Wander In: Sienna, Italy

Today, i'm so exited to share with you all Taylor's wonderful take on Sienna, Italy. Taylor is the blogger behind the amazing blog, Anticipation and you absolutely have to check out her incredible watercolors on her Etsy store... (she's really cool!).  

1.Upon arrival, this is the first stop:

As soon as you drop off your bags, you should head back out to the Piazza del Campo! Not only is it the perfect setting to grab an evening apertivi, but you will be at the center of all of Siena's action. The Campo is the best meeting place, and you will undoubtedly meet friendly and curious locals who are just as into you as you are into them. The Campo is a great frame of reference to get familiar with as you explore Siena more frequently, and it's the perfect first step into immersing yourself into the city. After relaxing on the warm brick floor of the Campo, grab some gelato right off the Banchi di Sopra, Siena's main "street." My favorite gelateria is Super Panna, which has a big variety of gelato and generous sizing options! Super Panna Gelateria, Via Banchi di Sotto, Siena IT

2.To get a taste of the local culture, this is essential:

The best restaurants I found were accidents, and not planned. One of which was La Tellina on Via Delle Terme. The whole menu was in Italian, and that’s when I realized that this was not a touristy place. It was a small trattoria, which is not the same as a ristorante: the former is a small, family-owned business, while the latter is usually a higher-end, upscale business that isn’t necessarily family-owned. Another “accident” was a favorite of mine because of the kind, friendly and funny wait staff – and I could kick myself because I don’t remember the name of it, but I do remember that it was located on Via Galluzza in Siena. The waiter was entertaining and spoiled us with free desserts like crema catalana (it came out on fire!) and a delicious, crispy garlic bread made from scratch. The best restaurants are always the ones no one knows about.

3.To ride in style like this locals, I recommend this form of transport:

In Siena, the rapido bus may not be the sleekest or chicest form of transport, but it is certainly the most effective and fastest. Take the rapido bus to Florence, and boom! One hour later you're at a major hub. If you don't decide to take the bus, you can always choose to travel by train. I always liked TrenItalia's system, despite their (sometimes too frequent) train strikes. Nevertheless, I loved the routine of boarding a train, anticipating a new place to explore. You can't go wrong with public transport ation in Europe. Just pack light!

4.You will sleep like a baby here:

My favorite B&B was Al Mercato, right behind the Campo. It's a 30 second walk to the heart of Siena, and yet it is tucked away enough in a safe and quiet location. Al Mercato is located in what used to be the high-rent district of Siena, so there is a sophisticated flair to the bed and breakfast. The windows look out to a public square behind the Campo, where weekly markets are held. You can find the freshest Tuscan produce here. Al Mercato B&B, Via Giovanni Dupre, Siena IT

5.Want a souvenir, take this home:

One of the coolest things I brought home, amidst the boxes of pasta and fine leather goods, was a Contrada flag! Siena is split up into seventeen contradas, or neighborhoods. Every year, these contradas compete in an age-old bareback horserace called il Palio, which takes place in the heart of the city - il Campo itself. Find out which contrada is yours, and take home your flag! It's virtually weightless and easy to pack into a bag.

6.The locals and tourists like to get tipsy here:

One of my most memorable nights began at the Tea Room in Siena, which is located behind the Campo as well. It's a locally owned, upscale room that overlooks the beautiful gardens behind the city. My favorite drink was a strawberry daiquiri, which was topped with fresh seasonal fruits. Get dressed up to go to the tea room and make a night out of it! The Tea Room, Porta Giustizia, Siena IT

7. The culture here is unique because:

Each contrada or neighborhood in Siena is passionately competitve. Their contrada is their identity from birth until death. You will find that the rivalry is no joke, and you are to treat it with respect and sincerity because it truly dates back to the Middle Ages - I'm talking the 1500's. Il Palio has religious ties to the city, and the tradition remains strong. You will find that members of each contrade are fiercely protective of their heritage and will do anything to win il Palio, which is a one-of-a-kind banner-like tapestry depicting the event(s). Winner takes the banner!

