Binoy Nazareth Adds Croatia to His Bucket List

Explore the Secrets of Croatia

Zdravo (Hello in Croatian)! Welcome to the land of 1000 islands! Discover delicious food, unique culture and a misted over history of Croatia. If you are looking for a refreshing vacation or an adventure through walled towns or even a relaxing holiday by the sea, add Croatia to your bucket list. I am fascinated with Croatia where the sapphire waters make a deep impression on the soul and where the hidden treasures of Europe showcase the secrets of yesterday. Make friends and get kissed 3 times!! Or practice a language that draws you closer to the magnificence of Nature.

Pozdrav (greeting)! I am a beach person and would love to let the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea sweep through the mind with soft breezes and invigorate a vacation with the delights of Croatia. Located in Central and Southeast Europe in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia shares a maritime border with Italy and is bordered by Hungary to the northeast, Slovenia in the northwest, Serbis to the east and Bosnia, Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast.

Experience History that Touches the Heart

My bucket list is full of stimulating breaks! Transform your break with a walk through the history of Croatia and immerse yourself in its ancient past. If you are an aficionado of history, Croatia takes the history buff through the Cathedral of St Domnius in Split, the City Walls & Forts of Dubrovnik and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Take a spiritual tour through the Krka Monastery, the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč and St James' Cathedral in Šibenik. Re-visit the past at the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula and let the echoes of the past roar with the cries of the crowd at the gladiator fights. Stop and relish Pasticada with gnocchi and the cuisines from various districts of Croatia with Black risotto, Strukli or pastry, the traditional and typical Pasticada with gnocchi and Peka with meat and vegetables.

I just adore seafood and the Buzara-style cooking with Scampi, mussels or shrimps na Buzarujsut takes the taste buds on a glorious journey while the Skradinski risotto is a treat for every foodie with its veal, ham, chicken, beef and onions. Croatia shares some news for the adventurer with hiking trails, climbing for the brave hearts and the Nature pundits at the Paklenica National Park in North Dalmatia and the Krka National Park with its waterfalls steeped in extraordinary karst and natural surroundings.

My bucket list is abuzz with things to do, places to see and exciting activities in Croatia. You can take off cycling, hiking or rafting to discover Nature’s splendors or walk through the ancient cobbled streets to experience the past. Being a beach lover, I would like to explore Korčula Island with its sandy beaches, small villages, the gorgeous old town, vineyards and olive groves. Stop off at the historic town of Trogir with its beautiful architecture, breathtaking sea views and palm trees. Hold your breath and dive down to absorb a spiritual exercise at the Blue Lagoon where you can surprise the mind with the Stations of the Cross.

Explore the Culinary Secrets of Croatia

My taste buds tingle with the culture of cuisines in Croatia and my culinary journey is rejuvenated with Croatian dishes which are both creative and captivating. Whipping up a storm with the fragrant Gregada an imaginative stew, the aspiring chef in me would love also to taste the rare Vitalac which originates from the island of Brač.  The mouth-watering dishes of Croatia evolve over delicacies such as Istarski fuzi, a pasta served with veal sauce, Brudet, a fish stew,  Viska and komiska pogaca, a savoury dish with salted fish and roasted turkey with mlinci pasta, a traditional Croatian pasta dish. You can top your incredible meal with wine, Grappa, Prosek or Maraschino. Croatia showcases a mind-boggling carousel of culinary delights which take you on a trip through sugary treats like Fritule, Apple Strudel, Bajamini, Krempite, walnut rolls and an array of mouth-watering desserts.

I have chosen Croatia especially as a distinctive summer and winter holiday destination where tourists can amaze their getaway with innumerable activities. Croatia offers fabulous sightseeing in summer and visitors can enjoy winter with the awesome sight of the frozen-over Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy an experience at the Drubovnik Winter Festival or attend the various Drubovnik events at the Old Town, toast the season with mulled wine and cakes or stroll through the Advent and Christmas markets.

