Categories
Jordan Middle East Travel

Wayfaring Gals Jordanian Adventure

At Petra in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Treasury in Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

We landed in Jordan pretty early in the morning (we flew from Cairo). You can buy a Jordanian visa when you enter (and thankfully pay with your credit card). Jordan is an expensive place to visit since the country has a stronger currency than the US dollar. I should have ordered currency, and brought it with me instead of using the ATM at the airport (I was hit with a lot of fees). We did not take a tour there, but decided to do it alone since we only had a few days, and had researched that Jordan was much safer than Egypt for women to travel.  My sister rented a car at the airport, and we had a three hour drive to our hotel in Ma’an where Petra is located. Since we only had a few days in Jordan, we were only able to spend a day at Petra. Our two other days were at a Dead Sea resort. Even though we were so exhausted, we pushed ourselves to go to Petra the same day we arrived in the country. We wanted to leave in the morning since we had another long drive back up north.

At the theater at Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

When we got to Petra there was a large celebration going in since the site had over a million visitors that same year. My sister and I decided to hire a guide since we had limited time there so we wanted to make the most of it. Plus as women, we wanted to have a male escort (we had a lot of negative experiences with men in Egypt). Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and took us on a two and a half mile hike, advising on the best views and giving us the history of the settlement.

At the Royal Tomb at Petra in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The area where Petra is located has been inhabited since 7000 BC, while the Nabataeans settled around 400 BC (the people that built Petra). Petra was the capital of their kingdom. The structures at Petra were carved from sandstone hills and mountains. The site was a major trading hub, which gained the Nabataeans wealth. By the first century, it became a Roman client state and eventually incorporated into the Roman Empire. The city declined in importance as sea trade routes were established, and then there was a major earthquake. The city became abandoned by the early Islamic era. It was rediscovered by 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, and later became a major tourist attraction. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and considered one of the New7Wonders of the World.

At Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The hike to the site is lovely, and when you pass a narrow gorge, it gives you a peak of the Treasury, the most famous site at Petra. The Treasury was hewn into a sandstone cliff. As you go further on the trail, there is a massive theater that was cut from a hillside, where you will see of view of tombs. The Royal Tomb is incredible. The tombs were cut into the mountains, made from sandstone that is rose colored and captures different colors. The valley opens up with a beautiful view of the ancient site. We walked up to Hadrian Gate where you can see columns that are still standing from the Great Temple. The Bedouin are waiting to offer you refreshment if you get parched. They are a group of nomadic Arab people that are at Petra selling their goods, drinks, snacks, and will take you on camels or mules around the place. They will even do your eyeliner in the style they wear. They make pretty purses and fun camel souvenirs (unfortunately I had no time to shop).

The Bedouin at Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

My sister and I stayed past sunset then had to leave since the place was closing. You can also visit Petra at night where candles will guide you. I’m sure it is also very beautiful. When we got to our hotel we had a beer on the rooftop and watched the fireworks at Petra. It was a great way to end an amazing day that was full of wonder. The pictures do not do Petra justice; it is amazing! I can see why it is considered one of the wonders of the world, and definitely recommend you visit.

At Petra where the tombs are, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we checked out of our hotel after breakfast, and were off to the Hilton Dead Sea Resort. We only stopped for gas since we were uncomfortable as female solo travelers. We were so happy to arrive at the resort since it is out of a dream. Security was pretty intense to get inside so it made us feel safe to be in this protected bubble for a couple of days. The pool area is beautiful and looks out into the Dead Sea. We were happy to just be in the pool and unwind after such a busy vacation. The resort was our couple days to relax before heading home, and back to the real world. The pool had a bar where we were able to get tropical drinks. We ate at an Italian restaurant later, and then went back to room to watch Disney movies (the only movies we could find in English) since we were exhausted after the long drive.

At the rooftop of the Tetra Tree Hotel in Ma’an, Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we went to swim in the Dead Sea since we wanted to see how it felt to float in it. We even took our book in the water to show that you just float along, and relax without any flotation devices. After some fun in the sea, we went back to the pool since it was heated. Breakfast was epically amazing with such a wide variety of food that we weren’t hungry until dinner time. We had burgers by the pool with some wine, enjoying watching the cats run around. I do recommend you bring bug spray with a higher concentration of DEET since the insect repellent I bought in Egypt would not keep the flies away (they were a big nuisance and why I would not give the place full stars). They do not spray for bugs there, so you will be bombarded by flies. Otherwise, the food, scenery, and pool area were all amazing, and a much needed place to relax.

Floating in the Dead Sea at Dead Sea Hilton Resort, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next morning we checked out early since we had to return the car first at the airport. We were stopped by police at a checkpoint, but the officer let us go since he didn’t speak English (it was pretty scary). The security to get into the hotel was intense, and we had to wait to even leave. At the airport, our bags were searched by security, but our line was much shorter since we went through as US citizens. We had enough time to eat breakfast at a café. However, we were upset since we could not take water we bought at the airport on the plane. In order to go to our gate there was another checkpoint that you could not leave (no bathrooms there either). We wanted to buy water since we took Royal Jordanian, and they did not pass out water on our way to Egypt so we figured we would bring our own. The flight back was direct but thirteen hours. It seemed like forever. I was so grateful to get home and have someone pick us up. I was pooped, and just wanted to go to bed!

Infinity pool at Dead Sea Resort, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

This was such an amazing trip, and I feel such a sense of gratitude that I was able to visit Egypt and Jordan. The world is in a scary place right now, and I’m sad that I cannot plan any trips. I hope this changes, but I understand that precautions must be made. This really was the trip of a lifetime, and writing these posts has helped me while I’ve had to stay indoors due to social distancing. Writing has also helped me relive happy memories, and be hopeful that happier times will return.

Enjoying the view at the Dead Sea Resort, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

At the Dead Sea Resort in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Africa Egypt Travel

Walk like a Wayfarer Part Three: the Gals Explore Egypt!

At the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The day the tour spent in Luxor was one of the days I was most looking forward to since we were going to the Valley of the Kings. New Kingdom pharaohs had their tombs cut into the rock there (Luxor was called Thebes before). I believe over sixty tombs have been discovered. Unfortunately, most of the tombs were robbed long ago, with a major exception being King Tut’s tomb, which was discovered much later. Your entrance fee comes with admission to three different tombs. We were able to purchase optional excursions to go to King Tutankhamun’s (or Tut’s) tomb, as well as Ramses VI’s (which was amazing!). Ramses VI’s is the most beautiful tomb, since much of the paint was been preserved and the colors are vibrant and striking. His tomb is pretty large with a winding stairway that leads you into the tomb. The tomb was started by Ramses V and then completed by Ramses VI. The paintings in the tomb are well preserved, and emphasize astronomical scenes, and images from the Books of Day, Night, and the Heavens (respectively).

At the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
King Tut’s Mummy on Display at the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

You can also go to King Tut’s tomb, which I still recommend seeing since his mummy is there and the frescoes are also well preserved. The tomb is much smaller, but was hidden from grave robbers (though it was still opened after being sealed). It was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and the contents are at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The murals show Tut meting Osiris and Nut in the afterlife. Another painting shows mourners carrying Tut to his tomb. There is also a painting where Tut is surrounded by Anubis and Hathor, both holding Ankhs. The colors are also quite vibrant and beautiful. Plus no visit to Egypt is complete without visiting Tut’s tomb, so it is an optional definitely worth taking.

