Let me repeat :: This will NOT be your typical travel blog post about Colombia but more about my adventures. As a matter of fact it is more something you may read in a book or something.  Don’t encourage me about that though HA!

For this portion of our adventures in Colombia Roydio planned what was supposed to be a romantic time at the beach. So far we had pretty much flown from one place to the other and we kinda missed driving as we do in so many of our other travel adventures. So we rented a car in Cartagena (I’ll cover our time in this magnificent place in a later post in this series).

We set out to what we had read was an undiscovered gem of a coastal location south of Cartagena, “a peaceful oasis that cultivates the idea of sustainable travel.” And we were really looking forward to it getting away from the hustle and bustle.

The beginning of our drive was a breeze. The sky was a little overcast but perfect for driving because it wasn’t too hot. The landscape was amazing. Have I told you how much I love the landscape of Colombia? We were so happy we chose to drive this portion of our trip.

And then the rain came.

It didn’t just come, it literally attacked us. The wind and rain pelted our windshield and it became difficult to see. And wouldn’t you know it Roydio had to use the facilities right when it started. It seemed like hours before it let up. And he patiently waited until the rain let up a bit before getting back in the car.

We got back on the road and after driving a few miles the rain finally stopped. And we could see in the far distance that the clouds were giving way to blue skies. When we got off the main highway we took the turn off and proceeded on our leisurely drive to the beautiful Colombia beaches we’d heard so much about. This is where our adventures continued.

So most of the roads off the beaten path in Colombia are made of dirt and rocks. We had experienced that in Armenia and again in Medellin but because we weren’t doing the driving I didn’t take much notice of it. We took it slow and tried to enjoy the ride.

We arrived in a small town called San Onofre. We took a turn where the road split. And we noticed that there were no cars on this road, only a motorcycle or two. (I may or may not have mentioned that I am married to Indiana Jones #2 but I have to keep it real) So Roydio went into “Colombia adventures mode,” driving slowly because the rain left huge holes in the muddy road that were difficult to navigate. Now see at this point my anxiety reared its ugly head. I couldn’t help thinking that now would NOT be a good time for a flat tire. Not that there would ever be a good time mind you. But the rocks on the road were really big and we were in a rental car with nary a soul in sight. Eek!

After what seemed like hours we finally saw life on this road, a motorcyclist. It gave us hope that we were nearing our destination. Then we saw another motorcycle. But still not a single car. Ours was the only car. When we finally arrived in what appeared to be a small town we slowly made our way down the road over bumps and into ditches.

People stopped to stare at us as we bumbled by. At the end of the road a barefoot man with a big smile came over to our car and directed us into a “parking lot” which was just a plot of grass under a tree, after which he insisted on carrying our two suitcases about 200 yards down the street and around the corner until we reached a beach with white sand. We walked about 100 yards….

…and there it was :: Dos Aguas Lodge.

This beautiful undiscovered paradise on a pristine white sand beach. This “peaceful oasis that cultivates the idea of sustainable travel” was indeed beautiful, indeed undiscovered and I can see why!

And it was indeed sustainable. No potable or hot water, mosquito nets over the beds and to say it was hot is an understatement. The ceiling fan didn’t do much more than move the hot air around. The mattress was hard (I love a hard mattress but this was H A R D). There was a hammock hanging in our room and a night stand by the bed.

The owner and staff were super friendly and actually spoke English so that was really nice, especially in Colombia where very few do. Once we checked in and dropped our bags off in our room we came out to have lunch in the little hut of a restaurant on the beach next door. After the adventure we had getting there we were really hungry!

After lunch we grabbed an available chair and took a nice long rest.

Well actually that is pretty much where I stayed, on the beach, for the next two days in Rincon del Mar. Roydio did get into the water but I was content to just lay out in the sun and relax after the craziness that had ensued getting here.

If you are a backpacker, used to roughing it and looking for a beautiful place to relax for a few days you will enjoy this paradise and beautiful beach with clear water in front and amazing mangroves in back. And they do serve a good breakfast, too.

If you are not used to carrying a pack on your back and getting around on a motorcycle I’d say you might want to get there by boat. That’s really what we should have done.

I don’t consider myself a diva but I’ve gotta keep it real. I really didn’t sleep much because the bed was uncomfortably hard and it was so hot all during the night. I got up several times to wet a towel for my face to get a little relief. And I got bit by mosquitos and bugs. A lot. In spite of the net. Ugh. And there was a couple with a baby in the next room who kept crying (why do people bring babies to a place like this?). It’s really a shame because it is such a beautiful place.

