation spots around the world.

Go at Sunrise or Early Morning

While it can be hard to want to get out of bed to go explore while on a trip, this is a technique we often employ when there are particularly amazing spots where we are.  Many major monuments often sunrise visits and it can often be one of the most beautiful and quiet times of the day to experience a place.

Great spots to see at sunrise: The Taj Mahal (India), The Eiffel Tower (Paris), Thingvellir (Iceland)

Visit in the Off Season

One of the major reasons Nick and I travel a lot in the off season every year is to experience places more as they are everyday, when there aren’t hoards of crowds.  Many popular tourist spots are completely different in the off season than they are in the Summer time when most people are visiting.  Try to stay away from local holidays or times when most people are off work and school.

Cities that are completely different in the Off Season: Paris, London, India, Italy

Do a Private Tour

Sometimes it’s well worth the extra money to hire a private tour guide for certain places, in order to see a spot alone instead of with massive tour groups.  This is a great way to see some amazing spots (many which the large tour groups might not hit) as well as to get more insider information about the destination.

Do a Private Tour in Iceland and to see works of art like DaVinci’s Last Supper in Milan

Go on a Rainy Day (or when the weather isn’t great)

Often times when we’re traveling, we use days when the weather isn’t great to see major spots in our destination.  Most people will look out the window at pouring rain or bad weather and won’t venture out, use those days (or even a few hours) to see certain places that the weather might not necessarily affect like exploring insides of churches or places under cover.  You’ll miss the crowds at least for a while.

Places that are great to explore on a rainy day: London, Dublin, Paris, Spain

Stay Nearby

Another great thing we’ve started doing that helps a lot when figuring out when a lot of tourists are going to be around or not, is to stay nearby a certain landmark you want to see.  That way you gain both amazing views usually of that monument, plus you can look out your window and see if it’s crowded at a particular time or not.  Often times, we’ve found that just having the views are well worth it and we might not even need to really see it up close.

Stay here to get incredible views of landmarks: Le Notre Dame Hotel in Paris, The Oberoi Hotel in Agra, The Oberoi Hotel in Udaipur, the Belmond at Machu Picchu

Buy Tickets Ahead of Time & Book the First Appointment of the Day

Many tourist attractions will let you buy tickets online ahead of time and then you’re able to show up and skip the long line.  I always do this for major attractions if we can before leaving for a trip.  Many places make you schedule a specific time now too and if you have to do that, pick a time early in the day.  You’ll beat all those people who want that mid-morning spot once they are up and about and you’ll already have been and gone by the time the crowds get there.

Places to pre-buy tickets: The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, DaVinci’s Last Supper in Milan, The Empire State Building in New York

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