1. Deep Ellum

 

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The former industrial neighborhood close to downtown Dallas is booming these days. Previously known as Deep Elm, residents called it Deep Ellum with their southern twang and eventually the name stuck. It’s been compared to Dallas’ answer to Brooklyn, but with a special Texas flare. It’s filled with unique bars and delicious restaurants. The amount of diversity in this regard is surprising. In terms of food, there are a few must-try places. I’d recommend checking out Monkey King Noodle Company. The restaurant was started after a chef took a trip to Taiwan and fell in love with the food. The dumplings alone are worth the trip. The best part is that the food is made from scratch and you can even watch them make the noodles through the window, which is a nice touch. If that’s not what you’re looking for, you can always make your way over to Main Street and try some Texas barbecue at Pecan Lodge. This is a great option since you absolutely cannot come to Texas and NOT have barbecue. I’m pretty sure it’s against the law…Regardless, order the slow-cooked brisket and beef ribs. You can thank me with a drink. Speaking of where to drink, Deep Ellum is filled with watering holes. If the weather is beautiful, head to Harlowe MXM’s rooftop and take in a beautiful view of Dallas’ skyline. If interesting cocktails are what you are looking for, head to Hide for their fascinating flavor combinations. Grapefruit and Pisco? Sure, why not!

2. Walk Around White Rock Lake

 

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A fun fact about Texas is that there is only one real lake in the state and it borders Louisiana. The rest are all man-made including White Rock Lake. Nevertheless, it’s worth walking around especially near sunset when the sun reflects onto the water. The Dallas Botanical Gardens are right next to the lake and make for a beautiful walk. Spread out over 70 acres, the Botanical Gardens have special shows for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The area is perfect for a picnic or a first date if you meet someone special during your time in the city. The area is crowded on the weekends so aim to head to White Rock Lake during the week so you have the whole place to yourself.

3. Go To The Top Of Reunion Tower

 

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Drive anywhere in Dallas and you’ll immediately see the free-standing structure with the ball at the top. It’s hard to miss and the 560-foot tower is a Dallas icon. At the top of the tower, is an observation deck, which offers a view of the entire city below you. They’ve recently added a virtual reality 360° view of the city. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to enjoy a nice meal, there is a Wolfgang Puck restaurant at the top of the tower. It’s considered one of the nicest restaurants in Dallas, but the view makes the food taste that much better.

4. Dealey Plaza

 

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For foreigners, John F. Kennedy (Also known as JFK) may not mean much to you, but to Americans, he was adored. Unfortunately, he was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. The exact same spot on the 6^th floor of the Dealey Plaza where Lee Harvey Oswald killed the president is where the museum stands today. The museum tells the story of JFK’s life and the events leading up to his death. On the street, the museum placed a marking where JFK was when he was shot. It’s a fascinating look into a turning point in American history and the museum is well curated. Oddly enough, there is even a webcam set up so you can see exactly what Lee Harvey Oswald saw on that fateful day in November 1963. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Dallas for history buffs.

5. Dallas Museum Of Art

 

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It’s time to get culture, y’all! One of the best things to do in Dallas if you’re an art lover, the Dallas Museum of Art (also known as the DMA for short), is another museum also worth checking out. The best part about the museum is that general admission is free, but if you want to see special expositions, you’ll have to pay a bit more. It’s a great option for those that just want to stroll around a bit or want to get in a bit of culture when it’s raining out. If you happen to be more of a night owl, the museum hosts free jazz nights once a month with food and drinks to purchase. You can even make a day out of visiting the museum by having a picnic in Klyde Warren Park directly across the street.

6. Catch A Mavericks Game

 

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In Texas, sports are a big part of the culture. In fact, I’m pretty sure football is a religion. Regardless, seeing a professional game is a must when visiting. I enjoy watching basketball the most so I recommend trying to catch a Mavericks game. The tickets are reasonably priced and the arena is located right downtown. The best part is that the atmosphere around the stadium before the game even starts is lively and is a great place to meet locals. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. Be sure to buy a jersey and take a bunch of selfies to say you got the full Texas experience.

There we have it! Know of any other amazing things to do in Dallas? Comment below. But more importantly, what are you waiting for?

Suggested next reading: How To Experience Fort Worth Like A True Texan

The post 6 Things To Do That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Dallas appeared first on Modern Trekker.

 

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South Beach

First and foremost, South Beach itself is home to dozens of picturesque places you can snap for the ‘gram. You don’t even have to be that much of a morning person to wake up to catch the sun rising over the Atlantic—because Miami is relatively close to the equator, the sun rises around 6:30am at the earliest (during the summer solstice) and at a more reasonable 7:00ish for most of the rest of the year. This was one of my favorite times to be outside because the temperatures are still reasonable. In fact, the coldest time to be on the beach is right before sunrise, so you’ll see many locals exercising outdoors to beat the heat before going on with their day.

 

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Miami Beach Boardwalk

Another great place to walk, jog, bike, or rollerblade is along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, another one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots. The boardwalk stretches from 23rd St. to 46th St., so it’s a little further north from the hustle and bustle of South Beach and takes you up into the quieter but ritzier Mid-Beach area.

 

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As you walk down the beach at any time of day, be sure to stop by Miami Beach’s colorfully painted lifeguard towers to snap a good shot or two. These towers are located approximately every block or so on the entire length of the beach. They also have a fascinating, uniquely Miami history—most of the original towers were destroyed by Hurricane Andrew back in 1992, so afterward, the city of Miami decided to restore them to become an icon for the city. Each tower is painted or designed by a local artist, architect, or musician, and they’re all unique.

 

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If you keep walking to the southernmost tip of South Beach and then turn around, you can snap a shot of the entire beach behind you. (Tip: this shot is particularly cool at sunrise or sunset if you can wake up that early). It’s also a great place to watch the cargo and cruise ships sailing in and out of the Port of Miami on the other side to get a sense of just how small you are in the scheme of things.

