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tiana badalona

Eating Peaches in the Catalonian Sun

Published by Linda McCormick

“Don’t worry,” I said. “If we get a GPS with the car, there’s no need to come and collect us from the airport.”

I love my optimism.

As I manoeuvred the bus-like rental car through the narrow Roman streets of Tiana, I was so thankful Anna insisted she led the way. Indicating left into an even narrower dirt road, with no signage or lighting, I was glad I let manners win over independence.

A voice from the back seat questioned, “Mummy, why are we going away from the lights? It’s too dark here. There’s nothing here. You need to go back now.” Three-year-old decisions often sound so right, but then, she didn’t see the pictures of our final destination. I knew that somewhere in this darkness a magnificent 14th century farmhouse was waiting for us.

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Getting Back to Nature in Hong Kong

Published by Natasha von Geldern
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong. Image: Bruce Nixon

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong.
Image: Bruce Nixon

Tucked away in the heart of Hong Kong’s New Territories, on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan mountain, is a little known visitor attraction where native biodiversity, nature conservation and education are watchwords.

What comes to mind when you think of Hong Kong? Skyscrapers, traffic, bustling commerce and air pollution? In fact, the geographical location of Hong Kong (spread out, as it is on the mainland and over 200 islands) makes it a vital biodiversity region.

But the chairman of the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Andrew McAuley, says protecting this unique area and its endangered species “in the face of development pressure is an ongoing battle”.

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A Secret Eco-Heaven in Asheville, North Carolina

Published by Gabi Logan

DSCN7174
All photos © Gabi Logan

After a four hour drive up from Atlanta, GA (unfortunately Asheville is a bit difficult to reach with eco-friendly means), we were famished and plopped ourselves down at the last outdoor table at Chai Pani. A New York Times 36 Hours piece had led us to this colorful, crowded joint, a peculiarly authentic outpost of Indian street food rivaling anything we can get in New York.

But when I headed inside to use the bathroom, I was arrested by a series of signs detailing the restaurant’s relationships with local farms, highlighting favorite farmers, and proponing Chai Pani’s sustainability measures.

This was not an Indian restaurant. This was actually nirvana (as far as I was concerned).

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Grianán of Aileach: My Own Fortress of Solace

Published by Linda McCormick
The dry stone walls of Grianian of Aileach.

The dry stone walls of Grianán of Aileach.
Image: jjones55

Walking towards the ancient round fort I’ve visited so many times before, I somehow feel different. A new appreciation for the site and surrounds in my old age makes me see the place in a whole new light.

Grianán of Aileach (Fortress of the Sun) is a wonderful sixth century stone fort, which sits atop a 244 metre high hill in Burt, Co. Donegal, about 11 kms from my hometown of Derry, or Derry~Londonderry, as it’s been recently christened by the media.

grianan aileach fort ireland

Grianan of Aileach: Fortress of the Sun.
Image: Jon Sullivan.

The origins of this National Monument date back to 1700 BCE, and is said to be a burial monument to one of the earliest invading King’s sons, though this is just one of a few theories.

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agriturismo italy

5 Stunning Eco-Chic Agriturismos Around Italy

Published by Gabi Logan

italian agriturismos montestigliano pool
Villa Pipistrelli at Montestligiano © Gabi Logan

Italian agriturismos are gorgeous, relaxing, and one of the best ways to experience home-cooked Italian food made from just-picked ingredients. They’re also legally bound to use local ingredients and promote local culture to their guests.

I don’t know about you, but I wish I could visit them all!

There are an estimated 20,000 agriturismos in Italy, and Federica and Gabriele over at Agriturismo Life are on a mission to find the best of the bunch by visiting them all one at a time (it might take more than one lifetime though). And while I feel so poor – experientially – in comparison, I understand the obsession.

Once you visit an agriturismo and feel like an Italian family has taken you in and made you a part of their lives, even for just a few days, it’s pretty addictive.

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TribeWanted Italy: A Day in the Life of a Tribe Member

Published by Gabi Logan

Fancy starting your day milking a cow? Or perhaps a morning workout of kneading a kilo of flour and 20 eggs to make Umbrian cheese bread (a sort of savory panettone)? Or lounging on deck with panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside (the background of the “Mona Lisa”) with handcrafted rosehip jam, homemade bread, and house-cured sliced meats?

monestevole

Like a choose your own adventure book, you can begin your day at Monestevole, the newest community in the Tribewanted network located near the Perugia airport just 2.5 hours from London Stansted, with any of these activities. Take the farm education path, the luxury rural retreat route, or the agritourism and cooking class avenue.

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The State of Travel Blogging in 2013 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Published by Linda McCormick

Ever wondered what goes on in the travel blogging world?

While doing a little research on the latest happenings in the industry, I came across this infographic, compiled by BookFHR and digital agency No Pork Pies.

My first impression was, “Hmm, why is an airport parking and hotel booking company (FHR) collating info on travel bloggers?” But then I realised, it’s all about the page views, innit? And attracting new readership, so it’s not totally surprising given travellers are their ideal target market.

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Endangered Orangutans Up Close in Borneo

Published by Natasha von Geldern
mother baby orangutan

Mother and Baby Orangutan, Borneo.
Image credit: Weeping Camel

Many visitors to Borneo who are interested in eco travel make a bee-line for the well-known orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary at Sepilok, near Sandakan in the Malaysian province of Sabah. Fewer people know there is another orangutan sanctuary just 45 minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu.

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Summer Sailstice Raises Awareness of Ocean Conservation

Published by Linda McCormick

Midsummer’s Day is almost upon us. The day when the sun shines a little longer and the light lasts till near midnight. Well, that’s how my ten-year-old self remembers it. And it’s how I hope this weekend will be for the annual Summer Sailstice.

Summer Sailstice is a global event started in 2001 to connect some 19,000 sailors around the world. It’s a chance for the sailing community to get together and help promote and celebrate sailing, and will be held on Saturday 22 June 2013.

summer sailstice

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Singapore’s Answer to Avatar: Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay

Published by Linda McCormick

Stepping out of the elevator that took us from the cool Singaporean underground to the hot and humid city above, the view that greeted us was like something from the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar. I knew it looked good in photos, but never expected it to be this good.

The first glimpse of the Supertree Grove from the exit of the underground.

The first glimpse of the Supertree Grove from the exit of the underground.

I’m a sucker for science fiction, and architecture. I adore old, ancient buildings, but have a real penchant for new, innovative design, too. Gardens by the Bay in Singapore pretty much ticks all the boxes, for me.

From a distance, it’s impossible to look at anything else – even though the monstrous Marina Sands Hotel sits just across from the Supertree Grove, with its skywalk that crosses three hotels, it’s impossible to ignore the futuristic looking gardens opposite.

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