A Brit and A Southerner

Diamond Beach, Iceland – How to Enjoy This Unique Landscape

Iceland

Chris Boothman

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May 14, 2018

Diamond Beach, Iceland – How to Enjoy This Unique Landscape

Iceland is a magical landscape for so many reasons. Whether you fall in love with the best waterfalls in Iceland or perhaps the unique volcanic landscape that typifies the heart of the nation, it’s fair to say that Iceland has a little something for everyone. For those of you that have never visited Iceland, you would be correct in thinking that this country is full of “ice” and snow. Although the towering glaciers covered in ice are iconic locations around Iceland, you may not realize that even the beaches are at times home to ice fragments. Intrigued? You should be! Welcome to Diamond Beach, Iceland!

It’s crazy to imagine taking a stroll along a beach and stumbling across a gorgeous piece of ice. We are all familiar with the gorgeous, white sandy beaches that we associate with the Caribbean islands but what about when we present you with a black sandy beach full of intricately sculptured ice fragments? Sounds absolutely crazy and ultimately it’s an experience you have to see with your own eyes to actually believe it.

Let’s take a look at our experience visiting Diamond Beach.

When to Visit Diamond Beach Iceland?

I want to start by adding the caveat that we visited Diamond Beach in the heart of July during our epic week-long Iceland road trip! To put that into perspective for a second, July is the time of the year when Iceland is supposedly in the heart of summer and yet, you can still see fragments of ice floating out into the ocean along the shoreline of Diamond Beach.

Can you imagine what this location looks like in the middle of winter? Our previous visit to Iceland was in December but unfortunately, we only made it as far as Vik along the south coast, so missed out on the opportunity to explore Diamond Beach. That’s definitely another bucket list item for us!

Where is Diamond Beach?

First-time visitors to Iceland will be all too familiar with recommendations to explore the Golden Circle with iconic attractions such as Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park. Thoughts of also heading further south along the Ring Road to visit Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls may be your radar but we would argue that you need to keep driving a couple more hours to really enhance your Icelandic itinerary.

Located directly in front of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and a short drive from Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach is a real “gem” of an attraction that we are convinced you will be inspired to visit.

If you visit Iceland during the summer, you can enjoy a day trip to explore Diamond Beach, simply because there are 24 hours of consecutive daylight. However, if you visit in the winter months, you will likely want to find somewhere to stay nearby, either in the nearby town of Höfn or if you are ok with a slightly longer drive in the morning, Vik is only 2 to 2 1/2 hours away.

From Reykjavik, you are looking at around 4 1/2 hours to cover the 372km and it’s likely to take longer if you visit in the winter due to the potentially adverse road conditions.

Jökulsárlón to Diamond Beach

Renowned frequently as the “jewel in the crown” in terms of the best things to do in south Iceland, Jökulsárlón is the lagoon that feeds the large chunks of ice along the narrow waterway and into the Atlantic Ocean. Take a stroll along the gorgeous black sandy beach and see the various shapes and sizes of ice that are washed up on the shore throughout the day. Admiring the ice “diamonds” (hence the name!) glistening on the beach is a real sight you won’t want to miss.

Without going into too much detail on Jökulsárlón as you can read all about our experience there, this glacier lagoon only appeared around 1935 and has since grown to over 20 square kilometers due to the melting of glaciers, particularly the Vatnajökull glacier which feeds into this lagoon.

The “waterway” that connects Jökulsárlón with the Atlantic Ocean used to be around 1.5km in length but visitors today will notice that it is much closer. It’s always intriguing to see which pieces of ice (large and small) will make their way along the river before heading out into the Atlantic.

Explore Diamond Beach

Once the ice reaches the Atlantic, many of them are shaped due to the erosion of the waves and when they reach “Diamond Beach”, they are left with a polished appearance that just adds to the aesthetic appeal. If you are an avid photographer, this spot is undoubtedly one of the best locations in Iceland to create amazing pictures.

Take a moment to browse around not only at the various shapes but also the diverse blend of colors that you will see in the ice fragments. Many of them are perfectly clear and look like glass or “diamonds” while others have a blue appearance.

The beauty of visiting Diamond Beach is that each time you visit, it will be different. Just like any other natural landscape that is constantly changing, Diamond Beach never looks the same twice!! It’s perhaps this aspect that makes visitors want to return time and time again to see something new.

Summary

We have literally fallen in love with everything about Iceland! When you stumble across attractions like Diamond Beach among everything else there is to explore in the Land of Fire and Ice, you can quite easily see why this nation has quickly become the most coveted tourist spot in the world. I hope that as tourism continues to flourish in Iceland, this doesn’t have a detrimental impact on the overall natural landscape because places like Diamond Beach are what makes this such an appealing destination.

