#I need to feel the SUN. I need SPICY food. I need a colada from my favourite bar

[mycological-mariner]

Trying to apply for my Irish citizenship via the parent route… And I gotta say, why is the website’s font so small Jesus Christ. I’m reading a word at a time on the computer lmao

[violetnotez]

HC: The Boys Taste Their S/o’s Chapstick

Anonymous:  could I request headcannons for shinso, mirio, denki, sero, and bakugo kissing their s/o and tasting their chapstick ? Or if you want or when they realize their s/o takes care of them in really subtle ways that they didn’t really notice it at first ? i love your blog so much 🥺❤️

Hey babe omg Im so happy you like my blog!!!! Also this ask OMG I have been wanting to write it for so long!!!! Im a sucker for these super cute and fluffy headcanons, so thank you so much for the idea!

Pairings: Shinso x reader, Mirio x reader, Denki x reader, Sero x reader, Bakugo x reader

Warnings: some might get suggestive, but none of these are full blown NSFW! Just a sprinkle of spiciness, thats all!

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

S H I N SO U

Flavor: Cherry Vanilla

Your currently trying to get ready for bed with Shinsou, his purple hair cascading against the pillow as he’s scrolling through Insta

defintely looking at cat vids

Youre just BEAT from the day- work, school, practice, whatever your life entails it just felt so incredibly tiring today

Of course, Shinsou seems to have other plans

Once he sees you come out of the bathroom, your hair wet, your skin dewy from washing, your body only wearing one of his oversized shirts and some small shorts....

man is gonna wanna be allllll over you

“Damn, kitten who allowed you to look that hot,” he’d purr, his eyes drinking you in as he propped his body on his elbows to get a better look

You’d roll your eyes, a smile on your lips-

Lowkey a perv for his s/o fight me on this

Once you sit down on the bed, its over

Shinso’s hands are all over you, his palms trailing under your shirt as he leaved lazy kisses on your neck

“Cmon, baby, lets have a little fun before we sleep....”

Just tell him your tired, and he’ll comply, turning super fluffy and cuddly in a matter of minutes

Reluctantly tho this boi is horny when hes horny

“Ahh my kitten’s tired? Fine then, you need your rest.”

He’ll lean in to give a sweet kiss, unknowingly of how flavorful you taste now with your chapstick

And OHOHOHO after that its OVER

The taste of vanilla bursts in his mouth, the scent of cherry becoming more prominent-

When did you start tasting so good?

He honestly wont know how to react- he’ll shake his head and blink a few times, “The hell-?” spilling out of his lips

He grabs you buy the chin, his thumb swiping against your lips gently

Once he sees the faint red sheen on his digit, it kinda dawns on him whats going on

You catch on to his confusion, a small giggle spilling out of you as you tell him its just chapstick you bought since your lips felt dry

He’ll just give you a lazy smirk, his lilac eyes a royal purple as he eyes you

This man cant HELP HIMSELF

He’ll lean in for another kiss, this one lasting much longer and more passionate as he tried to capture that taste again

“Do me a favor and keep wearing that kitten,”

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

M I R I O 

Flavor: Birthday Cake

Im so proud of fidning this picture im sorry it just matches so well

Anywaysssssssss

You had just gotten out of the locker room, your UA uniform a little wrinkled from being balled up while you were training

You walked out the metal doors, your lips feeling much softer than usual- you were in desperate need of chapstick after that particular lesson

Thanks UA for having training grounds that blow up every 5 seconds and spray dust everywhere

But thankfully Neijire is the best person ever and hooked you up with some super cute chapstick

Since it was new and just sitting in her book bag, she just told you to keep it

NEIJIRE WHY YOU GOTTA BE SO SWEET?

You had to admit though, you really liked it- the packaging was pretty cute, it was nice on your skin, but the SMELL

OMG

You felt like a bakery was near you every step you took

And everytime you licked your lips it tasted like sweets, which was an amazing addition

Makes ya wonder how safe it is to consume makeup 👀

Mirio is the cutest boyfirend though-wherever your class is, he waits for you outside and walks with you until you have to go your seperate ways

So, as usual, he’s waiting for you outside the locker room, a wide grin plastered on his face

Once he sees you walk out of the doors, he’s already bounding over, his arms swinging cause hes always just so happy to see you 

“Hey sunshine!” he greets you like any other day, his voice just radiating happiness

Some days though, Mirio will kiss the top of your head as he grabs your hand and walks you to his class

Other days, he’s a little more bold, instead leaning down to give you a kiss on your lips as he snakes his hand around your waist

TODAY BABE 

IS THAT DAY

You can tell he’s feeling a little more *frisky cause he’s got this mischievous glint in his eyes

ehhhh why not indulge him?

So you get on your tippie toes, leaning in to him and planting a quick kiss on his lips

But thats when Mirio gets confused- did you eat something?Is it cake? CInnamon roll? Cookie? But whatever it is, it tastes GOOD

“Sweetie, did you buy something from the vending machine?” he asks, a confused grin on his face as he eyes you

You laugh, not realizing that Mirio would be affected by your new chapstick too, 

“Oh no, its just a chapstick Niejire gave me, I think its cake batter flavored- do you like it?”

Mirio licked his lips , savoring the lingering flavor on his skin

“You batter belive it!”

*cue the groaning

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

D E N K I

Flavor: Pina Colada

So Mina, bless her little music crazed heart, somehow won a pack of tickets from a radio station to a new water park opening up not too far from UA

It was superrrrr expensive to get in, but the music station hooked all you guys up with VIP tickers, a private cabana, food, THE WORKS

You had been running around with the group all day

(except Bakugo- he either went to the lazy river or the surfing simulator thignie cause Kaminari said he would wipe out and wanted to prove him wrong)

Everybody else wanted to do everythingggg, from ride the craziest rides to trying all the food the park had

By the end of the day, you were completely beat and just wanted to rest

Mina was sitting beside you in  the cabana (again, thank you radio station for hooking some teens up!), just searching it for snacks the boys hadnt eaten

“Aww cmon, really?! We have chapstick but no food?!”

Your head instantly perked up at the sound- chapstick? God, you could deifnitely use some right now from all that chlorine and sun...

You asked Mina to toss you one, the pink skinned girl throwing you a tube as she grumbled about how “piggy” boys were

You checked the flavor on the tube, the fruits on the side label instantly telling you it was something tropical

As you were putting it on, the boys of Bakusquad were bounding up the steps, their feets covered in sand-

“Guess what?! We got Bakugo to go in the wave pool! Isnt that crazy! It had sand on the bottom, like a real beach-”

Kirishima was just gushing and super excited, Bakugo looking like a pissed off wet cat next to him

You sat up quickly, happy to see your boyfriend, his spiky hair all wet from the day and his boxers dripping

As Kirishima and Sero were messing with an extremely annoyed Bakugo, you went and grabbed the boys some towels, giving the last one to your boyfriend

“Aww thanks babe,” he gushed out, his hands grabbing the towel gingerly as he leaned to kiss you

But wait- you tasted- really sweet?

Kaminari pulled back slightly, a small smirk on his lips, cause damn, that tasted really good

“Did you eat some fruit or something? Cause you taste super yummy babe-”

You  pointed to your lips as you told him how Mina found some free chapstick lying around in the cabana

Kaminari just gave you this really blissed out stare as he sneaked one more peck from you- he was kinda wishing his friends weren't here, cause hed totally be making out with you with that yummy stuff on your lips...

“Do me a favor and dont take that stuff off, okay? Until we get back to the dorms,”

He sent you a small wink, weaving behind you inconspicously, and giving your bottom a playful pinch

WHY YOU GOTTA BE A FLIRT KAMINARI

(Also before you left Kamianri most definitely dumped the whole jar of chapsticks into his backpack)

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ 

S E R O

Flavor: Peppermint

You and Sero had just gotten coffee from a little cafe when it starts to rain

Like alottttttttttt

And of course it happens when your right outside, waiting for your ride to take you back home

So you two are just standing there like weirdos with the rain POURING, Sero holding up his jacket over both of your heads

But honestly, it’s not doing much to block out the rain, so honestly-why not have some fun?

You run out of the fabric, instantly feeling your whole body get drenched as you start twirling and laughing

“He-hey wait, babe!”

Sero’s gonna be laughing, and now y’all playing a wierd game of tag

Aghhhhhh so cute tho 🥺🥺

He catches you pretty quickly, his tape grabbing your waist and pulling you to him,,,

You instantly collide with his chest, your cheeks rosy from running around so much and your hands resting on his chest

Sero gives you the biggest grin, his finger under your chin and raising it to look at him

“You know your the biggest tease I know?”

“Yup!”

He laughs, placing a kiss on your lips-and omg why are you minty? and it feels soooo good to him, cause honestly mint isn’t a bad flavor-

“Hey babe whatcha got on your lips? Did you eat-gum or something?”

