travel – Bri Right Back

How to Spend a Long Weekend in New Orleans

August 18, 2023August 18, 2023 Brirightback

New Orleans, Louisiana has always been on my list of cities to visit someday so it was wonderful to finally get there this past February. We arrived right after Mardi Gras to find the city-wide cleanup in full swing. Reminders of the celebration were everywhere, from the temporary bleachers on the street to the beads hanging from the trees. While I’m sure it would’ve been a unique experience, I was a little relieved to miss Mardi Gras. By visiting when we did, we avoided a lot of crowds and the very real possibility of getting vomited on in the street. As you might know, New Orleans is one of few American cities with open container laws, so visitors tend to overdo it with the numerous nightlife options that this city boasts.

Clocking in under four hours, the flight to New Orleans from New York is super convenient for a short trip. We opted to stay at Hotel Monteleone, which was historical as well as centrally located within the French Quarter. If you, like myself, like to be able to explore on foot as much as possible when traveling, this is the perfect homebase for your trip.

Our first stop was to get some delicious barbeque. We went to Blue Oak BBQ and ordered a pulled pork sandwich as well as the two-meat combo plate with brisket and chicken. For sides, we had garlic mac n’ cheese and brussels sprouts. I know brussels sprouts aren’t for everyone but these are the best we’ve ever tasted. I never thought I’d dream of getting the chance to eat a specific vegetable again but these were next level. They also have a great drink selection. I recommend the “I’ll Be Damned” frozen bourbon slushie. Also, get here early if you want a full selection- they run out of certain menu items like ribs, which can be a real bummer to miss out on when you’re only in town for a short trip.

After dinner, we caught some live music and enjoyed some cocktails at the hotel bar before hitting Bourbon Street. There’s lots of bars to choose from, but you can’t go wrong finding a spot with a balcony to hang at and people watch.

One of the coolest spots to have a drink at is The Old Absinthe House, known for, you guessed it, their absinthe. If you’ve never tried this liquor, it has a strong licorice taste. Their absinthe frappé, comprised of sugar water and absinthe, is lit on fire when served. The bar itself is covered practically floor to ceiling with business cards of visitors. This place is definitely a must-visit on Bourbon Street.

Other bars worth checking out are Pat O’Brien’s and Lefitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The former is known for their signature rum cocktail, the Hurricane. Be sure to catch one of the dueling piano shows in the lounge while you’re there. Lefitte’s, an 18th- century pub and historical landmark, is disputedly the oldest bar in the country and serves up the Voodoo Daiquiri, a grape-flavored daiquiri with bourbon and Everclear. It was late in the night by the time we dropped in, so I opted not to add grain alcohol to my day but I’d definitely like to try this drink during a future visit.

The next day, we slept in after a long first night out. We made our way to Bearcat in the Central Business District for brunch. Just a heads up, they don’t take reservations, so you’ll definitely have to wait for a little but they do get people in and out fast. We shared the breakfast potatoes; crispy potatoes with a mornay sauce (bechamel with added cheese) and scrambled eggs on top. I’m really not a breakfast person and I could’ve had these as my meal. They were that good. For my main, I had a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit, which was excellent. My boyfriend loved the Cajun gravy biscuit and side of sausage that he had. You really can’t skip this place! There’s an uptown location too if that fits better with your other areas of interest.

You’ll probably need a nap or a walk after that meal. Being less than a thirty minute walk from Jackson Square, this is a great time to see that area. You can also see the Mississippi River after admiring the picturesque square and St. Louis Cathedral. My favorite part of this area, however, was Café Du Monde. While it was every bit as touristy as I expected, I think the beignets (French-style doughnuts) are more than worth the hype. Besides beignets, this cash-only New Orleans fixture is known for its chicory coffee. There was some debate in my research over who serves the best beignets and it came down to Café Du Monde or Café Beignet. While Café Beignet offered more variety with chocolate topping and strawberries, I preferred Café Du Monde where the beignets stood alone without needing any add-ons.

