Get Tipsy on: Mahia

Morocco is a Muslim country and Muslim's don't drink. You probably have heard that line many times. Well, it ain't true. In fact, Morocco has really good alcohol, but you have to know where and what to look for. Moroccans are also discreet about their drinking. You don't ever see drunk and loud Moroccans laying on the street harassing people. If you saw anybody in Morocco like that, it was probably us.

The Tipsy Gypsies would like to introduce you to the strongest and the most potent drink in Morocco called Mahia. Mahia is basically a moonshine made from figs or dates. Since Mahia is a moonshine, the best version (or possibly the worst) is the home made stuff. Yeah!! 

The taste of Mahia can vary greatly. Since it's homemade, there are no "quality" checks. The Tipsy Gypsies drank some Mahia that was smooth and almost liquorish in taste but we also drank some nasty shit that tasted like rocket fuel. So it all depends on who you get it from. The only guarantee is that you will get very drunk and hopefully you wont die.

Where to find Mahia?

The most common scam in Morocco is when people on the street pretend to help you find whatever you are looking for. In Marrakesh these guys are yelling to the tourist : "Hey, the Big Square is this way". They are referring to Jemaa el Fna, which is the biggest and most touristy square in Marrakesh, surrounded by the souks. Btw, these guys are always lying and trying to confuse you and of course get money. Don't ever ask these people for help. 

We wish there was a legit service that would point out where to find Mahia. We would pay for that service because finding Mahia is like looking for Waldo. But don't get discouraged!! You know that you want to get shit faced, and you just have to work for it. Plus, finding Mahia can be a fun and a crazy adventure (story coming soon in our blog ).

The tips below on how to find Mahia, are completely free of charge. We know how it is to be a desperate drunk in Morocco:

1. If you are visiting big cities like Marrakesh or Fez, you will most likely be staying in a riad. A riad is basically a small hotel or B&B. They are very cool, and you should not miss out on this experience. Anyway, we recommend that you become friendly with your riad manager/host or the hotel concierge. After a day or two of playing buddies it should be safe to ask them if they can help you to get some Mahia. In our experience, the host will be more than happy to make the proper arrangements and before you know it, there will be somebody knocking on the door with with a bottle of home brewed Mahia. The first and the best we found was from basically a Marakkaesh drug dealer. Since Mahia is a street or homemade alcohol, which always involves some risk, you want to make sure the source you are getting it from is good. We felt confident that the contact from our riad was solid.

2. Another option is to buy Mahia from the store. We know you guys are probably thinking that we are idiots for buying alcohol from street dealers. Yes we are, but the reality is that finding a liquor store in the city is harder that finding Mahia. Plus, the store brand that we got was very sweet and wasn't the best Mahia we've had. Look for the big supermarket "Carefur". They sell every liquor that you can imagine. 

3. Cost. 

As always, in Morocco you gotta haggle for everything. We got our first 1/2 of a liter for 70 dirham (about $7-8). The guys wanted to sell it first for 200 dirham.

In the mountains, the price was 130 dirham ($13) for 1.5 liter after lots of negotiating. So that was even a better price but tasted terrible! Regardless, it got the job done and many parties were had.

Simply Sintra

What if we told you that there is a magical place with lavish green hills covered in flowers and dotted with countless old palaces and castles? This place really exist in Portugal and it is called Sintra. This is not a fairy tale and you should check it out yourself. So keep saving your vacation days and for now you can see beautiful Sintra here!

Sintra is a small touristy town near Lisbon. Going to Sintra from Lisbon by train only takes 50 min and it is an easy day trip.  There is a lot to see in Sintra, so you have to decide how packed  you want your day/days to be. The Tipsy Gypsies visited Sintra two days in a row and this is what we saw:

The Moorish Castle

This medieval castle constructed by the Moors dates back to the 8th and 9th Century. The castle is situated on top of a hill and it served as a defensive fort for the surrounding agricultural population. It is mostly ruins nowadays, but you can imagine what it was like during the days of old. The castle has amazing walls that look like tiny replicas of the "Great Wall of China".

Pena Palace

Pena Palace built in the Middle ages was originally a quiet monastery occupied by a few monks. The monastery was destroyed in the 18th century, first by lightning and then by an earthquake before crumbling into ruins. It was King Ferdinand II, who finally decided to purchase the monastery and turned it into what it is today, a magnificent palace. 

The interior of the Pena Palace is extremely well preserved and you should definitely see it. Each room has the beautifully intricate ceilings and arches. 

...and below are some details of the furnishings. 

Once you are done with Pena Palace you should walk around the nearby park. One of our favorites was the mini "castle" floating on a lake full of fish and ducks. 

Quinta de la Regaleira

This is a very romantic site with a majestic palace, impressive gardens where you can find hidden grottoes, wells and benches to rest. The whole estate is full of symbols related to alchemy, Masonry and Knights Templar. 

The chapel is another beautiful architectural statement worth visiting in the park. The interior is very well preserved with frescos and paintings that adorn the walls. The stained glass windows are best to see when the sun is setting and the colorful lights change the mood of the interior. Even though this is a Roman Catholic chapel this place is full of non religious symbols like pentagrams and "the all seeing eye". These symbols mean that people can be spiritual and enlightened at the same time.

The best part of the Quinta da Regaleira is you can spend hours walking around the huge property, learning about the symbols and finding hidden tunnels. You really feel like a happy child running around playing. 

One of the most popular and fascinating places to visit in the park is the Initiation Well. This well is 27 meters deep and it was build in the form of a spiral staircase with small landings. The number of steps is connected to Tarot mysticism.  Like everything else in the park this well for designed for ceremonies like Tarot and never served as a water well. 

There is another smaller well on the Quinta de la Regaleira estate which is worth visiting. This the "Unfinished Well". 

The Tipsy Gypsies loved Sintra and we hope we convinced to you visit this magical place. Let us know if you have any questions!

MOROCCO

From the souks and craftsmen of Marrakesh and Fes to the dunes of Merzouga and continuing on high into the Atlas mountains, see Morocco like you've never seen it before.

'MOROCCO' takes you on a journey beyond the obvious and into the heart and soul of this beautiful country. The film was shot over the course of a month.

10 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT LISBON

Lisbon is simply sensational. Whether you are a foodie, music and art lover, or someone who just likes to wander, this city has something for everybody.  Here are 10 things The Tipsy Gypsies loved most about Lisbon.

