Five Interesting Facts About Panama – The Nomadic Boys

Stefan - Balboa Beer - Five Interesting Facts About Panama - Nomadic Boys

We visited Panama as part of our big trip around Latin America, celebrating Stefan’s birthday at the gorgeous Bocas del Toro.

Panama is the most southern of the Central Latin American group of countries, sitting just above Colombia. Interestingly, it is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. Also, the famous canal generates one-third of the country’s entire economy (as does the massive US expat population living there!) We’ve put together our 5 favourite interesting facts about Panama you need to know to give you a flavour for this fascinating tropical Central American country.

The Panama canal
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel. It was initially built by the French in the late 1800s and then completed by the Americans until formally opened on 15 August 1914.

The Canal is a 50 miles (80km) waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Vessels take around 8-10 hours to cross it. It has 3 locks, each with 2 lanes. The easiest to visit is the Mira Flores lock in Panama City, which has also been turned into a visitor center.

At the Mira Flores visitor center you can see the canal live in action: ship comes in, pays the toll, waits, water drains out to lower ship to sea level, canal doors open and ship continues on its way.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Panama Gay Travel Resources

 

Lyon’s Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière – Keep Calm and Wander

Lyon's Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière - Keep Calm and Wander

If Rio de Janeiro has the statue of Christ the Redeemer looking after the city, Lyon has Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Yes, it’s not a statue with open arms but a basilica sitting on top of a mountain. You can’t miss it – and every local knows where it is. It may look far when you’re on the plains but it’s worth a visit – even if you’re not religious.

The Basilica’s Fame. When Black Death swept Europe in the 17th middle of century, Lyon was saved from it. The locals built this church to honour the Virgin Mary to whom they believe safeguarded the city from the deadly plague.

Day of Immaculate Conception. Every year, On December 8, the city has the “Festival of Lights.” This is the night when locals light a candle for the Virgin Mary who is also attributed for saving Lyon during the Prussian Invasion (1870) and the cholera epidemic (1832).

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Lyon Gay Travel Resources

Queer WeHo Without a Car – Windy City Times

West Hollywood

Winter is the perferct time to visit Southern California. With temperatures in the high 60s to 70s ( and everything in bloom as it is the rainy season ), the area is a great respite from the dreary winter in most of the country.

Best of all, you can relax and rely on transit and walking to get around with your visit to West Hollywood, arguable America’s biggest gayborhood. They also have a shared bicycle system so bring your helmet if you plan to use it.

Getting there: I grabbed a Southwest sale fare of $79 from Indy to LAX. From LAX, grab the shuttle to Lot C and take the Big Blue Bus #3 to Santa Monica for $1.25 ( ask for a transfer ). In Santa Monica, transfer to the 704 Rapid Bus Line to West Hollywood. ( Yes, I paid $1.25 from LAX to WeHo. ) Exit at San Vincente street and walk three blocks east to your hotel.

By Bill Malcolm – Full Story at Windy City

West Hollywood (WeHo) Gay Travel Resources

Flawless New Orleans Arts Destinations -Towleroad

Oleander on Royal gallery
Photo: Jonno D’Addario

It’s easy to get your fill no matter what you’re thirsty for in New Orleans. No, we’re not just talking about the city’s cocktail culture, 24-hour bars and infamous “go cup.” The Crescent City also serves up plenty of opportunities to drink in the city’s vibrant art and culture scene.

New Orleans’ rich history and unique blend of cultures are on display all over the city, from museums to bookstores and even just lining the streets. No wonder it’s long drawn creatives looking for inspiration (including Scissor Sisters’ frontman, Jake Shears). As New Orleans readies for a year-long tricentennial celebration, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite can’t-miss cultural destinations.

Mardi Gras may be New Orleans’ most famous annual tradition, but even if you can’t make it for the annual blowout, you can still partake in the celebration at Mardi Gras World. Let a tour guide lead you through the studios where artists are hard at work building floats. You’ll have the chance to see lavish costumes, extravagant props and even sample King Cake — a delicious treat that’s hard to come by when it’s not Carnival season.

By Andy Towle – Full Story at Towleroad

Louisiana Gay Travel Resources

Chateau de Versailles Gardens – Keep Calm and Wander

Palace-of-Versailles-Gardens-Chateau-France-10

The well-manicured gardens of Chateau de Versailles is so huge you need two to three hours to explore its entirety. Unless, of course, if you choose to ride on a golf cart around – for an additional fee. In fact, I never had the chance to explore half of it. I was there for four hours only, including the queue that took us more than an hour! The number of visitors to the palace was insane!

