Travel and adventure blog for those looking for destination ideas and vacation planning tips.
9 Days in the Heart of Romania
It doesn’t get much better than this 9 day itinerary in the heart of Romania. A country of immense beauty, rich history, and layers of mystique. This land of many legends and lore for countless movies and books has an incredibly beautiful countryside that will leave you mesmerized. The Transylvania region in particular is the heart and soul of this fascinating country and is where we decided to spend our time exploring. This adventurous 9 day itinerary flows smoothly and will allow you to see and experience some of the best sightseeing Romania has to offer.
9 Day Itinerary in the heart of Romania
- Day 1 – Arrive in Bucharest. Explore city at night.
- Day 2 – Bucharest – Walking day tour of the city. Visit and stroll through Unirii square, the historical center, Stavropoleos church, Victory Avenue, and Revolution square. Explore area outside old town.
- Day 3 – Sibiu – Road trip time! Drive from Bucharest to Sibiu. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Medieval old town. Visit various towers, town squares, and historical structures.
- Day 4 – Alba Lulia and Corvin’s castle –
- Day 5 – Sighisoara –
- Days 6 & 7 – Brasov –
- Day 8 – Peles Castle –
- Day 9 – Bucharest –
Day One – Arrive in Bucharest
We flew from Houston to Bucharest, Romania via Turkish Airlines with a very short layover in Istanbul. Side note about this, if you’re flying from the US, there are currently no direct flights to Romania. Both flights were pleasant and IST airport is a super modern delight to experience. It’s well laid out and was a joy to walk around in. There’s even a couple of hotels inside (more on this on the return flight adventure) for those with long layovers.
Going through customs is where the real fun begins. There was no order or formal lines to stand in, we just squeezed in where we could and made the best of the tight situation. US citizens don’t need a visa to visit Romania and the officers didn’t even ask us any questions other than if we’re there for work or vacation. I made a dad joke about being there to look for Dracula and he didn’t laugh. He stamped our passports and we were on our way to get our car from the rental place. Easy peasy right? Of course it wasn’t that easy!
Car Rental in Romania
Make sure your rental agency is located inside the airport! Yes, it’s a little more expensive than off premise car rental companies but you will have peace of mind of knowing that there are lots of people and security around. I saved some money going with an off-brand company and it was located in a not so nice area of town. It was also close to 10 pm and it was manned by some guys that looked like goons in the latest John Wick movie. I could seriously write a whole post about that fiasco, no joke.
But in all seriousness, go with the big known brands and you’ll be fine. And rent a car you must! Romania is a pretty big country and there is so much to see and you want to be able to do it at your own pace. This itinerary that you are reading about could probably be done via tour companies but you’ll be at their mercy and on their schedule. The car gives you the freedom to stay longer at some places, cut short some visits, or add your own spots to experience. Plus you can start at whatever time you want and it’s cheaper too!
Where to stay in Bucharest – InterContinental Athenee Palace Bucharest
Now this is a great storied hotel that is perfectly located for seeing everything this historic city has to offer. Readers of my blog know that I’m all about InterContinental properties worldwide and the Athenee Palace Bucharest is no exception.
Bucharest – Night 1 – Explore the city at night.
You will more than likely land in the evening like we did and be tired from flying overnight with little real sleep the last 14 + hours of flying or so. Resist the urge to go to sleep after checking in. You didn’t fly out all this way just to punk out on night one! Get showered, dressed, and head out for the night. Walk to the old town of Bucharest. This is where you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants and where the action is concentrated.
Xclusive Pub
We had our first beers and grub at the Xclusive Grill and it was a good 1st choice. The servings/portions were definitely American size so bring an appetite and the prices were fantastic. Matter of fact, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 4.60 Romanian Leu so everything was pretty cheap! We ordered some mixed grill plates and some calamari which were huge compared to back in the US which serves tiny calamari. All was pretty tasty.
The outdoor dining area was packed and there were a couple of tables around us with people drinking these green pints of beer and we said, why not? The waiter brought us some cold ones and I was so excited to make my 1st twitter post with my 1st Romanian beer that I didn’t realize until posting that Toborg is in fact a Danish beer. Fail on my part, lol. It’s all good. It turned out it was a decent beer and that’s what we drank the rest of the dinner.
Nobis Bar
After our late dinner we went across the street to the Nobis Bar which had a DJ spinning and a lively atmosphere. It’s situated on a busy intersection that’s perfect for people watching if you just want to lounge outside and listen to the music. Inside was a mainly younger crowd and they were definitely living it up in there.
Between the big meal, beers, and lack of sleep for the last 20 hours, it all caught up to us. It was time to call it a night. We took a different route back to our hotel to take in some different scenery. As cool as this place looked at night (see pic slideshow further below), we couldn’t wait to see it in daylight.
Day 2 – Getting to know Bucharest
As always, anytime you are visiting a new major city, book a walking tour in advance. I always recommend either a Viator Bucharest walking tour or one with GuruWalk. We chose GuruWalk for this trip but like to alternate between the two. We couldn’t have asked for better weather to get our walk on. Clear blue skies and 70-degree temps would make for a perfect day. Plus, the pictures just have more pop with that kind of backdrop. We met our guide and our crew at a pretty park that was at the Unirii Square water fountains.
Our guide did a great job going through several hundred years of history from the times of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), to the world wars, and the communism era which came to a violent end with the 1989 Revolution.
All fascinating stuff mixed in with funny story telling and beautiful stops along the route. See map, walking tour itinerary, and pic slideshow below.
- Unirii square
- Old town
- Manuc’s Inn
- Stavropoleos Church
- Victory Avenue
- National History Museum
- The National Bank of Romania
- Macca-Villacrosse Passage
- Military Club
- Royal Palace
- Revolution square
The walking tour is 2 hours and 45 minutes so wear comfortable shoes. It’s technically “free”, but don’t be a cheap bastard, these people do an excellent job of informing and entertaining. You can tip whatever amount you want at the end of tour (cash only). I think we paid $20 USD. You will definitely work up an appetite afterwards and will pass many spots to eat along the way, including street food!
Lunch time
I seriously wanted to double back to where the tour had started to get some grilled street food we had passed by earlier but was overruled by my wife who did not want to retrace the whole route back, lol. So we settled on an Italian restaurant that was around the corner from our hotel. We ate outdoors along the busy street where it’s located and I finally had my first authentic Romanian beer! The food was average I hate to say but our waitress was cool AF and the beer was on point so it was a wash, lol.
Afternoon exploring
Fueled up and with a buzz from the Bucur cervezas, it was time to walk it off and explore other parts of this wonderful capital. We had no real agenda or list, we just walked around different avenues and stopped at various points that caught our attention. The weather was absolutely perfect and we wanted to take full advantage of it. Back in the day this would be called just getting lost in a city but it’s impossible to claim that now with a smartphone in your pocket 😂. Here’s some pics of some of the things we seen.
Dinner at La Mama!
Did you really visit Romania if you didn’t eat what many consider the national dish, Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls stuffed with a mix of pork/beef/veal ground meat)!? We asked the concierge at our hotel to recommend an authentic Romanian restaurant and she said we must try La Mama which was a few blocks down. It was a great choice. This place had a perfect ambiance with both indoor and outdoor dining (we came here twice and tried both). The food was outstanding and mouthwatering, and it was night and day difference from what we had for lunch. I highly recommend this place. My wife ordered the Sarmale and I ordered a pork shank dish which I had first tried in Las Palmas, Spain earlier in the year.
We paired our fantastic dishes with really good Romanian wine to end the evening. Wish we would have kept track of our steps this day. Had to be a record for us as we were beat. It was close to 10 pm when we called it night. We setup an early wake up call and reviewed our plan for the road trip the next day.
Day 3 – Sibiu “The town with eyes 👀”
After an early breakfast and checkout, we jumped in our ride for the 4-hour drive to the World Heritage Site, town of Sibiu. The scenic route between Bucharest and Sibiu will tempt you to stop at several points and you will drive through the breathtaking protected area of Cozia National Park. Feel free to stop at as many points of interest and overlooks as you want. We had overcast skies the entire day so it wasn’t worth pulling over to take pictures. But we absolutely would have if we had better visibility.
Sibiu is a very well-preserved fortified medieval town that is a must see for any visit to Romania. Nicknamed The Town with Eyes (due to the partly open rooftops on its historical buildings), you do get an eerie feeling like you’re being watched when walking around the town center. Because our adventure happened in the offseason, we were able to get an early check in (Noonish, as opposed to 4 pm). This allowed us to park our car (use the TPark app), drop our bags off in our room, get a proper restroom break, and start exploring the city immediately.
Where to stay in Sibiu – In the Old Town
We stayed at the very simple and budget friendly ELISABETH HOME Piata Mare in the old town. Situated in the main square, you can walk to every tourist site from this location. Our room overlooked the square and had nice views. It’s a no frills property but it was clean, safe, and walking distance to everything one could need. There are several hostels and regular hotels to choose from in and around the town center. Try to stay in the vicinity. Once we got established it was time to explore.
Top things to see and experience in Sibiu
In no particular order, these are some sites that you need to see while you’re visiting.
- Big Square (Piata Mare)
- Orthodox Cathedral “Holy Trinity”
- Lutheran Evangelical Cathedral & Tower
- Small Square (Piața Mică)
- Bridge of Lies
- Strada Nicolae Bălcescu
- Turnul Dulgherilor
Big Square (Piata Mare)
Known as the big or great square, this historic center is where we started our exploration and where you should too. Lots of historical monuments and buildings and a perfect spot for resting and people watching. It’s quite lively during the day and pretty chill at night. There are also some good places to eat as well.
Orthodox Cathedral “Holy Trinity”
While nothing to write home about on the outside, this church is pretty dazzling on the inside. We were quite impressed with the level of detail the original architects put into this beautiful church. I’ll say it again, cathedrals, mosques, and other major religion’s places of worship are some of the most impressive buildings I’ve ever visited. See slideshow below.
Lutheran Evangelical Cathedral & Tower
This place has a ton of history and old-world charm and the views from the top of the tower are spectacular! Only downside is you can’t go outside at the top. You can only take pics through the windows. Make sure you go to all 4 corners to see different parts of the town from above. Oh, and there’s a bunch of steps to get to the viewing room so get ready to have leg day.
Small Square (Piața Mică) and The Bridge of Lies
The Bridge of Lies is literally right next to the Small Square so I’ll lump them in together. The creepy eyes are really pronounced on the buildings here. Several shops and places of interest in this area and the infamous Bridge of Lies is actually a pretty romantic spot with nice flowers around it. Lots of legends about this bridge with the most famous being that the bridge has ears and possesses an inconceivable power so that if you tell a lie while on it, the bridge will begin to groan and make ominous noises. The Maury Povich of bridges, lol.
Turnul Dulgherilor
If you’re a fan of history like my wife and I are, then you will be thrilled seeing these towers up close and personal. It doesn’t take long for your mind to take you back in time to imagine what it was like guarding the town during medieval times. This tower section looks like straight out of a movie. Very well preserved and it will delight history and old war and defense buffs. There are 7 major towers in the old town.
Strada Nicolae Bălcescu and the rest of the old town
The Strada Nicolae Bălcescu is a main street that runs through the old town that is lined on both sides with shops, restaurants, and various boutiques. We didn’t take a picture of it (not sure why not) but it’s as nice as the 2 squares we explored. Pro tip, they’ve got good ice cream spots here so you can get your sweet fix.
After a while, we put our map up and just walked wherever we felt like it. Walking hand in hand with my wife through some parts of this old town, it reminded us of the Texas Rennaissance Festival. Once we started losing daylight, we made our way back to the main square for dinner and drinks. It was a great day of exploring with a ton of steps logged 😂. We drank enough to get a proper buzz and then retired to our room for the night.
9 Days in the Heart of Romania – Part 1 Conclusion
I will be splitting this trip up into 3 posts. Hope to have part 2 out next weekend and then part 3 the week after that. Trying to catch up on my trips! Thanks for reading and appreciate your time! Cheers.
8 Days in Peru – Wonder of the World Itinerary!
If you only have 8 days in Peru, you’ll make the most of your time by splitting it equally between the new and old capital cities of Lima and Cusco. Peru is a land of abundance, cultural richness, and spectacular landmarks spread out across the ancient Inca Land. Our escapade started in Lima (where all great adventures in Peru begin) then took us to the phenomenal wonder of the world Machu Picchu! This was our amazing experience.
8 Days in Peru Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive in Lima then Depart for Cusco. Cusco City Tour (Half-Day): Korikancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, and Plaza de Armas
- Day 2 – Sacred Valley: Awana Kancha, Mirador de Taray, and Ollantaytambo
- Day 3 – New Wonder of the World – Machu Picchu
- Day 4 – Fly back to Lima / Lunch at El Hornero / Inka Market
- Day 5 – Miraflores boardwalk and Lima day tour/Huaca Pucllana Site/Ballet Folklorico and dinner at the Brisas del Titicaca/Dance the night away after the show.
- Day 6 – Historic city center/Peruvian Gastronomy Museum/Eat the Cuy/Magic Water Circuit Fountains
- Day 7 – BBQ with amigos
- Day 8 – Depart Lima
Day 1 – Arrive in Lima & Depart for Cusco. City Tour (Half-Day): Korikancha Temple, Tambomachay & Sacsayhuamán , and Plaza de Armas
Our flight to Lima landed around 11:30 pm and right away our vacation started with a bang. No sooner had my wife cleared customs that my officer decides to do the old shakedown routine. What a way to start, I thought. The customs agent said my name came across his computer as a “hold for Interpol”. That’s right, freaking INTERPOL😂!
At that point in my life I had never even been to Europe with the exception of a short layover in Amsterdam on the way to South Africa. I was taken to a little room in the back for some dire warnings about not being able to see the judge for another 3 days. Unless, I “cooperated” (of course). The cooperating session cost me $60 US dollars and they let me go with a “Welcome to Peru, enjoy your stay”.
My childhood friend Liz and her husband picked us up and we laughed off the incident. Unfortunately, these things happen in Latin America so we just rolled with it. We soon arrived to their home and had our first Peruvian beers (Cusqueña). As it always is when catching up with cool old friends, time flies. It got really late on us quick and we had a flight to Cusco to catch around 8 am. We would all wake up in a few hours to make the trip back to the airport but took comfort in knowing that we would have several days together after the Cusco part of the trip.
