Spain—Mezquita de Cordoba

Sometimes a change of tune is a good thing. Perhaps the perfect example of the adage is Cordoba’s Mezquita. Originally constructed in the 7th century, the denomination of the UNESCO World Heritage Site has been adapted several times over by its governing inhabitants. And, yet the combination of Christian and Moorish influence upon the cathedral’s design only adds to its aesthetic appeal. Take a guided tour of Cordoba de Mezquita on our Spain: Under the Andalusian Sky biking vacation.

Puglia—Cattedrale di Monopoli

Attractive from afar, and intoxicating from within, is the fortified town of Monopoli. The port village’s location has drawn many invaders historically, and much of the architecture has been built and rebuilt by its flux of inhabitants. Restored in the 17th century, the Cattedrale di Monopoli is one of the most noteworthy structures in the small town. At almost 200 feet high, the cathedral’s soaring tower is visible from quite a distance. Yet the baroque cathedral offers an even more stunning view at its base. Enjoy a close-up of the historic Catterale di Monopoli on our Puglia: Italy’s Undiscovered Coast bicycling vacation.

Portugal—São Jorge Castle

Europe’s western-most capital, Lisbon, boasts a collage of architectural styles. For a classic example of Lisbon’s hodgepodge of building styles, peer up at São Jorge Castle from the Baixa neighborhood of the coastal city. Atop Lisbon’s tallest hill, the Moorish castle rests like an ancient crown, capping off an elegant blend of Roman, Celtic, and even French architectural styles. Explore São Jorge Castle on an extension after our Walking Portugal’s Douro River Valley vacation.

Thailand—Wat Rong Khun

Just outside of Chiang Rai, Thailand, travelers will find the unorthodox and absolutely striking Buddhist temple, Wat Rong Khun. In a land known for its vibrant natural colors, Wat Rong Khun truly stands out as much for its pristine white appearance, as its incredibly intricate façade. Though the White Temple is just over a decade old, it is certain to remain among one of the world’s sacred masterpieces for centuries to come. Marvel at Wat Rong Khun on our Exploring Northern Thailand biking vacation.

Vietnam—Hien Nhan Gate

Park your bike and take some time to explore the Purple Forbidden City, the former headquarters of the Nguyen dynasty. Located in Hue, Vietnam, the Imperial City was once surrounded by a moat and a large stone wall, and outsiders could only peer upon its enclosure. Admittedly, it was quite a view. Admire it yourself, and as you enter into the Purple forbidden City, enjoy a moment examining the detail of the massive stone entryway, the Hien Nhan Gate. Visit the Hien Nhan Gate on our Journey through Vietnam biking vacation.

Peru—Machu Picchu

What can be said about Machu Picchu to relay the wonder and awe of the “Lost City of the Incas”? We can merely echo our predecessors’ sentiments. Since its construction in the 14th and 15th century, the centerpiece of the Sacred Valley has simply amazed visitors from the Spanish conquistadors and Hiram Bingham to the ardent travelers that make their way along the Inca trail each year. Their conclusions? The journey astounds beyond words. Experience it for yourself and visit Machu Picchu on our Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley walking tour.

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The surprises begin almost immediately. As you enter the theater, you’ll note a stark contrast to the layout you’ve become accustomed to at performance halls in Europe and the U.S. Musicians sit to the left of the crowd, at the same level as the audience as they provide a live soundtrack for the performance. Fixing your gaze to the center of the theater, you’ll find a small replica of a traditional Vietnamese Temple. However, the replica is merely a backdrop for the action and rather than peering up at a stage, onlookers are situated to look down at a waist-deep, 12 square foot pool of water. Finally, the music begins and the performance unfolds, as puppets glide, dance, skim, and appear to float along the water. You’ll enjoy ensemble dances, fire spraying dragons, and an assortment of Vietnamese folk songs through the course of the show.

Today’s puppet shows are whimsical and light, and employ a series of well-coordinated modern efforts. Throughout the performance, vocalists will interact with the puppets, singing the dialogue and plot as well as sending the occasional warning to a puppet in need. Puppeteers stand behind a decorated façade and utilize string and bamboo rods to manipulate the puppets from under the water. Despite the advanced techniques, this tradition began almost a thousand years ago in Northern Vietnam’s Red River. Perhaps in rice fields, or flooded plains, it is believed that water puppetry was initially practiced as a combination of entertainment and a means to please the spirit world. For a time, the custom was nearly lost, though recently it has seen a resurgence in the form of modern performance. And it’s latent, widespread appeal has ensured Water Puppetry as a mainstay among residents and travelers in Hanoi.

As you explore verdant rice fields and craggy mountainside valleys on our Vietnam Bike Tour, be sure to take in Hanoi’s famous Múa rối nước. Performances fill up quickly, but with VBT’s included water puppet show you’ll be assured a poolside view of one of Vietnam’s oldest and most unique cultural traditions.

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Ingredients: Serves 8

• 2 onions unpeeled, halved and studded with 8 whole cloves
• 3 shallots, unpeeled
• 2 inches fresh ginger, unpeeled
• 12 cups cold water
• 4 lbs. oxtail
• 1 lb. beef shank
• 2 pieces star anise
• 1 ½ sticks cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon crushed peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 cups rice stick noodles (yields 7 cups)
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1 lb Beef sirloin or flank steak
• 2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 cups bean sprouts, blanched
• 2 limes or lemons, cut into 8 sections
• 4 chili peppers, sliced
• 6 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped coarsely
• 1 lime
• 2/3 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Preparation

1. Char the onions, shallots and ginger under the grill until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Place into a large stockpot. Add the water, oxtail, beef shank, star anise, cinnamon, peppercorns and salt to the stockpot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, skim the solid surface and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, soak the noodles in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the noodles, stirring for one minute. Drain, rinse with cold water and portion the noodles among 8 large soup bowls.
3. Remove the beef shank and oxtail from the stock, making sure these are tender. Thinly slice the sirloin or flank steak into strips 1 x 2 x 1/8 in and set aside.
4. Season the soup with fish sauce and continue to cook over low heat. When the meat is cool enough to handle, slice the beef shank into uniform slices the same size as the sliced sirloin or flank steak. Discard the bones.
5. Add the sliced steak into the broth. Cook for 3 minutes and remove.

To serve, place a portion of noodles in a soup bowl and layer the cooked shank and sliced steak on top of the noodles. Then place onion slices and bean sprouts on top of the meat. Ladle the hot broth over the ingredients.

Garnish with several slices of chili peppers and fresh cilantro. Repeat process for each serving. Pass the extra onions, bean sprouts, fresh chilies, lime sections and basil on a platter.

Season with additional fish sauce, if needed and enjoy.

Note: Recipe serves 8, but soup may be frozen up to 4 months. To reheat, place frozen soup in a saucepan and heat slowly at medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until simmering and hot throughout. Garnish and enjoy immediately.

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