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What’s Hot This October

October 2, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

On The Blog This Month: Word On The Street Travel Series

We have some serious global wandering this month by way of a travel series called Word On The Street. We are going to travel around the world this month, I tell ya. Another new month getting us closer to the end of 2015! With this new month I thought I would introduce a few cities that I am sure some of you(including myself) have been wanderlusting about. What better way to do that than to interview other bloggers who live there, been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. The image above gives you an idea of where we will be travelling to this month. Four of those places will be introduced by other bloggers and the other four places I will be showing you around. The four cities introduced by blogger will be part of the 4 week series this month called Word On The Street. This will be published very Wednesday at 4pm to get your Wednesday Wanderlust juices flowing. So make sure you sign up on Bloglovin, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as the newletter(enter email to the right) to make sure you read them first when they publish. Check out the list below for more details of whats to come:

1. Perth, Australia – We are visiting two beautiful cities in Australia this month one of which will be Perth. This will be introduced by Lyn and Steve Baker from A Hole In My Shoe. They will show you around Kings Park, Cottesloe Beach and the City Lights. (Publishes – 7/10/15)

2. Cusco, Peru – Heather Cole, a traveller and writer with a serious case of wanderlust will take us to Cusco in Peru. Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tips on the best places to see, where to eat, drink and how to get around this part in South America. I am dying to publish this Conversanttraveller’s tales, as I have been dreaming about Peru for too long now, but haven’t bought a ticket yet. (Publishes – 14/10/15)

3. Scottsdale, USA – With most wanderlusters dreaming about faraway places like Vietnam, Chile, Indonesia, we often forget about the USA. Yes, the big United States are filled with some crazy-beautiful sights so you would be nuts to not want to visit the cool places on offer, one of which is Scottsdale in Arizona. This is also the state that has the amazing canyons! Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon, of course. Allison Mathis from LiveLifeWell with introduce these desert landcapes this month. (Publishes – 21/10/15)

4.Russia and The World For Black History Month – October is Black History month in the UK so what better way to celebrate than to take you around the world for black history month. We will be looking at some historically significant black people from from around the world. Russia’s Alexander Pushkin who was and still is a well known poet. Then we will head to Mexico and check out Vicente Ramó Guerrero; Mexico’s first black president who also happen to have led Mexico to Independence in 1829. We will also be celebrating modern heroes too, like Mae Carol Jemison; the first black woman in Space. So look out for that! I will be covering North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa! Around the world in black history.

5. South Downs – England – I am sure some of you may have seen pictures of the white chalk cliffs in England. Well I will be taking you around East Sussex and the beautiful coastal towns of this part of the UK. Even better was the fact that I was challenged to do this trip for under £100 by YHA hostels. I love a good challenge too, so look out for this post to find out whether I succeeded or failed miserably.

6. Sydney, Australia – Another trip back to Australia in the Word On The Street series will be provided by Jen Seligmann, The Trusted Traveller. Who hasn’t dreamed about seeing the Opera House from across the habour? Exactly what I though, no one. We will get the details from a local on where to hang out, eat, get the best views so look out for that. (Publishes – 28/10/15)

7. Snowdonia, Wales – I love adventure as much as the next person but I love it even more when experienced with friends. Over the August bank holiday a bunch of friends and I drove to Wales to explore Snowdonia National Park. Most were driving from London with one coming from as far away as Cornwall. I cant wait to share more pictures from our hikes, picnicking next to an elevated lake and just experiencing the most amazing views after scaling the peaks in Snowdonia.

8. New Delhi, India – Another trip I am dying to share with you is India. I will be giving you the low down on the sights to see in India’s New Delhi. What to see and do, where to stay, shop and eat. So be show to follow on social media to make sure you read that when it drops.

If you want to find the travel series for this month. You will be able to find it via the hashtag #WordOnTheStreetWithBee. The These will drop every Wednesday at 4pm.

Checking Out Mount Rainier Views And The Chinese Room At Smith Tower In Seattle

April 14, 2014 by admin 39 Comments

While I am sorting through my pictures from the trip to Israel I thought I would share with you pictures from my time in Seattle. Having spent a few days in Seattle I managed to visit the city’s main observation towers; the Space Needle, Columbia Centre Sky Deck and the viewing deck of the Smith Tower. I left this place last although the building was right next to my hotel. From what I had read about it, it offered up a lot more charm, with open-air views of Seattle.

Visiting Smith Tower Viewing Deck & Chinese Room

With so many things to do in Seattle, this was by far my favourite building in the city. There is something about it. Modern design considering its been standing for over a 100 years. Built in 1914, at one point the tallest building in the whole of the united states. Also the oldest skyscraper in Seattle but you couldn’t tell just by looking at it. Entering the building slowly starts to unravel the old charm within. You are immediately bathed in all that is golden brass.

