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Münster Aasee

It’s summer for just a few more days, so let’s hop over to northwestern Germany for the weekend to enjoy some time by the Münster Aasee. We’ll take some time to explore the quaint city of Münster later on, but for today let’s concentrate on the hotspot just off the city centre, the Aasee. Pronounced […]

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St. Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge

Nestled a block south of Hyde Park, between Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge Tube stations, lies St. Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge. This hidden architectural gem is in the Victorian style and was consecrated as an Anglican church in 1843. Enter the church through a door in the tall tower, and you’ll be welcomed into an open, […]

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Kensington Palace

We’ve visited  Kensington Gardens before, to see the Albert Memorial and explore the museums on Exhibition Road. But we haven’t yet ventured to the far western end of the Gardens, which is where we go today to visit Kensington Palace. This royal residence has housed members of the British Royal Family since the 1600s and […]

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High Tea of Highgate

It’s a rainy Monday here in London, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun indoors! We’ve talked about afternoon tea before (remember those finger sandwiches and scones with jam?), so today we’re headed to a lovely little tea shop in north London’s Highgate Village. High Tea of Highgate (their website alone is worth a visit) […]

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“I’m Looking for a Safe House”

Life getting a little boring? Need a little mystery and intrigue? Then perhaps it’s time to head to Milwaukee. Yes, you heard right – Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Allegedly this Midwestern city serves as a secret refuge for spies engaging in covert operations. We had to find out if it’s true, so EntertainingYourself.com sent our ace undercover agent, KB, to see what she could discover. Daring. Audacious. White-knuckle. Claustrophobic. Not to mention – a really good burger. KB leaves no stone unturned in this gripping report.

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All Aboard A Scenic Railroad

From recreational opportunities, to gourmet dining, to historical landmarks, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is truly a beautiful asset to Northeast Ohio. If you’ll be any where close to the area, you definitely need to add it to your “must do” list. If not, then come on board with Kerry who’ll take you along on her first visit through this timeless spot.

St. Paul's Cathedral as viewed from Millennium Bridge

EY Travel Tips: London

Just because the Summer Olympics are over doesn’t mean you can’t find a million other ways of Entertaining Yourself in London! As Tammela prepares for her big move to this vibrant city, she offers a four day whirlwind walking tour that’s bound to satisfy both the eager sightseer and explorer within.

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Over The Rainbow

“Go West Young Men” (and Women) – That seems to be a recent theme for several of the EY writers. Megan, Will, and now Martin are all settling (back) in on the West Coast, at least temporarily, that is.

So, does this Sunny Spot really hold the proverbial Pot of Gold? Time will tell for these three – for the rest of us, here’s looking forward to the new entertaining stories and tales it continues to inspire!

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Road Trip West: The Grand Canyon (Part 3 of 4)

OK – Time for a recap…2000+ mile road trip from Minneapolis to Los Angeles…There’s me – Megan – 23 and “in charge.” Chris – the younger brother and newly 21. The capable and willing Ford Focus who thinks he can. And then there’s, the whiney, high maintenance problem child who weighs us all down: the 5’x8’ U-haul trailer packed full to the ceiling with all of my possessions, being pulled behind the car. So far, in only three days, we’ve made it through 7 states with only a couple more to go. Sounds like a perfect time for a side trip to the Grand Canyon.

(l to r) Robert Kigen, Martin Mudry, Alex Nichols

Thank-you Cleveland!

  SHOUT-OUT to our  Cleveland Friends and Fans!  Just want to say thanks for making the Premier of “Where Dream’s Don’t Fade” a fantastic success at the 36th International Cleveland Film Festival.  The Cleveland Plain Dealer called the movie “poignant” and picked it out of a line up of about 300 movies to showcase.   […]

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Road Trip West: The Wigwam Motel (Part 2 of 4)

Continuing on their Road Trip West, Megan writes: “After Americana bliss in Emporia, Kansas, Chris and I continued south for our second day on the road, skirting through Oklahoma, and resting at last in scenic Amarillo, Texas. The following day, we made our way across New Mexico and into Arizona, where we checked into what is quite possibly the coolest motel of all time…”

Shanghai's Pudong Skyline at night, including the pink Oriental Pearl Tower

EY Travel Tips: Shanghai

If you’ve made it as far as Mongolia – why not visit China? Granted it’s another 1384 miles, but depending on where you started, you’re in the neighborhood. And you’re a traveler of the world! So go for it! And if you do, Megan has penned her top 8 tips to make sure the visit is well worth your while! Of course, if you’re not quite ready to go the distance, this is another perfect EY opportunity for vicarious living!

