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6 Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting New Zealand, it’s time to make it happen. The country is a mecca for outdoor adventure and has some of the most breathtaking natural beauty you’ll find anywhere in the world. But if you’re new to travelling here, it can be hard to know where to start. This article provides six exciting things to do when visiting New Zealand for the first time.

Mountain biking in Southland

If you’re the adventurous type, then mountain biking is a great way to see the countryside. There are many trails to choose from and it’s relatively easy to find a mountain bike for hire in Southland. You can ride for miles through stunning scenery with no one else around you.

Play Golf

If you’re a golfing enthusiast, New Zealand is a great place to visit. The country has over 200 golf courses and they are open all year round. You can even play golf in the winter, so it’s perfect for those who want to experience all four seasons.

There are many famous courses in New Zealand: St Andrews, Royal Wellington and Te Parapara are just a few of them. If you’re looking for something more local, there are plenty of locally-owned private clubs where you can enjoy an authentic Kiwi experience while playing some good old-fashioned links-style golf on green fairways surrounded by stunning scenery.

Get a Fun Bus Excursion

If you’re the type of person who likes to travel with a group and enjoy the comfort of your seat, fun bus excursions are a great option for you. You can get on and off at different places and see the country from the comfort of your seat while having a tour guide tell you about the history of each place.

Watch Dolphin Swimming

You can see dolphins in many locations around New Zealand. Some places where you can spot them include Kaikoura, the Bay of Islands and Raglan. If you are interested in seeing dolphins while on vacation to New Zealand, consider booking a dolphin swimming tour. This is a great way to get up close and personal with these intelligent mammals. Dolphin swimming tours are available at several locations throughout the country, including Kaikoura, the Bay of Islands and Raglan.

Plan a Fishing Trip

New Zealand is famous for its fishing, so you should definitely plan a trip to do some of it during your visit. The best way to do this is with a guide who knows the best places to go and how to catch the most fish. You’ll be able to bring home some delicious seafood or even maybe make some friends that can teach you how they cook their catch.

You’ll want to make sure that you pack plenty of sunscreens because the sun can be really bright in New Zealand—you don’t want any burns on your face when you’re out on the water. Don’t forget your camera too; there are lots of great photo opportunities once you get there. And don’t forget your book—it’s important not only for keeping busy but also for helping pass time if things aren’t going well on the fishing trip (or if someone gets tired).

Visit Sky Tower and Go Sky Walking

Sky Tower is the tallest building in New Zealand and a great place to get a bird’s-eye view of Auckland. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go skydiving from the observation deck. You can also enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants or even get married at the top of the tower.

If you’d prefer not to take your life into your hands (or just don’t have time), make sure you check out Auckland Museum instead—it houses artefacts from all over New Zealand history, including an ancient Māori canoe that was salvaged from under Auckland harbor’s mud in 1982 after being lost for several centuries.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a trip soon or just looking for things to do in New Zealand, these are some great ideas. From hiking, fishing and golfing to watching dolphins and skydiving – there’s something for everyone.

About the Author

Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

3 Reasons You Should Dine in Aihe Restaurant & Bar

If you’re ever in Akaroa, New Zealand, you don’t want to skip out on dining at Aihe Restaurant & Bar which is the best restaurant in Akaroa. For those who are unfamiliar with the area, Akaroa is a quaint little town by the water that was formed by French settlers. The town has a rich history that includes being named one of the most haunted places in New Zealand and many other interesting facts about its past. However, what we are most interested in here is how great this restaurant is. Here are just a few reasons why you should dine at Aihe Restaurant & Bar:

The menu has enough variety for everyone.

The food at Aihe Restaurant & Bar is top-notch and high-quality. The menu offers a wide range of choices, from the traditional to the unique, with options for every palate. The restaurant also has a great bar, with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.

The staff at Aihe takes pride in their work and strives to provide the best experience possible for their customers. The servers are friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and always willing to help you find something that suits your tastes.

The menu has enough variety for everyone to find something they’ll enjoy. Whether you’re a vegetarian or have any allergies, there are lots of options that will satisfy your taste buds. And if you prefer to eat meat, the chefs at Aihe Restaurant & Bar can whip up a meal using local seafood and meats that are fresh and flavorful.

