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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 »
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February 4, 2011
Photo Diary: Welcome Spring
Yes, it is February, so why are we talking about spring’s arrival? It may be hard to imagine, but blossoming tulips and cherry blossoms are just around the corner in our favorite nonstop destinations, and Amsterdam and Tokyo are preparing for the colorful delights that spring brings. Tokyo’s cherry blossom festivals occur in April, but in Okinawa, the celebrations have already started. Unlike Tokyo, the cherry blossoms in Okinawa are a vibrant pink and blossom in late January to early February. Read more »
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January 21, 2011
Photo Diary: Pie
In recognition of National Pie Day on January 23, today’s feature is a dessert delight: pie. The Dutch are well known for their pastries, and local restaurant De Kas often take their sustainable practices to the sweets. If Tokyo seems like an unlikely place to find pie, you will be pleasantly surprised upon entering 140 year old bakery, Kimuraya in Ginza. Read more »
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January 14, 2011
Cross the Word to Cross the World
A year ago, we asked our residents in Oregon and Southwest Washington to wax poetic for the chance to win a trip for two to Amsterdam or Tokyo. This year, we’re stepping up the challenge and want to see your crossword skills in action! Starting today at 12pm noon, follow the clues to solve the puzzle for the chance to win a trip for two to the land of tulips, art and windmills or to sushi, designer fashion and shinto shrines. Enter the contest here.
Which destination would you choose?
Update 2/16/2011: Contestants will have to save their puzzle submissions and return each week to complete the four new clues. On February 18, the last four clues will be released and contestants will be able to select the “Submit entry” button. All completed puzzles must be submitted by 12pm Monday, February 21 to be eligible for the grand prize.
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January 12, 2011
Dutch Fun Facts
If Amsterdam is on your 2011 travel list, start your traveling plans with these 10 fun facts about The Netherlands.
1. Amsterdam has more museums per square mile than any other city in the world. The last count was 51.
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January 10, 2011
A day with the iAmsterdam Card – Day Four: Design
Few people would argue that Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, if not the world. The amazingly well preserved 17th Century city center is instantly recognizable, even to many who have yet to visit. While one could be happy spending a full day just wandering around appreciating the scenery, fans of art and design can do even better by using the iAmsterdam Card to see some of the city’s special sights. Read more »
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January 7, 2011
Photo Diary: Rivers
While Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo have various cultural differences, a common geographical feature is their access to water. Amsterdam was named after the Amstel River, which runs through the heart of the city. Tokyo has multiple rivers, but the Meguro River is particularly famous as a destination to view the blossoming cherry trees during Hanami. The Willamette River divides Portland from east to west and has a double role as a commercial center and recreational outlet for water sport enthusiasts. Read more »