the nomad lab

Honor & Folly B&B: Detroit, Michigan

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:30:04 -0700

Honor & Folly B&B.

I’ve been a fan of the Designtripper blog for a long time, and I was so excited when I came across Meghan McEwen’s B&B that she started in Detroit: Honor & Folly.

The first thing that stands out to me about this place is just how comfortable it feels. It’s absolutely somewhere I could see myself living, and definitely somewhere I’d see myself unwinding after a long day. I also love her focus on really integrating this B&B with the local community and bringing in designers to add their own personal, creative touches.

The Apartment.

The whole B&B is two bedrooms, which accommodates 4 people. You can rent one room or both rooms, and you’ll get to participate in any fun activities going on in the main room, like cooking classes or shop events from the community.

Not only is the B&B stocked with all sorts of fantastic design goods curated from around the community, but lots of the stuff is actually for sale, so if you fall in love with it, you can take it home with you!

Plus, the amenities are awesome. A fully stocked kitchen, vintage bikes to ride around town, and a specially created Honor & Folly guide to Detroit.

The Location.

Honor & Folly is located in the neighborhood of Corktown, a charming little area with lots of fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes. It’s actually located upstairs from a BBQ restaurant by the name of Slows which looks absolutely delish to a girl like me who grew up in Texas.

Heard enough? Make a reservation through the website here:

Honor & Folly.

(All photos from Honor & Folly.)

Let's Paint the Town Blue! Júzcar, Spain

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:12:01 -0700

The Smurfs took over this little town of Júzcar (population: 220-ish) in Spain in 2011.

The couple hundred residents voted and agreed to let Sony paint the entire town blue. No, really. Imagine the sudden flow of tourists! It’s not hard to understand why they decided to keep it after the movie was done filming.

I think the blue is actually beautiful. It brightens up the whole town and gives it so much character. I’d love to visit next time I go to Europe.

Check out the before and after of this town below:

Crazy, right? That’s apparently 1,100 gallons of blue paint. As cheesy as it all looks with Smurfs everywhere, I kind of love that Júzcar embraced the Smurfdom and went all out with it.

See the video of the company who did the painting below, and more photos, of course!

(Photos from nukamari, J. Javier Garcia, JUAN JOSE, Sonia Sisi, landahlauts, and kuriositas)

Buenos Aires - Inception Park. If only this were real. Created...

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:28:27 -0700

Buenos Aires - Inception Park.

If only this were real.

Created by Black Sheep Films. Directed by Fernando Livschitz.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Legado Mitico Hotel

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:30:42 -0700

Legado Mitico Hotel.

If you haven’t noticed already, I have a thing for libraries with leather couches.

I’m just in love with the color scheme here: the dark browns, the deep reds, and the neutral cream colors.

Each of the rooms of this hotel are actually themed after a historical character, for example: Eva Peron or Che Guevara. You’ll find customized elements in your room such as vintage hatboxes or posters… alongside all the modern “necessities” you’d need like jacuzzi tubs and flat screen TVs, of course.

I like that this hotel seems to embrace Buenos Aires and really takes advantage of its rich history to influence design and furnishings, without becoming too cheesy or tacky.

Find out more here: Legado Mitico.

(All photos from Tablet Hotels.)

Lamu, Kenya: Lamu Beach House

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:40:22 -0700

Lamu Beach House.

Expansive space, white walls and simple wood furnishings.

This beach house is definitely the right way to escape from all your worries. With an unspoilt panoramic view right on the water, you can take in everything from your backyard.

Things I love: Dark wood ceiling beams. Huge archways on the back patio. Authentic Swahili craftsmanship all around the house. 4 staff members to fulfill your every need!

For more info, check out Welcome Beyond’s interview with the owners.

(All photos from Welcome Beyond.)

Adventurers Who Travel Different: Roadmonkey, Vietnam

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:08:22 -0700

Roadmonkey: Adventure Philanthropy.