I really should have joined in on the night boat tour to see the glowing plankton (that is my one regret) but I really was content to just spend all day sitting in a beach chair or in a hammock relaxing and drinking my limonada de cocos. That part was so great. And I may have taken a few naps out there as well…

Then came the time for us to leave and make the trek back to the main road from Rincon del Mar. If it was bad coming in believe it or not it was worse going out. It had rained again the night before.

The new rain made the roads even worse (if that was even possible to imagine). OMG I tried not to think too much but I definitely had several bouts of anxiety as we bumbled our way out of there.

I kept telling Roydio not to stop because if there’s one thing I know :: you never stop on a muddy road for fear of getting stuck.

Well, sure enough :: it happened! We got stuck in the mud and our wheels just kept spinning and there was no way out.

Out of nowhere appeared a man in the road in front of us who walked over and began trying to push our car out of the mud. After several attempts and to no avail he signaled for us to wait. When he returned he had a shovel in his hand and began digging out the mud from underneath our tire. The ditch we had gotten into was so big it seemed to just get worse.

Then again out of nowhere another guy on a motorcycle appeared. Between the two of them and a shovel and their brute strength lifting up the left side of our car as we revved our engine several more times, they were able to get us free. So very thankful, we gave them 20,000 COP for their help. When we were on our way again we started thinking. Where did they come from? And where in the world did they get a shovel? I looked back and they were gone. Hmmmm, do you believe in angels?

Then as we slowly made our way much further down the road and just as we thought we were in the clear we got stuck a second time. There was a truck coming our way (a truck? on this crazy road?) and we thought maybe he would offer to help us as well. Yea, no. The driver stopped, got out of his truck and just stood at the side of the road and watched us struggle. It was obvious that he couldn’t get through until we moved so I guess he chose to use this time to take a little break. Indiana Jones #2 went into his “Colombia adventures mode” again and after about 10 minutes of rocking the car back and forth, back and forth, he finally got us out and we were again on our way. The Lord was with us for sure on this trek!

Now it was time for us to make it to the second destination on the beach :: the Playa Manglares resort in Isla Baru. As we were making our way there I told Roydio there was no way I was going to go through that again and if the next place had the same kind of roads we should just keep driving and find something else. Well, lucky for us, Playa Manglares was right off a good road and the place was wonderful.

We had air conditioning and even though there was no hot water it was warm and comfortable enough to take great showers. Whew! And no mosquitos. Yay!

At the Playa Manglares resort they serve you breakfast, lunch and dinner because there is not really anywhere you can walk to for meals. It’s located on another beautiful beach (be sure to wear water shoes, though). The owner and her family are lovely as are the rest of the staff. And it is so peaceful and beautiful.

At dinner the first night we met a lovely couple from London with whom we decided to take a boat tour to the Rosario Islands. The following day we had perfect weather. No rain clouds anywhere in sight. It was a truly lovely day with wonderful company.

Our tour guides couldn’t have been older than 17 but they were adorable. The boys spoke only Spanish so this gave us a good opportunity for us to learn more! We went through mangroves and through a group of islands, one where the boys lived. He even pointed out his madre and she waved as we went by.

We arrived at Bendita Beach where we enjoyed a few hours in the sand and water. And on our way back we stopped for lunch on one of the islands.

Interesting Fact :: Several of the Rosario Islands are available for rent. For example, Isla Matamba can be rented for approximately $1300 per night and sleeps 16 (divided by 8 couples that only comes to $162 per night! For an entire island to yourselves!). Available on the island is a restaurant (3 meals are included), bar, jacuzzi, mini golf course, tennis court and various water sport activities.

Here are some more pics of our time on the water ::

Click here to see for yourself what you can do in Cartagena and the Rosario Islands! You won’t regret going. But just take a boat there. Trust me. Just do it.

The two days we spent in the Playa Manglares resort and the Rosario Islands were amazing but it went by much too quickly. If you drive a little further down the road in Isla Baru there are more touristy resort options such as Playa Blanca but I’m really glad we opted for a quieter location.

So there you have it :: our adventures to the beaches in Colombia. Although we would have done things differently had we realized what we were in for, it makes for a great story. And the beaches really were gorgeous.

What do you think of our Colombia adventures to its beautiful beaches? Would you have gone for the adventure or would you have chosen the easier way? HA! Either way I think you would enjoy it there.

TIP :: Do your research, people! You can’t always believe everything you read so make sure you read between the lines to assure that you will have the best experience possible!