The 42-story tower has an air of elegance and class as you walk in. The brass elevator cabs still holding on to its vintage style look and still manned by an operator. Stepping out of the elevator (that’s lifts for us Londoners) you are immediately inside the Chinese Room.

As a gift to Lyman Cornelius Smith, the original owner of the building, the Empress of China gifted to Smith the decorating of this room. As you walk in the walls are decorated in flowery wall cover with red over lay, of course, the colour red is part of the Chinese traditional culture.

Seattle | Proposals In The Chinese Room Smith Tower

Wishing for a harmonious marriage in the Chinese Room

The room also features 776 opulent hand-carved wooden ceiling made with semi-precious porcelain dics, beautiful and ornately craved blackwood love seats and chairs including 17th century art. Another item in the room that drawers people to the tower is the 300-year old Wishing Chair with carvings of a dragon and phoenix which in Chinese culture relate to harmonious marriage.

Legend has it that if a single woman so sits on the chair and sincerely wishes to be married shall wed within a year. Smith’s daughter herself was married in this room so I don’t know whether the legend is true or whether its a gimmick to promote the wedding functions that are regularly held in this room. Well if you do manage to wed within a year after planting one’s derrière on the wishing chair then please drop a cynic a line or two. If you tie the knot and need inspiration on places to go perhaps these vacation travel quotes will do jus the trick!

Seattle | Proposals In The Chinese Room Smith Tower - chinese room smith tower seattle

After marvelling at the décor of the Chinese room, stepping outside onto the viewing deck you can circle the entire building(image above – viewing deck at the very top before the triangular windows) and catch a glimpse of the Space Needle that strategically peers through the buildings downtown.

Circling round to the opposite side you stand face to face with Mount Rainier. You can usually hike around the mountain during good weather. For tips on the best times to visit Seattle check out the linked post. In the distance from the Smith tower, you can also see the extravagant and expansive million dollar stadiums, cris-crossing highways synonymous with USA road infrastructure.

Comparing the 3 observation decks (read my post on the others here) I would say Colombia center offers by far the best values for money. At $12.50 you get 360 views, free internet, peaceful viewing without the touristy hassle.

Second, is Smith Tower, again with 360 view, less touristy with a bit more historical charm and warmth to it . Also cannot beat the price of $7.50.

Third, is the Space Needle. Longish queues, expensive at $22 with no other real benefit apart from the views seen through somewhat caged-in feel to the viewing deck. You don’t get much for $22 other than the pleasure of 40-second flight 184 meters above sea level.

The door Gods, a Chinese decoration placed on each side of an entry to a temple, home, business, which is believed to keep evil spirits from entering. The custom dates back to the Tang Dynasty, whose founder Emperor Tang Taizong honored two of his most loyal generals – Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong – by having their painted portraits hung on his front door.

Views From Smith Tower Viewing Deck

Mount Rainier Views From Smith Tower

Space Needle View From Smith Tower

Views of Mount Rainier From Smith Tower

So have you been to Seattle? Have you had the pleasure of visiting the Chinese room yet?

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Exploring The Beautiful Lake Michigan

November 22, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Watching the Sun Set – Benton Harbor – Michigan

Pure Michigan – Lakefronts that make the heart sing

In addition to passing through Columbus and Niles while on my recent trip in the USA I also stopped by to visit Michigan City, Niles and Benton Harbor. If you are ever in Michigan, although its a bit out of the way and a bit of a drive but you have got to check out Benton Harbor! Located in the west of Kalmazoo.

A beautiful spot on Lake Michigan to hang out for a while, with miles of sandy beach and on a clear day Chicago lights are visible in the distance. It also has these little swings perched on hill tops or slightly higher ground that give the most amazing views. I could see myself getting lost in a book will swinging the life blues out into the horizon ahead.

Its a family Affair

Forget the train! I am riding the dog to the next state 😛

Visiting Seattle’s Pike Place Market

November 16, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

While exploring in Seattle I decided on going solo for the afternoon. It was time to see Pike Place Market as it was only a few blocks from the hotel. From the pictures I had seen I was expecting a really lively market with a lot of fresh fish stalls, what I did get was close but not what I had pictured in my mind.

It’s still a busy and bustling place with more tourists than I would say locals, with some of the biggest fish I have ever come face to face with. A few steps further you are hit with beautiful and fragrant scents of freshly picked flowers with ladies busily arranging bouquets in assortments too pretty to walk away from.

