Travel Diary
Amita's Guide to Key West
Tucked away at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, just 90 miles from Cuba, this little island feels like a world of its own. A place where roosters roam the island, key lime pie is a must, and charming pastel homes stand side by side. Whether snorkeling in clear turquoise waters, wandering through an enchanting butterfly conservatory, or simply watching life unfold from a shady porch swing, this island has a way of slowing you down—in the best possible way.
WHAT TO DO:
The Key West Butterfly Conservatory
Nestled in the heart of downtown Key West, the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory offers a serene escape. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a lush, climate-controlled environment where hundreds of butterflies flutter among tropical plants, waterfalls, and trees. This glass-domed habitat is home to 50 to 60 butterfly species, including the impressive owl butterfly, whose wingspan can reach nearly eight inches.
Adding to the enchantment, the conservatory houses a variety of exotic birds, including flamingos, finches, and quail. The two flamingos, Scarlett and Rhett, often steal the hearts of visitors. This experience is both visually stunning and educational, with a Learning Center offering insights into butterfly anatomy, physiology, and the remarkable Monarch migration.
Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower
Established in 1934 and situated within a Civil War-era fort, this lush oasis features a diverse array of native and exotic plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and cacti. The garden is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is free, though donations are appreciated.
WHERE TO EAT:
Banana Cafe
Banana Cafe offers an impeccable fusion of French Bistro and Caribbean flavors. The charming ambiance provides a perfect setting for a leisurely meal. Their menu has an exciting variety of options. From sweet and savory crepes to dinner entrees, such as their delicious seafood risotto, Banana Cafe truly captures the exotic allure of Key West!
The Lobster Shack
Quaint and charming, The Lobster Shack is a seaside gem that provides the island’s freshest and most flavorful lobster specialties. From buttery, classic New England-style lobster rolls to bold twists like the spicy Diablo roll and tangy Key Lime version, this place is a must for seafood admirers and anyone craving a taste of Key West’s coastal charm.
Frita’s Cuban Burgers
Frita’s Cuban Burgers offers a vibrant and flavorful dining experience that embodies the essence of Cuban street food. The star of the show, in my humble opinion, is the Traditional Frita Burger (you can also substitute this for the vegetarian beyond patty if that is your style). The burger features a mouthwatering blend of Spanish spices, topped with crispy fried julienne potatoes, and served on a freshly baked Cuban roll. The café's ambiance is infused with references to the iconic artist Frida Kahlo.
WHAT TO WEAR:
When packing for Key West, think light, airy, and effortlessly chic.
Some tips: Opt for sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and linen, that not only keep you cool in the island heat but also capture the laid-back spirit Key West is known for. Flowy maxi dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and sandals complete the look, making it simple to go from watching a colorful sun rise by the water to enjoying an evening cocktail at happy hour.
Amita's Guide to Quebec
Quebec City, Quebec
Rue Saint-Louis
Parliament Building, Rue des Parlementaires
In the early 17thcentury, legendary French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec and it became the first permanent French settlement in Canada. This French and English speaking city was once the capital of New France until 1760, and was the center of the new British colony for many years. Eventually it became part of the independent Canada. Quebec is the only city north of Mexico that is walled. In 1985 Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), a historic district of Quebec City, became a designated UNESCO World Heritage city. It is divided into two sectors: The Lower Town (Basse-Ville) and the Upper Town (Haute-Ville). You can’t miss the historic charm when exploring Quebec City, it will have you searching for more.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
One of the most photographed sights in Quebec City that is a must stay is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. This famous sight is located in Quebec’s Upper Town on the St. Lawrence River and towers about 18thand 19thcentury houses, which were converted into shops and bistros. Visitors will feel an elegant touch of historic Europe throughout the hotel. At the base of this incredible sight is a wide boardwalk that overlooks the river and the Laurentian Mountains. During the colder months, adults and children can enjoy winter fun by sledding down the giant slide on the side of the hotel on the boardwalk.
La Citadelle
This star-shaped fortress was built in the 1800s to protect Quebec City from an American invasion, which never came. La Citadelle is the largest fortified base in North America that is still occupied by troops. It is currently home to Canada’s Royal 22nd Regiment. Every morning during the summer, the regiment wears their scarlet tunics and bearskin caps for the changing of the guard. It is a fun sight for all ages to watch.
