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Monday, February 28, 2022

Six Top Tips to Stay Safe During Travels

Getting an injury, being robbed, getting sick, and other unfortunate circumstances can ruin your journey. Therefore, observing some practical travel safety tips is wise to prevent or counter glitches.

Dress Carefully

How you dress can make you an easy target for robbers and scammers. If you are going to a new place, do not make it obvious that you are a visitor. Instead, do your research and try to dress like the locals.

Some destinations and countries have laws regarding the dressing code. Therefore, it would be best to familiarize yourself with the laws of a new destination. Furthermore, it is wise to dress conservatively if you visit a conservative country for respect’s sake.

Note Down Emergency Contacts

Before you go on a journey, remember to save important details that can help you out of sticky situations. For example, you may not have the time to contact relevant people in the face of calamity. You may also be too anxious to act on your own.

Record contacts in places that other people can easily access. For example, you can write them on a card, laminate them, and then keep them in your purse. As you note the contacts, you also note how to make your travel impactful.

Learn Tactics of Self Defense

Learning the basics of self-defense is crucial for your safety. However, you do not have to apply them in all situations, so you need to discern when and when not to be defensive. For instance, do not resist if an armed robber wants you to give them money or belongings.

It would help if you only used force when your life is in danger, and there is no other way out. In addition, you can carry pepper spray to use for defense except when using commercial airlines.

Set Aside Emergency Cash

Hide some cash in secret places among your clothing or belongings. Then, you can leave some emergency cash with a trusted friend or relative if you lose everything, including the hidden money.

A secret credit card and dummy wallet can save you a great deal. Have a dummy wallet with some money to give in a mugging scenario. For the credit card, do not carry it alongside other cards.

Use Safe Transport

Avoid travel mishaps by using reliable transportation companies. Get recommendations from relatives or friends who have used the services or check online to see reviews. If you lose your travel buddy due to the action or misaction of other people, contact a wrongful death lawyer who offers legal assistance to represent you in court.

Avoid Posing in Risky Places for Likes

Influence from social media has led people to take risky selfies. For instance, getting too close to wildlife or standing at the edge of a cliff to pose. Do not try to get more likes at the expense of your life. In addition, don’t ignore posted signs and cautions.
Conclusion

You cannot always avoid risks. However, you can mitigate them. Now that you have ways of staying safe, go on your journey and practice them. You will enjoy your journey more knowing that you are prepared to avoid danger.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Leave With Confidence

Getting ready to leave for a trip can feel like a long list of must-dos. Travel prep seems to never end, especially when you're the one planning everything and are stressing out. You may have remembered the important things, like packing underwear, paying your bills, and unplugging appliances/electronics that don't need to be sapping energy when not in use, but maybe you've forgotten equally important things that haven't crossed your mind. 

Getting ready to leave for a trip can feel like a long list of must-dos. Travel prep seems to never end. Here are some things to do before you leave.

Well, here are a few things to do before you leave that will give you peace of mind and allow you to relax knowing you're as prepared as you can be:
  1. Alert your credit card company(s) and bank - You don't want your purchases to get declined because your credit card company thinks your card has be stolen. Let them know you'll be on vacation, for how long, and where, so all your purchases go through like normal. A lot of bank apps or websites allow you to do this without actually talking to a rep, so that's easy!
  2. Leave your info and itinerary with someone at home - You never know what might happen, so make sure you give someone you would contact in the case of an emergency a copy of your plans for vacation. It's nice for people to know if you need help or that you're even gone.
  3. Clean out your wallet/purse - You don't need that yogurt punch card or your 900 crumpled up receipts taking up space. Take only the necessities and then use the extra room to keep receipts so you can stay within your travel budget. Often, I'll use an app called Smart Receipts, which lets me take photos of my receipts and it adds everything up for me and keeps a runny tally.
  4. Call your cell phone carrier - If you'll be traveling out of the country, you'll want to make sure your mobile works, or else what's the point? Contact your carrier and make sure you don't need to get on a different plan for the duration of your trip and learn about any excess charges for international calling, roaming and text messages. In these cases, I ask everyone to skip texting me and instead use Facebook Messenger or the Voxer app, for free communication. (You might prefer WhatsApp.)
  5. Go through your fridge - No one wants to come home to smelly house. Eat anything you can that's a leftover or close to an expiration date. Throw out what you need to, so when you come home, it's not full of rotting foods. If you can't eat everything in there, you can always make meals and freeze them, so then you have easy food for when you return and are trying to ease back into daily life. (While you're at it, take out the trash, too.)

