In New Orleans, food often means music, too.

During our recent visit in the Crescent City, we were given ample opportunity to taste New Orleans. I was pleased to discover food that’s truly unique, and completely unlike anywhere else. But don’t just take my word for it. In a recent interview, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain chooses New Orleans as the top food destination in the USA.

The New Orleans CVB hosted our stay in town and they sent us off to sample a variety of cafes and restaurants. Others we either stumbled upon, or were recommended by random, friendly locals. In one case, we were simply intrigued by the long queue outside on a cold and rainy day. Some we liked, others less so. Here are our five favourites:

5. Cafe du Monde

Having coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde is a must-try New Orleans experience. This iconic cafe is from 1862, open 24/7 and located in the French Market. You don’t come here for the extensive menu, in fact, the menu fits at the side of the serviette holder, and contains essentially one thing: beignet, a fried piece of dough, overflowing with powdered sugar. Beignets are served in orders of three – and luckily we were three, because one of these sweet dough squares is just enough. The coffee is plain black or cafe-au-lait, creamy New Orleans-style. No skimmed milk option here.

4. Mother’s

In an old brick building on Poydras Street, Mother’s is one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants – and has been since they opened their doors in 1938. We were invited for breakfast here on our first morning in town.

The speciality, as you might have gleaned, is baked ham – world’s best, no less – so naturally we had to give it a go. Cat, the most non-veg of us was given the task of sampling this delicacy. She ate and ate, the little one, but still had heaps left on her plate. Alex had pancakes, and struggled with her portion as well. I had biscuits (the American version, similar to a scone) with scrambled eggs and the noted ham. Everything tasted very good, but we were a bit overwhelmed by the portions. Could be the jetlag, of course.

3. Cafe Maspero

Cafe Maspero is located on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, and this is where we were drawn to the queue outside. Maspero is very budget-friendly, which goes some way to account for its popularity, I expect. We sampled more typical New Orleans fare: a po-boy and a muffaletta filled with ham, salami and pastrami, a vegetarian’s nightmare if ever there was one. Fortunately, there was also a vegetarian Muffaletta on offer. All tasty. All huge.

With high, arched ceiling and tile floors, it felt like being in a cellar, very atmospheric. And as with many buildings in New Orleans, this one comes with a dramatic history: this was once an auction house for slaves, The Maspero Exchange.

2. The Court of Two Sisters

At The Court of Two Sisters, we were invited for a weekend jazz brunch. I loved the atmosphere here: a magical garden, very old world, very Creole – indoors and out, with soft jazz playing in the background. Sadly, it was too cold and rainy to be outside. The garden must be a perfect place to linger for hours over coffee.

Now, I’m not normally very keen on buffets. Heaping salads and fish and meat and cheeses together on one plate isn’t my idea of a nice meal – which means I have to go back and forth lots. Frankly, it’s a hassle.

However, this buffet was so interesting and full of colours and flavours that I didn’t mind one bit. Sweet, salt, healthy – the Court of Two Sisters serves everything. In addition to all the traditional breakfast dishes, there were Creole omelets, grillades and meats, chicken & andouille gumbo, grits, glazed sweet potatoes, turtle soup au cherry, fresh fruits, Bananas Foster, King cake and heaps more. And a boat loaded with sea food.

1. Remoulade

Remoulade is located on Bourbon Street. Must admit to feeling skeptical when I discovered that. After all, Bourbon Street is… well, Bourbon Street. Not the most child-friendly place to be on a Saturday night. But once inside, the seedy street was forgotten. Remoulade has a cosy, warm and glowing atmosphere, inviting people to chat (but not too loudly).

Remoulade is the informal little sister of the famous Arnaude’s right around the corner. A big thumbs up for service here. We had reservations for 7pm. Alex had visited plantations (post coming up) and didn’t make it back to town until nearly 8. Meanwhile, Cat and I took up a table, talking, playing Yahtzee and sharing a plate of yummy N’awlins Nachos. The place was crowded, so I would have expected the waiters to be a bit impatient with us, but instead we received top-notch service with just the right amount of attentiveness (too much is just as annoying as too little).

When she finally arrived, we ordered our mains. Alex had blackened catfish, served with potatoes and spices. Today, more than two months later, she still remembers the meal fondly. Cat went for a traditional cheeseburger and I had my first Jambalaya, with lovely prawns, chicken, andouille sausage, honey baked ham, vegetables and rice, spices and a delicious creole sauce. Portions were just the right size.

For dessert, I had bread pudding from Arnaud’s next door – filled with rum-soaked raisins, custard and warm whiskey sauce (Bourbon, of course). Alex chose fresh strawberries marinated in spices, lemon, red wine and port, with French vanilla ice cream. Cat only had the vanilla ice cream (that’s how she rolls). The verdict on all our desserts: Heavenly!

Do you like Cajun food? Do you have a favourite New Orleans restaurant?

Disclosure: In New Orleans, we were guests of New Orleans Conventions & Visitors Bureau. However, we’re free to write about anything we like, as always.

It’s Thursday, so do hop over to Travel Photo Thursday for more temptations.

A taste of New Orleans is a post from Sophie's World

World at a Glance is an infrequent series here on Sophie’s World, portraying curious, evocative, happy, sad, wondrous, unexpected little encounters. Today’s episode belongs in the curious category.

Where do you think this salt flat is? The famous Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia? The Chott-el-Djerid in Tunisia? Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah?

Nope, this is the less famous, but no less impressive, Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Jet, Oklahoma – within Great Salt Plains State Park.

Last time I was in Oklahoma, my American mum (my host mother from when I was an exchange student), was showing me around the western part of the state, when she announced we would stop and dig for crystals in a great salt lake.

Salt lake? That’s unexpected, as Oklahoma is far away from the sea. But that wasn’t always so. Millions of years ago, during the Permian Period, this area had mountain ranges and was covered by an ocean. (Standing on the flat, dry plains of Oklahoma today, both are a bit difficult to visualise). Over time, the mountains wore down and the sea water evaporated, leaving thick layers of salt. The salt helps form a rare and unusual type of selenite crystals, found nowhere else in the world.

Now, this is Oklahoma, so of course we drive onto the salt flats. We also wander along on the salt, sit on it, become nearly blind staring at it, and – dig for crystals.

Apart from salt and crystals, the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 300 species of birds, including the endangered whooping crane. This is classified as the largest saline flat in the central lowlands of North America and yet, it’s hardly famous. Why not? You tell me.

Next time you’re passing through Oklahoma, don’t just pass through. Bring your shovel – you can dig for crystals between 1 April and 15 October.

World at a Glance: Digging for crystals in Jet is a post from Sophie's World

Rambling along New Orleans’ riverside one day, we come upon the Creole Queen. She is about to sail down the river. Do we want to come along? Now or never…

Of course we hop on – and are glad we did. It wouldn’t feel right to be in New Orleans without boating the mighty Mississippi in one of the iconic paddlewheelers.

As we leave New Orleans, we look back towards the Crescent City skyline. Along the way, the captain elaborates on the city’s history, landmarks along the way, passing ships (I now know a ship painted orange means she’s carrying dangerous goods), the good old days when steam ships were how one got around, and of course, Hurricane Katrina. Seven years later, much is left to mend. The devastation left in her wake is still very noticeable.

The Battle of New Orleans – and a plantation

Turns out, we have signed up for war. The War of 1812, no less.

