“Go to the Asian side — it’s one of the best things to do in Istanbul.” Nearly everyone told me this on my first trip to Turkey nearly two years ago. Yet for some reason, I spent my first trip firmly ensconced on the European side of the Bosphorus (journeys to Sabiha Gocken Airport notwithstanding). […]
A Day in Kadikoy: Scenes from Istanbul’s Asian Side Read More »
Mario and I have been on the road for two months now! From Malta to Dubai, here is the best and worst of Month Two of the SOTM Tour. Countries Visited Malta, Turkey, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Romania, United Arab Emirates Favorite Destinations Ohrid, Macedonia — What a nice, beautiful, fun, and dirt-cheap summer resort town!
SOTM Tour: Month Two of Twelve Read More »
When I first arrived in Sliema, my friend told me to keep my expectations low: “Don’t judge Malta until you see Valletta tomorrow.” I could see what he meant — Sliema didn’t look overtly appealing during my evening arrival. Traffic raced along the water’s edge; the sidewalks were filled with kiosks. Pubs catered to middle-aged British
The Sweet Sliema Life Read More »
Driving through the Maltese countryside, a white city appears in the distance. It stands atop a hill, layered like a wedding cake from its walled edge, surveying all of Malta from one of the highest points on the island. It’s a city older than Valletta, dating back 4,000 years. It was built by the Phoenicians
Mdina: The Silent City of Malta Read More »
Is Malta a great country for backpackers? Absolutely. It’s fun, it’s cheap, it’s got nice hostels, it’s easy to get to and get around. But are there backpackers here? Very few. I was shocked at how few people I saw actually backpacking Malta. Sure, there are lots of young people with backpacks, but they tend
Why Don’t More Backpackers Come to Malta? Read More »
While the world revels in excitement over the birth of Prince George, I thought I’d share photos of another George: St. George, venerated dragon-slayer and one of the patron saints of Qormi, Malta. Each summer, Malta explodes with festas — celebrations of the patron saints of each town. Each town has its own festa, or
Celebrating the Festa of St. George in Qormi, Malta Read More »
I was so nervous about visiting Malta. While some of my friends had been to Malta and loved it, others had been and told me privately that they found it, well…a bit dull. What if I felt that way, too?! As usual, I was worrying far too much about nothing. Malta is the least dull
Malta: A Beautiful, Crazy, Formidable, Vibrant Island Read More »
Every now and then, I come across a unique hotel or hostel that I love so much, I can’t stop raving about it to everyone I know. Sometimes they’re places I discover on my own, like Monkey Republic. Sometimes they come highly recommended from friends, like Gallery Hostel. And on occasion, they are places that
Sweet Digs and Artsy Days in Vienna Read More »
If you’re backpacking or traveling on a tight budget, I have advice for you: skip Switzerland. That’s not to say that Switzerland’s not a lovely and astoundingly beautiful place to visit. If you’ve got a mid-range or luxury budget, go ahead. And as I always say, if Switzerland is the destination that speaks to you,
Sherlock Holmes and Maltese Hospitality in Switzerland Read More »
Last July, I discovered Augsburg for the first time: a small Bavarian city just 25 minutes from Munich, and one that I found far more livable than its more famous counterpart. The occasion? My dear friends’ offbeat Bavarian wedding. This year, Josh and Daniel celebrated their one-year anniversary with friends and family flying in from
Augsburg: It’s Good to Be Back Read More »