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Cuba: What To Know Before You Go
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now that it’s easier than ever to get to Cuba from the United States, articles are popping up everywhere with what you should know and do before going to Cuba. Here is what we found helpful:
1. Exchange US Dollars into Euros before you go. If you don’t, you’ll be charged a 10% tax when you exchange your money in Cuba.
2. Bring more money than you think you’ll need. Yes, the mojitos are $2 and there are plenty of other things that are inexpensive in Cuba, but it can still add up! We spent about $100 per person, per day.
3. Even when you’re on a US website (like Airbnb) your credit card company will know you’re in Cuba and not let you book and pay for one. We ran into this when we tried to book our last night in Cuba while in Cuba.
4. Everyone knows someone who… has a place for you to stay, can drive you to another city, can take you on a day trip, the list goes on. We relied a decent amount on our hosts helping us out with things and I think it made the experience just that much better.
5. We enjoyed being off the grid, but if you’re really hankering for the internet, it won’t be too hard to find. Just look for the street corners where everyone is sitting around on cell phones and laptops.
6. Going with someone who is decently fluent in Spanish helps, a lot. While many people speak at least some English, many don’t, and being able to have conversations with those who spoke more Spanish made a big difference in our time there.
7. Offline apps (and maps!) were super helpful – we had Tripadvisor Havana City Guide, Triposo, etc.
8. Always bargain – it was helpful to ask our host how much something would cost so we knew what we should be bargaining down to.
9. Bring gifts! We heard pens and spark plugs were hot commodities and we were also asked for baseball magazines.
10. Black market cigars are definitely up for sale. If you want to buy cigars and get them for a decent price, I’d get a good understanding of how you can tell if the cigars are legit or not before you end up with a box of fakes!
Read about our adventures in Trinidad here and Havana here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
September 20, 2016
Tranquil Trinidad

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The other stop on our Cuba tour was the small town of Trinidad, about 4 hours southeast of Havana. Once there (after a longer than 4 hour, hot and sweaty, taxi collectivo ride) we immediately fell in love with the place and the people.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”542″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where to Stay

I believe there are a handful of hotels in Trinidad, and definitely a few more down by the beach in Playa Ancon, but I’d definitely recommend staying at a casa particular.

We stayed at Luis’ house right on Calle Desengano (follow this road a few blocks up to the main plaza). I would highly recommend staying with him if he has availability. You can check him out here on Airbnb. He was very helpful – from having a scuba instructor come over to talk to us about the visibility (unfortunately it had rained a foot before we had arrived) to booking us a place to stay when we decided to stay for an extra night to arranging a trip to Javira waterfall for us.

The third night we stayed at Hostal La Salernitana which was another great place for 30 CUC a night just around the corner. You can reach them at [email protected] or a number of other websites (Airbnb, Hostels Club, etc.).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”545″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where To Eat

We personally had much better food experiences in Trinidad. Here’s where we recommend!

Son y Sol – one of our favorite places the entire trip. A bit Indian-inspired. We ordered the chicken samosas to start which were on the spicy side and delicious. I had the chicken with red wine as my entree which was pretty good, but not as flavorful as Toby’s lobster with ginger and pineapple (probably my favorite thing I tried all week). They also had live music and lots of antiques in the front of the restaurant as well.

La Redaccion – we sat out back here, hoping it would be cooler than inside. It wasn’t, but there were at least fans. I had the seafood risotto (potentially not the best pick for a hot and humid night, but nevertheless delicious).

El Ranchon – I’m not sure how you’d come upon this place unless you read about it online beforehand, as it was a few blocks south of where everything else was going on on a very quiet and unassuming street. We actually ended up here after meeting a lobster fisherman at the beach and he invited us for dinner – all the lobster you could eat for 12 CUC. Do it. The food was delicious and the owner was so nice and friendly – he also has rooms for rent as well. And, they really mean as much as you can eat. Toby ate at least 2.5 pounds.