Old Quebec
The Lower Town of Old Quebec has its own historic charm. Steep stairs or the funicular car are the only two ways to get to and from this area. Within the streets are unique shops and homes that can be found amongst beautiful art and murals. Walking along the St. Lawrence River on the cobblestone streets, you can watch sailboats and ships pass by, shop at the market, or even relax and try a local craft beer. There are many charming places to enjoy the music from the street musicians while walking around.
Le Chic Shack
Located in an historic house right outside of Chateau Frontenac, Le Chic Shack is a unique dining experience for all ages. They are known for the gourmet burgers that are created with locally sourced-ingredients. There are a range of options burger for all preferences. Homemade sodas and milkshakes topped with delicious whipped cream are a treat to eat during or after your meal.
Petit Champlain District
The oldest shopping district in North America will hold a special place in your heart after you have experienced all that the Petit Champlain District has to offer. Cobblestone streets will lead you through artisanal boutiques and colorful decorative art shops that will be sure to catch your eye. During the colder months it transforms into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights and holiday decorations to put visitors in the holiday spirit.
This charming city will have you asking yourself why you haven't visited Quebec City sooner.
Amita's Guide to Pondicherry
Amita's Guide to Big Sur
Amita's Guide to Tulum, Mexico
A town on the Carribean Coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum offers a magical and cultural experience for the mind, body, and soul.
Where to stay:
Where to go:
A unique and reflective experience, the Maya Spa at Azulik places an emphasis on Ancestral Mayan Rituals. With these rituals, the spa offers mind and body spa treatments ranging from aromatherapy massages to bio magnetic healing sessions to seafront meditation with clay. Amita recommends taking the partner private yoga session for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Where to eat:
Where to explore:
Built on a bluff along the beach, the Tulum Ruins site is the only Mayan Settlement located on coast of the Caribbean. Full of history and beauty, the Tulum Ruins is a popular spot for travelers to experience a bit of an adventure. The Tulum Ruins features the Castle (El Castillo), the Temple of the Wind God (Templo del Dios del Viento), and the House of the Cenote (La Casa del Cenote). Each of which played a major role for the Maya’s extensive trade network.
Just north of the Tulum Ruins is Playa Paraíso, a gorgeous beach to relax on after a day of exploring.
Amita's Guide to Iceland
A dream destination for adventurers and wanderlusters, Iceland is the home of astounding landscapes and natural wonders. Read on to learn about top attractions guaranteed to amaze you...
Blue Lagoon
The magnificent Blue Lagoon, also known as Geothermal Spa, is undoubtedly one of the most alluring attractions in Iceland. The lagoon is near Keflavic International Airport and usually the first or the last place travelers visit in Iceland.
This celebrated hot spring is a mix of milky seawater and fresh water, rich in minerals, algae and silica. The combination is certain to make your skin softer than ever and provide an experience like none other. The mission of the lagoon is to promote healing power, wellness and beauty to it's visitors.
The City of Reykjavik
On the coast of Iceland sits the country's capital and largest city, Reykjavik. The historic city is home to most of Iceland's inhabitants, offering tours of the Old Harbor and streets lined with colorful buildings, Icelandic stores and eateries.
Rich in maritime history, the port from where the popular whale watching tours depart is near the city center. Fans of old architecture can find Reykjavik’s oldest houses in the central Lækjargata Street. The commercial area with stores and eateries is there, as well. Some other main shopping streets in the city are Bankastræti, Austurstræti and Laugavegur. Downtown Reykjavik can be explored on foot or by bike.
Sculptures can be spotted all over the city. Sólfarið, or Sun Voyager, is one of the most unusual and popular ones. It symbolizes a dream boat that most people identify as a Viking ship. You can find this steel piece of art on the waterfront, with the view of Mount Esja on the other side of the bay. Moments here are most beautiful at sunrise or sunset. This spot is also among the best places in Reykjavik for experiencing the midnight sun in summer.
Hallgrimskirkja is the most striking landmark of the Icelandic capital. The imposing Lutheran church boasts a fascinating design and an enormous organ with over 5000 pipes. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation platform of the 75-meter high tower and enjoy the views. Next to the Hallgrimskirkja is a monument that honors the first European who landed in America around 1000 A.D.
