My 2017 trip around the sun
I haven't been everywhere but its on my list...
From sipping Eiswein boating down the Rhine Valley River to getting sun kissed on the beaches of Virgin Islands heres the inside scoop of my fav travels in 2017.
Preface: This is not to brag or make it look like I lead some crazy perfect life. Traveling is a huge passion of mine. I mean this to share with others that are interested in these beautiful places. Please feel free to comment along any experiences or bits you would add!
Heres short snippets & some highlights!
First stop : London
Cheerio! Hello from Big Ben! First off,Westminster Abby is a must see, then we take a stroll by and see the Queen at Buckingham.
I have been to London before and I would honestly say do the whole "touristy thing". The hop on hop off bus was the way to go to see many popular sites and spend as much time as you want in each place.
Personal favorite touristy spots are:
- Tower Bridge
- Posing at Kings cross platform 9 3/4 (harry potter nerd alert)..
- Checking out the stunning architecture of St. Pancras station
- Lulling around the picturesque Hyde Park with the swans.
- Lunch at the colorful Borough Market
- Harrods in all its glory lit up at night
- Popping bubbly on the London Eye (more below)
*side note:If you have the time be sure to take a day trip to Windsor castle ! One of my favorite spots!**
Sip Sip Hooray!
I mean ... wine not?
The Champagne experience on the London Eye is a must ! Its more spacious and a quick skip of the line. With breathtaking views of the city and a bit of bubbly who can complain!
After a day by foot its always a good idea to stop in a local pub and strike up a convo over a pint and some fish and chips! (seriously we met the friendliest of people)! Local is always the way to go anywhere you travel ,and London has some of the kindest people. Sometimes they may direct you to hidden gems and local hangs for some of the best food and drinks off the tourist path. Its worth it to branch out and try new things from the real experts of London.
Next stop... Amsterdam!
Heading into into the square in front of the Rijksmuseum (the Dutch National Museum) you can venture off just about anywhere...
With little time to spare we headed to our canal cruise..... Unfortunately, skipping the Van Gough museum and only eyeing the Ann Frank house in passing (yikes the line snaked on forever).
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...and then fawning over the
blushing rosy tulips.
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My FOMO quickly disappeared as I stumbled the cobblestone ally upon our first canal.. I mean ....holy amsterDAM.....
Now, off to venture Hollands countryside
and learn of the traditional clog making, and
meet a cheese "fromager".. and a taste test of course...
Race Down The Rhine River...
Gutentag Germany !
Setting sail on river cruise down the famous Rhine Valley River making sure I had my camera at the ready in one hand with a glass of wine in the other (is there any better way to explore Germanys countryside).
Cruising past everything from Vineyards to Medieval castles it was time to take a pit stop at a local wine tasting in the quaint little town of St. Goar.
This is considered the most beautiful part of the country voted by germans!
(I second that vote)
And for all you vino lovers.....You may be able to find some of the infamous Eiswein ( "Ice wine") at a specialty wine shop its worth a try especially for you sweet tooth's!
Prost!!
Innsbruck, Austria
I couldn't help myself as we soared through the alps I had to burst out in song ..
"The hills are alive with the sound of music"
Winding down from the winding mountain passes we ended in this town bursting in pastels with a back drop to make your jaw drop.
Strolling around the city center you can find many great little gems ( literally) I had to stop in and drool over some of the beauties in the Swarovski flagship store...
After convincing myself that maybe I didn't need new stunning diamond earrings I compromised and decided I did need a pitcher of sangria and cheese plate ( my two main food groups) at this homey little restaurant lining the river (the view above).
Ve...Nice to meet you
Leaving the alpine views behind ... Im headed to warmer weather!
Ciao bellas! Im back italy!
As we arrived in the floating city I wouldn't wipe the smile from my face as I laid eyes on not only the gorgeous italian men but the gelato shops as well! Moseying down vibrant alleys and canal crossings we finally made a stop for a giant slice of piping hot pizza. You know its good when you go to town like you've never eaten before knowing full well theres a cute italian fella judging you as the grease streams down your face ...sorry not sorry...
Once that was settled its time to dive in .. well maybe ill just stay aboard the gondola .
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| If you are ever in venice and have the opportunity just do it! It can run pricey but if your lucky some of the gondoliers sing and its amazing how they can maneuver through the vintage chromatic city. |
Needless to say the go to's in venice besides the obvious touristy Saint Marks Square and a gondola ride its important to live a little!
When the Italians flirt ..flirt back! Enjoy a gelato in the sunshine and take in the vibrance of the city. Don't be afraid to dance to the music bubbling from St Marks Square or stuff your face with pizza. This is your vacation so take those touristy pics and eat 2 gelato's a day if you want! ..and of course don't forget to stop in for a traditional Italian spaghetti and meatball dinner!
For a little more kick try the Italian Limoncello ( Delicioso!)
