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stardewremixed · 7 months ago

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Summer (real world) birthday headcanons and how they would celebrate their special day

Jas - June 4th - picking wildflowers with Penny in the morning, drawing on coloring pages with some new crayons from Vincent (courtesy of Sam's Joja paycheck) in the afternoon and playing at the park together. Gunther organizes a special story time at the library (with the help of Elliott providing all the voices). Marnie doesn't cook so Jodi would bake a pink cake, but Marnie would probably would have bought a new doll for her. Jas finishes the day on Shane's shoulders feeding the chickens on the farm.

Gus - June 8th - this man deserves more love since he feeds the village! I could see the Farmer bringing fresh oranges from their orchard in a basket wrapped with a yellow ribbon. Emily cooks up a big batch of his favorite fish tacos, and drags Haley in to help serve (giving Gus the night off). Haley would drag Alex into it (at least to carry bags of ice and look hot doing it). Elliott might tinker on the piano. Leah would have a pint or two and pitch in also. Willy brings some tropical curry from Ginger Island for his buddy. The SAS trio attempt a song in his honor. Gus is happy to spend the evening in the Saloon with his friends and neighbors.

Maru - June 10th - A big breakfast with her family complete with fresh strawberries. Seb surfaces before 10 just in her honor. Maru is thrilled to spend the day with her dad in the lab and collecting specimens in the forest. Harvey gave her the day off, of course, and a little strawberry birthday card. She gets a rhubarb pie, courtesy of Evelyn or the farmer. She spends the late afternoon chatting on a park bench with her BFF, Penny, who gives her robot drawings from the Valley kiddos. Robin builds a wooden shelf for all of Maru's odds-and-ends gadgets. And stargazing with Sebastian (like they did as kids) is the perfect way to end the day.

Alex - June 13th - Evelyn would make a complete breakfast for her grandson, and a small gift that she knitted (maybe a cover for a water bottle or for his weights to keep them protected). With the help of Farmer, George ordered a gridball card online for his grandson. Tossing the ball down at the beach and a long ocean swim with Farmer, plus a picnic lunch. (I have this cute little headcanon that he would build sandcastles with Vincent and Sam). If Farmer is able to splurge, catching a gridball game together in the evening is his birthday present. And Alex is a very physical guy in my book, so plenty of hand holding, bear hugs, kisses all day long and then a dip at the hot springs in the evening (and maybe a sensual massage).

Sam - July 17th - A platter of maple bars for breakfast and maybe some early morning cloud gazing with his main squeeze (Farmer). And there's no way he wouldn't have a party. Pizza. Joja colas. Plenty of cheery hi-energy rock music. Streamers. Balloons. Arcade games. Party poppers. Confetti. Karaoke. Oh and he would buy something cheesy at Jojamart for party favors like rubber bracelets or silly string. And maybe for a final touch of whimsy, embracing his inner child, a pinata with tons of candy (much to Vincent's delight)! Abigail would play her woodland flute after one too many sugary drinks and candies and cakes. Seb might even step up to the mic for karaoke (but would sneak a smoke first for courage).

Dwarf - July 22 - Dwarf is just happy if someone makes the effort to visit them and remembers to bring a gift (preferably a shiny stone). Oh and they are touched if you speak their language. Fancy a spot of stardrop tea together? Cheers!

Demetrius - August 19 - this man doesn't strike me as someone who really likes celebrating his birthday. A nice quiet unwrapping of gifts at home (a gift card from Seb because he has no clue what to get his stepdad), and a good bean hotpot dinner is probably all he wants. Maybe sharing an ice cream cone with Robin and a private dance under the stars.

Willy - August 24 - Spend the day fishing together and enjoy a simple fish dinner on the beach by a fire and he's happy. Oh and mugs of mead shared while swapping sea stories.

Leo - August 26 - look for bird feathers and shells to decorate his treehouse. I picture playing tag on the beach with Jas and Vincent, probably Sam and Penny too. And some fresh mangos is a delicious treat! He would probably enjoy a tape of bird songs or a picture book about birds. I totally think Emily would do face painting for his birthday.

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drivemains · 2 years ago

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Scuttlebutt restaurant daytona beach

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Good selection of local Florida spirits and beers. The Garlic 1297 $$ This is a placeholder Tel. Save room for dessert" more Outdoor dining Delivery Takeout 2. Crowd-pleasing curbside pickup, safe dine-in, fresh food and cold beers! We had bacon, eggs, pancakes. Lots of outdoor dining options, too! Reviews on Fine Dining in Daytona Beach, FL - The Cellar Restaurant, Chez Paul Epicurean Cuisine, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, Mama Foo Foo, 31 Supper Club, Martini's Organic Restaurant, 5 Senses, Chart House, Caribbean Jack's, Chucherias Restaurant Dine in paradise or bring the island style to you with takeout & delivery! Sir Malcolm serves breakfast daily, while Blue. When we saw Millie's had opened after we returned from being gone for the holidays, we knew we had to try it. Don Vito's Italian Restaurant 3,746 reviews Closed today Italian, Pizza $$ - $$$ Menu 1.0 mi Daytona Beach "Chicken Parmesan, Lemon Chicken, and Sp." ". Choose from a variety of Beers, our specialty mixed drink, or Red, White and Rose Wine. 110 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114. 37 reviews of Gateway Restaurant "We were staying at a nearby vacation rental for the Daytona 500 and this was the closest place for a good breakfast. #1019 of 1489 places to eat in Daytona Beach. They are open every day except Monday and Sunday. Porto-Fino Restaurant Whether you're craving grass-fed filet mignon, fresh seafood, Asian fusion fare, the local catch, fine dining, or just a good old American cheeseburger, Daytona Beach has you and your taste buds covered. # 9 of 1016 restaurants in Daytona Beach $$$$ American Opens at 5PM Greektown Taverna # 10 of 1016 restaurants in Daytona Beach $$$$ Greek Open now Bello Valentino's # 11 of 1016 restaurants in Daytona Beach $$$$ Italian Opens at 4:30PM McKenna's Place-Port Orange Order online # 12 of 1016 restaurants in Daytona Beach $$$$ Seafood Open now Open 24 Hours. DayTona Beach, FL 32118 386.400.5560 A BEACHSIDE HOSPITALITY GROUP RESTAURANT. When the time is right for you to plan a vacation we've got some great ideas! If you're in the mood for some good old-fashioned comfort food, look no further than Starlite Diner. Local Restaurant voted Daytona's Favorite Waterfront Restaurant. Try it out right on the beach around Daytona Beach Regency. Dine at our Oceanfront Restaurants in Daytona Beach. Enjoy fresh local flavors served in inventive menus at Azure Oceanfront American Kitchen. Four Rivers Smokehouse keeps barbecue exciting yet classic with an innovative menu all can enjoy. Located in Loggerhead Marina with beautiful views of the Halifax River. Sir Malcolm and the Blue Flame are the newest additions to ONE DAYTONA featuring views galore of the action and unique decor reflecting the fascinating history of the world of racing. Caribbean Jacks Waterfront Restaurant in Daytona Beach, FL. Website: Restaurants in Port Orange Port Orange, Daytona Beach Restaurants - Menus, Reviews, Photos for Restaurants, Pubs, Lounges, and Bars in Port Orange, Daytona Beach. Bello Valentino's / Restaurant, Italian, Pub & bar, Seafood. Savor flavorful Florida cuisine at our exceptional Daytona restaurants, Doc Bales' Grill and Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, or check out the vibrant Don Rico's Sports Bar & Grill, the McCoy's Rum Room, Atlantic Gourmet. Don Vito's Italian Restaurant #1 of 386 Places to Eat in Daytona Beach. And if you're feeling adventurous, they also offer a few unique items that you'll definitely want to try. Best Restaurants in Daytona Beach, FL - Caribbean Jack's, The Garlic, Macker Seafood, Crabby's Oceanside, Riptides Raw Bar & Grill, Dahlia Daytona Beach, Chucherias Restaurant, Millie's Restaurant and Catering, Pumphouse BBQ, Mama Foo Foo (386) 238-9662 Order online Take-Out Delivery Superb 337 Reviews 4.5 Indian 5th Element India Kitchen (386) 254-8200.

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20 Best Restaurants in Daytona Beach You Should Eat at! They offer a variety of unique craft beer freshly brewed on-site to pair with their popular American crave-able food like Brewery Nachos and Ballpark Pretzel, as well as comforting dishes like Bacon Chicken Mac n' Cheese. See the menu, get hours and directions to Miller's Ale House - Daytona. 1 866 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach 84,.

#Scuttlebutt restaurant daytona beach

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businessweekme · 6 years ago

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California Highway 1 Road Trip

Six weeks ago, Highway 1 fully reopened in Big Sur, following devastating mudslides in May 2017. After $54 million worth of repairs and the removal of millions of tons of earth, rocks, and debris, travelers can once again enjoy an uninterrupted drive along the gorgeous coastal highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

But it’s not just the views that make the trek one of the most famous road trips in the world. There’s also the food to contend with: Dotted along the winding route, you’ll find peppery smoked-fish tacos, juicy burgers smothered in eggs and melted cheese, and homemade doughnuts oozing with jelly.

Our version of this journey begins in Point Reyes Station, north of San Francisco. There, you’ll want to stock up on triple cream Mt Tam cheese from Cowgirl Creamery and scarf as many straight-from-the-bay oysters as you can get down. Your eating adventure will continue from there—you’d better start hungry.

Point Reyes

Side Street Kitchen

The specialty at this year-old, bright, modern diner is the crispy skinned rotisserie chicken, fragrant with herbs and served half or whole with an array of sauces, including curried yogurt, salsa verde, and chimichurri rojo. The other specialty: puffy, sugar-coated, fruit-filled apple fritters. 60 4th St., Point Reyes Station

The Boat Oyster Bar

Hog Island Oyster Co. is famed for the oysters it pulls out of the bay and supplies to top dining rooms around the country. A reservation-only café on the water features those world-class bivalves; the menu changes often, but it frequently includes Hog Island’s singular kumamotos. You can get a dozen raw for $36; even better are the barbecued ones, grilled and dripping with chipotle bourbon garlic butter. 20215 Shoreline Highway, Marshall

Half Moon Bay Area

La Costanera

Peruvian food is having a moment in the U.S., and La Costanera, with its wall of windows overlooking the water from a second-floor dining room, has been recognized by Michelin’s Bib Gourmand. The menu has a mix of classics such as antichuchos (grilled skewers) with marinated beef heart and pork belly; empanadas; tender beer-braised lamb shank; and lomo saltado (beef tenderloin with onions, soy sauce, and a fried egg, if you want one). 8150 Cabrillo Highway, Montara

Dad’s Luncheonette

Chef Scott Clark used to cook at San Francisco’s Michelin-three-starred Saison. He’s transformed a red-painted train caboose into a cozy, wood-lined diner with a small menu of comfort food favorites. The $12 hamburger sandwich has melted cheese, a soft egg, and red onion pickles on grilled white bread; the mushroom version substitutes maitakes for the grass-fed beef. 225 Cabrillo Highway South, Half Moon Bay

Sam’s Chowder House

Seafood makes up almost the entire menu at Sam’s, including a “Captains Platter” of oysters, clams, shrimp, poke, and ceviche; an appetizer of grilled sardines; steamed clams (with the option of linguine); and lobster rolls, “naked” with butter or “dressed” with aioli. At night, the place highlights fresh catches such as Pacific swordfish and local halibut. The seats on the deck offer a panoramic ocean view. 4210 Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay

Hop Dogma Brewing Co.

The rotating array of craft brews at this locally popular beer hall might include Pyro’s Prost chili beer (pilsner brewed with jalapeño); Every Third Inquiry, a Bourbon barrel-aged stout; and the flagship Alpha Dank IPA. Guests can order food from nearby Lamas, a Peruvian and Mexican restaurant, and the tacos, burritos, and arroz con pollo will be delivered to the taproom. 270 Capistrano Rd., Half Moon Bay

Duarte’s Tavern

Dating back to 1894, when Frank Duarte bought the place for $12 in gold, this venerable restaurant specializes in a California version of Continental cuisine. The menu runs the gamut from shrimp cocktail to pork chops with fresh applesauce. The specialties are anything with artichokes, plus the cioppino, packed with clams, shrimp, cod and especially crab, which people drive down from San Francisco to eat. 202 Stage Rd.

