Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Image by Kristal Kraft

When many people think of my hometown of Denver, they think of a cowboy boot wearin’, steak and potatoes eatin’, gone skiin’ or gone fishin’ kind of city. If you’re one of those people, you’re in for a surprise because Denver has a lot to offer culturally. We have an ever evolving, diverse and exciting downtown area. We also have a great art scene with several art districts and the impressive Denver Art Museum, or “DAM”. Architecturally inspiring, DAM also houses a wide variety of unique exhibits. We also have some pretty great things do in the great outdoors (gasp!). With places like Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Boulder Flat Irons and Hanging Lake to name a few, it’s not hard to understand why Denver is consistently rated one of the happiest and healthiest cities in America. Even if you’re less outdoors inclined, there’s a great Denver gaming scene. The options are endless!

Click here to read the full story featured on Gotsaga.com

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China - Flickr user Olekvi

Photo Credit

China has lured travelers in search of adventure and exotic culture for centuries. Today, international visitors are heading in droves to this emerging economic and cultural powerhouse. A popular destination is the nation’s capital: Beijing. With almost 20 million inhabitants, Beijing is the second largest city in China and is filled with fascinating historical sights. But how much do you know about Beijing? Here are five things you might not know about Beijing.

1. Beijing used to be called Peking. The English name was changed when the Chinese adapted a different Romanized system of spelling in 1979. The city’s name is still the same in Chinese, but the English writing of “Beijing” more accurately reflects the Chinese pronunciation than Peking. In Chinese, the name means “northern capital”.

2. Beijing Airport is the second busiest airport in the world based on passenger volume. Beijing Capital International Airport sees around 70 million passengers rolling their luggage wheels through the three terminals in an average year. It is also one of the cleanest. In 2009 it was named as the World’s Best Airport by Condé Nast Traveler, receiving praise for its general cleanliness and customer service.

3. It has a Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is the name of the imperial palace occupied for 500 years by the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Conveniently located in the middle of the Beijing, the Forbidden City is one of China’s top tourist attractions. This opulent political house was the ceremonial center for the Chinese government and today it is home to the Palace Museum.

4. Beijing is the best place to eat Peking Roast Duck. If you love the Chinese delicacy of Peking Roast Duck, then you are obliged to try it in the city where it originated. Of course, every chic restaurant, hole-in-the-wall diner and street cart offers its own version of juicy slices of duck meat with crispy skin. Be sure to try them all on your own Beijing city tour!

5. Beijing battles air pollution. The Chinese government aggressively battled air pollution in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics and continues to employ a variety of tools to improve air quality. Steps include moving high pollution factories outside the city, improving efficiency to reduce the 2,500-3,000 tons of coal used daily in Beijing, working on public transportation campaigns, and other efforts to reduce the environmental impact of heavy industry, 5 million cars and 20 million people.

Were these facts no-brainers for you? Then check out this extremely challenging quiz about China.

Share your tips and tricks for other travelers to incredible Beijing in the comments below! (Having trouble viewing Facebook comments? Click here!)

“Sonja wake up, we’re going to be late!” Jory violently shook me from the best sleep I’d had since I arrived in India four days prior…

It was 5:30 am and we had one hour if we were lucky, to get through the gates to watch the sun rise behind the Taj Mahal. Everyone had expressed to us that this was the only way to experience it. They would swoon saying, “the lighting… THE LIGHTING!” I quickly threw some cold water on my face, collected my things, and ran out the door.

“Hola, Hola, Coca Cola!” greeted Omar, the rickshaw driver we had commissioned the day before. Amazed by his enthusiasm at such an early hour, we climbed in and relayed our desperate situation. The spicy, sweaty, floral scent of Agra attacked our senses as we flew through the eerily silent city. Dawn began to break and a sense of panic started to seep in, “what if we miss it?!”