 

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Freehand Hotel

If you’re looking for one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots to escape the heat and sand, head over to the Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel—one of America’s top-rated cocktail bars and a gorgeous, ‘grammable, tropical hipster paradise. (I’m not affiliated with the Freehand properties but it does happen to be one of my favorite hotel chains of all time because they’re just so adorable). Grab a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind cocktail and lounge by the pool all day and into the evening.

 

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Rooftop of the One Hotel

All of the Miami Beach hotel properties are gorgeous in their own way, but another one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots is the rooftop of the One Hotel (open to the public after 6pm if you buy a drink), the Faena Hotel (same deal, and also home to some interesting sculptures and art pieces), the Dilido, and the W Hotel.

 

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Art Deco District

If the ritzy Miami Beach hotel lifestyle isn’t consistent with your IG style, it’s enough to just walk through the historic Art Deco District and snap some shots of the area’s unique architecture. The Art Deco District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world. The district is made up of 960 historic buildings within about one square mile. The iconic pastel-colored stucco buildings have been restored to their former glory thanks to the Miami Design Preservation League, and now they provide the perfect background for your Miami vacation shots.

 

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Wynwood & Miami Design Districts

Of course, there’s much more to Miami than just Miami Beach. You definitely can’t overlook the Wynwood Walls and the Miami Design District as a great place to find some unique street art, as well as some unique history. The Wynwood district was originally home to the third largest Garment Districts in the United States back in the 1920s, and has gone through several periods of decline and revitalization as the residents of the neighborhood changed, crime rates spiked, and the area suffered from urban blight. In the mid-2000s, the neighborhood began to transform into a haven for artists, culminating in the opening of the Wynwood Walls open-air art gallery in 2009 to coincide with Art Basel. It is now home to miles of street art, local breweries, and plenty to see and do.

 

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Perez Art Museum

If you love art and design, then the Perez Art Museum is definitely one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots for you. The contemporary art gallery was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron, and visitors constantly move back and forth between indoor and outdoor spaces covered by a lush canopy.

 

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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

If you’re looking to reconnect with nature without venturing too far out of the city, be sure to check out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The Vizcaya estate is the former home of James Deering, of the Deering McCormick International Harvester fortune, and is an example of gorgeous Italian Renaissance gardens and Mediterranean Revival architecture. The estate and gardens have found a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and they appear in movies such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Haunts of the Very Rich, Iron Man 3, and others, as well as many popular music videos.

 

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This is by no means an exhaustive list of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots. It seems like there’s another one around every corner in this beautiful tropical paradise of a city.

Suggested next reading: Miami To Key West: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip

The post Miami’s Best Instagrammable Spots That’ll Explode Your IG Feed appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Why You Should Visit Rockport

The town of Rockport has been inhabited since 1680, and while it’s smaller than the neighboring Gloucester, Rockport occupies a fascinating place in New England history. The town was a key spot for granite quarries, which fed into the industrial revolution. However, as the demand for granite slowed in the Great Depression, Rockport became home to a flourishing artists community due to its picturesque landscape, and grew to symbolize the quintessential New England fishing village in modern American art.

We were originally planning to visit Gloucester or Manchester by the Sea for the day but we heard that Rockport was more walkable without a car, so it’s a better destination if you’re arriving by train. All three are beautiful small New England towns on the cape, and you’ll find the same peaceful scenery wherever you go. It was about a 10-15 minute walk from the Rockport train station to the beach, has some of the best seafood spots, and loads of adorable souvenir shops, so it’s hard to beat in terms of accessibility without a vehicle.

Rockport, Gloucester, and Manchester by the Sea are all on the same train line, so in theory, you could make a weekend trip out of it and hit more than one if the weather cooperates and you’re in the mood to explore.

Getting There

By train: Head to Boston’s North Station and hop on the Newbury/Rockport Line commuter rail. It’ll cost you around $26 per person (round-trip) to take the train all the way to the end of the line, but be sure to check the prices before you go to make sure nothing has changed. The entire trip takes a little over an hour and fifteen minutes on the train, and the trains run every 1-2 hours so you have a decent amount of flexibility in when you go.

By car: Once you get out of downtown, it’ll take you about an hour on the Yankee Division Highway (MA-127) to get out to the cape. If you have a car, you’ll have a little more flexibility in exploring the town of Rockport and surrounding areas, but it may be difficult to find parking, especially during the busy summer season.

Things To Do

Eat all the seafood: The best part about being close to the water is the proximity to fresh seafood, in my opinion. When in Rockport, be sure to visit Roy Moore’s Fish Shack or Roy Moore’s Lobster Company, and any other Roy Moore properties, which are the most well-known spots in town to grab a lobster roll.

However, you really can’t go wrong with the fresh, affordable seafood at any of the restaurants in town. We visited Ellen’s Harborside for some classic New England clam chowder and cocktails and found this picturesque view of the harbor.

Take in the sights: Rockport’s most famous landmark is Motif Number 1, one of the most recognizable sites in New England. The red fishing shack was painted by Lester Hornby and many other American artists due to the location and lighting, and it has come to represent New England maritime life. The “most painted building in America” was originally built in 1840, and rebuilt in 1978 after the structure was destroyed in a blizzard.

If you’re interested in learning more about the role Rockport plays in art history, be sure to check out the Rockport Art Association Museum to discover more about the vibrant Cape Ann artist community.

Stroll down Bear Skin Neck, a row of old fishing and lobster shacks that have been restored and are now home to dozens of adorable art galleries, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Once you get to the end of the rocky outcropping, you’ll be met with some incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding harbor, Motif Number 1, and the sea.

On the way, be sure to pop into the Fudgery for some delicious homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, and other yummy treats, and pick up some unique gifts and souvenirs to bring back home.

