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Isla Taboga, Panama

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

One of my top five, all time greatest places I’ve been, is a little island on the Pacific side of the Panama Bay called Isla Taboga. The island has a rough history, as it’s been used for US World War II artillery practice (you’ll get some odd photos – there’s you, there’s your friend in the beautiful blue water, there’s the white sand… there’s the artillery weapon getting engulfed by vines on the tiny island in the background), and there’s a large looted cemetery that had something to do with one of the French attempts to build the Panama Canal. But the Island is covered, covered, *covered* with flowers, and as you stroll down the islands one main road, through it’s “city” of San Pedro, (turn left after getting off the ferry – the only way to get to the island) you can breathe in their delicious scents. You’ll see friendly people walking aimlessly about, with various states of housing (but mostly brightly colored and sea-weathered) and the odd chicken or cat. Pay tribute to Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of the island, and, if you ask nicely with a smile (and ask in Spanish) the caretakers of the island’s main church will let you up into the bell tower, where you not only get a great view, but also a great sense of peace. There’s snorkeling available, as well as a short hike up Cerra de la Cruz (where more WWII leftovers dot the landscape, as well as a giant cross), and you can always check out the bird refuge, the Refugio Vida Silvestre Islas Taboga y Urabá, on the south side of the island. But the best thing to do during your stay on the island? Swim, sun, sit, and relax.

Filed under: Uncategorized, Central America, Latin America | Tagged: Panama, beaches, Spanish, history, swimming, Panama Canal, sun, Pacific Ocean, swim, fresh flowers, Isla Taboga, island, Refugio Vida Silvestre Islas Taboga y Urabá, wildlife refuge, WWII relics, World War II, Virgen del Carmen, church, views, panoramic vies, bell tower, Cerra de la Cruz, cross, ferry, relax, San Pedro, artillery, Latin America | Leave a Comment »

Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

The whole time I was in Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace (among other things), it rained. The weather added to the quaint charm of this beautiful little city. Everywhere you go there are flowers – boxed in windows, in mini-gardens, on the tables of the pubs (check out some of the pubs near the Stratford-Upon-Avon clock tower and seek the “original Crapper,” aka one of the first pull-chain toilets, which are still in use in some of the older pubs) – and the thatched, gentrified buildings make even the Boot’s chemist chain look positively fairy-tale-esque. Besides ambling through the town (Sheep Street is particularly enjoyable) and checking out the riverside area (the town is situated “upon” the River Avon), you can get your British Lit fix easily; there are five different homes/tourist spots dedicated to Shakespeare. I went to all of them, but I have to vote in Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (Shakespeare’s wife’s home) as the best; the home is kept hidden amid beautiful wildflower gardens, and the gardens themselves allow for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of travel. Stratford-Upon-Avon is also near Warwick Castle, which is SO worth a visit (you’re also near the industrial city of Birmingham). There are tons of theaters in Stratford-Upon-Avon, as the town is proud of it’s Shakespearean landmarks and influence, but don’t let that be the only reason you go – make sure to soak up the vibes of this happy city, lapping up your hot toddy while daydreaming in the rain.

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Boot's the chemist, British Literature, crapper, England, fresh flowers, friendly folk, history, lit, market, pubs, pull chain toilet, River Avon, riverside, Shakespeare, Sheep Street, shops, Stratford-Upon-Avon, theater, UK, United Kingdom, walking, Warwick Castle | Leave a Comment »

Bath, UK

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Let’s just get it out of the way quickly – the Roman baths in Bath, England (hence the name) make for an amazing visit to Western culture’s historical past. Of course Rome or the whole of Italy might better suit your need for Roman history, but knowing that the Romans traveled as far as Bath to set up their geothermal wonder is enough of a fulcrum for your imagination to hinge upon; the baths are still running, thousands upon thousands of years later, and the water is still warm. The friezes in the Roman Baths are still intact (mostly) and beautiful; for a pound, you can drink from the waters of the baths, but don’t expect a refreshing drink. Other than the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey (right beside them) is a great place to hang out; grab your lunch to go and watch the street performers, whose varied talents and piccalillis may charm you into thinking Bath is all about fun. And why not? Aside from the historic landmarks, such as the impressive architecture of the Royal Crescent and the Pulteney Bridge, there’s the great Sydney Gardens and the Royal Victoria Park, where all sorts of interesting folk are hanging out and having a good time. Bath’s rugby presence is strong; ask random people wearing rugby jerseys questions and you won’t wont for more enthusiastic conversation. Staying in Bath is easy, as it’s a tourist-heavy town, and there’s more food and artisan shops in the city to keep you occupied for months. Fun fact: if you take the train to Bath from Paddington Station in London (very easy train ride, and Bath’s small enough so that getting from the train station to the inner part of the town could be walked, if you felt like it) you’ll see at least two of the mysterious white horse “hill figures” carved in the sides of England’s hills and dales. Bath is all about history, theater, and art, but there’s a lot more to the city than just tourist attractions; hang out and see what all this city has to offer.

