Five Things to do in Tangier

Kasbah - Tangier - Keep Calm and Wander

One day in summer, my feet brought me to the streets of Tangier – the city which has influenced the people on their taste in arts, culture, and cuisine from around the world. Tangier is a mix of everything – partly because of the invasions of the Spanish, Muslims, Portuguese, and English.

A great many artists always look for inspiration for their work – and Tangier has served to be just that for many notable personalities, including Paul Bowles, Henri Matisse, William S. Burroughs, Paulo Coelho, Keith Richards, Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, painter Eugene Delacroix, and many others.

By visiting the city in summer, I understood what brings all the literary and artistic juice of the world here and I’d like to quote it in the words of William S. Burroughs,

“Tangier is on one of the few places in the world where, so long as you don’t proceed to robbery, violence, or some form of crude, antisocial behavior, you can do exactly what you want.”

I literally did what I could. Of course, I cannot talk about the “other things”, ahem, but I can tell you my 5 most favorite experiences there.

1. The Kasbah

I have to say that I really did enjoy my time wandering here. Believe it or not, I spent close to 5 hours, one foot in front of the other. I stopped twice in some old cafes and ordered something strange. While passing through the gate of Kasbah and stepping into the large courtyard and then into the Dar el-Makhzen palace of the 17th century, I could notice how every atom of the place could speak volume of what they have been through. The intricacies of the Moroccan artwork pleased my eyes which changed into ecstasy as I stepped into the Café Detroit which has served to be the rallying point of most of the writers mentioned above.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Twenty Seven Hours in Kuwait – Keep Calm and Wander

Kuwait - Keep Calm and Wander

Early this year, I was in Kuwait for 27 hours connecting flight on my way to Sri Lanka. It’s my first time to fly Kuwait Airlines and I was not impressed. My flight was delayed for an hour and a half – and apparently, it’s normal for this airline. That’s according to the Kuwaiti guy who is a frequent flyer sitting next to me. Boo…

What to do in Kuwait? I really have no idea. The country is not known as a tourist destination. There’s only very little information about what to do in the city / country. Even my friend who has been living in the Kuwait City for years can’t really recommend a place to visit. He did tell me to walk along the corniche leading to Kuwait Towers. And that’s exactly what I did in the morning – before the heat could burn me to hell.:D What we all know is that they’re rich in gas and oil.

But, of course, there are things to do in Kuwait. I was just not into exploring the city due to the heat, expensive taxis and in such a short time.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre – Keep Calm and Wander

The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre - Keep Calm and Wander

I have no doubt that Apollo Gallery is the most dazzling hall at Louvre Museum. Yes, if there’s one room at Louvre Museum that spells grandeur, it would be Galerie d’Apollon. This amazingly-decorated room is fit for a sun-god. From its walls to its ceiling Apollo Gallery shimmers in paintings, tapestries, jewels, gilded embellishments and statues. Its artistry is incredible and its craftsmanship is very detailed.

As soon as you enter, there’s that feeling that you’re in one of the royal rooms of time’s past. In fact, this was the first royal gallery for King Louis XIV. Though small in size, this hall became the prototype of the Hall of Mirror at the Palace of Versailles.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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A Day on Isla Mujeres – Keep Calm and Wander

Isla Mujeres - Cancun - Keep Calm and Wander

Isla Mujeres is an island just off northeast of Zona Hotelera in Cancun. The island is visible if you’re standing on the beaches of Cancun and vice versa. It is known for its white sand and idyllic beaches. The island is only 5 miles long and a half mile wide. In other words, you can walk around it if you’ve got a sun-proof skin. Isla Mujeres, in English means, Island of Women. The Spanish called the island as such because of the presence of a number of women statues.