Once we arrived we quickly bought our tickets, fought off beggars, peddlers, and even monkeys – only to discover we were not the only ones to have this stroke of genius. The line moved slowly as the horizon began to lighten. After being searched by four different guards, a precaution taken in thanks to the attacks in Mumbai a few months prior, we finally crossed the gates as the sun kissed the sky. There she stood white marble veiled in a pale pink glow, blushing, as if someone had drawn the curtains too soon. The water in the pool guiding you to the entrance blinked as the light hit the surface. We stood in awe, and being a hopeless romantic, I began to tear up, not only because of its striking beauty but because it was built as a monument of love. After a moment of standing in silence I looked over at Jory and was relieved to see that she was just as moved by the experience as I was.

“They were right” she whispered.

I smiled and responded “the lighting…!”

What travel experiences have you had where timing really was everything? Share with us in the comments below! (if you’re having trouble viewing Facebook comments, click here)

University of Texas Tower

“Keep Austin Weird” – well, not you in particular, but I figured it appropriate to start my list with the slogan that has been passed around every hipster bar across the capitol city of Texas since it was coined in 2000.

Austin has always been a vibrant mix of personalities.  On Guadalupe Street (known as the ‘The Drag’), which runs alongside University of Texas campus, you’re bound to see an eclectic mix of hipsters, artists, soccer moms, old tie-dye wearing hippies, and Land-Rover-driving frat guys.   In fact, you’ll find this mix almost anywhere you go in Austin.  Also named ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin is a town with endless character, beautiful scenery, and top-notch people watching.

As a former Austin college student and resident, I’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best things to do during your stay:

1.  Eat Tex-Mex – Seriously, the food is to die for.  Do not, I repeat, do not come to this city on a diet.  Bring an empty belly, ready to be filled with chips and salsa, cheesy enchiladas, and sizzling beef fajitas. Try Maudie’s for brunch, a divey local favorite, or Guero’s on South Congress for dinner.   Be sure to wash down the food with a margarita on the rocks, and then catch a rickshaw into downtown for after-dinner drinks.
2. Barton Springs – Located just outside of downtown on the grounds of Zilker Park, this natural water spring is a recreational favorite on the weekends for all crowds.  Bring a towel, a book, and your bathing suit.  If you decide to hop in for a swim, beware – the temperature of the Springs usually hovers around a chilly 70 degrees!
3. University of Texas Campus – In particular, visit the UT Tower – the most recognized landmark on campus and often lit up in a burnt orange color for sporting and university events.  Observation deck tours are available (reservations recommended).   Be sure to throw a penny into Littlefield Fountain on the South Mall and if you’re there in the fall, don’t miss a football game at Darrell K. Royal Stadium.  (Wear burnt orange and white, the university colors, if you want to participate in the fun as the locals do).
4. Historic 6^th Street – A must-see at night if you’re feeling lively.  Lined with bars, music venues, restaurants, and late-night pizza joints, the heart of this entertainment district is closed off to cars on the weekends and fills up elbow-to-elbow with party-goers after the sun goes down.  If you’re looking for a bit more ‘mature’ crowd, head over a few blocks to 4^th Street.  I’d recommend a drink at Cedar Street Courtyard near 4^th and Lavaca where you’ll often be able to catch a local singer-songwriter on the patio.
5. West Austin “The Hill Country” – A short drive away (20-30 minutes) from the cities’ hustle and bustle lies the Texas Hill Country, a true gem of the Texas landscape.  This area west of Austin is comprised of rolling hills, rivers, mansions, and country clubs.  Make your way to Mount Bonnell lookout point for amazing panoramic views of Lake Austin and 360 Bridge, best seen at sunset.  Then, head over to County Line Bar-B-Q to feast on a platter of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausage.

I realize I may be a bit biased, but Austin is the type of city that truly has it all.  A place that’s classy and funky, edgy and artsy, laid-back while at the same time bustling with character.  It’s weird and amazing, and I’d encourage any of you to give it a whirl for your next vacation.

