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Veggie Meal Alert! Thrill Grill in Haarlem, Netherlands
If you find yourself in the quaint town of Haarlem, Netherlands & if you're looking for a tasty vegetarian meal, go for Thrill Grill. I have to admit there weren't any vegetarian options save for this exact meal, but it was worth it. Thrill Grill is a must-visit place if you want a unique veggie-friendly dish in Haarlem.
Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights
I still dream about the Veggie Falafel Thriller, made with homemade falafel, tomato, pickled cucumber, red onion, & bell pepper hummus served on a toasted organic bun. It was so hearty, filling, & huge. It's not your average falafel either; it's incomparable to any type of falafel I've ever had. Pure delight for vegetarians & non-veggies alike.
Related reading: Cheesing it Up in Gouda, Netherlands
Ask for Thrill Grill's herb fries, made with homemade, fresh-cut fries & mixed with tarragon & chervil, a relative to parsley. Pure greasy perfection that's best washed down with a glass of Heineken, the famous pale lager beer brewed in the nearby city of Amsterdam. I tell you what, Heineken tastes best when you drink it locally.
Sit outside. You won't regret the marvelous views & the immense amount of people-watching potential. Haarlem has a lot of character with its cobblestone streets, gabled houses, & narrow alleys. Thrill Grill is centrally located in the market square with a perfect glimpse of the Grote of St. Bavokerk, an important landmark & church within Haarlem.
My Thrill Grill falafel burger remains one of the top meals during my month-long trip to Europe last year. Perhaps it was the superb taste or even the inspiring views, but the verdict is the same: amazing. Homemade, home cut fries paired with a non-conventional burger & a cold glass of Heineken mesh together to create a pleasant & harmonious meal. Ah, the memories.
How does Thrill Grill sound to you? :]
You may find Thrill Grill:
Oude Groenmarkt 26, 2011 HL
Haarlem, Netherlands
Oude Groenmarkt 26, 2011 HL
Haarlem, Netherlands
+31 23 202 4047
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7 Things To Do in San Clemente, California
If you find yourself in glorious & bright Southern California, do yourself a favor & check out San Clemente. Located between San Diego & Los Angeles, this spunky coastal town in Orange County has so much to do & see & experience. The San Clemente town slogan is "the Spanish Village by the Sea," which rings true once you start exploring. Look no further for things to do in San Clemente, California.
1. Walk down the San Clemente Pier
No stop in San Clemente would be complete without a walk down the pier. It's not very far & the wood is in great condition, so it's quite an easy journey. Once you make it to the end you'll see the remarkable blue green horizon of vast ocean.2. Hang out at San Clemente State Beach
Heading to the beach is the very first thing you should do on a warm SoCal day in San Clemente. Take a dip in the water, wriggle your toes in the sand, watch the surfers do their thing, or just bask in the sunlight.3. Stroll the San Clemente Beach Trail
Since you're already at the beach, enjoy the San Clemente Beach Trail. In addition to getting your step count up, you'll witness the wonderful views of the shoreline with a breath of fresh air. It's a relatively easy & tranquil trek. Soaking up the sunshine is one of the best things to do in San Clemente!
4. Browse the local shops
San Clemente has a lot of unique eateries, funky shops, & cool spots to enjoy. Walk down the main street & you're in the heart of all the businesses. There are clothing boutiques, delightful restaurants, & anything your heart desires.5. Take a look at the houses
I had a blast just looking at the various houses & buildings in the area. Many of them have a very distinct Spanish inspired architecture. Some are brightly colored & others have beautiful front lawns with an abundance of succulents. Just take a moment to peruse & enjoy.6. Go to the San Clemente Farmer's Market
Walk around & relish in the farmer's market on Sundays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Get your locally grown fruit, aromatic & fresh bread, or maybe even a bouquet of surprisingly affordable flowers. The farmer's market can be done in 30 minutes or less if you're in a hurry.7. Casa Romantica
I'm super sad I didn't get a chance to visit Casa Romantica during my trip to San Clemente. It sounds amazing but it was closed by the time we got there. It's a lovely cultural center & garden. I'd love to go on my next trip in the area.
Have you visited this coastal town? What are your favorite things to do in San Clemente, California? Leave a comment :]
Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)
Gouda is one of my favorite types of cheeses. What is gouda? The cheese tastes creamy & rich; the soft texture that makes almost melt in your mouth, making nearly irresistible to munch on. It's similar to Havarti cheese in that way.
