Orange County (O.C.), Southern California (SoCal), United States of America (USA)

Orange County (O.C.), Southern California (SoCal), United States of America (USA) Pt. 1

Orange County, SoCal is one of the most populous areas of the United States and third most populous county in California which has a population that is greater than twenty one other U.S. States¹.

 It’s not these statistics that make the OC a great place. It’s the diversity of cultures of people, different types of foods, places to see and places to enjoy.

Beaches

The stand out beach in the OC to experience would be Huntington Beach, California.

Image Source: http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/huntington-beach-pier-sunset-dung-ma.jpg

Every year, during the summer and in the last week of July and ending in early August, held at Huntington Beach, is the US Open of Surf. It is a surf competition that is held for a week, and was made part of the qualifiers for the World Surf League QS 10,000 event and is considered “the largest surfing competition in the world”.²

Image Source: http://cdn.business.transworld.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/09/US-Open-Of-Surfing410.jpg

Food

Orange County is full of great places to eat which highlight the cultural diversity of the area.

Some great places include:

The Anaheim Meatpacking District (For more see: http://anaheimpackingdistrict.com)

It has a variety of restaurants and fast food stores which is all served in a former meatpacking factory. The retro interior design re-imagines many old styles and décor infused with contemporary design and this is clearly reflected in each of the menu items served in each of the restaurants.

Image Source: https://img.vimbly.com/images/full_photos/high-line-park-tour-1.jpg

Little Saigon, Orange County

This area contains the greatest varieties of Vietnamese Restaurants outside of Vietnam and you are bound to find some awesome places to dine.

Places to start would be Brodard located in the Garden Grove area to sample their marvelous Rice Paper Pork Rolls with their signature crabmeat dipping sauces and Pho 45, which is also located in Garden Grove, for their exquisite rare beef noodle soups.

Brodard: Rice Paper Pork Rolls with unique mild spiced crabmeat dipping sauce

Image Source: http://www.brodard.net/images/main-home.jpg

Pho 45: Pho Tai (Rare Beef Noodle Soup), pronounced as “Ffuuhhhrrr Taaii”

Image Source: http://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/BE1I-a-f_NDmFbtMf-fXhQ/o.jpg

*End Part 1*

- By Jo T.P. Hoang

Sources

¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_California

² https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Open_of_Surfing

Fancy somewhere more local? Pay a visit to Wattamolla Beach, in Sydney, Australia.

Fancy somewhere more local to our blogging team? I highly recommend you pay a visit to Wattamolla beach, just a short walk or drive from The National Park, located in Sydney, NSW. 

When you're aching for the feel of sand between your toes, take the group down the Wattamolla picnic area. There are enough options to keep everyone hapy, as well as being a popular place to base yourself for the day while exploring the acres of park that is on offer.

If you've discovered a love for the underwater life, there's a lagoon for snorkelling, swimming and liloing. Feel free to unpack a picnic under the shade of the cabbage tree palms, and do soe serious underwater explioring. Not a fan of getting wet? Head down to the beach for a spot of fishing - you might even be able to catch your lunch!

Photo: Raquel Azoulay
Written by Raquel Azoulay

Vienna, Prater-dome

Fancy a trip to Vienna? Make sure you pay a visit to the Prater-dome. The local night life in Vienna is amazing, and can be enjoyed by the young and the old, and the Prater-dome is an example of just that. Upon entry, you're faced with an amusement park fit for all ages, equip with a giant ferris wheel, merry go round, 'the claw' and over five haunted houses (some that are definitely not for the faint hearted). 

With the legal age in Vienna being 18, after you've had a bit of a run around in the amusment park, make your way to the centre of the park, where you'll find a small bar with limited stock - may I suggest jager? Because here it's Jager, or get out (and I suggest you stay, seing that a shot of jager will only set you back 4 euro's..) 

After you've had a little pre-drink up in the bar, turn to your imediate left, and you'll see a groovy little staircase that you could swear wasn't there when you sat down. Heading in, you'll be welcomed with open arms to the bottom level of the pradadome night club, decorated with traditional Viennan dolls that have eyes wide enough to creep out anyone. Make sure you keep an open mind when you walk in, because I promise, the rest of the night's going to be worth it. 

