#travelblog – Bri Right Back

3 Days in Nashville, Tennessee

August 27, 2022August 26, 2022 Brirightback

Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to get to visit Nashville, Tennessee for my one year anniversary trip. We stayed for three nights at the Downtown Virgin Hotel. We loved the boutique feel of the lobby and rooms and especially the fact that we were less than a ten minute drive away from all the city’s major hot spots. The room was very clean and had a rain shower, and the bed was super comfortable. Located in between Music Row and the Gulch, you can walk to many attractions. I’d recommend going in spring or fall if you want to do a lot of walking because the heat in August was pretty brutal. We ended up taking a lot of short distance Ubers which were reasonably priced and a good chance to ask some locals where the best spots are. We also enjoyed the rooftop pool that is available to guests for free or non-guests for a daily fee.

With the flight to Music City being less than three hours, it could make for an awesome weekend break from New York!

After checking into the hotel, we set off to the Gulch neighborhood to grab some breakfast. My boyfriend had visited Nashville before and raved about Biscuit Love. Don’t be discouraged by the line outside- it’s there for a reason and the food is totally worth it. I ordered the brown sugar lemonade and the S.E.C., a buttermilk biscuit topped with sausage, scrambled egg, and aged cheddar with sausage gravy added. My boyfriend opted for the mimosa and the Hungry Hash Bowl which had fried potatoes, bacon, eggs, and sausage gravy. Everything was delicious and filling and we even received some free bonuts (biscuit donuts) when the waitress saw my boyfriend’s Biscuit Love shirt. It was a great first meal and a warm welcome to Nashville.

There’s some murals to see while in this neighborhood, the most iconic of which is Kelsey Montague’s What Lifts You. This is the mural at the top of this post, the angel wings made popular by Taylor Swift. Another cute photo op can be seen below, Amelia’s Flower Truck.

I found this next spot in Music Row on Atlas Obscura, which if you’re not familiar, is a site that shows some off-the-beaten track attractions. There’s a hidden heart in the southern wall of Reba McEntire’s recording studio, Starstruck Entertainment. Since I’m not great with my directions, it took a little bit of hunting but we found it. It was added into the design to act as tribute to love and creativity.

Hidden Heart at Starstruck Entertainment

If you get a craving for sweets in the Music Row Area, you have to stop at The Baked Bear. They make homemade ice cream sandwiches with fresh-baked cookies. Between all the cookie, ice cream, and toppings combinations, the possibilities are basically endless. These ice cream sandwiches can get a little messy to eat but they succeed where I feel like a lot of similar confections fail. The cookies are fairly soft so they kind of blend with the ice cream so you get a better bite than with places that use a harder cookie that is prone to breaking. I went with the nutella chocolate chunk cookies and bear batter ice cream (like cake batter but blue) and my boyfriend got what I think was the cookie of the month (cheesecake) with vanilla ice cream and Oreo pieces. 10/10. You’ve got to try these if you’re in the area.

Another cool place to see in Nashville is Centennial Park. While I originally wanted to go because of a Taylor Swift lyric, I also saw on Atlas Obscura that there is a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in the park. As someone who always misses Europe, I jumped at the chance to see it. Within this replica, there is a recreation of the Parthenon’s Athena statue, as well as a collection of artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries. The park is also home to some pretty cute squirrels. You can see one peeking out of the tree in the photo below.

One area you definitely shouldn’t skip is 12th Avenue South. We started a few minutes away at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, where we split a two person sampler of spare ribs, brisket, and two sides. We chose mac n’ cheese and hushpuppies. Everything was really tasty but I especially enjoyed the sides.

We took a short walk toward 12th Ave S to see some of the murals in the neighborhood, the first of which was the “Make Music, Not War” mural. Across from it, you’ll see a mural of flowers. As you continue up 12th Ave S and cross Paris and Halcyon Ave, you will see several other murals that are easy to spot. Once you reach Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s store, you will see the I Believe in Nashville mural. Across from it, Draper James has a pretty blue and white vertically striped backdrop. We saw the floral wings along this avenue too but I’m not sure whether or not these are a permanent fixture.

