Singapore is a beautiful sight at night when the buildings are all lit up, but the extra special time is right after sunset. Right before it gets dark, the sky turns a lovely shade of blue, a perfect backdrop for the glittering skyline. This picture was taken on the promenade from the Marina Bay Sands hotel overlooking the downtown area.
On our first day in Singapore, we ventured over to Little India to visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city, built by the early Indian laborers and dedicated to Kali, the goddess and destroyer of all evil. On the outside is an explosion of colorful deities adorning the entrance tower.
We were fortunate to visit the temple during the daily puja (prayer) session lead by the priest. It started with a bathing ceremony and and ended with a sacred flame offering while rousing music is played. It was the first time I’ve every been inside a Hindu temple and witnessed a prayer session. Hopefully, I am blessed with a good rest of the trip.
Our Asia trip is finally underway, after much anticipation. First stop is a night in Tokyo. For some reason, we’ve only ever been to the land of the rising sun for a few days at a time. This probably needs to be rectified in the near future, but for now, we will make do with our short time in this lovely city. We decided to spend the morning strolling through the tranquil Japanese gardens in Shinjuku Gyoen National Park. There were not many people around, which made the experience even more peaceful. It was a relaxing morning until we had to make a mad dash back to the airport, but that’s another story for another time.
Portugal is a small country nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean at the westernmost point of continental Europe. It was once a powerful seafaring kingdom that controlled many of the routes to Africa, South America, and Asia. The home of world famous football player, Cristiano Ronaldo, is filled with lush landscapes and striking scenery. Though not as well known as some of its neighbors, it is a country rich with culture, interesting architecture, and fairytale castles. The laid-back vibe combined with great food and cheap wine makes this a must-visit destination. Here is the cost breakdown of our trip to Portugal to help you plan yours:
If you’ve been following along with our blog you’ll know that we usually try to maximize our travel days and minimize our costs. This usually happens when we find a good flight deal with availability around the holidays. This system has allowed us to travel more frequently to many amazing places around the world. Admittedly, this did not happen on this trip. A series of mistakes cost us time, energy, and money in the form of unused hotel rooms and additional flights – read about our mishaps here. Even with all the disasters, our trip was very memorable for all the right reasons.
There are a variety of things to do and see in Portugal, whatever your interests and tastes may be. Visit the northern city of Porto and sample the famous port wine. Zip over to Belem and indulge in the egg tarts. Wander through picturesque castles hidden in the rolling hills of Sintra and feel like you’ve stepped into a Disney movie. See the busy city from the rickety tram, and fall in love with the architecture of Lisbon. Eat and drink until you are completely sated without breaking the bank. To read more about our trip to Portugal, click on the links below:
Porto
Lisbon
Sintra
Check back next to read about our trip to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
AirBnB is not new, in fact it’s been around since 2008. We know people who have used the service and had glowing reviews; and others who did not fare as well (there are some horror stories). In the past, we’ve always opted to stay at a Starwood hotel because our status gave us upgrades and other perks. This year, however, that status has expired which was the perfect opportunity for us to venture out of our bubble and try something new. Continue reading
Growing up watching Disney movies, I’ve always dreamt of walking through a fairy tale landscape. Sintra, a small picturesque Portuguese town set amidst pine covered hills, is a fairytale come true, complete with turreted palaces. It is an extraordinary place with a rich history, ornate palaces, and ancient ruins – all of which are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting in 1809, the famous British poet and traveler Lord Byron declared that the town is “perhaps in every respect the most delightful in Europe,” and calling it a “glorious Eden” in his epic poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. Continue reading
New Orleans, USA
One of the things I love about New Orleans is the live music. At the birthplace of jazz music, you can find it on the street corner, in a club and every where in between. While walking around Jackson Square , we ran into a full band ensemble playing a rousing rendition of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ . The exuberant music creates a lively atmosphere. It’s not unusual to see people dancing down the busy street.
Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home. Most of my photos have little or no post processing. If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.
Europe’s westernmost capital has blossomed in recent years, attracting visitors to its world class restaurants as well as its culture and history. Despite the old-world feel with its network of antiquated trams, Lisbon definitely has a modern edge.
Portugal’s hilly capital, is a coastal city known for many things – from the blue-and-white azulejo architecture, to the spectacular views that can be seen from anywhere on top of the seven hills to the imposing São Jorge Castle. The rambling alleyway are lined with pastel colored houses covered in pretty flower boxes. The sweet citrus smells drift over the walls, hiding a fruit-laden lemon tree in the courtyard. Even though the streets are confusing, it’s definitely walk-able, just make sure you bring your running shoes along. Here are a few places to explore in Lisbon’s labyrinthine streets: Continue reading
Cologne, Germany
From the the other side of the Rhine River, you can clearly see the towers of Cologne Cathedral. They are visible from every point in the city center, dominating the skyline. Not only is this magnificent structure the pride of Cologne, it is also Germany’s most visited landmark, attracting tens of thousands of people every day.
Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home. Most of my photos have little or no post processing. If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.
To me, eating is the best way to appreciate and explore a new country and culture. It is always the favorite part of my trips – and the most memorable. A good dish is something that I will remember for the rest of my life when memories of the city long fade into the cobwebs of my mind. Portugal has fast become my favorite European country for food. As you know, I had a really positive experience eating in Porto and couldn’t wait to try the cuisine in Lisbon. Continue reading
life after 9to5 