King Tut’s Tomb at the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Temple of Hatshepsut near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

One of my bucket list items was to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh’s mortuary who reigned in the eighteenth dynasty. It is close to the Valley of Kings, and located beneath the cliffs of Deir-el-Bahari. Her temple is dedicated to the god Amun. Hatshepsut’s temple is unlike any ancient Egyptian structure, and resembles a more classical style with its colonnaded terraces. The sculptures in the temple tell the story of her divine right to rule as pharaoh, since she was a woman, Hatshepsut had to justify her reign. Sadly, many of her sculptures were destroyed by her stepson Thutmose III after she died since she prevented him from ruling. There used to be an Avenue of Sphinxes that led to the temple, but there is just one sphinx of Hatshepsut left. The temple is also aligned to the winter solstice, which highlights various elements like the statue of Osiris (I’m sure it is busy there during this event). The temple is breathtaking and a must visit site if you are in Luxor!

At the Temple of Hatshepsut near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Hatshepsut herself was the second woman to become pharaoh. Hatshepsut was the daughter, sister, and wife of a king. She married Thutmose II, and after carrying a daughter, could have no more children. It is believed that she ruled over twenty years as pharaoh, and is considered to be the first great female rulers. She had a prosperous and successful reign with a long era of peace. Ever since I read about her in high school, I have wanted to visit her temple, and am grateful to have had this experience.

Lunch with a local family in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Delicous eggplant dish made by a local family in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Following the temple, we stopped at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Amenhotep III, which are not in great shape. The pharaoh’s temple was there, and little remains of it. The stop was brief and then we were on our way. After that we had lunch with a local family again. Our host was a teacher, and his wife made us a delicious meal. I really enjoyed the babaganoush, fried eggplant, and mixed veggies. We got back to our resort later in the afternoon, so we sat by the pool and decompressed by reading. Later, my sister and I had some wine at the roof top bar, with a beautiful view of the sun setting on the Nile. Such an amazing day!

At the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day it was off to the Temple of Karnak, which is a massive complex of temples and buildings in Luxor.  Construction began in the Middle Kingdom and went all the way into the Ptolemaic era; around thirty different pharaohs contributed to this religious complex. Karnak was the center of religious life in Ancient Egypt, and part of the city of Thebes back then. The Great Hypostyle Hall is one of the most beautiful parts of the temple, which was built during Queen Hatshepsut’s reign. It is over 50,000 square feet and has 134 columns. Our guide gave us a couple hours to explore after taking us around. The Temple of Karnak is a massive structure and absolutely beautiful, and I believe it is one of the most visited sites in Egypt.

The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Kristina found the fertility God Amunmeen at Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next stop was the Luxor Temple, which was constructed around 14000 BCE, and is dedicated to kingship; some believe that is where the pharaohs were crowned. The temple has colossal statues of Ramses II at the front gate. There is a processional colonnade of Amenhotep III, and sun court dedicated to him as well. There is also an avenue of sphinxes there that would have connected Karnak to Luxor long ago. This temple is also worth checking out when in Luxor.

At Luxor Temple in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Later that day we enjoyed a delicious meal at a restaurant in downtown Luxor. I tried a camel burger, which was surprisingly good, and had my favorite beverage in Egypt, mint lemonade. Our guide Mike bought the group some handmade camels as a good bye gift, and for being a great group. I thought this was very sweet, and have my camel displayed in order to remind me of the trip. After our delicious meal, we went back to the hotel to relax by the pool, and then have a glass of wine at the rooftop bar again.

At the Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we were up early to go through airport security shenanigans once again to fly back to Cairo. Our guide actually saved us from being taken by security to have our stuff searched. That is why I recommend taking a tour; you have someone that is local and speaks the language to look out for you. As a woman you are also incredibly vulnerable in a country where women don’t have many rights. It was a short flight back to Cairo, but took up most of the morning. The group offered an optional excursion to see the earliest pyramids in Memphis and Saqqara, but it was pretty expensive and the group only had time to have a quick, light lunch. Since we barely had breakfast, my sister and I wanted a more substantial meal, and to have an easier pace since it was our last day in the country.

Even camels enjoy mint lemonade, in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

 We had lunch back at the Hotel Mercure where we originally stayed at in Cairo, and ended up hiring a driver to take us to Coptic Cairo in order to see some of the oldest churches in the world. In order to enter the area, you have to go through a metal detector and have your bags scanned. Our driver didn’t enter, but told us to meet him at the front at a specific time. The Hanging Church is one of the most famous churches, which was built in the 3rd or 4th centuries. There are some beautiful mosaics in the courtyard. The holy family allegedly stayed in the area when fleeing Herod, and you can visit the site where churches were built in commemoration: Saints Sergius and Bacchus Churches. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is also in the area, which was built in the 12th century. St. George’s Church is quite beautiful as well. You can wash your hands at St. George’s well where the blessing of the water led to miracles. Since all the churches are close, you can easily visit them all. There is also a Coptic Museum, which has some important artwork from the church. The churches are beautiful and worth seeing, but since my sister and I were alone, we felt vulnerable since we would be followed when walking (I had a boy touch my back when I was taking a picture in a church) so we dedicated to go back to the hotel, and relax the rest of the day.

At Hanging Church in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At St. George’s Church in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had dinner with our group at the hotel, and said farewell to everyone. We thanked our amazing guide Mike for looking out and taking care of us all during the trip. We had a very early flight to Amman, Jordan the next day. We scheduled a cab to pick us up at 3:30am to take us to the airport (we were stopped by police, but thankfully let go to continue on to the airport). Thankfully, the airport was uneventful and we were able to fly out of the country with no issues.

With our guide Mike in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

I had an amazing time in Egypt with G Adventures, and really liked our group (the fact that it was small was great). I was happy to leave Egypt since it is a difficult place to be a woman, and you have to go everywhere with a male escort if you are not wearing a headscarf and very conservative clothes. The trip really opened my eyes, and gave me a deep sense of gratitude for my circumstances. Egypt has always been a bucket list place for me to visit due to my love of ancient Egyptian culture so I am glad to have accomplished that goal.

Sunset from Hotel Mercure in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

My next post will be about our time in Jordan, which is the last part of our trip; so stay tuned for more exciting adventures! Also, let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

St. George’s Well in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Aswan Egypt Travel

Walk like a Wayfarer Part Two: the Gals Explore Egypt!

At Abu Simbel in Egypt, near Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At Abu Simbel near Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we flew early in the morning to Aswan, the most southern city in Egypt. Traveling in Egypt is pretty tiring since there are so many security checkpoints (at least three). Since we couldn’t check into the hotel early, we stopped at Philae Essence Palace where you can purchase essential oil. Many fragrance companies get their essences from Egypt, and there were oils that replicated many popular perfumes. I couldn’t resist getting a couple, along with lotion made with camel’s milk that is supposed to help your skin look younger (we’ll see). It was a fun way to kill some time before we were able to go to our hotel in Aswan. I was happy to spend the rest of the afternoon at the pool.

Wayfaring Gals Sailing on a Felucca on the Nile -Photo by Maria A.M.

Dinner was with a local Nubian family on Elephant Island (where a Nubian village is). We had dinner with Mohammed, which was prepared by his wife. We took a felucca to get to the village. It was so relaxing since the sun was setting, and there were some fantastic views (we saw Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island from a distance).  The food was delicious! Egyptian food uses eggplant for many dishes, and stews are made with a tomato base. I was a big fan of the eggplant stew with rice. After the lovely dinner we took a faster boat back to the mainland, and after a long day, it was great to get a good night’s sleep.

Sailing on the Nile to Elephantine Island in Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Nubian cuisine -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we had to be up at 4am in order to journey to the middle of the desert to visit Abu Simbel, the famous set of temples built by Ramses II; the smaller one was dedicated to his favorite queen, Nefertari. The site is near the Sudanese border of Egypt. The temples were carved out of the mountain in the 13th century BC to commemorate Egypt’s victory at the Battle of Kardesh. The statues of Ramses represent him in the different stages of his life. The Great Temple is also dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The site had to be completely moved and reconstructed in 1968 due to the building of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel is absolutely amazing; it’s something you just have to experience to understand.

