Hendrikka Waage

REYKJAVIK | ICELAND

Saegreifinn or Sea Baron

“Home of the Humarsupa” or “Home of the lobster soup”, the Saegreifinn cafe down by the sea harbor serves the best lobster soup in town. Owned by retired fisherman, Kjartan Halldorsson, this quaint cafe is creatively decorated with stools made from fish packing containers and rustic wooden planked tables. Don’t miss this place and make sure you say hi to Kjartan! www.saegreifinn.com

Vesturport

Vesturport is a local community group consisting of great artists and professionals from various disciplines in theatre and film. This must see group of great actors and actresses have performed some of my favorites such as “Faust” and “Romeo & Juliet”. www.veturport.com

Glo (A healthy option)

Engjateig 19, 105, Reykjavik
This modern restaurant serves the best raw food in town!

Rope Yoga

One of my favorite pastimes rope yoga; the Rope Yoga Center at Engjateig 9, 105 Reykjavik is a great place for exercise and relaxation. Ask for Gudni!
www.ropeyoga.is

Shoplifter

I love to browse the “Shoplifter” website by artist Hrafnhildur Arnardottir – she has some great pieces! Take a look at www.shoplifter.us

The Hotdog bar

Tryggvagata,101, Reykjavik
Wonderful Icelandic hotdogs; steaming hot and perfect for a cold winter’s day or a hot summer afternoon! Pylsa med ollu!

ISTANBUL | TURKEY

Tarihi Karakoy Balikcisi Grifin restaurant

One of my favorite places in Istanbul, Tarihi Karakoy Balikcisi Grifin restaurant in Karakoy is one of the city’s best kept secrets. One of the oldest fish restaurants of Istanbul, this historic locale has been serving delicious dishes since 1923. At the entrance of Grifin Han, it has a stunning view of Istanbul, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world. Also, the sea bass is to die for!
www.tarihikarakoybalikcisi.com

Cruise the Bosporus | Ferry around the Bosporus

A truly relaxing way of navigating one of the world’s busiest waterways, a Bosporus cruise is a great way to see the historical and cultural sites of Istanbul. Ferries provide visitors with a 360 degree view of a city that has its head pointed west and its heart pointed east.

Orhan Pamuk | Turkish writer

I am a huge Orhan Pamuk fan; I just adore his books. My favorites My Name Is Red which covers nine snowy days in Istanbul 159 and Memories and the city. The book also covers Pamuk’s memory of his family’s experiences in Istanbul. www.orhanpamuk.net

The Haman Experience | Turkish Baths

Don’t miss the historical and cultural Hamam’s of Istanbul.
I recommend the Cagaloghe it is excellent.
It is an ethereal experience to have a near naked stranger wash, exfoliate and massage you as you lie on a steamy slab of marble. It is certainly one of Istanbul’s highlights.

SURREY | ENGLAND

Coworth Park,

Blacknest Rd, Ascot SL5 7SE Coworth Park is a country hotel where even the muddiest of boots are welcome. Recently restored by the Dorchester Collection, the hotel is beautiful and is located in the most amazing natural surroundings. Whether you go for afternoon tea or brunch at the Barn, it is an experience you will treasure forever. Coworth Park also retains a close affiliation with the sport of Polo; the season takes place from April till the end of September. www.Coworthpark.com

The Savill Garden

There are so many beautiful parks and gardens in Surrey that it is truly a pleasure to stroll around the beautiful grounds of the city on a bright sunny day. The Savill Gardens are part of the Royal landscape and with over 35 acres of trees, ponds ands streams, and lawns they include some of England’s finest woodland and ornamental gardens. The gardens offer stunning seasonal displays of azaleas, rhododendron, and camellias in the spring.

Coworth Park Polo

Whether spring, summer or early fall, it is always nice to go to Coworth Park and watch a polo game.

TOKYO | JAPAN

After living in Tokyo for several months in my early 20s, I understood that Japan was my favorite country. In addition to its historical and traditional culture steeped in a wise and soulful philosophy, there are so many great places to visit and activities to see, such as: the hot springs in Hakone, Mt. Fuji, and Sumo wrestling. You must also try the local noodle soup stand bars as well as the sushi bars in Tokyo!