As we disembark, we spot a small plantation, the Malus-Beauregard House. We’re at Chalmette battleground, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. This was the final Battle of the War of 1812.

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear War of 1812, I think Napoleon, the Grande Armée entering Moscow, scorched-earth tactics, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, in short: Europe.

This is a different War of 1812 (though Britain was involved in both) – one between Britain and the USA, seen by some as a second war of independence, and meant perhaps to settle unresolved issues from the one nearly 40 years earlier. The Americans declared war for a number of reasons. One was British trade restrictions. Thing is, the trade restrictions were in fact abolished two days before the war; only the Americans didn’t hear about it in time. News didn’t travel as fast back then. Another reason was British support of Indians who opposed American expansionism. In fact, Britain demanded an Indian state in the Midwest, from Ohio to Wisconsin. Interesting to ponder whether things would have been much different if that had come to pass…

As we all know, it didn’t. The war came to an end with the Treaty of Ghent signed in December 1814, one month before this final battle. Odd, eh? Well, a treaty isn’t worth much until it’s ratified by all parties, and the Americans did this in February 1815. There’s of course much more to say about this war than this fragmented and incomplete résumé. But this is a travel blog, after all.

Wandering around the battlefield, it’s difficult – as it always is – to imagine this green, peaceful place to have been the site of murder and carnage. Same as in Flanders; hard to visualise the pretty poppy fields soaked with blood.

Further along…

It’s a chilly, wet day, so we’re glad to return to the Creole Queen. Back at the port we see this girl:

I’d like to take a longer steam boat journey along the Mississippi and this seems to be the lady to do it with. The American Queen sails all the way to Chattanooga, Vicksburg, Paducah, Memphis, St Louis, St Paul, Pittsburgh… all kinds of exotic locales, some I’ve never even heard about. I’m picturing ladies with long, white dresses, poker games in the salon, having to duck when someone brandishes a gun, a youngish Mel Gibson…

Mississippi paddlewheeling practicals

• In New Orleans, two paddlewheelers ply the mighty Mississippi: the Natchez and the Creole Queen. If you’re in the French Quarter, just head towards the river and you’ll see one or the other.
• Natchez offers harbour cruises and Creole Queen goes up to the battlefield. Both do jazz/dinner cruises.
• A battlefield trip on the Creole Queen cost USD 25/13 for adults/under 12s and lasts about 3 hours. A very inexpensive buffet meal is available on board

Disclosure: In New Orleans, we were guests of New Orleans CVB. As ever, we can write about anything we want to. Or not.

Mississippi paddlewheeling – and the War of 1812 is a post from Sophie's World

Have you ever wanted to experience Mardi Gras? Me, too. As it happened, however, life (i.e. other travel plans) meant we would be in New Orleans 10 days too late.

As with most things in Louisiana, Mardi Gras came with the French settlers. Records from as far back as the early 1700s describe masked balls and parades in New Orleans. In 1806, the party had become so raucous that the powers that be decided to lay down the law. This was of course ignored – you’re not going to stop having fun just because it’s illegal, are you… A few years later, the authorities saw the error of their ways and lifted the ban. However, to ensure the parties didn’t go on all year long, a law was passed limiting the season to the period between 1 January and Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras).

And so it remains today: the carnival season begins on the Twelfth Night of Christmas (6 January, Epiphany), and through the weeks that follow, there are processions, masquerades and king cake parties. Then, as a final blast of frivolity before Lent, everything culminates with a no holds barred celebration on Fat Tuesday.

The celebrations are organised by krewes, a whopping 54 of them. In some krewes, the members decorate their own floats, but the vast majority leave it in the capable hands of Blaine Kern Studios, Mardi Gras float designers and -builders since 1947. Their Mardi Gras World is one of 18 warehouses containing well, everything Mardi Gras.

Welcome to Mardi Gras World

While we couldn’t join in the fabulous festivities, we could still get a taste of this classic New Orleans tradition. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens: welcome to the float den at Mardi Gras World.

Sensory overload

As we slowly make our way through, preparations for next year’s Mardi Gras season is in full swing. The giant warehouse is brimming with floats, sculptures, props, masks, costumes – from the bizarre to the beautiful. There’s the clang of workmen’s tools, the smell of the artists’ paint, and most of all the colours: every imaginable shade, every nuance on the colour spectrum is represented.

Mardi Gras World offers a short film on the history of the carnival, the opportunity to dress up, and a tour of the large warehouse where the magic happens. And, there’s king cake.

King cake

Sometimes, when I’ve been in Paris in the beginning of January, I’ve bought a galette des rois to take home and serve to friends and family. This is an old, religious tradition, associated with Epiphany. The Parisian version contains a figurine hidden inside the cake; whomever gets the trinket is king for a day and must, according to custom, buy the next galette.

In New Orleans, the king cake tradition harks back to the 1870s. Iced with the colours of Mardi Gras: green, purple and gold, the hidden figurine inside is a tiny plastic baby, representing baby Jesus. If you get the baby, be prepared to throw the next king cake party. The taste? Well, with all that icing it’s a sweet affair. Surprisingly, though, Cat, my 11-year-old who prefers dried fish snacks to sweets, took a liking to king cake, and kept looking for it on restaurant menus.

Conclusion:

If you can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, set aside a couple of hours to browse Mardi Gras World; it’s a fun and family-friendly experience in the Big Easy.

Want to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras?

The dates changes annually, depending on the dates of Easter – which, as I’m sure you all know – is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. Next year, Fat Tuesday (also known as Shrove Tuesday) falls on 4 March and in 2015 it’s on 17 February.

Don’t let anyone fool you into buying a ticket for Mardi Gras. It’s simply a street festival, completely free of charge. Neither is there any official Mardi Gras-souvenirs for sale. No one organisation is an official sponsor of the festivities.

Mardi Gras World practicals

• Mardi Gras World is located near the port of New Orleans, on the Mississippi river, walking distance from the city centre and the French Quarter. There’s also a free shuttle bus for a rainy (or lazy) day.

• The entrance fee is USD 19.95 (discounts for children, students and seniors), and includes a throw (bead necklace) for an entrance ticket, a short, interesting film on the history of Mardi Gras, a chance to don a costume or two, a guided tour through the warehouse, a piece of king cake, and the opportunity to go crazy with your camera for as long as you want.

Disclosure: In New Orleans, we were guests of New Orleans CVB. As ever, we’re free to write about anything we want.

Mardi Gras World: where the magic happens is a post from Sophie's World

New Orleans streetcars have rambled through the city for almost two centuries. This one, the Canal Street Line, began operations in 1861 and provided horse-drawn service to the people of New Orleans. Couldn’t have been easy being a horse in those days.

Photo by Alexandra Redisch

The most famous New Orleans streetcar

The most famous streetcar line is probably the one that for a few decades at the beginning of the 20th century plied through the French Quarter down to Desire Street. Somewhat sadly, this New Orleans streetcar was replaced by busses in 1948. But it lives on in people’s minds, thanks to Tennessee Williams. In the words of Blanche duBois:

What you are talking about is desire – just brutal Desire. The name of that rattle-trap streetcar that bangs through the Quarter, up one old narrow street and down another.

Tennessee Williams is also reputed to have said the following:

I expect that didn’t make him especially popular.

I’ve never been in Cleveland, but I’ve been in quite a few American cities. From my days living in the USA, I remember these three as the only cities where I saw people outdoors: out and about, doing their shopping on foot, walking to work, to school, to play….

