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Flytographer Quarterly Issue 7 Fall 2018
Front cover image: Hector
in London for Flytographer Back cover image: Sonya in Florence for Flytographer Editor: Michelle Ardiel
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There are so many sweet, heartfelt stories in our Fall 2018 issue; get ready to fall down a travel rabbit hole! To be honest, I still get giddy each time a new gallery comes in - it’s like unwrapping the sweetest candy. I love the stories that inspire us to adventure to new places and remind us of the power of travel to transform, but most of all, I adore the ones that show us how we are all more alike than different. With over 18,000 shoots under our belts, we wanted a way to share these incredible stories from around the globe with even more people. We decided to build a self-publishing platform so our customers can easily publish their “Travel Story” in a couple of clicks. You can see them all at flytographer.com/travel-stories. Tell us what you think via email (hello@ flytographer.com) or send me a DM on Instagram at @flytographerlife. I’d love to hear from you! Fall is a perfect time to visit off-season hotspots by taking advantage of better prices and fewer tourists. It’s also my favourite time to plan travel for the next 12 months ahead. If you are looking for fresh ideas, our newly launched visual “City Routes” on every city page can help you narrow it down by viewing images of our favourite photo neighbourhoods from all around the world. I hope you enjoy this issue as much I do! Maybe your next favourite destination lies within these pages? Nicole Smith CEO & Founder, Flytographer
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Reykjavik
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Maui 12 Seoul 18 Cancun 24 Malta 30 Barcelona
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London 44 Cape Town
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Charleston
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Moscow
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Saigon 72 Venice 78 Amsterdam
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Portland
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Budapest
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Celebrating a Decade
Photos by: Rakel in Reykjavik for Flytographer
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Alexandra’s story My husband, Rob, is Australian, and I am American. We met travelling in Morocco, while we were both living in London. We then carried on a long-distance relationship for two years before Robert proposed on a trip to Bali. We are now in the US, but we also lived for 2 years in Perth, Australia when we first married. This adventure to Iceland was to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. We are parents of two young children, so getting the opportunity to spend some quality time as a couple doing our favourite thing (travelling and experiencing new cultures) was something our souls needed. Iceland renewed us in body, mind, and spirit.
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For this trip, we wanted to go somewhere new to us and someplace unique. Iceland is truly unlike anywhere we’ve ever been! What surprised us the most were the colours. The landscape is breathtaking no matter what direction you are looking in. The black rocks and mountains, green grass, gray moss, blue skies and water, and purple and yellow fields of flowers were so vibrant and so different than anything we had ever seen. We couldn’t get over how stunningly beautiful the country is.
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We stayed in downtown Reykjavik and felt it was the perfect location. Everything we wanted or needed was within walking distance of our hotel. We also visited the Blue Lagoon, but our favourite memory was snorkelling Silfra. It was absolutely freezing - but incredible. As a science teacher and geology enthusiast, getting the unique experience of snorkelling between two tectonic plates was surreal. It was beautiful, serene, and other worldly beneath the surface of the water. While there are seemingly endless options for things to do and see in this gorgeous country, we particularly recommend seeing The Golden Circle, including Kerid, and, of course, snorkelling Silfra. For what to eat, it would be anything dairy - ice cream, yogurt (skyr), cheese and butter. It is all so fresh and creamy! Stay as long as you can and do as much as you can - it’s so beautiful.
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Baby
Preparing for
Photos by: Marie in Maui for Flytographer
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Kristen’s story After five years of marriage and many adventures with just the two of us (and our pup), the news of us expecting our first baby brought us to Maui. Having both been there before (but separately), we knew it was the best place to have a relaxing babymoon. Maui is stunning! It can be both relaxing and filled with adventure - and Hawaiian food is always a plus. We stayed in the Wailea area of Maui. Since we might not go on another vacation for a while, we wanted to treat ourselves. No matter what the weather was like on other parts of the island, it was always sunny in Wailea! Marie, our Flytographer, met us about 5 minutes away from our hotel and we got to explore some gorgeous beaches that were surprisingly deserted.
