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July 20, 2011
Don’t Walk the Streets, Run the Streets! Explore by Marathon.
Many avid travelers know that one of the best ways to explore a new place is on their own two feet. Kick that idea up a notch and consider exploring a new country by running on your own two feet. For travelers who are exercise enthusiasts, one of the most rewarding and gratifying ways to see a new destination is to run a marathon in a foreign place. Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo are all home to some of the most popular and well-known marathons worldwide. Even if you’re not a marathon runner, watching comfortably from the sidelines and cheering on the athletes can be exciting also.
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July 6, 2011
Photo Diary: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
Amsterdam has enough excitement for a lifetime, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city. Consider expanding your horizons next time you are visiting Holland’s great capital and explore a few nearby towns that are only a short train ride away. These three towns will allow you to experience some of the cultural history that makes Holland incredible. Don’t nap for too long on the train, because along the trip you can see some beautiful sights! Make the most of your time in Holland and explore Delft, Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans. Read more »
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June 24, 2011
Contest Winner, Barbara Jets Off to Amsterdam!
Earlier this year, two lucky crossword enthusiasts won big in our Cross the Word to Cross the World contest. The two winners won a trip to Amsterdam after completing a difficult crossword puzzle. Barbara, our first lucky winner, is heading to Amsterdam shortly, and with an exciting vacation planned, she was kind enough to share some of her itinerary highlights with us: Read more »
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June 16, 2011
Cool Globes Exhibit Comes to Amsterdam
A very exciting outdoor art exhibit is gracing Amsterdam with it’s presence this summer. The “Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet” public exhibit has spent the last several years on tour across the world after its debut in Chicago. Stops along the way included LA, San Francisco, Marseilles, Copenhagen and Geneva. Over fifty large, detailed globes designed by artists all across the world will stand on display in the West District of Amsterdam (Westergasfabriek) from June 7th to September 25th this year.
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June 14, 2011
Dance Across Oceans
Whether you like to tango, swing dance, salsa, waltz or just let loose freestyle on the dance floor, there is a little something for everyone both in Portland and across the pond. Several dance festivals, performances and groups are hitting the stage this year, and should make it to your calendar. If you’re in the mood to be amazed, inspired, or even shake a tail feather yourself, check out what 2011 has in store for you. Read more »
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May 27, 2011
Photo Diary: Memorials
Memorial Day is a time to remember fallen heroes who defended their country — a tradition that is not unique to the United States. In Amsterdam, residents gather to remember those lost in World War II on May 4 for Dodenherdenking. Read more »
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April 13, 2011
Photo Diary: Food Festivals
Celebrating food is a daily tradition in Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo, but throughout the year, each city pays special tribute to culinary genius during themed festivals. In Portland, a compilation of Oregon’s best chefs and restaurants gather on the Tom McCall Waterfront to boast their latest creations at the Bite of Oregon. The Dutch are famous for their cheese, and when paired with artisan bread at the Kunsthal Kookt, visitors are bound to leave with full stomachs and smiling faces. While the people of Tokyo take great pride in their own cuisine, they appreciate other cultures’ as well. During the Thai Festival, vendors present their best Thai dishes, including the spicy papaya salad pictured below.
Photo credits: Som Tom Spicy Papaya Salad, Ken Funakoshi; Pork sliders, Jocelyn McAuley; Cheese stall, kattebelletje
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April 8, 2011
Get to Know our Contest Winners
For six weeks, crossword enthusiasts participated in the Cross the Word to Cross the World Contest interpreted clues, seeking answers on the blog, and dreaming of a trip for two to Amsterdam or Tokyo. Out of the thousands who played, our two winners are Julee and Barbara, who are eagerly anticipating their trips. Both will be exploring the city of tulips, windmills, design and cheese, and took some time to tell us more about themselves. Read more »
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March 18, 2011
AMS, NRT and PDX Rank among the World’s Best Shopping Airports
If you Fly Nonstop, you’re in luck. Three of our favorite airports were recently named on the Today Show’s Luxury Travel list of the 10 best shopping airports in the world. We’ve come up with a few more reasons why you won’t mind spending time in their terminals. Read more »
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March 14, 2011
Congrats, Winners!
On January 14, we challenged all of you puzzle enthusiasts to a six week crossword game for the chance to win nonstop round trip tickets for two to Amsterdam or Tokyo. Thousands competed, but only two could be crowned the winners. Without further ado, our 2011 Cross the Word to Cross the World Contest winners are… Read more »