Right behind the market there are stairs that lead to piers 57 to 59, where you will find pretty little benches for people-watching, foot paths beautifully lined with lamps and curved railings leading to Seattle’s Aquarium. Here you will also find the Seattle Ferris wheel.

You cannot miss it. Its no London Eye but nevertheless statuesque in its stance by the waterfront edge of Pier 57. Offering spectacular views of Seattle’s Skyline, ships in drydock and the Olympic Mountains. For a closer look there are coin-operated telescopes on the side walks allowing you to zoom in on all that Seattle has to offer.

These are so cool! People’s names and DOB on the floor all over the market place.

Sleepless In Seattle – Exploring City Sights

October 26, 2013 by admin 6 Comments

Sleepless in Seattle? Sleep easy with Starbucks hot chocolates on every corner in sight!

Leaving Chicago(read more here) just as the weather was doing a U-turn, it was time to head on to Seattle. My last stop in the 4-state “USA Road-Tripping” adventure. I was warned of the terrible and unpredictable weather in Seattle, I thought to myself, it surely cant be as bad a London?! I prepared for the worst and got the best when I arrived.

The birds eye view of the the Olympic Mountains is nothing short of spectacular as you are approach Seattle and surrounding islands. Snow cupped peaks boasting 60 glaciers. Its almost as if the was snow was shimmering against the black backdrops of the mountain. They were just close enough for me to appreciate without getting all geared up in winter clothes.

Touching down in Seattle to my surprise it was beautifully sunny with a little breeze. In true explorer fashion before heading to drop off my luggage at the hotel my tour guide for the for few days was my a friend who I have seen(but spoke to) in about 10 years since he left London just after I started university. That was 2005! With my traveling and him travelling between Nepal and USA we just never had a chance to sync. So this trip was not only a re-union of sorts but dream trip as I have been wanting to visit Seattle for a lot longer than I have known him.

View from Alki beach front.

So first stop was for the best view in town! Alki beach! This place is amazing! Yes, there is the Space Needle, Smith Tower, Colombia Center that offer stunning views but nothing as serene as this! I have also been told that come summer days you wont find a space to park your behind much less park a car. As this is the spot to be!

Alki beach or sea/lake front, whatever you want to call it, stretches for a few miles of shore line giving breathtaking views of Seattle skyline from across the lakes with a less touristy rush to the experience. Further in the distance you can see the Olympic mountains peering through against lush green forests. Here you can chill out and watch the ferries pass by taking passengers to Mercer Island. If you have the time you can venture into Vancouver, Canada in about an hour by ferry passing through these straits.

The beautiful views must have really taken it out of me as I was famished by then, so it was a must that one pays a visit to one of the best Indian eateries in West Seattle before forever getting lost in the sea of Starbucks in the city. This is off course where the idea was born! Starbucks that is. It was born here and it gave birth to more Starbucks stores on practically every corner of Seattle.

I was a lover of all things Starbucks until I figured out that they charge me 35 pence extra but because I am lactose intolerant. I still have love for Starbucks but this was overkill! Overkill in the sense that they have slaughtered the competition in the city with near-to-no competition in sight.

Getting over the shock cafe’s inducing of many a coffee comas in the city, I ventured on to making an appearance at my hotel before my booking was re-allocated. I was staying at the Marriott’s down town Hotel in Pioneer Square, my room offered perfect views of Elliot Bay just as the sun was setting and the skies were dressed in pink and purple sues as night approached.

Not one to be sleepless in Seattle, after roaming 4 states and trailing through 3 time zones in the USA alone I was knocked out for the evening and ready to take on Seattle at ground level the following morning.

Needle in the haystack? Seattle sight-seeing from the 73rd Floor

Strolling up to the third avenue in search of what is the most beautiful public libraries I have come across. Yes you read that right! Yes I am on holiday and in a public library! If are a lover of architecture then you have to see this building while visiting Seattle.

Even if you are not into architecture this is cool place to see with brightest and longest escalators, hidden corners and cool viewing decks of not just the interior but the surrounding Seattle skyline. A truly modern building with mini theatres screening rooms, lounging areas and spotting cool technology, now if all libraries were like this, I don’t think could keep even the coolest kids in school away from the library.

Seattle City Library at 1000 on 4th Avenue – Cool address too!

Looking down from the highest point.

Moving on from the reading rooms, I decided it was time to aim even higher. This is where the Colombia Center comes in. The tallest building in Seattle, an unmissable skyscraper in the city. I heard this place offered a 360 of Seattle 73 floors from the ground. Already perched on higher ground compared to the building a few avenues down the road. No climbing shoes involved I decide I take up the views at great heights. The day was bright with clear visibility which is sometimes rarity when fog takes the city hostage.

