December 20, 2013

European Christmas markets; things to do


Next year I'd love to visit one of these European Christmas markets.




image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  



December 18, 2013

Introduction to Atlantic City, New Jersey

Introduction to Atlantic City, New Jersey


You’ve seen the post-Hurricane Sandy photos of the roller coaster sitting in the ocean.  That’s not here.  Though Atlantic City is an island, with an ocean on one side and a bay on the other, Sandy didn’t flatten it, and the city has been ready for fun-seekers and gamblers ever since things dried out. 

Atlantic City began in the mid-1800s when a few entrepreneurs imagined the seaside location as a health spa and resort town.  A 600-room hotel built here was at that time the nation’s largest.  The first city to have gambling outside of Nevada, it features 12 casinos in close proximity--providing for a pulsating nightlife and an easy casino-hopping experience.  Nine casinos front the Boardwalk, putting the Atlantic Ocean and a magnificent beach at your doorstep.  Three more are positioned about 5 minutes away in the Marina District.

skyline of Atlantic City, New Jersey
skyline of Atlantic City, New Jersey


It is the city that inspired the most popular board game ever—Monopoly—which uses the city’s street names, and it is where the Rat Pack first got together.  And you’ve probably seen it on episodes of “Seinfeld” and “Sex and the City.” 

Some Atlantic City firsts include:

●Boardwalk, which opened in 1870.

●salt water taffy, which originated in 1883 on the Boardwalk after a storm flooded a candy store.

●rolling chairs, which debuted here in1887.
And this year the Miss America pageant returned to town. 



More things to do in Atlantic City.

More information on Atlantic City.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

December 16, 2013

How to drink kava or yaqona in Fiji; things to do

How to drink kava or yaqona in Fiji


Fiji’s national drink is yaqona (pronounced yan-gon-na), or “kava” as it is known in other Pacific Islands.  In Fiji they also often refer to it by the nickname “grog.”  Made from the root of the pepper tree, which grows only in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, yaquona is bitter and potent.  I’ve heard yaqona described best as tasting like “peppery puddle water.”  It is non-alcoholic but has mild narcotic properties when taken over a prolonged period and in large quantities, and the United States F.D.A. warns of a possible link between kava and liver failure. 

learning how to drink kava or yaqona in Fiji
learning how to drink kava or yaqona in Fiji


Fijians consider it the drink of the Lord and start drinking it at around age 21.  In Fiji, the root is a form of  currency.  Traditionally, when visiting a village a guest brings a gift of kava roots to the chief as a sign of respect.  Sometimes villagers, visitors, and the chief sit on the bure floor while the chief conducts a blessing ceremony, and sometimes the roots are then pounded into a drink that is then distributed in one large bowl from which everyone drinks in a welcome ceremony indicating  goodwill and hospitality.  Pounding drums sometimes also accompany the ceremony.  On my visit to Fiji, I encountered this ceremony numerous times in many different ways—even in a demonstration at a resort shopping center! 

This is the etiquette of drinking yaqona:

●Don’t sip it. 

●When the bowl is presented to you, cup your hands and clap them together once.

●Accept the bowl and say, “Bula!,” or “Vinaka” (thanks).

●If it is a large bowl meant for a group, drink one gulp down fast.  If it is a small bowl for one person, drink it all down fast. 

●Clap three more times and say, “Maca!” 

●Return the bowl to the same person.

●Women sit with legs to the side only.  No one should point their feet at a chief or the kava bowl. 

●Women can ask for a smaller “low-tide” serving.  






December 13, 2013

Dingle town, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland: Best way to leave Dingle Town

Best way to leave Dingle Town


The best way to leave the Dingle Peninsula is to take the southern road N86 out of Dingle town east to the R561, and you’ll pass by Inch Strand.  Back-dropped by the Slieve Mish Mountains, this beautiful 4-mile stretch of sandy beach attracts surfers--a van on the sand provides lessons and rents boards--and cars can drive on the packed-sand beach (not advised if you have a rental car).