Read More ::

Bangkok :: How to See it in 3 Days

Medellin :: 10 Do’s and Don’ts You Must Know

Top 5 Beaches in Curacao :: My Picks

Although this post was more of an adventure article rather than an actual travel post I hope I’ve given you enough reason to explore the beaches of Colombia. Should I be blessed with the opportunity to return I’d love to explore the other islands and perhaps even stay a few days in Rosario. Definitely on my bucket list would be to experience the bioluminescent plankton tour on Isla Grande. I could really kick myself for not going when I had the opportunity! But we’ll just have to come back!!

I do hope you enjoyed this post on my Colombia adventures and that one day you will come out to create your own!

The post Colombia Adventures :: NOT a Typical Travel Post appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Six :: Barceloneta Beach and Platja de Barcelona

According to TripAdvisor Barceloneta Beach is the best city beach in Europe.

I took the following video at Platja de Barceloneta, a wonderful open square surrounded by restaurants and bars on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.

Although you can expect it to be pretty crowded with tourists year round you can see it is a really delightful area to hang out. Whether you’re there to sunbathe, swim, dine, drink, people-watch or just stroll around here you will find the perfect atmosphere.

Tips:
1. Be aware that you will be approached by vendors trying to sell you everything from a circular towel to massages. Sometimes it can be annoying but you might actually enjoy some of their wares.
2. August is the most crowded month so if you’re not into waiting in lines you might want to choose another time to visit.

Five :: Try the food

Of course you know I’m going to talk about the local food. Food in Barcelona is all about making the most of the best local produce and boasts some of the best gourmet delicacies in Spain. I’m just going to touch on a couple of options here. In another post you can read more details :: Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tapas

Known for its Tapas (small plates) bars, Barcelona does not fall short of variety and flavor and quality.

This is actually my favorite way to eat: small plates of a variety of flavors and textures. I prefer this type of dining over a big piece of meat with a big helping of potatoes and vegetables.

Paella

Another recommendation I have for you is the paella (rice and seafood cooked and served in a large flat shallow pan). Paella originated in Valencia and you can therefore find the best of the best in that beautiful coastal town but with a little research you should be able to find quality paella in Barcelona as well.

There is much too much to cover when it comes to the food in Spain so I’ve gone into more depth in my post Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tip: Do your research to find places that serve authentic cuisine rather than the cheap and tasteless tourist versions. Once you taste the real thing you won’t want to settle for less.

Four :: La Rambla

[AKA Las Ramblas. Originally a series of 5 smaller “ramblas” have been incorporated into one big La Rambla]

La Rambla is the most famous promenade in Spain, a beautifully tree-lined pedestrian street 3/4 of a mile long, stretching from the Christopher Columbus Monument on the south end to Placa de Catalunya on the north end. La Rambla is filled with restaurants and shops and souvenir shops and street performers, etc. This very popular Catalonian landmark is visited by tourists from all over the world all year long. Once you experience it you’ll understand why.

Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria

My hotel in Barcelona was located less than a block off the center of La Rambla, not far from probably one of the reasons why (you might have guessed) I love finding local markets everywhere I go: Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria.

Font de Canaletes

On the north end of La Rambla and the heart of Barcelona by Placa de Catalunya you will find Font de Canaletes, a popular meeting point.

Font de Canaletes’ legend is this: “If you drink water from the Font de Canaletes you will always be in love with Barcelona. And however far away you go you will always return.” I can attest to that! I DO love Barcelona and I DO plan to return, so in my eyes this saying is not just a legend.

Tips for La Rambla:
1. Barcelona is known as the Pickpocket Capital of the World. Be very aware of your belongings when walking the streets, especially in the crowded tourist attractions and late at night. Your pockets are not safe. I would recommend you wear a money belt or a jacket or vest with inside pockets in which to keep your money, phone, etc. I’ll tell you what happened to Roydio in my next post: Don’t Do’s in Barcelona
2. There is no way to avoid crowds altogether in Barcelona but August is their busiest month. Just a heads up.

Three :: Camp Nou

My Roydio is a futbol player and therefore a huge futbol fan [not to be confused with American football: in the US futbol is known as soccer]. And because of him I’ve become a fan as well. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, in fact the third largest in the world in capacity – just over 121,000 and home to FC Barcelona whose captain is Lionel Messi who happens to be my fave player. So my visit to Camp Nou was compulsory. And it certainly did not disappoint.

**CHEESE WARNING** The following video is a little cheesy I admit, but Roydio was over-the-top excited about visiting this iconic stadium and couldn’t help himself from getting in front of the camera (not that he’s shy by any means). So I decided to include it here for you. You’re welcome.

Here is a panoramic shot for you as well.