I’m really loving all the “adventure travel with purpose” opportunities that I’ve been coming across lately. You get to see the world from a more unique point of view, and make someone else’s life a little bit better at the same time.

Roadmonkey provides adventure philanthropy tours to exotic corners of the world.

Build a school in India + experience the Ganesh Festival firsthand.

Build a community garden in Nicaragua + learn to surf.

Build an organic garden in Zanzibar + scale Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Build a kids’ soccer field and take a bike tour through the Mekong Delta.

Build a greenhouse for an Andean village + go white-water rafting in Peru.

These are incredible, incredible experiences. Simple lodging and food is included in the tour, and you really get a chance to experience life alongside the locals. It seems like Roadmonkey has set up partnerships with some great organizations to help out local communities and share their cultures, while finding a way to give travelers a little kick of adrenaline as well.

Tours last 1-2 weeks and are limited to small teams so you can get a full, immersive experience. Be ready to get your hands dirty.

Ready to go?

Find out more here:

Website: Roadmonkey.

Facebook: Roadmonkey.

Twitter: @RoadmonkeyCEO

(All photos from Roadmonkey.)

Italian Fix: "Fall in Love," Le Cinque Terre Tour

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:30:07 -0700

(via ItalianFix.com)

Fall in love with the Cinque Terre.

I’ve already made it pretty clear that this is my favorite place on earth. I’ve spent days just wandering the narrow walkways of each of the five towns of the Cinque Terre and it just feels like home.

What I love about this tour is how intimate it is. The group is limited to 10 people, and the activities really give visitors a unique look into the rich culture and lives of the Italian locals.

A visit to a locally-owned wine cellar. A cooking class in a 17th century villa using locally sourced ingredients. Shopping at the market. A photography session at sunset with a fancy photographer from Milan. And of course, plenty of hiking, beach time, and wandering on your own.

This is the way to see the Cinque Terre.

I should point out this tour is in the beginning of June. Italian Fix also creates custom itineraries, which you can look into on their website.

To find out more, check out Italian Fix.

(Photos by hdrdoc, j_brittin, haldlov, sushilgr, carolineakircher, VT_Professor, mattjfleet)

Just a little bit of Nashville Instagram love from my trip last...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:00:49 -0700

Just a little bit of Nashville Instagram love from my trip last winter.

Sprawling colonial homes with white picket fences. Huge trees everywhere just asking to be climbed. Coffee shops and used bookstores and vintage boutiques galore. Love.

Hokkaido, Japan: Kimamaya Boutique Hotel

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:01:52 -0700

Fancy finding a modern Swiss chalet in the middle of Japan.

Kimamaya Boutique Hotel is a Design Hotel, located by Niseko, one of Japan’s fantastic ski resorts. The petite 9-room hotel combines a little bit of authentic Hokkaido farm architecture with a little bit of sleek Scandinavian style.

Get Zen.

I would just love to come home from a long day on the slopes and step into the warmth of this chalet. Alpine-style rooms with supremely comfortable beds to sink into, rain showers in charcoal slate bathrooms, and three (!) different types of pillows to choose from.

I also have a serious thing for lofts. Climb a ladder up to my bedroom? Count me in. (Although I suppose I should probably factor in the fact that my muscles would be insanely sore after a long day of snowboarding, and would hate me for forcing myself up a ladder to get into bed.)

The simplicity and warmth of the whole lodge makes it the perfect cozy escape from the chilly snow-laden slopes outdoors. The lodge also makes a great setting for other seasons, when travelers come to go hiking and enjoy the outdoors.

Check out more here:

Kimamaya Boutique Hotel

(Photos from Kimamaya Boutique Hotel)

“Anytime you walk in another person’s shoes, the...

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:16:34 -0700

“Anytime you walk in another person’s shoes, the world becomes a better place.”

Anthony Bourdain. No Reservations. 8 Seasons in 80 Seconds.

