Revealing the Treasures and History of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

20 May 202514 May 2025

It was a magical moment when I approached the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as the bells began to toll. Looking up towards the tall spires of the French Gothic cathedral, I admired its gorgeous facade. The statues and decorations reveal an incredible story of history that fascinated me. It is no surprise that the Cathedrale of Notre Dame is one of the most renowned of all Catholic churches in France.

Notre Dame is dedicated to “Our Lady”, the Virgin Mary and Mother of Christ who, according to Catholicism, intercedes on behalf of those who pray to her. A statue in the center of the portico depicts Mary presenting the Son of God to the city of Paris, while a pair of angels looked on.

My eyes were drawn to the simple circular window that dates back to 1225 AD. Each stained glass pane tells the story of the Zodiac and the “Labours of the Months” which were traditionally linked together artistically. The Labours were common in Medieval and Renaissance artwork that symbolized rural activities that are associated with each month of the year.

As I approached the cathedral, I could not help but notice the three arched entrances with multiple statues and figures. The Portal of the Last Judgment in the center is the largest and most ornate. The far right entry is the Portal of St. Anne and to the left, the Portal of the Virgin. Exploring the many stories and Biblical depictions, I began my exploration of the cathedral with the tale of St. Denis.

St. Denis is credited with bringing Christianity to the ancient town of Parisii, a Roman settlement who worshipped demi-gods. His mission to convert the pagans enraged the Roman priests and Denis was beheaded. Ancient tradition claims that Denis stood up and with this head tucked under his arm, began walking north towards Montmartre where he would determine his final resting place at the Mount of Martyrs. This miraculous story increased the number of Christians in Paris and the pagan temple was soon replaced by a church.

Judgment of the world was a common theme among artists during the Renaissance and the Notre Dame has its own story to tell. Above the doorway of the central portal, Jesus is shown on his Judgment Throne seated above an angel and demon weighing the souls of man. While man’s fate hangs in the balance a deceitful demon cheats the scales by adding more weight in hopes to win more souls to the dark side. The souls of the faithful are lined up on the left as the souls of the condemned are chained and led away to their demise. While some of the wicked are blindfolded or carried off unwillingly, one man’s doom comes in the form of a flaming cauldron as he dives in headfirst.

Above the arch yet below the statue of Mary is a row of 28 statues representing the Kings of Judah. During the time of the French Revolution, the locals mistook these effigies as the much despised kings of France and decided to remove their heads. A local schoolteacher collected the heads and disposed of them by burying them in his backyard. For years they remained underground until 1977 when they were discovered and exhumed. The originals are now on display at nearby Cluny Museum, while the current statues have been restored.

Having studied the façade of Notre Dame, I continued towards the right doorway and reached the entrance into the church.

The cathedral is magnificent with its long central nave measuring 426 feet long leads to the altar.

The beautifully carved columns on each side reach up to ten stories high while the walls are decorated with paintings, sculptures and a row of stained glass windows above the columns. The arches above look as though they are praying hands while the stained glass windows burst with color as the outside light seeps in. The minimal light brings forth a cavernous atmosphere of the church as David and I begin our walk towards the altar.

The architecture is truly Gothic known for its simple columns, stone buttresses, stained glass windows and ingenious arches which crisscross to support the roof. Built in the typical floor plan of a basilica, it resembles a cross, where a crossbeam intersects at the location of the altar. The ominous size of the cathedral, measuring 157 feet wide can seat up to 10,000 worshipers at a given time. Towards the back are several chapels to explore.

The altar is where the priest conducts Mass and where the sacraments of the Communion are blessed. Just behind this sacred table is the beautiful Pieta, carved in the 17^th century. The two cherubs that flank each side of the sculpture represent the kings Louis XIII and his son, the Sun King, Louis XIV.

Located in the right transept of the cathedral, the statue of Joan of Arc memorializes the young teenage warrior who led her country to protect the city of Paris from the English. Her allies would later turn against her after hearing her claims that she heard heavenly voices, condemning her to burn at the stake. Opposite the statue is the only rose window with its original medieval glass.

Located on the back side of the choir walls are beautifully carved scenes from the resurrection of Jesus. Ahead on the right is the Cathedral Treasure which contains a reliquary housing some of the most important artifacts to include the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the Holy Cross and one of the Holy Nails from the crucifixion of Christ.

I enjoyed exploring the interior of Notre Dame couldn’t wait to reach the top of the stairs for scenic views of Paris. Standing in line for close to 20 minutes, I purchased my ticket and made the trek to the top. Surrounded by the famous gargoyles, the panorama could not have been more spectacular, with views of the Seine, surrounding neighborhoods of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

This ancient cathedral, with its 200 foot tall bell towers, ornate façade filled with interesting stories, extravagant rose windows and famous gargoyles, there is no doubt why the cathedral of “Our Lady” is France’s most famous church.

Have you visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris? What part of the tour was most memorable for you? I would love to hear about your experience or answer any of your questions if you would kindly leave a comment below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cathedrale de Notre Dame
Place du Parvies de Notre-Dame
75004, Paris, France
Telephone: Cathedral – 01 55 42 50 10; Tower – 01 53 10 07 00; Crypt – 01 55 42 50 10

Admission Fee: The cathedral is free. The treasury is 3 Euros and a view from the towers is 8.5 Euros. A visit to the crypt is 6 Euros.
Transportation: Nearest Underground Train Station: Cite, Saint-Michel; Nearest Bus/Tram Route: 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, 96
Hours: Cathedral Mon – Fri 8 – 6:45, Sat – Sun 8 – 7:15; closed some religious feast days; Treasure Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6, Sat 9:30 – 6:30; Sun 1:30 – 6:30. Tower: April – September daily 10 – 6:30 (Jul – Aug Sat – Sun 10 am – 11pm; October – March daily 10 – 5:30. Archaeological Crypt: Tues – Sun 10 – 6
Amenities: Additional Information; Guided tours (free, times vary) audioguide (moderate)
Scenic View: A climb to the top of the tower provides extravagant views of Paris, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Length of Visit: 2.5 hours to include the cathedral, a trip to the towers and exploring the facade of Notre Dame.
Tips for Your Visit: Be prepared to stand in a long line for a trip to the towers through the left entrance. There may be a line to enter the cathedral, but in most instances, the line moves quickly.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: 33 1 49 52 70 00

Where to Eat:

Au Bougnat
26 Rue Chanoinesse
75004 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 43 54 50 74

David and I wanted to share a couple of starters, so we were determined to try duck while in France, We absolutely loved the terrine with pistachios, foie gras and served with a compote of red onion. The flavors were earthy and sweet while the pistachios gave the dish an added crunch. The creamy Veloute mushroom soup and the Burgundy snails were loaded with robust flavors of garlic. Seasoned with Parmesan shavings, the risotto was perfectly executed served with green asparagus.