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If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can spend the whole day lounging at Front Beach. While the water will definitely be cold, even in the summer, due to its protected position in the harbor, the water at Front Beach and the neighboring descriptively-named Back Beach is supposedly warmer than the other public beaches in the area.

If you’re feeling adventurous and the weather cooperates, you can rent a kayak or rowboat and paddle out to the Thatcher Island Twin Lights. Known activity on Thatcher Island dates back to Samuel de Champlain in 1605, and the twin lighthouses were built in 1771 to mark the dangerous Londoner Ledge to caution sailors in the area. The island is protected as a National Historic Landmark and only accessible by non-motorized boats, making it a unique experience and a great opportunity to take in views of Cape Ann from the water.

If you arrived by car, you can head up to Halibut Point State Park to explore the tide pools and catch some incredible views. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Mt. Agamenticus in Maine (81 miles away) and the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire. If you arrived by train, it’s possible to catch the bus from downtown Rockport, although the bus runs infrequently and doesn’t run at all on Sundays. Be sure to check with the Rockport Visitor Information Center for the most up-to-date transit information.

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While the town of Rockport is relatively small, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life in Boston. Peak tourist season in Rockport is during the summer months for obvious reasons, however, if you don’t mind facing the cold, you might just get the town and its picturesque sights all to yourself during the offseason.

Suggested next reading: How To Experience The Best Of Boston On A Tight Budget

The post Rockport: The Perfect Weekend Getaway From Boston appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Welcome to the “Red Center” of Australia, the extraordinary desert smack in the middle of the country, the ancient heart of the continent. It is the home of the traditional indigenous landowners, boasting some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see, and Uluru, the sandstone monolith rising from the middle of the Northern Territory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And just beyond Uluru itself is the incredible installation Field of Light, designed by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. As the light fades and Uluru’s silhouette is cast against the purple sky, the exhibition comes to life. In the local Pitjantjatjara language, it is called “Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku,” or “looking at lots of beautiful lights.”

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The installation’s shuttle bus picks up visitors at three different departure times throughout the evening, rumbling quietly through the remote desert landscape to the site. Upon arrival, the vastness of the pitch dark surrounding you feels almost stifling, as if the inky black sky couldn’t possibly get any blacker. Event guides greet you as you disembark from the bus, their stark flashlights feeling harsh amidst the natural landscape.

The group walks quietly through the bush until you start to see dots of glowing light ahead, as you quicken your pace to see more. Slowly, an anomaly amidst the dusty desert unfolds before you, and you have to stop to make sure you’re not imagining it. 50,000 solar powered globes come to light in a “garden” spanning the size of seven football fields. Their stems bend slightly in the hot night air, frosted spheres glowing blue, purple, ochre, and soft white as the sky above them darkens. Visitors stop to take photos before entering, the more advanced photographers setting up tripods and getting stunning time-lapse shots. It feels almost wrong to enter the installation; as if stepping inside might ruin the beauty of it all, and swallow you up whole.

Pathways draw visitors into the “fantasy garden” to explore at their own pace, guiding you along the winding paths through fields of psychedelic blooms. Shuttle buses depart the exhibition every two hours, giving visitors plenty of time to get lost amidst the lights. And lose yourself you will, as you wander further and further from the entrance deeper into the desert. Punctuated by small trees and benches for the occasional rest, the fields of solar powered globes feel almost trippy to gaze into. Before you know it, you’ve made your way back to the start, and will probably want to wander through again.

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Field of Light is British artist Bruce Munro’s largest installation to date, and his first work that is entirely solar powered. “Field of Light was one idea that landed in my sketchbook and kept on nagging at me to be done,” he says. “I saw in my mind a landscape of illuminated stems that, like dormant seeds in a dry desert, quietly wait until darkness falls, under a blazing blanket of southern stars, to bloom with gentle rhythms of light”. He first conceived of the idea during a visit to Uluru in 1992, after living in Australia for eight years. His work uses light to evoke an emotional response, often in an outdoor setting and on a grand scale. Other “Field of Light” installations had taken place in England, the U.S.A., Scotland, and Mexico, before finally being created in Australia, the birthplace of its inspiration.

Once you’ve sufficiently wandered the exhibition and feel ready to drag yourself from its ethereal grip, make your way back to the shuttle bus location, taking in one last drink of the night sky sprinkled with stars—the kind you only see with the lack of light pollution that exists in the middle of a remote desert. Stepping into the cool air of the bus feels like a shock after the hot desert air, and the bus slowly fills with passengers similarly aglow in the aftermath of such an otherworldly experience.

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Ayers Rock Resort, the host organization for the installation, offers a number of other Field of Light experiences as well, for those who want more than just a wander. The “Field of Light Star Pass” includes a panoramic view of the lights from atop a nearby dune, with an introduction to the exhibition before sunset, Outback-style appetizers, and drinks. “A Night at Field of Light” features the award-winning “Sounds of Silence” dinner, a three-course meal set under the desert sky while a resident “star talker” explains the southern night sky. Prefer the sunrise to sunset? Choose “Sunrise Field of Light” to explore the installation in the pre-dawn silence. Additionally, almost all of these options include an upgrade to the “Pass by Camel,” first bringing you to the Uluru Camel Farm where you can get a ride from a friendly camel to the installation. (Camels were originally brought to Australia in the 19^th Century from Britain and Afghanistan to help with transportation and construction as western Australia was colonized, eventually being released into the wild after being replaced by motorized vehicles.) For those looking for a really mesmerizing Uluru experience, “A Night at Field of Light by Heli” offers the ultimate experience: installation entrance, “Sounds of Silence” dinner, and a half hour aerial helicopter tour.

No matter which ticket you choose, it’s important to note that Field of Light has been installed on indigenous land, and the Anangu people are the traditional owners and guardians of the National Park. (The land was handed back over to the Anangu people in 1985, and they then signed an agreement leasing the land to the Director of National Parks.) It is considered sacred to the traditional owners, and they invite visitors to hear stories of their ancient land—a visit to the Cultural Centre is free.