1. The Streets of Lisbon

Colorful alley ways with small stoops and painted doors. When you walk through the small windy streets you will be constantly amazed by what's around the corner.

2. The Tiles

Portugal is known for its production of the most amazing ceramics in the world. Many old exterior buildings are covered with these beautiful and colorful tiles. Tile making is still considered a very prestigious job and the artists spends decades perfecting their craft.

While walking through the city we stumbled into a small tile studio.  The artist/owner welcomed us in to watch her process.

Tile Shop and Studio: Cristina Pina

https://www.facebook.com/ceramicacristinapina?__mref=message

3. Transportation

When you visit Lisbon make sure you ride the famous graffiti covered tram Elevador da Glória (picture below) or the historic Tram 28.

4. Pastel De Nata

This egg tart pastry is the most popular dessert in Portugal. They are perfectly golden-yellow in color, with a crunchy outside and soft buttery center. If you can, try to get a fresh warm Pastel de Nate straight form the oven. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. 

5. Sidewalk cafes

Summers in Lisbon are beautiful. The trees are green and the flowers are blooming. The city is buzzing with tourists from all over the world. It seems like every street and ally is decorated with colorful garlands or some sort of artwork. Endless cafes and restaurants fill the city with menus and smells that you can't resist. Sitting in a charming side walk cafe while sipping on chilled sangria is a nice way to take a short break from exploring. 

6. Time Out Market

This is probably the best spot in Lisbon to meet friends for lunch and drinks. The Time Out market brings the best chefs from the city together to deliver gourmet food without the stiff attitude of high-end restaurants. This place has communal tables and a fun atmosphere. Even the most picky eaters can find something delicious to eat here.

7. Bifana Sandwich

One of the best and cheapest things to eat in Lisbon. Bifana is a simple pork sandwich served with mustard and chili oil. At a cost of about $1.50 you should have enough change left over to wash it down with an ice cold beer. And you know it's damn good if Anthony Bourdain says he can't get enough of them.

Where to eat it: O Trevo restuarant

Address: Praca Luis de Camoes 48, Lisbon

8. Fado Music

Fado is more than just music for the Portuguese people. It's been referred to as the Portuguese blues. It's tragic, it's emotional and even if you don't understand the words you will feel it. The best place to eat some hot, flaming sausage and listen to live fado singers is A Tasca de Chico. Make sure to make a reservation. This place gets crazy crowded. 

Where: A Tasca do Chico                                                                                                        Address: R. do Diario de Noticias 39, 1200-333 Lisbon, Portugal

9. Ginjinha

A cheery liquor served in a regular or chocolate shot glass. Need we say anymore? If so, click here! 

10. People

Portuguese people are the most friendly and open folks you will ever meet when traveling. The Tipsy Gypsies believe this country is beautiful not only because of the scenery but the people's hospitality. Btw, this man's real name was Casanova and he lived up to it too!!!

GURDWARA: THE SIKH TEMPLE

We are nothing short of amazed by the Sikh people. What they have created is not just a place for themselves, but a sanctuary for all faiths (or non faiths) as long as you come in peace.

Aside from beautiful prayer rooms, where you can pray to whichever god you choose, every Gurdwara has a langer hall where anyone can come almost any time of the day, and eat fresh, healthy vegetarian food.

In the massive kitchens you will find volunteers of almost every faith churning giant pots of daal or kneading dough for freshly baked roti.

When you sit in one of their giant food halls, you will be served with a smile and provided as many portions as you’d like. But it doesn’t stop there.

Many Gurdwara’s also offer other services like nurseries, and classrooms at no cost.

The Sikh’s have a complicated history steeped in tradition which we won’t elaborate on here, but we highly recommend you read about them further as they are a fascinating and wonderful people.

Get Tipsy on: Ginginha

Like Port wine is famous in Porto, Lisbon has it's own alcohol which it is famous for. It's Ginginha (Ginjinha). A sweet cherry liquor. The Tipsy Gypsies have a lot of respect for traditions, especially the drinking ones, and we were told that it would be rude not to try the Ginginha, while in Portugal.  

Ginginha is hard to pronounce, but luckily for you Lisbon has many little bars, where all they serve is Ginja. Simply walk in and say how many you want.

How to drink Ginja? You can choose to drink Ginja from a frozen chocolate shot or a regular glass. With a cherry, or without. It's up to you! 

The verdict? One of us liked it, the other didn't. It's VERYYY sweet. It tasted a bit like the cherry liquor my Tipsy Gypsy grandma used to hide in her pantry.

We suggest indulging in a glass after dinner. The sweet little shot makes for a nice dessert and night cap. Whether you're a fan of sweet drinks or not, you must try it to insure a true Lisbon experience!

WHAT TO WEAR IN MOROCCO

Is the headscarf really necessary?

“It looks you peed your pants”, said my husband Nate to me when we arrived at the gates of Majorelle Garden - Yves Saint-Laurent’s sanctuary in the hustling city of Marrakesh, Morocco. The fashion designer’s house in the Red City, which I dreamed to visit since I was a child, was within a few steps from where I was standing. The property was transformed into a museum, filled with beautiful objects from Islamic culture, surrounded by incredible electric-blue architecture and the tranquility of gardens. I couldn’t wait to get beyond the walls and inside the garden to find peace and finally some shade. As I stood in the sizzling sun facing the gated entrance sweat was pouring down my body. Getting to the museum on a hot day through the dusty streets of Marrakesh was anything but tranquil. It was at this moment I realized I made a big packing mistake…

What you need to know before you visit Morocco

It started way before I arrived in this foreign country, in our home in Los Angeles, with a simple question: “What to wear in Morocco?”

I did what other millennials do and I asked Google for help. Quickly my search was filled with wisdom from bloggers and YouTubers wearing boho clothes.

Even though there is no official dress code for tourists traveling to Morocco, females especially, face a daunting task when packing. It seems that there is a collective voice on the internet of what is appropriate to wear in Morocco. And what is appropriate according to the Internet? Apparently, every blog is sponsored by a boho store because that’s what they recommend. After having been to Morocco I now know this isn’t the case.

So what can you wear in Morocco, and do you have to fully cover up? Men and women can find answers to these questions in this honest guide about what to wear in Morocco.

 What do the locals wear in Morocco?

Moroccan culture and fashion

Before we jump into explaining what to pack in your suitcase, you should know a little more about this country and its culture before you visit.

