Get off the beaten gay path and pave the road to adventure

Get off the beaten gay path and pave the road to adventure

 

Are you suffering from “been there, done that” syndrome?  Have you been to your fair share of all inclusive resorts and cruises?  Tired of burning up hard earned vacation time on family reunions, weddings, and the pre-requisite Christmas and Easter visits with the family?  Are you thinking that it’s time to do something different, something challenging, something rewarding with your time?

 

Then it’s probably time to put some thought into getting off the beaten gay path and exploring adventure options.  The easiest way to break down your options is to look at the obvious and then dive into adventure.

 

Europe first up!  Planning a summer trip could typically include a visit to Rome and why not?  Rome is an amazing city in it’s own right but in order to get to know the real Italy you’re going to have to dig a bit deeper.  Trust me it will be well worth it and you will come back with a more intimate (maybe even that kind of intimate!) knowledge and appreciation for not only the country but its’ culture, language, cuisine, and people. 

 

So, what could you do that would be considered off the beaten path in Italy?  This is a magnificent country and the adventure options are actually quite plentiful.  After your pre-requisite 3 day stay in Rome it’s time to escape to experience what Italy is all about.  The well trodden Rome-Venice-Florence circuit is truly well trodden and hundreds of thousands of tourists visit these cities every summer.  Instead head to the Amalfi coast and trek up Mount Vesuvius.  How about an apartment stay in the medieval city of Lucca located in Tuscany.  Use your apartment as your base to explore a region synonymous with fine art, beautiful landscapes, ancient architecture and some of Italy’s finest wines.  There are also a whole host of independent walking tours that you can take participate in.  Everyone has heard of the Italian riviera but did you know that you could spend a week walking from Sestri Levante to Camogli along the Italian riviera.

 

Asia is up next!  With direct and in some instances non-stop service from Canada to Asian capitals like Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Manila and Seoul it is easy to see why Asia holds such a fascination for many gay Canadians.  Some of these cities actually have quite buoyant gay life due in part to the large ex-pat communiities that live in these cities.  In Singapore for instance you’ll find gay bars, restaurants and cafes.  But in most Asian cities the gay options are pretty scarce and when they do exist they operate under the radar.

 

But that actually presents an opportunity to really explore Asia in a different light.  Unless you’re travelling to gay beach meccas like Phuket or Pattaya in Thailand then you are probably going to get off the beaten path to explore the real Asia.  This region is so fascinating for so many reasons and so varied as a result.  Why not consider a trip through the former French colonies of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.  This region once known as Indochine or Indochina is an area that will get your adventurous spirit flowing.  There are so many magnificent things to see, do and experience. 

 

Vietnam is a long skinny country running from Hanoi, the capital in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south.  Dont stop there and make sure that you visit Halong Bay where you can take an overnight junk boat into the bay.  Go swimming or kayaking and explore the islands of the bay.  Spend a couple of days in the Hoi Ann, a world heritage site where you can take Vietnamese cooking classes and get made to order clothing.  When you get down to Ho Chi Mihn City make sure you visit Uncle Ho himself.  Ho Chi Minh is credited with helping the Vietnamese to expel not only the French but also the Americans in what they call the “American War” not the Vietnam War as we are taught.  He is embalmed and lies in state for public viewing.  Kind of creepy but, hey how often to you get to see an embalmed national war hero?

 

Laos, pronounced Lao is a country not very often visited by Canadians but trust me that it’s worth the effort.  Luang Prabang, another world heritage site is nestled along the Mekong River and is just such a charming throw back to the french colonial days.  Not that there was anything charming about the french colonizers…quite the opposite as they were quite brutal in their occupation but they did leave  behind some amazing architecture and french food.  You can have an authentic croissant in Luang Prabang – one that would rival a croissant in France.  Blocks of the city are preserved to retain their french flair.  It is amazing to see especially in the middle of the Laos jungle along the Mekong.

 

Cambodia, likewise if pretty much off the beaten gay path and you wont be disappointed for making the effort.  Strolling through the imperial palace grounds in Pnohm Phen is such a different experience from the royal palaces of say Thailand.  There are so few tourists that you can take your time and get some pretty amazing photographs.  Cambodia does have a very sad and tragic past and you must spend some time understanding the masacre that took place in the 1970′s.  The Khmer Rouge rose to power and wiped out entire generations of their own people.  The elite, teachers, business people, lawyers, doctors were all killed as the Khmer attempted to revert the country to a feudal society and one based solely on farming.  It’s a sad history but an important one to remember.

 

The absolute highlight of Cambodia is however the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.  Wow, is pretty much the only way to sum it up.  Anyone interested in Asian cultures surely has this site on their top 10 list.  You will marvel at the intricate stone carvings of the various temples and ruins.  Watching the sun set and the sun rise over the ruins are two definite musts.  Be warned that it does get more than a bit crowded…this now is well and truly a tourist highlight and people from around the world make their way to Siem Reap to view the temples.  And it does get stinking hot especially as the sun beats down onto the stone ruins.  But, it is so worth it.  You will be amazed at the craftsmanship of the ancient Khmer culture.

 

Let me now tackle South Africa as this destination and in particular Cape Town is definately on the gay radar and rightly so.  Cape Town is spectacular and rates right up there with Vancouver, Sydney and Rio.  Beach, sun, great restaurants, wonderful scenery and quite a fun gay life all help to make Cape Town a must on the gay go-to list.

 

But, there is so much more to South Africa than just Capetown.  Where to start?  An adventure to South Africa just wouldnt be an adventure without some time spent in Kruger National Park.  This national park is now considered one of the largest national parks in the world and actually crosses borders into Swaziland and Zimbabwe.  Where fences once existed the animals are now free to roam and move between countries.  Game viewing is not particularly easy and requires some patience as you drive through the park searching for the big five: lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo.  You will see other such gorgeous creatures like the giraffe, gazelles, wart hogs, hippo, and the list goes on.  A definite hightlight of your Kruger visit will be a bush walk accompanied by armed leaders.  You actually get to walk in the park with the animals surrounding you.  It is a wonderful experience. 

 

In close proximity to Kruger are two countries that you should definately consider.  Enter into Swaziland and experience the culture of the people.  If you are lucky enough you will visit a traditional village where the people will greet you and entertain you with traditional song and dance.  You might even be invited to join!!  Why not visit Mozambique?  Spend a few days well and truly “chilling” on the most spectacular beaches that you will ever see. 

 

Back to South Africa and a few of the other hightlights could include: Addo National Elephant Park; a drive along the Wild Coast; a drive along the Garden Route; the wineries of Stellenbosch.  The variety of the countryside will absolutely amaze you and will leave you wanting to discover more of Africa.

 

The further you get off the beaten gay path the more you’ll realize that the world is an amazing place full of amazing people, places and things to see and do.  Dont be afraid to take a chance and to challenge your view of the world.  You’ll be happy you did & adventure travel will become your new passion.