Travel A-Z: Dublin, Dubrovnik and Darjeeling

Our blog series “Travel A-Z” gives Where I’ve Been’s fabulous travel community control over what cities you’d like to see featured each week. This week, the tribe has spoken and we’ll be featuring three beautiful cities that start with the letter D: Dublin, Dubrovnik and Darjeeling.


Dublin, Ireland

Brazen Head Pub | Courtesy of Fisherbray

Dublin, Ireland is the largest city in Ireland and the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. The name Dublin is derived from the Irish name “Dubh Linn”, which means "black pool". In modern Irish, the Dublin is known as “Baile Átha Cliath”, meaning "town of the hurdled ford". Although commonly associated with pubs and pints, Dublin is truly a world-class city filled with culture and history.

Where I’ve Been’s Top Picks for Dublin

Dublin | Courtesy of Jim61733

Take a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to experience Dublin is to take one of the city’s many walking tours - one of our favorite is Historical Walking Tours of Dublin, whose tours are conducted by history graduates from the Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Walking tours of Dublin are a wonderful way to immerse yourself into the history and feel of the city – all while getting in some great photo ops.

An Evening of Food, Folklore and Fairies
A dinner-theater of sorts, “An Evening of Food, Folklore and Fairies” allows visitors to experience first-hand tales of Irish folklore, storytelling and music while enjoying a traditional Irish dinner within Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head.

Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum
For those interested in the social and political history of Ireland, the Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum is a can’t-miss stop. This former prison became notorious for its harsh treatment of political prisoners. The tour guides at Kilmainham Gaol are extremely informative and passionate and provide visitors with chilling insight into the history of Ireland.

Temple Bar District
Face it – one cannot visit Dublin without at least visiting a pub or two. The Temple Bar area is Dublin’s most vibrant nightlife district. The Temple Bar Pub itself is arguably the most popular pub in Dublin and is a can’t-miss stop while in the area.


Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik | Courtesy of Txanny

When Dubrovnik comes to mind, one can’t help but think of sunshine, sand, and the glorious sea. Dubbed “the pearl of the Adriatic” by Lord Byron, Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most popular seaside cities.

Dubrovnik | Courtesy of Txanny

Where I’ve Been’s Top Picks in Dubrovnik

Walk the City Walls
One of the best ways to see Dubrovnik is to walk the walls that surround the city. With some parts aging back to the 13th century, the city walls allow visitors unparalleled views of the city and sea.

Lopud Island
A short trip from Dubrovnik by boat, Lopud Island (part of the Elaphiti Islands) is one of the most picturesque beaches in the area. As one of the more developed islands in the area, Lopud is the perfect choice for families. If Lopud Island isn’t your cup of tea, note that there are a handful of other beautiful islands easily accessible from Dubrovnik.

Rector’s Palace
Also known as Dubrovnik Museum, Rector’s Palace is one of the most beautiful – and notable – historic buildings in Dubrovnik. Although the museum’s offerings are great, the real showstopper at this museum is the building itself.

Lapad Bay
One can’t help but feel as if they’re in an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” when walking along Lapad Bay’s promenade. Not only does this area make for a great vantage point of the sea, but it is also the perfect place to enjoy a drink alfresco at one of the many seaside cafes.


Darjeeling, India

Darjeeling | Couresy of Siva Vasanth

Famously known as “The Queen of the Hills”, the beautiful town of Darjeeling has long been a summer retreat for British expats in India. Visitors to Darjeeling can look forward to a town filled with colonial charm, breath-taking views, beautiful tea gardens and bustling markets.

Overlooking Darjeeling | Courtesy of Indiyah

Where I’ve Been’s Top Picks for Darjeeling

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a must-see when visiting Darjeeling. The steam railway was created in 1881 and remains relatively unchanged; thus, a ride on these tracks is sure to take you back in time.

