Category: Travel

Out of all the places we visited on our trip, Cardiff felt the most like home. Walking around the waterfront town reminded me of Santa Cruz, with a very friendly community and breathtaking views of the bay. Check out some of my favorite moments from the end of our adventure.

Ask Italian: After landing, we were absolutely starving. It was nearing lunch time, and as we walked into town from our hotel, we noticed this inviting Italian spot and decided to check it out. Most of the restaurants we ate at had been picked out prior to our trip, so we were pleasantly surprised with this place. The pasta bolognese and garlic bread hit the spot, and the delicious desserts satisfied our sweet-tooth cravings. This meal really set the tone for the entire food experience Cardiff had to offer.

Cardiff Market and Castle Quarter Arcades: After lunch, we had energy to go exploring. We started out by simply walking around. As I’ve mentioned before, I love checking out foreign cities’ marketplaces, and Cardiff’s was quite exceptional. Cardiff Market was so big and packed with varied offerings—I could have spent hours in there walking from vendor to vendor, tasting different sweets and treats along the way. In addition to their central market, Cardiff also has shopping arcades to walk through. They basically are little indoor malls that you can find in the alleyways between old buildings. There you can enjoy cute boutiques and cozy cafes. Both the market and arcades were around in the late 1880s and have since acted as vibrant pillars of the city.

Cardiff Castle: The UK is home to many castles, but this one holds a special place in my heart. Cardiff Castle is smaller and a tad subtler than the rest. It felt the most unchanged since its heyday too. As we walked through the yard and eventually made our way up the steep and narrow steps to the top of the castle, we got to look out and see Wales from above. Sharing the view that a Castle’s original inhabitants saw always amazes me, and I was not disappointed while looking over the green space around the primary tower. I could picture the land and life of a thousand years ago easily.

Cosy Club: This restaurant was so good we ended up eating there twice! The upbeat and hipster décor was unique and lively, the service was wonderful and endearing, and the food was out of this world. Their breakfast line-up was so yummy, particularly the pancakes with peach sauce, and their dinner was even better! I ordered the fried chicken and was blown away—the hint of cinnamon was a great twist! I highly recommend this hidden gem if you ever visit.

Cardiff Bay Open Boat: Nothing reminded me more of Santa Cruz than our fun ride around the bay. Our guide was hilarious, and his boat, the Daffodil, was quaint and charming. As he showed us Cardiff from the perspective of the bay, we were mesmerized by its picturesque views. The whole ride took less than 20 minutes, but it was still one of the most memorable activities from the trip.

La Parrilla: We rented a car in Cardiff, and with a break in our itinerary, we headed to Swansea. Once we arrived, we enjoyed a lovely happy hour on the water. Even after growing up near the ocean, I never tire of a water view.

Dan-Yr Ogaf National Showcaves: We had read about ancient caves about an hour outside of Cardiff, but being inside of them was surreal. It wasn’t apparent online, but once we got there we learned that the caves were in an area once surrounded by Dinosaurs! Inside the caves, evidence of early human activity made them incredibly intriguing. Making our way through the damp tunnels was like a walk back in time and unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced.

Brecon Beacons National Park: We had heard about a Roman Fortress not far from the Caves, but we got lost along the way, and then came to find out visiting the fortress itself required a five-mile hike. So instead, we spent the afternoon exploring the Brecon Beacons, the national park that the fortress lived on, from a high crest overlooking meadows and a small lake, just walking around the nearby area. When I picture Wales, this is what I see—vast open landscapes with sheep and greenery. The air was so fresh and clean. Being out in the middle of nowhere, taking in all of Wales’ natural beauty was breathtaking.

The Potted Pig: I had heard such good things about this restaurant, and it still managed to exceed my expectations. The food was FANTASTIC. We tried to savor every bite, and even though we were stuffed by the end of the night, we were left wanting more. I can still close my eyes and taste the steak melting in my mouth. The ice cream that came with the pie tasted richer than any cream product I’ve ever had in the States. This delectable meal was a fitting way to end our entire trip, leaving us full of gratitude and flavor from new experiences. I hope I can go back one day.