What to Eat:

Beef Borgonion is France’s equivalent to a beef stew but better!
Fresh Bread from the Boulangerie
Cheese
Chocolate Croissants
Coq au Vin is an extraordinary French chicken stew
Creme Brulee is an egg custard that has been torched on the top to create a crisp layer
Crepes are an egg based wrap filled sweet or savory fillings
Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame are croissants filled with sweet or savory fillings such as cheese or ham.
Duck which is listed as canard on the French menu
Escargot
French Onion Soup
Frites are France’s fancy French fries
Frog Legs
Frois Gras is a duck pate
Macarons are deliciously light airy pastries made from sugar and almond flour
Meringues
Profiteroles are cream puffs

What to Read:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo
The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
Les Miserable, by Victor Hugo
The Life Before Us, by Romain Gary
All the Light we cannot see, by Anthony Doerr
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Photo Guide for Paris:

Avenue des Champs Elysses for street scenes and upscale restaurants and hotels
Eiffel Tower for fabulous views of the city
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for gorgeous architecture
Jardin du Luxembourg for nature
The Louvre for art and architecture
Montemartre for the art scene and architecture
Notre Dame Cathedral for amazing views
Paris Bird and Flower Market for interesting people watching
Paris Metro for street scenes
Sacre Coeur for sunsets and panoramic views
Saint Michel and the Latin Quarter for street scenes

The Rose Window on the South Side of the Cathedral

A Gorgeous View of Del Mar

15 April 20253 May 2025

Heading north from LaJolla, I was on a mission to find a beautiful view of Del Mar, California. Del Mar offers 2.5 miles of coastline and I learned that a stop at Dog Beach would be one of the best locations to watch the sunset.

I parallel parked along the street and found the trailhead that leads up into the cliffs. Making the climb, I could clearly see the River Mouth, which is where the San Dieguito River dumps into the ocean. It wasn’t long before I could see the spectacular view of Del Mar and patiently waited for the sun to set.

The beaches of Del Mar are beautiful and this northernmost beach is perfect for walking or jogging. This is also a lovely location for visitors to bring their dogs for a beautiful hike among the cliffs.

Within minutes, the glow of the sun began to reflect off of the coastal buildings of Del Mar beach, so I knew the sunset was just moments away. I continued to wait and shortly the sun disappeared into the horizon. The California sunsets never grow old and I will always search them out on my visits to the Golden State.

Do you have a place where you love to watch the sunset? I would love to hear about your favorite place if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reminiscing about my amazing sunset adventure in Del Mar and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Del Mar Shores Park
Del Mar, CA 92014

Del Mar Dog Beach
3902 29th Street
Del Mar, CA 92014

Where to Stay:

Hotel Indigo San Diego del Mar, an IHG Hotel
710 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
Phone: 858 755 1501

Where to Eat:

Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar
1670 Coast Blvd.
Del Mar, CA 92014
Telephone: 858 756 9345

What to Eat:

Mexican Tamales
Seafood
Sushi

What to Read:

The Girls in the Stilt House, by Kelly Mustian
Of Women and Salt, by Gabriela Garcia
The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave

Photo Guide to San Diego:

Flower Child Restaurant
The Dog Park
The Race Track
Fairmont Grand

Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, California

8 April 20253 May 2025

Having lived on the coast of California, I was determined to watch the sunset each night in San Clemente. I would walk down to the pier, take a stroll along the beach until the last flicker of light disappeared into the horizon. I vowed never to take the experience for granted and wanted to continue my tradition on a recent visit to San Diego. I was so excited to meet my friend Kristi with whom I had hiked so many times. I thought about all of the SoCal hikes we had done as I drove into Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. This is absolutely one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and I couldn’t wait to take in another Pacific Coast sunset.

We decided we would hike the Guy Fleming Trail because it has the most scenic overlooks. Measuring a short two-thirds of a mile loop, this hike is also known for its wildlife and wildflowers. There are several trails within the reserve including a beach trail. This one is most popular with the locals during the evening hours because it is easy and in good condition as well as provides the most beautiful views of the sunset from here.

Torrey Pines surprisingly reminds me of the Badlands. Approaching the trailhead, we walked up the hill along the paved roadway, but soon turned into a dirt trail. Parts of the hike were somewhat unstable due to water erosion from a previous rain, so we knew to tread carefully and stay away from the edge.

Shortly into the hike, we noticed the berries along the path and the diversity of plant life that grows in Southern California. The best time to see the blooms are during the spring season but there is always some type of vegetation to see throughout the year.

It became clear that we were nearing the edge of the cliff as we caught glimpses of the ocean through the thick vegetation. I was looking forward to the scenic views once I arrived closer to the shore where we could look out into the horizon, or count the number of people strolling the beach below. Ghoulish rock formations hiding between the trees appeared as we continued heading west towards the coast.

Along the path were Mojave Yucca plants growing along the trail and we began to hear the crashing of waves along the Pacific Coast. Looking down towards the beach we noticed the sculpted sandstone canyon. The rocks and vegetation were an interesting desert-like contrast against the ocean and beach below.

The Mojave Yucca plants looked like scarecrows standing along the trail. Adding to the interesting landscape, they appeared as fireworks sprouting out from pillars of hay. The yucca bloom between the months of April to May exhibiting green capsules with white flesh that eventually dry up in the late summer months.

This area is home to the rarest tree in North America, the Torrey Pine, for which the preserve is named. Indigenous to southern California, these pines also grow in Santa Barbara, but only in these two locations. It is for this reason, the Torrey Pines Preserve was designated to protect these trees from further city development.

Along the trail were several scenic lookouts where we stopped to admire the coastline. Looking towards the north, I was able to see Del Mar’s Peñasquitos Marsh which is a part of the preserve. The name is Spanish for little cliffs and forms a natural border between San Diego and Del Mar.

Growing among the rocks were pink sand verbenas that added vibrant color to the clay hues of the sandstone.

Off in the distance, I could see La Jolla Cove as I looked south from the trail. On a clear day, San Clemente and Catalina Island can be seen from here as well.

Peering down from the trail towards the parking lot and entrance station, we were looking up the coast towards the north. From here, we could once again see a small section of the Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve and Lagoon.

We began to travel back inland on the trail through a small forest of Torrey Pines. Looking closely at the pines we noticed that their needles grow in bundles of five which is unique to its species. The Kumeyaay Indians collected the pinon nut from the Torrey Pine as food while the needles were used to make baskets.

We were hoping to come across some of the local wildlife on the trail because there were not many hikers that day. The only encounter we had was a small bunny hopping across the path, but foxes and mountain lions have been spotted on the preserve.

We returned to where we had first started our hike and happened to notice shafts of sunlight creating shadows on the rock formations. We had eventually reached the paved road with only a ten minute walk to the entrance gate up the steep Torrey Pines Park Road. With plenty of time to arrive at the beach, I was on schedule to watch the glorious sunset.

What trails have you hiked in Southern California? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my hike through Torrey Pines and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Torrey Pines Natural Preserve
12600 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92307
Telephone: 858 755 2063

Admission Fee: The facility use fee depends on which parking lot you use. South Beach parking during high season (starting at Spring Break until the end of September) costs $15 from Monday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Saturday. Low season begins in October until Spring Break where fees are $12 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday to Sunday. Note that high season prices may be charged during holidays, so be prepared. For parking on the North Beach, high season (from Spring Break to end of September_ are $10 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday – Sunday. Payment is accepted at the Automated Pay Machine if no staff is available at the kiosk. Low season rates are $3 from Monday – Thursday and $10 from Friday – Saturday. Annual passes are available for $195.
Hours: Open all year from 7:15AM to sunset
Amenities: Visitor center, museum shop, guided nature walks, fishing, parking
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 3 – 4 hours, but there are hikes that will take under 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: This is a popular location for sunset and holidays can be extremely busy. Bring water especially if you are hiking. Food and drink (with the exception of water) is not permitted on the Reserve, but are permitted on the beach. No alcohol on the Reserve and the beach. Dogs are not permitted and there is no smoking allowed. Drones are also banned from the Reserve and beach.