Cusco Imperial City Tour
Condor Travel handled all of the arrangements for our 4 days in Cusco and we couldn’t have been happier with their service. They arranged our flights, had a driver waiting for us at the airport, and had us booked at the lovely Casa Andina Premium Cusco for 3 nights. Our hotel was actually in the 2022 romantic comedy “Without Saying Goodbye” which was filmed in several locations across Peru. The driver/guide stayed with us until we were checked in and even served us some Coca leaf tea while we waited on our room.
The altitude of Cusco is 11,152 feet above sea level! That’s 2.11 miles and more than twice of the mile high city of Denver in the US. You best believe that you will feel it, especially coming from a sea level city like Lima or Houston (where we’re from). To help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness we did as the locals and drank coca leave tea daily during our stay. If you want an even more authentic experience, just put the leaves in your mouth and get to chewing. Either way works.
Korikancha Sun Temple
Our tour got kicked off at the Korikancha sun temple (this beautiful temple has many spellings). It was one of the most important and sacred temples of the Inca empire. The ruins are located in Santo Domingo Plaza. Like they did all across the Americas, when the Spanish arrived in Cusco they destroyed most of Korickancha. They then built the Santo Domingo Church on the foundations and the remaining walls of the temple, only preserving a small part of its indigenous beauty.
Tambomachay
We continued on to the archaeological site Tambomachay (Spanish name is El Baño del Inca). The grounds here consist of a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that run through the rocks. It was fun learning about the Inca ingenuity in how they built their aqueducts and moved water to where they needed it. We enjoyed this short stop and it was pretty close to Cusco. Tambomachay is located just 5km away from the city and can also be reached by bus.
Sacsayhuamán
Heading back towards Cusco is the towering Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán. This is a massive structure with well crafted stone masonry and impressive vistas. There is plenty to see in these ruins and you have to use your imagination to visualize just how big this place was during it’s hey day. The giant stone walls are just a portion of what remains after the Spanish took it apart to use the material elsewhere in their empire. It would have been a site to behold. Walking around what remains is still mesmerizing.
Plaza de Armas
The city tour comes to an end in the historic heart and center of Cusco, at the Plaza de Armas. Here our guide taught us many things about the way of life during the time of the Inca and the many customs and ceremonies that would take place (and still do) in the very important square. The Spanish being the Spanish of that era, demolished three Inca palaces and temples here as well, just like they did in Mexico, Colombia, and elsewhere during their conquest. They then built the 2 main churches on either sides of the square where the former palaces stood.
We were completely spent at the end of this tour. That being said, it was a well paced tour, we learned quite a bit, and it allowed us to get acclimated to the altitude. After being dropped off at our hotel we had dinner and called it a night. I don’t even think we made 9 pm, we were so tired. With day one in the books, we slept satisfied and happy.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley: Awana Kancha, Mirador de Taray, and Ollantaytambo
Awana Kancha
We had a good breakfast at our hotel and met a few tourists from the UK who were also going on our tour. The bus pulled up around 8:30 am and we made our way towards stop 1 of 3 at the Awana Kancha. This place bills itself as “the living museum of the Andes” and is more of a farm/petting zoo with some outdoor instructional exhibits. A couple of things that we really liked about this place. First, it was the native Alpacas! They have a lot more now than during our visit, but it was cool seeing them and touching them.
The second thing was not just learning about how the Inca made colors out of plants in the area but the live demonstrations. It’s one thing for them to show you some plants and tell you hey they made lots of colors out of this. But it’s very cool to watch them demonstrate it for you so there is no doubt. This a was a fun informative pit stop on the way to Ollantaytambo.
El Mirador de Taray
El Mirador de Taray is located on the road between Cuzco and the village of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This was a pullover stop for 20 minutes or so but the beauty of this area is something to behold. The explorer in me wanted to tell the tour guide that I was good and would take a cab back. I seriously considered walking to nearby Pisac and spending the night, but wife overruled me. This place is worthy of more time. The scenery here is absolutely superb!
Ollantaytambo
The final stop and main event was Ollantaytambo. This village in the Sacred Valley sits on the Urubamba River amid some really pretty snow-capped mountains. There are also some massive Inca fortress ruins with the large stone hillside terraces to admire. Our guides did a really good job telling us the stories of this region and about a great inter Inca war that broke out here. Ollantaytambo was even the temporary capital at one point during the war against the conquistadors. Fascinating stuff and it was all easy to follow and visualize as we listened to our well informed hosts.
It’s a big complex that includes temples, Bath fountains, and an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings. The elaborate (and vertical) terraces were quite impressive in both their size and strategic placement. The Inca thought of agriculture and defense when constructing these marvelous structures. It made sense why they chose to build a town in this mythical sacred valley spot.
Of course my wife had to do some shopping in the village square. We were shown several arts and crafts areas where some local jewelry and other hand made trinkets were made. My wife also tried on a few Cholita hats before settling on the brown bowler hat that fit her perfectly. Lunch was prepared for us at local restaurant and we sipped on more coca leaf tea before returning to Cusco.
Dinner at Cicciolina’s
This evening we had more energy and our bodies were becoming more and more adjusted to the altitude. We took a stroll to the main plaza til the sun came down then settled in for dinner at Cicciolina’s which had been recommended to us by the staff at our hotel. This fusion Italian/Spanish/Peruvian restaurant was fantastic and their 4.5 rating out of almost 6,000 reviews on Tripadvisor is well deserved! Give it a try!
Day 3 – New Wonder of the World – Machu Picchu Day!!
To say that we were excited for this day would be an epic understatement. Very few places on this planet have we dreamed about visiting like we did for Machu Picchu! We had seen so many documentaries on it, read so much about it, and saw way too many screensavers in our lifetimes not to be giddy as kids as the tour company picked us up from our hotel to transfer us to the train station in the nearby town of Poroy.
Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco
You will have to take the Cusco train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Take note that the “Cusco” train station is actually in the town of Poroy. It’s a cheap taxi/Uber ride, but give yourself at least an hour to get from Cusco to the train station. The train ride is a scenic 3.5-hour trip each way along tracks that run right along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. Adding to the beauty are the dramatic canyon walls on either side of the path.
There are two regular and one boujee train companies to choose from. They are the Inca Rail, Peru Rail, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham train. We rode the Peru Rail Vistadome cars and they were just fine. The cars had panoramic windows, they served coffee, and even had a cultural performance onboard for the ride back. The Hiram Bingham service is a gorgeous train for those that want that white glove treatment. You can expect white tablecloth meals with wine during the journey. It’s obviously much more expensive.
Upon arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes you will get on these little buses for the 30 minute drive all the way up to the entrance/visitor’s center of Machu Picchu. Not going to lie, that bus ride was a little suspect in some parts. There might have been some body parts tightening up and clenching around some of the bends 😂. But once we arrived, it was sheer joy! There she was in all her glory.
Machu Picchu grounds
Man I really love that pic! Okay let me get back to the post. When you get to the entrance make sure you get your passport stamped! It’s a nice big cool stamp too. Our guide wasted no time once our tickets were scanned and dove right into the tour. He took us to all the different sections of the sacred grounds and explained in detail and story, all the great facts, legends, and myths. It was freaking surreal to be quite honest. We were really in Machu Picchu. No words can properly explain it. You will have to experience it for yourselves. It literally moved some people to tears, no joke.
As we made our way towards the top viewing platform to get the shot taken and seen by millions around the world, we thoroughly enjoyed every area and room we were taken to. The various sections of ruins are easily identifiable and you are given a map when you first enter. When the tour reaches the free time to roam part, you’ll have a good idea of where to go. Instead of me going on and on about how magical this place is, how about a pic slideshow.
By the time we got to the ledge where every visitor takes the obligatory Machu Picchu pic, it had gotten quite warm. I had to buy an undershirt from the gift shop because (don’t ask me why) I wasn’t wearing one under my hoodie. Of course the only one they had in my size was one stating that I completed the Inca Trail. And I had everybody and their mother congratulating me and/or asking me how was the 4 day/3 night hike. It was funny then and still funny now.
Day 4 – Fly back to Lima / Lunch at El Hornero / Inka Market/Anticuchos
I was so happy when I woke up this day because we were still in Cusco and we were really in Machu Picchu the day before. I was not dreaming. I even took a peek at my digital camera pics just to make sure. We had our last breakfast in this treasure of a city and said goodbye to the wonderful hotel staff and made our way to the airport for our flight back to Lima. Our good friend Liz would be there waiting for us with open arms (literally). 😊
Lunch at El Hornero
No sooner had we left the airport that our Lima 101 class began in earnest! First up would be some excellent cuts of meat at El Hornero in San Isidro. This parilla restaurant was delicious and the carne was mouth watering. It is here that we were also introduced to Peru’s national drink, the Pisco Sour. Side note about this drink, Chile also claims it as their own so the neighbors have alcohol beef in addition to soccer, lol.
Another drink that ended up being one of our favorites was Inca Kola! Don’t let the ugly yellow color deter you from trying it. We found it to be pretty good. So if you like steak and a great vibe then give this place a visit and I promise you won’t be disappointed. There are a few El Hornero locations in Lima and you can use the link I provided to find one close your location.
Inka Market
After the nice heavy lunch we went back to my friend’s house to get settled in and properly catch up (and take a nap). We were received warmly by her kids and even her maid. Of course the first thing my wife asks is why she doesn’t have one. Liz would be taking us shopping at night at the Inka Market in Miraflores and then to dinner in the area so, we rested up and hung out with her fam before going out for the evening.
The Inka market is located in the Miraflores district (which we would tour in daylight the next day). Here you can find all sorts of artisan crafts and typical Peruvian souvenirs. Everything from traditional textiles, Inca style jewelry, Peru’s famous alpaca scarves/shawls, and of course Pisco! Like all Latino outdoor markets, they expect you to haggle, err.. negotiate 😄. So make sure you sharpen up your bargaining pitch.
Anticuchos (Beef Hearts) for Dinner
I really wish I was introduced to this delicacy earlier in our trip (as in as soon as we landed). This was something special, no joke. I had never in my life thought about eating beef heart meat nor had I ever seen it or tasted it. It was a such a pleasant surprise to my taste buds that if I have one lesson learned from this entire trip is that I didn’t eat more of it. I think out of the 8 days we were in Peru, I only ate anticuchos twice. The first time at Pepe’s (in picture below but no longer open) and then at our going away bbq our last day in Peru.
Day 5 – Miraflores Boardwalk and Lima day tour/Huaca Pucllana Site/Ballet Folklorico and dinner at the Brisas del Titicaca/Dance the night away after the show.
This was a pretty special day as it was my birthday! We woke up late on this overcast Friday morning and enjoyed a big breakfast where Liz informed us we would tour the city via the Mirabus. WTF is a Mirabus?, I asked puzzled. “You know those double decker open air tour buses”, Liz responded matter of factly. My friend had truly been assimilated while living in Peru 😆. The Mirabus! I loved it. Her Spanish had also improved dramatically, it was awesome.
So back to the Mirabus tour. It took us all around the Miraflores and San Isidro districts which were some really nice areas. During the tour we were able to get off and walk around the Huaca Pucllana excavation site. This urban archeological site is a great adobe and clay pyramid right smack in the middle of Miraflores. The surrounding urbanization reduced it’s size but it’s still impressive.
And of course all of my pics were either blurry or were shit. I was able to take some barely decent ones (albeit gray due to weather) along the famous “Malecón” (“Miraflores Boardwalk”). It’s unfortunate that the weather didn’t cooperate because Lima really does have a nice coastline. Really wish I had better pics to share but if you walk along this boardwalk you will absolutely enjoy the vibe and views. Slideshow below.
Embarcadero 41 – Lunch on the coast with a view
We had built up quite an appetite from the day touring and there could only be one choice for lunch. Ceviche, more ceviche, and then just a little more ceviche. Peru is world renown for this seafood delight and it is considered their flagship dish which they take immense pride in. Embarcadero 41 does the country proud in the various ways they serve it. Follow that link to their website and just watch all the various examples of the amazing food created there by their chefs.
Noche de Folklore dinner and show at the Brisas del Titicaca
When I stated earlier that our friend was an ultimate host, I literally meant the compliment as in there is no comparison. We started the early evening at their home pre-game drinking and got introduced to some of their friends who would be joining us for the night. It was here that I met a character that still cracks me up to this day when I think back to this night or look at the pictures and videos. My Arabic amigo Jalamela. Lmao, okay that is an inside joke. The dude was Peruvian and was a ball of fun to be around.
For my birthday night celebration they had a chauffeured van booked that took us to and from the Brisas del Titicaca. This venue puts on a super entertaining show on the weekends. We saw dances and performances from the different regions of Peru and all were accompanied by a live band/orchestra. While the dancing takes place on the main floor, there are also different performers in costumes walking around having fun with those in attendance. The whole time we were eating, drinking, and having a great time.
Before we got too far into the night they brought out my birthday cake. We had to cut the cake before the dance club part of the evening started. It was a very nice surprise as I wasn’t expecting one and this birthday was already one for the books. It was only about to get better. When the folklore dances are done there is a live cover band that comes on and a dj to dance the night away. And man did we dance. It was perfect.
Day 6 – Historic city center/Peruvian Gastronomy Museum/Eat the Cuy/Magic Water Circuit Fountains
There might have been a couple of hangovers on this day. We didn’t get started til late in the morning as we recovered from the night before. I’ve stated many times on various blog posts in the past, my favorite parts of any old cities, is their historic center. We walked the plaza and got to admire the beautiful square with it’s old churches and government buildings. And there was a certain energy in the air as well and the place started to get packed. We would soon find out why.
Our visit just happened to coincide with a religious holiday because on July 16th is when Peru celebrates one of the virgins. We got to witness a religious procession in honor of Our Lady of Carmel. It was a slow moving parade of sorts with music, incense being burned, and images of the Virgen being carried by the faithful. The whole thing reminded me of the catholic procession scene in the Godfather II movie.
Visit the Museum of Peruvian Gastronomy
Some blocks away was the Museum of Peruvian Gastronomy. This was an educational stop to learn and shed some light on the details and nuances of Peruvian cuisine. The exhibits go over the history of Peruvian cooking and methods used. We learned quite a bit about the native plants, vegetables, and fruits used in popular dishes and how food has evolved in Peru. I’d say this stop is worth at least an hour.
Peruvian Cuy!
