5. A History Predating the Pyramids

Proof of habitation in Ireland dates back over 5,000 years to the Brú Na Bóinne tombs located in County Meath. Built in the Neolithic or Late Stone age, they predate the Egypt’s Gaza Pyramids and England’s Stonehenge. There are several large passage tombs: Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange. These are very popular during the winter solstice.  A ray of sunlight shoots through the opening of the Newgrange mound and illuminates the chamber for a few minutes. Along with this site, there are countless other historical experiences to take in!

6. A Preserved Traditional Culture

Ireland enjoys a relatively isolated location. Only Britain in relatively close distance. Therefore, the culture and traditions have remained relatively unchanged by foreign influence and invaders throughout history. Early druidic culture and fringe influences from the Roman civilization have allowed the people of Ireland today to retain significant elements of the Celtic culture.

Visit Trinity College in Dublin to see the Book Of Kells, written by Celtic monks in the 9^th century. It’s considered a cornerstone piece of Irish heritage. It is comprised of a copy of four gospels written in Latin, depicting scenes through wording and artistry.

7. More Than Just Potatoes!

When you think of Irish food, there’s a large chance a giant plate of potatoes comes to mind. While that may still be part of the traditional gastronomy, dairy products, especially farm made cheeses are putting Ireland on the international map. Not sure what is Irish cheese exactly? Click here to find out! 

Besides delicious cheesy products, Ireland is also seeing a revival of local products as well as farmer’s markets and increasing demand for organic products. Traditional dishes such as Irish stew, soda bread, fish and chips and colcannon (cabbage, kale and potatoes) are still a must try. But make sure you don’t miss out the fresh seafood either! With thousands of kilometers of coastline, you can find delicious Wild Atlantic salmon, scallops, lobster, prawns, swordfish, sole and oysters at almost any place along the way. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the annual Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival each September!

8. World-Famous Beers

If I’m being perfectly honest, one of the first images that pop into my mind when I think of Ireland is a cold pint of Guinness. What better way to relax after a long day of sightseeing, kissing stones, exploring ancient tombs and rough, rugged landscaped that with a cold brew? The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is considered a top site, which has been produced since 1759. (Albeit I decided not to go because it cost a whopping 18 euro entrance).

Stay tuned for the final four reasons to complete the list of why Ireland should be on your travel radar!

[Huffington Post], [The Richest], [Readers Digest]

Check out this quick tour through the market today:

First Floor: The Market Stalls at the Mercado de San Antón

At the bottom floor of the Mercado de San Antón you will find your average supermarket chain Supercor. The magic happens, however, when you venture up to the first floor, where there are market stalls, selling raw ingredients such as fresh produce, meats, cheeses, fish, and baked goods as well as some prepared foods and drinks such as handmade hamburgers or a wine bar.

The raw ingredients from the market are a bit more expensive than you would find in the typical supermarket chains, but the few times I did buy things there, I could definitely tell the difference in terms of quality and freshness. Definitely worth the extra costs if you can afford it!

Second Floor: Restaurant and Bar Stands

Top Floor: Rooftop Restaurant “La Cocina de San Anton”

For a splurge, check out the rooftop restaurant entitled La Cocina de San Antón (The Cuisine of San Antón). This is the perfect place to showcase the delicious, fresh and seasonal ingredients you can purchase on the lower floor, which is exactly what they do! There is an indoor dining area, where you can taste a variety of dishes from cheese plates to salads to meat plates served in both a traditional Madrileño and international style.

You can also bring products purchased at the market below and they will cook it to your liking! What a cool concept!!

As well, you can venture to the rooftop during a nice day (Madrid has over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year) for a refreshing drink (popular is the gin tonic) with a great view of the neighborhood below. This area is especially busy in the evenings, so get there early if you want a good spot!

[Mercado de San Antón], [The Guardian]

A Little History Of Lagos

As with most European coastal cities, Lagos has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. With an eclectic mix of settlers, ranging from the Celts to the Romans to the Moors, Lagos represents a culturally and historically rich site that offers something for everyone.

By the 15^th century, Lagos was an integral part of the Portuguese maritime exploration and eventually became the gateway for the African slave trade into post-medieval Europe, illustrated by the building of the world’s first slave market in the city center in 1444.