Where to Stay:

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
4240 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 587 1414

Where to Eat:

Nozomi La Jolla
4150 Regents Park Row #190
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 452 7778

I absolutely LOVE Nozomi’s Famous Chirashi Salad!

What to Eat:

Burritos at Fred’s on Pacific Beach
Ceviche at Karina’s Ceviches & More
Fish Tacos at Wahoo!
Uni at Pacific Beach’s Sushi Ota

What to Read:

From What I Remember, by Stacy Kramer
Beat, Slay, Love by Thalia Filbert
The Tombs, by Clive Cussler
How to be an American Housewife, by Margaret Dilloway

Photo Guide for La Jolla:

La Jolla Cove
La Plaza La Jolla
The beautiful architecture of La Valencia Hotel
View from the Park Bench at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Salk Institute
Scoops Ice Cream
Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores

The Sun Setting in Torrey Pines

The Sunset from the Beach at Torrey Pines

Dusk at Torrey Pines State Preserve

BCheck out more photos of Torrey Pines State Preserve in the Gallery below

Napoleon Builds an Arc in Paris, France

4 February 20253 May 2025

We walked around the circle at the base of the Arc de Triomphe, surrounded by the chaos of traffic and the sound of automobile horns. There were inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch marking the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Paying our respects, we happened upon the evening ceremony of the lighting of the torch. This observance of one soldier, buried here in 1921, represented the many soldiers who fought for France during the First World War.

The magnificent Arc de Triomphe is a little piece of Rome that resides in the stylish city of Paris. Napoleon Bonaparte, influenced by the triumphal arches of the Roman Empire, commissioned the monument to signify his victorious battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Friezes of soldiers are ornately sculpted into the stonework while a list of Napoleonic victories and names of 558 French generals are memorialized on the inside and top of the arch. Four two-dimensional reliefs were elaborately carved into the arch, the most famous is Francois Rude’s “La Marseillaise”, which is also the title of Frances national anthem. Standing 162 feet tall, 150 feet wide at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the massive size can only be experienced in person.

We were prepared to visit the museum and climb the 284 steps to the top of the arch for magnificent views of Paris. Purchasing our tickets in advance, we finished our exploration of the arch’s exterior and slipped into the museum to learn more about the history of the arch and mused over the enclosed miniature model. The nearby shop offers a number of great mementos.

We continued our climb up the stairs to the viewing platform on top of the arch and were caught off guard by the breathtaking views. Looking down from the top, we could see the maze of avenues extending out from the arch which resembled a web of concrete and steel. Mesmerized by the lights along the Champs-Elysees we slowly walked the perimeter of the top where we located the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Sacre Coeur.

Although construction on the arch began in 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte would never have the opportunity to enjoy his trophy which took thirty years to complete. While his funeral was conducted at the base of the arch in 1921, Napoleon’s triumphal project was finally completed in 1936.

What to See and What to Do:

Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: +33 155 377 377

Admission Fee: Free, but there is an additional cost to visit the rooftop observation deck for 9,50 Euros for adults and free for visitors 18 years and under. From October to March, the first Sunday of each month is free.
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 11:30PM October to March and open daily from 10AM to 11PM April to September. The last entry is scheduled 45 minutes prior to the museum’s closing.
Amenities: Museum, gift shop, self guided tour brochure available in 8 languages and 90-minute tour lectures provided in French, English and Spanish
Scenic View: Gorgeous views from the rooftop
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The museum and observation deck is included in the Paris Pass. Do not cross the traffic to reach the Arc de Triomphe! Attempting to cross the roundabout is potentially dangerous. From the northern side of the Champs-Elysees are stairs that lead to pedestrian tunnels bringing you beneath the arch. You should be moderately fit to be able to take the stairs to the top and wear appropriate shoes. The best time to visit the rooftop is during sunset.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: +33 49 52 70 00

Where to Eat:

Le Cinq
Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: +33 49 52 71 54

Wow! I experienced two amazing dinners over the last couple of days and Le Cinq will forever be considered one of my top three restaurants! I ordered the Sea Bass with cavier and ribot milk that was so creamy and prepared with perfection! David ordered the Australian Black Market Beef draped with truffled mozzarella and the meat was so tender and I wished we could have ordered another side of truffled mozzarella. Ingenious!

What to Eat:

Beef Borgonion is France’s equivalent to a beef stew but better!
Fresh Bread from the Boulangerie
Cheese
Chocolate Croissants
Coq au Vin is an extraordinary French chicken stew
Creme Brulee is an egg custard that has been torched on the top to create a crisp layer
Crepes are an egg based wrap filled sweet or savory fillings
Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame are croissants filled with sweet or savory fillings such as cheese or ham.
Duck which is listed as canard on the French menu
Escargot
French Onion Soup
Frites are France’s fancy French fries
Frog Legs
Frois Gras is a duck pate
Macarons are deliciously light airy pastries made from sugar and almond flour
Meringues
Profiteroles are cream puffs

What to Read:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo
The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
Les Miserable, by Victor Hugo
The Life Before Us, by Romain Gary
All the Light we cannot see, by Anthony Doerr
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Photo Guide for Paris:

Avenue des Champs Elysses for street scenes and upscale restaurants and hotels
Eiffel Tower for fabulous views of the city
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for gorgeous architecture
Jardin du Luxembourg for nature
The Louvre for art and architecture
Montemartre for the art scene and architecture
Notre Dame Cathedral for amazing views
Paris Bird and Flower Market for interesting people watching
Paris Metro for street scenes
Sacre Coeur for sunsets and panoramic views
Saint Michel and the Latin Quarter for street scenes

A Rick Steves Tour of London, England

24 December 20243 May 2025

The train arrived on time at the Underground Terminal of Westminster Station. Most everyone departed making their way onto the platform, riding escalators and taking stairs to the busy world above. I had not yet reached the Thames River, but my heart was pounding in anticipation as I exited the tunnel and the view opened up providing me a glimpse of London’s South Bank.

With its spectacular museums, lavish gardens, notorious theaters and exuberant history, London’s cosmopolitan style and attitude attracts over 27 million visitors each year and is home to over 8 million.

Under the suggestion of Rick Steves, I began my exploration of London at Westminster following the Westminster Walk from his Best European City Walks & Museums guide. Next, I will visit a couple of museums, take the bus tour around the city and if I have time, cruise down the river Thames. Earlier that morning, I walked to the Gloucester Road Station to purchase my pass. The front desk attendant suggested that I stop by The Shard for a spectacular view of the city, which I hoped to fit into my schedule later in the day.

I had plenty of British Pounds to purchase a full day pass which allowed me unlimited rides on the Tube for zones 1 & 2. I fed the machine and confirmed that I was heading westbound for the Westminster stop.

The “Underground” was not as busy as I had expected at 6:30 AM. The train approached, opened its sliding doors and reminded passengers to “Mind the Gap” before taking their seats. I found a spot next to a young mother with her little boy in a stroller, who was eating his morning breakfast. It was a busy work day with full compartment of business suits and backpacks. I counted the five stops before hopping off the train and was feeling a sense of excitement to explore London having just read the book, War of the Roses.

The exit led me up to a set of stairs where I found the statue of Boadicea to my right. She was queen of the Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in the first century AD. An unobstructed view of the Parliament buildings as well as Elizabeth Tower stood to the north. Soaking in my surroundings from the Westminster Bridge, I admired the London Eye, the Thames River and the London Bridge in the distance.