Whether you are inspired to visit solely because of the unique aspects associated with Diamond Beach or perhaps this just adds to your wanderlust and desire to explore everything Iceland has to offer, we hope that you will remember to add this to your next Icelandic itinerary. You may still be trying to decide the best time of year to visit…from our experience, there is no bad time! It’s such a unique opportunity at both times of the year so we would argue that you can go anytime and you will have an amazing trip.

Let’s hear your thoughts and experiences visited Iceland. Have you visited Diamond Beach?

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5 Best Coffee Shops in Memphis You Need to Experience

Tennessee

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May 7, 2018

5

5 Best Coffee Shops in Memphis You Need to Experience

Regardless of where we are traveling to, we are always on the lookout for a great local coffee shop. This is true wherever we are across the globe and of course, this starts in our local city of Memphis. Given that we visit Memphis several times every month, we have been fortunate enough to experience some of the best local establishments. This post is focused solely on the best coffee shops in Memphis and hopefully, you will be inspired to check out some of these for yourselves when you next venture to western Tennessee.

Whether you are a Starbucks fan or prefer the local coffee scene, you can be assured that there is something for everyone in Memphis. Let’s take a look at where we think you need to visit for your all-day caffeine fix. That’s right, coffee is a great idea at any time of the day and in many of these local coffee shops, you will find that they are open until late in the evening!

Black Coffee vs Creative Espresso

What type of coffee do you prefer? Are you a plain, black coffee type of individual? Or do you prefer something a little sweeter with a little flair and creativity thrown into the mix? We have found that many of Memphis’ local coffee shops offer the perfect blend of both. This is what local coffee spots do so well.

The need for locals and visitors alike to be able to enjoy a traditional morning coffee versus the desire to sample a macchiato mixed with espresso, caramel, and other delicacies mean that local establishments need to ensure their menus are diverse, yet maintaining the high quality that helps them stand out from the threat of chains such as Starbucks.

Why Coffee Shops?

You may be wondering why we opted to focus our attention on coffee shops in Memphis. Surely there are many other interesting things to do in this part of Tennesse? It’s true, Memphis is not short of things to do but finding a great local coffee shop is one of our passions.

if you are looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon to catch up on some work, read your favorite book or simply have an engaging conversation with a friend, there is really no better place than a coffee shop.

Best Coffee in Memphis

So where exactly can you find the best coffee in Memphis? The reality is that if you are visiting Memphis for the first time, you are in luck! There are A LOT of options available to you and regardless of which location you are staying, there is likely a local coffee shop not too far away.

Our journey has seen us visit a variety of areas, many of which are in Memphis neighborhoods that you may not normally consider visiting. Frequently we hear about downtown Memphis because of Beale Street and Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid or perhaps the Graceland area of the city because of the late Elvis Presley.

But when you start thinking about neighborhoods such as South Main, Midtown, and Cooper-Young, perhaps these are not necessarily areas that are top of your radar…until now that is!! Below is a map of the coffee shops we are covering, putting into perspective exactly why we think Memphis is fortunate to have such a plethora of awesome spots that cover such a wide geographic area.

Bluff City Coffee and Bakery

Although downtown Memphis is undoubtedly a popular spot for visitors, we always encourage folks to hop on the local trolley and head to the South Main Arts district. Not only can you experience the Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel where MLK was fatally shot, you also can visit the amazing Bluff City Coffee and Bakery.

If you love high-quality Italian style espresso beverages, Bluff City Coffee and Bakery is definitely going to satisfy your palette. It’s all about the creativity and distinctive combinations that create delicious drinks when you visit Bluff City as there is no brewed coffee here.

A few of our recommendations include the following, though I would argue that you cannot go wrong with any of the options here. Don’t forget to sample one (or more) of the appetizing and freshly made pastries:

Caramel Macchiato – It may just be a “standard” espresso beverage but there is something extra special about the way Bluff City Coffee makes their caramel macchiatos. Definitely one of my favorites here!
Haley’s Comet – Espresso, milk, chai and caramel/apple flavor – sound appetizing? It should because this combination works really well! Not too sweet but you can certainly appreciate the flavors as you enjoy this unique concoction.
Raspberry Smoothie – Visiting a coffee shop but don’t particularly like the taste of coffee/espresso? Don’t worry, Bluff City Coffee and Bakery accommodates everyone! Heather falls into this category and opted for the raspberry smoothie and can attest that it was a great choice.

Signature espresso beverages are what make Bluff City Coffee such a popular option. Each time we have visited, we have thoroughly enjoyed “hanging out” in this trendy neighborhood, enjoying the awesome drinks. If you are staying downtown Memphis, Bluff City Coffee is going to be an option you won’t want to miss out on!

For those of you that cannot get enough of Bluff City Coffee, you will be delighted to know that as of October 2017, a second location has opened in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis. Although we haven’t tried this alternative spot yet, we are convinced it will be just as good as the original along South Main.