With our amazing group at Abu Simbel in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The inside of the temple is incredible as well. The colossal statutes of Ramses in the interior link him to the god Osiris. There are bas reliefs on the walls that depict famous military conquests, while other parts depict Ramses connection to the gods, and as well as to Egyptian deities. The temple is positioned on an axis that on Oct and Feb 22 (king’s birthday and coronation days), the rays of the sun illuminate the sculptures on the back wall, so the site is crazy on these days (visit at your own peril).

With the Goddess Hathor at Abu Simbel -Photo by Maria A.M.

Nefertari’s temple is smaller and dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The ladies in our group dug Hathor since she is sometimes represented as a cow or has the ears of a cow (we all have those days when we feel like a cow). She is a primeval deity that other gods derived from, and is mainly associated with women (and represents many other different things). The statues of Ramses and Neftari are the same size, which is rare in Egyptian art (the wives are usually represented as much smaller than the pharaoh). Like most sites in Egypt, there is a market where you can haggle and shop, but since we stayed until the last minute in the temples, we had to walk super-fast in order to meet our group on time. You have to leave the temples early since the road there gets closed, which is why the tours get there so early.

The small temple at Abu Simbel, near Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Inside Ramses’ temple at Abu Simbel -Photo by Maria A.M.

After getting back to Aswan, we checked into our Nile cruise ship, the Princess Sarah, where we would be sailing for the next three days. I had low expectations (took a day cruise in Vietnam that was rough), but was pleasantly surprised that the boat was nice. On the rooftop there was a bar and pool, with a covered seating area where you could talk and just enjoy the view. We docked in Aswan, and would not leave until the next day.

At Philae Temple in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next morning, we took an optional excursion to the Temple of Philae on an island of Lake Nasser. The temple was another place that had to be relocated due to flooding before the Aswan High Dam was completed. Philae was believed to be a sacred place, and the temple was dedicated to Isis, the Egyptian goddess of love and beauty. The temple was thought to have been built around 380 to 362 BC. The story of Osiris is told on the temple walls. Early Christians scratched out many of the ancient gods, and you can see Coptic graffiti defacing the temple. Inside you can go into the inner sanctum of the temple, where the holiest of holies would be. Outside there is a smaller temple dedicated to Hathor. The grounds are beautiful, and you have to make time to walk around the temple complex. Again, pictures do not do the place justice. After walking in and outside the temple, we went to the café to have a Turkish coffee and just enjoy the beautiful view.

Interior of the Temple of Philae -Photo by Maria A.M.
In the inner sanctum of the Temple of Philae in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

We went back to our boat and were off on our cruise. That evening we stopped at Kom Ombo Temple. The temple is a double temple since it is dedicated to two gods; one side to the crocodile god Sobek, one of the creator gods of the world (and the god of fertility). The other side is dedicated to the falcon god Horus. The temple is symmetrical with two sets of halls, courts, and sanctuaries. The temples were built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, though the site had already housed a temple built during the New Kingdom. There is a Crocodile Museum next door where you can see some of the mummified crocodiles found on the site.

The crocodile god Sobek, at Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Mummified crocodiles at Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum -Photo by Maria A.M.

The evening ended with a party on the ship where we were entertained by a belly dancer; she even gave the group a lesson, which was fun. Than we got to see a whirling dervish type of dancer who held up his lit up skirt, all the while spinning (for a pretty long time too). It was pretty impressive.

Belly Dancer on cruise ship in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day was a free day where we could sleep in and relax; there were no planned activities. We still made ourselves get up for breakfast since we were enjoying the three included meals a day on the ship (and the food was really good). It was also my sister’s birthday. Kristina wanted to be in Egypt during her birthday since she hates being home during her annual solar rotation day. My sister was serenaded in Arabic, sung the longest Happy Birthday song ever, and a special birthday cake was brought over to her. She also enjoyed free drinks courtesy of her big sister. Our amazing guide Mike arranged all this. My sister said it was her favorite birthday ever, and a great way to end our time on the Nile cruise ship!

Kristina’s birthday cake -Photo by Maria A.M.

My next post will be about our time in Luxor since that is where the cruise ended, and we went to the Valley of the Kings; so stay tuned for more exciting adventures! Also, let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Salesmen trying to sell their goods along the Nile -Photo by Maria A.M.
View from a cafe near Philae Temple, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Africa Cairo Egypt Travel

Walk like a Wayfarer: the Gals Explore Egypt!

The Wayfaring Gals at the Great Sphinx of Giza, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
The Wayfaring Gals at the Great Sphinx of Giza, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The Wayfaring Gals decided to go to Egypt with G Adventures since it was the tour that offered the most excursions my sister and I wanted to see. We also did not want to take the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan since we heard horror stories. This trip had airline travel through Egypt, saving us time to see more. I also had to see the Temple of Hatshepsut (a female pharaoh), and Abu Simbel was included (which is normally an expensive optional that runs from $300 and up). G Adventures Egypt Upgraded is more expensive than the normal Egyptian tour since it has better accommodations, airline travel, and more included excursions (though not all are). I also like that G’s maximum group size is fourteen so you are not waiting for masses of people to get on and off buses. Flight to and from the country is not included either. I definitely recommend a tour if you are a woman traveling to Egypt and even then to go with a man. My sister and I could not go anywhere alone without being harassed by the men. It was very annoying. We dressed conservatively as well, but our guide said it didn’t matter because we were not wearing veils. Egypt is not a safe place for women traveling by themselves.

At the Pyramids of Giza, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The first night we flew in we did not feel like doing anything but showering and sleeping since we had a ten hour flight to Amman, and then transferred to Cairo. A guide from G Adventures met us at the airport to help us navigate visas (you can buy one beforehand or at the airport), and he suggested how much currency to change over. The exchange rate is pretty good with American dollars. In hindsight I would have taken out more since not a lot of places take credit card in Egypt, and there are fees with taking money out of foreign ATMs. We were then taken to our hotel, the Mercure Sphinx in Giza where we just enjoyed our rest.

Kissing the Great Sphinx at Giza, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we were up bright and early to visit the pyramids of Giza. The tour started at the pyramid of Khufu, which is the largest one. The pyramids are the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that are still standing. It is believed that construction began around 2560 BC during the fourth dynasty when Khufu was pharaoh. Our guide Mike gave us information regarding the history of this particular pyramid and pharaoh, and then let us wander around. We didn’t know we couldn’t walk around so were bombarded by men trying to sell us things, take pictures of us, and ask to be in our photos. By the way, don’t let anyone take a picture of you since they’ll want money and won’t return your phone (it’s a scam). We met up with a guy from our group, Lucas, who walked around the pyramid with us. It was much more peaceful when you left the front, and the men didn’t approach us as much (just to try to sell us something and not ask for our hands in marriage).

Camel Ride Time in Egypt! -Photo by Maria A.M.

On the next stop, our guide arranged for us to go for a camel ride. You don’t realize how high up you are until you are on one. They are mean too…mine kept biting the blanket on my sister’s camel. We rode the camels to where we had a good view of the pyramids. The other two pyramids are of Khafre and Menkaure (the smallest of the three main pyramids). Khafre’s complex also consists of the Great Sphinx of Giza as well, which is thought to represent the pharaoh himself. I found the Sphinx to be amazing and loved how you see the pyramids behind the mythical creature. The pyramids are probably one of the most amazing sites I have seen…words and pictures do not do them justice!

At the Papyrus Shop in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.