Elizabeth Tower (lovingly named after the current Queen of England) stood shining in the morning sunlight and I waited in anticipation to hear Big Ben toll at the hour. The structure stands 320 feet high and is connected to the Parliament Buildings, the central meeting places for the British Government. For years, since the 11^th century, when King Canute built a palace here, the Royal Family lived at Parliament until they relocated to Buckingham Palace.

Along the banks of the Thames is the London Eye, built in 2000 and standing 443 feet tall. There are 32 capsules which hold 26 visitors in each car. On a clear day, the views from this attraction can reach as far as 26 miles. The ride from start to finish takes approximately thirty minutes.

I felt a bitter cold wind off of the Thames gently pushing me towards Parliament Square, located across the street from Westminster Abbey. This quiet park, without a bird to be seen, was lined with statues of both famous Brits like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George as well as notable world leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. I followed the stone corridor of this lovely park where I found the gorgeous rosette stained glass window of the infamous Westminster Abbey ahead of me.

One of London’s most precious jewels, not only because of its spectacular architecture but its glorious history, is Westminster Abbey. Edward the Confessor founded the abbey and it is London’s oldest and most important church. For over ten centuries, the cathedral has been the location for a host of coronations, royal weddings and funerals. In 1997, Princess Diana’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey where it was estimated over 3 million were in attendance for the funeral procession, while Will and Kate were married here on April 29^th 2011.

Following my map to find Whitehall Street, I realized I had come full circle when I noticed the Westminster public subway stop. My current route led me to many of London’s government buildings such as the Royal Navy Headquarters and the Ministry of Finance. Colorful pubs occupied corner spaces along the route and the crowds were starting to grow.

In the distance, I noticed a collection of three monuments, one positioned in the middle of Whitehall. On the towering white memorial made of marble, is a cenotaph honoring the brave men and women who died during the two Great Wars. Each year, in November, the Royal Family attends the Remembrance Day service which takes place around this “Glorious Dead” monument.

The large, white, Greek-style structure that occupies a block along Whitehall was once a part of the palatial estate of Henry VIII and the location of King Charles’ execution. Henry VIII moved out of his Palace of Westminster residence (Parliament) and built this grandiose building which, at one time, extended from Trafalgar Square to Elizabeth’s Tower. The 1698 fire destroyed most of Henry’s opulent structure, but what remained is the Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace.

Continuing my walk towards Trafalgar Square, I noticed that the Horse Guard station was empty, and within minutes I stood in front of the 170 foot column supporting the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Credited for his leadership during World War II and the defeat at Waterloo, he died a heroic death in battle.

The square was alive with tourists and commuters passing through to reach their destination. A line formed at the entrance of the National Museum which had not yet opened. Attempting to climb one of the four bronze lions, a group of teenagers disregarded the warning signs and placards, capturing photos with their cellular devices. A light mist of spray clings to my coat and kisses my face as I pass a fountain eager to find the ticket office for the Hop On/Hop Off bus. A perfect mode of transportation for the day, the double-decker is a quick option for touring of London. Bringing me back to Trafalgar Square, I will have time to indulge in more attractions, sites and pubs which are waiting to be explored.

Have you had the opportunity to visit London? Which guidebooks and resources did you reference? Let me know about your visit by providing a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my walking tour of Westminster in London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Ambassadors Hotel
16 Collingham Road
Kensington, SW5 0LX
London, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7373 1075
Photo Credit: Ambassadors Hotel London

Where to Eat:

Earl’s Court Tavern
Taylor Walker
187 Earl’s Court Road
London, SW5 9RL
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7370 2760

Walking Tour Resources:

Best European City Walks & Museums guide, by Rick Steves

London Telephone Booth

Exploring London on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus

10 December 20243 May 2025

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” – Samuel Johnson

Wellington Arch

The sky was overcast and the Hop On/Hop Off bus was scheduled to arrive at the stop in about ten minutes. I would have hardly noticed the young guy in his mid-twenties, except that I could hear the heavy metal music coming through his ear buds. Dressed for the cold weather, he wore black boots, dark skinny jeans and a NorthFace Bubble jacket to match. We were the only two waiting at the stop when the double decker pulled up to the curb.

I boarded the bus, selected a map and headset, taking the stairs to the upper floor. I felt the hipster close on my heels and noticed plenty of bucket seats available as I reached the top of the staircase. Finding the perfect row with an unobstructed view, I prepared myself for the ride, adjusting my headset in preparation for the self-guided tour. As the bus pulled away from the pavement near Trafalgar Square, I heard the mystery man’s voice welcome us aboard the bus, introducing himself as our tour guide, Bobby.

Passing by Hyde Park, Bobby explained that this beautiful piece of land was once the property of Westminster Abbey. Stocked with wild boar, deer and bull, King Henry the VIII acquired the land and converted it into his private hunting ground in 1536.

Several landmarks within Hyde Park are worth a visit, including the Wellington Arch. This beautiful monument was commissioned by King George IV in the 1820s and is located at Hyde Park Corner. Visitors can reach the first floor of the arch to learn more about its history and proceed to the fourth level for spectacular views of London’s skyline.

Statue of Achilles at The Royal Park’s Hyde Park

Stretching from Westminster to Kensington, Hyde Park was opened to the public by King Charles I in the early 1600s. Over the years, the lineage of royal families had made many updates and improvements, including a lighted byway, an artificial lake, several statues and a memorial fountain to the late Princess Diana.

The Achilles statue was the first to be erected in Hyde Park in 1822. Commissioned by the Ladies of England, an upper class society in London, its purpose was to commemorate the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. Reaching a height of eighteen feet, the monument caused quite a controversy when the nude statue was unveiled. With such a reaction, the fig leaf was added shortly after the bronze was installed.

Children rode bikes along the paved path while maintenance workers took advantage of the beautiful weather for a bit of yard work. Pedestrians, bundled up in warm coats with mittens and hats explored the afternoon away from the city, enjoying the fountains, monuments and the colors of early spring.

Hyde Park seemed to stretch for miles as we passed the Joy of Life fountain. In the 1860s, this area, known as Park Lane, was once a Victorian sunken garden, a popular site for locals and guests. Our guide explained that the beautiful bronze Huxley-Jones water feature dates back to 1963, replacing the previous Boy and Dolphin Fountain. The whimsical fount of children playing in the pool sits amidst 60,000 daffodils that bloom in the beauty of springtime.

Within minutes, the bus reached a gorgeous, gated entrance which could only be described as befitting of British royalty. In the distance, the Victoria Memorial stood guard to the entrance of Buckingham Palace and its surrounding gardens. The memorial, made of marble and gilt bronze, was built to commemorate the rule of Queen Victoria. The statuesque monument was designed by Thomas Brock and was unveiled to the public in 1909.

Our tour continued passing the Palace of Westminster before crossing the bridge towards the northern part of the city. The sun was struggling to shine through the cloudy sky, but the cold temperatures continued to rise on this brisk, blustery day, providing much needed warmth for the double decker bus.

The Palace of Westminster dominated the banks of the River Thames and has been the governmental seat of Houses of Parliament (the Lords and the Commons) for over 500 years. The large, gorgeous neo-Gothic structure was once the home of the royal family until a fire in 1834 forced the family to move their home to nearby Whitehall Palace. Westminster Hall and Jewel Tower, dating back to 1097, are what remain of the original palace after the fire.