Information

505 S. Main Street,
Memphis, TN 38103
Tel: (901)405-4399
Website: Bluff City Coffee and Bakery

945 S. Cooper,
Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: (901) 249-3378

Cafe Eclectic

Venturing into the Midtown neighborhood of Memphis will open up the opportunity to visit Cafe Eclectic. As the name suggests, you can experience an “eclectic” variety of not only delicious espresso beverages and pastries but also a diverse menu that ensures this is truly a cafe to satisfy everyone’s needs.

Whether you are planning a visit to Cafe Eclectic to enjoy your morning coffee or perhaps intrigued by the breakfast or lunch menu, be prepared to experience a vibrant, trendy location that always seems to be bustling with locals and visitors alike that cannot resist the temptation on offer.

Located just one block from the Memphis Zoo, visitors to Cafe Eclectic can enjoy an “eclectic” (sorry, I couldn’t resist!) variety of menu options accompanied by Illy coffee. You may be a little surprised to hear that a local establishment uses a “chain” style coffee blend but I’m not going to lie, it really does produce a great beverage!

Ready for a bite to eat at lunch? Local favorites such as the Marlimu Farms hamburger on a homemade egg bun or “chicken-n-waffle” are popular choices but it’s one of those places that regardless of what you choose, you can’t really go wrong.

If you want something a little sweeter, consider one of the delicious pastries such as the blueberry lemon scone or the delectable cookies that have plenty of curb appeal with their whimsical designs.

Here are our top recommendations:

The Karamel Sutra – I can’t resist sampling caramel inspired espresso drinks and the Karamel Sutra was definitely one that I was looking forward to experiencing…it didn’t disappoint. The drink combines steamed & frothed milk, sweetened with vanilla and caramel sauce and finished with two shots of espresso.
London Fog – For those of you that are like Heather and prefer non-coffee drinks, the London Fog latte is the perfect option at Cafe Eclectic. An Earl Gray latte sweetened with vanilla is a great way to start the day!

Information

603 N McLean Blvd,
Memphis, TN 38107
Tel: (901)725-1718
Website: Cafe Eclectic

Ugly Mug Coffee

Are you ready to sample something away from the norm when it comes to coffee shops? If so, you have come to the right city! Memphis is home to Ugly Mug Coffee and to be fair, it’s the epitome of a unique coffee establishment…so it’s no surprise that we absolutely LOVE it there!

Focused on providing excellent customer service along with a distinctive blend of locally roasted coffee beans, Ugly Mug Coffee is actually far from the concept the name may suggest. “Ugly” in terms of coffee could be used to describe the taste given that it’s so unique and unlike anywhere else that I have experienced.

We only roast coffee that’s traded and grown in a way that benefits the growers and the environment. (Ugly Mug Coffee)

If the above philosophy doesn’t inspire you to pop in the location along Poplar Avenue, well you need to start considering it!

Ok, so once you figure out that this place is worth experiencing, you can then start embracing the diverse collection of “coffee mugs” that line the interior. But the real experience starts when you gaze up to the menu behind the counter…and trust me when I say, there is A LOT to choose from!

Recommendations at Ugly Mug Coffee include:

Blue Suede Macchiato – Why not wear your blue suede shoes like Elvis and head to Midtown Memphis to sample a delicious “Blue Suede Macchiato?” Before purchasing this drink, I knew the Blue Suede blend included a smooth caramel taste mixed with a hint of nut and a “special ingredient.” Banana may not be the first thing you think about adding to a coffee blend but let me tell you, it works well!
Butterfinger Frappe – Of course, Heather opted for the non-coffee beverage and Ugly Mug is proud to have several delectable variations. The Butterfinger frappe tastes just as good as it sounds but perhaps the Heath or Oreo will be more appealing.

Information

4610 Poplar Ave,
Memphis, TN 38117
Tel: (901)552-3165
Website: Ugly Mug Coffee

Otherlands Coffee Bar

The Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis is a thriving and trendy community for local musicians and artists to promote their work. What better place to showcase their talents among locals than at the eclectic Otherlands Coffee Bar.

This local establishment is more than just a coffee shop and is certainly the most unique of all that we visited around the city.

Arguably, Otherlands Coffee Bar is perhaps the best place to relax for several hours. Spacious, comfortable, a relaxing ambiance and most importantly, a delicious collection of menu options to choose from, creates the perfect place to catch up on work or simply relax with friends.

Otherlands Coffee Bar and Exotic Gifts is not only a coffee shop, it’s a cultural oasis in a plastic wasteland. (Otherlands coffee bar)

Renowned as a “funky, artsy” coffee shop, Otherlands is definitely the perfect fit for the Cooper-Young district. Whether you choose to visit first thing in the morning or late in the evening (we learned that between Monday to Thursday, if you visit between 5-6PM, you can enjoy “happy hour” where all coffee drinks are 1/2 price!), you will see locals and visitors alike networking and relaxing in this coffee shop.