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My top tip for food is Geste Shrimp Truck (get the garlic shrimp and the spicy pineapple). We made sure to stop there before even checking in to our hotel. Although we let ourselves splurge at nice restaurants while on this trip, peeling and eating garlic shrimp on the side of the dirt road was easily one of our favorite meals! I also recommend grocery-store poke (for when you’re not pregnant) with a bag of shrimp chips, and then follow it up with a shave ice from Ululani’s. Whatever you do in Maui, just be sure to slow down and bask in the “island time.” Rushing through this beautiful place is criminal!
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Top Tips for Travelling with Toddlers
Photos by: Allen in Seoul for Flytographer
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1. Reserve those front-row seats on the plane. Your toddler will have extra space to play and move without disturbing other passengers. (Some even come with built-in baby beds.) 2. Try to maintain eating and sleeping schedules as much as possible throughout your travels. That said, jet lag will also affect your toddler, so be prepared for unpredicability while everyone adjusts. Don’t overplan, especially the first few days, and be ready to just go with the flow when you need to. 3. Bring a lightweight, foldable stroller. It will be your life-saver for easy mobility, and you can even keep nap schedule on track - your wee one can sleep while you keep on touring. 4. Bring lots of easy-to-pack snacks, like dried fruit and crackers, so you always have something on hand when your toddler gets hungry.
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5. Need a little couple time? If you’re not staying in a hotel that offers sitter services, book one through a reputable site like Care. com, where you can review potential candidates’ profiles and request background checks. 6. Bring a portable comfort item from home, be it a favourite blanket to curl up with, a cuddly toy, a pillow, or even a cherished book; let your child choose one special item to bring the feel of home with them. 7. Most importantly, don’t limit your travel choices! With a few exceptions, bringing the wee ones anywhere you want to travel is fair game.
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Family Joy
Photos by: Arturo in Cancun for Flytographer
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Carla’s story This trip was to celebrate my daughter Kai, who is the first of our children to graduate college! This vacation included my husband, mother-in-law and my sisters, along with their children. My sisters and their children came from Chicago and we came from Maryland to celebrate. Kai’s boyfriend Javier was also on the trip, and was our Spanish interpreter when needed!
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I knew this trip had to be in a fun destination. Our whole family suffered a great loss in June 2017. My son, Devon, a Specialist in the United States Army, was killed in a motorcycle accident. So even though we had events to celebrate, it was hard for my kids to celebrate anything. Laughter was no longer in our home. For this milestone, I knew everyone just needed to get away. Cancun was suggested to me by a dear friend. Choosing to celebrate my daughter and celebrate life without regrets while in Mexico was what we all needed. Since returning home from this trip, the atmosphere in our homes has definitely changed for the better.
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I was surprised to see how beautiful Cancun really is - those beaches! My top tip is to get off your resort and explore, and especially to try all the tacos and sangria you can. My favourite memory was being on the beach and seeing my kids and their cousins smiling and laughing, something I haven’t seen since my son’s passing. Our photographer Arturo was also absolutely amazing - he had so much positive energy. We laughed harder than we ever have. Being able to celebrate my daughter and her accomplishments was a very special moment for me, and being able to be photographed in those moments of joy and laughter was priceless.
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Flytographer Q&A Photos by: Darren in Malta
Name: Darren Location: Malta Equipment: I’m a Canon guy! I work mostly with my all-time favourite body, the Canon 5D MKII, and a variety of Canon L-series lenses (wide, prime, and zoom). How long have you lived in your city? I grew up in Malta, so that’s 34 years enjoying this beautiful island.
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How did you come to be a photographer? Tell us a little about your background. In 2011, I felt like I was lost trying to find my own path in web design and development. At the time, I had no clue or interest in art and photography, until one ordinary day, when I was casually speaking with a photographer who was struck by the composition of some of my photos. He encouraged me to take photography further … so I did. Then photography hit me like nothing else has. Knowing no one in the photography industry or anyone to look up to made it hard to change the camera from auto-mode at first. So I learnt everything from the ground up, spending long hours of research, reading, and, most importantly, practicing.
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How would you describe your personal photography style? As realistic as possible. I love architecture, natural light, and capturing candid moments in people’s lives which show natural emotions. Composition and lines are also really important in my shots. Where do you find your creative inspiration? I get my inspiration mostly from movies scenes. Visiting new places and meeting people with a positive vibe sets my mood for some great shots. What are you currently reading? I read mostly articles of daily inspiration. Sir Richard Branson is a person I look up to.
