Inspiration Archives - Page 12 of 15

February 23, 2013 by jfalbelda

The Top 5 Tallest Buildings in the World

Ah, the big city – the sounds, the lights, and of course, the testaments to human ingenuity at their most phallic. Being surrounded by statuesque structures is one of the most appealing aspects of living in or visiting a big city. Of course its one thing for a building to be tall, it’s quite another for it to be among the tallest (though the latter category is more interesting.) So, without further ado, here are the top 5 tallest buildings in the world!

1. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa quickly earned its reputation for being the tallest man-made structure in the world – even before it opened for business. The skyscraper reached an amazing height of 2,722 ft by Jan. 17, 2009, nearly a full year before the official opening on Jan. 4, 2010. Burj Khalifa wiped out the reign of Poland’s 2,120 ft. Warsaw radio mast, which held the world record for 17 years (1974-1991.) The bottom 39 floors of the mixed-use building feature the chic Armani hotel. Read More »

January 20, 2013 by jfalbelda

Enjoying Italy’s Trifecta: Venice – Florence – Rome

The following is a guest post from Rich Calstens

Everybody has their favorite spots in Europe, and it can often say a lot about a person when they tell you where they felt most at home on this extra special continent. Beer lovers and Germany go hand-in-hand, Spain is heaven for those who care about their tan, while foodies find their amour in France.

For me,Italy was the perfect fit. Laid back (almost lazy just like me) and with a bit of everything – that mix of culture, food and good weather. Whether seeing the sights in the north or enjoying a cold beer in the warm south, all of Italy is simply fantastic! Read More »

January 18, 2013 by jfalbelda

How Traveling has Changed in The Past 10 Years

Travel Agency

When I used to travel with my parents back in the day (hell only in the early 2000’s), things were much different than they are today. The internet was definitely gaining a lot of momentum, but people were still very wary of paying for things online, and especially booking their hard earned vacations. I even remember my dad refusing to let me have his credit card to order a CD on the web because he thought everyone was going to steal his identity (fart noise).

This was the golden era of the travel agent. One who utilized the web to make their bookings and do a little research, but still had the masses at their mercy who knew no other way of planning a vacation. I remember my parents, who were definitely pretty savvy travelers, still going to the travel agent to book our trips not so long ago. Read More »

December 28, 2012 by jfalbelda

The Only Thing Permanent in My Life – Tattoos!

I like tattoos. Always have. So much in fact that I didn’t even wait one day after my 18th birthday to hop on a train with my friend Jooce (yup, we actually call him that) from Philly to NYC to get one.

Well, we really went up there to get Fake I.D’s which we accomplished as well, but I knew why I was truly going up there (even if Jooce didn’t). I wanted one so badly that I didn’t even take recommendations from anyone, and I just walked right to the first place I found, paid the guy a hundred bucks and he put my family crest on my right shoulder. It was a tasteful design, but lets just say it didn’t end up like the picture, and I still have a pretty shit tattoo, but, you live and learn…right? :S

I waited a whole year to even consider getting another one. This time, I wanted something on my leg right before going away to college so that I’d be the coolest freshman there (which I obviously was). Instead of just being a “yes man”, I opted to visit a more reputable tattoo parlor in Philadelphia, Kadillac Tattoo, in the Manyunk section of the city. It was so “legit” that I had to go in twice before they even inked me up to drop off my design, have the artist get the mock up ready for my approval and then finally the big day. It came out great with lines so crisp, you could use them as a ruler.

After my first two tattoos, my desire for new tatty tats went dormant as I often forgot I even had them or couldn’t think of anything meaningful that I’d want to bury it under my skin until it decomposed off of my rotting bones (sorry got a little into that one). That was until my recent trip to Asia.

Throughout my trip, I really felt good about everything that was happening. New experiences, complete self-reliance, living by my own rules, you know, renegade shit that makes you want to get a tattoo.

I remembered a painting I had done a couple years ago that still hangs in my living room and I thought, “wow, that would make for a perfect tattoo” – something to live by, something to look down at and go, “yup, every day son”. It says this:

Being that I have made a living out of traveling, I thought it would be the perfect, self-inflicted indelible mark to say a respectable, “Fuck You Corporate America!”. Coffee shop warrior fo’ life!

So, instead of opting to have my tattoo done in Asia (that’s my 25 year old judgement kicking in), I waited until I got back to the city of my birth and site of my last tattoo to get it done up. Six years later since the last one, and with the rise of online reviews dictating much of our off-screen decisions, I opted to search Yelp this time to see where might be the “best place in Philadelphia” to get a tattoo (Kadillac was too far from where I was staying). Read More »

December 13, 2012 by jfalbelda

Christmas Time in Edinburgh!

While some people might opt for a beach vacation during Christmas time to avoid the cold, many prefer to swirl themselves into the winter cheer. Europe offers many great destinations for Christmas time to get into the spirit, even for a lonely Jew like me! One such place is the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh with it’s majestic city center. It will make for a great city break from November to January when the city gears up to try and attract winter-loving tourists. Check out some cool things Edinburgh offers!

Edinburgh Wheel

lit up Ferris Wheel

Formally the Wheel of Manchester…because that’s where it was, the Edinburgh Wheel is a new attraction in the capital city that you can enjoy day and night. It overlooks Princes Street and the beautiful gardens beyond.

Reindeer in St Andrew Square

Kid petting a reindeer

If you’ve got the kiddos in tow, then make their Christmas come true with the chance to pet a real reindeer at Christmas in St Andrew Square. They will be there select dates in 2012, December 9th, 14-16th and the 21-23rd.

Edinburgh Ice Rink

One of the city’s most popular attractions during the winter time, the outdoor, Edinburgh Ice Rink is fun for the whole family. It’s located right near the Edinburgh Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens and only costs a few pound to enjoy.