Let’s take a look at the menu and of course, starting with coffee. The standard espresso beverages can be found here and you can always add your favorite syrup to customize your drink. The affordability of these drinks is certainly something worth noting but for those that are a little more adventurous, the selection of “alternative” beverages will surely spark your interest.

Heather opted for her namesake, “Heather’s Ale.” Lemonade mixed with fresh orange juice, served over ice is definitely a refreshing start to the day. If you are ready for a bite to eat, a variety of breakfast and lunch items are freshly prepared to order.

Information

641 South Cooper Street,
Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: (901)278-4994
Website: Otherlands Coffee Bar

Java Cabana

Ready to experience one of the oldest and well-recognized coffee shops across Memphis? Java Cabana is another trendy and vibrant coffee shop in the Cooper-Young neighborhood that is perfect to enjoy your favorite espresso while mingling with young locals.

Dating back to 1992 when the doors first opened, the history of Java Cabana is all about Elvis! Various wedding ceremonies took place in the back with Elvis impersonators at the forefront of those sharing their wedding vows at this location.

If you love “hipster” style coffeehouses, Java Cabana is a no-brainer if you are looking for the best options in the Memphis area. Whether you are looking to relax on one of the couches or perhaps enjoy life passing you by outside among the floral collections, Java Cabana is a perfect choice and definitely worth experiencing regardless of your coffee shop preference.

I’m not going to lie, Java Cabana is not going to be for everyone but the unique style and charming character is what is going to attract you to this location. And all of that is before you salivate over the various beverages available.

Recommendations on what to sample at Java Cabana include:

Sweet Jane – That’s right, you guessed it…another caramel inspired drink! Java Cabana’s Sweet Jane combines the smooth and sweet taste of caramel with a hint of vanilla. A double shot of espresso ensures you have plenty of energy to explore the Cooper-Young district after sampling this delicacy.
Raspberry Mocha Iced Drink – The distinctive blend of mocha mixed with raspberry flavoring is a combination you may not initially think about but on a hot summer’s day, this is the perfect choice to keep you refreshed. Heather was a little skeptical, particularly by the appearance, but soon realized that looks can be deceiving and loved this choice!

Information

2170 Young Avenue,
Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: (901)272-7210
Website: Java Cabana

Summary

Memphis is home to a plethora of inviting coffee shops. Whether you are looking to find a place to catch up on work or simply relax among locals while enjoying your favorite coffee, you can be sure that pretty much every neighborhood around Memphis will have a coffee shop worth experiencing.

We have only covered five coffee shops in Memphis but there are plenty others that we are eager to sample. We are always looking for recommendations so please feel free to share your experiences on the best spots to enjoy a cup of Joe in Memphis.

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Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Enjoy the Best Things to Do in 72 Hours

United Arab Emirates

Chris Boothman

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Apr 30, 2018

20

Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Enjoy the Best Things to Do in 72 Hours

From the tallest building in the world to an incredible ultra-modern Formula One circuit, the United Arab Emirates is undoubtedly a destination that should be on everyone’s radar. Whether you are road tripping from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or vice-versa, or perhaps heading out to explore some lesser-known spots in the UAE, this is definitely a destination you can quickly fall in love with.

During our visit to the UAE, we experienced the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and want to share an itinerary on how you can enjoy the very best of both in only a few days. It’s definitely plausible that you would want to spend your whole trip in one of these cities but as is the norm with how we travel, we wanted to make the most of our visit and experience some of the best attractions in both cities.

The UAE is frequently renowned as being a “layover” spot for visitors flying on to other parts of the world such as Australia or South Africa but we would argue that this country should be considered as your final destination rather than just “passing through.”

Fly to UAE – Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

By the end of this post, we are convinced that you will be raring to book a trip to the UAE! You may have heard that Dubai, for example, is referenced as the “Las Vegas of the Middle East” or even “Las Vegas on steroids but without the gambling and Hangover-style drunken antics” (we can thank the UK newspaper, the Daily Mirror, for that particular quote!) while Abu Dhabi on the other hand, is a little quieter yet still offers a plethora of amazing things to do.

More on that later…but first, you first need to decide whether you want to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The reality is, it really doesn’t matter! Both are well-acclaimed international airports with leading Middle-East airlines Etihad and Emirates flying into both. It’s ultimately going to be down to where you are flying from, which airline you prefer and which offers the best deal.

Our trip saw us fly with Etihad from Chicago to Abu Dhabi but regardless of where you start, the distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only 139km (86 miles) and it’s easy to commute between the two cities.

For those of you that follow our lead and opt to fly into Abu Dhabi, if you choose to fly Etihad, you have the opportunity to take advantage of their awesome luxury coach service where you can be transferred, FREE OF CHARGE, from Abu Dhabi to Dubai! We took advantage of this and we will be sharing more information on this later when we discuss the various options of traveling between each city.