That's why I was so excited when Gouda, a city in the Netherlands, made its way onto my family's radar during our Europe trip. I made sure we put it on the itinerary because I just had to see where the famous cheese hailed from. There are a few things to do if you're visiting Gouda, Holland.
The city of Gouda is a Dutch cheese town. While Gouda is world-famous for its cheese, it's also recognized for smoking pipes & stroopwafels — a waffle sandwich made from two extremely thin layers of baked batter with a caramel syrup filling in the middle aka a gift from the heavens. Stroopwafels were invented in Gouda! How cool is that?! Side note: I ate soooo0oo many stroopwafels on my trip; they're incredible. If you have access to an international market, keep your eyes out for them. Or you can buy stroopwafels online.
The Gouda market square has a gorgeous gothic city hall that's hard to miss & beautiful to photograph. You can explore the town, the Gouda market, the shops, & everything in between in a day. Gouda is a relatively small place but there's still plenty of things to do in town. You can appreciate it for a few hours or stay overnight.
That's why I was so excited when Gouda, a city in the Netherlands, made its way onto my family's radar during our Europe trip. I made sure we put it on the itinerary because I just had to see where the famous cheese hailed from. There are a few things to do if you're visiting Gouda, Holland.
The city of Gouda is a Dutch cheese town. While Gouda is world-famous for its cheese, it's also recognized for smoking pipes & stroopwafels — a waffle sandwich made from two extremely thin layers of baked batter with a caramel syrup filling in the middle aka a gift from the heavens. Stroopwafels were invented in Gouda! How cool is that?! Side note: I ate soooo0oo many stroopwafels on my trip; they're incredible. If you have access to an international market, keep your eyes out for them. Or you can buy stroopwafels online.
Related reading: Amsterdam, the Netherlands in Black & White
The Gouda market square has a gorgeous gothic city hall that's hard to miss & beautiful to photograph. You can explore the town, the Gouda market, the shops, & everything in between in a day. Gouda is a relatively small place but there's still plenty of things to do in town. You can appreciate it for a few hours or stay overnight.
Related reading: Veggie Meal Alert! Thrill Grill in Haarlem, Netherlands
Munching on local delicacies is one of my favorite things to do in Europe. The Netherlands is particularly known for their apple tarts so I recommend eating them as often as possible. While I was there, the indulgence was real. The apple tart in Gouda had giant chunks of apple. Soft on the outside with a slightly crispy interior. An absolute delight.
What is Gouda?
Since Gouda cheese hails from Gouda, Netherlands (duh), you have the opportunity to sample product like you're the queen (or king) of the world. Coconut gouda, pesto gouda, paprika gouda, fenugreek gouda. All the gouda cheese flavors of the rainbow. It's something I still dream about. I tell you what: there's no gouda like the gouda from Gouda. Say that fast 10 times!
Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights
If you make it out to the Dutch cheese town of Gouda, be sure to take the time to eat any of the local food. I drooled at every bakery & cafe & restaurant I walked by. One of the best parts of traveling is tasting various types of cuisine. Eating out can get expensive so it's important to understand how to eat on a budget while traveling abroad. How cute are these fruit-inspired gummy candies?!?
Looking for a hotel in Gouda, Netherlands? Here are some options - just put in your check-in & check-out dates to see what's available:
Booking.com
The canals of Holland are magnificent. Each one has its own personality & ranges in every city. Back in the day, the canals were used for water management, transportation, & defense purposes. As the times changed, the canals are normally utilized for recreational activities like canal tours. Gouda continues to use the tradition of canals with some unique cheese-inspired decorations.
My experience in Gouda, Netherlands was delicious but brief. Take a look at the town center or the local shops, & make sure you stop to enjoy a pastry & some cheese. Walk around the Gouda market square. Grab a wheel of gouda cheese to go as your own edible souvenir. Gouda is an old town with a lot of character. It remains fondly in my heart.
Have you visited Gouda? Have you eaten the cheese? :]
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The Beauty of the Notre Dame in Paris
Oh, Paris. You are a beautiful city filled with fashion, art, culture, & gastronomy. Paris is a sight for sore eyes. It always a rush to visit the remarkable city. If you happen to find yourself in the lovely capital of France, you must take a look at the Notre Dame.
