Category: travel
-
You look like a tourist
It is often used pejoratively. “You look like a tourist.” It means that you look like you don’t know what’s going on, or you stand out too much from the local culture. Which, if you are in fact a tourist, both things are likely true of you. When I travel, I do my best to…
-
Barcelona has a tourist problem
Imagine. You just got settled in for your dream Spanish vacation. You are excited to explore the historic streets of Barcelona. Of all the things that could happen during your trip, you never imagined that being the target of protests would be one of them. Recently, Barcelona locals, and those in other Spanish cities, have…
-
Not so far to travel
Japan. New Zealand. The Maldives. I am certainly planning to at some point head miles away to explore new lands. But as much as I want to travel overseas, I have to ask if I have really explored these shores. It is easy for me, as an American, to take for granted the travel experiences…
-
Here is a very short review of The Robey, Chicago
This might be my most room centered room review ever. When I stayed at the Robey Hotel, I didn’t see any amenities, a restaurant, or really even the hallway. Why, shortly after my check-in, I was too sick to do anything at all. At the very least, here is what I thought of the room.…
-
The hotel for people who don’t just want to eat their chocolate but experience it
My first introduction to the brand Hotel Chocolat was a review of their velvetiser. It was contraption promising the silkiest hot chocolate you’ll ever have in your life. I looked on, wanting one of my own. But based on the name, I was even more intrigued by the idea of a chocolate themed hotel. Now,…
-
4 things to know before you go to Muir Woods
If you are headed to California, you (hopefully) have seeing some redwoods on your itinerary. And the trees are magnificent, but this isn’t what this post will be about. Here are four things you might not have thought of that I think you should know before you go to Muir Woods. 1. It is a…
-
These San Francisco coffee shops threw me for a loop
When I think coffee shop, I think of leisure. In my imagination, I am toting a book or a laptop so I can sit and savor the flavors and the experience. My San Francisco coffee experience was not that. It was in and out and keep it moving. I visited two shops on my stay…
-
Lets do a quick run down of a few of the restaurants I visited in San Francisco
Alright, on three we’re going to do a run through of some of the restaurants I visited while in San Francisco: Hinodeya I ordered the creamy vegan ramen. As the waiter walked away, I felt instant regret. “What even is creamy ramen? And how do you make it vegan?” However, when the food arrived, I…
-
Walking along the Embarcadero
I can’t help but feel that walking is the best way to get to know another city. And it is easy to take a walking tour of San Francisco, just following the Embarcadero. Here are some stops we made along the way. Fisherman’s Wharf: We stopped here for people watching, and to take in the…
-
Getting the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge
As a visitor to San Francisco, I of course needed to see the Golden Gate Bridge. We drove to the observation deck. I was prepared for picturesque views. I was not prepared to have to fight to see them. The first battle was parking. The lot was tight, with few spaces, but a long line…
A Wren Says 