keep calm and wander

The Stunning Facade of Florence’s Duomo – Keep Calm and Wander

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Florence's Duomo - Keep Calm and Wander

The stunning facade of Florence’s Duomo is one of its kind. It’s a great example of the Renaissance style which was born in Florence, Italy. Duomo, as the locals call it, has a longer name: Catedral Santa Maria del Fiore. In English, it is translated as, “Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers.” For lazy tourists who have problems remembering places, it would be known as Florence Cathedral.

The Stunning Facade of Florence Duomo. The whole facade of the church isn’t your typical church you see all over Italy or Spain. Its polychrome marble panels are bordered with hues of pink and green. The exterior is plastered with so many sculptures and frescoes of various sizes. Incredible patterns and amazing craftsmanships are ubiquitous wherever you stand. They can be dizzying if you’re fixated on them.

Gothic or Renaissance? Well, I was told that in its early construction, the church was designed as Gothic. But as it progressed, its Renaissance style became evident, too. Both styles were blended and resulted in a classical masterpiece which Florence is so proud of.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Florence Gay Travel Resources

Bologna From the Top – Keep Calm and Wander

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Bologna - Keep Calm and Wander

Bologna is a city that still looks medieval from the streets to the rooftops. And thank goodness, it’s one of the off-beaten paths that tourists skip when visiting Italy. I’m glad I did stop here for two nights without expecting much on what to do and see. After two weeks of backpacking in Italy, I decided to slow down in Bologna. The city is pretty relaxed and there weren’t many tourists when I was there. The main square was a bit crowded but few steps from it, you’ll find a nice place to sit on for a drink or two.

Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. I didn’t know much about Bologna until I came here. In fact, the only clear knowledge I had for the city is its pasta bolognese – which I was pretty sure originated from here. And, of course, I gobbled down on it with much gusto. It tasted good with any kind of wine. Yes, I had three different wines before, during and after the meal.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Emilia Romagna Gay Travel Resources

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

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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

Veneto Gay Travel Resources

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

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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

Venice Gay Travel Resources

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

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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

Scotland’s Isle of Iona – Keep Calm and Wander

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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

Al Amin Mosque in Beirut – Keep Calm and Wander

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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

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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

Lebanon Gay Travel Resources

Visiting the Moulin Rouge – Keep Calm and Wander

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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

Climbing Vernazza – Keep Calm and Wander

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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

Liguria Gay Travel Resources