The Notre Dame under construction - September 2019 |
Related reading: 12 Drool-Worthy Food Photos from Paris, France
Tourist Information:
The Notre Dame Cathedral also referred to as Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris or Notre-Dame de Paris, is open every day of the year. Did you know that it translates into "Our Lady of Paris?" Its hours are from 8 am to 6:45 pm; on Saturdays & Sundays it's open until 7:15 pm. Access to the cathedral is free of charge during the open hours. However, you may have to wait in line. The line goes by pretty quickly but it also ranges by the day or even hour.
Related reading: How I Decided to Quit My Corporate Job While Traveling in Paris
History:
The Notre Dame is a historic Catholic cathedral with French Gothic architecture. It's about 800 years old! In 1163, construction began for the Notre Dame Cathedral; the original cathedral that stood there was demolished. Construction took quite a long time & was eventually completed over 100 years later in 1272. Since it was built, the Notre Dame has remained one of Paris's & France's most recognized symbols.
Related reading: How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
I love viewing the grandeur that is the Notre Dame. It's a wonderful place to visit regardless of how many times you've seen it. I am obsessed with churches & religious art. I always have been; I remember it started in my ninth grade world history class. Last time I featured the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Once you get inside it's up to you what you want to see. There's no right or wrong way to do things. Walk around. People watch. Look at the stained glass. You can buy a candle, light it, & say a little prayer. Take a moment to soak in the glory of the Notre Dame. If you're in Paris, France this is a must-see experience. It's just one of those things you have to do!
Related reading: Reminiscing About Paris, Planning Future Trips, & Gin Punch
The Notre Dame is a world wonder. It has so much character after being developed over hundreds of years. When you visit Paris make sure to set some time aside to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. After all they made a whole Disney movie about it, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. That has to mean something, right?
Have you ever visited Paris or the Notre Dame? :]
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How to Eat on a Budget While Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad is one of the most amazing things you can do in life. You get to witness how other people live their lives, what they eat, how they speak. There's really nothing like it. One of my favorite things about traveling is trying local foods, new foods, & getting out of my usual routine. The thing to consider is that you're already paying a huge chunk of change for your plane ticket. The question therein is: how do you eat cheap & on a budget while traveling abroad? Don't worry I've got your back with plenty of tips to lead you on the right track. Here's to eating well & eating cheap!
Related reading: How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
Mercat de la Boqueria - Barcelona, Spain |
Do your research
If you have some sort of Internet access look online to see what food is out there. You can check out Yelp, browse reviews, & search for affordable options in your area. There's no way that you could possibly know all the restaurants & cafes yourself, so to do a little bit of research & narrow it down. Be sure to consider the pricing, portion size, & distance from your current location.Understand tipping
Tipping practices vary per country. Some don't require or expect tips at all. Some include tips into your check. Make sure you learn & understand how it works. Over time, you'll save a pretty penny if you know the tipping culture.
Related reading: How to Survive a Family Vacation as an Adult
Go to a grocery store
Heading to local grocery stores is one of my favorite things about traveling. I will never forget Albert Heijn, a Dutch supermarket. You have no idea how many times I went into that store to buy delicious juice, cheese croissants, & lentil avocado salad. Their prices were cheap & made for the perfect picnic. Grocery stores & markets are the way to go because you get to grab something to-go or make, cook, & assemble your own meals. You can also buy coffee or tea bags to save you from picking up one every morning.Pack your lunch
You're out & about all day exploring the city & its many wonders. Save some cash by bringing lunch with you. It's just like the old days in elementary school; packing your lunch will keep your cost down. The fun challenge is finding a lovely place to eat your lunch. Picnics are everything when traveling abroad! I'll never forget the quaint garden lunch at a picnic table in Copenhagen or the lovely lakeside picnic in Amsterdam. Those packed picnic lunches were some of my favorite memories from traveling abroad.Eat before you're super hungry
I admit I made this mistake many times. Learn from my mistakes. In order to save money while you're traveling the world, eat before you're super hungry. If you're about to faint from hunger you'll likely visit the first place you see regardless of its price. That doesn't really help if you're on a budget. Be sure to get some food before you're starving.Have a snack on hand
This kind of goes hand in hand with the above tip. Always always always have a snack with you. Keep it in your purse, your backpack, your fanny pack or pocket if you have to. If you have a snack with you you won't immediately be tempted to lunge at the first sight of food. A banana, cup of cereal, or mixed nuts ought to do the trick.Ask a local