For lunch we were taken to a restaurant to have Cuy (guinea pig). I know what you’re thinking, wtf?! Yes I know that Guinea pigs are beloved pets in the US where kids/adults keep them as household companions. But they are also loved in Peru (and Ecuador) as well, but for another reason. They are raised to be eaten! Guinea pigs originated in the Andes and are known as cuy and were domesticated by indigenous people for their meat. The pigs are fattened up and bigger than the ones found in the US.
So what does it taste like? I’d say that their meat taste a little like rabbit and you can order it fried or grilled. Don’t be scared, you have to give it a chance! Along with the Cuy we had other Peruvian dishes, which I apologize upfront because I don’t have the names. I do have some nice pics though, lol. Maybe someone can name them in the comments.
Magic Water Circuit Fountains
We were taken to the Magic Water Circuit Fountains in the evening to watch the spectacular lights and water show. I had left my camera at Liz’s house and she sent me her pics later on. After searching 3 external hard drives, I can’t find that file. Oh well, it’s 2023 and if you just google Water Fountains in Lima and click images you can get your fill of pics of them. I have also linked to the official site which has a nice intro video. You can’t leave Lima without checking them out.
Day 7 – Going away BBQ with amigos.
Our last and final day had arrived and it landed on a Sunday fun day. Breakfast and coffee with our amiga and her beautiful wonderful family was followed up with tasty farewell BBQ and drinks. Our new buddies from my birthday night came over and we even caught a soccer game on tv. My wife and I packed our luggage that night and couldn’t thank our hosts enough for the kindness, generosity, and warmth shown to us throughout our stay. Epic time, Epic hosts, Epic Peru 💖
Summary/Things to know/Other links
- This is a vacation we took in 2011 but all the places we mentioned are still there. Lima, Miraflores, the Malecón, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu didn’t go anywhere, lol. Both Viator Cusco and Viator Lima all list the places that we visited in the tours that they offer. All of the website links are up to date (2023).
- There are still only 2 ways to get to Machu Picchu. Hike the Inca Trail or cab/train/bus it like we did.
- You must have your passport to visit Machu Picchu.
- Always do your due diligence before planning any trip and check the US government website for any travel advisories and other important information. Political unrest does happen every once in a while.
- Delta and LATAM Airlines have direct flights from Lima to Cusco.
Discovering the Unknown: Unique Travel Destinations in South America
Exploring the Uncharted Corners of South America
Welcome to “Discovering the Unknown: Unique Travel Destinations in South America”. We’re on a thrilling journey to unearth the unexplored corners of this vibrant continent. South America, with its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the lush Amazon rainforests to the towering Andean peaks, we’re venturing beyond the beaten paths. These locations will have you diving deep into local customs, tasting exotic cuisine, and meeting the warm-hearted locals. So, strap in and join us as we embark on this exciting adventure to reveal South America’s lesser-known sites.
The Untouched Beauty of the Bolivian Salt Flats
The Bolivian Salt Flats, also known as Salar de Uyuni, are a breathtaking sight to behold. This vast expanse of white salt, stretching as far as the eye can see, offers an untouched beauty that is truly unique. During the rainy season, the salt flats transform into a giant mirror, reflecting the sky so perfectly it’s hard to tell where the sky ends and the ground begins. The silence and isolation are profound, making it a perfect place for self-reflection. Don’t miss the chance to visit the world’s largest salt flat, a place where you can literally walk among the clouds.
Youtuber Alike captures this place perfectly. Check out her video below and subscribe!
Getting there – via La Paz, Bolivia (LAP)
After flying into La Paz, you will have to travel to the town of Uyuni to get to the Salt Flats. Your choices to get there come down to an one hour flight or 11 hour overnight bus ride. There is a 3rd option but it involves taking the bus to the bus station in Oruru, then a cab to the train station, then a train ride to Uyuni.
Currently only one airline flys to Uyunit and that is BOA (Boliviana de Aviacion).
The bus leaves La Paz at 21:00 from the Todo Turismo offices at 102 Uruguay Avenue which is opposite the bus station. You can buy your ticket in person or reserve your seat and your ticket online then show your e-ticket to the driver.
The Hidden Gems of the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest has an abundance of untapped treasure waiting to be discovered. Its lush greenery houses an incredible variety of unique wildlife and plants, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Take a boat trip down the Amazon River and marvel at the pink dolphins playfully swimming alongside. Trek through the dense forest to witness the vibrant colors of the rare bird species or catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguars. Don’t miss the chance to visit the indigenous tribes, who still live in harmony with nature, maintaining their centuries-old traditions. The Amazon Rainforest is truly an unexplored paradise for those seeking a unique travel experience in South America.
Getting there – via Manaus, Brazil (MAO)
Manaus is located on the banks of the Negro River in northwestern Brazil. It is the capital of the huge state of Amazonas and is a major starting point for those exploring the surrounding Amazon Rainforest. You will find many wildlife ecotourism excursions launching from this city.
Flights from Europe to Manaus
There are no direct flights. All flights go via Sao Paolo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG). You can book a direct flight to Manaus from either of these 2 cities. Once there you can book your flight to Manaus on LATAM, AZUL, or GOL airlines.
Flights from North America to Manaus
From North America there are some direct flights to the Brazilian Amazon (Manaus). The first option is from Florida. It is possible to fly from either Miami or Orlando to Manaus. The second option is to fly from Panama city directly to Manaus.
Flights from Brazil to Manaus
Several cities in Brazil offer flights to Manaus. You can book your flight tickets to the Amazon through LATAM, AZUL, or GOL. Most of the time ticket prices are under the $100.
The Mystique of Easter Island, Chile: Beyond the Stone Statues
Easter Island, Chile, is a compelling destination that offers much more than its renowned stone statues. This remote island, known for its mysterious Moai statues, also offers an enchanting blend of Polynesian and South American cultures. Visitors can explore the island’s rugged landscapes, secluded beaches, and vibrant festivals that showcase traditional music and dance. The island’s history, full of intriguing legends and archaeological sites, is as captivating as its natural beauty. So, if you’re looking for a unique travel destination in South America, Easter Island promises an unforgettable journey beyond the stone statues.
Getting there – via Santiago, Chile (SCL)
Not many options here. The only flight connecting Easter Island to the mainland is into Chile’s capital city, Santiago. You’ll need to overnight there before catching a flight the next day to the island. Latam has daily flights to Easter Island. Besides flying, the only other way to get there is via some extended world cruises.
The Enigmatic Nazca Lines of Peru: A View from Above
If you’re seeking a unique travel experience in South America, don’t miss out on the mysterious Nazca Lines in Peru. These enormous geoglyphs, etched into the desert sands, are best viewed from above. Imagine flying over a vast canvas depicting various shapes, like a hummingbird, spider, and monkey, stretching over 200 square miles. These lines, created by the ancient Nazca culture, have baffled scientists and historians for decades, adding to their allure. The enigma of their purpose and the precision in their creation make the Nazca Lines a must-see in your South American adventure.
Getting there – via Lima, Peru (LIM)
You’ll have to fly to the capital of Peru. From there Viator offers many sightseeing options for every budget and length of stay. It’s a 7 hour drive from Lima, just FYI. For this reason alone I would recommend some type of overnight excursion.
The Remote Wilderness of Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego
If you’re an adventurer at heart, the remote wilderness of Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego is a must-visit. Right at the southern tip of South America, this fascinating land offers unspoiled natural beauty unlike any other. Imagine vast, rugged landscapes, crystal clear lakes, and dense forests teeming with wildlife, all under the watchful gaze of towering snow-capped mountains. You can hike through the stunning Dientes de Navarino mountain range, kayak along the serene Beagle Channel, or just soak in the serene solitude. A trip to Tierra del Fuego is truly a journey into the wild unknown.
Getting there – via Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE)
Doesn’t get more remote than this. From Buenos Aires you will take a 3 1/2 hour flight to Ushuaia. There are several direct daily flights between Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego’s capital city, Ushuaia.
The Unknown Guajira Peninsula: A Unique Coastal Desert in Colombia
Venture off the beaten path and discover the wonders of the Guajira Peninsula in Colombia. This unique coastal desert offers a stark contrast to the lush jungles typically associated with the country. The Guajira Peninsula is home to the indigenous Wayuu tribe, whose vibrant textiles and crafts add a splash of color to the arid landscape. With its pristine beaches, towering sand dunes and rich cultural experiences, this lesser-known destination is a hidden gem worth exploring. Despite its harsh climate, the Guajira Peninsula is teeming with unique wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this Colombian marvel on your next South American adventure.
Getting there – via Bogota, Colombia (BOG)
From Bogota you can fly directly to Riohacha, which is the capital of Guajira. You can get there using Viva Air or Avianca Airlines. Nonstop flights take one hour and 40 minutes.
Buses also depart from Bogotá’s Terminal Salitre to Riohacha (by different companies). Times for this route vary from 19 to 26 hours. This route is obviously not recommended due to the distance. It’s also not for the weak hearted.
The Spectacular Atacama Desert: Stargazing in the World’s Driest Desert
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest desert, located in South America. This spectacular destination offers an unmatched stargazing experience due to its high altitude, virtually non-existent cloud cover, and lack of light pollution. At night, the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of twinkling stars, vibrant planets, and distant galaxies. A visit to the Atacama Desert isn’t just a trip; it’s an unforgettable journey into the mysteries of the universe. Pack your bags and set your sights on the stars; the Atacama Desert is waiting to leave you spellbound with its celestial magic.
Getting there – via Santiago, Chile (SCL)
From Santiago you will have to connect to Airport El Loa Calama (CJC). This is a two hours flight. From here you can rent a car to explore on your own or (if not previously booked online), book a tour in person.
Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls: A Majestic Waterfall Off the Beaten Track
Venture into the heart of Guyana and discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Kaieteur Falls. This majestic waterfall, hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest, is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Standing at a towering height of 741 feet, it’s nearly five times taller than Niagara Falls! A visit to Kaieteur Falls offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. The journey to the falls involves a thrilling trek through the lush, wild jungle. Once you reach your destination, the serene ambiance and the cascading waters create a spectacle that’s truly mesmerizing.
So, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination that combines natural beauty with a dash of adventure, Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls should be at the top of your list. Here is a really good in depth blog post on everything you need to know before traveling there.
Getting there – via Georgetown, Guyana (GEO)
From Georgetown there are 2 choices here. You jump on a little small charter plane (most comfortable and fastest/day trip) or take the scenic route that involves some grueling but adventurous travel over several days. Here is another fantastic blog post that gets into the nitty gritty details on how to get to the falls by land. Also has maps and nice video!
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure of South America’s Less-Traveled Paths.
In conclusion, venturing off the beaten path in South America can be the adventure of a lifetime. From the untouched rainforests of Guyana to the remote islands of Chile, there’s a world of untapped beauty waiting to be discovered. Embrace the thrill of the unknown, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and let the magic of these less-traveled paths enchant you. South America, with its unique destinations, is a treasure trove for those willing to step out of their comfort zones and explore. So pack your bags, the adventure awaits!
Thanks for reading! For personal South American adventures check out my other posts from Ecuador and Colombia!
The Best Places to Eat in Las Palmas
If you are looking for the best places to eat in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, I’ve got you covered. This list of restaurants and cafes are my personal favorites. From your basic no frills dishes, to some local favorites, and even a great steakhouse, there will be something for every taste and budget! Spanish, Indian, Mexican, pizza, and burgers are all in my 10 best places to eat in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. I’m getting hungry already, so let’s jump right into it.
Pizza
Las Palmas has a very nice variety of pizza and burger joints throughout this part of the island. During my 3 week stay, I was with several Norwegian and UK colleagues and these peeps love their pizza and burgers so this genre of food was well sampled. I highly recommend these two.
Ristorante Pizzeria Boccaccio
Located just a couple of blocks from the beach, the Ristorante Pizzeria Boccaccio is an excellent stop to get your pizza fix on. See for yourself why they rank at #4 of 1,131 restaurants in Las Palmas on Tripadvisor! They sell 34 kinds of pizza here so there’s bound to be one you like or you can create your own. The owners here are fantastic and you get personable service from the wait staff. It’s mainly outdoor dining on a not too crowded street so you can enjoy your food in peace. Vibe is chill and relaxed.
Ristorante Pizzería Al Maccaroni
This place is located right off the beach and you should request an outdoor table if possible. It’s not just a pizza place but an actual Italian restaurant with a pretty nice selection of food. I can only vouch for the pizza and vibe since I didn’t try anything else. But they definitely got the pizza part right so it’s not a stretch to think that their other offerings aren’t just as good. Besides the food, the people watching here es top (pronounced in a Spanish accent😊) as you have views of the beach action and the main beach walkway.
Hamburgers
Rockabilly Real Burgers
With 5 locations on the island, Rockabilly boasts that they are the “F*cking Famous Burgers in Town” and I can’t argue with them there. When I first inquired about where I could find a really good burger in Las Palmas, this was the name that rolled off everyone’s tongues. Of the 5 locations, we ate at the Las Canteras and Puerta locations. These are some tasty burgers (Samuel L. Jackson voice in Pulp Fiction). Besides the fat and juicy hamburgers, I especially liked the layout of this local chain. It’s decked out like a Hard Rock Cafe.
200 GRAMS
200 Grams is the main competitor to Rockabilly in the burger battle for best in Las Palmas. They have 3 locations and hold their own nicely. In my opinion, as far as taste and quality, I’d call it a tossup. For my American readers, 200 grams = 0.440925 lbs, so a little under 1/2 pound burgers 😄. Remember they use the metric system everywhere except the US. They have some signature burgers which we tried or you can create your own here as well. Give them a try!
Mexican – Tiki Taco
Tiki Taco is a must eat at place! I decided to break my own rule of not eating Mexican food unless I’m in Mexico, Texas, or the Southwest US and I’m so glad I did. This establishment has bomb ass tacos. No joke. I’m pretty sure I ate 8 of them but it could have easily been 10, not really sure. They were that good. Located on the northern end of the Playa de Las Canteras (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), make sure you make a stop here. It doesn’t matter which tacos you pick, you can’t miss.
Indian – Casa Tandoori
By far this was the warmest and most welcoming restaurant that I visited during my stay. The staff was great and friendly and really went out of there way to attend to us. Excellent Indian food is served here and there are also dishes from Nepal. I ate so much here. One thing I need to point out is their hours of operation are pretty unique. They are open daily from 1 – 4 pm then close until 8pm when dinner service starts. They are closed on Mondays.
