Inside Juliet’s House in Verona – Keep Calm and Wander

Juliet's House - Verona - Keep Calm and Wander

The charming city of Verona is home to Shakespeare’s ill-fated lovers – Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps, the city’s most famous tourist attraction (or tourist trap) is Juliet’s House built in the Middle Ages.

Did Juliet Really Live Here? Nope, she didn’t. She’s just a fictional character from Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” If she doesn’t exist in real life – and so does Romeo.

So, why is this casa called Juliet’s House? According to history, the house was once owned by the Capello family whose surname sounds like Capulet, Juliet’s surname in the story. When the house was bought by the city – this tourist trap was created.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Venice View from the Top of San Marco Tower – Keep Calm and Wander

Venice View - Keep Calm and Wander

The view of Venice from the top of San Marco campanile (St. Mark Bell Tower) at sunset is beyond mesmerizing. It’s magical! Looking down at the red-tiled roofs and a host of unique architectural designs, I had goosebumps that I’d remember forever. Yes, Venice is crowded with tourists and even on the campanile but seeing the Canal City from above gave me a different perspective of the crowded alleys and waterways.

The domes of Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica) are so close that you’d think they’re within your reach. The sea that surrounds the island is teeming with ferries, boats and gondolas bussing around and about. The afternoon sun turns everything the city has to offer into a world so far yet so familiar when you’re in Italy. On a good summer day, you’ll see all the neighbouring islands as colourful as Venice.

Don’t just see as far as your eyes can see but keep your eyes on the sculptures that stand on top of every buildings that surround the campanile. The San Marco Square below you is one huge public space that slowly transforms as the sun is setting. Outdoor tables and chairs are neatly arranged for the diners, complete with uniformed waiters and candle lights. A romantic night ahead is fully set up for lovers, honeymooners, random stranger dates and, probably, for a happy solo traveler.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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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

I Love Beruit – Keep Calm and Wander

I Love Beirut - Keep Calm and Wander

A lot of cities around the world are joining the fad of installing “I Love …” signs. We have that, too, in my city – Toronto. These signs are usually placed in downtown area or where locals congregate. Or in touristy neighbourhoods.

Beirut, of course, has one. Its “I Love Beirut” sign is found at the lovely Beirut Souks. This is a trendy shopping area where fashionistas abound. Boy, I couldn’t get my eyes off those chic Lebanese men here.

But, one thing I noticed is that, shopping here is a bit more expensive than shopping in Toronto or NYC. You’ll find international brands and fabulous restaurants that serve local cuisine. The good thing is, it’s not touristy and crowded.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Checking Out Manhattan Bridge – Keep Calm and Wander

Manhattan Bridge

I finally visited Manhattan Bridge up close. I’ve been coming to New York for 6 years in a row every summer but I haven’t been to this bridge. Well, the bridge itself is not really a must-see destination in your guidebook. Manhattan Bridge is just the another bridge in New York that only few dare to wander. I came here because I wanted to check out Dumbo, a neighbourhood that’s becoming popular for foodies. I went around looking for a perfect place to sit and admire Manhattan’s skyline across the river but my search was in vain. Ok, I found one restaurant but the view wasn’t enough for me. If I had to spend much money, I want a good view, too, not just good food, right? So, I ended up reading a book at Brooklyn Park, suppressing and forgetting my hunger.

I think I’ll have to go back there and explore the area longer. or I’ll do my research first before going back.

How to Get There

There are five subway trains that go there: lines D, N, Q, B, and R. Get off at DeKalb Avenue. It’s a pretty long walk to Dumbo / Manhattan Bridge.

For first timers in New York City, I’d suggest that you take lines A and C. Get off at High Street. Explore Brooklyn Bridge first and then walk to Manhattan Bridge and Dumbo.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Other Gay Travel Events

Visiting the Moulin Rouge – Keep Calm and Wander

Moulin Rouge - Paris - Alain

Moulin Rouge needs no introduction. Especially, if you’ve seen the award winning movie of the same name, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. I’ve seen it three times because I used it in my class back then. The movie fascinated me, partly because my favourite colour is red. LOL Ok, well, because I’m an Ewan fan, that’s why.

