March 5, 2010
Congrats, Haiku Winners!
The I Love to Fly Nonstop Contest has come to a close and we would like to extend a huge thank you to the nearly 700 participants who submitted a haiku and a congratulations to the ten finalists for all your hard work (see all the finalist submissions here). The votes have been collected and tallied, and it is a pleasure to announce your winners: Mike Donovan and Raquel Benito! Read more »
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February 26, 2010
Photo Diary: National and State Flowers
While many European countries do not have an official flower, the Netherlands has lovingly adopted the tulip. Locals celebrate the country’s favorite flower during events such as the Queens Day and Tulip Time Festival. Tokyo, on the other hand, has two flowers: the famous cherry blossoms (the unofficial flower) and the Chrysanthemum. Portland is often referred to as the “City of Roses”, but the state flower is actually the Oregon Grape. The plant produces small bunches of yellow blossoms and then unveils small grape-shaped fruit. This plant is not safe for eating, however, so enjoy its beauty from afar. Read more »
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February 25, 2010
Cherry Blossom Viewing Hot Spots
Spring has made its appearance uncharacteristically early this year, but Japan has welcomed the blooming cherry blossoms with open arms. The annual cherry blossom festivals typically kick off in mid- to late-March and continue through the end of April (check for this year’s anticipated schedules here), and if you’re looking for the best places to “ooh” and “aah” over the cherry blossoms trees, here are a few hot spots: Read more »
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February 22, 2010
Haiku Finalists Announced!
It’s true! Thanks to the hard work of the I Love to Fly Nonstop haiku contest judging panelists, the top ten finalists have been chosen and are awaiting your vote.
All contestants were judged on the following criteria:
- Quality of story to illustrate why the contestant loves to fly nonstop internationally out of PDX
- Fulfillment of the assignment
- Quality of writing
- Something special/extra – the “wow” factor
The I Love to Fly Nonstop Contest received over 650 submissions, but there could only be ten finalists. Now’s the time to decide who your winners are, but you will only be able to vote once, so choose wisely. Submit your vote on the I Fly Nonstop Facebook fan page here. Without further ado, here are your finalists: Read more »
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January 19, 2010
Haiku Your Way to AMS or TYO
Have you always wanted to tour Amsterdam’s famous art museums or update your wardrobe in Tokyo’s shopping district, but just haven’t found the opportunity? Well, we have a haiku for that:
This is your big chance
AMS or TYO
Submit your haiku Read more » -
January 15, 2010
Photo Diary: Art Museums
Last week we shared photos of some less conventional artwork scattered around Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo. This week we’re featuring the indoor art institutions. You’re probably familiar with the Rijksmuseum, Portland Art Museum and Tokyo National Museum, so we’ve chosen a few others: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Pittock Mansion and Scheepvaart Museum.
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January 8, 2010
Photo Diary: Public Art
When’s the last time you walked down the street and saw a traffic sign made into a piece of jewelry or a train station seat decorated with iron ivy? Public art is certainly not new to society, but it continues to catch our eye and has made it to this week’s photo diary. Art lovers may travel to famous galleries and museums to experience an artist’s fusion of color, texture, paint, metals, and creativity, but in Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo, you don’t have to travel far (or inside) to see art sprinkled throughout the city. Here is a sampling of the more familiar public art displays you will find in each city. Read more »
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December 23, 2009
Explore Outside of Tokyo
Japan is rich with culture, architecture, and natural landscapes. If you’re traveling to Tokyo in the winter, here are a few favorite destinations to add to your itinerary.
Kyoto
Kyoto is arguably most famous for its spectacular architecture. With over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, Kyoto has preserved some of Japan’s most valued historical and cultural masterpieces. Read more »
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December 18, 2009
Photo Diary: Shopping Districts
Whether you’re at the peak of the holiday season or perusing for the perfect souvenir, make sure to scope out these famous shopping venues in Tokyo (Ginza), Amsterdam (Magna Plaza), and Portland (Nob Hill). Read more »
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December 10, 2009
I’ll Have the Nonstop, Hold the Jet Lag
Traveling can take a toll on the body, especially when flying great distances to Tokyo or Amsterdam. Jet Lag is the result of high speed air travel throwing off your internal clock and affects your sleep pattern, focus, and productivity. For each time zone you fly through, it takes your body one full day to adjust. When traveling for business especially, you must be at your best, so here are a few tips to help limit the effects of Jet Lag. Read more »