However your strategy to tackle Las Vegas, self-restraint or moderation is probably not going to be one of them. True to form, Las Vegas does everything big!   None more so than the legendary buffets the hotels offer to entice the sins of gluttony.

Whenever we find ourselves in Las Vegas, hitting a buffet for a perfectly seared rib eye, or for the piles of gigantic crab legs, is guaranteed to be on our list of to-dos. To be clear, these are not you regular hometown or 5$ all you can eat Chinese buffets. It may seem oxymoronic, but the best buffets in Las Vegas dish out some serious cuisine.  Best of all, you can gorge yourself on cuisines from all over the world without ever having to leave the Las Vegas strip.

But with all the options, which are the best buffets in Las Vegas? Unfortunately many of the buffets, like anything in Las Vegas can be a gamble, leaving you bloated and unsatisfied on nothing but grease and filler.

So to save you time, money and to make each calorie count here’s my top 5 best buffets in Las Vegas:

Bacchanal, Caesars Palace – the flagship buffet that all, before and after, aspire to be like. You’ll be hard pressed to find a buffet lover who doesn’t have Bacchanal as one of their best buffets in Las Vegas. With mountains of crab legs, ginseng chicken soup, and honey dripping off honeycombs, each section is compartmentalized and helmed by a specialized chef to maintain quality and authenticity. The food here, tastes as good as it looks. There’s no skimping on style and quality at Bacchanal. For those interested in making a buffet the highlight of your trip or perhaps wish to indulge in 9 separate restaurants at once, Bacchanal is a must.

Be forewarned though, this type of quality certainly does not come cheap, as the price is the on the high end of buffets, but once you get past the sticker shock, heaven is just beyond the cashier!

Wicked spoon, The Cosmopolitan – A real contender for the top spot as one of the best buffets in Las Vegas, Wicked Spoon is huge on creativity and presentation. Unlike most trough style buffets, dishes here are pre-portioned on smaller plates stimulating “tastings” rather than an all out gorging. For most, it’s a departure from the stigma of buffets creating a classier experience. You’ll avoid overdoing it on their designer spicy mac-and-cheese, and be able to take advantage of the wide range of ethnic cuisines.

Probably the only think lacking is the seafood selection. Not to say they don’t have seafood, but it’s just not as ample of a selection as many of the other Las Vegas buffets on the list. But then again, it might be because they had to make room for their full sized gelato bar!

The Village Seafood Buffet, RIO All Suite Hotel and Casino- The RIO has two buffets.  But the one that you should invest your winnings in is the Village Seafood Buffet. One of the originals that once commanded massive waits and lines, the Village Seafood Buffet has gone through a bit of a renaissance over the years restyling itself as the THE premier Las Vegas seafood buffet. Although the buffet has since fallen out of favor in the wake of more upscale competition, make no mistake this is a solid buffet.  If seafood is your sin, you’ll have an endless stream of Lobster, crab legs, oysters on the half, shrimp, clams, mussels and much more.

Studio B, The M Resort – A newer edition and a bit of trek from the main strip, Studio B understands that, if you bothered to make the trip to their buffet, they better not disappoint.   With most standard offerings typical of Las Vegas buffets, Studio B rises above the competition by including beer and wine into the cost – making Studio B a great deal and a great start to your Las Vegas adventure. The alcohol selection is limited, but with mimosas on tap, who’s complaining!

Also worth mentioning, Studio B at the time that we went had quite a lot of vegetarian and meatless options – A welcome break for those on meat overload.

Le Village Buffet, Paris – If you have an awesome crepe bar, you’re going to make my list.  With a pretty impressive menu of sweet and savory crepes, Le Village Buffet brings a taste of France to Las Vegas.   I’m not going to say it’s as good as the ones you get from an authentic French creperie, but it certainly satisfies the Jones. In addition to the crepes, you’ll also find Parisian staples like macarons, crème brulee, and truffled pastas!

It’s an older option on the strip, and does lack the bells and whistles of the newer buffets, but it is quite a bit cheaper than say Bacchanal or Wicked Spoon and definitely deserves a spot as one of the best buffets in Las Vegas.

Where once Las Vegas was all about gambling, it has since become synonymous with its buffets. Regardless of what your plans are in Las Vegas, I bet you’ll end up, at a minimum, at one of the many buffets.   Hit up any of the top 5 Las Vegas Buffets listed above and you’ll walk away happy and satisfied knowing you finally beat the House!

The post You Can’t lose! The 5 Best Buffets In Las Vegas appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

The first time I went to Europe I did it solo style with a big yellow backpack in hand.   This was your typical “backpack throughout Europe and get my fun in before I start my real grown up job” type of trip. I realized, that, out of all the cities I visited (the list included Paris, Cannes, Monaco, Nice, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Rome), I love London the most. Looking back it was hard to explain why: I was staying in a hostel room with twelve other people, the room was infested with mice, when I woke up from a nap on my first day in London I had my own Friends’ version of ugly naked guy stripping in front of me (not what I expected to see upon opening my eyes), the value of the Canadian dollar was zilch compared to the British pound and everything cost twice as much so I really had to stick to my daily budget, and the food was meh. Despite all this, I love London! The experiences I had and the people I met made London one of my all time favorite cities.

Given my soft spot for London, it was no surprise that London was my destination pick for our European trip. Mike wasn’t too excited since he is more of a Dubliner and always saw London as a transit hub and a “stop over” to where travelers really want to go. Determined to change his mind, I wanted to give Mike a different perspective of London.

Here are ten reasons why I love London:

1) Shopping: there are so many amazing stores to visit in London, from historical department stores such as Harrods and iconic fashion houses like Burberry to more recent fashion brands such as Reiss. Yes, Princess Catherine gets a lot of her dresses from Reiss and the white Nanette dress was instantly sold out after Kate Middleton, as she then was, wore it in her engagement photos. Being a fan of Princess Catherine’s fashion style (um . . . really who isn’t?), it was a must do on my list to stop at the Reiss store in Knightsbridge (I was told this was the location she frequented most, but unfortunately I didn’t see her). Having bought more than my fair share of Reiss dresses, I got extra attention from the salesgirl and she gave me her personal email address and told me to send her an email if there were any other dresses I wanted and she would be more than happy to ship them to me. She even found the Nanette dress for me, but given that it was two sizes too big I decided it was not worth paying a small fortunate for the dress only to have to pay and get it refitted.