Santa Cruz

The Picnic Basket

Set on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the picturesque luncheonette has an all-day menu with a powerful breakfast selection: golden-brown turnovers stuffed with seasonal fruit or Niman Ranch ham and cheese; an egg-potato-greens frittata sandwich on toast; and house-made jelly doughnuts. Later in the day, hot dogs and elbow macaroni and cheese turn up on the menu. The nearby Penny Ice Creamery, where everything is house-made under the same ownership, is equally popular. 125 Beach St.

Monterey Peninsula

The Meatery

A serious, whole-animal butcher shop with impressive cuts of meat on display, this white-tiled space also serves as a deli. Sandwiches range from a hefty Reuben to banh mi made with caramelized pork belly slices, pickled vegetables, a hit of cilantro, and kewpie mayo on a French roll. A highlight is the house corned beef with sauerkraut on rye. The hot food offerings change daily: On Sundays and Mondays, there’s buttermilk-fried chicken; on Thursdays, visitors line up for the baby back ribs. 1534 Fremont Blvd., Seaside

The Bench Restaurant

Set on the impossibly scenic Pebble Beach Golf Links 18th hole, the Bench has a crowd-pleasing menu that offers all kinds of pizza-styled flatbreads: with pepperoni; with ratatouille, fennel ricotta and heirloom tomatoes; and with bench bacon and grilled, pickled red onion. The 24-ounce short rib, the Smokey Joe, is smoked for 10 hours. Aside from the best views, the outdoor deck has fire-pit tables. 1700 17 Mile Dr., Pebble Beach

Aubergine at l’Auberge Carmel

Chef Justin Cogley operates one of the country’s best under-the-radar fine-dining restaurants. Set in a Relais & Châteaux property, the intimate dining room has a $175 tasting menu that combines local ingredients in unexpected ways: A Morro Bay oyster with caviar has a hit of sea water, and seared abalone is accompanied by romaine lettuce that’s been braised and sliced in thick rounds, with lobster-infused lettuce puree. Monte Verde at 7th Ave., Carmel

Big Sur

Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant

Amid the trees in the hills off the highway, this exceptional café produces terrific pizzas from the wood oven, with a charred, bready, chewy crust and such toppings as creamy greens, mushrooms and tangy taleggio, and red sauce meatballs. The place is first and foremost a bakery: The creamy lemon curd pie in a pistachio crust is addictive, as is any pastry in the display case. 47540 Highway 1

Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn, renowned for its modernist, cliffside, treehouse rooms overlooking the ocean, has a new manager, Gary Obligacion, formerly of Chicago’s celebrated Alinea. The property’s Sierra Mar restaurant is home to one country’s largest wine collections, with 14,000-plus bottles. It complements an elegant four-course tasting menu from which the seared foie gras has a garnish of hazelnuts and king salmon is paired with smoked split peas and sweet apple. 47900 Highway 1

The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur

In 2017, Ventana went through a multimillion-dollar renovation. The renovated Sur House restaurant now has outdoor fireside seating and a bar menu with smoky spice-rubbed chicken wings and open-faced tuna melt accented with pickled fennel. The dinner menu has deceptively simple dishes, such as grilled pork loin on a bed of jalapeño-spiked grits. The wine cellar is also notable: some 10,000 bottles with a focus on the Central Coast. 48123 Highway 1

San Luis Obispo

Ruddell’s Smokehouse

There’s not much barbecue along Highway 1. The notable exception is Ruddell’s, where founder Jim Ruddell set up shop in 2001 in a small building with a few tables outside. The place smokes albacore and salmon with a brown sugar and kosher salt rub; chicken is slow-cooked over hickory. The smoked seafood and poultry are available as tacos in a big French-roll sandwich or salad—and by the pound. 101 D St., Cayucas

Cracked Crab

In the surfing town of Pismo Beach, the unpretentious Cracked Crab has a blazing neon sign and lines stretching out the door. The menu changes according to availability of seafood and features an ocean’s worth of crab: dungeness cocktail with lime and avocado; puck-size, pan-seared lump blue crab cakes; and New England-style lobster rolls stuffed with crab instead. The seafood buckets offer the opportunity to mix and match wild Gulf shrimp, Alaskan crab, clams, mussels, and lobster tails; they go for $61 for one person and $79 for two and come with all the mallets and scissors you’ll need to extract the shellfish. 751 Price St., Pismo Beach

Santa Barbara

Jalama Beach Store & Grill

In Lompoc, the epicenter of Santa Barbara winemaking, is this grill, set inside a store that’s set inside the county park. The specialty is the Jalama burger: It’s quintessential Cali-style, with shredded lettuce, tomato, onions, special sauce, and a griddled bun. The burger has gotten so popular over its almost 40-year history that the name is trademarked. 9991 Jalama Rd., Lompoc

La Super-Rica Tacqueria

Famous for being name-checked by Julia Child, Super-Rica is a cheerful, white-and-turquoise stand with a large selection of options that feature stellar homemade tortillas. The tacos are filled with all kinds of grilled meats—chunks of spiced, brick-colored chorizo; adobado with tender strips of marinated pork. The Super-Rica Especial is made up cheese-stuffed green pasilla chiles that are roasted and draped over tortillas with marinated pork and more cheese, for $6. 622 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Shellfish Co.

At the end of a dock on the harbor, this photogenic counter started out selling local seafood almost 30 years ago. Customers can still buy fish from commercial fishermen here. (There’s also a robust online store with trays of uni and stone crab claws.) The chopped caesar comes with a choice of grilled, skewered shrimp or sweet scallops. There’s more local shrimp, coated with coconut and crispy fried, garnished with onion rings. Also highly recommended are the linguine studded with garlic-sauteed clams in the shell and the monumental, steamed two-pound crab, along with a selection of local wine and beer by the pitcher. 230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara

The Los Angeles Area

Malibu Farm

What started as a pop-up dining room by Helene Henderson in 2013 is now a farmers market-driven restaurant and café on the Malibu Pier, with outposts in Miami and Hawaii. The all-day café at the end of the dock has a lightbulb-lit menu that boasts a pile-up of Swedish pancakes with whipped cream and whatever the seasonal berries are, as well as kale caesar and BLTs with lemon aioli brushed on whole wheat. Down the pier, a slightly more serious version of the restaurant offers a tofu, spinach, and tomato scramble on weekend mornings, and nachos, featuring blue corn chips laden with black beans, melty cheese, and drizzles of sour cream in the evenings. 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

Tallula’s

Chef Jeremy Fox, who heads up the nearby vegetable-focused Rustic Canyon, now puts a creative spin on the Mexi-Cali dining room. In a colorful space decorated with hanging plants, Fox uses exceptional local corn, served Mexican-style with smoky chipotle aioli, and accents black-cod tacos with malt tartar sauce in tender, house-made tortillas. A daily taco special is dreamed up by rotating cooks in the kitchen. The serious bar program features mezcal Manhattans on draft, as well as the obligatory margaritas. 118 Entrada Dr., Santa Monica

Father’s Office

Chef Sang Yoon began serving one of the—if not the—country’s first gourmet burgers almost 20 years ago. The Office Burger is made from freshly ground, dry-aged beef, so it’s got a deep, meaty flavor that’s further accentuated by sweet caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere, and blue cheese. Accompanying fries, standard or sweet potato, are presented in a mini-shopping cart. Father’s Office is equally known for pouring dozens of local craft beers. 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica

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hannawilliamson · 4 years ago

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Virginia - December 2020

In the months leading up to November 2020, I had debated attending graduate school in the state of Wisconsin or Virginia. When it came down to the cost, it was the best decision to stay as an in-state resident for graduate school. I was accepted by George Williams College to start pursuing my Masters in Social Work in January 2021. With no clarity into my next opportunity for a trip out to Virginia I decided to go before starting school in the new year.

Saturday, December 5th

I woke up early and headed to Milwaukee for my flight to visit Jenna & Bradley in Virginia. I landed around 10AM. Bradley picked me up and had planned our first stop at a coffee shop, Cafe Amouri (https://www.caffeamouri.com/) in Vienna, Virginia. Bradley ordered the Pumpkin Spice Latte and I ordered the Gingerbread Latte, both were incredible options. I would make sure to stop at this location again when in the area. I felt they did a great job managing ordering and contactless pickup during the COVID pandemic. Bradley and I caught up while Jenna completed her sleep after an overnight shift. When Jenna awoke we headed out for lunch and a full day ahead.

I have a soft spot for Bartaco (https://bartaco.com/location/reston/) since it was one of my highlight restaurants the first time I came out to Virginia. If you know me well you know I am in a constant state of craving mexican food and elote corn. We ordered Guac, Street Corn and a variety of tacos. I decided I am not a fan of the Crispy Oyster Taco that Bradley is fond of, but I am down for the Glazed Pork Belly Taco any day!

Jenna drove us to Amphora Bakery (https://amphorabakery.com/) where we were able to see the treat artists at work in the back room. Bradley picked up some delicious decorative sugar cookies and I selected a magic bar. I decided that in the future the sugar cookies are most definitely the best way to go!

In an attempt to stay local for the early afternoon we stopped for a wine flight at Fleetwood Farm Winery (https://fleetwoodfarmwinery.com/). Bradley and I enjoyed the variety as many of them were dry. Jenna passed up on several as she prefers the sweeter side of wine. Several other guest were ordering the pizza to pair with their wine, so that may be a good try for a future visit.

As a tradition I requested that we snag up a treat from Mama's Apple Pie (https://www.momsapplepieco.com/) in Leesburg, Virginia. I selected the Boston Cream which was good but nothing can compare the outstanding fruit pie varieties that are offered at each of their locations.

Next we headed farther from home to Bluemont Winery (https://www.bluemontvineyard.com/) as Bradley had seen online they had a field of Christmas lights after sunset. Upon our arrival we found the venue overpacked for our comfort during the pandemic and it was cold enough we weren’t fond of sitting outside without heaters. We picked ourselves up and headed across the street to Henway Hard Cider (https://greatcountryfarms.com/henway-hard-cider/), a new location since I last visited. Upon arrival we witnessed a snowman on an island in their man made pond, as we neared the entry to the building we were able to chat with the chickens they house there. During our visit we enjoyed some cider, sliders and a cookie tray. It was an open building and great to check out for the first time. As the sun began to set we headed back over to Bluemont Vineyard where they had Christmas lights strung throughout the vines. It was stunning as we took the view from the bottom, driving on the curvy road to the top and got to look down on them as they spread over the hillside. Bradley made a great call in recommending we go out to see them. We had so much fun taking photos and videos, laughing at ourselves the entire time. Before heading out of town we stopped at Bluemont General Store (http://www.bluemontstore.com/) in which we were able to pick up some true molasses for our gingerbread cookies to come. We arrived home exhausted after a long day of travel and adventure, and went straight to bed.

Sunday, December 6th

Sunday was a monumental day, as Jenna woke up and cooked me breakfast all before 10. It consisted of Trader Joe’s hash browns, JUST eggs, Kite Hill chive dip and Wegmans Sausage. If any of you want a killer breakfast this is all the ingredients that you need!

Our next stop of the day was the local farmer’s market, as ya know you’re girl cannot pass up a morning farmers market. We picked up Twin Oats (https://twinoats.com/) oat bites sampler pack. I do have to say my all-time favorite is the White Chocolate Cinnamon Roll, but the Vanilla is good too. Can I say that the owner of this sweet shop is so kind as well. Jenna was a familiar face but without hesitation she welcomed me in sharing all that she had to offer. If you have a local farmers market I encourage you to go, spend your money here, and socialize with others in your community. Let’s connect together as humans!

We scooped up Bradley from home and headed to Eugene’s Sausage & Fries (https://eatateugenes.com/). I cannot rave enough about how accommodating the staff was with a dairy free, gluten free and egg free diet. Each member of the team was professional and took the allergens seriously. Please understand that a majority of locations we encountered throughout our trip did not take the time to double check their ingredients or consult with the chef to ensure that the allergens were not present within the food. I could write a stellar review about Eugene’s day after day for the great service they provided us during our visit. Our order consisted of Truffle Fries, El Diablo Sausage, Elote Fries, Southern Dog and my pitiful lamb blueberry infused sausage. I would highly recommend ordering the Truffle Fries at every visit with the parmesan on the side and the el diablo sausage. I would pass on the lamb sausage which is no longer listed on the menu, likely for good reason.