The menu is seasonal so you always get what’s in season. Fresh ingredients make all the difference when it comes to cooking delicious food. When you dine out, it doesn’t matter what’s on the menu—you’ll always be able to find something tasty because the chefs at Aihe Restaurant & Bar know exactly where their ingredients come from and how fresh they are when served on your plate.

The location is second to none in Akaroa.

Although the location is second to none in Akaroa, for many visitors it is the location that serves as a drawcard when considering dining options in the area.

Aihe Restaurant & Bar is located on the waterfront of Akaroa and has some of the best views available from any restaurant or bar in New Zealand. While enjoying your meal at Aihe Restaurant & Bar you will be able to look out over Akaroa Harbour towards the Banks Peninsula as well as being able to enjoy magnificent sunsets while sipping on a glass of wine or beer.

The restaurant offers exquisite views of the bay.

Aihe Restaurant & Bar is located on the waterfront of Akaroa, meaning you can enjoy the beautiful views of Akaroa’s picturesque bay from your table. The restaurant overlooks one of the most stunning bays in New Zealand and is definitely one of the best locations for dining out.

Conclusion

Aihe Restaurant & Bar is a great place to eat, with high-quality meals and an unforgettable view of one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. 

About the Author

Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

6 Offbeat Things to Do in NSW For Your Bucket List

NSW is a state where you can find a lot of things to do. The northernmost point of Australia, NSW has so many things waiting for you to explore and enjoy the adventure with your family and friends. Let’s check out some of the awesome things that you can do in this state:

Horse riding holidays in NSW

Horse riding holidays in NSW are a popular activity for people of all ages, especially those who love the outdoors and want to explore the countryside. These days, it’s easy to find horse riding holiday packages that cater to people with different interests, from beginner riders looking for basic lessons on how to ride one of these majestic animals, to advanced riders that want an intense experience.

You can choose between a variety of destinations when planning your trip. Whether you’re interested in visiting Sydney or other parts of New South Wales like Byron Bay or Wollongong (and even Victoria), there are plenty of options available depending on what type of location would work best for your needs.

If you’re not familiar with it already but have always wanted to try horseback riding, now is a perfect time. You might be surprised at how much fun it is and how quickly you’ll be able to get comfortable being up high in the saddle again! Before long though I promise though:

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city and a great place to take in its skyline. It’s open to the public, and there are several ways to climb it:

    • The BridgeClimb takes you up both towers of the bridge via staircases, ladders and narrow beams. You also get a special lift that takes you back down again.
    • The Pylon Lookout walk offers panoramic views of Sydney by walking on top of one pylon (a steel tower that supports cables). Both walks offer spectacular views of Sydney Harbour with no safety harnesses or fences—just steel mesh walkways.

Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Blue Mountains

For a truly breathtaking experience, why not take a scenic helicopter flight over the Blue Mountains? The views you’ll get of the natural landscapes are out of this world.

You can see the rugged formations of sandstone cliffs and deep valleys, as well as some of NSW’s most beautiful waterfalls. You can even see how these areas were formed millions of years ago. The best part is that you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it; just sit back and enjoy the ride.

There are many companies offering tours from Sydney, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to make your way there by car or bus (if necessary). It’s also worth noting that many places offer packages that include both transportation and accommodation costs so all you have left is to enjoy your trip.

Whale Watching in Port Stephens

Port Stephens is one of the best places in Australia to see whales. With a large population of humpback whales, this region offers many opportunities to catch sight of these majestic giants. There are two ways you can go whale watching in Port Stephens. You can do it by boat or by helicopter, with each offering its own special appeal. Boat trips provide an up-close experience for a range of species including humpbacks, southern rights and bottlenose dolphins; while helicopter tours offer stunning views from above as well as being able to spot any whales from land (or sea).

Whale-watching tours also take place during winter months when migrating orcas stop off at Seal Rocks on their way through NSW waters between June and November. For experienced divers looking for something different, there is also shark cage diving available where you will be able to view both great white sharks and blue sharks from inside a protective acrylic dome that surrounds you.

Learn to cook at the Capertee Valley Cooking School

For those who want to learn how to cook with fresh produce, this is a great place to start. The cooking school is located on the edge of the Blue Mountains near Lithgow, so it’s not too far away from Sydney either. You’ll be taught by local chefs and will get to know your hosts and other guests at the property during your stay.

You can choose from one or two-night packages that include an introduction to bush tucker (native Australian food) as well as hands-on cooking classes where you can prepare various dishes using locally sourced ingredients such as kangaroo, quandong (wild desert plum), barramundi fish and native bush berries like berries from an acacia tree.