The Space Needle peering through the sky line as it stands noticeably among the uniform structures in its vicinity. Mount Baker taking an understated stance from the east side of the viewing deck. Picturesque views of ferries transporting goods and people between the vast lakes.

Having seen the Space Needle, it was time to set eyes on the other celebrity in town; Ranier. Mount Rainer’s awe inspiring view is one that’s captivating so I can see why they put a few chairs by the window as you cannot help but weaken in the knees a little taking in the size of this beautifully natural wonder that still commands presence even as distant as it is from the main city.

View of the majestic Mount Rainier

Views from Columbia Center SkyView

Views of Elliot Bay from Columbia Center Sky Deck

As day two was set for a lot exploring on foot it came as a real shock to the system as Seattle is not flat by any long shot. As you increment past the first, second and third avenues, it appears the land also increments exponentially in height. Have you seen pictures of San Francisco? Well Seattle is quite similar. There is a lot of up hill walking.

A bit like hiking in the mountains except that there buildings instead of trees. Turning my back on the city hiking I decided to meet my friend and his fiancée who was joining us for a tour around the city with an eventual stop at the Space Needle.Taking the bus from down town within minutes you are in view of Seattle’s symbolic observation tower. The Space Needle is an iconic landmarks that offers unmistakeably beautiful views of the cascading Olympics Mountains, Lake Union and Lake Washington, Elliott Bay and the islands beyond the horizon.

Considering we were there over the weekend in the early afternoon it wasn’t as busy as I thought it would be. There were queues so we opted for the self service kiosk, with tickets at $22 a head I wouldn’t necessarily say you get what you pay for. The views are great but you are surrounded by tourists that have claimed almost every spot and are busy taking selfies against the backdrop of the views.

With 360 degree views of Seattle whilst surrounded but metal mesh which is no doubt to hinder anyone attempting a dive towards their grave. The structure is truely beautiful, different and an innovative design but I was somewhat underwhelmed. I think thus far I’d preferred the views from Colombia Center. Less touristy, not as pricey and peaceful enjoyment of the amazing views Seattle had to offer.

Trying to be at one with the force?!

Moving on to the last item on an explorer’s list was the Seattle underground tour. Seattle has a crappy history and I mean serious crap! There was crap as far as the eye could see. By crap, I am referring to the weird history with toilets that used overflow with sewage that used to filter into the bays then get washed back in when the tide came in.

The Seattle underground tour is a tongue in cheek tour recounting the history of how the new city of Seattle came to be built on top of the old town. The tour takes you through passageways of the city’s first story store fronts that existed before the 1889 fire that burned the entire city to the ground in 12 hours, in addition to the sewage problems this prompted the decision to rebuild the city 8 to 32 feet higher to avoid flooding and raw sewage problems that were also causing deaths stemming from the disease spreading from this.

So the Seattle that you see today is built over the old. I would definitely recommend the tour because of the comedic reverence in how the stories are told. Word has it there are ghosts still lingering underground.

Seattle Underground Tour guide

Saying bye to Seattle after covering so much ground I would have to say that I liked the understated beauty of it. It didn’t feel as rushed as Chicago. Time permitting I was hopping to see Redmond but my sister’s friend who was going to be giving me a tour of the Microsoft campus had travelled to Manila just as I was due to visit Seattle. Another item I would certainly like to tick of the list on my return would be the harbor day cruises which range from 1 hour to a full day allowing stunning views of Seattle’s night time skyline.

With prices ranging from $22-45 you can tour the locks, go to San Juan Islands, go whale watching, or head over to Victoria or Vancouver for the day. Well that gives me plenty of reasons to go back!

The Windy City | 48 Hours in Chicago

October 22, 2013 by admin 7 Comments

This is the second installment to the USA trip blog post. Check out the first one on Ohio’s beautiful hiking trails in Logan County and Benton Habour’s awesome views here.

While road tripping around parts of the USA I finally made it to the Windy City of the USA after getting my brother to drive my sister and I. That’s Chicago’s nickname by the way. Named so, not because the city is windy but apparently because the politicians and city boosters were full of “hot air”. They might still have hot air considering all the TV was showing when I was there was related to the government shutdown.

After crisscrossing around Columbus in Ohio and Niles and Benton Harbor of Michigan I stopped by Chicago for 2 days before heading to Seattle. Arrived to great weather, it was lovely and warm which allowed for exploring on foot. Beautiful lakefront on lake Michigan offering up some stunning views of Chicago’s majestic skyline. Chicago’s Beach front is great for people watching while locals pass by on bicycles(which tourist can also rent on many stands – think NY Citi bikes or London’s Boris/Barclays bikes), roller blades and some just lazily strolling by enjoying the weather and scenery.