Morocco is a Muslim country and in many ways depicted as conservative. If you have never been to a Muslim country before you probably imagine women covered up from head to toe, wearing a burqa (a long garment covering the whole body and face). Moroccan women wear clothes that to many western women might be considered conservative, like a niqab (a type of face and head covering but it leaves eyes visible), but very few women in Morocco wear a burqa, which is common in more conservative countries like Pakistan or Afghanistan.  In fact in, 2017 the Moroccan government banned the import, production and sale of burqas. Although this measure was received with mixed reactions towards the ban, and many protested saying that nobody should dictate what women should wear. I am not going to debate this topic since I am not an expert on Muslim culture, and I feel it would be very disrespectful to argue either side.

The bottom line is women in Morocco are not forced to fully cover up. Women also aren’t required to cover their heads, but the ones that do make it a fashion statement. Wearing a Hijab (head covering) is a way of showing they are proud of their culture.

For centuries Europeans have been traveling to Morocco for inspiration in fashion. The famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent chose to spend his life there. His influence can be seen on the streets of Morocco.

The street-fashion in Morocco is diverse and exciting. Many Moroccans wear western clothes, but traditional Moroccan attire is especially popular amongst the older folks. The young generation, with access to the Internet, is making bold choices of mixing tradition with influence from western cultures. Once neutral-toned traditional clothes are now available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Young people wear sneakers with traditional dresses like djellaba (a long dress).

In general, big cities like Marrakesh or Casablanca are more fashion forward. In the modern parts of these big cities near shopping malls, cafes and clubs, you will see young Moroccan women wearing western clothes. Around the medina quarter, and old parts of town young ladies wear more traditional clothes, to keep the neighbors from gossiping. Rural areas are a bit more conservative and traditional clothes are more predominant.

I encourage you to do some shopping while you visit. Moroccan clothes are not only beautiful but practical as well.  See some traditional Moroccan clothes below.

Morocco Weather

When you are planning your trip to Morocco make sure to plan according to the season. Morocco is located in the Northern part of Africa, and it’s hot most of the time but winters in the desert or high in the mountains can be very cold!

Spring & Autumn (November-April) are the most popular times to visit because the temperatures are cooler (chilly and rainy in the northern parts).

 Summers (May-September) are very hot, with an average temperature of 50 Celsius in Marrakesh and in the south of Morocco.

Winters (December-February) are very chilly at night, especially in northern Morocco.

What to wear in Morocco as a woman?

Do you remember in the beginning of this story I told you about the mistake I made? It was because I listened to and believed every blog I read to cover my body, otherwise I would offend people. I decided to pack some “conservative” options that I could fit into my 50L backpack. I wasn’t just going to Morocco so my backpack couldn’t be filled entirely with boho clothes.

So there I was, standing in front of the Majorelle Museum, in my conservative blue jeans and a shawl draped over my shoulders. The heat was unbearable and although I lived in California for many years, I was not ready for this type of heat. My body was overheating and sweating from places I never knew it could. My crotch was sweating and it left a stain on my jeans looking like I peed myself. As I stood there, in the 50 C dry desert heat, in my conservatively stained pants there came the Instagram queens in crop tops and tiny white summer dresses. I was shocked to see western women wearing clothes I was discouraged to bring to Morocco by the boho experts. The Instagrammers were there to do a photoshoot. I wanted to see YSL’s home. The museum was closed. We all left defeated, with no photos, and I left with a stain on my pants. I never wore those pants again when I was in Morocco. Don’t be like me and don’t bring jeans to Morocco in the summer.

Is Morocco safe?

I have to admit that reading quotes like “if you are a woman you should cover yourself up because you won’t be harassed by men” is infuriating. The problem with men harassing women in any culture is men, not women. I can’t stress this enough, women should not blame themselves for being harassed or assaulted because of their clothes. Ever!

There were some recent tragic stories from Morocco. One involved the rape of a young woman on the bus by a gang of teenagers. I couldn’t believe that some people were shaming the girl for wearing a tank top.

If a culture allows men to harass or assault women without any punishment, we should be focusing on that, rather than on the length of a shirt. These stories are of course extreme examples, and Morocco in general is a safe country.

Catcalling is pretty common in Morocco, and men are not shy to flirt with women, even with married women. I was traveling to Morocco with my husband and I was still catcalled all the time. This type of attention happens everywhere in the world, and Morocco is no different. Catcalling is annoying but not dangerous. From my experience women in the company of men, are less likely to be catcalled, but that should not stop you from traveling solo to Morocco. If a man ever crosses the line and touches you, don’t be afraid to raise your voice and shame him.

The truth is that you can pretty much wear the same clothes you would wear at home. It all comes down to you and your personality. I am not going to tell you that wearing a short summer dress is right for you, because you might feel uncomfortable. I was totally fine wearing dresses, and shorts on my trip, and I saw many other female tourists wearing similar clothes. Although, I would say that wearing very skimpy shorts that show your buttocks is probably pushing it. I can’t guarantee you won’t have attention from men, but I know for a fact that wearing a long dress won’t stop men from catcalling or staring at you. I’ve tested it!

Do yourself a favor and buy a waterproof mascara when you visit Morocco.

Oh boy... the "babz" (boobs) are out!

Yoga pants?! Yes, please!

Gandora is a traditional berber dress. This style typically worn by men only, fitted me the best :)

Packing List for Women traveling to Morocco

After you’ve determined what type of clothes are right for you and the time of the year you are traveling, you need to decide what type of a trip you will be doing. Is it a visit to Marrakesh and other big cities, or perhaps a trip to the beach? These questions combined with the examples below should help you decide the perfect balance of clothes for every activity and weather.

1.     What to wear in big cities in Morocco?

 I was totally comfortable wearing dresses and shorts in the cities. I visited Morocco during the hot summer and wearing long pants was the worst idea. Loose clothing, either a short or long dress is the best to wear in the heat, but you absolutely don’t need to be fully covered up.

Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit with you even if you are only staying in the city. Many hotels in Morocco have indoor pools, where you can lounge or cool off during hot summers. Morocco is very sunny even in the winter so bring a pair of sunglasses.

2.     What to wear to the beach in Morocco?

 If you will be spending time on the beach in places like Essaouira, a popular beach town in Morocco, bring beach clothes: swimsuit, hat, shorts ect.

I travel with a sarong wrap pretty much everywhere I go. It’s perfect for a trip to the beach, and you can also use it to cover up or protect yourself from sun. 