My Fair Verona
Feeling sun kissed from Venice and having some pep in my step I raced through Verona. I was all jazzed up to send my letter to Juliet. However, I didn't prepare for the trillions of other hopeless romantics like myself buzzing at her balcony and letters covering the cobblestone walls head to toe!
Romeo ,Romeo where for art thou Romeo ... ?
Im still wondering ...
Clearly my letter didn't work out because here I am still single as a pringle ...
We didn't spend too much time other then at her balcony ( That is the main attraction).. on to the next adventure.
Swooning over the Swiss cheese, swans ,and Sunsets on the Alps!
Welcome to Lucerne, Switzerland
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Known for their chocolate , come to mama! The charm of the lush landscapes and crystal clear streams is the perfect backdrop to the traditionally kept city center of Lucerne.
The center peace- Kapelbrucke a wooden footbridge from the 1300's and is the oldest standing wooden covered footbridge in Europe. Surrounded by swans and lined on the sides with waterfront swiss promenades its home to romantic moments and famous film moments.
One of the coolest ( hehe literally there was snow) experiences. Taking the worlds steepest cogwheel from Alpnachstad up to panoramic alpine views with an alphorn performance at the top to just add to the already incredible cultural venture.
I mean can you not picture yourself sitting
here breeze in your hair,sipping on rose',and nibbling on swiss cheese?
Oi Oi Paris!
The city of lights and love !
Bonjour!
Top picks:
 
Oh la la!
More champagne please!!!
Before setting out on the last leg of the adventure I needed an XL cappuccino and chocolate nutella scone! !Au Revoir!
Belgium Waffles, Yes please!
Nom Nom!
We stopped into Brussels,Belgium really quick for a pop in lunch!
It turned out to be less lunch and more... sweet treats!
Sipping on the amazing variety of beer they had to offer we stopped in the chocolate shop for some scrumptious souvenirs to bring back. Their dark chocolate is #winning
Before take off I had to indulge in my little bundle of joy!
This was the highlight of my Belgium adventure. Other little finds included some one-of-a-kind beautiful church steeples in the plazas and the bumbling streets which were a mixed bag and fun to stroll down .
Back in America Home Sweet Home !
Time to Sun My Buns
Saint croix, USVI
Time to get some Vitamin -Sea
When your bestie lives on the paradise white sand beaches of the Virgin Islands you buy the next flight there! and then when you arrive even at 9 pm..you are greeted with a variety of locals and a shot of free cruzan rum ... hello yes!
Picture this: You wake up to your favorite day dream... a cup of coffee on the back porch as you gaze over to the screensaver tiki huts lining the beach and swaying palm trees ..
Id say i'm off to a good start...
This mini vaca was all about R & R but I couldn't resist once I heard of good hiking trails through the jungle that led to some tide pools you and jump off the cliffs into..
My friend Rebecca was already an honorary local with her bubbly personality she is so neighborly and already picked up many great friends around the island. We hit the trails with new friends in tow into the lush vibrant jungle to Annaly Bay.It was quite the find .. a few locals already had their jeeps parked on the beach(taking the shortcut), beers in hand, taking turns jumping off the cliffs into the tide pools.. is this a dream?
After getting back from a long sweaty hike it was time to sit back and enjoy an island drink in her backyard aka the tiki huts!
Showered up we headed to the local Cruzan Rum Distillery, one of my favorite things to do in St. Croix ! After many taste testers and feeling revived we headed out with our friends to bar hop the best local island spots.
Dancing at Blues (the best burgers), then over to the Spratnet for some knoch and famous "papa wanna".
Next, we load up in the car wind blowing our hair around blasting some classic Bob Marley "don't worry about a thing" and navigate through another part of the island jungle to Beer Drinking Pigs a one of a kind farm of pigs with a covered wooden bar hut with a few sips of their famous "mama wanna"..
And let me just tell you after all this your definitely gonna " wanna " dance on the tables.
We settled for dancing on the beach with a bonfire
The slight headaches we had the next morning couldn't hold us back from a day out on the boat with friends.
Grabbing some sandwiches from the local market,a cooler of beers, and much needed sun screen we headed to the dock to meet up with everyone!
Setting sail with visions of crystal clear waters, snorkeling the reefs, and soaking up the sun I posted out front and center of the deck to get the best views!
Just call me Scuba Steve!!
Buck Island is a must .. this enchanted island is something right out of a vacation commercial....
Regardless.. where you go on this island from point Udall (the furthest eastern point of the United states) down to Sonyas Jewelry a local fav ( I already have two bracelets= obsessed) you will be constantly stunned with views.. you can NOT go wrong when visiting this other worldly island.
If you do have the time some extra great finds are Jack and Issacs Beaches. Being so secluded its the perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy serene sounds of the waves crashing.
looking for a place to spend your weekends in a whirlwind? Head to Rainbow beach for a good time with .. well everyone! (This was my favorite day)
Back to reality!
Thats a wrap!
xx
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