Wild Junket » Miami

Top 6 Cities to Visit in the U.S.

Nellie Huang — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:31:00 +0000

From the monumental Statue of Liberty to the stunning Grand Canyon, the United States is blessed with countless attractions, natural wonders and a mixture of cultures and ethnicities. But most of all, it’s home to some of the greatest cities in the world. Some of these cities are well-known for their urban culture, while some boast the most vibrant beach culture. Whether you’re a culture vulture or a holidaymaker, there is a city for every type of traveler. Let’s take a look at some of the best cities to visit in the United States (based on my own opinions).

1. New York City

The Big Apple is America’s pride and joy – a massive metropolis chocked full of ethnic districts, charming restaurants and attractions. New York is perhaps the most photographed and filmed city in the world, with its sprawling skyline appearing in thousands of movies and series. Sometimes known as the capital of the world, New York has also inspired countless classic songs. When in New York, the first thing that most tourists do is climb to the top of the Empire State Building for a 360degree view; then wander through the nightlights of Times Square and mourning the loss of lives at Ground Zero.

2. Las Vegas

A city designed for hedonistic pleasures, Las Vegas is a giant entertainment centre packed with the best casinos, resorts, spas and restaurants. Sin City is a fantasy land for many and a perfect weekend escape destination where you can while your time away on slot machines and shopping malls. But Las Vegas is not all about casino games. Las Vegas’ proximity to unique national parks such as Grand Canyo, Red Rock and Death Valley makes it an attractive travel destination not only for party goers but for nature lovers as well.

3. Miami

Boasting rich Latin American flair, Miami stands out for its unique ethnic districts and exotic flavors. Some say that amidst its colorful Art Deco architecture and laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the United States. The miles of sandy beaches in Miami are lined with trendy hotels and chic restaurants, making the city one of the sexiest in the country. If you’re looking to party like there’s no tomorrow, you can’t go wrong in Miami.

4. Los Angeles

Best known as the City of Lights, Los Angeles is a multi-faceted metropolis that springs one surprise after another for regular visitors. For first-timers, it may appear flamboyant, flashy and charismatic thanks to the snazzy Hollywood district and Sunset Boulevard. But explore a little more and you’ll find the true Californian spirit bursting out from every corner of LA – the sun-kissed beachside boulevards of Santa Monica and the bohemian enclaves of Venice Beach.

5. San Francisco

Packing both picturesque countryside landscapes and groovy urban culture into one city, San Francisco is a perfect travel destination for everyone, whether you are a city girl or an outdoors-lover. The cosmopolitan city is home to the lively Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge and numerous gardens and parks. Let’s not forget the city’s trademark steep hills and vintage trolley cars. What’s best is the city’s dramatic location along the bay. Almost every point along the coast of San Francisco offers astonishing views of the area.

6. Seattle

Charming and aloof, Seattle has an air of mystery and subtle charisma – a characteristic that gives it an edge over its rival cities. Flanked by the Cascade Mountains to the East and the Olympic mountains to the west, Seattle stands at the base of Mount Rainier and is surrounded by stunning landscapes. Driving through Seattle on a clear day has been compared to floating on a cloud in an emerald sky. Seattle has been voted by many as one of the world’s best cities to live in, it’s easy to see why with its friendly atmosphere and easygoing vibes.

Photo credit: All photos from Creative Commons Flick by Stuck in Customs except Miami (by wmiami) and Seattle (by mtoo).

————————————————————————————————————————————–—————————–

WildJunket’s favourite spots to spend Valentine’s

Nellie Huang — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:56:40 +0000

As the most romantic day of the year is approaching fast, it’s time to dig up some hot ideas to romance your loved one. Modern urbanites these days might find it quite a bit of a commercialized gimmick for romantic fools to empty their pockets and boost the economy; I’m just one of those fools who love to be swept off my feet and completely indulge in romance.

Here are some of my favorite ways of spending Valentine’s:

1. Cruising the canals of Venice, Italy

Nothing beats the whimsical and dreamy atmosphere in Venice – you breathe, smell and soak in romance. I surprised Alberto on his birthday in 2007 with a weekend trip to Venice – of course, even guys fall for that!

Taking a Venice gondola ride through the Canals (although that is costs 60euros for a ride – budgeted travelers like us could take the 4euros Vaporetto instead.) or people-watching in one of the Venice restaurants at Piazza San Marco are the best ways to fire up your passion. Accommodation can be way costly, check out small hotels in the Venetian countryside that cost half the price and only a bus ride away. We stayed in the Hotel Villa Dori, with room rates of 77euros per night, and Venetian styled 4-poster beds. Definitely true Valentine’s style!