There are a lot of streets in London, such as Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street that are lined with stores and unique boutiques where you can find something for anyone. For men who want a nice (and expensive) custom suit, go to Savile Row.

For all you shopaholics who are looking for a good deal head to Bicester Village, which is a designer shopping outlet about 45 minutes from London. The best way to get there is by bus, but just keep in mind that it is an all day venture as you only get picked up and dropped off at certain times. Also, make sure to check out the website because they sometimes post deals and you can always find VIP discount vouchers on the Internet.

2) Sites: there is no shortage of things to see in London and there is something for everyone:

• If you are a museum buff head to the British Museum or Natural History Museum. There really is no shortage of museums in London and you can probably spend a full week going to all the museums.

Museum of Natural History

Victoria and Albert Museum

• If you prefer to get your fix of Royalty head to Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace or even the Tower of London.

The Victoria Memorial, which sits in front of Buckingham Palace.

• If you prefer to focus on the arts then the Tate Modern and National Gallery are necessary stops.

Exhibit at the Tate Modern.

• If you are more interested in seeing the politicians then head over to the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.

• For those who want to pay homage to religious aspects or even attend a worship service, go to Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Go to the London Eye to get a different perspective of the city and a great view of the skyline.

• If you want some time to rest and relax find a spot in Hyde Park or St. James Park.

View in St. James Park.

You will never get bored in London. I promise you that!

3) Theatre: I like to see live theatre and there are so many great shows playing in London. Popular shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, the Lion King, and Wicked are usually always playing. Depending on when you go, you can even catch shows that are hard to find such as Miss Saigon.

Having watched some of the shows in London and then seeing them again in Canada, I have to say there really is no comparison. I don’t know if it is due to the location, the actors, or the fact that shows in London are performed in theatre houses with better acoustics but . . . when in London go see a show!

It is probably best to get your theatre tickets ahead of time, especially for the more popular shows that sell out every night, but if you are unable to pre-book there are many different ways to get last minute discounted tickets, such as the tkts booth in Leicester Square. Remember to check out the face value of the ticket and the seating plan to make sure you get a good view.

4) History: London is a city that has more than 2,000 years of history. There are catastrophic events that have made it into London’s history books, such as the plague, the Blitz during World War II, and the Great Fire of London, all of which have shaped the city into what it is today and makes it that much more interesting for tourists.

View from the Millennium Bridge, a good way to reflect on London today.

London is also where gentlemen’s clubs, such as Brooks’ and White’s, were originally created and made popular. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t support establishments that don’t accept women, but I do find the purpose and membership of these places intriguing.

The architecture in London is fascinating and it is not uncommon to see buildings that are over a hundred years old. In Canada, such buildings are rare and would get special status as a “historical building”. I couldn’t help but wonder about the piece of history each building holds and the secrets that are hidden in the walls. I guess that is a normal feeling when you are walking through the streets of a city that was once the epicenter of the world.

5) Energy and Vibe: with a population of more than 8 million and millions more visiting each year, London has a unique energy that is difficult to explain. Commerce, education, the arts, fashion, and music – all elements that make London a global centre also contribute to the city’s liveliness. From Piccadilly Circus to Knotting Hill (made famous by Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant) to South Kensington, each neighborhood is distinct and has something unique to offer. Even cloudy skies and the constant rainy drizzle can’t dampen the pulsing London life and the feeling that runs through you.

The buzz during the night in Knightsbridge.

South Kensington.

6) The Royals: the chances of me meeting Prince Harry, Princess Catherine, and Prince William (preferably in that order) are that much greater in London than anywhere else. In no way would I balk at the idea of meeting the Queen, but the younger Royals are who I prefer to rub elbows with J.

7) Accents: I love the British accent and I honestly think that anyone who has a British accent sounds that much smarter, even though I sometimes have no idea what they are saying because the accent can be quite thick. Some of the words and phrases they use, such as rubbish, jumper, crikey, knackered, “taking the piss”, and dodgy, are quite fun and always puts a smile on my face when I hear them.

8) Pub Grub: I know the English aren’t known for their culinary cuisine, but the food has changed immensely since my first visit to London and the Indian and Thai cuisine are just as good as anywhere else.  I had a chance to try some ramen and it was delish!

Enjoying some ramen at Shoryu Ramen.

If you prefer something more traditional, the pub grub is spectacular in London. My go to is the fish and chips because who doesn’t like deep fried battered fish with fries on the side?

9) People: Despite the fact that most Londoners avoid eye contact while riding the Tube and make no effort to converse with you, but really who wants to strike up a conversation with a stranger while packed in a train like sardines were personal space is non-existent and you are close enough to get the weather and not the news, I have always found Londoners to be friendly and helpful. Every time I needed directions or suggestions on where to eat, the people I asked were friendly and provided helpful tips. Also, I found that Londoners were always more than willing to take a couple of seconds out of their busy day to snap a photo for an eager tourist (yes, like myself).

10) The Tube: the Underground, known as the Tube to Londoners, makes it extremely easy to get around London. With 11 lines (Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo & City) and 270 stations, the system is overwhelming at first but all you really need is some patience and a Tube map. After your first trip you will realize how easy and safe it is to take the Tube and there will be no hesitation. It is also the fastest and most affordable way to travel around the city. Not to mention, you get to see many different personalities and tourists at Tube Stations and on the Tube itself. This isn’t always a good thing though, especially during peak hours when the crowds are big and people are impatient but it just adds to the experience.

Tube stations are everywhere in London, making travel easy.

If the Tube is not your thing, you can always take the bus (there are many of those too), hop in a cab (the black cabs are iconic but quite expensive), ride a bike (the Barclays Cycle Hire make it cheap and convenient to rent a bike), or walk – our preferred and favorite way to see a city.

I think I accomplished my goal and was able to get Mike to see and appreciate a different side of London. Although I still don’t think this is a city he would choose to visit on his own but . . . baby steps my friends, baby steps.

And that’s why I love London!

