No Romeo at Juliet’s Balcony – Keep Calm and Wander

Juliet's Balcony - Keep Calm and Wander

Yes, that’s right – my Romeo didn’t show up at Juliet’s Balcony in Verona. He ditched me.

Perhaps, there’s only one reason why people visit Verona – to see Juliet’s Balcony or House. And of course, Romeo’s House, too! But, don’t get me wrong, Verona is beyond those two fictional characters.

Wait, Who’s Romeo and Juliet? Hmmmmnnn…. I reckon you skipped your high school English class that you don’t have an iota of idea who they are? You must have seen the movie of the same names, right? No? Okaaaayyyy…. Romeo and Juliet is a story of star-crossed lovers (guess who?) written by William Shakespeare. It ended in tragedy but ultimately reunite their two warring families. Sorry for the spoiler.

So, why it’s called Juliet’s Balcony? The house where the balcony is located was once owned by the Capello Family. In 1905, the city of Verona bought it from them. In the story, Juliet’s last name is Capulet which, for some people, sounds similar to Cappello. And then, people started to refer it as Juliet’s Balcony or Juliet’s House. Now, it has become a must-see tourist destination in Verona.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Stopover in Lesbian Rekjavik – Tango Diva

Lesbian Reykjavik

Iceland continues to break tourism records. Given the recent stopover promotions offered by carriers like WOW Airlines and the increase in cruises, Reykjavík, the hub for most of the activity, has seen the greatest impact. During summer months, expect hotels at full capacity, tours sold out and crowds. So, careful planning for your Reykjavík stopover, will make a big difference in your overall Iceland experience.

My recent Iceland Pro Cruise allowed me time to explore the capital city for several days as part of a pre/post cruise extension.So I am happy to share some insights and travel tips.

First off, the Fly Bus is an affordable and convenient airport connection. The fare averages $26 USD one way. Travel time is about 40-45 minutes.

Fast Fact: Many tourists opt to buy a combo ticket which includes transfer to the famous Blue Lagoon before they head into the city.

Several coach companies, Iceland Excursions, Reykjavík Excursions and Gray Line, offer the bundled excursion. Gray Line Iceland’s basic tour package with transfer averages $80-100 USD depending on exchange rate and time of day. This tip will save you travel time and extra transportation costs.

Be forewarned, this touristy favorite can require patience. Year round you will find long lines. Admission must be booked in advance. If lucky, you will get a reservation which provides access at an assigned date and time. Blue Lagoon standard entrance fees start around $60 USD and go as high as $530 USD depending on the package. The luxe package includes a private changing room and entry into an exclusive lounge with direct entry to the lagoon.

By Sheila Gaspers – Full Story at Tango Diva

Iceland Gay Travel Resources

Canada Pride Vlog – Nomadic Boys

Canada Pride

Canada hosted its first ever national pride in 2017 in Montreal and we were lucky to be there to soak it all up.

There were world famous drag queens, super sexy boys, incredible outfits and more.

Watch our latest vlog about it right here, and please remember to subscribe.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Montreal Gay Travel Resources

Villa Santa Rosa – Gay Friendly Santa Rosa Vacation Rental

Villa Santa Rosa

Bring your friends or family (children very welcome!) to our luxury five bedroom (2 King master suites, one queen suite, two queens with shared bath), 4.5 bath villa with 3 jetted tubs and 3 gas fireplaces, a flat-screen t.v. in every bedroom, and gorgeous views from every window, looking out over a long wooded open space valley.

Watch for deer, quail, and hundreds of wild birds. Have a glass of wine at sunset on your own private balcony, or sit out on one of two larger balconies with seating for everyone, looking out over the gardens, pool, and valley.

Sit with your morning coffee under a secret rose arbor and watch the hummingbirds and families of quail in the garden. Enjoy being all together, or go off and find that private space with a good book; our gardens are full of secret or group sitting areas.

Lounge in the sun by our tropical jungle pool with it’s splashing waterfall, or share lunch in the big gazebo. Discover the secret hammock garden under the cooling shade of the palms. This is a serene and peaceful property (no parties with outside guests allowed), a great place to reconnect with friends and family.