Steakhouse – El Churrasco Restaurante Grill
For the carnivores out there, this is a solid choice for steaks, meat skewers, and some excellent pork dishes as well. Bring an appetite as I didn’t have a single bad course here. From my appetizers to the Filets to dessert, it was a superb meal. Of course pair your steaks with an excellent Spanish wine or Malbec from Argentina. And don’t forget to finish your dining experience with a fine Irish coffee.
Small Cafes
Compared to mainland Spain, the cost to eat and drink in the Canary islands is incredibly affordable. I mean night and day difference! We had sticker shock when we first visited Madrid and this time I was pleasantly surprised in the opposite direction. I found myself rechecking my receipts to be sure they didn’t accidently leave anything off because the low prices had me doing double takes. These next two spots will be easy on the wallet and your taste buds.
Cafeteria Restaurante Lanzarote
You always remember your first. Or something like that 😄. This was the very first restaurant I ate at after checking into my hotel upon arrival. It was super cheap, had good food , and the servers were attentive. I recommend this place for breakfast, grabbing a couple of beers after work, or for those on a budget. It’s mainly a light menu with the Eggs, ham, and fries being an excellent choice for breakfast or after a night out. The iced cold $1.50 Dorado Especial beers can’t be beat either.
Cafetería Muelle Sofía
This spot is a little off the beaten path. Located by the entrance of a shipyard, this café by the harbor offers up a good lunch and is popular with nearby workers during normal eating hours. Speaking of hours, it’s open from 6 am – 1 am during the week so it can serve as a late night spot if you’re out and about on this side of town. The food here is much better than the place looks and servers definitely have some personality. All in all, this is a good spot to eat if you are near the port.
Honorable mentions – Dar Sultan & La Casa Roja
Dar Sultan is an Arab restaurant that doesn’t have great reviews on google but my experience was positive all the way around. They have a good selection of Spanish and Arab food and are located in a prime people watching thoroughfare across from Santa Catalina park. It’s majority outdoor seating and was packed both times I ate there. Order the Spanish paella for main dish and my favorite garlic shrimp for appetizer.
La Casa Roja is a nice Italian restaurant on the main waterfront walkway and has superb sea views from their open rooftop terrace. The best things to order here are their pasta and seafood dishes. Also their antipasti and pizzas were top vote getters from the group I was with. I went with some light catch of the day fish that was cooked just right. The layout is such that there is not a bad seat in the house so you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of Las Canteras beach while eating some good Italian food.
Best Places to Eat in Las Palmas Summary
As I stated earlier in the post, there are over 1,130 restaurants/cafes to choose from in this attractive miniature continent. This underrated Spanish destination has more than enough food options to keep even the most picky eaters happy (and busy). The map below shows the locations of all the places I recommended. You cannot go wrong with any of my picks so buen provecho (enjoy)!
Map of Restaurant locations
How To Spend 4 Days in West Texas
My 4 Days in West Texas itinerary begins in the charming and quirky little town of Alpine and then takes you to the Davis Mountains for a night at the McDonald Observatory. The following day, the small artsy town of Marfa gets a visit before arriving at Presidio. This is where the epic “El Camino del Rio” scenic route starts. Also known as the River Road, it is by far the most scenic drive in all of Texas. You’ll drive it all the way to Lajitas and then through Terlingua, where ultimately you will end up in beautiful Big Bend National Park.
Where is “Real” West Texas/Where does it begin?
Ask 10 Texans and you will get 10 different answers. In my opinion, Real West Texas begins once you reach Fort Stockton. Some people take the panhandle outline and follow an imaginary line straight down to Mexico or they use the Pecos river as the geographical boundary. But no matter what your definition is, this sparsely populated and isolated area is the most alluring and scenic part of the state!
Getting there
There really isn’t an easy way to get to West Texas (or Big Bend). If you’re not from Texas, your best bet is to fly to El Paso and rent a car from there. There is an airport in Midland, Texas but very few airlines fly there. For those that live in Texas, it’s road trip time. Get those tires checked out, gas up your vehicle , and hit the road. Here are some drive times to Alpine from the biggest Texas cities:
- Houston – 8 hours
- Dallas – 7 hours
- San Antonio – 5 hours
- Austin – 6 hours
- Laredo – 6 hours
- Amarillo – 6 hours
- El Paso – 3 hours
When To Go – During a New Moon!
It goes without saying that Fall, Winter, and Spring are the ideal times of year to visit. I’ll go into detail about my summer visit shortly, but for the most part stick to those seasons. However, one thing that you must absolutely keep in mind is the lunar calendar and the moon phases! You have to plan your trip during a new moon. The West Texas night sky really is something to behold during this phase. Here is a farmer’s almanac so you can see when the new moons are for the upcoming months/years.
Our Journey – The planning
The planning for our trip actually began the previous August. I originally wanted to visit during those coveted seasons I mentioned earlier and stay at the Chisos Mountain Lodge inside Big Bend National Park. But because it is the only lodging located inside the park, reservations are very limited and hard to get in fall, winter, and spring. Even if you try a year out like I did! Except of course in the summer.
I found plenty of availability for July as most visitors stay away during the hottest months of the year. I then checked the moon phases and was pretty stoked that there was a new moon during my birthday weekend! That pretty much sealed the deal for me as I made the booking and then emailed my confirmation to one of my cousins and my buddy (the captain) to invite them as well. They both accepted and would each be making their very first trips to West Texas.
A few months later I would book our 2 main excursions for our trip. The McDonald Observatory Night Star Party and the all day river trip through the Santa Elena Canyon. With the outings booked for our Thursday – Sunday vacation, it was time to move on to the packing.
What to Pack – Getting prepared
West Texas and Big Bend National Park is very hot in the summer. Is it too hot to go to Big Bend National Park in July like we did? Absolutely not. It’s a dry heat and when you are coming from Houston (like we did) and deal with 100 degree/80% humidity days all summer, it will feel like a break. I recommend the following items to make your visit a success.
- Hat, Sunblock, shorts, and long sleeve shirts from breathable material to protect from the sun.
- Hiking boots for the trails and water shoes for the river.
- Folding chairs (no not the kind used in the viral Alabama Riverfront Brawl video 🤣) to sit and watch the sunset and stargaze.
- Ice chest for food and drinks
- Your own alcohol. If you bring bottles of wine, don’t forget the bottle opener!
- Red flashlights for nighttime.
Day 1 – Arrive in Alpine/Dinner/McDonald Observatory
We left Houston at 6 am and arrived into Alpine around 3:30 pm. The extra 1 1/2 hours was due to the obligatory stop at Buc-ees (mandatory, lol) and a couple of restroom breaks. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express just like we did on our last outing to Big Bend because we like the location and service. However, there are now some newer hotels that have been built and worth checking out as well.
After a nap, we refreshed and headed out for dinner. We chose the Spicewood Restaurant to try something new and it was the perfect example of not judging a book by it’s cover. From the outside it looks like a neighborhood icehouse where one goes to grab a cold beer after work. But on the inside and their outdoor patio, they have a real nice setup. Food and ambience are really good and I can easily imagine in the cooler months sipping on some wine by the fire pits. I’m sure it is a popular activity here.
McDonald Observatory – West Texas Night Sky!
The drive from Alpine to the McDonald Observatory is 45 minutes. It’s a slow, winding, and pretty drive up the Davis Mountains. The Star Watch parties start at 9:45 pm in the summertime and they ask that you be there 15 minutes early. I recommend showing up at least an hour and half early to enjoy the exhibits they have inside and the small theatre. This will also give you enough time to walk the grounds and take in the sunset which was at 9:01 pm during our visit.
The real fun begins once the sun starts disappearing over the horizon. Venus will be the first planet you’ll see visible then other planets and stars soon show themselves and when the last rays exit stage right, it’s showtime! Once the sky above us was full, our host wasted no time in starting the program.
After an introduction, a brief history of the observatory, and some clever canned lines, he pulled out his pointer and used the incredible west Texas night sky as his black board. Just imagine getting a constellation tour at the planetarium but you’re sitting in an outdoor amphitheater and you’re seeing thousands of stars in the sky.. That’s what it is like and it was worth every minute of that 9 hour drive!
Constellations, galaxies, stars, and Elon Musk satellites
The star watch guide was excellent, knowledgeable, and had a funny sense of humor. You’ll learn where the main constellations are located and how to find them. He also tells some interesting stories of certain ones and how they got their names and also points out galaxies that are far, far away 😆. All the main stars and planets are covered and you can tell that these guides love talking about the cosmos. Until ..
The Starlink satellite train made an unexpected appearance and stole the show! If you’ve never heard of this train, join the club because we didn’t know what the hell was happening. We were almost 1 hour into the program when out of nowhere we see a trail of what looks like stars moving across the sky. Maybe 20-25 following each other across the night sky. It was quite impressive and if I had just been outside my house looking up, I probably would have called in a UFO sighting, lol.
When the amphitheater part of the star watch party is over with, you will get a chance to look through the many telescopes that are set up at different viewing stations. All in all, this is great fun for the whole family no matter what age you are. One tip for you, bring and use some mosquito repellant. Will make the outdoor portion more enjoyable.
Day 2 – Marfa Prada/El Camino del Rio scenic drive/Big Bend National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, we all went to the grocery store in Alpine to get snacks, food to keep in our room for late night munchies, and more ice for our ice chests. I took my crew through the artsy town of Marfa and straight to the most famous storefront in west Texas, the Prada Marfa in the middle of nowhere. It was first installed in 2005 and became a hit with celebrities and photographers alike. Made famous by Beyonce and others, this art installation even made an appearance in a Simpsons episode!
But way before 2005, Marfa was put on the Hollywood map because it was the site of the 1956 epic Giant, which starred James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor. And before you get to Prada Marfa, there is a roadside tribute to the movie at the spot were part of the movie was filmed. It’s pretty neat and they even have country music playing with a speakers powered by solar panels. We pulled over and snapped pics and videos at both sites.
El Camino del Rio scenic drive
From Marfa we made a beeline to Presidio, right on the Texas/Mexico border. Texas’ most scenic drive starts here and it would be a new experience for all of us. Being a huge fan of road trips (see California and South Dakota drives), I had read in several publications that this one was the #1 route in my state, so I had to drive it! The 50 mile river road highway stretches to the town of Lajitas and is such a fun and dramatic drive (especially if you are a passenger!).
This picturesque drive hugs the Rio Grande river and is filled with elevation changes as you travel through canyons and rocky desert terrain. There are several overlooks and hiking trailheads along the route where you can stop and take in the impressive landscape. I really hated that is was so hot because if we had done this drive in any other season, we could have hiked some of the short trails.
You will travel through the entire southern part of Big Bend Ranch State park. I recommend spending a night or two here if you have the time. This is a pretty drive and extremely isolated. I don’t even think we saw other cars on the road the entire time we were on it. It ends in Lajitas and from there you will go through Terlingua and into Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend National Park – Chisos Mountain Lodge
The Chisos Mountains Lodge is pretty much located in the center of the park. It is also in the highest part, which is significantly cooler than all the other areas. We arrived just after 4 pm and were all ready to get a little siesta in before dinner. The rooms are clean and simple, but dated (this property is supposed to be torn down and rebuilt sometime in 2024). While the rooms were pretty basic, the views from our balcony were fantastic! This is what you’re paying for, views and location.
After checking in, everyone went to their rooms for some rest and we decided to meet for dinner at 7:30 at the lodge restaurant. The only thing on the agenda for this evening was drinks and stargazing. We had done enough driving the last 2 days so a night to let relax and chill was in order. But where would we post up after dinner to enjoy the night stars?
Watching the West Texas sunset and stargazing from the Chisos Mountain Lodge patio.
After dinner we converged on the restaurant patio to figure out where we would setup to watch the sunset and to stargaze well into the night. Then it dawned us, we’re in a good spot right where we were at! We had a nice large patio with tables and chairs, a great view towards the canyon window, and restroom access all night. With all boxes checked, the men went to retrieve the ice chests from the rooms and we settled in.
Just like the previous night, as soon as it gets past 10 pm, the stars come out in force with each passing hour. Even the starlink satellite train made another appearance. The beers were flowing, there was a cool evening wind blowing and everyone in our party of 12 were having a good time. My buddy’s wife was playing music on her speaker and the whole group wished me a happy birthday at the stroke of midnight! Like Ice Cube says in his song, I gotta say it was a good day.
Day 3 – Hot Springs Canyon River Tour & Hike/Window View Trail and West Texas nightcap
Originally I had booked the Santa Elena Canyon one day river trip but Big Bend River Tours had to rebook us to the Hot Springs Canyon instead. The reason for the change was due to low water levels at the Rio Grande. They do state on their website and on your confirmation emails that they can change final itinerary depending on the flow of the river. The tour company did a great job reaching out to me and the captain a couple of weeks before to advise us and ask if we were okay with the change. Also the final price was reduced.
We met up with the tour company at the Rio Grande Village store on the southeast side of the park. Here we were introduced to the other people joining our group and our guides. This is also your last chance to get additional snacks, drinks, etc. before you’re boarded on a van and taken to the launch site on the Rio.
Once there we were given instructions on safety, what to expect, and given a few minutes in the water to practice different rowing/paddling techniques. It felt like I was in camp all over again 😄. So one thing I forgot to mention, the general rule of thumb to float the Rio Grande in Big Bend is if the water level is high and/or flowing fast then rafts are used. If it is slow and low (cue the Beastie Boys song) like on our visit, then canoes are used.
West Texas Rio Grande Floating (Canoeing 😊)
The pace is steady and relaxing as you follow your guide down the Rio Grande towards the Hot Springs Canyon. During the first hour or so of the trip, people are still getting the hang of turning the canoe and maneuvering it around sand bars. Okay, it’s me, I’m people, lol. But then everyone gets the hang of it and the group stays together for the most part. The scenery slowly starts to change from low grassland type edges to rock formations and small hills as you get closer to the hot springs.
When you arrive at the Hot Springs area, the canoes are pulled to the waters edge and it’s lunchtime. You’ll eat at a little shaded oasis underneath palm trees. It’s literally a sack lunch and whatever additional food and snacks you brought. At this point you are given 2 choices on what you want to do for the next 1 1/2 hours. Take a hike to the top of a ridge that is close by or go into the hot springs and/or the Rio Grande.
The group split in half here. I was with the half that did the hike in the 100 degree sun. So lesson learned time. Please bring your hiking boots so you can change into them for this part of the tour. Water shoes are NOT meant for any type of hiking, especially this type of terrain! Man did we suffer on the hike up and down. Once the hike is over with, you meet up with the other half to cool down in the river. There is like 3 stops on the tour where you get in the water to cool down, just fyi.