There is no doubt that Big Ben is the superstar of the Houses of Parliament. Located at the north end of the grand structure, the famous bell resides in the clock tower standing 316 feet tall. While the five bells of the Westminster Chimes strike every fifteen minutes, Big Ben continues its loyal keeping of time, tolling upon the hour.

Royal Courts of Justice

Seeming more like a castle or a cathedral, the Royal Courts of Justice reviews civil matters such as divorce, civil liabilities and libel. Built in the late 1880’s, the sprawling, Victorian Gothic contains one thousand rooms. Standing at the center of this magnificent architectural masterpiece, I admired the spires, rounded turrets and stained glass rosette, attempting to count the number of windows, both great and small. The public are permitted to enter the courtrooms to observe the civil hearings, while criminal cases are decided at the Old Bailey, a short walk east of the Royal Courts.

I have fond memories as a child watching my great grandmother enjoy a cup of Twinings tea. Sarah Hodgson came to the United States from Manchester, England aboard the Caronia in 1921. I enjoyed hearing about her life as a child and loved sharing in her afternoon tea rituals. I was able to hop off at the nearby stop for a visit to Twinings on Strand. It was a memorable experience and an homage to my great grandmother.

The cheery entrance into the Twinings store on Strand reminded me of Christmas with its colorful bulbs flanking the simple, white Romanesque columns on each side. Gorgeous mahogany doors were an added element of elegance to the store made famous for selling some of the best teas in the world. Twinings dates back to 1706 when it was first called the Golden Lion and a long list of poets, writers and artists have graced through its doors.

The overwhelming, sensational scent of tea drew me in and I was captivated by the store’s regal interior. A stunning variety of teas were displayed upon the dark wooded shelves such as Breakfast Blend, Chamomile and the famous Earl Grey tea. I left Twinings with a few souvenirs and a memory I would cherish for a lifetime.

Fleet Street Sculpture

With shopping bags in tow, I came across this most spectacular, sinister dragon, standing upright on Fleet Street. Lurking between the divide of the City of London and Westminster, this Temple Bar Memorial dates back to 1880, replacing the former archway that was designed by architect Christopher Wren.

Many playwrights, publishers and authors began their careers here on Fleet Street after the city’s first printing press was introduced in the late 15^th century. With the increase of publishing, large newspapers set up shop here until the late 1980s, when many of them closed and relocated outside of the city proper.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral was my first glimpse of London when, as a young girl, I awoke early to watch the televised wedding ceremony of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. I remember the train of Lady Diana’s gorgeous gown as she slowly walked down the aisle to recite her marriage vows. Not only was it the wedding of the century, Americans were introduced to the British monarchy, architecture and the belief that fairytales can come true.

The original St. Paul’s Cathedral dates back to 604 AD, but it is Christopher Wren’s English baroque architectural masterpiece built after the Great Fire of London that draws thousands of visitors each year. St. Paul’s impressive triple-built dome is one of the largest in the world, second only to that of St. Peter’s in Rome.

I couldn’t wait to enter St. Paul’s Cathedral and looked forward to the scenic view from its dome. With a total of 528 stairs to reach the top, I was happy to learn that there were three galleries to explore along the way. Within minutes, I had miraculously reached the halfway mark of my journey looking down at the parquet flooring and circular starburst from the Whispering Gallery. With the power of acoustics, even a whisper is said to carry from one side of the dome to the other.

A shorter trek of stairs leads to a platform on the dome’s exterior for a view of the city referred to as the Stone Gallery, but it’s the tight, winding black staircase that reaches an additional outdoor viewing arena with spectacular 365 degree views of the city of London. Referred to as the Golden Gallery, this is the highest point of the dome reaching 365 feet in height.

The wind begins to pick up making it the perfect time to exit the viewing area and make the descent back down to the nave. A group of schoolchildren are gathered under the dome, so I slip out of the exit and wait for the next Hop On/Hop Off bus to transport me back to the north side of the Thames.

I was surprised at how quickly the red double decker bus arrived on Whitehead Street. Earlier that morning I had referenced Rick Steve’s City Walk of Westminster before the Horse Guards had arrived at their post. The horses stand on each side of the arch which leads to the Household Cavalry of the Queen. I had strolled through the courtyard prior to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 11 AM, deciding instead to complete the walk and tour London on the Hop On/Hop Off bus. I was determined to wake early the next morning for the ceremony in all of its pomp and circumstance as the bus arrived to the stop where I first hopped on.

What is your favorite way to explore London? Walking or by bus? I would love to hear about your London favorites and recommendations for places to stay, eat and visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. I have provided the contact information for the British sites I explored on my bus ride. Many thanks for reading about my beautiful day of touring London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hyde Park
London W2 ZUH, UK

Buckingham Palace
Westminster, London, SW1A 1AA UK
Phone: +44 303 123 7300

Admission Fee (Royal Day Out): £45.00 for adults (17 – 59); £24.50 for children ages 6 -16; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+) are £40.00
Hours: Open July to September: Open from 9:30AM to 5:15PM
Amenities: Access to 19 State Rooms, special exhibits, multimedia guide in nine languages; walkthrough of the gardens, royal stables and carriages, local guides
Scenic View: Beautiful gardens and gorgeous staterooms
Length of Visit: 5 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. According to the site, re-admission is free for a year should you treat your ticket as a donation.

Palace of Westminster
Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA UK
Phone: + 44 20 7219 3000

Admission (Houses of Parliament Audio Tour): £18.50 for adults (17 – 59); £7
Hours: Open Wednesday to Friday between December 21 to January 4, 2019 and every Saturday until May 25, 2019
Amenities: Audio tour in 9 languages; access to the Commons Chamber and the Lords Chamber, following footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening and visit Westminster Hall which is over 1000 years old.
Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Royal Courts of Justice
Strand, London, WC2A 2LL, UK

Excursion booked through Strawberry Tours:

Admission Fee: £12
Hours: 9AM to 4PM
Length of Visit: 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The Royal Courts of Justice only deal with civil issues. Additional attractions inside and outside of the court include the Bear Gardens, the Painted Room, the Crypt, the Great Hall, and the sculpture/costume room. Visitors are only permitted to sit in the final two rows of the court room. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts or any revealing clothing, You must bow your head to the judge when both entering and leaving the court room. Do not enter any rooms marked as “In Camera,” “In Private,” or any other rooms with clouded-out windows.

Twinings
216 Strand, London, WC2R 1AP, UK
Phone: +44 207 353 3511

St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD, UK
Phone: +44 20 7246 8350

Admission Fee: £18.00 for adults (19 – 59); £8 for children ages 6 -17; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+) are £16.00
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, last admission at 4 for sightseeing and 4:15 for the galleries;
Amenities: multimedia guides and guided tours; dome accessibility
Scenic View: Amazing views from the gallery and the dome
Length of Visit: 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you enter the dome; photography is limited and not permitted inside of the Cathedral.

Horse Guards
Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX, UK

Where to Stay:

The Clarence
53 Whitehall
London, SW1A 2HP, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7930 4808

Where to Eat:

Boyd’s Grill & Wine Bar
8 Northumberland Avenue
London, WC2N 5BY, UK
Telephone: + 44 20 7808 3344

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and I started out with the Heritage Tomato Salad of buffalo mozzarella, tomato powder and basil oil. For my entree, I could not pass up the Beer Battered Fish with triple cooked chips, crushed peas and tartar sauce. Malt vinegar was provided at the table.