How to get to there. If you’re staying downtown or along Zona Hotelera, there are three major ports where you can take the UltraMar ferry. We stayed at Occidental Costa Cancun and the Embarcadero terminal is right next door to us. The other two ferry terminals are: Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

The Sacre Coeur in Paris – Keep Calm and Wander

Sacre Coeur in Paris - Keep Calm and Wander

Before visiting, get to know these interesting facts about Sacre Coeur in Paris. It’s a minor Roman Catholic basilica that sits atop Montmarte, the city’s highest summit. You’ll see it from the top of Eiffel Tower or from Notre Dame Cathedral. Its domes look different from any Catholic churches you’ve seen before. If my memory serves me right, I’ve never seen anything like these.

Sacre Coeur, in English, is translated as the Sacred Heart which of course refer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Montmarte means the “Mount of the Martyr.”

The basilica was built in 1975 but its construction was completed in 1914. However, it was only sanctified when the World War 1 ended in 1919. Paul Abadie designed this imposing church overlooking the city of Paris.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Annecy: The Little Venice of France – Keep Calm and Wander

Annecy views - Keep Calm and Wander

Don’t miss the views of beautiful Annecy from the Chateau should you decide to visit it for a day from Lyon. Chateau de Annecy sits on the hill and towers above the city and Lake Annecy. After paying the entrance fee, walk all the way to the end of the castle and you’ll find a green backyard with a fort. From here, you’ll see the uninterrupted views of the charming little town.

Little Venice. Because of the presence of some canals, the town is said to be the “Little Venice of France.” Unlike Venice, this town is away from hordes of tourists that cramped the Italian water town. There are no canal tours here and no gondolas for honeymooners.

Boat Tour / Cruise. You can do a boat tour / cruise on Lake Annecy. There are few boat operators near the European Gardens, along the lake.

Enjoy the views.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Luxembourg’s National Museum of History and Art – Keep Calm and Wander

Luxembourg's National Museum of History and Art

Unlike other national museums in Europe, the National Museum of History and Art in Luxembourg (MHNA) is small. It does, however, contain impressive fine arts of its own. Who would have ever known that Victor Hugo was a sketch artist? I didn’t – until I saw one of his sketches here.

Museum Collections. The museum has Archeology Collections which mostly composed of regional / local pieces that are found from excavations. Their Fine Arts Collections has photographic works of Edward Steichen. It also art pieces from the Middle Ages to mid-20th century. The Arts and Crafts section of the museum shows the local designs and its foreign influences. And then, there’s the Coin Cabinet, a numismatist’s place of wonder.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Amsterdam in the Morning – Keep Calm and Wander

Amsterdam in the Morning - Keep Calm and Wander

In my previous blog post, I talked about what Amsterdam looks like without the tourists. This is part 2 of the post – and a continuation of my morning stroll. You might not like waking up early in the morning but it’s worth it. You’ll see more of Amsterdam when there are no tourists around.

Though you won’t be able to see museums and art galleries, walking around the city in the morning is far more rewarding than doing it when tourists are everywhere. Don’t worry about getting lost – enjoy being lost. It’s a small city, so you’ll always find a way to get back where you started. You might be surprised what you can find in the city’s little corners.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Masterpieces of the RijksMuseum in Amsterdam – Keep Calm and Wander

RijksMuseum Amsterdam - Keep Calm and Wander

When you’re in Netherlands, don’t skip in getting to know all the masterpieces inside Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Boy, until now, I can’t help but remember the goosebumps I had staring at the originals masterpieces of Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer and other Dutch masters.

How much time should I spend there? I was there two hours before is closed. That’s good enough time to explore the whole museum. But if you’re really an art enthusiast, then, you need a half day to scrutinize everything.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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The Narrowest House in Amsterdam – Keep Calm and Wander

Narrowest House in Amsterdam - Alain

This may not be the thinnest house in the world but this certainly is the narrowest house facade in the world. While I’ve seen some pretty small / thin houses on my walks along the canal, this one seems to be the narrowest. I didn’t find it on my own. I joined a free walking tour guided by a friend and he pointed this out as one of the world’s narrowest houses. Obviously, you can’t disagree by the looks of it.

This should not be confused as the “narrowest in the world” because that title is already claimed by the Keret House in Poland. However, this particular house in Amsterdam has the world’s narrowest house facade. It is much bigger inside.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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