A New Flight From Los Angeles to Cuba

The first airline to fly to Cuba since July 2004, a Long-Beach airline in Los Angeles offers a five-hour flight to Cuba. Check out the Los Angeles Times for the story and let us know what you think. Did you make it to Cuba five years ago, and if so, what was it like, what do you think has changed? Do you think this is a step in the right direction for the U.S., Cuba, and the world?

City of the Week: Turin, Italy

Italy again? If you’re wondering why we’re featuring another Italian city, the answer is simple: In the business of international tourism, summer means busy season, with Italy typically the number one preferred destination by most traveling through Europe. However, as these times remain desperate, we’re delighted to feature Turin, an Italian city that offers a lower price point along with an energy and history to match Florence, Rome or Milan.

Turin is located in the northwestern province of Italy in Piedmont, perfect for discovering the Alps or the Ligurian Sea. Bypass Turin’s industrious reputation (it’s sometimes called the Detroit of Italy) and you’ll find beauty, art, architecture, and historical cuisine! Since the 2006 Winter Olympics, the city’s worked hard to improve its urban areas, transforming factories into cultural venues and closing off streets to build larger piazze, while combining art-noveau columned entry ways with sidewalks unfolding to restaurants and wine bars.

During your visit, you’ll trek through Il Centro, the Quadrilatero Romano, Piazza Castello to the Po River, which runs through the city, region, and country. South of the Po, the Quadrilatero Romano features narrower alleyways of wineries, outdoor restaurants and historic cafes, as well as Via Roma and the city’s new train station, Torino Porta Nuova. Piazza Castello to the Po includes Piazza Vittoria Veneto with the famous building Mole Antonelliana (you’ll recognize its dome as the city’s major landmark), housing the National Museum of Cinema. Lingotto, sitting just south of San Salvario surrounds the former FIAT factory. However, it’s near the famous Slow Food endorsed Eataly, the self-proclaimed largest food and wine center in the world.

Hungry for more? Join us on Wednesday and Friday as we visit famous and noteworthy museums like the Museo Egizio, the largest Egyptian Museum outside of Cairo. We’ll also visit the Shroud of Turin and take a look at the region’s tasteful delights, polenta and bicerin.

More City of the Week: Head South to Siracusa for the Day

'Oh, save me! Oh, guide me! And bid the deep hide me, For he grasps me now by the hair!' The loud Ocean heard, To its blue depth stirred, And divided at her prayer; And under the water The Earth's white daughter Fled like a sunny beam; Behind her descended Her billows, unblended With the brackish Dorian stream:-- Like a gloomy stain On the emerald main Alpheus rushed behind,-- As an eagle pursuing A dove to its ruin Down the streams of the cloudy wind.

From "Arethusa" by Percy Bysshe Shelley

On Wednesday we touched on the power and might of Mount Etna. Today, let's take a look at another possible day trip from Catania, this time to the region of Siracusa, the jewel of the Mediterranean and one of the most conquered cities in history.

This morning hop on a bus to Ortygia, to find a freshwater spring that feeds into the Fountain of Arethusa, only feet from the Ionian Sea. This myth, captured in the poem above by Shelley, details the transformation of the nymph Arethusa, into a fountain. The story goes something like this: Arethusa happily comes across a clear stream and begins bathing, not knowing the stream is in fact the river god Alpheus. From there it's your standard river god meets nymph story, with your threats of rape, a long chase, prayers to the goddess Artemis, and eventual answering of prayer by transformation into a stream. It all ends well, with Arethusa flowing to the island of Ortygia and Alpheus finding her there to mingle with her waters for eternity.

Afterward, continue west to the small town of Noto, which represents the pinnacle of Sicily's Baroque period. Where Catania is dark and grim with volcano rock from Etna, the buildings of Noto are built with limestone, giving towers, offices and the cathedral a bright, fairy tale-like feel. Here in Noto find the virgin Saint Lucy, patron saint of the blind.

One story tells that in response to a suitor who admired her beautiful eyes, Saint Lucy cut them out and sent them to him, asking to be left in peace. Later, God restored Lucy's sight. Paintings and statues of Lucy often show her unimpressed, offering a platter carrying her former eyes.