To conclude our time in this area, we grabbed some doughnuts at Five Daughters Bakery. The shop itself was very cute and the doughnuts were amazing. We tried the seasonal brownie batter, the chocolate sea salt, and the King Kong. The King Kong was my favorite, a maple bacon croissant-style doughnut with vanilla buttercream. The chocolate sea salt was a close second, with its delicious balance of sweet and salty. Don’t let the price deter you, like our Uber driver who questioned our ability to still afford an Uber after eating here. These aren’t like three-bite Dunkin’-level doughnuts. They’re rich and indulgent enough to warrant the splurge.

Another favorite during this trip was Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. I couldn’t leave Nashville without having some hot.. well, mild chicken, in my case. I don’t know about you but the summer makes me sweat enough, so I wanted to get through my meal without sweating. Neither of us are spicy-food people, but my boyfriend tried the medium and it definitely had a kick. The chicken sandwich from Hattie B’s was probably the best fried chicken sandwich I’ve had and the pimento mac n’ cheese did not disappoint either. I’d love for one of these to open in New York.

Finally, let’s get to the nightlife! We mostly spent all three of our nights in Nashville around Broadway to grab some drinks and see as many bars and rooftops as we could. Almost all the spots we checked out had several floors of bars, all with different live music to experience. I’d recommend Acme Feed & Seed rooftop for a great view of the water around sunset.

As far as stages go, I think Kid Rock’s bar had a really unique look with the band far above the audience and bar. It made for a really cool show.

Some of the rooftop bars had DJ sets, if that’s more what you’re looking for. When we visited, Jason Aldean’s and Luke Bryan’s bars (which are connected) and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row had this vibe.

If you need a break from drinking, Casa Rosa has some good Tex-Mex food. You’ll probably want a frozen margarita with it, but hey, at least you’ll have some food in your stomach.

Just let your ears be your guide and keep your ID ready for when you wanna hop to the next bar. One of our favorites was the Wild Beaver Saloon, a karaoke bar with a mechanical bull and arcade section.

My favorite bar we went to in the city is actually located in East Nashville. Rosemary & Beauty Queen serves up killer cocktails in a Victorian house. There’s a few main rooms inside along with the bar, as well as a patio and an upstairs bar with swings in place of barstools. I just really loved how different this place was to other bars I’d been to. It’d be a great place to hang with friends and enjoy a top-notch cocktail.

Nashville is such a fun destination and I hope you check it out! Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Flashback to Chicago 2017

August 13, 2022August 26, 2022 Brirightback

Hey there! Haven’t written in a while but have been meaning to write this post forever. My first solo trip was to the beautiful city of Chicago and it helped spark my love for travel. You hear so many horror stories of solo travel, especially female solo travel, but I put those fears aside and had an amazing time. Not only was this my first solo trip, it was my first time using Pack Up and Go to plan my vacation. This travel company specializes in creating surprise getaways for their customers. As an often spontaneous trip planner, their bespoke service piqued my interest and I knew I had to give it a try.

How Pack Up and Go Works:

Pack Up and Go has various budgets and types of trips to choose from. The prices are better for double occupancy so it definitely isn’t the least expensive option for solo travelers. So if you’re conscious of your budget, bring an adventurous friend or significant other along! They offer road trips (with fun stops along the way), outdoor road trips, staycations, and bus, train, and plane journeys. There’s different price points for each type of trip and a survey to fill out with interests, preferences, your past or planned trips.. basically any information that will help them plan the perfect trip for you.

And the best part is…

The trip is a surprise until the day of the trip! You’re given a sealed envelope with all the information you could possibly need on your destination. Don’t worry about packing because they’ll send you the weather for your planned locale and let you know if you need to bring anything special.

When the day of my trip finally came, I couldn’t wait to find out where I was going. I was full of jitters the whole ride to the airport.

I opened up my envelope to see I’d be flying to Chicago! I’d never been there so I was psyched to see what the city had to offer.

