Steven Interrante 7/17/19 Steven Interrante 7/17/19

First Impressions of Auckland, New Zealand

When we started out as full time travelers, we knew we wanted to travel as far away from our home in New York City as possible and after thirty plus hours of travel we found ourselves in Australia and New Zealand. We were excited for both destinations, but Auckland, New Zealand was the location we knew the least about, but left us the most satisfied after visiting.

When we travel to a new location, our interactions with its culture and people are just as important to us as visiting the “must-see” locations. The first thing which really impressed us the most about Auckland and New Zealand as a whole is just how prominent of a role women play in its everyday society.

Before visiting New Zealand, we knew New Zealand was one of a handful of countries with a female leader. The youngest ever elected Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern has garnered world attention for how well she and New Zealand have handled the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, being one of the first countries to fully reopen with no new cases in weeks. Prime Minister Ardern has done such a fantastic job, she was recently re-elected by a very convincing margin to serve another three year term.

New Zealand goes much further with regards to inclusion and encouragement of women’s rights than by just having a female Prime Minister though. While in Auckland, we learned New Zealand was actually the first country in the world which gave women rights to vote back in 1893! There are plenty of monuments around the city dedicated to women, but you can see the encouragement for women most in Auckland’s people.

We were amazed by how many non-traditional female jobs in Auckland, such as in the construction industry, were held by women. It is something we had never seen before and were so impressed and inspired by it.

CULTURE

When we travel to a new location, our interactions with its culture and people are just as important to us as visiting the “must-see” locations. A cultural aspect that really impressed us the most about Auckland and New Zealand as a whole is just how prominent of a role the Maori play in its everyday society.

Maori Culture: Arriving in New Zealand from eastern Polynesia roughly 700 years ago, the Maori people are New Zealand’s indigenous community. Currently, the Maori people make up over 15% of New Zealand’s total population. In modern New Zealand, compared to other countries with respective indigenious cultures like the United States, New Zealand has done a much better job of acknowledging its past missteps and fully incorporating the Maori into everyday life.

If you are a bit short on time like we were, you can have a Maori cultural experience right in Auckland at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The ticket price to enter the museum is $25NZD and they host several Maori Cultural shows each day for an additional $20 NZD. The Maori show at the museum is very similar to the shows in Rotorua, but of course you do not get to experience a Maori village in person. That said, the Maori people introduce you to their history, culture and perform their cultural songs and dance, including the infamous Haka! They also make sure to stick around after the show and talk to anyone who is interested in learning more of their culture. We were so excited for this opportunity and had a blast. They even taught Steve how to hold and use a Maori weapon!

PLACES TO VISIT

Auckland is known as the “city of sails”, boasting the most yachts per capita in the world and any visit to the city must start along Auckland’s beautiful waterfront along Waitemata Harbour (commonly known as Auckland Harbour). There are many restaurants and bars along the waterfront to take in a sunset, ranging from cheap eats like burgers and fries to more high end options depending on your budget. You can also of course just walk along and enjoy at your own pace.

Auckland also has plenty of parkland and a few great parks which stick out are Albert Park, located by Auckland University and Auckland Domain, which is the oldest parkland in New Zealand. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is also located within Auckland Domain, so you could visit both at the same time. The War Museum also included a World War 1 section and New Zealand’s involvement at the Battle of Gallipoli which captured Gokce’s attention!

Auckland’s skyline is also punctuated by its most famous building, the 328 meter tall Skytower, but be prepared to spend money when visiting. Just to take the lift up to the observation deck, you will need to pay $32 NZD even before sitting down for food or a drink. If you are an adventure seeker, you could try out the skywalk around the top of the tower or skyjump from the tower, but either will cost you at least $150 NZD though. We are from New York City though and have seen our share of tall buildings before, so passed on the tip to the top.

With regards to food, Auckland favorites include lamb and seafood, though we can recommend one off the beaten path spot that skewed local near the Skytower, the Brewers Co-Operative. It has a more laid back vibe with casual eats and great craft beer at affordable prices for the city, costing a little less than 2 skytower lift tickets for 2 beers each and dinner.