The famous Cathedral in Noto is worth a visit to get a sense of the many cultures who have overtaken and dominated the city. A large, ominous shift in a stone pillar hints at the earthquake that destroyed at the end of the 17th century. The architecture beautifully layers the Greeks temple, Islamic mosque and Catholic cathedral of the conquerors who ruled Siracusa over the centuries.

Finally, make your way to the city of Syracuse to find the Ear of Dionysius (pictured below right). An artificial limestone cave carved out of the Temenites hill, its name comes from its similarity in shape to the human ear.

According to legend, the tyrant Dionysius I of Siracusa used the cave as a prison for political dissidents, using the perfect acoustics to eavesdrop on plans and secrets of his captives, as well as amplify the screams of his victims.

Because of its shape the Ear has extremely good acoustics, and even a small sound resonate throughout the cave.

A short walk through the beautiful otherworldly garden outside will lead you to an ampitheater carved in stone by slaves. The Ear below served as the amp of the stage. From here make your way back two hours to Catania for the night, perhaps stopping at the eastern edge to dip your toes in the sea.

Iran Outrage Continues

On June 12, 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected president of Iran causing worldwide protests as Iranians disagreed with the outcome and honesty of the election. Given the country’s sordid history of conflict and suppression, this critical election urged Iranians to vote for the opposing candidate, Mir Hussein Moussavi. But officials claimed Ahmadinejad won at least 60% of the vote, encouraging tens of thousands of Iranians to protest in Tehran alone. The protests in the nation’s capital mark one the biggest demonstrations since the country’s revolution in 1979.

On June 12, 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected president of Iran causing worldwide protests as Iranians disagreed with the outcome and honesty of the election. Given the country’s sordid history of conflict and suppression, this critical election urged Iranians to vote for the opposing candidate, Mir Hussein Moussavi. But officials claimed Ahmadinejad won at least 60% of the vote, encouraging tens of thousands of Iranians to protest in Tehran alone. The protests in the nation’s capital mark one the biggest demonstrations since the country’s revolution in 1979.

Unfortunately, Iran’s police and militia have taken to the streets as well, turning violent and killing at least 17 as of today, including Neda Agha-Soltan, whose last moments were recorded on video and streamed around the world. Neda’s death resonates with the Iranian women as the country has always struggled with women’s equal rights. Additionally, Ahmadinejad’s role represents a regression in the women’s movement, whereas his opposing candidate, Moussavi represented a step in a progressive direction.

As conflict ensues, support from around the world continues. In Chicago on Saturday, June 20, Iranian-Americans gathered in Chicago’s Daley Plaza in show of support as well. For more information and coverage, we encourage you to visit the New York Times, BBC, The Guardian,and Huffington Post.

More City of the Week: Mount Etna

If you only had time for one adventure in eastern Sicily, wouldn't you want to make it to the top of an active volcano?

Above: Footage from Etna's eruption in 2007.

Meaning “I burn,” Mount Etna hits more than 10,000 feet, covers more than 600 square miles, and is classified as a "decade volcano." Usually, the only serious problem is ash in the sky, and the Catania airport shuts down. But Etna's lava and ash has destroyed Catania seven times, the worst in 1669 when the entire city was lost, and the lava took 8 years to cool.


Eighteen miles outside of Catania, it'll take about two hours by bus, which runs daily from the city at 8:30 AM. The bus creeps up through the town of Zaffer, where residents still live among the beauty and ash, in houses inherited from their parents and their parents before them. The bus drops you off at Rifugio Sapienza on the south side, and you make a short hike to one of the major craters, past a home that's no longer there. If not for ladybugs perched on lava rock and on your sleeves, you'd think you were on Mars or in some abandoned hell.

Above: House destroyed by lava on the slopes of Etna.

From here, hike the rest of the 1,400 feet, or hop on another bus and then a cable car (cost with no guide is about €26,50). We recommend the cable car, for the chance to float above the alien-like terrain.

Above: Be sure to dress for the cold, even in the hottest months of the year.

Step off the bubble car and onto the top of the world, where the gift shop and bar remind you you're still technically on Earth. Zip up your coat and stand at the peak of this active volcano, look out over the puffy white clouds laid out for you like a blanket high above the Ionian Sea; wait for a visit from Vulcan, the god of fire; listen for one-eyed Cyclopes fashioning lightning bolts below. Stay as long as you want. Finally, return to Catania the way you came, stopping to consider an ash tray or a dusty black lamp along the way. Tonight consider staying at the Una Hotel Palace in the city center of Catania, where you can sip cocktails on the rooftop, take in a view of your volcano lighting up with fire in the night.