Field of Light has been extended until December 2020. Can’t make it to the middle of the desert in Australia? Well, this video is the next best thing:

Suggested next reading: Belgium’s Best Kept Secret Is Jaw-Droppingly Pretty

The post Australia’s Must-See Art Installation In The Middle Of The Outback appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Are you a jazz lover? Here is our list of 10 of the best jazz bars around the world, so that you can experience some of that old-fashioned magic listening to some great music, getting into the groove, and just having that pleasant night out. Let’s dive into it!

1) Birdland, New York

Birdland is a historic jazz bar in New York. Over the years it has changed several locations. The original opened on Broadway in 1949 and was a landmark in the jazz scene of the time. Some of the best jazz musicians in the world have played here, like Miles Davis, Count Basie, and John Coltrane. Not only that, it was very popular with the celebrities of the time; Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra to give some examples. Even today it is one of the best jazz clubs in New York housing some truly great musicians.

Location: 315 W 44th Street
Price: ranging from $20-$50 per night

2) Preservation Hall, New Orleans

If you are looking for traditional New Orleans jazz you can’t miss Preservation Hall. This legendary bar located in the iconic French Quarter has been hosting the city’s finest traditional musicians nightly for decades.

Location: 726 St. Peter Street (French Quarter)
Price: General admission is $20. For special events $30-50

3) Café Central, Madrid

A unique place to listen to some good jazz music and grab something to eat and drink, Café Central offers the old-fashioned style providing a blast from the past you don’t want to miss. Located in Plaza del Angel this bar is great for a musical stop while having some fun strolling around the city’s main center.

Location: Plaza del Angel 10
Price: Admission about €13

4) Sunset Sunside, Paris

Paris loves music! If you want to take a break in the city of love and enjoy some untraditional exotic jazz music such as gypsy jazz, Sunset Sunside is definitely the place you are looking for. You can find a great intimate place where to grab a drink, eat something and listen to some brand new experimental music by newbies and pro musicians!

Location: 60 Rue des Lombards
Price:  €10-€28

5) 28DiVino, Rome

The Eternal City has a place for you, jazz lovers! A wine, cheese & jazz club in the Prati area, the 28DiVino, makes jazz music the focal point of the weekly program of live concerts that it organizes. On the 28DiVino stage, national and international jazz musicians alternate. The restaurant has two rooms where you can dine and taste fine wines and cheeses while waiting for the live performances. Is there a better way to spend an evening in Rome? You tell me.

Location: Via Mirandola, 21, 00182 Roma
Price: €12

6) Jazz SPOT Intro, Tokyo

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Hi-tech Tokyo has a thing for jazz music too! Jazz SPOT Intro is a New York inspired jazz bar where you can enjoy some live music, grab something to drink and chill away from the city buzz. The top highlight of this jazz bar is its 12-hour Saturday sessions, which run until 5 am. A great opportunity to spend some quality time during the weekend!

Location: 2-14-8 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-Ku
Price: Admission is ¥1000 (around $10)

7) Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen

This place is considered to be one of the most legendary and best jazz bars in all of Europe! All year round this bar hosts special events and concerts giving the chance for pros and newbies to show off their skills and passion for music. Besides the musical side, the Jazzhus Montmartre is a great place to eat something too making it a one-of-a-kind club with an atmosphere that is classy yet typical of the best of the best jazz bars. The perfect place to warm up and relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Location: Store Regnegade 19A, 1110
Price: Free admission for some events. You predominantly pay for what you eat and drink

8) Reduta Jazz Club, Prague

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Reduta is located in the very heart of Prague and it is one of the oldest jazz clubs in Europe. A cultural spot not to be missed, this place offers the chance to chill and listen to some great jazz. Being an iconic place, over the years many politicians and celebrities have come to enjoy a gloriously jazzy night here. Bill Clinton has even played saxophone here! So, if you are tired of the same old pubs and crave some good live music, make your way down here, grab something to drink, sit down, and listen to new bands cover your favorite jazz masterpieces.

Location: Národní 116/20, 110 00 Nové Město
Price: Admission from €10

9) Donau 115, Berlin

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Berlin and jazz music might seem somewhat of a contradiction at first, but paying a visit to Donau 115 will definitely change your mind! Berlin is an experimenting city ready to use influences and vibes from several different genres and cultures, and so this is what you’ll notice (or hear) while spending some time in this jazz bar! You can find special events all year around hosting new bands creating a unique place for some jazz with that German vibe.

Location: Donaustraße 115, 12043
Price: Admission is free. You pay for what you eat and drink

10) Hot Clube de Portugal, Lisbon

We end our list of the 10 best jazz bars around the world with one of the most iconic European places you’ll ever find in Europe: the Hot Clube de Portugal in Lisbon. Lisbon has a huge interest in jazz music and you can witness this while exploring the city and its nearby areas! This place is definitely worth a visit as the epicenter of European jazz music. From people like Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan and Dexter Gordon, this bar is always following the recent changes and development taking place in the jazz world, which makes for brand new music and bands from all over the world. Locals love it. You will too.

Location: Praça Alegria 48, 1250-004
Price: Admission is €7.50

So, if you’re a jazz lover, you certainly have plenty of choices to enjoy some good music and to experiment with the newest and best jazz bars around the world! We highly encourage you to always check the website of the jazz bar you are interested in as you can easily catch the best events while in town. Plus, in some cases, especially when it comes to special shows or during holidays and weekends, booking in advance can be a lifesaver to avoid any bad surprises once you get there. Besides that, we really hope you enjoyed this list of the 10 best jazz bars around the world. Here’s to a great jazz-themed night out. Cheers!