Owners on-site nights only, in owner’s studio with no shared walls, separate entrance.

Inside, everything is high-end, with luxury cotton linens, and wood, marble, granite and glass touches throughout. Stainless steel gourmet kitchen, sunny breakfast nook, large great room with Netflix and Pandora, and a formal red dining room. Hire a private gourmet chef for a special dinner, hire a masseuse to come to the house, or arrange for a wine country driver to take you on a Napa or Sonoma tasting tour, from our own Referrals List (you can even arrange a private wine tasting right at the house!)

Central to all major wine roads, with Sonoma Valley ten minutes to the south, Napa Valley 20 minutes north-east, the quaint town of Healdsburg and the lush Dry Creek Valley ten minutes north, the Russian River Valley, Redwoods, and our gorgeous wild beaches a short drive west, and the exciting city of San Francisco only an hour to the south. Do Napa one day, Sonoma the next. Or rent a kayak or canoes and paddle down the Russian River through the Redwoods, in the gay-friendly town of Guerneville!

Float in our pool (heated April-Oct.), lay in a hammock, or soothe tired muscles in our in-ground, year-round spa. Get our our Karaoke set for group fun at night, or play one of our many fun board games. Grill up a feast on our covered upper balcony with two kinds of gourmet grills, a gas fireplace, and seating for all. Be sure and leave time to relax in our gorgeous rose and perennial gardens, with birds and flowers everywhere you look, and soak in the beauty. Welcome gift of roses, wine and chocolates!

See the Villa Santa Rosa Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Sonoma County Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Recipe for Colombian Ajiaco – Nomadic Boys

Ajiaco - Nomadic Boys

Ajiaco is delicious Colombian comfort food. It is a chicken and potato soup, particularly popular in the capital city, Bogota.

A typical Colombian ajiaco soup contains 3 different varieties of potatoes and the galinsoga herb. Locally this herb is called guasca and interestingly in the USA this herb is considered a weed and referred to as gallant soldier or potato weed. In the UK it’s got an even cooler nickname – soldiers of the Queen.

The potatoes include white and red potatoes, as well as the Andean papa criolla potato, which is smaller and slightly yellow in colour.

Our recipe for Colombian ajiaco is good for 6-8 servings and is ideally served with rice and sliced avocado.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Colombia Gay Travel Resources

Scotland’s Isle of Iona – Keep Calm and Wander

Isle of Iona - Aosdàna Jewelry - Keep Calm and Wander

When I began planning my adventure in Scotland, I naturally asked all my friends for advice on where to go. A friend of a friend said I HAD to visit the Isle of Iona, as it was a completely magical place. OK…so I got out the map and located it. Hmm…it was part of the Hebrides Islands, a little isle off the coast of the Isle of Mull, off the coast of Oban. It didn’t sound like the easiest place to get to, but I was determined to make it happen. And, it turned out it wasn’t as difficult as I originally thought.

To get to Iona, I purchased a full day, round trip tour from West Coast tours. I bought my ticket almost 6 months in advance (not that you have to), and I lucked out big time on the weather — cool and sunny! We departed Oban just before 10 in the morning and enjoyed a scenic 50 minute ferry ride to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From there, I hopped on a bus and took an hour and half drive across the ruggedly beautiful Isle of Mull. The driver gave an informative and sometimes humorous commentary during the journey.

Then it’s just a a 15 minute ferry ride over to Iona. Once I debarked in Iona, I just started walking. I knew the main thing I wanted to see was the Abbey, but you never know what you’ll encounter along the way. And what did I find??? An incredible jewelry gallery, Aosdana! Honestly, this was about the last thing I ever thought I’d find on this remote island.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Northern Scotland Gay Travel Resources

Provincetown’s 2nd Summer

September and October with warm days and cool evenings mark the ‘2nd Summer’ in Ptown.  The crowds have thinned a bit, but there’s still plenty of things to do.  The average September high is 70 degrees with an average low temperature of 55.  October brings an average high of 60 degrees and a low of 45.  It’s a spectacular time to visit Provincetown.