I imagine things might have changed since Tennessee’s days – and even since my days. What do you think?

Are people out walking in your city? Or is the famous author’s statement still valid?

*#FriFotos is a weekly Twitter chat founded by @EpsteinTravels where travellers share their favourite photos. Each week has a theme. Read more here.

Disclosure: In New Orleans, we were guests of New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. As ever, we’re free to write about anything we, well… desire.

New Orleans streetcar is a post from Sophie's World

I’ve always had a strange yearning to see the city again – through grown-up eyes, yet despite living in the USA for five years in my teens and early twenties, I never returned to New Orleans.

Well, it was about time. Besides, my youngest daughter Cat is now 11. Of course, an eleven-year-old in 2013 is much worldlier than I was more than 30 years ago. But still: what would her impression be?

So… we’ve just returned from New Orleans for a look at its more family-friendly sides. This vibrant city offers much more than parties and beads, y’know. (Although you can’t really escape beads). There are heaps of things to see and do here – very quirky things.

Articles will be coming up on paddle steaming on the Mississippi, on the crazy and colourful world of Mardi Gras, on New Orleans eats, and more. Alex even headed out of town for a look at a few southern plantations, including a unique Creole one, and will tell you all about it. We’ll also delve into the darker side of this most unusual of North American cities, with ghosts, haunted houses and horrible histories from its sinister and sinful past.

For now, as an apéritif: here’s New Orleans by Instagram. And we’ll begin, of course, in the French Quarter.

Can’t be in New Orleans without trying beignets and cafe-au-lait at Cafe du Monde:

… and browse art for sale at Jackson Square:

New Orleans is a different city at night, intriguing, thrilling, spooky…

…as is the Andrew Jackson Hotel, where ghosts of children roam. Rumour has it; they mess with your camera, too. Who knows what the naughty boys might do with your Instagram account…

Cat thought this gorgeous falabella named Autumn was more interesting than the ghosts. Autumn hangs out at a bar called Lafitte’s Blacksmith shop, another haunted house.

Cafe Maspero was once a slave exchange:

… today locals queue for the enormous muffaletta-sandwiches and other Cajun fare:

Up the Mississippi a bit, is the Malus-Beauregard House, a small plantation on what was once the site of the last battle of the War of 1812:

View from the plantation: Chalmette battlefield

Can’t do New Orleans by Instagram and not mention Mardi Gras

We arrived in town a little late for Mardi Gras, but left-overs were all around, like beads in trees. In fact, heaps of beads, everywhere.

Preparations for next year’s event is in full swing at Mardi Gras World, one of 18 warehouses chock full of weird and wonderful accoutrements:

… and there’s always King cake:

Have you been in New Orleans?

Disclosure: In New Orleans, we were guests of New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. As ever, we’re free to write about anything that takes our fancy.

Like to browse photos from around the world? Then pop over to Travel Photo Thursday to see lovely cherry blossoms in Korea and much more.

New Orleans by Instagram is a post from Sophie's World

Today’s guest post comes from freelance writer Anna Dewinter. I’ve asked Anna to find some fun and unusual things to do when travelling with children in New York, both Upstate and in New York City. She has certainly given me some ideas. Enjoy!

Visiting ‘The Big Apple’ is always a treat. From the natural wilderness areas Upstate to the hustle and bustle of the City, there’s something for everyone in the Empire State. However, traveling with kids will always present special challenges wherever you go in the world. Keeping them occupied and interested can be difficult. Luckily, New York has some wild and wooly attractions that are perfect for the whole family.

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen, located near Elmira, NY is a hidden wonderland for family travelers. Within the Glen is Watkins Glen State Park, one of the few places where visitors can enter the world of waterfalls and get a stunning up-close view of the gorge. A mile and a half long trail winds through areas with enchanting names such as Jacob’s Ladder and Rainbow Falls. Stone stairways cut into the edge of the gorge provide wide, safe walkways through the breathtaking scenery.

For younger hikers or families who prefer an easier stroll, there is the option of riding a shuttle bus up to the top of the gorge and walking back down to the parking area. Be sure not to miss a sweet treat from the nearby Great Escape Ice-cream Parlor after the hike.

Adults will appreciate the proximity to New York’s famous Wine Trail and NASCAR racing is a popular local attraction. Nearby Elmira has several luxurious family-friendly hotels to retire to at the end of the day. This all makes Watkins Glen a perfect family-friendly New York destination.

Niagara

While the Falls may be one of the biggest attractions in the state, families with children may find that one day is enough to exhaust the traditional activities of riding the Maid of the Mist boat into the spray of the mighty cataract.

Visiting the Butterfly Preserve on the Canadian side is also a great day out.

Martin’s Fantasy Island is an amusement park on Grand Island, just outside of Niagara, NY. Martin’s water park and amusement rides offer a welcome distraction that will also keep the kids entertained for an entire day. Admission charge to the park is reasonable, and covers as many rides as you wish to enjoy.

In the City

Visitors to New York City will quickly discover a cultural extravaganza. There’s more to do with kids in the City than you could accomplish in a lifetime. A highlight is the Toys R Us Times Square store, a veritable wonderland that includes a ride on an indoor Ferris wheel.

Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in Central Park’s Harlem Meer. Poles can be borrowed from the Charles. E. Dana Center, located on the North Shore. Bait is also provided. Visitors over sixteen will need to purchase a fishing license, but kids under 16 may fish without one.

Families shouldn’t miss a chance to see the Blue Man Group on Broadway, touted as one of the most family-friendly shows. The audience interaction and sensory aspects of the show make it an excellent choice for families traveling with children.

No matter where you travel in New York, there are attractions that are sure to please the entire family.

Photo credits: Watkins Glen Falls by Mandana (on and off), Butterfly Conservatory – Niagara Falls by Edith Maracle, Harlem Meer fishermen by 1hr photo.

This article is brought to you in partnership with expedia.com

Off the beaten track with kids in New York is a post from Sophie's World

Wait a minute! Cats? Hemingway’s cats?

That’s right. Papa had cats – and heaps of them. Unexpected? Perhaps at first. But when you think about it, wasn’t Hemingway a bit like a cat himself? Independent, self-absorbed, charming. He roamed around, came and went as he pleased…

When Hemingway lived in Key West, he was given a cat, Snowball, by a ship’s captain. Soon he had a house full. As he so eloquently put it:

One cat just leads to another.

That might sound a bit resigned. But I get the feeling he loved, even admired, the lovely little fur balls. Another famous Hemingway quote:

A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.

Ernest with cats and kids in Finca Vigia, Cuba – image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Hemingway House

50 years after his death, 40 – 50 cats still roam his house in Key West, Florida. Some are descendants of Snowball.

The Hemingway Home on Whitehead Street in Old Town, Key West

The Hemingway cats are not just any cats. Oh no, these are mitten cats – or more scientifically, polydactyls, six-toed cats. As you can see from the photos below, they’re not one particular breed. The sixth toe is simply a genetic mutation, quite common on the east coast of North America.

Pauline’s pool

Aside from the cats, the house comes with plenty of interesting stories of the temperamental philanderer.

Our guide (a Hemingway look-alike, naturally) points to a penny in the ground.