Our following location was Aroma Wine Tasting Room (https://moraisvineyards.com/aroma-wine-tasting/) where we obtained flight trees and Jenna was in heaven with the opportunity to fill hers with almost all dessert wines. It was a quaint location with incredible staff, we spent much of the afternoon sipping our wine away. I must add too that the women’s restroom at this location is huge allowing you the opportunity to run in circles, which as expected Jenna could not pass up.

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream (https://www.cookiesandcreamshop.com/) was a phenomenal follow up location of choice for those of you who eat dairy, I would recommend passing on the sorbet. I ordered the Campfire S’mores ice cream and I can tell you it is worth the drive out to Haymarket! I would order it again and again for the rest of my days if I could.

Bradley had other adventures to attend to, so Jenna and I went rogue for the rest of the evening. Starting out at Gray Ghost Winery (https://grayghostvineyards.com/) we completed a wine tasting at the counter allowing us the opportunity to hear the history of the grounds and story behind the name. We ended our visit by touring the wine cork gallery that has been set up for the holiday season. Jenna ended up purchasing a bottle of dessert wine and I took a sweet white home for us to share with our mother over the holiday season.

In Virginia there is this small little building that was placed on earth by God, called the Cheesecake Heaven Drive Thru (https://www.facebook.com/WarrentonCheesecake/) and by God is it good. I had the Original Cheesecake which was outstanding! I promise you, you won’t go wrong by picking out any one of these options. I truly suggest that you pick more than one, if you’re having a hard time deciding just be assured that the Lord only wants what is best for you and that may mean you have to pick out all your favorites.

YOU GUYS! I can not help but crack up each time I think of our experience at Bull Run Winery (https://www.wineryatbullrun.com/). As Jenna and I were walking in from the parking lot I was on the phone with our father. Jenna hops up the smallest curb and next thing I know she is on the ground, pauses a second on her back, rolls managing to get herself up in one swift motion all while picking up the contents that dumped out of her jacket pockets onto the concrete. Jenna starts halling ass up this huge hill to the entrance. I am laughing so hard I can’t speak to inform my concerned father of what occurred while at the same time I am out of breath trying to keep up with her. It is one of my favorite Jenna moments, and to this day I can’t help but laugh when the memory of this event crosses my mind. At the top of the hill as I confronted Jenna on the events that just occurred she acted as if no fall had occurred. Once I calmed my laughter we walked further into the ground of Bull Run to find a tent with heaters to drink under, a wine bar and outdoor live music. Jenna and I each grabbed a glass, found a location near a heater and it was then Jenna admitted to her fall for the first time. Jenna and I chatted and sipped on our wines while we listened to the horrific singing coming from the stage beside us.

We stopped at the Dolce Amore Peruvian Bakery (http://www.dolceamoresweets.com/) before picking up dinner and heading home. We ordered the Tres Leches, Mini Alfajor Box and a Caramel Horn. If you enjoy caramel and shortbread cookies the Mini Alfajor Box is a must have item. The employees were sweet in providing the correct pronunciation of the items after I asked for assistance. I would recommend making a stop here if you’re local.

Jenna and I picked up Ford’s Fish Shack (https://fordsfishshack.com/locations/ashburn/) to-go before heading home to eat dinner with Bradley. I had requested crab legs before my visit to town so Jenna ensured they were on our order. Bradley and I both enjoyed Connecticut Style Lobster Rolls and fries while Jenna tried out the scallops. I have a sick obsession with their skinny fries at all Ford’s locations, which topped off my entire day. After we filled our stomachs and caught up on our daily adventure, we headed off to bed for another fun-filled day.

Monday, December 7th

Our morning started off at Petite Loulou Creperie (https://www.lapetiteloulou.com/) in Purcellville, Virginia. Jenna ordered a Sugar Plum Mimosa with her Local Honey and Almond Crepe. Bradley ordered an oat milk latte with his Chicken Cordon Bleu Crêpe. I completed my order with the Prosciutto, Goat Cheese, & Fig Jam Crepe. If you know me any item with prosciutto, goat cheese and/or balsamic glaze is a must order item.

Our next spot on the way home was a coffee shop called Dolce & Ciabatta (https://dolceciabatta.com/) where I ordered my morning coffee and an eclair that I would come to love for the rest of eternity.

Jenna and I headed out in the afternoon to SideBar (https://www.sidebarlbg.com/eats) in Leesburg to test out their happy hours for our first time. We spent hours this afternoon eating, drinking and chatting away. I have to say this is a memory that I will treasure, it was so good to visit with my sister one on one as grown adult women, an opportunity I don’t believe we truly ever had before. Jenna and I enjoyed the General Tso’s Cauliflower, Maple Sriracha Wings, SideBar Fries and Calamari. If you haven’t been to SideBar Happy Hour you’re truly missing out! GO NOW!

After our afternoon dining experience I forced Jenna to take me to all the local TJ Maxx locations. We explored around hitting up Nothing Bundt Cakes (https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/) before heading home. I ordered the White Chocolate Raspberry, my all time favorite.

Prior to my arrival Bradley had planned several activities for us to enjoy in the evening one of which was building gingerbread houses and activities I had never participated in before. We had such a great time sitting around the coffee table as a family decorating our houses throughout the rest of night. I strove to one up them by adding a stained glass window in my house by using my phone’s flashlight and a half eaten gumdrop. Can you tell I am still impressed with my artistic abilities?

Tuesday, December 8th

Again I forced Jenna to rise from her slumber and make me the very requested repeat breakfast from a few days prior. I am telling you, it is good! We headed out shortly thereafter for a wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk (https://chwinery.com/). I enjoyed this opportunity as I had heard Jenna and Bradley rave about the wine and educational experience since moving out to Virginia.

As we were still full from breakfast we headed out to Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery (https://mtdefiance.com/). We were given the opportunity to order glasses of wine, due to the pandemic flights being unavailable. The cider pours were generous and tasted great. Bradley had a good cracking up session by himself at our table for still an unknown reason. We chatted here for sometime in this beautiful building before heading out. I did purchase a bottle of the Blueberry Cider and Jenna picked up some local mustard and jams they had for sale. We popped in and out of shops in Gainesville before heading to dinner.

After much debate we enjoyed our dinner at Out of the Blue (https://www.outoftheblue.restaurant/). We enjoyed our shared order of calamari and shrimp. Bradley enjoyed his oysters. I was not a fan of the lobster roll bringing me to the realization I only appreciate a lobster roll if it is Connecticut style. Jenna ate scallops that we subpar for the pricing. We hit up another TJ Maxx on our way back toward home. After a dissatisfied dinner we snug a late night treat in at SideBar ordering some calamari that we shared together in the local parking garage. It was a simple but memorable experience together. I ordered some maple sriracha wings to dive into late at night since I was heading out of town the next day.

Upon our arrival home Bradley got to work on the gingerbread cookies. As a family we spent the rest of the evening around the coffee table decorating and watching Christmas movies.

Wednesday, December 9th

Once we rolled out of bed in the morning we enjoyed a simple breakfast with coffee at home. Around the noon hour Jenna made me homemade gluten free breaded pickles which were incredible. I ordered Pho-Nomenal (https://www.phonomenalashburn.com/menus) for lunch to arrive at the house. I ordered several types of Summer Rolls which came with an outstanding peanut sauce. We also ordered 4 Sisters Asian Snack Bar (https://www.foursisterssnackbar.com/) boba drinks as a last treat before I packed up my belongings and headed to the airport.

In the evening I landed safely back home in Chicago where I was greeted by my parents. Thank you Virginia for another amazing stay. I look forward to spending time outside at the wineries during a summer visit in the future.

#virginia #unitedstates #travel #visitfam #winery #cidery #foodieblogs

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sandjsbeachbumbonanza · 4 years ago

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Day 101 – Zanzibar

We woke up at 4:30am to meet Dona so we could catch our 8am flight to Zanzibar. It was a quick and easy ride to the airport. However, there was lots of security and we were forced to trolley our bags about a quarter of a mile on rough, unevenly paved road. The staff at Uganda Airlines was actually very nice and very efficient. They even walked us from check-in to the lounge.

The lounge was one of the better lounges we’d been in and had great food. S had a chicken salad sandwich, a mini pizza and a veggie samosa. J had hardboiled eggs and watermelon. The staff also kept our drinks filled without even asking. The WiFi was faster than the WiFi in our former London flat. When it was time to board, the gate attendant came to escort us to the gate. The plane was a brand new Bombardier CRJ-900, with engines in the back, so it was a very quiet flight. As we were the only ones drinking white wine, at some point a flight attendant came by and asked if he could leave the bottle with us. We did not say no.

The flight was just under 2 hours. Getting through passport control was fairly easy, though we had to fill out an unexpected landing card and show our yellow fever vaccination certificates to be allowed in to Tanzania. We met the Park Hyatt driver and headed out. It was then that J realised she left her important documents at passport control. Figuring there was a high chance we would never see these documents again, we headed back to the airport. J and the driver went into the airport and found a lady who tirelessly went around the airport until she tracked down J’s documents. Apparently a good Samaritan turned them in, rather than stealing them. We got very lucky.

The Park Hyatt is housed in a building that was formerly many other things, including the English Polo Club of Zanzibar. It is reasonably modern and nice. Our room looks out over the city and it’s a very nice room up to Hyatt standards. There is a famous mango tree in the hotel grounds. It is over 100 years old and still produces mangoes.

After we checked in, Nelson in Concierge came to our room to discuss the activities that are available through the hotel. He said that between 85% and 95% of the people here are Muslim. After getting to know us and J’s proclivity for pork products, he admitted that he is Christian, and knows where to find pork if J wants some.

After a bit of rest, we went on a 3-hour walking tour of the city. Zanzibar is an archipelago and has two main islands: Unguja, where we are staying, and Pemba. It has such an interesting history. At one point, the Sultan of Oman moved the capital from Muscat to Zanzibar and it is still heavily influenced by Omani culture. In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate, but continued to be under the sovereignty of the Sultan of Zanzibar. In 1964, the Sultan was deposed and fled to Portsmouth, England. Zanzibar is now an autonomous region of Tanzania and it has its own presidents and two vice presidents. It joined together with Tanganyika (the mainland) in 1964 to form Tanzania.

Zanzibar was also the main port for the East African slave trade. It is horrific to understand what the Africans, Indians and Arabs did to the people. We learned that although slavery was officially banned here in 1873 by the Zanzibar Sultan following the advocacy of David Livingstone and pressure from England, the slave trade continued underground until 1919. We even visited former slave holding chambers at the former slave market, which is now an Anglican church. The conditions were worse than you could imagine.

The city is influenced by the different cultures that have left their mark here. Old town Stonetown (the capital of Zanzibar) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many buildings had a unique building material called ‘coral rock’, which is made of actual coral. To keep with the building standards, any renovations or rebuilds must be consistent with the original materials used. This means some less fortunate Zanzibarians have to leave their homes and sell them to wealthier people so they can be renovated using original materials. Many of the streets are very narrow with small shops all around. There are multiple markets where people try to sell you nuts, casava chips, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and spices. Two little boys even tried to let J play with some small, pet monkeys. Unfortunately, we did not have any cash at the time, so we begged off.

One of the main attractions, the House of Wonders, was closed because part of the building collapsed recently, resulting in a few casualties. It is called the House of Wonders because it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity, a water tank and a lift. It was gifted to Zanzibar by the English to commemorate the abolition of slavery.

Last, but not least, we stopped at the former house of Freddie Mercury, AKA Farrokh Bulsara. He was born and grew up in Zanzibar, but moved with his family to England after the Zanzibar Sultan was deposed. We got to see a copy of his birth certificate.

After the tour, we sat outside at the hotel bar looking over the waterfront, for a few drinks and casava chips.

We spent some time considering where to eat dinner. The most ‘local’ and authentic restaurant here is strictly Muslim and does not allow any alcohol. We therefore looked for other options. One restaurant, Six Degrees South Grill & Wine Bar, was recommended to us as it serves some Zanzibari dishes, but is also tourist friendly. We couldn’t find the current menu online, so they brought it to us on the veranda of the Park Hyatt. We decided it was fine as there were two Zanzibari dishes on the menu.

One of the hotel employees walked us to the restaurant. It was only a 5-minute walk, but because the streets aren’t marked here, it’s easy to get lost. We were surprised to see that the place was packed with tourists. We haven’t been to a restaurant that busy since Rishi Sunak’s Eat out to Help Out programme was going on in London.

