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Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake |
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Texas State Capital |
4. Food and Dining:
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Home Slice Pizza on Congress Ave |
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Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake |
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Texas State Capital |
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Home Slice Pizza on Congress Ave |
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Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple, Amritsar) |
Jaisalmer Fort (Rajasthan) |
As the sun rises over the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean, the vibrant city of Acapulco comes to life with an energy that is both infectious and invigorating. The warm breeze carries with it a mix of salt and the scent of freshly prepared seafood, setting the tone for a day of exploration and relaxation.
Acapulco was Day stopover on my cruise to Cross The Panama Canal.
Safety: Found Acapulco to be safe for tourists.
Morning:
My day started with a stroll along the famous La Costera Avenue, a bustling waterfront boulevard that runs parallel to the beach. Street vendors are already setting up their stalls, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to colorful textiles. You stop by a local café and savor a traditional Mexican breakfast of chilaquiles, a dish made of tortilla chips topped with salsa, cheese, and eggs.
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Acapulco Mexico |
With the morning sun casting a golden glow, I made my way to Playa Caleta, one of Acapulco's most iconic beaches. The soft sand beckons you to kick off your shoes and dip your toes into the refreshing waves. Locals and tourists alike are enjoying beach volleyball, building sandcastles, and basking in the sun.
Afternoon:
Took a Cab to The "Capilla de la Paz" (Chapel of Peace) Cost $30 round Trip From the Cruise terminal port, the cab driver did not speak any English, only Spanish.
The Capilla de la Paz is a stunning white chapel that sits atop a hill overlooking Acapulco Bay. It's known for its iconic design, breathtaking panoramic views, and its significance as a symbol of peace and spirituality in the region. The chapel was built in the late 20th century and has become one of the most recognizable and visited sites in Acapulco.
Architecture: The chapel's architecture is characterized by its modern and minimalist design. The clean lines and white facade stand out against the backdrop of the lush surrounding landscape and the azure waters of the bay. The simple yet striking design creates a sense of tranquility and serenity.
Giant Cross: One of the most prominent features of the chapel is the towering cross that stands in front of it. This cross is not only a religious symbol but also a symbol of hope and peace. It can be seen from various points around Acapulco and has become an iconic part of the city's skyline.
Panoramic Views: The main draw of visiting the Capilla de la Paz is the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. From the chapel's elevated location, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of Acapulco Bay, the cityscape, and the surrounding mountains, the Capilla de la Paz is a must-visit destination in Acapulco.
Sultan Mosque Singapore |
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Belgrade Sign located by Sava River |
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia has beautiful architecture, a vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and some of the best book fairs, movie festivals, theaters, and events in Europe. The city is tourist friendly, has low crime rate and friendly people who are happy to help.
Currency Serbian Dinar is the official currency though I was able to use credit cards and Euros everywhere. At the time of writing this post 1 USD equals 108 Serbian Dinar.
Besides walking and a bus ride from the Airport, took mostly cabs. Could not find Uber in Belgrade.
Day 1. Arrived at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade on a early morning flight from Ljubljana Slovenia, As of 2023 Serbia is not part of European union, USA passport holders do not need a visa for tourism. Got local currency at the Airport ATM, and once outside the Airport looked for buses to go to Stari Grad or Old town, that's where my hotel was, conveniently located to several eating places and tourist attractions. Found the bus and driver was very helpful and let me know where to get off, it was a good 45 minute ride from the Airport to Stari Grad in Belgrade.
Checked into the hotel and headed to Knez Mihailova Street: A pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, often considered the heart of Belgrade. It's a great place for shopping, people-watching, and soaking in the city's atmosphere. After a lot of walking it was Time for some world famous Serbian pancakes
Day 2. After Breakfast, headed towards Republic Square, a 10 minute walk from my hotel to take a walking tour of Belgrade
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National Theatre Belgrade |
Republic Square: This is one of the main squares in Belgrade, surrounded by historic buildings and important landmarks. The National Museum and the National Theatre are located here. The walking tour started in front of the Prince Mihailo Monument Statue in Republic Square.
The tour goes towards Skadarlija: Often referred to as the "Bohemian Quarter," Skadarlija is a cobblestone street known for its traditional restaurants, art galleries, and charming atmosphere.
Belgrade Fortress: Walk uphill to reach the Belgrade Fortress, a historic site that offers panoramic views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Explore the fortress walls, visit the Victor Monument, and enjoy the peaceful Kalemegdan Park within the complex.