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: artisans, Bath, Bath Abbey, drink, England, food, freizes, friendly folk, geothermal, hill figures, history, London, Paddington, pubs, Pulteney Bridge, Roman baths, Romans, Royal Crescent, Royal Victoria Park, rugby, shopping, shops, Somerset, street performers, Sydney Gardens, train, UK, United Kingdom, Western culture, white horses | Leave a Comment »

Corolla, NC

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

The Outer Banks of North Carolina draws thousands of visitors every year; maybe it’s because of the history and lighthouses, maybe it’s because it’s so hard to get to, but, to this traveler, Corolla, near Duck, is like an outpost on the edge of the sea. There’s a general store, a pint-size library (I still have my card), and sandy roads that, if you venture too far off of them, you’ll need four-wheel drive. The Currituck Lighthouse, stately in it’s red brick, is a great way to catch a breeze (and great views) while you’re relaxing at the shore; make sure to note all the iron detail on the inside of the lighthouse, and try to spot a wild horse while you’re up there. Speaking of the wild horses, the folks in Corolla respect their equine neighbors, and certain areas of the island are kept wild and rugged in order to deter you from interfering with the horses, though there are some “tours” available if you really must seek them out. There are some great little boutique shops if you’re looking to spend some cash or soak up some AC, and jewelry, along with ubiquitous sand dollar art, are available for your purchasing pleasure. The main point of Corolla, along with the rest of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is to rest and enjoy the unspoiled prettiness that the local residents have worked so hard to preserve. The proximity of the area to pirate treasures and graveyards only enhances the vibe that you’ve truly gotten away from it all, and that you are on an adventure, even if it’s just to see how many sand crabs you can find between naps on the beach.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: Atlantic Ocean, beach, Corolla, Currituck Lighthouse, friendly folk, history, library, NC, North Carolina, ocean, Outer Banks, pirates, relaxation, sand, shopping, sun, surf, swimming, wild horses | 1 Comment »

JR: Siena, Italy

Posted on October 5, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

For an adult full of intellectual, historical, and artistic curiosity (that phrase may eliminate most Republicans), the entire region of Tuscany is a treasure trove. However, every container full of riches has one special little jewel hidden within its wealth, one in which the perfection of each varied facet combines to create a gem greater than the sum of its parts. For me, this has always been the small town of Siena, beginning with Piazza del Campo, the town square that Henry James once called the greatest plaza in Italy and the whole of Europe.
The Piazza, which is actually a fan or shell shaped area paved with individual hand-laid bricks, seems to be constantly full of brightly colored tourists feeding brightly covered pigeons. A few steps off the Piazza, outdoor cafes serve up mussels and clams and every kind of pasta imaginable along with liberal offerings of gelato and glasses of wine from the Sangeovese grapes grown a few kilometers away. Sadly, you’ll have to pay a hefty price for these fine meals, about as much as lunch at McDonald’s in some dreary little town in America. Boo Hoo!
After lunch, you may stroll to Plazzo Publico, or Town Hall, and inside stare at the wall of the civic museum in amazement. The allegory of Good and Bad Government, a series of frescoes painted by Ambroggio Lorenzetti in the 14th century, portrays the struggle between order and chaos. This contrast is an example of what makes art a cultural heritage, its timelessness. We struggle with the same conflict in the 21st century. Don’t worry about leaving the Piazza and having nothing to do. A short distance away, the Duomo of Siena stands. This cathedral was built with alternating blocks of black and white marble and the reliefs in the Baptistery were painted by Donatello (and I don’t mean one of the Ninja Turtles). If you have time after visiting the leather shops and watching the street comics, stop by the old Medician Fortress that is now the Siena Jazz School and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to hear one of the free concerts that go on year round. These things I’ve mentioned are only the beginning
of sights, sounds, and tastes available to any tourist in Siena. There are more churches, a university, an opera house, museums, professional soccer and basketball games, and a host of jewelry and clothing stores to keep you occupied. The town is accessible by bus Florence (1 hour), Rome (three hours), and Milan (four hours).

