3 Not-to-Miss Desserts in Prague

Cafes across Prague will try to entice your sweet tooth with a local specialty called Rakvička (above). Let them.

Rakvička is a light crispy biscuit, covered with fresh whipped cream and drizzled with a light, sweet sauce. Delicious as it may sound (and is), the most unique feature of this dessert is its shape. Rakvička is styled to look like small coffins. Usually served in pairs, they're even hollow on the inside.

There may be no better tricky treat in all of Prague, but here are two others that demand a taste when in Europe's favorite fairy tale city.

Municipal House Cafeteria
A trip to Prague would be incomplete without a visit to the Municipal House Cafeteria, one of the city's finest examples of Art Noveou architecture and the perfect place for an afternoon espresso, complete with cake, ice cream and the best eggnog you may ever taste. The Municipal House is as renowned for its impeccable formal service and architectural style as it is for its food.

Address:
Náměstí Republiky 5
110 00 Prague 1

Trdelnik
Traditional street foods are a great way to get to know new cultures and there is perhaps no place where this rings truer than in the Czech Republic. When your sweet tooth strikes on the streets of Prague, stop and pick up a trdelnik. The fresh, flaky, cylindrical dough pastries are usually dusted with cinnamon and sugar and always delicious.

Whick brings me to... where in the world is Meena??

In Prague!

How to See the Vienna State Opera for less than $5

If you've got a little patience, you can see the Vienna State Opera for cheap. There's only one catch: you have to stand.

Standing room tickets are a inexpensive way to catch opera performances around the world. But in this capital of culture, there's an art to getting these "seats." Think of it as the ultimate in old school mosh pits.

Here's what you need to know:
Get to the opera house about two hours before the performance and bring a scarf. Use the entrance near Opengrasse, head toward the box office window and wait in line. Ticket sales start 80 minutes before showtime.

The seasoned opera goers will be the ones with books, snacks and their own pop-up chairs.

Pick your section before your turn in what will become a quickly-moving line. Parterrestehplatz (4 EUR) is downstairs, directly in front of the stage. Balkonstehplatz (3 EUR) are on the sides of the middle level. Galeriestehplatz (3 EUR) is in the center of the top balcony level. If you're among the first 100 people in line, Parterrestehplatz tickets are your best bet.

When you get to the window, buy your tickets and head toward your section, where you'll wait in one more line. This line will allow you to pick your standing spot, but you'll have to move quickly and deliberately the second staff opens the doors. Doors open 45 minutes before showtime with people rushing to good spots. Believe it or not, the competition can get intense.

Once you've found a spot, hang out or tie a scarf to the bar in front of it and head out until showtime. Show your ticket stub to get back in, find your scarf (it'll be there) and stand back for the show.

Which brings me to.... where in the world is Meena?

Catching a Viennese opera, of course!

Coping With The High Cost of Copenhagen

Everything costs more in Copenhagen. Here in Denmark's capital, don't be surprised to come across $5 sodas, $10 McMeals and $6 happy hour beers. Here are three ways to save a few crowns in this slice of Scandinavian heaven:

1) Seek out free entertainment -- Even in the land of the expensive, some things are free. Check out the changing of the guard and the Danish Royal Palace, a Sandemans walking tour, the iconic Little Mermaid and the National Museum.

2) Take the 11A bus instead of the pricier open top sightseeing tour. The 11A will take you to many of the same sights including Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum, Stroeget and Amalienborg Palace for a small fraction of the price.

3) Take the boat bus instead of a canal cruise - It seems every European city has a river, canal or lake to cruise. This city's canal cruises are particularly pricey for foreign travelers, so skip it and take the significantly cheaper boat bus as you wander instead.


Which brings me to ... Where in the world is Meena??
In Copenhagen

How To Not Get Ripped Off In Marrakech

If you feel like you have a target on your back from the second you land in Marrakech, it’s because you do. Unfortunately, this North African tourist hot spot is filled with cabbies, henna artists and salesmen out to take advantage of tourists.

Here’s five tips for making the most of your Moroccan vacation without spending more dirham than you need to.