It then became the capital of Portugal from 1576 until 1755 until it was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 1755. Upon visiting the city itself, you can see that there are still some buildings, including the famous castle remaining from the 16^th century, but most have been rebuilt dating as early as the 17^th century.

Lagos Beaches

What is initially striking about a visit to Lagos, however, is the incredibly picturesque nature, especially the cliffs along the beaches. One of the highest rated beaches in Lagos is the Camilo Beach, or Praia do Camilo. As with many of the beaches in this area, you have to walk down many stairs until you reach the sand. The great part about that is, however, that you get an amazing view of the landscape from the top, and once you’ve reached the bottom the water is so refreshing!

Outdoor Activities

Besides relaxing on the beach, there are also tons of other nature-related activities such as kayaking within the caves, sailing, surfing, scuba diving and even mountain biking!

Especially stunning are the Ponta Da Piedade, also known as Mercy Point, an area within Lagos that features huge cliffs that have been weathered down to various heights and angles that provide a stark contrast to the absolutely beautiful, clear turquoise water. You can choose to admire the view from the tops of the cliffs, and then climb down the 182 steps to reach the sea level where it is possible to then travel with a boat within the hidden caves and underpasses. Costs are relatively low (10-22 euro per person) for shared or private tours.

During the cooler part of the day (early morning and late evening) a trip into town should definitely not be missed to get a holistic experience of Lagos. The older part of the city is still enclosed with old walls. The Lagos marina can be found by traveling along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos (Avenue of the Discoveries) that runs along the waterfront.

Exploring Lagos City

The city is small enough to explore on foot, with tons of little cafes and artisan shops. Although it isn’t as touristy as more famous cities such as Paris or Rome, there is definitely an element of the tourist traps. I found that there are tons of great, traditional restaurants serving fresh fish and typical Portuguese dishes if you go off the main road a bit and explore the small, windy streets. Highly recommended is also the restaurants along the beach Meia Praia, where you can sit out and enjoy the view.

[Wikipedia], [Algarve Tourist], [Lagos Uncovered]

The “buy local” movement is on the rise. In many cities you can find initiative organizations popping up bringing together local farmers and consumers. In the grocery store there are products marked as “from the region”. The demand for farmer’s markets is increasing at a steady rate.

This is a great idea! There are so many reasons to buy local (which I’ll get into a little further down). When you are in your own city it’s relatively easy to figure out where and how to get the local products. When you’re traveling, however, it may not be quite so simple. There are a few reasons that it can be difficult to buy local (especially including food) when traveling. Maybe…

You simply don’t know what are the local products.

You don’t know where to find local products.

You don’t speak the language and therefore even if a product were marked as local you wouldn’t know.

You’re on a budget and familiar chains like McDonald’s or Burger King fit into your price range.

Etc., etc…

While all of these points may be valid, there are so many reasons to buy local products, not only for residents but also for travelers!

1. Local food teaches you about the culture and traditions.

Buying and eating local produce, meats, cheeses, etc. is the absolute perfect way to learn about the place you are visiting. In many cultures, there are few things more indicative to their traditions than cuisine, which are deeply rooted in the experiences of generations past.

When I first learned that Jamon in Spain was a salted leg of pork mounted in the kitchen for weeks at a time I was quite concerned… Was I really going to eat this piece of meat that my Spanish friend just shaved off an unrefrigerated hunk of meat? But I’m so glad I did! Jamon is delicious and absolutely at the heart of the Spanish culture.

2. Local food is fresher!

Eating what has been recently pulled from the ground or plucked from a tree pretty much ensures you’re going to get a fresh, nutritious, delicious experience. I’ll never forget how much flavor was in tomatoes and cucumbers bought at the Serbian market in the summertime.

3. Local (and seasonal) food can be less expensive.

Buying products that are in season and locally grown cuts a lot of costs: transportation, storage, preservation, etc. If you head to a local market in the summertime, look for salad vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, peppers and tomatoes. In the fall, more hearty options such as cabbage, beets, Brussels sprouts and squashes will be in season.

4. Local food supports the local economy.

Buying local gives security to farmers that they can continue producing local. By supporting the local economy, you can ensure that these cultural traditions won’t be substituted by a big company who imports their products from the developing countries (in which many times the labor force there is exploited).