Explore the Sea Caves of South West Rocks

If you want to see the most beautiful rock formations in NSW, visit the South West Rocks. The sea caves are a popular tourist destination and are made up of rock arches and tunnels. They can be explored by walking through them or taking a boat tour around them. If you’re visiting in the morning or evening, take advantage of their beauty because during midday hours they become almost invisible due to glare from bright sunlight.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an adventure in NSW, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do. From walking the Blue Mountains to exploring Sydney Harbour, these offbeat experiences will take your breath away and leave you with an unforgettable memory.

About the Author

Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

8 Tips for Traveling with Mobility and Medical Devices

Are you planning a trip? Whether it’s business or pleasure, we want to make sure that you can still travel with your mobility and medical devices. The following are some tips below to help guide you through the process of travelling with these items.

Prepare a travel kit

The best way to be prepared is to create a travel kit. This should include all of the things you need for your trip, as well as any medical supplies and medications you need. These items can be placed in a small bag or case that will fit easily in your suitcase or carry-on. It’s also helpful to have copies of your medical records and insurance card on hand just in case something happens while travelling so that it can be easily accessed by emergency personnel if necessary.

Inform the airline about your medical device

Before you fly, let the airline know that you will be travelling with mobility or other medical devices. You can do this by using their online interactive form or by calling them directly (subject to availability).

You can let them know when it is needed and if it is a medical emergency. If your device is needed during the flight, let the airline know as soon as possible so they can help accommodate you in any way they can.

Moreover, you should inform them if you need to use an oxygen concentrator during the flight. Remember that it has to be an airline approved oxygen concentrator. If your mobility or other medical device uses an oxygen concentrator that needs to be plugged into an outlet on board, inform the airline of this ahead of time so they are aware of where it must be placed and how long it will stay plugged in for use during travel time periods.

Request an aisle seat

When you board the plane, request an aisle seat. Not only will this allow you to get up and down more easily, but it also means that if your mobile device needs to be folded or disassembled during takeoff and landing, you won’t have to worry about disturbing your fellow passengers.

Also, request that your seat remain unoccupied by another passenger for as long as possible—if at all possible—during flights. This will give you time to get settled into your chair with no distractions; even after the plane has taken off, there’s a good chance that someone will try to sit next to you before the flight attendants or other passengers ask them not to sit in certain seats due to medical equipment being present. Requesting a window seat is also beneficial on account of being able to use the armrests for balance when standing up/down from a seated position without having any obstruction from an adjacent passenger’s armrests (as there are two on each side).

Request wheelchair assistance

When you need to use a wheelchair, request it before you arrive at the airport. The airline’s automated check-in system can accommodate your request for wheelchair assistance ahead of time and will provide information about the type of lift used and where to go once you reach your departure gate. If you are travelling with a service animal, make sure to request wheelchair assistance as well. This will ensure that your companion has plenty of room for themselves and their equipment during their travels.

Wear your ID

It’s important to wear a medical alert tag or bracelet that clearly states your condition, medications, and contact information.

If you have a history of seizures and are prone to falling, consider wearing a MedicAlert ID bracelet or necklace.

If you are diabetic and have an insulin pump or take medication that requires intravenous administration such as chemotherapy drugs, wear a MedicAlert ID tag in addition to the standard bracelet.

The best way for others around you to be aware of your condition is with a visible medical alert symbol on clothing (or even just bags), so it’s also important that all medical devices be labelled with their own unique identifiers so they can easily be differentiated from other similar-looking items such as heart rate monitors or pacemakers without having someone else look at them closely first!

Make arrangements for getting to/from the airport

Before you head out, contact the airport if possible. If you’re travelling alone or with a group of people who don’t know each other, it’s smart to make arrangements for getting to/from the airport. If you can’t arrange a ride and need to take public transit, make sure your phone is fully charged so that you can use Google Maps or another navigation app to get around once you reach your destination. If needed, try asking the airline staff about nearby wheelchair-accessible restrooms; this will help ensure safe travel between terminals.

Use a gel cushion seat cover on the plane

Gel seat cushions are designed to help relieve the pressure of sitting. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and can be used by people with mobility issues, as well as those who have chronic pain. Gel seat cushions are also easy to clean and lightweight, which makes them easy to travel with. Additionally, they are very affordable!