So, one early morning (2AM) in Paris, after dropping off a friend of mine at her hotel, I walked for 3 kilometres. The subways were already closed and I had no choice but walk. Armed with a google map on my phone, I braved to walk, instead of taking a bus for two transfers before reaching my destination. Fortunately, google maps felt that I was nervous walking alone in such ungodly hours in a big city. The app led and showed me to well-lit streets, where the bars and cafes were still littered with people. Some of them were hanging out outside, enjoying a fag and a joint. Then, I realized that I was in a bar district where the famed Moulin Rouge still stands.

I intended to visit Moulin Rouge at night, but I unintentionally found it in an hour I didn’t expect. No, I had no plan to watch the cabaret shows because I can’t afford it. It was already enough for me to stand outside and gaze at the big, red windmill on the roof that’s still spinning.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Paris Gay Travel Resources

Must-See London Landmarks – Keep Calm and Wander

London Landmarks - Big Ben

London is a cosmopolitan city that connects you to its past, present, and future. Look around, and you’ll find that the city is filled with amazing architectural wonders from the Georgian, Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, art deco, Victorian, and contemporary eras. They blend beautifully into the city’s skyline, giving visitors the chance to explore a variety of eras. Let’s get to know some of the must-see London landmarks in one of my favorite cities.

Big Ben (Gothic Revival)

This is the most recognized landmark in London and the world’s most famous bell tower. It chimes every 15 minutes, and you can hear it all around the city within a 5-mile radius. In fact, in 2008, the tower was voted the most popular icon in the United Kingdom. You can’t climb up to the top, but you can visit Parliament Hall, which is attached to Big Ben. Westminster Abbey, another London icon, is also steps away from here.

Note: because of renovations, Big Ben will not be ringing on a regular basis for the next five years.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Climbing Vernazza – Keep Calm and Wander

Vernazza

Yes, you can hike all the five villages in Cinque Terre. If you’re able and have the stamina to hike, then, do it! It’s worth it. It takes a day of hiking across these villages. You’ve got to wear proper hiking gear and take note of the sweltering heat in summer. Bring a bottle of water which you can refill or buy when arriving in every village.

Another option: If you can’t all of them, choose two or three villages you want to hike. You can choose any village as your starting point to hike.

Most of the photos below are taken from hiking Vernazza to Corniglia route. It took me almost two hours because I had feet blisters but should be an hour on regular pacing hike.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa, an Architectural Accident

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a beautiful architectural accident. It is, perhaps, Italy’s most photographed landmark. It was never built to be leaning but just your normal, free standing bell tower you see around Italy. It was built during the Medieval Times in Romanesque style.

So, why is the Tower of Pisa leaning?

Well, apparently, the tower was built in a marshland. It started tilting on one side while construction was going on in the 12th century. And it continued tilting until it was stabilized in late 20th century! And guess what? It took 2 centuries to build this leaning tower! Can you imagine that? It’s longer that the Sagrada de Familia in Barcelona which is still until construction – after 134 years!

Best Time to Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Go early in the morning. It’s not just to avoid the crowd but to see the leaning tower in its photogenic time of the day – sunrise! If you arrived at noon or in the afternoon, you’ll be competing with a lot tourists doing the same pose – pretending to hold the tower from collapsing. And oh boy, it’s fun to watch them, too! If you’re not sure what your pose should be, watch and learn from them! Or scroll down and see what I did.

Food Porn in Brussels – Keep Calm and Wander

Food Porn in Belgium

Nothing beats the taste of Belgian waffles in Brussels. When you eat these in the country that started it, it’s more gloriously delicious! In Brussels, these waffles are in every corner and you can even smell them from afar – that is if you have a good sense of smell. To be honest – I only had two of these because they were just too much for me. They’re topped with whipped cream, bananas, cheese, butter, margarine, strawberries, vanilla, syrup, and of course, chocolates! It’s carbo and calories galore!

I had the chocolate and banana (No, I’m not a monkey!) flavours and I felt so bloated after. I walked three miles after gorging on them.

When you’re in Belgium, there are four things you should try to eat: waffles, mussels, chocolates and fries. Don’t ever try to order or eat them all at the same time. Or else, you’re gonna be so stuffed that you can’t walk. And yeah, pair them with a bottle of Stella Artois or any local beer you can find.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Belgium Gay Travel Resources