The post I ♥ LONDON, ENGLAND appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

What’s better than traveling? Well, nothing really but getting free stuff is certainly up there. San Diego is one of those destinations where the neighborhoods and business communities come together and offer year round free goodies to residents and visitors alike. Timed correctly, you could spend weeks in the waterfront city without spending one hard-earned dime. Great for families and great for budget travelers, San Diego is an ideal destination to visit without breaking the bank.

However, the list I put together of free things to do in San Diego is not going to be the typical recommendations like “fly a kite at a park,” or “go have a picnic,” these activities will be events and festivities unique to the San Diego experience.

So get out your Iphone, Galaxy, date planner (do people still use these?) or whatever it is you use and jot down the dates so you don’t miss a single one.

Also, if you’re looking for more reasons to visit San Diego, check out my other popular posts:

I Bet You Don’t Really Know San Diego

The World In a Day – San Diego Neighborhoods

Beaches

Pacific Beach

ok, this one is a no brainer, and has to be on the list just because we’re talking about San Diego. With more beaches than neighborhoods (maybe not, but still a lot of beaches!), it’s impossible to have a conversation with a San Diegan and not have them mention one of the 63 beaches in and around San Diego. You can swim, soak in the sun, snorkel, surf and basically do as San Diego natives do! Some of the more popular beaches: Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Bay Beach, Pacific Beach, Windansea Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Blacks Beach.

Harbor Seals and Sea Lions:

Seal Rock – Image Courtesy of Daniel Rothamel

One of the attractions I can’t get enough of is seeing the Seals and Sea Lions at Seal Rock (try saying that 10 times quickly) near the La Jolla Children’s Pool. True to the San Diegan culture, these playful critters can give any SoCal native a run for their money in how to be ultra chill. Although there’s an ongoing debate whether the beach should be protected and considered a marine sanctuary, at the moment the beach is shared by humans and wildlife alike. Personally I recommend letting them have their sanctuary, as there are more than enough beaches to go around. Sit back, and enjoy wildlife at play.

Sand Castles at the Beach

Every year for 2 days Imperial Beach is host to the Sun and Sea Festival, a world-class sandcastle competition, where sculptors around the world come to create awe-inspiring sand art. If that’s not enough to get you amped, they also have a pancake breakfast available by donation. Go to their website for their 2015 schedule

Explore Art at Chicano Park

Chicano Park – Image Courtesy of Jay Galvin

Chicano Park in Barrio Logan is a living history of the struggles and influence of Chicano culture in San Diego. The 32,000 square meter park is alive with colorful murals depicting the heritage of Mexican-Americans. There is a solemn beauty to the park, as you will literally be walking through time. It’s well worth the visit. There’s also free art classes for kids as well.

Coronado Summer Concert Series 

Do you like music? What about free live music? Between May and September, 18 free concerts will be held in Spreckles Park with the Coronado Promenade Concerts Inc. footing the entire bill. Yes, I said I wouldn’t mention picnics, but hey you got to eat, and this is as good of a time as any to get that out of the way! Go here for their full lineup and schedule: Coronado Summer Concert Schedule

Summer Music Festivals

Image Courtesy of Bengt Nyman

If concerts and festivals are totally your thing, and the Coronado offerings just isn’t enough, San Diego is the perfect city to get your fix. Throughout the city, different venues come alive during the summer months with freebies. Click to get the full line up of 2015 free concerts in San Diego. Lets hope sleep isn’t your thing also.

Adams Ave Street Fair

image Courtesy of Bengt Nyman

A 2 day music festival that has been bringing the fun for 33 years, the street fair boasts over 110 music acts over 8 stages. You can do this completely free, but it might be challenging not to splurge on a corn dog or two. The street fair is always held on the last weekend of September in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. For specific dates, click to go to their website: Adams Avenue Street Fair

Cruisin’ Grand Escondido 

Image Courtesy of R. W. Heald

We all need a break from the Teslas and Hybrids that dominate our streets, and the Cruisin’ Grand is a refreshing reminder of a much simpler time where combustion engines had a mileage of 3 miles per gallon.   Every Friday night, starting in April, 7 blocks of Escondido is dedicated to vintage street rod lovers and aficionados in an all out street fair of Hot Rods, Hot Rods and more Hot Rods. More info at the groups website: Crusin’ Grand.

Dive-in movies at The Pearl

You read it right. It’s not Drive-in, it’s a Dive-in. Over at the Pearl Hotel in Point Loma, weekly screenings of recent and classic films are shown on a big screen around the hotel’s pool area.   It’s completely free, but does require reservations to be made in advance given the small venue. Food and drinks are available at a cost but save yourself the dollars and get an In-n out burger after the show instead for the full 1950s movie and dining experience. Reservations can be made on their website along with the schedule of movies that will be playing.

 Free fly fishing lessons

Ever wanted to learn how to fly fish like a boss? Every Sunday starting a 9am, The San Diego Fly Fishers Club offers a free clinic teaching you basic skills to wrangle that trout. Make sure to get there early. More details along with a calendar of events can be found on their website. 

Grunion Run

I mentioned the Grunion Run in my previous post – I bet you don’t really know San Diego, and now I’m going to talk about it again, because it’s just that cool. Between the months of March and August, sardine sized fish called grunions assault California coastal line in a suicidal dash to who knows where, resulting in a frenzy of thousands upon thousands of stranded grunions looking to be fished. It has recently begun to become more controlled, and a fishing license is now required to pick them up, but it’s still worth going to see the epic madness.

Rock Out Karaoke

What’s better than watching a concert? It’s being in the concert! Rock out with a live band as you churn out lyrics to The Doors and Fleetwood Mac. Rock Out Karaoke, the group that offers the events throughout San Diego Venues, brings a fun evening of karaoke on steroids. You can find their listings of public and private shows here: Rock Out Karaoke Schedule

Ray at Night

On the second Saturday of every month, the North Park neighborhood of San Diego is host to some seriously talented local and national artists.  This September will be the artwalk’s 14^th year displaying artwork in 15 different galleries and businesses throughout the neighborhood. It’s completely free and a great way to spend the evening.