The Palace of Versailles. It is known to be the most opulent in all of France. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette got married and lived here. When you go inside, such vast wealth and power is ubiquitous. Its fabulous rooms are decorated with stunning artistic beauty from floor to walls to ceiling. It’s magnificent! It’s grand!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

France Gay Travel Resources

Lyon’s Coolest Mural – Keep Calm and Wander

Lyon's Coolest Mural - Keep Calm and Wander

From afar, this building looks like an ordinary building with people hanging out on their balconies. But, viola, as you go nearer, you’ll realize that this building is coated with mural paintings of famous people from Lyon. They look real at first glance. These people, I was told, are coming from all walks of life, experts in their own chosen endeavours.

Yes, they’re well-known personalities who hail from and make Lyon proud. There are journalists, chefs, artists, actors, professors, sportsmen, historians, poets, architects, botanists, scientists, and many more.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Lyon Gay Travel Resources

Gay Nude Beaches in Italy – The Nomadic Boys

gay nude beaches in Italy

Italy is a hotbed for some of the finest men in the world who just love to bare it all at one of the country’s many gorgeous beaches.

After checking out the best gay beaches in Europe, we wanted to discover more from the Italian perspective, so we teamed up with the guys at GayFriendlyItaly.com to showcase the 5 best gay nude beaches in Italy.

One thing to note with regards to public nudity in Italy is that although it is officially illegal, in 2006 nude tanning was legalised in designated areas so you should be fine in the places we list below.

Lecciona beach in Tuscany
Lecciona beach is the most popular gay beach in Italy. It is part of the natural park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli.

The beach is stunning. We love it because not only is it a sandy beach (most tend to be pebbly or rocky), but it is surrounded by a gorgeous pine forest. This also makes it quite private, hence why it’s a popular spot for nudists.

Bear in mind there are no establishments here. To reach it you have to walk at least 10-15 minutes through the pinewood and sand dunes, so bring all your food, water etc with you.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Japan’s Nakasendo Way – Passport Magazine

Matthew Wexler

I’m walking along the Nakasendo Way somewhere between Hosokute and Sekigahara, Japan…in the rain. The slow, persistent drizzle has pruned my hands as I futilely clutch my five-dollar umbrella that I’ve dragged 6,800 miles from New York City. I was told that rain apparel would be necessary and I half-listened, making sure that my jacket and hiking shoes were waterproof, but forgoing what I now realize is another essential piece of gear—a sturdy umbrella.

So I simply get wet. I’ve given up on the idea that a local taxi will whisk our small band of travelers to the warm comfort of the next ryokan. The traditional Japanese inns that have served as our accommodations along this ancient trade route that dates back to the seventh century. There are blossoming cherry trees, rice paddy fields, and rolling grey clouds for as far as the eye can see, but not a ryokan in sight. I venture on, one muddy step at a time. My mind asks, “What the hell am I doing here?” And then it answers: “You’re here because there is a world beyond your own. Get out of your comfort zone.”

THE ROAD THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS

Celebrating 25 years of off-the-beaten-path itineraries throughout the country’s most picturesque landscapes, Walk Japan (www.walkjapan.com) has pioneered an exciting range of immersive experiences available for adventure-seeking tourists from all around the world. From guided tours along the coastal Izu Geo Trail to Ise Shrine and Shikoku temple pilgrimages, more than a dozen specialized excursions offer something for everyone, from the occasional walker to the experienced hiker (I’m the former). While I give myself credit for navigating New York City’s concrete jungle on a daily basis, I have a quick learning curve when it comes to the 80-mile walk that lies ahead.

By Matthew Wexler – Full Story at Passport Magazine

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

Villa Elia Mykonos – Gay Friendly Mykonos Villa

Villa Elia Mykonos - Gay Friendly Mykonos Villa

A luxury and cosy villa, very close to Elia beach!

The villa is modern and minimal with all kinds of facilities you may ask for. The big space together with the sunlight that jumps from every window gives you a sense of homely coziness. Comfortable king size beds will make you want to sink in them all day long, but let’s be honest; the private terrace gives you the sense of being in paradise.

The house has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, dining room & living room. There is also an outdoor dining and lounge area, a private swimming pool and a private jacuzzi.

Beautiful surroundings. Guests love the place because of the views, the ambiance and the location. Villa Elia is located in a complex of 4 independent luxury villas and it’s ideal for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers and families (kids welcome).

See the Villa Elia Mykonos Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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