To top off our day of amazing eats, we had dinner at Morrow’s in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. This is another great spot that doesn’t offer reservations but is well worth the wait. There’s a few bars in the area to kill time at until you can be seated. We chose to hang at St. Roch Tavern which was close by, divey, and affordable with friendly bartenders.

At Morrow’s, we had some great mojitos and my boyfriend enjoyed the gumbo. I had the Morrow’s fried chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and mac n’ cheese. My boyfriend had a fried shrimp platter and sautéed spinach. We both loved our meals. I only wish I could’ve eaten more of it without getting full!

A good alternative area to Bourbon Street that we found to be a little more low-key was Frenchmen Street. The bars here had an older crowd for the most part. We enjoyed the live music at The Spotted Cat Music Club and getting drinks at Brieux Carré Brewing Company.

Whether or not you stay at the Monteleone, you should make time to visit the Carousel Bar there. Spinning since 1949, it is the only rotating bar in New Orleans. It takes fifteen minutes to make a full rotation so you won’t have to worry about any motion sickness while you sip a drink and snack on some truffle fries.

Other foods you’ve got to try in New Orleans are po boys, jambalaya, and muffaletta. Luckily, these dishes can be found all over the city. We went to Killer Po Boys to try some sandwiches. Muffaletta is another traditional sandwich with meats, cheese, and olive dressing that is unique to the area and definitely worth sampling.

One last restaurant worth mentioning is The Rum House. Located on Magazine Street, a popular spot for shopping and food, they craft tasty beverages and tacos. I was also surprised and delighted that a quality mac n’ cheese was a possibility for a side at a taco place. (If you haven’t noticed yet, yes I do have the palate of an 8-year old but a ~discerning~ one, I’d say.)

Overall, New Orleans was one of favorite cities to visit. You can experience so much in just a few days. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

More travels to come very soon! Thanks for reading!

Zagreb and Split, Croatia: Beaches, a Fortress and.. a couple trips to the Hospital

April 8, 2021April 8, 2021 Brirightback

After an amazing time in Budapest, some friends and I made our way to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. We checked into Chillout Hostel, a cool place with a bar downstairs. Just a warning: Croatia allows smoking inside in bars so if you’re not a smoker or smoking bothers you, I’d recommend not choosing a party hostel when visiting. It wouldn’t normally be an issue for me but I ended up getting very sick my first full day in the country. I had some sort of allergic reaction to bug bites and respiratory problems with a fever. The added smoke killed my lungs when they desperately needed a break. I quickly realized I had to go get myself checked out but, used to the American “healthcare” system and without insurance, I was nervous about the possible cost.

After two hospital visits and a barrage of tests, I was told I had tonsillitis and some sort of allergic reaction. I’ve had both in the past but I think both were exacerbated by my being essentially alone in a foreign place and the lack of home comforts. At the expense of seeming like an ugly American, I seriously missed air conditioning. Taking a cold shower every couple of hours just wasn’t cutting it. All I wanted was to be home but I also didn’t want to cut my trip short. The expense didn’t end up being as bad as I thought it would be and, hey, that’s why a good traveler plans for incidentals. It can’t always go our way. After a few days in a feverish nightmare, I was so grateful to finally explore some of the city.

Apart from walking around the city and having a couple meals (when I wasn’t puking in an alley), I enjoyed visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships. This is the most unique museum I’ve been to, with items that are donated and displayed beside stories of their significance in relationships. The website explains it best: “It is a museum about you, about us, about the ways we love and lose.” Basically, I went here to hurt my own feelings (very on brand), because why not bring down my mental health along with my physical health? All jokes aside, I highly recommend a visit if you’re in Zagreb or LA or wherever else these exhibits pop up. You won’t regret it.

“We go to foreign cities in search of sensuality and possibly love. And vice versa: we get in love in search of making the city in which we reside unfamiliar. All love affairs happen in foreign cities.”
From “Undying Love, Love Dies” by Jalal Toufik

Delicious meal after I got out of the hospital but I couldn’t tell you where or who I was at the time

I didn’t eat much in Zagreb besides crackers and soup, but I had some great falafel at Zrno Bistro. Really nice place.