SeaWorld Fireworks

Image courtesy of D & CH

Seeing captive animals turning tricks doesn’t really excite me, and in my opinion wholly unnecessary. But every night of the summer, SeaWorld does blast out a pretty impressive fireworks show. The fireworks can be seen from most points throughout the city, so you needn’t pay any entrance fees to enjoy it. Post up at Mission Bay Park and get a front seat to view the show.

Have a Bonfire

BBQ and Bonfire in San Diego

The only thing that might cost you money here is the marshmallows and Hershey bars.  One thing all visitors must do at least once is experience a night cooking up some s’mores or hotdogs around a bonfire. You can do this at a number of beaches like Mission Beach, Sunset Cliffs, and La Jolla Shores. Fire pits are first-come first-serve, so stake out your spot early.

Seaport Village

Image Courtesy of Boardwalk Betty

I normally wouldn’t recommend touristy spots like Seaport Village as you’ll undoubtedly get the over priced foods, crowds and souvenir shops. In this case, however, I have to make an exception just for the entertaining free performances that randomly take place throughout the village. It’s a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening. I also got to admit that Seaport Village really is an attractive boardwalk area. Just don’t give in to the hunger and impulse buys. I promise the food sounds better than it tastes.

Stars in the Park at Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park

On the first Wednesday of each month the San Diego Astronomy Association opens up to the public free access to their ginormous telescope. It takes place after their normal paid shows, so expect it to begin, at the earliest, after 8pm or so. Find more information at their website.

Basic’s Pizzas

This is the only restaurant on the list because most proprietors don’t subscribe to the sharing is caring philosophy when it comes to food, but Basic’s Pizzas has pretty much bucked that trend. You can get free samples of pizza everyday between 4 to 7pm, excluding game days.

You definitely don’t need to spend a ton of money to travel, much less have an adventure. San Diego is one of those destinations where spending too much money can actually take away from your experience. Take advantage of the free things to do in San Diego, get off the beaten path, rub elbows and do as the locals do.

I hope you enjoyed the list, and please share your San Diego discoveries!

The post Free Things To Do In San Diego – Seriously! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

When planning a trip to San Diego, the first thing that comes to mind are the miles and miles of coastline, the sundrenched beaches, palm trees, and a city with a Latin flare. You wouldn’t be wrong, but San Diego is far more than that. Even with how often I visit, I’ve barely scratched its surface. And I’m still searching for the quintessential San Diego experience as you can see in my other post – I bet you don’t really know San Diego!

For a big city, San Diego is unique amongst its larger cousins, like Los Angeles or San Francisco, whose skylines have been dominated by skyscrapers and where car horns make up for most of the ambient noise. Even its mass transit system, the Trolley, has a noticeably quaint quality about it unlike the subway systems of its east coast counterparts. There is a welcoming lack of hustle in the Southern California city. And that’s because San Diego is a neighborhood town.

San Diego neighborhoods form a colorful tapestry of ethnic diversity with each community playing a part in creating its mosaic. At first glance it’s obvious there is a strong Mexican influence. This is certainly in no small part to its close proximity to Tijuana. But apart from the obvious, there is a beating multiculturalism that most visitors don’t see. Officially recognized neighborhoods such as Hillcrest or Eastlake village are well trodden, but overlooked are the lesser-known ethnic communities. Communities that bring the true vibe of what makes the city amazing. It’s wholly possible to get Bun Bo Hue in the morning, a burrito in the afternoon, and top off the evening with a leisurely stroll through a piazza. You’ll think that you’ve traveled the globe in a single day.

My Favorite San Diego Neighborhoods:

Chinatown, Korea Town, Japanese Town: Although there is an official Chinatown, called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District (yep, it’s a mouthful), it’s not where you’ll find San Diego Asian culture. Most San Diegans will agree that the Kearny Mesa Convoy St. corridor and its surroundings is the unofficial heart of the Korean, Japanese and Chinese communities. From dim sum restaurants and Korean all-you-can-eats to karaoke bars, you can eat, eat and eat, and then sing the night away in a drunken stupor.

Little Italy: Located downtown, bordered by Ash St. to the south and Laurel St. to the north, this trendy little neighborhood is probably the most well known of the ethnic communities. A hotspot ripe with authentic Italian fare, shopping and mini piazzas, you could literally do Rome in a day. Pedestrian friendly and safe, little Italy is a great neighborhood to visit day or night. Coordinate your visit with the “Taste of Italy”, a yearly event where you can go restaurant to restaurant and sample their best dishes.

Little Manila: Believe it or not, according to the 2010 US consensus, Filipino Americans make up close to 18% of the population in San Diego. Most of the shops and Filipino restaurants are concentrated around 8^th St. and Plaza Boulevard in National City, but there is also a large community throughout Mira Mesa Blvd as well. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous try the Balut – A developing duck embryo boiled alive and eaten in the shell.

Balut – Developing Duck Embryo – Image Courtesy of Shankar S.

Little India: Located across from the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station off Black Mountain Rd. Little India is a small but thriving community. It doesn’t have the same chaotic energy as Delhi, but it’s certainly a good introduction to Indian culture. Join in on a prayer service at the temple, or ransack the bazaar for hard to find spices. If you’re feeling hungry, go and gorge yourself on a Saag Paneer buffet. Yep…they have buffets.

Little Southeast Asia: Between El Cajon Blvd and University Ave in the City Heights district is a necessary stop for all things South East Asian. More commonly known amongst locals as East Side, the community is a diverse ecosystem with Thai, Laos, Cambodian and Vietnamese culture overlapping and flourishing side by side. Although recently part of the community has been officially christened as Little Saigon, you’ll be hard pressed to find exactly where the borders begin and where it ends. Early in the 1990s there was a pretty high crime rate, but since then it has redeveloped into a more modern urban neighborhood. It is hands down the best place to get Pho and Cambodian Pad Thai. You read it right – Cambodian Pad Thai.

Little Mogadishu: Also located in the City Heights district between Winona Ave, and 54 St. is a growing neighborhood of Somalis, Sudanese, Ethiopians and Eritreans who have fled war-torn East Africa. To our benefit they have brought with them their rich culture which few of us will ever have the opportunity to experience. The Safari Market, an African bazaar, is the first and only of its kind in San Diego where you can buy home made African jewelry, rugs and ornately beaded scarves.   And if you get hungry, and I know you will, this is the best place to get fresh Ethiopian Injera or Sambussas.