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Edinburgh was one of the most captivating cities we visited. I loved the gothic architecture, the dark and gloomy skies—the whole city felt as though it had remained the same over centuries, and we could really picture just what life looked like hundreds of years ago. Check out some of my favorite moments from the trip.

Edinburgh Castle: This was the very first thing we did after arriving in Edinburgh, and it was a great introduction. The castle sits above the city, so from almost every angle, no matter where you’re standing, you can look up and see it. As we walked from Princes Street (where our hotel was) to the Castle, I was transported back in time—the dark cobblestone streets and old buildings left us feeling dreary, the way we imagined the common people felt as they went about their daily business. Once we arrived at the Castle, we got to see stunning views from the top. Learning about the historic fortress was even more intriguing. We actually got to set foot in the room that Mary Queen of Scots gave birth in; it was surreal.

Scotch Whiskey Tour: Just down the street from the Castle was The Scotch Whiskey Experience. First, we ate dinner at the attached restaurant, Amber, which was delicious. Then we made our way to the tour. I’m not a big whiskey person, but I still found myself enjoying the experience. We learned about the different regions Scotch Whiskey is produced in Scotland, and it was so fun to guess the notes and undertones from each sip we tried, hoping to identify the region from which it came.

Kelpies: I had seen photographs of the Kelpies prior to our visit, but seeing them in person was incomparable. They were so big and all-encompassing that it was almost overwhelming. As we admired them from below, we enjoyed fresh ice cream from a nearby farm. It was a great way to spend the morning.

Ghost Tour: This was one of the most memorable tours from the trip. It’s no secret that I love a good ghost tour, so I was really looking forward to this. We walked through the city and learned about local hangings and executions that took place centuries ago; we meandered through ancient burial grounds and heard the stories of the people resting there; and towards the end, once nightfall hit, we got to step underground and walk the original streets of the city. Once there, we were told stories of accused witches, brutally murdered, that had lived at the spot we were standing on, and we looked around fearfully for their ghosts. I’m not sure if it was the storytelling skills of the guide, or just being underground, but I’ve never experienced anything quite as horrifying; perhaps because it was all true.

HMY Britannia: This activity turned out to be way more interesting than I had anticipated. Walking through the ship that three generations of the Royal Family, including Princess Diana, has inhabited was really fun. We got to see where the Queen slept, learned about her day, and even saw rooms where she hosted famous guests—like the Clintons. We sat in the same chairs the Queen’s family sat in, while looking at photos and video footage from their holidays.

Georgian House: I’ve talked a lot about feeling like we had stepped back in time on this trip, but nothing created that feeling more than walking through the Georgian House. Time stood still here, and we got to be flies on the wall, seeing what a typical home was like in the 18^th century. The house is situated in the historic New Town district of Edinburgh in Charlotte Square. As we toured the house, we learned about the Lamont family who lived there and got a taste of what daily life looked like for them. After wandering through, I found myself incredibly grateful for the evolution of societal rules and the invention of basic plumbing and electric. Times sure have changed.

Victoria Street: I am a huge Harry Potter fan, so when I found out J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh, and the city was a huge part of her inspiration for the stories, I knew we would have to visit Victoria Street—her real life version of Diagon Alley. The street was colorful and quirky, lined with interesting shops and restaurants. You could really see just how much of Edinburgh was translated into the books, and just how mythical the city really is. We ended the excursion with a glass of wine and shot of whiskey at a local bar. It was an afternoon well spent.

Royal Mile Market: So many British cities have exciting marketplaces, and Edinburgh was no exception. As we walked to and fro, we found this bustling market almost exploding with life—so we decided to check it out for ourselves. I found that local markets are a great way to really experience what a city’s culture is like. We got to interact with people, and even buy a few trinkets and souvenirs. Making sure there is time for unplanned activities like this one is key when organizing a trip; you can only plan for so much without being there and seeing what the city is really like and has to offer.

Hadrian’s Brasserie: This restaurant was located down the street from our hotel, and after walking by on the way home after a long day of festivities, we made a reservation for later that evening. The combination of upscale service, delicious dishes, live music, and overall satisfying ambience made for a wonderful last evening in Edinburgh.

Paris has been on my bucket list for years. I had romanticized the city, and man, did it live up to my expectations. Take a look back on our spectacular excursion!