During his Key West years, Hemingway was away much of the time, covering the Spanish Civil War – and Martha Gellhorn. His wife Pauline, tired of Ernest gallivanting about in war zones with his girl-friend, got this sweet revenge:

In Hemingway’s day, a swimming pool was an extraordinary luxury and this was the only one within a 100-mile radius. No wonder; in 1938, this cost 20 000 dollars. In comparison, the house itself cost 8 000 dollars.

Why so expensive? At the time, there was no fresh running water in Key West. The builders had to drill through solid coral down to salt water, then set up a pump to fill the pool. A daunting task, no doubt.

Ernest was none too pleased about the expenses. One day, he flung a penny onto the patio, saying:

Pauline, you’ve spent all but my last penny, so you might as well have that!

Pauline, in turn, had the penny embedded in cement for eternity.

As I wander around the pool and the pretty garden, it’s easy to picture the scene. But is it a true story? We can only guess. Soon after, Pauline and Ernest were divorced and he married Martha.

Are you an avid Hemingway fan? Have you been in Key West?

Key West

Want more photos? Have a look at Spring time in Korea and other great takes over at Budget Travelers Sandbox.

Pets, pools and pennies at the Hemingway House, Key West is a post from Sophie's World

A: Age of first international trip: At 11, I went to New Orleans with my mum and brother to visit our aunt. It was a long, arduous journey, involving 4 planes and 5 airports each way. We had heaps of fun though. And unlimited sodas.

B: Best (foreign) beer: I’m hardly a beer connoisseur, not even that keen, actually. Maybe I had too many, too strong German beers on my first parent-free holiday at 15. Sick for days. I prefer light beers, like Corona, with a bit of lime in it.

C: Cuisine (favourite): Arabic (fondly remembering a summer in Jordan more than 20 years ago).

D: Destinations, favourite, least favourite and why: So many faves: London, Australia and our once temporary home in New Zealand are just a few. Heaps of beauty spots at home in Norway, too. And the Middle East continues to fascinate me.

Our backyard in Takapuna, NZ

I don’t really have any least favourites: But if someone held a gun to my head, forcing me to choose, I might say I can probably live happily even if I never saw Belarus again. I was in Minsk in 1994. It was a short business trip, just a few days, with very little time to explore the city, let alone the country. And yet…

E: Event experienced abroad that made you say “wow”: Frau Greber’s cooking. When I was 15, I spent a summer in Bregenz. Even though much of that summer was spent experimenting with too strong German beer (see above), I still remember my Austrian host mother’s cooking. As far as I’m concerned, she’s the best cook in the world. She could make a gourmet meal of anything. And she made a cherry yogurt I still dream about now and then.

F: Favourite mode of transportation: My cool, quick little Citroën, boats and trains. (Considering the somewhat tedious train journey I take every day, I’m surprising myself). And boats? I dream of taking the Royal Mail ship to St Helena, a 31-day journey from Britain. Now, to get the kids to come along.

G: Greatest feeling while travelling: Being completely free to let the day – and fate – be my guide.

H: Hottest place travelled to: June 1992, Cairo, 45 C. Still remember. So does my oldest daughter, then 4.

I: Incredible service experienced and where: Aggie Grey’s in Apia, Samoa, one of my favourite hotels.

Aggie Grey’s

J: Journey that took the longest: Oslo to Auckland always seems to take a while.

K: Keepsake from travels: I’ve lugged around ridiculously heavy souvenirs too many times to count. But I do like that Malawi chair. And the huge wall hanging from Jaipur. And the curtains from Windhoek. Even the bird cage from Lucca.

L: Let-down sight, why and where: None. Not a place’s fault if I have faulty expectations.

M: Moment where you fell in love with travel: Bente, a school mate, always travelled everywhere and brought home the most exotic souvenirs. Exotic through the eyes of a kid during the 70s, at least. I was madly envious – and spent many happy hours playing with her plastic Venetian gondola and munching on tangerines from Costa del Sol with leaves still on them…

N: Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in: One that springs to mind is the Polana in Maputo, Mozambique.

O: Obsession—what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?: Everything: animals, people, buildings, parks, trees, sculptures, landscapes, details…

P: Passport stamps, how many and from where? Over the years, there’s been a gazillion stamps from more than 100 countries. When I first began travelling, we were given passport stamps even in Europe. Not anymore, sadly.

Q: Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where: The dead monks in Kiev’s Persch-Lavra, maybe…

R: Recommended sight, event or experience: Any memorial or museum to human cruelty is worth seeing, to solidify our stand against it, for when it next occurs and we’re given an opportunity to make a difference.

S: Splurge; something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling: Transportation. Also, sometimes I can spend an indecent amount of money on a hotel room, if it’s quirky or interesting enough. I’m so staying at the Pera Palace next time in Istanbul.

T: Touristy thing done:

Nuff said.

U: Unforgettable travel memory: Hmm…, probably riding a camel through the Great Rann of Kucth in the Indian province of Gujarat, more or less scotch-guarded by camel pee, with no toilets and no showers for days, sleeping in hay in a shed and waking up next to newborn lambs on Christmas Day.

V: Visas, how many and for where? I’m lucky – Norwegian citizens can get around most of the world hassle-free and without visas. But I do have a few, several US student visas among them. My favourite is the Chinese visa I was given to go to Fujian to get my youngest daughter.

W: Wine, best glass of wine while traveling and where? Visciola, under the trees in Giovanni Giusti’s vineyard in Marche.

X: eXcellent view and from where?: Seeing the misty and mysterious Faroes appear before me from the deck of M/S Norrøna was pure magic. I can just imagine how the Vikings must have felt, when first setting eyes on those ancient isles.

Iguazu Falls are a close second. I hung back after closing hours and had a few minutes all to myself before I was spotted and very politely told to leave. Imagine just coming upon such a sight (and sound), completely unaware it was there, as the first visitors must have been, thousands of years ago.

Y: Years spent traveling?: Decades!

Z: Zealous sports fans and where: The annual cross country races at Oslo’s Holmenkollen, especially the 50 km. Norwegians are absolutely mad about cross country skiing, doing and watching.

Passing the baton to you,

• Jeremy of Living the Dream
• Mariana of Travel Thirst
• Monique of Mo Travels
• Thomas of Top Backpacking Destinations
• Laurence of Finding the Universe

The travel ABC of Sophie’s World is a post from Sophie's World

Without further ado, here’s a virtual tour of some of the world’s wonderful cities. Travel bloggers from around the globe presents:

Cities in the MIDDLE EAST
Keith Kellett presents the futuristic city of Abu Dhabi, posted at Travelrat’s Travels.

Cities in AFRICA
If for some reason, you should need persuading to visit one of the most stunningly situated cities anywhere, CBCreations presents 15 Reasons to Visit Cape Town, posted at Measure of All Things.

Cities in ASIA
My youngest daughter is Chinese, so I have a soft spot for the world’s largest country. Over at A Little Adrift, Shannon presents Beijing’s forbidden city. She even shares a few tips on where, when and how to visit one of the most famous attractions in the Chinese capital.

On Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel, Barbara Weibel presents Three Views of Pokhara, Nepal Capture My Heart. We’re introduced to three fascinating aspects of this Nepali town.

Would you like to see wintry photos and odd graffiti in Tokyo? Jerimi presents the photo essay The City of Tokyo in Pictures, posted at Unserious travel.

Kiran presents a fabulous photo tour of the Groundnut Fair in Bangalore city, posted at Indian Bazaars.