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Staying Healthy On Vacation

Even though Covid and all its variants are floating around and still a big problem, that doesn't mean it's the only thing you can get sick with on vacation. Flu season, regular colds, and just general germs are still exist, especially with mask mandates being non-existent most places and people being lax with social distancing. 

Even though Covid and all its variants are floating around, that doesn't mean it's the only thing you can get sick with on vacation.
<just a quick reminder to get vaccinated & boosted>

I've had my share of sickness on trips. My first visit to San Francisco had me looking super miserable on our tour of Alcatraz. I ended up with THE WORST head cold in Vegas, which turned into a sinus infection. I started to feel the crud creep up on me in Hawaii, but by then I learned how to stave it off with all the Vitamin D. Need a quick cold remedy so you can get back on your feet and enjoy your trip? Here's what I know, in addition to always carrying some Halls Defense and Emergen-C in your bag:

Take a hot shower - Steam is great for breathing, and a hot shower can really open up your nasal passages if you've got a stuffy nose. 

Eat extra foods high in protein - Proteins help boost your body's infection defense, so load up on things like eggs, chickpeas, yogurt, quinoa, lentils, pumpkin seeds and tuna.

Hydrate - This is especially important as you travel anyway, because you're getting more exercise than normal (hopefully). Drink two or more cups of water more than you usually do. I always travel with a reusable water bottle, so this is the time to fill it up and drink it while out and about.

Get 7-8 hours of sleep - I'm a horrible monster if I don't get enough sleep, even on vacation. I tend to schedule myself for the whole day, but knowing how I am, I also schedule in down time, because I know I need to not be go, go, go 24 hours a day. I try my best to get as much sleep as I can, because if I don't, not only am I crabby and stressed out, I know I'm also likely to get sick.

Exercise/walk - Walking increases your ability to breathe better and it's also incredibly good for you. Fresh air and exercise are underrated, so even if you feel gross, try to get up and moving, because you may end up feeling much better, much faster than if you just lay in bed like a lump. You'll also still be able to see some stuff, which you won't see from the inside of your room.

Clean your hands - Yes, you're probably sick of hearing this, but washing your hands frequently and/or using antibacterial spray/gel can limit your exposure to germs, even if you're still masking (which I highly recommend in crowded places), and can keep you from lingering in your sickness if you're unfortunate enough to get sick while you're traveling. 

Wear a mask - If you do get sick, masking is even more important for those around you and to keep from spreading your germs to others. It's also important for you to get tested for Covid, just in case. There are a lot of testing sites up and running, or you can travel with at-home tests, which are easy to use and give you a quick response. 

In addition to these things, don't forget to eat well as much as you can on your trip, so your body has the nutrition to keep your immune system at its best. Now, go forth and have an amazing trip!

Tell me all your best healthy travel tips, or your worst case of sickness on a trip!

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Always Have Your Bag Packed

Do you dread packing? Or wish you could just find a great deal, book it and leave with little time to prepare? Why not keep a bag packed with all your necessities that will just require a few additions before heading out the door? I'm headed to Vegas in just a few days and it, literally, took me 20 minutes to pack for it, and it all fit in a backpack.

Do you dread packing? Why not keep a bag packed with all your necessities that will just require a few additions before heading out the door?

There are always going to be items that you take on every trip, so start by making a basic packing list and go from there:

Toiletries
You pretty much use the same toiletries time and time again, so purchase some travel-sizes of your favorites and keep them packed. Minimus is a great place to get health and beauty products in tiny sizes that are perfect for your carry-on or ask for sample sizes when you go buy your cosmetics at Sephora, Ulta, or other makeup retailers. 

When packing makeup, instead of waiting until you have used it the day you leave, pack items that are nearly empty – but good for one to two weeks more use – and use new ones at home. 
You can always decant your items into smaller containers, too.

Undergarments
I’ve never gone anywhere without socks and underwear, so I doubt it’s common among the majority of travelers to leave home without them. Purchase a half dozen of each solely to pack your travel bag. This way they’re always in there and you don’t get to your destination and have to go shopping for these important items. Look for clothing made of soy or bamboo, as they will be odor-resistant, moisture-wicking and quick-drying.