Suggested next reading: 7 Best Cities For Street Art Around The World

The post 10 Of The Coolest Jazz Bars Around The World appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The options for art lovers are almost endless in Barcelona. The Museu Picasso is a traditional favorite with visitors, but for me at least, it’s Joan Miro who best epitomizes the vibrancy, color and quirkiness of Barcelona. Some of Miro’s sculptures can be found dotted around his home city, but for the most immersive experience, visit the Fundacio gallery on Montjuic. If you’re bitten by the Miro bug you can take time to pay your respects afterward, as Miro’s body is interred in nearby Montjuic cemetery.

2. Palau de la Musica

This concert hall is not just one of Barcelona’s best locations to indulge in a symphony or some jazz music, it’s also a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. The famous skylight could be straight out of a Renaissance Cathedral, but the rest of the building is another example of Barcelona’s love affair with “modernisme”. Guided tours can be arranged from as little as 20 Euros, though it’s more if you want to take in a performance too.

3. MNAC

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is an art gallery housed within the almost preposterously grandiose Palau Nacional, on Montjuic Hill. One of the largest museums in Spain, MNAC exhibits everything from early church paintings to modernist and surrealist works. What better way to understand a place and its people than through the works they leave behind?

4. Park Güell

Most major world cities have one or more architects or planners who have left an indelible mark on the landscape. In the case of Barcelona, that person is undeniably Antoni Gaudi. Here, Gaudi draws on his life-long fascination with the natural world to create a miniature wonderland of colorful mosaics and contoured lines; a small paradise in the middle of a modern city.

5. Block of Discord

Colorful, exuberant and conflicting—no other spot best encapsulates the explosion in modernist architecture that took place in Barcelona at the end of the 19^th Century than the “Block of Discord”. Another of Gaudi’s masterpieces, the “Casa Batllo”, is perhaps the best-known of the houses in this area, but other architects have also left their mark. “Casa Amatller” and “Casa Lleo-Morera” are no less distinctive than Gaudi’s masterpieces For the best experience take a tour inside one—or all—of the houses, where the styles are even more over-the-top than they appear from outside.

And here’s a very imaginative (and weird!) video in the style of Gaudi showcasing the otherworldliness of the Block of Discord:

6. Deep Dive Gaudi

No one comes away from the first visit to Barcelona without some exposure to its most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. However, those looking to gain a deeper insight into Gaudi’s work should visit the Palau Guell in El Raval, his first major building in the city, and Bellesguard Tower in Sarria-Sant Gervasi. These two monuments showcase Gaudi’s style but are removed enough from the throngs of crowds that you’ll have time enough to savor the details and drink in the atmosphere.

7. Cathedral

The Gothic Cathedral—built largely in the 14^th Century—is in the slightly unusual position of being overshadowed by a much more recent neighbor (of which more later). However, for many centuries before the modernist explosion in Barcelona, the Gothic Cathedral was the heart of public life and a spectacle that would have been unrivaled anywhere in the region. It’s also the likely origin of one of Catalunya’s most unusual traditions—the dancing egg—which takes place throughout Catalunya during Corpus Christi.

8. Sagrada Familia

Begun in 1882 and still under construction, La Sagrada Familia is regarded by many as one of Gaudi’s masterpieces and is certainly Barcelona’s most emblematic site. It’s an explosion of colors and ideas set in stone, for some this means that it lacks some of the internal harmony compared to Gaudi’s masterpieces dotted elsewhere around the city, but for others, it’s a testament to the breadth of his vision. Yes it’s touristy and yes it’s crowded, but it’s also a structure unlike any you will find anywhere else in the world, making it a must-see. Just make sure you order your tickets online in advance or prepare for long queues to get in.

The Sagrada Familia is currently unfinished (even though construction started in 1882), though here is a video showcasing how it will look once it is finally finished:

9. Tablao Cordobes

Flamenco is an art form that is synonymous with the southern region of Spain, meaning an authentic experience of the dance is a near impossibility in the north. Luckily for us, the one exception is Barcelona. The Tablao Cordobes has been in operation since 1970 and has hosted some of the masters of the form since then. It is now one of the only two authentic tablao in Barcelona. Enjoy tapas or a larger meal as you watch the dancing for the complete experience.

Other Barcelona articles you should read next:

1. 9 Unique Must-Do Things In Barcelona That Many People Miss
2. 6 Simply Wonderful Day Trips From Barcelona

The post 9 Cultured Spots In Barcelona Art Lovers Simply Can’t Miss appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Whether you choose to go in Summer, Spring, Fall or Winter, Florence has so much to offer. Here are 8 things to do in Florence that will make you feel like a true Italian:

1. Just Walk Around

I know, a pretty obvious point. However, walking around the streets of Florence really is the best way to enjoy it and to feel like a true Italian. The architecture, the cathedrals and quiet places to pray, the charm, the history, the locals, you’ll experience it all by simply exploring what Florence has to offer. So, for a few hours, ditch a plan and just hunt for all the old-world secrets Florence is waiting for you to discover. There’s a reason why Florence was called “the Athens of the Middle Ages”, after all.

2. Get Emersed In The Music Of Florence

Florence has been surprisingly influential within classical music. It was here in Florence that, during the mid-16th Century, Florentine Camerata put tales of Greek mythology to music and essentially invented opera (or at least as we know it today). Moreover, living in Florence from the Middle Ages to the modern, it would not be unusual to see an abundant of civic musicians performing at various festivals put on throughout the city, as well as for solemn religious occasions such as on the feast of the Blessed Virgin.

However, as one explores the streets of Florence, it’s the traditional folk music that one may—perhaps—be more likely to hear playing in a quaint restaurant on the side of the street, or by a street performer. This music is distinctively Italian and will surely make you feel like a true Italian as you roam the sunny streets of Florence. Why not listen to some yourself? It’s distinctively foreign and gives off the carefree, playful spirit that is so appreciated about Italians from the rest of the envious world. Perhaps you could even pick up a CD of some of it to take home with you?

If the folk music is not your cup of tea then, as I alluded to above, the classical music/opera of Florence is a must. So make sure to book in advance to see a live concert.