You just laugh and tell him it’s some chapstick you got (imagine the mint eos U KNOW THE ONE)

He asks if it’s the egg chapstick OML 💀

Yes Sero the egg chapstick

His lips are parted a little, his eyes wider than usual cause he’s lowkey confused on how he liked that so much

But he send you another huge grin before he kisses you again-

“I think your gonna need to wear that more for me, yeah?”

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

B A K U G O

Flavor: Cinnamon

Bakugo has ben practically forcing you to wake up at ungodly hours with him to train

He says its cause “youre getting weak” but really he’s a total simp for having such close contact with you

Also he’s a little brat and put his all into it  so you cant ever beat him, which boosts his ego for some reason?

“Hah, that really the best you got?” he scoffs down at you, his calloused hands pinning you to the ground as his body cages you in for the umpteenth time

Honestly, its hard to fight when your 1) annoyed about loosing and 2) have your hot as hell boyfriend pining you to the ground

But thankfully

THANKFULLY

He was starting to overheat, his breathe coming out in low pants as  strands  of hair began sticking to his forehead

You felt one of his palms begin to slip ever so slightly near you, and on instinct you knew you had to do something, you finally had an opening-

so you caused a distraction 

Your hands quickly flew to the nape of his neck, pressing his head down to your so you could kiss him square on the lips

Bakugo was completely confused in the best way possible- he didnt expect that to happen, but hell, hes not complaining-

until his lips start to tingle

“-the hell?!” he sputters out, his mind trying to figure out what was going on just before you successfuly flip him over, with you now on top

You stared down triumphantly at your boyfriend, not knowing how well that worked- until you noticed how shiny Bakugo lips look

He begins mashing his lips together, trying to rub it off since you had his hands pinned down

“The hell is on my lips? Agh, dont tell me its that weird ass lip stuff that supposed to make your lips bigger or something-’’

Ummmmm how does he know about lip plumping lip gloss? Question for a another day-

“Its chapstick silly,” you giggle, “-cinnamon”

Honestly, he’s gonna like it-this boy likes spicy things and the fact that “spicy” sensation came from his s/o....shoooottttt he is in love

But

Of course

He’s gonna act like it’s wierd or something, cause HES wierd

“Cinnamon? You couldn’t get something normal like cherry or grape?”

You scrunch up your nose, cause yeah your not for those flavors AT ALL, and Bakugo finds his chance

He quickly flips you over, your back now against the floor and his body on top of yours

“Cmon, baka don’t tell me thats seriosuly all you got-“

Don’t remind him that you were able to flip him over tho he’ll turn red and tell you to shut it

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

[shortsrifle7-blog]

The Captivating Charm of Cape Kudu, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

*Unspoilt

not spoiled, in particular (of a place) not marred by development. "unspoiled countryside" synonyms: immaculate, perfect, pristine, virgin, unimpaired, unblemished, unharmed, unflawed, undamaged, untouched, unmarked, untainted, as good as new/before;*

Like stepping back in time, the sleepy, rustic, friendly island of Koi Yao Noi, half an hour from the bustling city of Phuket seems from another time. Rush hour is passing half a dozen motorbikes and the main road is barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other.

There's a sleepy mellowness to this fascinating island that seems to be resisting development as much as it can. But that doesn't mean that they aren't welcoming of visitors. Some say that the friendliest people in all of Thailand are found on Koh Yao Noi and I'm inclined to agree.

It's amazing how much things can change just in a 30 minute speed boat ride. Koh Yao Noi literally means "island long small" (it's sister island Koh Yao Yai means island long big). Koh Yai Noi's mostly Muslim population make their living through the sea, agriculture (rubber, rice and coconuts) and eco tourism.

We are greeted at the pier by a staff member of Cape Kudu, the island's latest hotel development. The government has tried to keep hotel development limited to preserve the island's unique culture. I can't help but extend an outstretched hand to feel the breeze and I crane my neck to see the views from the open vehicle.

All I can see are simple homes, a lush jungle setting and the occasional person. Navigating around the 30km island is easy as one road circles the island. We pass the beach where there are massages offered on open air beds laid with colourful cloth. Big news was the island getting a 7/11.

Our driver turns left into Cape Kudu. Open for 1.5 years it is a stunning resort beautifully decorated in seafoam blue and whites. Welcome drinks are proffered along with cold towels and I dab at my décolletage with it trying to undo the seasickness from the speedboat ride.

We are offered a seat with ocean views while we check in and my nose twitches. I smell...cookies? Yes there are three types of freshly baked cookies on offer during check-in. I'm tempted, sorely so, but having eaten a substantial breakfast, I mentally note that come 3pm I shall come creeping back, quiet as a mouse, and slip some on a plate to nibble on.

We are shown to our room. There are 50 rooms and Cape Kudu is part of the Small Luxury Hotels collection along with Hua Hin's Cape Nidra. Our room #1108 is a pool villa, a private sanctuary from the popular main pool and it is decorated in the resort's signature blues and whites.

It's as soothing for the eyes as it is for the soul. There's a work desk area with speaker, mirror and phone. Behind this is the very comfortable king bed. There is a large, thick pillow as well as a smaller one and I order some pillows from the pillow menu.

To the right is the lounge area with a comfortable sofa, side chair and television. The mini bar is behind this. Behind the blue door is the bathroom with tub, separate shower, sink and toiletries by Erb. The tiles feel wonderful underfoot.

And if you slide open the balcony door you can glide straight into the square plunge pool or take advantage of the sun on the day bed. There is also complimentary wifi.

Keen to explore the rest of the resort we head to the cool reading room where there are refreshments, fresh fruit and some of those freshly baked cookies. We play a game of pool and read while everyone else sun bathes.

The clock swings around to 4pm and we join everyone near the pool for happy hour cocktails. There's a very good Pina Colada and a "Nanny says No" non alcoholic cocktail strong in maraschino cherry.

We take a seat under the rotunda and watch scooters putter past and geckoes climb walls. Nobody, including the lizarding folk seem to be in a hurry.

Day turns into night and it's time for dinner. The Hornbill restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor area. The weather is pleasantly warm but not oppressively so (Koh Yao Noi has an ideal tropical climate that is less humid and hot than the rest of Thailand) and we pick a corner table with large comfortable seats.

The menu is comprehensive and includes an all day breakfast (those three words fill my heart with joy) as well as Western dishes like grilled steak, cioppino seafood stew and lamb shanks as well as Thai specialties. It's also on-trend with fresh juices including a cold pressed pineapple and lemongrass juice as well as beet juice with beetroot, apple, carrot and mint.

We hone in on the Thai dishes particularly the Southern Thai ones. We also went with a lot of the chef's recommendations as indicated on the menu (spicy, vegan and vegetarian dishes are also marked). There is no pork served at the resort to respect the Muslim population and there is also no foie gras or shark's fins at any Cape and Kantary properties for ethical reasons.

Suspiciously Delicious Squid Soup 320THB

With a name like "Suspiciously Delicious Squid Soup", we were very curious to try the soup. The broth is clear, slightly sweet and served with slices of boudin blanc sausage and a minced chicken stuffed squid and vegetables. It's a mild but comforting soup.

Tom Yum Kung "Eggstraordinary" 220THB

The menu has some twists on dishes or modern interpretations. This is a omelette version of tom yum soup with plenty of lemongrass and chilli served over a bed of rice. Over this is an omelette layer. I don't think they quite believed me when I said I liked spicy so I need to order some more chillies.

Thai Chicken in Gravy and Rice 210THB

I've had something very similar to this at a Shanghai restaurant but made with chicken and tofu. This is made with chicken and mushrooms. There's a rich, comforting gravy made flavoured with Shaoxing cooking wine and chicken thigh on a bed of jasmine rice with a fantastic chicken chorizo sausage, a sunny side up egg and pickled jalapenos. Heaven. I actually ordered a side of sticky rice and I really enjoyed the sticky rice with the sausage.

Southern Crab Curry 360THB

Southern crab curry is fast becoming my favourite Thai curry. The crab is already shelled for those who don't like dealing with cracking crabs and comes with flavours like kaffir lime leaves with a plate of fine vermicelli noodles that you dip in the curry sauce.

And when we go back to our room, turndown has been performed and there are delicious chocolate coated macadamias on our pillows as a welcome amenity. A long soak and catching up on the book is all there is on the agenda tonight.

The next day is spent exploring Koh Yao Noi by scooter but before we do that, we make our way to the Hornbill restaurant for breakfast. There is an a la carte menu selection which is extra but the included buffet is plentiful and tempting so we go for that. There's a fresh fruit cart with a good selection of fruit. There is also a roti cart making fresh banana, egg or Nutella roti.

We take a seat inside and there's a range of pastries and breads including fat pretzels and danishes. There's a continental selection of cheeses and meats as well as an egg station making omelettes, French toast, waffles and pancakes. There is beef bacon, beef sausages, stir fries, curry and congee as well.

I ask for a crispy roti topped with sugar and condensed milk. Every day the selection changes slightly-one day it may include crispy coconut cakes, the next "wild eggs" with chilli in a banana leaf, sticky rice desserts and Kanom jeen soup noodles. One of my favourite drinks is the smoked coconut which is an intensely naturally sweet coconut water. Every morning I would spring out of bed, do a workout and wander down to breakfast like a hungry bear.

There is also a hot Thai selection on a separate table that changes daily. It's also my favourite stop at the breakfast buffet-one day it is the Muslim yellow rice curry which I absolutely adore (recipe coming up for this!) and the next it is fried chicken with sticky rice. It's all we need to set us up for a day of exploring and because breakfast finishes at 11am we find that we are happy eating this and then eating dinner at the end of the day bypassing lunch if we were too busy exploring the island.

While getting around in Phuket is not that easy and expensive, getting around KNY is easy by scooter or bike. No license is needed to rent a scooter and there is a vendor literally right outside the hotel that rents scooters for 300THB per 24 hours.

We get the low down on the best hidden gems from Olivier the guest relations manager and all round wizard who makes things happen. He gives us great tips for things that you can't find on tripadvisor with a real local focus.

We discover wonderful local cafes, delicious roti, incredible seafood restaurants, look out points, and the island's best food (I'll share these in a separate post). We return each day in a buoyant mood after a full day exploring.

One of the in-house activities I enjoyed the most was the Cape Kudu Thai cooking class. There are plenty of Thai cooking classes but all of these classes tend to offer similar dishes like green curry and tom yum goong which are delicious but I wanted to learn a bit more about Southern Thai and Muslim cuisine.

And when I mention that I'd love to learn how to make that Muslim yellow rice and chicken and the chicken with gravy sauce and the Southern crab curry to Olivier he says that they can show me how to make those which makes me ridiculously happy.

We have the cooking class in the Hornbill restaurant where they have set up three stations: one for chef Chan and one for me and one for Mr NQN while front of house staff Annie interprets. There are traditional golden pots called Thong Leang or the ancient version of a wok. These pots are interesting to cook with as they heat up very quickly but also lose heat very quickly.

We start with spicing the chicken which is best left marinating in the spices for 2 hours. We mix it with yogurt and butter and you can use chicken on the bone or off-we are using chicken thighs. We also spice the rice, add it to a rice cooker with chicken stock and the chicken on top and leave this to cook.

Then we move onto the chicken with gravy sauce, a Thai Chinese dish that is so simple but wonderfully comforting. They serve this with a chicken chorizo sausage that tastes like lup cheong except isn't made using pork. This comes together very easily too with just a few ingredients.

And lastly we make the southern crab curry with a rich curry sauce. You can also use prawns or fish or any other meat in place of crab. They serve this with rice vermicelli noodles instead of rice and it is served in a clay pot called a mor din that sits above a tea light. There's an abundance of food but it's so good that we can't stop eating it.

Another day we spend exploring around the island and watching day to day life. We watch as a man carries his bird in a cage while we watch another gentleman grooming himself on the side of the road in his scooter mirror.

Families look on as the father brings in a catch of the day's fish - most of the industry on KYN is based around the sea with many fishermen.

A group of four boys wave eagerly as they go off in search for new adventures. There's one area of the island that we haven't explored so we go off in search of it and follow a sign up a steep hill to the Hideout hotel where we stop for a look at a view, a lie back on the hammock and a drink.

There are more stops to run errands and get ready for our impending trip home. I have a massage and then it's time for a late lunch. The fulsome breakfasts mean that we aren't even hungry until 3 or 4pm. We make our way to Cafe Kantary, Cape Kudu's photogenic cafe and popular spot for photos and selfies. The decor is all whites and blues and it is a self service cafe with plenty of cakes, breakfast and lunch as well as pizza and burgers.

I order a matcha red bean cream drink as well as a Mocha Chocachip frappe topped with cream and an Oreo. You wait at the counter for the drinks but they will bring the food to you. There are three indoor tables but plenty of outdoor ones which are the pick.

Mac and Cheese Burger 340THB

The mac and cheese burger comes with a thick beef patty, slices of white onion, lettuce, tomato, melted cheese and mac and cheese. I spread some tomato sauce on it. It also comes with a generous side of fries.

Kaikrata 180THB

The Kaikrata is a smoked salmon omelette served in the pan it is cooked in. There's also chicken ham, croutons, salmon roe, kaiware srpouts and mozzarella and is strong in salmon flavour.

And then there's dessert-the bannoffee pie is a tower of banana and a chocolate topped biscuit base with cream. They use fresh cream but they treat it so that it has a bit more staying power in the heat. I would have loved a bit more caramel in this.

But the item I had been looking at every day when I got my matcha latte is the matcha toast with lashings of white chocolate sauce, cream and ice cream as well as matcha syrup. There are three slices of toast each buttered with a slightly sweet matcha butter. And to top it off, some chocolate sticks and a matcha macaron!

The whole time I had been here we were so busy. So much for the do nothing holiday but we loved the freedom of being able to easily explore things ourselves and looked forward to an adventure every day. But it soon came to the last full day here and I realised that I hadn't even been in the plunge pool yet!

We go for our final dinner at a local restaurant called Kaya which is a 10 minute scooter ride away. The all female team that run Kaya are so welcoming and sweet that we realise that we are going to miss the island a lot when we have to leave in the morning.

We feast on massaman beef curry, sticky rice and green curry and follow it with banana simmered in coconut milk. They wave us goodbye while genuine smiles.

The next morning as we check out we are given a parting gift-a box of macarons from Cafe Kantary. It's with a sense of sadness that we have to leave (although this is coupled by the fact that I know that I will return). The staff and locals are so friendly and their smiles aren't predicated on a potential purchase. As I get off the speedboat to be whizzed off to Phuket airport, a local woman sees my hesitation at walking across the other boats and gently takes my hand and guides me across with a kind smile before waving me goodbye.

So tell me Dear Reader, which country or place do you think has the friendliest people? Have you ever heard of Koh Yao Noi? Do you prefer relaxing or exploring holidays?

NQN and Mr NQN stayed as guests of Cape Kudu but all opinions remain her own.

Tambon Ko Yao Noi, Chang Wat, Phang Nga, Thailand Phone: +66 76 592 600 capekuduhotel.com/

Source: http://www.notquitenigella.com/2018/12/14/cape-kudu-koh-yao-noi/

[signbrake9-blog]

The Captivating Charm of Cape Kudu, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

*Unspoilt

not spoiled, in particular (of a place) not marred by development. "unspoiled countryside" synonyms: immaculate, perfect, pristine, virgin, unimpaired, unblemished, unharmed, unflawed, undamaged, untouched, unmarked, untainted, as good as new/before;*

Like stepping back in time, the sleepy, rustic, friendly island of Koi Yao Noi, half an hour from the bustling city of Phuket seems from another time. Rush hour is passing half a dozen motorbikes and the main road is barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other.

There's a sleepy mellowness to this fascinating island that seems to be resisting development as much as it can. But that doesn't mean that they aren't welcoming of visitors. Some say that the friendliest people in all of Thailand are found on Koh Yao Noi and I'm inclined to agree.

It's amazing how much things can change just in a 30 minute speed boat ride. Koh Yao Noi literally means "island long small" (it's sister island Koh Yao Yai means island long big). Koh Yai Noi's mostly Muslim population make their living through the sea, agriculture (rubber, rice and coconuts) and eco tourism.

We are greeted at the pier by a staff member of Cape Kudu, the island's latest hotel development. The government has tried to keep hotel development limited to preserve the island's unique culture. I can't help but extend an outstretched hand to feel the breeze and I crane my neck to see the views from the open vehicle.

All I can see are simple homes, a lush jungle setting and the occasional person. Navigating around the 30km island is easy as one road circles the island. We pass the beach where there are massages offered on open air beds laid with colourful cloth. Big news was the island getting a 7/11.

Our driver turns left into Cape Kudu. Open for 1.5 years it is a stunning resort beautifully decorated in seafoam blue and whites. Welcome drinks are proffered along with cold towels and I dab at my décolletage with it trying to undo the seasickness from the speedboat ride.

We are offered a seat with ocean views while we check in and my nose twitches. I smell...cookies? Yes there are three types of freshly baked cookies on offer during check-in. I'm tempted, sorely so, but having eaten a substantial breakfast, I mentally note that come 3pm I shall come creeping back, quiet as a mouse, and slip some on a plate to nibble on.

We are shown to our room. There are 50 rooms and Cape Kudu is part of the Small Luxury Hotels collection along with Hua Hin's Cape Nidra. Our room #1108 is a pool villa, a private sanctuary from the popular main pool and it is decorated in the resort's signature blues and whites.

It's as soothing for the eyes as it is for the soul. There's a work desk area with speaker, mirror and phone. Behind this is the very comfortable king bed. There is a large, thick pillow as well as a smaller one and I order some pillows from the pillow menu.

To the right is the lounge area with a comfortable sofa, side chair and television. The mini bar is behind this. Behind the blue door is the bathroom with tub, separate shower, sink and toiletries by Erb. The tiles feel wonderful underfoot.

And if you slide open the balcony door you can glide straight into the square plunge pool or take advantage of the sun on the day bed. There is also complimentary wifi.

Keen to explore the rest of the resort we head to the cool reading room where there are refreshments, fresh fruit and some of those freshly baked cookies. We play a game of pool and read while everyone else sun bathes.

The clock swings around to 4pm and we join everyone near the pool for happy hour cocktails. There's a very good Pina Colada and a "Nanny says No" non alcoholic cocktail strong in maraschino cherry.

We take a seat under the rotunda and watch scooters putter past and geckoes climb walls. Nobody, including the lizarding folk seem to be in a hurry.

Day turns into night and it's time for dinner. The Hornbill restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor area. The weather is pleasantly warm but not oppressively so (Koh Yao Noi has an ideal tropical climate that is less humid and hot than the rest of Thailand) and we pick a corner table with large comfortable seats.

The menu is comprehensive and includes an all day breakfast (those three words fill my heart with joy) as well as Western dishes like grilled steak, cioppino seafood stew and lamb shanks as well as Thai specialties. It's also on-trend with fresh juices including a cold pressed pineapple and lemongrass juice as well as beet juice with beetroot, apple, carrot and mint.

We hone in on the Thai dishes particularly the Southern Thai ones. We also went with a lot of the chef's recommendations as indicated on the menu (spicy, vegan and vegetarian dishes are also marked). There is no pork served at the resort to respect the Muslim population and there is also no foie gras or shark's fins at any Cape and Kantary properties for ethical reasons.

Suspiciously Delicious Squid Soup 320THB

With a name like "Suspiciously Delicious Squid Soup", we were very curious to try the soup. The broth is clear, slightly sweet and served with slices of boudin blanc sausage and a minced chicken stuffed squid and vegetables. It's a mild but comforting soup.

Tom Yum Kung "Eggstraordinary" 220THB

The menu has some twists on dishes or modern interpretations. This is a omelette version of tom yum soup with plenty of lemongrass and chilli served over a bed of rice. Over this is an omelette layer. I don't think they quite believed me when I said I liked spicy so I need to order some more chillies.

Thai Chicken in Gravy and Rice 210THB

I've had something very similar to this at a Shanghai restaurant but made with chicken and tofu. This is made with chicken and mushrooms. There's a rich, comforting gravy made flavoured with Shaoxing cooking wine and chicken thigh on a bed of jasmine rice with a fantastic chicken chorizo sausage, a sunny side up egg and pickled jalapenos. Heaven. I actually ordered a side of sticky rice and I really enjoyed the sticky rice with the sausage.

Southern Crab Curry 360THB

Southern crab curry is fast becoming my favourite Thai curry. The crab is already shelled for those who don't like dealing with cracking crabs and comes with flavours like kaffir lime leaves with a plate of fine vermicelli noodles that you dip in the curry sauce.

And when we go back to our room, turndown has been performed and there are delicious chocolate coated macadamias on our pillows as a welcome amenity. A long soak and catching up on the book is all there is on the agenda tonight.

The next day is spent exploring Koh Yao Noi by scooter but before we do that, we make our way to the Hornbill restaurant for breakfast. There is an a la carte menu selection which is extra but the included buffet is plentiful and tempting so we go for that. There's a fresh fruit cart with a good selection of fruit. There is also a roti cart making fresh banana, egg or Nutella roti.

We take a seat inside and there's a range of pastries and breads including fat pretzels and danishes. There's a continental selection of cheeses and meats as well as an egg station making omelettes, French toast, waffles and pancakes. There is beef bacon, beef sausages, stir fries, curry and congee as well.

I ask for a crispy roti topped with sugar and condensed milk. Every day the selection changes slightly-one day it may include crispy coconut cakes, the next "wild eggs" with chilli in a banana leaf, sticky rice desserts and Kanom jeen soup noodles. One of my favourite drinks is the smoked coconut which is an intensely naturally sweet coconut water. Every morning I would spring out of bed, do a workout and wander down to breakfast like a hungry bear.

There is also a hot Thai selection on a separate table that changes daily. It's also my favourite stop at the breakfast buffet-one day it is the Muslim yellow rice curry which I absolutely adore (recipe coming up for this!) and the next it is fried chicken with sticky rice. It's all we need to set us up for a day of exploring and because breakfast finishes at 11am we find that we are happy eating this and then eating dinner at the end of the day bypassing lunch if we were too busy exploring the island.

While getting around in Phuket is not that easy and expensive, getting around KNY is easy by scooter or bike. No license is needed to rent a scooter and there is a vendor literally right outside the hotel that rents scooters for 300THB per 24 hours.

We get the low down on the best hidden gems from Olivier the guest relations manager and all round wizard who makes things happen. He gives us great tips for things that you can't find on tripadvisor with a real local focus.

We discover wonderful local cafes, delicious roti, incredible seafood restaurants, look out points, and the island's best food (I'll share these in a separate post). We return each day in a buoyant mood after a full day exploring.

One of the in-house activities I enjoyed the most was the Cape Kudu Thai cooking class. There are plenty of Thai cooking classes but all of these classes tend to offer similar dishes like green curry and tom yum goong which are delicious but I wanted to learn a bit more about Southern Thai and Muslim cuisine.

And when I mention that I'd love to learn how to make that Muslim yellow rice and chicken and the chicken with gravy sauce and the Southern crab curry to Olivier he says that they can show me how to make those which makes me ridiculously happy.

We have the cooking class in the Hornbill restaurant where they have set up three stations: one for chef Chan and one for me and one for Mr NQN while front of house staff Annie interprets. There are traditional golden pots called Thong Leang or the ancient version of a wok. These pots are interesting to cook with as they heat up very quickly but also lose heat very quickly.

We start with spicing the chicken which is best left marinating in the spices for 2 hours. We mix it with yogurt and butter and you can use chicken on the bone or off-we are using chicken thighs. We also spice the rice, add it to a rice cooker with chicken stock and the chicken on top and leave this to cook.

Then we move onto the chicken with gravy sauce, a Thai Chinese dish that is so simple but wonderfully comforting. They serve this with a chicken chorizo sausage that tastes like lup cheong except isn't made using pork. This comes together very easily too with just a few ingredients.

And lastly we make the southern crab curry with a rich curry sauce. You can also use prawns or fish or any other meat in place of crab. They serve this with rice vermicelli noodles instead of rice and it is served in a clay pot called a mor din that sits above a tea light. There's an abundance of food but it's so good that we can't stop eating it.

Another day we spend exploring around the island and watching day to day life. We watch as a man carries his bird in a cage while we watch another gentleman grooming himself on the side of the road in his scooter mirror.

Families look on as the father brings in a catch of the day's fish - most of the industry on KYN is based around the sea with many fishermen.

A group of four boys wave eagerly as they go off in search for new adventures. There's one area of the island that we haven't explored so we go off in search of it and follow a sign up a steep hill to the Hideout hotel where we stop for a look at a view, a lie back on the hammock and a drink.

There are more stops to run errands and get ready for our impending trip home. I have a massage and then it's time for a late lunch. The fulsome breakfasts mean that we aren't even hungry until 3 or 4pm. We make our way to Cafe Kantary, Cape Kudu's photogenic cafe and popular spot for photos and selfies. The decor is all whites and blues and it is a self service cafe with plenty of cakes, breakfast and lunch as well as pizza and burgers.

I order a matcha red bean cream drink as well as a Mocha Chocachip frappe topped with cream and an Oreo. You wait at the counter for the drinks but they will bring the food to you. There are three indoor tables but plenty of outdoor ones which are the pick.

Mac and Cheese Burger 340THB

The mac and cheese burger comes with a thick beef patty, slices of white onion, lettuce, tomato, melted cheese and mac and cheese. I spread some tomato sauce on it. It also comes with a generous side of fries.

Kaikrata 180THB

The Kaikrata is a smoked salmon omelette served in the pan it is cooked in. There's also chicken ham, croutons, salmon roe, kaiware srpouts and mozzarella and is strong in salmon flavour.

And then there's dessert-the bannoffee pie is a tower of banana and a chocolate topped biscuit base with cream. They use fresh cream but they treat it so that it has a bit more staying power in the heat. I would have loved a bit more caramel in this.

But the item I had been looking at every day when I got my matcha latte is the matcha toast with lashings of white chocolate sauce, cream and ice cream as well as matcha syrup. There are three slices of toast each buttered with a slightly sweet matcha butter. And to top it off, some chocolate sticks and a matcha macaron!

The whole time I had been here we were so busy. So much for the do nothing holiday but we loved the freedom of being able to easily explore things ourselves and looked forward to an adventure every day. But it soon came to the last full day here and I realised that I hadn't even been in the plunge pool yet!

We go for our final dinner at a local restaurant called Kaya which is a 10 minute scooter ride away. The all female team that run Kaya are so welcoming and sweet that we realise that we are going to miss the island a lot when we have to leave in the morning.

We feast on massaman beef curry, sticky rice and green curry and follow it with banana simmered in coconut milk. They wave us goodbye while genuine smiles.

The next morning as we check out we are given a parting gift-a box of macarons from Cafe Kantary. It's with a sense of sadness that we have to leave (although this is coupled by the fact that I know that I will return). The staff and locals are so friendly and their smiles aren't predicated on a potential purchase. As I get off the speedboat to be whizzed off to Phuket airport, a local woman sees my hesitation at walking across the other boats and gently takes my hand and guides me across with a kind smile before waving me goodbye.

So tell me Dear Reader, which country or place do you think has the friendliest people? Have you ever heard of Koh Yao Noi? Do you prefer relaxing or exploring holidays?

NQN and Mr NQN stayed as guests of Cape Kudu but all opinions remain her own.

Tambon Ko Yao Noi, Chang Wat, Phang Nga, Thailand Phone: +66 76 592 600 capekuduhotel.com/

Source: http://www.notquitenigella.com/2018/12/14/cape-kudu-koh-yao-noi/

[easytravelpw-blog]

Full text write on https://easy-travel.pw/what-i-spent-five-nights-in-san-juan-puerto-rico/magazine/

What I Spent: Five Nights in San Juan, Puerto Rico

01 of 07

Upfront Costs

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The upfront costs of vacations are predictable. It’s the little things—airport snacks, cocktails before dinner, tipping a tour guide—that can throw even the most well-planned vacation budget off track. In this new series, we’ll look at the spending patterns of real travelers in popular destinations, so you can estimate what you’ll actually spend.  (Thanks for the inspiration, Refinery29!)

In this installment, a couple travels to San Juan, Puerto Rico for six days of sun.

Flight: $685, round-trip from DEN to SJU (bought two months in advance)

Accommodations: Free—we stayed with my brother’s colleague and his wife in their beachside condo. We had an overnight layover on the way home, though: $99 for a room at the Wingate by Wyndham Charlotte Airport South/I-77 Tyvola, which offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Baggage fees: My boyfriend and I shared a large duffel to save some money (plus I’m a serial overpacker). Cost: $50 ($25 each way)

Size of Group: 4

Continue to 2 of 7 below.

02 of 07

Wednesday to Thursday

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4:15 p.m. Our Uber arrives. We all have TSA Pre-Check, but we’re heading to the airport early to squeeze in dinner before our 7 p.m. flight. My brother picks up the ride. Cost: $100 for Global Entry, which includes TSA Pre-Check (valid for five years)

4:40 p.m. The drive is quick, but the line to drop off checked bags is snaking through the concourse. We head outside to check it curbside, which saves us a lot of time. Cost: $2 tip

5:15 p.m. What’s a vacation without a little indulgence? We grab a table at Elway’s, a Colorado steak house, and cheers to forgetting about work for a week (a vodka-Sprite for me). I order the steak tacos, which are in the appetizer section but entrée-sized. Cost: $33

7:07 p.m. We’re finally on our way—to Houston, where we have a layover.

12:25 a.m. (next day) Our one-hour layover has turned into two, and almost nothing is open in the airport so my boyfriend and I wander bleary-eyed around the terminal until we’re finally able to board.  

7 a.m. We grab our duffel from baggage claim and head outside to meet my brother’s colleague. He arranged for a van to pick us up and take us to his home. Cost: $0

8:01 a.m. We unpack our bags and then beeline to the patio to take in the views of Condado Beach. We’re anxious to feel the sand under our feet, but our hosts have graciously cooked breakfast for us so we fuel up with scrambled eggs and ham, fresh fruit (some of the juiciest mango, papaya, and pineapple I’ve ever tasted), and apple-filled pastries from a nearby bakery.

10:30 a.m. You always forget something when you go on a trip, and this vacation was no exception. We walk two blocks to CVS for a couple bottles of sunscreen. I pay. Cost: $19.26

11:18 a.m. We nab four lounge chairs on the sand in front of the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. (Our hosts are members of the hotel’s Ocean Club Wellness Center Spa, which gives us access to the venue’s amenities as well.) A server from the resort’s La Isla Beach Bar and Grill walks over and takes our order for Miami Vices. My brother’s girlfriend picks up the tab. Cost: $0

2:09 p.m. In need of a break from the sun, we wander to Ashford Avenue, the main drag in the Condado area. After peeking into a number of fairly empty restaurants, we end up at Pannes. Here we get our first taste of local (read: the Coors of Puerto Rico) lagers—Magna and Medalla Light—and cuisine. Mofongo is a dense ball of mashed green plantains, typically stuffed with a protein. I order mine with chicken in tomato sauce; it’s dense and comforting—and definitely not the first choice when you’re wearing a bikini. Cost: $17

3 p.m. We walk the few blocks back to our condo to take a nap, shower, and get ready for dinner.

6:20 p.m. The four of us hop in an already-paid-for shuttle with our hosts. Our destination: Old San Juan, one of the oldest cities in the United States. Cost: $0

6:48 p.m. The cabbie drops us near the entrance to El Morro, which the Spanish built in the 16th century to protect the San Juan Bay from attacks (including by pirates). We take in the sight and then wander down the area’s sloping, blue-cobblestone streets, passing colorful buildings and fellow tourists seeking cocktails and dinner.

7:07 p.m. Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano is packed when we enter, but thankfully we already have reservations. The restaurant is owned by pianist Carli Muñoz, who spent 11 years touring with the Beach Boys. He treats us to a short stint at the piano as we sip our drinks (a Mojito for me).  I order the night’s special: churrasco (skirt steak) with roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Cost: $40

9:45 p.m. The shuttle picks us back up and takes us home. After sleeping fitfully on the plane and today’s short nap, I’m excited to get to bed early. Cost: $0

Continue to 3 of 7 below.

03 of 07

Friday

Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

9:45 a.m. We awake to the smell of pancakes. Eager to get in the water, we eat quickly. My brother and his girlfriend, up before my boyfriend and I, decide to take a walk down Ashford Avenue. They meet us at the beach an hour later with a six-pack of Medalla beer—and a tip. The liquor store is way overpriced; in the future, we should buy our alcohol at CVS. We manage to hold off popping open a can until about 11:30 a.m. Cost: $0

1 p.m. The current at Condado Beach is strong, the breaking waves pretty relentless. Between the sun and the workout we get from diving beneath them, we’re starving. Our hosts want to give us a taste of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, so they treat us to a homemade lunch of fried plantains, roasted chicken, rice, and red beans. Cost: $0

4:30 p.m. After a couple more hours of beach lounging, we pack up for our evening excursion. We know we won’t really have a chance to eat dinner, so we head across the street to the small natural grocer to pick up some snacks—protein bars and plantain chips—for the bus ride. We spot the largest avocados any of us has ever seen; they’re the size of cantaloupes! Cost: $12.50

5:15 p.m. Our meeting point is the tour desk at the Marriott. From here, we load onto a small bus for the hourlong drive east to Fajardo (with a short stop to pick up more passengers), where we’ll set off on the Glowing Bay Adventure to Laguna Grande with Island Kayaking Adventures. Cost: $100 per person, including transportation

7 p.m. We arrive in Fajardo with 30 minutes to use the public bathroom (which costs 50 cents), apply bug spray, and grab a small bite to eat from one of the nearby food stalls. We opt for hot-out-of-the-fryer carne empanadas from Delicias Criollas Dorcas. Cost: $4.50

7:30 p.m. After a brief safety presentation, my boyfriend and I load into our shared kayak and our group sets off into the lagoon. The new moon is barely visible, which makes our journey through the mangrove channel all the more thrilling. Twenty-or-so minutes later, the landscape opens up and we are officially in the bay. We sweep our hands through the water and watch the dinoflagellates sparkle in response. Too soon, we direct our kayaks back toward the mangroves and our ride home.

11:15 p.m. The bus drops us at the Marriott. I’m too tired to eat, but my boyfriend and brother grab burgers to-go from Buns Burger Shop. Cost: $0

Continue to 4 of 7 below.

04 of 07

Saturday

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7:40 a.m. After a late night, this early wake-up call is rough. My boyfriend and I head to the small café inside the Marriott for a grab-and-go breakfast. I pay. Cost: $12.52

8 a.m. We load onto the bus that will take us to El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest in the U.S. national forest system. Cost: $69 per person, plus a $20 tip for our guide (we split the tip by couple)

9:20 a.m. Short pit stop to watch the park’s welcome video (narrated by native Puerto Rican Benicio del Toro) and hit the bathrooms.

11 a.m. A one-mile “hike” along a stone path through the forest leads us to La Mina Falls. We strip off our sneakers and step delicately into the frigid water, clambering over rocks to reach the rushing water. I stay under the falls just long enough for a photo-op (thank you, waterproof camera).