Inch Strand beach in Dingle, Ireland
Inch Strand beach in Dingle, Ireland



More things to do on the Dingle Peninsula.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

December 11, 2013

Dingle Peninsula, Ireland: Tour the Ring of Dingle/Slea Head Drive; things to do + restaurant review

Tour the Ring of Dingle/Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula


There are more than 2,000 archaeological sites on the Dingle peninsula. It is basically an open-air museum dotted with monuments in various stages of decomposition.  Many people think this route is better and easier than the Ring of Kerry, and you won’t see many tour buses on this less-traveled road.  The Tour the Ring of Dingle/Slea Head Drive is 30 miles, and though it is a two-way road, most people drive it clockwise.  Allow about three hours.  Rick Steves describes the loop drive in detail:. I wish I had printed it out.

view of sea from the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland
view of sea from the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland


VENTRY/Ceann Tra  

In between Dingle Town and Slea Head.

beehive huts  

Also called ring forts, these structures are the most numerous and widespread field monuments in Ireland.  Several groups are found here. Made of stone without mortar by seventh-century monks, they kept the occupants dry and are thought to have housed just one family until around 1200 A.D.  It is believed that many of these mysterious huts survived only because superstition said they were "fairy forts."  Entering one surrounds you in a dank coziness.  The first signposted site we came to was up a steep hill and had a E2/person charge.  Homemade signs made me suspicious that it was a scam, but I was told elsewhere later that the farmers do sometimes charge to visit these sites on their property.  My advice is to wait until you come to the second beehive huts site, where apparently admission is always free.  

beehive huts outside Dingle town in Ireland
beehive huts outside Dingle town in Ireland


SLEA HEAD/Ceann Sueibhe  

This is the closest point in Europe to America.  When the weather is good, you’ll have stunning views of the rugged coastline and of the Blasket Islands located 6 miles off the coast.

     ●Slea Head Cafe   

          You can enjoy a warm-up at this tea house.   

DUNQUIN/Dun Chpoin  

Stop for a brownie and latte at this pottery cafe and enjoy the gorgeous view of the Blaskett Islands.

Reasc Monastery  

This spot is hidden but worth the effort to find it. 

Dunbeg Fort Visitor Center

At the base of Mt. Eagle.. One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric sites, this fort dates to 400 BC and was occupied in the 8th century.

     ●Stonehouse Cafe  

          This cafe operates within an authentic Irish stone house.  You can sit outside and enjoy the view of Dingle Bay, maybe with an open-face crabmeat brown-bread sandwich. 

BALLYDAVID/Baile Na Ngall  

This picturesque fishing village is on the western end of the peninsula.

Scanlons Pet Farm  

5 miles west of Dingle, Barr na Nard, Baile an Lochaigh, near the end of the Slea Head Drive.  

Visitors can see and pet farmyard animals.  There is a playground for the children, and a nature walk to Feothanach river.  A picnic area is located beside the river.

BALLYFERRITER

   

Louis Mulcahy shop  

This rambling pottery shop is the perfect spot to select some gifts and souvenirs.  Do allow time for lunch or tea in the cafe, where you can enjoy some delicious food and sample the wares before you buy. 

Gallarus Oratory  

This Christian church highlight comes just before you reach the crest of the hill and start back down to Dingle.  Built circa 800 A.D., it resembles an overturned boat and is probably the finest example of a watertight dry-stone building in Western Europe and it is the only one still standing.