Charger for electronics
Everyone travels with at least a few electronics. Be it an iPod, laptop, mobile phone or an eBook reader, you’re going to need to charge it at some point in your trip. Look for a multi-charger that can charge all your gadgets with just one cord. This eliminates the last-minute scramble to find all your adapters and the inevitable knotted mass that you find upon making it to your destination.

Convertible layers
You never know what the weather is going to be like when you travel. You could encounter a freak snowstorm, monsoon rains or even a heat wave. I always suggest bringing a fleece or similar pullover and several tanks or t-shirts that can be worn alone or underneath other clothing. When it’s warm, one layer is probably more than enough, but if it’s cold, you’ll be glad you packed that cardigan or sweater.

Packable jacket
This is another item I always pack to be prepared. Maybe it’s 80 degrees and sunny where you’re going, but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. A lightweight packable jacket is great for repelling rain, keeps your hands free like an umbrella won’t, packs small and can double as an outer layer should it become chilly.

With the essentials in your bag already, you can easily throw in other items that you’ll need at the last minute, like a spare pair of shoes and several tops and bottoms that all go together. Here are some tips on packing light.

What are some of your must-pack travel items?

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

6 Reasons Vacation Rentals Are Awesome

As a timeshare owner, I've gotten used to having a larger space to crash in when I vacation. Unfortunately, I can't always get into a timeshare property, or there aren't any where I'm going. Usually, I check out Airbnb {<--use that link for $40 off!}. There's a time and a place to opt for a hotel, but as a budget traveler, being able to save money on food and saving my sanity by not being in everyone's pocket 24/7 is very important. Here are my 6 reasons to choose a vacation rental.

There's a time and a place to opt for a hotel, but as a budget traveler, being able to save money on food and saving my sanity by not being in everyone's pocket 24/7 is very important.

You get a kitchen

This means you can cook your own meals! Now, keep in mind, I don't go on vacation to cook, especially since cool new foods are the best part of traveling to me. I do, however, hate getting up super early, so I tend to load up on breakfast foods. This allows me to spend a little more time in bed, plus I save money on morning dining. We usually spend at least one dinner in, either making something easy or eating leftovers, which we were able to bring back, because we have a fridge and an oven.

In many rentals we've stayed in, they've also included grills, so we could BBQ if we wanted. This is great if you are traveling in the warmer months. If you travel with kids, having a place to prepare and store foods can be imperative for your sanity and saving money.

You (generally) have a separate bedroom

Listen, I don't need to have a different room with a bed, but it's nice. I'll settle for separate, defined spaces, just so I can get away from my travelmate(s) for a minute. I adore my husband, but we don't always want to be in each other's faces. A hotel room normally has a bed and one chair. If you're lucky, you get a tiny table or a desk. Even if you bring back leftovers, you can't really sit anywhere comfortable. If you have to do work or just want to play on your laptop, there's not a good place to do that either. 

I don't always go to bed at the same time as people I travel with. It's nice to have a table where I can type away, a couch to relax on, a bed for sleeping purposes that doesn't also double as a terrible chair, or a room where I can just hang out alone in that isn't the bathroom. 


You can choose your amenities

I have a small list of must-haves when I travel: WiFi, TV, a shower (if I'm traveling to Europe where not all places have one), and laundry facilities. I get these things in a timeshare property, but I can also choose these things specifically when searching for a vacation rental. For example, we're going to Edinburgh and London in the fall and I want to pack light. Because of this, it's especially helpful to have access to a washer and dryer. I've had to go to the laundromat in the past and while it wasn't the most annoying thing, it cost quite a bit in London. 

You can choose your price range

Sure, you can do this with hotels, but for the same price, you can search for a vacation rental that is in a location desirable to you, plus includes all the amenities you hope to get in a place to stay. If you can get all this for the same price or a little more, you're still saving money on baggage fees, food, laundry, and possibly entertainment, because you have room to spread out and play games and/or watch movies.

You can feel at home

This is the number one reason I enjoy a vacation rental over a hotel. Feeling weirdly displaced when you travel is hard. I like to feel like my space has a home. I don't need a maid to come in and clean up after me every day. I want my space to feel cozy and comfy and lived in. I can make a rental feel like my home until I leave. I can spread out my stuff, not worry about anyone coming in to clean (where I have to clear up things before I leave each morning). 