My Favorite Place in Japan:

I feel most at home as well as in my center when I visited the Zen Gardens of Japan. These gardens are best enjoyed when few people are around. Before you go, you should be sure to read up on the elements and the symbols to maximize your understanding of the place.

LONDON | ENGLAND

Absolute Flowers and Home

12-14 Clifton Road, London W9-1SS
The most beautiful flowers in town; I love to go and just watch the flowers. www.absoluteflowersandhome.com

Mr. Chow’s Restaurant in Knightsbridge

I have loved this cute restaurant for over 25 years; The food is fabulous and the service so pleasant. www.mrchow.com

Grayson Perry

Renowned for his ceramic vases decorated with shocking and unconventional imagery, Grayson Perry is one of Britain contemporary artists. Emerging on the international stage in the early 1990s, Perry’s work has inspired me for many years. He has a fantastic personality and of course great vases! www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk

Tartine | Chelsea Knightbridge

114 Draycott Avenue
At Tartine they serve, well, excellent tartines that are both delicious and inexpensive. My favorite one has wild mushrooms, endive, parmesan and balsamic vinegar. Bon appétit!

Jamie Oliver’s Organic Pocket Seed Packs

Jamie has created these great small organic pocket seed packs that help you grow your own herbs. I am a great fan of gardening and growing my own vegetables. www.jamieoliver.com

Joes

Draycott Avenue – Chelsea Knightsbridge
It is always nice to drop in for a good and refreshing salad. Joes has great service too!

Itzu

Chelsea Knightsbridge
This wonderful little place has great sushi and an incredible variety!

NEW YORK | NEW YORK

Breakfast at Balthazar’s

When I am in New York, I always try to make it to Baltazar for breakfast at least once during my visit. With such a nice atmosphere, it also has delicious food. My favorite is a soft- boiled organic egg and croissant aux amandes ;-) www.balthazarny.com

Eqlectiques

483 Broome Street, New York
This is a brilliant little boutique on the corner of Broome and Wooster Street with clothing, sculpture, photography and all sorts of interesting vintage material.

Cipriani

376 West Broadway, Between Spring & Broome streets, New York, New York 10012
This restaurant has some great dishes; I just love the artichoke salad! www.cipriani.com

Ana Tzarwv Gallery

24 West 57 Street, New York
One of my favorite pastimes while in New York is to pop in to see Ana Tzarev’s work. Both her work and books have had a great impact on me. www.Anatzarev.com

MOMA The Museum of Modern Art

11 West 53 Street
I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to see the new and exciting exhibits that the MOMA has. As an artist, this is one of the first places I visit when I am in New York. www.moma.org

SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER | By Kerry Kennedy

This book which deals primarily with the Human rights defenders who are changing our world is very thought provoking and interesting! It opened my eyes on many subjects and I highly recommend it.

MEGU | Modern Japanese Cuisine

62 Thomas Street
This lovely restaurant has a very nice atmosphere and great sushi! www.megurestaurants.com

Worth & Worth

45 West 57th Street, 6th floor I just love hats and this very cool hat shop has great Isadora hats in all colors and styles! www.hatshop.com

ASPEN | COLORADO

Snowmobiling in Aspen

If you are ever in Aspen you definitely go snowmobiling! The view of snowcapped mountains is amazing and refreshing. www.tlazy7.com

The Little Nell

After a long day skiing is nice to drop by the Little Nell to warm yourself with a hot chocolate or something stronger! www.thelittlenell.com

Belly up Aspen

Aspen also has a great night life! I enjoy listening to the great bands and singers perform at Belly Up. www.bellyupaspen.com

VIENNA | AUSTRIA

Le Bol

Neuer Markt 14
When I am in Vienna, I like to drop in to get a nice crisp salad, a cup of steaming hot coco or a glass of good French red. www.lebol.at

Vienna Opernhaus

The Opernhaus always has great events and performances. I really enjoyed the Il Postino with Placido Domingo. www.wien-ticket.at

Nautilus Fish Restaurant

Naschmarkt
What wonderful seafood and superior service! If you are looking for a place to dine in seafood, I highly recommend Nautilus.

