Category Archives: Michael Siebert
Oscar Wilde’s New Hat has a rainbow design. It’s by acclaimed hat maker Margaret O’Connor at the Fringe Festival according to ManAboutWorld global correspondent Michael Siebert. According to the website:
Dublin’s statues are getting a head-turning makeover. Acclaimed hat maker Margaret O’Connor is taking her haute couture creations to the streets as she designs bespoke hats for the heads of some of our city’s icons. Drawing inspiration from the lives of the statues’ subjects, O’Connor’s decadent and mischievous street art millinery will make you look twice at some familiar landmarks and help you discover new ones.
Sir John Gray Monument (O’Connell Street Lower, D1)
William Smith O’Brien (O’Connell Street Lower, D1)
Daniel O’Connell (O’Connell Monument, O’Connell Street Lower, D1)
Four Angels Fountain (College Green, D2)
Molly Malone (Suffolk St, D2)
Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture (Oscar Wilde and Constance Lloyd, Merrion Square, D2)
The Kiss (corner of Earlsfort Terrace and Hatch Street, D2)
Anna Livia (Wolfe Tone Quay, Arran Quay, D7)
Countess Markievicz’s hat has been removed from the statue to keep it safe. It is on display at the Dublin Fringe Festival Box Office (2 Curved Street, Temple Bar, D2) from 13 September.
About Michael Siebert
Born in, Topeka, Kansas of all places, Michael Joseph Siebert is a seasoned traveler thanks to life itself. Initially, Michael got “bit by the travel bug” as a clinical instructor at an optometry school in Utrecht, The Netherlands. A few years later, Michael lived in South America and volunteered as an optometrist with OneSight.org, which took him all over the world for the past 10 years.
Currently, Michael is living and working in Australia, as an independent traveling optometrist throughout Australia and New Zealand, where all his passions, patient care, photography, philanthropy and travel are merged into one.
Connect with Michael on Instagram, at www.drmichaelsiebert.com or viaFacebook.Please share
Michael snapped these pictures while hiking the Navajo Trail of Bryce Canyon. The Navajo Trail is the most scenic and popular section to hike. It’s easy and gorgeous; however, going in the off season (September, after Labor Day) is ideal.
Bryce Canyon Travel tip:
- U.S. Highway 89 links several national parks from Canada/USA border all the way to Arizona. Take two weeks to drive this route and spend as much time in the parks as you wish.
Besides visiting Bryce. ManAboutWorld correspondent Michael Siebert lives and works in Australia, as an independent traveling optometrist
Michael Siebert
throughout Australia and New Zealand, where he merges all his passions, patient care, photography, philanthropy and travel into one.
Connect with Michael on Instagram, at www.drmichaelsiebert.com or via Facebook.
ManAboutWorld has information on many more destinations around the world! Download our very cool digital gay travel magazine for destinations around the globe. Find the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free publications in all of the apps. Register here for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
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Hold onto your hats, gloves and scarves while at the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park. The largest hot spring in the U.S. (and third largest in the world), the Grand Prismatic Spring is just north of Old Faithful and is worth the visit.
Travel Tip:
- If the accommodation in the park is full, the city of Gardiner, MT, at the northern entrance of the park, is a good location for a base.
Besides visiting Yellowstone. ManAboutWorld correspondent Michael Siebert is living and working in Australia, as an independent traveling optometrist
Michael Siebert
throughout Australia and New Zealand, where all his passions, patient care, photography, philanthropy and travel are merged into one.
Connect with Michael on Instagram, at www.drmichaelsiebert.com or via Facebook.
ManAboutWorld has information on many more destinations around the world! Download our very cool digital gay travel magazine for destinations around the globe. Find the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free publications in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
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Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
This photo was taken in early January 2016 at Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia near a seaweed farm. In the distance you can see Bali. During the wet season (October -April ), it will rain frequently in Bali; however, it almost never rains in Nusa Lembongan and the island is only a 30-minute boat ride from Bali.
Besides visiting Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia. ManAboutWorld correspondent Michael Siebert is living and working in Australia, as an independent traveling optometrist
Michael Siebert
throughout Australia and New Zealand, where all his passions, patient care, photography, philanthropy and travel are merged into one.
Connect with Michael on Instagram, at www.drmichaelsiebert.com or via Facebook.