3.     What to wear on a hiking trip to Morocco?

Depending on the level hiking you want to do, you will of course need appropriate shoes. Wearing running shoes on an easy trail is perfectly fine. Yoga pants are comfortable and practical to wear on hikes. If you are hiking in the summer remember to bring a scarf, or a hat for sun protection and plenty of water!

It gets cold in the mountains at night even during summer, so bring some warm layers either a sweater or a light jacket.

4.     What to wear in the winter in Morocco?

 You might need a pair of long pants like jeans if you are going to Morocco during the winter since it gets cold. Bring some layers and a jacket with you to wear at night.

5.     What to wear on a desert tour in Morocco?

 If you are joining a desert tour in Morocco, and you definitely should, bring comfortable clothes. You will be sitting on a dromedary (like a camel but with one hump) for hours and it can get a bit uncomfortable. Leggings or loose pants are the best. Bring a scarf with you to protect your head, face, and shoulders from sun and wind! Also sunglasses are a must! In the winter you might need extra layers at night!

If you are bringing any camera equipment make sure to secure it properly from sand. It can ruin your lenses and other gear in just a few minutes! If you are not using your camera put it away in a bag.

6.     What Shoes to wear in Morocco

Comfortable shoes are necessary in Morocco. If you are staying in cities you should bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes like sandals, or sneakers. High heals are very uncomfortable to wear on uneven streets. Flip-flops are great for pools, and you might need them if you are staying in a budget place where the cleanliness of the shower is questionable.

Packing List for Men traveling to Morocco

Men have more freedom when it comes to clothes in Morocco. It is less about what is appropriate, and more about the comfort. Although some say that shorts or undershirts are not ok in public, I have seen plenty of tourists wearing this exact outfit and nobody cared. The only time you will need to consider being more covered up is when going inside a mosque, and there are only a few you can actually visit as a non-Muslim in Morocco.

1. What to wear in cities in Morocco?

Many locals wear jeans even during summer time, but if you are not used to the heat you might find it extremely uncomfortable. Shorts and t-shirts are totally acceptable, but if you want to look more elegant you can bring a light fabric button up shirt. Linen clothes are a great choice for men to wear in big cities like Marrakesh. Linen clothing will keep you cool even in the extreme heat.

Don’t forget to bring swim trunks with you when traveling to the cities in Morocco. Many hotels have a pool that you can use.

If you have room in your suitcase bring something to cover your head to protect it from sun.

2.     What to wear to the beach in Morocco.

Many people don’t realize that there are very nice beach areas in Morocco. Essaouira is a trendy surfing destination for locals and tourists.

Bring a pair of swim trunks with you to Morocco, and don’t forget sunglasses and a hat!

3.     What to wear on a hiking trip to Morocco.

 If you are planning on doing any hikes in Morocco, bring appropriate clothes with you and make sure you plan accordingly to the weather. Winters are cold in the mountains and summers are extremely hot. If you are doing a day trek, you will be fine hiking in your running shoes, but if you plan to spend weeks in the mountains make sure you have comfortable shoes, and perhaps a tent to sleep in.

4.     What to wear in the winter in Morocco

Make sure you bring long pants and some layers with you, since winters in the northern parts of Morocco are cold. Many tourists like spending winter in the south of Morocco, where the temperatures are a bit warmer.

5.     What shoes to wear in Morocco?

Although many guides discourage you from wearing open toe shoes, sandals are the most practical to wear on city walks in the summer. It is true that the unpaved streets are dusty and you feet will get dirty, so just be ready to scrub them when you get to your hotel room. For that same reason many locals wear closed toe shoes, like the traditional babouche slippers. Nevertheless, it is better to wear sandals in the heat than having your feet sweat in sneakers. If you bring sneakers choose a dark color, otherwise one trip to the city and they will get filthy. Flip-flops are great too, especially around the pool area!

6.     What to wear on a desert tour in Morocco

Even if you are only spending one night on the desert you want to make sure you are comfortable. Bring a backpack where you can pack extra layers in case you get chilly at night. Loose fitting pants are the most comfortable while you sit on a dromedary for hours. A headscarf to protect you from the strong sun (plus sunscreen of course) and sunglasses are a must! You can wear flip-flops to protect your feet from hot sand, but they are uncomfortable to walk in the desert. Ankle-high shoes, like Convers, are better for walking and they will keep the sand from getting inside.

We hope this guide helped you decide what to pack for Morocco on your next trip.  Remember to wear whatever makes you comfortable. If you are a woman who is more modest, bring clothes that are less revealing. It doesn’t mean you need to be covered from head to toe. Instead of a short dress simply wear a maxi dress with a scarf over your shoulders. Some western women traveling to Morocco, in order to blend in with the local Moroccan women, wear a scarf on their head. You absolutely don’t need to do this, but it can be fun and fashionable.

Remember to save a bit of space in your suitcase to bring some souvenirs home with you. Morocco is known for high quality art and handcrafts.

Have a great time on your holidays in Morocco!

To all the ladies out there, don't be afraid to travel to Morocco. It's a wonderful place and you can safely wear your favorite shorts and dresses. If you're traveling alone, just use the same common sense you would in any other country. I hope this post helps you all!

Get Tipsy on: Coconut Beer

Forget the Mai Tai, and other cliché cocktails with umbrellas in the glass, and drink some coconut beers in Hawaii. Yes, you read it correctly, they make beer from coconuts in Hawaii. This is exactly why they call the Islands a paradise. 

The coconut Porter, made by the Maui Brewing company, is nothing like you have ever tasted before. 

The coconut Porter has a creamy consistency, with a hint of sweetness with toasted coconut. OMG, Yasss!! Sometimes dark beers can be heavy, but this one is surprisingly refreshing. It makes it a perfect beer for a summer day or night.

The Coconut Porter is one of the best beers that The Tipsy Gypsies have tried, and we drink a lot of beer, so trust us.

Get few chilled Coconut Porters and head to the beach to catch the perfect wave or watch the sunset!

If you happen to be going to Maui, Hawaii anytime soon the Maui brewing company offers tours so make sure to stop by

http://mauibrewingco.com/discover_beer/coconut-hiwa-porter/

Aloha!

MONKEY TEMPLE

Today we explored Swayambhunath Temple, also known as Monkey Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was a magical experience. We met so many friendly people including a buddhist monk, as well as made many monkey friends. Although if you ever visit, be careful! They will grab your water bottle, your bag, your camera, ANYTHING they can in a second if you let your guard down. Sneaky little buggers :)

OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN PORTO

Portugal shares two things with Spain: one is a border, the second is wine. Other than that, these countries have more differences than you might think.