Having what equates to a small home or apartment makes me feel like I'm a traveler instead of a tourist. Like I'm living like a local. Some come with free parking, some are in buildings with extra security, some have pools or gyms. The best part is that if you don't want these things, you rent a different place and don't pay for them, unlike when you stay in a hotel that offers them for everyone.


You have a true local on-call

One thing you usually don't think about is having someone you can contact for an inside look at your destination. Yes, there's the front desk or concierge at a hotel, but when you rent from a local, it's easy to pick their brain to find out where they like to go and what they'd recommend seeing to an out-of-towner. They probably aren't rich and they certainly don't get kick-backs for pointing you in the direction of an activity or restaurant. Some live steps away or welcome calls/texts or leave detailed folders with all the cool stuff for you to peruse. I always get awesome suggestions this way. 

What are your favorite reasons to choose a rental over a hotel?

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Lunar New Year Activities

This has been a very long, stressful week, so while I take a bit of time for myself before I come back with a full post of great things, I thought I'd show you a few highlights of the last couple of weeks that we've been doing Lunar New Year activities. It's been a lot of fun and I highly recommending doing things in your city if they are offered. 

I thought I'd show you a few highlights of the last couple of weeks that we've been doing Lunar New Year activities.

This week we set aside some time to finally do our Lunar New Year Destination Date Night. I simplified with only one (really good, mind you) backdrop, but a fortune tree and some fun headgear. 

Sometimes, if I set things up and there aren't any accessories, Eric will ask where his hat is. LOL! We did those fun firecracker headbands last year, so this year we got dragon glasses. I had to buy a dozen, so I also shared at work, which was a big hit.


For some reason, there doesn't seem to be a restaurant around here that does delivery that offers both noodles and bao, so I went rogue on my weekly trip to Trader Joes and bought all the Asian things that I've seen mentioned being served on traditional Lunar New Year tables. 


I wasn't kidding. Here's my haul (sorry I didn't take a photo of the boxes before they were open.) This all, literally, cost about $20. Stay tuned, or check out my insta for our desserts (which I got at Uwajimaya, a local Asian market.)



Our local mall had a day of celebration, where I got to be a model on their Instagram Stories, but first we stopped by the Wishing Tree.


Here's Eric adding his wish.

There was this awesome storyteller, where we learned why fireworks and celebrations and the color red are so important to the holiday. He also told some great other tales and, as you can see, the kiddos loved it. We did, too.


 


They also had a fantastic dance troupe. They did three lovely traditional dances. There was also Chinese opera, which was...different. 

Last year we visited the Chinese Garden during the day and had a wonderful time. I was disappointed we missed out on the nighttime lantern show. This year I was able to get tickets before they sold out, but it was very crowded, but this was probably because they brought back the Dragon Dance this year.



The lanterns on the lake were beautiful, and I was still easy to see with all the people. There weren't many different things, besides the Dragon Dance than going during the day. 

I love this little pagoda though. It's stuffed to bursting with info on Chinese New Year, including the traditions and games and decorations.


If nothing else, everyone seemed to have an awesome time, even if you couldn't really walk anywhere during the Dragon Dance.

I hope you're all having a great February so far and, if you're celebrating the Year of the Tiger, I hope that's also full of prosperity, love, and success. 

Does your city have any cool holiday celebrations surrounding other cultures?

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

8 Alternative Budget Spring Break Destinations

Spring Break may be fast approaching, but non-essential travel is still kind of frowned upon, and you probably don't feel comfortable visiting a place that's packed full of drunken tourists. We all want to get away from home and have some fun, so if you're trying to take a trip that's somewhat safe and also budget-friendly, here are 8 options for you: 

Spring Break may be fast approaching, but you can still have a safe and budget-friendly trip with these 8 alternative options.