Sash Milne takes a walk between two banyan trees. Blindfolded! Blindfolded at full moon is posted at Barefoot Inked.

I’ve not been in the Philippines. Yet. The country’s oldest city does look very interesting. Over at First-time travels, Claire Algarme presents First time in Cebu, Philippines.

Cities in EUROPE
In far west Wales, facing the Atlantic Ocean, lies the pretty university town of Aberystwyth with its fabulous Victorian promenade. Alexandra Crocodile presents Aber Monday: The Promenade (North Beach), posted at Friends & Crocodiles.

Northern Cyprus is not a destination you hear much about. Gratitude presents the lovely city of Girne in A Week in Cyprus!, posted at Gratitude’s Personal Development Blog.

Athens may be an amazing city, but do watch your belongings. Jason presents Welcome To Athens: Where’s Your Wallet?, posted at Family world travel and volunteering.

Abi King has visited the flowery capital of the Costa Brava. She presents a colourful photo essay, Funky & Fresh: Girona’s Flower Festival in Pictures, posted at Inside the Travel Lab

Germany’s vibrant capital seems to be on everyone’s radar every year. Jennifer Hattam revisits a favourite place and presents Going back to Berlin, posted at The Turkish Life.

No less livelier is Amsterdam, in every sense of the word. At Big City Blog, Jeff Funnekotter presents Queen’s Day in Amsterdam – parties, markets – and fights.

Cities in the AMERICAS
On the other side of the pond, why not cross a bridge? In New York, there are several. Mary T presents Take A Walk on The Brooklyn Bridge, posted at Travel With Teens and Tweens.

Liz Lewis presents Nit Witt Ridge is Cambria’s Hearst Castle, posted at Perceptive Travel Blog, saying Everyone knows about Hearst Castle at San Simeon, California but few realize that there is another, just as extraordinary, ‘castle’ down the road in Cambria.

Branson seems to be a popular city this week. Two bloggers are keen to share this Missouri city: Jim Barber presents Over 100 Reasons To Visit Branson This Summer, posted at Hamner Barber Theater. Over at Playing in Branson, Tamra Jane Corbin presents The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks?a great place for distinctive dining.

Byteful Travel presents a green, radiant Oregon jewel. 7 Rare Glimpses of Ashland’s Vibrant Lithia Park (The Jewel of Southern Oregon) is posted at Byteful Travel with lots of pretty pictures.

Down in Texas, Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon in Austin is for you if you’re into drinking in the afternoon, live music, and pooping poultry. That’s rignt! Every Sunday afternoon, there’s a Chicken Shit Bingo. Heather presents Poultry Bingo, posted at The Heather Report.

Further south in the Americas, two bloggers entice you to visit the lively and energetic island of Cuba! Photo Editor presents 77 Beautiful Pictures of Cuba, posted at Cool Pictures & Beautiful Pictures. Furthermore, Simi Bhagvandass presents Why you have to go to Havana posted at See Simi Travel Blog.

Costa Rica may be most famous for rain forests and nature activities, but do have a look at the capital as well. Marina Villatoro presents 5 reasons to hang out in San Jose, posted at The Travel Experta.

I’m drawn to Patagonia. It sounds so foreign and remote. Yet, when I see photos, it looks like home. Loads of similarities between the Arctic and the Antarctic. Seems fitting then, that the grand finale goes to the Patagonian city of Valdivia. JenV presents Patagonia River Market, posted at Living in Patagonia.

That wraps up this edition of the Carnival of Cities. Huge thanks to all the participating bloggers.

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Did you submit a post and can’t find it here? Chances are your post was excellent, but didn’t follow the guidelines. Another reason might be that it was submitted too late for this carnival. Don’t despair. That just means your post will be part of the next Carnival of Cities instead.

If you’d like to participate in the next carnival, you can use this form. Perhaps you would even like to host an edition on your blog? Sheila Scarborough is carnival chief and you can contact her at Sheila at sheilascarborough dot com.

Carnival of Cities for 1 June 2011 – from Abu Dhabi to Athens is a post from Sophie's World

Northern Zealand, Denmark

In just a few hours, we’re off to the USA. I haven’t been there for nearly 20 years. In the 80s I frequently flew trans-Atlantic and I do remember a few stalls. (Or at least that’s what I think it’s called when the plane drops a few hundred metres, leaving your stomach up there). This was during my uni days; back then I thought it was thrilling. Today, I imagine I would have freaked out a little.

Kuwait

In the 90s, I had several meetings in Norway’s beautiful Valdres Valley. The Oslo – Fagernes route was operated by Coast Air, a small airline operating Twin Otter air craft. More often than not, the flight was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. Only once was I actually able to fly. The rest of the time the airline had to pay for a taxi to drive me the 200 kilometres. Back then, the stunningly located Fagernes airport saw only a few flights a week, mostly chartered, bringing in ski tourists from the continent. The little airport is locally known as The Heavenly Peace Square (like Beijing’s Tiananmen Square).

Eastern Norway

In November 1993, I flew Alitalia from Rome to Johannesburg and the male flight attendants sang opera for much of the flight. It was terrific!

Qatar Airways, on the tarmac in Doha

A few days later, the captain on a South African Airways flight announced a competition: whoever came closest to guessing our distance could sit in the cockpit for the landing. Sadly, I wasn’t the one who got to see Bulawayo airport from the flight deck. Probably won’t get a chance like that again, either. Not many airlines allow passengers in the cockpit these days, I expect.

Southern Norway

Five years later, I was flying with Sabin Air, a small private Mozambique airline. On the way from Manzini in Swaziland, we flew through a thunder storm in a small Embraer aircraft. The only passengers were a few American business men and myself, all of us white-knuckled from holding on for dear life. When we landed safely in Maputo, the men laughed and slapped each others’ backs. The pilot had been cool and collected during the whole flight; not a drop of sweat to be seen. Even after we landed, his shirt looked like it had been freshly starched. I just googled Sabin Air and it seems to still be operating. Looks like the airline has only experienced one accident – in February 2000, with only one ground fatality. Seems like Sabin Air is a good little African airline.

Sunset over the Caucasus Mountains

In 2000, on a flight to Alta in Northern Norway, the cheeky pilot announced that as the weather was absolutely gorgeous, he would “do a visual”. Down we went, practically touching the mountain sides along the way. I thought it was a thrilling ride, but the woman next to me didn’t agree. Afraid of flying even in normal circumstances, she asked to put her head on my shoulder although we were total strangers. Amazingly, she told me afterwards she frequently operated small boats in stormy weather off the rough weather-beaten coast of Finnmark; rationally speaking, much more dangerous than flying. Nothing rational about her fear of flying, she agreed.

Bahrain

On a cold, wintry December morning in 2006, I was off to explore a few Central European Christmas markets for an article assignment. The Norwegian Air Shuttle flight had almost touched ground on Ferigehy airport in Budapest, when the pilot suddenly turned the nose back up. A certain unease seemed to spread among the passengers; nothing more than a murmur of voices, mind you. That, and a feeling of people holding their breath. Or perhaps it was just me. The fog was thick as pea soup, visibility was practically nil and the pilot had to abort the landing. A somewhat sinister expression, that, don’t you think? Fortunately, he was very good. After being redirected to enter from another direction, he landed the plane successfully. The thrill of the ride wasn’t over, however. As we had landed far from the gate we had been allocated, we had to cruise through most of the airport without being able to see anything. Only a few centimetres above ground was clear. I tried not to think about how surprisingly many plane accidents occur on the ground – most notably the largest one ever, when two 747s crashed on the ground in Tenerife in the Canary Islands in 1977. Once we were at the gate, sighs of relief could be heard thoughout the plane.