Juror #3/Jim McGarrah

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: Ambroggio Lorenzetti, art, artistic curiosity, Baptistry, basketball, cathedral, churches, concerts, Donatello, Duomo, Florence, fresco, gelato, Henry James, history, intellect, Italy, jewelry, Jim McGarrah, juror #3, Medician Fortnress, Milan, Ninja Turtles, opera house, Piazza del Camp, pigeons, Plazzo Publico, Rome, Sangeovese, shopping, Siena, Siena Jazz School, soccer, street comics, street performers, Town Hall, university, wine | Leave a Comment »

JR: Springfield, IL

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Springfield is kind of the “capitol of the prairie”and is a much more dynamic place than you’d expect. As the capital of Illinois, there’s always a lot going on and tons of history if you’re interested in that kind of thing. Also, due to the number of people who come to town for the legislative session, it can have a pretty raucus night life scence. For sites to see, the Illinois State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, the Illinois State History museum are cool. Abe Lincoln is everywhere in Springfield and Abe buffs will love his home (which is a National Park and the entire block has been preserved), Lincoln’s law office and also the Lincoln tomb. (Don’t forget to run the nose of Abe’s statue for good luck!) Hotels that are close to everything include the Presidential Inn and the Hilton, don’t get fooled by the Crown Plaza, its a 20 minute ride to everywhere. My favorite bar is Floyd’s, hands down, but the Brewhaus and Sportsmans aren’t far behind. If you get a chance to go in the summer, the Illinois State Fair is a blast. Hope this helps!

Filed under: North America | Tagged: Abe Lincoln, Brewhaus, Floyd's, history, History Museum, IL, Illinois, Illinois State, Illinois State Fair, Juror #20, National Park, Old State Capital, Presidential Inn, Sportsmans, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

Dartmoor National Park; Dartmoor, Devon, UK

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Make the time to go to Dartmoor if you’re wandering around England; suddenly you’ll feel wind-swept and romantic as you walk through the endless moors – perhaps Heathcliff will be nearby, banging his head on a garden gate. The moors that make up Dartmoor National Park are vast and beautiful. Located on the southern point of England, near Plymouth, the Dartmoor National Park has ponies and endless fields, but the biggest draw is their mystic peacefulness. I choose the word “mystic” because, as you walk through the park, you’ll come upon kistvaens, hut circles, and various other rock formations (there are several standing rock-style landmarks, called menhirs), which might look like rocks placed just so, but upon closer inspection, you can see the history of civilization at your feet! Well, that and “mystic” refers to the various pixies and hell hounds that supposedly haunt the place – the moors at night have been the backdrop for many a spooky tale or movie. Take a long hike and skip over the Rivers Dart (East and West), muck through the bogs, check out the granite tors, as well as other beautiful natural splendors. A must for all visitors: the park is very into preservation and keeping things pristine (rightly so) so leave everything you see as you found it… or the pixies might get you!

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: Dartmoor, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, East Dart River, hell hounds, history, hut circles, kistvaens, menhirs, mythology, pixies, Plymouth, ponies, rock formations, UK, West Dart River | Leave a Comment »

JR: Athens, Greece

Posted on August 10, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

My friend and I went to Athens for a whirlwind weekend, and we had an overall good time, though everything in Athens seemed to be not what we expected; Athens is great, but it is hot and sort of grimy. There’s nothing bad to say about Greek food, which is generally healthy and full of fresh fish, vegetables, and bread; Athenians eat dinner pretty late, with a mid-day break, like most of Europe, and certain areas of this huge city are loud and noisy from dusk to dawn. Be prepared to pay extra to eat outside. Goody’s, Greece’s fast food chain, has cheap fast food, but the health quality of Goody’s is higher than McDonald’s, and street food is fine. We took the free bike tour of old Athens (you meet at a metro station around 10:30 on Saturdays, you can just show up) and that was a fun but awkward way to see the beautiful streets of Athens. We met people from all over Europe on the bike tour. All the “big stuff,” like the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, were worth seeing (crowded even though we were there in September), and we got smoggy but memorable pictures of the city from Lycabettus Hill, which you can walk up or take the funicular (we walked up and took the funicular down). I think because my friend and I (two girls) were traveling by ourselves we attracted a lot of attention from men, which wasn’t mean but creepy – there seem to be more men then women in Athens. The Greek sailors by Pireaus were over-friendly. Also, there are a lot of people begging in the streets with little kids; we saw several near the park (National Garden of Athens). Most everyone spoke some sort of English, and almost everyone smokes a lot, indoors and outside. I’d go back and see parts of Greece other than Athens, but I enjoyed the history of the old town.

Juror #19

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: Acropolis, athens, free bike tour, fresh fish, funicular, Goody's, greece, Greek food, history, juror #19, late dinner, Lycabettus Hill, National Garden of Athens, old Athens, Piraeus, protests, smog, smoking, Temple of Zeus, vegetables | Leave a Comment »

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