Restaurante San Jose – this came recommended from Luis. We unknowingly wandered into an air conditioned room which felt absolutely amazing. We ended up eating lunch here twice. Recommendations – the Cuban and the burger.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1473990908402-520edd8c-e39d-2″ include=”548,547,549″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where To Drink & Dance

Casa de la Musica – you can’t come to Trinidad without hearing about Casa de la Musica and as touristy as it may or may not be, you at least have to check it out for a drink, some music, and some salsa. A live band plays and there are tables and chairs in front of the stage. When they run out of chairs take a spot on the steps. Waiters come by and take your drink order, or you can visit a handful of bars around the area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”550″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Disco Ayala – another place that you’ll probably hear about before getting to Trinidad. A disco down about 30 meters in a cave. After things die down a bit at Casa de la Musica, continue your walk up the hill and head in for a drink. It’s hot, sweaty, the floor was soaking wet (booze, cave condensation, sweat, a combination?) and costs a few CUC to get in (but includes a drink) but just do it. Even if you stay for less than 30 minutes (like we did).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1473990908406-877436c4-5102-6″ include=”551,552,553″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bodeguita de Medio – check this place out for a drink and some great live music – maybe even a bit of salsa dancing![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”554″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Other bars we visited were La Canchanchara (this had been recommended to us but both times we went by it was pretty empty so we decided not to stay) and the tiniest bar across from a beer garden on Calle Gutierrez. We completely failed at getting the name, but if you find it (seriously the tiniest bar ever with tiny little tables and soccer flags) tell Leandro we said hello![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What To Do

Once you’ve wandered around town a bit (it doesn’t take long to do so) it’s really more about what you can do outside of town.

Javira Waterfall – located in El Cubano National Park, you can walk, bike, take a horse, or just take a taxi there. Reading this, you might think oh, a bike ride to a hike sounds like a great idea…but in reality it is probably going to be really hot and humid. We took a taxi and never looked back. There is a 10 CUC entrance fee and a restaurant and bathrooms before you begin. The hike was about 40 minutes through the forest (crossing the river in knee deep water a few times) before coming upon the waterfall. It was beautiful, the water was cold and refreshing, and if you could handle the current you could swim all the way over to it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ gap=”15″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1473990908408-517d2577-5d7c-2″ include=”555,556″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”557″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Playa Ancon – scuba, snorkel or just relax at the beach! We had planned to scuba but a tropical storm had dropped over a foot of a rain on Cuba before we had arrived so the visibility was terrible. We opted for a lazy afternoon swimming in the warm water. It’s a 6-8 CUC, 15 minute taxi ride there and back. There are hotels there, and we found that the hotel next to Hotel Ancon had a little beach bar and even delivered us sandwiches to our chairs. Whether you want food and drinks or not, there are lots of lounge chairs and umbrellas to sit underneath (be prepared to pay 2 CUC).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ gap=”15″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1473990908410-78093577-ee55-7″ include=”558,559″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ gap=”15″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1473990908411-6e593d63-5b46-6″ include=”560,561″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There are a few other excursions from Trinidad, other horseback riding adventures and checking out old sugar factories, but we ran out of time.

If you are planning a trip to Cuba I highly, highly recommend making your way to Trinidad. The town is wonderful and the variety of outdoor activities you can do brings a nice change from city life.

Read more about our Cuba adventures on our Havana post, here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 15, 2016
Havana Nights

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once the travel ban to Cuba had been lifted, we knew we wanted to get there before things really started to change. I had been waiting for commercial flights from the United States to start when I came upon a reasonably priced flight from Tijuana. Making the decision even easier was the CBX bridge that would take you right into the airport. We booked our flights to go over Toby’s 40th birthday (coinciding with Labor Day weekend). Broken up between the beginning and of our trip, we had about two full days in Havana which for us was the right amount of time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”514″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where To Stay

While there are a number of hotels in Havana, we opted to go the Airbnb route. This seemed to be the recommended way to go, so we didn’t even check out hotel prices – although we heard they were quite expensive for the quality.

Vedado – The first part of the trip we stayed at an Airbnb in Vedado. A 5-10 CUC (if you’re not familiar, 1 CUC = 1 USD) taxi ride to Havana Vieja, it had more of a local neighborhood feel rather than being in the middle of lots of tourist spots. This sounded to us but we actually found ourselves just spending extra money taking taxis to Havana Vieja numerous times during our stay – besides one dinner we had in Havana Vieja. Our Airbnb offered to make us breakfast for 5 CUC each morning and all we had to do was let them know what time – eggs, bread, fruit, fresh juice and Cuban coffee – all you need to get the day going.

Havana Vieja – also known as Old Havana. This was the more touristy part of town – filled with lots of plazas, museums, restaurants, bars, government buildings, and the hotels. While yes, a little more touristy, when we stayed here the night before heading back to the states it made it so much simpler to pop in and out of our Airbnb during the day. We stayed at Casa Colonial Del 1715 for 30 CUC, and another 5 CUC per person for breakfast.