As I celebrate the spirit of relaxing and rejuvenating, my bucket list teems over with spectacular winter activities in Croatia which includes reviving at the thermal spas, skiing and indulging in a day trip to the Neretva Valley also known as the ‘Garden of Drubovnik’. Take off and mingle with the culture of carnivals in Croatia or explore a museum and relax on the beach with a glass of the famed Croatian wine.

Binoy Nazareth Takes You on a Must-see Destination for all Seasons

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Binoy Nazareth Experiences the Rain in Spain

Experience the Exhilaration of Spain

Hola! Are you ready to experience the land of the flaming flamenco, football and fiesta? Bienvenidos! Come with me to experience the rain in Spain, the fascinating cities, gorgeous beaches and the captivating culture. I am and will always be intrigued by the kingdom of Spain located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. With endless and attractive sights, things to do and explore, Spain has been featured on my bucket list as an exhilarating destination.

In my mind, the land of exotic and vibrant Spain is the epitome of color which takes you by surprise and wonder. I was so intrigued by La Piel de Toro or The Bull Skin as it is popularly called, that I started making notes of the exciting sights, festivals and especially the delicious dishes that I was going to experience. I was also planning on being chased by the bulls at the much-awaited ‘Running of the Bulls’ at a noted Andalusian city called Pamplona which also showcases Islamic architecture. I am just waiting to include interesting and inviting fiestas like the Fiesta de los Patios and the Romería de Nuesra Señora de le Cabeza which has been held for over 800 years!  Can you imagine being covered with ripe tomatoes at La Tomatina where you will be dripping over with juice from tomatoes? Sightseeing in Spain covers innumerable UNESCO heritage sites, art museums the most famous being the Museo del Prado, the Picasso Museum, the Salvador Dalí Museum and the Guggenheim Museum and of course other awesome destinations.

Go on a Tasteful Sojourn with Breathtaking Culinary Adventures

Being an ardent chef and a foodie at heart, my adventurous spirit has been inspired by gourmet and peasant cuisines. Steeped in Mediterranean roots, Spain showcases the popular paella which can be combined with vegetables, seafood or meats. I am waiting to devour pescaíto frito or fried fish, Castilian soup, vegetable and fish-based stews, the lightly cured lacón ham and a variety of seafood. It would be great to start off my day with graham crackers and Magdalena, a sweet muffin before I move to an adventure-filled culinary journey with a before-lunch snack of bocadillos calientes which are hot sandwiches filled with bacon, tortilla, pork loin and sausage.

Disfruta tu comida…enjoy your food! That’s what warms the cockles of my heart! I just love the cultural influences of Spain with its Mediterranean Spain, Inner Spain and the Atlantic Spain cuisines that range over soups like gazpacho, rice based dishes, stews and seafood. It would be wonderful to sit down to a meal filled with culinary delights after exploring the cathedrals, museums and the awesome architecture of Barcelona. Exhibiting the much-talked about Catalan cuisine, Barcelona showcases the famed truffled sweet potato, cod brandade and oxtail soup to enchant the taste buds of adventurous spirits. Madrid opens out avenues of shopping with its central barrio and is ideal for picking up quirky gifts and souvenirs. Which adventurer is not fascinated by history? I just love the passionate and sophisticated lifestyle of Spain as it uncovers the secrets of the Alhambra in Granada with its fortified palace, the seat of the Nasrid emirs.

Witness a Kaleidoscope of Sights, Sounds and Sensations

If you love exploring, the Alcázar in Seville ranges out the Mudéjar and Christian architecture which houses the UNESCO-listed palace complex of Palacio de Don Pedro which is breathtaking and memorable taking pride of place. Enriching a rich culture, Córdoba beckons with its spacious and remarkable Mezquita. Toning up the sweet life, I would just adore to sink into a cushion of oblivion at Ibiza and relax on the sun-drenched beach sipping a Cava and enjoying the Tapas or starters. Did I tell you that the beaches of Tenerife, Mallorca and Gran Canaria are just as inviting and relaxing? I could sit all day watching the waves and chilling out with great seafood dishes such as Pulpo a la Gallega or boiled octopus, Sepia or cuttlefish, Calamares or squid, Buñuelos de Bacalao deep fried and breaded cod, garlic shrimp or Gambas Ajillo  and Pescado Frito or fried fish.