Tiger Hill
Located at the summit of Ghoom, Tiger Hill is the highest railway station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Overlooking the Himalayas (with Mount Everest visible in the horizon), Tiger Hill is one of the most majestic places to take in a sunrise within the area.

Glenburn Tea Estate
Darjeeling is known around the world for its namesake tea – thus a visit to Darjeeling wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a tea garden. Glenburn Tea Estate is both a hotel and a working tea estate. The views at Glenburn are breathtaking, making it a wonderful place to unwind.

Have you visited or lived in one of these cities and have tips you’d like to share? Comment below – and don’t forget to share your photographs with us! Don’t forget – we’ll be voting on which cities to feature next week so join us on Facebook and cast your vote!

5 Places to Catch a Breathtaking Sunset in Australia

The sunsets in Australia almost seem magical. When you see photos of brilliant sunsets Down Under that paint the sky in a rainbow of fire, there is no trickery there. I personally don't think sunsets are something I could grow tired of, ever, and if you're like me, then Australia is one of the best places to travel. So, when you are in Oz, here is a list of some of the hottest locations to catch a breathtaking sunset:


Cottesloe Beach, Cottesloe, Western Australia
The sunsets in Western Australia happen on the Indian Ocean and are talked about around the world. One place in particular near Perth, Cottesloe Beach, is just asking for spectators to gather. Perhaps it's the stadium style seating that helps create the ultimate picture, or maybe it's just one of those magic pockets in the atmosphere. Whatever it is, you simply will not want to miss the sun dropping from this location.

Sunset at Cottesloe | Courtesy of vagawi

Uluru, Northern TerritoryEven Oprah commented on the way the sunset changed both the colors and feel of the ever so popular Uluru site in the outback of the Northern Territory. The reds become redder as night lands, and because of this, Uluru and its sunsets make for a romantic place to spend an Aussie honeymoon.

Uluru at Sunrise | Courtesy of ID Photography Alice Springs

Fanny Bay, Darwin, Northern TerritoryFanny Bay may have a funny name, but this Darwin suburb has one of the prime locations for catching a lovely sunset. If you fancy a drink, then the Trailor Boat Club there will provide both the proper sustenance and vantage points.

Fanny Bay at Sunrise | Couresy of ThinboyFatter

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales

Watching the sun set over one of the most iconic buildings in Australia can do nothing more than seal the fact that you have arrived in one special place. To catch the sun setting here, I suggest either grabbing a drink down at the Opera House Bar in the evening, or by going up to Mrs. Macquarie's chair on the harbour side of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Sydney | Courtesy of Snapper's Pics

Grassy Hill, Cooktown, QueenslandIf you're one of the lucky ones that gets to head up to far north Queensland, then you'll definitely want to spend some time getting to Cooktown, a town made famous because of the landing of Captain Cook. At the edge of this tiny tropical town is Grassy Hill, which both houses a lighthouse and provides panoramic views of the sunset, the Endeavor River, and the luscious foliage (if in the right season).

Sunset at Cooktown | Courtesy of Fayes4Art

About the Author: Brooke Schoenman is the blogger behind WhyGo Australia, an online travel guide with life to the land Down Under. You can use WhyGo Australia to do everything from getting trip inspiration to booking your next cheap flight to Australia. Follow WhyGo Australia on Twitter @whygoaustralia and on Facebook.

Six Must Have Regional Dishes of Mexico

The cuisine of Mexico is a favorite to culinary connoisseurs worldwide and last year, UNESCO actually awarded it World Heritage Status, which was the first time the food of a country had ever received the honor. Here are six regional dishes that can’t be skipped when visiting Mexico:


Discada - From the Copper Canyon

Discada | Courtesy of Wilbert Barrera

Discada is a traditional dish found in northern Mexico and takes its name from tradition, when locals would weld plow discs shut and use them as a pan. Meat-lovers worldwide will love Discada as the main ingredients are diced beef, bacon, ham, sausage, and chorizo, which are mixed with bell peppers onions, and tomato. As the meats are cooked and mixed, the dish gets seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.