For bus travel and touring options, contact:
Azienda Provinciale Turismo Catania
Address: via Cimarosa 10 — 95124 Catania
Tel.: (095) 730 62 11
Web site: www.turismo.catania.it

City of the Week: Catania, Sicily

"The colour of the town is black (...) black is the lava stone which the houses are made of, so that the old palazzos and the convents look as if they were bunkers. Houses made with the flesh of Mongibello, and so he looks at them from afar like property that is legitimately his, left to the people down there only in life tenancy."
-Writer Rodolfo De Mattei, on the city of Catania

This week we take a look at Catania, an ancient college town at the foot of a fiery mountain, locked in time somewhere in the late 17th century, when Europe's most active volcano erupted for 122 straight days. Sicily's second largest city is a gem worthy of a base to explore eastern Sicily, not only for its general quirkiness, but its central location to some of the most intriguing, breath-taking and untarnished historical sites in western Europe. Italy is still very much alive and well and affordable in Eastern Sicily.

Hop on the bus or rent a car and drive in any direction out of Catania and you'll quickly find yourself either at the beach, surrounded by lemon groves, or at the peak of an active volcano, where, three months out of the year, you can ski. Continue a bit farther and you're likely to stumble across history worthy of Odysseus and the Cyclops, a tiny town adorned in eye-popping tile, a hillside home offering fresh ricotta cheese, a long-forgotten villa buried in rubble until only recently.

This week, we'll explore the best day trips from the city, the unique and fresh food (and candy!) of the region, the magic and monstrosity of Mount Etna, the hidden stories behind the ampitheaters and ruins, where to stay and where to play. Stay tuned!

Most Expensive Cities in the World

June 18, 2009 - When I lived overseas, the most expensive cities in the world were London and Moscow. Now with the cruel global economy it seems those expensive cities have shifted and, "It has primarily to do with the high costs of shipping, fuel and fluctuating exchange rates." Check out this article I found (via Business Week) on Yahoo Finance for the top ten Most Expensive Cities in the World...

I can moov 2 Los Angelez? How to get cats from one city to another without losing your mind

Cats are great. They're silly looking, don't need assistance using the bathroom, are perfectly happy most of the time eating cheeseburgers and staring at the wall. And while it's recently been proven by "science" that cats are basically one step up from stuffed animals, cats have also been shown to reduce stress in their owner, simply by existing and occasionally letting you pet them. Which is good, cuz believe me, now that you're gonna live in LA, you're gonna be stressed. You might not know it, sitting pool side, but take it from me, jaded veteran that I am, this town will eat you up if you let it. It's worth it to have a fluffy friend on your side.

Yep, I've lived in the land of perpetual sunglasses and double-double cheeseburgers for nigh on exactly two weeks, and am officially able to offer my well-worn, ever-growing life wisdom. But before we get to that, we need to get you here. Now, it had long been my understanding, as I'm sure it is yours, that Los Angeles is a misty dream-scape of a world, much like heaven or one's early youth spent watching Rainbow Brite in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Along with rainbows and unicorns, Los Angeles is also a gigantic city, one with a tendency to shake violently and be on fire. A desert of sprawl and heartache, there are three airports within easy access, and two named after long-dead male movie stars (Bob Hope Airport and Burbank, and John Wayne Airport in Orange County). These are both terrific choices, with shorter lines and friendlier service, but if you want to go old school classic, you're going to want to fly into LAX, Los Angeles International, like I did. Terrific traffic, slightly larger chance of seeing a C-List celebrity at their best, and lines as far as the eye can see.

Sadly, most cats are not bright enough to follow you on their own.

So you'll do it through United Airlines (though if you're smart, you'll go through Southwest, as they're the best for one-way trips and let you change your departure date with no charge). You'll also call ahead to reserve a spot for your cats on the flight, as the web site will cryptically imply they're limited on cat-shaped space. You need to get to the airport at least an hour and a half before the flight to check in the cats along with your luggage (which will cost you $125 if it's over 50 pounds, so don't let it be over 50 pounds.)