Clouds over Vienna

I’ve flown around most of the world – almost. Not in one go, but when added up. So have my daughters. A trip between somewhere west in the Americas and Samoa, and we’ve completed the loop. Hours and hours above the vast Pacific, however – slightly spine-tingling. But that trans-Pacific flight will happen in not too remote a future. Tahiti, Easter Island, Tuvalu, even the not-so-accessible Pitcairn: you’re all on my list.

Stansted airport, London

Stories of flying is a post from Sophie's World

In January, I was in Geneva. It was mostly business, visiting ILO. But I always enjoy visiting Switzerland. For a change, I didn’t make the tiniest effort to discover anything new. Lazy and relaxing.

The long hallways of ILO

I spent a few ice-cold days in Helsinki in February. The Finnish capital is such a stylish city and I enjoyed it heaps, even though it was snowing horizontally.

Helsinki, freezing

In spring, what was meant to be a 3-day walking holiday in Norfolk, sans kids, turned out to be twice as long, courtesy of the little tease Eyjafjallajökull. Instead of the usual 1.5 hour flight from London to Oslo, it took a train, an over-night international ferry, more trains, another international ferry and yet another train before I managed to get home.

Norfolk Coast Path at low tide

Next was a drive to Trondheim, city of the Viking King. A lovely drive across Mt Dovrefjell, it was.

Dovrefjell in May

In June, work took me to the West Country, to Molde and Ona Light House. Such a tiny, windblown island, yet so beautiful – with a whopping 30 inhabitants. The local potter told me her daughter lives in London!

Ona Light House

View from Ona Light House

Such a busy work year, I first found time for a proper family holiday in July. This time, we focussed mainly on Cornwall, which is now our favourite part of Britain. We stayed at the spooky Jamaica Inn on the even spookier Bodmin Moor. We visited Truro, St. Ives, Land’s End, Mousehole, Penzance, Fowey, Looe, Polperro, Newquay, Tintagel and Port Isaac, which we adored so much we visited twice!

Leaving Cornwall, we explored Dartmoor and some great seaside towns along the Jurassic coast of Devon. We discovered Hayling Island, stopped in Portsmouth, had ice cream and did not visit the castle in Arundel, spent three great days in Brighton, had a look at Battle (by Hastings), a stroll through Windsor and a Sunday stop in Andover (msotly because Poirot was here for the ABC-murders – my oldest daughter adores him). Each city is worthy of a post, good and bad. Meanwhile, here is Alex’ summary on Cornwall and on the other South England spots.

Pt Isaac

At the end of the month, we went to the Hvaler Archipelago. So close, yet it was my first visit. Lovely place; the skerries are typical of the southern Norwegian coastline.

The skerries at Hvaler

In Port Isaac, we met a lovely Faroese couple – and so, we were inspired to hop on the ferry to Jutland, then drive south to Hanstholm, the sleepy Danish town that is the departure point for ferries for the Faroe Islands. On the M/S Norrøna, we sailed past the Norwegian coast towards Torshavn, capital of this stunning North Atlantic archipelago. It was absolutely magical to slowly see these green, vertical islands appear slowly before us through the mist – much like the Vikings must have felt, I imagine, when first spotting these isles 1000 years ago. Posts and articles are in the pipeline. Meanwhile, here’s Alex’ take on the Faroes.

Funningur, an ancient Viking settlement

In September, work brought me to London yet again. Tacking on a week or so, I met the girls, hired a car and drove to Wales to see my oldest daughter off to uni in Aberystwyth. We found lots of lovely spots in Pembrokeshire National Park and Ceredigion in Western Wales, many with names beginning with Aber.

The lagoon at Abereiddy

Copenhagen in November meant TBEX and the opportunity to meet lots of fellow travel bloggers. Look forward to seeing some of them again in Manchester in March.

Sorry, no photos – courtesy of the mad man of Nørrebro.

Work again in December, back to London. And another few days tacked on for Christmas shopping, Harry Potter exploration – and a visit to one of our favourite restaurants in our favourite London neighbourhoods: Carluccio’s in Hampstead.

Platform 9 3/4, King's Cross Station

But the travelling year 2010 isn’t over yet. We’ll end it this Friday, by celebrating New Year’s in Los Angeles. Not sure how, yet. It may well be just by sleeping off jet-lag.

…and 2011
As 2011 begins, we’ll leave – 25 degrees C behind (about -13 F) and spend about a fortnight on a boat, travelling down the Pacific coast of Central America, through the Panama Canal, then up to Key West, where I haven’t been in more than 20 years. We’ll be mostly offline, I think, as shipside wifi is rumoured to cost a king’s ransom. We’re anticipating this journey with great pleasure; my 9-year-old wants to swim with dolphins and zip line in Costa Rica. No doubt, the frisky Nordic winter weather will be here waiting for us when we return.

Further into 2011, no plans are set in stone. There’s Manchester. I’m also thinking Kaliningrad. And Caucasus. And Lebanon. And Libya. And and and…

So, what fun spots did you see this year?

Travels of 2010 is a post from Sophie's World

Easy, right? Well, you’d think. But not so. Most found it a bit of a challenge, rating one spot above all others. We all adore so very many places, and favourites may depend on any number of factors. My favourite place often tend to be where I visited last.

Nevertheless, most of the contributing bloggers managed to choose one place. What follows is a long, delicious list of wonderful spots around the world: a market, several cities and towns, music, beaches, a hidden corner, a temple path, a castle, a fountain and a garden, a busy city square, islands, landscapes, a mud festival even. So grab a cuppa (or an apple), sit down, relax and enjoy all these great posts:

Julie Falconer, known as A Lady in London, loves Beijing’s 798 Art District.

• Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the city, the 798 zone is a former factory complex that is now packed with contemporary art galleries, chic cafes, boutiques, and exhibition spaces. Interspersed among the converted warehouses and modern buildings are massive sculptures and public art displays, making every street a surprise for the visitor… Giant red dinosaurs in cages gave way to cavernous warehouses full of thick red paintings. An exhibition of Socialist Realism from North Korea transitioned to a courtyard full of menacing clay wolves.

Sounds fabulous. I had never heard about it before Julie described it so temptingly, but now it tops my Beijing bucket list.

David Hogan jr of the snazzily-named website Malaysia Asia adores Luang Prabang. So does UNESCO, listing this former Laotian capital among World Heritage properties particularly worthy of preservation and protection. David says:

• Luang Prabang was built by the European colonials in the 19th and 20th century era and houses one of the best collection of French provincial style homes which many have been converted into cafes, restaurants or even boutique hotels. The beauty about Luang Prabang is that due to the UNESCO status (which was awarded in 1995), is there are absolutely no modern buildings here making it a perfect place to enjoy the natural culture and heritage of Laos. … When I was walking around the main town of Luang Prabang, I could not help notice the pure French Indochinese architectural marvels of that era. Some of them stand out in the night as they are beautifully lit.

Suddenly, I can’t understand why I haven’t I been to Luang Prabang – or indeed, Laos – yet. Definitely time for a visit.