My recommendation – perhaps if we had spent a longer time in Havana I would have had more time to appreciate staying in Vedado, but with such short stays it definitely seemed a bit more convenient to stay in Havana Vieja.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”515″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where To Eat

We hadn’t heard anything all that amazing about the food in Cuba so we arrived with low expectations. While some meals weren’t the best – there were a few in Havana that I’d definitely recommend checking out!

El Idilio – this restaurant is located in Vedado in more of a quiet neighborhood. I doubt we would have stumbled upon it had I not heard about it prior to going. The Ropa Vieja was very good, as was their lobster special and the Aguacate Relleno con Camarones (shrimp in a giant avocado). Good prices and was walking distance to where we stayed in Vedado.

Lamparilla Tapas y Cervezas – we stumbled upon this little bar/restaurant as it was a block from our Airbnb in Havana Vieja. It looked much more modern than many of the other bars and restaurants we had come across – we found out it was funded by foreign money. We didn’t up having time to have a real meal there – but the drinks were good, the service was fantastic and the chicken croquettes we had were delicious. If you go you have to ask for Damary – she was our favorite waitress!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”516″ img_size=”300x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]Other restaurants that were on our list that we didn’t make it to included Dona Eutimia in Havana Vieja (they were closed until October 1), La Guarida in Central Havana and Cafe Laurent and Atelier, both in Vedado.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where to Drink & Dance

While neither of us are big rum drinkers, it’s tough to go to Cuba and not enjoy some mojitos and daquiris while listening to live music and watching salsa dancing.

La Floridita – one of Hemingway’s favorite bars and known for their Daquiris, this is definitely a touristy spot, but we decided to pop in anyway. We grabbed seats at the bars, enjoyed a few frozen cocktails, listened to live music and watched a few people salsa dance. While we didn’t need to go back a second time, it was definitely worth stopping in for a drink.

Cafe Paris – a nice little bar in old Havana with cheap drinks and live music.

Rooftop Bar at Hotel Ambos Mundos – climb the five floors (or take the elevator – it was broken when we visited) to the rooftop bar of this pink hotel. Nice views and a relaxing atmosphere, it was a perfect mid-afternoon stop. Most of the rooftop is covered so you get a break from the hot sun as well as protection from any rain.

Bodeguita del medio – another tourist hot spot, we checked out this tiny bar from the outside. It was packed to the brim with people so we never made it inside. It claims to be the birthplace of the mojito.

Sloppy Joe’s – yet another tourist spot, located right off Parque Central, we stopped here for a beverage and some air conditioning before our classic car tour. The bar was recently renovated but still keeps some old charm and is filled with photos of celebrities who have visited throughout the years. As a few others I have mentioned, this was a popular Hemingway spot.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano – located in Vedado, this space was part art gallery, performance center, cocktail bar and snack shack all rolled into one. It is only open Thursday through Sunday, so the last day of our trip was the only day we could check it out. Very unfortunately it started pouring that evening so they shut down the venue for the evening and we didn’t get to experience what so many say is one of the best bars in Cuba. I highly recommend checking it out if you can (and letting us know what you thought!)[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1473991044377-2e037fbe-e3d3-4″ include=”529,528,527″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What To Do

Havana Vieja – we spent a good amount of our time just wandering around the streets of Havana Vieja – stopped in different plazas, grabbing a bite or a drink here and there, taking it all in. There is a rum museum as well as a cigar factory you can take tours of (we heard this was cool but forgot you need to book this through a hotel the day prior so we ended up just buying some cigars instead).

The Malecon – more walking! The Malecon is a roadway and seawall that runs for about 5 miles along the coast of Havana. If you take a Classic Car tour you’ll probably drive down part of it, but it was nice to be able to wander along the coast for a bit at our own pace.

Classic Car Tour – make your way to Parque Central (right next door to Havana Vieja) and the classic cars will be lining up waiting for you to choose them. We paid 30 CUC for an hour tour that took us to a variety of stops – they have longer tours as well and will be happy to show you a map of everything you’ll see along the way. Not all of the drivers speak English that well so that’s something to be aware of. You can also book these tours through a hotel or website but it’ll probably be a bit more expensive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1473991044382-895c60e3-d2b2-10″ include=”517,518,519″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1473991044384-a116dd47-3b5b-6″ include=”521,522,523″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro – it reminded us a bit of the fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico, so on our last morning in Havana we decided to head over and check it out. You have to go through a tunnel to get there, so I don’t believe there are any other options other than taking a taxi (or driving yourself or going on an organized tour). We wandered around, took some photos, climbed to the top of the lighthouse and that was about it. You paid an entrance fee to just get on the grounds and then another fee if you wanted to go inside the fortress. Altogether I think it was about 10 CUC per person. Depending on your level of interest in fortresses, I don’t think this is a must-do, but it was cool to check out nevertheless.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1473991044388-d85e78e5-12df-0″ include=”524,525,526″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Learn more about our adventures in Cuba and read about our experiences in Trinidad here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 12, 2016
36 Hours in Portland (Maine)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Somehow after 22 years of living in New England, and numerous trips to Maine, I had never spent any time in Portland. I was given the opportunity to go this past weekend for a bachelorette party (sorry, Toby!). It was too quick a trip and I definitely want to go back, but here were my thoughts on what I did get to do/eat/drink![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where To Stay

