Category: Urban landscape

Getaway to Normandy – best children friendly restaurants in Honfleur and how we failed to find the gardens of Etretat

On By CGKIn Europe, France, Urban landscapeLeave a comment

Normady is a region that hides many lovely gems, often ignored by tourists that head up to Brittany and its lovely beaches. One of your first destinations here should be Mont-Saint-Michel, the world famous fortress surrounded by water (more about our visit here). The is also the region’s star city, Deauville, a chic seaside destination very popular with Parisians. But once the main tourist attractions are crossed from the list, it pays off to spend some time discovering less known cities and indulge in the local fresh seafood. And this is where Honfleur comes in! Continue reading “Getaway to Normandy – best children friendly restaurants in Honfleur and how we failed to find the gardens of Etretat” →

What to see and where to eat in Valparaiso, Chile with a side trip to Casablanca valley

On By CGKIn Chile, Latin America, Unesco World Heritage Site, Urban landscapeLeave a comment

We had two days in Valparaiso and limited prior preparation on the Must-sees. We knew there was a second Neruda house recommended to us from Santiago – La Sebastiana. Also, we wanted to try fresh seafood and set out on foot to discover the whimsically painted houses that Valpo is well known for. So, once we checked in at the hotel (Palacio Astorreca – a perfect location) we inquired about the best way to discover the heart of the city by foot and got ourselves a map.

Continue reading “What to see and where to eat in Valparaiso, Chile with a side trip to Casablanca valley” →

Three days in Santiago de Chile – an itinerary to discover the central barrios and some great restaurants

On By CGKIn Chile, Latin America, Urban landscapeLeave a comment

We landed early in the morning on Saturday 3rd November and had three full days to discover the city before heading to the next destination on the coast. Our base was the lovely boutique hotel The Aubrey in Ballavista neighbourhood, nested at the foothills of Cerro San Cristobal.

Continue reading “Three days in Santiago de Chile – an itinerary to discover the central barrios and some great restaurants” →

Japan – Kyoto and Kinosaki-onsen (part 2)

On By CGKIn Japan, Nature, Pacific, Skyscrapers, Unesco World Heritage Site, Urban landscapeLeave a comment

With our toddler well accustomed to the train travel, on our 7th day in Japan, we headed to Kyoto. From Takayama we first had to go back to Nagoya for 2h30 min on the Hida express train. We then changed in a hurry (consider that the Shinkansen is usually in another part of the train station compared to the local (slower) trains) and took the Shinkansen for about one hour to Kyoto. We timed the departure at lunch break so that the LO would sleep on the train. This time it worked.

Continue reading “Japan – Kyoto and Kinosaki-onsen (part 2)” →

Hello, Hello Kitty! – 18 days in Japan with a toddler

On By CGKIn Japan, Nature, Pacific, Urban landscape2 Comments

Japan was long on my list but somehow we never got the chance till this May to jump on a flight to Tokyo. As we traveled with our 18-month year old baby, this trip required a bit more preparation in terms of advance booking of accommodation and itinerary setting. I do plenty of research before almost every trip (to make sure I do get my pick of the nice hotels at affordable prices and book ahead any sights to avoid long queues) but for the trips with the baby, it moves to the next level – control freak level that is!

This trip will be split into at least two different posts as the information is very fresh in my mind and I will probably dwell on the details more than usual. Also, if you plan to take this trip with a toddler (like us), I guess the more info the better. Please note however, we did not choose the itinerary or accommodation to suit the baby but rather tried to ease the baby into our travel pace. Therefore, no all inclusive, baby clubs or  private transfer for us.

Continue reading “Hello, Hello Kitty! – 18 days in Japan with a toddler” →

Best 5 restaurants for traditional Romanian food in Bucharest

On By CGKIn Europe, Romania, Urban landscapeLeave a comment

I know Bucharest well as I used to study there before moving to Brussels. Now still, I often travel back and forth between the two every other month or so. Living abroad, I learned to appreciate a good Romanian restaurant, not only for surprising the occasional friend after a long sight-seeing day but also to indulge in some tasty cooking myself.

As with many Eastern European capitals the food scene is constantly evolving but there are a few places that have been now around for some time and I consider them to be a reference when looking for a good traditional meal. Spoiler alert, this post will make you hungry and maybe even make you reach for a credit card and book a flight to Bucharest.

So here it is:

Continue reading “Best 5 restaurants for traditional Romanian food in Bucharest” →

A chill out August break in Copenhagen 

On By CGKIn Castles, Denmark, Europe, Urban landscape1 Comment

This week-end we visited friends living in Copenhagen. For us, visiting people living around the world is the best way to combine our two favourite things: travel and spending time with friends. Also it has the perk that you do go out with a local which is often much more interactive and informative than going out with the Lonely Planet guide. So, we try to do this quite often, especially around Europe.

Going back to Copenhagen, Continue reading “A chill out August break in Copenhagen “ →

How we got lost in Marrakech, Morocco

On By CGKIn Morocco, Unesco World Heritage Site, Urban landscapeLeave a comment

Actually, it is not that difficult to get lost, particularly in the old part of town (Medina). Just to give you a bit of context, the Medina of Marrakech is big, around 4 kilometers in diameter in places. It can also be very confusing, with winding covered streets, narrow dead-end alleys, and hundreds of dusty side streets only mopeds and donkeys can navigate.

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India – a place that will stir up all your senses

On By CGKIn India, Nature, Urban landscapeLeave a comment

When planning my last year’s trip to India, I was a bit nervous.

For one, I was traveling with two other girls. Any travel advisory out there, from Lonley Panet to the UK Governement Travel advice will imply that might not be such a bright ideea. Couple or group might be better. Even so, in my view, as three is definitely better then one alone, I had good chances of survival.

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Two days in Vilnius – a week-end break for the meat and outdoor lover

On By CGKIn Europe, Lithuania, Urban landscape1 Comment

Vilnius is not a top vegetarian destination. Lithuanians do meat and they do it very well. So get ready for a very meaty week-end, washed down with delicious local beers. But before we get to the food, let me tell you a bit about everything else that made me add Vilnius to the travel list.

Continue reading “Two days in Vilnius – a week-end break for the meat and outdoor lover” →