After a busy morning, we ate lunch at a restaurant our guide took us to. I loved the babaganoush (type of dip made from eggplant) and kofta (type of meatball). I really loved lemonade with mint, which I drank whenever I could in Egypt. It’s so refreshing! Afterwards, we stopped at a Papyrus shop, which is a government regulated shop so the goods are authentic and prices cannot be manipulated. I wanted to get something that is not available at home and unique to the country. I bought a piece with Ramses II offering lotus flowers to the Goddess Isis, while my sister bought one with the sky goddess Nut.

A treasure picked up in the Papyrus Shop in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

After lunch we drove to the Monastery of St. Macarius the Great, founded in 360 AD, which is between Cairo and Alexandria. The crypt of St John the Baptist was also discovered at the monastery. We had a monk give us tour of the monastery, pointing out the highlights and significant artifacts. The Christian churches in Egypt are now guarded by the police and army due to the damage done after the revolutions.  This was a beautiful, peaceful place and a perfect way to end a busy day.

At the Monastery of Saint Macarius, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Afterwards, we checked into our hotel in Alexandria and after such a busy day all I wanted was some R&R. This hotel had the best wifi since you could even have it in your room. Most hotels in Egypt only have wifi in the lobby and it’s not good. My sister has an international phone that is unlocked so she bought a sim card and hot spotted me. My recommendation is that you travel with an unlocked phone so you can do that since the wifi is not good in Egypt. I am going to skip over our day in Alexandria for the sake of the length of this post, and that I don’t think it is a needed place to visit when in Egypt.

The Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we went back to Cairo to visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which has an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. I have been a huge fan of ancient Egyptian history and mythology, so it was an amazing experience to see some of the treasures from my books in person. A new museum is being built that will be bigger and better organized so a lot of artifacts were moved there already. I would have loved to see the new museum, but it was still an enjoyable experience to see the old one. The new museum will be much better organized and catalogued.

I really enjoyed the exhibit dedicated to Tutankhamun (King Tut), where you can view the objects found in his tomb. Our guide pointed out a bust of Queen Hatshepsut, where I couldn’t resist doing my Rosie the Riveter pose. The museum has statues of the pharaohs that built the pyramids of Giza: Khufu, Menkaure, and Khafre. There is also a section devoted to the controversial pharaoh Akhenaten who was married to the famous Nefertiti. You can spend hours getting lost in this museum; it’s definitely a must see when in Cairo! No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing this museum!

Doing my best Rosie the Riveter at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.
Our guide Mike showing us a statue of a scribe that is also on Egyptian currency, at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.

My next post will be about Aswan in southern Egypt so stay tuned for more exciting adventures! Also, let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

At the Monastery of Saint Macarius, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Chicago Illinois Michigan Travel Wisconsin

Enjoying the Midwest: Part Two

In Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

This post is the third (even though it says part two) in my series on exploring the Midwest. It’s for people like me that live in a big city like Chicago, don’t have much vacation time this summer, but want to get out in order to explore. Here are some ideas for weekend getaways you can take here in the Midwest that are three to five hours drive from Chicago.

At the River Place Shops in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Frankenmuth is probably one of the quaintest towns I have visited here in the Midwest. The city is known for its Bavarian style architecture, and looks like a town from a German story book. The town is along the Cass River in Eastern Michigan, and a five hour drive from Chicago.

At Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I started my visit with a trip to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which I learned is the world’s biggest Christmas store. It is huge, and I probably spent on hour there looking at all the ornaments and Christmas villages. I had to find the Halloween stuff, which they thankfully had (you can never have too many Halloween decorations). You can also order personalized Christmas ornaments. The owners are religious so you will most likely get a tract with your purchase, and the store advertises as a Christian centered store. The outside of the store is fun as well. There is a replica of the chapel where Silent Night was performed in 1818 in Austria, and other fun photo opportunities. If you love Christmas then this is the store for you.

Inside Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

In town, I started off my visit at the River Place Shops, which is an outdoor mall created in a Bavarian style. As you leave the shopping area, you walk across the bridge, and there is a great view of the old covered bridge. Even though the bridge was built in 1979, it was constructed using traditional timber framing techniques. On the river you can see the steamboats you can take a tour on, as one of the recommended things to do in Frankenmuth is take a wine and chocolate tasting on a river boat.

At Frankenmuth Brewery in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I did get a chance to visit Frankenmuth Brewery where I got to do a tasting and try the food. My friends and I decided to share nachos and mac and cheese, which went perfectly with the beer. I was able to try Rummelstiltskin, the Dunkel, and the Hef Blonde Ale. My favorite was the Belgium Boom Sour Ale. I recommend you do a sampler so you can try a variety of beer. The brewery also rotates through seasonal varieties as well.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Frankenmuth also has shops and a local museum you can visit. I spent a day there, but wished I stayed overnight (I especially wanted to see Bronner’s Christmas Store lit up at night). There are restaurants that specialize in German food as well. Imlay City is not too far so you can visit a lavender farm if you have not done so (it’s beautiful). If you are missing the big city, Detroit is about an hour away. However, if you want to visit a town out of fairy tale then Frankenmuth is the perfect place for you.

At New Glarus Brewery in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

New Glarus, WI is a two and a half hour drive from Chicago, and is also a great place if you want to get out of the city for a day or two. It is small and quaint like Frankenmuth. New Glarus is known as Little Switzerland, since as you might have guessed, the town was founded by Swiss immigrants from Glarus, Switzerland in 1845.  The town is proud of its heritage and celebrates many Swiss holidays and festivals throughout the year. I wrote about the brewery in my previous post, and recommend you stop there if you are a beer fan. The outdoor area is beautiful, and the beer is tasty.

At New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Downtown New Glarus is meant to look like a small Swiss village with its Alpine architecture. I ate the best Reuben sandwich I ever had at Glarner Stube, which is known for its Swiss cuisine. The brewery gave me a token for a sample size beer from New Glarus Brewery to use in a restaurant in town, so it was accepted at Glarner Stube. A friend also recommended Toffler’s Pub (I’ll have to check it out it on my next visit). I walked around town checking out the stores like Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus (where you can sample the fudge), Hawk’s Mill Winehaus, and other shops around the downtown area. Fat Cat Coffee Works is great for an iced coffee or tea stop. I couldn’t resist picking up a scone to take home, and recommend that you pick up one of the delicious baked goods.

At the Maple Leaf in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Some of the delicious treats at Fat Cat Coffee in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

The last visit of the day was to the Swiss Historical Village to get an idea how the town used to look since it replicates an 1850 Swiss settlement. The village consists of reproductions of some the buildings like the church, or buildings that were set to be turn down but were preserved from the nineteenth century. There are still bees in the old Bee House. The village consists of fourteen buildings that are filled with historical artifacts in order to give you an idea of immigrants lived and worked. If you’re a history nerd like I am, you’ll enjoy a visit there.

At the Historical Swiss Village in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

There is also a New Glarus Woods State Park if you want to go for a walk or hike, as well as other attractions in town based on your interests. New Glarus is a nice getaway that includes a scenic drive through the Wisconsin country side whether you are coming and going.

At Grant’s Home in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

Galena is a great place to take a weekend getaway here in Illinois. The town has many well preserved buildings from the 19th century so it is like taking a trip back in time. Civil War general and the eighteenth president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant’s home is there, so I suggest a stop there (and taking a tour). The home was donated to Grant as a reward for his service in the Civil War, and constructed from 1859-60. You’ll get interesting facts about Grant and his family from the tour guide.  It was made a memorial to Grant in 1904. If you want to visit more historic sites, there are other recommended places like the Elihu Washburne House, Dowling House, and the Old Market where you can get a better idea of life in the nineteenth century in Galena.