We were a larger group (12 total) and at one point had the potential to be even more so we stuck with hotel rooms, as finding a house for up to 20 people can be a tough task! We opted for the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Portland that was a great location – walking distance to a lot of shops, restaurants, bars and the ferry. However, I was blown away at the hotel prices – I know it’s August in New England but $425 a night? If I went again with Toby or a smaller group I’d definitely check out AirBnB.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where To Eat

Roustabout – we dinner in a private dining room our first night. This was cool, but meant an additional $100 “dining room” charge and a set, family-style menu. The whipped ricotta, chicken marsala and eggplant parmesan were delicious. The Italian cookies for desert were not. They had creative drinks as well – I’d be open to checking it out again if I was able to order off the regular menu.

Union Restaurant – on day two we came here for brunch. You should too. I haven’t even looked at their dinner menu but I would go back for dinner in a heartbeat. The Orange Cinnamon Bun with smoked bacon maple syrup and whipped mascarpone that we got for the table was amazing. I also had the omelet with ricotta and peaches – seems weird but was delicious, and came with some yummy potatoes as well.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1471294914427-5cecf261-dfeb-5″ include=”507,508″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sonny’s Bar & Famous Food – on night two we didn’t have dinner reservations and with a group this big it was difficult to find a place that could actually fit us all (even for an early seating!). Sonny’s had been recommended to us and after going, I see why. Lots of creative cocktails and yummy Latin food – not necessarily what you might be looking for in Portland, Maine, but their tacos, queso fundido and lobster stuffed avocado did not disappoint. Not in the mood for Latin food? I’d still definitely swing by for some cocktails.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”510″ img_size=”300x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What To Do

Sail! We did a two-hour windjammer sail with the Portland Schooner Co. You can bring your own booze and snacks and it’s a pretty relaxed couple of hours. If you’re really interested in learning a lot about what you’re sailing by though, I might pick a different company (assuming another one exists that is more informational).[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”509″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Breweries! Unfortunately our self-made brewery tour never happened due to time constaints but we had planned on Rising Tide, Maine Craft Distilling, Bunker Brewing Co. and Oxbow Tasting Room, which are all very close to one another. Next time!

Bars! Being that we were on a bachelorette party (and are all in our early 30s) we hit the bars both nights after dinner. Bubba’s Sulky Lounge was perhaps one of the strangest bars I had ever been to – kind of like dancing the night away in the middle of a flea market (and cash only) but so much fun! It gets to be on the edge of more sketchy neighborhoods so taking a cab or uber might be a good idea. Our other hotspot of the weekend was the Pearl Nightclub, which was also a dive bar on one side so you could pick your poison depending on if you felt like dancing or not!

Too quick of a trip and I definitely will be back – if you have any recommendations for the next time I’m there let me know![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

August 15, 2016
Tacos & Cervezas in Tijuana

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I moved to San Diego back in 2008 it wasn’t all that safe to travel to Tijuana – people had even stopped going over for an afternoon of cheap tacos and beers. As things started to change all I heard were nightmare stories about how long it took to cross the border on the way home and I lost interest and all but forgot about it. Then, I had lunch with a girlfriend who had recently spent the day there with her boyfriend and had lots of recommendations – I was sold. The following weekend we made our way down on a Saturday afternoon for a day full of eating and drinking.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”427″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We were starving by the time we made our way to the border, parked (it seemed like a nightmare even finding a paid lot that wasn’t full so we ended up parking in the outlet mall parking – I probably wouldn’t recommend this if you were planning on staying very late or overnight in Tijuana, but it worked for us), and walked across we were starving. We decided to grab a cab and head to a nicer restaurant and I am SO glad we did.