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Where is your favourite place to shoot in your city and why? Anywhere in Valletta is a good opportunity to shoot. It is an openair museum of historic architecture. What does a perfect day in your city look like? I live in the south of the island. The perfect day would be to park the car in Vittoriosa (one of the 3 little cities), then get the ferry boat across the Grand Harbour to Valletta. I’d grab a cappuccino or an iced coffee, and a pastizz (a traditional Maltese pastry snack) in one of the small cafés. A stroll around the streets of Valletta is interesting every time I visit. It’s in continuous change with people coming from all over the globe, who are investing in derelict properties and opening them as restaurants and stylish boutique hotels. Food is really delicious here, and the best thing is to ask locals for recommendations. Normally, the smaller the restaurant, the better the food (forget the tables outside). So finishing off my day with a plate of Spaghetti Carbonara or Amatriciana is just perfect! Where are your favourite places in your city to get a coffee and or a cocktail? My favourite place for food in Valletta is Zero Sei Trattoria Romana, owned by great Italians living in Malta. The quality is consistent and they use genuine, tasty ingredients. Head down here in front of Manoel Theatre for the real Spaghetti Carbonara and Amatriciana. The Suppli starter is great too. For a tasty treat, try Amorino - in my opinion it’s the best ice-cream franchise in Europe. Great waffles & crepes too. Charles Grech is the cocktail bar to go to - it’s quite a poshy place for a few drinks and free bites with a friend or two, or for something more colourful, choose an unconventional souvenir or a cold bottle of ‘turn’ Hemp beer at Cekcik.
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What album is on repeat when you’re editing photos? On this little island, music plays a big part of our culture. We are mostly split between people who like good music and millennials who like parties. My favourite band is Oasis, but when I’m editing I listen to an all-time Rock ‘n’ Roll playlist on YouTube. Where was the last trip that you took? Tell us a little bit about the experience. Apart from travelling for my job, my last holiday was in Rome for my birthday. Rome is similar to Valletta, but of course busier and on a much larger scale. Such great architecture and awesome pizzas!
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If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would you live and why? I cannot decide - it would depend if it’s for a work experience or a life experience. London is a great place to be for work and street food; however, Kyoto would be my first priority. People are so peaceful and respectful, even though it was hard to communicate. What do you most enjoy about shooting for Flytographer? Flytographer gives me the opportunity meet new people from all over the world, plus the Flytographer staff are so easy to communicate with!
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Barcelona Style
Photos by: Martina in Barcelona for Flytographer
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Vincent’s story We got dressed very early for our 6:30am shoot with Martina in Parc de la Ciutadella. My plan was to propose right at the base of the beautiful staircase. Everything was absolutely amazing! Martina was very sweet and patient throughout the entire photo shoot. She made us feel so comfortable every step of the way and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better. To top it off, I loved how our photos turned out!
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Special Bond
Photos by: Hector in London for Flytographer
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Karen’s story For the past three months I have been missing my daughter Charlotte so much, and I was aching to see her. So I decided we would meet in London, as she had been travelling for the past year. And from the moment I booked the trip I knew Flytographer would need to be part of our experience! Skipping through London with Charlotte and laughing was my favourite memory. We also loved getting to know Hector and have the luxury of spending a whole morning together, getting our hair and make-up done, just laughing and playing and being in the moment.
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The Flytographer experience isn’t just a photoshoot, it’s an adventure, an adventure that becomes a memory. What makes it really special is the photographer. Hector was amazing! We had the best time. We laughed and played and skipped through London. So whether your photographer has you holding hands or skipping down the street or dancing, you end up just killing yourself laughing and having this beautiful time with the person you are with. You are living one of the best memories of your trip and it is such a joyful experience.
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Love and Adventure Photos by: Nadine in Cape Town for Flytographer
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Carmen’s story This year, my husband and I traveled to Ghana and South Africa. We took a family trip to Ghana to experience where our brotherin-law was born and raised. It was also an opportunity for us to experience a new culture and country. We decided since we were in Africa, it would be great to celebrate our anniversary as well. We decided to do that in Cape Town, South Africa. I was born a planner. Once we decided we were going to Cape Town, I made sure I did my research. I wanted to make sure we didn’t miss out on any of the “must-do” experiences. You can’t visit Cape Town without visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, Boulder Beach with the penguins, shark diving and a safari. This combination is amazing!