J had the chicken breast with mango couscous and S had the grilled kingfish in a tomato and coconut sauce with chapati. The food was fine, and reasonably priced. The first bottle of wine we picked out, a Pinot Grigio, was undrinkable, so we ordered a second bottle, a rosé. The server recommended it saying it was a popular choice. It was a struggle to get down, but we managed.

We made the short walk back to the hotel. S went to the bar for a nightcap and J went to sleep early. S spoke to a group of 5 Koreans and asked them how they managed to get out of Korea in the current circumstances. It turns out they work in Africa and hadn’t been back to Korea during COVID.

#uganda #ugandaairlines #entebbe #zanzibar #parkhyattzanzibar #stonetown #unescoworldheritagesite #beachbums

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italianeatery · 5 months ago

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Dig In and Cheer On: Enjoy Your Favorite Meal with the Thrill of the Olympics As the excitement for the Paris 2024 Olympics builds, sports fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the competition, hoping their favorite athletes will bring home gold, silver, and bronze. Amid the frenzy of tracking medal counts and rooting for national teams, an intriguing parallel can be drawn between the Olympics and the culinary world. This connection is not just about athletes' diets or sponsorships; it extends to how our favorite comfort foods, like burritos and cheeseburgers, can metaphorically reflect the diverse tastes and preferences represented in the Olympics. Let’s explore this comparison by examining how different food items can represent various Olympic events and their corresponding medal counts.

Burrito (Bowl or Regular): In the world of sports, versatility is key, much like the burrito. Whether it's a regular burrito or a burrito bowl, this dish represents adaptability and a blend of flavors, mirroring how athletes must adapt their strategies to different events. In the 2024 Olympics, countries will aim for a diverse medal count, just as a burrito encompasses a variety of ingredients. For example, a nation strong in swimming might target multiple golds, akin to how a burrito combines rice, beans, and meat into a harmonious whole. order online

Cheeseburger: The cheeseburger, a quintessential American dish, symbolizes classic strength and reliability. Just as the cheeseburger remains a staple in American cuisine, the U.S. is expected to be a powerhouse in various Olympic sports. Historically, the U.S. has been strong in track and field, swimming, and gymnastics, akin to the cheeseburger's enduring appeal in American food culture. As we follow the medal count, the U.S.'s performance in these key events will be closely watched, much like the cheeseburger's consistent presence on menus. order online

Cheese Pizza: Cheese pizza, with its simplicity and universal appeal, represents the universal excitement and shared experiences of the Olympics. Just as cheese pizza is a go-to favorite for many, the Olympics offer a common ground for people around the world to unite. This year, expect countries with strong team sports, such as basketball and soccer, to vie for top positions, reflecting the pizza’s broad appeal and the collective enthusiasm for these sports. order online

Pad Thai: This Thai dish signifies a blend of traditions and cultures, much like the diverse range of countries participating in the Olympics. Pad Thai, with its mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, parallels the rich variety of cultural backgrounds represented at the Games. In 2024, watch for countries with strong traditions in martial arts, like Thailand, to make their mark, akin to how Pad Thai represents a fusion of culinary traditions. order online

Chicken Quesadilla: The chicken quesadilla, with its blend of flavors and textures, can be seen as a metaphor for the strategic and multifaceted nature of Olympic sports. Athletes in the 2024 Olympics will need to showcase versatility and adaptability, just as a chicken quesadilla combines chicken, cheese, and spices in a delightful package. Expect to see athletes from various disciplines, such as gymnastics and diving, demonstrating their ability to excel in different aspects of their sports. order online

California Roll: This sushi roll symbolizes innovation and modernity, much like the newer Olympic sports that debut in each Games. The California Roll, a fusion of traditional Japanese sushi with American ingredients, mirrors the introduction of sports like skateboarding and surfing into the Olympic roster. These events are set to capture the interest of a younger audience, reflecting the roll’s fresh and inventive approach to sushi. order online

Fried Chicken Sandwich: This popular item signifies comfort and satisfaction, akin to the joy of witnessing an athlete's hard-earned victory. Just as the fried chicken sandwich offers a hearty and fulfilling experience, Olympic victories bring a sense of accomplishment and pride to athletes and their supporters. Look for athletes in high-stakes sports, such as track and field or swimming, to deliver performances that leave a lasting impact. order online

Caesar Salad: Caesar salad represents a balance of simplicity and sophistication, much like the way some Olympic sports combine fundamental skills with advanced techniques. The classic Caesar Salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing, mirrors the grace and precision required in sports such as figure skating or synchronized swimming. As these athletes compete, their refined techniques and performance will be closely scrutinized, much like the careful preparation of a Caesar Salad. order online

Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the classic pizza base, this dish reflects the excitement and intensity of the Olympics. Just as the Buffalo Chicken Pizza offers a spicy and dynamic twist on a traditional favorite, the Games feature high-energy competitions that captivate audiences. Watch for sports like boxing and wrestling to deliver thrilling performances that keep fans on the edge of their seats. order online

Manicotti: Finally, manicotti, with its rich and comforting layers, represents the depth and complexity of the Olympic Games. This Italian dish, with its stuffed pasta and savory sauce, parallels the intricate and demanding nature of events such as decathlon and heptathlon. Athletes competing in these multi-discipline events will showcase their ability to master a range of skills, much like the layered richness of manicotti. order online

As we prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics, it’s fascinating to see how the varied culinary landscape reflects the spirit of the Games. From the adaptable burrito to the innovative California Roll, each dish offers a unique lens through which to view the rich tapestry of international competition. As countries vie for medal counts and athletes strive for excellence, the diversity of our favorite foods serves as a delicious metaphor for the vibrant and multifaceted nature of the Olympics.

#Burrito (bowl or regular)#Cheeseburger.#Cheese Pizza.#Pad Thai.#Chicken Quesadilla.#California Roll.#Fried Chicken Sandwich.#Caesar Salad.#connections hint #olympics 2024 #medal count #strands nyt #Buffalo Chicken Pizza #Manicotti #order online #food delivery #island park #new york #long beach road

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littlemuffinblog · 5 years ago

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Hello all!

It’s been a long while since I’ve written up a proper blog post on here. I’m most active on my instagram these days, but I’m going to make an effort to post more regularly on my actual page as sometimes I find I cut recipes short to fit them all into the Instagram/Facebook format etc.

I was recently in New York and pretty much centered the entire trip around finding all the good foodie spots, so I figured it deserved a lengthy post! We tended to eat a late brunch and dinner most days, skipping lunch as our hotel had a free snack bar which was very handy. They had fresh fruit, lovely coffee & granola bars in the morning which were great to grab n’go. The options changed from lunch time and included savoury snacks and sweet treats with limitless soft drinks, fizzy water etc. We stayed in the Club Quarter Hotel Midtown near Times Square. It was a brilliant location, lovely room, great value, nice staff and the unlimited snack bar with filtered water on tap was such a bonus. They even gave little bottles to take your water with you! Hotel website linked here.

So, without further ado, here are all of the foodie places in New York during my trip. Hope anyone travelling to NY finds it useful! Thanks to everyone who recommended food spots to me before I went – you all helped to make my trip deliciously good and my foodie self is eternally grateful!

BRUNCH

Bubbys – Easily the single best brunch I have ever had and was the food highlight of the trip for me. We went to the one in Tribeca but they have a few locations. We got the Eggs Benedict and ‘Pancake Flight’. The Eggs benny was to die for, we opted for the version with bacon and added some avocado to it. The pancakes were also EPIC. Super fluffy & thick, they came with berries, nutella, blueberry compote, whipped cream, caramelised banana and toasted walnuts. They also came with maple syrup and butter on the side without even asking – it was a lovely touch. The total bill came to about $60 including a tip and we didn’t get coffees/drinks, only tap water. I honestly can’t wait to go back to NY to have Bubbys again, it was just that good. Bubbys is a definite must! Website here.

@bubbys

Sarabeths – This is super near to Central Park. We had seen on their instagram that they are famous for their french toast so that’s what we went with. For $50 we also got a caraffe of Bellini’s – it’s about 5-6 glasses which were $15 each so it’s good value really ;). I ordered the Almond crusted French toast and my friend went for the ‘Fluffy Fat’ french toast. We also ordered a side of bacon (additional $12). I will say I was quite disappointed with my almond version as when I cut into it, it was actually bone dry in the middle. The whole point of French toast is that it should be eggy/custardy having been soaked in an egg mixture but this was essentially dry almond toast. They were very good and immediately replaced it with the plain version that my friend had ordered. This was absolutely delicious and came with a side of butter and maple syrup. The service was great here and I would definitely recommend the Fluffy Fat french toast and skip the almond version! All in all the bill came to about $115 excl tip. Pricey but it is in a great location and overall the food and drink was lovely. Website here.

@sarabethsnyc

Fresh & Co – We definitely couldn’t leave New York without trying a cream cheese bagel! I had lots of places recommended to me, but we happened to be passing by here and were stuck for time so we just popped in. It wasn’t on the menu and breakfast had just finished, but they made these specially up for us which was really nice. We asked for 2 wholemeal bagels, filled with cream cheese, avocado, crispy bacon and a runny fried egg. We got freshly squeezed orange juice to go with. It was honestly *so* good and hit the spot. Great place to call into if you just want something quick to eat & go. I think it was roughly $12 for the two bagels, with orange juice about $5 extra incl taxes. They have quite a few locations. Website here.

@freshandconyc

DINNER

Ellens Stardust Diner – This place is pretty much as American as it gets. It’s a diner set in the heart of Times Square, waited by Broadway hopefuls who sing and perform throughout the entire meal. They are also famous for their brunch. We headed here our first night and ate dinner here. We went for the Mac n Cheese burger, served with waffle fries. We then shared a Brownie ‘Mudslide’ Sundae for dessert. It was typical American diner food, it was decent and hit the spot but you definitely more so go there for the surroundings than the food. Total bill was about $60 excl tips but be mindful, they send around a separate bucket for the tips for the singers too. Website here.

@ellensstardust

Ottos Tacos – We got these the night we went to Woodbury Common Shopping outlet. It was such a long day and we were absolutely shattered when we got back to our hotel, so we ordered Uber Eats. We opted for a ‘Beyond’ Vegan chorizo taco, chicken taco, chips & guac and rice and beans. The chorizo taco wasn’t great but all in all was a tasty meal and perfect for a late night nibble. Uber eats is super handy if you’re stuck on time/tired and they have no problem delivering to hotels, they had a huuuuge selection of foods available. Website here.

@ottostacos

Otto Pizzeria – We had a lovely dinner at otto pizzeria. We originally wanted to get to Joes pizza which I’d had lots of recommendations for or Scarrs… however otto was closer by and Joes had queues out the door! I opted for a delicious egg pizza washed down by blood orange cocktails. We actually arrived half an hour earlier than our booking and they were lovely about it and immediately seated us. We also got complimentary focaccia & olive oil to start! It did the trick but definitely still have Joes & Scarrs on the pizza list! Website here.

@ottopizzeria

BAKERIES

Levain Bakery – I went to the one just off central park. I had heard a lot of hype about this place. They are famous for their super thick gooey cookies and sweet jesus, they did not disappoint. Some of the best cookies I’ve ever had. All made better by eating them while strolling on lovely sunny day in central park. You wouldn’t even know the bakery is there – it is tiny and down these little steps, I had to ask a local where it was as I couldn’t find it! There was no queue when I was there thankfully, but be mindful of this as apparently there is usually a big wait. The cookies were $4 each and worth every bit and more! Their hot chocolate looked epic too so will definitely be paying here a visit the next time I’m in New york to get it! Definitely put this place on your list. Website here.

@levainbakery

Magnolia Bakery – If you are a fan of Sex in the City, you’ll be familiar with this place. It is just around the block from Carrie Bradshaw’s famous apartment and the bakery featured in the TV show a couple of times making it an instant hit. They are famous for their banana pudding – a creamy pudding filled with banana, sponge and graham crackers. I opted for the small pot (as I was stuffed but couldn’t not go to NY and not try it!). It was absolutely insanely good. I think it was about $5 incl tax and worth it for sure. Next time I’m going to try their cupcakes as I’ve heard they are amazing too. Website here.