What to Eat:

Fish and Chips – fried fish and French fries
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – usually eaten from noon to five on Sundays
Full English Breakfast – includes eggs, sausages, potatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, tomatoes and toast
Pie and Mash – typically a simple steak and kidney pie or pork pies, this is a classic British comfort food served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Bangers and Mash – which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Cockles – a small type of clam
Eton Mess – a dessert made of merengue, cream and strawberries
Sticky Toffee Pudding – a moist sponge cake baked with dates or raisins and smothered in toffee sauce served with custard or ice cream
Afternoon tea – with teacakes, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as champagne and tea
Beef Wellington – filet steak covered with pate and wrapped in puff pastry

Where to Drink:

Eclipse Bar
158 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington, London, SW5 0BA England
Telephone: +44 20 7259 2577

What to Read:

The Light Over London, by Julia Kelly
London: The Biography, by Peter Ackroyd
The Five, by Hallie Rubenhold
London: A Travel Guide Through Time, by Dr. Matthew Green
The Diaries of Samuel Pepys

Photo Guide to London:

Inside the Natural History Museum
Oxford Street and Regent Street – lovely street photos
Neal’s Yard – colorful surroundings
Notting Hill and Ladbroke Square- upscale architecture
Portobello Street and Hillgate Place – pastel colored flats
Leadenhall Market
Peggy Porschen Cakes
Coppa Club
Churchill Arms Pub
Tower Bridge
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Millennium Bridge

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Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee

28 April 20243 May 2025

Ranked as one of Knoxville, Tennessee’s top attractions, I was looking forward to checking out Ijams Nature Center for the morning before traveling down to Gatlinburg for the week. Having visited the website, I noticed the museum had won several awards and was ranked as a top destination. I wanted to hike the River Trail along the Tennessee River for its scenic views and bird watching and then stroll through the nature center to learn more about the surrounding area.

The exhibits were extremely informative and centered around the ecology of the Tennessee River. I learned that the river was home to over 230 species of fish, 100 types of mussels and the Cherokee Indians before the British began to build settlements here in the 1700s.

Stuffed taxidermy animals were strategically placed throughout the wildlife displays of trees and small ponds. Shallow pools held turtles and local fish which can be found within the river.

I was most impressed with the life-like paintings of Dr. Earl O. Henry, dating back to the late 1940s. Dr. Henry began his interest in birds when he was a young boy, imitating their songs. He was an active member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society that was founded by H.P. Ijams for whom the center is named. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Henry returned to Knoxville and began to embrace his talent for painting the local birds.

Harry Pearl Ijams helped form the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, H.P., as he was known by friends, purchased 20 acres where he set up the Ijams Bird Sanctuary to monitor the various species and study their habits. H.P. would later be regarded as the “Father of Knoxville Ornithology”.

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Ijams Nature Center, learning about the Knoxville wildlife and the men and women who were instrumental in protecting them.

Have you visited the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee? What were your thoughts? I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at the exhibit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my time spent at Ijams and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37920
Telephone: 865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916
Telephone: 865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: 865 329 1002

What to Eat in Knoxville:

Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
Chicken pot pie
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese
Meatloaf
Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville:

Bike Sculpture
Bridge Sunrise
CityView Sunset from SoKno
Fort Dickerson Quarry
Gay Street
Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
House Mountain
Sunsphere
Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
A View from the Bluffs

Inside Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center

Temples, Monkeys and Seafood in South Bali

11 February 202222 September 2024

As we left Ubud and traveled towards Kuta, it was quite clear that we were headed back to city life. With a short drive through rush hour, we saw several buses, cars, dump trucks and a large number of motorbikes. Soon we arrived in the city of Kuta with its beachfront hotels and upscale restaurants.

Since I wasn’t sure how long I would be staying in northern Bali, I did not make hotel reservations for the latter part of my vacation. Arriving in Kuta, I stopped by the Hard Rock Hotel where I stayed the first night, but unfortunately, there were no rooms available for a short term stay. Hotels in Kuta book up fast, even in the off-season.

I was hoping to find a place where I could relax and hang out by a pool, so my friend Wayan suggested we try the bungalows located around the corner. With a setting of solace and quiet, I was happy that the Kuta Puri Bungalows had space available. The property and location was perfect and happened to be one of the best accommodations I had ever experienced, staying a few nights in the Luxury Bungalow.

Waking early, I enjoyed the hotel’s complimentary breakfast and decided to make plans for seeing more of South Bali. I wanted to visit the Uluwatu Temple, known for its spectacular ocean views and resident monkeys but my friends had already left to go back to Lovina Beach. With the help of the hotel, I was able to find a local driver who would take me to the temple, wait with me until I had completed my tour and could recommend a seafood lunch on Jimbaran Beach.

As my driver dropped me off at the temple, I was welcomed by a troop of monkeys. I watched them as they eagerly taunted a group of visitors, stealing their belongings in the parking lot.

Before entering the temple, I wrapped the sarong around my waste to cover my knees. Many of the Hindu temples are strict about the dress of visitors and require that the shoulders and knees are covered prior to entering. Several of them loan out sarongs as a cover-up which can be returned at the end of their visit.

It was windy outside with overcast skies, and I was excited to visit one of the most dramatic temples of Bali, perched on a cliff high above the sea.

A pathway following along the coast led me past a steep cliff before arriving at the temple. I could hear the faint sound of waves crashing against the rocky bluff. The crystal blue waters with their white foam disappeared into the cave-like tunnels beneath the craggy rocks.

The temple was closing in and I could hardly see the tourists in the distance. I was nervous in anticipation as I thought about standing along the edge of the cliff. Climbing higher, the wind began to pick up so I started to hang on tightly to the railing until I reached the top. The view of the ocean extended for miles and looking down made me weak in the knees. What an exhilarating experience!

I slowly wandered to an adjacent open-air building where monkeys were playing, begging from visitors and sharing their food with their friends. Tourists were tossing fruit and coconuts towards them and those that had their fill went back to playing around and grooming each other affectionately.

While the adult monkeys were eating, it was the baby monkeys that stole the show. Tumbling over each other and playing a lively game of tag, their energy was adorable. Their big brown eyes and tiny features made them all the more lovable. I could have stayed here for hours but it was time for lunch along the beach and I was looking forward to sampling some of the Iocal seafood.

Jimbaran Beach was not far from the temple and the wind was beginning to die down. I was looking forward to having lunch outside along the beach, enjoying the scenic view of the coast. A large selection of restaurants lined the shore so I trusted my driver to provide a recommendation. He suggested the Bawang Merah Beachfront Restaurant where I ordered the red snapper with rice.

Blackened and grilled, my red snapper arrived and I could smell the heat from the spices. The fish was tender and the rice prepared perfectly. Enjoying my meal, I reflected on my Balinese vacation over the past two weeks and the amazing memories I had made in such a short period of time. Sitting along the beach, I thought about how much this opportunity taught me culturally, physically and spiritually. I made a mental note to take in the scenery at this very moment and promised myself never to take for granted this spectacular journey of a lifetime and promised myself that one day I would return.