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My favourite travel memories come from all the romantic, adventurous, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences we did, like our photo shoot at Kirstenbosch Gardens, White Shark Diving, and our safari trip to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
My husband is the one that likes to live on the edge. I only agreed to do the shark diving to thank him for participating in the photo shoot with me, since he isn’t big on being in photos. That’s marriage for you. Compromises!
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Local Guide to Charleston Photos by: Mackenzie in Charleston for Flytographer
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“Once you’ve visited Charleston, I guarantee you will find a reason to come back again and again.” - Mackenzie
The pace is gentler and slower in Charleston: life is meant to be savoured. It was just voted the U.S.’s Best City for the 6th year in a row by Travel + Leisure. The city has so much to offer and it never gets old, even though it has been around since 1670. Local Charleston Flytographer Mackenzie takes us on a tour of her city showing us why she is so in love with her home. From delicious Southern eats to gorgeous streets, read on for your insider guide to your next visit to Charleston.
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EAT • Look for the line snaking out the door of this tiny kitchen baking up Charleston’s best biscuits (from early morning to late night). Load up Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits with fancy butters and jams, shrimp and grits, or make a biscuit sandwich or biscuit sampler. • For that classic Lowcountry cuisine, start with (more) biscuits, local specialty She Crab soup, and load up on shrimp and grits, sweet tea glazed salmon, or Calabash seafood at Poogan’s Porch. Visit in January or February when they have a “throwback” menu to the year they opened, and prices are from the 1970s. • For more upscale cuisine, book a table at Husk, a Southerningredients only restaurant that is winning awards for its flavours and style. Start the night right with a cocktail at Husk’s chic bar next door. • For the finest seafood, try The Ordinary, a stylish space housed in a former bank. Oysters are the specialtyhere, but there are so many other delectable choices you can’t go wrong. If you can’t decide, go for the awesome Shellfish Tower to sample a bit of everything! • Love trying local beers? Explore Edmund’s Oast’s draft selection and interesting pours, like the Peanut Butter and Jelly beer, direct from their brewery. Sit at the Chef’s Counter for a front seat to the kitchen action and locally sourced dishes.
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SEE • Because nothing can be built taller than St. Philip’s Church, Charleston’s skyline is dotted with church steeples giving it the nickname “The Holy City.” The city is pretty flat, but there are a few rooftop bars that offer a good view - a cool drink. • Take a bike ride, walk, or carriage tour through the French Quarter and the South of Broad areas of historic downtown. Don’t miss Rainbow Row, a block of 17th-century row houses painted in a rainbow of pastels, and the Battery, a raised walkway overlooking Charleston Harbour, with grand mansions across the street and a front-row view to dolphins, sailboats, and Fort Sumter in the distance. Go beyond these gems (and the crowds) and take a longer walk through this residential district with its trailing window box gardens. Peek through the many iron gates to see gorgeous hidden gardens and courtyards! • The Angel Oak Tree is a Charleston institution. Located on Johns Island just outside of the city, it is supposedly over 500 years old, 65 feet high, and with a circumference of 28 feet, making it one of the oldest (natural) monuments in the US. The park is free to visit, and should be a stop on everyone’s itinerary. • If you are interested in early American history and particularly the African and European influences that created today’s Lowcountry culture, stop by the only unrestored plantation house in the country. Drayton Hall is full of stories, and its beautiful landscaped grounds with moss-covered trees gives you ample space to wander and contemplate.
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DO • Spend the day at Middleton Place Plantation and Gardens strolling through classical gardens dating to 1741. Visit in the early spring for an unbelievable display of azaleas on the hillside, or visit in the winter for a stunning display of camellias. • Visit Charleston for your annual beach break by heading to Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Kiawah Island. Each has its own unique atmosphere. • Most people don’t expect it, but Charleston has a very fashion-forward scene! The best place to hit up is King Street, which is overflowing with charming local shops and boutiques. Check out Hampden, The Finicky Filly, Library, Worthwhile, The Skinny Dip: Charleston, and OOBE for cool fashion finds, and then take a break with a coffee at The Daily, craft brew at Closed for Business, or curled up in comfy chairs with a good read at Blue Bicycle Books. • Feeling active? Take a walk or run over the Ravenel Bridge, which connects downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Then, visit the Old Village of Mount Pleasant for great views of the Ravenel Bridge in downtown Charleston and the Cooper River marshes. You could also get up close and personal with dolphins, manatees, and seabirds with a kayak trip down Shem Creek. Do it at sunset for some classic views and end with a cocktail at Tavern & Table on Shem Creek.