After spending a week in Barcelona, we flew into the small, charming, coastal city in Portugal, simply called Porto. Now you probably have heard the word "port" before. Port is also the name of a wine that comes from this region of Portugal, and like every good story, ours starts with wine.

Drinking

We are not wine experts, but we sure do like to drink, and when it comes to wine, Portugal has some of the best wines in the world.

Porto is famous for port wine (red or white, sweet dessert wine) which is delicious , but you should also try Vinho verde (fresh white wine, low in alcohol, which is a bummer but it's still delicious!). Porto blends of Vinho verde: rosé or red, are also very good! 

Plus, wine is almost as cheap as water here. You can get a very good bottle of wine at a store for about 3 euros. So drink wine all day long!

Nothing like a bottle of vinho tinto while waiting for your train :)

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CITY: Porto

What to do, see, and eat 

Porto is full of old historical buildings and museums, which are very easy to find on Trip Advisor or similar websites. We have some great off the beaten path tips to share with you but before we get to that, here are some of the more obvious activities that we actually loved:

The "hop-on, hop-off" tour bus is a really good deal. You can get a 2 day pass for 15 euros. The bus will take you to the most iconic places, and if you are planning on spending a day at the beach the bus stops there too. We found it to be more cost effective than buying public bus tickets to all these places. 

• Ingreja do Carmo - an incredible Rococo style church built in the XVIII century. The entrance is free. 

• Igreja dos Clerigos church - free entrance to visit the church. For about 3 euros you can climb the tower Torre dos Clerigos to see the view of the city 

• Serralves museum - the entry is kind of expensive, about 10 euros/per person, but it is really worth visiting. It's an impressive museum with modern art, some provocative art installations and beautiful gardens surrounding the premises. If you can, plan to spend the whole day at the museum and the park. The park is huge, with many gardens and shaded areas to sit down and have lunch. It's a great spot for wine drinking and a picnic!

Our favorite part of the museum was the art installation made by kids on the second floor. The subject was "Body Images, and what role it plays in our society". It is absolutely brilliant and moving to see what these kid-artists came up with and hopefully we all learn from them that body is only what carries your soul.

The Serralves gardens

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• Bairro Herculano

This is the more "off the beaten path" guide to Porto.

Walk to the little district of Porto, called Bairro Herculano. This is a non-touristy area with cute, little houses, that were built between 1880 and 1886, originally for the working class. These two-story dwellings, were designed with communal restrooms, showers and an outdoor laundry facility, where women used to wash clothes. At that time these houses were considered very luxurious compared to the rest of the working suburbs.

This is a great neighborhood with amazing photo opportunities. If you visit Bairro Herculano, just be mindful and respectful. People who live in this quiet neighborhood, are not used to seeing many tourists wandering through the streets.

 

When you are done in Barrio Herculano cross the Ponto Do Infante bridge to see the spectacular view of the city and walk over to the other side of Porto. You will find yourself walking on a small road Cabo Simao, along the Duro river. There is a really cool abandoned church and Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, with more spectacular views of the city.

• Afurada Village

Afurada is a small fishing village about 4 km (one way) from the D. Luís Bridge. It's a bit of a walk,  but this is where you can get the best fish in town and a big carafe of chilled vinho verde. The prices are much better than in the center of Porto. Along the way, you can see the locals literally fishing their dinner in the river. Afurada is very authentic and you won't find many tourists here. There is also another public laundry facility here, that is sill very much in use by the local gals.

If you don't feel like walking back to Porto, you can take bus #14 that will drop you off near the D. Luis Bridge.

TIP: You can also rent bikes near the Trindade Metro station if you'd like to cruise here by bike!

a local woman washing clothes at the public laundry house

Food

 Francesinha is a dish made with bread, loaded with meats, covered with melted cheese and topped with spicy tomato sauce and served with french fries. OMG!!

What you don't want to miss in Porto is the famous "Francesinha" dish. You will see that every restaurant in Porto serves it. Francesinha is EVERYWHERE!! We thought we could get it in other parts of Portugal too. Well, it turns out that Francesinha originally comes from Porto and it is hard to find an authentic one in other cities. Apparently, the secret is in the sauce and even Portuguese will tell you that the best Francesinha is in Porto. So make sure to try one before leaving!!

Francesinha

Food in Afurada Village

We had a lovely lunch at Casa do F.C Port. Fried fish and a vegan lunch: potatoes drenched with olive oil and garlic plus fresh tomato salad. We drank vinho verde and cold beers. It was a perfection!

lunch at Casa do FCPorto

Casa do F.C Porto, address: R. Antonio dos Santos 90, Sao Pedro da Afurada, Portugal

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An evening in Miramar near Porto

OK, so this is technically a bit outside of Porto, but we highly recommend that you take the local train to Miramar, where you can watch the sunset on a beach. There is also a beautiful old chapel on the beach over there. The sunset was breath taking. Just don't forget to bring a bottle of wine!

The Tipsy Gypsies would like to thank our Airbnb host Dorta Woicka who shared some of these of the beaten path places.

Looking for more inspiring ideas for Porto? Check out this article from our friends at The Crazy Tourist!

Get Tipsy on: Vinho Verde

If you think that Vinho Verde means green wine, like us, you probably used Google Translate. Unfortunately, that is not correct and it's time for some "edumacation".

Vinho Verde actually means "young wine" because the wine is not fully matured when it is released, which gives its unique, fresh and almost spritzer like taste. You can find many varieties of V.V: red, white and rosé. They all taste different, so make sure to try them all!

Vinho Verde is best when chilled, so it's perfect for hot summer days. V.V. is low in alcohol, about 4.5% so you can drink plenty of it! It's basically like drinking water, so don't feel bad if have 1-2 bottles all to yourself. Our medical recommendation is to drink more the hotter it is.

There are many brands of Vinho Verde, and it can be hard to pick the right one. There is nothing worse than a bad wine, but don't worry. We went through hell trying to find the tastiest and cheapest Vinho Verde for you. After many "agonizing" hours of tasting, followed by painful recovery mornings, we finally came across Casal Garcia. 

We highly recommend this wine if:

A) Your last name is Garcia or you know a Garcia. It's mandatory you drink it!

