Washington, DC: My Own Little Slice of Paris

Paris, France
Cathedral Notre Dame

If you’ve been following this baby of a blog that I recently created, it’s probably no secret to you that I’m a raging Francophile. In my mind, France embodies everything that is good in this world: amazing food, fashion, and romance (in order of importance, of course). On my dreamiest days, I picture myself in a bright-yellow, eyelet dress, riding a bike with a baguette-stuffed basket on the front, coasting lazily through fields of lavender on my way home from town.

Make no mistake… I would probably not fit in very well in France. First off, as it turns out, I am actually not French. I had a hard time coming to terms with this fact. But after admitting to myself that a) I was not born in France, b) I do not speak French fluently, and c) I have no French relatives, I was forced to draw the only logical conclusion. Also, I’m pretty boorish for a lady.  Don’t let the fantasy eyelet dress fool you.  I tell dirty jokes, laugh very loudly, and rather enjoy making a spectacle of myself.  Very un-chic. 



Luckily, I happen to live in a city that allows me to act out some of my French fantasies and doesn’t raise an eyebrow while I’m doing so. Washington, DC is a planned city, designed by French-born architect Pierre L’Enfant. The wide avenues radiating from the city’s majestic landmarks and monuments were meant to evoke the feel of Paris. DC’s grandest avenue is the National Mall, which bears a striking resemblance to Paris’s Champs-Élysées; each is dotted with famous national landmarks, spaced at regular intervals. Fortunately, my walk home from work takes me down our avenue, past the Capital and Washington Monument. More than once I’ve caught myself reminiscing about my trips to our sister city across the pond.  

Washington, DC

The National Cathedral

I’ll be the first to admit that Washington lacks that certain Je ne sais quoi of Paris. You would be hard-pressed to find a winding alleyway in DC, and sidewalk cafés are not spilling out into every street. But if you look hard enough, you can find charm here. Trendy Dupont Circle is home to the lion’s share of the city’s 176 foreign embassy houses, making it a neighborhood full of stately mansions and international flare. In Georgetown, upscale shops and restaurants crowd cobblestone streets. The Eastern Market area features a large, open-air market and is lined with beautiful, multi-colored Victorian row homes.
  

Cultural opportunities in Washington go beyond the Americana associated with some of our most frequently visited museums and monuments. The Phillips Collection and Kreeger Museum both feature wonderful collections from the French Impressionists. If I ever wanted to go to church, you can bet I’ll head straight for the National Cathedral, which has elements of Paris’s gothic Cathédral Notre Dame.  Whether you’re religious or not, it’s great for viewing gorgeous architecture. With such a large international community, Washingtonians have easy access to a variety of multi-cultural events. In an effort to become more connected to my adoptive homeland, I’ve even started taking French language classes from chic ladies at the Alliance Française de Washington. 

Washington’s farmers’ markets, metro train system (which just so happens to share a name with Paris’s underground), and small, specialty shops encourage a European lifestyle that leaves DC citizens healthy (Washington is consistently ranked as one of the fittest cities in the nation) and donning a relatively small carbon footprint.  And I can’t speak for my fellow Washingtonians, but I really enjoy life. I’m not climbing the corporate ladder, and I’m not married with children (why are these the only two options for American women these days?!), but I’m one of the most successful people I know when it comes to having a really good time. Having access to a plethora of amazing restaurants and bars helps. But on nights when we can’t make it out, my boyfriend and I split a bottle of wine (Alsatian, obviously) from the well-stocked liquor store a block from our house and linger over a dinner made from fresh, local products. It’s our little way of channeling the European philosophy that one should savor life’s daily gifts.  And it will have to do until my next trip home… ahem, I mean back. 

Champs-Elysees, Paris, France

The National Mall, Washington, DC

The Ten Most Relaxing Places in Europe

Hillside Town, Provence, France

Many Americans visit Europe to sample its cultural offerings, hopping from museum to castle to cathedral in order to make the most of their long and expensive flights across the Atlantic. We tend to opt for the Caribbean or Hawaii when we want some R&R.  But there are plenty of spots in Europe that are better savored than glossed over.  Plus, wherever you go in Europe, you’re almost guaranteed the added benefits of charming architecture and delicious food.  So linger over an amazing meal, wander slowly through winding alleyways, and… just enjoy the view.