This meaty delight is a hearty dish often cooked at fiestas for large amounts of people but is probably most appreciated when cooked over an open fire after a long day of hiking the Copper Canyon.

Chiles En Nogada - From Puebla

Chiles en Nogada | Courtesy of el_imaginario

This dish is a national treasure and is associated with the liberation of Mexico from Spain. Although attributed to Puebla, Chiles En Nogada is cooked in cocinas around the country on Mexico's independence day.

Chiles En Nogada takes its name from the Spanish word for Walnut Tree, nogal. The dish consists of polblano chiles stuffed with picadillo, which is a mixture of ground meat, fruits, and spices. The stuffed chili is then covered with a white walnut-based cream sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds making the dish a visual symbol of Mexican pride with its colors of green, white, and red.

Fish Tacos - From Baja California

Fish Tacos | Courtesy of DaveCurry8

Baja Fish Tacos are quite different from the traditional tacos found throughout the mainland of Mexico. Where as most tacos in Mexico consist of diced or shaved meat on a grilled tortilla topped with onion and various red and green salsas, Baja Fish Tacos require lightly breaded and fried fish, flavored/spiced cabbage, and a dairy-based white sauce.
Different restaurants and cooks will make different variations of the cabbage/white sauce combination but no matter how they're served - when combined with a Corona, a sandy beach, and an un-obstructed view of the Pacific, there's nothing better.

Mole - From Oaxaca

Mole Torta | Courtesy of emkeller

Although technically a sauce, Mole (in Mexico) has also become known as an actual dish. This creamy sauce takes its name from the Nahuatl word mulli meaning "sauce or concoction," which perfectly reflects the varieties in which the sauce is actually served.

Mole sauces typically contain around 20 different ingredients including various chiles, tomatoes, dried fruits and sugar, spices, nuts, garlic, and chocolate. After being ground together, broth is added and the mixture is slow cooked into a rich, dark sauce, which is typically served over turkey or chicken. Because the process is so tedious, generations of family members often take turns during different stages of making mole, and the dish is often reserved for special occasions and celebrations.

Tortas Ahogadas - From Guadalajara

Torta Ahogadas | Courtesy of Guanatos Gwyn

A staple in the diet of any true Chivas fan, the Torta Ahogadas (or the "drowned sandwich”) is a spicy sandwich known to burn away even the fiercest of hangovers. It's just as messy as it is delicious.

A true Torta Ahogadas begins with the bread. Almost stale in texture and consistency, birote (or bolillo) bread needs to be thick and tough to withstand the abundance of chili and watery tomato sauces that are poured all over the sandwich, "drowning" the roll, the chopped pork, the onions, and the cabbage that fills it. Pair one of these with some onion rings and a cold cerveza, and you're ready to watch Chivas destroy Mexico City's team America in a football match.

Cochinita Pibil - From Yucatan

Cochinita Pibil | Courtesy of Quiero Cancun

This traditional Yucatan dish is a favorite of BBQ lovers worldwide due to its rich, smoky flavor. Making true Cochinita Pibil is a labor of love as it is a lengthy process that requires marinating and preparing meat, digging and preparing of a fire pit, carefully burying the food (cochinita pibil means "buried baby pig"), waiting for the food to slow cook, and then unearthing the cooked food to serve.

Cochinita Pibil is usually made of shoulder pork that has been marinated in highly acidic juices of Seville, or bitter oranges, often in combination with limes and/or vinegar. The pork is also flavored and colored with Achiote, or Annatto, whose flavor is "slightly sweet and peppery." The marinated meat is then wrapped in banana leaves, placed atop rocks that have been laid over a fire that has been set in a pit in the ground, and then covered with wood, leaves, and then dirt. The process slow roasts the meat, giving it its unique and delicious flavor.