Check available restrooms at your layover points

Before you board the plane, make sure that you have a list of restrooms at your layover points and that each one is wheelchair accessible. If it’s not, look into options for getting around; in some cases, it might be easier to just stay on the plane and wait until you arrive at your destination.

You may also want to consider bringing a foldable cane with you so that if there’s no way off the plane safely or easily, someone can help guide you down an aisle or access stairs. You can find these online or in stores in general.

Conclusion

If you’re travelling with a mobility device or medical device, there are several things you can do to make sure it arrives safely. The most important thing is to keep everything organized and packed well enough so that nothing gets broken. You should also be prepared in case something does go wrong while you’re travelling—such as an emergency landing due to weather conditions.

About the Author

Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

5 Best Beaches in Port Douglas and How to Get There

When visiting Oceania, Port Douglas is an amazing place with beautiful beaches and great weather. There are many different kinds of beaches in Port Douglas: some are located on the Great Barrier Reef, others are near the centre of town and offer tourists great places to swim or snorkel, while others are farther away from town but still accessible by boat or kayak.

4 Mile Beach

4 Mile Beach is a great place to swim, snorkel and surf. It is patrolled by lifeguards all year round and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby which makes it a good spot for families. To get to 4 Mile Beach, you can find transfers from Cairns Airport you can catch the bus or taxi transfer which takes about 20 minutes. The buses run every half hour from the airport terminals. Alternatively, if you have your own car then follow the signs for Port Douglas until you reach the main highway then turn onto Mossman Gorge Road where there are signs leading straight to 4 Mile Beach.

Oak Beach

Oak Beach is a beautiful beach located within Port Douglas. It’s not so much a destination as it is the perfect place to hang out after you’ve already explored the town, especially at low tide when the water pools and creates even more space for you to relax. The sand here is white, although there are some small rocks too. You can also expect a good amount of foot traffic during your visit so be prepared for that.

The best time of year to visit Oak Beach would be between December and March when Port Douglas’ weather conditions are milder than they would be during Australia’s summer months (December through February).

Rex Smeal Park Beach

Rex Smeal Park Beach is a small beach with a great view of the Whitsundays. The beach is protected by a reef, so it’s safe for swimming. This little gem is located in Port Douglas and can be reached by car or taxi.

It’s not a very wide beach, but it has plenty of space to enjoy the sun. The water is clear and safe for swimming. If you love snorkelling, this is an ideal place to do so.

Newell Beach

Newell Beach is a popular beach in Port Douglas. It is located on the northern end of Port Douglas, which makes it a good spot for boating, fishing and swimming. Newell Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset. You can get there by driving along Newell Beach road or turning off onto Esplanade Drive from Palmer Street.

Wonga Beach

Wonga Beach is a long beach with golden sand and turquoise water. It’s located in Port Douglas, so it’s easy to access by car or ferry. The beach is popular for swimming, snorkelling and diving, but it’s also a great place to watch the sunset. You can get there by taking a short walk from your accommodation in Port Douglas.

Conclusion

As you can tell, Port Douglas has a lot to offer. There are so many beaches and islands nearby that it’s hard to choose just one. It all depends on what kind of trip you want to take this summer – there is something available for everyone

About the Author

Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

Things to Do in Seminyak Bali | Shop, Eat, and Party

Bali, Indonesia is an amazing place to visit. The island has so much culture and beauty to offer. You can have a relaxing time at the beach or you can party all night long in Seminyak if that’s more your style. There is so much to do in Bali that you will never be bored as long as you’re visiting this beautiful island. Here are things to do while visiting Seminyak:

Stay

Finding accommodation in Seminyak is easy. You’re going to want to stay somewhere in Seminyak, too, and there are lots of options. You can stay at a resort, a villa, a hostel, or even a hotel. Whatever you choose will be close enough for an easy walk if you want to go out for dinner or drinks after sunset.

When you’re looking for a place to stay, make sure you check out the Seminyak area on Google Maps. You can see what is nearby and what the area looks like so that you have an idea of where you might want to stay. There are many different places with different kinds of accommodations and prices, so it’s important to know what kind of place will work best for your holiday.

Eat

You’ll find that there are endless options for restaurants in Seminyak. It’s veritable foodie heaven, with everything from street food stalls to fine dining and everything in between. If you’re looking for something casual and cheap, check out the local warungs selling delicious Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Satay (marinated meat on a stick). For something more upscale, visit one of the many beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood straight from the ocean or indulge in some fine dining at an award-winning restaurant like Bali Buddha at The W Retreat & Spa Bali.