Hotel Sacher

While staying at Hotel Sacher, don’t forget to buy the original Sacher tarte or cake. Give it to someone special, they are sure to enjoy it! www.sacher.com

Danieli

Without a doubt, the best pizza in Vienna can be found at Danieli restaurant. www.danieli.at

PARIS | FRANCE

Ladures Champ’s Elysees

75 Avenue des Champs Elysees
This lovely little café is all you would expect from a French bakery and more. The macaroons are my weakness but also my joy! I just love the caramel with salted butter, coffee, pistachios...the list goes on!
www.ladure.fr

Chateau de Groussay

I have been all over Paris and by far this Chateau is the most romantic place in the city. www.chateaudegroussay.com

Clignancourt Market

Marche Vernaison, Allee 1.
When in Paris, I try to visit this shop. They have forties styled cocodile bags, art deco mirrors and much more; all well priced.

Nicole Barthelemy

51 Rue de Grenelle
For a quick bite and some great cheeses, just stop in!

LeAvenue

41 Avenue Montaigne, Arondismont VIII
This place has the best Carpaccio in town!

Maison de Cire Trudon

Magasin Trudon, 78 Rue de Seine
Opened 1643, this Maison sells beautiful candles with lovely scents!

Hotel Costes

239 Rue Saint-Honore
This hotel is very romantic place and has the most wonderful meals! www.hotelcostes.com

La Societe

4 Place Saint-Germain-des–Arondismont IV
While in Paris, I like to stop by this very nice restaurant!

MOSCOW | RUSSIA

After living in Moscow for almost 3 years, I can say that it is one of my favorite cities in the world.

Pushkin Cafe

While at Pushkin Café, I feel like an aristocrat of early 19th century. With Russian food based on menus of yesteryear, this café has excellent service. Make sure your meal includes a spot or two or three of Vodka. www.cafe-pushkin.ru

Orthodox Church in Red Square

When I lived in Moscow, I used to walk to the Orthodox Church in Red Square every Sunday. It has such a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful artwork and enchanting music.

Bolshoi ballet

The ballet at the Bolshoi theatre is a unique experience that I will remember and treasure always. It is truly breathtaking! www.bolshoi.ru

ATHENS | GREECE

PBOX

This modern fusion restaurant mixes up dishes and gastronomical delights in new and creative ways. I suggest the meringues with coconut cream and strawberries.
www.p-box.gr

Bairaktaris

2 Monastiraki Square
Run by the same family for more than a century, Bairaktaris is a legendary place and is located in lovely Monastiraki Square. Bairaktaris is always packed; so don't be in a rush to be served. If you are looking for traditional Greek food then this is the place; sit down and try the gyro or the kebab platter. Absolutely wonderful!

MYKONOS | GREECE

Mykonos, means a heap of stones, and that is largely what is looks like when you fly in. But there is so much to discover! I fell in love with the tiny white churches everywhere; each one is unique in its own way and great to visit.

N’Ammos Restaurant

This is a very pretty and quite glamorous restaurant right by the beach with a fabulous view of the island.

Cavo Tagoo Hotel

Beside being a nice place to stay, I recommend stopping by for a mojito or two at the bar. www.cavo-tagoo.gr

INDIA

As a country rich in spirituality and history, there are so many beautiful places to see in India! My favorite place is Rajasthan.

Jaipur | Rajasthan

Jaipur offers many unique opportunities. Going elephant ridding is an experience that you will never forget; it is wonderful! I also love to browse the markets for wares.

Bombay

Walking along the sun drenched peaceful beaches provides me with a sense of inner calm. I also like to browse the ancient crowded streets.

Delhi

My favorite pastime in Delhi is to visit the silk markets to look for unique fabrics. There are incredibly beautiful silks in all colors and designs at the markets. I also love to get Henna designs on my hands as well.

JERUSALEM | ISREAL

You pray in Jerusalem, you play in Tel Aviv – or so the story goes. One of the most controversial city in the world, there are so many beautiful things to see. A quick tour around the Old City, quickly shows why it is considered one of the greatest places on the planet. I also love eating salad and kebab with the locals.