Pack Up and Go booked me at Palomar Chicago Hotel in the heart of Chicago. I loved how spacious my room was and how I could easily walk to all the sights. There was so much room that I probably could’ve shared it with 2 or 3 more people! It was a way nicer room than I’d ever get for myself so I was pleasantly surprised.

I couldn’t wait to explore Chicago so I ditched my bags at the hotel and headed out, after checking my packet of information from my envelope. I went to Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate, a public art piece commonly referred to as the Bean. Its reflective design shows the city landscape and sky. The reflective nature of it also attracts a big selfie crowd so I took some photos and moved along.

Next, I checked out Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s commercial district. This area has all types of shops and restaurants.

The next day, I went to Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission is donation-based, so it’s a great budget-friendly way to spend the afternoon. The grounds are really pretty too.

After the zoo, I went up to the 360 Chicago observation deck. I’m not the biggest fan of heights but I wanted to be able to see the views from over a thousand feet up. If you’re braver than me, you can even get a ticket to get tilted toward the glass to see the view from up close.

For my evening plans, Pack Up and Go had extra funds in the budget and used the money to book tickets for a Second City Comedy Show. The show was sold out so I probably wouldn’t have been able to get tickets on my own with the trip’s short notice. I’d highly recommend catching a show when you’re in town. Zanie’s would also be a great option if you’re a fan of stand-up comedy or improv.

Second City’s Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno

Now for the best part.. the food! I knew that I had to try some deep dish pizza while in Chicago. I opted for Giordano’s because I could order a personal pie there. I kept it simple with just green peppers on top. The pizza was pretty good, but personally, I’d prefer a thin crust and not waiting so long for it to cook. Definitely worth sampling this style while in town.

It’s safe to say I loved Broken English Taco Pub! I returned there a second time in three days. The restaurants themselves have a super cool aesthetic and the food and drinks were delicious. I wish there was one near me.

When I heard about a cupcake ATM, you know I had to check it out. Sprinkles has the world’s first cupcake ATM that can supply your sweet craving 24/7. I chose a vanilla frosted and a salted caramel and they didn’t disappoint.

Getting the opportunity to see Chicago was a fantastic surprise! I really enjoyed all of the thought and personal touches that Pack Up and Go included to make my trip extra special. I can’t wait to return someday and see how the city’s changed.

Thanks for reading and happy travels! 🙂

June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 Brirightback

Ciao, Venice!

Ciao means hello and goodbye in Italian. It seems to be a fitting title for my two days in Venice that conclude these travels.

Wow, this has been such a long time coming! Finally, Venice, my last new destination during my four month journey. As the start of my goodbye train, it was finally sinking in that this was the end of my adventure, at least for now. I’d have to leave my travel buddies to the rest of their voyages and return home. Looking back at my admittedly sparse journal, I can’t help but wax nostalgic for this unique time in my life where my only responsibility was to discover and live each day to the fullest. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

Anyways, enough about my dumb journey..

In Venice, we stayed at a hostel called Wombats City Hostel Venice Mestre. It was a short train ride away from the city. I enjoyed my stay here. It had the feel of a hotel room but with a few more beds. The bar downstairs was great too. Upon looking them up, I see they’ve closed permanently due to Covid which is such a shame. Check out their hostels in Vienna, Munich and London- I’m sure they’d have the same vibe and uphold the same standards to be a safe bet for a great stay in those cities.

My first impression of the city was that I’ve never seen a place like it. I loved exploring the canals, bridges, and tiny alleyways. While in Venice, we mostly wandered around aimlessly getting lost amongst the canals between swigs of shared bottles of wine. We saw the Piazza San Marco, home to the Basilica di San Marco. I didn’t get to see the inside of the Basilica since I was dressed for the hot weather. It was gorgeous from the outside though.

Mostly, while in Venice, we drank, scarfed down pizza and gelato, and enjoyed every second of the time we still shared together, at least for this trip.

It was surreal to think of how I embarked on this trip alone and then happened upon such an amazing group to share this experience with. Goodbyes are the hardest but they’re especially tough when you don’t know if or when you’ll see those friends again.

