If you are only visiting Prague for a few days, I will be the first one to tell you it deserves your full attention. However, if you are here for 8 days or it is your second time visiting, you should be aware there are other amazing castles and interesting towns surrounding Prague. The following … Read more
Playa Guiones, Costa Rica We walked along Playa Pelada which is a smaller beach cove trapped in by rocks. Playa Pelada was interesting because the sand consisted of rather large pieces of shells which made the beach look more colorful. Strolling along Playa Pelada, our real goal was to get to Playa Guiones … Read more
Review of Las Brisas del Pacifico Unpredictable weather in Costa Rica redirected our backpacking route to Playa Samara. We made last minute reservations at Las Brisas del Pacifico, not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised when we received our own beach cabin for a very reasonable price. The hotel is right on the … Read more
“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment.” ~ Hilaire Belloc Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica The third day we were in Playa Samara, we decided to grab some Imperial beer and Sangria and take a day trip to Playa Carrillo (a short bus ride away). Carrillo is unlike any beach I’ve ever been to, … Read more
I always say that the times in my life when I’ve been the happiest are the times when I’ve seen, like, a sunset. -Chris Evans Playa Samara, Costa Rica We arrived to Playa Samara on the Costa Rican public bus, which goes through rivers and woods, and which also serves as a shipping service for … Read more
“Don’t go to Capri– you’ll never want to go home” It’s getting colder in Philadelphia, and leaving me with thoughts of warmer weather and bluer skies. and the island of Capri certainly fits that criteria. Capri is completely everything you imagine paradise to be in an less than five square mile island. It has the lush … Read more
“You lose sight of things… and when you travel, everything balances out.” – Daranna Gidel Traveling can make an everyday task vastly more interesting. When traveling to Ecuador, one of the ‘must-do’s’ is visiting the country’s name sake–the Equator. About 20 minutes outside of Quito, you’ll find two sites that claim to house the line that … Read more
I’ve got two places I like to be. Portugal is one. -Cliff Richard I was very surprised when I found Lisbon Portugal to be one of my favorite nightlife scenes. I never read anything about it beforehand and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Our night began in Bairro Alto, a large district of neighboring bars … Read more
If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul. – Alphonse de Lamartine While sitting at my desk browsing for cheap flights, I found a flight to Venice Italy for 491 dollars. The catch: a 15 hour layover in Istanbul Turkey (both ways). While most people wouldn’t even consider … Read more
“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” -Freya Stark Overnight train travel is a classically European experience; doing it alone makes for an even more interesting (read drunk) experience. Traveling from Paris to Florence in the easiest, and most fun fashion, I decided to book an … Read more
“It’s a cruel and random world, but the chaos is all so beautiful.” ― Hiromu Arakawa I have an tremendous amount of luck when it comes to being in the right place at the right time. The year I decided to study abroad in Spain just happened to land on the same year Spain won the … Read more
“But during all these years I had a vague but persistent desire to return to New Orleans. I never forgot New Orleans.”
-Anne Rice, Vampire Diaries
In honor of the impending Halloween season, I was inspired to write about one of my favorite cities—New Orleans. Ghosts, witches, voodoo, and vampires are all essences of New Orleans that are interwoven into the rich culture of the city.
The French Quarter feels as if it was soaked in magic and frozen in time.
While visiting the cities darker attractions, I was surprised at how active places like Saint Louise Cemetery Number One were. Saint Louise Number One is the oldest, and most famous cemetery in the city, and it’s like a city in itself. A place that is made for resting, was bustling with tourist. Many go to view the grave of the famous Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. The story goes, that if you draw three X’s on her grave, leave an offering and make a wish, Marie will work her magic beyond the grave. I for one am superstitious and didn’t try.
X marks the spot at the famous grave
Beyond the historic cemeteries’, other elements of this spookier part of NOLA can be found around every corner. Voodoo alters, vampire tours and haunted houses are abundant, touristy yes, but still pretty cool.
Voodoo Alter.
The hostel I stayed in, India House, added to the spirit of my stay. The hostel is in an old mansion, that’s revamped to house budget travelers from around the world. Each of the private rooms had a theme. I stayed in the ‘Voodoo’ room—very appropriate. This place offered an unmatched, quintessential New Orleans experience for only a few bucks a night. Also, they have a pool. Meeting travels from all around the world, learning about new cultures, like foreign styles of beer pong and kings cup, makes for an even better experience.
India House Hostel, in all it’s beauty!
After a full day of touring the sites, of course a visit to the famous Bourbon Street was in order. There’s nothing quite like strolling down Bourbon Street, drink in hand, being serenaded by the sounds of live Brass Bands. I couldn’t do Bourbon Street every night, but it’s certainly worth an experience–a magic of it’s own.
Although every city has it’s own magic–even Philly– New Orleans magic is a special brand. A warmth you can take home, and calls you back anytime you crave a Po’Boy and some live music.
A man who has been through bitter experiences and travelled far enjoys even his sufferings after a time. -Homer, The Odyssey Venice is like a rat maze. Before arriving in Venice I read that it was “the perfect city to get lost in”. I for one didn’t agree that it so perfect when I was … Read more
