travel

2022-06-09

Love Stories: People Tell Us How They Found Love While Traveling

John Stevens travel Couples, Love, Love Stories, travel 0 Comments

The guy who said that “you can find love anywhere and with any person” was not wrong at all. There are many beautiful stories out there about people who found their “true love” while traveling.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at these stories!

Jill –Puerto Rico

Jill is an eighty-year-old woman and this year marks her 56th wedding anniversary. So, let’s travel fifty-six years back to discover how she met her one true love?

“It was in 1966 that I decided to travel alone to Puerto Rico. Back then, it felt like a quite daring act as no women in the society I used to live in ever traveled by themselves. However, I took this decision because my mother felt that the man whom I was dating could propose to me anytime. And, so she wanted me to see the world before settling down. However, I didn’t know that fate had other plans for me.

One day, while resting on a beach in Puerto Rico, I met a man and we both quickly fell hard in love for each other. However, I was confused about choosing between these two men and so I dated both of them at the same time. But, then I realized that I could spend my whole life with the one I met in Puerto Rico, so after a few months, we got engaged and then tied the knot in April of the following year.”

Melissa – Thailand

Melissa is a blogger and the owner and creator of A Broken Backpack – did I say how much I love her blogs? She is an avid fan of traveling and always shares her traveling experience stories on her Instagram post. Little did she know that her trip to Thailand would be like no other traveling experience.

“The popularity of 7-Eleven in Thailand is particularly striking, so I had to make a trip down there. And, as soon as I entered the 7-Eleven in Koh Lanta, my eyes fell on a really good-looking guy, who was actually looking at me.

Throughout the whole time he was there, he kept staring at me. After he paid for his snack, I thought he would come by and try to raise a conversation with me (honestly, I was even mentally preparing myself for that convo). But, I was surprised – or should I say disappointed – when he just drove off without even saying a small “hi.”

In the evening, when I posted my experience at the 7-Eleven on Instagram, I instantly received a message. It was from that guy and his message read: “Haha, I knew you looked way too familiar today at the 7-Eleven. So, um, up for some coconuts at the beach?

I was stunned – not only did he know my blog, but a few years back, he was the one who sent me a message, asking me out for coffee when I was in Prague. At that time, I refused him. Publicly.

Well, after that trip to Thailand, I’m happy to announce that we are finally celebrating our first year together.”

Sophia – New Zealand

Sophia and Guilherme are a lovely couple who’ve got plans to get married this year. But, until then, let’s take some time to learn about their love story.

“It all started in New Zealand. I really loved that country and I had so much fun there. However, there was a point when I was running out of money and that’s when I met Guilherme, who was suffering the same fate. So, we both decided to work for accommodation in a small hostel found in Wellington. And, it was in that small cramped dorm room which we shared with four other strangers that we realized our love for each other. We stayed in that room for three months and then eventually we hit the road again…but this time, together.

We have traveled to several countries in Europe and South America and now we are planning to conquer Asia. Wish us luck!”

2022-05-25

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Morocco

John Stevens Fun things to do, Slow Travel, Tourism, travel, Travel and Restaurant Africa, exclusive travel, Morocco, Tourism, travel 1 Comment

Morocco is one of the great jewels of North Africa, and it is a historically and culturally important country. Traveling is one of my passion, and it is one of the best ways to discover new cultures and reconnect with your roots. Freedom is the oxygen of the soul, and traveling is my way of escaping the mundanity of life.

Morocco is a region of infinite variety and frequent surprises, of Islamic imperial majesty and old European grace. It is a land both exotic and familiar. It is also a unique country in which past and present coexist in beautiful harmony. So, without further ado, let’s dive further into this blog and learn some of the best reasons to visit Morocco.

1. Old imperial cities rich in history and character

Morocco has four imperial cities: Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat. Rabat is the current capital. Although it is a modern city at first glance, it has several interesting historical attractions, such as the Kasbah des Oudaias, the old medina, and the Hassan Tower. The gleaming royal mausoleum is also worth a visit.