Provence, France:  Sun, dancing lavender fields, and amazing food and wine make it difficult to get motivated during a trip to Provence… but that’s ok – you’re on vacation. And once you’re here, you’ll easily slip into a routine of visiting open-air markets in the morning, taking your spoils to a scenic spot for a picnic lunch, and maybe seeing a site or doing a wine tasting before enjoying a leisurely dinner. A visit here is all about opening up your senses and soaking in the pleasures of your surroundings.



Norwegian Fjords

The Highlands, Scotland:  Britain’s most remote corner has a mystical spirit; it will lure you in with its misty forests, foggy lakes, and intriguing folklore. Like the scenery, the region’s inhabitants are slightly rough around the edges and completely unpretentious, making a stay here feel cozy and inviting. Spend your days taking in the region’s scenic beauty and visiting majestic castles. In the evening, head to the local pub and have some beers with ruddy locals, or curl up by a fire in your warmest wool.

Munich, Germany:  Munich has some pretty interesting sites, including attractive Gothic architecture, world-class museums, and a royal palace. But the sooner you learn that the best thing to do in Munich is laze around in one of the city’s many beer gardens, the happier you’ll be. Munich's beautiful and expansive English Garden contains several of these outdoor watering holes. German efficiency and orderliness makes this city clean, easy to navigate, and an overall pleasant place in which to spend a few days of your vacation. 



Puglia, Italy:  Though it’s on the verge of a tourism boom, Puglia can still serve as your next “get away from it all” vacation… if you go at the right time. Avoid July and August, when Italians flock to the region’s pristine white beaches.  But during the other warm months (and there are quite a few of them at the heel of this boot-shaped country), you’ll have the coastline to yourself. The region’s other main attractions are its food (some say it’s the best in Italy) and charming, Baroque architecture. You can round out your beach days by exploring seaside towns perched precariously over the water and by enjoying al fresco meals as you watch the sun set over the ocean. 


Ljubljana, Slovenia:  One of the most interesting things about this capital city is that there’s almost nothing to do here.  Though the city does have a number of Slovenian national sites, there are no famous, “must see” tourist attractions for foreigners. This, in turn, means that travelers should have little to nothing on their itineraries. But despite the shortage of notable museums and monuments, there are plenty of things to enjoy. Relax at one of the city’s many sidewalk cafés, spend some time meandering through the gorgeous old town, or take a short walk to the hilltop castle for some Alpine views.



Madeira, The Garden in the Atlantic

Fjord Country, Norway:  The Norwegian fjords offer some of the most strikingly beautiful scenery in all of Europe. Majestic cliff faces are divided by snaking rivers, which are impossibly blue from the glacial runoff. The breath-taking landscape will inspire you to relax and take it all in. More active travelers have plenty of hiking opportunities in this region; however, the best views are had looking up from the river. So sit back, and let your boat captain do the heavy lifting.


Madeira, Portugal:  In Madeira, you’ll feel hundreds of miles away from the rest of civilization – and that’s exactly where you’ll be. This island lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and its landscape couldn’t be any more different from that of the motherland. Madeira is a sub-tropical hideaway and is known as the Garden in the Atlantic due to its lush flora and fauna. Travelers can visit blooming botanical gardens, play a round of golf, enjoy dramatic island vistas, and take a soak in natural, ocean-side lava pools. As a bonus, the island is still very European, which means that you’ll get to enjoy charming architecture and amazing cuisine.



The Salzkammergut Lake District, Austria:  There are many stunning lake districts in Europe, and all intrinsically offer opportunities for relaxing getaways. But there is something extra refreshing about Austria’s Salzkammergut area.  The rolling green hills, Alpine peaks, and crystalline blue lakes were the backdrop for the iconic film The Sound of Music and appropriately evoke the spirit of a young Julie Andrews, arms spread wide, bellowing the movie’s title song. Picture-perfect Hallstatt, perched on the shores of a pristine lake, is set back from the main thoroughfares, offering a more isolated and quaint experience.



