Destinations

Wat Pho, Thailand’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha – Keep Calm and Wander

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Wat Pho, Thailand's Temple of the Reclining Buddha - Keep Calm and Wander

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a must-see destination for travelers visiting Bangkok, Thailand. Located in the Phra Nakhon district, Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temples in the city and is home to a number of important cultural and historical artifacts.

The highlight of Wat Pho is the enormous reclining Buddha statue, which measures 46m long and 15m high. The statue, which is made of brick and covered in gold leaf, depicts the Buddha in the final moments of his life as he enters the state of Nirvana. The statue is an awe-inspiring sight, and visitors can walk along its length, taking in the intricate details of the statue’s form and design. Visitors can walk along and around the statue’s length, marveling at its size and beauty.

In addition to the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is home to more than 1,000 other Buddha images, as well as a number of beautiful murals and decorative elements.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Bangkok’s Wat Arun at Night – Keep Calm and Wander

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Bangkok's Wat Arun at Night - Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Bangkok’s Wat Arun at Night

The vibrant city of Bangkok transforms into a sparkling oasis of lights and sounds as the sun sets on Bangkok. And at the heart of it all sits Wat Arun, the iconic temple known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views.

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok. Its towering spires and intricate details make it stand out among the city’s many temples. But Wat Arun at night truly shines.

As a warm glow illuminates the temple, the intricate details of its stonework and glazed ceramic mosaics come to life. The spires, decorated with Chinese porcelain, shimmer, sparkle in the light, creating a mesmerizing effect.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Hiking the Rainbow Mountain in Peru – Keep Calm and Wander

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Hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru - Keep Calm and Wander

Hiking the Rainbow Mountain in Peru (outside Cusco) has been on my list since I saw the photos in National Geographic Magazine. I told myself that if ever I’ll be in Peru, there are two things I’d like to do/see: Visit Machu Picchu and Hike Rainbow Mountain. I conquered these two in July 2022!

For clarity, the locals call Rainbow Mountain by two names: Montaña de Siete Colores and Montaña Vinikunka. This is definitely, the second most incredible hike I’ve ever done in my life!

Where is the Rainbow Mountain in Peru?

The Rainbow Mountain is in the Peruvian Andes, about a 3-4 hour drive outside Cusco. The mountain gets its name from its colorful stripes, which are caused by mineral deposits in the rocks. The colors are incredibly vibrant after rain and in good weather.

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Peru Gay Travel Resources

Downton Valley – Northampton Lesbian B&B for All Women

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Downton Valley - Northampton Lesbian B&B

Downton Valley: Northampton Lesbian B&B for All Women

Downton Valley is a Northampton lesbian B&B for all women, situated in the quaint New England town of Northampton. It is known for its lively artist community and galleries, delicious restaurants, and thriving downtown. Affectionately named “Paradise City,” and described as “a cross between the rural and the urbane,” it also has close proximity to numerous points of interest.

The contemporary home at Downton Valley is elegantly designed to be both spacious and cozy. The house is lined with windows to maximize the exquisite views of the Pioneer Valley, the Holyoke Mountain Range and the breathtaking sunrises of Western Massachusetts.

The main level of the home is tastefully designed with Brazilian Koa floors throughout. In the main living area, the beautiful stone masonry heater adds warmth and coziness during the winter months. Next to the heater are chairs and a table where women can gather to enjoy their morning coffee or evening wine while overlooking the property and surrounding natural landscape.

See the Downton Valley Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

Riding the Bolivian Death Road – Keep Calm and Wander

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Bolivian Death Road - Keep Calm and Wander

Biking the Bolivian Death Road is the ultimate thrill-seeker’s destination. Many people consider it the “World’s Most Dangerous Road.” I can proudly say that I survived it, despite being naive about riding a mountain bike. And, yes, I fell on my bike – a tough fall. Read more of that later in this post.

Why it’s called the Bolivian Death Road?

When it comes to adrenaline-pumping activities, a few things can compare to hurtling down a mountainside on a bicycle. And when it comes to mountain biking, few places can compare to Death Road in Bolivia.

