Famous Foods (and drinks!) of Portugal

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{The gooey and delicious Pasteis de Belem}

Every time I travel I always make it a point to find the local spots. This time, I was extremely lucky to have been put in touch with Different Portugal. A day spent with this team feels like a long lost friend is showing your their favorite hidden spots. While I did get to visit some of the breathtaking palaces and gardens, Different Portugal made sure I was out before the major crowds hit and on to their favorite roadside restaurant for a tucked away meal I still dream about.

One word of advice: Fill up on the Bacalao BEFORE you embark on an all day Port tasting. Trust me!

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Spotlight On..Travel Treats

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{vintage sign+whimsical treats=British perfection}

I definitely have a huge sweet tooth, but it is easier to control when I am at home. When I am traveling however, that little ounce of self control I posses flies right out the window as my love for trying new things takes over. Some of my favorite treats have been found halfway across the world; perhaps mostly due to the fact that I can’t enjoy them every day. Here are a few unusual snacks that I have come across.

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{Summer cocktails almost too pretty to drink in Hua Hin, Thailand}

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{MozartKugeln-a confection of pistachio marzipan, nougat, and dark chocolate. I sampled these in Salzburg, Vienna}

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{The (not so great tasting) Thai cure for a hangover}

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{Cherry apples in Bangkok-they have a slightly different texture than typical apples.}

Lisbon through the Lens

Now that I am back in New York City, I find myself looking through my pictures from Portugal on an almost daily basis! The city of Lisbon and its surrounding towns were so photo friendly, that it was near impossible to take a bad image.

So please enjoy these landscape images of Lisbon (and some of it’s tasty treats!), and I hope they bring you as much joy as they have brought me.

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Have you ever traveled to a photo friendly city? Where was it?

Teaching English, One Bite at a Time

During my five day English immersion program with VaughanTown, I made lifelong friends with whom I spent hours walking, talking about life, and sharing hopes and fears. The experience was unforgettable, and has quickly become the highlight of my journey through Spain.

One of the most notable parts of the program for me, were the meal times. The Spaniards and Anglos were able to sit in fours or fives drinking wine, talking in a low pressure environment, and enjoying good food.

And what good food it was. 

Located in the renowned El Rancho de la Aldeguela Hotel and Restaurant, we were served three course meals with a combination of Spanish cuisine and typical Western fare. With options like asparagus paired with Iberian Ham, fresh fish in a creamy tomato sauce, and panna cotta, each day become a countdown to the next meal.

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A Tapas Retreat at the Mercado de San Miguel

Hunting down a tapas bar in Madrid, is like looking for a Starbucks in New York City. They are on practically every corner. Some are big and airy and cater to tourists, while others are small and filled with the lively chatter of the locals. However, if you are looking for a tapas experience to remember, head to Madrid’s centrally located Mercado de San Miguel.

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Welcome to India: Day One in New Delhi

The wing tip creates a brilliant contrast as the bright crimson colors of the Union Jack bob gently through the clouds. Then, in an instant, the white barriers are gone and we are descending rapidly towards the sprawling city of New Delhi.

This was the start of a two-week trip throughout Northern India accompanied by Compass India Inc., a luxury touring company specializing in unique and highly detailed tour packages. As I waited for the Compass representative to collect me from the airport, I prepared myself for what has been referred to as the scent of heaven and hell combined. As soon as I took my first steps on Indian soil however, I was thoroughly surprised. Not only was the air scent free, but the weather was warm and balmy, with a light breeze gently floating around.

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Street Vendors of Peru

One of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new place is check out the local bites being served on the street. Traveler discretion is definitely advised when choosing which street stall to eat from, (especially with undercooked meat as I learned the hard way in Thailand..), but for the true flavor of a country, try shopping locally and see what happens! You never know what locals you will meet and who will end up inviting you home for dinner..

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