Your budget will look like this:

$45 each for two medium size cat carriers

$125 each for a vet visit to get rabies shots, a bottle of kitty sedative Ace, (which lasts 6 hours and should be noted can rarely but sometimes have the opposite effect on some cats and drive them to be overactive and psychotic), and a signed form saying some random cats who might be yours are approved for flying (you'll need this at the airport). You won't need a collar or a leash, as these signify ownership/enslavement and we don't do that here and those were too expensive to buy.

$125 each to fly, for the opportunity to place your cats under the seat in front of you on the plane.

One hand gash earned while carrying your Zelda cat through security (so that the good people of O'Hare can search your fabric Sherpa bag for diamonds and bombs. My hand, incidentally, is healing well).

Beyond this, you've still got quite a run through the airport to get to your terminal, as you will almost definitely be running late, and your pants will most likely be falling off as you will not have time to put back on your belt. But once you get to your gate and sit, ice your hand in a McDonald's McIceCup and calm down, it's really not so bad. And all it cost you was approximately 1 billion dollars, about 6 hours of your life, four bandaids and a very pissy cab driver you'll likely never see again.

And it's all worth it. Because...well, because, at least in the most literal way possible, kid, you finally made it. You're here. They're here. We're here. The sun's shining. Now let's get started.

To read more of Gabrielle's moving to LA adventures, follow her blog at: A Simple But Impossible Task

Chicago Eats

If there’s anywhere in the world for a foodie to vacation, it’s Chicago. Many American tourists know the city as, home of the Chicago stuffed pizza, or hotdogs. But how unfortunate! Sure, the American Dog and Pizzeria Uno, or Gino’s East and Giordano’s are staples in the city’s history too. But given our Monday tour of Chicago’s colorful community, why wouldn’t you take advantage of the diverse cuisine? Especially the restaurants that line the Indian and Pakistani community on Devon Avenue, or the ethnic delights of Chinatown, Little Italy or Greek Town?
If you have time and don’t mind venturing northwest of downtown, we strongly recommend visiting Devon Avenue, where Indian and Pakistani restaurants serve accommodating dishes and delicious curries for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, at inexpensive prices. While in the area, you’ll also want to hit the international grocery stores, delis and boutiques selling sari-wraps, fabrics, shoes, rugs and jewelry.

First time Chi-town visitors are also encouraged to check out the novelty of the villages, Chinatown, Little Italy and Greek Town. Chinatown includes Cantonese dining, BBQ, and bakeries featuring shortbread and fortune cookies, also at an economical price. After lunch, you can buy an imitation Prada purse, nunchakus, or a folex at one of the shops in the area.

In Little Italy, (the original area on Taylor Street), privately-owned meat markets sell fresh prosciutto and formaggio, with traditional trattorias dotting the area. Francesca's is perfect for lunch, but for dinner, head to Rosebud where Frank Sinatra once ate. You can also find Rosebud on Rush (in downtown Chicago) or the steakhouse with the same name on Walton. Additionally,if in Chicago’s Loop, you’ll want to make reservations at the Italian Village. An establishment began by an Italian immigrant in 1927, the village offers three authentic Italian restaurants: The Village, La Cantina, and Vivere.

Since the turn of the century, Greek Town on Halsted has been home to Greek Hellenic Culture (modernly home to the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center). Summer festivals like the Annual “Taste of Greece” sample some of the community’s best food, with traditional Greek music and belly dancers, however featured restaurants are opened year-round and can be found at the following link. We really love the bakery/cafe, Artopolis!

Finally, if interested in the hip and chic Chicago restaurants of the moment, visit Chicago’s Fete Select, where the "newest and hottest restaurants around the globe are featured.” Currently, the founder, DC Crenshaw suggests dining at Bin 36, Japonais, Prosecco, Sushi Wabi, Quartino, and newcomer, Asian-inspired, Sunda.

City of the Week: Chicago, Illinois

Not only was Chicago the only U.S. city to make the list,“Top Ten Cities to Visit in 2009,” by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel, but this gal’s been based there for over three years now. What better reasons to make Chicago the next city of the week? Lonely Planet sited Chicago’s business, art, architecture, food, music, theater and overall culture as the winning criteria, and stated, “If you want your finger on America’s pulse, don’t head to New York or LA. The heart beats in Chicago.” But, what Lonely Planet didn’t surmise about this beautiful city, is something only a local can communicate; community.