Eurostar: Just getting to Paris was a great experience. Not only was the Eurostar extremely convenient and fast, but we also got to look out the window and enjoy the view. The English countryside and gentle meadows of France were speckled with tiny farmhouses amid green fields and hedgerow fences. The continental breakfast on the train really made me get in the Paris mood.

The Louvre: Our first big activity was visiting the Louvre. I’ve heard that you can spend something like two weeks walking through the entire museum, and after going, I completely agree. We spent a few hours marveling at some of the most incredible pieces of art I have ever seen. The sculptures stood out to me the most—masterpieces of both hard work and design.

Literature Tour: This was one of my favorite things we did on the entire trip! I’m a huge Hemingway fan, so when I found this tour online, I knew we had to sign up. It was great because it hardly felt like a traditional tour, but instead, like our Paris friend was showing us the local spots around town. We walked and chatted and saw some of Hemingway and his friends’ old digs, and even got to enjoy a drink at a local café.

Le Centre du Monde: This restaurant was our first real meal in Paris, and it was everything I imagined a French dinner to be… inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and in particular—escargot. I was hesitant to try snails, but, when in Rome, right? I thought they were surprisingly good! The sauce was what really had me—an addictive butter and garlic marinade that I couldn’t resist dunking my bread in.

Eiffel Tower: Rather than stand in line all day, we opted for a behind the scenes tour of the Tower.  We still got to enjoy the view, just not all the way from the top. Instead, we enjoyed the view from the lower decks but got to see the engine room and the Champ de Mars’ underground bunker. I highly recommend going this route if you ever visit.

Catacombs: As a ghost nerd, I was really looking forward to going underground and seeing the catacombs in person. It was cold, damp, and creepy. I loved walking through the ancient tunnels and imagining the lives of the 6 million people whose remains reside here. The funny thing is that you become desensitized to the bones once you have been surrounded by them for a couple hours.

The Seine Batobus Boat Ride: I loved our quiet boat ride along the Seine. You get to look out at the left and right banks while the guide describes the various places and buildings on either side as you drift by. All of the most iconic sights are fanned out perfectly along the river, and you can begin to place yourself back into the era of the lost generation, drifting peacefully through time.

Chanel: Seeing the original Chanel store is every fashion lover’s dream. I felt completely underdressed for the occasion as we had been hoofing through Paris all day with backpacks and Skechers; nonetheless, I went inside because I knew I would regret it if I didn’t. It was just as classy as I had imagined it to be, and I hope one day I can go back, but this time I’ll make sure to dress the part.

Le Cochon a l’Oreille: We didn’t have a reservation this evening, and after being turned down across the street, we were recommended to head over to this cozy restaurant. The incredibly friendly waitress didn’t speak any English, but she still made quite the impression on us. She was so accommodating and kind, we couldn’t help but love her. The restaurant itself was something out of the movies, with all of its Parisian ambiance. We sat outside under the awning, sipping wine and enjoying the warm evening, with classic French music playing softly in the background. I was so caught up in the moment the only picture of my food I took was of the delectable goat cheese salad, something I found Paris to be quite expert in providing.

La Parisienne: I ate a ham and cheese sandwich every day we were in Paris. I ate them cold, warm, you name it. This bakery was right next door to our hotel, and after walking by it one afternoon we decided we would go back for breakfast the next day when the croissants would be fresh. Having both a fresh croissant and the classic ham, cheese, and butter sandwich in Paris is definitely a MUST DO when you visit. Nothing in the states compares.

Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Conciergerie 3.5-hour Tour: This was the only day it really rained on our whole trip. As we walked from sight to sight, I instantly thought of the movie, Midnight in Paris, and the quote “Actually…Paris is the most beautiful in the rain.” After experiencing it, I would definitely agree. The rain made it feel like we stepped into a painting. Seeing Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle in person was breathtaking. I loved the gothic architecture and unparalleled stained glass. But nothing compared to seeing Marie Antoinette’s prison, the terrifying Conciergerie. It was unreal to see the dress she was executed in over 200 years ago. I’ll never forget it. I could have stayed there all day.