When you visit, try to branch out from the touristy spots. Walk through the San Diego neighborhoods, try the food, engage with the locals and experience the real San Diego Adventure:

What are your favorite neighborhood experiences?

The post The World In a Day – San Diego Neighborhoods appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Above image courtesy of Magnus Larsson

No list of any sort is ever 100% complete or infallible: Lettermen has a new top ten every night, Billboard practically changes weekly, and Nobel has a new list of winners every year. Likewise, since my “Last 2 Days in Vancouver”, I’ve come to realize more places I would miss dearly if I were to leave Vancouver and never return. So, I’m adding to the list. Here are more places I would visit – places that are distinctly Vancouver – if I only had 2 days left to enjoy this city.

Nook (Kitsilano)

Nook – Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza

Lively restaurant by the beach. Check. Delicious house-made pasta and pizza bread. Check. Distinctly Vancouver-inspired appetizer. Check. As a treat, my wife and I come to this Italian restaurant for their Vegetable Antipasto (it’s got quinoa, barley, kale and beets – very Vancouver indeed), the Casarecce, and their housemade sausage (lunch only). Great food, great atmosphere, and great for kids too (the lunch time crowd on weekends are predominantly families with kids). I never walk away disappointed – however, they do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait during peak times.

Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle

Chef Hung -Can’t remember the names of the dishes – but yum!

So what do you do when you win the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival in 2007, 2008, and 2010? You open 8 restaurants around the world – and make sure 3 of them are in the Greater Vancouver region (Richmond, UBC, and West Vancouver). We discovered this place when there was only 1 restaurant in Vancouver (the Richmond location) and it is easily my favourite noodle place. I bring my father-in-law whenever he’s in town, and even he loves it (and old Chinese men are often the biggest critics). A bonus of going to the Richmond location is that it’s located in Aberdeen centre, where I walk around afterwards to get my Chinese on. By the way, I’m Chinese.

Robson Summer Dance Series (Friday nights)

Image courtesy of Asher Isbrucker

In a previous life, I ballroom danced – and by that I mean I took lessons, trained religiously, entered dance competitions, won competitions, dated my dance partner, and completely neglected my academic responsibilities during my university education. Robson Summer Dance series is an event where – for an evening – I can at least reminisce about my previous experiences and mistakes. It’s a free event and includes a free dance lesson and 2 dance demos along with a few hours of general dancing in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s an event for everyone – not just washed up ballroom dancers like myself – and I don’t think there’s a better thing to do for free with a crowd of people on a Friday night. The Summer Dance series is put on by Dancesport BC and runs during July and August.

Richmond Night Market

Image courtesy of GoToVan

There are 2 summer night markets in Richmond, and the one to go to is the original Richmond Night Market located by River Rock Casino. Running on weekends starting mid-May to mid-October, I go for the atmosphere – and by that I mean pushing through scores of people lining up in every which direction for crappy dim sum – and to see the various types of food being served – like the Rotato and the ice dessert shaped like a phallus accompanied with whipped cream (I’m not kidding). Okay, so it’s not that cheap and the food isn’t that great, but I go once or twice a season, and I love the novelty. Oh yeah, and they’ve got a great selection of socks from Korea and China there too.

FUSE (Vancouver Art Gallery)

Image courtesy of Thomas Quine

Normally, I don’t go to art events because I can’t stand the people who go (i.e. the hood rats dressed up in Michael Kors or the wealthy who like to use words like banal to describe art), but I make an exception for FUSE. Every 2 or 3 months, the Vancouver Art Gallery holds an adults only evening – an evening filled with performance art, jazz, wine, and music. I like dressing up, looking at art, and having a drink in the café while listening to jazz. There is something for everyone, and if you can’t find anything you like, just do as I do and starting hating on the hood rats and the wealthy.

The Grouse Grind

6 Tips to Dominate The Grouse Grind

Whenever hiking is mentioned in Vancouver, the Grouse Grind almost always comes up. It is not a particularly scenic hike where hikers get to see breathtaking views of snow capped mountains. It is not a particularly adventurous hike where survivalists walk for miles into the back country to rough it, far away from fast food joints, cell phone service, and hipsters. It is a hike that is all about business; it is, as many describe it, Mother Nature’s Stair climber – and I love it. Hike the Grind, see the view of Vancouver from above (when it’s not raining), and feel good about yourself.

Read my related post – 6 Tips To Dominate the Grouse Grind

As always, there are some more things I would do, but that may have to wait for another blog post (One more last 2 days in Vancouver perhaps?). What would you do in your last 2 days in Vancouver? In your hometown? I’d love to know.

The post 2 MORE days in Vancouver? Okay! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

For part 3 of my Hawaii trip,  Mike and I took a day trip to the ever so popular Waikiki Beach!  Although we stayed in Kailua during our Hawaiian vacation, there was no way we were missing out on all the fun things to do in Waikiki.

Diamond Head Hike

Driving from Kailua Beach to Waikiki, we decided to take a detour and hike up the Diamond Head. Not knowing what to expect, we sunscreened up and brought plenty of water to keep us hydrated. The hike only took us about 30 minutes, but then again we did have proper hiking shoes, as opposed to flip-flops or even high heels (don’t ask, I have no idea what some people are thinking when they decide to hike up a volcano – albeit one that is no longer active but still!) and we didn’t have any kids with us or strollers (even though the signs clearly said no strollers, some people were adamant that they could push the strollers up the trail). There are a lot of people going up and down the hiking trail and both lanes of “traffic” are busy, so unless there is enough room to pass the person in front of you, hiking etiquette says you can really only go as fast as the person in front of you. Regardless of how long it takes, the view from the top is breathtaking and worth the sweat!

View of the water from Diamond Head.

A different perspective at the top.

Selfie!!! Proof of my hike up Diamond Head.

Things To Do In Waikiki

Despite the arm and a leg that you pay for parking (more on that below), I can now appreciate why tourists gravitate towards Waikiki. This beachfront neighborhood offers everything from world class shopping to restaurants that are masters in gastronomy. Not to mention there is a lot of activity on the streets to keep you entertained and of course there is the beach! Whether you are in the water, soaking up some rays, or people watching on shore – there is something for everyone.

