Shangri La – the hidden gem of Islamic art in Honolulu
One of the most difficult tours to secure a place on in Hawaii, but definitely one of the most worthwhile is the tour of Shangri La, a collection of Islamic art in a private house in Honolulu. Inspired by travels through the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, the collection and programs run at the centre aim to improve understanding of the Islamic world. Having spent time in these regions myself I have a great appreciation for Islamic art, and absolutely recommend a visit to this incredible collection. The Shangri La villa is discretely tucked away at the end of a residential street. It would be easy to pass…
Free Things to do in Honolulu, Oahu
While it’s island paradise location in the middle of the Pacific means getting to Hawaii isn’t always cheap, a surprising amount of free activities are on offer which may balance the thrifty traveller’s budget! From hanging out on the beach with turtles, exploring local arts, and hula shows to firework displays and festivals, there really is something for everyone, and I’m just talking about the free things to do in Honolulu. Don’t let the fact that Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city put you off visiting. While there are all the usual attractions of a city, there is also so much to do that doesn’t cost a thing. Here are some…
10 Best Things to do in Florida
Known as the ‘Sunshine State’, Florida’s weather and glorious beaches attract over 60 million visitors every year. Amusement parks and beach destinations are popular but Florida offers so much more. Where else can you inspect spaceships in the morning and swim with manatees in the afternoon? Here is my list of the ten best things to do in Florida. Orlando Theme Parks Infamous for its theme parks, Orlando is a favourite with families and thrill-seekers looking for fun in the sun. There is a huge array of fun parks and there really is something to suit everyone. Embrace your inner big kid and head to Disneyland or pick up Universal…
The Best Theme Parks in Orlando
Orlando, Florida is the destination of choice for theme park lovers. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of theme parks and found the plethora of parks a bit overwhelming, but I was pleased to find some parks educational as well as entertaining. Orlando is possibly the best example of what tourism can do for a town’s economy. With almost 50 million visitors enjoying Orlando family holidays each year, the sub-tropical climate and theme parks are clearly a draw-card. Orlando has more entertainment parks than anywhere else in the world and there really is something to suit everybody. The Walt Disney Resort dominates Orlando with seven different parks. Personally…
The French Market of New Orleans
The French Market in New Orleans is the oldest marketplace in the USA. It is stuffed full of fascinating finds and lively people. It is one of my favourite markets for its diversity and spirit. It is definitely a market worth visiting. Just inland from the Mississippi River, the French Market forms the heart of the French Quarter, and arguably New Orleans. The marketplace was originally a Native American trading post, back in the late 1700s, which is why it has such a long history. Among the stalls the market also features the New Orleans Visitor Centre and several cafes and bars. All sorts of things can be bought in…
New York – New York
On September 11, 2001 the world stopped and stared as New York came under vicious attack. Almost 3,000 people died in the terrorist attacks that took place that day and which have changed the world we live in. A New York photo essay seems appropriate on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It feels like everything that can be said, already has been. So, in celebration of a fantastic, lively and vibrant city, and in memory of so many lives tragically lost, here are some photos I took when I visited New York in 1999. New York is home to some striking architecture.The Flatiron building stopped me in my tracks when…
Lights, Camera, Location!
It is all too easy to find yourself stuck in a routine and to slowly come to recognise that maybe there is more to life. If there are reasons that you can’t escape the routine just yet, then sit back and enjoy some armchair travel. Be inspired and plan your own adventure. These are some of the movies that have inspired me to travel. The Beach – Thailand This story follows a young backpacker who leaves Bangkok for Thailand’s beaches and discovers an island community where he realises he has a lot to learn. This is probably one of the first travel movies that ‘spoke’ to me. As an impressionable…
Viva Las Vegas
Las Vegas is something else. It is an incredible place but I don’t wholly mean that in a good way. Most towns and settlements are near water, water being essential for human life and all. Las Vegas, however, is a town built inexplicably in the middle of the Nevada desert. There is not a drop of water in sight. Each day brings blazing desert temperatures. I burned myself badly on a seatbelt buckle the first time I went to Vegas. Nowhere else in the world have I seen pierced hosepipes elevated above pavements spraying a cool mist over pedestrians. It is very, very hot. The heat is only one reason…
California Road Trip
My friend and I didn’t quite set out on the classic big American Road Trip. We only covered Southern California in fact. Starting in and ultimately flying out of Los Angeles, our plan was to get to San Diego relatively quickly and then cruise slowly North along the coast. We had a week to see everything we wanted to and there was plenty on the list. San Diego We picked up our car from the airport in the glorious LA sunshine and headed for Highway 5. On our way we passed a drive-thru Krispy Kreme, the novelty value of which meant we had to stop. Do doughnuts seriously need their…
