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Come to Daejeon for the Best Burgers in Korea
Tweet Every once in a while, I want a REALLY good burger. For me that means a hamburger patty made with good qualify ground beef, topped with all the burger “fixins”…tomato, lettuce, onion, a bit of sauce all on a good bun and at a price that won’t break...
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Travel Photo Thursday — March 21, 2013 — The Best Pad Thai in Chiang Mai
Tweet Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. Eating out in Chiang Mai is a real treat for budget travelers. Not only is the food cheap, but it’s delicious. Many of the small local “joints” serve up one specialty, and they often become known far and...
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Travel Photo Thursday — March 14th, 2013 — Cherry Blossom Travels in Korea
Tweet Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. Spring is kind of playing with us here in Korea. One day it’s balmy and the next day the temps take a dive. Have to remember it’s only March 14th! One of my favorite times of the year here is the spring, when,...
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Travel Photo Thursday — May 23, 2013 — Korea’s Buddha Birthday Lanterns
Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. Pull up that comfy armchair, and enjoy your virtual world tour. Anybody who been around Travel Photo Thursday for a while knows that I host my photos at Flickr. Some of you may also know that Flickr rolled out a new interface this week. That has created some challenges, with the major one being where to find the HTML code needed to post my photos here. Finally, after at least two hours of searching through help pages and user forums I found the answer! Needless to say, this isn’t exactly what I had planned for this week. Buddha’s Birthday has come and gone. I wasn’t able to take part in the festivities this year. However, it is a celebration that I adore, so today I’m sharing with you some favorite lantern shots from past Buddha celebrations.
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Lantern Magic at Seoul’s Bongeunsa Temple.
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I love this “lantern tree” at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul.
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The “fish-eye” produces a fun,different perspective. (Seoul’s Bongeunsa Temple)
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Nammireeuksa Temple…outside of Seoul…
Travelers Tip
Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated annually, across the peninsula in May or early June. The date varies from year to year, so best to check with Korea Tourism.
The main festivities happen in Seoul, and usually a week before the actual day. You can experience a temple meal on Buddha’s birthday (a holiday here), at any temple in Korea. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss it. The temple meal is a wonderful opportunity to experience temple life here in Korea.
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Travel Photo Thursday — May 16, 2013 — Hong Kong’s Million Dollar Travel Views
Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. Pull up your armchair, and get ready for our virtual around the world tour. I am suffering this week from the yellow dust that is covering Daejeon. I don’t know if it has invaded from China, or if it’s the pollen from Korea’s pine trees. Which ever, I have been fighting headaches all week, and the stuff can’t be gone soon enough! In the mean time here are some “million dollar travel views” Hong Kong, one of my favorite cities!
To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.
Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.
The Twitter hash tag for Travel Photo Thursday is #TPThursday.
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A view from the Peak…I wonder who owns that little piece of real estate?
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Everything is just so “tight”!
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From harbour side…that is one big cruise ship, dwarfing, what was then, the tallest building in Hong Kong.
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Have you been to Hong Kong? Where did you find your million dollar views?
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Travel Photo Thursday — May 9, 2013 — Bali Travel Shots
Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. Friends of mine are in Bali this week, and that got me thinking of the wonderful trips I have had to that beautiful island. This week I want to share with you some of my favorite shots.
To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.
Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.
The Twitter hash tag for Travel Photo Thursday is #TPThursday.
As a courtesy please post a link to Budget Travelers Sandbox.
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Ladies wearing the traditional kebaya and sarong, preparing to give offerings to the temple gods in Ubud.
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On my first trip to Bali, I spent some time at Lake Batur. There were some wonderful photo opportunities.
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Sanur Beach is a great walking beach. I stayed just a few minutes walk away.
Or you can relax on one of the pagodas and enjoy the view.
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Don’t miss the Bali Bird Park! You can easily spend a day here wandering around admiring and interacting with so many beautiful birds.
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You can see a different traditional dance performance every night, if you want to!
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Delicious Balinese food…Sambal Udang, made at the Bumi Bali Cooking School in Ubud.
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You can wander Ubud’s beautiful rice fields for free.
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And, it wouldn’t be Bail without a beautiful sunset; Jimbaran Beach
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Have you been to Bali? What did you think?
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Travel Photo Thursday — May 2, 2013 — Summertime Travel Dreams
Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. Pull up that armchair and enjoy your virtual around the world tour! Usually by now, I have my summer travel plans made. This year is a little different (sadly). Due to circumstances beyond my control (well sort of, but I am trying to rectify that), no tickets have been booked and no plans have been finalized. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a dream. My summertime travel dream is to go home to Halifax. Fingers crossed, that I am going to be able to make it happen. In the meantime here are a few of my favorite Halifax photos for you all to enjoy!