ManAboutWorld has information on many more destinations around the world! Download our very cool digital gay travel magazine for destinations around the globe. Find the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free publications in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
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Pemangku priest
While traveling in Bali, Indonesia, ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Michael Siebert snapped this cool photo of a pemangku priest in Indonesia. In his words:
While enjoying a double espresso at Capil Bar and Grill, in Bali, Indonesia, I took this image of a pemangku priest. This is the cleric who overseas the needs of a temple and its congregation. He was exiting the cafe with his morning meal.
And this site is part of the ManAboutWorld family of products which also includes a magazine: You can check out our cool, digital gay travel magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free guides in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!Please share
Kuala Lumpur entertainment
While eating in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, last night, a roving bang stopped by our table and commanded our attention. The food was spicy and delicious along with a great entertainment and new friends from the UK and Australia. This is why you travel: A new experience.
These photos were sent in by ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Michael Siebert who said this is the area they were in last night: http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/klareas/bukitbintang.htm#promo
Drag in Kuala Lumpur
For more of Michael’s posts, photos and words of travel advice, click here.
And here’s a word from our sponsor ManAboutWorld!
You can check out our cool, digital gay travel magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free guides in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
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The third in a three-part series on Argentina by ManAboutWorld correspondent,Michael Siebert, featuring Mendoza:
I have only been to Mendoza once and it was on my most recent trip to Argentina (October 2015). I have never been a fan of tours. In Mendoza, a wine tour, will set you back 260 USD/person or more for one day. I found this shocking and decided to do more research on my own. I highly recommend avoiding most tours here and do some of your own thinking and planning.
Mendoza deserves a minimum of two days, but I would suggest three or more depending upon how much you like wine. October to December is a fantastic time to visit because you avoid the crowds and the weather is perfect. Please note that most vineyards prefer that you make a booking (your hotel can organize all of this for you) and I would highly suggest it because it will make your experience smooth and lovely.
Bodega Vistalba is an excellent vineyard to start your day and sample many of their gorgeous wines. If you prefer champagne, then you must book a visit to CRUZAL. Make a reservation for lunch at Ruca Malen for their 5- course degustation that will blow you away from taste to presentation. Do not miss this culinary sensation and visual experience. It is worth it.
After doing all the math on all the different options of hiring your own car versus a driver, versus a tour, the “doing your own thing,” option was the cheapest and most flexible.
Simply take a taxi wherever you wish to go in Mendoza (assuming you are only visiting vineyards and not making trips to the mountains and other sights). The cost of a rental car ( 80 USD/day ) and the concern of driving intoxicated did not even come close the lesser cost of hiring a taxi and having no concerns over who is driving; furthermore, if you are with a group of 3-4 the cost will be dramatically less because the comparison was based upon a couple. If you do like tours: please consider a biking tour. This is an excellent option with good guides. There is a gay wine tour in Mendoza and it is run by the uniquely named Gay Wine Tours.
The cost of a private driver from the airport in Mendoza to the Valley is only 300 pesos approximately. I would highly recommend staying in the valley and avoid the city center of Mendoza. It is much more peaceful and serene to be in the Uco Valley Region. I was very happy at Villa Mansa and staff are so helpful and friendly.
More in this series:
Photo: Manual Reinhard via FlickrPlease share
San Telmo street performers
ManAboutWorld correspondent Michael Siebert (shown below right) visited Argentina. Here’s the second of three updates from his visit focusing on the amazing neighborhood of San Telmo, Buenos Aires. (If you missed his gay Buenos Aires update, click here.)
I am a man of extremes and I enjoy having a varied experience during my travels. If this is you too, I suggest a visit to San Telmo and get a little lost, but find this place: Calle Carlos Calvo 471 and order a “choripan” with a red wine. The place has no name and is only open on Wednesday and the weekends.
Michael Siebert
It will be packed with locals and just sit on the street bench and watch the parade of interesting people. Don’t be surprised when your red wine is poured from a used 2-liter bottle and into a glass (high class here only). It does taste good and is just part of the vibe. There is a funky market around the corner from Calle Carlos Calvo 471 that is worth a peek. After getting lost in San Telmo, head east to the Puerto Madero and walk north. Eventually, you will see the Faena Hotel on your right (definitely visit if you have never been). Eventually, make your way to Palacio Duhau and relax in their bar and enjoy a whisky or two. This walk will show you two very different worlds in Buenos Aires. You will love it.