I’m grateful to everyone I crossed paths with throughout my travels. Whether you gave me a ride to the airport, directions somewhere, a place to stay- you are a part of my story and I wouldn’t be the same if I hadn’t met you 🙂

So, if you’re still reading, thanks for taking this journey with me! And Europe, thanks for the memories- hopefully I’ll see you again soon!

Statue of Niccolò Tommaseo, comically known to locals as “Booksh*tter”

Falling In Ljub With Ljubljana, Slovenia

May 3, 2021May 3, 2021 Brirightback

After Croatia, I headed to Ljubljana, Slovenia on a recommendation from friends. I didn’t know much about the country, but they insisted we needed to see Lake Bled. Now I’m here to tell you that you need to see it too! On the other hand, if you just can’t stand natural beauty and delicious desserts, you can go ahead and skip this destination.

My friends and I stayed at Hostel Vrba. This area has limited hostels so it might be one you’d want to book in advance. The rooms were comfortable and the owner was very friendly. It was also in a very nice area. Lake Bled has hostels too that might be worth checking out if you’ll be spending a majority of your time there.

Start off your visit by exploring the city. The city center is full of cute cafes and shops to check out. Ljubljana has several beautiful bridges to see, most notably the dragon bridge.

Take the funicular or the walk up to Ljubljana Castle to get great views of the city. You can get the best photos from up here, especially if you have a really tall friend to get those good angles. Thanks again, Lawrence!

While at the Castle, be sure to take a look at the art exhibitions there. I saw this beautiful textile exhibit when I was there, amongst others.

We were most excited to see Lake Bled in Slovenia and it truly didn’t disappoint. We took a day trip there but if I had a do-over, I would’ve stayed in that area itself so we could’ve spent more time there. It was just so gorgeous.

We rented some paddleboards by the lake and had a great time learning that we were not as balanced as we thought we were. You can walk up to the castle or take boats across the lake too.

I still can’t believe this place is real

If you have the time, take the trip to the Postojna Caves, a system of four interconnecting caves formed by the Pivka River over millions of years.

It was freezing in the caves but to me it felt like good ‘ol American air conditioning. I’d recommend dressing warm though as the underground train ride gets especially chilly.

We were budgeting pretty hard by this part of the trip, so we mostly ate homemade sandwiches and McDonald’s. However, you’d be missing out if you didn’t savor some of the baked goods Ljubljana has to offer. Štruklji is a pastry-like dish with meat and other fillings and was delicious. You should also try any type of pain au chocolat/ chocolate croissant-like pastries you can get your hands on. I don’t have any pictures of them because I ate them too fast.

I had an amazing time in Ljubljana and I can’t wait to visit again someday and maybe then I can finally learn how to spell it without spell check. Catch me in Venice, Italy soon!

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!

Hungary for relaxation and nightlife? Head to Budapest

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 Brirightback

Budapest seemed like the logical next destination after leaving Prague. Most of the travelers I met in Prague were headed there too. A friend and I took the eight hour bus ride and arrived at Bazar Hostel, waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. The location was awesome and the staff was super chatty and helpful. The Danube River separates the city into two areas: Buda and Pest. I’d highly recommend staying here on the Pest side, the more lively of the two areas. You’ll find cheaper food, clubs and ruin bars in this area. It’s worth crossing the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to check out Buda Castle and get a good look at the massive Hungarian Parliament.

During the day in Budapest, there is plenty to see. Check out the Fisherman’s Bastion, the view along both banks of the Danube, and the Hungarian Parliament. You can also take a day trip to Margaret Island which is full of parks and recreational facilities. We got some day passes to swim there. Visiting the Széchenyi Thermal Baths is a must during the summer. There’s pools of all temperatures, saunas, and spa treatments. At night, they even have spa parties you can attend.

The night life in Budapest is some of the best in Europe. Even if you’re not that into going out and drinking, the ruin bars are worth experiencing. While unassuming on the outside, these bars are unique and a ton of fun once you’re inside. Szimpla Kert was the first to pop up in Budapest so it’s an obvious first choice. It has themed rooms and eclectic decor and everyone will be jealous of how cool the photos are from a night out there. I’m full of regret that I didn’t get a snap of me in one of the many bathtubs on the ground floor.

