Finding style in meals, cities, and a lens
Ah Montmartre, the place that became home to famous artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec amongst many others. La Belle Époque left a mark on Montmartre making it the Bohemian center of Paris.
Today, certain parts of Montmartre are filled with tourists and vendors trying to sell their talents and souvenirs. But there is still so much to see.
Below are 10 things to do and see in Montmartre whether you like to keep it traditional or you don’t mind being a tourist.Read More
Washington D.C. is such a beautiful place to visit. I had been wanting to visit it again ever since I visited at 13 years old. I remembered the weather and the clean streets.
If I can say anything about D.C., it’s that it’s filled with history waiting to be shared. Whether it’s through the interactive museums or the landmarks, D.C. knows how to tell a story. Check out the things we did and what you may want to add to your bucket list.
It’s perfect to do in April when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. But it’s still a beautiful activity to do. Word of advice? Be prepared for your legs to hurt if you’re not used to cycling. Also, it gets very hot in the afternoon so bring some water or other refreshments.
It’s a wide open space and perfect for a quick game of frisbee. Or if you just want to take a stroll, that could work too.
Filled with restaurants and stores like Nordstrom, Chinatown D.C. is a great hang-out spot. It gives you a break from all the political seriousness. You hear music playing, people singing, and everyone is mingling.
This is one of the reasons I wanted to go back to D.C. The Holocaust Museum is a very touching place to go to learn more about the Holocaust. Not only is it informative but it’s also interactive. Their permanent exhibition has to be booked on the morning of when you’re going or weeks in advance.
It’s hard not to find a museum in D.C. A lot of them are part of the Smithsonian museums. The Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, and the American Indian Museum are some of the must-sees. There are plenty more to see along with these.
If you’re not coming on the Amtrak train, it’s still worth going to take a look at this train station. The structure and aesthetic is classy and very clean. The pillars remind you that you are in D.C. Union Station is filled with stores and restaurants like H&M, Le Pain Quotidien, and Tumi.
This is a no-brainer. Who goes to D.C. and doesn’t see a monument? It doesn’t have to be all of them cause that would involve a lot of walking and probably more days than you’re staing but you have to see at least one even if it is from the Tidal Basin.
Getting lost should be a to-do on everyone’s travel list. You discover new things this way. Sure, you can read a guide book but a guide book can tell you only so much.
Gallery Place is filled with restaurants and stores to shop. But for ice cream? Go to this Häagen Dazs. Not only does it taste good but it’s so cute. After that, you can go for a game of bowling inside or to the movies. It’s a perfect hangout spot.
The D.C. transit system can be a tricky puzzle at first. But once you keep using it, it’ll become easy. And it’s very quick to use. Contrary to what we heard, the transit system is cheaper than getting an Uber everywhere. Don’t underestimate the transit system.
New York City, the place many dream of living in and the place many locals have a love-hate relationship with. This New York City travel guide is filled with places to visit that will make you feel like a local.
I would say all year long is great to visit New York City. I say this because there’s a lot to do each season. During the summer, there are a lot of festivals and street markets available. In the winter, there are plenty of musicals and lights everywhere including the tree at Rockefeller Center.
Now, if you don’t want to freeze or sweat on your vacay then Fall or Spring would be fine to visit. The months of September to November and March to May would be ideal so you won’t experience any extreme weather.
Chelsea Neighborhood
This neighborhood is filled with cool restaurants, supermarkets, and parks. It’s also a few stops away from 34th street, 42nd street, and Soho. The LGBT welcoming neighborhood has a great nightlife. It’s hard not to find something fun to do here.
Cafe Gitane, 242 Mott Street or 113 Jane Street
I absolutely love this restaurant. And it’s not only me. This resto is a favorite among other bloggers and models. Maybe it’s the delicious French-Moroccan food or maybe it’s the vibe. It’s always busy and filled with conversation so you know they’re doing something right. My favorite dishes there are their Couscous and their Hachis Parmentier.
Basera Indian Bistro, 745 9th Avenue
In the mood for Indian while in NYC? Let me tell you that this is the best Indian bistro to go to. I even have a whole post dedicated to their food. My favorite dishes were the garlic naan with tikka masala and the butter chicken. The food is truly finger licking good.
Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
If you don’t like walking then this might not be your cup of tea. But it still should be on your bucket list. With some good walking shoes and great conversation, you won’t feel this walk to be long. As a matter of fact, it’s not long at all. You’ll make your way from DUMBO to the Financial District within 30 minutes. By the way, those are two great neighborhoods to visit.