Known as the red city, Marrakech is famous for its old medina, its many souks, its ancient palaces such as the Badi Palace and the Bahia Palace, the striking Koutoubia Mosque, the energetic Djemaa el-Fna, and the Saadian tombs.

The ancient capital of Fez boasts stunning architecture. But it is perhaps best known for its large tanneries and housing one of the oldest universities in the world. Meknes has one of the most impressive monumental gates in all of Morocco, Bab el-Mansour. Horse-drawn carriages are a great way to explore the charming and relaxed imperial city.

2. Easy access to the beautiful Sahara Desert

The vast and arid Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world. There are several places in Morocco from which you can start desert expeditions. Moreover, there are many experienced operators who offer unforgettable trips. The Sahara is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Whether you want to hike, camel ride, horseback ride, or 4×4 on the sand, there are many ways to enjoy these impressive landscapes. The view of large dunes and secluded oases will last a long time. Camping trips are very popular; admire the abundance of twinkling stars in the night sky without any light pollution and listen to the sounds of nothingness.

3. Beautiful beaches along the coast

Morocco has beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many beautiful beaches to relax on. Popular vacation spots for foreign visitors include Tangier and Agadir. While Asilah attracts mainly local and Spanish visitors. Although not very popular with international tourists, places like El Jadida, Oualidia, and El Jebha receive a significant number of domestic tourists during the summer months. The most popular beaches generally have excellent facilities at their fingertips. In addition, some destinations, such as Essaouria, are perfect for water sports enthusiasts.

4. Souks, a place to live and shop

Every major city in Morocco has at least one souk, with most large towns having several. Souks are traditional markets where people go to buy a variety of goods. Souks have become a sort of magnet for shopping travelers, attracted by the evocative colors and scents and the general sense of exoticism. Haggling is an integral part of the souk experience. Common items to browse and purchase include spices, clothing, lamps, tea sets, musical instruments, as well as a range of souvenirs in the more touristy destinations.

5. Delicious cuisine to satisfy a variety of tastes

In my book, there is no better way to discover a culture than through its cuisine. Morocco is known for its delicious cuisine. Spices are found in abundance in typical Moroccan cuisine, adding much flavor to dishes. Bread is a staple, and there are several types, such as khobz, msemen, and baghrir, to enjoy.

Meat is a common ingredient in Moroccan dishes, the most common being lamb, mutton, beef, and chicken. Seafood and fish are particularly abundant in the coastal areas. Sardines are particularly popular in Morocco. The most famous Moroccan dishes are couscous and tagine. Other dishes to try are pastilla, bissara, harira, and brochettes. You will also find many sandwiches and pizzas, as well as a wide range of Moroccan pastries.

Looking for help?

Are you tired of going on vacation in the same couple of places? Do you want to discover new countries and cultures that aren’t your basic tourist destinations? Do you want to spend a wonderful vacation in Morocco? Then look no further than Morocco Unlimited Travel Designer & Dmc.

The latter has over a decade of experience in this industry, and they are specialists in luxury, tailor-made holidays and events, especially in Morocco. Trust them and their extensive experience in Morocco and discover this fabulous country with their help. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call today and book your next holiday trip.

Comforting Biblical Scriptures for the Traveler

2022-04-29

What is Travel Schooling & How Do We Start?

John Stevens Fun things to do, travel travel 0 Comments

If you’ve been homeschooling for a long, you’ve certainly heard of families doing it. It’s called travel-schooling, world-schooling, or road-schooling. Some people define it as simply traveling while homeschooling – taking their books wherever they want to go and supplementing their learning with what they see along the way – while others define it as letting their travels define their year’s curriculum – a place where desire-led and environmental learning collide.

Travel-school, as it is defined, is based on freedom, which is one of the major advantages of homeschooling. Because we aren’t expected to be in one spot every day as homeschooling families, those of us who enjoy traveling might theoretically do math, reading, writing, science, and social studies while on the road.

If you’re a home-school mama who enjoys traveling and wants your home-school could include more time studying on the road and less time learning at home, these recommendations from full-time traveling home-school families may be helpful.