Engage with the locals & inquire about their favorite restaurant, cafe, or underrated eatery. Ask about budget-friendly options in the neighborhood. Locals know a hell of a lot more about the city than you do. Take their advice & run with it. You have no idea how many times asking a local about something totally enhanced my overall experience.Eat at the hotel
If you're at a hotel, motel, hostel, Airbnb that includes a meal, take advantage of it. In Paris, my mom, sister, & I ate breakfast every day at the hostel. That saved us about €10 per person per day. You can buy souvenirs, macarons, museum tickets, or what have you with that money. The more cash you save by eating on a budget when you travel abroad leaves more room for other options.Use a kitchen
Does your hotel or Airbnb have a kitchen? Take advantage of it. Cook your meals at home. We all know this is one of the best ways to eat on a budget in general. As a broke college student, I took pride in being able to scrummage up food with whatever I had in the house. You can obviously supplement that by going to the grocery store.Refill your water bottle
In some countries, you have to pay for water at the restaurant or they may not give you any at all. I remember sitting down for lunch in Denmark & specifically asking for tap water only to find out that they charged for it. Lesson learned. Buy a water bottle & refill it. You'll save a lot of money on water alone.Drink outside
Europe is pretty chill about drinking outside or in public. Stop by the store & pick up a bottle of wine, some beer, even juices rather than buying them at a restaurant at a markup. I spent €6 on a beer at a restaurant. Then I got wise & bought an even larger beer at the market for about €2. Do a little research on the laws about drinking in public in your country.Go to the Market
I always like to visit the farmer's market wherever I may roam. Whether I unintentionally happen upon one in Milan, Italy or perhaps a very purposeful promenade through Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain. Markets & farmer's markets tend to have almost a wholesale price for produce, veggies, & other goodies. Plus, they're as fresh as can be.
Were these tips on how to eat a budget while traveling abroad of any use? Any tips I left out? :]
Spending the Day in Luxembourg City
Luxembourg is the capital of the small European country of the same name. To avoid confusion it's often called Luxembourg City. The country borders Belgium, Germany, & France so it's the ideal destination if you're heading to any of those places on your trip. The city is known for its medieval fortifications & is one of the largest fortresses of modern Europe. Pretty cool, huh?
Luxembourg is a city full of history & beauty. I only spent the day there but was able to experience enough to whet my appetite. It was a sweltering day -- the kind of hotness that leaves you sticky & uncomfortable. Humid. It was so different compared to the influx of rainy & cloudy days spent in Copenhagen & Amsterdam.
Le Chemin de la Corniche is a must-see because it overlooks the old city; that was probably my most favorite thing in Luxembourg -- being able to witness so much history in one spot. I'd recommend spending one to two days in Luxembourg if you're making a visit. It's the perfect amount of time so you can enjoy all the sites without feeling overwhelmed.
I viewed several of Luxembourg's most well-known sights. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame (Notre Dame Cathedral) is the only cathedral in Luxembourg. It's a beautiful church with Gothic architecture & really cool door handles. It's quaint but definitely worth a look see. The Monument National de la Solidarité also known as the Monument to National Unity is centrally located with a golden woman atop the long column; it's also a popular tourist destination. You'll find a crowd of people around it taking photos.
Le Chemin de la Corniche is a must-see because it overlooks the old city; that was probably my most favorite thing in Luxembourg -- being able to witness so much history in one spot. I'd recommend spending one to two days in Luxembourg if you're making a visit. It's the perfect amount of time so you can enjoy all the sites without feeling overwhelmed.
I was ultra excited by the amount of bakeries & scrumptious, colorful goodies. I mean seriously. They're mouthwateringly beautiful. They're so magnificent that they're almost too pretty to eat. Almost. I definitely ate my fair share of pastries. But can you really blame me?
Visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
The Anne Frank House is a must to experience if you're in Amsterdam, Netherlands. There's no denying that. The Anne Frank House, also called the Anne Frank Huis, is a humbling reality. Anne Frank is a Jewish girl who went into hiding during World War II to escape the Nazis. You've probably heard about her journal The Diary of Anne Frank & its many other titles.
About Anne Frank
Anne Frank is known for keeping a diary during her time in the Secret Annex. She wrote short stories, diary entries, & favorite quotes from other writers. She wanted her diary to be published as a novel after the war, which was why she attempted to rewrite it. She didn't get the opportunity to finish because her family was discovered & arrested. Anne, her family, & four others hid in the small Secret Annex for two years before being found.