The Summer Bar

This quaint bar at the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem serves tall, cool drinks and tasty barbequed dishes in its shady and tree covered garden.
www.americancolony.com

DOHA | QATAR

The Museum of Islamic Art of Doha

While traveling through the Middle East in 2009, I visited the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. I was immediately struck by what a wonderful museum and great building it was. With the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, it showcases textiles, ceramics, manuscripts, glass, ivory, and precious stones. The building was designed by the Chinese-American architect Leoli Min Pei. www.mia.org.qa

MARRAKESH | MORROCCO

I admire the energy of Djemaa el Fna, the main square in Marrakesh. It is a glorious site at night, with the snake charmers, henna tattooists and of course fortune tellers.
I love to browse the shops and stands for oils and colorful kaftans.

Grand Cafe de la Poste

While in this city if you are looking for a restaurant with great atmosphere and great local food, the Grand Café is the place to visit. www.grandcafedelaposte.com

Cocktail bar at the Bab Hotel

This is a very cool and chic bar with fabulous cocktails. www.babhotelmarrakech.com

BEIRUT | LEBANON

Beirut is a city on the move! It has such a unique artistic vibe that has a great deal to do with its mix of cultures and religions. There are so many things to do while in the city:

Elie Saab

As one of the top modern Lebanese designers, she has an amazing collection. Check out her dresses! www.eliesaab.com

Rue Gouraud in Gemmayseh

With a nice walkway and great restaurants, this part of the city also has many nice bars too!

Khalil Gibran

One of my favorite poets, Khalil Gibran, was a Lebanese- American artist, poet, and writer. His books have many spiritual and ephemeral messages. www.leb.net/mira

Sky bar

It is always fun to get a glass of wine at the Sky bar. www.sky-bar.com

PRAGUE | CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe. I think one of the most romantic parts of the city is walking by the Charles Bridge by night! The gothic buildings and churches are stunning and I enjoy getting lost among the old cobblestone paths of this old city. All along the Staromestske you can stop in cafes and sample their wares.

BAKU | AZERBAIJAN

Make sure you try the Georgian food while staying in Baku. There is a nice variety at a reasonable price.

Azerbaijan State Museum of Art

This wonderful museum has many unique collections from all around the region. It is a must see!

SICILY | ITALY

Sicily is one of my favorite places in Italy. I spent a summer on this island when I was teenager and enjoyed it so much! It is nice to rent a bike, stroll around Palermo, or go on olive oil and/or wine tasting trips. Also, make sure to try the Sicily’s Cannoli.

Via Viltorio Emanuele

This is a must see when coming to Sicily! It is really lovely to take a daytime stroll around Via Viltorio Emanuele.

FLORENCE | ITALY

My Philosophy is “Go with the Flo! In Florence”. Visiting Florence is like wandering around an open-air museum. With such an astounding history, compelling art and subtle beauty, Florence is one of the most amazing cites in Europe.

Terrazza Brunelleschi

This romantic restaurant with its rooftop panoramic views provides a stunning view of Florence and its sites.

Piazza Santo Spirito

This piazza is a hang out for many locals and if you are in the mood for real Italian pizza, you need to visit!

Opera Aida

This world renowned opera by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi is a must see! This romantic and yet tragic store is of top performance caliber in Florence!

BANGKOK | THAILAND

Love to get local massage on the streets.

The Dome at Lebua

As one of Bangkok’s most coveted dining choices, the Dome at Lebua has an unbelievable view of the city from the 63rd floor. I once celebrated my birthday at the Dome and will treasure the experience forever. There is also live jazz music that features great vocalists. www.lebua.com

DUBAI | UAE

There are so many great restaurants at the Palace and the Old Town Hotel has a distinctly Arabic flavor to it, which appeals to me.

Dubai Desert

One of the most and interesting activities in Dubai is to visit the desert of Dubai. The lonely barren nature of the landscape helps you to get a feeling for the unique aspects of Arabic culture.

The Palace of the Old town

This is a very nice hotel with some great shops and restaurants.

HONG KONG

I’ve been to Hong Kong several times the city is so crazy and has an incredible energy. There are great hotels, restaurants, art galleries and beautiful shops everywhere.

China Club

Old Bank of China, Bank st. 13th and 14th flrs.
China Club, is one of the most beautifully decorated space I’ve seen. It has also a gallery with many famous Chinese artists.