Tag Archives: Historic

Travel |

|

Kalaupapa National Historic Park

Kalaupapa Lookout

Located in Kalaupapa, on the island of Moloka’i, the Kalaupapa National Historic Park has had quite a dark role to play when it comes to the history of Hawaii. When Hansen’s Disease, otherwise known as leprosy, was introduced to the island in the 1830’s by foreign workers, Kalaupapa was designated as an isolation settlement, housing those who had been afflicted by the then-incurable disease. These historic settlements have been preserved throughout Kalaupapa National Historic Park, and, combined with the incredible natural beauty that the park boasts, it is a great destination at which to learn more about a turbulent time in Hawaii’s past.

Learning About Kalaupapa’s History
In order for the public to learn as much as possible about Kalaupapa’s sad past, Kalaupapa National Historic Park works hard to preserve all of their authentic historic features. From the buildings to the roads to the grave markers, the history that is still clearly visible throughout the park is definitely impressive. The park is also home to a museum collection that tells the story of the devastation that leprosy caused, with over 300,000 objects to depict this, including first-hand accounts from those who were directly affected by the disease. Kalaupapa is still home to a number of people who contracted leprosy, suffering for a while before they were eventually cured in later years.

Wildlife
Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the world, and it is truly incredible to imagine how the islands slowly filled with animal life over the years, with creatures that were either drifted in by the sea or blown in by the wind. The islands of Hawaii are known for their natural diversity, with 95% of their native animals not being found anywhere else in the world. The isolation and seclusion of the Kalaupapa National Historic Park means that it provides a protective sanctuary for a vast array of wildlife, from rare tropical fish to endangered birds to colorful marine life.

Kalaupapa mule tour

Kalaupapa Mule Tour
One of the most popular ways to explore the Kalaupapa National Historic Park is on the back of a mule, with guided tours taking you to some of the highlights of the park. In addition to having the opportunity to ride down the highest sea cliffs in the world, visitors are able to experience and learn about the park’s history from a traditional, but unique, perspective.

Natural Beauty
For those that are interested in nature, there are a number of plant varieties in the Kalaupapa National Historic Park that promise to fascinate you, as well as areas of incredible natural beauty. From native palms to endangered grasses to lava tubes and caves to soaring sea cliffs, the natural beauty around the park is wonderfully diverse.

A small peninsula of lush land that is surrounded by steep cliffs, visitors can easily see why Kalaupapa was chosen as a quarantine area when leprosy became rampant in Hawaii. The park’s history, as well as its untouched natural beauty, which is perfectly reminiscent of Old Hawaii, serves as a significant reminder of some of the struggles that Hawaii has faced over the years, the effects of which still haunt the Kalaupapa National Historic Park today.

Travel |

|

Local Eateries in London

Savoy, London

Michaelpuche / Shutterstock.com

Each of London’s neighborhoods is packed with amazing restaurants, and recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of the more local joints. From Michelin-quality dishes created from seasonal British ingredients to a historic chophouse that has been around since the 1800’s, these are some of London’s best local eateries.

Quality Chop House, Farringdon
First opened in 1869, the Quality Chop House is not only a much-loved local restaurant, but also has a wine bar, a shop and a butcher on site. The restaurant still retains certain features from when it was first opened, including the classic polished wooden booths that line the dining room. Each day, the restaurant receives their order of fresh produce before writing up the daily menus, with each dish inspired by their latest ingredients. From the Wild Garlic Soup to the Hereford Mince on Dripping Toast to the Devon Crab, each of the dishes makes full use of seasonal ingredients, resulting in a truly British culinary experience.

Lardo, Hackney
Lardo is a must-visit for any pork aficionados, as the restaurant only uses native breed pigs that have been bred specifically for their signature dishes. While this industrial-chic pizzeria may produce Italian-inspired dishes, the majority of ingredients used are quintessentially British, from the fennel pollen to the English asparagus to the rabbit. Of course, ordering their Lardo pizza is essential, as these melt-in-your-mouth strips of meat are what you will return to the restaurant for time and time again.

Claude’s Kitchen, Parsons Green
A stylish, modern British eatery, Claude’s Kitchen first opened its doors in 2013, and it did not take long for the restaurant to quickly become a local favorite. Again, this is a restaurant that creates menus inspired by British ingredients, with innovative dishes of Michelin standard. With fresh fish brought in daily from the south of Cornwall, and all meat being free-range and organic, the freshness of the ingredients plays a huge part in the final outcome. Whether you opt for the Octopus and Bream served with blood orange, Campari and seaweed, or the Guinea Fowl served with morels, popcorn grits and wild garlic, Claude’s Kitchen gives you the opportunity to taste some of the very best of the new wave of conceptual and creative British cooking.

Marianne, Notting Hill
Small and intimate with seating for just fourteen, Marianne is considered to be more of a micro-restaurant, and is run by one of the best female chefs in the city. The menu features classic, fine dining dishes, each with an elegant and feminine touch, and only uses the freshest of seasonal ingredients to guarantee the utmost quality. With dishes such as the Hebridean Scallop Ceviche with Blood Orange, the Highland Wagyu Fillet, and the Mille-Feuille of Wild Mushrooms, Truffles and Hollandaise, this is a great restaurant to visit if you want to sample classic British fare.

London is filled with restaurants from every corner of the globe, but it is the local British restaurants that really stand out. With thoughtful dishes, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and talented chefs, these eateries are a must-visit the next time you find yourself in the city.