In Home, Sweet Home, Ragne from Destination Anywhere shares her love for Morocco. She does make this North African country – and magical Marrakech especially – sound very enticing.

• First time i visited Morocco was in June 2008. I would never have guessed that this noisy, loud, hot and difficult country will have such a hold over me that even before the year passes i’m going back for the 3rd time. And i feel so pleased to be back – amidst all that roller-coaster of color, art and people. It feels like i’ve been away for way too long already, though it’s only been 5 months since my last visit. I can’t explain the hold Morocco has over me. It’s like a love-story that keeps burning with a bright flame, enticing and intoxicating me. I feel so unbelievably comfortable here.

Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?

Kerry Dexter of Music Road shares this evocative post about music and hope in Derry.

Reminding us of the events of Bloody Sunday 38 years ago, she writes:

• People lay dead on the streets of Derry then, and it is one of the events which deepened the divisions and struggles across the political and personal landscapes of Ireland… Music has always been a part of the conflict, and the grieving, and the reach for reconciliation

before optimistically concluding:

• when people sing together, there is the possibility of hope.

Beautiful post. Also, check out this post for a video of local Derry girl Cara Dillon singing There were Roses, Tommy Sands’ haunting song, setting the political struggles in the context of everyday life.

Over at LeX Paradise, LeX Tan Yih Liang has an unusual favourite: The Boryeong Mud Festival

• The mud is dug up near Boryeong, trucked to the Daecheon beach area, and dumped at a ‘Mud Experience Land’. The mud is considered rich in minerals and used to manufacture cosmetics.… Some of the final weekend participants are foreign tourists, and especially American GIs, but most of the participants during the week are Koreans, attracted by clever marketing by the town. The town fathers and mothers discovered that the mud is more lucrative as a tourist attraction than using the muddy fields for agriculture.

LeX tells us about his experiences at this action-packed Korean festival and gives useful information on how to get there. The festival attracts a whopping 1.5 million visitors every year! Looks fun. Dirty, but fun.

Claire Algarme of First-time travels shares her favourite place, lovely Coron Island in the provice of Palawan in the Philippines.

• Though not as hyped as Bali or Boracay or Phuket or any beach destination in Southeast Asia, Palawan is a favorite among foreigners who come to this tropical country of 7,107 islands because of its beauty and serenity. Tourists get a close brush with nature, exciting adventures, and a large dose of peace and quiet.

Claire is not the only one who loves this spot:

• Famous international personalities and celebrities privately sneaked to this part of the globe to get away from the maddening crowd and enjoy the sun and the sand without the threat of paparazzi.

I haven’t been to the Philippines yet, but when I go, I’d like to hit one of those Coron beaches.

Vibeke Montero of Photito’s Blog has fallen in love with Oslo all over again. In Oslo for free, she recounts a lovely summer day full of pleasant surprises. In the most expensive city in the world, she encounters a bus driver who lets her ride for free, an Italian cafe owner who offers a latte on the house, a fruit seller charging only a symbolic sum for his apples…

Vibeke writes:

• … I was made to feel so welcome by a city I haven’t lived in for a good few years. It was as if Oslo herself wanted to remind me that she can indeed be a charmer, a real sweet talker with plenty of charisma. And I know exactly why. Look to the sky for the answer. If it is full of grey skies and drizzle you don’t get this kind of treatment. When the snow is inches deep and people are freezing and cars have to be undug to be used, I can assure you there are no free rides. You’ll be lucky to catch someone smiling from the depths of their scarves and woolly hats. However, when the sun is shining, magic happens.

So true! At the first sign of summer, Norwegians cast off their inhibitions – along with most of their clothes – and magic does indeed happen!

Oh, and by the way: Norwegian apples – best in the world! Totally objectively speaking, of course

Renee King of the cleverly named A View to a Thrill shares her love affair with Prague and heaps of great photos. Renee calls this city on the banks of the River Moldau one of the rarest jewels in the European Union.

• I managed to leave enough of my heart in Prague which would necessitate my going back someday to reclaim it, says Renee. Prague promised not only to court my senses to sublime ecstasy, but to ensure that I would fall hopelessly in love with it. So who was I to refuse?

Who indeed? Prague is like a fairy tale, drawing you in.

Liz Borod Wright from Travelogged tells us about Red Beach: The Best Beach in Santorini near the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri.

• We were intrigued by the name of the Red Beach and by the idea of red sand. We didn’t know much about it beyond that and we didn’t want to get our hopes up because of Kamari. However, it turned out to be among the most spectacular beaches I have ever seen. It has to be best beach in Santorini.

Check out Liz’ great Red Beach photo gallery, too.

No wonder you like it, Liz. Santorini is already high on my go-to list. I’m thinking Greek island-hopping (with kids), definitely including Santorini. After all, it’s said to be the last remnant of mythical Atlantis. Heaps of interesting history, philosophy and mythology here. And with this unusual red-sand beach near Akrotiri, I’m even more intrigued.

Jason of Alpaca Suitcase loves the Tuscan countryside, specifically the Val D’Orcia region around Pienza between Montalcino and Montepulciano. Jason says:

• We recently drove through the Val D’Orcia and marveled at the harmonious blend between natural beauty and man’s best efforts. The green rolling hills were so lush that the texture resembled a soft baby’s blanket, fresh out of the dryer, left to fall gently on the terrain. From that blanket a patchwork quilt is created. Start with a square of twenty-five trimmed olive trees standing in a perfect 5-by-5 formation, then a wild section of pine, chestnuts, cork oak and myrtle, and then patch in a small vinyard of grapes, the parallel lines wrapping tightly over a small hill. Everywhere you look, man has added to the natural beauty. We saw many straight gravel driveways with perfect lines of trimmed cypress trees on both sides leading to stone farmhouses with vegetable gardens of tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, basil, and sage. And wheat fields everywhere…manicured to perfection.

La bella Toscana: she does indeed inspire poetry.

Erin Ridley of La Tortuga Viajera proves choosing only one favourite is very difficult indeed. In there’s no place like …, she gives us two faves. The first is a perfect vista in San Francisco. Erin takes us to a little spot on the water side of Broderick Street, from where you can see the Marina, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Here, in this little piece of heaven on earth, you can just sit while your skin gets kissed by the crisp marine air, and everything around you seems to stand still. I’ve spent countless moments in this very spot, reflecting on a stressful day, pondering life changing decisions (to move to Spain or not to?), or simply just reminding myself how grateful I am to be at that very place with such a special city wrapped around me like a familiar hug.

Erin’s other favourite is a magical Moorish castle. You have to stop by her blog to find out more

Jeff Funnekotter of Big City Blog has numerous favourites as well: a beachfront cafe in Malaga, New Zealand’s Paihia and his parents’ kitchen (I love that!). But Jardin du Luxembourg – and particularly the Fontaine de Medicis – tops his list. Jeff says:

I’ve spent many happy moments in the Jardin du Luxembourg myself, away from the hustle and bustle of the boulevards. Next time I’ll have a closer look at this amazing fountain.

In How I Know a Favorite Place, John Houser of The Dotted Route, counts down to his number one spot. Runners-up include the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge in China’s Yunnan province and Stuttgart’s lively Schlossplatz. But top billing goes to London’s Trafalgar Square.