(Lower left): Me in that alley, brought down by the hubris of thinking I could eat a french fry

As much as I wanted to have more time to experience Zagreb, I’d been there a week, got my nose scoped and a steroid shot in the butt, so I was pretty ready to catch a bus, plane, boat, or windowless van out of there.

I was definitely ready to “Split.” Sorry, not sorry, for the pun.

Something about the ocean air always makes me feel better so arriving in Split was an instant jolt and I felt energized for the first time since Budapest. However, the uptick in my mood may have been due to the lovely air conditioning at the Airbnb.

We checked out Diocletian’s Palace, both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Game of Thrones location. The Cathedral of St. Domnius was a highlight of the trip. Game of Thrones fan or not, the Palace is worth a visit.

The Klis Fortress was also used in the filming of Game of Thrones, as the city of Meereen. The views from the fortress are gorgeous. There’s also a room with excellent acoustics to practice your rendition of the theme song, not that we would have ever done that of course.

We took a ferry to Šolta to find a cool secret spot our friend knew about. It was a longer hike than we’d planned for but if you look at the picture below, you’ll see it was more than worth it to swim in this clear blue water.

My friend Jay/ How I felt after hiking in Šolta

Bonus points if you time your daytrip to Šolta to catch the sunset from the ferry ride home.

Croatia was full of ups and downs for me personally, but I’m so glad I was able to see just a portion of what it has to offer. I’d love to return and see Dubrovnik one day and more of the islands off of Split.

Next stop, Ljubljana, Slovenia!

Summertime in Prague: Czech it Out

January 10, 2021January 10, 2021 Brirightback

Wow, it’s been forever since I’ve posted any content! Honestly, it just felt weird to post anything during the pandemic. Even the thought of travel, particularly international travel, seems like the biggest tease at the moment. But even if I can’t go anywhere, I’ve found I can at least start using this time to catch up so I will be updating more often. Hopefully soon we will be able to get out there and go on some new adventures!

Continue reading →

Naples, Italy: More than just great pizza

May 22, 2020May 22, 2020 Brirightback

Italy was always at the top of my list of must-visit countries. My love for pizza led me to the city of Naples. I’d always heard it was a little dangerous there but it turned out to be less sketchy than Paris, as in zero attempted muggings rather than the two I’d witnessed or been told about during my stay in Paris. I was thrilled to get to Naples to be able to enjoy some beach days for the first time during my trip.

I took an eighteen hour bus ride from Lyon to Naples. I would strongly recommend against this. It was late June during a heatwave and I might’ve been the only one wearing deodorant on this packed vehicle. Also, my lovely neighbor woke up from a deep slumber and full-on sneezed on me. I bathed in Purell. Looking back on that during the time of coronavirus, I’m even more horrified but I have never had much faith in people’s public behavior. This experience was no exception.

When I arrived in Naples, I made my way to meet my friend at Six Small Rooms Hostel. Once I found it nestled in an alleyway off a piazza, with the help of a nice local, I loved it there. The owner and staff were wonderful. The rooms were big with no bunk beds so they weren’t as cramped and overcrowded as some hostel rooms can be. They also have free breakfast every day, which is such a help when you’re trying to stick to your budget. It also encouraged me to try and wake up at a reasonable hour (emphasis on the word try). More than anything else, there was just a sense of community at this place. We left our doors unlocked a lot of the time, took day trips with our new friends, and enjoyed some drinks on the piazza nightly. Get acquainted with Mario at the liquor store- he’s an actual angel and will brighten your day. If you’re looking for a hostel in Naples, this is the place you want to be.