As we started our adventure by spending 48 hours in Dubai, let’s start by taking a look at how you can maximize your time in the Las Vegas-esque city! By the way…I want to EMPHASIZE that based on our experiences, although I can see certain similarities between Vegas and Dubai, there is a lot more to this UAE city than the glitz and glamor of the Vegas Strip (including delicious cuisine)!

48 Hours in Dubai

When you first arrive in Dubai, you immediately notice the amazing skyline and myriad of skyscrapers that dominate this city located in the heart of a desert. For those of you intrigued by modern day architecture, Dubai is certainly one of the top cities in the world to explore the very best in terms of ultra-modern design. But visitors to Dubai can enjoy so much more than just architecture, though you would arguably miss out on part of the experience if you attempt to avoid places such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.

We stayed at the amazing Shangri-La Dubai Hotel which was perfectly located in the heart of the city just a short walk from the metro and gave us easy access to all of the below attractions that we explored during our short trip.

Here are some of our top recommended spots worth visiting in Dubai if you only have 48 hours to explore the “City of Gold.”

Burj Khalifa

Let’s start with the iconic skyscraper which is currently the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted if you choose to take a tour to the highest platform but if you are looking to overcome any fear of heights, this is arguably the best structure in the world to accomplish this.

The view from the top of the Burj Khalifa is beyond breathtaking. Not only can you gain a birds-eye perspective of the city of Dubai, you are so high up that you can beyond the city and appreciate the beauty throughout the United Arab Emirates. Towering above the Dubai landscape at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is a landmark everyone should have on their bucket list.

Take a moment to contemplate that height and put into perspective just how tall this structure is. If you have visited New York City, you may think the Empire State Building (1,454 feet) or even the new World Trade Center (1,792) are tall. When you compare them to the Burj Khalifa, they are dwarfed by the height of this architectural masterpiece.

Tickets are available to either level 125 or level 148 and regardless of which ticket option you choose, you will leave with amazing memories of the panoramic views that you enjoy. The challenge will be making yourself come down from the summit realizing that you have so much more to experience around Dubai.

Burj Al Arab

For many of us, contemplating a stay at the world’s only seven-star hotel is highly unrealistic. The Burj Al Arab is not only famous for this high-end luxury accolade but also because of the unique design that helps it stand out from fellow counterparts on the Arabian Peninsula and around the world.

Hop on a local bus and take the short walk to the gates of the Burj Al Arab to admire this stunning hotel. If you plan your trip in advance, perhaps you could enjoy breakfast or afternoon lunch in one of the various restaurants.

If you are really fortunate and want the ultimate UAE experience, be prepared to spend quite a substantial amount to stay one night in a luxury room at the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates

Looking for a little retail therapy while in Dubai? Honestly, it’s pretty difficult to avoid it with the amazing Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates likely attracting your attention as you consider things to do around the city.

The Dubai Mall – A place like no other. A new day, a new dawn.

The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest and most-visited retail and entertainment destinations. With a plethora of global fashion brands housed inside this mall and a number of restaurants available, this is a great spot to enjoy an evening before heading back to the Burj Khalifa to enjoy the light show.

Gold and Spice Souks

Ready for a truly authentic Arabian experience? Be sure to head to the center of “local” commerce by exploring the gold and spice souks in the heart of Dubai. While modern, global conglomerates can be found in the high-tech super-skyscrapers that are scattered across the Dubai landscape, local traders can be found selling their spices, gold, and textiles in the markets that make up the “souks”.

Dubai souks are vibrant, colorful and noisy just like any other marketplace that you have likely experienced around the world. Dubai is unlike any of the other emirates in Middle-East primarily because it has become wealthy through trade rather than the stereotypical oil industry that we associate with this part of the world.

The Gold Souk is certainly the most popular as it consists of covered walkways lined with many jewelry shops selling pieces crafted from gold, silver, and other precious gems. Be prepared to have your best haggling tactics on hand when you visit these souks because you can definitely enjoy some pretty good savings if you play your cards right!

How to Get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

After an epic 48 hours exploring the very best that Dubai has to offer, you will be raring to take the short journey to Abu Dhabi to experience another unique variety of attractions. For those of you that opt against renting a car while in the UAE, you have a couple of options available to you.

Airline Luxury Coach Transfer

If you fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi with the leading Middle-Eastern airlines, Etihad and Emirates, you can take advantage of the luxury coach service that will transfer you between the cities.

As we mentioned, we did this when traveling from Abu Dhabi and Dubai but the problem is that you can only return using this service on the day that you fly out of UAE which unfortunately won’t work if you are trying to explore both cities on the same trip.

Public Bus Service

Our method of transportation to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was to utilize the public bus service that runs between the two cities. Travel time is around 90-120 minutes and we can attest that it is definitely a comfortable experience with plenty of space and a relaxing atmosphere.

Depending on which part of Dubai you are staying will determine which bus service you take. If you are located in the older part of Dubai, E100 bus will take you straight to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.