We had an incredible lunch at Mision 19. The owner also owns Bracero Cocina in San Diego’s Little Italy – if you live in San Diego or are planning a visit and want some upscale Mexican food, please GO HERE. Mision 19 was just as good and half the price. For appetizers we had tuna tartare, octopus and a scallop parfait. Then we split a pork belly and baby back rib entree which, not exaggerating, might have been one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. The drinks were yummy and the service was terrific. They also had a tasting menu that I would do the next time around, especially if we went for dinner.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1470237017615-278f5285-0cea-7″ include=”435,433,434″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After lunch we were stuffed and walked about a half mile or so to another restaurant that had been recommended to us, Verda y Crema. Not needing any more food at the moment, we drank some mezcal and sangria and hung out at the bar. The restaurant was cute and the menu looked great – I’d definitely come back again to eat.

After drinks we strolled around Avenida Revolucion, just soaking in the scene, live music spilling out from restaurants and bars, donkeys painted like zebras on the street corners and touristy stores filled with tchotchkes.

Calle Sexta is known for its bars, but, unfortunately it seemed to be a bit early for the bars we wanted to check out to be open. We happened to wander into a not-open La Mezcalera which looks like it’s back patio is pretty cool at night.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”429″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last but not least, we made our way to “Taco Alley” which is exactly what you’d think – a row of taco shops on a street. We sampled some carne asada, adobada and chorizo tacos from Las Paisas and Tacos El Paisano – everything was yummy and cost about $1 or less – a must stop if you’re in TJ for the day![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”430″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]At that point the sun was starting to set and we figured we had a long wait ahead of us so we made our way back to the pedestrian border crossing. We were back in America 18 minutes later. I was surprised – and elated! Maybe Saturday evenings aren’t a popular time to make your way back to (or into) America?

Tips!

They have Uber in Tijuana and it is SO cheap. We easily had service everywhere because you can pay Verizon $2 a day when you’re in Mexico with their newer international options so it was simple and much more comfortable than cabs.

If you have Global Entry bring your Global Entry card and you can access the Sentri line. It wouldn’t have made a terribly big difference the day we went but I can see it being a life saver in the future. Of course, if you are traveling with people who don’t have Sentri or their Global Entry card, you’ll just be sitting on the other side of the border waiting for them.

So, whether you live in San Diego or are coming to visit, heading down to Tijuana for the day can be a fun (and cheap!) adventure. Next time we’re planning on checking out the beach or making our way farther south to Rosarito, Ensenada or Guadalupe Valley for some wine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

August 1, 2016
A Wedding in Brooklyn

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We kicked off the 2016 wedding season in Brooklyn, NY in June. There a million and one restaurants, bars and things to do in NYC so I won’t tell you where you HAVE to go – I’m no New York expert, but here are some (mostly) foodie highlights from our trip:

Brooklyn

meadowsweet – Located in Williamsburg, we went here for lunch but if we had had the chance, I would have loved to come here for weekend brunch. Regardless, lunch was delicious. The pasta and fried chicken sandwich came highly recommended by our waitress so I decided on the latter. It was delicious! And not too large, so I was able to eat every bite and not feel (too) bad. The sandwich came with some delicious french fries as well. We capped it off with a bottle of white on the patio and then made our way back down Bedford Street.

The Ides – located in The Wythe Hotel where the wedding took place, the Ides is an indoor/outdoor bar/restaurant on the 6th floor with amazing views of Manhattan. We didn’t eat here but made sure to swing by for some drinks and amazing views. This place definitely turns into a scene (both day AND night). It’s also a gratuity-free establishment but they seem to make up for that with the drink prices.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”405″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Urban Rustic – we came here for some breakfast sandwiches. They were nothing to write home about but did the trick. Their lunch menu appeals to me a bit more if you’re in the mood for a sandwich. It’s also right next to McCarren park if you’re feeling a little picnic.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Manhattan

ABC Kitchen – close to Union Square, we were lucky enough to go to the rehearsal dinner here where I felt like we tried everything on the menu. From roasted beets with housemade yogurt to housemade ricotta with strawberry compote, crab toast and salmon with the most delicious carrots I have ever eaten to a delicious cookie plate. That was only about half of the food that we ate but trust me…everything. is. amazing. The ambiance was great and they’re connected to the ABC Carpet & Home store.