Waiting in Line
Prepare for a long queue if you want to visit the Anne Frank House. The waiting time ranges. I ended up waiting for 90 minutes, but I talked to a local who said it's not unheard of to wait up to four hours. It really varies per day & depends how long you feel like waiting in line. If you know ahead of time when you're heading to Amsterdam & the Anne Frank Huis, you may buy entrance tickets online, print them out or show them on your smart phone. It gives you a direct entrance. However, these tickets can be sold out months in advance.
Admission & Tickets
You may purchase your tickets in advance or buy them at the door. That just means you have to wait in the queue. Adult admission prices are €9. If you're 10 - 17 years old or have a European Youth Card, it's €4.50. You can learn more about prices, admission, & hours of operation here.
Once You're Inside
Photos, videos, & using your cell phone are not allowed out of respect for other visitors & to preserve the original documents & photos. That said, I have no pictures from inside the building. That's just something you'll have to witness yourself. Once you're inside, you can see the photos that Anne hung up in her room & even the lines on the wall to mark the growth of the children. Throughout the Annex you'll see personal documents from the Frank family & even some videos with background information.
The Overall Experience
The Anne Frank House is a place to learn & understand the history & horror of the past. It's not a palace with enormous chandeliers & gold covered ceilings. But it most certainly is grand. It's magical. It's thought provoking. You will leave the Annex feeling changed, feeling inspired, possibly even feeling somber but grateful. If you make it to the Netherlands & Amsterdam, absolutely take the time to go to the Anne Frank House. I recommend it to anyone.
Have you been to the Anne Frank House? Have you read her diary? I'd love to learn about your journey too! :]
The Overall Experience
The Anne Frank House is a place to learn & understand the history & horror of the past. It's not a palace with enormous chandeliers & gold covered ceilings. But it most certainly is grand. It's magical. It's thought provoking. You will leave the Annex feeling changed, feeling inspired, possibly even feeling somber but grateful. If you make it to the Netherlands & Amsterdam, absolutely take the time to go to the Anne Frank House. I recommend it to anyone.
Have you been to the Anne Frank House? Have you read her diary? I'd love to learn about your journey too! :]
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Copenhagen (Denmark) Street Art & Graffiti
I seriously love street art. Sometimes it has something important to say. Sometimes it has nothing to say. Sometimes it's just a visual to peak your interest. Sometimes it's colorful. Sometimes it's black & white. Sometimes you only find it if you're looking. I've featured several posts on the graffiti, stickers, & street art I've seen throughout the years.
There's Oceanside, Los Angeles, Seattle, Venice Beach, Canada, & Israel. Take a gander at some of my previous finds! Street art & graffiti always manages to capture my attention; I know it's not for everyone, but I shall forever enjoy the small but public art gallery that is street art. If you keep your eyes open, you can see the world.
There's Oceanside, Los Angeles, Seattle, Venice Beach, Canada, & Israel. Take a gander at some of my previous finds! Street art & graffiti always manages to capture my attention; I know it's not for everyone, but I shall forever enjoy the small but public art gallery that is street art. If you keep your eyes open, you can see the world.
Today I'd like to share with you the street art, stickers, & graffiti that I found throughout Copenhagen, Denmark. Denmark has a lot to offer for anyone interested in art, architecture, & history. Copenhagen, also referred to as København, is the stunning capital of Denmark.
There's The Little Mermaid sculpture made of bronze & granite, inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. There's Amalienborg Palace, constructed in the 1700s, where you can see the changing of the guards as they march from the barracks. I visited these sites & admired their grandeur. However, I kept a keen eye out for any sign of graffiti on the streets.
There's The Little Mermaid sculpture made of bronze & granite, inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. There's Amalienborg Palace, constructed in the 1700s, where you can see the changing of the guards as they march from the barracks. I visited these sites & admired their grandeur. However, I kept a keen eye out for any sign of graffiti on the streets.
Some of the street art I captured has political undertones & commentary on social issues. While some others are just silly little monsters. Take a look at this Copenhagen gallery for yourself. Let me know what you think of them. If you haven't ventured into a museum or art gallery lately, consider this a free admission. Hope you enjoy.
Which Copenhagen street art was your favorite? Do you have any in your city? Keep an eye out from now on. :]
Which Copenhagen street art was your favorite? Do you have any in your city? Keep an eye out from now on. :]
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