However, given that we stayed at the Shangri-La Dubai Hotel across from the Burj Khalifa, we hopped on the metro line to Ibn Battuta Metro Station and boarded the E101 bus direct to Abu Dhabi’s central station.

Tickets cost 25AED (approximately $7) each way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and can be purchased from inside the Ibn Battuta Metro Station.

24 Hours in Abu Dhabi

When you first arrive in Abu Dhabi, you will immediately realize that this city is completely different to Dubai. If you are looking for a more relaxing visit to the Emirates, Abu Dhabi is certainly a better option than the “flashy” glitz and glamor we associate with Dubai. As you can see from this post though, given their geographic proximity, you can enjoy the best of both cities and make your mind up as to which you prefer.

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and the seat of the government, therefore it’s no surprise to hear that it is much more conservative than Dubai. However, don’t let this stereotype fool you because based on our experiences, we would argue that there are even more things to do in this capital city than in Dubai.

As with Dubai, there is no shortage of amazing hotels to choose from. We highly recommend staying in a hotel that has direct beach access to the gorgeous Arabian Peninsula and based on our experiences, the gorgeous Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana is definitely a choice you won’t regret!

Be sure to read our post on where to stay in Abu Dhabi for a detailed review of this hotel.

Ready to head out and explore what Abu Dhabi has to offer? One of our recommendations is to take the Big Bus Tour so that you can “hop on and hop off” if you want to experience one of the following attractions. The two routes take you to Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks as follows:

Red Route – This incorporates a “city tour” and passes landmarks such as the Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Dhow Corniche Cruise. Click here for detailed times and stops on the Big Bus Red Route.
Green Route – Hop on the green tour to venture across to Yas Island where you can experience the Yas Mall, Yas Marina Formula One Circuit and of course, one of the pièce de résistance attractions in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World! Click here for detailed times and stops on the Big Bus Green Route.

Here are a few spots along both routes that we don’t think you will want to miss!

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Regardless of your religious affiliation, the breathtaking sight of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a real sight to behold and definitely an attraction you should want to visit during your trip to UAE. Whether you choose to hop off the Big Bus red route line and explore inside this mosque or perhaps just admire the architectural ingenuity from the outside, you cannot help but appreciate the grandeur and size of this amazing construction.

The “Grand Mosque” as it is more commonly referred, was designed by a Syrian architect by the name of Yousef Abdelky and constructed between 1996 and 2007. During the religious festival of Eid, more than 40,000 visitors will enter the Grand Mosque, reiterating just how large this place of worship is in comparison to other churches and religious buildings you may be familiar with.

With over 80 marble domes held aloft by 1000 pillars and accented with four 107m-high minarets, the Grand Mosque is a true masterpiece of modern, Islamic architecture. The pure white marble exterior is what makes this landmark stand out, while the positioning ensures that you can see from several miles away while approaching Abu Dhabi.

Visitors are welcome to enter the Grand Mosque except during prayer times, though it’s worth noting that you should be prepared with appropriate dress code prior to visiting. As with all mosques, it is typical etiquette that females will wear a headscarf when visiting the Grand Mosque, while everyone is required to wear long, loose-fitting, ankle-length trousers or skirts and long sleeve shirts.

For those of you that visit wearing inadequate attire, don’t worry, after passing through security, you can find hooded “abayas” (cloaks) and “kandouras” (male equivalent) that can be borrowed for free.

A free 45-minute guided tour provides visitors with a brief history of the Grand Mosque along with pointing out some of the intricate details of both interior and exterior. You will also learn some of the brief fundamental characteristics associated with the Islamic religion!

Ferrari World

Are ready to experience the world’s fastest roller-coaster? Head to Ferrari World to sample the Ferrari Rossa to enjoy a top speed of 150 mph. Although the ride around the 2.2km track only lasts 1.32 minutes, it’s the ultimate “thrill a minute” experience!

But if you prefer to enjoy something a little more relaxing and leave the rollercoasters for those adventurous folks out there, Ferrari World is home to an abundance of attractions that will keep you occupied throughout the day. From the intense G-Force, you can experience from these state of the art rollercoasters to a family fun go-kart experience, you cannot help but fall in love with Ferrari World.

If you are ready to purchase a Ferrari inspired gift for a loved one (particularly if the thought of purchasing an actual Ferrari is a little too expensive for your budget!), head to the shopping experience to enjoy a myriad of Ferrari memorabilia and souvenirs.

Five on-site restaurants ensure that you won’t leave hungry and proving that anyone visiting Ferrari World can truly make this a full day experience.

Summary

It’s fair to say that we enjoyed our fast and furious (sorry for the Ferrari World pun there!) visit to the United Arab Emirates. If you are raring to enjoy an action-packed itinerary during your visit, regardless of the amount of time you spend in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can be assured that there will be plenty to keep you occupied.

