PDXmountainclimber

Take one of the excursion boats up the Bosphorus—it’s a great way to see the city, espcially on a hot day.

It was still under renovation in July 2009 – the frescoes upstairs are pretty cool.

Crater Lake is definitely worth visiting, but you need to…

1) Bring lots of bug spray, particularly in June and July. The mosquitoes can be downright oppressive.

2) Go later in the season as the Wizard Island boats don’t start until early July, and the rim drive doesn’t open until late July, snow dependent. Plus, Watchman’s Peak, Mt. Scott, and other high points usually have a lot of snow on them until later season.

3) Check out the nearby attractions just outside the north entrance of the park. Diamond Lake, Mt. Thielsen, and waterfalls along the North Umpqua River are all worth seeing.

Have fun!

Their PB&J is pretty awesome. The one in SE off of Hawthorne is the best one and in a really convenient location.

It’s really not that great if you go in November / winter months. I suppose it would be prettier if you go in the springs when the gardens are nicer.

Totally worth doing. If you’re especially adventurous, carry your camping gear to the top and camp out at the summit. You’ll be rewarded with a great sunrise and morning views of Middle Sister, North Sister, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood.

I can’t say I cared for Cologne that much. The cathedral is really cool and definitely worth seeing, but other than that, it’s really not that great of a city. The streets adjacent to the cathedral or filled with fast food restuarants and other stores. It’s unfortunate that so much of the historical city was destroyed by World War II.

This park sits at the base of the Cerro Verde Volcano and is nearby to Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes. We hiked up to the top of Izalco. The park is accessible by local bus, though you do have to transfer in a nearby town. A tour guide/security needs to be hired for $5.

To take full advantage of this touristy attraction, spend the extra few dollars on a priority boarding pass to get on the gondola. Once at the top, take a hike to Rucu Pichincha, a 15,300 foot volcano that sits above Quito. You’ll get stunning views of Quito from the path. I’ve heard that there have been robbers on the trail, so make sure you don’t go alone. And, make sure you climatize for a few days down in Quito because of the elevation. This is a fun place to go, so definitely take a side trip here!

This is totally worth visiting. The church itself is pretty cool, but the real treasure of this place are the views from the top of the bell towers and the church steeple. Getting to the bell towers requires climbing ladder. There is one level above the bells in which you can squeeze onto balcony of the tower – not for the faint of heart or those who fear heights. This is a must see in Quito.