I usually save the food for the end of the post but this is Naples we’re talking about. I’ve gotta get straight to the important stuff: the pizza. I ate a shameful amount of pizza during my week-long stay in Naples. My friend’s recommendation was Pizzeria & Trattoria al 22, which was dangerously close to the hostel. We had a pizza party one night and I’ll never forget the group of us bringing back about fifteen pizzas to the hostel. You also can’t miss out on the fried pizza at Sorbillo. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. It’s more calzone-adjacent than pizza-like but I’ve never been one to shy away from cheese so I’m a big fan.

I mostly ate obscene amounts of pizza during my stay but the pasta I had was also incredible. My friend and I went to La Taverna Del Buongustaio Napoli my first night for some pasta and the food and service were amazing. Another obvious recommendation is gelato. It’s as delicious as you think it’s gonna be.

So, if you’ve been reading or know me personally, you won’t be shocked at my last food recommendation. There’s a place called Taco’s in Naples that makes some great burritos. I stumbled upon it very hungover and was enticed by their inclusion of fried chicken in their burritos. I know I’m kind of an embarrassment getting Mexican food in Italy, but I didn’t regret my choice.

Naples is an awesome home base for day trips all over southern Italy. You can easily see the Amalfi coast, Pompeii, Capri, Vesuvius, and Sorrento. Myself, I only visited Sorrento. Blame it on the heat or the carbs, I was feeling pretty slow. It only takes a little over an hour to get to Sorrento from Naples. It was a little touristy and crowded but the coastline was beautiful. If I could do it over, I’d definitely check out some other areas before Sorrento. As the self- proclaimed sweatiest person in Italy (brag) though, I was just always happy to be by a body of water.

If you want to see Naples from high up, you can take a funicular to see some panoramic views of the city.

When I wasn’t eating, I just wandered the city in pursuit of cool street art and, you guessed it, more food.

I had a really hard time leaving this place (and not just because I’m a massive procrastinator) and I know I will return someday and see more! Thanks for reading!

Exploring Porto: Peacocks and obviously more Pasteis de Nata

April 9, 2020April 10, 2020 Brirightback

I knew only seeing Lisbon would not be nearly enough Portugal for me, so I headed to Porto. I didn’t know it at the time but there was a big football game during my stay. It made for a loud couple of nights near the hostel. Luckily the fans weren’t getting as crazy as the ones I encountered in Madrid.

One of my first stops was Manteigaria for pasteis de nata since I’d exhausted my supply on the three hour journey over. They were just as delicious as in Lisbon.

I set out kind of aimlessly to check out the sights in Porto and was fortunate to stumble upon the Miradouro da Vitória. This was a nice viewpoint that overlooks the Dom Luís I Bridge. It was a little hidden but there’s a small sign. The best part: it’s free unlike other viewpoints in the city!

You’ll find beautiful blue and white tile work on the Igreja de Carmo and lots of other buildings you’ll encounter in Porto.

I’d recommend checking out the baroque architecture of Clérigos Church and really paying attention to the amazing amount of detail that went into this structure.

Visiting the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal was easily one of my favorite parts of my trip. The reason for that is almost entirely peacock-related. While the gardens were very nice, I really just followed peacocks around for a couple hours (which will now be made very obvious since they’re basically in all the following photos). No regrets.

Seeing the gardens was well worth the very long walk from the center of town.

One place I didn’t get the chance to see was the Livraria Lello, a bookstore that was inspiration for J.K. Rowling. So if you’re a Potter fan, definitely reserve a spot early if that’s on your list!

I really enjoyed seeing what Porto had to offer, and feeling ten pounds heavier from the delicious desserts, I continued on and caught my flight to Paris!

Lisbon & Sintra

February 24, 2020February 24, 2020 Brirightback

I made it to Lisbon, Portugal very early on a Spring morning after taking an overnight bus from Madrid. Portugal has become a super popular destination in recent years and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see it for myself. I checked into Goodnight Lisbon but couldn’t get into my room yet as it was 8 am. Exhausted but also ready to explore, I decided to take a tour around the city offered by the hostel. I’m glad I did as it helped me acclimate and get used to the hilly terrain (as much as one can get used to it). I was also lucky enough to meet a few awesome fellow solo travelers that I spent the majority of my time with whilst in Lisbon. I highly recommend this hostel and its staff, and I’ve heard great things about Good Morning Lisbon too. Both offered free breakfast every morning which is such a great perk when you’re trying to stick to a budget.

Once I laid eyes on the Praça do Comércio I was in love with the beauty of this city. All the climbing during the tour was worth the inevitable soreness- a small price to pay for these gorgeous views.

During my first tour, I learned that the Portuguese weren’t fond of dancing but they loved sad music. These must be my people. If I were to visit again, I would make sure to see a traditional Fado show. Fado shows are unique to Portugal and are characterized by their mournful, sad lyrics.

The Pink Street area of Lisbon is the hipstery part of the city, with lots of trendy bars. The street itself is a great photo opportunity for travelers.

Spend the day with yourself. Let nothing distract you. A poem emerges so young and so old. You can’t know how long it has lived in you.

I can’t offer a lot of recommendations for food in Portugal because of my seafood aversion. If you’re a seafood lover, you will have so many options in Lisbon. I had some great falafel at a vegetarian place in town called Juicy. Their smoothies were tasty as well.

My favorite thing to eat in Lisbon was undoubtedly the pasteis de nata. These custard tarts were delicious and addictive. The local tour guide swore by the ones at Manteigaria and they did not disappoint. You can also find gelato in the flavor of these treats.

Pasteis de Nata (aka the only dessert you could ever need)

Pasteis de nata gelato: worthy of portrait-mode status

I took a tram to Belem and spent the afternoon there. I checked out Belem Tower and the nearby Discoveries Monument. It was nice to walk along the water there, hearing live music being played from musicians on the grass. I was too lazy to brave the lines, but if you want to compare the Lisbon pasteis de nata to those in Belem, definitely head to Fábrica Pastéis de Belém. A day trip to Belem would be the ideal amount of time to appreciate this area.

Sintra is absolutely beautiful. My first tip is don’t do what I did. I didn’t commit enough time to explore this town. Wake up early and make your way over there to get the most of its beauty, or better yet, book accommodation there. I arrived kind of late and felt like I had to rush around to see just a fraction of the sights Sintra has to offer. The easiest way around seemed to be the buses that went to each popular location. There are several so figure out which one fits your needs and time constraints. Strapped for time, I chose the one that brought me to the Castle of the Moors and the Palacio de Pena.

Be prepared for lots of walking in Sintra- sneakers are a must. I got lost on the trails and never actually made it to the Palace (just one of several reasons I should’ve planned a longer day here) but managed to get some pictures from a distance. The grounds were also really nice to explore in general so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on too much. Also, one thing to note if you’re solo traveling: the tuk tuk drivers wouldn’t take me anywhere since I was by myself. I was told by friends that these were a cool way to get around but I guess it’s not worth it for the drivers to just bring one person to the sights. Slightly disappointing but the bus was convenient and not too pricey.

Overall, Sintra is a great option for a break from the city. I’d love to go back one day and explore it more thoroughly.

My next stop is Porto! Portugal was far too beautiful for just one post. Hope you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen so far!

Madrid: Exploring Spain’s Capital

November 19, 2019November 19, 2019 Brirightback

One of the best ways to explore a new city is to experience it with a local, so I was lucky to become friends with one while in Galway. Not only did she graciously offer me a place to stay, but she also showed me her favorite spots in Madrid. We got around mostly by metro, which was easy to navigate and tourist-friendly as it offered passes for one to seven day stays.

Madrid has a few rooftop bars that allow you to see and photograph gorgeous panoramic views of the whole city. The one we visited was the Círculo de Bellas Artes. There’s lots of seating there so it’s a nice spot to spend a little time taking in your surroundings and enjoying a drink. Bear in mind that there’s a ton of direct sunlight and not much shade on the rooftop so pack some sunscreen.