Not in the mood to make the walk across? Another idea is to just chill in DUMBO. It’s an Instagram worthy neighborhood after all. And besides, you can still see the bridge from there.
One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower), 285 Fulton Street
After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan, you can stop by One World Trade Center to see the Freedom Tower. It’s a very sensitive area but you can pay your respects to everyone who contributed and lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks. Right in front you can find the 9/11 memorial and museum.
Washington Square Park
Located in Greenwich Village and close to Soho, this park is a must-see. Even if you’re not so excited to see the arch, you can still kick back at the park after a day of shopping.
Union Square Farmer’s Market
You can go to Union Square any day of the week really. It’s a great hang out spot. But to shop at the farmer’s market, go on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The square is active on those days. You can find vendors selling their own pastries, photos, paintings, etc. And sometimes you can find great music playing next to the train.
Flatiron Building
This is such a beautiful building and the area it’s in is Instagram-worthy. Right across the street you’ll find Madison Square Park. If you go in the Summer, you may find a festival going on at the park. Traveling with children? Be sure to visit the Lego Store on the corner of 200 5th Avenue.
Empire State Building
This is a must for anyone visiting NYC. It’s a prominent landmark to the Big Apple. You can go up to the top of the Empire State or just go to the Top of the Rock and see the Empire State from afar.
James Bailey Home and Riverside, 10 St. Nicholas Pl.
If you know about the Barnum and Bailey circus, you might be interested to know that one of the founders lived in Harlem. You can’t go in the home since it’s not vacant, but you can admire the architecture from outside. Afterwards, you can go for a stroll in Riverside, next to the George Washington Bridge.
Having visited Paris three times, I think it’s only fair to share this ultimate city travel guide with you. Some of the pointers here have been mentioned before on the other Paris travel guide but there are plenty of new ones here including places to eat and stay. If you are traveling with kids, the recommendations below will go a long way with you. Let’s get started.Read More
Traveling to Morocco with kids isn’t the first vacation idea to pop up in parents’ minds. A lot of people deem Morocco an unsuitable place for kids to be. But this is so far from the truth; Moroccans love kids and consider them a blessing. And there are plenty of things for kids to do there. Sure, there may not be indoor playgrounds with pizza readily available but kids get to experience a different lifestyle. Below are some activities that you may enjoy doing with your kids.Read More
I’ve disappeared from the blog for several days now but it’s okay cause I’ll have a lot of content to share in the coming weeks. I’m at the beginning of a long journey. First it’s Paris, then Morocco (again because I can’t get enough of it), and then Spain. From there I don’t know what’s next. Anything can happen but for now that’s my last stop.
We made it to the 15th arrondissement and it’s made me nostalgic plus all sorts of happy. The Eiffel Tower is visible when walking to the apartment. It’s so beautiful to see it sparkle at night when getting out from the Metro.
I’m glad I came since I got to practice my French some more. I feel way more confident in speaking it and am remembering the sentence structures even more now. Even Magdalene has been practicing her French. She keeps repeating her salutations and singing Frère Jacques. And I became way more familiar with the Metro and RER. Like my friend said, I’m a true Parisian now.
Sipping a cappuccino in Starbucks or sipping mint tea in a riad? We prefer the latter. Marrakech, Morocco isn’t called the Red City for nothing after all; it’s full of life, colors, and a lot of experiences waiting to be lived. It’s been visited and loved by many influencers including Yves Saint Laurent. You’ll fall in love with it too.
Below are 15 things you must do during your stay in Marrakech, Morocco.
This is the tallest mosque in the medina and the one that helped me get around a lot. If I felt lost, I just tried to get back to La Koutoubia which is right in front of Jemaa El-Fnaa. It’s worth paying a visit. You will not be allowed to go inside the mosque if you’re not Muslim but you can still take pictures of the outside. And you can visit the garden they have in the back. Just ask when you’re there.
This one is inevitable and it’s something you will do in all parts of Morocco. Haggling is a part of life at the souk. A good idea is to visit various vendors first and compare the prices. When you find the average price you can go back to the vendor you want and ask them to lower it until you feel it’s reasonable. Read our full guide on how to shop at the souk here.
Now you can’t go to Marrakech without stepping foot in Jemaa El-Fnaa. You’ll find snake charmers, different foods, vendors, and beautiful music. It’s such a lively place, even at night.
