Source: me
This canyon, she is definitely grand. One of the best natural tourist spots in the world, it leaves you feeling small and insignificant. Not too bad a drive from Las Vegas, the West Rim has lots to see and do for a family day. This picture was taken Sept 9, 2008.
Source: stevenvanwel at flickr
I’ll say right now, making this list will be easy. I’ve been to Paris twice – both times in 2007 – and there is a lot to see and do there. In fact perhaps the most difficult thing will be ranking things in some type of order and sticking to only 9 items. I may have to create another post to cover the things I ran out of place on this list for.
This is it. This is Paris. See it during the day, see it at night, go to the top, eat in the restaurant (if you can get reservations that is). The Eiffel Tower is what makes Paris, Paris. It’s easily accessible on the Metro (subway). Those of you who enjoy walking can walk it.
Known just as the Louvre, this museum houses the Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the sculpture Winged Victory, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, Delacroix, Raphael, Rubens, and Vermeer. The Louvre specializes in antiquities – things more than 500 years old.
Source: flydime at flickr
Some of you may have noticed how Euro-centric my blog is when it comes to where to go on sabbatical. That stems from my recent trip to Spain and on my plans to go back there for a longer visit next time, and also a previous trip to France and Paris which made us fall in love with the City of Lights.
But there are other places in this world that fulfill the basic requirements of a nice place to spend 6 months:
Now not everyone would have the same list. Chris Guillebeau would be aghast I am sure at that last line. But for now I actually find comfort in the presense of other tourists and are not annoyed by them. YMMV.
According to ThaiVisa.com, Thailand grants 30 days visas for tourists. This might seem to be the first stumbling block to 6 months there, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Visas simply need to be regranted by leaving the country and coming back in, even just for a few hours. Thus the “Visa Run” was created. Basically, step foot outside Thailand, and step back in. It’s a strange law. And of course you have to pay the fee.
Source: mick62 at flickr
One of the most common reasons why people who wish to travel do not do so is, “I can’t afford it.” World travel is more often simply an answer to the question, “What would you do if you won the lottery?” People do not realize that you do not have to be independently wealthy in order to get out of your own little corner of the Earth.
One common way, especially for single people, is to become an English teacher. And no, that does not necessarily mean you have to speak multiple languages, or have a degree in Education. Speaking English is one of the few qualifications.
Many people in other parts of the world (China, Japan, Korea to name a few) believe that if their child were to be fluent in English, they would have an edge in life – particularly when it comes to choice of careers. English speakers are more likely to be promoted to management, work in higher paying jobs, and have an easier time when travelling. This is the same reason we here in Canada force our kids into taking French classes, and many American kids are made to take Spanish.
And it is true that research into intelligence suggests people who speak more than one language are smarter than those who only speak one. And speaking more than two indicates you are smarter still. So it’s easy to see where this belief comes from.
Source: ChoudhrySaab at flickr
I would be remiss writing about all these great European destinations and completely ignore my own backyard. Toronto has some great sites – some obvious and some not so obvious. And so, without further ado, is my list of the top 9 things to see and do here.
This is Toronto’s pride and joy. Torotonians naively cling to the view that the CN Tower is one of the tallest structures in the world – and at one time it was. But with office towers in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur now pushing one kilometer high, the tallest structure in Toronto is only a paltry 533 meters. Now fair warning, the price to go up the CN Tower to the main level or the higher observation deck is a bit high by my standards – $28 per person last time I checked. But if you spent hundreds or thousands of dollars to come to Toronto from afar, shell out the $28 to see the city from the top.
Yorkville is a shopping district at the north end of the downtown region of Toronto that is known as the trendy part of town. Lots of cafes, bars and restaurants where people go to see and be seen. And most of the high end shopping is either in Yorkville or only a block or two away on Bloor St West.
Read more…
Source: Jaume Meneses at flickr
When my wife and I visited Barcelona earlier this year, we got off the plane, took a taxi to our hotel, spent an hour or so freshening up after the long flight, and then high-tailed it out of the hotel to go find something to eat. We walked only a couple of blocks down La Rambla and into this interesting looking restaurant. And we had an absolutely amazing meal – a bit of paella, a bit of tapas, some beer and sangria. It was the best way to start our 7 week trip to Spain.
Later that same night, Barcelona FC defeated Real Madrid to clinch the Spanish La Liga championships. Europeans take their football seriously. La Rambla erupted into an all-night celebration. Unlike such celebrations in North America, it did not result in businesses being trashed, cars being set on fire, or multiple arrests. The celebrants were up until 4:30 in the morning, and the next day the street had been cleared and no visible damage had been done. It was a fun safe night being in the midst of that.
So without further ado, here are my personal top 9 places you should visit when in Barcelona:
Source: Alaskan Dude at flickr
I don’t claim to be an expert, but having spent several weeks in Spain earlier this year, here are the places I would recommend you visit if you have a chance:
Barcelona is a magical city. If you only have time for a few days in Spain, spend the whole time in Barcelona. It has excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and other tourist attractions. Stay on La Rambla, the main shopping street, if you can. The energy is incredible. The subway is a great way to travel in Barcelona.
Valencia is a relatively young city. The government has invested a lot of money in new and exciting buildings and sites like the City of Arts and Sciences complex. There was a river that used to run through the city (that used to flood too often). They diverted the river around the city and reclaimed the land where the river used to be. That has freed up a lot of space for parks and recreational areas.