@magnoliabakery

Carlos Bakery – If you’ve ever watched Cake Boss, here is a must visit! We went to the one near the Port Tunnel (where we got our bus from to Woodbury Common. We actually got a great deal for this on groupon, I’ve linked it here) The original one is in Hoboken and I believe is worth a visit too! The bakery itself was full of a mix of treats, a lot of artificially coloured american style cakes which wouldn’t be my thing, but their pastries, cookies etc all looked amazing. We were spoiled for choice. M\y friend got an M&M cookie which was really tasty and I got a chocolate hazelnut lobster tail pastry filled with delicious hazelnut creme patisserie and drizzled with nutella. So good. All in all they both came to about $11 dollars. The perfect breakfast to bring on board the 1 hour bus journey! Bakery linked here.

@carlosbakery

OTHER BITS…

Airport Lounge – 51st & Green in Dublin Airport terminal 2. We opted to pay into the lounge before our flight as we had a few hours to kill. It was definitely worth it in my opinion! It was located after pre clearance for the US so it was lovely to relax and unwind knowing you had that already done. It costed €39 to get in at the door, but you can book it online for €35. Our flight was in the morning, so they had a full buffet breakfast bar alongside a cocktail bar and coffee station. You can see the lounge by clicking here.

The Plaza Hotel – We were initially going to book ourselves in for afternoon tea here as we’ve heard rave reviews. It was booked out in the end, but we went their for a drink after our brunch in Sarabeths. We opted for 2 x champagne cocktails each $26 excl tax/tips. They were served with a lovely little snack plate of chilli pumpkin seed chocolate and roasted chickpeas. The cocktails were amazing and the setting was just fabulous. It is pricey, but 100% worth it. We sat in a window seat and watched the world go by, just taking in the surroundings for the afternoon. It was such an activity fulled break, it was lovely to just relax for a while and unwind. Would highly recommend it and I think I would definitely try the afternoon tea the next time I visit! Website here.

@theplazahotel

Tourist Attractions – I figured I may as well pop in the places we went while I’m at it. We pretty much ticked everything off the list except visiting the Brooklyn Bridge and the Highline… next time!

Statue of Liberty – We got a free ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island. You don’t need to pay for the tourist ones and they will try the hard sell to push it on you at the door of the terminal but stand your ground! You can get the commuter ferry for free from Whitehall which goes right past it and you get a very clear view. We just hopped off at the other side and got straight back on it. Took 20 mins – they go every half an hour. Would definitely recommend. Info link here.

Carrie Bradshaws Apartment – Quite near the Statue of Liberty area, about 20 mins in an Uber. It was so cool to see as a SATC fan. It was also just around the corner from Magnolia bakery. Be mindful people actually live in the Apt block when you’re taking photos. Location is here

Ground Zero – We went here en route to statue of liberty as it is quite close by. It was also quite close to Bubbys in Tribeca. We just went to see the memorial which is free but you can go into the museum too. There is a great shopping mall and discounted designer department store nearby called Century 21. Worth a visit too. There is also a target nearby if that’s something you wanted to browse!

Rockefeller Centre – Top of the Rock. We paid about $42 for the ticket to get up. We bought online but they have a ridiculous queue system where you need to validate your online ticket to get a physical one, so the queue was the same for those who didn’t buy online and it cost the exact same. Be prepared to queue, we waited almost an hour to get up but we were told it was unusually busy as it had been raining the 2 days previous. However, the views are absolutely spectacular when you get up, so it was well worth it in the end. You can go at sunset for an extra $10 per ticket which would also be pretty cool.

Woodbury Commons Shopping Outlet – This place is definitely well worth going to if you are in the market for discounted designer handbags / shoes. The clothes were good value too depending on what you’re looking for but the handbags we’re exceptionally cheap with 60%-80% some items depending on what coupons you had/how much you spent. As I mentioned above, we got the return bus from the port terminal near times square. It was $27 on groupon linked here or you can buy it there for $42 so it’s definitely worth getting it online. It took about an hour each way, with a pretty regular time table. It doesn’t open until 10am so we got the 8.30am coach which worked out great. You also get a free coupon book from the information desk when you arrive which is included in your bus ticket.The food was okay there, had a lot of fast food outlets and a Pret A Manger (they are everywhere in NY!) Definitely a must visit if you’re looking to do some shopping! Link for outlet is here.

Central Park – I was really taken with central park. It is so cool to stroll around (especially with some Levain cookies!). You can hire a horse drawn carriage for a pricy $100 per half an hour or a bike cart for $5 per minute. We were initially going to rent bikes but we didn’t bother in the end, instead walking around and taking it all in. Well worth a look. The plaza hotel and Sarabeths were super near here too.

So that’s a wrap! It’s pretty much all I can fit into this post. I hope it’s helpful for any trips you have planned to New York. Please tag me if you visit anywhere I’ve recommended so I can relive the memories… @littlemuffinblog

It was the most epic trip and I will definitely be back! Miss you already NYC.

New York – Foodie & Travel Guide Hello all! It's been a long while since I've written up a proper blog post on here.

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cake-faceshawty · 6 years ago

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If you read my last post, you know I loved Punta Cana! It has already secured a spot on my “must visit” list for the Caribbean (you already know Jamaica is clearly numero uno!).

Now that you know everything you need to plan your perfect Punta Cana vacay, I’m here to tell you how to make the most of your trip. This is the ultimate guide on what to do, where to go, what/where to eat and what to wear (or really, what I wore).

WHAT TO DO

GO TO THE BEACH As someone who lives on an island, you’d be surprised how infrequently I visit the beach (it really is a shame!). Whether you stay at a hotel or a villa, there’s bound to be a private beach somewhere.

We enjoyed our time at Juanillo Beach! The beach itself was clean, the water was clear and the staff was polite. Unlike some beach spots, chairs/loungers were free of cost once you can get one (the staff will assist in this). There’s also a restaurant right there on the beach, but I’ll get into that later on…

Some other great beaches to check out include Macao Beach, Playa Esmeraldo, Montaña Redonda and Bavaro Beach.

GET A MASSAGE! Punta Cana is well known for their top notch spas! Take full advantage of your vacation and get a little rest and relaxation in a calming, beautiful atmosphere. Some recommended spots are Sanctuary Salon & Spa, Secrets Spa by Pevonia, SM Wellness, solaya-spa, and Tiara Cap Cana Barbor Spa

DAY TRIP TO SAONA ISLAND If you checked out the PDF document I posted in my last blog, you’ll see that this day trip was listed as one of the activities. I’m going to try not to scandal the company that pretty much screwed us over didn’t allow us to book this excursion, but whenever I go back to DR, this is a must-do!

https://bestvacationstours.com/en/producto/isla-saona-punta-cana-bavaro/

You can pre-book the excursion online (check TripAdvisor or Expedia), through your hotel or at various shops in Bavaro. They usually include transportation from your hotel to the catamaran. The catamaran then takes you to one of the largest Dominican islands, where you can relax on the white sand beach, swim in crystal clear water and feast your eyes on the various flora and fauna on the island. The trip will also include a Dominican buffet lunch on the island.

I feel like I need to hurry and plan my next trip just to experience this.

SCAPE PARK AT CAP CANA

http://puntacananow.com/juanillo-vip-cap-cana-day-by-scape-park-juanillo-vip-cap-cana-day

Scape Park is Punta Cana’s natural theme park with various adventures, activities and entertaining experiences. For $149 USD (includes transportation), you can experience the Hoyo Azul Eco Tour, Zip line, Saltos Azules, Cultural Route, Cave Swim, Iguabonita Cave, Iguanaland, a Domincan buffet and so much more!

This was such an amazing experience! You can stay there all day, but we really only needed a few hours to get our money’s worth. We visited Iguanaland (omg I touched an iguana! See below), did the ziplining from a cliff (this is a whole workout – you have to literally hike up a hill – but it was my first time zip lining and such an awesome experience), zip line eco splash, the cultural route (learn about the discovery of DR and check out some cultural artefacts), and the cave swim (the water was freezing but it felt so good – such a relief after all that physical activity). We also saw some tropical birds and monkeys!

The only downside is that you have to pay for all your pictures. Despite the warnings, we were allowed to take our cameras in and snap some pictures, but pictures with the monkeys and on the zip lines must be purchased (for ridiculous prices!)

Be sure to carry cash to tip the tour guides and to purchase fresh fruit popsicles. Those were so yummy and refreshing in the heat.

COCO BONGO We didn’t have space for this on our itinerary but I regret not fitting it in. After already having locations in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Coco Bongo can now be found in Punta Cana. It is a mix of a night club experience and a variety show production that provides entertainment to a wide range of audiences. You can buy the tickets in advance from their website, which gives you options for seating, inclusive drinks and area access.

https://www.puntacanatickets.com/product/coco-bongo-disco/

IMAGINE NIGHTCLUBThis club did make it to our itinerary, however, it seems we overestimated our youth lol. We opted to go to sleep instead of clubbing after dinner but from what I’ve heard, this is definitely a hotspot in Punta Cana – it’s a night club in a cave for goodness sake! They’re open Thursday to Sunday with a different musical theme for each night and various drinks-inclusive options. Be sure to check it out!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147293-d1448068-Reviews-Imagine_Punta_Cana_Disco-Punta_Cana_La_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html

INDIGENOUS EYES ECOLOGICAL PARK AND RESERVEThis is another spot that didn’t fit into our schedule, but is a must-visit if you love nature or just enjoy swimming in fresh-water lagoons (they have 5 you can swim in!). You can learn a lot about the reserve’s various projects, explore the exhibits and take a rejuvenating dip in the gorgeous, clear water. For more info, check out their website.

WHERE TO EAT

As a foodie, I’m always scouring websites trying to figure out where has great menus before going to a new spot. I love Hispanic food so I was very excited to see what DR had to offer. I can safely say they love pasta dishes with pink sauce, plantains and sushi – we saw these items on almost every menu.

I had a ridiculous list of places to try out that I narrowed down for my itinerary, so I’ll list and give my feedback on the ones we actually went to, and suggest some others that didn’t make the cut.

VALE VALENTINA

This was the first restaurant we tried (literally out of buck-ups because we were too tired to go elsewhere after a day of traveling) and it was so good we went back for breakfast on our last day. Found in Punta Cana Village, it is a great spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The service was great, the food was delicious and the ambiance is lovely! For dinner, we tried the Crispy Shrimps (appetiser), hot chicken vodka pasta, pepperoni pizza, bacon roasted chicken pesto pizza and the Valentina roll. Everything was delicious – especially the Valentina roll! Sweet plantain on a sushi roll?! Everywhere should do this! We also had huge glasses of sangria that were super yummy.

The portions are big and the prices are pretty affordable too – all that food and cocktails came to about $120USD! And we all went home with leftovers 😁. You can check out the menu here.

On our last day, we wanted to experience real Dominican breakfast, and it was clearly destined for us to return to Vale, because as we walked around the village, another tourist highly recommended we check them out for breakfast. We definitely didn’t regret it!

Traditional Dominican breakfast, El Criollito, consists of mangù de plátanos verdes y guineítos (Dominican mashed green plantains with butter topped with sautéed pickled red onions), fried cheese and Dominican salami. It was a bit salty for me (a lot of Dominican food seems salt-heavy, especially the cured meats – saltiest bacon I’ve ever had), but it was still delicious.

We also got great cappuccinos that come with a cute heart-shaped sugar cookie – highly recommend. They also offer continental breakfast options such as avocado toast, pancakes, eggs and bagels. We each got the same thing (el criollito, a side of bacon and a cappuccino) and the total was about $60USD. Once again, be sure to check this spot out!

TACO’S TRUCK

I love tacos, like loveeee tacos, but this place is no bueno! While it wasn’t on the itinerary, we chose the stop there after scape park for something to tie us over until dinner time (it’s located at Sanctuary Cap Cana in Juanillo Beach) and we really could’ve missed this. First of all, dem tief they are ridiculously overpriced – $25USD for 6 small tacos! Secondly, both the chicken and beef tacos were so bland, I was wondering if they forgot to add seasoning. The only good thing was the salsa they serve with a little chips on the side – and we had to fight over that because they give you a half a teaspoon of salsa 😠. This is definitely an overpriced, overrated tourist trap – 2/10, would not recommend.

CITRUS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

First of all, Justine-Renee and I are still waiting on our pumpkin bisque to come…

After reading great reviews about this place, I chose it for our Friday night dinner spot despite being a whole 40 minutes away from Cap Cana (it’s in Bavaro). Upon entering the restaurant, which was cute – live music going and a great ambiance, we were blatantly stared down like this isn’t a tourist area (but I understand everyone ain’t ready for the staycation vibe). To start, we ordered soup – Christine and Tami got the pumpkin bisque; JRJ and I ketch hype ordered the lobster bisque. The lobster bisque smelled awful (think of that raw scent out by backroad Portmore) and if that taste had a smell – it was in the bowl in front of me. Usually I can just suck it up and eat it but no – this soup was bad. We sent the soup back and it was apparently the worst thing we could’ve ever done. Even the chef came out to ask what the problem was and tried to tell us “it’s a man’s soup” – whatever that means. We then had to deal with other staff inquiring as to why the soup was sent back – one big fuss. We then ordered the pumpkin bisque to replace the lobster mess: the chef even gave us tiny spoons to try the pumpkin bisque at the table. Listen… ALL NOW THE SOUP CANNOT REACH. It’s like they said “screw y’all” and threw the whole soup order away. We waited and waited until all that was brought to us was our entrees. No bueno. Anywho, I had the chicken breast stuffed with plantains and cheese, and a sushi roll topped with plantain (still delicious). The food was meh – not bad but not a must-try, and the service was not good at all (except our clearly frighten waiter – he was sweet). The cost isn’t bad – food and cocktails came to about $110USD. 6/10 from me!

API BEACH

This spot was actually recommended by our host, Carlos, and I’m so glad it was. We went for my birthday brunch 🎉 instead of the spot on the itinerary because it’s actually in Cap Cana and the other place was 45 minutes away.

First of all, the view of the beach is beautiful to look at hile you eat. The staff were also really pleasant and helpful, and the food and cocktails were delicious! For appetisers, we had the crispy shrimp, api fingers and arepas. For entrees, we had the API burger, the Monty burger and the Bondi burger. I started drinking before we even got there (birthday lituation) so I can’t remember what cocktails we had but they were also wonderful! Everything here was great! It’s a little pricy (the bill was like $250), but it is a touristy spot so we weren’t surprised. You can check out their menu here.

MONTSERRAT MANOR

Found at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, this was our fine dining splurge restaurant for the trip. We celebrated my birthday with dinner at this beautiful Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant. The restaurant is very chic and stylish, and the staff were amazing! We loved every second of this dining experience! For starters, we had crispy shrimp and beef tacos – hello! delicious! For the main course, I had the lamb chops with pumpkin puree and vegetable fried rice.

Like all fine dining restaurants, the portions were relatively small (but filling) and pricey $$$$. Their cocktail menu was a bit too much for me (the drinks are overwhelming mixes with peppers and plantain syrup – too much for me), but you can order any regular cocktail despite it not being listed – I had a mojito. They also brought out a little birthday treat with chocolates and sang me happy birthday in Spanish and English. 10/10 – would highly recommend!

LITTLE JOHN AT JUANILLO BEACH One perk of going to Juanillo Beach is this delicious restaurant. I actually wish I went there on an empty stomach to have been able to try more things on the menu. The staff is friendly, the food is reasonably priced and it’s delicious! We had great pizza and chicken fingers here. The only issue I had here was the Pina colada – it was a bit too sweet for me. Definitely recommend checking this place out!

JELLYFISH RESTAURANT I would love to tell you about the delicious seafood we had here and the beautiful view of the ocean, however, despite making a reservation before we even left Jamaica, and driving 40 minutes to this place, we were informed at the gate that they couldn’t let us in because there was a private function – thank you, NEXT.

BALICANA ASIAN CUISINE

After being denied entry by Jellyfish Restaurant, this Asian, Thai, Indonesian restaurant came to save the day. The atmosphere is great there – nice lil’ island vibe. Our servers were welcoming and the food was affordable and tasty. To start, we had an appetiser platter with chicken satay, vegetable spring rolls, shrimp spring rolls and tempura vegetables.

For the mains, we had sesame garlic chicken, beef oyster, Malaysian coconut curry fish and pineapple fried rice.

Just a heads up, this is not like Jamaican Asian food – the dishes are actually individual, not large plates to share, so keep that in mind. And just like most Asian foods, we were hungry again by bed time 😭.

EL BURRITO Because of proximity, we spent a lot of time at Punta Cana Village. After drinking way too much tequila and rum, I decided I wanted to get tacos before dinner. I did not regret checking this place out! We got take-out, so I can’t comment too much on the staff or atmosphere, but it all seemed great. The food was delicious! I had the spicy shrimp tacos (three tacos with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, pico de Gallo, guacamole and sour cream) and refried beans and rice. Everything was so yummy and perfect to soak up the alcohol 😂. I definitely recommend this place.

LA CASITA DE YEYA

For our last meal, our host recommended we check out the authentic Dominican food at this place (yes, back to Punta Cana Village for the third time in one day). The food was okay, but we were a little disappointed. The prices were moderate and the servings were huge. We tried the arepas, empanadas, nachos, fish in coconut sauce, steak salad, pork chops and plantain stuffed chicken breast.

The atmosphere is nice and the waiter was pleasant but the food was so-so. We all woke up with stomach issues the next morning- so just a heads up 🙃.

OTHER RESTAURANTS TO TRY…

BREAKERS (breakfast/brunch)

DELICES FRANCAIS (breakfast)

SAFFRON

LA YOLA

LA PALAPA

ISABELLA STEAK & BISTRO

TOC BEACH BAR

LA CAVA KITCHEN

BACHATA ROSA

WHAT I WORE

Finally, here are my slaycation outfit details…

Airport outfit – Fashion Nova Remedy For Everything Romper (Black), Fashion Nova On the Prowl Hooded Jacket (Mauve), Nike Free RN (Black)

Scape Park outfit – Fashion Nova Calling all Angels Bikini (Emerald), Denim shorts (Style Savvy), Custom white T-shirt, DESIXQUAY HIGH KEY Aviators (Blk/Fade)

Dinner outfit – Hot Miami Styles Wine Long Sleeve Knotted Skirt Two Piece Set

Birthday brunch outfit – Miss Lola Venetian Dress (Yellow), Miss Lola Adventuress (Nude)

Birthday swimsuit – Jae Jolly ”Paraque” Tropical

Birthday dress – Fashion Nova Open Up to Me Dress (Green)

Beach outfit – Fashion Nova Calling all Angels Bikini (Black), Bon Voyage Tunic (Black/White), DESIXQUAY HIGH KEY Mini Aviators (Rose/CPRFD)

Dinner outfit – Fashion Nova Brighten My Day Skirt Set (Neon Pink)

Poolside swimsuit – Fashion Nova Party At My Cabana Swimsuit (Red)

Sightseeing outfit – Grass-Fields White Off Shoulder Shirt, Miss Lola Press Your Luck Skirt (Nude)

ALL EARRINGS WERE FROM TCG & MORE!

Enjoy Punta Cana!!!!

If you have any questions about planning your trip, check out my previous post here.

Be sure to follow me on my other social media platforms:

@tiffanysamantha_ (blog)

@beatsbytiff_ (makeup artistry)

@cakefaceshawty (Twitter)

@tiffsamlaw (Snapchat)

Travel Guide: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic If you read my last post, you know I loved Punta Cana! It has already secured a spot on my "must visit" list for the Caribbean (you already know Jamaica is clearly numero uno!).

#black girls who travel #blog life #caribbean #Dominican Republic #DR #Lifestyle #lifestyle blog #Punta Cana #travel #travel blog #travel blogger #travel tips #vacation #vacation style

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tamboradventure · 5 years ago

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How to Experience Cuba on a Budget

Posted: 11/28/19 | November 28th, 2019

As a Cuban-American, Talek Nantes has had a lot of experience traveling around Cuba. There’s a lot more to the country than just all-inclusive resorts! In this guest post, she offers some an in-depth breakdown of how to travel around Cuba like a local.

I’ve been traveling between Cuba and the US since I was born. (Actually, even before I was born: my mom came to the States when she was pregnant with me. I like to say I was made in Havana and born in the USA.)

As a Cuban-American who wrote a book on the country and runs tours there, I’ve made it my mission to share my appreciation for Cuban culture with everyone who wants to experience it.

People frequently ask me if Cuba is expensive.

It doesn’t have to be. It can be quite an affordable place to visit.

From obvious tried-and-true advice, like eat at locations at least three blocks away from popular tourist sites, to little-known tips only the locals know, here’s how to experience Cuba on a budget.

1. How to save money on Cuban currency exchanges

Cuban currency cannot be purchased overseas, as it is not traded internationally, so you’ll need to get it on arrival.

Cuba has two currencies: the CUC, which is what tourists and visitors use, and the CUP, also called the peso, used by everyone else. As a visitor, all your transactions will be done in CUC, which is roughly equal to one US dollar. There are about 25 CUP to 1 CUC.

In a country with 2 currencies, it is important to know the difference between a CUP and CUC. For example, you don’t want to overpay in CUC when something is priced in CUP. And when you receive change from a CUC, make sure the change is not in CUP. The best way to keep them straight is to remember that a CUC has monuments on its face and a CUP, or peso, has pictures of people.

Once in Cuba, you should exchange money at the airport “CADECA.” A CADECA is the official government exchange location. Keep in mind that you will need your passport in order to exchange currency.

Change only enough to get you to your accommodation, then change more at the CADECAs in town, as they have better rates. Avoid exchanging currency at banks and hotels, as these offer less favorable rates.

US citizens should be aware that credit cards drawn on US banks are not accepted in Cuba and ATMs cannot dispense money from US banks, so you must bring enough cash to last the entire trip.

2. How to save money on your accommodations in Cuba

For the best value for your money, you can’t beat a casa particular.

Casas particulares, or casas for short, are the homes of local Cubans who rent rooms to visitors like a B&B. You can rent a room in a private home for an average of 30 CUC per night.

The best part of staying with a Cuban family is that you can have an authentically Cuban experience. You eat with them, hang out in their living room, play with their kids or pets. You’re treated like one of the family while you are there. That’s a lot more rewarding than staying at a sterile hotel.

It’s easy to book a casa. You can reserve on Airbnb or any number of similar online sites (though Airbnb often has the largest selection and one of the few sites Americans can widely use). You should pre-book a casa from home at least for your first night’s stay in Cuba. Once in Cuba you can book the following nights yourself either through your host or just by looking for a house with the casa sign (a blue anchor with a roof on a white background) and simply knocking on the door.

Otherwise, hostels will be your best option for saving money. Some top-rated Havana hostels include the following:

Cuba 58 Hostel

Casa Rene & Madelyn

Hostal DRobles

Casa Novo Guest House

Hostal Corazón del Mundo

Casa Zeila

Prices per night range from around 5 to 15 CUC, though most are around 11 CUC.

I find casas to be the best accommodation option. A hostel may be cheaper, but there are many casas with hostel pricing, so you get the best of both worlds: low cost plus interaction with a local family. Isn’t the connection with other cultures one of the main reasons we travel?

3. The best places to eat in Cuba without breaking the bank

The best places to eat in Cuba are paladares. These are privately owned (vs. government owned) restaurants. There are all types of paladares, from high-end establishments in renovated mansions to hole-in-the-wall stands.

Traditional dishes you will find at paladares include arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and lechón (roast pork). Typical drinks include the classic mojito, daiquiri, and Cuba Libre. Fruit juices are also readily available. The local beers, Bucanero and Cristal, are very good.

Any guidebook will point out the paladares. You can also find them in the A La Mesa app. Typical costs (in CUCs) for meals in paladares are as follows:

High-end paladar:

Lunch: 10–25

Dinner 15–35

Mid-range paladar:

Lunch: 7–10

Dinner: 10–25

Some of my favorite paladares in Havana include Doña Eutemia, near the cathedral; Los Mercaderes; and San Cristóbal, where US President Obama had lunch. A typical meal at one of these will cost about 15–20 CUC.

Street vendors are also found throughout the country and offer little sandwiches, pizza, croquettes, pastries, and other snacks for 1 to 3 CUC. The food is not great, but it certainly is budget-friendly.

4. Cuban transportation on a budget

Transportation is likely to be your biggest expense, with taxis being the most common. Rule number one for getting around in Cuba is to negotiate before getting in. Tell the driver where you want to go, or show him in writing and ask how much (“¿Cuánto?”). Whatever the driver says, counter with a couple of CUCs lower. The drivers are used to this; they generally start at a higher rate, anticipating that they will end up with a lower fee.

Yellow taxis are government-run (vs. privately owned). These are used by tourists and tend to be the most expensive.

Coco-taxis are essentially motorcycles with a cover shaped to look like a yellow coconut (hence the name), and they are everywhere. They tend to be cheaper but can only take two people at a time.

Bici-taxis are rickshaw-like bicycles that’ll take you around Old Havana.

Another option is the colectivo, or collective taxi. These are cars that travel busy thoroughfares within city limits, picking up and dropping off people as they go along. A trip from one end of a busy, central street to the other, or anywhere in between, will cost about half a CUC. The taxi is shared with up to six people.

Buses are overcrowded, unreliable, and not air-conditioned but they are very cheap. They travel major routes mostly outside Old Havana.

Typical transportation costs:

Yellow government taxi: 10 CUC within city limits

Coco-taxi: 5 CUC within city limits; only fits 2 people

Bici-taxi: 2 CUC per person; only fits 2 people; not motorized

Collective taxi: Half a CUC per trip in a shared taxi

Bus: About 0.20 CUC

A fun way to explore a big city like Havana is by taking a tour in a classic American convertible from the ’50s, but at 40 to 50 CUC an hour, they aren’t very budget-friendly.

5. Staying connected in Cuba without paying a fortune

Internet access in Cuba is iffy. It is not offered everywhere, and where it is, it is unreliable.

The best way to stay connected is to purchase an internet connection card, sold in increments of 1 CUC per hour, at the local ETECSA, the Cuban government’s telecommunications office with branches all over the island. You use the login and password on the card to connect your phone or computer.

You can also purchase an internet connection card at most high-end hotels, but the cost can be as high at 7 CUC per hour, so purchasing your card at an ETECSA is a huge savings.

Once you have your card, find a location where you can connect. Most parks have connectivity, as do areas around ETECSA offices. Just look for groups of people huddled over their phones.

Higher-end hotels also offer Wi-Fi at outrageous fees.

If you don’t use up your internet time, the leftover will be saved on your card and you will be able to use it again.

A typical daily budget For a typical day in Havana, Cuba’s most expensive city, you can expect to budget as follows:

Breakfast at your casa: 5 CUC

Street food snacks: 2–5 CUC

Lunch at a paladar: 5–7 CUC

Dinner at a paladar: 5–10 CUC

Alcoholic beverage: mojito: 2–3 CUC, beer: 2 CUC, rum: 5 CUC/bottle

Room in a casa: average 30 CUC

Intracity taxi: 2–10 CUC

Museum entrance fee: 2–8 CUC

Entrance fee to a music venue: free or 2–10 CUC

Internet connection card 1–2 CUC

To be on the safe side and leave yourself a little room to splurge, budget 100 CUC/day. Keep in mind you may want to purchase the world-famous cigars and rum. The local art you find at the many galleries around town may also appeal to you.

Traveling outside of Havana When traveling outside Havana, you’ve got a couple of options. The most convenient and expensive is to reserve a taxi that will pick you up at your casa and deliver you door to door. Your casa host or hostel or hotel staff can arrange one for you.

Another option is the national bus service, which extends across the entire country. The buses are air-conditioned, and the prices are very reasonable. Prices from Havana to popular destinations are as follows:

Havana to Viñales: 12 CUC

Havana to Trinidad: 25 CUC

Havana to Varadero: 10 CUC

Havana to Santiago, on the far side of the island: 51 CUC

You need to purchase your tickets at the Viazul bus station at Avenida Independencia #101, at the corner of 19 de Mayo. The buses will take you to the bus stations in your destination city, which are generally in very central locations convenient to wherever you want to go.

There are car rental agencies throughout Cuba with which you can organize a self-drive tour. However, keep in mind that the roads outside Havana can be in very poor condition and difficult to navigate. With easy transportation within the big cities and convenient bus service between cities, a car rental may not be your most budget-friendly option.

Domestic flights are pretty unreliable and I wouldn’t recommend it.

***

Before traveling to Cuba, US citizens should check the travel requirements. Ordinary tourism is prohibited for US citizens. All US visitors must travel to Cuba under one of 12 US government approved categories. “Support for the Cuban People” is the most commonly used category and can be selected when purchasing the airline ticket.

Experiencing Cuba on a budget certainly has its challenges, but it is totally worth it.

Cuba gets under your skin quickly. It bewitches and beckons you to explore more of it.

No matter how many times I return to Cuba I always find something to amaze me; a new art venue, a remarkable piece of 18th century architecture or an innovative take on traditional Cuban cuisine.

Cuba is a safe, beautiful country with welcoming people and a fascinating culture. Put it on your must-visit list and you won’t be disappointed.

Talek Nantes is an author, digital content creator and founder of the travel blog, Travels With Talek. She is a passionate travel enthusiast and enjoys sharing her travel experiences with others. She lives in with her husband in New York City and Miami. Talek leads tours to Cuba and her most recent book is Don’t just travel to Cuba, experience Cuba available on Amazon.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them both all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all those I use to save money when I travel — and they will save you time and money too!

The post How to Experience Cuba on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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islandsunfla · 7 years ago

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SUPERMARKET SHOPPING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Publix — 3900 E Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL — 941-778-5422

Open daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

One stop shopping without leaving the Island, this location is very convenient for the Anna Maria Island vacationer. Publix is a short drive or trolley ride from Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217. While this Anna Maria Island store might be smaller than most other Publix stores it offers a great selection of high quality goods. You might find things slightly cheaper on the mainland (Bradenton), but for me the convenience of not having to go inland across the bridge is totally worth the small price increase.

In addition to the normal grocery selection, you will find their fresh produce is outstanding and the bakery is maybe a little too inviting. You really must try their key-lime pie, it is the best! They have a large beer/wine selection and the prepared foods are quick and delicious. It’s a great store for picking up everything you need for a beach picnic lunch, sandwiches, pizza, snacks, water and fountain drinks.

Deli items are ordered ahead of time or get in line for a custom sandwich, wrap or flat bread. Their ready made rotisserie chickens are delicious and convenient for lunch or dinner. You can even get some really good in-store made sushi! The Publix party platters are a really easy option for entertaining large groups while on vacation.

They also carry beach items such as towels, beach chairs, pool inflatables, sunscreen, umbrellas, etc.

I always find their staff extremely friendly and accommodating. As well, there is always someone available if you want carry out. The staff in the aisles are quick to help you find items and the customer service is excellent!

Even more convenient, this Anna Maria Island location offers on-line ordering and delivery to your Anna Maria Island Condo Rental. So easy, just go to Publix at Holmes Beach then click on Products and Services where you will find everything you need to place your order.

TripAdvisor Reviews —

Everyone on Anna Maria shops here, and the pervasive friendliness makes it a fun experience. Whether they’re locals or visitors like us, no one seems to be rushed or frazzled. The staff always makes a point to ask where you live and engage you in conversation. The bakery offerings are plentiful and are conveniently located in the first aisle. Hard to resist! They sell Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, which are our favorite brand, and on one visit this year a brand representative was in the aisle offering a discounted price on a package of 1/2 pound each of turkey and ham. It was the perfect package for us. On another visit I just missed a wine tasting! The aisles aren’t very wide, but the feeling isn’t one of being crowded. We always find a good selection of produce and all the staples we need to stock our vacation rental.

This is what grocery shopping should be about! Picture it–my wife and I come down here from NJ every year for 4 to 5 months in winter and another 2 in two week slots throughout the fall. When here we visit this store almost every day. It’s within walking distance of our Condo. Imagine a store where: If you’re looking for something someone will spot you and not only tell you where it is but offer to take you to the spot! If the cash register is idle, they will come out front and solicit customers to come to that lane to check-out! You can see who is in charge of every Dept. through large pictures in the area and, better still, see those people actively working the aisles. The deli almost always offers a sample slice and always tell you what’s on sale. They also do online ordering (great idea during” high season” winter). The Wine shelves are extremely well stocked and very competitive. For the best treat of all check out with Charlie (Ask him his latest golf score) and Terry (Ask him if he cares about Charlie’s golf score) and bumper banter bonus if you get both together. If you get to know Charlie well, ask him to show you his customer letter. He’ll know! Finally, when you’re all checked out (and bagged by one of many wonderful assistants–Ryan is my favorite) they will even offer to take your groceries and escort you to the car! It never stops. Perhaps the secret to their success is that I’ve heard that EVERY employee owns stock in this privately owned business. Gotta go now and shop!

If you’d like to keep your food budget for two on a vacay to the Gulf Coast, under $100.00 per day? I give you “Publix” grocery store’s! Their food bar is fair and their fried chicken rivals any I’ve ever had!! And trust me if you live below the Mason-Dixon line you know fried chicken!! Also it doesn’t hurt to book a room with at least a small kitchenette. You might spend a couple more bucks on the kitchenette, but you’ll save more on the expensive prices at most FL. restaurant

Visited here several times. Convenient, good parking, friendly staff, fresh food, good selection. Nice selection of fresh fish and cheeses.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

*Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals offers the above company names and affiliated links as suggestions only. We are not receiving commissions from the above and are listing only to assist our guests. We recommend services that we or close friends and family have experienced.

*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

The post SUPERMARKET SHOPPING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND appeared first on AnnaMariaIslandCondoRentals.com.

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vacationsoup · 7 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/supermarket-shopping-on-anna-maria-island/

SUPERMARKET SHOPPING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Publix — 3900 E Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL — 941-778-5422

Open daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

They also carry beach items such as towels, beach chairs, pool inflatables, sunscreen, umbrellas, etc.

TripAdvisor Reviews —

Visited here several times. Convenient, good parking, friendly staff, fresh food, good selection. Nice selection of fresh fish and cheeses.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, special offers, travel tips and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

*The content of this blog is not to be copied, adapted or shared without the written consent of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.

#AnnaMariaIsland #BradentonBeach #Florida #HolidayOnAnnaMariaIsland #VacationOnAnnaMariaIsland #VacationSoup

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licencedtoretire · 7 years ago

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With the wind having died away the following morning (refer previous blog) it was now safe to make our way out of French Pass with no fear of being blown over the edge and down one of the steep banks that flank this very narrow road. Not long after we got underway the heavens decided to leak liquid sunshine at first with only a few drops, then a bit later someone tipped out the swimming pool from upstairs drenching the road. It was at this point that Sarah and I decided that with the weather really beginning to turn and having already had the motorhome stuck twice in muddy campgrounds that sadly it was time to depart the South Island.

The road from French Pass to the State Highway is only 70 kms but with the rain and the narrowness of the first 22kms (mostly gravel road) it’s a 90 minute drive. Thankfully we met no traffic on any of the tight corners and it was a fairly easy drive. I cannot imagine driving this road at Christmas it would be a nightmare trying to find somewhere to pull over with lots of other vehicles on the road.

Taking the scenic route into Picton from Havelock along the coast and deciding to avoid going through Blenheim, we would have stopped to take photos at any one of a number of great photo spots if the rain had held off. However we had no luck in this area pressing on through the rain. What I didn’t realise was just how windy the road was on this scenic route and it probably would have been just as quick to drive through Blenheim.

Reaching the lookout above Picton the rain finally stopped giving us the chance to stop for a couple of photos it was here that I thought I would jump online and book our ferry crossing. Firing up the laptop I tried to get onto the Bluebridge site but there wasn’t enough signal to connect so Sarah suggested that we just drive down there and book.

Arriving at the Bluebridge Terminal (photos taken from Google) I went in to book for the 2pm crossing. The reason we had chosen Bluebridge is that when we crossed in January the fare was much cheaper than the Interislander so it was the obvious choice. Once at the counter I was told that the 2pm ferry was delayed and would not be sailing till around 4pm as they were still catching up from the disruption caused by the wind the previous day.

I was cheeky enough to ask if they knew if their competitors were running to schedule as they had a 2.15 sailing. The person behind the counter diplomatically answered that perhaps I should go and ask them although he believed that they were sailing to schedule.

It was a really bad day for me remembering to take photo’s and I had to lift this from Google as well, so sorry for the quality of photos.

Anyway the lady at the counter of the Interislander was really helpful and armed with our NZMCA membership card we secured a booking on the 2.15pm sailing which was running to schedule. It turned out that the crossing was $297.00 which was $2 more than it cost us to cross with Bluebridge in January.

With a while to kill before check in time at the ferry terminal we decided to have a quick explore of Picton. The first thing we discovered is that although there must be thousands of motorhomes coming through this town every week the town is anything but motorhome friendly when it comes to parking.

There are a couple of designated areas where they want motorhomes to park but yet again the parking spaces are barely big enough for a car let alone a 9 metre motorhome I find it hard to believe that a town that must generate a significant amount of it’s income from the tourist trade wouldn’t do more to accommodate larger vehicles.