Palais El Badi, a palace built by Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Dhahbi, is a great place to spend a whole day in. You will need to arrive in the morning or split it in two afternoons since the palace is huge. When we went to Palais El Badi, we arrived in the afternoon so we couldn’t see the whole palace within that day. We had to go back the next day to continue. You also get to see the 12th century minbar that was once a part of La Koutoubia.
Who goes to Marrakech and doesn’t experience Jardin Majorelle? The elaborate and lively garden once belonged to painter Jacques Majorelle. It took him around 40 years to create the botanical garden. Much later on, designer Yves Saint Laurent decided to buy it. He then added a Berber Museum to the garden. This museum is also a must-see if you want to know more about the Berber tribes.
I had never been to a spa in my life, so to say I went to a Moroccan Hammam before a spa sounds a little backwards. But I’m happy I did it and I will do it again the first chance I get. In the hammam, it is very hot and steamy. If you’re not used to being in a steam room you may have difficulties catching your breath. When you’re ready your body gets scrubbed down with rhassoul, a clay-based soap, to remove all impurities and dead skin.
This former Islamic school has been a must-see for many visitors of Marrakech. You may recognize it by the green and orange zelige on the walls of its courtyard. Almost everyone takes pictures of it. But there are other floors and rooms to see beauty in as well.
You may have to visit the train station in Marrakech if you’re planning on visiting other parts of Morocco. So don’t forget to snap a photo of the beautifully designed entrance. Inside you will a money exchange place, McDonalds, KFC, and some local food places. And if you’re hoping there’s Wifi there, there is.
As a kid, I dreamed of living in a riad. My wish was granted when I stayed in one in Marrakech. Don’t miss the opportunity of staying in one; it’s so relaxing and calm. The only thing you may here is a fountain running or a few birds chirping. Unlike a hotel, there is no hustle and bustle. As a guest, you must also maintain the serenity of a riad. Below are a few riads we visited during our stay and would recommend.
-Riad Mouna
Marrakech is filled with history, art, and plenty of museums. You will be able to find a museum of your liking in Marrakech. The museum that opened most recently is the Yves Saint Lauren museum. But it’s not only about the designer, they have exhibitions dedicated to local designers and famous painters as well. You’ll learn a lot in this museum. Below is a list of other museums to visit.
-Musée Yves Saint Laurent
-Berber Museum
-Photography Museum of Marrakech
-MACMA Musée d’Art et Culture de Marrakech
-Musée de Marrakech
-Musée de l’Art de Vivre
Considered the new part of Marrakech, Gueliz is located in Ville Nouvelle (the New City) and it’s filled with restaurants and stores. If you miss shopping the modern way, you can stop by the mall and buy a couple of things. Here you’ll find H&M, McDonalds, as well as Carrefour Market.
Bring as many memories back with you as you can. This includes spices, tagines, lanterns, kohl, argan oil and the list goes on and on. The souk is filled with so many things. Just take your pick.
Don’t order water or juice at a restaurant, please. Live a little and try the traditional Moroccan mint tea. It’s yummy and great for digestion. This is how you start your meal the right way.
Just like the Moroccan mint tea, live a little and try traditional Moroccan foods. Order a tagine or bastilla. We promise you won’t regret it.
Never be afraid to get lost in Marrakech or any other place. Most people in Marrakech are nice and will help you find your way back. Or you can just grab a cab. But getting lost is the best part of any trip. You get to discover new things.
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The first time I heard about budget airlines was when I worked at the airport. I found out how cheap flights to Europe were but I remained adamant about it. It took me two trips to Europe until I felt ready for the budget airline challenge. I realized that I didn’t need much more than a carry-on and I could hold my hunger for 7 hours. Besides, it’s worth the money you’re saving.Read More
Morocco, the colorful country that many have fell in love with at first sight. Some have even dreamt of it even before stepping foot on it, myself included. There’s something about the country that draws visitors. But before you visit, you must know that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Below are 15 tips to follow before visiting Morocco. This way you won’t be too surprised when you get there.Read More
Riad Mouna, a humble yet alluring riad in the heart of Jemaa el-Fnaa. I grew a love for this riad as I stayed there the two times I visited Marrakech. The riad is no La Mamounia or El Fenn but it has the greatest perk of being located in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the red city. And it’s a beautiful and traditional riad with a loving staff. You can’t go wrong with that.Read More