Love, Locks, and Walking: My favorite way to get around Paris is definitely by walking, and we did a lot of it. We got to really embrace the city by strolling along its streets, and I wish we’d had more time to explore. We ended up getting to see lots of picturesque hidden gems, like the Tuileries Garden. I had brought a lock for my suitcase, and once we walked past the Love Lock Bridge, we remembered the tradition of lovers attaching their locks in a display of romance and commitment. Unluckily, we noticed that they had taken down all of the locks that once adorned the bridge and put up a material that prevented any further romantic attachments. However, locks were now being placed on other bridges instead. Joel and I decided we would come back the next day and put a lock on one of those other bridges. The bridge at Pont de Solferino has our lock attached! Joining the romantic tradition was so special, and it was a great way to end our trip to Paris.

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London was such a fun experience—the food, the sights, the people. It felt like every corner we turned held even more history than the last. We did so many amazing things in London, but for the sake of length, I’m only going to share my absolute favorites.

Borough Market: We started our first morning roaming Borough Market. Just watching all the different stands prep for their day was fascinating. Since it was early, we opted for breakfast-y things, so we went to a delicious coffee stand with the best mocha EVER, and tried some refreshing juice. If you guys ever get the chance to go, I would recommend aiming for lunch or dinner time so you can take advantage of their full range of offerings.

Harrods: This was definitely one of the places I looked forward to visiting the most. I couldn’t decide which was more stunning—the clothes or the building. Walking through each floor had me mesmerized. When we needed a break, we stopped for tasty tea and treats! I wish we had more places over here that made shopping more of a multi-sensory elevated experience the way they do. We can take some notes!

Boat Ride: London has quite a few boat options on the Thames—we ended up riding The Red River boat, and it was surprisingly one of my favorite things we did. Our tour guide was hilarious, which made all the difference. It was a great way to travel in London, because you get to learn and see so much along the way, hopping on and off at the various stops.

Bedales: After a long day of touring, we found ourselves with a little extra time before dinner, so we popped into a local wine bar, Bedales, back in the Borough Market district. It turned out to be a great choice. The wine was just what we needed; plus, our waiter was so friendly, and the cool vibes were contagious.

Antico: This was probably my favorite restaurant from the entire trip! We actually had changed our dinner plans when the waiter from the wine bar recommended this place, and we were so glad we did. It hit the spot on so many levels—simple, hearty, yet delectable! I wasn’t even craving Italian before we went in, but now I will be craving this place any time I’m in the mood for pasta.

The Shard: Being one of the tallest buildings in Europe, I was so excited to go up! It was unlike any sky scraper I had ever seen—looking almost unfinished. Once we got to the top we were greeted with Champagne and a view like no other. Seeing London from so high up was really special. They also had a really fun virtual reality ride I highly recommend.

MotoGp: Joel had been looking forward to this for months. I didn’t know what to expect, but I pictured something along the lines of Nascar, but with motorcycles. It ended up exceeding my expectations! The first thing that caught my eye was all the different food options! It felt like Off The Grid in San Francisco meets the Nevada County Fair. There were even a few rides! Just walking around and people watching was fun. Of course, Joel loved watching the motorcyclists make their rounds too, even though it scared me, ha!.

Dishoom: The last time I went to London I was introduced to Indian food for the first time, and I loved it! Then, once I was back in the States, I was never able to find something that matched the quality of the food I had enjoyed across the pond. While planning for the trip, I saw so many different bloggers recommending Dishoom; even my sister had heard of it, so I knew I needed to go. It was such a great experience! When we first arrived there was a long wait, but they have mastered how to deal with hungry people. First they give you a complementary drink outside while you wait; then they move you into the bar for more drinks and snacks if you like, and by the time your table is ready, it feels like you hadn’t been waiting at all! The food was so incredibly good. We even ended up ordering more after we finished our first round! Everything from the greens, to the prawns, to the naan was out of this world.

The Tower: Our hotel room was within walking distance of the infamous Tower of London, and getting to see it every day was incredible. We would walk along the outside and marvel at what must have occurred when it was occupied in its heyday. The most famous imprisonment and beheading probably being that of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry the VII. When we finally went inside, I was even more impressed. It is a museum of suits of armour and other artifacts of the period. Plus, seeing the Crown Jewels was pretty amazing too. At the top of the Tower there was an iconic view of Tower Bridge. It was a great way to finish the London portion of our trip.

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