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Photo taken from the Belgrade fortress of Sava and Danube rivers |
After the tour ended, I met up tourists from India and Sweden and shared a cab to visit Hram Svetog Save which is a Serbian Orthodox church in Belgrade
This is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and an iconic symbol of Belgrade. The interior is equally impressive with beautiful frescoes and intricate details. The church is located on the Vračar plateau and The name translates to "The Temple of Saint Sava".
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Franciscan Church |
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Ljubljana Slovenia Dragon Bridge |
Puerto Williams is a small town located on Navarino Island in southern Chile. It is often referred to as the southernmost town in the world, and it serves as the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province. Due to its remote location and stunning natural surroundings, Puerto Williams has become an increasingly popular destination for adventure travelers, stopped here on my expedition cruise to Antarctica.
The immigration officers from Chile came onboard the ship to stamp entry into Chile as we had sailed from Ushuaia Argentina.
Things to do
Museo Martin Gusinde: This museum is dedicated to the indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and information about the native cultures that have inhabited the region for centuries.
Naval and Maritime Museum: Given Puerto Williams' naval presence, this museum provides insight into the area's maritime history and its connection to the Chilean Navy.
Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, including various bird species, seals, and sometimes even whales. Guided wildlife tours can be arranged to explore the local fauna.
Kayaking and Canoeing: The region's pristine waters offer opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. You can paddle along the coastlines and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Above Photo: Bow of the Yelcho (replica), the ship is famous for rescuing the crew of Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from Elephant Island in 1916. Yelcho was a steam-powered cutter that was originally used as a tugboat before entering Chilean Navy service.
A little History about Yelcho
The Yelcho was commanded by Captain Luis Pardo Villalón. The Yelcho sailed from Punta Arenas, Chile, on August 25, 1916. It arrived at Elephant Island on August 30, 1916. The crew of the Yelcho was able to rescue all 22 men who had been stranded on the island for 10 months.
The rescue of the Shackleton's crew was a major international news story. It was a testament to the courage and determination of both Shackleton and Captain Pardo. The Yelcho is considered a hero ship and is remembered as one of the most important ships in Antarctic history.
Cape Horn: Puerto Williams is a departure point for tours to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America. This iconic landmark is known for its turbulent waters and rich maritime history. Due to rough sea conditions the ship I was on was unable to dock at Cape Horn.
An impact crater that lies at the Moon's south pole is named after Shackleton.
Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful destination with a lot to offer. Had only one day to explore as I was on a ship and had not booked a shore excursion, Here's a suggested itinerary for things to see and do in Cabo San Lucas in one day
Cabo is a Tender Port, Tendering is when smaller boats are used to transport passengers from the cruise ship to a port. Once in port, you'll be approached by several folks offering tours, if you decide to go with one - do bargain.
Morning:
Land's End (El Arco): Start your day by visiting the iconic Land's End rock formations, including the famous El Arco arch. You can take a boat tour or water taxi from the marina to get up close to these stunning natural formations.
Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach: These two beaches are located near El Arco. Lover's Beach is calm and suitable for swimming, while Divorce Beach on the Pacific Ocean side has strong currents and is not recommended for swimming, but it's a beautiful spot to take in the views.
Late Morning:
Afternoon:
Medano Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Cabo San Lucas, known for its lively atmosphere and various water activities. You can relax on the beach, have a drink or get a massage, the place I went to was charging USD 40 for a massage.
Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the beachside restaurants or head back to the marina area for more dining options.
Late Afternoon:
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour or Snorkeling: Take a glass-bottom boat tour or go snorkeling to explore the underwater beauty of the Sea of Cortez. Many tours provide snorkeling gear and take you to spots teeming with marine life.
Evening:
It was time for me to head back to the cruise ship, if you have time here is my suggestion -
Sunset Cruise: Wrap up your day with a sunset cruise. Cabo San Lucas is known for its breathtaking sunsets, and a cruise will allow you to enjoy the view from the water. Many cruises offer drinks and entertainment on board.
There are a lot of Pharmacies in Cabo selling cheap generic medicines, Avoid.
Questions or comments, post below.
Earlier this year in 2023 did a family weekend trip to Rockport Texas, a 3 and a half hour trip from Austin Texas.