Hot Springs Canyon River Tour end
From the Hot Springs the landscape is beautiful until the end. There’s even some areas of fast rapids that was fun to go through. I can imagine during periods of heavy flow, they would be pretty exciting to navigate. We arrived at the end by a canyon where the van and trailer were waiting for us. We were hot and tired but fulfilled. They dropped us off at the Rio Grande Village where we popped open some ice cold beers and had a couple while cracking jokes about what we had just gone through.
Window View Trail and West Texas nightcap
After showering and cleaning up, we all had dinner together and walked out to the Window View Trail to get our spot saved for the sunset and star viewing. The wives had wine while the fellas had cold beers. This night had a really nice breeze and after the day we had in the hot sun, it was very much appreciated. There was no reception and all cellphones were put up unless you were taking a pic, it was perfect.
The sunset from this location was impressive and that explains all the professional equipment and tripods we saw other guests setting up. After they got their pics, they left and we moved to the best spot on the trail and setup for the night. I can’t explain how soul enriching it is to enjoy this kind of evening with friends and family with a star filled sky as the backdrop. It was a very special birthday finish 💖.
Day 4 – Panther Junction visitor center/Drive home
Before you leave Big Bend National Park you should visit the Panther Junction visitor center (if you haven’t already) and pick up a USA National park passport book. If you already have one, you can get your stamp here. The staff and rangers at these visitor centers have an array of knowledge regarding the park and trails and there are some excellent maps, books, and souvenirs you can pick up as well.
Final thoughts and tips
- The distances in West Texas and Big Bend are vast. Just because it looks close by on the map, trust me, it isn’t. Plan accordingly.
- Texas troopers are always out day and night. My cousin got pulled over twice on this trip 🤣. I’ve been pulled over twice on previous trips. Be careful how you drive.
- Take a different route home to see different things.
- Stretch my itinerary to 7 days by adding some hiking trails.
Ultimate Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
Making all the top 10 ultimate road trip lists is the incredible Highway 1 to Big Sur, California scenic drive. Whether you start your excursion from southern Cali or from the north as we did, you will enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery this beautiful country has to offer. Miles and miles of stunning coastline will easily make this one of the most memorable journeys you’ve ever been on.
Background story
Our adventure started off in San Francisco as my wife and I flew from Houston to drop off our daughter at the Stanford campus for a summer program. I didn’t really have a plan for this trip other than, let’s just play it by ear once our baby was checked in. Our lodging was booked in Half Moon Bay (about a 25-minute drive from the university), wedding anniversary was the following day, and we had a car rental for 5 days. That was it.
We had just recently returned from our 2-week vacation in Greece (see my posts Greek Sampler, Greek Sampler II, and Greek Sampler III) and here we were taking another trip not 3 weeks later. But this one was different. It was kind of cool and relaxing not having our days set up with activities. From San Franciso we made the ride to the university and waited until 17 texted us that she was registered and with her group and then we drove to Half Moon Bay.
Half Moon Bay – Where we started.
This small city right on the California coast was the perfect staging ground for our soon to be ultimate road trip. It checked all the boxes too. It was charming, not crowded, hotel was right off the beach, and safe! We didn’t want to stay in San Francisco because of all the social problems they’ve been having, and plus, we had already been there before and done all the touristy stuff. Cool Pacific Ocean waves and fresh green forest air was what we were looking for. Half Moon Bay would be our launching point.
It was literally on the drive to Half Moon Bay that we decided to make the Highway 1 to Big Sur expedition the following day. But first, we needed an early dinner and a map to figure out our stops and things we wanted to see. It had been a long day (thanks to United Airlines 4-hour delay at connecting LAX) so we grabbed a map from our hotel and ate at Sam’s Chowder House. Good food, good drinks, and an overcast sky made for a cozy evening.
Ultimate road trip route – Half Moon Bay to McWay Falls
So you’re probably asking yourself, wait a minute, didn’t he say the road trip was to Big Sur? Well I did and it was, but when we were googling some points of interest along the pacific highway, McWay Falls kept coming up. The pictures looked amazing online and with it only being 13 miles further south on hwy 1, I made it the final destination instead. It was every bit as good as advertised! So nice that I made it the featured image on this post. But back to the route, see interactive map below to see ours.
I know that is a lot of stops but they are so worth it, I promise you. If this was a sales pitch I would put the money back guarantee on it, lol. You can do half and still be good. Also, you don’t have to do them all in one direction. We stopped at some in one direction and hit others on the way back. And if you have the time, you can even split it up into days. Speaking of time, you’re probably wondering how long this takes to do round trip. Short answer is all day.
Weather and best time to start the road trip.
This part of California is notorious for thick foggy mornings so do not be in any type of hurry to start your trek. Take your time waking up, have breakfast, get your exercise in, etc. Just don’t take off early like we did because you’re a morning person. That’s not how it works in Northern Cali. As you can see in the above pics from our morning drive, the pics are grey and lacking pop. Leave Half Moon Bay around 10:30 am or so. Check out these pictures from around noon and onwards. Night and day difference!
We were so happy the weather finally cleared up! Unfortunately for us, all of our pics on the way to Big Sur/McWay Falls were overcast but afterwards, we did get an awesome 4- 5 hours before the clouds rolled back in. The sweet spot seems to be 11 am to 4 pm. Another tip regarding weather. In late June when we went the mornings started in the low 50’s and highs only reached 72 so wear a light jacket.
Where to eat in Big Sur – Lunch at Nepenth’s
You’ll work up an appetite from the driving, stopping, and all the getting out at the scenic overlooks. We decided to eat in Big Sur. FYI, Big Sur is not a big town so you won’t find many choices but Nepenth’s pavilion is a good spot to get a well made burger and have a couple of glasses of fantastic California wine. Oh, and the views aren’t too shabby either 😊. Before we caught too big a buzz, it was time to start the return trip.
Ultimate road trip route – Big Sur back to Half Moon Bay
Leaving Big Sur, the weather was so unpredictable the entire way back. As if someone had a light switch with 3 settings for the clouds. Clear, partly cloudy, and thick as molasses were what we got. Mother Nature has a mind of her own in these parts.
Our first stop on the drive back would be the Bixby Creek Bridge. After all, no trip down to Big Sur on Pacific Highway 1 is authentic unless you have a picture of the Bixby Creek Bridge! I mean, you might as well not have gone. Countless car commercials showing the bridge have been filmed here and the entire opening credits of Big Little Lies was shot at this famous bridge.
Once we left the bridge and rounded Monterey Bay, we noticed signs for Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Since we didn’t have any plans for the next day, we made a mental note to come back this way to see the giant redwoods. So many side quests to do on this ultimate road trip on the pacific highway. Oh and before I forget, for all you hikers, there are a bunch of trailheads all up and down this stretch!
Anniversary dinner
That this epic bucket list road trip happened on our anniversary was definitely special. California really does have some of the most stunning coastline in America and we had always wanted to drive it. To experience it with my partner and best friend was memorable. And to celebrate our special occasion we picked a delicious Peruvian restaurant, La Costanera for some amazing food and wine. Our ultimate road trip day was now complete!
California Redwoods off the Pacific Coast Highway
Now that we were pros at the weather over here, we knew to just chill in the morning. We woke up late, had breakfast late, hell everything was late 😂. Today we would leave our hotel around 10:30’ish and headed straight to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park which we had seen the signs the day before. The route we took was the same Pacific Highway 1 to get there and the drive over there was even more beautiful this day because we didn’t leave as early.
We got to the state park and headed straight to the visitor’s center to get some info and a map. The weather was absolutely perfect and we couldn’t wait to get on the redwoods trailhead just outside. You are immediately floored as soon as you start the trail by the giants lining the walkways. Just incredible trees everywhere you look as if they’re standing guard like the Ents in Lord of the Rings.
Your map will explain every point of interest you visit on the well marked trail. Depending on what part of the country you come from, I can pretty much guarantee you that you have never seen trees this big up close and personal. My wife was literally like “it’s so big”, “I’ve never seen wood this big”, and “how can they grow so much” 😲. Of course there were lots of “that’s what she said” jokes throughout the visit because we’re 12 year olds sometimes. But in all seriousness, this was a worthwhile visit.
Santa Cruz and Twin Lakes Beach
After looking at hard wood most of the late morning/early afternoon (okay I’ll stop), we needed a change of pace and scenery. Close to the state park were the Santa Cruz and Twin Lakes Beach areas so we headed there. The day was still perfect and we were in the mood for some drinks by the water. Some hurricane looking drinks were on tap at the Crow’s Nest restaurant and bar. I don’t remember how many we had but it was enough for us to get souvenir shirts and take home glasses.
I guess we were there for a bit. It was a tranquil early summer afternoon and we were on vacation. Everything was going down smooth. We talked about our ultimate road trip that had just been checked off of our bucket list and what we were going to do the next day. I figured since the drive south on Pacific Highway 1 was so scenic heading south, maybe we should take the drive up north on it now.
My wife agreed! I believe she said, “sure why not, hey can we get another one of these hurricane drinks” or something like that. I looked at our map and found Bodega Bay. It had good reviews, F it, we were going there tomorrow. And that was how our Highway 1 to Big Sur, California scenic drive adventure ended. The Bodega Bay part will be covered in my “Day trips from San Francisco” post coming soon. Thanks for reading!
The Greek Sampler III – Athens, City of the Violent Crown
Ancient Athens is where our 10 day Greek Sampler itinerary ended. After experiencing the island party atmosphere of Mykonos and the romantic vibes in Santorini, it was time to switch gears and learn more about the great Greek history in the cultural capital of Athens. Known as the City of the Violent Crown (pretty dramatic name 😱), we had an incredible time exploring her during our 3 days there. This was how our beautiful adventure ended. Enjoy!
Day 7 – Santorini to Athens flight, Visit Acropolis, Explore City, and Dinner in Plaka!
The decision to fly back to Athens instead of taking the ferry was a no brainer. When the two choices are a 5 hour ferry ride or a short 50 minute flight, it’s pretty easy. We had booked this flight about 3 months before our trip and found the best deal on Google flights. Ryanair it was! We had never flown with this outfit but they are apparently like the Southwest airlines of Europe. Nice flight and cheap.
I was either too tired to notice when we first arrived to Athens on the 1st flight from Houston or we entered through another entrance this time, but they have these cool Harry Potter type video monitors as you head towards the baggage claim. It’s a bunch of video testimonies from guests to Greece and where they were from, what they visited, liked, etc. I need to find out how to get by big head on one of them😀.
A quick note about taking cabs from the airport. There are flat rates if you’re heading to the city Centre or the main ports. Those flat rates do go up at night but they are clearly stated on signs all over and inside the cabs themselves so you always know what you’re going to pay. You can also Uber in Athens, just fyi.
Where to stay – InterContinental Athenaeum Athens
We had a lot of fun with this one. John Wick 4 had just come out and my cousin had never stayed at an Intercontinental property so they got a kick out of the name. I even had a gold coin that I slid over to the front desk manager, lol. Because I’m Mexican, the inside joke was that I was Juan Wick 😂.
I’ll start with the good. This property is overlooking the Acropolis, near Kolonaki area and just under 2 miles from all the main tourist attractions. The Rooftop bar has some delightful views of the Acropolis and surrounding city (especially at night). The pool area was fun and had a nice compact layout with good overall service from the pool waiters/attendees. Public transportation is only a few blocks away for those that want to save money on getting around. And last but not least, the Intercontinental service is always on point.
The one drawback is the location could have been better. While I do recommend this place when in Athens, I would suggest you also look at hotels in the Plaka neighborhood. If I could redo this portion of our vacation, I would have based us inside this terrific area. Plaka was bustling and to me is Athens in a nutshell. Lots of good choices for all budgets so have a look in this location.
The Acropolis
the Acropolis
The Acropolis in Athens is the universal symbol of Greek civilization. It’s literally visible from almost everywhere in the city. You can’t miss it and my wife and I were giddy as kids on the cab ride to the base of the ancient citadel. All of our lives we had wanted to visit it and here we were just a short ride from walking around the hallowed grounds where it stood. We couldn’t wait to take that step back in time.
The cab dropped us off at the main staging area shown above. From there you just follow the signs to the Acropolis or any one of the many historical sites in the area. If you don’t download a map before arriving, I recommend picking one up at the museum or giftshop there. Some hotels will have them as well so be sure to ask your front desk. But whatever you do, BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME!
Thing to do and know before visiting the Acropolis
- Do not waste up to an hour waiting in line just to buy an entrance ticket. Then you have to wait in another line to get inside the Acropolis grounds. Buy your tickets ahead of time online at the Hellenic Heritage website. Once there, click on the the Attica & Central Greece region, then Acropolis & Slopes, then date you’re visiting, and then the time (don’t worry, you don’t have to show up at that time, it’s just data for the site management people). Choose the Combined ticket ($30 euros) so you can get into multiple sites across up to 5 days. Single tickets ($20 euros) are for one site only and for only one day.
- Download the guide here. There is a nice map that shows the layout of all the important buildings on the site, some pics and brief explainers of the most important ones and some general rules of what is and isn’t permitted.
- Grounds are open from 8 am to 8 pm. Best time to visit are 8am – 10 am or 6 pm- 8 pm. Why you might ask? Simple answer, those damn cruise ship people! Like a Mongolian horde, they will swarm the place pretty much from 9:30 am through 5:30 pm. It’s just too many of them. It’s crazy how many. Have your tickets on your phone and be in the entrance line by 7:30 am.
- FYI, the Parthenon is an ancient religious temple the Athenians built for the Greek goddess Athena. The Acropolis is the high hill that the Parthenon was built on. In short, the Parthenon is a temple and the Acropolis is the hill the Parthenon is located.
Once inside the Acropolis grounds
Follow the signs and start at the Theatre of Dionysus and then the South Slope. This theatre is beyond impressive and is still in use! Our visit was just a little early but from July to mid-October there are several live performances and the schedule can be found on this website. If your visit is during these months, you should definitely book ahead of time to secure your seats!
The Acropolis steps and pretty much the entire area around the site is uneven and slippery. I recommend wearing hiking shoes/boots or something with some good grip. The rock/marble used on the walkways is worn and smooth which is perfect for you to take a tumble so please plan accordingly. Do not wear flip flops, crocs, or (even worse) heels. Add a little rain (like on our 1st visit) and you’ve really got to be careful.