Begin small and gradually expand.

Regularly go on nature walks, join a museum cooperative and visit different branches throughout your state, visit a few state and national parks close to home each month, look for nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries nearby, and then repeat until you’re ready for longer journeys. Begin with day vacations and work your way up to one or more nights away. Your children will be older, you will have had some achievements, and you will all be ready for bigger experiences by the time you do.

Expect some stumbling blocks along the road.

When you start a travel-schooling trip, not everything will go smoothly, but if you know there will be bumps in the road ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them. You’ll forget someone’s hiking shoes or water bottle, and you’ll have to return home to retrieve them. Someone will have to use the restroom in an uncomfortable location. On the day you drive 50 miles or more to visit a park or nature center, it will be closed. And you’ll overcome those obstacles, just as you have so many others.

Investigate travel schooling.

There are tons of great blogs, podcasts, booklets, and social media accounts written and curated by homeschooling parents who have discovered creative, innovative, and groundbreaking ways to educate their children while planning to travel more, and if you look hard enough, you just might find some compelling arguments for the immense benefits that travel-schooling has to offer.

Create A Space

It is impossible to study without a space, if you are moving from hotel, or room to room it is important that this is the first thing you spot. You have to always be organized keep every school material in a box. If you are on the road you can look for shelves a dedicated place in the van for studying.

Setting Goals

Homeschooling can be seen as easy as they go at their own pace but it is by far more complicated as they go at their own pace and they tend to lag. It is important to set goals, and outline a specific schedule to be able to attain each goals that you will set. If you have plan to do maths for one hour stick to one hour.

You can be very flexible when it comes to homeschooling so it is good to see what topics and subjects you are more lagging behind to be able practice them more. Make time to visit library and have opening resources when it comes to learning. Do not stick to what is in the prescribed books. Always do your own research.

It is difficult to be in home-schooling and even more difficult to school travel, so it is important that everyone around is pushing you forward. Let us know in the comments if you feel like you can choose travel-schooling…

2022-04-28

Comforting Biblical Scriptures for the Traveler

John Stevens travel Biblical Scriptures, Christian, God, travel, Traveler 0 Comments

As a traveler, you’ll have all kinds of experiences; at each turn during your journeys, you’ll meet new people and learn new things. They say, you’ll never be the same when you travel as it will expose you to things that might change you, forever. Now, it does sound scary – oh and don’t expect me to say, “but, it’s not,” – but when you are a Christian, your trust should be on the Lord. No matter where you travel to, you need to remember God’s promises and dwell in them.

Biblical Scriptures:

From Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8:

To Everything There Is a Season

“To everything there is a season,and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

From Jeremiah 6: 16:

“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

From Psalm 32: 6-8/10-11:

“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you… but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”

From James 4: 7-8/13-15:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you… Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

From Exodus 19:3-6:

“Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

From Matthew 6:34:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

From 1 Corinthians 10:31:

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

From Matthew 5:16:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

2022-04-27

Best Bible Verses to Help You Overcome Travel Anxiety

John Stevens Religious Tourism Bible Verses, Christian, Fear, Plane, travel 0 Comments

Everyone knows traveling can be incredibly fun and an exceptionally thrilling experience. However, what about those people who are terribly afraid of flying in an airplane.

Fifteen years ago, when I was a kid, if you’d told me that there are people who are scared of getting on a plane, I would have laughed at you. Today, I know that fear of flying is a very real and crippling phobia that anybody could have. I think the internet provides a range of solutions to help people overcome their fear of flying, but if you are a Christian, you are meant to seek refuge in God’s word.