Kalakaua Avenue

It was interesting to see people busting out into song and dance as we were walking down the street.

Relaxing at Waikiki Beach.

Even before going to Honolulu, I knew that the shopping would be spectacular. My sister told me to save up and top up my shopping fund because I would need it (yes, I make it a point to create a shopping fund when I travel so I can spend guilt free). I was giddy with excitement even before getting to Ala Moana Center, but as soon as I stepped inside the mall I was salivating. There are actually more than enough stores along Kalakaua Ave to satisfy most shoppers, but who’s kidding who? There was no way the shopaholic in me would go to Honolulu without venturing to Ala Moana. There were so many stores I didn’t know where to start. I couldn’t diddle-daddle because we had dinner plans with my good friend Neal, so I was a women on a mission and bee-lined it to my favourite stores. Whenever I go shopping, Mike and I usually head off on our own because the poor guy hates to shop and prefers to wait at a pub or coffee shop, whereas I like to throw myself into retail therapy and I don’t want him knowing the kind of workout I put my credit card through so . . . it really is just better for our marriage this way :).

Trolley stop on Kalakaua Avenue that will take you to Ala Moana (take the pink trolley).

After some intense shopping (on my part) Mike and I met up with a Neal at the infamous Duke’s Restaurant and Bar in the Outrigger Reef Resort. I have to say, this was a five star experience for several reasons:

A Mai Tai with dinner – definitely hit the spot!

We started with the Crispy Coconut Crusted Black Tiger Shrimp.

Hmmmm seafood – the sautéed mac nut and herb crusted fish.

Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken.

The decadently delightful Hula Pie.

View of the sunset from our table at Duke’s.

Duke’s Restaurant and Bar in the Outrigger Reef Resort.

Parking in Waikiki

One of the most common complaints about Waikiki is the cost of parking. Here are some things I discovered that could help you save on parking:

What is your list of things to do in Waikiki?

Want to read more about Hawaii? Check out these posts:

Kailua Hawaii – A Hidden Treasure

Surfing North Shore Oahu – Waimea Bay

The post Going To Honolulu? Things To Do In Waikiki appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

The Grouse Grind Vancouver is synonymous with hiking, yet many people seem to think the name is a bit of a hyperbole. It is not. It IS a GRIND. It is a painful, strenuous, sweaty, and agonizing hike – which will take the average person around an hour and a half to two hours to complete. Yes, there may be an insane number of seniors who hike up the trail (thereby creating a misplaced belief that the trail is pretty gentle), but my guess is those same seniors also run marathons, practice MMA, and do P90X daily just for fun.

Grouse Grind Timer at The Trailhead

Despite the grind, I love it. I put my head down, my earphones on, and listen to the soundtrack to all the classic 80s movie montages: The Karate Kid (“You’re the best…around…nothing’s gonna ever keep you down…”), Rocky 1, 2, 3 and 4 (“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, standing up to the challenge of our rivals…”), and Top Gun (“Take my breath awa….”, errr, I mean, “Highway to the danger zone…”). I go with no breaks, passing people along the way, feeling pretty good about that, and then feeling pretty dejected when I’m passed by a speed demon disguised as a senior citizen (I reason that it’s because they’re wearing UnderArmor, which really cuts down on their drag, plus, I’m so much bigger and heavier than them). When I get to the top, I check my time (oh, 43 minutes, a personal best) and I raise my hands and belt out a loud, “DRAGO!!!”

Grouse Grind Path

The thing is, I can spot Grouse Grind newbs all the time and it both saddens and annoys me when they’re suffering because most their problems could be avoided if only they hiked it smartly. Here are some Grouse Grind tips:

This is my biggest pet peeve. I see it all the time. A guy or girl unable to climb up some rocks because of their skinny jeans and flip flops/high heels. They need to take the hand of the person they’re with for balance, and it slows every one else down. They look surprised, out of breath, and confused as to why this hike is so difficult. Look, there’s a reason why it’s not called the Grouse Fashion show or the Grouse Posers’ Party – it’s because it’s the f*ckin’ Grouse GRIND.

Those speed demons (a.k.a. freakishly fit senior citizens) have all got something in common: they wear shorts, a t-shirt, a hat, and a pair of hiking shoes, and they carry a Sigg bottle of water. That’s it! No back packs, no picnic baskets, and certainly no make-up purses. No wonder they’re so fast. That being said, I tend to bring a backpack because I like to train with the added weight. Yes, I know I’m being a hypocrite.

You will sweat. Lots. And there are no majestic streams of glacial mountain water where you can grab a cold drink. It’s called the Grouse Grind, not the Grouse Brewing company.

There are restroom facilities in the Grouse mountain parking lot. Use them. It’s hard enough holding in pee while watching a movie in a movie theatre let alone hiking up a mountain for an hour or so while holding in pee.

You’ll need to pay for the Gondola ride back down to the base of the mountain, unless you’re deciding on hiking down the mountain as well. Lucky for us, the ride down is a fraction of the cost for the ride up.

 It’s always more painful to stop and start. When you feel yourself getting tired, slow down, keep moving your feet no matter how slow it feels, turn up the tunes on your iPod, and remember, “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, standing up to the challenge of our rivals…”.

The easy part!

The Grind usually opens up in May when the weather in Vancouver improves and the trails aren’t as slippery any more. Grouse Grind competitions occur quite frequently, and being a competitive person myself, I do try to train with the intent of one day making it on the Daily Best list (but my time would have to be in the low 30’s to qualify).

Grouse Grind Hours of Operation:

The Grouse Grind is generally a spring to fall hike.  Opening late May to September.   During the summer months,  the trail is open from 6:15 am to 7:00 pm.

Good luck on your trip up the Grind. Who knows, we may pass each other on the trail – only to be passed by another senior citizen seconds later. Damn, those seniors really can excel at this hike.

Please share your best times in the comments below!