My friends also loved Ellátó Kert & Taqueria, a ruin bar with cheap drinks and food. We went back multiple times. If you’re more into clubs, Instant may be up your alley. We only visited briefly but this club is a former apartment building that now has DJs and dancefloors as well as some spaces that have more laid back vibes. It’s worth paying a cover if you enjoy the club atmosphere. I realized it wasn’t really my scene when I witnessed a girl fight in the bathroom after I had just paid to use the toilet and was handed a napkin in exchange because toilet paper apparently wasn’t free. Definitely not something I expected or want to revisit.

Retox Party Hostel has a nice bar area and is a good place to meet fellow backpackers. It also has a huge wall of bearded men above the bar, leading me to believe they were reading my diary. For a more chill night outdoors, head to Erzsébet Square where you can grab drinks and sit in the grass playing music and chatting for hours.

Budapest is yet another one of those places where I did more drinking than eating. A good friend of mine suggested trying Karavan Street Food. It’s a bunch of food trucks located in the Jewish Quarter, a quick walk from Bazar hostel. You can get traditional Hungarian foods like goulash as well as pizza and burritos. There’s lots of options and it’s affordable. If you’re traveling in a big group, there will surely be something for everyone.

I really fell in love with this city and I can’t wait to return one day and see more of it. It truly exceeded my expectations.

Next up, Croatia!

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!

What to do when everything but your wanderlust is canceled

April 29, 2020 Brirightback

First off, and most importantly, I hope everyone is safe and healthy at home during this time of uncertainty. Hopefully, everyone’s sacrifice will be paying off soon and we can all resume our usual activities. Thank you to everyone that’s keeping the world running!

We’re in the midst of a pandemic and that is giving me way too much free time to yearn for more traveling. It’s been just about a year since I set off on my first solo European backpacking trip and I know the memories popping up on my social media are going to continue to tease me throughout this quarantine. While it’s certainly not the time to travel, all this time at home is the ideal time to plan your next adventure.

So I want to share some of my favorite shows that have helped when I miss traveling and gave me some ideas for future trips.

Master of None (Netflix): This show is an awesome take on modern dating and, during the second season partially set in Italy, features Aziz Ansari enjoying so much Italian food and culture. If these episodes don’t make you want to book the next flight to Italy, I honestly don’t know what will.

Idiot Abroad: Ricky Gervais sends his friend Karl Pilkington to various destinations, despite his total lack of interest. If you’re someone who has trouble getting out of your comfort zone, you will be relieved that you are still way more open to new experiences than he is.

Something tells me Karl’s loving the lockdown

Conan Without Borders (Netflix): The late-night host explores several countries in this 10-episode season. The Italy episode is a must-see but the whole season will not disappoint.

Departures: I watched this Canadian show where three friends go on a year-long backpacking journey before I went on my Eurotrip. It’s beautifully shot and they visit some amazing destinations. You can watch it here on Youtube. I’d also recommend following the boys on instagram, especially cinematographer Andre Dupuis (@andre_dupuis). His photos are unreal.

Dark Tourist (Netflix): If you like to travel off the beaten path or enjoy anything creepy or weird, this will be your jam. Journalist David Farrier visits the morbid and strange corners of the world.

Ugly Delicious (Netflix): This is one of several shows that will make you want to travel just to eat. Be prepared to be inspired to cook in the meantime.

Travel Man: British Actor Richard Ayoade makes the most of 48 hours visiting cities with a guest. Super funny and shows the viewer exactly where to go and how much they should expect to spend.

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father (Netflix): If you’ve ever been on a trip with someone who has a very different travel style from yours, this show is for you. Stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall brings his father along for his adventures and they do not share the same ideal travel experience. Hilarity ensues.

I’ve also been watching a lot of stand-up comedy to pass the time and combat the sadness of being in isolation.