The rain got us! We had to cut our sightseeing short because it wasn’t letting up, we had no umbrellas, and there was nowhere to shelter. We ended getting soaked but not before we grabbed a few more pics
Exploring The City of the Violent Crown
Okay 2 things, I had no idea that Athens was known as or used to be known as the City of the Violent Crown. It wasn’t until I started researching different things about Athens that I came across this tidbit of history. And second, I just like saying it and writing it because it sounds badass. Also didn’t hurt that it scores well on my SEO headline analyzer but that’s another subject for another day.
So back to our adventure. It literally rained (not heavy) on us the whole walk down from the Acropolis so we sought shelter (and beers and wine) at a restaurant just outside the Plaka neighborhood. Along the way we stopped at some historical sights when there were gaps in the rain. It was a weird on and off type rain as if the Gods were messing with us. It was all good, we were in great spirits and made the best of it. We finally found a nice outdoor table to sit at while we caught our afternoon buzz and game planned the rest of the day.
We somehow made it to the Electra Palace Hotel’s rooftop bar and continued there. The weather had now cleared up and the blue skies returned! We ordered appetizers and more wine and beer as we prepared to head to the heart of Plaka for dinner.
PLAKA – Dinner in the best neighborhood & area in Athens!
This is the oldest section of Athens and has a ton of personality, charm, and beauty. A lot of the streets are closed to automobile traffic so you can walk in peace while you shop or hunt for a place to have dinner like we were doing. So many choices and side roads to go down. The area is sort of hilly so prepare to walk up and down and get your steps in. By now the skies had really cleared and it was blue skies as far as you could see. Made for a perfect backdrop.
We stopped and looked at several restaurant menus from the outside until we settled on the Ανεφάνη restaurant. I’ll let you sound it out and pronounce it 😂. You can clink on the link and read the review and click on the map inside to see the exact location. We found it to be perfect. Great vibe, waitress, views, and most importantly food! Checked all the boxes and there was even live music toward the end of our meal.
After our early dinner it was time to walk it off. We ordered way too much food but it was so good. Our attention turned to the many shops and stores that were in the area and we stopped at many to get our souvenir shopping out of the way. By this time we were all a little tired. It had been a long day of sight seeing and we had an all day trip to Delphi in the morning. We hailed a cab after shopping and made it back to our hotel about 8:30 pm. Just enough time to catch the sunset from our hotel rooftop.
Day 8 – Delphi all day trip to see the Oracle
This day was dedicated solely to the mystical and mythical town of Delphi. The ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the Navel of the Earth. It was a place seen as a spiritual focal point for all Greeks. This is where the Oracle was visited by local and foreign leaders and dignitaries who were anxious to know the will of Apollo. If it was still around today I would have sought out the winning powerball numbers 😂.
This was a day trip that we booked on Viator prior to us arriving in Greece and I recommend you do the same. It really depends on your budget and schedule because you can book everything from a 1 day Delphi English Day Trip from Athens (which we took) on a big coach bus to a private 4 day tour that takes you to multiple towns and sights. Hey if you got the time and money, go for it!
Our tour operator picked us up at a nearby hotel where we met up with all the other tourists. After a headcount, brief safety induction, and guide introduction, tiny radio speakers and ear pieces were distributed and we were on our way. It’s a 3 hour drive from Athens with only a small stop in between.
Arriving at Delphi
The drive to Delphi is nice and smooth and the guide would periodically point out things of interest or tell Greek stories about the region we were passing through. She was a good story teller and a bit cranky which made some parts pretty funny. Once we got to Delphi we got off the bus and the guide gave us the ground rules. We didn’t have to stay with the group if we didn’t want to but only had to be at the meetup spot at a certain hour to go inside the museum.
We stayed with the group to learn about what we were looking but some people bounced as soon as she gave her speech, lol. You do get released for free time after about an hour and we explored as much as we could in the time allotted. My wife and I are history buffs so if we could do this part again, I would rent a car and drive and spend the night here.
There is just so much to see! And the location of the ruins is breathtakingly beautiful and not really encroached on by modern civilization. The hills they are located on and the ones across the river probably still look the same as they did thousands of years ago.
Hike up to the top!
I was so busy shooting pics and videos and taking in the ruins around us that I had totally forgot that our guide said the Delphi track was at the very top of the hill. It was a good trek up and by the time I snapped, it was too late. But just as I thought that I wasn’t going to get any pics from up there, along comes my cousin’s husband Joey all sweaty and breathing hard. I asked if he was okay and he told me he had ran a lap at the Delphi track. I was skeptical but he sent me the pics below. Do y’all think he really ran a lap up there? 😎
Delphi museum, lunch, and drive back
After a some time (not enough for me!) at the ruins, the tour heads to the Delphi museum which to be honest, is too rushed and crowded to enjoy. In hindsight, I could have done without going to the museum. That’s an activity that is best enjoyed when all the tour people have left. Probable early morning or right before closing time like everything else. If you’re with a group, just bypass this part and continue enjoying the ruins. Besides, the majority of the displays and statues are of pitos. Greeks were fascinated with them.
For lunch you have 2 options, you can prepay through the tour company Viator when you purchase your tour or you can use the allocated lunch time to eat somewhere on your own. You given a hour so we found a restaurant with a wonderful view overlooking the valley below and had a Greek lunch and beers.
On the drive back we made one stop at some big retail store that sold all kinds of merchandise. This was like a 20 minute stop and about half the people on the bus didn’t get off. Most that did was only to use the restroom. The 3 hour ride back was filled again with Greek stories and I rather enjoyed them to be honest. Once in Athens, the bus makes stops at several hotels and ours was the last one. It had been a great and eventful day. We were all beat. Dinner was had at a cheap eatery around the corner and we setup a 4:50 a wakup call for in the morning!
Day 9 – Sunrise at Areopagus Hill, Acropolis II, The Temple of Zeus, and Olympic Stadium tour
We were in a cab by 5:15 this morning and at the foot of Areodpagus Hill by 5:40. My wife and I were determined to catch the sunrise and got to the top of the hill with minutes to spare. We had googled the best spots to catch the sunrise and this was one that didn’t require a big hike or long cab ride. There were already people posted up at the top when we arrived. Just a few but we all had the same idea.
It was quiet and peaceful with no one talking. Everyone was either staring off into the beautiful sky and sun in the distance or snapping a pic or video. Just as it should be. If you’ve been reading my blog then you know I absolutely love sunrises. Here’s a few pics of it finally peeking through 🌞.
Acropolis Take II 😊
It was now about 6:30 am and we had time to kill before the Acropolis grounds opened up. We wanted a redo from the other day because we were short changed by the rain and the mobs of cruise ship people. We found a street that led into the nearest neighborhood and found the Sparta Point cafe open. Some coffee and breakfast was just what we needed to fuel up for all the walking and sightseeing we had planned.
Our plan worked to perfection! We were in line to get into the grounds at 7:45 am with our tickets on our phone and it wasn’t even crowded yet. For some reason there was already a line forming for the ticket counter to open up! Why would you not buy them online!? Oh well, not my problem (in Mr.Chow’s voice from the Hangover movie). Right at 8 we went through and climbed to the top. And with a bold blue sky providing the perfect backdrop and no cruise ship people, we were in heaven.
The pictures come out so much better when you have a nice sky to work with. Plus you can see further out with clear skies.
Hadrian’s Arch and The Temple of Zeus
Once the cruise ship people got to the Acropolis, that was our cue to leave. We had retaken the pictures we wanted and grabbed some really great shots that weren’t possible on our first visit. The next stop on our list was the Temple of Zeus. It was only about a 15 minute walk from the Acropolis and it took us through Hadrian’s Arch. The temple itself was undergoing renovations but from our self guided tour of the grounds, you could still see how big and impressive it all was. It’s still worth seeing. It’s just amazing to me how the ancient Greek civilization loved working with these huge magnificent columns.
Panathenaic Stadium – Birthplace of the Modern Olympics!
From the Temple of Zeus we headed straight for the Panathenaic Stadium, better known as the birthplace of the Olympics. You can do your own google search on the amazing history of this place but coming here was high on my list of places to see and experience while in Athens! Because it was still early we had the place practically to ourselves. There was some kind of summer school program going in the middle of the field but they went on about their business, and ignore the tourists as they walked by.
With paid entrance, you pretty much have free reign to roam around the stadium as you please. The small history museum is actually inside the players tunnel which was pretty cool to walk to and from. All in all, I loved visiting this place. Even took my place at the winner’s podium. 1st place of course 😜.
End of Day 9 – Relax and enjoy the pool
We rendezvoused with my cousin and her husband late in the afternoon at the hotel. They did some other sight seeing in the morning, had packed, and were now chilling in the pool. I soon joined them, lol. It was our last day in Greece. Our flight was the next day and we were going to make the most of what was left of our epic vacation. It all seemed surreal then and it’s crazy even writing about it now.
An amazing place that we all dreamed about as kids had been scratched off the bucket list. We ordered our tequila, listened to our music, and basked in the moment. To me it was personal. My wife’s top 6 places to visit were Spain, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Italy. I had just watched her enjoy her 5th of 6 countries. We already have a plan for Italy. It will be an epic 3 week Italy only vacation. Stay tuned!
Thanks to you all who read my blog posts regularly and a big welcome to my new readers. I appreciate you all of you for taking the time to have a look.
The Greek Sampler part II – On to Wonderful Santorini!
No visit to Greece is complete without visiting wonderful Santorini! Spectacular cliffside views of the sea and caldera await you, as well as some unforgettable sunsets. You’ll finally see for yourself why all those computer screensavers and “Visit Greece” advertisements showcase the stunning views from Santorini! This is part 2 of our 10 day adventure.
Day 4 – Leave Myknonos by Ferry and arrive in Santorini. Enjoy hotel & views, Sunset dinner and cruise
Getting there – Ferry or Flight?
We opted for a ferry as opposed to the flight due to cost and because I had read in another travel blog that taking the ferry was in a way like taking a “mini cruise” because you would see other islands as the ferry made a couple of stops before reaching Santorini. I took this at face value (a mistake, lol) and made some assumptions on my part. I thought we would be on an open deck ferry at the top having cold beer and drinks while island hopping to Santorni 🤣.
Not sure what the hell I was thinking. Maybe I had the Cancun Isla de Mujeres booze cruise in mind. Who knows? So there’s pros and cons to everything and the ferry experience is no different. So I’ll start with some basics. There are 2 kinds of ferries, conventional (slow and cheaper) and fast catamarans (fastest and more expensive). We opted for speed. The 2 most popular options are Minoan Lines and SEAJETS and we went with SEAJETS.
Ferry Experience
I’ll be honest fam, I don’t have very much experience with ferries. I’ve taken one a few times in Galveston, Tx (about a 30 min trek across the water) and that’s about it. This was way different and it tripped us out for a minute. The ride itself is smooth (obviously depends on the sea conditions) and pretty fast (just a hair under 2 hours). And the seats are very comfortable and you get assigned seating so that’s nice. But ..
that boarding and exiting process is wild. I’d go as far as calling it chaotic to be honest. You start off lining up at the port in Mykonos and then the ferry pulls up and the ramp starts to come down. Not exaggerating, as soon as the ramp touches the ground, cars AND people start pouring out this ferry (at the same time down the same ramp with no separators!).
You have to get on just as fast. No security checks, no ticket checking (that comes later), no nothing. Like the wild west. You find a spot for your luggage and hope to find it when the ride is over with. Getting off the ferry is just as unorganized. It’s funny now but at that moment you’re asking yourself is this real life?
Lodging – Aroma Suites 💓
After the ferry adventure, our hotel (Aroma Suites) had a car waiting for us at the port in Santorini. It was a nice 35 minute drive up and around the cliffs to get to our hotel which sat up high and was perched perfectly across from the caldera. The views really were fantastic and we didn’t mind the 20 minute wait to get checked in as we were a little early anyway and the views were just mesmerizing. We were finally here in wonderful Santorini!
The rooms are small but cozy and built into a cave which makes them look extra cool. And they all have their own balcony where we had breakfast daily overlooking the volcano. This property has no restaurant onsite but they partner with an excellent one next door called 1500 B.C. which is quite good. For breakfast, the 1500 BC kitchen is used and it is laid out on your balcony table. Just call the day before or let the hotel manager know in advance what time you want your breakfast set up and they will have it ready.
Sunset dinner cruise
I’d put this down as a must do excursion while visiting wonderful Santorini. We had pre-booked this prior to our visit through Viator and it turned out to be the highlight of the day. After checking in, we had lunch at the 1500 BC restaurant and then it was siesta time. The Sunset dinner cruise people gave us a 4:00 pm pick up time and a location to meet so they could pick us up and we walked to it. From there we headed to the marina to get on our Catamaran boat.
We booked a semi-private sunset dinner cruise with a total of about 14 people on the boat (minus the crew and guide). It was a comfortable amount of people and we all had plenty of space to move around and not be on top of each other. If you have a big party you can get the whole boat to yourself for your group. Or if you have plenty of money, you can rent it just for you and your partner too, lol. We ended up paying around $125.00 per person or somewhere around there.
Besides the sunset dinner, this excursion also takes you to a swimming/snorkeling spot by Red Beach and also some hot springs. Those hot springs are actually in a cave on a volcanic island you pass by and the boat will anchor close by so you can have a swim where that water meets the sea. The water is not hot but it is warmer than the water it empties into. Me, my wife, and my cousin chilled on the boat drinking white wine and didn’t partake in the water stops.
When the sun goes down …
Y’all had that Brooks and Dunn song in your head after reading that didn’t you? After cruising for a while and all the swimming/snorkeling/hot springs stops are out of the way, it’s time to eat. The crew grills up some chicken and they served pasta, salad, and dessert with it. And of course, more wine. Matter of fact, wine is served throughout the whole trip, but they have no beer onboard which was weird.
The boat is maneuvered around the cliffs so you have the best possible view of an amazing sunset. They even put on romantic music to really capture the mood. I know it sounds a little cheesy but when you’re on a super nice catamaran, in Santorini, and watching the sun dip, you don’t care. You already know how I do these type of segments my friends. No need to google synonyms for the word spectacular, let me just show you in pics and video.
Day 5 – Rent a car (or buggy), explore Wonderful Santorini island, visit winery, and shop in town!
The game plan was simple. Get our car rental and explore the island at our pace all while having a great time along the way! And we did just that, except the weather did not cooperate. It’s okay, you have to make the best of it no matter what. Besides, one bad weather day out of ten ain’t bad. I’ll take it every time! So on we went to get our car rental at the airport. We took the public bus to get there and it was relatively easy. Went to the bus stop which was walking distance, asked for bus number that went to airport, and boarded.