The post 6 Tips to Dominate Grouse Grind Vancouver appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Six days is not nearly enough time to experience the culinary pleasures that New York has to offer. I had grand plans to visit places such as Babbo (Mario Batali’s restaurant in Greenwich Village), Dominique Ansel (the bakery that created the cronut – a heavenly cross between a donut and croissant), and the Milk Truck, but unfortunately time got away from us and we ate wherever it was convenient. That is not to say that our taste buds suffered as a result – that is indeed not the case – but rather we just ate at restaurants that were close by and in doing so were able to experience some of the best New York food along the way.

Here are some of the places we went to that are definitely worth mentioning:

Amy’s Bread: I’ve said it once, I will say it again – Amy’s Bread! I’ve already mentioned the Coconut Dream Bar, but the German Chocolate cake and bread twists were some other favourites. Mike had the Manhattan Breakfast with Coffee one morning and he enjoyed it very much! Amy’s Bread also offers bread-making classes, which is something I am going to do the next time I go to NYC!!!

Magnolia Bakery: this place is always busy, but the Key Lime cheesecake and Oatmeal Raisin cookies made it worth the wait in line. Cupcakes seem to be the dessert of choice for most patrons and they were able to sell me a coconut cupcake, or two J.

Carnegie Deli: the food portions are huge, so you may want to share with someone. Mike had the corned beef sandwich and because I don’t eat meat, he was on his own and did not mind one bit. Instead I had the potato pancakes, which were ginormous, and although they were good they were a bit too much for me. On top of that, Mike ordered onion rings because why wouldn’t we want onion rings?

Going at night allowed us to get a table easily, but when we were leaving a line up was beginning to form.

Onion rings as a side dish.

There was like a pound of meat in this sandwich. Mike was not able to finish the whole sandwich, but really who could eat all of this in one sitting?

Potato pancakes, good but I probably shouldn’t have ordered them in a place that specializes in smoked and cured meats.

For me, the atmosphere and decades worth of pictures hanging off the wall at Carnegie Deli was more of the appeal than the food itself. I’m sure you would get a different opinion from a meat eater or Rueben sandwich connoisseur because Carnegie Deli is famous for its meats.

Trattoria Trecolori: before going to see the Book of Mormon, Mike and I wanted to go to a nice Italian restaurant close to the theatre. Walking around, we came upon Trattoria Trecolori and thought “why not”? We were pleasantly surprised – the food was authentic and delicious, the service was great, portions were just right, and the prices were completely reasonable.

Mike had the ravioli, which was stuffed with different cheeses . . . hmmmm delish.

I had the Linguine Nere alla Monsignore, which was linguini with shrimp, scallops, squid, clams, and mussels in a marinara sauce. The dish satisfied both my craving for pasta and seafood!

Momofuku Noodle Bar: this is one of the best places in New York for Ramen. It is located in the East Village and we would have overlooked this little non-assuming restaurant if we weren’t specifically looking for it. I jumped for joy when we finally found it and realized that there was no line up. I had read from a number of reviews that it was best to go at off-dinner hours or else you would wait in line for a long time.

I had the spicy miso ramen, which was served with smoked chicken, a poached egg, and sesame. The noodles were succulent and perfectly cooked, not soggy, and the broth had a depth of flavour that when mixed together with all the other ingredients it was truly an orgasmic experience.

Related post:  10 of the Best Vancouver Ramen Shops

Momofuku’s spicy miso ramen . . out of this world!

Mike had the ginger scallion noodles, which was served with pickled shitakes, cucumber and cabbage. A good alternative if you don’t want something soup based

We also ordered the shitake mushroom buns and I had no idea what I was getting into until after the first bite. I grew up eating buns – Bun Bao, Banh It Tran, all sorts of Chinese buns – but this was gastronomic heaven!!! There was a unique flavour from the hoisin sauce and shitake mushrooms, and when you combined it with the cucumber it helped to lighten the palette and not overwhelm as it often happens when you have too much hoisin sauce in a dish. Not to mention, the buns themselves were light and fluffy so when you put it altogether you have the perfect balance between taste and texture. This place is definitely a must try!

Steak and Shake: after the David Letterman Show we stopped in for a shake. The Oreo Cookies N’ Cream shake was definitely the cherry on top of a great day!

What are some of your favorite New York food places?  Let me know so I can check it out next time.

Want to find out more about New York?

New York Part 1 – U.S Tennis Open

New York Part 2 – David Letterman and Times Square

New York City Tours Part 3 – Keep on Hopping on

The post New York Food Part 4 – Gastronomic Heaven appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

One of the best ways to hit all of the major tourist attractions in New York is to take one of the bus tours. There are a couple of companies that offer New York city tours via the double decker hop-on/hop-off bus (Gray Line, City Sights NY, Big Bus), but it really doesn’t matter what company you go with because they all offer similar loops (Uptown Loop, Downtown Loop, Brooklyn Loop, and a Night Tour).

Mike and I went on the Downtown and Brooklyn Loop with City Sights NY because we previously walked to most of the sights offered in the Uptown Loop on our own. We bought our tickets through the Concierge Desk at our hotel and there was no added cost to do the Brooklyn Loop.  Going to Brooklyn was definitely worthwhile and it was the best way to see the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, not to mention there is a different vibe and energy to Brooklyn that you don’t get in Manhattan. Eager to see one of the most popular boroughs in New York City, Mike and I got off in Brooklyn, walked around, shopped and ate at a great Thai Restaurant (it was surprising to see so many Thai restaurants in the few blocks we walked), not to mention stopping at the Ample Hills Creamery for some insanely delicious ice cream.

The walkup Brownstones in Brooklynn are idyllic and adds to the appeal, reminding me of some of my favourite TV shows and movies.

Barclays Centre – home of the New York Islanders and Nets.

The bus tour took us through Lower Manhattan and the infamous Wall Street, the world’s financial epicenter where money is made and sometimes dreams are lost (think 2008 Global Financial Crisis). At one point in my life I really wanted to work on Wall Street, so it was surreal for me to be driving through and looking at the high rises that house some of the most powerful and influential firms in the world.

“Wall Street” two simple words that signify the financial markets of the United States and the world’s largest stock exchange.

The Merrill Lynch Bull – synonymous with Wall Street.