My bucket list seems to grow immeasurably with sights, sounds and sensations of Spain as you visit San Sebastián. Your day will turn into myriad adventures as you explore the amazing Aquarium and its marine life. Not to miss sights are the scenic Parque de Cristina Enea, the fiesta-inspiring Playa de la Concha and the Playa de Ondarreta and the Kursaal which showcases cultural and conference centers. You can make a pit stop at the numerous bars and cafes where you can enjoy the pintxos and sip Horchata, a non-alcoholic drink, Sangria, sherry wine or Fino and Cider or Sidra.

 

Be it the flamenco, the fiestas, the fiery nightlife or the fascinating sights, Spain is one of the must-see destinations which will be etched in your heart, mind and soul.

 

Binoy Nazareth Invites You to Experience Spain – A Destination to the Heart

 

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Binoy Nazareth Shares His Dream Destination Bucket List

Light up Your Life with Alaska’s Aurora Borealis

Want to weave your adventure with all that’s wild, wonderful and winsome? Come and enjoy my dream destination bucket list and go on a wanderlust journey. Open the doors to dream destinations that will help to power the inspiration to go on an endless sojourn. I have always longed for adventure and the opportunity to experience unique places. This time, I decided to discover the unique, unusual and unforgettable appeal of Alaska. Yes, of course I did go through several vacation websites and was totally convinced to embark on a memorable holiday in Alaska.

Come with me and discover extraordinary facts about Alaska. I had always been intrigued by the Northern lights or the famous Aurora Borealis that shimmers over Alaska and is witnessed by tourists from all over the world. This incredible destination is the only state that has coastlines which range over the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Can you imagine padding up with your warmest clothes in one of the coldest places in the world and taking off to explore the much-talked about 100 volcanoes and the volcanic fields? You can go hiking, fishing, watch dog mushing or just sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Enjoy a Natural Holiday in a Cool Destination

Discover a laidback holiday in a cool place where there is more inland water than any other state in USA. There are over 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska. Just imagine enjoying exciting sports like skiing, kayaking and mountain biking. I could just spend days in the great outdoors and explore the huge Denali National Park with its flora and fauna. With any amount of accommodations of all types, one can also find RV parks and camping grounds to suit hard-core Nature afficionados!

Have you ever thought about sitting in a snug restaurant all warmly clad and tucking into the most delicious Alaskan dishes? This has been topmost in my mind since I am an aspiring chef and adventurer rolled into one! Are you ready for Alaska’s mouth-watering and delicious dishes that evolve over scrumptious seafood, wild berry cobbler topped by your favorite wines and beers? This is the life…the real McCoy, I thought this is what happens when you set off to a natural sojourn, your dream wish comes true with natural offerings. Alaska is a truly inspirational place which offers the most iconic dishes that range over food for the soul with wild berry jellies and jams. A true blue foodie could have a smorgasbord of delights with cold water seafood, game meats, sourdough bread, reindeer dogs, seafood chowder, black cod, prime ribs, smoked salmon, chocolate bread, gumbo, King crab and Eskimo Ice Cream better known as "Aqutak" or "Agutuk”.

Discover a Gourmet Smorgasbord

Refreshing…This is what I call a rejuvenating holiday where you need to blend in with the locals, eat like a local and breathe in the natural air at intriguing destinations. Open your mind and taste the essence of tradition with dishes made from walrus, fish, whales, moose meat, caribou meat, seal meat and oils which is not only delicious but also helps to keep one warm! Every holiday of mine has been filled with experience and learning which was needed to be in sync with my spirit of adventure which manifests itself in what I eat, where I choose to go and all of my passions!