I had originally booked a small mini-convertible for us but it was a little too small for my liking. So I went with something a tad bigger. You could also rent dune buggies if you wanted. It rained off and on all day so I’m glad we didn’t get the buggy. But it was Friday and we didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits. We went back to scoop up my cousin and husband and headed out to explore the island in our Cooper hooptie!
Exploring Santorini island
Quick rundown about the island. There are 4 main areas: Thira (or Fira, same thing), Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia. We stayed in Thira as this is where you will find lots of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. This is the heart of the island and where the action is. Plus it’s centrally located so you can pretty much get to any part of the island in a short time. And the prices are better here.
We already had Oia lined up for tomorrow so we wanted to check out some beach areas that were recommended to us by our hotel manager. He had marked up some spots on a Santorini map for us to checkout so we punched in the names in our gps and were on our way. Below is an interactive map of the routes we took. We started in Thira then visited Perissa and the famous black sand beaches and then Santo Winery afterwards.
Perissa Beach
Now this is a beautiful black sand beach! I really hated that there was light rain and gloomy skies when we visited because I’m pretty sure this area is popping when the sun is out and it’s warmer. There is a strip you can walk with lots of great beach bars and restaurants. Some have lounge chairs on the beach for rent in front of them and most will let you use them for free if you eat at the restaurant. We started out at the Tranquilo Beach Bar & Restaurant. Place had a cool layout and vibe and we ducked in there for 1st beers.
Okay it was beers 1 through 3 but who’s counting 😎. None of my pics do this area justice. But you can google Perissa Beach or Tranquilo, Santorini images and see some great pics of what it looks like when it’s not overcast, chilly and rained out. We walked north on the strip making several stops along the way and to walk on the beach. The strip north ends at a big rock. You can also walk south on the strip from Tranquilo.
Santo Winery
Santo Wines was a place I had penciled in very early on when putting together this Greek Sampler itinerary. I had read all the reviews, looked at all the pics and recommendations, etc… Did all my homework except make a reservation. SMH. Well you won’t have that problem because I posted the link for you so you can book online! There was a private event going on and no one without a reservation was allowed to this other section, double whammy. I grabbed a couple of pics just for the blog post but with the pinche grey weather we had, the Santo winery website better showcases what will await you if you visit on a nice day.
Shopping, Eating, and Drinking along the Thira cliffside walkway
We left Santo wines and headed back to Thira to explore the town. I was the only one that wasn’t wearing a long sleeve shirt or light sweater and was getting chilly so I dipped into a men’s boutique store for one. My crew waited outside and when I emerged they busted out laughing because instead of a hoodie, I came out sporting a chocolate colored jacket. Hey I think it looks good! 😆 See for yourself.
We had drinks and appetizers at the Select Beer & Wine House in town and got a great cliffside table. The service was great and views even better. While I do recommend this establishment, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore in town. The walkway along the cliff is always packed with people day or night but it’s not crowded. You should spend some time getting lost in the maze of white alleyways and side streets. Here’s a few pics from our stroll.
Day 6 – Oia, Oia, and more Oia! 🤩
We saved the best for last and Oia was as good as advertised! We finally reached the famous blue domed churches that we’ve seen all our lives on countless travel shows and magazines. Located at the top (and tip) of Santorini in the north, Oia is by far the most popular destination on the island. Get there very early or late to avoid the crowds and those dreaded cruise ship people, lol. Yes I’m going to mention them in every Greece post! If you get there between 9 am and sunset, there will be crowds, no way around this. See before and after example to see what I’m talking about.
The drive to Oia is pretty simple as there is really only 2 ways to get there. The direct path hugging the coastline on the west side (west side!😆) or the scenic route that takes you in from the east coast. We went direct and didn’t experience any traffic until we got to the town. Luckily our car was small and we found a parking spot right at the top and across from the main square area near Church of Panagia Platsani. It took us about 25 minutes when it was all said and done. The bus also makes a stop in Oia so that is another option if you want to save money.
Navigating the Oia streets and alleyways
Have a plan or at the very least, some kind of checklist of what you want to see here. Is it a certain pic you seen on Instagram that you want to replicate? A store or restaurant you want to visit? A filming location from an old movie you seen? Whatever it is you want to see, do your research online ahead of time and put them in your notes on your phone. And even more importantly, find out where they are at and how to get there! This will save you a lot of time and headache.
Besides the obvious blue domes, these are some other must see spots in no particular order:
The Big Windmill
Oia Castle
Amoudi Bay
Eating and Drinking in Oia
I can’t recommend anywhere because we didn’t do either here. We bought waters and that’s it. Oia is the most expensive part of the island by far and we decided to drive back to Fira for a late lunch once we had our fill of pics and videos. When the excitement and adrenaline wore off and the physicality of it all (constant walking uphill and downhill) started to wear on us, it was time to go. Oia was as beautiful as I imagined she would be. If I could do it all over again I would spend the night here at least one night to catch the sunrise and sunset.
Late lunch in Thira and catching the last sunset in Wonderful Santorini
When we got back to town, we were starving and found the Ellinikon Greek Restaurant and had a great meal and equally savory wine. Greek has really good wine by the way. We also passed by the men’s store where I got my chocolate jacket! I’ll post a pic so if you’re in the area you can tell them that I sent you 😂.
We left the restaurant and went to the store to buy beer and wine for the sunset. After arriving at our hotel, we all packed for the flight to Athens the next day. We met on our hotel balcony, put on some music, and drank until the sun went down (and then some 😎). Our last day in Santorini was special and mother nature gave us a special sunset as a sendoff. Athens awaited us in the morning.
The last and final part of the Greek Sampler was coming up. Athens was waiting for us. Thanks for reading!
The Greek Sampler – Best 1st time visitor’s itinerary!
Experience the vast history of Athens, enjoy amazing Greek wine overlooking the caldera in romantic Santorini, and let your hair down in legendary Mykonos town with this epic ten day itinerary that I call the Greek Sampler. This best 1st time visitor’s itinerary will give you a great intro and feel for what this exciting and historic country has to offer. So let’s get right into it!
Planning your trip
Greece is a pretty big country that includes thousands of islands across 3 seas, so you have to put in a little work upfront to make your trip a success. You’ve got to decide when to go, what cities to visit, and how to get to there? And that’s what I’m going to breakdown for you in this post. That way, by the time your trip rolls around, you’ve made the best plans, booked the perfect excursions, and hopefully saved some money too.
When to visit
You want to catch the 2 shoulder seasons. Those are in late spring (April through the 1st week of June) and the shorter one in the fall (September – mid-October). These are the absolute best times to visit where you will beat the summer crowds, have pleasant weather, and not break the bank! Now you can certainly go during summer peak season but you will easily be paying double and sometimes triple for air and lodging. Visiting from late October – March is not recommended as most island businesses shut down and you will find a lot of closed shops/restaurants/etc.
Our trip began over the Memorial Day weekend and ended right before the Summer season kicked into gear. It was the perfect sweet spot as my wife is a teacher and we had to wait for her last day before departing. It just so happened to be the Friday before the holiday weekend. A much needed vacation after a long school year and it all started with an airfare alert text from July of the previous year!
Getting to Greece and Airfare Cost
You will fly into Athens. Unless you are flying from a neighboring country, most international visitors will land and depart from Athens when visiting Greece. From Houston, airfare ranges from $700 to $2,100 per person so it is critical that you get this part right. You need to monitor prices and set alerts using any number of apps or websites. Kayak, Google flights, and Skyscanner are your best bets to keep tabs on those weeks you have in mind for travel.
The alert for our airfare came from Going.com and if you’ve read any of my other posts, then you know I vouch for this company every day of the week and twice on Sundays! I’ve received and booked so many deals through them the last few years and I highly recommend you sign up for their alerts and give them a try yourself.
$700 per person to fly to Greece during Memorial Day weekend! I had been watching prices to Athens for over a year, so I knew a good deal when I seen it. I called my wife to double check with her that she would be out of school for the summer and booked immediately. It just so happened I was drinking with my cousin and told her what I just did and she’s like, “we’re down to go too, let me see if we can get the same price”. After closing my tab, I started driving home and within 30 minutes got a screenshot text from her, “Booking Confirmed!”
The Greek Sampler 10 day Itinerary
When one thinks of Greece, several things come immediately to mind. The cradle of civilization, the culture/history, the Acropolis, mythology, and Olympics to name a few. You also remember all the travel advertising showing the blue domed churches overlooking cliffs and a caldera. You start imagining yourself walking through all those beautiful white alleyways and staying up all night at their epic beach parties. Well we were no different. And that is why we chose Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini for our 10 day vacation!
Those 3 cities have everything I just mentioned and then some. They provided us with the perfect Greek experience we were looking for and will do the same for you. The highlight reel of Greece if you will. But now that the cities have been chosen, we had to figure out several things.
- In what order to visit them?
- How much time to spend at each?
- The logistics of getting to each city.
- What hotels to stay at?
That took some trabajo. And part of that work involves putting what you want to see and do down on paper (or in our case, a PowerPoint presentation, lol). I put together the 10-day itinerary for us and had mock itineraries on slides. I also added links to hotels we liked in each city and then called an in-person meeting to review and book over wine and beers 😆. We had to have 2 of these meetings (one to book the hotels and another to book excursions/day trips). Below is what our final draft looked like.
Day 1 – Arrive in Athens & head straight to Mykonos. Relax by hotel pool then party at 180 Sunset Bar!
The reason I recommend that you take a short flight to Mykonos as soon as you land instead of immediately exploring Athens are twofold. The first is because you inevitably have to return to Athens to fly back home, so it makes sense to spend the last few days there. That way on the last day you are already in the city. And the second is that you want to catch Mykonos when you are the most hype and have the most energy and that is always at the very beginning of any vacation.
Use Greek airline Sky Express for the 30 minute flight (it didn’t even seem that long). It’s relatively cheap and it’s much better than taking the ferry. Trust me on this. I’ll have more on the ferry experience later. Just clear customs in Athens, grab your checked bags (if any), and head to your new gate. We landed in Athens at 10:30 am and were in Mykonos at 1:30 pm. It worked out perfectly.
Vencia Boutique Hotel
What can I say about this Vencia Boutique hotel other than it was damn near perfect for the price. The hotel grounds, the staff, the view, the pool, and rooms were as advertised. As soon as we checked in they sat down with us, provided welcome drinks and a map, and went over key attractions of the island. They answered all of our questions and really went out of there way to make us feel at home.
Relax by the pool
After checking in and showering, you’ll want to enjoy a nice drink by the infinity pool overlooking the town and Aegean Sea. You’ve earned it. After a long day of travel, you are finally in Mykonos! Enjoy a local beer or indulge in your favorite cocktail and take it all in. We got online and booked our table at the 180 Sunset Bar for the evening and took the rest of the afternoon off. Once the battery is recharged, it’s time to catch your 1st Greek sunset.
180 Sunset Bar
Book your table in advance and for as soon as they open (7 pm). Arriving a little after 6 pm is cool because the grounds are pretty neat outside the main area and you’ll meet people from all around the world while in line. We met some very chill peeps from Wales and had some good laughs while waiting to get inside. And once you do get inside, get ready for some fantastic views of Mykonos! This bar sits on a high hill and in the most perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
When we arrived we got right to business, We ordered delicious Greek wine and cold Greek beer with some appetizer plates as soon as we sat down. I employed the same strategy we used in Cartagena at the Cafe del Mar bar. Both bars had the same good rating but complaints (that service got steadily slower as the night went on) so we ordered quickly and a lot, lol. But to be honest, we didn’t have to. The service was excellent and our waitress was funny, witty, and a ball to be around. Here she is striking a pose with us 😆.
As the sun starts to go down, so do the temperatures. Add a coastal breeze to temps in the mid 60’s and it can feel nippy for sure. But staff at 180 Sunset bar got you covered and offer light blankets to everyone. They were definitely welcomed by my small crew. And speaking of the sun, you can’t name yourself the 180 Sunset bar unless you can deliver on some amazing sunsets and let me tell y’all, this place comes all the way through!
As for the vibe, well it’s probably better to show you with these short video clips.
DAY 2 – Mykonos town tour, exploring the city, Little Venice, and the Happiness sign!
I setup a guided walking tour of Mykonos town for 9 am, so after breakfast we made the 10 minute walk into town to the meeting location by the water. I highly recommend walking tours in new cities because you gain so much knowledge about where you’re at & get to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Plus, tour guides offer up some great insider advice on places to eat, drink, and shop!
Like all guided walking tours you will learn about the history of the area, hear great tales/stories from the past, and learn quirky facts as you stroll through all those bright white alleyways. It’s pretty easy to get lost in all the zig zagging as there doesn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason why the small streets were setup the way they were, lol. The only thing that made sense was the tale of the first inhabitants laying out the town in this manner to confuse pirates.
Our tour guide took us along the waters edge and through the town. We made several stops including at a museum, some churches, a bakery, the windmills, little Venice, and by special request (from me!) at the Happiness sign! #happiness😊
Exploring the town
Once the tour is over with, you’re free to explore on your own. So off we went exploring and battled the dreaded cruise ship people in the narrow streets. The cruise ship people remind me of the World War Z zombies swarming. Once you see the ships drop anchor and the hordes get off on the boardwalk, as we say in spanish, “ya valio madre”, lol.
We walked a good amount more through various streets and did some souvenir shopping. We also got in a light lunch and spent the rest of the early afternoon day drinking and people watching at an outdoor café/bar. The sky started to further clear and temperatures were perfect. After a great buzz took over, it was time to get back to our hotel for a swim before dinner.
Back to the Pool
From our walking tour we all decided where we would be having our sunset dinner. It would have to be the picturesque Little Venice part of Mykonos Town. But first we wanted to cool off and relax at our hotel pool. This would become our daily routine while in Mykonos during the late afternoon hours (from 3’ish to 6 pm). I mean, can you blame us? Look at these views.
Little Venice
This is one of the most photographed coastlines in Mykonos and for good reason. When the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle and you have clear blue skies for a background, all the colors just come to life. There are several restaurants along this stretch and seaside tables are hard to get so try and make reservations ahead of time. Our tour guide had earlier mentioned the “Nice n Easy Seafood” restaurant so we headed there at 7 pm. We got lucky as a family had just got up to leave when we arrived and we got the perfect table.