B) Anybody who doesn't like wine but there's no beer available. 

C) You want a bottle of wine to yourself on your lunch break, but still have to finish a deadline.

D) You're a light weight who wants to impress more seasoned drinkers. Just don't let them see the label!

Salud!

THE SPIRIT OF PORTUGAL

If a country's wealth were based solely on the kindness and character of its people, Portugal would be one of the richest countries in the world. Portugal is a land that thrives off delicious wine, mouthwatering cuisine, awe inspiring architecture and music that will touch even the most hardened of souls. We spent a month traveling from Porto in the north, down to Lisbon in the south.

While in Porto, we had the good fortune of witnessing and celebrating Portugal's win of the 2016 Euro Cup final. The entire city broke out into festivities and didn't stop for two days and nights. A celebration we will never forget. We drank, ate and laughed with city locals in small bars and restaurants and were always welcomed with open arms.

In Lisbon we got to watch master tile painter Cristina Pina (www.facebook.com/ceramicacristinapina) create beautiful handmade works of art. Portugal's tile work is a gift to the world and can be found all across the globe. For six hours we were serenaded by Fado music at A Tasca do Chico. Wednesday nights are open mic and the best night to go. We ate Nata and Bifana on the streets of Alfama and indulged in delicious fruits from local markets. We were mesmerized by Sintra, which has more magnificent castles and palaces than we could count.

But none of this compared to the people. It was the people that made Portugal great and it is my hope that this video shows as a love letter, how amazing we think the people of Portugal are.

VIVA PORTUGAL!!!

Filmmaker Note: The first song is NOT Portuguese. But the old lady dancing in the video was having such a good time with this song when I filmed her, it had to be used.

SONGS: Original! - Yo Tengo Un Novio Oquestrada - Oxala te Veja (toma que toma)

LOST IN BARCELONA

Tapas. Wine. Alleyways. Gaudi. Marketplaces. Bustling. Modern. AMAZING!!! Had a week in the wonderful city of Barcelona. This is a town that's at it's best when you are lost. You can wander for hours and hours and never get bored. I didn't shoot as much as I hoped, but here is my impression in under 60 seconds.

BARCELONA ON A BUDGET

Are you broke but would love to travel to Europe? If so, you are just like us and if you would like to know how we spent a week in Barcelona, in a luxurious penthouse that cost less than a Motel 6 in LA, keep on reading...

Accommodations

Guess what? If you're on a budget, you don't need to sleep in the cheapest hostel with shared bunkbeds. If you haven't heard about Airbnb yet, it's time to crawl out of your cave and come join the rest of us in the sunshine. Airbnb is a great website for travelers where you can rent houses, apartments and rooms for less than a hotel. It's easy to find a room for 2 people for an average of $20-30/per night and they usually come with all the basics like towels, toiletries (depending on the host) and other great amenities like a wash machine. If you are traveling for a long time, having a wash machine is a huge time and money saver. Why lug (and possibly pay for) a giant suitcase when you can just bring carry on and maybe do 1 or 2 loads of laundry while you are there? 

We like Airbnb because it's secure and the hosts are typically very friendly and will give you great, off the beaten path tips about the city they live in.

We rented a beautiful, historical apartment in a heart of the city with 6 other friends for 5 nights at $250/person, or $50/night. Although this was more than we are spending traveling on the rest of our trip (we are averaging $10/person), it was a very luxurious place. We also saved money on cooking meals at home instead of going out all the time.

I still can't believe that we got to spend a week in Barcelona in this place! Check out the pictures.

If you want to stay here, this is the listing:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10574270

What to see in Barcelona on a budget?

Barcelona is a big city and for sure you won't get bored here. Since, Barcelona is such a popular tourist destination you will need to pay to see everything including churches, which was a bit unusual. All the activities add up fast, so you might want to think twice before forking out more cash to see your millionth cathedral or museum. This is a list of our favorite spots that we visited in Barcelona:

• Go see Gaudi. We love Gaudi. He was a very famous Spanish architect and an artist. His designs are nothing like you have ever seen before. There are a lots of buildings designed by him in Barcelona, so it can be overwhelming and costly deciding which ones to see. These were the ones we thought worth paying for:

Sagrada Familia - Make sure that you purchase the tickets before you visit this place. The tickets are limited.

Sagrada Familia

Park Güelle - This is another great creation by Gaudi. The park is huge and most of it is free! It's actually only a small section that requires a ticket but we thought it was worth it. You can wander throughout the gardens admiring exotic plants and unique architecture. There is also a great view of Barcelona city from the top of the hill in the park (a bit after you pass the main gate). Tickets here are also limited. 

Food

Spain has an amazing food culture. Spaniards like to sleep in the mornings, work for a bit, take a siesta, drink some coffee, eat some tapas, eat some dinner, eat more tapas and drink sangria. Depending on who you are, there might be more the napping, eating and drinking ratio may vary.

So here is what we loved to eat in Barcelona:

Write here...

Tapas for Dinner. Tapas are basically "small" appetizers, that you can share with others at the dinner table. It's a fun way to eat and talk with your friends. Tapas come in slowly, therefore, these dinners can last very long so set aside 2h minimum. Plus, if you are drinking incredible Spanish wine, you won't leave until walking is a serious effort. We tried tapas at "LA Esquina". L.E. is a cute restaurant with an excellent modern twist on tapas where the chef prepares the dishes in front of you. There is a small kitchen stand where where you can watch him concentrating on making the tapas. They are also very vegetarian and vegan friendly!

http://laesquinabarcelona.com/en/

Top: seafood paella, Bottom: "vegetarian"paella

• Paella

You can't leave Spain without trying the delicious rice dish called paella. There are many different varieties of paella: meat, sea food, vegetarian (sort of). Warning all vegetarians: although, many places offer paella with veggies, the rice is cooked with some type of meat stock. So, if you wan to make sure it is 100% veg. friendly and you speak decent Spanish ( we don't), ask first. Otherwise, assume it is cooked with meat broth.

We ate at "Cachitos". The restaurant had a very nice decor with a large selection of tasty sangrias! "Cachitos" http://cachitosbcn.com

• Food Markets

If you want a cheap, healthy and fast lunch, go to one of the many farmers markets while in Barcelona. Get some: olives, cheese, bread, veggies, sausages, wine or beer (of course) and head out to a park for a picnic. These markets also have fresh fish and meat that you cook at at home. We shopped for our picnic at "La Concepcio" market.  http://www.laconcepcio.cat/en/home

If you visit Barcelona, you will most likely spend some time in the Gothic Quarter. Here you can explore the historical streets, cathedrals and churches. You will find many trendy people, gift shops, restaurants, and cafes here. 