After you've had a little groove with their resident DJ who looks to be boardering 100 years of age, you'll yet again walk up another staircase, that you can definitely swear wasn't there when you first walked in. From here on, there are no more weird surprises, the Prater-dome turns back into your normal, but nonetheless amazing nightclub. Offering three different levels (two being inside, and one being out), The Prater-dome is definitely a must if you're backpacking around Vienna with friends.

Photo: Raquel Azoulay
Written by Raquel Azoulay

Destinations You Must Visit Before You Die: #3 Santorini Greece

Santorini is a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. 

The whole complex of Santorini islands is comprised of an active volcano and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea. The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity.

Santorini is considered to be the most sought after place for a romantic getaway in Greece. It is famous for its intriguing history, volcanic landscape, cosmopolitan atmosphere, breathtaking sunsets, deep blue sea, and so much more. The island also has a growing reputation for romance and is considered the perfect wedding destination for couples from all over the world.

 There are so many more reasons why you should visit Santorini. For instance, it has perfect climate conditions which is ideal for a perfect holiday. Food here is ten times better and healthier not only because recipes have been perfected over time, by generations of Greek families, but because Greek food is based on fresh products. Also, Greece has great diversity and a range of places and landscapes that cannot be found anywhere else.

N.AU

Destinations You Must Visit Before You Die: #2 Bora Bora

If you're feeling like a tropical get away, Bora Bora is definitely a must.

Bora Bora is French Polunesia's most popular island, undoubtedly the most celebrated island in the South Pacific (extremely popular amongst the honeymooners and romantics). 

The life The life philosophy of the islands people is ‘hakuna matata’ or “aita pea pea,” basically meaning ‘don’t worry’. The main languages that are spoken in Bora Bora are French and Tahitian. English is also spoken in many hotels, resorts, markets, and tourist locations and by most of the people living on the island.

All the views at Bora Bora are breathtaking due to their lush tropical slopes and valleys which are covered with hibiscus, and their white sand covered beaches which give way to the emerald waters and coral gardens.

Bora Bora is a destination which will make you want to never leave. 

N.AU

Destinations You Must Visit Before You Die: #1 Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat was Built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century. It is one of the most significant architectural achievements of ancient times, and remains the world's largest religious monument today, with some calling it the mother of all temples.

Angkor Wat is located in Cambodia's northern province of Siem Reap and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. The site covers approximately 400 square km and comprises of temples, hydraulic structures such as basins, dykes, reservoirs and canals (all great places to snap amazing pictures for memories). This site is renown thanks to its distinctive sandstone spires, intricate artistry and massive moat that encloses the grounds in a three-and-a-half-mile perimeter. 

The temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia, it is the national symbol, the epicentre of Khmer civilisation and a source of fierce national pride. Definitely a place to put on your bucket list. 

N.AU

Austrian Tirol, White water rafting

The white water rafting in the Austrian Tirol is amazing, and a definite must for adreneline junkies.
 Its a grade 3 course which means its not too scary or dangerous, and not at all slow - perfect for a group to do together. On top of the adrenalin of rafting down the rapids, you get time to take in the amazing views of the Austrian Alps that surround you! Rafting lasts for around an hour, then once you’ve had a warm shower and get changed there is time for some complimentary pizza and a shot of Schnaps! I'd recommend going through the company Feelfree rafting and adventures on the Inn river, Austria.

Photo: Raquel Azoulay
Written by Raquel Azoulay

Cinque Terre Region, Italy

Visiting Italy? Make sure to spend a day or two in the Cinque Terre Region. Located just to the west of La Spezia, the Cinque Terre is comopsed of five villages, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You'll find that although rugged, these steep landscapes offer amazing views, accompanied by the generous and welcoming locals - Definitely worth hiking up those hills.

Photo: Raquel Azoulay
Written by Raquel Azoulay

Group introduction

Hey! It's Raquel, Joe, Miranda, Nancy and Bill here!

On this blog we'll be posting everything there is to know about travel, including our own personal tips, where to go, and how to prepare!

So stay tuned to keep updated on all you'll need to know for your next adventure.

You'll be hearing from us soon.

Photo: Raquel Azoulay

Team Bjmnr's First Team Photo

So I had to dig deep in our archives to find this gem. It's been a while since we've been last seen together, so I had to find our last group photo after our battle with the Giant Pancake Man.

Left to Right: Jo, Nancy, Bill, Miranda and Raquel.