  • Washington, DC - With Covid restrictions finally lifted, most of the museums have reopened. The weather is generally nice during the spring, so eating outside will be pleasant, allowing you to dig in to the rich foodie scene. If you want to eat inside, right now you will need to show proof of vaccination. Here are some of the things we did on one of our previous trips.
  • Phoenix/Tempe - Arizona isn't at the height of its hot temps in March/April, making it an ideal vacation destination. Get amazing hotel rates or spend a little extra for a luxury resort that may be offering up to 40% off. There are a lot of cool things to see and do there, and tons of delicious Mexican food, too.
  • Palm Springs - While not as exotic as much of the rest of this list, and known mostly for their golfing, Palm Springs is a nature-lovers’ desert oasis. From hiking, horseback riding and swimming, there is something for everyone who loves to be outside. Steeped in Native American and Mexican culture, the city is now a resort paradise that draws regular travelers and celebrities alike. You can find great deals on accommodations, entertainment and even dining and spa services. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it – and find it for less – in the desert of Palm Springs.
  • Austin, TexasWhile the city may be weird, it's also romantic and unique. Learn to get down and lose your two left feet on Saturdays at the White Horse for free with lessons from Two Left Foots. The Blanton Museum of Art stays open late on Third Thursdays, so it's the perfect post-dinner activity. The New Movement has free and affordable comedy shows all week long. And what's cooler than a speakeasy? Behind a false bookcase in Firehouse Lounge, you'll find a secluded bar for a drink with your travel companion(s).
  • Los Angeles - California has some fantastic weather much of the year, or at least better than other parts of the country. I've never turned down a trip to LA, because Disneyland, Universal, Hollywood, delicious foods, amazing art. I mean, the list goes on and on. Couple that with flights that are almost 25% less than other times of the year and you really can't go wrong. My friend and I spent two days in LA last year when we did theme parks and we were never disappointed by what we found to do.
  • New OrleansI've traveled to New Orleans and have written several posts about it. With Mardi Gras behind them, Spring is a wonderful time to visit. Not only do you get to take advantage of the warm weather, but you also aren't wading through hoards of tourists.  Save on your trip to New Orleans with the Power Pass. Starting as low as $28 per day, gain entry to the must-see attractions of the city. Choose from places like the Musee Conti Wax Museum, Audubon Zoo, Cajun Pride Swamp Tour and much more! Available in 1, 2, 3 and 5 day durations. Add a 1-3 day MealTicket to eat at awesome restaurants for one low price. If you know you’ll be stuffing your face with étouffée, jambalaya and other Cajun deliciousness, this is definitely the way to go!
  • San Francisco - This may seem like a really expensive destination, but if you look for hotels in the Union Square area, you can find rates as low as $120 for a 4-star hotel. Find awesome, and affordable, things to do there using this 48 hours post.
  • Las Vegas As long as you don't gamble away your savings in the casinos, you can totally make a trip to Sin City cheap. Rates at the MGM Grand can run you under $100 per night, and you can spend less at a less-luxurious hotel. Not sure how to keep your money in your pockets? Here are free and cheap ideas and what you can do if you have kids in tow.
Right now you'll find a lot of great airfare deals for the next several months. I've seen some really affordable Alaska flights, starting at just $59 each way, so if you're planning to take a trip, now's the perfect time to start booking airfare and accommodations for it.

Where are you hoping to go this Spring?

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Happy Lunar New Year

Cung Chúc Tân Xuân (or Gracious wishes for the new Spring in Vietnamese). It's the Year of the Tiger! I'll be doing Lunar New Year festivities this whole weekend, and I'll be following up with several posts. You can see my posts from last year here and here. If you are also looking to celebrate, here are some things to know and do:

Cung Chúc Tân Xuân (or Gracious wishes for the new Spring in Vietnamese). It's the Year of the Tiger! If you want to celebrate, here are some tips.
I know this shows old years. Last year was the Year of the Ox, and next year will be the Year of the Rabbit

So, Saehae bok mani badeuseyo - May you receive lots of luck in the new year in Korean - and I'll be back with my local festivities soon. You can follow me on Instagram to follow along in real time.

Do you have a favorite way to ring in the New Year, Lunar or otherwise?


Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Tucson In Food Photos

Before I left for Arizona, I put out a call to my Tucson friends to give me their favorite places to eat in the city that wasn't Eegee's (because I was already going to go there). They, honestly, did not disappoint me and gave me way more suggestions than I had time to eat at. That's okay though, because I had a list of options for wherever I was, and I appreciate that.

Before I left for Arizona, I put out a call to my Tucson friends to give me their favorite places to eat in the city, and they did not disappoint.

When we lived in Tucson, we were very close to a couple of places, and one of my favorites was a 50s-style diner called Little Anthony's Diner. Needless to say, they had a lot of new stuff on the menu, including these enormous, ridiculous milkshakes. You know I had to try it out. 