One last comment for my leather queens. If you want to outshine all the other men at the next party in NYC or Chicago, upon arrival to Buenos Aires, you better visit Jorge, at La Casa de Las Botas, located at Paraquay 5062, for you next pair of custom made leather boots. Place your order on day one of your trip and your boots should be ready a week later (in low season). He has generous hours and the boots will set you back about 400 USD (after you convert that in pesos on the blue market); otherwise, you are looking at 600 USD. You will not be disappointed and they are sexy and “lindo” (beautiful) as hell.
NOTE: If you do not know about the blue peso market, make sure you read this: Blue Peso Information. Before you visit and bring lots of USD. You may find it difficult to extract money from local ATMs; furthermore, if it wise to know about xoom.com. Xoom allows for you to wire money to yourself from the USA to Buenos Aires in case you have trouble with ATMs. Xoom does require that you have a US-based bank account. This does not work for any other countries at the moment.
Photo top: Pablo Dodda via FlickrPlease share
Plaza de Mayo
ManAboutWorld correspondent Michael Siebert (below right) recently visited Argentina with stops in gay Buenos Aires and the wine-region of Mendoza. Here’s the first of three updates from his visit.
Everyone likes to call Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America. Let’s be frank, it is nothing like Paris; in fact, it looks like Madrid. There is dog shit everywhere and the sidewalks are a wreck so you have to look down at all times. If you look at the sky or a hot guy, you will find yourself in pile of dog shit or in the hospital with a brace. However, Buenos Aires is a city full of life, very late night life, but full of life and excitement. I plan to give you all the best tips after three visits to this amazing city, the lovely and gay Buenos Aires.
I like to start the day with coffee. Since living in Australia, I have become a coffee snob. At least the Australians know I can be trusted. Here are the best choices:
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Coffee.
Full City Coffee House, Thames 1535, in Palermo. The staff is lovely and they make the best macchiato in town. The coffee is
smooth and rich. In addition, they roast their own beans in another location in the city. LAB, located at Humbolt 1542, Palermo, is also a barista school; however, I found their coffee bitter and the espresso was overly tamped and it was brewed automatically. It is a nice, new lovely atmosphere.
Lattente Cafe on Thames 1891 in Palermo provides excellent coffee; however, no wifi, no newspapers, no other drinks, just good coffee. It is always packed.
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Gyms.
Most gyms here have outdated equipment in Buenos Aires. You are in Buenos Aires, so, behave like a local and hit the pavement and make your way to a park. The best park to exercise at is Libertador Park, which is in the eastern part of the city; however, there are parks everywhere in the city. This is a very noisy area of the city; so, you may want to stay nearby, but make a housing choice west of Av. Santa Fe. Anything east of Av. Santa Fe you better bring your earplugs. For those diabetics in the gay community, you can even get your blood pressure and blood sugar checked in the park. Yes. It is true. If you really want a gym, then consider Always Gym (a monthly membership is 650 pesos) or Megatlon. The 24-hour thing has not caught on here besides partying all night long.
Cafes/Restaurants
Brandon, located at Fitz Roy 1722, is a gorgeous place to hang out and have a coffee, food or a strong Gante, artsenal Belgian beer. The best part is this: it is open all day long unlike most cafes. If you are hungry, want a beer, coffee or anything, this is your signature spot.
The Steve, El Salvador 4968, Palermo, is a cool hip tapas bar with a very unassuming entrance. You can easily miss it. You will be surprised what is behind the boring black door. A reservation is suggested.
Heisenburger has two locations. Clearly, the burger craze, has caught on in Buenos Aires. This place has many choices and delicious unique burgers.
On Tap is for beer lovers and anyone who loves “chips”. Being an “Aussie” now, I am no longer allowed to say “french fries.“ In addition, you will be presented with six different dipping sauces.
La Carniceria Parrilla and Ahumados. Make a reservation! I repeat, make a reservation. Do not miss this opportunity to eat well in Buenos Aires. Trust me. This is a small intimate venue with amazing food; then, go dance it all off at 2 AM somewhere.
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Nightlife
Alsina, Adolfo Alsina 940, is a monthly dance party (be sure to check dates) and definitely worth a visit. More information here.
Crobar/Rheo, Av del Libertador 3886. Rheo and Crobar are the same, just depends on the day that you choose to go. Friday and Saturday nights are for dancing here.