3. Eat Florentine Food…And Then Eat Some More

Like other Italian foods, Florentine food was created and developed by the peasant classes rather than the social elites. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, this is what makes the cuisine so unique and distinct. You HAVE to try the freshly baked Tuscan bread (pane sciocco) straight out of the wood oven. Fun fact: the original recipe for this bread harkens back to a feud between Florence and Pisa during the Middle Ages when salt supplies were cut short. Another great dish is Lampredotto, a typical Florentine dish, made from cows stomach and usually served with Tuscany bread.

Everyone visiting Florence must also experience bistecca alla fiorentina (Steak Florentine). This healthy, thick slab of beef is cooked on the grill with oils, peppers, salt and a lemon wedge for taste. It’s usually served well-roasted on the outside yet bloody on the inside. This should definitely bring out your inner carnivore.

4. ART.

Where to start with the art in Florence? Oh, I know. This guy.

Alongside our friend St. David here, Florence features many other extraordinary historical, cultural and diverse artworks from Botticelli’s Venus to Brunelleschi’s dome, from the Uffizi hallway to the sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi. There really is so much to see. Which is really no surprise when one learns about the prestige of the many renowned artists who lived in Florence in times gone by. I recommend these following art galleries: M.G. Design, Art Gallery Studio Iguarnieri, and Firenzeart Gallery. But, to be honest, you can’t really go wrong wherever you go.

5. Museums

Okay, I admit it. There’s nothing particularly Italian about going to a museum—which major city doesn’t have one? However, a trip to a museum in Florence makes sense when you consider WHO this particular museum is about. I’m referring to Leonardo Da Vinci, my friends. Yes, the Italian Renaissance polymath who was born here and, among other masterpieces, painted The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. He was also an avid scientist—basically, he was a typical Renaissance man who seemed capable of doing anything and puts us all to shame. But, alas, instead of wallowing in self-pity, how about taking a trip to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum to at least make you FEEL more cultured and sophisticated? A worthy consolation and also worthy of your time (and money).

6. Take A Tuscany Tour

Worth the pennies, taking a Tuscany tour is a no-brainer if you’re traveling in the summer. The pros include a guided tour to experience Tuscany’s highlights in a single day while also skipping the hassle of renting a car with round-trip transport from Florence and, while you’re at it, gaining an in-depth knowledge of the area from Florence through guided commentary and detailed maps. Honestly, if you like efficiency I can’t think of a better idea for you. Although you won’t feel like an Italian for this one day (you’ll definitely feel like a tourist), it’ll nonetheless help you get up to speed with what the Tuscany region is all about so that, for the remainder of your trip, you can embrace and unleash your inner Italian in no time. If you’re interested you can learn more here.

7. Wine Tasting

There are two excellent Chianti wineries near Florence. Just go there and do this. It’s really great. Moreover, you’ll feel like a sophisticated Italian as you sip and slurp various homegrown Italian red and white wines while pretending you’re the expert of the grape, capable of detecting even the slightest nuances of flavor. This also gives you a great excuse to spend the day in the Tuscany countryside—the city of Florence may be great but no trip there is complete without fully immersing yourself in its lush, idyllic countryside. Click here to learn more.

8. Learn To Cook Pizza (Or Gelato)

Wow, as if the stereotype of Italia couldn’t get stronger. I’m not sorry. This is just a great idea—whether to feel Italian or not—and will be lots of fun. Pizza and Gelato are arguably Italy’s most distinct flavors and so why not learn the skills in order to take some of that flavor back home? What better way to savor your trip (literally)? What sometimes happens in these classes is that you’ll board a coach to a location just outside Florence (usually to some gorgeous farmhouse), although sometimes the class will take place at a location within the city itself. There you’ll learn about the history of pizza (or gelato) and learn how to make some yourself. You’ll usually end your time by eating your beautiful creations with a glass of local, homegrown wine. This website here offers some good tours.

The post 8 Things To Do In Florence That Will Make You Feel Like A True Italian appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso, a small, bohemian town on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, is a street artist’s dream. Almost every inch of the city is covered in art! While there are many tours that give you background on the different works, the best way to see the city and its art is by wandering around. The most famous street art is the, “We are not hippies, we are happies” mural that is painted across a sitting area at the top of one of the many hills in Valparaiso. The view from the top is absolutely stunning!

2. Bogotá, Colombia

South America is known for its incredible street art, but Colombia is at the top of the list. Bogota is both the capital of the country and the street art scene. Due to its long history of drug smuggling, political unrest, and violence, Colombia has some fascinating street art filled with political undertones. Home to over 5,000 murals all throughout the city, street art in Bogota has been legal since 2012. Head to the Chapinero district to see some of the best works, although you really can’t go wrong anywhere you go.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is Europe’s capital of all things hip and cool so, naturally, it has to be home to some great street art murals. The most difficult decision you’ll have to make when visiting Berlin is deciding which murals to see. From the streets of Kreuzberg to Factory 23 in Wedding to East Side Gallery, street art fills almost every inch of the city. An area that you have to see though is in the Friedrichshain neighborhood and it is called Revaler 99/Urban Spree. The former East German train repair factory turned business park is home to some of the most well known street art on the continent. While there, be sure to walk around the RAW area for the most colorful works of art. As an added bonus if you have time, head into the personal disco booth and have your own dance party for a couple of minutes.