We had an array of drinks and appetizers before the main dishes were served and it was all delicious. I definitely recommend this place to have a sunset dinner. It was all enhanced and made that much more delightful as the sun hovered just about the water. Made for some beautiful memories and very cool sunset pics.
Later in the evening we somehow ended up back at the happiness sign while looking for a particular spot. So of course I had to have a pic taken of us four. Mexicans in Greece! (that was the name of our group chat). #happiness of course.
Day 3 – Mykonos Beach Day
Mykonos has several beaches to choose from and it really does depend on what type of experience you are looking for. There is literally a beach for everyone here. From quiet and isolated so you can read and relax to raucous and rambunctious for the wild and uninhibited. We went with the most popular which was the world famous Paradise Beach. Not to be confused with Super Paradise Beach which is more of a gay party scene. There is also a Super Duper Paradise Beach that, nah I’m just kidding 😂. Now that would be a silly name.
Paradise Beach
You have 2 ways to get to Paradise Beach. The public buses that run every hour and stop at the major beaches along the way. This will cost about $5 Euros a person and the pick up location is at Fabrika in Mykonos Town. We witnessed 1st hand how it was a little hassle and crowded at that location the day before for so we opted for private car and had the Vencia hotel arrange it for us. We paid about $40 euros each way but it was 4 of us so $20 per couple.
So there is no entrance fee to visit Paradise Beach. You pay only if you want to rent a pair of layout chairs and umbrella. It’s a modest amount too and cheaper than South Padre Island for those of you that are familiar with that Texas beach. All the front row spots were taken so we settled for 2nd row. We arrived around noon and the atmosphere was still very chill with some people playing music from their wireless speakers and there was also some more music being played at the bar areas.
This would all change when the daytime beach party started (more on that later). There is a waitress that comes by and checks in on you but we found it faster to just head to the bar ourselves and get our drinks. It was a short walk and the service was fast. There are also several food places on the premises so when you get the munchies. All in all the place is laid out nicely.
Day Beach Party Event
Paradise Beach has 2 main party events, a daytime party that starts at 4pm and a wilder one that begins at 10 pm. Both are free entry. We definitely knew upfront we weren’t going to keep up with them youngsters at night (nor did we want to) so we stayed in our lane and partied during the day time event. And holy shit did we make the most of it. It was such a great fun time had by all and out of respect for all, I’m only posting a few pics and family friendly video to give you an idea of the vibe once the party starts.
Granted these pics and video were taken right around the start of the day event. People kept steadily showing up and it progressively got more hype from there.
While the party area started to get more packed, we took advantage as we had the water almost to ourselves. Me and my cousin’s husband decided to swim to the rocks that lined a sandbar and started posing and dancing. No I’m not going to post those videos. Vegas isn’t the only place things should stay, lol. Paradise Beach is the real deal! Make sure you visit.
Greek Sampler – End of Mykonos part of trip
We left Paradise Beach feeling real good and I’ll leave it at that. Somehow our crew jumped into the wrong ride back to our hotel and that was an adventure into on itself, lol. We wanted to keep it going so we went to Vencia to shower and change to go out. That’s where we lost my cousin 😂. She knocked out, so the 3 of us left and went across the street for dinner and a night cap.
Our hotel pool bartenders were there with some “dates” and bought us shots. Perfect ending to our last night in Mykonos. We had to catch a ferry in the morning to head to Santorini so we wrapped it up by 11 pm. The first 3rd of the Greek Sampler was in the books and it was off to an epic start. Continue reading Part 2 on this link, On to Santorini! Thanks for your support!
Visiting Singapore – The Great Lion City of Asia
Visiting Singapore, the great lion city of Asia, is absolutely worth the time and effort it takes to get there! It is truly an exceptional city that transformed itself from a British colony with no natural resources to a wealthy city-state known across the globe as a major trade and financial center. Oh, and it’s where Crazy Rich Asians was filmed too. I’ll give you my personal favorite areas & hotels to stay while visiting Singapore and offer recommendations on some cool spots to eat and drink.
Table of contents
I’ve added a table of contents below for those that want to jump straight to the recommended hotels, bars/restaurants, and things to do.
First trip to Singapore
I’ve visited Singapore 4 times now, with the latest being a couple of months ago. Each time I stayed in a different hotel and part of the city. But it was the very first visit that made me want to continue coming back to this iconic city. The year was 2010 and I was on an offshore drillship that was making it’s maiden voyage from Geoje, South Korea to the Gulf of Mexico. The 1st port of call after departing Korea was Singapore and I was very much looking forward to seeing it in person for the first time.
As you can see in the pictures above, I arrived via boat and it reminded me of those refugee videos in the opening credits of the movie Scarface. We were placed onto the barge via a man basket that was attached to a crane (now that was more fun than any amusement park ride I’d ever been on!). As the barge made it’s way to drop us off quayside at the Keppel Bay Marina, the city started to come into focus.
After clearing immigration I checked into the Orchard Hotel Singapore property and hit the streets. I only had one day and one night (flight was the next day at 2 am) and I didn’t want to waste any time. Walking around by myself with a map given to me by the hotel front desk, it wasn’t long before I ran into some kind of Indian festival or ceremony going on.
Walking around Singapore
Singapore has a beautiful mix of people, cultures, and religion. With an ethnic makeup that is mainly Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan, there is always a cultural event going on somewhere in the city. On my walk to the Chinatown district of the city, I seen men walking around shirtless heading to a temple. So of course I followed and took pictures like the curious traveler that I am. Thinking back, that was kind of stalkerish, lol. I literally seen the homeboys below, made a U-turn when they passed me, and started following them 😆.
I ended up hanging around Chinatown and eating at some random place. After that I met up with some colleagues for some early drinking and I got my introduction to one of many Singapore Slings! I’ll have more on this drink in the where to eat and what to drink sections further down. We ended up bar hopping til late and then taking a cab from the last bar to the hotel to get our luggage and then straight to the airport for our 2 am flight. And that was my brief introduction to Singapore. Just enough of a tease to make me want to return.
Where to Stay – Hotels
InterContinental Singapore
InterContinental Singapore – Absolutely love this property! I’ll start with my favorite because I am a big fan of InterContinental hotels and this one has everything you would expect from the well regarded brand. Having stayed at properties in Dubai, Mexico City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cities, the expectations were high and the Singapore location did not disappoint! And about that location, just have a look for yourself at all the great things there are to do and see within walking distance.
Little India, the Sultan Mosque and Arab Street, and Raffles City Mall are all close by so finding something interesting to see and do is not hard. There are also several museums in the vicinity.
The entrance and bottom floor area is old world luxury and classy. The front desk staff were more than welcoming and would go out of their way to accommodate any reasonable request. I had to write “reasonable” because there are some peeps that will ask for some over the top silly things. Have a look at this pic slideshow showing hotel interior and my room.
Conrad Centennial Singapore
If great views along with splendid location are what you are looking for then the Conrad Centennial Singapore hotel is where you need to stay. Located within Marina Bay, this 31 story property is perfectly situated in the heart of the Suntec area of the city. It sits across from the fountain of wealth and is also a few minutes walk to the Singapore Flier and Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay.
This hotel caters mainly to business travelers and couples on vacation. On this visit, I saw very few families staying on the property. The rooms and hotel interior are modern with a professional yet personable staff at the front desk. Overall I give this property top marks across the board.
The Clan Hotel
The Clan Hotel is a newish (only 2 years old) hotel and is as modern as they come. With a cool slick look and an exquisite sky pool on level 30, it has all the amenities to compete with the more established hotels in Singapore. This property is located in downtown Singapore and is the perfect mix of historic charm and modern luxury. You will experience Asian hospitality at it’s finest at this establishment.
And to think that I found this hotel completely by accident. On this trip I wanted to stay at a property that wasn’t a big US based chain and came across The Clan. So I googled it and checked out their website and decided to give it a try. It was a very good decision. After long jet lagged days at the overseas office, it was nice to be able to decompress in this pool with these views!
The rooms are as you would expect from a practically brand new modern hotel. They had a stylish layout and I especially loved the blackout curtains. The bed and pillows were super comfortable and there were plenty of ports to plug in multiple devices. But my favorite feature was the toliet! I fell in love with the thing because it did everything! It was some kind of all in one toilet/bidet combo with remote control. From spraying you with warm water, air drying you down there, and heating up the toilet seat, it did it all. I spent more time than I should have on it, lol.
Where to Eat and Drink
Jumbo Seafood – Award Winning Chili Crab
Order the Chili Crab! This is without a doubt the best dish I’ve eaten in Singapore. Hell just looking at the picture is making my mouth water and bringing back some savory memories. I don’t know what spices and/or technique is used to cook these crabs but let me tell you, it’s absolutely mouth watering. And Jumbo Seafood has won many awards for their version. Matter of fact, these guys specialize in all kinds of crab. Their menu has a couple of pages of various crab dishes.
Jumbo Seafood has 3 main locations (I’ve eaten at 2 of them) and some smaller outlets. In order of preference I’d recommend the original East Coast seafood location then the Riverwalk spot. But honestly you can’t go wrong at either location. You can order the Chili Crab whole or in separate pieces. I prefer it broken up for me. I don’t have the patience 😆. Both places also allow you to pick your live seafood if you want.
Din Tai Fung Singapore – Expertly Crafted Dumplings
When you visit a restaurant’s website, they will usually showcase what they excel at on the first page. Din Tai Fung is no different. Click on the link and see for yourself. I’ve eaten at the Clarke Quaye location and this place was every bit as good as advertised. This establishment is best known for their amazing dumplings and I could not get enough of them. I ended up ordering a couple of extra baskets of them 😲. We ordered several other items from the menu but the handmade dumplings are the main event.
Lau Pa Sat – Iconic Hawker Market
Now this is definitely a food lovers paradise. Bring a hearty appetite because there is no shortage of good food to be had at the legendary Lau Pa Sat Hawker Market. Best way to describe this place, it’s a big indoor and outdoor food court with individual stalls that sell every type of Singapore and regional food imaginable and even some international food as well. Hell I even saw a Mexican stall there (I didn’t try it, lol).
We had perfect weather in January when I was there and decided to eat outdoors. Lau Pa Sat is located in downtown so all the tall buildings around make for a nice backdrop. With so many choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed but my recommendation is to eat a little bit at as many places as you can before your stomach taps out. This is a fun place to start out your evening. See pic slideshow below.
What and Where to drink
There are really only 2 choices as far as what to drink. I mean, can you even say you visited Singapore if don’t try their national drink or beer? Of course not. That’s like visiting Dublin and not having a Guinness pint, or Mexico City and not having a tequila. So you have to try both!
Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel Long Bar
Widely regarded as the national drink of Singapore, what better way to enjoy this delicious concoction than the birthplace of the over 100 year old treasure. The Long Bar at the spectacular Raffles Hotel is known as the home of the Singapore Sling so you have to at least have one here during your visit. And one is all I had here because have a look at that price on the pic. That is 2023 pricing! This place tends to get packed quickly so try and get there close to opening time.
Tiger Beer
This is the beer of Singapore and it’s actually good (and a little strong at 5.0 ABV%). And it pairs well with everything. Everything I listed above in the food section, steak, street food, etc. I really don’t drink other beers when I visit. I’ll try some craft beers and Malaysian beers but always inevitably return to Tiger beer. Which now that I think about it, if Singapore is known as the Lion city and this is their national beer, why isn’t it called Lion Beer? Anyway, order yourself a cold Tiger Beer!
Level 33 Rooftop Microbrewery
LeVeL33 is located on the 33rd floor and is pretty much the penthouse unit of the Marina Bay Financial Centre. Billed as the highest urban microbrewery in the world, you’ll enjoy some spectacular views over Marina Bay both day and night. The menu is mainly light bar food and appetizers but people don’t come here to eat. They come for the views and the vibe. This is the perfect after work drink spot or a fantastic choice to begin an evening if you’re going out. Pictures are better than words sometimes.
Clarke Quaye
If you’re looking for nightlife and a variety of places to have a good meal and drink, Clarke Quaye has a little something for everyone. It’s very popular with both locals and foreign visitors alike and seems to be always packed. This area is lined up with bars, pubs, and restaurants and you can generally get there by walking from the hotels I recommended or a short cab ride if you don’t feel like sweating it out.
Things To Do
Visit all the different ethnic sections
There are 5 neighborhoods that you have to walk through and experience. In no particular order they are:
- Little India
- Little Korea
- Islamic distric
- Chinatown
- KATONG
I’ve done all except Katong. Not sure how I missed it but that’s just one more reason of many that I need to make another trip back to Singapore. While they are all very distinct and unique areas of the city, they all share a warm and welcoming people who are very helpful to tourists who happen to get lost (cough cough).
Marina Bay Sands – Observation deck
I started this blog post with a mention of the movie Crazy Rich Asians because it’s one of my (both of them) daughter’s favorite movies. The movie ends with an awesome party on top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and if you watched that movie, you can’t help but to want to see the hotel in person. I mean, you can’t miss this marvelous structure that literally transformed the Singapore skyline. This hotel image is synonymous with Singapore.
Upon arriving at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, you will see signs with directions on where to go line up to buy tickets for the Sky Park observation deck. After paying for your ticket you will be directed to one main elevator that exclusively takes visitors to the top floor. The elevator is really fast and reminded me of the one inside the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Once you get to the top deck you are allowed free reign to about a third of the top of the hotel. The other two thirds are for guest only and this includes the pool area (of course).
The views from this vantage point are amazing. You definitely get an appreciation for how vast Singapore is.
Important information to know before traveling
I’ll end this post with some tips on how to make your Singapore trip a success.
Getting around
Uber is not available but they do have their own ride share companies. The 2 that I’ve used are Grab and ComfortDelGro. Both have easy to use apps that are pretty much identical to the Uber app and function the same way. I recommend you download the apps before arrival, enter the basic info and credit card and you’ll be able to use them as soon as you land.
Exchange rate
Singapore is an expensive city so plan accordingly. It’s not as expensive as Norway but it’s up there. Here’s a good exchange rate website that I like to use XE currency converter.
Act right – Singapore is cool but doesn’t play
In short, Singapore will literally whoop (cane) your ass for acting up. They don’t tolerate any type of nonsense and have strict and severe penalties for all sorts of offenses. Be cool and they’ll be cool, it’s not hard peeps.
And that’s about it my friends. There is plenty of things to do, see, and experience in Singapore and I hope that this post will give you a good start with your travel planning! Cheers!