8. If I had 24 hours here, I would spend it this way:

Wake up early, take a hot shower, grab a croissant from the kitchen nook upstairs, and then finally  head to the mercato (in the summer, Fridays are the fresh food and produce; Wednesdays you can head up to la fortezza and peruse clothing and other souvenir-like trinkets from another market).

On the way home, grab a cappucino at Nuovo Caffe Greco, and be sure to stand at the bar like a real Italian. If you're lucky the handsome barista who made your cappuccino will talk with you and give you butterflies in your stomach (sigh!). This happened to me, true story! Rookie mistake, though: don’t even think about ordering espresso after 10am.

By mid-morning, it's nearly impossible to walk along the Banchi di Sopra without popping in a few stores. Before the stores open, go window shopping and make a mental map of the stores you want to visit later!  ! A few memorable purchases that I made included gourmet pasta, a leather-bound notebook, and real Italian clothing from boutiques lined up the main via.

It’s almost the early afternoon and you’ve got to drop off all of your bags at your B&B! And all of this walking around is surely working up your appetite. Freshen up before lunch – I’m thinking pizza. La Pizzeria di Nonno Mede has the best pizza margherita I’ve found in Siena. The ambience is perfect for a daytime meal and overlooks all of Siena’s beautiful scenery, including the Duomo and St. Catherine’s church. You can even spot the Torre di Mangia in the Campo if you look hard enough. The pizza here is divine, Tuscan simplicity. You’ve been warned, though: you get a whole pizza all to yourself. Better finish it!

You’re going to feel like you need a nap, so head to the Fortress (aka La fortezza) , a true Sienese landmark. The fortezza is a gigantic, sprawling park with lots of grass and many benches to relax. Bring a blanket and doze off, or frolick in the fort’s grass and wildflowers. If you get a second wind, there is a nice bar in the fortress that you can visit for an afternoon drink. Besides that, enjoy the songs of the birds around you and take in an unbeatable view of the city from above. You won’t regret visitng the fort.

By the time you’ve made your way back to the city, it’s almost evening – and it’s time to get ready for apertivi! While you head back to the Campo, take a street you’ve never been on before and try to get lost on purpose. The Sienese will appreciate your attempts to get to know their city! Once you find your way back to the Campo, choose a restaurant or bar for apertivi – you can’t choose wrong.

Dinner is at my favorite restaurant in Siena,  La Finestra. It is conveniently located right behind the Campo and right next to your B&B! It is located in Piazza del Mercato, so you’re ending your day right where you began. La Finestra is quality, delicious Italian cuisine. My favorite dish is the pollo allo griglio that is grilled to perfection; pair it with roasted vegetables or a delicious zuppa of your choice.

The rest of your night is a toss up: you can hit the bar scene or begin your night in the Campo early. If you choose to go to the bars, I recommend Ristorante Guido for their fun drink specials and partial-outdoors seating. I have fond memories of dancing both in and outdoors of Guido with my friends! If you choose to make it more of a bar crawl, go to the Barone Rosso and perhaps il Cambio for a more nightlife-y, dance scene. My favorite nights ended not with the clubs, but with the Campo. You simply cannot go wrong by bringing a bottle of vino rosso and sitting out in the Campo, people-watching and conversing with true Sienese.

Thanks Taylor!

Wander in: Yellowknife

Hey you all. I have a great Wander In today from Nicole of Gypsy in Jasper. Her blog is always full of great new posts and I am absolutely obsessed with her outdoorsy life!  She is also inspiring me to head across the border more often to explore Canada. Hope you enjoy ....

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Hey guys! I'm Nicole from Gypsy in Jasper. I'm here with you today to chat about a place that's really close to my heart: Yellowknife. I lived there from 2010 until 2011 and intend to grow old there one day. Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories in Canada. It has a population of about 20,000 and it is incredibly isolated. (It's also the place where I met my Northern man, Ian.)

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1. Upon arrival, this is the first stop: The airport, because you sure as hell don't want to drive there. I've only driven out of Yellowknife and, boy oh! boy, that is a drive I don't intend to do again anytime soon. You see, it takes 18 hours to get to the next major centre: Edmonton. EIGHTEEN HOURS. You do pass through some fun little towns, though. I mean, you can stop at the only store in Indian Cabins and buy fireworks. Exciting, right!? So, yeah, first stop: airport. While there, be sure to get your photo taken with the taxidermic polar bear above the baggage pick-up.