The 2nd summer lineup of activities is packed with something going on every weekend and a number of activities during the week.  A glance at the schedule lists these highlights:

Sept 28-Oct 1   Mates Leather Weekend
Oct 6-8               Monumental Yard Sale weekend
Oct 6 -9              Columbus Day weekend 
Oct 9-15             Women’s Week
Oct 15-23           Fantasia Fair
Oct 27-29           Spooky Bear weekend
Oct 27-29          Halloween weekend 
Nov 17-19          Mr. New England Leather
Nov 22               Holiday lighting of Pilgrim Monument festivities
Nov 23-26        Thanksgiving weekend
Nov 25               Holiday lighting of Lobster Pot Christmas Tree
Dec 1-3              Holly Folly weekend
Dec 28-Jan 2    Provincetown First Light Celebration with Fireworks
With great weather and lower off-season rates you have a great reason to visit Ptown this fall.  Ptown Dan and his partner Bob own the Somerset House Inn, a wonderful B&B in the perfect Ptown location.  On Commercial Street, across the street from the water our guesthouse is walking distance to everything.  We would love to have you stay with us, please visit our web site to make your reservations.  We look forward to welcoming you to Provincetown!

 

Hawaii’s Hidden Hideaway – Kailua Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfast

Hawaii's Hidden Hideaway - Kailua Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfast

Recipient of the Most Romantic Hideaway Award, two years in a row. One of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii is this beautiful B&B.

30-minutes from Waikiki, Honolulu, airport and the Pearl Harbor Historic district. 2 blocks from the world famous Lanikai beach. Five minutes from Kailua with great restaurants, antique shops, and rentals for kayaks, windsurfing and bikes.

Private units include one suite, and two deluxe studios, all with garden views, and all can interconnect, with your choice of king, queen or twin sleeping arrangements. The suite has

  • a large garden lanai area with a private outdoor Jacuzzi spa
  • a queen bed plus a single sleep sofa.

Each hideaway unit has

  • its own private entrance
  • bathroom
  • dining area
  • lanai deck
  • kitchenette
  • fiber optic cable television
  • a library of activities on the island
  • restaurant menus
  • books on Hawaiiana

We also have beach chairs, mats and toys (snorkel gear, boogie boards and other beach items.) Water sports, not your thrill, we have 7 golf courses within 20 minutes from the B&B. Tennis courts close by and wonderful hikes right by the B&B.

We offer FREE WiFi and FREE off street parking and there are NO Resort Fees. We also have laundry facilities for your use. One of the best features to our location is that you can watch the sunrise on the beach, or even better, the full moon rising over the ocean. We are a legal licensed permitted establishment.

Please accept our invitation to come stay at the Hideaway. Thank you for considering us.

Warmest Aloha

See the Hawaii’s Hidden Hideaway B&B Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Kailua Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

 

Al Amin Mosque in Beirut – Keep Calm and Wander

Al Amin Mosque - Keep Calm and Wander

While I was in Beirut, I had the chance to go inside Al Amin Mosque. The locals call it as Blue Mosque, simply because of its blue dome that sits on top of it. Mohammad Al Amin is not an ancient mosque. Compared to the Blue Mosque in Turkey, in Egypt or in any other countries in the Middle East, this is a new place of worship. It was inaugurated in 2008.

When I visited there on a hot June weather, I was hesitant to go inside because I was wearing shorts. However, I had a colourful sarong inside my bag, just in case I’d be refused entry. I could simply wrap it around my waist to cover my flawless legs.

I was there around 10:30 in the morning but the guard told me to come back at 11:00 because the janitors were still cleaning. So, I walked around the area – despite the searing heat and went back 30 minutes later. Good thing was – the guard let me in – with me in knee-length shorts. He asked if I were a muslim and when I said no, he handed me out a leaflet about Islam. He directed me to a space where I could place my shoes properly. I was the first visitor (or tourist) that day and it was so quiet. I could even hear my own footsteps on a carpeted floor. In fact, I was even guilty of making a teeny bit of a sound.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander