Monument Valley provides one of the most symbolic images of the American West, and while most people only know Monument Valley by road, those who know better go to Monument Valley for the sunrise. And to get the best view of the sunrise, you have to be staying at The View Hotel. The Location The View Hotel is the only … Read more
Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant is famous for being one of the oldest roast duck restaurants in China, lasting for 149 years and counting. What is so special about Quanjude? The menu only contains duck, and every part of it. Check out this menu below: So, first off.. I tried duck feet and they surprisingly weren’t bad… but … Read more
After strolling around Old San Juan in search of a bar that sparked our interest, we arrived at La Factoria. La Factoria looks like any hole in the wall bar from the outside, but don’t be fooled. Once we arrived, I was served one of the best cocktails (dare I say THE best) I’ve ever … Read more
“I think they think we’re someone else….” -My friend upon entering Golden Temple Villa Walking into Golden Temple Villa is a relief from the dusty, hot streets of Siem Reap. The place looks more like a secluded garden of worship than a budget friendly hotel (one of my friends actually asked if I was staying in a … Read more
I’m going to go ahead and admit that I barely wear jewelry. It’s not because I don’t like it, it’s because I usually spend way too much money on something that I just break, lose, or is too fancy to wear again (and let’s face it, I spend most of my cash on travel). … Read more
“I feel like we just went through a tornado” -My friend’s statement after getting off of the ferry and dodging all of the tourist stands Our last night in Koh Phangan, we loved it so much we almost ditched our ferry to Koh Phi Phi the next day, but we are glad we … Read more
“is this really it? No…really? Are you guys serious? Is this it? I’m not getting out of the car” -My friends worried statement before being dropped off at the Grandio. We pull up in the dark of night to a yellow building with bars over the windows. A hanging tin sign in the doorway … Read more
Our first 5 seconds at the Marina Bay Sands sounded a little like this: “OMG we do get robes!” “OMG there’s a garbage can AND then a little can for recycling!” “LOOK AT THE TUB!” “There’s a phone next to the toilet!” “Oh Wow, and a huge shower, omg omg did you check out … Read more
People who love to eat are always the best people. -Julia Child When people think about food in Philly, they usually only think about cheesesteaks… or Philadelphia cream cheese if they’re European. This is really disappointing since Philly restaurants have a lot more to offer than just boring old cheesesteaks. SO…here is a list of … Read more
When someone from Paris recommends a French restaurant, you know it’s going to be good. La Cordonnerie is a cozy French restaurant on Rue Saint Roch with an amazing atmosphere. As you step in La Cordonnerie, you will feel like you are stepping into someones kitchen. It is an old charming building with the original wooden … Read more
While traveling through foreign countries, I believe the best way to find out what to do, see or eat, is to ask the locals. I was in a crazy taxi ride (those who have been to Lisbon can probably relate) and the cab driver filled me in about his love for traditional Portuguese music … Read more
The Rooms The Sofia Hotel gets my vote for the comfiest bed I’ve slept in this year. The Good: For a historic hotel, no detail of the Sofia has been spared. The rooms are beautifully decorated with mood lighting, luxurious bed linens and intricate bath amenities. Did I mention how comfortable the bed is? … Read more
Boston’s North End has some of the best Italian cuisine outside of Italy. Visit Al Dente and order the Shrimp and Calamari Fra Diavalo and you won’t be disappointed; Large shrimp and calamari, sauteed in olive oil, served in a spicy marinara sauce, white wine and served over homemade linguine. These are the best noodles I have ever eaten in my life, and I spent two weeks in Italy.
Al Dente is a small and cozy restaurant with low lighting, which creates a romantic ambiance: perfect for date night, but horrible for food photography (as you can see in my picture above). The wait staff is pleasant, attentive and happy to make recommendations. This was my first North End experience and I will definitely be back!
I would love to start off this post with some delightful adjective filled paragraph with how fancy and decadent the Kempinski Grill is,
but lets skip the frills and just say that the meal I had at the here was so freaking good.
I usually wouldn’t pick a restaurant like the Kempinski Grill, being that it is quite upscale and located in a hotel. I tend to find the more comfortable/local restaurants more of my style. However, it was my last night in Berlin, and as I was staying in the Kempinski Hotel, it was merely out of convenience and a slight mood of Hangryness. And as I mentioned earlier, it was not a mistake.
First Course
After a small sample of salmon and two glasses of red wine, we started off with the “home made sausage of king prawns and salmon with curry pineapple sauce”. Thats right, a sausage made of king prawns.
Second Course
Then came the rack of lamb on roasted artichokes and the bean-bacon croquettes…
I usually don’t order lamb, what really made me place the order for this entrée was the croquettes which I fell in love with when I lived in Spain. The lamb was really delicious though and I would 100% order this entrée again.
Third Course
All topped off with a orange flavored crepe that is flambeed at our table!
Atmosphere
The atmosphere inside of the Kempinski Grill is slightly old fashioned and cozy, a small room with candles and chandeliers. The menu is short with mostly German dishes (with a flare). Every dish was fresh and delicious and there was a very good selection of wines and deserts. The staff was polite and helpful.
As a blogger, I would definitely recommend the Kempinski Grill, but as a 20 something, I would say you probably can’t afford it (unless you win the lottery or plan to sell your car). Read our Things to do in Berlin: A 20 Somethings Guide for some cheap eats!
Review of Las Brisas del Pacifico Unpredictable weather in Costa Rica redirected our backpacking route to Playa Samara. We made last minute reservations at Las Brisas del Pacifico, not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised when we received our own beach cabin for a very reasonable price. The hotel is right on the … Read more
“But during all these years I had a vague but persistent desire to return to New Orleans. I never forgot New Orleans.”
-Anne Rice, Vampire Diaries
In honor of the impending Halloween season, I was inspired to write about one of my favorite cities—New Orleans. Ghosts, witches, voodoo, and vampires are all essences of New Orleans that are interwoven into the rich culture of the city.
The French Quarter feels as if it was soaked in magic and frozen in time.
While visiting the cities darker attractions, I was surprised at how active places like Saint Louise Cemetery Number One were. Saint Louise Number One is the oldest, and most famous cemetery in the city, and it’s like a city in itself. A place that is made for resting, was bustling with tourist. Many go to view the grave of the famous Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. The story goes, that if you draw three X’s on her grave, leave an offering and make a wish, Marie will work her magic beyond the grave. I for one am superstitious and didn’t try.
X marks the spot at the famous grave
Beyond the historic cemeteries’, other elements of this spookier part of NOLA can be found around every corner. Voodoo alters, vampire tours and haunted houses are abundant, touristy yes, but still pretty cool.
Voodoo Alter.
The hostel I stayed in, India House, added to the spirit of my stay. The hostel is in an old mansion, that’s revamped to house budget travelers from around the world. Each of the private rooms had a theme. I stayed in the ‘Voodoo’ room—very appropriate. This place offered an unmatched, quintessential New Orleans experience for only a few bucks a night. Also, they have a pool. Meeting travels from all around the world, learning about new cultures, like foreign styles of beer pong and kings cup, makes for an even better experience.
India House Hostel, in all it’s beauty!
After a full day of touring the sites, of course a visit to the famous Bourbon Street was in order. There’s nothing quite like strolling down Bourbon Street, drink in hand, being serenaded by the sounds of live Brass Bands. I couldn’t do Bourbon Street every night, but it’s certainly worth an experience–a magic of it’s own.
Although every city has it’s own magic–even Philly– New Orleans magic is a special brand. A warmth you can take home, and calls you back anytime you crave a Po’Boy and some live music.