One of the greatest cities to visit during the summer is Seattle. The weather is comfortable and warm, the seafood is to die for and the activities are endless. Traveling to Seattle during the winter however can be a different story. The cloud cover that most travelers want to avoid on vacations is ever present and that cloud cover usually brings with it the daily drizzle. Choosing the best activities for this weather can be difficult, but to make planning easier I’ve picked out some fun places to explore, even in the company of rain.

1. The Bainbridge Ferry

These large, slow moving ferries offer you the opportunity to see west facing Seattle, which is a spectacular view (see above). If you don’t want to brave the rainy outdoor decks, you can view the beautiful scenery from the indoor window seating. The ride to Bainbridge is only 30 minutes and gives you just enough time to see some of the surrounding Islands as well. Tickets for the ferry are inexpensive and lunch on Bainbridge is oysterific.

2. Alki Beach

On a day that is cloudy but not rainy head on over to Alki Beach in West Seattle. If you’re a brunch fan like me, stop in for some crab and eggs at Salty’s, a waterfront restaurant. Salty’s is well known for its seafood and great views of downtown. Afterwards, work off brunch by taking a stroll down Alki where you’ll find rocky and sandy beaches, docks and friendly locals. Don’t be afraid to stop into one of the tiny restaurants or bars along the way for a mid afternoon drink. You’re on vacation after all!

3. SAM – The Seattle Art Museum

The SAM is located on 1^st avenue in downtown Seattle. It is right next to the Puget Sound and countless stores and restaurants. The SAM is easy to find, just look for the 3 story tall man on 1^st “hammering” away at his next masterpiece. After touring the museum, you have Pike Place Market within walking distance. If it is especially rainy that day, you can opt to check out the market’s lower levels where there are cozy restaurants and quirky shops.

*For great food at Pike Place visit: Place Pigalle, Maximilien, or Etta’s for lunch.

While there is much more to do in Seattle, the rain can at times motivate you to do nothing more than hunker down in your hotel room. Hopefully this list will help get your ideas flowing and put that newly purchased rain jacket to good use! For more cool ways to explore the city, check out Gray Line Seattle Tours.

What are your favorite activities to do in the rain? Share in the Facebook comments below!
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Forgetting for a moment the actual sport of football, the forthcoming Super Bowl 46  also happens to serve as (yet another…) battleground for the everlasting debate. Chicken or egg, yin or yang, Boston or New York?

Technically, the Patriots are in Foxborough and the Giants are in Jersey – however, who doesn’t love the chance to beat a dead horse (only figuratively, obviously) and discuss the merits of these two nor’east rivals. This blogger actually doesn’t have a whole lot of loyalty either way, so we’ll just present the facts, ma’am:

• Food: (because it’s my favorite topic) – New York, pizza…clearly. Boston, what? Boston cream pie? Boston baked beans?  Point NYC.

• Traffic: In a painstakingly nonscientific and randomly chosen study, Travel+Leisure told me that New York’s traffic is second in the world only to Mexico City. Although one could argue that the population differences should be factored in…but then I got bored, so point Boston.

• Average Hotel Cost:  NYC, $194 – Boston, $154. Some might call that negligible. I, on the other hand, like $40. So, point Boston.

• Libation-Friendly Culture: I mean, it’s the Super Bowl, right? As rated here, Boston didn’t even make the cut, so….point NYC.

If you, like me, are a math whiz, you’ve noticed that we’ve got ourselves a tie. How about this – visit both, and make up your own mind!

On a recent visit to my favorite Midwest city, a Chicago native and fellow lover of fancy cocktails mentioned a new spot cashing in on the growing speakeasy trend, The Violet Hour in Wicker Park. Always up for some Sunday afternoon imbibing, and because the trip also included the incredible tacos at Big Star across the street, I and five of my fellow 20-somethings piled into a Honda. Our Chucks, hoodies and inappropriate giggling were sure signs that we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Full of pork belly and dulce de leche milkshakes, we had to scan the facades on Damien for a moment to find the entrance to the Violet Hour. Hidden away in true too-hot-to-trot-hotspot fashion, we finally made our way into the door and through a maze of purple curtains into the extremely darkly lit bar area. After being (politely?) asked to silence our cell phones, we squished into a massive plush booth and held the table candle over the cocktail menu to make our selections. This might be a good time to note that the matchbook covers were nicer than any purse I’ve ever owned.