El Xampanyet , located in the Gothic Quarter is a cool busy caffe with charming decor. Try their own version of Sangria with soda (KAS). It was different but good!

Address: Carrer de MOntcada, 22, 08003, Barcelona, Spain

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Any trendy neighborhood is full of tourists. So, if you want to escape the crowds and grab a bite to eat and relax with a glass of sangria, you don't want to miss Salterio. This place can be a bit hard to find through the small and windy streets of the Gothic Quarter, but it is so worth it. This little cafe with a dark and mysterious interior, serves excellent Spanish food with an Arabic twist. You can grab some lunch (tapas etc.) and drinks. We tried Turkish Coffee infused cardamon and a fresh sangria with fruit and mint. It was excellent!

2 DAYS IN HELSINKI

Here is another short post about what we did in Helsinki, Finland.  

Finland was not in our original itinerary. However, our ticket from America to Poland was cheaper by stopping through Helsinki. Plus our good friends Noora, a native Finnish girl and Alex, an all American boy, were already in Helsinki at the same time. So a two day layover in Helsinki just made sense.

As usual, on our first day we walked around the city. This is the best ways to get the "vibe". You can go to museums, admire the new and old architecture and be a tourist.  You will see what people look like, what they eat and what they wear. Every city has a unique sound and smell. So if Helsinki had a smell, it would be fresh lake water in a birch forest, and the sound would be the Finnish language, which sounds like a mythical melody. Helsinki is the biggest city in Finland yet it feels rural and small compared to other capitals. People in general were also very calm and polite.

Summers are short and moderate in temperatures in Finland, so whenever the sun is out, people are out too. It is kind of funny seeing people spreading out on city benches, grass at the parks and rocks. Yes, Finnish people are obsessed with sitting on large rocks in parks, at the beach, wherever they can find them, they sit on them. 

After a few hours of walking around the town, we stopped at "Sandro" for lunch. Sandro is really great Moroccan fusion cuisine with many healthy options. They have an all you can eat buffet for about 12 euros (with meat) or 10 euros (vegan) including coffee and refreshing mint tea. We highly recommend this place. We left "Sandro" happy and stuffed. 

Here is link to Sandro's restaurant:

http://www.sandro.fi/

Another recommendation for vegans/vegetarians when visiting Finland is "Soi, Soi". This place has a amazing food. When you are craving something substantial, this place is the bomb. Plus we got to hang out with the one of the owners of this place and he is very lovely.

http://soisoi.fi/

Vegan burger fro Soi Soi restaurant in Finland !! (pic. soi soi)

Picnic at Suomenlinna Island

The highlight of our trip was a visit to Suomenlinna ( Sveaborg) island. This island used to be a sea fortress build to protect from Russian expansion. Nowadays, people live and work there year around. There is a school, post office and grocery store on the island. A lot of people go there to sunbathe and swim so definitely bring your swim suit. 

It's a short, 15 minute ferry ride, from the city center (Market Square).The tickets are 5 Euros for adults (round trip) and it is definitely worth the money. Many people like to take a picnic there. Either bring some food with you or just get it a the local store. They have cold beer!!

You can spend the whole day on the island, especially in the summer because it doesn't get dark till 1-ish am. The last ferry from Suomenlinna back to the city leaves at 2am. 

Ferry info:

 ww.helsinkicard.com/attraction/ferry-suomenlinna/

The Finnish Sauna

We couldn't leave Finland without the sauna experience. It would be like going to Octoberfest and all you get is a Coca Cola. After all, Finnish people invented sauna.

The sauna to Finnish people is more that just sweating in a hot room. It's a cultural and bonding experience. Most of the Finnish houses have saunas and if you go to Finland it is most likely that your Finnish friends will invite you to join them. Finnish people believe that the sauna is good for almost everything and everybody. If you have a cold, arthritis, breathing problems or you need to relax etc, the sauna will make it better. 

After a long day of drinking beers, bbq'ing and loving life, the sauna sounded amazing. 

Here is what you need to prepare yourself:

Before you enter the sauna you first take a cold shower. Then butt naked, you go to the sauna and join the rest of your friends who are also butt naked. It's a faux pas to wear a bikini or a towel in the sauna. Everybody is naked! If you feel uncomfortable in the beginning, we guarantee that after your second and third beer you will be cool with the whole thing. If you still feel uncomfortable, just keep drinking. 

Thank you to all our friends (new and old) who made this trip so fun for us. Noora and Alex thank you for showing us the local's perspective on Finland. 

Also specials thanks to Ana Šuligoj' and Monday Mou who let us crash in their cool, artsy apartment. Teemu, you are such a kind and beautiful person. Thank you for driving us to the airport at 6 am! 

The tipsy gypsies saying goodbye to their Swedish Friends at 5am. Thank you Alex, Nora and Teemu!

We make new friends everywhere we go!

Helsinki recommendations:

Food: 

Sandros: 

http://www.sandro.fi/

Soi Soi:

http://soisoi.fi/

What to do: picnic at Suomenlinna Island

Day trip: Take a ferry from Helsinki to Tallin in Estonia. It's a one day minimum trip. 

SWEDISH WEDDING AT A VINEYARD

"Love and Rosé"

If there is anything the Tipsy Gypsies like more than traveling, it's traveling to a wedding of their best friends. This summer we were invited to attend the wedding of our close friends from San Francisco, Liz and Felix in a beautiful vineyard in Arild, Sweden. Here is the story.

We arrived to Arild Winery on a rainy Friday afternoon. The place was quiet and enchanting. The countryside and the rustic buildings covered with thatched roofs and white stucco walls made us feel like we had just stepped into a medieval village. We were the first wedding guests to check in at the small reception. Not wanting to waste any time, we ordered some Rosé wine to warm up our cold bones.

As the first sip of sweet wine hit our lips, we leaned back, closed our eyes, and inhaled a deep breath of that authentic, wine country air. And we don't mean any of that pretentious, snobby, The Real Housewives of Sonoma air; we mean REAL wine country air. A delicate and sophisticated mix of rich fertile soil... and manure. We loved it because it was earthly and you could literally feel the elements coming together to produce this wonderful wine.