I stayed in what is referred to as the Magnificent Mile or Mag Mile which gave me easy access to the lively and buzzing city. A premier shopping destination and a prestigious section of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. Venturing to the pier for the views, the lakefront beach, Millennium park and Buckingham fountain. For more on places to visit while exploring Chicago, check out Jet Setting Spirit’s Chicago city guide.

My time was short in Chicago but I managed to also take in the Chicago’s lakefront walk. I enjoyed Chicago. There is so much to see and do in the city. Its a shame I only had a short time in Chicago but would love to come back and explore more of the city as well as check out the views from the Sear’s (Willis Tower). For tips on where to get the best views of Chicago, check out My Tickle Feet’s post in addition to this extensive Chicago guide. Below some of my pictures of Chicago before I flew to Seattle.

The queue for free food celebrating a restaurant’s anniversary.

Chicago’s Beachfront

These were littered outside Navy Pier with lots of different designs. This was one of my favourites.

Lovely hair style!

Great Chicago Fire Hydrant Public Exhibition – See more of these at outside Chicago Navy Pier park

Magnificent Mile Chicago Childrens Museum

Having fun in the park..

Watching the Sun go down on Chicago… time to move on to Seattle…

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USA Road Tripping – OH – MI – IN – IL – WA

October 17, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Back from the USA and still very much jet-lagged from an awesome trip visiting family and friends in the in the land of the free. Passing through 4 states in 2 weeks one would wonder if I was on holiday or some work project or something. Starting with Columbus in Ohio, Niles, Michigan City, Benton Harbor in Michigan, Indianapolis in Indiana, Chicago and ending the trip in Seattle.

Phew! Well I was in the land where everything is super size; the cars, homes, malls, food portions so this trip was in need of some serious super sizing! That came by way of covering as much ground as I could manage. Travelling through 3 time zones in the USA alone, no wonder my flight back from Seattle back to London still has me woozy.

Ohio – City Girls Turned Cowgirls

Arriving in Columbus on a Tuesday in the early evening after missing an early flight with only enough time for short trip to the mall before grabbing a bite to eat as the following day was going to be packed full of adventure. Setting off on a drive to Logan County’s Hocking Hills. This was by far one of my favourite places in my visit to the US possibly because it had the most spectacular spots.

Hocking Hills has some of the most impressive hiking trails, all six miles of them, with stunning falls to conclude each walk with a bang. Cedar falls, Queer falls, Lower and Upper falls and the stream falling from up high on Ash Cave. Ash Cave is the largest cave in the state with massive beech trees and truly astonishing overhanging ledge and cave shelter. Rock faces approaching and at Ash Cave would have boulders and rock climbers alike drooling like kids in a candy store.

As if the hike was not enough we set off on a short drive to Rockbridge. This time my younger sister, her friend and I were on a mission to turn 3 city girls into cowgirls. This took an effort considering I am scared to be near horses having been chased by one when I was young. Happy Trails Horse Riding was the places to test out my rodeo skills.

My horse was Bo, turned out to be a stubborn horse just like his rider. I am thankful that I wasn’t dropped a single time in the hour long ride up the hills. The trail was steep and passes through a river stream. The trail passed an impressive rock formation; the Table Top Rock but I was rather busy trying to make sure Bo was clear in my rules of not dropping me on my butt. At the end of the ride I was joking about how at one point I thought I would by walking along side the horse because I was trying to get the hang of controlling the horse.

Upper Falls – Hocking Hills

In true stubborn style Bo decided that he would rather stop to eat a few meters short of the range to start grazing. A little surprised scared(a lot!) that everyone was now getting off the horse while mine was munching away at the grass and not badging. After being instructed to kick and pull hard on the rope to stop him eating it was time to gracefully get off the horse without landing on my butt.

I am not saying my fear of horse has totally gone but it was great to finally overcome my fear of horses and just ride. The fact that I fear anything with more legs than me is a story for another day. Don’t get me started on spiders!

Check out Bo! Standing tall after mocking me at the finish line.

Indiana – Here comes the bride

There are plenty of things to do in South Bend Indiana but the very reason for trekking half way across the world was to attend my brother’s wedding in Indianapolis. The private naptuals took place not so far from where he resides which meant we were crossing state lines quite frequently between Michigan and Indiana. The bride and groom toasted to many years of a happy union!

Windy City and Seattle

Dropped by on the Windy Cityand Seattle but those will be in a post to come…