1) Take the airport bus or arrange for an airport transfer from your hotel or hostel. The No. 19 airport bus is a bargain at 20 dirham. An airport transfer will cost more, but the price will likely still be less than the cabbies at the airport will charge. And like in Istanbul, there’s a pretty good chance a cabbie off the street – even at the airport -- won’t get you to the correct destination.

2) Always, always bargain with salesman in the markets.Storekeepers in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city's main square, may not cut you a deal but walk a little further into Marrakech’s markets and you’ll likely find better deals on the exact same items. Most shopkeepers start with a ridiculously high price for whatever it is they’re selling, expecting you to bargain with them. Many items can actually be had for one-half or one-fifth of the first quoted price. The key to bargaining here is being unafraid to walk away. You’ll be surprised how often a salesman will follow you, and come down to a more reasonable price.


3) Never ever take what you’re told at face value. If a salesman says something is real leather, ask him to prove it to you by burning it. Real leather won’t burn, but much of what’s sold as leather in the souks will.

4) Beware of anyone who tries to dance with you in the streets or tries to dress you in local clothing for photographs – such entertainment is never free. Also, expect to be asked for money if you take photos of snake charmers and other animal toting entertainers in famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

5) Waiters and storekeepers will often claim not to have change, instead asking you to leave a ridiculously large tip for them. Avoid this by carrying small bills and being forceful with anyone trying to gouge you for a tips that may cost up to 50% of your meal or service.

Which brings me to… where in the world is Meena??


In Marrakech

Where to Get a Good Margarita in Madrid

Madrid may be best known for its Sangria and wine, but it’s one place whose margaritas even traveling Texans can appreciate.

Naturally, I was skeptical when I walked into El Chaparrito. But it’s been awhile since I’ve been in Texas, and Mexican food and a margarita sounded delicious after several days of Spanish tapas and Sangria.

Unfortunately, the food was nothing worth writing about (I ordered the enchiladas), but the margarita was surprisingly good. That's even though it wasn’t quite frozen when served. It had a familiar Texas taste and a nice ring of salt around the rim of the glass – not bad for about 5 euro.

Where to go:

El Chaparrito
Calle Mayor 68
Madrid, Spain 28013
+34 915 42 46 81 ‎
www.elchaparrito.com

Which brings me to ... Where in the world is Meena??


In Madrid (inside the guard tower at the royal palace)

Four Free Things To Do In Barcelona

Want to have some fun abroad without draining your bank account? Head to Barcelona where several days of entertainment can be had without forking over a fistful of euros.

Here are four of your best options for free fun along the Spanish Riviera:

1) Festivals – Barcelona knows how to throw a street party, and its festivals are among the world’s best. During Fiesta de Gracia, for example, residents of this historically working class neighborhood compete to create the best festival art of the year. Local musicians put on free concerts; flamenco dancers perform in the streets and makeshift bars spring up across the neighborhood. There’s even a human castle building competition. Fiesta de Gracia is held in late August each year, but it’s just one of many in Barcelona. Check festival schedules online to coordinate your travel dates around one of these legendary celebrations.

2) Beaches – Thanks to the 1992 summer Olympics, Barcelona has become a beach bum’s paradise. Stretching 4.5 kilometers from Port Olimpic in the north to Barceloneta in the south, these beaches are a man made paradise along the Mediterranean. Once a simple port, imported Egyptian sand and Hawaiian palm trees have made this stretch an oasis for sunbathers, beach volleyball players and tourists and locals alike looking to cool off in the idyllic blue water.

3) La Rambla – This 1.2 kilometer pedestrian walkway stretching from Catalunya in the north to Port Vell in the south is perhaps Barcelona’s top tourist attraction. Souvenir stands, artists, street performers and vendors line this strip day and night, hawking their wares and putting on shows for passers-by.

4) Free Walking Tour - You won’t find Sandeman’s legendary New Europe free tours here, but head to the Travel Bar, located at Boqueria 27, for an English language tour that’s just as good. Barcelona-based guides will walk through the city's gothic quarter, pointing out Picasso’s favorite absinthe bar, one of the two oldest synagogues in the world and several other pieces of history you may otherwise miss. Tours depart at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. You'll have the option of buying a 1 EUR Sangria or beer at one of the Travel Bar's sister properties at the end of the tour.

