Art and Culture in Spain, Italy and Portugal

Over the years, Claudine Bhatti has had the opportunity to travel all across the globe. She has particularly enjoyed traveling through Europe to explore its rich art and culture.

For Claudine Bhatti, traveling to Europe is such an interesting experience with a mix of different cultures all packed together in one continent. From food and art, to music and architecture, countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal are full of wonderful things to learn and discover. Read on for a little taste of what the culture and art scenes are like in each of these countries to help you decide which ones to add to your travel bucket list.

Spain

Art & Architecture by Antoni Gaudi

-Art: Spain has been an epicenter for art since prehistoric days. Influenced by neighboring countries during the neoclassical and Baroque periods, Spanish art began to take over with its own distinct characteristics. At various points throughout history Spain was the center of Iberian Sculpture, Celtic art and Baroque architecture. The Spanish art world has given us Goya, Picasso, Dali and Antoni Gaudi, some of Europe’s most renowned artists and architects.

-Culture: The Spanish culture is well rounded and quite distinct. With the literature side producing the well loved tale of Don Quixote, the sect of cinema also has put out some English language films such as the Machinist, The Others and Basic Instinct 2.

Italy

Leaning Tower of Pisa

-Art: With Byzantine art, the Italian Renaissance and neoclassical styles, Italian art has been leading the way in the art scenes of Europe and the Western world. Pumping out famous artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo Da Vinci, Italy has become a hub for international art enthusiasts.

-Culture: The culture of Italy is especially well known for its cuisine and fashion. With pizza, pasta and gelato permeating into the international culinary scene, Italian food is well known by nearly everyone. It’s architecture like the Colosseum, Leaning tower of Pisa and the Florence Cathedral are identifying works known throughout the world.

Portugal  

Portrait of Master Sculptor, Machado de Castro

-Art: The art scene in Portugal spans across many sects, most importantly being sculpture. Their Baroque sculptures made of wood are said to have influenced other countries. Religious art has also played a large role with artists such as Machado de Castro leading the way. Azulejos, glazed tiles, are also a significant part of the Portuguese decorative arts.

-Culture: The Portuguese culture has a long history and has been affected by various countries and people throughout time. Visitors will find a strong café culture, interest in bullfighting and a passion for folk dancing. Winemaking is quite popular and the Fado music genre is widespread around the country.

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Exploring Montreal, Canada

Claudine Bhatti has traveled all across the globe, through the Caribbean, across Europe, into North Africa and beyond. One destination she found particularly unique and interesting was the city of Montreal, Canada.

It may just be one of Canada’s most unique destinations. And, on top of its exclusive appeal, this city might just be the country’s most romantic. With a population that speaks mostly French and architecture that displays the works of the colonial era, it is just as visually and culturally appealing as it is interesting. If you’re planning an excursion around Montreal, here are some of the top experiences and activities to put on your itinerary.

Take a Self-Guided Food Tour of Jean Talon Market

To truly understand a place, you will need to use all of your senses and in the case of Montreal, especially your taste. Head to the Jean Talon Market, dubbed the largest outdoor market in North America and get a taste of what fresh really means. You can find handmade and local products ranging from cheese, meat, flowers, produce, cookbooks and ready to eat snacks. The locals tend to do their shopping here so expect an authentic foodie experience.

Climb Up Mt. Royal

Best done during spring and summer weather, this climb won’t require too much effort but offers a chance to exercise off those calories put on at the market. From the top, you can look out over the city and stay for sunset. Don’t forget to make a quick stop at Beaver Lake on your way up.

Terrasses Bonsecours - open-air

restaurant in Montreal

Have A Drink At Rooftop Bars        

Typically open during the warmer months, the roof top bars around the city let you have a cocktail with a view. Try SAT Food Lab or Terrasses Bonsecours for a pleasant environment to relax and strike up conversations with other cocktail sipping patrons.

Try Winter Sports

For a visit during the scenic, snowy months, head to Ecorecreo for some winter sports. They offer ski lessons and rentals for sleds and skis. If you are really looking to experience something new, they offer dog sledding lessons as well.

Montreal is one of Canada’s most interesting and visually stunning cities. Are you ready to book your ticket? If you have any other ideas for what to do in Montreal Canada, leave them in the comments section below!