Once upon a time the Chicago community began with Native American tribes (such as the Potawatomi), and later grew to include Africans and Europeans. Today, the community consists of Chinese, Greeks, Irish, Italians, Mexicans, Macedonians, Puerto Ricans, Romanians, Ukrainians, and a robust Polish population with the largest population of Poles [in the world] outside of Warsaw. And, although Chicago’s community includes many more diverse cultures (like me, a Chitown Texan), it’s really Chicago’s celebration of these cultures that makes the city unique to any other.

While visiting, you’ll find many outlets exhibiting the city’s diversity; however, we’ve comprised a list of our favorites:

Chicago Cultural Center, DuSable Museum of African-American History , Chicago History Museum, Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian, Chinatown Museum Foundation, McCormick Freedom Museum, the Polish Museum of America, the Oriental Institute (at University of Chicago), National Museum of Mexican Art, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, Swedish American Museum Center, Terra Museum of American Art, Ukrainian National Museum.

As the list is certain to keep you busy for a couple of days, come back Wednesday, when we’ll feature some of our favorite restaurants in Greek Town, Little Italy, and more!

Gabrielle Moves to Los Angeles

As an online travel magazine different from the rest, we pride ourselves in encouraging women to live in the places they are passionate about. And, we especially encourage our writers to do the same. Keeping up with this tradition, our Gal about the Globe, Gabrielle Sinclair has just made her way west to Los Angeles, California. Stay tuned to learn more about her move, life in a new city and more.

We miss you Gabrielle and can't wait to hear about your adventures!

Huelva, Spain's Donana

It is difficult to travel to Spain without making comparisons to my home state, Texas (formerly New Spain). Which is why, I could not write about Huelva or the Province of Huelva without mentioning Donana National Park and Natural Park. Located in the province’s southeast, Donana National Park and Natural Park was named a World Heritage site in 1994, and covers 104,920 hectares.

The unique area sits between the Guadalquivir River, Atlantic Ocean, with marshes, dunes, forest and scrublands making it home to dryland and wetland animals. Ducks, geese, flamingos, eagles, deer, fallow deer, wild boars, mongooses and more populate the area.

Just like Texas, it’s perfect to accommodate Andalucian horses, cattle-raising, farming and ranching, or heading to a nearby beach. Additionally, the “donaneros,” people from surrounding Almonte and Hinojos, preserve the land to hand down to each generation. Just like ranchers (or farmers) in Texas.

Upon every visit to Spain, I’ve frequented flamenco shows, bull fighting, tapas-tastings, and horse shows, often recalling mimicking these traditions back home. But it wasn’t until visiting the various terrains of Spain and Donana that I understood why my ancestors found a home in South Texas.

Huelva, Spain's Costa de La Luz

Huelva’s Costa de La Luz (coast of light) sees more than three thousand hours of sunlight each year. In some places, like where the estuary and marshlands meet River Piedras and the Atlantic Ocean— Flecha del Rompido—you can witness the sun setting twice every evening. Once nearby, and again in the distance, over the Atlantic. From the hill, Cerro de San Cristobal, the twilight stretches through the land’s shadows making the coastline seem closer while the hill climbs on, like a wondrous mountain.

As the province’s Atlantic Coastline features 122 kilometers of white sand beaches (with winding trails of pine groves), it sees zero freezing days per year, making it an excellent base for year-round water activities for northern Europeans.

While the area includes meandering estuaries, marshlands and hills, you’ll also find less-populated beaches than its neighboring Costa del Sol, perhaps because of the sinuous driving inconvenience, or perhaps because of the controlled development of land within 1 Km of the coast. Either way, you’ll find a few virgin beaches for a quiet romantic getaway, with several populated beaches at the town, Punta Umbria and in Ayamonte—Isla Cristina. The town Lepe includes Nueva Umbria Beach and La Flecha de El Rompido (note: nude sunbathers here). Also consider fishing and golfing in the towns of Ayamonte or Lepe. We also recommend visiting the fish markets!

Gal about the Globe hopes you consider this less-touristy area. It really was amusing to walk through thick dunes growing a sporadic cactus and tree, only to find a clean, quiet beach beyond its horizon.

Global Race for the Cure

Araceli recently ran Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure in Rome, Italy just as she had many times before in the states. When asked what the difference between the two races was, she responded with, “It [breast cancer] is an issue that affects women all over the world and seeing it in Italy reaffirms the fact that no woman is exempt. You realize that much more just how important it is to find a cure… The turnout was amazing.”