Join me on my Alaskan sojourn topped to the brim with activities for all types of adventurers with zip lining through the Boreal Forest in Denali, going on a cruise or a fishing expedition. Breathtaking and brilliant, Alaska unravels the keys to its wondrous sights with The Great Land evolving over five regions covering the Arctic, the  Inside Passage, the Southcentral, Interior, and Southwest. Home to the home to the Inupiat Eskimos who still live there, the Arctic ranges out incredible sights. The Inside Passage holds the secrets of Alaska’s flora and fauna with lush scenes and fjords. The Southcentral takes you to view enriching experiences of wildlife viewing, hiking and world-class with innumerable lakes and mountains. With a hilly terrain, the Southwest evolves over hills and plains while the Interior unrolls the Tundra experience.

With awesome activities and events, you can take part in the Fur Rendezvous festival in Anchorage, Running of the Reindeer, dog mushing or absorbing the tranquil northern lights. But wait, if there is a vestige of a chef in you and if Alaska is the place which has taken you to the land of intrigue, then you must try uutngungsaat, mouse food, negaasget, iitat and marallat which are roots made in to a wondrous soup. With the ice-cold atmosphere in Alaska, the locals use the fermentation technique which preserves certain foods such as stinkeggs and stinkhead. Being a seafood fan, I am waiting to try out Crab-Stuffed Halibut, Spot Prawns, Caribou soup Oysters and a host of delicious culinary Alaskan skills.

Follow Binoy Nazareth’s foray into the Secrets of an Alaskan Experience

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Binoy Nazareth in Mumbai – Venturing into the Realms of Nostalgia

Explore the Stuff that Dreams are Made Of

Teeming with dreamers, celebrities from every walk of life, millionaires and a roiling melting pot of cosmopolitan culture, Mumbai or Bombay as it was once called is the stuff that dreams are made of. Mumbai pulls you into the vortex of British architecture, the celluloid world, beaches and cuisines galore. Binoy Nazareth revels in a nostalgic dream as he recalls his roots in a sprawling city which is the capital of the state of Maharashtra in India with its population growing over 21 million.

Mumbai has been the dream of aspiring actors and has always been center focus of power, politics, fame and wealth. But it has its seamy side filled with the largest slum population in India. With Bollywood and the most prestigious TV industry in India, Mumbai echoes with entertainment while its financial side brims over with commerce, industry and enterprise.

Experience the Magic of Mumbai

With its seamless amalgamation of food, religions, music and festivities, Mumbai has never failed to draw its citizens or visitors into its magic circle and Binoy has been no exception. Each and every facet of this metropolitan city has been woven into the everyday life of its inhabitants. It’s fascinating name, Bombay was derived from Bom Bahia which means “Beautiful Bay” was named by a Portuguese.

Binoy Nazareth’s early upbringing has been touched by the realm of an exotic culture. As delicious aromas waft from the local eateries and street food hawkers, Binoy has traveled the length and breadth of 1000 flavors. Besides the popular and tantalizing dishes made on festive days, Binoy has enjoyed the Chaat snacks. Who can forget the luxurious experience of eating Vada pav and Pav bahaji, muses Binoy. As a special treat, these incredible delicacies would bring excitement, the most fulfilling and replete sense of enjoyment to his heart as a young boy. Tickling the taste buds with exotic aromas and tempting the palate with awesome tastes, Binoy has been swept away by the wonder and magic of gastronomic concoctions that evolve over Murgh Malai, Chicken tikka, Dhal Bukhara, Butter Chicken and countless aromatic dishes.