From Psalms 23: 1-4:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

From 1 Samuel 2: 1-2:

“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn[a] is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, or I delight in your deliverance. “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”

From Philippians 4: 6:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

From 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10:

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

From Psalms 121: 1-8:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, he Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

From Psalms 91: 1-6/9-16:

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you the fowler’s snare from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday…If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

2022-04-19

Gastronomy: Another Way To Discover The World

John Stevens Fun things to do, Restaurant, Tourism, travel, Travel and Restaurant cuisine, food, gastronomy, travel 0 Comments

Proving to be an art as old as the world, cooking is present in every country on the planet. While it is an integral part of daily human life, the art of cooking can vary considerably from one region to another and is likely to be closely linked to the culture and religion of the people. What if it was a good idea to discover the world through gastronomy? This article will tell you about it.

Tour the world in front of your plate

Cooking offers you the possibility to discover the world and its different flavors. Traveling through your plate is both tasty and exciting. It may seem a little difficult or complex, but it just takes a warm atmosphere and goodwill to make it happen.

In cookbooks or on the Internet, you will find a large number of recipes to choose from desserts, appetizers, main courses, etc. It is necessary that the realization of this one includes products to which you are accustomed. All you have to do is choose an easy recipe to start with.

As you go along, you will discover new products, and you will have the opportunity to test things you are not familiar with. Subsequently, you will be able to go further in your learning of the world’s recipes. From America, Asia, Europe, or Africa, you will undoubtedly take pleasure in testing other recipes that will give you new sensations.

In practice, you can resolve to eat dishes from different regions over a week or a month if you give yourself the means. Those who are visiting Agen as part of a sightseeing tour will easily find a gourmet restaurant where they can satisfy their hunger.

Some ideas for a trip around the culinary arts

Gastronomic tourism allows you to combine the pleasures of the table and travel. Here is a selection that will make you savor dishes from all over the world.

1. India

India is, for the spice lovers, an exceptional culinary journey. Indeed, Indian cuisine has the reputation for marrying spices in a rather subtle way. This makes it one of the most adored gastronomies in the world. Tasting Indian cuisine is to discover an explosive, colorful and expressive cuisine. Salty, sweet, bitter…, the tastes follow each other to delight your taste buds.

In India, vegetarianism is a common food practice. Cheese naans, lentil dahl, biryani, tandoori chicken, vegetable curry…, many are the Indian dishes you can enjoy. Indian cuisine is also influenced by the religion and history of the country.

2. Vietnam

Banh mi, pho or bo bun…, these are very famous Vietnamese dishes. Vietnamese gastronomy is the result of a great cultural mix. It differs according to its region and conforms to a certain number of rules. The street food spots offer a wide selection everywhere in the Vietnamese territory, with quite colorful dishes.

3. Peru

Thousands of people around the world adore Peruvian cuisine. The gastronomy of Peru highlights a great variety of local fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. It subtly mixes pre-Columbian cuisine with external influences. Ceviche and Pisco Sour are particularly popular.

4. Morocco

Morocco offers unbelievable culinary experiences. This Maghreb country provides dishes that are overflowing with generosity. Moroccan gastronomy is, first and foremost, a family affair. It is based on know-how that requires respect for traditions and patience. Most of the time, the recipes are transmitted from generation to generation and from mother to daughter.

The most appreciated specialties of Moroccan cuisine are mint tea, couscous, and tagines. A Moroccan culinary trip will also be the occasion to discover the fruit juices, the salads as well as the numerous salads that are eaten in the country.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about international cuisine and gastronomy.

2022-04-11

How To Travel To Thailand In 2022

John Stevens Tourism travel, travelers, traveling 0 Comments

Different measures have been implemented in Thailand to stop the spreading of COVID-19, but unfortunately, like any other place, they have been touched by the pandemic. Thailand has listed a lot of measures to allow travelling there even during the pandemic. So, visitors coming to Thailand will have to abide by these rules. So, let’s discover what it takes to travel to Thailand in 2022;

1. Eligibility

You should start by checking if you are eligible to enter the Thailand territory. Even though it is said that Thailand is open to travellers, you should fall into a certain group first. If you are entering Thailand without a visa, you should be granted a Thailand Pass. But if you are entering Thailand to start, you should have a visa or try to contact the embassy to see if the pass is only suitable for your stay. There are also many things to check; for example, you can enter Thailand under the quarantine program or the Sandbox; there are a lot of other programs that you may want to research.

