Travel Thursday - Lili on the Loose

15 12, 2016

Colourful Christmas Doors of Burano, Italy

By Lili|December 15th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: 2006, All in the family 2005/2006, All in the family Italy 2005/2006, Burano, Christmas, door, Europe, Italy, New Year's Day, New Years Eve, Photo Essay, Travel Thursday, UNESCO, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice, Venice Lagoon|0 Comments

I love taking photos of doors and windows. Here are some of my favorite from the little island of Burano, near Venice, Italy. I had the chance to wander around the deserted streets of Burano on New Years Day a few years ago and to peek into the windows and see the families celebrating together. I also enjoyed the chance to see the beautifully decorated doors amongst the multi-colored houses. Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.

1 12, 2016

Holiday Gift Giving Legends Around the World

By Lili|December 1st, 2016|Categories: Culture, Travel|Tags: Austria, Christkind, Christmas, Culture, Europe, France, Germany, Infographic, Italy, Krampus, La Befana, santa, Santa Claus, Travel Thursday, USA|0 Comments

Its December 1st, and while getting ready for the upcoming holidays I cannot stop thinking about the Christmas seasons I've spent abroad. Its amazing the different stories we have for the holiday gift giving around this time of year. Here are the top 10 "Santa Legends" from around the world. Courtesy of: Milkwhale Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.

17 11, 2016

Munich’s Christmas Manger Market

By Lili|November 17th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Events, Travel|Tags: 2011, christmas creche, Christmas in Germany 2011, Christmas Market, creche, Cristkindlmarket, Europe, German Christmas Market, Germany, Kripperlmarkt, Manger Market, mangers, Marienplatz, Munich, Neuhauser Strasse, Ornaments, Photo Essay, Travel Thursday, Weinahtsmarkt|0 Comments

In a week Germany's Christmas markets will open for the holiday season. Munich has numerous Christmas Markets, from their traditional large market in Marienplatz to the unique Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz. But Munich also boasts of the largest Manger Market. You can find it at Neuhauser Strasse, just a short walk away from the main market at Marienplatz. Here you can find everything you'll need for your own nativity scene! From Angels to fill the sky... To blank paint your own figures. And all manner of creatures to fill the barn With fuzzy,

3 11, 2016

Egyptian Sidekick Review

By Lili|November 3rd, 2016|Categories: Travel, Travel Review|Tags: 2015, Africa, Cairo, Dahshur, day trip, Dream of Egypt, Egypt, Egyptian Sidekick, Egyptologist, Giza, Memphis, Middle East, Mohsen, recommendation, Review, Saqqara, Sidekick, tour, tour company, Travel Thursday|0 Comments

On my second day in Egypt, I wanted to splurge and have a private tour, so I could see the sights of Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara at my own pace. Trying to find a reputable Egyptologist guide online was a bit daunting, so I decided to go in a different direction. This is my review of Egyptian Sidekick. This review is my own and was not solicited by the tour company and I paid full price for the tour. What is it? Egyptian Sidekick is a private tour organizer that provides tailored sightseeing experiences for you or your group. They

20 10, 2016

Death on the Nile: The Ghost Ships of Egypt

By Lili|October 20th, 2016|Categories: Travel, Travel Memories|Tags: 2015, Africa, Aswan, Cruise, cruise ship, Dream of Egypt, Egypt, G Adventures, ghost, Ghost Ship, Google Earth, Google Maps, Luxor, Middle East, Nile, Nile Cruise, Travel Thursday|0 Comments

Ghost Ships at Luxor Temple Preparing for my trip to Egypt, I read many blogs. One of the unique articles I read was "Egypt's Modern Day Ruins: The Nile River Cruises of Yesteryear" from Roaming Around the World. It was fascinating to read about the fact that tourism has dropped so much in Egypt that out of over 350 Nile Cruise Ships that use to be working less than 15 are still in use. I marveled at the photos of the dilapidated Ghost Ships, decaying in the desert heat. Rows of mothballed ships. Source And I wondered

6 10, 2016

Traveling with Medications

By Lili|October 6th, 2016|Categories: Travel, Travel Tips|Tags: medications, Travel Thursday|0 Comments

Source The old joke about American Tourists is that we are walking pharmacies with every possible over the counter drug on us. I've even heard tour guides say if you need anything make sure to ask your American tourmates before heading to a pharmacy. But jokes aside, traveling with medication isn't as simple as throwing it in your bag and heading out the door. Here are some things to think about: Each county has different restrictions on drugs and medicine. So don't assume just because you have a prescription that its legal for you to have it. In some

22 09, 2016

Antigua Ruins: Santiago Cathedral

By Lili|September 22nd, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Travel|Tags: 2013, Ancient, Antigua, Catedral de San José, Central America, church, earthquakes, Guatemala, Mayan, Mayan Encounter 2013, Roman Catholic, ruins, Santiago Cathedral, Travel Thursday, UNESCO, UNESCO World Heritage Site|0 Comments

Catedral de San José Antigua means Ancient in Spanish. While not as old as the Mayan settlements, the city was founded in the mid 1500’s the city served as a capital of the kingdom of Guatemala. However in the 1700’s a series of earthquakes rocked the city until it was abandoned and the capital was moved to Guatemala City. It is amazing to look up and see the sky, framed by the walls. Slowly in the 20th century people started to return to the city, but rebuilding was limited. Today you can still see many of

8 09, 2016

Visting a Judo Dojo in Japan

By Lili|September 8th, 2016|Categories: Activities, Travel|Tags: 2004, Asia, Chino, Dojo, Japan, Judo, martial arts, Sister Cities, Sister Cities Japan 2004, Travel Thursday|0 Comments

I enjoy martial arts and so was delighted to visit a Dojo that taught Judo in Japan. While the rest of the girls in my group were timid, I actually went all for it! When they asked us to kick, I kicked hard, making my spotter move. He grunted in approval and braced for my next kick and punch. The other girls in my group looked at me like I was crazy, but I was having too much fun! If you ever visit a Dojo be sure to remove your shoes and other clothes, and then bow as you enter.

25 08, 2016

Botanical Gardens Around the World

By Lili|August 25th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Travel|Tags: botanic gardens, Botanical Garden, botanical gardens, garden, gardens, Travel Thursday|0 Comments

I love spending time in Botanical Gardens. They usually are less crowded than other sights, more peaceful, and have plenty of beautiful photography opportunities. Here are some of the best Botanical Gardens Around the World and what to see! Source Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.

11 08, 2016

Cooling off at Ik Kil Cenote

By Lili|August 11th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Travel|Tags: 2013, catfish, Cenote, Central America, Chichen-Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, Latin America, Mayan Encounter 2013, Mexico, swim, Travel Thursday|0 Comments

There is something scary and a bit mysterious about venturing into a cenote. Staring down into the dark abyss, I was a bit apprehensive. It looked so deep. It also was much bigger than I had thought it would be. Those were my first thoughts of seeing the Ik Kil Cenote. After traversing the winding path 85 feet below the earth I looked back up. Small waterfalls decorate the walls, and roots from the plants above dive below the water. I shivered a bit in the darkness, no longer afraid but due to the temperature change for being so far below the