A Busy Tranport Hub

The famous terminal is located in Midtown Manhattan on 42^nd St and Park Avenue. It is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with 750,000 people and passengers passing through the station each day. There are 44 platforms inside, more than any other railroad station in the world, with 41 tracks on the upper level and 26 on the lower.

The Terminal serves both long distance and regional trains, with 220,000 commuters each day from outside the city daily. Growing up just a few hours outside the city, Grand Central Terminal was always my first stop upon arrival. Each time, the “wow-factor” never gets old.

Features of Grand Central Terminal

Built in 1871, the Terminal features intricate designs both inside and out, with the highlight being the main concourse. You can spend forever staring up at the celestial ceiling mural that covers the entire ceiling of the vast main concourse.

Conceived in 1912, the ceiling has been restored a few times, first in the 1930s to repair falling plaster and again in the 1980s to clean off the nearly 60 years of tar and nicotine from tobacco smoke. A single patch was left in the corner to remind visitors of what the ceiling once looked like.

In the center of the main concourse is the information booth, with a four-faced clock on top. This is perhaps one of the most recognizable features of Grand Central Terminal and a common meeting point.

Holiday Season

Personally, I think the Terminal has an extra sparkle during the holiday season with wreaths and lights reflecting off the shiny granite, a predominate building material in construction. You can see carolers singing holiday songs, people whizzing past on their way to an important meeting and the greeting of loved ones who haven’t seen each other in a long time. There is also the holiday market inside the Terminal, though it is very expensive.

What Else Can You Do At Grand Central Terminal?

Along with serving its primary purpose as a transport hub, Grand Central Terminal also has many great shops and restaurants. Some of the most famous include the Oyster Bar, or the Gourmet Culinary Market.

As well there are over 68 shops, with anything from clothing to accessories to make up to olive oil. For passengers on the go, the bottom floor of the concourse also has lots of delicious fast food options such as the New York City legend Zaro’s Bakery.

Grand Central Terminal also holds many secrets within its walls (which go to a staggering 13 floors below ground!). At either end of the Oyster Bar ramp is the Whispering Gallery, where you stand on the opposite corner of the gallery as your partner and you’ll be heard on the other side. Also, there is an abandoned railroad cart and track which used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

When you’re done exploring all that Grand Central Terminal has to offer (and believe me, it’s a lot!) take the Subway (located within the Terminal) to your destination or simpy head out the main doors onto 42^nd Street. Times Square is close by (with a shuttle from the Terminal) as well as the iconic Empire State Building.

[Wikipedia], [NYC Tourist]

By day…

…and night!

I recently wrote about my visit to the slightly alternative St. Pauli Christmas Market in Hamburg. After visiting the historical and authentic one in the city center just a few days ago, that got me to thinking…

Where Does the Christmas Market Come From?

The idea of an open-air street market has been around in Europe long before anyone even celebrated Christmas. During the Late Middle Ages, there were special winter markets that would open for a day or two, allowing townspeople to stock up on food and supplies they would need during the upcoming cold months. There were many examples of this, but they were never officially considered “Christmas Markets”.

Over time, these markets evolved to sell other craft items such as baskets, toys or woodcarvings as well as specialty foods such as almonds nuts, gingerbread and other baked goods. Many times, these items were given as gifts for Christmas or New Year’s Day.

The first claims of documentation of a “Christmas Market” come from Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384) and Frankfurt am Main (1393), though their authenticity as official markets has been called into question. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden perhaps has the most official claim of being the first Christmas Market, dating back to 1434.

The Hamburg (Rathaus) Town Hall Christmas Market

This Christmas Market is located directly in the large square (Rathausmarktplatz) in front of the Town Hall. Each year, nearly three million visitors come to see and feel the magical spirit of Christmas time at the market- which includes a Santa Claus flying his reindeer sled above the roofs of the market, telling the story of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer (at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm each day).

Traditional Items and Foods for Sale

Like many other Christmas markets, craft items are the majority of things for sale. The Hamburg Town Hall Christmas Market takes this to another level with the Spielzeuggasse (Toy Street), where rows merchants from around the world sell different gadgets and play things for children.