To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.
Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.
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Point Pleasant Park and Black Rock Beach…a favorite place for joggers and walkers. You can walk along the ocean front, or take one of paths through the forest. You’ll find some ruins here, and a number of memorials honoring Canadians lost in the world wars. In the summertime the park is host to a theatre production “Shakespeare by the Sea”. Don’t miss the ice cream served up from the kiosk at the beginning of the beach!
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Halifax’s Harbour…one of the few harbours in the Northern Hemisphere that is free of ice year round. Tours are availabe from along the waterfront. Take your pick a schonner, a sailboat, or a motorized craft. Of course, you can always opt for the Halifax -Dartmouth Ferry; same views, much cheaper!
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You can boogie to the music in Victoria Park, before making your way through the gates of Halifax’s favorite park…the Halifax Public Gardens…
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The Bandstand at the Halifax Public Gardens…don’t miss the Sunday afternoon concerts. They’re free!
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A visit to the Public Gardens would not be complete without some beautiful flower shots…
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…Or a statue…Ceres and Friend…
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And of course, there is always the sunset at Sir Flemming Park, or “The Dingle” to the locals. The last time I was here the look-out tower was closed for renovations. If you visit, and it’s open, don’t miss climbing to the top for some spectacular views!
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And finally, a quick trip out of Halifax will have you enjoying some beautiful sandy beaches.
This gorgeous slice of sand is Hirtle’s Beach in Lunenburg, on the South Shore. My grandmother was a Hirtle, and I wonder if she played on this as a child.
Travelers Tip
Did you know that Nova Scotia is known as “Canada’s Ocean Playground”? We have loads of beautiful beaches, and many of them white sand. The best time for swimmers is July and August. If you’re a beachcomber, then any time of the year is just fine. Of course, between January and March, be sure to wear your long johns!
Point Pleasant Park and the Dingle are also open year round. You can enjoy the Public Gardens daily from sunrise to sunset, from mid April to November. All three parks are free to enter. Don’t forget the free Sunday concerts at the Bandstand.
Planning a trip to Nova Scotia? Be sure to check out the Doer’s and Dreamers Guide.
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Travel Photo Thursday — April 25th, 2013 — Travel Memories From Spain
Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. While it hasn’t been a hectic week travel wise, it has been frantic on the work front. Thankfully, midterms end tomorrow, and once all the marking is done, it will be back to normal. I am dreaming and reminiscing this week, and my thoughts are turning to the time I spent in Spain not that long ago. I may have posted some of these shots before, and if so, I do hope you’ll enjoy them again (it’s been awhile!). I’m sharing with you a few of my favorite Spanish memories, and there were many.
To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.
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When I was a kid, I remember we used to say “Holy Toledo” a lot. Maybe that’s part of the reason I have always wanted to visit this historic Spanish town. I ended up taking a one day bus tour from Madrid. I would have preferred going on my own, but since it was so cold when I was in Spain, I just couldn’t get excited about freezing my rear off walking up and down Toledo’s windy, steep hills. Imagine my surprise when we parked the bus and took an escalator from the bottom of the town to the top! Despite the cold, the tour guide did a great job sharing her knowledge of this grand little town. I can’t wait to go back on my own, and stay a day or two, and so some REAL exploring. This was my favorite shot from the day; reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle.
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Then, just when I thought I couldn’t be charmed any further, there was Segovia and it’s amazing Roman aqua duct. This was another day tour out of Madrid, and can you believe it, the day was colder than the day spent in Toledo! The sun was a real life saver that day. The guide on this tour definitely would have preferred being at home snuggled up to a warm fire. Friendly did not describe this man. His dour, stern expression kept us moving fast. Like Toledo, I hope to return to this charming slice of Spain.
Segovia’s Roman Aqua Duct…
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Being there in February meant that I avoided the crowds, but again I didn’t avoid the cold! The architecture and view marry to make this such an awesome attraction. You don’t have to wonder why it is literally swamped with visitors in season.
Granada’s Alhambra…
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Seville also brings back some fond memories. I spent a sunny and pleasantly warm day wandering through the city’s historical Alcazar.Wouldn’t this make a beautiful painting?
A view of the garden…
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Of course, Spain wouldn’t be Spain without its out this world food and wine!