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World Cup Win
Photos by: Deborah in Moscow for Flytographer
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Jennifer’s story My husband, Hector, is a soccer fanatic and so we were in Moscow for the World Cup final. I have travelled quite extensively, but my husband hasn’t spent a lot of time in Europe, so this was his first big trip to the continent. Exploring places I’ve been by myself but now with my wonderful husband and daughter really changed my whole perspective! Seeing and experiencing many cities through his eyes and with the baby was quite memorable and really enjoyable. Travel with kids is possible and actually a lot of fun!
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Moscow has a rich and vibrant history. We were surprised by a lot of things in the city, like how clean everything was and how efficient public transit was within the city limits. We also were thrilled to find an amazing indoor market just a block from our hotel that had the most incredible fruit from all over the world and delicious food stands. If you are looking for somewhere unique and surprising, put Moscow in the summertime on your list. This trip was extra special because it was a dream come true for Hector to go to the World Cup. We both work crazy hours so our time as a family is pretty limited; spending 2 weeks together with our daughter was - sounding cheesy here - magical.
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I love photography and wanted to make sure that we got some memorable family photos. We arranged for a very early morning session in order to capture some of Moscow’s most iconic scenery with minimal crowds. Our daughter, Kensie, was nine months old in the pictures and we are so thankful that we were able to capture this special moment in her life! Many people think that having kids means the end of adventurous travel, but we have taken some of our most memorable trips since she was born. Instilling the love of adventure and passion for exploration from a young age has been a focal point as we have transitioned into parenthood. To anyone on the fence ... I recommend booking the trip! Don’t wait until your kids are “at a better age.” Every age can be the right one to travel.
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Love it
Forever
Photos by: Peggy in Saigon for Flytographer
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TiAnna’s story Bill and I had recently travelled to Palau for our destination wedding. We didn’t spend much time planning a honeymoon prior to our marriage, but upon our return from Palau, we knew we wanted to spend about a week somewhere before truly returning to our regular routines. We live in Guam and so looked into several nearby destinations, and ultimately decided on Saigon and Hanoi. We chose Vietnam because it was somewhere neither of us had been before, we had heard great things about it, and we love the cuisine - so we were looking forward to eating our way through the country!
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We visited Saigon while the World Cup was in play. Bill is a fan and it was great watching matches in a country that was just as excited about the sport as he was. We planned to watch a game at a popular local craft beer bar, but when we got there, we realized the restaurant lacked a television. We ended up across the street at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant boasting its 32-inch television, drinking $1 beers and eating the best spring rolls of the entire trip. There were about a dozen locals sitting on stools outside the restaurant enjoying the game as well. England won that night and we were left with one of our favourite, spontaneous memories of the trip.
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We stayed in District 1 and I’d definitely recommend staying in this area if it’s your first time to the city. There’s access to all the major sites, great restaurants, and shopping. Walking the streets was our favourite thing to do - the people were so friendly! As for food, everything is amazing, but I have to say spring rolls will never be the same for us again. We love visiting new places together, but Vietnam will always be special since it was the first trip we made as husband and wife. We went shortly after Anthony Bourdain’s passing; I had rewatched the “Parts Unknown” Vietnam episode and was inspired by his love for the country. Of Vietnam, he said, “It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.” We fell in love with the country, its culture and people and are so excited to go back someday.
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B eaut ifu l Anni ve r sar y
Photos by: Siza in Venice for Flytographer
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Filomena’s story We’ve always wanted to visit Venice and this year we finally decided to go. This trip was a 10-year anniversary gift for us and we wanted to celebrate in a beautiful place. What is important to us is to not just visit all the “touristy” spots; we wanted to catch a glimpse of the real Venice, like we usually do in other places we visit.