December 9, 2013

Dingle town, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland: The Lantern Townhouse B&B; hotel review

B&B  Main Street, downtown, + 353-66-9151088.  4 stories; 10 rooms.  E30-50/person.  Breakfast + E5.  No pets.  No smoking.  Parking free on street. 


exterior of The Lantern Townhouse B&B in Dingle town, Ireland
exterior of The Lantern Townhouse B&B in Dingle town, Ireland




breakfast at The Lantern Townhouse B&B in Dingle town, Ireland
breakfast at The Lantern Townhouse B&B in Dingle town, Ireland


Centrally located on the town's main upper street, this B&B is just a few steps from restaurants, pubs, and shops.  During my stay, the cheery desk clerk provided excellent suggestions for restaurants and for pubs with traditional Irish music.  Breakfast offers a choice of either a Belgian waffle with fresh fruit or eggs scrambled with smoked local salmon on toast, plus a buffet of cereals, pastries and breads, local Irish cheeses (I still wish I’d eaten more of the scrumptious apricot chees), and more.  Decor is simple but pleasant, with knotty-pine night stands and matching armoire and dresser.  Rooms in front face the active and interesting but sometimes noisy main street; rooms in back face a quiet garden and have a beautiful view of the hills. 



More things to do on the Dingle Peninsula.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

December 4, 2013

Dingle town, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland; restaurant reviews

Ashes Bar & Restaurant  

Main Street, +353 (0)66 9150989.  L-D daily.  We enjoyed a fine three-course Early Bird fresh fish dinner in this cozy little spot.  Some guest rooms are available upstairs.

exterior of Ashes Bar & Restaurant in Dingle town, Ireland
exterior of Ashes Bar & Restaurant in Dingle town, Ireland


Murphys Ice Cream  

This award-winning ice cream is served up in a bright little shop that provides the perfect spirit lift on a rainy day.  The best local ingredients are used--including the wonderful rich milk from the rare, indigenous Kerry cow—and they make their own chocolate chips.  Flavors include Dingle sea salt and Guinness, both of which I tasted, but I ultimately decided on my favorite--butterscotch. 

Murphys Ice Cream in Dingle town, Ireland
Murphys Ice Cream in Dingle town, Ireland


O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub  

The Mall, +353 (0)66 9152853.  Painted brilliant blue with red trim and touted as the newest old pub in Dingle, this cozy spot presents traditional Irish music nightly.  It promises no television, no juke box, and no pool table--just great music.  A turf fire warms things up, and a backbeer garden cools things down.  It even has free Wi-Fi (but you won’t want it).  We met a couple of Australian women here and had a good chin wag with them as they downed their Dingle gin and tonics and we sipped on Guinness.  No food is served. 

O'Sullivan's Courthouse Pub in Dingle town, Ireland
O'Sullivan's Courthouse Pub in Dingle town, Ireland



More things to do on the Dingle Peninsula.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 
updated August 29, 2015 

December 2, 2013

Introduction to Dingle town, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland; things to do

Introduction to Dingle town



Dingle town in Ireland
Dingle town in Ireland

















DINGLE town is at the southern end of the Dingle Peninsula set facing the harbor.  The most westerly town in Europe, its restaurants offer tasty food and its cozy pubs present traditional Irish music.  The main street runs along the harbor (Strand Street), and another higher main street runs up above behind it (Main Street); several smaller side streets join them.  Buildings are painted in an array of colors--the area is popular with artists--and wandering around browsing the shops and peeking into the pubs is a great way to pass the time.  Don’t leave the area without driving the Slea Head Drive, also known as the Ring of Dingle.  As it circles the southern peninsula, it passes many of the antiquities that are scattered across the area and provides spectacular views.  Peak season is August, when the Dingle Races draw crowds from throughout the area to watch the horses run every other weekend.

Things to Do

St. James’ Church  

Main St., 087 2849656.  Folk concerts are sometimes scheduled in this charming small church that seats just 100.  An ancient cemetery adjoins. 

entry to St. James’ Church in Dingle town, Ireland
entry to St. James’ Church in Dingle town, Ireland
 

Commodum Art and Design  

Main Street, +353 66-9151380.  Interesting locally made woolens and art pieces fill this clean-lined shop.  I was partial to the knitted flock of sheep inhabiting the window display.  Hand-knitted right here in the shop from natural Aran wool, you can buy a lamb or slightly larger sheep or a whole flock.

handmade sheep souvenirs at Commodum Art and Design in Dingle town, Ireland
handmade sheep souvenirs at Commodum Art and Design
in Dingle town, Ireland



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