On a tour of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

If you want to do some wine tasting then I recommend a trip to Galena Cellars Winery and Vineyard, which has been in the Lawler family for three generations. You can taste wine in the tasting room, and/or take a tour of the vineyard. There are also wine pairings with chocolate, or cheese as well. It is such a beautiful place, so if you are looking for wedding venue this would be a great spot (and I’m not into weddings). There is also Galena Brewing Company and a distillery if you prefer other alcoholic beverages, or want to continue trying different libations when in the area.

At the American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

There are many fun places to eat in town, and I recommend you go have ice cream at American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, which makes you feel like you are at an old time ice cream shop. The ice cream is good, and the ambiance is great. There’s also a popcorn and fudge shop nearby as well if you need more snacks. Galena is also known for its antique shops as well so you can take a look while walking around the downtown area.

At a ghost tour in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

If you like ghost tours you can take one in Galena. Your guide will be dressed in nineteenth century garb, and take you on a tour of the area explaining the history, and many of the places that are allegedly haunted. There are different companies that you can choose (the one I went with is not in business any longer). Ghost tours are also a fun way of learning about local history and tales. It’s also an evening activity you can do before going out for drinks.

At Grant’s Home in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

Galena is a great getaway, and a trip there will take you back in time. It’s also a beautiful area since it is hilly and green, which was was a great change of pace from being from the flat land of Chicago. I can see why it’s become recommended place you should visit in Illinois.

The view from Galena Cellars and Vineyard in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

These are some of the places I have enjoyed visiting to get away from the big city life. Let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Some of the great photo ops you can take at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Categories
Michigan Midwest Wisconsin

Enjoying the Midwest for the Beer Lover

At New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

If you are a beer fan that also wants to get out of the city, there are many amazing breweries around the Midwest that you can take a mini road trip to. I’ve been spending some time in Michigan since my parents retired there so I can use their place as a home base. I’ve become fond of Grand Rapids myself, and discovered it has become a popular destination for beer fans. If you haven’t visited the city, I recommend a road trip to explore and sample some great beer. There’s also other things to do there, but I’m focusing on beer for this post.

At Founder’s Brewery in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

The beer that got me into stouts and craft beer is Founder’s Breakfast Stout, so imagine how happy I was to visit the brewery in Grand Rapids…it was like coming full circle. Founder’s Brewery was opened in 1997, and was modeled after a German beer hall with a patio and beer garden, so you can enjoy your beer in different spaces. There’s also a stage so you can listen to live music there while you enjoy your beverage.

Feautured artwork by Kevin Hamman at Founder’s Brewery in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I tried the Mas Agave, Passion Fruit Gose, and Rubaeus since I was in the mood for a refreshing drink, plus it is summertime. My sister had the Green Zebra, a watermelon Gose, which I got to taste. My brothers both had stout, which I enjoyed as well. I tend to drink darker, heavier beers when the weather is colder. There is food there, but I snacked on the pretzel since I had eaten before. The brewery also has artwork hanging promoting different artists. This was my favorite stop on my Grand Rapids brewery tour since the beer was so full of flavor.

At Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

The next stop was Brewery Vivant, which is in a refurbished funeral home in Grand Rapids as well. It has the feel of a Belgian style monastery (it is actually inspired by small Belgian breweries), and focuses on Michigan farmhouse ales. I like that Vivant also uses locally sourced ingredients. Vivant is translated as “to be lively” or “to be alive,” since a visit there definitely made me feel better. The atmosphere is great, the setting is beautiful, and the staff was friendly. Hard core fans of the beer can even join the Monk Club, and get their own personalized chalice to drink from when visiting (if only I was closer). I’m a fan of the taster sizes so I tried Love Shadow, the Imperial Stout and the Tropical Saison, with pineapple and mango. My beer taste is all over the place since I like sours, stouts, porters, and other varieties of ale. Love Shadow has a coconut version coming soon so I hope there will be some the next time I visit Grand Rapids…it’s the little things in life…

Couldn’t resist a pic with the dragon at New Holland Brewing in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Jolly Pumpkin and New Holland Brewing also have locations in Grand Rapids if you like those breweries. My siblings all wanted a picture with the dragon at New Holland. And who doesn’t want to try all the different varieties of Dragon’s Milk? Jolly Pumpkin is across the street so you can sample some tasters or do a flight…that brewery also has the best name too. Some other highly recommended breweries in the city are HopCat and Grand Rapids Brewing Co. I will definitely have to try those on my next trip since I plan on going back.

At Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo, MI -Photo by Maria M.

If you’re in Kalamazoo you can stop by Arcadia Brewery along the Kalamazoo River. The outdoor space along the riverfront is beautiful. Arcadia is inspired by British style beer that is brewed here in the US. The brewery is next to bike trails and pedestrian walkways that you can take a stroll along, or even go kayaking along the river. Sit outside and enjoy the scenery, and the kids can play bags while you savor your beer. This brewery had one my favorite outdoor spaces (New Glarus wins). I tried the Shipwreck Porter, and can’t wait to go back to try some of the seasonal beers on tap. All the breweries also serve food, and Arcadia is known for its barbecue so make sure you sample some of the food when visiting as well. Bell’s Brewery is also in the same town so you can head over afterwards, making Kalamazoo a good stop for beer lovers.

Enjoying the outdoor view at Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo, MI -Photo by Maria M.

You can probably tell I’m a fan of Michigan so I wanted to visit another neighboring Midwest state to not only sample some beer, but find a place to get away from the city. A friend recommended New Glarus, known as “Little Switzerland,” since as you might have guessed, the town was founded by Swiss immigrants from Glarus, Switzerland in 1845.

The view from the beer garden at New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

When in New Glarus, I recommend you visit the brewery there. In 1993, Deborah and Dan founded New Glarus Brewing Company, which sells its products only in Wisconsin. It was the first brewery in the country to be founded by a woman. It also has one of the most beautiful outdoor beer patios that stretches along the property. It looks like you are sitting among ruins with a view of the sweeping hills along the country side. I tried different taster sized beers which included Kid Kolsch, Spotted Cow, the Raspberry Tart, and Two Women. The raspberry was great since it was a warm day when I visited, with the Kolsch coming in second. You can also walk along trails through the forest there.

The beer garden at New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

These are some of the places I have enjoyed visiting to try some great beer while getting  away from the big city life. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Also, if you like my Facebook page, there are videos from different trips you can check out. I update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts too. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how I learn and grow.

Trying the Raspberry Tart at New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Categories
Michigan Midwest Travel

Enjoying the Midwest: Part One

Mermaids at Mermaid Megafest in South Haven, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Sometimes you need a break from city life, and to get out to have a closer experience with nature and a slower pace of life. Lately, I’ve had this feeling of wanderlust, and going on mini road trips around the Midwest has helped. I don’t have a major vacation planned until September so I need smaller trips to tide me over. This spring I’ve visited some places not too far from my home base of Chicago that are only a few hours away. Luckily, there are many fun places and festivals around so the sky is the limit, but here a few places I’ve visited that I wanted to share with you.

At the Carousel Room in the House on the Rock -Photo by Maria M.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite books so I have always wanted to visit the House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI. In the book, Mr. Wednesday and Shadow Moon stop there on their road trip, and the recent season of the TV series had an episode that was filmed there. The book did such a great job describing the place, but it still did not prepare for how odd and interesting the House is. If you are a fan of unusual places and spaces then this is worth a trip.

At the Streets of Yesterday in the House on the Rock -Photo by Maria M.

Alex Jordan designed the place and opened it to the public in 1959. Additions continued to be made over the years, and there are three parts you can visit (I recommend seeing them all). It takes a few hours to get through and see it all. The main house seems to be a parody (or twisted homage) of Frank Lloyd Wright’s style. Interestingly, one of the homes, Taliesin, Wright designed, is nearby. As you enter the grounds, there is a Japanese Garden outside. In the main house, you have to check out the Infinity Room, which juts out 218 ft. without any support.  As you continue, you will experience the Streets of Yesterday, which recreates an early 20th century town. It also reminds me of the exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. The Heritage of the Sea has a nice surprise in there; a friend that went didn’t want to spoil it for me so I’ll do the same for you. You can purchase tokens to put into musical animatronics around the house as well.