Here’s a list of recommendations: (Netflix)

James Acaster: Repertoire. Four specials, all of them fantastic.
John Mulaney: Just watch anything he is involved with. He’s a national treasure.
Bert Kreischer: Both specials will make you wish you were isolating with him and his wacky family.
Maria Bamford: The Special Special Special, which was recorded in her living room with her parents as the only audience. Quarantine vibes for sure.
Neal Brennan: 3 Mics. You’ll laugh and cry, so well-written.
Joe Mande‘s Award-Winning Comedy Special. I saw him perform this set in NYC. He’s hilarious.
Marc Maron: He has a few great specials on Netflix. Witty, cynical, and justtt a bit neurotic.
Matt Braunger: This guy should be a household name. (Comedy Central, Amazon Prime).
Eddie Pepitone: In Ruins. One of my all-time favorite specials. (Tubi).
John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show: John Oliver hosts and several stand-up comedians perform. (Amazon Prime).

That’s all for now! Stay safe and entertained in quarantine!

The Girl who went to Paris… and Lyon

April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 Brirightback

Paris! The city of love! In a super fun turn of events, Paris was my first stop after a breakup. What could go wrong, right?

This was not my first time in Paris. I had visited for a few days once before and it coincided with a terrible loss in my life. Feeling like I missed out on experiencing the beauty of this city previously, I was determined to redeem this place in my mind. Thanks to the amazing people I met while visiting Paris, I ended up having the best time.

I stayed at St. Christopher’s Paris Canal Hostel. It wasn’t exactly central, but the location near the canal was really nice. It had a bar and club, along with different events each night so it had a very social feel to it. There was a mojito making class and a big beer pong competition while I was staying there. Those are the only ones I remember because I’m pretty sure I left quite a few critical brain cells in Paris. One tip that I learned is to book directly through their website, rather than through the HostelWorld app, to receive free breakfasts during your stay. That’s something that can be good to check up on no matter where you’re planning to stay.

Paris seemed like it would be the perfect place to be boujee and book a photo shoot with AirBnb Experiences. I was nervous but Julia, the photographer, put me completely at ease and got some great shots while showing me some parts of Paris I might not have seen on my own. A majority of my sightseeing was while taking these photos so the experience was very quick but we covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

While in town, I saw the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and the Trocadero (an excellent spot to get photos in front of the Eiffel Tower.) I found Paris to be very walkable but a lot of points of interest are a bit of a hike away from each other. The metro was pretty easy to navigate. Just don’t make my mistake and buy a metro pass that works for all the zones when you only need the central ones. I was rushing because I didn’t want to look like a clueless tourist and ended up overspending (like a clueless, albeit polite tourist). Before you buy the pass, do some research on where you plan to go and that will help you choose the right one for you.

During this trip, I was able to see the Eiffel Tour during the day for the first time. I’d recommend seeing it during day and night. The tower has a light show every hour from sunset until two in the morning during summer. Bring some wine and a blanket and watch the show. If you forget drinks, there will be people selling them (rather aggressively at times), so make sure you have some cash. One of my favorite memories in Paris is sitting with all my new friends mesmerized by the lights and haggling with wine vendors.

Everyone always says my mind’s in the gutter

Paris was exactly what I needed and while it’s not on the top of my list of favorite places, I would definitely return there. If and when I go back, I promise to be a better food blogger and eat something besides drunken kebab meals in the early hours of the morning. As you can see, there is photographic evidence of me eating a croissant. Very French. I tried.

I was very glad I chose Lyon as my next destination. I arrived there on an insanely delayed bus and, thanks to the kindness of a fellow traveler, was able to get to my hostel without much hassle despite getting to town around three in the morning. It was chill enough in Lyon that in just a couple days, I was able to recuperate from my partying in Paris. I can’t say I accomplished very much but the food was delicious. The burritos at So Food were fantastic- they had melted cheese on top and fries inside. What more could you ask for?

Fries in the burrito and on the side? Sold.

I’d love to return to Lyon one day and see more of what this beautiful city has in store when it isn’t just a quick stop. Next up will be Naples, Italy! I have a feeling the pizza will be worth the eighteen-hour bus journey.