Posts

Showing posts from March, 2022

Where to Shop in Laos: A Guide

Image
Laos shopping promises a one-of-a-kind sensory experience, with its vibrant local markets, boutiques, and handicraft shops selling handmade souvenirs and gifts for you to take home.  It is a whirlwind discovery worth making, whether it's a silk dress for women you’re shopping for, or a rustic bamboo hat. Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Laos' premier cities, are both worthwhile shopping destinations. Markets Local markets are an excellent way to become acquainted with the culture of the city. Whether it's the tantalizing aromas of stalls whipping up regional treats like Klao niaw (sticky rice), or the delightful bargain prices, Laos has a plethora of night and morning markets that provide you with an endless number of options to choose from.  The Vientiane Night Market, a nighttime retreat for backpackers or anyone on a tight budget, is one of the most popular markets here. In the evening, seemingly endless rows of red-roofed stalls set up shop along the Mekong River, invitin

5 Best Cafes for Brunch in Vienna

Image
The Austrian Frühstück or breakfast is a modest affair that typically consists of bread rolls, croissants accompanied by a sweet condiment such as jam or honey, and a coffee or tea to wash it down. Weekend breakfasts frequently extend into brunch, necessitating larger indulgences such as the Kornspitz (a savory bread roll) or the Mehlspeise— a broad term used for any baked treat made from flour, eggs, butter and milk. These meals are commonly referred to as Jause , and there are several such cafes throughout Vienna that serve hearty brunch meals to satisfy your cravings. Here's a list of some of the best cafes near Vienna's main neighborhoods that you should try.   Landtmann's Jausen Station Landtmann's Jausen Station invites patrons to brunch in a regal style against the backdrop of one of Vienna's most important historical landmarks, the Schönbrunn Palace. It’s only fitting that you try the Kaiserschmarrn here. This sort of scrambled pancake was named after Aust

Tracing Denmark’s Viking Heritage

Image
The Viking Age in Scandinavia lasted just about 250 years between the 8 th and 11 th centuries, but left a lasting impact on its lands and society. Expert ship-builders, proficient tradesmen and hardened warriors, the Vikings quickly gained infamy throughout Eastern and Western Europe. Primarily seafarers and raiders, they had such an influence in this short time that it’s considered one of the most glorious periods in Danish history. And despite being portrayed as a fierce and merciless bunch throughout much of Europe, the Vikings are proudly celebrated in Denmark and most of Scandinavia much like heroes. Experience Denmark’s rich Viking legacy at these sites: Viking Ship Museum Roskilde It goes without saying that ships were the backbone of the Vikings. This delightful museum, sitting on the water's edge at Roskilde Fjord showcases all there is to know about Viking ships. Focus of the museum are the five excavated ships from the 11 th Century, known as Skuldelev Ships; perhaps

Quirky Things to Do During Your Sojourn in Vegas

Image
Popular South Korean boyband BTS is set to perform in Las Vegas for the first time ever in 2022. And if you’re a fan, chances are you’ve snagged tickets to the shows. While the concerts are sure to be the highlights of your Vegas trip, there is much to explore in and around this dazzling metropolis as you await the septet’s glorious return to a foreign stage after over two years. Vegas is prominently associated with glittering casinos and enticing shopping districts, with a string of restaurants and high-end hotels beckoning to tourists from far and wide. Entertainment, in all its forms, thrives here, affirming Vegas’ reputation as one of the premier entertainment hubs of the country and lending credence to its moniker of “Sin City.” However, if you decide to forgo bars and clubs in the vicinity in favor of more unconventional experiences, here are some attractions to consider. National Atomic Testing Museum As its name suggests, this museum chronicles the nuclear history of the count

5 Best Cafes in Muscat

Image
For thousands of years, the Sultanate of Oman has consumed qahwa , an Arabic coffee widely known for its aromatic flavors. Serving qahwa is a revered ritual in the Omani community, evoking feelings of camaraderie, hospitality, and mutual respect. It's an aromatic specialty that's typically brewed with coffee beans, cardamom, and a pinch of saffron and served with dates or an Omani sweets platter. Omani breakfast is yet another revelation, its hearty delicacies ensuring an energetic start to the day. Visitors to Oman will be astounded by the variety of breakfast options available, ranging from the crepe-like Khubz Omani to the healthy Bagla. It's no surprise, then, that Oman has a plethora of coffee shops and cafes, both modern and traditional, that are well worth a visit.  Muscat, Oman's bustling capital, has several hotels near the city's main town center that are home to cafes and restaurants, but if you really want to explore the city's cafe culture, sto

Zagreb’s Captivating Cafe Culture

Image
Coffee runs in Zagreb’s veins and is an integral part of the city’s social fabric. While it’s not prominently out there among the world’s great coffee destinations, the unassuming capital city has a vibrant scene that handsomely rewards cafephiles. But unlike many coffee capitals around the world, Zagreb’s coffee culture isn’t a modern phenomenon, but something that’s been brewing throughout its history. Today, coffee explorers visiting the city will find the comfort of the familiar with a touch of uniqueness in the many cafes sprinkled generously throughout the cityscape.  Here is a selection of unique cafes that you simply cannot miss in the city. Botanicar Mere steps away from the city’s lovely botanical garden, this cafe will make you feel like the greenery decided to tag along for a cuppa. Potted plants and delicate vines spring from every corner at Botanicar, lending it a refreshing vibe. The gray scheme accentuates the greenery, while the furnishings evoke an artist studio. The

Zurich’s Best for Dessert Lovers and Gym Enthusiasts

Image
Switzerland’s financial hub, the banking city of Zurich is renowned for many of its luxurious offerings. Whether its high-end shopping or exquisite architecture, the iconic city of Zurich boasts one decadent experience after the other. However, the most indulgent and tantalizing gem of the city is its assortment of rich desserts and chocolates. When in Zurich, one simply cannot miss savoring the plethora of delicacies on offer, no matter which part of the city you are in. With all the heavy-duty indulgence, you may begin to feel the itch to hit the treadmill or lift the weights. That is precisely where this ironic, yet useful guide steps in. Below listed are some of Zurich’s best places for desserts and fitness destinations, win-win for all! Indulge in Best Desserts Péclard im Schober Touted as one of the city's best places to indulge your sweet tooth in Zurich, Péclard im Schober is an iconic dessert place. The Baroque interiors of this charming café, replete with mesmerizing déco