2. Sunset at the Alhambra Palace – Granada, Spain

One of our frequent haunts in Alberto’s hometown in Southern Spain, is the outdoor café of the Alhambra Palace Hotel. Built in commemoration of the ancient moorish Palace, the Alhambra, it is perched on the hilltop, overlooking the Andalusian city of Granada. We love having a glass of tinto de verano (Spanish concoction of red wine and soda), in the outdoor verandah with a bird’s eye view. Dotted with white-washed houses, the Alhambra Palace on the left and snowy Sierra Nevada (mountain range) on the backdrop, there is no better way to spend some time with each other. And best of all, you get to enjoy it all to yourself, it is after all one of the best kept secrets of Spain. shhh…

The Alhambra is also a mystical spot to get lost in its maze-like architecture, especially when it gets dark. I was awed by the beauty of the Alhambra on my first visit to Spain, when we went for a night tour of the Alhambra. Dimly lit with yellow lights, the Palace exudes an enigmatic feel where you can’t help but immerse in the Arabic mystique.

The 5-star Alhambra Palace Hotel is definitely costly to stay in, but the café offers reasonably priced drinks from 3-4euros each. With an exquisite Moroccan influenced interior, its decor of arabic lamps and intricate carvings not only enchant you but also add a romantic flavor to your evening.

Every single time we’re in Granada, we pay a visit to this café just to remind us of our love for each other, and for this charming city.

3. Prayers at Tanah Lot Temple – Bali, Indonesia

Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most tranquil and peaceful spots of Bali. It stands in the sea, built out of cliff rocks guttering out of the coastline. A visit to the temple comes with blessings by the local pilgrims who say a little prayer for you, and bless you with rice on your forehead and frangipani flowers. Our favorite place to enjoy the beauty of Tanah Lot are the cafés perched on the cliff top, overlooking the temple, offer fantastic view of the entire coast and a tranquil time for you and your loved one.

These days, Bali is mostly dominated by lobster-tanned tourists, but fret not, there are still many areas undiscovered by the conventional crowd. The emerald green rice paddies of cultural center, Ubud , bring you through a journey into the traditions and cultural aspects of Bali, which is one of its kind.

Tanah Lot is approx. 1 hour’s drive away from Kuta, the hotspot of Bali. We rented a jeep for US$15 a day, that took us around the coast, stopping by several temples along the way and up to Ubud.

4. Driving along the Great Ocean Road – Melbourne, Australia

A recent trip along the Great Ocean Road made me fall head over heels for it again, it’s hard not to. With the ocean breeze in your face, cruising along the coastline, with the dramatic cliff rock formations passing right by, is the perfect way to romance your loved one. At least we did.

The romantic fools in us decided to splurge for once, on a 15-minute helicopter ride that took us high up, with a full frontal view of the 12 Apostles, Loch arch Gorge and the rest of the coastline. Our first time on a helicopter, and it rocked. Definitely worth the AU$70!

A natural phenomenon of sea erosion has created the amazing 12 Apostles – odd cliff formations lining the coast. Unfortunately with the impact of the waves, there are only 7 rocks left. Better see it before they are all gone!

Our picnic at the nearby Warnambool made the trip even rosier. With green grass and a swan lake, having a glass of wine and salad makes it a perfect Valentine’s.

5. Admiring the night view of Singapore – Marina Barrage

A newly built man-made dam that separates the Java sea from the Singapore River, Marina Barrage not only functions as a dam, but also offers state-of-the-art architectural marvels. Built as an eco-friendly spot, the rooftop of the barrage is covered with green grass and wading pools, idyllic for a romantic escape from the city. What’s more, it’s free!

The best thing about the barrage is its location – right at the outskirts of the CBD (Central Business district) of Singapore, it boasts of an amazing view of the skyline of the city. Yet, in the tranquility, you feel that you’re away from the hustle and bustle of this Asian cosmopolitan city. I love to spend quiet nights here, admiring the twinkling city lights and enjoying the silence of it all. One of my best spots in Singapore to immerse in romance.

6. Secret coves at the Venetian pools – Miami, USA

This was where we spent some of the most beautiful days together. Miami was where we met, and we had such wonderful memories at the Venetian pools. Probably the most romantic spot in Miami, the natural spring water pool formed from coral rock quarry has a vintage vibe to it since its popular days in the 1920s.