This is called the I Want S'more Rama Lama Ding Dong Shake, because it had toasted marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and a full Ding Dong on it. It took 20 minutes or something to make and it came with a sparkler like it was my dang birthday. I was all in. 

Eric and I did our best to take it down, and we did a pretty good job, but there were still some casualties, because we still were trying to also eat food we ordered. Eric had the Hatch Green Chile Cheeseburger and my mom and I split Elvis's Favorite - a fried peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich with honey and fries. 

Almost, literally, across the street is an Eegee's, a local chain that serves hoagies and specialty drinks called Eegees that are like a cross between a Slurpee and a Slushy, but made with real fruit. Everyone wanted strawberry (the best one, in my opinion), so I just got the biggest one they serve. Do you think it's big enough?

Yes, we did go straight from dinner to get take-out from somewhere else, because we ate really early and I knew we'd be hungry later, but wouldn't want to go back out. So, here's my turkey sandwich, too. I thought in 20 years, my brain would have remembered it being way better than it was, but I wasn't disappointed with it either. I wolfed down my half at 9pm while checking email and uploading photos.


I had looked up best places for brunch in Tucson and my Facebook friend Liana recommended LaCo, which I was already looking at, so I knew that was going to be a winner. They are right downtown, so easy to find and close to a bunch of things. We took a shady table in their courtyard and were served by a woman who had a very Portland vibe about her. She used to live here, so that made a lot of sense. 


I ordered the Potato Tacos, which were veggie soft tacos with tater tots in them. They were so good. Eric got the B.A.T. L.E.G. sandwich that was bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, fried egg, and herbed goat cheese, with balsamic reduction served on sliced sourdough.

My high school friend Kate mentioned a ton of places, including a BBQ joint called Brother John's that's on the outskirts of downtown and has been awarded Best BBQ in Tucson. We had eaten a lot of heavy things, so we went a bit light here. Eric got the Wedge Salad with brisket. 


I ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Salad and my mom decided on the Potato Skin with pulled pork, which turned out to be half a baked potato heaped with meat and cheese. All of it was awesome and I can see why they are highly recommended.


Even though I was full, I saw they had Beignets on the dessert menu and asked for an order to go. They were delicious, but the chocolate dipping sauce was just Hershey's chocolate sauce and a big let down.


You know I love a good brunch. Liana also recommended checking out the Mercado, which is a block of independent shopping and eating establishments, so one morning we headed over, got an awesome coffee at Presta Coffee and then walked across the courtyard to order and snag a table at Seis Kitchen. All the restaurants share the outside seating, but there's quite a bit. 


My mom just got a bean and cheese burrito, but Eric ordered the Chorizo and Potato Breakfast Tacos, while I got the Plato Mixto - eggs scrambled with cheese and green chiles and bacon, beans and breakfast potatoes, served with tortillas. I could only eat half of it, so I took the rest to go and enjoyed it the next evening while we were watching a movie.


While looking for a place that was open after 7pm in Oro Valley (where we were staying) and not driving 30 minutes to get there, Eric picked a place down the street called Harvest Restaurant. It had outdoor seating, and we sat in the area that was covered, but still sort of outside. We were able to get in on happy hour and view the sunset, too. 




We got the Arancini risotto balls (above), I ordered the Short Rib Tacos, Eric got the Short Rib Nachos, and my mom ordered the Sweet and Salty Salad - chopped kale & roasted butternut squash in maple balsamic dressing w/ candied pecans, brie cheese, craisins & diced apples. Everyone swooned over their food. 

We had a lot of food, but there were two desserts that were specials that sounded fantastic and we asked the waiter to choose his favorite. Between the Coconut Carrot Cake and the Peppermint Cheesecake, he recommended the carrot cake, so we ordered one to go. It was beautiful, but we didn't realize until we opened it later that it was half pineapple. Citrus does not like me. I loved it, but I also had the worst heartburn that evening. If that's not an issue you have, I'm envious, but I also recommend that cake. 

It felt like we spent a lot of our time walking and eating, but that's okay. We had a great time doing both. I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of our dining adventure. I'll be following up soon with things we did on our trip.

What are your favorite food cities, or even just your very favorite restaurant (and what do you order there)?


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