FUN FACTS

We wanted to leave you off with some interesting fun facts about Auckland and New Zealand:

Auckland is located in and around approximately 50 different dormant volcanoes and has helped shape the city, making it very hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. There’s only about a .01% chance of any eruption though, so do not worry!
The most common form of coffee in New Zealand is the flat white, something they share with Australia and it is similar to a latte.
The kumara potato is a New Zealand special sweet potato brought to it by the Maori people originally and modified in the 1850’s thanks to European settlers.
The “kiwi burger” is a McDonald’s special New Zealand burger introduced in 1991, but it contains no actual kiwi in it.
In New Zealand, like the UK and Australia, you drive on the left side of the road. Steve drove on the wrong side of the road a couple times at the start, but got the hang of it quickly! Unfortunately, since it is an island country, everything is expensive, including gas which was over $2 NZD per liter when we visited!

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Steven Interrante 7/15/19 Steven Interrante 7/15/19

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour – Is It Worth It?

Steve was most excited to visit New Zealand’s north island for the chance to visit the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Movie Set. The Hobbiton set was constructed permanently for the Hobbit trilogy and can be visited by fans of the books and movies throughout the year. It is located on the Alexander Farm which is approximately two hours south of Auckland. Tickets to visit the movie set are $84 NZD per person, roughly $54 USD if booking directly through the website.

Thankfully a friend introduced us to a phone application called Klook and we purchased the tickets through it to bring our ticket price down to $47 USD each. We rented a car for a day from Drive NZ, a local rental company, for $76 NZD (approximately $49 USD) to get there and back. While that seems expensive, tours from Auckland start around $140 USD per person, Auckland unfortunately could be on the pricey side for certain things.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the books and movies, it is well worth the visit! The tour does an amazing job of bringing the movie set to real life and Steve definitely left satisfied. The nice thing is that your entrance ticket includes one free drink at the Green Dragon Inn, the Shire’s pub. If you are going to visit during New Zealand’s summer time the Inn provides a nice escape from the sun along with that cool drink to end your tour on a high note.

Other possible day trips include visiting Maori villages in Rotorua, which is one hour from the Hobbiton movie set by car. A day time visit being more cost efficient starting at $56 NZD per person. You can also hop on a ferry from Auckland and head to Waiheke Island which is very well known for having some of New Zealand’s best wineries.

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Steven Interrante 5/28/19 Steven Interrante 5/28/19

ASSOS, KAZDAĞLARI & Zeus Altar – Turkey’s Hidden Gems

It all begins with an idea.

Our Northern Aegean Adventure: Uncovering Hidden Gems in Turkey!

After spending a few months quarantining in Turkey, we were itching to explore some of the country's lesser-known treasures. We set our sights on the northern Aegean coast, a region that truly blew us away with its natural beauty, ancient history, and charming villages. Come along as we share our discoveries in Assos, Kazdağları, and the surrounding areas – a truly hidden gem of Turkey!

A Taste of Local Delights: Gozleme and Ayran

Our days in this region always began with a delicious and non-traditional Turkish breakfast: gözleme. This savory pancake, similar to a quesadilla, is often filled with cheese, potatoes, eggplant, and herbs. Paired with a traditional ayran (a refreshing yogurt drink), it was the perfect start to our mornings at the base of the Aida Mountains. We even got to try our hand at making some gözleme ourselves – it's harder than it looks!

Mountain Villages and Ancient Gods: Adatepe & Zeus's Altar

From our breakfast spot, we ventured into the beautiful mountain villages of Kazdağları.

Adatepe Village: This charming village, perched in the hills behind Edremit, reminded us of the popular Alacati and Çeşme near Izmir but with a more peaceful atmosphere. Many of the old buildings have been beautifully restored, turning it into a lovely vacation spot with boutique hotels, restaurants, and ice cream shops. We loved trying the local ice cream, which often features more fruity flavors than what we're used to. While it has become a bit more tourist-focused, it still retains its architectural charm.
Zeus's Altar: Just next to Adatepe is Zeus's Altar, a truly unexpected and breathtaking site. Perched on a hill overlooking the water, this ancient Greek temple offers absolutely insane panoramic views. We had no idea this even existed, and the climb up (which involves some unconventional steps!) was entirely worth it for the scenery alone. The ancient Greeks certainly knew how to pick a temple location!
Turkmen Village Museum: For those interested in local history, we visited Turkey's first-ever village museum, a private museum showcasing artifacts and traditions of Turkmen villages. It was fascinating to learn about the local culture and even see elements like dreamcatchers, which had surprising similarities to Native American culture we learned about back home.