2. Visa Application

If you have applied for the Thailand Pass, you won’t need to apply for a visa; you can apply for the pass online, but you will be only allowed to stay for 30 days.

You can also apply for a Tourist Visa at the Thai embassy or consulate. The Tourist Visa is normally a range of 60 days, but it can be extended to 30 more days which comes up to 90 days.

There is a large range of visas available for non-immigrants, starting from business or employment visas to retirement visas. You only need to apply according to your situation.

3. Book A Flight, Hotel Or Covid-19 Insurance

Flights To Thailand

The airlines allowed to Thailand are Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Finnair, All Nippon and Thai Airways. The airlines will depend on where you are taking off.

Before booking a flight, you should study the categories of visas to determine the possibility of travel. Remember that buying a ticket does not guarantee your entry into Thailand.

Book Your Covid Insurance

It is important to buy COVID-19 insurance as the Thai authorities ask it. Most insurance will cover;

– You will be covered medically to at least $ 20,000 if you are injured and sick, including COVID-19.

– It is important that your insurance cover the span of your stay in Thailand. It does not matter how much time, either 7 days or 100 days.

Having health insurance will make it easier to have a visa; keep in mind that Thai embassies can reject your visa if you do not have health insurance.

4. Thailand Pass

Applying for a Thailand Pass should be done at least five to seven working days before arrival.

You may apply for Thailand Pass online; you should be supported with good documents such as a copy of your passport, a valid visa and covid-19 insurance.

5. COVID-19 Test

When you are done with the travel Pass, you should prepare a few documents. Here is a checklist of documents that you should present;

– Thailand Pass.

– Thai visa.

– RT-PCR method was taken and conducted for at least 72 hours; please note that some airlines do not allow kit tests, so it is important to check.

– Your print COVID-19 travel insurance certificate.

– Copy of flight reservation.

– Copy of hotel booking.

If you want to travel to Thailand, these are the basics, so it is important to make sure everything is good. Let us know if you are ready to travel after the pandemic…

2022-03-25

9 Dishes To Taste In Normandy

John Stevens Fun things to do, Restaurant, Slow Travel, Tourism, travel, Travel and Restaurant cheese, eating, Europe, France, normandy, restaurant, travel 0 Comments

In addition to the various seaside resorts, historical monuments, and breathtaking cliffs, Normandy also surprises with its culinary flavors. The specificity of the culinary products of Normandy results from its geographical position. Thanks to its fertile and grassy lands, it excels in agricultural production and breeding. With its maritime coasts, it offers a wide variety of seafood. Through this article, discover the treasures of Normandy cuisine, which you must taste at least once in your life.

1. The cheese

Cheese is a flagship product of Normandy. Currently, the country preserves cultural and gastronomic heritage because it has 4 cheeses labeled by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and the Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC). The latter is rich in fat and protein. Indeed, its climate and its bocage are favorable to the breeding of cows that feed on natural grasses and produce quality milk.

2. Camembert of Normandy

It is a soft cheese made from raw milk and ladled through 5 successive passages, spaced 40 minutes apart. It has a bloomy rind and ivory to light yellow paste whose slightly salty and milky flavor becomes slightly acidic and fruity with maturing. You can accompany it with a slice of country bread, taste it with raw cider, or melt it in pastries.

3. Neufchâtel

It is frequently represented in the shape of a heart and is similar to Camembert. It also has a bloomy rind covered with a white down. Its paste is smooth, soft, and supple. As for its flavor, it is both delicate and strong. You can use it in your sandwiches or your stuffing.

4. The Pont l’Évêque

It is characterized by its square shape with a soft touch and is composed of a smooth yellow-orange crust and a soft and creamy paste. It has a hazelnut flavor. Serve it with bread or dried fruits of your choice.

5. Livarot

It is a soft cheese with a washed rind. It is presented in the shape of a cylinder and surrounded by 3 to 5 strips, hence its nickname “Colonel”. It has an orange rind with a sticky, moist feel and an intense straw-like flavor. Try it for the melt in your gratins.