11:56 a.m. On the walk back to the bus, we stop to pose for pictures in front of a towering, moss-covered tree.

12:11 p.m. The final stop on our rainforest tour is the Yokahú Tower, which was built in 1962 as an observation tower. We climb the 98 steps and breathe in the fresh air and views of the cloud forest and northeast coastline.

12:45 p.m. Our guide pulls over on the side of the road at a small fritter stand run by two locals who speak zero English. Puerto Ricans call almost anything fried “fritters,” mostly to make it easy for us non-Spanish speakers. In this case, “fritters” translates to empanadas, taquitos, and papas rellenas—and nothing cost more than $2.50. Everyone chips in a few dollars. Cost: $3

5:55 p.m. After some down time at our condo, we head down Ashford Avenue to grab a drink and watch the sun set. At the Piña Loka food truck, I go full tourist and treat myself to a carved-out pineapple filled with piña colada that I then have to lug to the beach. We enjoy the view for all of 10 minutes before it starts pouring rain and we run for cover. Cost: $12

7:45 p.m. The rain forced us inside just in time to get ready for dinner. It’s New Year’s Eve and our hosts have booked us a table at one of their favorite fine dining spots: Pikayo Restaurant, inside the Condado Plaza Hilton. They pay for the short cab ride. The three-course prix fixe menu is modern but rooted in local favorites. A tequila cocktails starts the evening off, followed by salad, Alaskan king salmon in a spicy mango sauce, and a Nutella-rich dessert. Cost: $95

11:35 p.m. Shortly before midnight, the staff hands out noisemakers and NYE hats. The salsa band gets started, and much of the restaurant—including our group—gets up to dance.

1 a.m. Our hosts once again pay for our ride home. We have one more drink on the patio before calling it a night. Cost: $0

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05 of 07

Sunday

Pamela's Caribbean Cuisine

11:32 a.m. With an early lunch planned, we enjoy a lazy morning before hopping in the car to Ocean Park Beach. We have a date with the beachfront Pamela’s Caribbean Cuisine. I slip my flip-flops off and dig my toes into the sand while perusing the menu of Caribbean-fusion eats. The group shares some superfresh grouper ceviche and calamari, and I get the churrasco wrap with chipotle-pineapple salsa for my meal. My brother treats. Cost: $0

1:05 p.m. Pamela’s guests have access to the restaurant’s beach chairs and umbrellas. Our server sets four up for us closer to the water after our hosts head home, and we let our lunch settle as we soak in the sun.

2:34 p.m. A man selling beers from a cooler wanders by. My boyfriend orders a Corona. Cost: $0 ($3 for him)

3:18 p.m. My boyfriend and I wander down to the end of the beach—past dozens of kitesurfers getting their gear ready—and meet my brother and his girlfriend at the outdoor bar connected to Hostería del Mar. It’s happy hour from 1 to 5 p.m., so my house-made sangria tastes especially sweet. Cost: $7

4:37 p.m. We’d planned to walk along the beach the entire way back to our condo, but an unpassable section forces us onto Ashford for the final few blocks.

6:40 p.m. We grab a cab at the Marriott to take us to Old San Juan for dinner. Unfortunately, many of the roads are closed due to preparation for some government events taking place the next day. And with so many people in town for the holidays, many restaurants are already booked. We detour to a nearby Ruth’s Chris Steak House (a favorite of our hosts’) instead. I order a Caesar salad and lamb chops. They pay. Cost: $0

Continue to 6 of 7 below.

06 of 07

Monday

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7:50 a.m. Another early wake-up for our final excursion of the trip. But first, a quick breakfast to-go. Cost: $0 (cheers to Starbucks gift cards)

  8:05 a.m. We hop on the bus to meet our catamaran, the Spread Eagle II (yes, really) for a day of snorkeling off the coast of Fajardo. Cost: $116 per person, plus a $20 tip for the crew (which I cover)

10 a.m. All aboard! We set sail for Icacos Island. Due to the time of year and choppy water, there’s not much to see while snorkeling (snorkels are provided by the tour company), so we hop back on the boat and enjoy our included buffet lunch before grabbing some beers (my brother’s treat), heading to shore, and wading in the shallows before taking off for our second stop. Cost: $0

2 p.m. The crew anchors off the shore of Palominos Island, the private island of El Conquistador, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. We jump into the water and swim around for 45 minutes, spotting some small, colorful fish and plenty of coral. The sail back takes about a half hour, and I nap on the bus on the ride home.

7:35 p.m. Pre-dinner drinks are a vacation necessity—especially when it’s our last night in San Juan. We pop across the street to Bar Gitano for a quick tipple before dinner. Cost: $10

8:04 p.m. Dinner is just down the block. We have reservations for Big Band Mondays at Yerba Buena Restaurant. As we sip not-too-sweet Mojitos and dig into shrimps in coconut sauce and fried whole red snapper, a dozen musicians play Puerto Rican classics. It’s the best food—and music—we’ve enjoyed the entire trip. A perfect way to wrap up our first visit to this lively city. Cost: $0 (our hosts paid)

Continue to 7 of 7 below.

07 of 07

Tuesday to Wednesday

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8:38 a.m. We catch a cab at the Marriott to squeeze in a few hours exploring Old San Juan before our flight home. I pay. Cost: $18

  8:59 a.m. The neighborhood is quiet and many shops are closed. We start to worry we won’t find anywhere for breakfast. Then we stumble upon La Bombonera, a historic bakery that lures us in with a drool-inducing pastry window. We decide to keep it on the healthier side with cafe con leche and omelettes. We split the bill by couple, and my boyfriend covers our half. Cost: $0

9:51 a.m. We wander the narrow streets, popping into shops and stopping to look at the fort walls, ocean views, and government buildings. At the Haitian Gallery, my boyfriend and I are drawn to paintings by a local artist. We buy three small ones depicting city and nature scenes from the surrounding area. Cost: $145

12:37 p.m. We grab a cab back to the condo, which my brother pays for. Lunch is waiting for us: a tomato-y chickpea stew that our host’s wife says is her favorite local dish. We pack our suitcases and head to the beach for the final time. Cost: $0

4:30 p.m. The prepaid van taking us to the airport arrives. Cost: $20 (tip)

5:43 p.m. After having to lighten our duffel to avoid extra fees (my boyfriend and I wind up carrying all of our shoes in plastic bags), we grab an early, not-so-great dinner before our flight. Cost: $15

6:40 p.m. The airline staff give my brother and his girlfriend grief about the size of their carry-ons, so they’re forced to check them through to Denver. And then we’re finally airborne to Charlotte.

9:40 p.m. We get a ride to our accommodations from the hotel’s free shuttle.

6:29 a.m. (next day) The airport is pretty vacant. We sit down for breakfast at 1897 Market—hot tea and Greek yogurt with granola for me. My boyfriend covers our half of the tab. Cost: $0

9:21 a.m. We land in Denver. After picking up our bags, we hail an Uber. My boyfriend pays. Cost: $0

  Totals

Food & Drinks: $261.02

Activities & Entertainment: $285

Transportation: $38

Accommodation: $99

Miscellaneous: $346.76

#travel #airlinetickets #airtickets #cheapairfare #planetickets #travelinsurance #travelquotes #travelblogger #traveller #travelling #travelocity #travelodge #vacation

[roamingkattravels]

Day 3 of 4 Beijing Day 10 of my Hong Kong & China Trip Sunday 25th March 2018

Weather: 27 degrees, sunny

Meals: Yoghurt biscuit, Pork & rice, Peking Duck Miles Walked: 9.6 Transport Taken: Metro

Hit list for the day: The Forbidden Palace Tienanmen Square Peking Duck

Welcoming the morning on the benches opposite my hotel, I saw Grand Pa one on his was to work who looked into my cup & shook his head before showing me his flask of green tea then gesturing I should be drinking this. The mental note to take my phone out for morning coffee had eluded me so I again failed to get a nice photo of him. Leaving the hotel just before 10 a.m., phone back in hand vehicles of The Houtongs seemed to be focus of my walk to the metro.

Exiting the metro at Tienanmen Square West my first fatal error or the day was unearthed when entering a security zone, where my passport was a requirement but I hadn’t carried it with me. A little humble grovelling & I was through but not having my passport would become an increasing issue throughout the day.

Steps from the metro & security check lay The Forbidden Palace, I’d been messaged by some Chinese friends met the night at the hot pot restaurant & warned that tickets for the day were nearly sold out.

Hurrying through, desperately not wanting to miss out on tickets due to this being my last full day in Beijing I joined a queue only to find when arriving at the front not only did they want my passport but this was the wrong ticket desk.

Another queue was found further on & dutifully joined, eventually reaching the front my lack of a passport was again an issue. A European lad behind me advised to give any nine digit number so they had something to enter into their system. Bingo, it worked a treat & tickets were duly issued in exchange for 35y.