Journey Mexico is a full-service luxury travel company that provides authentic and unforgettable travel experiences throughout the Mexican republic. For great tips on travel to Mexico, visit their blog, Twitter or Facebook pages.

Where I’ve Been Cooking

Although cooking maybe the last thing on your mind when planning an exotic vacation, traveling can be an excellent opportunity to expand your cooking repertoire. Regardless of how your cooking aspirations and vacation dreams meld, a carefully planned trip will allow you to learn about new cultures through their foods and take home valuable insights into meal preparations. Whether you are a dedicated foodie who wants in-depth instruction with a famed chef, a novice cook looking to simply experience something new or just who simply enjoys the chance to taste the fruits of their labors, it is possible to discover new cooking opportunities in any country or region. In fact, Fox News produced an excellent segment and article detailing just what the culinary traveler should seek.

Jamile International Cuisine | Courtesy of Crossroads Charlotte

For the Group Traveler

A number of travel companies offer trips to resorts that cater to those who enjoy traveling with others. On these trips, you can expect attend a class at one of the local cooking schools while also being provided with enough free time to sightsee with fellow guests, try out the local cuisine off-sight or simply enjoy a glass of Chablis while watching the sun go down.

These trips are generally designed for people who don’t speak the local language. For English speakers, a number of travel agents offer special packages that guarantee easy communication between you, your instructor and the many members of the resort’s staff. For instance, ShawGuides.com offers a variety of excellent recommendations for trips that encompass several European and American cuisines under their "Cook for Fun" section. For those who are a bit more adventurous and dream of learning to cook couscous in Morocco or Bún Bò Huế in Vietnam, On the Menu, which is based in the United Kingdom, is among the travel companies that offer more exotic destinations.

For the Independent Soul

The independent traveler who doesn’t want to join in on group cooking classes or coordinated excursions need not despair. Renting a vacation home is an excellent way to experiment with local cuisines. With your own kitchen, a couple of local cookbooks, an adventurous palate and the will to buy local produce, you’ll find that you’ll be cooking like a local in no time. Going to restaurants a few times, especially when you first arrive, will also help you learn the lay of the culinary landscape.

To be sure that you’re getting a vacation home that will meet your needs, you’ll need to do your research. If cooking is your primary objective, you’ll want to be certain that the kitchen facilities are up to date, or at least on par with what you have in your home. You probably can’t do anything about oven temperatures registering in Celsius or measurements being on the metric system, but you can guarantee that you have an oven, blender and other important essentials. However, be prepared to buy any extra utensils that you may need.

You should also try to make friends with neighbors, who might be able to offer you insight into cooking. Try local cuisine not only from five star restaurants, but also from hole-in-the-wall eateries. Just use common sense about these places, especially in countries where water contamination is a concern, and ask locals for recommendations.

For the Adventurer

For those who are interested in cooking but want to see as much of the countryside as possible, tours that incorporate cooking with sightseeing might be a good fit. On one of these trips you’ll find that, everyday, you’ll learn something new about food, see something amazing and gather a little bit more information to take back home with you.

You’ll also find that you’ll receive the hands on instruction you might need, especially if you’re a novice cook, to properly chop garlic, cook pasta and sauté fish. Many tour companies, such as Hertzel Tours offer hands-on experiences with food and wine along with guided excursions to museums, national parks and the occasional European castle.

For the Master Cook

For those who are more experienced, you may find review of basic skills tries your patience, so you would be advised to look for more advanced cooking programs offered at the likes of  Le Cordon Bleu. In these programs, you’ll learn advanced cooking techniques, how to identify the freshest ingredients and how to make generally pre-purchased items, such as phyllo dough and pasta, from scratch. Not only will you the opportunity to gain insight from a master chef, but you will also have the chance to explore how flavors and textures interact. However, if local cuisines are your forte, you’ll want to supplement these experiences with schools dedicated to truly local fare.