Bubby’s – we put our name here for brunch and spent our 45 minute wait time wandering around the High Line that began right across the street from the restaurant. I had a simple (and delicious) Turkey B.A.L.T, but the fried chicken biscuit, lobster roll and mac and cheese were all delicious.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]No trip to New York disappoints, and this one certainly did not. Can’t wait to visit again. Have some favorite restaurants in NYC? Let us know![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

June 22, 2016
48 Hours in Portland

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We decided to head to Portland at the end of October. Not exactly prime weather time to go to Portland, but that also meant less tourists and cheaper flights! Since we were only there for a short time we decided to stick to the city – next time I definitely want to rent a car and check out some waterfalls and wineries![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”386″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We did get our fair share of rainy Portland weather – but that didn’t stop us from eating and drinking our way through the city! Here were our top spots:

Eat!

Clyde Common – I came across this restaurant on another blog. The restaurant describes itself as a tavern with a European flair – it looked yummy and was close to our hotel (downtown). We had an amazing waiter who gave us delicious recommendations and we shared some of their plates. They also had a great selection of cocktails – highly recommend!

Voodoo Doughnuts – another stop on the Portland tourist trail. But, why not? The donuts were crazy, ridiculous and oh-so-sugary good.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”387″ img_size=”300x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pok Pok – if you’re planning a trip to Portland someone will probably recommend that you go to Pok Pok. Being that I love Asian food, especially Thai, it seemed like a no-brainer to me. They’ve expanded to other locations and even have some in LA, but we hit up the original. Located in the Division/Clinton area, it’s a cab ride from downtown. We would have loved to check the area out more but the weather wasn’t cooperating with us. They also don’t take reservations unless you’re a party of 6 or more, so instead of chancing a long wait at night, we decided to go for lunch. We shared a handful of things and everything was delicious – make sure you order the wings!!

Departure – this wasn’t a restaurant I was expecting to find in Portland – it felt like kind of a scene and was definitely more dressed up than what I consider the rest of Portland to be (in my 48-hour stay). However, the food was delicious and yes, more Asian cuisine! If you want a dressier night while out in Portland, this isn’t a bad place to go! They also have rooftop patios if you end up there with good weather.

Salt & Straw – on Sunday we made our way to the Alphabet District in Northwest Portland, up the hill from downtown. Wander along 23rd and 21st street for shopping, food, drinks and dessert! I’m not sure if it was time for dessert but we had heard only amazing things about Salt & Straw (that’s ice cream in case you hadn’t hear of it). If you’re in the mood for a cold, sweet street, definitely stop by! This also has apparently made it’s way to LA – so keep that in mind if you’re in the LA area![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”389″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Drink!

Stumptown Coffee – we’ve become a bit of coffee snobs at my office over the past few years, mainly drinking Blue Bottle coffee, grinding our own beans, pour over, hot black coffee. When we made our way into Stumptown I decided I was in the mood for cold brew, despite the cloudy and cool weather outside. Best. Decision. Ever. We all have our own taste but I still think it’s the best cold brew I’ve had to this day. Bonus: you can buy cold brew in milk cartons and cold brew nitro in cans there too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1470237120474-be1ad990-067e-2″ include=”392,390,391″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deschutes – living in San Diego, now one of the biggest craft brew scenes in the US, I’ve become a beer snob and like to snob it up in other big beer towns. We found ourselves at Deschutes during a torrential down pour and sampled many of their beers. I found it all pretty delicious, and they have some yummy bar snacks as well. The ambiance was warm and cozy which was nice on such a rainy day.

Rogue Ales & Spirits – we then made our way over to Rogue, which had much more of a dive bar feel, but had just as many (if not more) delicious beers to try! Also in the downtown area, an easy stop on a brewery tour if you’re staying or playing downtown.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1470237120477-09b3448f-c900-1″ include=”395,396″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Taste on 23rd – by the time we made our way to the Alphabet District on Sunday I was ready for some Oregon Pinot Noir. We wandered into Taste on 23rd – while the place itself didn’t seem like anything to write home to me, they had plenty of wines to choose from, plus food and beer!

All in all our Portland trip was a success – but I can’t wait to get back in the summertime and check out more of the outdoor offerings![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

June 12, 2016
36 Hours in Vegas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We decided relatively last minute to make a weekend trip to Vegas which meant flight prices were already climbing. With no traffic we could make it from San Diego to Las Vegas in about 4 ½ hours so we decided it was worth saving a few hundred dollars and turning the weekend into a mini-road trip.