Once inside The Forbidden Palace I stopped in the shade to share a yoghurt biscuit & beer. A combination of walking miles every day, having queued in the heat & a lack of food had caught up with me to the point I felt light headed.

Around 3/4 of the way through The Forbidden Palace, feeling very jaded & in doubt I could make it to the the observation point The Palace of Tranquility in Ding Shang Park I took the decision to turn back hoping they’d be a way to get there from outside the palace via some sort of transport.

After about another hour of walking, being turned in a different direction at every possible exit point at seemed that there was almost no way of getting out & having finally been left out & walking for half a mile or so I came to a dead end so had to walk back my route passing another Chinese with a westerner selfie request from a group of teenagers. It also seemed there was no other way to get to the observation point, such a shame as I’d wanted to see the view of The Forbidden Palace rooftops from here more than anything else in Beijing.

Heading along a main street I stopped for lunch with a beer thinking I’d chosen the safe option of park & rice rather than one of the various ass meat dishes, sadly I could barely eat the meal I’d order due to it being REALLY SPICY thus my relatively long walk to Tienanmen Square after was still accompanied by hunger & fatigue caused by a lack of fuel.

Following a short walk around Tienanmen Square I sat to rest under the warm early evening sun & watched the world go by for a while before taking another walk around the fairly vast area.

Enough was enough for the time being so I headed back to Tienanmen East Metro station for the Hutongs to rest before the evening drew in.

Looking for a restaurant which served good Peking Duck, reception furnished me with a map so map in hand I headed out towards Houttai Lake where roast duck could apparently be found, my route through The Hutongs bought me to a busy shopping street lined with eateries, bars & another kitten shop. A little further on past the Drum Tower a different type of kitten shop was waiting. So in Beijing you can buy kittens from a shop or from a bicycle basket, it looks like a buyers market – not so sure how the kittens feel about their predicament.

Walking round the lake roast duck was nowhere to be found; legs aching & hunger ridden to the point of feeling light headed yet again I needed to eat desperately. A promising looking restaurant be the name of Qingyanlou was found & the long awaited Peking Duck was ordered accompanied by Chinese cabbage, scallop soup 2 beers & 2 Pina Colada’s for Y415. I have to say the Peking Duck was exquisite & the Mama serving was a delight to meet.

Finally full & with the delicious leftovers decanted into takeaway cartons for breakfast I headed back to The Hutongs. Of course it would have been rude not to support a local business during my last evening in Beijing so I popped back into Modernista for one of their lovely cocktails.

One lovely cocktail turned into three lovely cocktails, the first being a repeat order from the previous evening of their Gimlet ¥70, tequila shake up named El Santo was next ¥75 polished off with a White Russian ¥70 or was it two?

Time to call it a night at just gone I thought 1.15 a.m.so toddled back round to the hotel for a sound nights sleep.

Continued on Day 11 …

Hong Kong China Trip – Day 10 Day 3 of 4 Beijing Day 10 of my Hong Kong & China Trip Sunday 25th March 2018…

[easytravelpw-blog]

Full text write on https://easy-travel.pw/what-i-spent-five-nights-in-san-juan-puerto-rico/magazine/

What I Spent: Five Nights in San Juan, Puerto Rico

01 of 07

Upfront Costs

Dennis K. Johnson/Getty Images

The upfront costs of vacations are predictable. It’s the little things—airport snacks, cocktails before dinner, tipping a tour guide—that can throw even the most well-planned vacation budget off track. In this new series, we’ll look at the spending patterns of real travelers in popular destinations, so you can estimate what you’ll actually spend.  (Thanks for the inspiration, Refinery29!)

In this installment, a couple travels to San Juan, Puerto Rico for six days of sun.

Flight: $685, round-trip from DEN to SJU (bought two months in advance)

Accommodations: Free—we stayed with my brother’s colleague and his wife in their beachside condo. We had an overnight layover on the way home, though: $99 for a room at the Wingate by Wyndham Charlotte Airport South/I-77 Tyvola, which offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Baggage fees: My boyfriend and I shared a large duffel to save some money (plus I’m a serial overpacker). Cost: $50 ($25 each way)

Size of Group: 4

Continue to 2 of 7 below.

02 of 07

Wednesday to Thursday

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4:15 p.m. Our Uber arrives. We all have TSA Pre-Check, but we’re heading to the airport early to squeeze in dinner before our 7 p.m. flight. My brother picks up the ride. Cost: $100 for Global Entry, which includes TSA Pre-Check (valid for five years)

4:40 p.m. The drive is quick, but the line to drop off checked bags is snaking through the concourse. We head outside to check it curbside, which saves us a lot of time. Cost: $2 tip

5:15 p.m. What’s a vacation without a little indulgence? We grab a table at Elway’s, a Colorado steak house, and cheers to forgetting about work for a week (a vodka-Sprite for me). I order the steak tacos, which are in the appetizer section but entrée-sized. Cost: $33

7:07 p.m. We’re finally on our way—to Houston, where we have a layover.

12:25 a.m. (next day) Our one-hour layover has turned into two, and almost nothing is open in the airport so my boyfriend and I wander bleary-eyed around the terminal until we’re finally able to board.  

7 a.m. We grab our duffel from baggage claim and head outside to meet my brother’s colleague. He arranged for a van to pick us up and take us to his home. Cost: $0

8:01 a.m. We unpack our bags and then beeline to the patio to take in the views of Condado Beach. We’re anxious to feel the sand under our feet, but our hosts have graciously cooked breakfast for us so we fuel up with scrambled eggs and ham, fresh fruit (some of the juiciest mango, papaya, and pineapple I’ve ever tasted), and apple-filled pastries from a nearby bakery.

10:30 a.m. You always forget something when you go on a trip, and this vacation was no exception. We walk two blocks to CVS for a couple bottles of sunscreen. I pay. Cost: $19.26

11:18 a.m. We nab four lounge chairs on the sand in front of the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. (Our hosts are members of the hotel’s Ocean Club Wellness Center Spa, which gives us access to the venue’s amenities as well.) A server from the resort’s La Isla Beach Bar and Grill walks over and takes our order for Miami Vices. My brother’s girlfriend picks up the tab. Cost: $0

2:09 p.m. In need of a break from the sun, we wander to Ashford Avenue, the main drag in the Condado area. After peeking into a number of fairly empty restaurants, we end up at Pannes. Here we get our first taste of local (read: the Coors of Puerto Rico) lagers—Magna and Medalla Light—and cuisine. Mofongo is a dense ball of mashed green plantains, typically stuffed with a protein. I order mine with chicken in tomato sauce; it’s dense and comforting—and definitely not the first choice when you’re wearing a bikini. Cost: $17

3 p.m. We walk the few blocks back to our condo to take a nap, shower, and get ready for dinner.

6:20 p.m. The four of us hop in an already-paid-for shuttle with our hosts. Our destination: Old San Juan, one of the oldest cities in the United States. Cost: $0

6:48 p.m. The cabbie drops us near the entrance to El Morro, which the Spanish built in the 16th century to protect the San Juan Bay from attacks (including by pirates). We take in the sight and then wander down the area’s sloping, blue-cobblestone streets, passing colorful buildings and fellow tourists seeking cocktails and dinner.

7:07 p.m. Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano is packed when we enter, but thankfully we already have reservations. The restaurant is owned by pianist Carli Muñoz, who spent 11 years touring with the Beach Boys. He treats us to a short stint at the piano as we sip our drinks (a Mojito for me).  I order the night’s special: churrasco (skirt steak) with roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Cost: $40

9:45 p.m. The shuttle picks us back up and takes us home. After sleeping fitfully on the plane and today’s short nap, I’m excited to get to bed early. Cost: $0

Continue to 3 of 7 below.

03 of 07

Friday

Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

9:45 a.m. We awake to the smell of pancakes. Eager to get in the water, we eat quickly. My brother and his girlfriend, up before my boyfriend and I, decide to take a walk down Ashford Avenue. They meet us at the beach an hour later with a six-pack of Medalla beer—and a tip. The liquor store is way overpriced; in the future, we should buy our alcohol at CVS. We manage to hold off popping open a can until about 11:30 a.m. Cost: $0

1 p.m. The current at Condado Beach is strong, the breaking waves pretty relentless. Between the sun and the workout we get from diving beneath them, we’re starving. Our hosts want to give us a taste of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, so they treat us to a homemade lunch of fried plantains, roasted chicken, rice, and red beans. Cost: $0

4:30 p.m. After a couple more hours of beach lounging, we pack up for our evening excursion. We know we won’t really have a chance to eat dinner, so we head across the street to the small natural grocer to pick up some snacks—protein bars and plantain chips—for the bus ride. We spot the largest avocados any of us has ever seen; they’re the size of cantaloupes! Cost: $12.50

5:15 p.m. Our meeting point is the tour desk at the Marriott. From here, we load onto a small bus for the hourlong drive east to Fajardo (with a short stop to pick up more passengers), where we’ll set off on the Glowing Bay Adventure to Laguna Grande with Island Kayaking Adventures. Cost: $100 per person, including transportation

7 p.m. We arrive in Fajardo with 30 minutes to use the public bathroom (which costs 50 cents), apply bug spray, and grab a small bite to eat from one of the nearby food stalls. We opt for hot-out-of-the-fryer carne empanadas from Delicias Criollas Dorcas. Cost: $4.50

7:30 p.m. After a brief safety presentation, my boyfriend and I load into our shared kayak and our group sets off into the lagoon. The new moon is barely visible, which makes our journey through the mangrove channel all the more thrilling. Twenty-or-so minutes later, the landscape opens up and we are officially in the bay. We sweep our hands through the water and watch the dinoflagellates sparkle in response. Too soon, we direct our kayaks back toward the mangroves and our ride home.