Death Road, also known as “Camino de la Muerte,” is a 64-kilometer stretch of road that connects the city of La Paz with the town of Coroico. The road got its nickname from the fact that, prior to 2006, it was responsible for an average of 300 deaths per year. In recent years, however, a new, safer highway has been built parallel to Death Road, and as a result, the number of accidents has decreased dramatically. Then, the Death Road was relegated to history – until mountain bikers discovered it. Thus, when you’re in Bolivia, every hostel, hotel, and other accommodation is pimping the Bike Tour to Death Road.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Botero Museum in Bogota – Keep Calm and Wander

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Visiting Botero Museum in Bogota - Keep Calm and Wander

The Botero Museum in Bogota is a must-see destination that will blow your mind away. It’s not your regular museum infested with European paintings but with the works of Colombia’s living artist – Fernando Botero. Even if you’ve never heard of his name, you have seen some of his works.

The first time I read about Fernando Botero was on a 30-minute train ride from Bratislava to Vienna. Someone left a magazine on a seat next to mine, and I found a feature of Botero’s paintings and sculptures. His works are definitely one of a kind, something you should see before your naked eyes.

Visiting the Botero Museum in Bogota

Botero is, perhaps, fascinated with oversized characters of humans, animals, and objects. You could describe them as fat, plump, or chubby. Or others might say, cute. And one thing I notice is that – all his subjects have flawless, smooth skin!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Bogota Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Gay Monserrate in Bogota, Colombia – Keep Calm and Wander

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Visiting Gay Monserrate in Bogota, Colombia - Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Gay Monserrate in Colombia

Visiting gay Monserrate in Bogota was the first on our itinerary when we happened to have a 16-hour layover in Colombia. We left the airport at 7:30 in the morning, and our tour guide was already waiting for us at the gate, and he whisked us off immediately to our first destination – 10,000 feet above sea level.

There are two ways to reach Monserrate: on foot or by taking a funicular or a cable car. We opted for the former because we wanted to see more in such a short time.

When we arrived at the ticket booth, we were among the few tourists going up. There was no line-up, so it was easy breezy for us. As we started our ascent, the views of the city slowly revealed through broken clouds. We were really hoping that the clouds would be gone by the time we arrived at the top of the hill.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Bogota Gay Travel Resources

Pomegranate Inn – Portland, Maine Gay Friendly B&B

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Pomegranate Inn - Portland, Maine Gay Friendly B&B

Artsy Portland, Maine Gay Friendly B&B

The Pomegranate Inn, our Portland, Maine gay friendly B&B, was built in 1885 in the style of Parisian Villa. As you are greeted at the front door you are transported to the early 20th century Parisian elegance and luxury.

Early Jazz music moves with you as you are exploring the common areas consisting of a large Gathering Parlor, Dining room, and Library. Your eyes are drawn to the whimsical and sassy wall and floor art that follows you from the common areas all the way too your chambre a’ coucher.

As you awaken the next morning, on your way down to the Dining Room your are welcomed by fresh coffee and pastries as the introduction to your 3 course breakfast also including fruit course and your main course.

See the Pomegranate Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Portland, Maine Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Thailand Street Food – Gay Supertown Blog

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Thailand Street Food - deposit photos

One of the first things you notice when you come to Thailand is the abundance of Street Food Vendors. Sadly, many visitors avoid them for fear of food poisoning.

Eating Thailand street food can be safe as long as proper precautions are taken. 

Tips for Choosing Thailand Street Food

Here are some tips for eating street food safely in Thailand:

• Choose vendors with lots of customers

• Avoid prepared meals, glazes, and sauces

• Look for food with the least number of ingredients

• Only eat what is being cooked at the time

• Avoid dishes that have been in sunlight and on the grill too long

• Buy fruits that come with a peel, such as dragon fruit, mangosteen, and pineapple

• Use common sense and follow your instincts

• Street food is probably safer than some enclosed restaurants as you can see them cooking it.

Full Story at the Gay Supertown Blog

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Hike Cirque De Gavarnie – The Secret Route – Our Taste for Life

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Hike Cirque De Gavarnie

Cirque De Gavarnie is one of the most spectacular sights in the French Pyrenees. A natural amphitheatre of colossal mountains and cascading waterfalls, it might even be one of the most astonishing wonders of Europe.

Accessible via a fairly easy and undemanding hike from Gavarnie village, almost anyone can visit this UNESCO heritage site. There are, however, some restrictions and obstacles in place that you should keep in mind before you make the trip.

I cover everything you need to know before you hike Cirque de Gavarnie in this article. I also share the details of a more challenging and adventurous hiking route to the Gavarnie waterfall that we stumbled upon on our return journey.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Hauts de France Lesbian Travel Resources