Fascinated by the culinary repertoire of Mumbai, Binoy has indulged in a tasteful journey and has never stopped to experiment and try his hand at whipping up famous dishes till today. Who has not succumbed to the sweet travel of Mumbai desserts? Binoy has floated on the sweet path of confectionaries made popular by the wonderful ingredients and blend of various concoctions. He has tried the awe-inspiring melt-in-the-mouth sweet dishes and a range of soul enhancing desserts fit for the gods.

Reliving the 3 A’s of Gully Cricket

Cricket has been an all-time favorite with Indians and Mumbai promises to hike your cricket fever at its stadiums. Binoy takes a sneak peek into the joys of gully cricket, a pastime of every boy, everywhere in India till today. He relives the excitement of playing his favorite gully cricket with his everyday gang of unruly sportsmen who applied the 3 A’s of Gully Cricket – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow! Binoy goes back into his childhood fantasy of playing backyard cricket with his trusty lieutenants. The entire game would be filled with the sounds of battle, joy, sorrow at losing a wicket, arguments and a celebration bubbling with who did what and when. Sometimes, Binoy recalls, they would be chased off a particular alleyway by a scowling housewife or when their tennis ball hit one of the windows, the sound of breaking glass would eliminate the bravado of even the most boastful team and send them scampering away in different directions. The gully cricket teams would appear as if by magic anytime and anywhere with makeshift equipment like chairs or a box for the wicket, tennis balls taped up with whatever was handy and scouting teams who searched long and hard for any flat good stretch of ground, anywhere.

Try out Mumbai’s Non-stop Shop-till-you-drop Expedition

Binoy advises travelers to indulge in a delectable dining experience and top it with a shopping expedition fit for the brave hearted. Share your romance with the city of adventure Walk through the slums at Dharavi and go on a city tour of Mumbai to feel the pulse of a city that never sleeps or take off into the nightlife of Mumbai. Binoy insists that a suburban train ride is a must to feel the humanity of the throbbing city of Mumbai. As a must, one should visit Chowpati Jayenge Bhel Puri Khayenge where you can enjoy Bhel Puri while watching the sunset glimmer over Arabian Sea. Binoy Nazareth wanders through a world of nostalgia, dreams, fun, food and fantastic experiences at his favorite city of Mumbai.

Discover the Romance of Unforgettable Mumbai, the vibrant city!!`

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Binoy Nazareth and the Italian Connection

Are you consumed by the power of wanderlust which takes you to places unknown, where you immerse your soul in the ethereal fantasies of Nature and discover the art of passion? I was led by my intuitive sense of adventure which took me to seek the treasures of history, culture and revel in a journey of the most talked-about cuisines of the world. With all roads leading to Rome, I was captured by the spirit of wanderlust as I ventured into the realms of Rome to seek hidden treasures surrounded by myths, mystery and mesmerizing facts of the much-visited tourist destination of Italy.

I was totally overwhelmed by Rome which is the capital of Italy with a history of almost 3,000 years of art, architecture and a haunting background of the Roman Empire. As a much-anticipated trip and a dream vacation, I set out on my Italian Connection tour by taking the sights and sounds and sensations of Rome with St. Peter’s Basilica which was first on list followed by the eye-opening artistic Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel was a glorious entrée into the architecture of times gone by and an eternal ode to the celestial and captivating art of the 1400s. After a filling and satisfying ‘prima colazione’ which consisted of fette biscottate, caffè latte and cookies, I joined the merry band of adventurers to explore the treasures of Rome.

The City of Rome Makes an Offer You Can’t Refuse

I just loved the atmosphere and the warmth of the sun as it filtered through an ambience of immortality and filled the traveler’s soul with all things everlasting. I absorbed the Roman environment at the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Palace of Justice and the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II which reverberated with the culture of a charismatic time. I was just waiting to explore the taste of a Roman holiday and revel in the much-talked of Italian dishes. I enjoyed the famous Bruschetta which is a popular antipasto or appetizer, Supplì or fried rice croquettes stuffed with mozzarella and beef ragout and a pasta dish called Bucatini all'Amatriciana and of course, who could resist trying out the delicious gelato, Tiramisu and Panna Cotta?