Hallstatt, Austria



Santorini, Greece:  This island’s magic cannot be spoiled by the throngs of tourists that visit each year. The striking sunsets that float over the sugar-cube-stacked towns and dip down into the expansive caldera are breathtaking and best enjoyed on a balcony, with a beverage.  Escape the masses by descending onto one of the island’s colorful beaches (they come framed by red, white, or black cliff faces and piercingly blue water). Boat trips to the volcano make pit stops at soothing hot springs; or, you can get a more “professional” treatment at one of the island’s many spas. Easy, scenic walks between towns and casual (but delicious) meals add to the island’s leisurely feel.

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic:  You may not recognize the name, but if you’ve seen the popular James Bond film Casino Royale, you’ll recognize the scenery. Though identified as Montenegro, the setting for the movie’s glitzy casino was actually this Czech spa town. Spinning the roulette wheel might be the most physically taxing thing you do during your stay here. Daytime fun is all about taking a soak in one of the town’s many hot springs or strolling through the historic (and surprisingly peaceful) city center.



Sunset Over Santorini

Savannah, Georgia on Your Mind

Best For:  Charm, Culture, Shopping, Nightlife, and Culinary Scene

Best Time to Visit:  March through July

To me, Savannah seemed a place of interesting contrasts.  It offered most of what I expected from a Southern city (hospitality, a slow pace, and huge helpings of food). But instead of pastel and seersucker, I got thick-framed glasses and pageboy hats. The dive bars radiated sounds of heavy metal, rather than the expected country western. It was like a warmer and more charming slice of Brooklyn. Savannah is the South, but with an edge. If you’ve seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you know what I’m talking about.

The Forsyth Park Fountain

Charm:  Nicknamed the “Hostess City,” Savannah welcomes you warmly, but with a mischievous gleam in its eye.  Its people are just as charming as its antebellum architecture, both of which will take you back in time to the pre-Civil War era.  Twenty-two city squares, dripping with Spanish moss and dotted with statues, fountains, and gardens are scattered throughout the historic district. But at night, the city has a much more eerie feel; take a stroll through Bonaventure Cemetery, or go on a ghost tour, if you dare.

Culture:  Each of Savannah’s squares has its own story, and many are home to notable historic buildings. Tour the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts), or check out the Owens-Thomas house, widely considered to be the best example of Regency architecture in the U.S. The city also contains one of the country’s most popular art colleges, the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD is extremely influential within the community; performing arts productions are held in downtown’s Lucas Theatre, and student artwork can be found for sale in city shops.

SCAD Sidewalk Art

Shopping:  Due to its strong link with the art world, visitors can find unique, locally made creations in Savannah’s stores. Downtown’s City Market contains the Art Center, which houses studios and showrooms for local artists. Boutiques range from high-end to vintage to slightly kitschy. Antiques shopping is also very popular here.

Nightlife:  You might think that a town with a “to-go cup” policy (bar customers can literally take their drinks to the streets at the end of the night) would take its partying seriously – and it does, but not in a flashy way. The nightlife scene here is laidback and slow but somehow very alive… much like the city itself.  Atmospheric bars can be found throughout the city, but to take in Savannah’s popular live music scene, head to Congress or River Street. The party explodes for a few days in mid-March; Savannah is home to the second largest St. Patty’s Day party in the country and celebrates with a huge parade and by dying the water of the famous Forsyth Park Fountain green.

House Featured in 
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Culinary Scene:  Though the food scene in Savannah has become more eclectic over the past few years, fried chicken and barbecue are still the kings of this city.  Get ready to loosen your belt buckle – the portions are huge and the temptations plentiful, which are to be expected from the city where Paula Deen has chosen to set up shop.  Visit her Lady and Sons restaurant for some fanfare, or dine in a more dignified style at The Olde Pink House or Elizabeth on 37^th.  Locals know that Wiley’s Championship BBQ has the best brisket in town.  Those with a sweet tooth will want to try the famous pralines at River Street Sweets.   