Which brings me to... where in the world is (was) Meena??


At Fiesta de Gracia in Barcelona

When in Lisbon, Hostels Top Hotels

If you're a hostelling backpacker, there's a haven for you at the edge of Europe: Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon is home to the world's top three hostels, and Lisbon hostels occupy the top spots on Hostelworld.com's rankings of large and small hostels.

Most hostellers will tell you Lisbon offers the best accommodations a backpacker's budget can buy. And they're right. For prices similar to those at lesser European hostels, expect perks like free pub crawls and walking tours and cheap chef prepared dinners, complete with wine.

Why are Lisbon's hostels so great? Tough competition among highly ranked properties, local hostel operators say.

Which brings me to, where in the world is (was) Meena??


In Lisbon!

Wall mural in a room at the Living Lounge, the world's No. 3 hostel.

Where to Get a Breakfast Burrito in London

You're in luck if you find yourself craving a spicy south of the border breakfast from the British side of the pond. Just consider Mexican Express your personal oasis.

This tiny store front north of the Old Street tube station doesn't look like much, but its breakfast burritos might transport your soul to the Mexican Riviera. Think fresh eggs, potatoes, chorizo and cheese wrapped in a soft, fresh flour tortilla and garnished with sour cream, guacamole or pico de gallo.

Absolute yumminess, available all-day with a cup of coffee for less than 5 GBP. That's what I call priceless.


Where to go:
Mexican Express
123 City road
(north of Old Street Station)
London EC1V 1JB
www.mexican-express.co.uk

Want to save a few pence? Take away and head to the nearest park

One thing about casual lunching in central London that's for sure: it'll cost you more to eat in than takeaway. At places like Hot in central London, the charge can be as much as 40 pence an item -- change that can add up quick.

One way to save those pence: order takeaway head to the nearest park or square. London has plenty of them, and they're everywhere. Of course, this trick won't work so well on the rainy days for which London is so well known. But during a sunny spell, there may be no midday escape than a picnic in the park.

Where to get free sushi in London

Believe it or not there is such a thing as a free meal in London. You just have to land in the right place at the right time.


I was in Russell Square enjoying a cool English evening with a friend when a free meal came my way. A woman carrying a Yo! Sushi bag asked if we wanted sushi -- we expected she'd offer us leftovers (why we had no idea), but instead she pulled out roll after roll of fresh sushi.

Her flatmates were sick of the stuff and she didn't want it to go to waste, she said.

With Yo! Sushi stores all over London you too may have similar luck!

Day clubbing in London

In London, clubbing isn't just for nights. Here's how the city parties on a Sunday afternoon:



If you go:
Where: The Church (across from the Clapham Junction tube)
When: Sunday afternoons, noon to 3:30 p.m.
How much: 7 GBP to get in, 3.50 GBP per drink or 3 for 10 GBP
What to wear: Halloween costumes are popular but anything goes
What to expect: American music, drunken Aussies and Kiwis, a comedian and a strip show
More info: http://www.thechurch.co.uk/

Saving money when you land in London

Getting from London's major airports to the heart of the city doesn't have to be expensive -- just don't hop into one of those iconic black cabs.

A cab ride from Gatwick to central London costs about 95 GBP. Heathrow is a little more reasonable at about 55 GBP, but hit the rails from either airport and you'll save yourself some cash.

Travel to/from Gatwick

The cheapest route to London from Gatwick is via the First Capital Connect or First Great Western rail lines. The trains will take you from the airport to the Victoria or London Bridge train stations for less than 10 GBP each way. Expect the ride to take between 30 and 45 minutes.

Southern Railway offers service from Gatwick to London's Victoria station for just over 11 GBP during off-peak hours and 12.50 GBP at other times of the day. Gatwick Express is a convenient, but slightly more expensive option at just under 18 GBP. Discount fairs of just under 16 GBP are available online. If your flight comes in after 9:35 a.m., you can snag a round trip ticket for 20 GBP.