Out and About Pub Crawl. On my last Saturday in Buenos Aires, I decided to sign up for the local gay pub crawl. It happens every Saturday and the locations may vary; in addition, it may include free entry into Crobar/Rheo. Leo, our guide, was excellent and I made several new lovely friends (from all over the world) along the way. Don’t miss out on this one. A fantastic way to meet and make new friends in Buenos Aires.
Peuteo, Gurruchaga 1867, is a local small gay gay with excellent and attractive bartenders. Peuteo was one of the bars on the Out and About Pub Crawl.
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Accommodations
Please stay for one week or two. It is a sin to spend less time here.
BY Argentina is great service that I have used two times and have been very happy with their service. Reliable. Responsible. Easy. You can book online; however, you must pay in USD upon arrival in full. This is normal here. Choose your area wisely online. Remember what I said about noise. Stay away from the big avenues.
Hotels. All hotels listed are in great quiet locations (Palermo area) and convenient to many locations that I have discussed in this article.
Hotel 1828, Fray Justo Sta. Maria de Oro 182. Small boutique hotel with a lovely pool and very comfortable beds.
Hotel Nuss, El Salvador 4916. An old Spanish convent converted into a small trendy hotel.
Hotel Mine, Gorriti 4770. Small boutique “green” hotel in with excellent staff.
We’ll publish more Buenos Aires information on this site in the next few days including Michael’s exploration of San Telmo and a visit to the wine-soaked Mendoza region. Be sure to check back!
Update December 2: Here’s part 2 of gay Buenos Aires focusing on the San Telmo neighborhood.Please share
Buenos Aires party
Here’s a report by ManAboutWorld correspondent Michael Siebert about the very fun “Friends of Dorothy Party” in Buenos Aires. Our guy Michael cleary gets around. Did you see yesterday’s post? He hops around from continent to continent bringing us updates of the hottest gay events and places on the planet for gay travelers. Check the pic below to see how crowded it gets.
Every month in Buenos Aires (BA) there is a gay dance party called “Friends of Dorothy” at Palacio Alsina, an old theater, with tons of space to dance and move around. Enjoy plenty of seating upstairs when you want to take a break (spend the extra 6 USD for a VIP ticket); however, like most things in BA, everything starts late. The party starts at midnight, but will not really start until 2-3AM and will go until 7AM. It is worth planning your trip around this party giving you a chance to mingle with many locals. Please note that the last party of the year is generally in October because the locals will be gone doing other things for the summer. Info here.
DOWNLOAD MANABOUTWORLD: Check out our digital gay travel magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, iPhones and Android devices. There are a few FREE publications in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
Crowded!
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ManAboutWorld’s Michael Siebert (left).
The largest gay ski event in the southern half of the world sees hundreds of people flock to Queenstown, NZ during the last part of August and early September, every year, for a full week of skiing, drinking, dancing and adventure. The next official DNA Gay Ski Week will happen August 27 to September 3, 2016. Start making your plans now. Here’s a report by ManAboutWorld correspondent Michael Siebert who is pictured here (on the left in the photo above) with his handsome friend, Joao. They enjoyed Gay Ski Week with hundreds of gay ski and boarding aficionados but also spent a little time exploring Queenstown and surroundings.
Queenstown is an adventure town. Consider skydiving and all the other options available to a fun-seeker. Days trips to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound are available; however, I would consider an overnight boat tour so that you are able to see the sound at sunset and sunrise. Exploring the lake area is a lovely option as well. Another option: One could rent a car in Christchuch and drive through the lake regions for some spectacular views, but the drive is approximately 6-7 hours from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Ski season in Queenstown is from mid-June to early-October. If you plan for early October you just must might have the slopes to yourself and it is a perfect time to stay at Pounamu since it is just outside their busy season.
This year, our gracious host, Pounamu Apartments was a an excellent place to call home for a week of skiing and relaxation. The views and comfort, along with the excellent hospitality, you will feel like a local in no time. Pounamu is short 10-minute walk to the city center; however, you will have the comfort of your own kitchen, fireplace, fantastic views, service and the staff are available to help customize your trip to your liking. If walking is not your thing, rent a car for your trips to the mountain and surrounding areas; however, walk to the center of town, the traffic will drive you mad and parking can be difficult. Pounamu offers covered car parking and free WiFi. You can also relax in the outside spa after a day on the mountains.