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A funny thing that happened was on the first night. In the middle of the night, I woke up with the sound of an ambulance siren and suddenly it hit me: there are no cars in Venice, how can an ambulance come? Of course, it was a boat, and I realized how different life is in Venice! When you travel to Venice, become part of the town. Remember that it is a beautiful city opening its arms to you and it receives more visitors than its own inhabitants. Make sure to try the delicious seafood, the coffee is so good in all the little coffee shops around town and the pasticcerias have delicious sweets you have to try - and you must try them all!
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Venice is a beautiful city and we had to have this experience well-documented. We chose Siza and it was the perfect choice! We connected right away and it shows in the photos. For the first time, we had real photos as a couple during our vacation, which is usually so complicated to achieve (other than selfies). It was our first time with Flytographer and we are now choosing future destinations for our holidays making sure there’s a Flytographer there for us!
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Learning Self-Love
Through Solo Travel
Photos by: Silvia in Amsterdam for Flytographer
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Shay’s story One of our wonderful Shoot Concierges, Shay, recently embarked on a new adventure. Previously based out of our headquarters in Victoria, Canada, she set off for Rome this summer to provide our network of photographers (many of whom are based in Europe) and our customers even more hours of concierge service. Of course, it hasn’t been all work. She’s been taking full advantage of days off by travelling around Europe as much as possible. Recently, she embarked on her very first solo trip to Amsterdam and came away with so much more than she expected. Read on for Shay’s take on what solo travel has taught her.
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For years, I’ve believed that the quote “happiness is only real when shared” could only translate into travelling with another person, and that solo travel could never yield the same feelings of happiness that I’d felt when travelling with friends and family. I can’t believe how wrong I was. Solo travel has not only brought me insurmountable joy and happiness, it has made me step way out of my comfort zone, forced me to befriend people who I’ve just met, and given me the chance to be deeply introspective and think about what I want to do for once, rather than taking into consideration everyone else’s needs, wants, and concerns. Does that make me selfish? I don’t think so. Does it mean that I never want to travel with other people again? Not at all. I’ve just now realized (after 25 years on earth) how incredibly valuable and enriching solo travel can be. The big ticket item? Solo travel allowed me to love and respect myself in a way I didn’t know I needed. Let me explain …
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A year ago, if someone had told me, “Next June, you’ll be living in Europe, going to Amsterdam by yourself, and having new adventures with people you’ve just met. Oh, and you’re also going to do a solo photoshoot,” I would have never believed them. Solo travel? Nah, not for me. Befriending strangers? Scary! Solo photoshoot?! Never going to happen. Now, here I am, doing those things and loving… Every. Single. Minute. Often the anticipation and worry is far more scary than actually doing it, which was so very true in my case. I was in Amsterdam for 72 hours. I’d never been there before and knew very little about the city aside from the fact that it has pretty canals and a red light district. I booked the entire trip seven days before my plane took off, including my flight, hostel, and Flytographer shoot. I’ve travelled extensively in my life, but never completely, totally alone. It felt wonderful and scary all at once. 88 • PASSPORT | THE MAGIC OF TRAVEL
What I didn’t realize was that those 72 hours would not only be some of the best of my life (to date), but that my solo trip would instill in me a new and real sense of confidence and independence that I hadn’t experienced before. I visited the red light district, rode a bike through the crazy streets of Amsterdam, got very lost in the winding canals, took a ferry and visited a beach called “Sexyland” with some new friends, ate lots of pancakes, salsa danced for the first time, and routinely struck up conversation with people at my hostel (who are now my friends!) - all with a new sense of confidence gained by my solo travel.
To top it all off, I had a solo vacation photo shoot with the wonderful Silvia. I knew that my selfies with the canals just weren’t going to cut it. Even so, I was nervous. What was I going to do with my hands? What if it was awkward? I’m not a model, so why am I having a photo shoot? Even after planning thousands of shoots for our clients all around the world and being so inspired by our incredible solo travellers, I still felt a sense of self-doubt and fear. Luckily, and somehow not surprisingly, all these feelings melted away once I stepped out of my Uber and saw Silvia’s smiling face waiting to greet me at the most picturesque canal in Amsterdam (ok, they are all really nice, but this one felt extra magical). My time with Silvia felt like I was walking the streets with an old friend, rather than a woman I’d never met before. For the first time in my life, her lens staring me in the face wasn’t scary and daunting, but fun and exciting.