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

 If you are looking for a piece of Europe with some Latin American flair then you have to head to Buenos Aires. The architecture is what resembles Europe the most and is most loved by street artists as the city allows them to work with few restrictions. It attracts artist from around the world who choose to do their huge, unique murals there. In most cities, I would recommend skipping the street art tour and walking around on your own, but in Buenos Aires, I highly recommend doing one. Argentina has a complicated political past and the tour did a great job of explaining how street art played a big role in changing the government and their lives. It was also interesting to learn how street art is coded into messages so only others can read it and each neighborhood had their own set of numbers and words only they understood. The best neighborhood to see street art in Buenos Aires is Palermo and after a long day of exploring and taking in the different murals, it’s a great place for dinner and drinks. Another highlight is the working-class area of La Boca.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s beauty is only enhanced by its incredible street art. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon has quickly become a global hot spot for street art. Lisbon is unique because most of its street art is commissioned by the city. They want the city to feel like an open-air museum and, as a result, tourism in the city has exploded in recent years. The best area in Lisbon to see art is on Calçada de Glória. One of the steepest streets in Lisbon, the area is filled with art and you can’t beat the warm sea breeze on your skin.

6. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is one of the coolest cities in the world and has recently become the de facto home to street art in Australia. The city has the perfect grid layout for exploring. Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) is composed of 260 Laneways that each have their own feel. Some of the Laneways are home to street art walls where artists can legally tag. Melbourne has owned its street art reputation and now hosts the yearly Street Sweets, a festival that celebrates various forms of art including street art. If you are ever in Australia, you have to see some of the incredible Laneways.

7. Montreal, Canada

Hidden in alleys, on rooftops, and visible tons of walls across Montreal are incredible art murals. With such intense winters, street artists make sure to use the warmer months to tag every inch of the city. Home to Canada’s best street art, Montreal is a city full of energy and the art only adds color to that picture. The city has only recently come on the global street art scene in 2013 when it started hosting its own street art festival called MURAL Fest. The 10-day art festival takes over Montreal’s Rue St. Laurent and has various artists from all over the globe put up their best murals. If you love street art, this festival simply cannot be missed!

Suggested next reading: Discovering Beauty In Liverpool: A Gallery Definitely Worth Seeing

The post 7 Best Cities For Street Art Around The World appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The Walker Gallery is very impressive indeed. It takes you—free of charge—through various centuries of art history within a dozen or so large sections featuring works by many of Europe’s best-known painters: Murillo, Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Gainsborough…They’re all there. Wikipedia says it contains “one of the largest art collections in England, outside London”, which seemed about right to me.

You might think that as a priest, I would have liked the religious paintings best of all. There certainly is a lot of great faith-inspired art in Liverpool—yet another reminder of how much Christianity has enriched our culture—but truth be told, it wasn’t a religious work which most caught my attention. If I had to pick one single painting in the gallery which struck me, it was John Everett Millais’ Isabella (also known as Lorenzo and Isabella).

Emerging from the dull 18th-century section—an abundance of slightly tedious portraits of aristocrats and equally uninspiring landscapes (may the specialists have mercy on me!)—it was a breath of fresh air to plunge into the bright color and wild imagination of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Pride of place among them was Isabella, which is Millais’ 1849 masterpiece based on a story in Boccaccio’s Decameron and taken up later in a poem of John Keats. In the right-hand foreground (as one looks at the work) you have the two young lovers who only have eyes for each other, tragically so as this will soon lead to their undoing. The problem is that Lorenzo is only an employee and Isabella’s family, whose business is struggling, have her ear-marked for a marriage to a rich nobleman. Lorenzo will be killed by them but the rebellious Isabella will dig up his body to cut off and keep his head, burying it in a pot of basil which she then waters with her tears.

The painting shows the moment when the rest of the family seem to realize that love is in the air. I say “seem” because the artist brilliantly shows everyone doing their utmost not to let on that they have noticed. And it’s as if they have all telepathically agreed on their murderous resolve. It is extraordinary how Millais portrays their hypocritical propriety with such dramatic intensity. The elderly mother, sitting to the left of Lorenzo, does everything she can not to turn her head but is clearly aware of all that is going on. To her left, the father wipes his mouth with his napkin in an exemplary show of etiquette which only makes his ruthless intentions all the more dreadful. One brother swigs down his wine, another examines it. All have food but it hardly seems to matter to them. They are cramped together with other siblings, but in perfect order, in a way which further intensifies their ill-intentioned constraint. Only a brother in the foreground, with his splendidly muscular thigh in white stockings matching the equally white tablecloth, gives us a glimpse of the family’s real evil. The white represents their impeccable external correctness, but this same youth is leaning forward on his stool to kick the dog whose head is resting on Isabella’s lap. There is nothing white about their hearts. He appears to be concentrating on a nut-cracker as if to show his determination to crack this unfortunate liaison. The scene captures the split-second before his foot will make contact with the hound and so upset its peace and disturb the passionate encounter of the two lovers.

My friend and I left the gallery to head towards the docks. After a brief visit to the Liverpool central library, a successful combination of the best of modern and Victorian architecture full of busy youths swatting for exams, we stopped briefly in the next door museum and joined a minute of silence for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster. Outside a small crowd had gathered by a memorial and sang tunelessly but passionately “You’ll never walk alone”. As both a southerner and (for historical family reasons) an Everton fan, I was happy that I could join this tribute by authentically Scouse Liverpool supporters. A city that still gathers to remember its dead almost 30 years down the line is a city with a heart—and therefore a future.

Our journey to the docks took us past the Blessed Sacrament shine, next to a bus terminal and in the middle of a rather soulless shopping district. But there people were praying. Christ still finds His way into the heart of human journeying—and even human business.

Returning from Albert Docks (nice but somewhat commercial), we got into our car and drove to the cathedrals. The parking ticket was a wound but the Anglican temple is a majestic monument which proclaims itself to be a cathedral simply by its size and spaciousness. It’s a beautiful brown-stone building and I have to confess that, as a Catholic, I can’t help wishing it were ours! But as it’s post-Reformation by a number of centuries, I have no grounds for complaint this time.