If you are looking to extend you trip, drive 2 hours north to Charleston, South Carolina.  It’s the more refined version of Savannah.

Which Caribbean Island is Right for You?

Not all Caribbean islands are created equal. If you’ve settled on tropical paradise for your next vacation, but you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options in the Caribbean travel region, consult this guide for some direction.

Best for Budget:  With cheap direct flights from the U.S. and a plethora of affordable all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica is the best Caribbean island for travelers looking to save money on their next vacation. But a trip to Jamaica won’t feel budget – visitors enjoy the same crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches as those shelling out big bucks to visit the more luxe isles. Runner up:  the Dominican Republic

Spanish Colonial Architecture in Old San Juan

Best for Charm:  San Juan, Puerto Rico is not only the most charming city in the Caribbean, it’s also one of the most enchanting places in the United States. The city’s old town is home to some of the most well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the world. The bright, multi-colored buildings and winding cobblestone alleyways will take you back in time to the colonial era. Runner up:  Curaçao

Best for a Good Culinary Scene:  Martinique is a true blend of French culture and island life. Because of this harmonious Franco-Creole mingling, the island offers creative cuisine in a travel region that rarely strives beyond the easy and obvious seafood platters. Local products are still the primary meal base, but chefs here transform the food using the techniques and flavor profiles of the famed French cuisine. Runner up:  Guadeloupe

Best for Culture:  Americans will have to jump through some hoops to get to Cuba, but culture junkies might think it worth the trouble. Soak in the faded glory of the country’s pre-revolution days in crumbling (though still magnificent) Old Havana. The life of this city dwells in its residents; after dark, the vibrant streets fill with salsa dancing and cigar smoke. For some variety, also visit Trinidad, a seaside town with charming colonial architecture. Runner up: Bermuda

The Bahamas

Best for Ecotourism: Resisting the development undergone by neighboring islands, Dominica’s unbridled beauty remains in tact.  The island has varied flora and fauna, an extensive network of protected parks and rainforests, and miles of government-protected coastline.  Hike to hidden waterfalls, swim in soothing hot springs, and snorkel in the surrounding waters. Beaches are few and far between, but eco-oriented travelers will be too busy exploring the island’s dynamic jungles to notice.  Runner up:  Bonaire

Most Family Friendly:  The mega-resorts of the Bahamas provide engaging activities for children of all ages. Family-friendly amenities are especially abundant at The Atlantis on Paradise Island, which offers a water park, themed “imagination spaces,” and day camps that will give parents some time away from the kids. The islands also offer plenty of activities that parents and children can enjoy together, including snorkeling and some good old-fashioned beach time.  Runner up: The Cayman Islands

Best for Luxury:  Glitzy St. Bart’s comes equipped with all the lavish features that one would expect from a hideaway for the rich and famous. This island allows you to enjoy all the glamour of Cannes without crossing the Atlantic. The boutiques and gourmet restaurants are decidedly French, and the scenery gives the Riviera a run for its money. Runner up: Anguilla

St. Lucia's Pitons

Best for Natural Beauty:  In a region renowned for its scenic splendor, St. Luciastands out as perhaps the most stunning island. The striking, cone-shaped peaks of the two Pitons give the island a lush brilliance, reminiscent of French Polynesia. The island’s fertile valleys and rainforests, frothy waterfalls, blossoming orchids, luminous white sand beaches, and turquoise blue waters create a color palette of visual delights. Runner up:  British Virgin Islands

       

The Remote St. Eustatius

Best for Nightlife:  Glam casinos and thriving nightclubs make Aruba one of the best places to party in the Caribbean. The party starts late in capital city Oranjestad but heats up quickly with salsa, reggae, and meringue dancing.  Don’t miss a ride on the Kukoo Kunuku, a party bus that chauffeurs you around to three island bars. Runner up: Trinidad

Best for Going Off the Beaten Path: In St. Eustatius, time seems to stand still. Aside from sunbathing and leisurely strolls down the beach, one of the island’s main attractions is chatting up the locals, who are more than happy to tell you stories about the island’s past. Come to this island to forget about the outside world; Statia (as the locals call it) will make you feel a million miles away from home. Runner up: Marie Galante