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Fast forward a couple days when I received my photos. I was so giddy, I was showing my gallery to people I’d just met. They show me as I really am, and the pure happiness that I felt exploring a new and beautiful city. They made me feel self-love, which doesn’t usually happen when you see a photo of yourself. The reason for this is because the photos captured my true self in a way that a selfie never could. My advice to you? Book the trip. Always book the trip. Don’t have anyone to go with? Even better. Turns out that the quote “happiness is only real when shared” is true. I shared my happiness with the strangers I’d just met, friends I made, the people I interacted with for just a moment - and most importantly, with myself.
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A Rock-Solid Proposal
Photos by: Whitney in Portland for Flytographer
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Kane’s story We had both been to Cannon Beach years ago, but seperately, and always spoke about a get-away together as we both love it. Miles of sand, forever ocean views, and the magical Haystack & Needles ... what a perfect backdrop. We stayed at the Surfsand Resort and ate at the Wayfarer, which were both on the beach ... amazing.
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When it was time to propose, Whitney, our superhero photographer, was in position, pretending to be a tourist snapping photos. Neil and I walked along the beach after dinner and I gave Whitney the signal that I was ready. Nervous or not, it was time … and Whitney was ready. She caught our proposal moment better than anyone could have imagined. It was real time, not posed or staged. I am forever grateful I chose Flytographer and Whitney. The photos tell the story better than I ever could in words! We still look at our photos in awe. Whitney captured our engagement perfectly — natural and unfiltered.
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48 Hours in
Budapest
Photos by: Dana in Budapest for Flytographer
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Does your next holiday include a stop in the fascinating capital city of Hungary? If not, get it on your itinerary, stat! Budapest boasts European charm while maintaining the slight grittiness that makes it so unique. Straddling the Danube River with monumental bridges and a modern public transportation system linking its two distinct sides, Buda and Pest, the city is quickly shedding its communist past and emerging as a top European destination. Here are our insider picks for what to eat, see and do when you have just 48 hours to explore spectacular Budapest!
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EAT • Every trip to Budapest must include a market visit. The most famous (and most popular) market is Central Market Hall. The building itself is worth the trip, but the prepared foods served on the second level are a worthy reason to visit on their own. Here you can try every famous Hungarian food, such as langos, fried dough traditionally topped with sour cream, cheese and garlic. Don’t forget about the smaller markets, which can be found all over the city. Follow any Hungarian with a basket in hand and you’re likely to find a market with fresh Hungarian food! • Popular restaurant Mazel Tov aims for a garden party vibe in the center of Budapest’s Jewish district. Mazel Tov offers Mediterranean plates with plenty of vegetarian options. Most nights, live music sets the tone for the late night crowd. As with most Budapest restaurants, getting a reservation is recommended. Budapest locals go out every night of the week, so restaurants and bars fill up quickly. • Soups and sandwiches don’t usually have cult followings, but Bors GasztroBár has inspired such a following with their creative soups and sandwiches that it seems there is a permanent line out the door. Don’t be deterred — the line moves quickly and you’ll be in and out of the Star Wars-themed shop and planning your next visit in no time. • KonyvBar & Restaurant’s concept is every bookworm and foodie’s dream come true. Each week, they cook a book. The menus are thoughtful and are offered as a full tasting menu or à la carte. Recent menus included green tea-marinated chicken breast inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll and duck breast with chocolate sauce inspired by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl.
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• Dine with locals at Eat & Meet. Suzie and her parents are local Hungarians who welcome guests to their home for an authentic Hungarian meal, with insight into Hungarian cuisine, culture and, of course, wine. Eat & Meet’s dinners are attended by visitors from around the world, so you’ll have the chance to share a meal and converse with people from a variety of cultures. • Daily dessert is a vacation necessity and Budapest has endless dessert offerings. Kürtőskalács, or chimney cake, is made of dough wrapped around a tube (shaped like a chimney!), cooked over charcoals and rolled in walnuts or cinnamon. They can be found all over the city at outdoor stands. As for the rest of the cakes in Budapest, well, you’ll just have to try them all! Eszterházy, Dobos torta and Krémes are just a few of the sublimely exquisite dessert offerings available at pastry shops like Auguszt Cukrászda, which dates back to 1870. • For a uniquely Budapest night-life experience, head to the ruin pubs. Szimpla and Instant are the biggest and most wellknown, but smaller ruin pubs can be found throughout the city. If you’re not into nightlife, Szimpla opens at noon and an afternoon coffee or drink is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the decor without the crowds. (Insider tip: Szimpla’s hot chocolate is surprisingly decadent and can be spiked with Bailey’s or Jameson.) • Beginning in November, Christmas markets start popping up all around Budapest. One of the biggest and best is the one at Vörösmarty Square. Here, you can indulge in mulled wine and delicious Hungarian food, perhaps the definition of comfort food. For dessert, a warm, freshly cooked chimney cake is a must. In addition to food, the Vörösmarty Christmas market brings out a variety of local vendors selling arts, crafts and everything in between.