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular route. It gets you to several great attractions. The top attractions of this popular route are no more than 2 hours distance from Reykjavik. Thus, you can see the Golden Circle’s key points of interest in a day.
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, encircled by mountains, is the largest attraction of the golden circle. It is an area of immense natural beauty, crisscrossed with hiking trails and spectacular views. The park boasts something no other place above sea level in the world has - the rift between two tectonic plates.
Within the park is Thingvallavatn (Þingvallavatn), Iceland's largest natural lake. Gjabakkahellir, a lava tube, is also among Thingvellir's top attractions. The lava tube is open at its both ends, boasting stalactites, shelves and other formations.
Silfra fissure is a must-do if you are an adventurer. It's a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. While diving in its crystal-clear water, you can see 100 meters in distance, even more. If you dive deeply enough, you can place one hand on the Eurasian and the other on the North American tectonic plate.
Another natural phenomenon within the Golden Circle is a geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley named Geysir Hot Springs. There are several hot springs next to one another on the site. Of these geysers, you will find Strokkur amazing the most. Its water jets, sent up every 10 to 15 minutes, reach heights of up to 20 meters.
This top attraction of the Golden Circle derives its name from one specific geyser. This one is pretty lazy these days and its name (Geysir) is the Icelandic term that became to describe these natural phenomena. In all probability, this particular geyser won’t be active when you arrive. But if you are extremely lucky, you will find its jets reaching fantastic height of 80 meters!
With the already mentioned Golden Circle's sites, Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park and Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss completes the list of Iceland's top attractions. Considered among top 10 waterfalls in the world, Gullfoss is also known as Golden Falls. If you visit the falls on a sunny day, you will immediately realize why.
Skogafoss Waterfall
Impressive Skogafoss Waterfall is 60 meters high, powered by Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It tumbles down from a cliff producing dense water mist at its base. In the past, Icelandic coastline bordered the waterfall's cliffs. Today, the shore is around 5 km to the south away and you can enjoy great views from the top of the cliff. For the most rewarding experience, arrive here on a sunny day. Then, you can enjoy the sight of a rainbow in front of the waterfall.
370 stairs link the base of the Skogafoss Waterfall to its top. Once you climb, you are at the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls pass, a popular hiking route.
Skogar Folk Museum
The Skogar Folk Museum is one of Iceland's finest folk museums, set in a pleasant environment. The museum safeguards the island's heritage from the Viking times onward. It displays tools, handmade items and manuscripts among other exhibits. You can take a look into turf dwellings and imagine how people lived in them in the past. The adjacent Museum of Transport elaborates the development of transport in Iceland in the last 2 centuries.
Sólheimajökull glacier
The glacier whose name is hard to pronounce is the setting for a great glacier walk. It is an extension of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, featuring sinkholes, ice ridges and tunnels. Also, it offers a view of the ice-capped volcano Katla. A Sólheimajökull glacier hike reveals a varied landscape and diverse ice formations. Along the way, you may even discover an ice cave. Traces of past volcano eruptions, such as ash and pumice, are present, too.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a promontory near the village of Vik. It is 120 meters high above sea level, resembling an arch. You will find Dyrhólaey near a lighthouse atop the cliff. In the neighborhood, you can see several rock formations up to 60 meters tall jutting from the sea.
Besides interesting rock formations, you may see many bird species that inhabit the area. Arctic terns and puffins are some of those you may spot. When planning your trip to Dyrhólaey, note that access can be somewhat limited during the nesting season in spring and summer.
Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is another habitat abundant with birdlife. Besides puffins, fulmars and guillemots also inhabit the area. But, it is the endless beauty of the black pebble beach that leaves most visitors with mouths widely open. Basalt columns, lava formations and caves line famous Black Sand Beach. Small wonder that Reynisfjara belongs to a circle of the top 10 non-tropical beaches in the world.
Fjaroarglijufur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, northeast from Vik, is a charming hidden gem in blessed solitude. If coming to visit this marvelous place, don't expect to see a deep canyon. But, what it lacks in the depth makes up with a palette of vivid colors and fascinating shapes of its serpentines. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is no more than 100 meters deep and 2 km long. Furthermore, the river flowing through the canyon is often low. If so, visitors can descend into the canyon and take a walk along the riverbed.