We loved the secret hideouts in the coral caves (some private time away from the crowd) , the refreshing waterfalls and grottos. It’s a great site to steal kisses, enjoy the privacy and walk back through the past.

Right near the University of Miami, it’s a great respite from the heat as well.

7. Cotton clouds of Pamukkale, Turkey

Definitely one of my favorite spots in the world, Pamukkale (Cotton castle) boasts of crystal white limestone pools, laying vicariously over the plateau slopes, forming a beautiful phenomenon of travertine. So pure, lavishing and unspoiled.

Unfortunately, these days, swimming in the pools is prohibited due to environmental damage brought by tourism. Still, sitting by the slopes, watching sunset hand in hand with your loved one – you couldn’t ask for more in life.

Besides the cotton clouds, Pamukkale is actually famous for the ancient city of Hierapolis. Amazingly well-preserved roman ruins show evidence of an ancient civilization – from the Temple of Apollo to the Hierapolis temple, you could almost feel the entire city come to life! The Sacred pool at the foot of Hierapolis even allows you to swim with ancient artifacts.

8. Marveling at the architectural beauty of Santorini, Greece

Blue domes and white washed houses litter all over the volcanic island of Santorini We were really lucky to have the opportunity to visit the island, seeing that it was world famous, and quite extravangantly expensive. It is possibly the most picturesque island in the Aegean sea – amazing volcanic geology and typically greek architecture.

We rented a car at the foot of the island for 20euros a day, where we started the steep drive up to the villages of Santorini. Oia enjoys praises in guidebooks and fellow travelers’ commentaries, as the most beautiful village atop an impressive cliff with a spectacular view of the Aegean sea.

I especially loved having a drink in the cafés along the narrow paths of Oia, offering a view to die for. Life can’t get any better with some wonderful Greek cuisine – salad and Moussaka, along with a shot of Ouzo. How else do you light up the fire of romance, besides the Greek style?

No matter where you’re spending your Valentines, the most important thing is being with the one you love. Romance is forever, believe in it, and it’ll come true!

A gift from the other end of the world

Nellie Huang — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:36:21 +0000

We had a pleasant surprise today when we got home. In the form of a little parcel, it was a heartwarming gift all the way from Trinidad & Tobago. Hannah had sent us some local flavor from her exotic island in the Caribbean – it made me think of all the moments we had, like how we used to gossip in her dorm room and how we would gawk at the hot Brit guy nxt door…

It’s always nice to know that our friends from the other end of the world are thinking of us. No matter what the gift is, and no matter where it comes from, it brings love to us across continents. Thanks Hannah, we love it!

At X’mas, Melinda rang me up to send some Christmas greetings, all the way from ice cold Canada. Her laughter made me smile and she blessed me with the greatest gift on earth – friendship. We chatted on the phone, albeit more like whispers since I was stuck at work, and it felt like there was no distance between us. All of a sudden, it was as if we were under the Spanish sun, enjoying our cerveza and tapas once again.

Through the years of travelling and living abroad, we’ve made many friends, some of whom have become really close to our hearts. Some are from odd parts of the world, like Iceland (Ivar, yes I’m talking about you), and some close by like Hongkong (Emily, whom we’ve seen several times in the past few yrs). No matter how far they are, we’ve somehow managed to cling on to our close friendships and caught up with one another in one part of the World or another.

Hannah had been part of our lives in London, 3 years later, we had met up in Shenzhen, China where she was teaching, and just recently, she came for a visit in Singapore! Heiko, our best travel bud from Germany had travelled through Spain with us 4 years ago, crashed in our tiny apartment in London, and only recently joined us on our tour around Asia. Ivar was the rare guest whom I thought I would never see again after Miami, but surprisingly he packed his bags, m0ved to Spain where we spent our nights drinking on the streets and exchanging sarcastically hilarious humor. Melinda was my closest friend in Madrid, and remains one of my best pals, after braving through Morocco together, couchsurfing with a Norwegian hunk in Oslo, and then flying halfway round the world to Singapore and Bali to hangout with us once again!

Friendship has been one thing that means so much to me, besides travelling…and Alberto. Travelling has not only opened my mind to the world, to our past and our present, and also to amazing people who have become such an important part of my life. Before I left home for the first time, I never knew of such enduring love. I’d never imagined having a lasting friendship with people I’d met along the way. But no, it does exist. We’ve seen each other across continents and I always know I will see them again, probably soon. Until then, we always have one another in our hearts.