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EY Travel Tips: Krakow

From my experience, Poles are a no-nonsense bunch who can get frustrated with out-of-towners, especially given Krakow’s rising popularity as a tourist destination. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to assert yourself…they’ll respect you for it. Of course, manners count too, so don’t forget to say “dzienkuje” (thank you in Polish). And for you beer lovers out there, if you see a guy dressed as a beer mug – be sure to say Hi…

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EY Travel Tips: Berlin

Just returned from a week in Germany’s capital – hardly enough time to scratch the surface of all the city’s treasures. Where to go, what to see? There is something for everyone in Berlin and so much more than my meager tips offer. But follow any one of them and no doubt you’ll be off to a great start…

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EY Travel Tips: Scotland

Consider a trip to Scotland: hikes along steely-blue lochs, green glens full of wee-wooly sheep, everyone talking like Sean Connery. For these features and so many others, the rugged land of the bagpipe and thistle grabbed a place among my three all-time favorite countries after one visit. Scotland boasts the United Kingdom’s highest mountain, the island’s most epic weather and…

St. Michaels Cathedral Kyiv

EY Travel Tips: Ukraine

Travel Tips to the UKRAINE? Really? Tammela is ready to convince you that if it is not already on your Bucket List – it SHOULD be! From food to architecture to adventure – this place is sure to delight and amaze you! Find a cheap airfare to Kyiv, the capital and start from there…

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EY Travel Tips: MONGOLIA

Why visit Mongolia?

According to Will, there are probably a million reasons. How about snow capped mountains? The Gobi Desert? Reindeer? Dinosaur Eggs? Sunshine? Need more? We’ve got ‘em… Make plans or live vicariously…

Will provides his own special travel tips based on first hand experience…

The Red Dirt Highlands of Western Kenya

Where Dreams Don’t Fade

In the red-dirt highlands of western Kenya, 200 miles from the capital, Nairobi, rests the 4,000-person town of Iten. Remotely situated among the peaks and basins of the Great Rift Valley, the settlement’s 2,400-meter elevation and female mayor distinguish it from many Kenyan towns, but it’s truly extraordinary for another reason. Iten, as well as […]

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Sunny Spot Travel Tips

EY is Celebrating Freedom! We’re introducing a new feature this month: Sunny Spot Travel Tips. What better way of experiencing independence and entertaining yourself than by traveling? So as many people celebrate their collective independence this month, we’re going to provide some enticing and useful tips for reveling in the freedom to travel the globe. Enjoy and if you are planning a trip to any of our sunny spots – send us a note and we’ll be happy to provide our insights!

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Never Say Never!

The judging of our “Best Running Story in a Foreign Country Writing Contest” was particularly challenging due to the fact that we received several really great entries. Another judges’ favorite was this Running in Strasbourg story by EY Contributor, Will Kennedy. Will’s take on running gives new meaning to the phrase “Lost and Found” – reminding us that some resolutions are meant to be broken!

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TRAVEL RULES – 101

The judging of our “Best Running Story in a Foreign Country Writing Contest” was particularly challenging due to the fact that we received several really great entries. Like our winner – Joe Schubert, EY Contributor Martin Mudry wrote about running in China. Jet lagged…altitude sickness…culture shock? He’s got the cure…

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Highlands, Low Budget – Scotland Part IV

Swaying on the wire bridge above the stream flowing from Steall Falls down Glen Nevis—a lush valley outside the town of Fort William—the Scottish Highland’s fabled euphoria seized me. My state of mind approached tranquility. I contemplated the magnificent cascade and wide, birch-laden valley, almost oblivious of the icy water below. For a single moment, I was free of all thoughts about the cost of getting here. I had discovered the Wealth of Scotland…

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Highlands, Low Budget – Scotland Part III

Swaying on the wire bridge above the stream flowing from Steall Falls down Glen Nevis—a lush valley outside the town of Fort William—the Scottish Highland’s fabled euphoria seized me. My state of mind approached tranquility. I contemplated the magnificent cascade and wide, birch-laden valley, almost oblivious of the icy water below. For a single moment, I was free of all thoughts about the cost of getting here. I had discovered the Wealth of Scotland…

Location of the Sniatyn Raion (District) in Ukraine

Chance Encounters of a Good Kind

The judging of our “Best Running Story in a Foreign Country Writing Contest” was particularly challenging due to the fact that we received several really great entries. With the authors’ permission, we have selected a few for publication. This first story takes place in Sniatyn, Ukraine – a “Sunny Spot” in the non-literal sense, if ever there was one! Tammela Platt, our author, discovers that going for a run can open some very unexpected doors!