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5 Tips For Traveling Around The Caribbean

The Caribbean is a dream destination for Claudine Bhatti who has traveled all across the globe. From Jamaica and Aruba to Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, just the names of these islands exude an image of relaxation and tropical paradise. Being comprised of 6 distinct destinations, some travelers may find it a little overwhelming to come up with an itinerary. If you are planning your next Caribbean getaway, here are a few tips to help you prepare!

Know What You Want

It may sound obvious but you’ve got to know what kind of vacation you are looking for before you start making plans. Each destination has a different atmosphere and vibe so think deeply about what you want and match it to a destination.

Consider Off Season

The Caribbean in general is a pricey destination and if a tight budget is on your mind, you may want to consider the off season. The more money you can save on accommodation and tours, the more you will be able to see and explore.

Rent a Villa If Traveling With Kids

Comfort is key and if you’re traveling with kids, keeping everyone comfy and happy can determine how the entire trip will unfold. It can also end up being cheaper than hotel rooms and many times they come with a cleaner and chef.

Prepare For Bugs And Heat

This is a huge part of Caribbean travel so be prepared and don’t let it ruin your trip. Take precautions against mosquitoes, use plenty of sunblock and keep a hat on the kids. If you find a bug in your room, don’t freak out. It is to be expected in the Caribbean climate.

Dive Into The Local Food Scene

Not only can the food be expensive, but many of the restaurants will have food that you are already comfortable and familiar with. Be brave and head to the street stalls or hole in the wall type restaurants to try some real local cooking. If you are cooking enthusiast like Claudine Bhatti, you may find a new dish that you love and want to try to make back home.

Why Thailand Should Be On a World Traveler's Bucket List

“Sawadee krap (hello)!” No adventure in Thailand starts off without this greeting. With approximately 25 million visitors a year, it is no surprise that Thailand is on a World Traveler’s bucket list.

Literally the “Land of Smiles”, the Thais are known to be incredibly warm and friendly. There’s no need to worry about language barriers as a significant number of locals are capable of very basic English due to the rapid rise in tourism in the last decade. The first thing you should embrace the moment you set foot in Thailand is the sophisticated Thai cuisine. You may find Michelin starred Thai restaurants in other parts of the world, but nothing beats the sitting on the side the street, with Tuk-Tuks whizzing by and digging into authentic Tom Yum whipped up by the ‘Gordon Ramseys’ from Bangkok’s famous street stalls.

From resplendent Buddhist temples with golden hues to floating river markets and traditional performances, the rich and flavorful culture in Thailand’s culture is undoubtedly fascinating. Be intrigued by the ruins in Ayutthaya (the ancient capital of Siam), take an enriching and soothing ride down the famous floating market Damnoen Saduak in Bangkok or ride an elephant in an ethical elephant camp in Chang Mai. A visit to a rice plantations is also a highly recommended family activity, where both adults and children can spend a day getting hands on experience in real Thai farming. Spiritual travelers may also enroll in meditation retreats in Chang Mai, which have been gaining popularity in the recent years.

Renown for having one of the most pristine beaches, Thailand is a dream destination for scuba divers, snorkelers and watersport enthusiasts worldwide. The idea of digging your toes into the powdery white sand at Krabi, dipping yourselves in the cerulean waters of Ko Samui and taking instagram-worthy photos of glorious sunsets in Phuket while sipping a cocktail should be more than enough reason to fly over for your next vacation. The mountainous landscape and lush tropical jungles in the North is yet another favourite destination for the adventurous ones.

Above all, Bangkok being the capital of Thailand is still the main attraction for tourists. Featuring prestigious rooftop bars and robust nightlife, partying in Bangkok starts in the afternoon. With street stalls, bazaars and state of the art skyscrapers standing side by side, Bangkok has one of the best fusions between the old and the new. For the shopaholics, nothing beats the famous Chatuchak weekend market (remember to grab yourself a classic coconut ice cream over there to beat the heat) and affordable fashion in Platinum mall.

Affordability is another reason why many travellers place Thailand on the top of their bucket lists. Everything from food to transport and accommodation is almost one-third or less of the cost of the same thing in countries such as United States or Australia. One good example is the cheap Thai massages from legitimate parlors. An hour-long session hardly exceed $10. A contrary to common belief, Thailand is also mostly safe to travel solo or in small groups.

Finally, Thailand is the main doorway to start an epic journey around Asia. With top destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong situated just 2-4 hours away, Thailand is definitely a good place to start from.

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Image courtesy of Ninety East.