Final Thoughts

Vacations provide a wonderful opportunity to learn how to cook in new ways. Whether you’re traveling to Savannah, Georgia or the Republic of Georgia, you’ll find that you’ll encounter truly unique, local flavors. Ultimately, it just makes sense to take advantage of this time to learn how to integrate these cuisines into your cooking repertoire. Likewise, if you’re ever in Savannah, check out the bread pudding. Every restaurant has a different way of making it, and all of them are delicious.

Benjamin Castillo writes for Online Cooking Schools' blog, a wonderful resource for foodies around the world.

Six Places to Visit in San Francisco's Japantown

Also known as "Nihonmachi" by the Japanese, San Francisco's Japantown is a cultural powerhouse that has been around since the early 1900s. Displaced Japanese American people who were left without homes after the 1906 Earthquake made a new home around Japantown and built churches, shrines, stores, and restaurants. After the great rise in American interest in Japanese Culture following World War II, Japantown has become a popular destination for people of all cultural backgrounds. The popular Cherry Blossom Festival (April 9th) attracts many people to Japantown as well. Here are six must-stops in Japantown:

Isobune Sushi
Love sushi? Isobune Sushi was the first sushi boat restaurant in the United States when it opened in 1982. The sushi boat concept allows you to diversify what you eat and pick and pay by the plate instead of by the roll (rolls are still available a la carte). Isobune Sushi was the first place I tried sushi when I was five years old and repeat visits over the years have all proven satisfactory with fresh fish and quality service on every visit. The aroma of the restaurant when you walk inside will awaken your nose to heavenly bliss and make your mouth water. Each time I return to this restaurant, I fall in love with sushi all over again. Japantown has many sushi restaurants inside, but Isobune is the crème de la crème.

 

Japan Center Kintetsu Mall 1737 Post Street (415) 563-1030

Kinokuniya Bookstore: There are very few Japanese booksellers in the United States and one of these is located inside San Francisco's Japantown. Kinokuniya is your one-stop shop for Japanese literature, manga, magazines, and imported toys and goods. The children's books they sell are perfect for Japanese language beginners who want to practice their reading skills and they also sell books for Japanese study as well. Japanese software, music CDs, and DVDs are also for sale. It is possible to spend hours looking at all the things they have to offer on these two levels of Japanese reading goods. No stop to Japantown is complete without browsing the shelves at Kinokuniya.

Japan Center Kinokuniya Bldg. 2nd Floor, 1581 Webster Street (415) 567-7625

Japan Video and Media, Inc: If you're looking for Japanese anime or Asian films then Japan Video and Media is perfect for you. They have a huge collection of the latest products imported from Japan and anime-related merchandise as well. If there is that one movie you can't seem to find anywhere else, this store may be just the place to visit. One cool thing outside that I always stop to observe is their collage of cosplay pictures from people who dress up as anime characters every year. Near this collage are flyers with the latest things going on around town.  
 

 
Daiso & Ichiban Kan: Daiso is essentially a Japanese convenience store offering all kinds of Japanese goods from soap and shampoo to art supplies and kitchenware. Most things in the store are around $1.50 (rare to find in Japantown because of the imported goods) and the things they sell are actually quality products. Whatever you cannot find at Daiso can be found in another convenience store called Ichiban Kan inside of Japantown.

Daiso: 22 Peace Plz Ste 400

Ichiban Kan: 1625 Post St. Miyako Mall 22 Peace Plz, Ste 540 (415) 409-0472

Nippon-Ya: Nippon-Ya (translated as Japan store) is the perfect place to pick up gifts for people while traveling. They sell tons of authentic Japanese confections and gift items including phone charms and various other goods. Mochi and Bean Paste cakes are popular items here as well. The prices are a little expensive, but more affordable then some other places in Japantown. The employees are friendly and helpful, the store itself is cute and characterizes Japan quite well.
Japan Center Kintetsu Mall 1737 Post Street (415) 346-0332


Carlos Hernandez is an avid traveler whose adventures can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and his blog.