Then to the Catholic cathedral…The crown of thorns tower is striking, the stained glass creates a powerful interior atmosphere and there is much within it that is very worthy. But the biggest disappointment was the altar-piece in the Blessed Sacrament chapel. In what should be the most beautiful chapel in the cathedral (following what we Catholics claim to believe: that Jesus Christ, God made man, is truly inside that box we call a tabernacle, under the form of bread), the painting was an abstract effort in yellow and white diagonal stripes which would mean very little to anyone. My only hope is that the forthcoming National Eucharistic Congress will inspire someone to put something better there, something, please God, with both the imagination and technical expertise of Isabella.

And this perhaps is the point I began with, and with which I end. The greatness of Millais’ work is that it tells a recognizable story and captures human feelings and passions in a discernible but imaginative manner. You know what is going on and you are brought into the scene and challenged. For this 19^th-century gem is very far from being a staid re-working of what has gone before. Millais provokes and unsettles us (the work certainly did in its time). For all its daring, the artist—like other great pre-Raphaelites—shows a technical mastery which matches that of any contemporary painter of the period. It is worth going to see this work because it has taken art forward. And watching the painting, and numerous other works in the Walker Gallery (the best place for art in Liverpool), one is taken forward oneself, entering into the vision and creativity of great artists of the past to grow in both in the present. Through this experience of beauty, one deepens in one’s understanding of the human condition. It is a journey—at least a small step—out of one’s own limitations into a far greater imaginative and psychological world. If that is not traveling, I don’t know what is.

Suggested next reading: Why You Need To Ditch The Noise & Escape Into Silence ASAP

The post Discovering Beauty In Liverpool: A Gallery Definitely Worth Seeing appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Explore Silo #5

Montréal’s industrial roots run deep. That is immediately apparent when you walk around Montréal’s Old Port and notice a giant, rusting structure looming over the district. The huge building is Silo #5. Built in 1903, the silo helped make Montréal the biggest grain port in the world. The building has been left rotting and abandoned since the mid-90’s. While exploring this site is technically forbidden, many sneak into the property to explore the old grain elevators and take amazing pictures of Montréal’s skyline. Go at your own risk, but you will be rewarded tenfold if you succeed!

2. Garden Of Lights

Every fall during September and October, the Montréal Botanical Gardens host the Gardens Of Lights Festival. Walk through three different types of gardens, Chinese, Japanese, First Nations, and watch the bright colors light up the night sky. The festival has come to represent a changing of seasons in Montréal from summer to fall and is especially popular among families. Each weekend is a different theme so be sure to check the festival schedule before visiting.

3. First Fridays Food Truck Festival

Garden Of Lights may signal fall, but First Fridays Food Truck Festival is the beginning of summer. Lasting from May until October, every first Friday of the month over 40 food trucks dish out tasty treats in front of Olympic Stadium. In addition to food trucks, enjoy a beer or wine while listening to live music from local bands. While food trucks have only existed for 5 years in Montréal, the event is incredibly popular with over 20,000 people attending each event.

4. Mont Tremblant Day Trip

It is no secret that Canada has beautiful nature. Montréal and the surrounding region is no exception. One of the most pristine nature areas near Montréal is Mont Tremblant National Park. About a two-hour drive north of the city, Mont Tremblant offers an endless amount of activities from kayaking to hiking to camping. For those looking to have a more laid-back experience, you can take a panoramic gondola that overlooks all of the town and lakes below. If you are looking to escape the hustle of Montréal, visiting Mont Tremblant is a must!

5. Rent A Scooter

Montréal’s public transportation system is one of the best in North America, but the most fun way to see the city is by scooter. Rent one from one of the many shops in the Old Port and drive around the entire island (Montréal is actually an island for those of you that didn’t know!) Be sure to check out the trendy Plateau and Mile End, voted 2018’s coolest neighborhood in the world by How I Travel. If you have time, drive around Pointe St. Charles, one of Montréal’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll see incredible architecture and see traces of one of North America’s first Irish communities.

6. Catch A Festival

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As the snow melts, days become longer, and everyone has summer on their minds, it’s time to get ready for festival season. From late May to early September, Montréal truly comes alive and puts on a show! Can’t-miss festivals include Mural Festival (a celebration of graffiti and urban art), Grand Prix (the yearly F-1 race weekend), The Montréal International Jazz Festival (One the largest jazz festivals in the world with over 1,000 shows, some of which are free), and last, but not least Just For Laughs (A massive, 2 week long comedy festival that draws visitors from all of the world). There is a festival pretty much every weekend during the summer so be sure to check out the schedule before you arrive to see what’s going on.

7. Walk Around Atwater Market

One of my favorite things about Montréal is the emphasis on local food. That’s why there are four public markets within the city that promote Montréal and Québec grown foods. My favorite market, however, is Atwater Market. It is located on the edge of the Lachine Canal and is the perfect place to walk around and get lost among the different food stalls. In the summer, there is an outdoor food court that hosts various different local restaurants.

8. Watch A Sunrise At Mont Royal

Montréal is named for its small hill overlooking the city. While it once was used for maintaining guard over the city, today Mont Royal is the best place to watch the sunrise. There is no better way to wake up than walking up the hill with a coffee and watching the city slowly come alive.

9. Eat At St. Viateur/ Fairmount

Sure, there is poutine and smoked meat, but Montréal is fiercely proud of their bagels. There are two choices for your bagel needs. You are either team Fairmount or team St. Viateur. You have to choose one and once you choose, you can’t change. Personally, I am on St. Viateur’s team, but I would suggest you try both. Their bagel sandwiches are to die for! Head to one or both institutions on a weekday to beat the rush, because on the weekend it is almost impossible to get a table.

10. Take In The Murals On St. Laurent

Montréal is known for many things, but it has only recently become known for the amount of street art its buildings and walls have. The best place to see street art in Montréal is on Rue St. Laurent, home to the Mural Festival. Take a walk up and down the street to see the newest murals. They are changed every early June as artists from countries near and far are invited to create new works of art.

Suggested next reading: Gaspésie, Québec: A Region You Need To See To Believe

The post 10 Alternative Things That You’ll Love About Montréal appeared first on Modern Trekker.