Visiting both cities on the same trip is definitely our recommendation given that they are so unique and “different.” When you are an architecture aficionado like myself, it’s hard to look beyond the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for the highlight attractions in UAE but there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy.

Have you visited either Dubai or Abu Dhabi? What would you recommend to someone visiting either or both these cities?

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Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour – How to Enjoy an Epic Visit

Florida

Chris Boothman

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Apr 23, 2018

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Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour – How to Enjoy an Epic Visit

There are certain places around the world that leave you speechless and it’s fair to say after visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Florida that this attraction certainly fits into this category. Whether you are an avid space lover or simply have an inquisitive mind about extra-terrestrial life, there is something quite magical about the space center in Cape Canaveral. Although there are many amazing experiences to enjoy, the Kennedy Space Center bus tour is undoubtedly the pinnacle highlight when visiting, given that you have the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the launchpads and control center.

Having previously visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston, we were excited to see what the Kennedy Space Center had to offer. We quickly realized that Florida’s equivalent space center literally took the concept of astronomical exploration to another level. Unsurprisingly, we immediately fell in love with this attraction and knew that spending only one day there wasn’t going to be enough time to explore everything.

Although each of the NASA space centers across the United States offers a distinctive look at the history and future of space exploration, Kennedy Space Center is the ultimate location to visit if you have any interest in learning more about this intriguing topic.

I am not going to lie, after spending a full day at Cape Canaveral, I have suddenly become even more interested in upcoming rocket launches and future plans of implementing the concept of “space tourism”…who knows, we may be future “space travel bloggers!” Let’s take a look at why we quickly became so obsessed with everything the Kennedy Space Center had to offer. We are 100% convinced that you will be too!

Kennedy Space Center Information

The Kennedy Space Center is perfectly located to enjoy a day trip from Orlando. Forget about Disney World and Universal Studios for the day and head east to experience an amazing journey to the center of space.

Location

Kennedy Space Center is located in Central Florida just over one hour from Orlando. If there is one tip we can give folks before heading to NASA’s flagship space center, “arrive early for a full-day experience at the greatest space adventure on Earth.”

The beauty of visiting Kennedy Space Center is that it’s so much more than just learning about space. With so many other attractions in the nearby vicinity, visitors may consider spending a few nights around Cape Canaveral, and just a short drive from Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach.

An intriguing feature of Kennedy Space Center that is frequently forgotten is that this is actually based on a nature preserve. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge covers 140,000 acres and just a small portion of this is utilized for the space center and visitor complex.

The rest of the space…well folks, that’s a natural habitat for an array of amazing wildlife including alligators, bald eagles and many other species that find this the perfect environment to call their home!

Distances from Nearby Locations

Orlando to Kennedy Space Center – 43 miles (45-60 minutes)
Fort Lauderdale to Kennedy Space Center – 198 miles (3 hours)
Tampa to Kennedy Space Center – 126 miles (2 hours)
Daytona Beach to Kennedy Space Center – 63 miles (1 hour)

Click here for directions from Orlando International Airport to Kennedy Space Center using Google Maps

Ticket Prices

Daily admission at the time of publication of this post was as follows:

Adults – $50
Children (Age 3-11) – $40

But the best deal if you are planning multiple visits is the annual pass option! Trust us when we say that you can easily get great value out of the following because there is no way you can experience everything in a single visit.

Adult Annual Pass – $75
Child Annual Pass (Age 3-11) – $60

Other pass options are available and we always recommend visiting the Kennedy Space Center website for the latest availability as prices are subject to change.

Parking

Cars – $10
Motorcycles – $5
Oversized vehicles, motorhomes and RV’s – $15

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

Let’s start our adventure at the Kennedy Space Center by highlighting why hopping on the bus tour is the best way to start your experience while visiting Cape Canaveral.

After passing through a quick security check, we took the short walk over to the “bus tour” entrance and soon realized that this was obviously the highlight experience.

Be prepared to wait patiently because regardless of when you visit, there is always likely to be a sizeable queue. We had to wait over one hour before boarding our NASA inspired bus to begin our adventure to the launch pads and Vehicle Assembly Building. Is it worth the wait you may be wondering? 100% YES!!!

The drive out to the “secure” area offers the bus driver the opportunity to be your tour guide for the next 20 minutes. All drivers are knowledgeable and have insider knowledge of the best locations to spot wildlife.

There is a pretty strong chance that you will see an alligator or two wandering along the edge of the road and keep your eyes peeled for the bald eagle’s nest which will be on your left as you make your way out to the launch pads.

Don’t worry if you miss it on your journey out because you will have an even better sight on your return journey to the Visitor Complex, particularly if you sit on the right side of the bus.