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SEE • Many people don’t realize how stunning Budapest is until they see it for themselves. The hike to the top of Gellert Hill is rewarded with panoramic views of the city. The hill is lined with various paths, so you can choose between a more winding approach or a more direct steep path. The Citadella, a military fortress built by the Habsburgs in the 1850s, sits at the top of the hill. The hill is also home to a beautiful park, so it’s the perfect spot for a post-hike picnic. • Book tickets in advance for a Parliament tour. You’ll skip the line and will get to tour arguably the most beautiful building in Budapest. The Holy Crown of Hungary is housed in the Parliament building, but the most unique feature may be the built-in cigar holders for members of Parliament. • For a totally different museum experience, check out Pinball Museum Budapest. The museum houses 130 pinball machines and for a small admission fee, you can be a pinball wizard for as long as you’d like! • Fisherman’s Bastion is a panoramic viewing terrace overlooking the Danube, with a perfectly-framed view of the Parliament building across the Danube. The terrace’s architecture gives off the vibe of a fairy-tale castle and besides the upper towers, it’s free to visit. • Hop on, hop off city tours are often cringe-worthy, but the hop on, hop off river cruises in Budapest offer a fun, cheap way to float down the Danube and learn more about Budapest’s history. Sailing the Danube at night is especially recommended for a magical view!
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DO • Thermal bathing is a deep-rooted part of Hungarian culture thanks to the many natural thermal waters that flow through the country. The most impressive thermal baths are Gellért and Szechenyi. (Added perk: Gellért’s attached brewery and restaurant has excellent food for a post-bath meal. If you visit during the week, their fixed price lunch menus are a great value, too.) Rudas’ rooftop bath offers a view overlooking the Danube. Visit late night to see the bridges lit up for the evening. • Unicum is a Hungarian herbal liqueur made according to a secret recipe dating back to 1790. Visit The Zwack Museum and Heritage Centre to learn about the history of the Zwack family, the makers of Unicum, and to see the museum’s collection of 17,000 miniature bottles. The entry ticket also includes an Unicum tasting. Egészségedre! • Szamos is known for its chocolates, marzipan and pastries. Dive deeper into the action with a chocolate-making course. Make bonbons or truffles and if you don’t eat them all first, take some home as a handmade souvenir. • Thrill-seekers can thank Budapest’s thermal waters for the network of caves beneath the city. Caving tours are familyfriendly and require no previous caving experience. Just be sure to get in touch via email before you go to book your tour. • If lush plants are your thing, Eötvös Loránd University’s botanic garden is a green haven right in the middle of district VIII. The garden’s collection includes tropical plants, succulents and an arboretum.
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• Ecseri flea market is on the outskirts of the city, but can be reached by bus and is worth the trip for anyone who loves hunting for a bargain or exploring a treasure trove of secondhand and antique items. Saturday is the best day to go. Arrive early and don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price. • In summer, City Park Lake is a serene spot to go boating, but in winter, the lake is transformed into Budapest’s most popular ice skating rink. It first opened in 1870, making it one of the oldest ice skating rinks in Europe. But the very best part about skating here is that the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle creates a backdrop straight out of a fairytale.
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A weekend is plenty of time to experience the diversity that Budapest has to offer. Thanks to Budapest’s walkability, efficient public transportation system and public bike system, visitors can see much of the city in a short amount of time. That doesn’t mean you should be in a hurry though. The most important piece of advice we can offer for enjoying Budapest? Linger often and savour the many special moments of your time in this magical capital.
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