Diving in Bonaire

Best for Outdoor Activities:  With its easily accessible coral reef, Bonaire is considered the best spot in the Caribbean for diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the diverse marine life includes sea turtles and a rainbow of tropical fish. Boaters will appreciate the windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing opportunities. Land lovers can rent mountain bikes or horses and explore the desert-like surroundings. Runner up:  Saba  

Best for Relaxation:  Anguillais off the beaten path, but with all the frills you would expect from a lavish tropical retreat. This means stretches of deserted, tranquil beaches paired with luxury spas. Even the island’s nightlife encourages relaxation – the hottest spots in town are beach bars headlining smooth reggae beats. Runner up: Turks and Caicos

Best for Shopping:  Goods on St. Thomas can be bought tax-free, and this has contributed to the island becoming the Caribbean’s top shopping haven. The open-air bazaars of the island’s downtown district (Charlotte Amalie) are especially good spots to haggle for jewelry, perfumes, and liquors. The shops of Vendor’s Plaza contain clothing items, many of which display USVI logos. Runner up: St. Martin/St. Maarten

Snapshot Sunday: Brugge, Belgium

Climbing Stephansdom's South Tower

Másszuk meg a Stephansdom déli tornyát!

Somehow I am tired at the moment and it would be a bit difficult to write lots of information about Vienna's landmark the Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral), so I would just let the pictures speak:
Valahogy fáradt vagyok most, így kissé nehéz lenne mindenfélét írni Bécs jellegzetességéről, a Szent István székesegyházról, így aztán csak hagyom, hogy a képek beszéljenek.





That's where the 22-ton church bell the Pummerin used to hang:
Innen lógott a 22 tonnás harang, a Pummerin:







Was ist das? We couldn't figure it out...
Nem bírtunk rájönni... 



This is where the watchman lived and guarded the city from the Turks and from fire:
Itt lakott az őrszem, aki a várost a törököktől és a tűztől vigyázta:







On the roof, the initials of Franz Joseph in the Austrian imperial coat of arms and the date 1831:
A tetőn Ferenc József kezdőbetűi az Osztrák Császárság címerében, és az 1831-es dátum:



In the next post, you get some great views above Vienna!
A következő bejegyzésben szuper kilátásban lesz részetek Bécs fölött!

*****

Beside being a singer and going wherever my performances take me, these are the top resources which make it possible for me to live one of my dreams and travel - they can help you as well to live as you would like to, have a look here

www.AndreaGerak.com
Contact / Kapcsolat
Skype: andrea.gerak

Wien von oben

Vienna from above
Bécs felülről

Spring is arriving to Vienna, we have some beautiful sunny days here!
Jön a tavasz Bécsbe, gyönyörű napsütésben van részünk mostanában!

A few shots from the tower of Stephansdom, Vienna's signature church in the very middle of town.
Néhány felvétel a Stephansdom tornyából, a Bécs ismertetőjegyeként híres templomból a belváros kellős közepén.

You can climb up to the chamber that used to be a watch point for fire, the entrance is at the back of the right side of the church and costs 4EUR for an adult.
Fel lehet mászni a korábban tűzfigyelő állásnak szolgáló kis kamrába; a bejárat a templom jobb hátsó sarkánál van, 4EUR a felnőttjegy. 

After a bit less than 200 stairs, this is the view you can enjoy:
Alig 200 lépcső után ilyen látványt élvezhetünk:

(For some reason, sometimes Flickr won't display the pictures here on my blog, but if you click on them, you can see them on Flickr, even in larger sizes too.
Valami miatt néha pár kép itt, a blogomban nem jelenik meg, de ha rákattintasz, a Flickr-en szépen látszik, nagyobb méretekben is)

*****

Beside being a singer and going wherever my performances take me, these are the top resources which make it possible for me to live one of my dreams and travel - they can help you as well to live as you would like to, have a look here

www.AndreaGerak.com
Contact / Kapcsolat
Skype: andrea.gerak