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Hither and Wander

The essence of travel in photographs, musings and helpful tips about places, things and food we love.
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15/02/2024

CAVTAT, CROATIA
Walk along the waterfront where the sea sparkles brightly between the hulls of yachts and the stemware of several Aperol Spritz. There are few places this near to perfection
*We recommend staying at Hotel Bracka Perla Supetar
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Images: ©️ Hither&Wander 2024
❤️For more details and travel tips click the link in our bio.

14/02/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day, dear travelers! 😘💕

10/02/2024

Chúc mừng năm mới!
Each year at this time, our extended Vietnamese family gathers around the kitchen table, dutifully assembling Bánh Chưng, —humble hand-hewn, precisely folded and string-tied gifts to our ancestors (and friends & family) for the new year. Rich nuggets of glutinous rice, mung bean and pork are wrapped in banana leaf, forming a scrumptious lunar new year tradition. Not to mention the annual “Tết” celebration when we consume them!

04/02/2024

SINTRA, PORTUGAL
A stunning storybook town unfolds in the mist, revealing wedding cake castles and stone fortresses from ions past. Step into this fairytale world, just an hour’s train ride from modern Lisbon.

Images 1-4 National Palace of Pena
Image 5 Castle of the Moors
Image 6 Quinta da Regaleira
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Images: ©️ Hither&Wander 2024
❤️For more details and travel tips click the link in our bio.

01/02/2024

SEASIDE INSPIRATION- ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
The villages of Luz, Salema and Lago lay nestled along Albufeira coastline, as if borne of the sea. Patterns and colors of the tides decorate local homes and shops while cafes serve up its bounty as an art form. Below the craggy cliffs, the ocean swirls in turquoise, as the squinting sun reveals miles of beaches as far as the eyes can see.
*Also must-visit towns Olhão (image 6) & Armona (image 7).
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Images: ©️ Hither&Wander 2024
For more details and travel tips click the link in our bio to visit our website.

27/01/2024

LISBON: An Architectural Tour

Images 1-3 MUSEUM OF ART, ARCHITECTURE & TECHNOLOGY
MAAT seems to have just landed like a graceful bird upon this modern gateway to the city. The subjects of art, architecture and technology come together all under one incredible roof. From atop, one beholds a 180 degree view of the river, while just below, an arc of terraced steps offer another perfect perch.

Images 4-5 BELÉM TOWER
Belém Tower, or the Tower of St. Vincent is a 15th century fortification that symbolized the Portuguese maritime accomplishments of the 15th century. The tower stands at the mouth of the Tagus river, initially as a defense garrison and now as the ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.

Images 6-7 SANTA JUSTA LIFT
A fun way to cheat Lisbon’s relentless climbs is the Santa Justa Lift, the Eiffel Tower of Lisbon, (in fact, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel) was built in 1901. Rising seven stories straight up, its chief purpose is augmenting hundreds upon hundreds of steps to the top of the commanding hill above the Baixa district.

Images 8-9 CARMO ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Zigzag your way up numerous M.C. Escher-esque staircases, or simply elevate yourself aboard the aforementioned Santa Justa Lift to alight upon one of the coolest sights ever, the Carmo Archaeological Museum. A former convent built in 1389, where the heavens are truly part of the place, due to the roof having collapsed in the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Now a stunning indoor/outdoor museum with exhibits related to the history of Lisbon from pre-historic times through to the Middle Ages.

18/01/2024

PONTO FINAL RESTAURANT, PORTUGAL
While Lisbon lazes about on its beautiful north shore of the Rio Tejo, a quick ferry ride across to the Almada side unveils a flurry of delights at Ponto Final Restaurant..

Tablecloths the color of the sun are set on a high dock at the river’s edge with a view so stunning it entices lingering until Lisbon becomes aglow after dark.

*Best to make a reservation because this quaint discovery hidden away on the ancient docks is actually quite popular.

26/11/2023

KIMONOS
The national garment of Japan is also the most beautiful interpretation of unisex fashion. History and heritage is woven into each design, along with comfort and practicality. In Kyoto’s Gion district, history and Japanese culture literally line the streets. Hence, a haven for great kimono watching. But don’t just admire, acquire!! Vintage, bespoke and everyday options are available, which makes for a fun treasure hunt. We suggest meandering to YAYA, a little vintage boutique in Southern Higashiyama.
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Photos: ©️ Hither & Wander 2023

25/11/2023

BAMBOO GARDEN
One feels a thrilling sense of peace in seeing the midday sunlight slant through the towering bamboo like swords. A “thrilling peacefulness” may be a contradiction in terms, but such is the sense of balance at Enkouji Temple. Darkness threaded with light. Cavalier breezes stilled. Yellow challenging green. Opposites together, in peace.
Photo: ©️ Hither&Wander 2023

21/11/2023

RYOKAN GENHOUIN
At this quaint inn in Kyoto, the arrival of each new guest is denoted with the addition of two shoes joining the lineup of footwear at the front slatted-wood door. One can immediately see before entering if it’s a full house or not. No matter how many guests are in residence, this tranquil ryokan is as quiet as a sleeping cat. In each room, a ceramic vase with a single-stem flower occupies a zen niche, thoughtfully waiting to inspire contemplation. But the pièce de résistance is the onsite onsen. A renewing ritual that calls out to the visitor exploring Kyoto to return and fold into the warm water bath —wide enough to include friends!
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All photos ©️ Hither & Wander 2023

19/11/2023

Sunlight dapples the ground, highlighting an array of colorful leaves that have quietly found their seat. A playful breeze rustles the scene, rearranging the pattern in an ongoing evolution. Kyoto, as seen through the veil of fall, is as red as apples and cherries. So different a picture than the countless white blossoms exhibited in these exact same trees just two seasons ago. A recurrent joy for the wide-eyed visitor.  The glazed rooftops of the Enkouji Temple appear like steps that follow the hillside slope toward the glow of central Kyoto. Like a lantern, the town beckons the eye, even if the heart begs to stay here on this elevated plain, bathed in fall color and steeped in enlightenment.

All photos ©️Hitherandwander

05/11/2023

COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL
The sea rolls in, lead by a frothy flank of whitecaps advancing into Hanalei Bay, just as a cappuccino rolls in from room service, sporting its own frothy cap. Such are the synergies of the “Garden Isle”, Kaua’i, at the dreamy 1 Hotel.
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Image:©️Hither&Wander 2023

15/10/2023

COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL
Bambi, Kyoto, Japan

A cinnamon-dust portrait of Bambi is born, rendered on a white canvas of frothed foam, perched atop a thoughtfully-crafted cappuccino. In the original 1923 book, (and inspiration for the Disney film of the same name), the world’s favorite little deer was scolded by an elder for allowing himself to be fooled by the “He” (human) hunters. But fear not, dear ones, here in Kyoto, near the storied Philosopher’s Walk, Bambi (the cafe) provides safe haven for wisdom to percolate.
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Japan, 〒606-8406 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Jodoji Ishibashicho, 3-1 喫茶バンビ
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Images:©️Hither&Wander 2023

19/09/2023

COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL
Go Get ‘Em Tiger, Larchmont Village, CA

One can see the HOLLYWOOD sign from here, lounging like a big white cat surveying its lair of movie studios, bungalows —and cappuccinos.
Down at “GGET”, in the shade of teal umbrellas, an actor pours over his lines, as a poet, one table over jots down some new rhymes. Dogs stare at each other while keeping an eye out for any pastry crumbs coming their way. Duets of espresso and “fizzy hoppy tea” arrive, served side-by-side on a fitted oval tray, like George and Gracie atop a tiny vaudeville stage. Fast, funny and off you go.
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Images:©️Hither&Wander 2023

02/09/2023

COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL
Bottega Louie, WeHo
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Sunlight slips in on the afternoon breeze, adding bold stripes to the already linear mid-century decor. Patio drapes flutter as cappuccinos are frothed. The menu is tall and thin, like a supermodel who never indulges in pasteries like those on display here. This is a whole new level of fantasy confection. A beauty pageant under glass. Appetizers and entrees are merely a prelude to one’s real purpose here: the desserts. Be it a chocolate eclair, limoncello tart, or color-wheel macaroons, a proper coffee is surely the pièce de résistance.
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Images:©️Hither&Wander & 2023

13/08/2023

COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL
Mochi and Matcha in Kyoto

Nestled in the hillside along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan, small Buddhist temples quietly wait to astonish visitors with simple wonders. On the east side of the canal, the lovely Hōnen-in temple welcomes guests with its architectural and garden artistry -—and sumptuous mochi and matcha, served amid breathtakingly minimalist beauty.
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Images:©️Hither&Wander 2023

01/08/2023

COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL
One of the true pleasures of travel is discovering local edible wonders such as Portugal’s own Pastéis de Nata. Tiny custard tarts that all too easily fit between the thumb and forefinger, enjoyed with an espresso. The much heralded home of these traditional treats is Pastéis de Belém, in Lisbon, with its centuries-old secret recipe attributed to kitchen-wizard monks from the Jerónimos Monastery. Understated from the outside, the bakery is a haven of delight on the inside, —indeed a metaphor for their famous bite size treasures.
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Image:©️Hither&Wander 2023

23/07/2023

Here on the eastern edge of Brooklyn, Stumptown Coffee is busy percolating for your pleasure. Once freshly fueled, consider the 10 minute stroll from Stumptown to the beautiful 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River. What was once Brooklyn's post-industrial shell of a waterfront now hosts new-found nature, from Atlantic Avenue all the way north to the Manhattan Bridge. Not to mention the delight of its namesake bridge, centered like a crown jewel right in the middle of this smartly reclaimed shoreline.

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Images:©️Hither&Wander 2023

16/07/2023

COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL
Golden tea pours generously into simple but artful cups as sunlight stencils the room in the patterns of traditional Chinese windows. A royal space through which a century of tea and history have passed. Originally the quarters for guests of Empress Dowager Cixi, today, these royal halls are reimagined as an AMAN hotel, complete with a secret passageway into the grand gardens of Beijing’s Summer Palace.
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Images:©️Hither&Wander 2023

06/07/2023

3:49pm: Marrakech, Morocco:
A rooftop table painted the color of harissa becomes an impromptu sundial as the hour ticks towards re-caffeination.
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Image: ©️hitherandwander.com 2023

02/07/2023

After an ample repast in Paris, at a St. Germaine street-side cafe, one MUST have a reinvigorating espresso. What the cup may lack in size, it makes up for with its punch! And the accompanying slice of lemon meringue pie ends the round with a knockout.
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Image: ©️hitherandwander.com 2023

25/06/2023

A new series to kick off summer:
COFFEE, TEA & TRAVEL explores unique places to enjoy the perfect cup.
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In the little harbor town of Vis, Croatia, I find myself walking along the waterfront, watching the moored boats gently sway to the slow island beat. As the sailboats snooze, I realize the need to wake back up. (Our lunch at was a sort of sedative), so the next stop is for a macchiato so devine it comes with its own heaven: a glorious view of the bay from a stone terrace, where a narrow staircase slips into the turquoise water like Neptune’s private entrance.
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Images:
Espresso: Hither and Wander
FrutarijaVis: Tripadvisor

14/06/2023

Grateful to see KEITH HARING during PRIDE month at .
He applied his gifted talents so prolifically to the causes of freedom and respect that we still fight for today. And much of it he did when he himself was suffering with AIDS.
P R A I S E !

04/06/2023

Celebrating PRIDE Month
in the beautiful work of Hal Haines. See more of his painterly pottery in the LIVING section of Hither&Wander’s new website. (Link in bio)

24/05/2023

Excited to present:
—FIVE FAVES—
Our top five picks in
the cities we love.
•••
See them at our new website!
(Including Porto’s #4 and #5).
—> Website link in bio

19/05/2023

ANNOUNCING the new Hither & Wander WEBSITE!!

https://www.hitherandwander.com

Check it out!

Come hither! And wander with us!

17/04/2023

WORLD PETS
Nothing escapes THIS Lab in China! ;-)
The beautiful town of Anhui is rendered all the more charming in the presence of this handsome Labrador Retriever, posed like a chill lion dog at the doorstep of a gift shop.
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Image: ©Hither&Wander 2023

07/04/2023

WORLD PETS
Chin up in Lourmarin, France.
Cafe bistro chairs make a perfect chin rest, while one’s master catches up on the news and his coffee.

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READ BELOW FOR DETAILS 5 reasons to fall in love with PORTUGAL: 1. THE ARTS- Fado Ao Centro band performing in Coimbra; D. Maria II National Theatre, Lisbon; Tiled mosaic sidewalk, Lisbon; Museu Da Ciencia, Coimbra 2. THE FOOD- Pasteis de nata from Pasteis de Belem, Lisbon; Alfresco dining at Ponto Final, Lisbon; Catch of the day at local cafe in Algarve 3. THE PEOPLE- Children and local shop owners in Tavira, Algarve; Local student on steam train, Douro River 4. THE HISTORY- The bell tower of Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon; Monument of the Discoveries, Lisbon; Castle of the Moors, Sintra; The Roman Temple of Évora; Carmo Archaeological Museum, Lisbon 5. THE ARCHITECTURE- Church in Olhão; Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon; The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, Lisbon; Belém Tower, Lisbon; Tiled building in Almada — Images: ©️ Hither&Wander 2024 Music: Song by Fado Ao Centro band

#hitherandwander #travel #away #inspire #destinations #websitedesign #shotoniphone #travelingphotographer #travelintel #relax #vacation #newwebsite #travelblogger #travelwebsite

ANNOUNCING the new Hither & Wander WEBSITE!! https://www.hitherandwander.com Check it out! Come hither! And wander with us!

I first discovered the delight of a crystal chandelier alfresco, floating from the branch of a massive tree in Bali, like a glittering silent movie star draped on the muscular arm of her leading man. I had to have it. Years later that travel inspiration found a worthy branch in our Maple tree and today she found her light in the silent afternoon sun.

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