10 latest experiences http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps en-us As Darwin himself experienced, the landscape of the islands of Tierra del Fuego is magical. The juxtaposition of icebergs, green hills, the massive ominous Andes and a moody sky will set any nature lovers heart and mind ablaze. The most astonishing of all, well, one of the most astonishing sights of this region are the billowing glaciers. Patagonia, Argentina, Argentina madisteps Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:30:06 +0000 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/1225 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/1225 If you are going to Venice but don’t want to live in a tourist heap then stay on the nearby island called the Lido. It is well connected to Venice and other islands by vaporettos (waterbuses) that a cheap to hop onto and have hot boatmen. The Lido is a long beautiful island with one coast of serene beaches and the other, a quiet but busy port. I estimate that it takes about 20 minutes to walk from one coast to the other. The island is green and luscious, with kind locals who are glad to house foreigners who are smart enough to avoid staying and overpaying in Venice- pretty much the opposite of the Venice vibe. Lido, Italy madisteps Sat, 01 Sep 2007 01:08:04 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/879 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/879 Warning: While my experience in Perugia did not include swimming with mutant sharks or riding a firecracker in Moscow, I offer this information so anyone who needs a real vacation, or a stop off during a long trip. Perugia is a step back in time with the best everything. Enjoy! Perugia is my favorite place on the globe. I studied there in college and returned on my post-college trip. It is a beautiful old town on top of a big hill (you can even take an escalator to get to the top!) with views of the well known town of Assisi. It is in central Italy in Umbria (next to Tuscany) and is between Rome and Florence on the train. Perugia, Italy madisteps Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:00:15 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/878 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/878 Upon moving to Buenos Aires, I did not expect the biggest (and funniest) challenge would be understanding the overwhelming amount of slang used. Additionally, I did not expect EVERYONE to be using slang, but in BA 2 year olds and great-grandmas will dizzy foreigners with their dialect. Here are the basics. (Practice them with an Italian accent and you'll be prepared.) The foundation of BA slang, Lunfardo, which was born together with the tango in the end of the 19th century. The base of Lunfardo has a lot to do with the poor street life and with the immigration that populated the city. Thus, naturally combining different languages and cultures to harmonize the locals. Buenos Aires, Argentina madisteps Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:28:48 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/516 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/516 As if Mother Earth hasn't scared us enough...on July 9th the heavens sprinkled snow on Gran Buenos Aires for the first time in 89 years. We are in winter now in BA, however the cold is just not comparable to the winter chills of NYC or London. Buenos Aires, Argentina madisteps Sat, 21 Jul 2007 15:58:42 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/514 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/514 Buenos Aires is an incredible and polarized city with class discrimination that rules the streets. Most of the travelers who visit are likely to stick to the Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo neighborhoods due to the warning that everywhere else is dangerous. And that is the truth. However, there are countless barrios (neighborhoods) that are passed by and even looked down on. The most feared and therefore hidden barrio is La Cuidad Oculta, located near Mataderos which holds a killer fair every Sunday. La Cuidad Oculta, the hidden city, is a slum on the outskirts of Capital Federal BA. It is a labyrinth of makeshift homes, flooded alleys, and uneven ground. It is not a place to visit or a place to stay, but it is as important as the shops at Plaza Serano and the museums in Recoleta. The opportunity to meet the neighbors and learn about the other side of BA is available by volunteering at a place called Centro Conviven (www.centroconviven.org.ar) Buenos Aires, Argentina madisteps Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:15:57 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/450 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/450 When I visited Greece, I was a little discouraged. My cousin and I started our little island trip on Mykonos (overrated) and then Santorini (incredibly overrated). I was disappointed in the food, the people, the vistas, even the beaches. I was seriously confused. Everyone seemed very image conscious and prices were wild. I suspect, though, it was due to the recent switch to Euros. After a confusing first week, I was nervous about heading to our last island spot on Aigina, where my mom had studied art when she was my age. Dang mama, you were right again. Aigina is a lovely hidden gem floating close to the mainland. It is full of culture, smiling locals, fresh air, fruit, flowers, and natural beauty. Aígina, Greece madisteps Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:36:33 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/318 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/318 As a kid I always questioned my religion and could never understand why my parents loved to go to temple for services that lasted hours while I dreaded it . As a Jewish girl growing up in a largely Jewish city stories of the Holocaust and anti-semitism floated around my conscience - I felt compassion for my elders but never internally. That is until I visited Tereisenstadt with my grandmother. Nana, as she is fondly called, was married to a German Jew who's family fled to the States right before WWII was in full swing. She and my Papa told a few stories of scattered family and I always saw deep pain in their eyes- their recognition of those who had been murdered in places like Tereisenstadt. My Nana is an avid traveler and has been all over the world, so I had no idea it was going to be her first time visiting an actual concentration camp. Tereisenstadt, czech republic, Czech Republic madisteps Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:00:28 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/317 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/317 Goreme is one of my favorite places on earth. It is a little village in Cappadocia, surrounded by magnificent landscapes. This area rivals the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, and continues to surprise the eye with rock formations in very exciting shapes. The people who live and work here are kind and do not take advantage of the tourists. I was surprised at the wealth of ways to spend time in this tiny town, such as; walking through Love Valley, 4-wheeling, hanging out on the main drag, taking a hot-air balloon ride, going to an outdoor museum, or visiting a family in their cave house. For a village of about 4 roads, this is a lot. The weather in Goreme was perfect when I was there in late September. The sky is huge there and the vibe is very relaxed and genuine. Göreme, Turkey madisteps Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:49:30 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/304 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/304 Bursa is tiny town along the old Spice Trade route about two hours south by bus from Istanbul. Keep in mind this is not a tourist town at all. This being the case, travelers are offered an unadulterated cultural experience. Like in Istanbul, you will live each day with the five calls to prayer, but here in Bursa you’ll feel something more. Bursa is famous for Ipek silk, which is available at the main bazaar. The main bazaar is located in the center of town next to a giant mosque- the pride of the city. The people of this town are very friendly and extremely helpful. Unlike in Istanbul, most people here do not speak English, but this does not stifle their ability to give advice and make you feel at home. Bursa features similar food options to Istanbul- kabobs. In Bursa, (as in almost all Turkish towns) they boast a specific type of kabob-, which you must try. Ask anyone in the hotels or on the street and they will direct you to their uncle’s kabob restaurant. While you are here,... Bursa, Turkey madisteps Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:27:17 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/madisteps/experience/301 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/301