Travel to/from Heathrow

The cheapest way to central London from Heathrow is the Piccadilly Line of the Underground. The "tube" will get you into town for about 5 GBP, but lugging your bags up and down the stairs may make you wish you weren't so thrifty.

For a decidedly more comfortable ride into town hop on either the Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect. The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and gets you into central London's Paddington station in 15 minutes. Of course, you'll pay for the convenience - 18 GBP at the airport or 16.50 GBP if you buy in advance online. Wait until you're on the train, and it'll cost you 23 GBP.

The Heathrow Connect runs a little less frequently and takes about a half hour, but a tickets are just 8.50 GBP each way.

Which brings me to..... Where in the world is Meena??



London!

Reykjavik: A Going Out Guide

In most cities, the party is about over by 2 a.m. But for many in this near-Arctic European capital, it’s just getting started. Welcome to the land of the midnight sun. Here in Iceland, revelers rarely hit the streets before 11 p.m. and don’t head home until after 5 a.m.

But there’s an art to barhopping in Reykjavik. This is how it’s done:

When to go: Friday and Saturday nights are reserved for partying in Iceland. Go out on any other night, and you’ll be sorely disappointed by the quiet bars and even quieter streets.

How to get there: If you’re at a downtown hotel or hostel you’re a short walk away from all the nightlife you could ever hope for. Otherwise, Reykjavik’s extensive bus system is your most economical option to get to the party for just a few bucks. But the busses stop running at 11 p.m., so you’ll need to budget $25-$30 for a cab home or find a friendly designated driver.

What to wear: There’s no formal dress code, but you’ll see most women wearing skintight dresses, short skirts or dressy jeans. And no matter how icy it is outside, don’t forget the stilettos. For men, a nice pair of jeans, stylish shoes or boots and a button-down shirt is the norm.

How to get your drink on: Like most everything else, booze is pricey across this tiny island nation. Two glasses of wine at a downtown bar can easily cost you $25. Expect to spend between $7 and $9 for a beer, and a minimum of $5 for a shot. If you’re coming from abroad, pick up a bottle or two at the airport duty free shop on your way in. Then, do as the locals do, and make a few drinks before you head out to the bars.

Where to eat afterward: There are lots of places in downtown to satisfy your early morning cravings. Try Pizza Pronto, Bankastræti 14, and Vallarstræti 4, for a quick slice, or Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur at the corner of Posthusstraeti and Tryggvagatafor for one of Iceland’s legendary hot dogs.

In Texas

Amsterdam 2011: the Pics

In Amsterdam :)

An English breakfast ... in London

Back in Bombay: the pics

I miss India already .... am looking forward to my return!

Back in Bombay

Goa: the pics

Going going gone to Goa

The Jingbang

மி பாமிலி இன் இந்திய

Monsoon Season in Tamil Nadu

Back in Chennai... with pics!

In Coimbatore

Coorg-Mysore-Bangalore: the pics

In Bangalore

Lounge 579

In Mysore

Mysore Palace

In Coorg

Abbi Falls in Madikeri

Madurai 2011-the belated pics

In Madurai

Mahabalipuram - the Pics

In Mahabalipuram

In Chennai

@ the mall!

In Kanchipuram

Mumbai 2011 - the Pics

In Mumbai

Iceland 2011 - the Pics

In Iceland!

I snowmobiled on a glacier, had drinks with the Icelandic president, took a dip in the Blue Lagoon, chased the Northern Lights, sampled Reykjavik's legendary nightlife and made some wonderful new friends.

Iceland really is incredible, and I am so looking forward to coming back. Photos to come.

Gone Globetrotting.

We all knew I'd take off eventually, but I hope you all know I'll also be back soon. Next month, I'm heading off to Iceland, Asia and wherever else the journey takes me. I hope you'll follow along and keep in touch.The pink markers are places I've been. The blue markers are places I'm going, and the red marker is your Meena GPS.

If you're an editor or news director seeking coverage my route, please visit www.meenamedia.com or contact me.