Skiing in Queenstown does require a short bus ride (if you do not have your own car) to any mountain (three to choose from) and the bus stop is just outside the front steps of Pounamu.
Can’t wait till next August? ManAboutWorld will cover gay ski events in the Northern Hemisphere in our next issue. Stay tuned.
Michael and his friend at the Pounamu Apartments
DOWNLOAD MANABOUTWORLD: Discover the world’s best gay travel content in our unique digital magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, iPhones and Android devices. There are a few FREE publications in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
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There’s Michael (right) with a friend about to gay ski (or board!)
Saturday Aug 29 kicked off Gay Ski (officially Gay and Lesbian Winter Pride in Queenstown, New Zealand; you know, the other down under. It’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere so those of us in the Northern Hemisphere can cool down a bit from this late August heat simply by enjoying these photos. The event goes through September 5.
Have you ever enjoyed a gay ski week? It can be really fun. All these outdoorsy athletic fellows who like going fast. The slopes can be a democratizer, too (if you can afford to go, that is), and there’s nothing like après-ski when everyone excitedly shares their best runs of the day, hair messy, facial sunburns surrounding otherwise a goggle-shaped white patch of skin. Gay ski events often include crazy drag antics. Check out the line up at this event and maybe plan a gay ski experience down under next year or in our hemisphere this coming winter.
The photos on this page were submitted by our Australia-based correspondent Michael Siebert. Below is a special one he took during the kick off. In his words:
At 4PM NZ time a rainbow appeared and literally kicked off Gay Ski Week. The timing was spectacular. The photo was taken from the balcony of our lovely hosts, Pounamu Apartments on Frankton Road.
Now that’s a gay ski kick off!
More photos from the event.
ManAboutWorld gay travel magazine. Check out this unique digital gay travel magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, iPhones and Android devices. There are several FREE publications in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, get gay skiin’!
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Remarkable Rocks. Literally
Today’s Daily Dose of Travel Inspiration comes to us from our Australia-based correspondent Michael Siebert. The incredibly well named Remarkable Rocks are located in Flinders Chase National Park in the southwest corner of Kangaroo Island, Australia. An early morning sunrise or sunset is an ideal time to visit, which will help highlight the orange colors in the rocks.
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Sofitel So Bangkok is a fantastic, well-located hotel combining together elegant French luxury and warm Thai hospitality and styled by Monsieur Christian Lacroix.The pool is spectacular along with the view. If you are a chocolate lover, be sure to visit the “chocolate lab” at ground level, as well as the rooftop bar, Park Society. An excellent time to visit is during the Thai new year in April each year; lastly, don’t miss out of the water fight in the Silom area during the new year.*DDTI: Daily dose of travel inspiration.
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A peaceful morning sunrise over misty Nusa Lembongan Island, Indonesia.
A breathtaking photograph of our correspondent Michael Siebert looking out onto a peaceful Indonesian morning.Please share
Our Australian correspondent Michael Siebert sent us this fascinating update from Australia, a perfect island getaway for coupled gays
Fraser Island – the largest sand island in the world, full of natural beauty and great for a three day escape – is off the coast and a short ferry ride from Hervey Bay about 50 minutes. Champagne Pools are located just North of Indian Head, an island off the coast of Australia, at the northern end of the famous 75-mile long eastern surf beach. You will actually be stopped by cops for a breathalyzer test. These pools provide a very popular swimming hole with the ocean crashing over the rocks.
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ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Michael Siebert visited Malaysia and sent us this picture of the Petronas Twin Towers lit up to mark Eid al-Fitr 2013, the traditional celebration of the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast that took place August 8.
Petronas Twin Towers
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After a breathlessly exciting week of gay news and then Gay Pride we thought it was time for a little R&R. Well, why not try a camel trek in Western Australia? That’s exactly what ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Michael Siebert did. Here’s his report, just in.
I’m at Cable Breach. In Broome Western Australia. I just took this picture. June-September is ideal weather in this area. The camel ride is the classic thing to do here … I was on ” tiny” the largest camel in cable beach.
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Sunset in the Pilbara
This gorgeous sunset is brought to us courtesy of ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Michael Siebert.
It was taken at Hearson’s Cove in the Pilbara, only 20 min drive from Karratha. (Don’t worry, we had to look it up too! Pilbara is in Western Australia. Click here to learn more.)Please share