Shop

If you want to shop, Seminyak has plenty of options for you. There are the beach markets, where you can find everything from locally-made jewelry and clothes to souvenirs imported from other parts of Indonesia. The night markets sell similar items but often at lower prices than their daytime counterparts. If you have more cash on hand and are looking for a bit more high-end shopping, there are also malls in Seminyak that offer luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier.

Party

Bali is famous for its nightlife, so if you’re looking to party, Seminyak is a great place to do it. There are many bars and clubs in this area of Bali that have live music and DJs playing all kinds of music from house and EDM to rock and pop. If you’re looking for something more casual (and cheaper), there are also many restaurants in Seminyak with live music or DJs playing at their venue Bali, Indonesia is an amazing place to visit. The island has so much culture and beauty to offer. You can have a relaxing time at the beach or you can party all night long in Seminyak if that’s more your style. 

There is something for everyone to do in Seminyak Bali.

There is something for everyone to do in Seminyak Bali. You can shop, eat, and party. You can also stay at one of the many hotels or resorts in the area. If you want to go out and explore some of Bali’s natural beauty, there are several beaches nearby where you can go for a walk or have lunch at one of the many restaurants lining the beachfront.

Conclusion

Now you’ve learned something new about the amazing place that is Seminyak Bali. From incredible food to beautiful beaches and watersports, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re planning on visiting Southeast Asia sometime soon – or maybe just dreaming about it – then be sure to add this destination to your list.

About the Author

Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.

A Halloween Buffet: A Scary Food Tour of the World

How about a terrifying tour of the globe just in time for Halloween? As GypsyNesters, our quest is to see the world and share it in our own quirky way. But why should we have all the fun?

For some varied perspectives, we asked the web’s best independent travel bloggers to send us their best “Weird Food” experiences. We hit a goldmine of unusual, unappetizing, or just plain unnerving regional food photos from around the world!… CONTINUE READING >>

How about a terrifying tour of the globe just in time for Halloween? As GypsyNesters, our quest is to see the world and share it in our own quirky way. But why should we have all the fun?

For some varied perspectives, we asked the web’s best independent travel bloggers to send us their best “Weird Food” experiences. We hit a goldmine of unusual, unappetizing, or just plain unnerving regional food photos from around the world!

Gruesome Duck Embryo in Thailand from Living the Dream


Says Jeremy, “My weirdest regional food is Balut from Vietnam and other SE Asia countries.  Between you and me, it tastes like chicken.”

A Slimy Selection in Africa from Backpack ME


Says Zara, “If you thought eating snails (or fancy escargot in France) is too “been there, done that” try getting your mouth around these African Snails that can weigh up to 1Kg!!”

Rocky Horror Oyster Show in Montana from GypsyNester.com


What sort of outrageous ogre goes around eating the reproductive organs of innocent animals? Rocky Mountain oysters, considered a delicacy by many Montana mountain folk, are made by slicing and frying — you got it — bull testicles. More on this delicacy and the Testicle Festival

Baked House Pet in Peru from Trips That Work


Says Irina, “For me the weirdest food out there is the one that’s cooked with teeth & nails… It was crappy to eat this little guy in Cusco because I actually owned a pet guinea pig before.” (We ate cuy too- near Machu Picchu!)

Impaled Worms in Peru from Shoutography


Says Lydian: “As big as your thumb, these little worms – locally called ‘suri’ – will happily crawl around in a bowl until they will be put on the grill to be prepared for you. As a vegetarian I passed on this ‘exotic’ experience, but I have been told that as soon as you get used to the soft structure of the suri, the taste is actually pretty ok.”

Voodoo Doughnuts in Oregon from GypsyNester.com


Says David, “Portland Oregon’s breakfast of champions, for sorcerers that is. Nothing hits the spot like a “Voodoo Doll” with a pretzel stick through his heart, bleeding raspberry-blood filling. Our little chocolate frosted supernatural pin cushion was a-dough-rable, and tasty to boot. Best of all, curses don’t cost extra.” More on Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, Oregon

Abominable Snowman Chow in Singapore from Sidewalk Safari


Ice Kachang looks like simple shaved ice on the outside but then you dig in you find all sorts of goodness, like corn, kidney beans, and jello cubes.  It’s like parents conspired to hide healthy fillings in a child’s favorite treat.  It’s definitely a weird medley of flavors and textures!