What was your most recent journey that made a huge impact on you where you wanted to return again soon? I would love to hear your experience, so kindly leave a summary in the comments section below! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Uluwatu Temple
Pecatu, South Kuta
Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Admission Fee: 35,000 Rupiah (IDR) to enter the temple and 50,000 Rupiah (IDR) for the kecak performance; $5 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians, cash only
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 6PM.
Amenities: Sarong rental to ensure appropriate dress, kecak fire dancing performances in the evening,
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the temple on the cliffside and of the ocean below
Length of the Hike: 1 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Please be aware of the monkeys at the temple. They may try to steal your belongings, so ensure that your sunglasses, hats, water bottles, etc. are secure in your possession. Hiking up to the temple, stay on the pathway as there are dangerous cliffs around. This is an amazing location to watch the sun set.

Where to Stay:

Kuta Puri Bungalows
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Poppies Lane 1
Kuta, Kubupaten, Badung, Bali, 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 751903

Where to Eat:

Bawang Merah Beachfront Restaurant
Kelan, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 770210

I ordered the grilled, blackened red snapper which was incredibly fresh and absolutely delicious!

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for South Bali:

The Edge Hotel in Uluwatu, Bali is amazing for spectacular cliff views.
Rock Bar Bali is the perfect location to watch the sunset over Uluwatu
Ulu Cliff House is a beach club located in Uluwatu that provides incredible views of the coastline
OMNIA Bali’s infinity pool
Gili Trawangan Swings at Ombak Sunset
The Ayana Pool at Ayana Resort
Sea Circus in Seminyak for breakfast
La Brisa Bali located in Canggu is the popular location to watch the sunset
Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud
Tegalalang Rice Fields for the gorgeous scenery and the Love Bali sign
Thomas Beach Uluwatu
Bingin Beach Uluwatu
Motel Mexicola for its colorful exterior
Bambu Indah Hotel in gorgeous Ubud
The Monkey Forest in Ubud
Hidden Hills Villas
Nusa Penida for the cliffside views
La Laguna Bali in Canggu
Mt. Batur for its sunrise (north Bali)
Crate Cafe at Canggu

Exploring Bali: Singaraja and Lovina Beach

22 January 202222 September 2024

Early morning sunrise on Lovina Beach, Bali

Just as I had predicted, I had a great night’s sleep at the Aditya Beach Resort on Lovina Beach in Bali. Waking up early, I wanted to walk along the beach at dawn while the weather was still brisk and invigorating. Besides the lonely fisherman and a couple of tourists, I had the beach all to myself. I walked the short length of the coast where rowboats had been pushed up along the sand next to piles of seaweed and debris and birds were searching for their morning breakfast.

Dolphin Cruise Excursion at Lovina Beach, Bali

On my way back to the hotel, the beach began to liven up with activity. A group of sightseers were stepping into a boat for a dolphin cruise and joggers slipped past the stray dogs.

Lovina is known for its large school of dolphins and early morning cruises are a popular excursion for tourists during season. Watching the boat drift into the horizon, I met the hotel security guard, Ajit, who stopped by to say good morning. Having met him at check in last night, he offered to take me around to the local sites. Since he knows my friend Wayan, I took him up on his offer.

Hindu Offerings, Bali, Indonesia

I strolled back to my room to prepare for the day and noticed several pedestals that contained pieces of fruit, flower petals and burning incense. These are the offerings that the Balinese offer up to their gods throughout the day and are visible on the side of the road, sitting on small roadside shrines or near the large temples throughout the island.

Buddhist Monestary in Northern Bali

Ajit returned on his motorcycle and I told him that I would like to visit the Buddhist Monastery. He also suggested a nearby waterfall and the hot springs, so we had a full day ahead of us.

The atmosphere of the monastery is one of reverence and solitude. Although the island is predominantly Hindu, there are two active places of worship for Buddhists in Bali as well.

Beautiful Fountains at the Monastery

The spectacular views of the coast from the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery went on for miles. The tropical trees met up with the beaches of Lovina for a beautiful backdrop. The paintings and sculptures within the monastery were unusually lifelike and three dimensional.

Lily ponds and fountains gave the monastery a religious sense of calm. Protecting their surroundings, the monkey gods took a stand to ward off evil spirits. The soothing sound of water and gentle rustle of leaves from the wind were comforting as I searched for koi fish under the lily pads.

The Buddhist Eightfold Path of Enlightenment

The Eight-Fold Path is the final teaching of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths. A stairway at the monastery representing the steps of these teachings are said to lead to spiritual enlightenment and the end of suffering.

The Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is an exceptionally well maintained temple and open to the public as a place of worship. The grounds are exquisitely manicured and the views out towards the sea from atop of the temple are magnificent. Signs throughout the property strongly communicate that this is not a tourist attraction but rather a temple and should be treated with reverence and respect. Proper attire is required and courtesy must be given to those who visit.

Northern Bali Waterfall

Enjoying a peaceful morning at the temple, I was ready for our next excursion, a hike to one of north Bali’s most treacherous waterfalls. Ajit explained that the falls is a local favorite and is not open to tourists. He guaranteed that this hike would be a challenge but the view would be well worth the trek.

The concrete path was manageable at the start but became narrow as we closed in on the falls. The course quickly changed as the mist produced a muddy trail we were cautiously trying to avoid. Eventually the pathway disappeared and we resorted to rock hopping amidst the rushing water between the stones.

I was close to giving up and turning back when I noticed the shrines appear on the side of the hill. The water coming from the cascades was so strong and powerful that I was frightened I may lose my footing.

We sat for a few moments on a couple of large rocks so I could catch my breath. The mist from the falls felt so cool on my face, dampening my hair and clothes. I decided that I was ready to take a few more steps and as I rounded the corner, I was able to see the highlight of my hike, the larger of the two falls.

I wished I could have enjoyed the view for a while longer, but working to keep myself upright was draining my energy and I was ready to find security back on dry land. The hike back was not as difficult and it seemed as though we reached the entrance in half of the time it took to reach the falls.

Visiting the hot springs could not have been more appropriate after a long hike. Set among the hillside there are three pools of water to enjoy a moment of rest and relaxation. The first pool at the top is the hottest while the bottom is the coolest of the three. I was looking forward to soaking in the springs.

Air Panas was built by the Japanese hundreds of years ago and is said to be therapeutic for those suffering from rheumatic disease. A steady rush of water from the mouths of mythical creatures adds to the fascinating environment of the springs.

I enjoyed the resort for a couple of hours and visited the snack bar before leaving for the hotel.

The Aditya Hotel was hosting an event that consisted of a four course meal and a program which included two young girls performing the Balinese dance of Legong. Known as one of the most popular forms of Indonesian entertainment, the dance consists of intense facial expression, body movements, and intricate finger work accompanied by Gamelan music.

The unique music and vibrant performance were entrancing. Although I was exhausted, I felt satisfied that I had accomplished so much physically, religiously and culturally in one day. I reflected back from the start of my journey and could not have been more pleased. I am ready to do it all over again tomorrow!

Have you visited northern Bali in your travels? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my fun day in northern Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
Banjar Tegeha Buleleng Buleleng
Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia

Banjar Air Panas – Hot Springs
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

Where to Stay:

Aditya Beach Resort
Jalan Raya Lovina, Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 362 41059
Email: info@adityalovinabali.com

Where to Eat:

Banjar Air Panas – Snack Shop
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

Aditya Beach Resort – Restaurant
Jalan Raya Lovina, Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 362 41059
Email: info@adityalovinabali.com

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

A photo of the Dalai Lama that was given to the monastery during his visit

Exploring the beautiful grounds of the monastery

Buddhist Statues

Tigang Sasih: A Cultural Experience in Bali

15 January 202222 September 2024

Visiting a friend while on vacation in Bali, I was invited to a Hindu Nelubulanin Ceremony, a religious gathering that takes place when a child reaches the age of three months. According to Hindu beliefs, a child born to a family is considered a god until their three month ceremony which is one of the most rights of passage celebrations of the Hindu faith.