Fulton Mansion |
Plaza de Armas |
Punta Arenas was a stopover on my way back from Antarctica in January 2020
Punta Arenas, sometimes also called the ‘city of the red roofs,’ is the capital of Chile’s Magallanes region. This cultural melting pool has a lot to offer the world, and many visitors are surprised by its cultural diversity and natural beauty. Most people called it the city of red roofs because of the red metal roofs that most of the buildings in the city had. The red color came from the protective spray that builders used on those metal roofs.
Punta Arenas sees many activities with sea, land, and air pathways, despite its far-away location. It is also the starting point for many Antarctic expeditions, with recent expeditions bringing an economic boom with them.
Self Walking Tour of Riga Latvia
Arrival: Took a 4 hour Bus ride from Tallinn Estonia
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours (excluding time for exploring attractions and taking breaks)
Start: Riga Cathedral Square
1. Riga Cathedral Square:
Begin your walking tour at Riga Cathedral Square, where you'll find the impressive Riga Cathedral. This medieval cathedral is one of the city's most significant landmarks. Take some time to admire its architecture and the surrounding square.
2. St. Peter's Church:
Head to St. Peter's Church, known for its towering spire and panoramic views from the observation deck. You can choose to visit the interior or simply enjoy the exterior architecture.
Above photo I took from St. Peter's Church observation deck.
3. House of the Blackheads:
Walk to the House of the Blackheads, a historic building with intricate decorations. It's a symbol of Riga's trading heritage and hosts various events. Note that the original building was destroyed during WWII, but a reconstruction stands in its place.
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House of the Blackheads |
4. Riga Town Hall Square:
Continue to Riga Town Hall Square, a vibrant square surrounded by colorful buildings. You can often find markets, festivals, and events taking place here.
5. Swedish Gate and Three Brothers:
Walk through the Swedish Gate, a remaining gate from the medieval city wall. Nearby, you'll find the "Three Brothers" houses, a trio of medieval buildings showcasing different architectural styles.
6. Art Nouveau District:
Make your way to the Art Nouveau district, particularly along Alberta Street. Riga boasts some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Admire the ornate facades and intricate details.
7. Riga Central Market:
Head to the Riga Central Market for a lively experience. It's one of Europe's largest markets and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, local foods, and crafts.
8. Freedom Monument:
Walk to the Freedom Monument, a towering symbol of Latvia's independence. The monument is located in a central square and often serves as a gathering place for various events.
9. Esplanade Park:
Take a stroll through Esplanade Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. It's a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
10. National Opera House:
Pass by the Latvian National Opera House, an architectural gem with a rich history. If you're interested, you can check the schedule for opera and ballet performances.
End: Riga Old Town
Warsaw! The capital city of Poland is rich in history, culture, and architecture. My visitors guide that will take you through some of the most important and interesting sites in the city.
Bus station Taxi Scam, Arrived from Vilnius, on a long bus ride, there are several Taxis outside the main bus station, since I didn't speak Polish they wanted $200 USD to take me to my hotel, Taxis in Warsaw have meters, don't fall for the scam.
Stay: Stayed at a B&B off of Nowy Swiat, great location, plenty cafes and restaurants and walking distance to major tourist attractions.
Places to see
1. Castle Square: Its here where you'll find the Royal Castle and Sigismund's Column. The Royal Castle is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and was the official residence of Polish monarchs.
Sigismund's Column Warsaw |
2. Old Town: From Castle Square, explore the charming cobblestone streets and colorful buildings of Warsaw's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Market Square and enjoy the historical atmosphere.
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Old Town Market Square |
Warsaw Barbican |
4. New Town: Walk to the New Town and visit the New Town Market Square. Despite its name, this area is also rich in history and architecture.
5. Krakowskie Przedmieście: An elegant boulevard, lined with historic buildings, churches, and palaces. You'll pass by landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the University of Warsaw.
6. Warsaw University Library Rooftop Garden: This hidden gem offers panoramic views of the city. It's a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
7. Lazienki Park: Walk to this beautiful park, known as the Royal Baths Park. Explore the park's various gardens, monuments, and the iconic Palace on the Isle.
8. Chopin's Benches: As you wander through Lazienki Park, you'll find several benches with statues of Frederic Chopin. These benches often host live piano performances during the warmer months.
9. Ujazdowski Castle: This castle houses an art center and museum, focusing on modern and contemporary art. The surrounding Ujazdowski Park is a nice place for a leisurely stroll.
10. Warsaw Uprising Monument, located on the southern side of Krasiński Square.
Thanks for visiting, do comment below and share on social Media.