• When I stepped into Trafalgar Square, I just knew that I was in London. The red double-decker buses drove around the streets, the postmodernist architecture, and the throngs of people all just spoke to me an immediate feeling that I was in London. This is no where else that this could be. It was as if the city said to me, “Here I am, John. Feel right at home.” And I did. London stands out, in my mind, as the cosmopolitan city of the world and the Trafalgar Square was the cross-section of where millions before me have come before.

London – my favourite city in the world!

Jennifer LoPrete of Orange Polka Dot lists Northern California’s Sea Ranch as her “favourite place just to be”:

• Created in the 1960s as a planned development that would have minimal environmental impact and a style that blended with the rugged natural surroundings. Sea Ranch is quintessential Northern California. Residential density is purposely low. Utilities lines are underground. Cars must not be parked in sight of others or on the streets. There are no fenced and landscaped backyards. But rather a simple deck over a common space of natural terrain, which is maintained by grazing sheep and deer.
  

I’ve never heard of Sea Ranch before, but it sounds absolutely wonderful. And very ahead of its time.

Over at Todd’s Wanderings, Todd Wassel’s favourite spot is the path behind the Iwayaji Temple, Japan Here’s why:

• The trail delivers the walker from a pristine wooded ridge line path into an ancient moss green forest with enormous cypress trees and age worn shrines and religious carvings. The forest is dark, damp and its enormity and silence creates an atmosphere were a Buddha or Shinto god could easily pop out from behind the next corner. It is also along this path that I came to a sudden realization about my life, where I want to be and what I love to do.… Not a week goes by that I don’t think about the path leading to Temple 45 and the effect it’s had on my life. I dream of going back, if for nothing more than to spend some time in that magical forest empty of humanity but full of gods, demons, enlightenment and bright green moss.

Todd provides fascinating background info and gorgeous photographs and is currently writing a book on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Wow, what a stunning secret temple path – almost enough to make one religious.

And finally, what’s my favourite, you ask? Well, perhaps you’re not asking, but I’ll tell you anyway. Like so many, I had great difficulties choosing – but finally settled on a short-list of two. Both are remote islands, neither of them tropical. One is a new aquaintance: the enigmatic, verdant Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. The other is the haunting – and haunted – Norfolk Island. For the number one spot, I’ll choose the latter.

Once Britain’s worst penal colony, Norfolk is now a self-governing Australian island – and home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers ever since Pitcairn became too small. Exciting history, stunning landscape, ghosts, secrets, mysteries; a most excellent little speck in the Pacific.

On this carnival around the world, we have covered 5 continents. We’ve been in China, Laos, Morocco, Ireland, South Korea, the Philippines, Norway, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, the USA, Spain, France, England, Japan and Australia/Pacific. I hope you’ve enjoyed all these wonderful spots around the world. I know I have.

The last Lonely Planet Blogsherpa Carnival was hosted by Claire of First-time travel and was all about first-time travel outside your country. The next carnival will be hosted by Kat over at Tie-Dye Travels and is about food around the world. Yum! See you there!

Blog carnival: Your favourite place on earth is a post from Sophie's World

Back in the 70s, Mum took my brother and me to New Orleans to a visit her cousin, Aunt Hanna – who had emigrated. It was quite the journey, involving 4 different planes and 5 airports. We switched planes in Copenhagen, New York’s JFK and in Atlanta, Georgia. But I didn’t mind one bit. I was 11, my brother was 9 and neither of us had ever been on a plane before. Nor had Mum. In retrospect, I see she deserves some credit – admiration, even – for setting out on such a long, complicated journey with two raucous kids and no travelling experience.

New Orleans was a very exciting destination for our first time travel, especially the night-time lights of Canal Street and of course the French Quarter: Bourbon street, the jazz music emanating from every doorway, the horse-drawn carriages, people of different skin colours (Norway in the 70s was a very homogenous society), but also things that now seem mundane, like shopping malls. And Burger King. I had only ever been to proper restaurants and I couldn’t fathom how it was possible to cook the food in the short time between us ordering and paying.

Some days, we had lunch in a cafeteria. I had just started learning English, yet I was quite proud of my linguistic skills. Imagine my frustration when I was given a packet of crisps when asking for chips. I had yet to master the nuances between English and American. In the mall cafeteria, we had to carry trays with food to our tables, another new experience. Although, we did, in fact, have a choice: if we chose a white tray, we carried it ourselves, if we chose a green one, a man came over and carried it for us.

In New Orleans, policemen carried guns. Norwegian police didn’t. Still don’t. We had never seen a gun in our lives, except on Alias Smith and Jones. It was very exciting. As were huge watermelons. Delicious! Grape juice and peanut butter on the other hand: horrid! The poor American children had to eat that?

At the beach, I had to wear a bikini top. I thought it looked completely silly and it was bloody unfair. I never could see the reason for that. Still can’t. I was a kid, not a woman!

On board all those planes, we were offered as many sodas as we wanted. What a treat. Normally, we were only allowed such “toothrot” on Saturdays and only a small bottle – 25 cl – each.

While waiting for planes, mum let us roam freely around the airports. I don’t think the thought of us getting seriously lost or kidnapped even occurred to her. She was pragmatic. In Atlanta airport, we went into a shop, looking to buy a pressie for our grandmother. We had 4 dollars, and thought we were very lucky to find a souvenir plate that cost 3.95. Were we ever surprised when the clerk at the cash register asked for 4.15. We didn’t really understand what tax was. At home, tax is calculated into the price, so it’s never an issue. Trying to locate Mum to get more money, we got lost, of course. Fumbling around in a huge airport restaurant, we looked for signs saying “way out” as we had been taught. Here, signs only said “exit”. Very confusing!

I’m glad to say it all worked out though. We arrived home safely, souvenir plate and all. And, as a bonus, our teeth hadn’t rotted and fallen out, despite the litres and litres of soda we had consumed on board. The “only-on-Saturdays”-policy was a harder sell after that.

This post is a contribution to the Lonely Planet Blogsherpa Travel Carnival on first-time travel, hosted by Claire Algarme @ First-time travels.

First time travel abroad: New Orleans is a post from Sophie's World

It seems what draws people’s attention to a (new) place, is mostly – other people.

Mapmakers in the Americas…

• Wasilla, Alaska: Sarah Palin. Is that enough to spark interest? Really?

• Chicago, Illinois: Obama. A given?

• Las Vegas, Nevada: This one is a bit more baffling, financial crunch and all. Or is that perhaps why? The potential for victory at the gaming tables brings a glimmer of hope – albeit short-lived for most – in a challenging world?

…in the Middle East…

• Dubai: Michael Jackson was there in 2008.

…in Asia…

• Beijing: With the 2008 Summer Olympics, this is obvious to all.

…in Africa…

• Johannesburg: Miss World 2008. Although I consider these contests vulgar – or in the words of that superb travel writer William Dalrymple, tacky and tasteless - I acknowledge their importance to a great many people in the world. In fact, South Africa is where I first was told that televised beauty contests are just as important as sporting events. Everyone watches!

… and mapmakers in Europe

• Le Val (Provence): Hang-out of Brangelina.

• Oslo: A new opera house (with ambitions to rival the one in Sydney – consider yourselves warned, Ozzies).

I’m very pleased travellers were drawn to Oslo in 2008. And not because a celebrity was spotted here, a chance to gamble away their life savings or to see girls strutting about on a stage like puppets. But a new opera house. I think that’s just wonderful!

Oslo Opera House – very cool photo by Kris Taeleman

2008 mapmakers – and the reasons why is a post from Sophie's World