Another cool rooftop bar we went to was called The Hat, a hostel bar that served food and drinks. The drinks were pricey but novel, being served in plastic bags. Definitely not an eco-friendly choice, but they were lovely and paired perfectly with the scorching Madrid summer.

We spent some time relaxing in Retiro Park, a nice place to wander and get a break from the city’s crowds. It’s a great place to read, go for a boat ride, or have a picnic. Be sure to check out the Crystal Palace, a building made almost entirely of glass and situated next to a lake.

The Royal Palace is a must-see when you visit Madrid. The palace and grounds are impressive and you can spend a lot of time exploring the area.

Royal Palace and me, completely unaware of what to do with my limbs

During my time in Madrid, I ate a lot of tacos and burritos. When you visit, Takos al Pastor are a requirement. Don’t be discouraged by the queues that stretch down the street. They move fast and once you get up front to order, your food arrives almost instantly. The tacos are by far the best I’ve had, available with chicken, al pastor (grilled pork), potatoes, chorizo, and more. Pro tip: Go early to try the al pastor tacos- they seemed to sell out the quickest so I unfortunately wasn’t able to try them. Overall, I can’t think of a better late-night meal.

Another awesome place I tried was Tierra Burrito Bar. With three locations throughout Madrid, it’s super convenient to grab a bite there. I’m always on the lookout for the best burrito and the ones they make here were definitely contenders.

One last thing you should try in Madrid: the Tinto de Verano. This drink, comprised of red wine and citrus soda, is a refreshing and delicious summer beverage. If you’re a fan of sangria, you will love it!

That’s all for Madrid. My next stop will be Portugal!

How’d they know what my sleep paralysis demon looked like?

Valencia, Spain: A Good Place for a Siesta

October 15, 2019December 14, 2021 Brirightback

Valencia, Spain! When I touched down in Spain, it may have only been May but it jump-started my summer. As usual, I got super lost looking for my hostel Home Youth Hostel Valencia. Once I got there, I was excited to see it was super clean and cozy and the staff was ready to tell me everything about this beautiful city. I’m not sure if it was the late hour or the dehydration, but my eyes began to glaze over as I remembered my friend’s highest recommendation: the agua de Valencia. To my luck, there was a great restaurant right outside the hostel called Escalones de la Lonja. The first meal I ordered there was a chorizo, egg, potato, and pepper dish with agua de Valencia, basically a boozier mimosa. Another night, I tried the potatas bravas. Everything I ate there was delicious and the location could not have been any better based on where I stayed.

Valencia’s Central Market was just steps away from my hostel. One could easily spend a few hours exploring all the stalls there. I went every morning while in Valencia. The market was packed with options but the fresh fruit juices were my favorite things to buy there. Outside one of the entrances, they sell churros and horchata, a non-dairy rice milk beverage. The horchata was interesting to try, but as someone who doesn’t really drink milk, it felt a little heavy. The churros were delicious but next time I would definitely order some chocolate to dip them in.

Another food I tried in Valencia were empanadas at a place called Dempanadas. The food was awesome and inexpensive and service was fantastic. I had a bacon and cheese and a spinach and cheese empanada.

Aside from eating your weight in tapas and empanadas, there’s plenty to do and see in Valencia. I went on a historical tour to see some of the sights. You can’t miss the Valencia Cathedral. I’d read online that it was really cheap to climb the bell tower there rather than visit the rest of the church. If you’re religious, this cathedral is home to what many believe to be the Holy Grail. The journey to the top of Miguelete Bell Tower consists of a 207-step spiral staircase that leads you to a viewing platform. Once at the top, you can see panoramic views of the city. If you startle easily, like I found out I do, be aware that the bells will be deafening from up there. It quickly dashed any fantasies of me becoming the next Quasimodo. Another warning is that this trek counts as leg day and you may feel like you need some new legs the next morning. I vowed to not even look at a staircase for several weeks.

My top recommendation for this city is to seek out as much street art as you can find. Valencians are very proud of their street art and some of it is even commissioned to be on buildings by the owners. Take a street art tour so you can hear about the artists that beautify Valencia’s neighborhoods.