While Rome had cast a spell over me, I was still raring to explore the romance and the dream-like sequence of gliding through the canals of Venice. Yes, I did try out the gorgeous gondola ride which was every bit like the guide books said they were. Being every traveler’s dream, Venice unrolled spectacular sights and experiences as I walked in awe through St. Mark's Cathedral, San Marco Square and the Doge Palace. The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello held a special interest for me with their incredible glass making crafts while displaying the lifestyle of the Venetians. Fascinating and ethereal, the gorgeous canals of Venice rendered a surrealistic feeling and it was natural to try out flavors of seafood being surrounded by water. I relished the delicious Sarde in saor, a sweet sour dish with fried sardine fillets, Risotto al nero di sepia, a seafood based rice dish and Baccala mantecato or creamed dried cod including other fabulous specialties which consisted of game meats and the famous wines of Italy at the osterias and trattorias.

Delighting the Palate with the Flavors of Italy

Created for the fashionista, Milan as I expected was as fashionable as ever and chock full with famous boutiques and high-end designer outlets. I had read extensively about the historical sights of Milan and made it a point to visit the much-talked of grand Gothic Duomo. My gastronomic journey went on a flavorsome tour with Risotto alla Milanese textured to perfection, Cotoletta alla Milanese or veal cutlet, Cassouela made with pork and Savoy cabbage stew and many other delicacies.

I discovered tranquility and peace at the picturesque and picture perfect, Cinque Terre which means Five Villages and was transported into an ambience that was centuries old with colorful houses and vineyards clinging precariously to the sides of rugged cliffs. With harbors which were chock-a-bloc with fishing boats and trattorias with seafood cuisine, I marveled at the famous pesto which is a sauce from the Liguria region.

After visiting Pisa with its unique Leaning Tower which is also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli", or the "Square of Miracles", I traveled to explore the tourist destination of Sorrento, taste the famous Limoncello, relax at the  Marina Grande and absorb the bustling downtown which seemed like an everyday carnival. Being an adventurer at heart, I had decided to explore the ruins of Pompeii which had been destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Crafting the Art of an Italian Romance

Known as a popular backdrop for films and a great tourist destination, the Amalfi Coast delighted me with its pastel-colored fishing villages, sheer cliffs with lemon groves and dotted with appealing beaches which stretched across a rocky shoreline along the Tyrrhenian Sea. My taste buds were raring to go and I sat down to experience a combination of seafood and other great dishes with Scialatelli, a pasta in seafood sauce, ’Ndunderi, a type of pasta, Sarchiapone made with stuffed pumpkin, Pigniatello all’ amalfitana, a blend of seafood, Colatura di alici, a fermented fish sauce and a delicious dessert, Sfogliatella.

I just loved the dashing town of Positano with its dramatic yet luxurious ambience. Painting a picturesque sight with its cliff-side village which cascaded with terracotta and pastel colored houses, this great tourist destination displayed fabulous shopping outlets, hotels shaded with hanging wisteria and awesome restaurants. Bringing the rich harvest of the ocean to satisfy the taste buds, the restaurants in Positano served an amazing array of the local dishes and I reveled in a feast of seafood fit for Neptune. Delighting the palate with a wide range of both gourmet and local tastes, the cuisine of Positano ranged out mouth-watering Spaghetti with mussels, Boiled Octopus dishes, Tubetti with Totani which squid, Linguine with Fresh Prawns, ravioli, Gnocchi, pasta and spaghetti with flavors divine washed down with Chianti Classico, Rosso di Montalcino,  Falerno del massico and other great Campania wines. cheese and liquors.

As my Italian sojourn drew to a close, I was determined to bring alive the flavors of gorgeous Italy to tickle the taste buds which you will be delighted to read in my next adventure posting.

Binoy Nazareth Invites You to Delight the Taste Buds with the Flavors of Italy

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