At the Organ Room in the House on the Rock -Photo by Maria M.

The most famous part is the Carousel Room, which features the world’s largest indoor carousel. They don’t let you ride it unless you’re Neil Gaiman or one of the gods that gets a special token (see American Gods TV series). The carousel is full of mythological creatures and surprisingly, no horses. If you look up in the room, you’ll see angel mannequins above you. As you leave, you head into the mouth of a dragon. I also really enjoyed the Organ Room with its massive chandeliers and ramps going around the space. The red lighting adds to the sense of eeriness. There are more carousels, and you’ll run into one that is full of dolls. There are collections of doll houses, memorabilia from the British Crown, Tiffany lamps, vintage cars, and so much more as you continue your journey through the House on the Rock. This is a place worth visiting and spending hours in, taking in all the amazing surroundings.

At the Tulip Fest in Holland, MI -Photo by Maria M.

If you want to pretend you’re in the Netherlands, I recommend a visit to Holland, MI. Holland definitely makes the most of its Dutch heritage with different events like the Tulip Festival, which was when I visited.  It is the largest tulip festival in the United States, and claims to have five million tulips. Fair warning, it was really crowded; I think over 100,000 visitors come to the fest. There is Dutch market, a parade, Dutch dancing, and many more activities during the week of the festival. The tulips are spread over different locations in the town so downloading or printing the map is helpful.

At Windmill Island in New Holland, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I started out on Windmill Island, a park that has rows and rows of bulbs planted there, and has the De Zwaan Dutch windmill located there. The area also has replicas of Dutch buildings, and the market was there. It also rained on the day I attended, which helped clear out people, so I ended up enjoying myself more. Thankfully, I brought my umbrella. I think the Main Street and downtown area are charming with small businesses and restaurants. Take a stroll to Centennial Park for more tulips, dancing, and music. There were large decorated clogs all over the fest.

At New Holland Brewing -Photo by Maria M.

One of my favorite breweries is in Holland: New Holland Brewing, which makes Dragon’s Milk. You can eat at the restaurant or tour the brewery as well. Michigan has many fantastic breweries so you can even focus on touring some of those if you are a beer lover. You can also see the lighthouse, known as Big Red, or hike up Mt. Pisgah dune for a great view. It is worth staying overnight in Holland since you can’t do everything in one day. I recommend staying at the City Flats. There are plenty of things to do so you don’t need the fest as an excuse to go; it’s actually probably more fun without the bus loads of tourists that come for Tulip Fest.

With Hannah Mermaid at Mermaid Megafest in South Holland, MI -Photo by Maria M.

South Haven, MI has a Mermaid Megafest that all the mermaid lovers have to check out. The festival’s mission is to “Protect our Water Wonderland!” and bringing attention to the challenges that the Great Lakes face. Hannah Mermaid was there offering a workshop for aspiring underwater models, and Harlow Photography was doing mermaid photo shoots (her work rocks). I made it a family event and took my nieces, who are four and five, since they love mermaids. The mermaids gathered at South Beach near the lighthouse (which was built in 1872 and is still operational). Hannah was really nice and took pics with the girls (had to jump in for one with all the mermaids too). It’s a pretty small fest, and doesn’t take much time to go through. The girls were happy since they won prizes at the carnival games. The main attraction is the Island Moon party at Lake Arvesta (on a man-made island) where the mermaids swim in the tank, music, bonfires, and the beer has glitter in it.

Hannah Mermaid at Mermaid Megafest in South Haven, MI -Photo by Maria M.

South Haven is small town with a nice downtown area as well. It is a port city located on the mouth of the Black River on Lake Michigan. It has a charming old fashioned feel with many small shops and businesses. The houses on the waterfront are beautiful. I recommend a trip to Three Blondes Brewing where you can taste some of the local craft beer, and eat some good food. The brewery was started by three blonde sisters from South Haven, and just celebrated their year anniversary. As far as I know, it’s the only brewery in town, but you can correct me if I’m wrong. Like New Holland, you don’t a fest as an excuse to spend some time there.

At Three Blondes Brewing in South Haven, MI -Photo by Maria M.

These are some of the places I have enjoyed visiting to get away from the big city life. Let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Trying some clogs on at Tulip Fest in Holland, MI -Photo by Maria M.

 

 

Categories
Bali Southeast Asia Travel

Bali: Paradise at Last: Part Two!

Enjoying a morning walk in the rice fields of Ubud, Bali -Photo by Wayfaring Gals

The next day was a chill day since we wanted some pool time. Being able to sit in the sunshine by the pool was a treat for us since I live in Chicago and my sister lives in Alaska. We started the day with yoga, and then did a walk around the local rice fields. To top off the relaxing day, we booked massages in the afternoon. Mine was nice but my sister did not like hers so they gave her a different masseuse.  This masseuse gave a fantastic deep tissue massage since she applied so much more pressure. I believe that a massage should hurt since you are getting the knots out, but then you should feel amazing afterwards! After the massage, we were given warm ginger milk, which was delicious. It was such a great experience that we booked another massage!

At Taman Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

Later, we headed to Ubud to visit Taman Saraswati Temple where there are lotus ponds outside the temple grounds. We were not able to go inside the temple, but still enjoyed the view from the outside. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the deity of literature, art, and learning.  Taman Saraswati’s construction was completed in 1952. The path to the temple is decorated with Hindu figures, and has a beautiful walkway. If you are in Ubud it is worth checking out, and is one of the most popular places to visit in the town.

At Taman Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Cafe Lotus in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

There is a restaurant next to the temple where you can sit on the ground on a raised platform right next to the lotus ponds. It was lovely. My sister and I decided to have the local Balinese beer Bintang, and a local specialty, Nasi Goreng for dinner, which consists of rice, egg, chicken and crackers. It was delicious!

Nasi Goreng at Cafe Lotus in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

I wanted to do some shopping while I was in town, and found some pants that look there is a skirt over them; it looked “Balinese” to me since I wanted something unique I couldn’t find back home. It’s weird putting them on, but the material was nice in the heat. We stopped at Ubud market for a few souvenirs…I love magnets since they are easy to carry and a good gift for friends. My own fridge is covered with them. We found a café right next to the rice fields to take a break from the heat. Coconut water helped re-hydrate us. Later in the evening, we went back to the hotel, and had wine by the pool, ending our day of relaxation.

Getting purified at Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring, Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

The next day we hired a guide again for a half day since we wanted to experience Tirta Empul, or the Holy Spring Water Temple where the locals go for ritual purification. The pond has a spring that pours fresh water into it. The temple was founded all the way back in 962 AD, and is dedicated to Vishnu. The natives go to each well spraying water on themselves, some drinking it, and others even putting water in bottles to take back home. The natives also leave offerings at each of the stations.

At Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

You have to rent a sari to wear in order to go into the water. I recommend wearing a bikini under it, and bringing a change of clothes. The fitting rooms are unisex with no rooms to change in; you can either change in the bathroom stall, which was not pleasant, or underneath a towel. My sister and I helped each other with the latter option. The Holy Spring Water Temple is an amazing place to visit, and see what the locals do to for ritual purification, and it is great that anyone of any faith can take part. You can pray for future blessings to whatever deity you believe in.