Although we were a bit put off by the slightly terrifying swank factor of the joint, the cocktails were absolutely delicious, surprisingly not outrageously expensive, and named with panache –  can I pour anyone an Oldest Living Confederate Widow?

All in all, I wouldn’t call The Violet Hour pretentious, exactly…well I sort of just did, but it’s definitely worth a stop for an above-par cocktail and a good story. Just don’t wear your Chucks.

Street art is a living and breathing entity in Valparaiso, Chile. It seems to spring up organically in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, scurrying through narrow alleyways, crawling up windowsills and stretching across roof corners like whimsical ivy. The mix of officially sponsored murals with guerrilla graffiti blends together effortlessly, infusing Valparaiso´s streets with a vibrant energy. Multicolored houses playfully rise into the hills overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean, and the collection of street art celebrates this city´s fundamental connection to the sea with images of undulating waves and wooden boats.

Inspiration is everywhere, so I decided to grab my camera and embrace my bohemian side. Here are some pictures:

Brazil Soccer Match Macrana Stadium - Flick keetr

Soccer and Brazil. Brazil and soccer. The South American equivalent of peanut butter and jelly, you just can’t have one without the other. With a long history of famous players and heated rivalries, soccer is the life for many Brazilians. On game day the stadiums vibrate with competition as thousands of rowdy supporters gather to cheer on their favorite team as if their lives depended on it. Travelers looking for a Brazilian sporting experience should under no circumstances miss the chance to see a game live. The games can get pretty rowdy and here are some tips for travelers to make the most of the event:

Step 1: Find a Ticket: This can actually be tricky depending on the game. There are three big soccer teams in Rio de Janeiro (Botafogo, Flamengo and Vasco de Gama) and each team has a fan club that reserves a large portion of tickets for their members. If you happen to speak Portuguese, arrive early on game day and haggle with ‘representatives’ from the fan club or see if you can find a ticket window with seats still left. For big games, you may want to consider a Brazilian soccer tour which will give you the peace of mind of assured tickets without any unpleasant hassles.

Step 2: Yes, but do you have a Flag?: Ok, so you’ve got your ticket, now it’s time for the opening festivities. Before the game starts, fans do their best war dance, skipping and jumping into the stadium, waving their flags, and chanting at the top of their lungs to the beat of massive drums. The sound is deafening and it is the best sports anthem since Rocky. The flags are simple in their designs and messages (Our team rocks!) and fans wave these banners with all their might as their pride ripples in the wind. Serious rivalries will ultimately include a duel of who has the biggest flag, with teams displaying gyrating flags that cover large sections of the stadium and hundreds of fist pumping fans.

Step 3: Learn Inappropriate Hand Gesture: Brazilians are a notoriously passionate people and often curse words alone are insufficient to express the deep emotions buried within their souls. Once the game starts, you would be wise to join the crowd and show your disgust for the other team by crossing your forearms and giving the double middle finger. If positive reinforcement is more your thing, then flick your wrists while raising your arms towards the heavens as you beg whoever’s upstairs for a freakin’ goal. If you are any having trouble getting these moves down, the locals will be more than willing to help you out.

Step 4: Enjoy the Game: Whether you call it soccer or futebol, everyone can agree that this is a beautiful game, especially when played by the Brazilians. Controlling the ball with skill and balance while maintaining an unceasing desire to win, the players are memorizing. Attending a Brazilian soccer match is an affair to remember and anyone who wants to travel to Brazil should put this on their must see list.