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February 9, 2012
Photo of the Week: Sunset in Bruges, Belgium
Our photo of the week highlights an incredible city, only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam. Like Amsterdam, Bruges, Belgium is a city set in a network of canals. It is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. Bruges offers beautiful bridges, architecture and culture and is regarded as one of the most romantic towns in Europe. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pay a visit to this quaint town and find wonderful photo opportunities like this one everywhere you look. Read more »
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February 7, 2012
Love is in the Air: Romantic European Getaways
February 14th is coming up quick. Flowers, chocolates and jewelry are all nice, but to really give your special Valentine a day to remember, you’ve got to think bigger. Better. More European. Here are 3 romantic adventures in Europe that are guaranteed to make this year’s Valentine’s Day one to remember. Read more »
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January 31, 2012
Walk It Out: Amsterdam Style
There are few better ways to explore a new city than on your own two feet.
But there is only so much information and culture you can glean from walking around with the latest guide book in your hands. Why not learn the lay of the land from a local, an expert? Try taking a walking tour. Read more »
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January 24, 2012
Photo of the Week: Setsubun Bean Festival
The Japanese don’t traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year like many other Asian nations. Instead, the Setsubun Festival, or Bean Throwing Festival, falls in sync with the New Year celebrations across the world. Read more »
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January 19, 2012
Craft Beer is Booming in Japan
Between Portlanders and the Japanese, ‘craft beer’ is common language. Our neighbor across the Pacific, Tokyo has even been called the “Portland of the Far East” for its impressive craft brewing repertoire. Read more »
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January 16, 2012
The Tastes of Holland and Japan: Portland Food Carts
Here in Portland, we all thought we got away with a mild winter. Lo and behold, the cold temperatures have finally arrived, and even brought with them a few snowflakes. In celebration of our nonstop flights from PDX to Amsterdam and Tokyo, we’re celebrating the cuisine of both destinations that will help warm your bellies this winter. If you’re not traveling to Holland or Japan this winter, you can still celebrate with us in Portland. Here are two of the best food carts in the downtown area to warm up from the cold and experience a little international flavor. Read more »
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January 11, 2012
Photo of the Week: Japan’s Floating Shrine
Our photo of the week hails from the Miyajima island of Japan. The famous Itsukushima Shrine is also called a ‘torii’ shrine, meaning ‘floating’ shrine. Read more »
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January 4, 2012
Photo of the Week: Tulips
They say “April showers bring May flowers.” In Holland, April showers bring zillions of beautiful, bold tulips. Read more »
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January 2, 2012
Crash Course in Amsterdam Bike Safety: Top 5 Tips
Amsterdam gives the phrase “look both ways before you cross the street” a whole new meaning. For many travelers, it takes a near-death experience and a serious adrenaline rush as you come within inches of colliding with a quickly pedaling biker to realize how important this is. Biking is a way of life in Amsterdam. In a city where there are more bikes than people, bike safety (and pedestrian safety) is not something to take lightly. Two-lane bike paths are painted onto the sides of most larger streets and are always busy with a steady flow of bikers. They move fast, and don’t slow down for the spacey tourist. Watch out and be safe. Read more »
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December 21, 2011
Cherry Blossoms: Japan’s Springtime Specialty
The winter season is upon us! For those of you who forgot that winter was coming, neglected to plan your vacation, and will be ready to take a break in the spring after a busy holiday season, Japan has got just the thing to refresh and rejuvenate your spirits. Leave the holiday poinsettias behind and look forward to a Japanese flower that will ring in the spring. Read more »