Street art is everywhere in Valencia. Just take a look around when you’re exploring and you’re bound to find something cool.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you should definitely consider spending a few days in Valencia. The art, food, and general laid-back vibe make it worth a visit. My one big regret is not being able to try the Valencian paella (heads-up, the authentic restaurants only sell it to parties of two or more). I was too shy to seek out a paella buddy at this point in my adventure. My next destination will be Spain’s capital, Madrid!

Me after drinking my daily Agua de Valencia

Brussels, Belgium: Where Waffles are a Snack and Fries are a Meal

September 11, 2019September 11, 2019 Brirightback

I arrived in Brussels slightly nervous since Belgium was the first country I’d be visiting during this trip where the native language was not English (unless you count heavy Scottish accents and believe me, you probably should). It was time for me to drag out my limited French and see how I could get by on that.

The main attractions in Brussels are pretty easy to find and clustered together so it was super walkable. If you took a wrong turn (my specialty,) you would probably find something else worth seeing or better yet, find something worth eating. My first stop was the Grand Place, a beautiful market square surrounded and filled with lots of places to eat. I spent some time just people watching here and watching a free open-air concert that was being held that weekend. The buildings there just begged to be photographed from every angle. Nearby, I walked through the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, the fanciest shopping mall I’ve ever seen. Manneken Pis, a cheeky statue of a boy relieving himself, consistently drew large crowds of tourists. There are similar statues, one of a little girl and one of a dog, but I didn’t go out of my way to find them.

One of my favorite things about Brussels was the Comic Book Route, a walk that exhibits some comic-book inspired street art. These pops of color along with the Rainbow crosswalks in the Saint-Jacques neighborhood set Brussels apart from many other European cities that can sometimes look interchangeable.

The tram system in Brussels was really easy to navigate so I made my way to the Atomium. Originally an exhibition for the Brussels World Expo in 1958, it attracts many tourists as a museum and landmark. I mostly just used it as a photo op and an excuse to get another waffle.

I am not a breakfast person by any means but I knew I had to try a fresh waffle while in Brussels. In a twist of fate I never expected, I went back for two more before I left town in search of the best waffle I could find. There were so many to choose from so I was left waffling (sorry, not sorry) over this big decision. The first place I tried was La Funambule. My half chocolate syrup and half vanilla syrup covered waffle was delicious. The next one I tried was at the Atomium- best and only waffle I’ve had from a van and a reminder that no matter where I am, wet wipes should be an essential in my bag. The last and favorite one I had was at a place that I never got the name of and couldn’t find on Google. It is in the Manneken Pis area and has a giant Nutella sign on the wall. If you find it, the cookie butter waffle is unbelievable.

You can’t go to Belgium and not try the fries! I did an embarrassing amount of french fry research and decided to get some fries from Fritland. These twice-fried treats were fully worth waiting for, which is fortunate because queues are usually long. I tried mine with andalouse sauce, a Belgian specialty combining mayonnaise, tomato paste, and peppers. They were served straight out of the fryer in the traditional cone container.

My last meal in Brussels was at a place called Houtsiplou. I had the cheese croquettes and they were amazing. I thought only being served three wouldn’t have been enough food but I was very wrong. I couldn’t even get through them all, let alone touch the fries and bread! Highly recommend this place.

I didn’t take advantage of it but Brussels is in a great location. If I return, and I truly hope I do, it’s possible to do so many daytrips and add some places to the itinerary. I would go to the Belgian cities of Bruges and Ghent and maybe even venture to Luxembourg.

Spain, here I come!

Where to Eat in the UK and Republic of Ireland

July 2, 2019July 2, 2019 Brirightback

During my time in the UK and Republic of Ireland, I was lucky enough to eat some really delicious food. As this is my first food blog post, I feel it is probably necessary to apologize upfront for my sometimes limited palate. You won’t find any seafood in these posts but you will find a lot of Tex-Mex (yes, even in Ireland). I consider it a personal mission to find good tacos and burritos wherever I roam and they are always a go-to if I start getting hangry. So, with those small caveats, here are some of my favorite things I ate during the first part of my journey.