The biggest and freshest olives I have ever had the pleasure of popping into my mouth…
And it’s wine…
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Travelers Tip
Spain in January and February has you missing the crowds of summer. The downside is, the weather can cold! Before visiting any of Spain’s world class museums check to see when they offer free admission. I visited Madrid’s Prado a half dozen times during my nine days in Madrid. I only paid admission ONCE. Another thing about the Prado, it is open on Mondays!
Do you have a favorited memory of Spain, or is it on your list?
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Travel Photo Thursday — April 18th, 2013 — Two Langkawi Sunsets to Sooth Your Traveling Soul
Welcome, and thanks for dropping into another week of Travel Photo Thursday. The semester continues to be one of the most challenging I have encountered in a good many years. One way I relax and “forget it all” is too look at beautiful photography. Sometimes it’s my own, and sometimes the photo belongs to someone else. Today, I am sharing with you two sunset shots that I captured on the same Langkawi beach. The shots were taken 1 day apart, and both are very different, and each, in their own way, very soothing. By the way, a lot of you know that I started the 21 day meditation challenge with Oprah and Deepak. I did finish the 21 days, and I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommended, for anyone who wants to begin or continue a meditation practice.
To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.
Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.
The Twitter hash tag for Travel Photo Thursday is #TPThursday.
As a courtesy please post a link to Budget Travelers Sandbox.
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Sunset on Cenang Beach, Langkawi’s premier what sand beach…(Some of you might remember this shot from a past Travel Photo Thursday) 
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What a difference a day makes! Taken from almost the exact same spot as the shot above.
Traveler’s Tip
Malaysia’s Langkawi is an easy destination to get to. I flew in on Air Asia, and there are probably other budget airlines that offer flights as well. The island offers good accommodation in every price range. Food is good, and cheap. Cenang Beach is amazingly beautiful. I loved the “personality” of this gorgeous stretch of sand. One section (if you went left) was busy with lots of vendors and folks having fun on the beach. If you walked to the right, the beach was pristine and absolutely quiet. Lots of high end beach hotels on this end of the beach, so I think the “masses” were discouraged from playing in the sand
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Come to Daejeon for the Best Burgers in Korea
Every once in a while, I want a REALLY good burger. For me that means a hamburger patty made with good qualify ground beef, topped with all the burger “fixins”…tomato, lettuce, onion, a bit of sauce all on a good bun and at a price that won’t break the budget. There are a few popular burger joints in Korea, but none of them really do it for me. The burgers are too bland, too perfect (I like a little messy), and way too expensive! After you pay $9 bucks for the burger, do you really want to be set back another $7 or $8 bucks for fries and a beverage? I didn’t think so.
Welcome to Daejeon’s GRILL HOUSE, a quaint 10 seater diner owned and operated by New Jersey trained Korean chef, Brian Kim. I’ve known about this place for a while, but I had never made it a mission to find it until last week. Once I made up my mind there was no turning back, and finding it was not that difficult. I arrived late and was glad that I did. A lunch time crowd would have had the Grill House bulging.
First order of business was to peruse the menu, and so many choices! I finally zeroed in on the Texas Burger. Taking my order, Brian asked me how I wanted my egg cooked. OH, there’s an egg on that one, I didn’t know. I really wasn’t in the mood for an egg on my burger, so I quickly changed to my second choice, the teriyaki burger. Fries and a water rounded out my meal.
The wait wasn’t that long, and I took the time to notice that two other tables were occupied by Koreans; a good sign.
TADA…my burger arrived!; looking awesome. The fries were nicely cooked, and I liked the look of the bun and the meat patty, with the lettuce, tomato and onion giving a little peek show.
It was love at first bite! I was wowed at how good this burger was. I wanted it to last forever. I think I sat with my eyes closed between bites. I did not want to lose the moment. The fries were also the best I have eaten in Korea. I could have sworn I was eating somewhere in Canada. There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be going back and often. The bill came to $13.00 and that included a Perrier water.
Don’t you just love the kitschy feel from the pictures and posters lining the walls!
Travelers Tip
Open everyday from 11am to 10pm. Exit 4,Yongmun Station, walk straight towards Lotte Department Store. Enter the building with the Paris Baguette Bakery. Walk to the end of the hall, and the House Grill is on the right. Phone: 010-9165-5142. Limited seating, so you might want to avoid peak lunch and dinner hours. Take out available.
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Where have you had that unforgettable burger, in your travels?
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About Me
I'm a longtime expat and traveler, experiencing the world one country, one photograph, and one chili pepper at a time. I'm an expert on experiencing priceless travel adventures on a budget. 
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