11:15 p.m. The bus drops us at the Marriott. I’m too tired to eat, but my boyfriend and brother grab burgers to-go from Buns Burger Shop. Cost: $0

Continue to 4 of 7 below.

04 of 07

Saturday

Michele Falzone/Getty Images

7:40 a.m. After a late night, this early wake-up call is rough. My boyfriend and I head to the small café inside the Marriott for a grab-and-go breakfast. I pay. Cost: $12.52

8 a.m. We load onto the bus that will take us to El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest in the U.S. national forest system. Cost: $69 per person, plus a $20 tip for our guide (we split the tip by couple)

9:20 a.m. Short pit stop to watch the park’s welcome video (narrated by native Puerto Rican Benicio del Toro) and hit the bathrooms.

11 a.m. A one-mile “hike” along a stone path through the forest leads us to La Mina Falls. We strip off our sneakers and step delicately into the frigid water, clambering over rocks to reach the rushing water. I stay under the falls just long enough for a photo-op (thank you, waterproof camera).

11:56 a.m. On the walk back to the bus, we stop to pose for pictures in front of a towering, moss-covered tree.

12:11 p.m. The final stop on our rainforest tour is the Yokahú Tower, which was built in 1962 as an observation tower. We climb the 98 steps and breathe in the fresh air and views of the cloud forest and northeast coastline.

12:45 p.m. Our guide pulls over on the side of the road at a small fritter stand run by two locals who speak zero English. Puerto Ricans call almost anything fried “fritters,” mostly to make it easy for us non-Spanish speakers. In this case, “fritters” translates to empanadas, taquitos, and papas rellenas—and nothing cost more than $2.50. Everyone chips in a few dollars. Cost: $3

5:55 p.m. After some down time at our condo, we head down Ashford Avenue to grab a drink and watch the sun set. At the Piña Loka food truck, I go full tourist and treat myself to a carved-out pineapple filled with piña colada that I then have to lug to the beach. We enjoy the view for all of 10 minutes before it starts pouring rain and we run for cover. Cost: $12

7:45 p.m. The rain forced us inside just in time to get ready for dinner. It’s New Year’s Eve and our hosts have booked us a table at one of their favorite fine dining spots: Pikayo Restaurant, inside the Condado Plaza Hilton. They pay for the short cab ride. The three-course prix fixe menu is modern but rooted in local favorites. A tequila cocktails starts the evening off, followed by salad, Alaskan king salmon in a spicy mango sauce, and a Nutella-rich dessert. Cost: $95

11:35 p.m. Shortly before midnight, the staff hands out noisemakers and NYE hats. The salsa band gets started, and much of the restaurant—including our group—gets up to dance.

1 a.m. Our hosts once again pay for our ride home. We have one more drink on the patio before calling it a night. Cost: $0

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05 of 07

Sunday

Pamela's Caribbean Cuisine

11:32 a.m. With an early lunch planned, we enjoy a lazy morning before hopping in the car to Ocean Park Beach. We have a date with the beachfront Pamela’s Caribbean Cuisine. I slip my flip-flops off and dig my toes into the sand while perusing the menu of Caribbean-fusion eats. The group shares some superfresh grouper ceviche and calamari, and I get the churrasco wrap with chipotle-pineapple salsa for my meal. My brother treats. Cost: $0

1:05 p.m. Pamela’s guests have access to the restaurant’s beach chairs and umbrellas. Our server sets four up for us closer to the water after our hosts head home, and we let our lunch settle as we soak in the sun.

2:34 p.m. A man selling beers from a cooler wanders by. My boyfriend orders a Corona. Cost: $0 ($3 for him)

3:18 p.m. My boyfriend and I wander down to the end of the beach—past dozens of kitesurfers getting their gear ready—and meet my brother and his girlfriend at the outdoor bar connected to Hostería del Mar. It’s happy hour from 1 to 5 p.m., so my house-made sangria tastes especially sweet. Cost: $7

4:37 p.m. We’d planned to walk along the beach the entire way back to our condo, but an unpassable section forces us onto Ashford for the final few blocks.

6:40 p.m. We grab a cab at the Marriott to take us to Old San Juan for dinner. Unfortunately, many of the roads are closed due to preparation for some government events taking place the next day. And with so many people in town for the holidays, many restaurants are already booked. We detour to a nearby Ruth’s Chris Steak House (a favorite of our hosts’) instead. I order a Caesar salad and lamb chops. They pay. Cost: $0

Continue to 6 of 7 below.

06 of 07

Monday

Carla Sá Fernandes/Getty Images

7:50 a.m. Another early wake-up for our final excursion of the trip. But first, a quick breakfast to-go. Cost: $0 (cheers to Starbucks gift cards)

  8:05 a.m. We hop on the bus to meet our catamaran, the Spread Eagle II (yes, really) for a day of snorkeling off the coast of Fajardo. Cost: $116 per person, plus a $20 tip for the crew (which I cover)

10 a.m. All aboard! We set sail for Icacos Island. Due to the time of year and choppy water, there’s not much to see while snorkeling (snorkels are provided by the tour company), so we hop back on the boat and enjoy our included buffet lunch before grabbing some beers (my brother’s treat), heading to shore, and wading in the shallows before taking off for our second stop. Cost: $0

2 p.m. The crew anchors off the shore of Palominos Island, the private island of El Conquistador, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. We jump into the water and swim around for 45 minutes, spotting some small, colorful fish and plenty of coral. The sail back takes about a half hour, and I nap on the bus on the ride home.

7:35 p.m. Pre-dinner drinks are a vacation necessity—especially when it’s our last night in San Juan. We pop across the street to Bar Gitano for a quick tipple before dinner. Cost: $10

8:04 p.m. Dinner is just down the block. We have reservations for Big Band Mondays at Yerba Buena Restaurant. As we sip not-too-sweet Mojitos and dig into shrimps in coconut sauce and fried whole red snapper, a dozen musicians play Puerto Rican classics. It’s the best food—and music—we’ve enjoyed the entire trip. A perfect way to wrap up our first visit to this lively city. Cost: $0 (our hosts paid)

Continue to 7 of 7 below.

07 of 07

Tuesday to Wednesday

David Madison/Getty Images

8:38 a.m. We catch a cab at the Marriott to squeeze in a few hours exploring Old San Juan before our flight home. I pay. Cost: $18

  8:59 a.m. The neighborhood is quiet and many shops are closed. We start to worry we won’t find anywhere for breakfast. Then we stumble upon La Bombonera, a historic bakery that lures us in with a drool-inducing pastry window. We decide to keep it on the healthier side with cafe con leche and omelettes. We split the bill by couple, and my boyfriend covers our half. Cost: $0

9:51 a.m. We wander the narrow streets, popping into shops and stopping to look at the fort walls, ocean views, and government buildings. At the Haitian Gallery, my boyfriend and I are drawn to paintings by a local artist. We buy three small ones depicting city and nature scenes from the surrounding area. Cost: $145

12:37 p.m. We grab a cab back to the condo, which my brother pays for. Lunch is waiting for us: a tomato-y chickpea stew that our host’s wife says is her favorite local dish. We pack our suitcases and head to the beach for the final time. Cost: $0

4:30 p.m. The prepaid van taking us to the airport arrives. Cost: $20 (tip)

5:43 p.m. After having to lighten our duffel to avoid extra fees (my boyfriend and I wind up carrying all of our shoes in plastic bags), we grab an early, not-so-great dinner before our flight. Cost: $15

6:40 p.m. The airline staff give my brother and his girlfriend grief about the size of their carry-ons, so they’re forced to check them through to Denver. And then we’re finally airborne to Charlotte.

9:40 p.m. We get a ride to our accommodations from the hotel’s free shuttle.

6:29 a.m. (next day) The airport is pretty vacant. We sit down for breakfast at 1897 Market—hot tea and Greek yogurt with granola for me. My boyfriend covers our half of the tab. Cost: $0

9:21 a.m. We land in Denver. After picking up our bags, we hail an Uber. My boyfriend pays. Cost: $0

  Totals

Food & Drinks: $261.02

Activities & Entertainment: $285

Transportation: $38

Accommodation: $99

Miscellaneous: $346.76

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