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2. To get a taste of the local culture, this is essential: Visit Old Town – the original Yellowknife, which was settled in the 1930s. Here you'll find colourful houseboats floating on Back Bay, you'll see amazing new architecture, old shacks and log cabins from the early days, and you'll get to eat at Bullocks, where the service is gruff and tough and the fish is caught that day.

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3. To ride in style like the locals, I recommend this form of transport: Dog sled. I kid. I guess that would have been true back in the day, but these days, dog sleds are used as a tourist activity and a competitive sport. Most locals get around on foot. But, if you live on a houseboat, you might also get home by canoe – when Great Slave Lake is free of ice, anyway.

4. You will sleep like a baby here: On any couch in town. There are a ton of friendly folks who would happily take you in for a night or two, so be sure to sign up for Couch Surfers. I can almost guarantee you'll be sure to find an awesome friend who will gladly show you the town and put you up.

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5. Want a souvenir, take this home: You can't go wrong with a Ragged Ass Road street sign. Ragged Ass Road is an actual road in Yellowknife. It got its name while a group of guys were having a few beers in the old days. They ended up making their own sign and then eventually the road received an official sign from the city. But, after that, tourists kept stealing them, so now the people who live there have signs nailed to their homes. You can buy bumper stickers and Ragged Ass Road signs in all of the tourist shops in town.

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6. The locals and tourists like to get tipsy here: The Strange Range. This place is totally worthy of it's name (although it's actually called the Gold Range). It's an institution in Yellowknife. On any given night, there are young folks, old folks, southerners and Northerners all on the dance floor two-stepping to the house band: Welder's Daughter. Although you might not guess it by looking at them, this band is amazing. They play covers of all kinds of current and old pop hits, including tunes by the Black Eyed Peas and even some Cher. I danced my heart out at the Range more nights than I can count when I was living in Yellowknife. The atmosphere is like nothing else I have ever experienced. It's a MUST see.

7. The culture here is unique because: Yellowknife is a place like no other. It is incredibly transient and attracts only the most adventurous and often artistic people. It gets down to -40 C in the winter and has the midnight sun in the summer. It was originally settled by aboriginal people and then later attracted southerners when gold was discovered. The town was then settled by miners and prospectors. Now, the population is 51 per cent aboriginal and diamonds are the major resource.

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8. If I had 24 hours here, I would spend it this way: I would have brunch at the Explorer Hotel, go for a walk around Old Town, go fishing in one of the lakes along the Ingraham Trail, make a bonfire in the bush, have dinner at Bullocks, and then dance the night away at the Gold Range. Oh! And I would top the evening off with an early morning corn dog from Corner Mart, which I would eat on my walk home under the Northern Lights.

Wander In: Berkshire, Vermont

Today's Wander In comes from Diana of the Down Home Traveler. Diana is a Canadian-Vermonter and current Texas transplant, who blogs about her adventures and life down south. Definitely head on over and check Down Home Traveler out!

Berkshire is a very small dairy farming town in Northern Vermont that borders Canada. It takes 5 minutes to drive to Canada from where I grew up.

1.Upon arrival, this is the first stop:

Well, on the way home from the airport, my actual first stop is at Devyn's Creemee Stand in Sheldon, Vermont. (Creemee's are just soft serve ice cream.) Delicious! Beware, the sizes are huge! You definitely get your money’s worth!

2. To get a taste of the local culture, this is essential: 

Drive around. The best part about home is the scenery and taking a drive. Drive around “town” and thru the country, take a tour of the covered bridges, swing by the local mom and pop stores for some great food from the deli's.

3.To ride in style like this locals, I recommend this form of transport: A Subaru. Subaru is pretty much the state car of Vermont! You’ll blend right in!

4.You will sleep like a baby here: At my parents, with the windows open a crack (not in the winter of course). The fresh, crisp air will let you sleep like a baby and you won't want to get out of bed in the morning!

5.Want a souvenir, take this home: Maple Syrup. A trip to Vermont isn’t really a trip to Vermont without taking Maple Syrup back with you. It’s just unheard of. I even have a jug in my freezer as back up in case I run out.