And, according to a Susan G. Komen spokesperson Araceli caught up with, the organization is expanding to other countries as well, while implementing a name change. The new “Global Race for the Cure,” which commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the organization’s race, debuted on June 6, 2009 in Washington D.C. With more than 45,000 participants hitting the capital’s streets, the race raised $4.3 million to “fund breast cancer programs for the medically under served throughout the National Capital Area and abroad.” The race featured breast cancer survivors from more than 18 countries, with support from notable speakers, including Dr. Jill Biden, an advocate for breast education and health.

I had the fortunate opportunity to volunteer at a race in my hometown a few years ago. For those of you who’d like to attend a race, volunteer, or make a donation, consult the 2009 Calendar of locations. For more information, visit the organization's website.

City of the Week: Huelva Spain

Typically, while visiting southern Spain, tourists stick to the cultural Meccas of Andalucia, visiting Granada, Cordoba, Seville, as well as the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. However, if in the area, head to the province of Huelva La Luz (Huelva the light), for a history lesson pertinent to the old world’s discovery of the Americas. Located in southwestern Spain, approximately a 45 minute drive from Portugal’s Algarve region, the city of Huelva and environs is home to La Rabida Monastery, and Lugares Colombinos (Columbus-related sites).

Christopher Columbus devised a plan to set sail to the east, by way of the west at La Rabida. Your touring of the monastery includes the chapel with the image of the Virgin of the Miracles, Conference Room, Chapter House and 14th century cloister, as well as my personal favorite—the map room. It’s interesting to see a map of the globe, sans the Americas!

Also on display at the Monastery, Columbus-inspired artwork by the 19th century painter, Daniel Vazquez Diaz. After touring the monastery, head to the Lugares Colombinos which includes the Muelle de las Carabelas (Dock of the Caravels), an “interpretation center” dedicated to explaining the medieval construction of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

After Columbus and his crew received funding from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, they departed from Huelva’s port, where today stands the Monument to the Discovery Faith (1929). The Post-Art Deco structure made of Niebla stone stands 36 meters high and was a gift from the Philadelphia-based Columbus Memorial Fund.

Come back on Wednesday to see where we’re headed to next!

Moving to London

Now that you’ve decided to live in London and have a general overview of the city, I bet you’re asking yourself, “But how can I live in London?” While many gals (myself included) get to London for internships and college study abroad, you may find it difficult to place yourself there without any connections. Especially considering that it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in!

We found a few websites that can help with your job search. Whether you’re interested in theatre, comedy, television, or politics, we suggest checking out Work Getaways. For flat-hunting or jobs, check out Wanted in Europe. And did you know there’s even a Craigslist for London??

City of the Week: London, England

First-time pond-hopping gals consistently ask the same question. Where, in Europe, should I live first? If you want to move to Europe but just aren’t linguistically-skilled or culturally-savvy yet, we recommend London. No matter your background, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, as it’s the largest city in the EU and, as a city, it’s the sixth largest economy worldwide. Additionally, its’ main transportation system— the tube—includes a rail network of 11 underground connecting lines, which even stretch through the English Channel for your next trip to Paris.

To begin your London overview, you’ll need a summary of the hoods first.

Like New York City or Chicago, London’s best experienced by foot and by trekking from neighborhood to neighborhood via the “underground” or “tube.” Neighborhoods include Bayswater, Bloomsbury, Chelsea, Clerkenwell, Holborn, Kensington & Earl’s Court, Knightsbridge & Belgravia, Marylebone & Regent’s Park, Notting Hill, the City of London, South Bank, West End and Westminster. You’ll probably want to begin exploration in the trendy West End area, as it spans several diverse neighborhoods and features Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Soho (the original one), and Covent Garden.

From here, you can head into Bloomsbury, Holburn, or Camden Town; however, the West End’s central location is also an excellent base for further exploration into Westminster, where you'll find Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the gothic Abbey, and the Thames River. Afterward, comfortably trek into Knightsbridge & Belgravia, and Chelsea, perhaps cruising through King’s Cross and Sloane Square, or Earls Court & Kensington, former London residence to Princess Diana (Kensington Gardens).

I lived in South Kensington in a romantic flat on Kensington Gardens, also an accessible point to Earl’s Court and the ethnically exclusive Notting Hill (FYI: check out Portobello Road Market).

See you Wednesday for more London!