The Screaming of the Lambs in Norway from of Sophie’s World

Sophie tells us, “Smalahove is a traditional delicacy in Western Norway, especially at Christmas. The lamb’s head is torched, then salted or smoked, and finally steamed and served with potatoes, vegetables, sausages, and sometimes peas and bacon, making it a unique dish to enjoy during festive occasions like the Toronto Halloween events. So – it’s really only smoked lamb, only the way it’s served is different. You’re left in no doubt as to what you’re eating.”

No mention of whether it’s best served with fava beans and a nice Chianti.

The Vampire’s Favorite – Blood Sausage in Spain from GypsyNester.com


Says Veronica, “Warning, may cause the Transylvania Two-Step… even in Spain. True story, when we asked our waitress what it was, she mimicked slitting her wrist. Didn’t make it more appetizing! We gobbled as many tapas we could get our greedy mitts on in Barcelona

An Electrifying Discovery in Spain from Travel Past 50


Says Tom, “Gee, it’s going to be hard to top bugs, so I’ll just go with baby eels. Delicious baby eels in Spain. And a mother of pearl spork to eat them without tainting their delicate flavor with a metal fork.”

Bite Your Tongue in Newfoundland from GypsyNester.com


Says David about the delicacy of the Newfoundland cod tongues, “Fried tidbits straight from the fish’s mouth, served with scrunchions, deep fried pork fat bits. The tongues just tasted like cod, with a very slight gelled consistency. And everything’s good with a little pig fat on it.” We ate cod tongues here.

Toxic Creepy Crawlers in China from Points and Travel


Says Cacinda, “I found plenty of strange foods in China during my visit, but was particularly afraid of eating these things!”

Eat Your Heat Out. And Your Lungs in Austria. From GypsyNester.com

Says Veronica, “A meal fit for a zombie: We spotted Beuscherl on the menu, which was translated into English as “Salsburgs Calf’s Lights served with Dumpling.” Without the slightest idea what “Calf’s Lights” might be, we ordered it. Our waitress must have seen this mistake made before, because she immediately asked, “You do understand that this is heart and lungs of baby cow?” Bet she’s grabbed a torch and chased a monster back to the castle a time or two.” Ingested in Salzburg, Austria

A Ghoulish Goo from Our Oyster


Says Jade, “Ok so this isn’t as weird as some of the others – but its a Canadian favourite… Poutine! French fries, gravy and cheese curd… nom nom nom” More on poutine here!

Headless Horseman Cheese from GypsyNester.com


Now we know where ole Ichabod’s head ended up. Head Cheese, meat jelly made from the head, with chunks of meat tossed in. Creeped us out on market day in Wangen, Germany

Decapitated Bunnies from Ferreting Out the Fun


Says Heather, “I saw loads of weird food items during my two years in China. Skewered insects, fried chicken feet, bowls of rotten tofu, the list goes on. But the most memorable has to be the platters of roasted rabbit heads sold on the street in Chengdu. There was something about those curving teeth that sent shivers down my spine!”

Platter of Entrails – Argentine Barbecue (for one) from GypsyNester.com


A meal fit for a monster. We found most of it barely edible, a bit of a ghastly gastric experience. Tripe, sweetbread (which is a fancy name for pancreas or other mysterious glands), kidney, some kind of intestines or something and, udder? Holy cow! Literally, holy cow! Lots of tricks and very little treat. Cautiously nibbled upon in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Jumping Jiminy in Mexico from Lunaguava

Says FW, “I eat shrimp and other bugs of the sea, so I’m usually fine with trying some crunchy terrestrial goodness as well. Case in point, these chapulines (grasshoppers) with chile and garlic we had in Oaxaca, Mexico. They went really well with bits of orange, to cut the spice and add a bit of zest.”

A Platter of Pupae from GypsyNester.com


Says Veronica, “The incredibly unpleasant aroma led me to trying the garnish first, asking every member of the staff how to go about ingesting the worms, bringing one right up to my lips and chickening out (by the way, they most decidedly do not taste like chicken), and utilizing every other excuse I could come up with to delay the inevitable. Seriously, a medal for bravery might have been in order. Don’t believe I ate silkworms? Click here!

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

YOUR TURN: Got a fiendish favorite?