6. Seafood

As an appetizer or main course, seafood is an emblematic product of Normandy. It is featured in fresh fish markets located by the sea throughout the year. Normandy seafood is highly prized by the French and tourists from all over the world. Some are famous and unavoidable, and others are less known but deserve to be tasted.

7. Scallops

They are true emblems of Norman fishing, having benefited from 2 red labels. Bivalve mollusks measure between 9 and 15 cm, with an average weight of 115 g, and have various colors depending on their habitat (reddish, brownish, yellowish, or pinkish). They are poor in lipids and carbohydrates but rich in vitamins and minerals.

8. Cotentin blue lobsters

They are doubly certified in “Sustainable Fishing” because it is forbidden to fish them if they are smaller than 8.7 cm. They are among the favorite dishes of gourmet lovers, thanks to their fine meat and delicate taste.

Most marketable blue lobsters measure between 25 and 30 cm and weigh between 500 and 900 g. On the nutritional side, they are excellent protein sources, omega 3, minerals, and trace elements but are low in calories.

9. Barfleur mussels

These are wild mussels from a responsible fishery in Barfleur, which is one of the places to visit in Normandy. Indeed, only mussels with a size of more than 4 cm can be fished in predefined areas. They are a real ally for slimming, as they are low in fat and carbohydrates but provide a significant amount of protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about Normandy.

2022-03-25

The Mont-Saint-Michel: One of the Most Visited Sites in France

John Stevens Fun things to do, Slow Travel, Tourism, travel Europe, France, Mont Saint-Michel, Tourism, travel 0 Comments

The Mont-Saint-Michel was classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. It is located between Brittany and Normandy and is 3 hours 30 minutes from Paris. Surrounded by a unique bay and founded on a magnificent granite rocky island, it is the most visited site in France.

The origins

The granite rock of Mont Saint-Michel was initially been called Mont Tombe. In 708, the archangel Michael appeared in a dream to Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, and asked him to build a sanctuary in his name. In 966, a community of Benedictines established itself and built the first church. At the same time, a village began to develop below to welcome the first pilgrims.

The archangel Saint-Michel

As you may have noticed, the islet is named after the archangel Saint-Michel. This extraordinary islet was previously called the Mont Tombe (before 709). But after the archangel appeared there (three consecutive times), the place changed its name.

A spectacular place

If you plan to visit the region of Normandy, don’t miss the greatest spectacle of Mont-Saint-Michel. It is the theater of the largest tides in Europe: the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Indeed, nature offers an exceptional show. It is to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon that most tourists or vacationers choose to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel.

In addition, Mont becomes an island again for a few hours. This often happens when the tidal coefficient exceeds 110. This phenomenon occurs especially between March and April. You can find out about the tide times of the Mont-Saint-Michel online.

Several places to observe the rising tide

If you want to attend the high tide show, you have to arrive at the place two hours before the show’s beginning. This way, you will have plenty of time to find the best observation point. In any case, you can have a fantastic view from:

The new footbridge
The West Terrace or the square in front of the abbey
The ramparts
The Mount

Make yourself comfortable, because it is not every day that you can see the sea rising at a very high speed. If none of these places suit you, you can always choose the bay. Indeed, this one has several observation posts, like:

The Grouin du Sud: located in Vains-Saint-Léonard
La Roche Torin: located in Courtils
Le Gué de l’Épine: in Val-Saint-Père.

Various means of transportation

There are different ways to get to Mont-Saint-Michel: via horse-drawn shuttles, foot, or motorized reversible shuttles.

The horse-drawn shuttle

The shuttle is also known as “la Maringote”. It is an original means of transportation, and its departure point is at the foot of the parking lot. It is the best way to discover the landscape, especially Mont-Saint-Michel’s site. Horses usually pull the shuttle.

On foot

It is formally forbidden to carry pets (like dogs) in the shuttle, for your information. On the other hand, you can bring them, provided that you use the pedestrian paths and the footbridge.