Our tour guide did give us a little bad news as our journey started as she indicated to us that we wouldn’t be able to go all the way to the launch pads. She wasn’t “in the know” as to why and simply relayed that the powers that be told all drivers that day they could only go to the Vehicle Assembly Building. I did later find out the following given that we visited just a few days prior to the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch:

Now that rocket launches are once again taking place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, safety protocols require an alternate tour bus route during days leading up to a launch. The alternate route includes viewing the Vehicle Assembly Building and the future mobile launcher of NASA’s Space Launch System. (Kennedy Space Center)

However, we were able to see both launch pad 39A and 39B from a couple of miles away and of course, the highlight experience was driving by the Vehicle Assembly Building where the shuttles are constructed before making their final journey to the launch pad.

Listening to our driver share stories about how long it takes to move these “vehicles” really puts into perspective the magnitude and scope of the many projects that has seen us go deeper into space.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

When you think about the history of space exploration, it’s fair to say that the Apollo missions will likely be at the forefront of many of your thoughts.

Whether that’s because of the initial failures or the tragic deaths of Virgil “Gus” Grissom and Ed White II during pre-flight testing of Apollo I, this series of missions is certainly iconic not only in space exploration but also the history of the United States.

Visitors to the Apollo/Saturn V Center have the opportunity to experience historic moments with Apollo 8 and the Firing Room and listen to the moments when “lift-off” successfully occurred. Take a stroll into the main area and appreciate the size of Saturn V, the largest rocket ever flown.

Saturn V is a 363-foot rocket that transferred astronauts from earth to the moon and is one of only three remaining in the nation. It’s no surprise that this is the focal point of the center and you can easily identify the three distinctive features that collectively make up the Saturn V rocket.

After spending time learning about the history of both the Saturn V and Apollo missions, head over to the Moon Rock Cafe where you can enjoy lunch from a variety of options.

With plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, this is definitely a great place to grab a bite to eat while sitting under the towering Saturn V rocket…it’s not every day you get to experience this as a backdrop for your lunch!

Other Attractions at Kennedy Space Center

Hopping on the bus to explore the Vehicle Assembly Building and get “up close and personal” with the area where these rockets take-off into space isn’t the only attraction at Kennedy Space Center. In fact, this is only one of many cool things to do and once you see all the other options, you will quickly realize why this place is somewhere you will want to revisit multiple times.

Heroes and Legends

Can you imagine having the opportunity to step inside one of the Apollo spacecraft or Saturn rockets and venture outside of planet Earth? There are very few people that have ever had this opportunity, many have sacrificed their lives while others have been fortunate to return.

All of these “heroes” can be honored inside the “Heroes and Legends” exhibit featuring the “US Astronaut Hall of Fame by Boeing”.

IMAX 3D Theater

Renowned as being the “next best thing than being in space,” the IMAX 3D Theater experience at Kennedy Space Center is the ideal opportunity to grab your favorite drink, a box of popcorn and relax while enjoying a journey into outer space.

Learn all about the projects the Kennedy Space Center is working on and how realistic it is to imagine life on another planet. Will we reach Mars by 2030? What is the “future” of space exploration? All of these questions and many more can be answered during one of the IMAX movies.

The times and movies will vary depending on when you visit but we had the opportunity to see either “Journey to Space”, “Journey to Mars,” or “Planet Earth”.

Atlantis Experience

Perhaps the most iconic space vehicle to date is the Atlantis Space Shuttle. It ventured into outer space like a rocket and returned to planet earth like a gliding plane. This combination created an amazing vehicle that allowed us to make several trips to the International Space Station and secure the future of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Be prepared to wait for quite some time before entering the Atlantis experience. We queued for around one hour before having the opportunity to watch a series of videos about the history of Atlantis.

As you move from one room to the next learning about Atlantis, the pièce de résistance occurs at the end of the second short film when the front door opens up revealing the Atlantis Space Shuttle.

A number of interactive exhibits can be found inside the Atlantis experience, notably the “Fiery Ride Home,” a slide allowing you to find out the angle at which the Atlantis returned to space. There is plenty here for all the family to enjoy and you could easily spend your entire visit to Kennedy Space Center inside the Atlantis building.

Summary

If you have any interest in learning about the future of space exploration or perhaps want to revisit the history of this topic, visiting the Kennedy Space Center is undoubtedly the best place to experience this.

Whether you are intrigued by the thought of taking a bus tour to enjoy behind the scenes access to the launchpads or perhaps you prefer to stay near the Visitor Center to enjoy the history of the Atlantis Space Shuttle, you can be sure there will be plenty to keep you occupied during your visit to Kennedy Space Center.

Our final tip before visiting Kennedy Space Center is to be patient! Be prepared to wait because there are frequently A LOT of visitors wanting to experience the same exhibits. Don’t worry though because this is well and truly an experience that is worth the wait!

Have you visited Kennedy Space Center or any others around the United States?

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Kennedy Space Center Information

Location

Distances from Nearby Locations

Ticket Prices

Parking

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

Apollo/Saturn V Center

Other Attractions at Kennedy Space Center

Heroes and Legends

IMAX 3D Theater

Atlantis Experience

Summary

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