6.The locals and tourists like to get tipsy here:

The Dairy Center in Enosburg where there is sometimes live music on the weekends or you can bowl. The Abbey in Sheldon where you can dine and or take part in karaoke one night a week. Head to the nearest "big town" of St. Albans and stop by One Federal for dinner and drinks. During the winter if you happen to come to hit the slopes, stay at Jay Peak and check out some of the venues there or The Snowshoe or The Belfry in Montgomery where more locals will be. Wherever you go, be sure to try the microbrews. This is most important. Vermont has some of the best beer around! (My favorite is Switchback or Blackbeary Wheat by Longtrail.)

7. The culture here is unique because: We're country folk! We're simple, we love where we live and we just like to have a good time. You won't find corporate chains (sorry for the Starbucks addicts) but you’ll be in a place where "everybody knows your name".

8. If I had 24 hours here, I would spend it this way: Honestly, I would want to spend it with family and friends that I don’t get to see often but it also depends what time of the year I visit.

Summer: I would start off with a creemee at Devyn's. Take a canoe trip down the Mississquoi River, fishing with my brother or go for a morning hike on the Long Trail. For lunch I would swing by The Pinnacle Peddler in Richford for a sandwich or head over the border to Canada for a poutine (french fries, gravy and curd cheese - don't knock it until you've tried it!). The afternoon would be spent going for a four wheeler ride, picking berries or even going for a drive to take some photos. Dinner would either be at the Crossing in Richford or One Federal in St. Albans. The end of the night would spent having a few microbrews by a fire and camping out under the stars!

Winter is entirely different. Wake up early and head to Jay Peak to hit the slopes! For lunch, I would head back home, and grab a sandwich at Pinnacle Peddler (yes, the sandwiches are that good, the bread is homemade). As the sun starts to set, I would strap on some snowshoes or take snowmobile out for a ride. Dinner would be a good meal at the Crossing or One Federal (if I’m not too exhausted for a longer drive). The end of the night I would aim for finding a good warm fire and a hot chocolate.

Thanks Diana! 

Wander in: Valletta, Malta

I'm sure you have all come across Mike and Jess's amazing blog, Mike & Jess in Malta...and if not, you must head over there immediately! They are a traveling duo that picked up and left Nova Scotia for the island of Malta! 

I am thrilled to share with you Mike & Jess's amazing insider's take on Valletta, the capital city of Malta!

Upon arrival, this is the first stop: Valletta, the island’s capital city. It’s Baroque and opulent, gritty and quirky, and unlike any other capital city you’ve seen. 


Valletta’s hilly streets lined with unique, Maltese balconies
Valletta’s skyline

 2. To get a taste of the local culture, this is essential: Grab a snack from a pastizzeria. Hot, fresh pastizzi (ricotta or pea filled deep fried pastries) will set you back just 50 cents a piece. It’s the cheapest, best meal around. And if you want to get truly really authentic, wash it down with a Kinnie (a local bitter orange soda).

Ricotta Pastizzi

3. To ride in style like locals, I recommend this form of transport: While buses are cheapest (about $3 for a day pass), and black cabs are the most convenient (book ahead, $10-$30 per trip), water taxis are definitely the most fun. Barter for a good deal between Sliema and Valletta, and other seaside towns.

4. You will sleep like a baby here: Le Meridien, the Intercontinental, the Corinthia, and the Hilton are among some of Malta’s biggest and nicest hotels. But for a more authentic experience, you can rent a centuries-old farmhouse in Malta or Gozo. Or, if you want to indulge, book at the 17^th

century Xara Palace (past guests include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie!)

5. Want a souvenir, take this home: Honey. The Romans called the island Melita, which literally translates to honey, and there are about 20 kinds of the sweet, sticky stuff here. Maltese honey is flavoured with hints of clover, eucalyptus, orange blossom, carob and thyme. Delicious. Make sure you pick up a pricier jar, as cheap imitations are only too common.