The Kazdağları mountains are also renowned for having the second-highest oxygen content in the world after the Alps, boasting incredible natural beauty like the Hasan Boğuldu Waterfall.

Seaside Serenity and Ancient Wonders: Assos

After our mountain explorations, it was time to enjoy Turkey's beautiful Aegean seaside at the ancient city of Assos. Located about 5 hours drive from Istanbul, this spot combines stunning coastal views with fascinating history.

Ancient Port & Beach Clubs: The ancient port area of Assos is lined with lovely beach clubs. We found the water here to be incredibly refreshing and clear – perfect for a dip! Directly behind us, we could see the Greek island of Lesbos, and towering above on the hill was the ancient city of Assos itself. The scenery and history here are truly amazing!
Ancient City of Assos: We then climbed up to the ancient city of Assos, where the famous philosopher Aristotle once lived and taught thousands of years ago. Entrance to the ruins is very reasonable (or free with a museum card, which we decided to get for future adventures!). We loved exploring the art shops and cellars along the pathway. The ruins, including the amphitheater and the Temple of Athena, offer breathtaking views, especially around sunset – a truly magical time to visit. It's a peaceful site, not overly crowded, making for a very enjoyable historical experience.
Charming Streets and Seafood Dinners: The narrow, winding streets of old Assos can be a bit tricky to navigate by car, but there's a central parking area above the beach clubs. In the evenings, we enjoyed beautiful dinners at the restaurants nestled by the water, many of which are attached to charming boutique hotels. These spots serve delicious seafood and are perfect for enjoying a "rakı balık" (rakı and fish) kind of night with picturesque views of the Aegean and the Greek islands. We even found a place with delicious ice cream for a sweet treat after dinner.

Our Final Thoughts: The Aegean Coast's Hidden Delights

Our journey through Assos, Kazdağları, and the surrounding areas was an absolute joy. This region of Turkey offers an incredible blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich historical sites, and authentic local experiences, all with a wonderfully relaxed and affordable vibe. We highly recommend exploring these hidden gems of the northern Aegean coast – you won't be disappointed!

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Steven Interrante 5/28/19 Steven Interrante 5/28/19

Turkey’s Hidden Gems; Ayvalik and Cunda Island

It all begins with an idea.

Our Ayvalık & Cunda Adventure: Discovering Turkey's Hidden Aegean Gems on a Budget!

After exploring some of Turkey's more well-known summer spots, we were absolutely blown away by the affordability and charm of the northern Aegean coast, particularly the region around Ayvalık and Cunda Island. If you're looking for a paradise that won't break the bank, you've found it! Join us as we recount our incredible journey through these hidden gems.

Cunda Island: A Blend of Greek Charm and Turkish Hospitality

Our exploration of this beautiful region began on Cunda Island, also known as Ali Bey Island. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its Greek-infused cobblestone streets and relaxed atmosphere.

Sunrise Coffee at Taş Kahve: We started our morning right by the water at Taş Kahve, enjoying the beautiful scenery with a surprisingly affordable Turkish coffee. This historic coffee house, run by a third-generation owner whose grandfather converted it from a Greek coffee house, offered a taste of local history and tradition.
Kent Library & Art Gallery: Just a short walk from Taş Kahve, we visited the Kent Library, a former church beautifully renovated into a library, offering the island's best panoramic views. Nearby, another converted church now serves as an art gallery, focusing on art from the mid-1900s. Both are part of the Rahmi Koç Museum complex, and entrance to the gallery is a mere 10 Lira (or free with a museum card!).
Junda Boat Tour: The best way to explore the surrounding islands is by boat, and we highly recommend the Junda Tour. For a fantastic price (100 Lira on weekdays, 125 on weekends, including a delicious fish lunch!), we embarked on a 5-hour journey. During our visit, the boats were operating at half capacity due to current circumstances, which made for an even more serene experience. We swam in pristine coves, including one with Turkey's first "blue flag" certification, and even fed seagulls from the boat. Gökçe even bravely jumped off the second floor of the boat – talk about a leap of faith! And as a sweet surprise, they served ice cream and melon – a unique treat we'd never had on a boat before. The Junda Tours team truly made us feel like family.