Walking through the pathways made from the various wooden vender booths, you can see tons of other craft items as well. Decorations from the Erzgebirge region and looked after by woodcarvers from Tyrol, bakers from Aachen, gingerbread makers from Nuremberg and pottery made from artists from the Lausitz region.

As well, there are many other traditional artisan crafts for sale such as beeswax candles or the shop with endless handmade Christmas decorations by Käthe Wohlfahrt.

When you’re done shopping, head to one of the many food and drink booths to enjoy some traditional German Christmas Market gastronomy- sausages straight from the grill, meat from the rotisserie, a hot cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) and a delicious baked good.

[Germany Christmas Market], [Hamburg Tourism]

Where to stay in Caldetas

I’ve been lucky enough to spend time there for a few weeks at a time here and there over the past few years, staying in a really lovely vacation apartment built up on top of the hill with beautiful views of the town below and the Mediterranean Sea.

Caldetas Town

What I especially love about visiting Caldetas is the feeling of utter relaxation. You can totally imagine why it has a reputation as being a spa retreat. The slow pace of life, strict adherence to the siesta policy and, of course, the presence of the sea just minutes from the town center set the tone for the kind of vacation you’re going to spend there: chilled out.

Just walking around and exploring the little streets is one of my favorite things to do there! There is even a small museum, called Fundacio Palau, which exhibits some works from Picasso.

There is even a thermal bathhouse in the town center that uses only the purest water from the mountains above. I’ve been there, and believe me, it’s everything you would expect!

When you’re not relaxing in a whirlpool, there are also many little restaurants that call this charming town home. Down the main strip is where you will find the majority of them- a mix of seafood, rustic Spanish, tapas bars, and a pizza place as well as small cafes and bars. If you spend a little time exploring the side streets there are also a few more restaurants, including one of my favorites- Fonda Manau

Like most Spanish villages and cities, there is also a central market on the main street, which has different sections for meat, vegetables, fruits, cheese and fresh seafood. As well, there is an open air market that was open on Tuesday and Friday mornings when I was there. The prices are very low and you can get local ingredients right from the farmers. Also, because Caldetas is not a hugely touristic destination, the locals are very friendly for the most part.

A short story: when ordering some meat for dinner from the butcher at the local market, I misheard the price and thought she said 13 euros instead of 30. When she went to ring me up, the price was much higher than expected and I realized my mistake. When I explained it to her she simply asked where I was staying and told me to bring the rest of the money when I came back down from the house the next time! That’s for sure not something you see everyday!

The Best Part? The Beach!

The star of the show in Caldetas is the beach, of course. There isn’t much better than waking up on a bright, sunny summer day and throwing on your bathing suit, walking 10 minutes down a hill and setting yourself up in the sand for the day.

The water is really clear and the beach was never super crowded when I’ve been there. Plus there are tons of little beach bars along the way to provide a nice respite from the hot Spanish sun.

If you like, there are also surfing and windsurfing classes offered during the summer months at reasonable prices.

For days when the weather isn’t warm enough for the beach or you simply need a change of scenery, you can easily take the train from the town center up or down the coast. Just an hour ride south you arrive in the Plaça de la Catalunya in the heart of Barcelona or a few hours up the coast is the town of Figueres, Dalí’s hometown and the location of the Dalí Theatre and Museum. Or, for a short trip, there are also many little town along the way that are fun to explore!

Just keep in mind that in many of the small villages most people won’t speak English, so you may want to brush up on your Spanish, or even better, Catalan!

Unlike many tourist attractions, the Mercat de la Boqueria (literally: Butcher’s Market) is still deeply associated and intertwined with the lives of the locals.

On any given day you can find elder Spanish señoras picking up fresh ingredients from one of the many 3rd or 4th generation venders for the day’s lunch or groups of friends enjoying some delicious dishes at one of the many small restaurants inside, all surrounded by clusters of tourists taking photos of the colorful fruit displays that one could even consider artwork.

The hustle and bustle, sounds and smells just add to the overall experience of what you feel like a big market should be!

Interesting fact: It’s really old, too!

Commercial activity at the Mercat de la Boqueria dates back to the 13^th century. Even during those times Las Ramblas was highly frequented street in the city and therefore an ideal location for a market. It originated just as a place to sell meat (hence the name).