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Highlands, Low Budget – Scotland Part II

Swaying on the wire bridge above the stream flowing from Steall Falls down Glen Nevis—a lush valley outside the town of Fort William—the Scottish Highland’s fabled euphoria seized me. My state of mind approached tranquility. I contemplated the magnificent cascade and wide, birch-laden valley, almost oblivious of the icy water below. For a single moment, I was free of all thoughts about the cost of getting here. I had discovered the Wealth of Scotland…

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TIED FOR SECOND PLACE – RUNNING IN KRAKOW

“RUNNING FIVE POLISH MILES” – Heading East from Prague, you’ll reach Krakow, the setting for our other second place winner’s story. CONGRATULATIONS TO EY’S OWN MEGAN RITCHIE! For budget travelers, she makes a compelling case for Entertaining Yourself on a Run as an inexpensive and rewarding way to see the sights. All you need is to set a goal!

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Highlands, Low Budget — Scotland: Part I

Swaying on the wire bridge above the stream flowing from Steall Falls down Glen Nevis—a lush valley outside the town of Fort William—the Scottish Highland’s fabled euphoria seized me. My state of mind approached tranquility. I contemplated the magnificent cascade and wide, birch-laden valley, almost oblivious of the icy water below. For a single moment, I was free of all thoughts about the cost of getting here. I had discovered the Wealth of Scotland…

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Reaching New Heights

EntertainingYourself.com writer Martin is off on an adventure in China! He’s traveling around the country on foot and via trains, boats, and buses to find the best views. Here he’s seen climbing his way to the top of Green Lotus Peak overlooking Yangshuo!

More pics of his adventures in China are being posted daily on EntertainingYourself.com’s facebook page. Check it out!

The Polo Fields in Cleveland's Metroparks

Sunny Spot: Cleveland, Ohio

    SHOUT OUT to our fans in CLEVELAND, OHIO.  This week you have the highest number of hits on the EntertainingYourself.com website.  We LOVE it and we wanted to find out what’s happening in your town so we did a little digging.  First – your weather for Wednesday, 12/22/10 – 32 degrees & partly SUNNY, partly cloudy, […]

NOAA Map of US for 12.13.10

Sunny Spot: MIDWEST, USA

SHOUT OUT to our fans in the MIDWEST, USA. First let us say that in the world of EntertainingYourself.com, a Sunny Spot is really a state of mind. Therefore, not every Sunny Spot is necessarily warm, or even sunny for that matter! In the Midwest this week, you are in the midst of a Winter Wonderland! Perfect for Entertaining Yourself indoors and out!

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The View From The Top

Sometimes the magic in the view from the top is even more spectacular when you’ve pushed yourself to find it!  We started out in a small village on top of the ridge, after hiding most of our luggage in the back of the 4-wheel drive Jeep.  We then started our trek through the upper Dogon Village before heading off on a long dirt road into the desert heat of Mali.

Organ Pipe Cactus

Sunny Spot: Scottsdale, Arizona

SHOUT OUT to our fans in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Thanks for checking out EntertainingYourself.com – now we want to check out what you’re up to.  So far, it’s clear that you are a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.  #1 – SUNSHINE!  For this first week of December you’ll be SUNNY (mostly) with temperatures in the 70’s.  Nice!   #2 – Amazing Parks.  […]

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Sunny Spot: Reston, VA

SHOUT OUT to our fans in Reston, Virginia.  You’ve been loyal followers of EntertainingYourself.com website since we first went live.  We LOVE it and wanted to find out what you’re up to there! Today’s weather (11/24/10):  Sunny and 53 degrees.  Perfect for the countless outdoor activities within and surrounding your community.  Other Fun Facts:  You […]

Cabot Walking Path

Sunny Spot: Cabot, Arkansas

SHOUT OUT to our fans in CABOT, ARKANSAS.  This week you have the second highest number of hits on the EntertainingYourself.com website following Mountain View, California.   We LOVE it and we wanted to find out what you’re up to there! Looks like GOLF is a favorite way of Entertaining Yourself! And you have the perfect weather for it today – Saturday, 11/20/10 – High of 63 degrees & partly SUNNY!