(via Travel Channel)

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Apparently, Game of Thrones has...

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:51:00 -0700

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Apparently, Game of Thrones has done some filming here near Ballintoy, Northern Ireland for the upcoming season. It’s so beautiful. Excited!

(Photos from RowanC82 and autisticglobetrotting2010)

The Cube Pavilion, by Park Associati

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:12:25 -0700

How would you like to have dinner atop a major landmark or historical monument?

The Cube Pavilion, designed by the architects of Park Associati, and commissioned by Electrolux, allows you to do just that.

This pop-up restaurant was launched last April in Brussels, on top of the Parc du Cinquentenaire, and is traveling across Europe to sit temporarily on top of major sites to provide guests with the most unique, spectacular view.

The restaurant itself seats 18 guests with an open flexible floor plan, and will house famous chefs from all over the world to create mouthwatering dishes for the guests in an open show kitchen.

As would be expected, everything in this Cube Pavilion is made only with the highest quality, eco-friendly materials, advanced technological equipment (provided by Electrolux, of course), and with a versatility and lightness in mind to allow guests to really feel immersed in their environment.

The Cube is in Milan until the end of April, and is planning to move on to London and Stockholm after that.

Want to find out more (and book a reservation)?

The Cube, by Park Associati & Electrolux.

(Photos from arch daily and inhabitat)

Touch Russia. This might be one of my new favorite travel videos...

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:08:44 -0700

Touch Russia.

This might be one of my new favorite travel videos yet.

Shakespeare & Co. Bookshop. Paris, France.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:17:54 -0700

Shakespeare & Co. Bookshop.

Paris, France.

Holi, The Festival of Colors

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:59:48 -0800

Happy Holi!

This beautiful festival of spring is being celebrated today across many parts of the world.

Primarily a Hindu ritual, the day is marked by a fantastic rainbow of colorful scented powders that revelers throw at each other. At night, bonfires are lit, and the festivities continue in order to welcome the beginning of the season.

One of the great things I’ve read about this festival is that it’s a time for everyone to overcome so many of the strict social norms, bringing everyone from different social classes together in their celebrations.

Can’t miss the joy on everyone’s faces in these photos. I would love to see this one day in person.

Check out some more gorgeous photos that the Atlantic posted of this year’s celebration here on In Focus:

The Colors of Holi 2012

(Photos from Barsana-Nandgaon Holi, DKS15, Jitendra Singh, and bradbeamana)

London, England: Palmer's Lodge Swiss Cottage Hostel

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:49:14 -0800

In London and on a budget? Take a look at the Swiss Cottage Boutique Hostel, a Palmer’s Lodge property.

Actually, even if you’re not on a budget, check it out. I stayed there way back in 2008 when I was backpacking through Europe, and it’s still one of my favorite hostels in Europe.

The building just has so much character, and it fits right into London’s historical aesthetic. The whole place is inviting and warm, with rich wood furnishings, deep red accents, and a gorgeous intricate ceiling in the lobby.

There are both private rooms and dorm rooms, free Wifi and computers for your use, a full restaurant and bar, and free breakfast (and it’s actually good!). I love that the common areas, including the restaurant, are so conducive to getting to know your fellow travelers: communal dining tables, lots of couches and a pool table in the lounge.

When I was there, they also did a great job in helping to organize activities around and outside London. The hostel is located just a few blocks from the closest tube stop, so there’s easy access to everything.

Find them here:

Palmer’s Lodge: Swiss Cottage Boutique Hostel

Facebook: Palmer’s Lodge Swiss Cottage

Twitter: @PalmersLodge

(All Photos from the Swiss Cottage Hostel homepage)

It’s a pop-up café.. on ice! Leiden, Netherlands. Must...

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:56:48 -0800

It’s a pop-up café.. on ice!

Leiden, Netherlands. Must visit.

(Found on The Pop Up City)

Adventures in Philly

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:38:20 -0800

I was not expecting this, but I totally loved Philly. Loved it.