While we ate lunch in the Marina carpark we spotted the ferry coming into the terminal taking the chance to snap a couple of photos of it turning around, so it comes into the wharf backwards. The Interislander ferries are drive on at the rear in Picton and drive off the front in Wellington, so since the vehicles had driven on at the front in Wellington it needed to turn around so the vehicles could drive off.

Lining up to get on the ferry it was good to see the weather clearing and with the swell metre showing light conditions for the crossing I was not as anxious as I was crossing the first time when I had no idea what the sea conditions held for us. It was also interesting how few motorhomes there where compared to the January crossing.

Not just fewer motorhomes but fewer everything with the top deck of the ferry almost completely clear of vehicles as you can see in the above photos. Then in terms of people the ship felt almost deserted with us having this viewing window at the rear of the ship almost to ourselves for the whole crossing.

So just a few days short of four months we said goodbye to the South Island and the adventures it had given us. We both promised ourselves that there was no way we would wait another 27 years to return. There is so much that we saw but also so much we didn’t, that another trip is already in the planning.

As we steamed up the sound on the way to Wellington we passed the Bluebridge ferry that was meant to leave at 2 pm heading into Picton so very thankful that there was no phone signal when I went to make that booking earlier.

An hour into the journey the ferry exits the sounds and it’s not long after this that a sea mist closed in around the ship and that was the last view of the South Island. As you can see the water was really flat so thankfully it was going to be a very smooth crossing. When you turn green on the end of the wharf you learn to appreciate these things.

With the sun getting lower in the sky and the sea mist surrounding the boat I was able to take these shots as it got closer to sunset. It was really quite serene other than the fact you couldn’t see land anywhere.

Another photo stolen from the web. One of the things that really surprised both of us was arriving into Wellington after the sun had set we would have thought that the lighting on the motorway would continue a decent way up the road. But after a few kilometres of driving there were no more street lights. This being the first time I had driven the motorhome at night I found it quite disconcerting especially with the concrete barriers hugging the left hand side of the road with all the road works for Transmission Gully.

We did however arrive safe and sound at the NZMCA camp in Plimmerton without any issues and even managed to park in the exact same spot we had parked 4 months previously. The fact that there were a lot less vehicles there probably helped with that.

The following morning we caught up with some friends we had met a few times on the road, Renee and Geoff who live locally. They popped down to say hello with Renee sharing some lovely scones that she had baked that morning. I think one of the things I have enjoyed the most on this holiday is the chance to make friends with people like these who have similar interests and are happy to share their camping experiences with fellow travelers.

That night after having been stuck in the motorhome all day due to never ending rain. We donned our rain coats to take the short walk from the camp into Plimmerton, with the view to have a Pizza (Sarah has been hanging out for one). However the pizza restaurant didn’t pass her inspection of the menu, so we decided to try the Taj Indian ordering Chicken Vindaloo and Lamb Rogan Josh with Nan breads. The food was 11 out of 10 and if we lived here we would certainly become regulars, highly recommended.

The following morning it was time to start the trip home, we had noticed the Dethleffs motorhome pull in the previous night and as we were using the dump station and filling up with water Bernie came over and reintroduced himself (we had met him and his wife Bev. in Christchurch) we had a bit of a chat and then time to move on. I do love the name of their van Deyleffthome a great play on the makers name.

The plan was to drive most of way to Auckland in one day. We did consider stopping at Taupo and breaking the journey in half but knowing that Otorohanga had a hard stand area and with all the rain that had fallen over the previous few days, we didn’t want to get stuck anywhere. So we chose to drive on making for a shorter trip the following day.

As you can see the camp was really quiet with only one other van joining us that evening. It’s certainly something we have noticed since the beginning of May are the reduced number of travelers. Our arms are no longer tired from all the waving to other motorhomers

Welcome back to Auckland! Oh how I missed these traffic jams, not! I don’t think anything could have brought it home to me more than getting to the edges of Auckland and getting stuck in a traffic jam that stretched for kilometres and it wasn’t even peak hour this was 1pm. Certainly makes me think fondly of our time in the South Island.

Even though we are now home for a short period of time there are a number of experiences that we had in the South Island that I still need to write about so over the next couple of weeks I will publish these blogs. We might appear to jump from one end of the island to the other but it’s just me catching up.

I hope you have all enjoyed reading what I have published so far. I have certainly loved writing about our travels and sharing the memories via this blog will give me things to look back on over the years to come.

The Long Drive Home With the wind having died away the following morning (refer previous blog) it was now safe to make our way out of French Pass with no fear of being blown over the edge and down one of the steep banks that flank this very narrow road.

#campervan holiday New Zealand #Interislander ferry crossing #NZMCA Camps

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italianeatery · 5 months ago

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australiaestherandnoetour · 8 years ago

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A NE PAS OUBLIER AVANT LE DEPART:

Il faut être muni d’un PERMIS INTERNATIONAL pour pouvoir rouler en Australie. Plus de détails ici: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F11534

Faites votre demande d’e-visa, délivré très rapidement et gratuitement en ligne, ici: http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visi/Visi/Visitor-visas/eVisitor-online-application Celui dont vous avez besoin se nomme : e-visitor. Il est gratuit.

SITES POUR DES VOLS MOINS CHERS

www.skyscanner.com

www.alibabuy.com

Attention à la durée des vols ! Il y a environ 23 heures entre Paris et Melbourne selon le lieu de l’escale. Parfois il y a des vols peu chers mais avec une escale de plusieurs heures. Il vaut mieux éviter ça. C’est assez pénible de passer une journée à l’aéroport.... 2 heures d’escale, c’est parfait, 5 heures, c’est pénible mais supportable. Au dessus, évitez!

COMPAGNIES LOW-COST EN AUSTRALIE

Jetstar

Tiger air

Virgin airways

Où LOGER

https://www.airbnb.fr/

https://www.stayz.com.au

Quartiers recommandés: Carlton, North carlton, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Brunswick, East Brunswick

QUOI FAIRE A MELBOURNE

The Melbourne zoo

The National Gallery of Victoria

ACCA (Australian centre for contemporary art)

CCP (centre for contemporary photography)

ACMI (Australian centre for the moving image)

HEIDI Museum of modern art

The Royal Botanical Garden (https://goo.gl/maps/j2wYuCW8ZbJ2)

The Queen Victoria Market (https://goo.gl/maps/xQmZ2eSV5b82)

QUOI FAIRE AVEC DES ENFANTS

Collingwood Children’s Farm - Une mini-ferme urbaine pour les enfants. https://goo.gl/maps/WcEiwdECquB2

Scienceworks - Des activités scientifiques pour les enfants. https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/

Healesville Sanctuary - une réserve naturelle où vous aurez l’occasion d'approcher et même caresser des kangourous ! https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville

Chrildren’s Gallery of the Melbourne Museum https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/childrens-gallery/

Fairfield Park Boathouse - Louer un petit bateau pour naviguer sur la Yarra River. https://goo.gl/maps/mAv5M4C3Mkt

Luna Park à Saint-Kilda - Le vieux parc d’attraction mythique du quartier de Saint-Kilda. https://goo.gl/maps/gja3JWwLhmD2

OU SE NOURIR

Déjeuner/Diner

Bar Idda (132 Lygon Street) Very nice sicilian restaurant

Pho Hung Vuong 2 (150 Victoria Street) Vietnamese street food

Meilleur diner chic (fusion asiatique): Supernormal, 180 Flinders Lane, CBD

Meilleur diner chic (genre français): Merricote, 81 High street, Northcote

Et encore un autre resto chic: The Town Mouse, 312 Drummond St, Carlton VIC 3053

Pizza et pates: Kaprica, 19 Lincoln Square S, Carlton VIC 3053

Le meilleur falafel de la ville: Half Moon Cafe, Victoria Mall, Coburg

Meilleure cave à vin : Neighbourhood Wine, upstairs 1 Reid St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068

Du poulet frit: Bell's Hot Chicken, 150 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Brunch

Carlton Espresso Classic Melbourne style/italian style cafe. Great food and coffee.

Petit-déjeuner japonais: CIBI, 45 Keele St, Collingwood VIC 3066 OR (sister cafe)

Mina-no-ie, 33 Peel street, Collingwood, VIC

Le meilleur petit-déjeuner: Moroccan Deli-cacy, 313 Lygon Street Brunswick

Dessert

Balha’s Pastry - Best Lebanese pastry

Ravioles chinoises

Shanghai Street dumplings, 64 La Trobe Street, CBD

Dumplings Plus (269 Swanston Street), Penang Coffee House (549 Burwood Rd), Antalya (233 Sydney Road) and a snack from A1 are all bound to please, as well.

BARS

The Alderman, Brunswick - Pour une bière en soirée. https://goo.gl/maps/AtN9CdyTaM52

Napier Quarter - Café chic. https://goo.gl/maps/TvuA5c8L4Sk

Où FAIRE DU SHOPPING

Brunswick st, Fitzroy

Lygon st, Carlton

Flinders lane, Melbourne

Little collins st, Melbourne

LES PLAGES AUX ALENTOURS DE MELBOURNE

Sandringham

Halfmoon bay

Brighton

AUTOUR DE MELBOURNE

Here a few of the more beautiful places outside of Melbourne itself, that would provide anywhere from an afternoon's enjoyment right up to an overnight or multi-day adventure.

Top pick: Wilson’s promontory

This is probably the most beautiful natural environment I've ever been in. Dense forest. Serious hills. And beach after beach that shock with their perfection. It’s a good few hours out of the city, so you would only want to do this if you were going to stay for a night or more. But for anyone who is into their camping, it is unmissable. Also, brilliant hiking widely available. One can camp if one is so inclined, but there is also accommodation there.

Dandenongs - not more than an hour out of town.

The Black Spur in the Dandenongs - good for people who wanna see some nature but don't necessarily want to walk to much, as you can drive along the length of it, but it's so beautiful. Cumberland Walk is also lovely http://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges/Things-to-do/Nature-and-wildlife/Yarra-Ranges-Scenic-attractions

Mount Macedon - Not more than an hour out of town. Picnic at hanging rock was filmed there.

Great Ocean Road

This is a coastal tourist drive. Little known fact, the whole road is in fact a war memorial. Huh. But in addition, it is also the route between the pretty spectacular southeastern coast of Australia and a series of varyingly charming seaside towns and villages. It also runs close to several pick-your-own berry farms.

Otway ranges

Top camplng spot - called Blanket Bay. Really amazing, like right next to this tiny sheltered beach and koalas, wallabies, fairy wrens, echidnas, and lots of birds and other animals right there. It's on the Great Ocean Walk so lots of nice hikes/walks you can do with very well maintained paths etc. I recommend the walk from Blanket Bay to Parker Hill, which is also another nice campsite. Info here: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/great-otway-national-park/things-to-do/camping - and in terms of the actual campsites, I reckon (in order of preference) the best ones are number 21, 22, 20. And 19, 15, 16, 17, 18 are also good. The ones near the ocean, basically. Maps attached. Recommend booking as far in advance as possible as it's really popular, plus christmas time.

Healsville animal sanctuary

An animal sanctuary with all Australian animals. Fun for Children but for adults too. A little over an hour from Melbourne.

The Mornington peninsula

Portsea- Queenscliff ferry

PLUS LOINS DE MELBOURNE

TASMANIA / Une heure d’avion de Melbourne

La Corse de l’Australie, des paysages sauvages impressionnants ainsi qu’un musée unique en son genre : MONA.

Bruni Island

Bay of fires

Freycinet.

Port-Arthur - Un pénitencier datant des origines de l’Australie.

Hobart - la capitale.

MONA - Museum of Old and New Art - Un musée privé délirant, financé par un magnat des jeux de hasard. La collection est de très grande qualité et le lieu unique au monde.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Byron bay - Ville balnéaire, parfait pour apprendre à surfer.

Mullumbimby - Village à l’intérieur des terres, pour de belles promenades.

QUEENSLAND

Cairns - Plongée dans la Grande Barrière de Corail avant son blanchissement définitif.

FILMS TO WATCH IN PREPARATION / Des films à voir avant de venir

Picnic at hanging rock

Walkabout

Samson and Delilah

The rabbit proof Fence

The Adventures of Priscilla queen of the desert

Lantana

Strictly ballroom

Romper stomper

The proposition

Japanese story

Dead calm

Wake in fright

Jedda

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