At Goa Gajah Caves near Ubud in Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

The second stop was at the Goa Gajah caves, which is a Hindu/Buddhist site that was built in the 9th century, but was only rediscovered in the 1920s. The caves have Buddhist and Hindu elements. There is a path where you will see ruins of a large statue of Buddha. The gardens were beautiful and the best part. The cave itself is small inside with a couple of shrines to Ganesha with offerings people leave. The site is on list to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can skip this site if you have limited amount of time in Ubud.

At the gardens of Goa Gajah near Ubud in Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

The last stop was Tegenungan Waterfall, which was a beautiful place to visit. The “I Love Waterfall” signs gave the pictures an extra touch if you are on Instagram fan. It was not a great day for a hike due to the heat, plus the waterfall was closed for swimming. Thankfully there were cafes there to rest at. I have never been so happy to get water and have a lemon Bintang, which was amazing. I was also grateful that the waterfall was only ten minutes from the Alena resort where we could swim. If you enjoy waterfalls, a good hike, and resting at a cafe then this is the place for you!

At Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

We hit the pool as soon as we got back since it was still early enough to enjoy. We decided to have dinner at the resort since we were too tired to go to town. The food there was delicious though. The ingredients are locally sourced from the village. Our breakfast was included each morning, and it was so good that it filled us up until dinner. After dinner that evening, we did some yoga outside and rewarded ourselves with some wine (I know it counteracted the benefits of the exercise but it was worth it).

Relaxing by the pool at the Alena Resort in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

Yoga at the Alena Resort in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

Our last day in Bali was bittersweet since we were leaving late that evening.  After a delicious breakfast, we headed to town to do a little shopping, and go to Maka Bunny Café. At Maka we were able to feed the rabbits while sipping our iced coffee. The bunnies were sweet and happy to be fed; they were not afraid of people. The rabbits love of food outweighed their fear. We made a short video, which you can see on my Instagram page. If you like rabbits, you’ll enjoy a visit to Maka. Plus the coffee is good too!

Feeding a rabbit at Maka Cafe in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

Enjoying an iced coffee at Maka Cafe in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

Afterwards, I discovered a great gift shop where I found a Wonder Woman puppet. Puppets are popular in Southeast Asia, and we had seen a water puppet show in Vietnam, so it was the perfect reminder of the trip for me. We also found a shop where a woman was hand beading items, so I could not resist the rainbow coasters. If I had more room in my suitcase, I would have picked up more items t this shop. Before heading back to the resort for afternoon massages, we stopped at Alaya Café, and had the most amazing iced chai latte. The chocolate cake wasn’t bad either. My sister has a peanut allergy so I had to finish it myself…lucky me.

Some of the local bead work in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

We wanted to relax before our grueling journeys home so we got massages (which were excellent), and spent more time at the pool. Little did I know that would be my last day to enjoy summer weather since Chicago had been going through a mini ice age this past spring.  After our last supper at the resort, we had to say goodbye to Bali, and head back home. Our flight departed at 1:00 am, but the hotel shuttle dropped us off super early since it was hard to find a driver to take us that late. Denpasar is the capital, and an hour and a half away from the resort so I understood. Luckily everything worked out.  Sadly, we were on separate flights so my sister and I had to say our own goodbyes. The journey home took over a day. From Bali to Shanghai was six hours then another painful thirteen hour flight home in coach.

Enjoying a Lemon Bintang at Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

Bali was such a great way to end our Asian Adventure. It was relaxing, peaceful, and full of beauty. We stayed at a place that made everything easy for us since we were able to take shuttles to Ubud all day, and hire drivers to explore other sites on the island. I have a friend that has been to Bali twice already and wants to return. This was such an amazing vacation that I had a hard time adjusting when I got back home. This trip was probably one of my favorite journeys I have ever taken. I hope I have inspired you to visit Bali as well. Looking forward to sharing my next adventure with you all!

We love waterfalls! At Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts. Thank you for reading, comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Yoga at the Alena Resort in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

Categories
Bali Indonesia Southeast Asia Travel

Bali: Paradise at Last!

The Wayfaring Gals made it to Bali! -At Twin Lake in Bali, Indonesia

I was looking forward to being in Bali even though it was the last part of my vacation. Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and I believe 80% of the economy is based on tourism. After the fast pace we were on in Vietnam and then Kuala Lumpur, it was nice to pick a place as our headquarters for a handful of days. It’s nice to not have to pack your suitcase every couple of days. We got into Bali later in the day, so my sister and I took the shuttle from our hotel to town, walked around and had a glass of overpriced wine. We decided to go to the grocery store and stock up on wine and snacks for the hotel. The town has some beautiful temples that we were able to glimpse in the evening. Our first day was pretty low key.

The Alena Resort in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

My sister and I stayed at the Alena Resort in Ubud, which was beautiful…a place out of a dream. I am smiling as I am writing this, remembering how lovely it was. I like the fact that it is outside of town where it is quiet and peaceful. Yoga was at 7:00a every day, and you could go for walk afterwards to the rice fields with a guide from the resort. Ubud is a popular destination for yoga practitioners. The room at the Alena was beautiful with a canopied bed, and the bathroom was out of a spa. The resort provided bath salt and bubble bath so you could take advantage. It was nice to end the trip staying in the same place where we could get massages and start the days off with yoga outside…paradise!

Enjoying yoga at the Alena Resort in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Kristina L.M.

The tub at the Alena Resort in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day, we hired a guide to take us to a few places on the northern part of Bali. There is no way I would drive there after experiencing a car ride in Bali, so I think we made a good decision. The guide cost about $60 American dollars for the full day, which is a great deal since we left about 9:30a and came back around 7p. Admission to the places we went was not included. Our guide was pretty cool since he at least went with us and talked about some of the places we visited. We did this again for a half day and our guide was pretty much just our driver; he stayed in the car while we explored.

At Taman Ayun Temple in Bali, Indonesia

The first stop was Taman Ayun, a temple and garden complex, where the royal family of the Mengwi were buried. You have to wear a covering for your legs there, which is provided for you. I had pants on and still had to cover my legs. The inner sanctum is in the traditional style of Balinese architecture. I love the gates in Bali; they look amazing against the blue sky. There is a statue of Devi Sri, goddess of rice and prosperity, a figure we’d see more of on the trip, rice being the staple crop. The tombs are within the pagoda like shrines called Meru towers. I couldn’t resist a picture by the Barong, a lion like character from local lore who is the king of spirits and represents good. The majority of the population of Bali is Hindu, but it is different sect where there is worship of local deities.

Devi Sri at Taman Ayun Temple in Bali, Indonesia -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had to see the famous rice terraces at Jatiluwih, which was nominated to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are other fields in the area, but I picked this one since there are no merchants there. You can enjoy the site in peace since it is untouched with people trying to sell you something. So if you want a swing picture and to do some shopping, you might want to go to Tegalang Rice Terraces. Your entry fee to Jatiluwih goes to the village cooperative as well. The drive there was exciting. It was pretty funny seeing children riding motor bikes in the village. Our guide told us there is no police there to enforce the age limit for driving, so the kids run free.

The Wayfaring Gals at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali, Indonesia

There is a path to walk along at the terraces so my sister and I took a nice stroll. I have never seen such a vibrant shade of green that is found in the rice terraces. Pictures do not do it justice. We were having such great luck with the weather then it started to rain after we saw the terraces. At least we enjoyed half the day dry. It does rain pretty often in Bali, but luckily not the entire day. I brought boots and a poncho so it didn’t slow me down.

At Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali, Indonesia -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Nungnung Waterfall in Bali, Indonesia -Photo by Maria A.M.

Our next stop was Nungnung Waterfall. Our guide borrowed umbrellas for us so we went for a nice walk in the rain. It was actually still fun even though it was raining. We weren’t going to go swimming anyway. We made a stop to get a beautiful view of Twin Lakes as well. The scenery was beautiful. I didn’t want to miss a minute. It’s no wonder that Bali is such a popular place to visit. I have friends that have gone back since they loved it.