I was there for just a few days last week and took advantage of the time to explore as much of the city as I could. Luckily, I had the perfect tour guide in the form of my boyfriend who is originally from Philly, and was more than happy to show me around his hometown.

I love that it’s such a walking city, and that everything feels like a little piece of history. Every neighborhood has it’s own character (and characters). It kind of feels like a mini-New York, at a little slower pace.

Here are some of my favorite places:

Reading Terminal Market.

Just aisles and aisles of every kind of food imaginable. Everything freshly caught and freshly made.

It’s a great mixture of both prepared ready-to-eat foods like gyros, pasta, and pizza, and fresh produce, seafood and meats to bring home and cook yourself. Oh, and more dessert than I could begin to handle. Chocolates, candy shops, and ice cream galore.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.

This place is wild. Isaiah Zagar is a mosaic artist who has pieces all over Philly, and he created this cultural arts center magical wonderland that spans an entire half a block on South Street.

Wander through the maze of mosaics covering the floor, walls, and often the ceiling of this beautiful garden. There are quotes and poems and amazing images created by the design of each tile’s placement, and Zagar also uses additional items like glass bottles and bicycle parts to create fantastical sculptures.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. 1020 South Street.

Philly Cheesesteaks.

We conducted a taste test between Pat’s and Geno’s. Geno’s won.

La Colombe Torrefaction.

Such a perfect little coffee bar. My macchiato was flawless. Plus, it’s located right next door to Rittenhouse Square so you can sip your coffee and people-watch in the park if the weather’s nice.

The Book Trader.

The perfect kind of used bookstore. You know, books piled high to the ceiling in a maze of bookshelves and a travel section that spans several shelves.

Dunkin’ Donuts!

I grew up with Dunkin’ Donuts in Texas. It was a childhood favorite. But we Californians don’t have the luxury of a Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner. We don’t have it all :( So I took advantage of every opportunity to savor in it by going every single morning I was in Philly (I’m serious).

——

That’s all, folks. I have to say, there was a lot more to the city that I expected. A lot of history and culture and really unique neighborhoods that I would have loved to have more time to explore. Just means I’ll have to visit again, I guess!

By the way, I took all these pictures with Instagram because I was too lazy to get out my camera.

If you’re not already following me, my username is marissahu.

Relief Riders International

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:34:19 -0800

Relief Riders International.

Adventure with a purpose. So amazing!

For those of you who want to do more than just adventure travel, Relief Riders International is a great way to have a grand adventure and do something good at the same time. The program takes you by horseback to remote villages to provide everything from medical care to education to food aid.

Relief Riders International has a few humanitarian relief trips that run for about 2 weeks each. Locations include fantastic locations such as Cappadocia, Turkey, Rajasthan, India, and across the Thar Desert of India.

Imagine riding horseback across the deserts of India, volunteering at hospitals and schools while bringing essential medical aid to the residents of remote villages, and getting to know both the villagers and your fellow riders during the trip. It sounds like such an incredible learning experience.

Find out more here:

Website: Relief Riders International

To find out more:

Relief Riders International

(All photos from Relief Riders International)

Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:50:08 -0800

YOU GUYS. This place exists.

We have to go immediately.

Due to erosion and landslides, the only thing keeping this town connected to the rest of the world is a pedestrian footbridge.

The town was built by ancient Etruscans about 60 miles north of Rome, with carved rock archways, narrow footpaths and multitudes of wine cellars. Just reading about this town makes me hungry. Ancient olive presses. Bruschetterias. Salumerias. Shops selling ciambellas. Wine cellars filled with giant kegs of wine.

The town is gradually being bought up by wealthy Italians looking for peaceful country vacation homes, but there are still lots of residents living and working in town, relaxing in the piazzas, and ready to chat about the town’s history.

I think this is a must-see for my next trip to Italy.

(Photos by GA Clicker, Ricardo Cuello, dj pettitt)