Tip: leave as early as possible on Friday. Friday traffic is bad enough and we’d be fighting people on their way to LA, Riverside, Palm Springs and Vegas, as well as anyone just generally on their way home. We got out of San Diego around 2:30pm and made it to our hotel by 8pm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”378″ img_size=”400x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where to Stay

There are plenty of options in Las Vegas but since we were trying to do this trip on the cheap (relatively) we chose The LINQ – a newer Caesar’s property midway down The Strip that was $110 a night with Total Rewards. The rooms were nice, although the shampoo, conditioner and body wash was in bulk dispensers in the shower, like a gym locker room, which I understood was reducing waste, but still seemed a little low rent. The location was hard to beat – you had The High Roller ferris wheel and the promenade full of different bars and restaurants.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”380″ img_size=”400x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where to Eat

Like hotels, there is no shortage of food options in Vegas. Since we arrived relatively late and took a bit to settle in, have a few drinks and change, we decided to go to Chayo, a higher end Mexican restaurant in the hotel. I wouldn’t go back. The food was just okay – and definitely not worth the price, especially for someone who lives 20 minutes from the Mexican border.

Serendipity 3 – if you want larger portions, or a good base to get you through a day of pool parties or gambling, look no further. We had extra large bacon, egg, and cheese bagel sandwiches and ridiculously overpriced mimosas.

Jaleo – a tapas restaurant in the Cosmopolitan. Not the first time we had eaten there and again did not disappoint. From bacon wrapped dates to seafood croquettes and paella, everything was delicious.

What to Do

We spent Saturday at the pool at The LINQ – a good alternative if you don’t want to spend the money going to a pool with a popular DJ. Good music, lots of young people, giant beer pong and pool jenga, plus free entry made it an easy choice. Day beds and cabanas were available as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”381″ img_size=”400x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Gamble! This was my first time really learning how to play black jack (yes, I have known 21 equals black jack) so we spent a few hours each night gambling at O’Shea’s, a bar in the promenade next to the hotel. Good music, beer pong and a fun vibe make a little different than just gambling in a casino.

Bars! We didn’t end up making it to any clubs this trip, but instead hung out at AmeriCAN (also in the promenade). They have over 70 beers from around the country, plus games like beer pong and giant jenga.

Chandelier Bar – if you’re going to have dinner at Cosmo, or before you head into Marquee, I always like to stop and have at least one drink at the Chandelier Bar.

And…that was it. We got on the road at 10am on Sunday to avoid horrendous traffic that I had been warned about, and was home around 3pm, after a 25-minute detour to the slowest McDonald’s I’d ever been to. While the drive could have been worse, I think I’ll stick to flying in the future![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

June 6, 2016
Foodie Heaven in Puerto Rico

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Okay, I know, when someone says “let’s go to Puerto Rico” the first things you think about are probably beaches, boats, and fruity rum cocktails. Let’s be clear: all of those things happened on my trip to Puerto Rico, and I have some tips for all of those things, but one of my favorite parts of this trip was the FOOD.

First off, this wasn’t a couples trip, I made the trip to PR for a bachelorette party. All of my suggestions would be completely appropriate whether you’re doing the same or traveling as a couple though.

Where to Stay

We chose to stay at La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort. It’s a Marriott property for those who like their points. It was in the Condado area (about a 15 minute cab ride from Old San Juan), had numerous pools and was right on the beach. Ticked all of the boxes for a bachelorette party.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”366″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What to Do (besides eat):

A booze cruise and snorkel trip with Salty Dog. The marina is about an hour away from San Juan, so they can arrange transfer for you, or you can drive yourself if you have a rental car. However, if you plan to take part in the booze part of the cruise, I suggest you just let them arrange transport. You get about 5 hours on the boat and ride out to Icacos Island. (I believe there are other islands you may go to, but we went to Icacos). Unfortunately, as soon as we got there it started to rain, and lightning, and thunder. The lightning and thunder passed quickly but the rain never really let up. Of course, if you’re snorkeling you’re getting wet anyway so it’s not the biggest deal. We were on a catamaran boat that had a bit of shelter and they put up some additional covers and we were fine. They fed us a great lunch, and as many rum drinks as you could have. While I can’t speak for other boat companies, I would highly recommend Salty Dog, they were really laid back and fun.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”367″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Explore Old San Juan. There are lots of cobblestone streets and little shops (many are pure tourist traps) and lots of little bars and restaurants. We ate dinners and went out to the bars at night here as well, but it’s worth a morning or afternoon of wandering around. Very close by your can check out Castillo San Cristobal, a large fort overlooking the water.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”368″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]RELAX! We had a short time in Puerto Rico and wanted to make sure we got some pool and beach time in, so we did! Especially for those who don’t get to live at the beach year round like I do, I think devoting a day to relaxing is perfectly fine![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Finally, the food!