6. The locals and tourists like to get tipsy here: Salisbury Arms, The Dubliner, and Balluta Bar are great low-key pubs and bars. For a swankier night out, try Club 22, located on the 22

floor of Malta’s only skyscraper, or one of the island’s giant, open-air clubs like Gianpula (they even have swimming pools!) But the kiosks along Sliema’s promenade are truly where locals and tourists like to get tipsy, sitting around plastic tables filled with pints and chips, watching a football match. (The kiosks are my favourite.)

grab a pint at a seaside kiosk

7. The culture here is unique because: it’s where Europe meets North Africa; where Italian and English and Arabic cultures and languages blend.

8.  If I had 24 hours here [during the winter], I would spend it this way: I would start the day with a breakfast of espresso (standing up) at Café Cordina in Valletta, while rubbing shoulders with Malta’s businesspeople and politicians. Then I’d hop over to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and take a moment to appreciate the view of the Three Cities from Upper Barrakka Gardens.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

view of the ‘Three Cities’ from Valletta

Next, I would grab a bus to Tarxien and see the incredible Hal Salflieni Hypogeum (book tickets in advance!) then proceed to the medieval city of Mdina, and grab lunch at Fontanella Tea House, enjoying the panoramic view of half of the country (yes, it’s that small!) After lunch, I would take a moment to stroll through Mdina’s tiny, stone streets and feel like transported back a thousand years to an Arabian city.

Next, I would head to Palazzo Parisio – Malta’s mini Versailles – for afternoon tea, and a bit of luxury in the middle of the afternoon.

Palazzo Parisio, Malta

After I’ve had my fill of gold gilded walls and lush gardens, I would go to Sliema for a bit of souvenir shopping (don’t forget that honey!) and have dinner at my pick of top-notch restaurants (I love the view of Valletta’s skyline from La Cucina del Sole and the Maltese fare at Gululu).

View of Valletta from La Cucina del Sole restaurant in Sliema

Finally, if I’m still awake I could join the throngs of partiers in Paceville for a wild night out. Or (more likely) I could grab a bottle of wine and a picnic blanket and head to the rocky shore to count the stars.

Wander In: Tokyo

Hi you all. I'm starting a new series of travel interviews called Wander In, and I am so excited to feature Taryn from The Wanderista! She has been to some amazing places and her blog will definitely make you want to quit your day job and buy a ticket anywhere!  I highly recommend heading over to her site!

So this is Taryn's take on Tokyo:

DESTINATION: Tokyo, Japan

1. Upon arrival, this is the first stop:

After a long flight, there's nothing like a hot bowl of Tonkotsu pork bone broth ramen. Luckily the nearest nearest noodle shop is never far in Japan--I gravitate towards the smaller, side-street spots.

2. To get a taste of the local culture, this is essential:

Strip down and spend some time soaking at an authentic onsen. The hot spring bathhouses are ideal for relaxing, observing tradition and bonding with locals.

3. To ride in style like locals, I recommend this form of transport:

The fast, sleek bullet train is a must--take it to Kyoto for a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

4.You will sleep like a baby here:

The Prince Park Tower is one of the top-rated hotels for a reason: It's conveniently located, incredibly luxe and offers stunning skyline views with its namesake landmark in the forefront.

5. Want a souvenir, take this home:

Green Tea Kit Kats make a delicious, inexpensive gift. 

6. The locals and tourists like to get tipsy here:

Locals and tourists alike flock to Karaoke Kan, the scene of Bill Murray's Lost in Translation rendition of "Peace, Love and Understanding"; Golden Gai is another must: Two hundred small, cramped bars (some with just five seats) crowd the alley ways that make up this nostalgic nightlife destination.

7. The culture here is unique because:

It's got all the vibrancy, hustle and convenience of a big city with the sense of community and charm more often found in small towns.

8. If I had 24 hours here, I would spend it this way:

I know it's crazy, but starting your day at 4am is worth it to be one of the few tourists granted entry to the Tsukiji Fish Market tuna auction; watch the frenzy over monstrous frozen tunas, then head down the street to enjoy the world-famous omakase at Sushi Dai; Next hightail it to Harajuku to shop and catch a glimpse of the eponymous girls in costume congregating on Takeashite street. Make time for a bowl of ramen, a relaxing onsen and a stroll through the impeccably manicured Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Finish with a delicious dinner at Gonpachi, famous for its food and Kill Bill cameo.

All photos by Taryn Adler, www.wanderista.com