The Sunarsas picked me up at my hotel and we began our journey towards the northwestern side of the island. After a three hour drive and a stop along the way, we arrived in the residential town of Gilimanuk.

We set out early in the morning so that Wayan and his family could present their daily offering at the Monkey Temple. The traffic was light and the scenic drive included views of the ocean as well as statuesque trees that lined the roadway.

Prior to entering the village of Pemuteran, home to the Monkey Temple, there were several other Balinese sanctuaries situated along the coast. Among some of the most dramatic scenery, these places of worship are essential to the every day customs of the Balinese Hindus.

The cliffs behind the Pura Agung Pulaki temple are where the monkeys reside. According to Balinese legend, these monkeys are believed to be descendants of ancient guardians of the temple that once inhabited the island.

The Balinese believe that the reincarnated monkeys continue to provide protection to this magnificent temple. They are known by locals as the “Wong Samar” or “Gamang”.

The Sunarsa family entered the temple, prayed and left their offerings inside. It was hardly fifteen minutes when they emerged and met me outside where the active monkeys filled the sidewalks.

Returning to the vehicle, we noticed over fifty monkeys invading the walkway and curiously exploring the hood of our car and hopping onto the roof. Candra, Wayan’s wife, explained that these macaques are quite familiar with humans but can be aggressive if provoked. As we slowly walked towards the car, the monkeys began to scatter towards the trees and we continued our drive towards the coast.

Within an hour and a half, we arrived at the home where the Nelubulanin Ceremony would be taking place. On the drive over, Wayan explained the purpose of the celebration and its meaning.

According to the Balinese Hindus, until the day of the child’s three month celebration, the baby is a divine creature and is not permitted to touch the ground with his or her feet. They believe that the child is pure and sacred and must stay clean before the ceremony to connect with Mother Earth.

Family and friends will bring trinkets and blessings to the child to ensure that they are prosperous, healthy and have a joyous life. A priest is also in attendance to perform the ceremony and acts as an intermediary with the gods.

Celebrations are not only a part of the Hindu religion but of the Balinese culture. Large gatherings of family members and friends come together to celebrate, memorialize or mourn their loved ones. It is customary that relatives bring a dish for these celebrations and the food that day was an amazing spread of delicious Balinese foods.

The family of the child prepare themselves for the ritual by participating in a purification ritual. The parents also ready the baby by adorning him or her with jewelry such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Many offerings are presented to the high priest in attendance and he prays over the items that have been prepared for the ceremony.

The Hindu priest facilitates the offerings and various rites of the event. He is seated on a platform among the offerings, water and incense. He is in a continual state of prayer that includes chants in the ancient Sanskrit language.

During this time, the family simultaneously presents their offerings to the priest and praying to the Hindu gods. The contributions are strategically placed within a designated square platform representing goodwill and protection towards the child.

The large number of offerings include earthly items that symbolize the state of the child’s future on earth. For example, leaves with inscriptions represent wisdom and intelligence, coins represent wealth and jewelry symbolizes the need for desire.

Fruit and grains of rice and corn represent the child’s future hard work and diligence. The water containing a goldfish symbolizes the pond of life. The climax of the ceremony is when the family places the child in the center of the small objects and watches as the child selects one of these items which will represent how he will live his life.

The child is carried around the symbolic offerings three times which represent birth, life and death. Once the ceremony is completed, the family gathers around to enjoy each other’s company at a wonderful feast which usually includes the suckling pig (babi buling) as well as a wide variety of other Indonesian foods and fruits. It is a joyous time for the family and their friends and lasts throughout the day.

Male Bali Starling

We stayed long enough to eat and enjoy each others company. Before sunset, we began the drive back to Lovina Beach. Nearing the halfway mark of our journey, the family eagerly suggested a stop at the Bali Barat National Park, a sanctuary for the country’s native bird, the Bali Starling. The reserve was established to protect these beautiful birds from extinction as locals trap them to keep them as pets for good luck.

Turning into the park, the entrance was paved and lampposts lined the driveway. The mangrove forest surrounding us is also home to more monkeys and a protected species of cattle. Not far from the conservation is a popular dive site with a coral reef and a variety of unique, interesting salt water fish.

Female Bali Starling

With over 160 varied species of birds at the Bali Barat National Park, it is the Bali Starling that is the most sought after, and is one of the most endangered species of birds in the world. The Bali Starling Recovery Project was created to reintroduce the bird back into the island of Bali.

From the beautiful drive to Gilimanuk, attending the Nelubulanin Ceremony, and visiting the Bali Starling Recovery Project, I was happy to have spent the day in the lives of my Balinese friends. With the Balinese celebrating a variety of ceremonies over the course of a year, it is unusual that an outsider would be invited to participate in the festivities. I felt honored to have experienced the ceremonial celebration. I learned so many wonderful lessons that day. One, the importance of religion and family in the lives of the Indonesians and secondly, their love of sharing their country and values with those that have a respect for their culture.

Have you attended a ceremonial celebration from another culture? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my adventures through Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pulaki Temple
Jalan Seririt-Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Gerokgak
Kabupaten, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 362 92380

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Daily, open 24 hours
Amenities: Public toilet, Beach, Food and Drink Stalls
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the ocean from here and watching the monkeys is extraordinary!
Length of the Tour: Less than 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Dress appropriately for visiting the temple, covering your shoulders and knees. Watch out for the monkeys on the inside and outside of the temple as they are known to steal car keys, sunglasses, etc. Inside there are plenty of cats, which keep to themselves.

Bali Barat National Park
Kantor Pos Gilimanuk
Cekik, 82253, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 365 61060

Admission Fee: To tour the park, the cost is 10,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekday and 15,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekend. Because certified guides are required to trek through the park, the costs are varied (i.e., 2 hour trek = 150,000 IDR for 1 – 2 persons and 250,000 IDR for three to five persons).
Hours: Daily, open from dawn to dusk (open for overnight camping)
Amenities: Local Guides, Beach, Hiking, Snorkeling, Diving, Animal Reserve, Birding, Food and Drink Stalls
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the ocean from here and visiting the unique animals is fascinating!
Length of the Tour: Varies, depending on the activities you select
Tips for Your Visit: The best time to visit is from August to December which is the end of the dry season and start of the rainy season. I would also suggest going early in the day to watch the sunrise! The birding excursions are the most popular.

Where to Stay:

Nirwana Water Garden
Lovina Beach Street
Lovina Beach Bali

Nirwana Water Garden is located in the heart of Lovina Beach. It is a 45-minute drive to the dive site of Menjangan Island. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away. The hotel can provide hotel transfers for a fee.

Nirwana Restaurant serves Indonesian specialties, with the option of in-room dining. Guests can enjoy a guided tour to visit the dolphins at Lovina Beach, which can be arranged by the Nirwana’s staff.

Where to Eat:

Warung Ibu Wina
Jalan Mawar , Kalibukbuk, Lovina Beach, Anturan
Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 813 3759 6912

I could not stop thinking about the Makso soup that I had tried on my first day in Bali. The ingredients were light and fresh and the soup was downright delicious. I searched out a warung (a small Indonesian cafe) to find a place where I could find this yummy chicken soup and came across Warung Ibu Wina.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint