Parc du Mont-Royal is a green sanctuary right in the heart of the city. Offering sweeping views of the city’s skyline, the park is favored by tourists, joggers, cyclists, and the leisurely walker. The Mont Royal chalet offers public restrooms, a safe haven from winter winds, and occasional public programming. The Mont Royal Summit is the highest peak in the park and offers a great panoramic view. The Kondiaronk Belvedere offers iews of views of downtown Montréal, the St. Lawrence River and Monteregian Hills and is a crowd favorite.

Old Port of Montréal in Montréal, Canada

The Old Port of Montréal has seen new life with the addition of attractions and shop stalls. There is an ice skating rink, the ferris wheel, science center, ropes course, zipline, and a boat turned spa that offers a nice soak with views of Montréal. There are cafés, summer boutiques (souvenirs, pizza, smoothies, ice cream, churros, etc.) and the nearby Marché Bonsecours.

City, TravelYafen LiangNovember 15, 2019city, travel, montreal, canada, old port, ferris wheel, ride, day 1 in montrealComment

Marché Jean-Talon in Montréal, Canada

Marché Jean-Talon is one of the oldest public markets in Montréal, dating back to May 1933. Open year-round, except for some holidays, it is a bustling place hosting a variety of vendors, from bakers to butchers to fishers to grocers to cheese sellers to florists alike. There are ample stalls for quick snacks, artisanal bites, and souvenirs.

City, TravelYafen LiangNovember 13, 2019city, marche jean talon, public market, market, montreal, canada, day 2 in montrealComment

Délices Érable & Cie in Montréal, Canada

Canada and perhaps Montréal specifically has a long history of being the world’s foremost maple syrup producer. The amber colored thick sweetener has a distinct taste and is often associated with pancakes and other desserts. The sap is extracted from trees and boiled down to make syrup. Déices Érable & Cie is a well known destination for locals and tourists alike to get their fix of maple syrup goodies.

Food, TravelYafen LiangNovember 13, 2019food, city, maple syrup, maple, syrup, montreal, canada, delices erable and cie, ice cream, day 1 in montrealComment

Pompeii Ruins in Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city, most famous for being buried and preserved under ash in the wake of Mount Vesuvius’ fiery eruptions. Some sections were covered in ash up to twenty feet. The tragedy of the city and the people’s destruction is not forgotten, and the excavation and preservation of this marvelous place allows us to see a slice of ancient Roman life. Stroll along the streets at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover the pathways taken by both royal and commoners of the day.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangOctober 26, 2019travel, nature, pompeii, ruins, pompeii ruins, italy, roman ruins, roman, roman architecture, UNESCO, unesco world heritage siteComment

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, Italy

The mouthwatering taste of this perfect pizza still lingers after two years. Elizabeth Gilbert raves about it in her Eat, Pray, Love novel, sending tourists flocking to this seasoned spot. Established in 1870, this pizzeria claims to make the best pizza in Naples and the world. The United States outpost opened its doors in Spring of 2019 in Los Angeles. The bubbling cheese, fresh basil, yeasty dough, and fresh tomato fills the area with a tantalizing aroma.

FoodYafen LiangOctober 24, 2019italy, food, l'antica pizzeria da michele, naples, pizzaComment

Street Views in Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is a coastal town in southwest Italy. Its dramatic cliffs face the Bay of Naples. Its winding roads is full of vendors selling gelato, ceramics, woodwork, and the requisite tacky souvenirs. Limoncello — think alcoholic lemonade — is produced in Sorrento. Honeymooners walk underneath the afternoon sun. It is a slow town where meandering is encouraged and visitors can relish in the salt air and sea breeze.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangOctober 22, 2019travel, nature, sorrento, italy, bay, bay of naples, coast, amalfi coast, limoncello, gelatoComment

Vallone dei Mulini in Sorrento, Italy

Vallone dei Mulini, also known as Valley of the Mills is close enough to the city center to warrant a peak at it. On street level, visitors can look below into the valley and see abandoned flour mills. The stone mills date back to the 13th century and its primary use was to grind grain. Due to shifts in industry and reconstruction around the city, the mills were closed and abandoned in the 1940s as access to trade was blocked and the valley experienced great humidity.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangSeptember 11, 2019vallone de mulini, sorrento, italy, mills, abandonedComment

Street Views in Naples, Italy

Naples is without a doubt, a gritty city. From a bird’s eye view, the wide roads and colorful buildings look well kept, rolling down from the hill towards the water. A beautiful view of Mount Vesuvius echoes in the distance. One might mistake it for a southern Italian paradise. Unlike the picturesque Capri, Amalfi Coast, or even Sorrento, Naples is a rough around the edges, lived in city. The locals may speak little to no English. You’ll bend your ear to make sense of the few words you may have studied before landing here. This place isn’t catered to tourists. Nor should it be.

Travel, CityYafen LiangJuly 21, 2019travel, city, naples, italy, street views, birdseye view, birdseye, coastComment