The Town

Arild is a small costal town and it's a favorite spot for Swedes to vacation. One sunny afternoon, we took a walk through the small windy roads of Arild. We could tell that the locals are very proud of their town. Although every cottage is probably a century old, it has been restored and is freshly painted. Each house is unique and they all have the most amazing, green and lavish gardens. 

Very quickly we realized why people love to come here for vacation or choose to live here. The cool breezy air, delicious food, the hospitality and the views are just a few reasons why we fell in love with this place. Check out the views of the town below.

There are lots of fun activities in Arild besides walking and wine tasting. Arild is a small town but it has a lot to offer for the tourists who want to stay active. You can do horseback riding, rent bikes and hike. Down at the harbor they offer scuba diving classes, you can rent kayaks and even do some fishing.

THE WINERY -"Arild Vingård" and the property

You might actually be surprised to hear that there is a vineyard in Sweden because wine is not something that Swedish people are typically known for, but as it turns out, it is actually quite delicious. In fact, the Arild Vingård produces somewhere around 60%-80% of the wine for the whole country. They make a dry white and Rosé wine, schnapps and a dessert wine, which we all tried at the wedding. You can also purchase some imported red wine from Italy. Having said that, Sweden has very strict drinking laws. Alcohol must typically be purchased from authorized government stores. That means that if you buy a bottle at the winery, you have to drink it while you are there. If you want to take it with you, the bottle better be empty.

We slept on the second floor of this building.

In our opinion, the restaurant at Arild Vingård has the best food in town. The meals are reasonably priced and they can accommodate all dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten free, you name it!). And don't skip on the dessert: chocolate cake with Italian style gelato or a scoop of sorbet ( for the vegans). Lastly, their delicious espresso is a perfect pairing with the dessert.... or maybe another glass of wine.

We checked out some other restaurants in town, but they were all a bit out of our price range and they seemed a bit too fancy for us. Plus, for the vegan "gypsy queen" the options were none. However, if money is not an issue for you, the town has two gorgeous restaurants and I am sure the food is amazing. 

Dinner-the Vegan version was delicious. Roasted vegetables and faux meat called "upf"

breakfast 

The Wedding

We have been to many weddings in our life, but we have never experienced a wedding so laid back and fun like the one of our friends Liz and Felix. First of all, the wedding venue did't feel commercial at all. In fact, you could hear the cows mooing in the nearby pastures. There were no bullshit mandatory schedules or fake introductions and the food was spectacular. If you like the concept of "farm to table", this place has it down!

This was a really special event to us because you don't hear that often about two awkwardly awesome kids who fall in love in high school and stick together. We met this goofy couple years ago in an art school in San Francisco. They were much younger than us, but for some reason they didn't mind hanging out with these two older gypsies.

We like Liz because she hosts the most awesome house parties and you can always count on Felix to drink one more beer with you. They are both very social people and their friends are like a family to them. 

This was the most international wedding that we had ever attended.  There were guests from Sweden, Germany, Norway, Australia, Italy, America, Canada, Mexico, England and Poland. It says a lot about the bride and groom that so many people were willing to travel so far to celebrate with them. 

The most memorable and moving part was listening to the many, many speeches durning the wedding. Apparently, Swedish weddings are known for an abundance of speeches. One thing that we learned about the Swedes and this family in particular, is that they are extremely sarcastic and funny. And so were their speeches. 

A lot of us stayed at the vineyard and after the wedding, a smaller group of us continued the celebration in Barcelona ( we will write about that soon). 

The evening was filled with great food, drinks and dancing. We can't remember exactly when we left the venue but we are guessing it was around 1am. But that wasn't it. The party continued in the guest rooms and didn't finish until we heard the farmers feeding the cows their breakfast in the morning.  You know that you partied hard when the owner of the winery tells you that she'd never had a wedding where the guest drank so much and were still standing. We actually weren't that surprised...

If  you go to Sweden make sure you stop at Arild. You can stay at the  Arild Vingård bed and breakfast. You are guaranteed to have great time staying at this magical place. The surroundings are breath taking and place is very peaceful. 

Contact to the vinery:

http://arildsvingard.se

SWEDISH WEDDING

Our good friends Liz and Felix got married in Sweden this July. The Tipsy Gypsies were honored to be invited. Here is a short film Nate made for the bride and groom.

3 HOURS IN COPENHAGEN

Bicycles. Boats. Coffee. Pastries. Weed. Architecture. History.

After hitching a ride from Sweden, we had 3 hours in Copenhagen before our flight to Barcelona. Here's a little portrait of what we saw.

A DAY IN LUND, SWEDEN

Lund is a picturesque college town is southern Sweden. We stopped there for a short visit to see our friends that we met over a decade ago. During our one day there, our friends took us for a charming walk around the city center. The highlight was most definitely the Lund Cathedral. Sweden is not a religious country and it was interesting to see how nowadays people go to the religious institution more for cultural reasons rather than prayers. When we went there, there was a high school theater rehearsal and one of the aisles had a circular bench with a teddy bear sitting on it. Perhaps the toys in the church are placed because the kids tend to get bored durning the mass. Below are some pictures of the cathedral. 

Ancient astronomical clock & religious calendar

Lund cathedral has several spectacular must sees. One is a massive astronomical clock and calendar. The other is it's catacombs. It was amazing visiting these ancient tombs and experiencing them almost entirely to yourself. Where other sites like this are typically bombarded with tourists, on the day we visited it was completely empty. It was also special because on the day we visited, it was the anniversary of one of the tombs burial, 893 years ago! 

Sweden has really good coffee and we learned on our trip that there is a big coffee culture here. They even have a word for it which is FIKA, a "coffee break". This isn't just a regular coffee break or a visit to Starbucks. Swedish people take their time drinking coffee and eating some baked sweets. The Fika's (coffee shops) are social hangouts and many people go there to relax and talk with friends. The coffee shop that we went to, Espresso House, was filled with people young and old, and there was not one person working on their laptop. We had the "Salted Carmel latte" with soy, of course, at the Espresso House. It was probably the best latte ever! Yum!

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chocolate sardines anybody?

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The Swedish countryside is unbelievably beautiful. If you love nature and the country side with wild flowers, dramatic clouds and moderate temperatures definitely come to see Lund.

Special thanks to our hosts Charlotte and Adam for letting us stay with them. They are both amazing friends that cooked for us, took us on a tour of Lund and welcomed us into their home and family. This was a great experience. Thank you!!