The Motorized Reversible Shuttle

Better known as the “Passeur”, the motorized reversible shuttle is an alternative way to get to Mont-Saint-Michel. The departure point is located near the parking lot and next to the Tourist Information Center.

Unlike the horse-drawn carriage, the Passeur is equipped with a motor and is, therefore, more comfortable and faster. Indeed, 12 minutes are enough to reach the destination, i.e., Mont. This more modern shuttle is at your disposal every day, from 7:30 am to 11 pm.

But the transport of pets is also forbidden in the shuttle, except for those transported in a basket or an adapted bag.

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2022-03-24

Top 4 Best Things To Do In The Chevreuse Valley

John Stevens Fun things to do, Slow Travel, Tourism, travel Chevreuse Valley, Europe, France, toruism, travel 0 Comments

Discovering the Chevreuse Valley is a better idea, especially for those who love hiking or walking in nature. This place is full of many tourist sites, natural parks, etc.

1. The village of Chevreuse in a few lines

The village of Chevreuse is one of the places not to be missed in the Ile-de-France region and is described as a “pure postcard setting”. It contains an essential concentration of goatskin tanners. It is for this reason that it was given its name Chevreuse.

There is also a hide dryer, a wash house, some remains of medieval tanneries, the Château de la Madeleine, small hiking trails, and many others. In the heart of the village, a path connected to small-flowered footbridges leading to stone houses borders the small river.

Located along the Yvette canal, the Chevreuse valley tributaries the Orge and flows into the Essonne and Yvelines departments. It is notably:

A space of nature, full of greenery, very quiet;
A land of ancient civilization containing the region’s natural, cultural, and tourist heritage.

This park also has many nature reserves, plains, waterfalls, farms, places for hiking, and escapades.

2. Means of transportation to get around the Vallée de Chevreuse

This time, leave your car and choose other means of transportation. Here are some original ideas that will make your trip more fun and unforgettable:

A motorcycle tour

Visiting the sublime Vallée de Chevreuse by motorcycle is a good option. This 170 km ride can last one day. You will ride through the whole region, including Ile-de-France, Normandy, etc. Between the Chevreuse valley and the Rambouillet forest, you will admire wild landscapes, magnificent settings, legendary curves. In passing, discover also.
The mythical road of the 17 turns
Dampierre-en-Yvelines is a small village gathering many motorcyclists and sports cars, especially every Sunday. Don’t forget to stop for about fifteen minutes at “Au comptoir de Marie”.
The Château de Rambouillet where Louis VXI created a farm
The training center of the French soccer teams in Clairfontaine
The Château de Breteuil

A walking tour

Starting from the RER B station, take the pedestrian/cycling path in the direction of Chevreuse. Take a walk and contemplate the beauty of the village of Chevreuse. The trip will take an average of 6 hours and 25 minutes, during which you can visit the Château de Coubertin, continuing to the Coubertin farm.

About 200 m from there, you will see a right turn on the GR11. Continue in this direction until you reach the fire station on Rue Charles Michels. There you will find the promenade des petits ponts. To continue, head either towards the Yvette canal on the right or through the narrow streets with old facades of the Mandar washhouse leading to the Château de la Madeleine.

3. The “Baladobus” from the RER B station in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse

Taking the Baladobus is ideal for visiting the Regional Natural Park “La Vallée de Chevreuse” and discovering the surrounding tourist sites such as:

The Castle of Breteuil
The domain of Dampierre
The National Museum of Port-Royal des Champs
The Castle of la Madeleine
The Calves of Cernay
The Main court Trail.

Depending on the pass (students and under 18, family and day pass) chosen, the price is between 2 and 10 dollars. Note that the trip is free for children under 6 years old.

4. A bike ride

For bicycle lovers, it’s time to go for a ride in the Vallée de Chevreuse. If you don’t have your bike, it is possible to rent one from the bike rental agency l’Aiguillage. Depending on the model you choose, the price varies from 15 to 50 dollars. Remember to make a reservation between one and two months in advance during the high season.

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