Where to Eat

Marmalade: AH-MA-ZING. We did a tasting menu here the first night and ended up with 14 courses of delicious seafood, meat, pastas, and so on. Perhaps not the best place to go on your first night of a bikini vacation, but we did. Tip: if you make a reservation for 9pm (or later) the tasting menu is a bit cheaper. Marmalade is in Old San Juan so after your 14 courses you can walk around to different bars and walk off some of the food!

Asere Cubano Kitchen: You guessed it, Cuban food! We tried the different Cuban meats and some seafood and everything was delicious! Tip: Asere is located in La Placita, so make reservations for a Friday night – they close down the streets in La Placita and everyone buys drinks from the bars and drinks at tables outside. Here you’ll get a more local feel!

Dragonfly: Back in Old San Juan, but craving something a little different? Dragonfly is Latin Asian Cuisine. I love pretty much all Asian food so I was sold before we sat down. The restaurant looks small when you walk in but there is a large space downstairs filled with tables – I’d still recommend making a reservation though. We had everything from sushi to dumplings to spring rolls and tacos. For the third night in a row I consumed way more food than necessary but… I can’t say I regret a single bite!

Caficultura: on the last day we didn’t have any activities planned and were flying out later in the day so rather than get sandy or sweaty (okay, well, it was pretty humid walking around that day) we went into Old San Juan for the day. If you find yourself there around brunch, I’d highly recommend stopping here. It’s small and there was a little bit of a wait, but my sweet potato crepes filled with chicken sausage and goat cheese hit the spot.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”369″ img_size=”500x” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One last tip: while there are many bars in Old San Juan (and other neighborhoods in San Juan) La Factoria is a must-visit if you find yourself out in Old San Juan one night. It’s a number of different rooms all with different vibes and music, filled with tourists and locals alike.

Whatever you do, wherever you stay and whatever you eat, I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Puerto Rico – what’s not to love?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

May 2, 2016
Exploring Phu Quoc Island by Motorbike

When we were planning our two week holiday in Vietnam, I did a lot of reading about traveling south to north, top places to stop and visit, and so on. Phu Quoc didn’t make it onto many travel blogs or lists. It wasn’t until a friend suggested it that we started researching and decided it would make a perfect end to our trip.

Long Beach in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is located off the coast of Southern Vietnam and is actually only about 15 miles away from Cambodia. We had both been to islands in Thailand and Indonesia and knew Phu Quoc would be a little more undiscovered.

After 13 days of traveling we collapsed on the beach at our resort (we stayed at Long Beach Resort – I’d certainly recommend it) and barely moved for a couple of days. Here are our recommendations when you can finally get yourself off the sand:

Rent a motorbike.

Sao Beach

After surviving being a pedestrian among the motos in bigger cities, we decided it was time to take one for a spin. We were able to rent one right outside of our hotel and off we want. We had checked out maps and there really aren’t a ton of roads in Phu Quoc, so we set off in the general southeastern direction towards Sao Beach. We had read mixed reviews and we got what we expected. On the eastern side of the island, the beach had a different feel than where we had spent the last couple of days. There weren’t many people, more greenery, and yes, there was some trash. We snacked at Paradiso Beach Club that was full of pumping music with food and drinks. Nearby, there was a swing on a tree that gave tourists the opportunity to take pictures like the one here.

After a couple of hours there it was time to head back. The main “highway” cuts through the middle of the island but I could see on Google Maps there was a road that cut straight across – if we took this we could drive up the coast while the sun was setting. This sounded like a great option until we spent 18 of 21 kilometers on mud and dirt roads filled with giant holes and moguls. We did, however, survive, and got some pretty amazing photos on the way.

A pearl farm in Phu Quoc

Tip: on our dirt road journey we saw huge InterContinental and Novotel properties being built so perhaps when you get out there to visit there will be more paved roads to make your trip a bit easier!

Eat!

A selection of seafood at the night market

Dinh Cau Night Market – while this market has a little bit for everyone – souvenirs and snacks, the main reason to come here is delicious fresh seafood. We spent hours hopping from stall to stall, trying scallops here, a grilled lobster there, all while strolling around sipping on Tiger and Saigon beers. The market is open daily at 5pm, so make sure you check it out at least one night!

Winston’s Burgers and Beers – I know, I know. We are in Vietnam and we are suggesting you go eat a burger. But after two weeks of traveling and one terrible night of food poisoning, a burger was just what we needed. Winston is an ex-pat and the burgers do not disappoint. If you need a short break from the local fare, I’d highly suggest checking this place out!

Itaca lounge art

ITACA Resto Lounge

Drunk’n Monkey

January 17, 2016