Ayvalık: Historic Toasts and Devil's Peak Sunsets

Connected to Cunda Island by Turkey's first Bosphorus-style bridge, Ayvalık offers its own distinct charm.

The Famous Ayvalık Toast: You simply cannot visit Ayvalık without trying its famous "Ayvalık Toast." We headed to Şençam, one of the most renowned spots, and indulged in this delicious sandwich made with local pumpkin cheese and 100% beef sausage. It was absolutely incredible – a must-try!
Satan's Peak (Şeytan Sofrası) Sunset: As sunset approached, we drove up to Şeytan Sofrası, or "Satan's Feast" (also known as "Devil's Peak"). This hilltop offers unparalleled panoramic views of the entire Turkish coast and even glimpses of nearby Greek islands. The legend behind its name, involving a trickster who escaped his would-be killers, adds to its mystique. The sunset here is nothing short of spectacular – a truly unforgettable experience.
Casual Dinner & Rakı Culture: Back in Ayvalık town, we enjoyed a casual dinner at Bloom, where we savored two large appetizers and drinks for a very reasonable 180 Lira. Along the Aegean Coast, it's a cherished tradition to enjoy the beautiful sunset with Turkish rakı (an anise-flavored alcoholic drink) and fish, a practice known as "rakı balık."

Our Stay: Karamelia Hotel

We opted for the Karamelia Hotel in Ayvalık, which cost 450 Lira for the night and included breakfast. While there are cheaper options and even camping in the area, we prioritized cleanliness and health for our first hotel stay during these times. It was a comfortable and pleasant base for our explorations.

Our Final Thoughts: Ayvalık & Cunda – Budget-Friendly Paradise!

Our time in Ayvalık and Cunda Island was a delightful discovery. This region proved to be an incredibly affordable paradise, brimming with rich history, stunning natural beauty, delicious local cuisine, and warm hospitality. It's a true hidden gem of Turkey that offers an authentic and memorable travel experience without breaking the bank. We highly recommend adding it to your Turkey itinerary!

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Steven Interrante 5/28/19 Steven Interrante 5/28/19

Our Crazy Overnight Train Adventure from Luxor to Giza

It all begins with an idea.

Who would’ve thought that taking a train in Egypt would be such an adventure?

We were super excited to embark on our overnight sleeper train journey from Luxor to Giza. The idea of experiencing Egypt in a unique way was thrilling. However, little did we know that this would be one for the books!

We arrived at the train station with plenty of time to spare, only to find ourselves waiting for what felt like forever. The station was chaotic, and we were starting to get a little nervous. Thankfully, we managed to find someone who helped us navigate the madness and get on the right train.

Our business class cabin was surprisingly cozy and spacious. We were impressed! We even got a delicious dinner delivered to our room. The food was surprisingly good, considering it was train food.

As the night wore on, we realized that the train was anything but smooth. It felt like we were constantly on a bumpy rollercoaster. Getting any sleep was a challenge. To make matters worse, we found out about a train crash that had happened the previous day. Despite our initial fear, we decided to push through and enjoy the experience.

The next morning, we were greeted with a lovely breakfast box and stunning views of the Egyptian countryside. Arriving in Giza was a surreal experience. We couldn’t believe we had actually made it!

Overall, our overnight train adventure was definitely an experience we won’t forget. It was a mix of excitement, chaos, and a little bit of fear. But hey, that’s what makes travel so exciting, right?

Would we do it again? Probably not. But we’re glad we did it once!