We also drove by the New York Courthouse and the only thing I could think about was the theme song to Law & Order and Jack McCoy standing on the steps trying to make a last minute deal before trial – yes, I know too much TV for me.

The New York Courthouse – where “justice is a by-product of winning” ~ Jack McCoy.

The added bonus of a bus tour is the information and commentary you get from the tour guides. They all have different perspectives and it is always enlightening to see what each one has to say about New York City. Our last guide on the tour shared his knowledge of the history of tenement housing in New York and the “slum like” conditions people were once living in. With this piece of information, I was now looking at the tenement structures through a different set of lens – no longer seeing the building’s architectural beauty but rather the hard knocked life of the tenants.

These tenement buildings are all over New York and now most are converted into apartment buildings.

Tenement building

The last stop of my New York trip will be the different restaurants that I discovered, so until next time . . . just keep on hopping on!

Read more about our New York adventures

New York Part 1 – Courting The Big Apple

New York Part 2 – David Letterman and Times Square

New York Part 4 – Gastronomic Heaven

The post New York City Tours Part 3 – Keep on Hopping On appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Above image courtesy of Pablo Tomatis

Late Show With David Letterman

I grew up watching the Late Show with David Letterman and always thought he was a funny man. Sometimes his jokes were eye-rolling outrageous, but even then you can’t help but laugh out loud. I always thought it would be entertaining to attend the show and given the fact that the final episode is scheduled to air on May 20, 2015, I knew my chances were limited.

Check out New York Part 1:  The U.S Tennis Open

Ed Sullivan Theater NY

I submitted my request for tickets online thinking that if I was fortunate enough to get a pair then great, but if not oh well. I had nothing to lose. Weeks went by and one afternoon I got a call from the David Letterman Show telling me that I had a chance to win tickets, but had to answer a trivia question. Contestants are asked different questions, but they are basic enough that most viewers should be able to answer them (I was asked “what does Dave throw at the camera?” Answer: a pencil). After answering the question correctly I had to find a date where I could attend the show since I was unavailable on the date that was originally offered. I have to say that Jon from the David Letterman Show was extremely patient and accommodating so thank you John!!! Mike and I were put on John’s Gold List and set to go.

Tickets to the show are free but are non-transferrable and you need to make a firm commitment to attend since they don’t “oversell” the show. The show relies solely on the audience for the energy and applause and the last thing they want is a bunch of empty seats or a quiet audience since Dave feeds off of the energy.

Security for the show is quite tight and not only do you need a ticket to get in, but you are also required to go through a metal detector. Also, you aren’t allowed to take use any cameras or audio recording devices in the Ed Sullivan Theatre, so that means no pictures to capture the memories, but at the same time it really allowed us to focus on the actual experience and be in the moment.

On the day we went to the show, Dave’s guests were Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Will Power (2014 IndyCar Champ), and Alt J (an English rock band). I was definitely awe struck to be in the same room as these celebrities, but I honestly think the best part of the experience was to see David Letterman himself. He is a great comedian and before taping started, Dave came out and spoke to the audience for 10-15 minutes, answering questions and joking around. Also, during commercial breaks Dave often consulted with various people about the show and even got his makeup touched up.

Taping for the show takes approximately 45 minutes (this does not include the time that you stand in line to get the actual tickets) and if you are lucky enough to win the David Letterman Show ticket lottery, you should definitely go. I know I would do it again if I could!

Times Square

There is a reason New York is known as the city that never sleeps. There is so much to see and do and being there for just 6 days I only got a small taste of New York.   We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, which was extremely convenient because all of the things we wanted to do was close by.

How would you describe Times Square? Overwhelming. It is big, bright, loud, crowded, and overwhelms your senses in every way. Don’t get me wrong, anyone who goes to NYC should definitely go see Times Square, but I don’t think I will stay there next time.

Times Square Billboards

Times Square Billboards

If you do happen to stay in Times Square, make sure to venture to 8^th and 9^th avenue and Hell’s Kitchen for some delicious food. I was able to find a more authentic New York culinary experience at the restaurants in these areas, as opposed to the ones in Times Square, which to me felt more like your big chain restaurants.

“No soup for you!” The Soup Man most notably known for as the Soup Nazi in Seinfeld.

One of my favourite places was Amy’s Bread, they had the best pastries and their coconut dream bars were to die for. Definitely worth the calories! Before we went to NYC, I had a couple of rules about eating out: we couldn’t go to the same place twice and we wouldn’t wait more than 20 min for a table. With so many places to eat and choose from, I wanted to maximize my dining experience. However, I made an exception for Amy’s Bread and went there almost everyday for a coconut dream bar – I was able to justify this because the bars didn’t replace a meal, but complimented my meals so I was still able to go to different restaurants J.

It is fun to people watch in Times Square because there are so many tourists, vendors, and people dressed in costume. Just be aware that if you decide to take any pictures with the costume wearers, you aren’t required to pay them or even tip them. However, be careful because they often put you on the spot and demand tips. One time, Mike and I wanted to take a picture with Iron Man (my nephews love Iron Man and I wanted to show them that their cool auntie got to meet Iron Man), and out of nowhere Woody from Toy Story joined in the photos. Before even taking pictures, I had asked Iron Man if there was a cost and he said there wasn’t, but as we were walking away Woody stuck out his hand and demanded a tip saying that was how they made their money. I was annoyed because I didn’t even want to take a picture with Woody to begin with and he was the one who invited himself, but feeling pressured I did tip each of them. Later on, I noticed there were police officers in Times Square handing out flyers saying tipping was optional and we are not obligated to tip the costume wearers. Also, there are homegrown music artists trolling around Times Square trying to pedal their demo CDs to unsuspecting tourists and as soon as you grab one, you are expected to give them some money, so be aware!

Mike and Ironman in Times Square.

As I was posing with Ironman, Woody came out of nowhere and decided he wanted in on the picture too.

Hope you enjoyed my David Letterman and Times Square adventures!

More to come!

Read more about our New York adventures

New York Part 1 – Courting The Big Apple

New York Part 3 – City Tours, Keep on Hopping On

New York Part 4 – Gastronomic Heaven

Resources:

Travel Guides New York
Hotel reservations
Getting there

The post New York Part 2 – David Letterman and Times Square appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.