Dublin

I was in Dublin for the smallest amount of time but I set out to find some good shepherd’s pie. I headed to the Old Storehouse in Temple Bar and enjoyed it with a cider. It was good but I think I could have found better outside of the Temple Bar touristy area. Strapped for time though, it met my needs and the great service and live music provided at the venue made it worth a visit.

Another place I would recommend in Dublin is Queen of Tarts. The cute bakery is tucked away on a quieter street and was highly recommended online. I grabbed an apple crumble tart that was delicious but not cloyingly sweet. I’d recommend a visit there.

Belfast

My friend Joe recommended a visit to Pizza Punks Belfast and it did not disappoint. They make personal pizzas and you can customize what toppings you want. Since I had not had a Guinness yet, I went with a Guinness brisket and macaroni and cheese pizza. I was very happy with my choice and it lasted for two meals which is always a huge plus, especially whilst traveling. They also had a good selection of ciders there.

When I went on the Game of Thrones Tour, we stopped for lunch at the Fullerton Arms. I got an Irish chicken Caesar salad. I was sold on this choice solely because it had bacon. Everyone on the tour was pretty hungry and the service was so fast. I didn’t get a picture of my salad because I devoured it so fast. Aside from the food, this place is awesome for GoT fans. They have a door that is carved from a fallen Dark Hedges tree and their own throne set up so that you can take photos there.

Another place I tried in Belfast is Bao Bun, a Taiwanese street food restaurant. You can choose your base, protein, and sauce to make your meal. I chose the rice, chicken, and house combo sauce. It was full of flavor, but if I tried it again I would try the bao (steamed bun) as the base. For a quick and reasonably priced meal in Belfast, this place has you covered.

Galway

I was starving when I arrived in Galway and searched up and down the street my hostel was on for something that sounded good to eat. Luckily, I stumbled upon Vocho, a Mexican restaurant. The first menu item I ordered from there was a huge chorizo quesadilla that was filling and lasted two meals (budget-friendly yay). This place was so good I went back for tacos too. In three days, I ate Vocho as many times, so I’m definitely a big fan. It’s a fast and delicious option in Galway.

The other place I dined at in Galway was the Lighthouse Cafe. I met a friend for dinner here at this vegan and vegetarian spot. I ordered a salad with falafel and pomegranate arils. This will begin a pattern of me eating lots and lots of falafel so I apologize in advance for the lack of variety in the coming posts. This meal was as tasty as it was pretty.

Glasgow, Scotland

Firewater is a bar/restaurant across from the music venue I went to my last night in Glasgow. It was pouring out and in my typical fashion, I had left my umbrella at the hostel. I ran in and ordered some chicken tenders and fries not expecting much but some sustenance. I was surprised to find they had a nice kick to them and a great sauce- I’d definitely go back again.

Oxford, U.K.

It had been years since I had been back to Oxford and I had been dreaming of the Indian food there ever since I’d been away. Cinnamon’s was the first place I’d tried there and the food held up. Their chicken tikka misala tasted exactly like I remembered. I also tried another place this visit called Yeti, a nepalese place which was even better. The peshwari naan was insanely good.

A trip to Mission Burrito is always high on my list in Oxford. This time, they were serving a special barbeque pulled chicken so I decided to try that on my burrito. It was really good and in a good location if you’re spending a day in town.

Last but certainly not least, I finally had the opportunity to try Ben’s Cookies. They have a location within the Oxford Covered Market. I tried the Triple Chocolate Chunk and the Peanut Butter. They were both fantastic but I preferred the chocolate one because the peanut butter one had a ton of peanuts in it. That’s just a matter of preference though. I had been expecting a smoother cookie but the taste is still amazing.

That’s it for the UK and Rebublic of Ireland! Thanks for reading and keep an eye out for my next stop: Belgium!