It operated unofficially as a market for many centuries until it was officially recognized in 1827 and the current market was founded. In 1861 fruit and vegetable venders received the rights to sell their goods. Then came flower venders, and some merchants would even include a flower with customer purchases!

Up until 1914 the market was still open air, but that changed when a metal roof was installed to provide protection from the sun and bad weather.

What can you buy at the Mercat de la Boqueria?

A lot.

There are, of course, many butcher stands selling fresh cuts of meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, rabbit and even oxen, which was the original purpose of the market. You can also find deli stands selling famous Spanish Jamón as well as other cured meats and cheeses. (Tip: ask to try a sample of the Jamón!).

Then of course, there are many stands selling fresh fruits and vegetables, juices and olives as well as legumes and other beans.

And we can’t forget the many fresh fish venders, where some even have live catches waiting to be bought!

And to top it off- tons of candies and sweets!

For a comprehensive list of the all the current venders and were they are located click here.

If you’re not in the mood to prepare something yourself, just stop at one of the many quick eateries inside the market, which offer a wide variety of food and drink options- everything from pizza to fried calamari at reasonable prices.

You can also make a reservation at one of many of Barcelona’s well-known restaurants through the Eat Boqueria program. Starting at 40,00 € for a complete menu, select which restaurant appeals the most to you. The entire menu is prepared using super fresh ingredients from the La Boqueria Market.

A visit to the La Boquería Market is a great way to spend a few hours up close and personal with traditional Spanish cuisine– one of my favorites- try some new things and get a taste of what the Barcelona life is all about!

[Boqueria]

The Hamburg Fishmarkt (Hamburg Fish Market) has been a cultural staple for people of all ages, from all walks of life since 1703. Located on the Elbe River in the city of Hamburg in northern Germany, the famous fish market attracts 70,000 visitors every Sunday.

Who can you see there?

Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the fish market is not necessarily all of the various items for sale (I’ll get to that later), but actually the kind of crowds it attracts. When the market is first opening (at 5 am April to October, 7 am November to March), you will most likely encounter those who’ve successfully made it through a night of partying in Hamburg’s famous nightlife district, the Reeperbahn.

Not only does the promise of delicious Fish sandwiches (no, that is not a joke) to satisfy the hunger built up from a night of dancing and carousing bring the crowds, but also the opportunity to continue the party in the historic Fischauktionshalle (Fish Market Hall), with live rock music, great atmosphere, and of course, more beers… at 7am…

As the morning rolls along, those who still have not gone to bed start to dwindle out and are replaced by the early risers, just beginning their day, looking for discounts on anything from fresh fruits, fish and even apparel.

The absolutely eclectic mix of people almost makes me feel as though I’m in a twilight zone. There are families with little kids walking around next to 20-somethings who are so wasted they can barely walk, all surrounded by a chorus of hawkers selling their products, chanting “10 Euros, 10 Euros!”, “2 mangoes, 2 Euros!” and of course, the most famous “lecker, lecker lecker!” (“delicious, delicious, delicious!”).

What can you buy there?

Better question: what can’t you buy there? There are fruits and veggies from all corners of the globe, fresh coffee, baked goods, meats, spices, clothes, decorations, trees, flowers, and you can’t forget fish. Smoked fish, fresh fish, fish sandwiches, fried fish, baked fish, whole fish, and fish filets, anything you can imagine.

Prices are generally less expensive than at the grocery store and for the most part the quality is quite high. To get the best deals, try not to buy when there are tons of crowds around, as they may give you a better deal. Haggling is also expected in many of the stands, and rumor has it that if you go when the market is near it’s close the venders will practically be giving away their goods, especially the perishables.

If you’re buying one of the famous fruit baskets, keep in mind that while the fruit on top will look delicious and in perfect condition, the ones on the bottom may not be so hot. The cost of the baskets is always 10 Euros, but if you hesitate to buy a little, they may top on some extra fruits for free.

And lastly: When you’ve finished filling up your refrigerator, or simply need a break, take a coffee and fresh Franzbrötchen (typical cinnamon pastry) and sit out on the bank of Elbe River, watching the city wake up and enjoying the fresh breeze.

[Official Hamburg Website], [Hamburg Travel]