Enjoying the rain at Twin Lakes in Bali, Indonesia -Photo by Kristina L.M.

Our last stop on our guided tour was Ulun Bratan water temple, which was my least favorite stop since it was crowded and full of tourists. The temple is located on Lake Bratan, and was built in 1633. The temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. The Meru tower is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. I think there is also a statue of Buddha there as well, so you’ve got a lot of spiritual forces on your side. The grounds are full of gardens and look amazing against the background of the lake and mountains.

At Ulun Bratan Water Temple in Bali, Indonesia -Photo by Maria A.M.

This was a hectic day but our guide has a friend that has a coffee and tea plantation, Lumbung Sari, so we said we’d like to visit. We got a great sampler of all the different flavors of coffee and tea offered. We decided to skip the Luwak coffee. It is picked from the feces of the Asian Civet, a weasel like animal. It eats the beans and digest them. It is supposed to be amazing coffee, but I think I can live without trying it. We were able to take a look at the civets as well.

At Lumbung Sari Coffee Plantation in Bali, Indonesia

The flavors that were offered at the plantation worked really well with the coffee, so my sister and I bought some for home, specifically ginger, coconut, and vanilla. I couldn’t resist getting vanilla essential oil either. I’m wearing it now, and get compliments about the smell. There was also lotions made from roses, lavender and other things that smell nice. I’m sure the guide got a kick back from taking us there, but I liked the coffee and things we picked up. Can’t go wrong with sampling tea and coffee either. Plus there are no preservatives in the coffee so it tasted so fresh.

Coffee and tea sampler at Lumbung Sari Coffee Plantation in Bali, Indonesia

The famous Asian Civet at Lumbung Sari Coffee Plantation in Bali, Indonesia

Dinner was at Teba Sari, a local place in Ubud that specializes in duck. The restaurant is beautiful. If you make a reservation you can eat under tents by the pond. I had a dish with chicken and rice, and my sister had duck salad. We treated our guide to dinner as a thank you for such a great day!  The food was delicious, and it was lovely watching the sunset at the restaurant.

At Teba Sari in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Teba Sari in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

After such a busy day, it was happy hour by the pool, followed by some reading, and a bubble bath. It was probably one of my favorite days on the trip since we got to visit so many amazing places on the island. The architecture and design of the palaces and temples was beautiful, as well as learning more about the religious practices there and seeing more of the landscape outside Ubud.

Our room at the Alena Resort in Ubud, Bali -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Categories
Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Southeast Asia Travel

Fun Things to do in Kuala Lumpur in a Day!

I Love Kuala Lumpur! -Photo by Kristina L.M.

We had a day layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia so we tried to make the most out of it. It ended up being closer to a half day there, but my sister and I still had a blast. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, which used to be part of the British Empire. The country achieved independence in 1957, and has a king and a prime minister that run the government. Everyone spoke English in the capital so it was easy to get around for us English speakers. There is freedom of religion, but Islam is recognized as the established religion of the country, which is interesting since my sister and I visited a couple Hindu sites that were amazing. Malaysia has had great economic growth since achieving independence, so the country attracts many workers, as well as students and tourists from around Asia. After Vietnam, it felt nice to be in a modern country with the comforts of home. The best part of our day was that the attractions we visited were free. We just paid for transportation to and from these places, so if you have more time you can even take transit to make it more affordable.

At Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-Photo by Kristina L.M.

Malaysia was a short 2 hour plane ride away, but our flight was delayed so we got to the city later than expected. The airport is a hike from the hotel so we took the cheapest option which is an app called Grab (like Lyft in the US). Our driver was friendly, and even offered to pick us up in the morning so we set that up with him. We were so hungry when we got to the hotel that we ate at the restaurant there, which was actually good. Eat the delicious local cuisine and drink the lemon iced tea…it’s so good! We didn’t have time for any tours since we arrived later in the afternoon, and had no patience for the tourist traps they take you to shop. We decided to use Grab all day from place to place since the city is quite large, and nothing was within walking distance that we wanted to see. If we were there all day we would have done the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour. Grab was an affordable way to get around, and most of the drivers were nice and friendly.

Look at all those stairs! At Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-Photo by Maria A.M.

First stop was the Batu Caves, a hill with a complex of Hindu cave temples. It is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war and the commander-in-chief of the army of Devas, and he is the son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. His giant sized statue is right outside the caves. An Indian trader dedicated the temple to Murgan in the late 19th century. There beautiful, colorful Hindu temples on the site as well.

Main temple of Murugan at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur-Photo by Maria A.M.

There are three main caves and some smaller ones. The 272 steps that take you up to the caves to see Cathedral Cave, named for its lovely high ceiling. There are shrines inside the caves as well. The Batu Caves is the most visited site in the city, and recommended if you are in Kuala Lumpur. We were not disappointed, and glad we had enough time to see it while it was open to the public. The 140 ft statue of Lord Murugan is amazing in itself.

Shri Mahamariamman in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-Photo by Maria A.M.

The next stop was at another temple that was founded by the same man that founded Batu Caves, K. Thamboosamy Pillai. He named the temple Shri Mahamariamman. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, and was built in a Southern Indian style. It was founded in 1872, but opened to the public in the 1920s. The temple tower, called a gopuram, and the gate with its sculptures of Hindu gods draws you into this amazing place. The temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a manifestation of the goddess Parvati.

The main hall of Shri Mahamariamman in Kuala Lumpur-Photo by Maria A.M.

The temple is beautiful. I loved all the colors incorporated into the sacred figures and architecture. The main hall has decorated ceilings. Pillaiyer and his brother Lord Muruga adorn the center. The temple is free, you just have to pay to store your shoes since footwear is not allowed. There are many beautiful places of worship in the city, but I was drawn to this temple. The temple is close to Chinatown so we were able to walk through the market after visiting the temple. The market was pretty crazy with various vendors trying to get our attention so we made our way to our next must see place in Kuala Lumpur.

Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-Photo by Maria A.M.

Another must see site in Kuala Lumpur are the Petronas Towers; the world’s largest twin towers. It is the headquarters of the national oil company Petronas. The buildings are a landmark of Kuala Lumpur; like what the Sears Towers is for Chicago. The steel and glass motifs are meant to resemble symbols found in Islamic art. You can buy a lense there that allows you to take a picture with the towers, but I passed on that. We crossed the street for a better picture with the towers in the background. Crowds gather outside at KLCC Park, where you can sit and enjoy the view of the towers. The water fountain is beautiful in the evening. You can purchase a ticket to go up the towers as well. We were happy with walking around the towers and sitting in the park by the fountain, taking in the view.

Merdeeka Square in the Evening-Photo by Maria A.M.

Our last stop of the evening was Merdeka (Independence) square where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time. If you cross the street the Natural History Museum is there, along with more paths to take a stroll. There are some other buildings as well, and a beautiful mosque is next door. We arrived later in the evening and walked around exploring what we could since the buildings were closed for the day. There is an “I Love Kuala Lumpur” sculpture you can take pics with as well. The bridge and water are lit up, and music plays at different intervals in the park. Merdeeka Square was the perfect place to end our visit in Kuala Lumpur. I wish we had more time to explore Malaysia since there so many places to see, but it will have to wait until next time.

First place the Malaysian flag was raised, Merdeeka Square, Kuala Lumpur-Photo by Maria A.M.

After a long day we headed back to our hotel for some sleep since we had to be up early for our flight to Bali, Indonesia, the last part of my Asian Adventure! So stay tuned for one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I have visited. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Goodbye Kuala Lumpur, we had a blast! -Photo by Maria A.M.