For those who are fans (or not), Camp Nou is about as impressive as it gets. 25EU will get you in the door without paying for a tour. We went on a self-guided tour of the museum, the changing rooms, the press room and commentary boxes. We experienced the audiovisual and multimedia installations, sat in the VIP area, then down in the stands.

We were not allowed to go onto the field which was a disappointment but it was well worth seeing this massive stadium in all its glory. The next time we watch an FC Barcelona game we will feel as though we’re right there!

Tip for Camp Nou: Go during futbol season so you can catch a live game!

Two :: Montjuic

Montjuic “Jewish Mountain” is Barcelona’s biggest hill. On the side of the hill is the Montjuic Cemetery which you can’t help but notice as you drive into Barcelona from the airport. It is quite a beautiful sight.

Castell Montjuic itself is not near as impressive as other castles we have visited but what makes it so special is the view from the top.

From the castle I took a zoomed in shot of La Sagrada Familia that shows how big this cathedral is compared to the houses around it. So IMHO it was totally worth paying the reasonable entrance fee of 5EU.

Montjuic itself is a huge 57 acre park that sprawls over the entire hill and includes several parks within itself. Entrance is free, making this the best deal in Barcelona IMO.

I took the local bus to Montjuic and took the cable car up. I then walked around the parks and fountains and took the local bus back into town.

Don’t do what I did. Since the distances between the attractions on Montjuic are spaced fairly far apart I missed seeing several of them because of how long it took me to walk everywhere, although I saw more of the details by walking which was very cool.

Having said that, I would still recommend taking the Hop On Hop Off bus.

Tips for Montjuic:
1. Start at the top and work your way down.
2. Set aside an entire day if you want to see it in its entirety
3. Take the HOHO bus and get off at the different attractions in order to see it all because there is a LOT to see
4. Visit the castle on Sunday after 3pm to get in for free

One :: Works of Gaudi

Barcelona is home to the works of world-renown genius architect Antoni Gaudi, the world’s best practitioner of Catalan Modernism. Here are 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of his you shouldn’t miss when visiting Barcelona:

1. Casa Mila

La Pedrera “stone quarry” as it is popularly known. One of Antonio Gaudi’s main residential buildings, his last and a total work of art. The next time I’m in Barcelona I’d like to go back and take the full tour so I can see its rooftop terrace.

2. Casa Batllo

Antoni Gaudi was commissioned by its owner to restore this old house originally built in the 1800’s and to make it stand out. One of Gaudi’s most spectacular works.

3. Parc Guell

Located on Carmel Hills, Parc Guell is now a garden complex comprised of a series of Antoni Gaudi’s houses (including his own). It was originally designed as a housing development project that ultimately failed. The city took it over and made it public in1926. Parc Guell has been one of the city’s most important acquisitions since.

4. Basilica de La Sagrada Familia

Maybe not many people realize this but Antoni Gaudi was not the original architect on this project but took it over after one year of construction and completely changed its original design. This is considered the most famous of Gaudi’s works. La Sagrada Familia has been in construction since 1882 with its completion not to be expected until 2030.

Click here to find out more about UNESCO.

Other tips for Barcelona: 
1. Put that gratuity away. Tips are almost unheard of among the locals in Spain. If you feel your server has gone above and beyond in your eyes in an elegant restaurant, a 5-10% tip is more than enough. If your server is waiting for a tip, you’re probably in the wrong restaurant.
2. With the exception of the touristy areas and a few grocery stores, Spain closes many of its shops on Sundays. Restaurants are usually open only in the mornings on Sundays but closed in the evenings.

Click here to check out everything Barcelona has to offer and use it to book tickets, restaurant reservations, tours, etc. Goooooooaaaaaal!

Read More ::

9 Don’t Do’s in Barcelona

Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona

Bangkok :: How to See It in 3 Days

Lisbon :: One of My Very Favorite Cities in Europe

I definitely want to return to Barcelona in the future – there is only so much you can do in one visit or even two and there are just way too many amazing things to see here. Tell me what you think about Barcelona so far?

In my next post I will share with you what NOT to do in Barcelona. Because I want to make sure you are fully prepared for a great time without running into snags. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

The post Top 6 Must Do’s in Barcelona appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Read more ::

My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

10 Reasons to Have Your Destination Birthday in Bali

Phuket :: Where The Action is … and Not

How to See Bangkok in 3 Days

Bali is the perfect setting for a much-needed getaway from every day life. It’s a great destination for a wedding, anniversary, birthday or just a really great vacation. Consider Bali for your next getaway! Fly into the main city of Denpasar in Bali and travel around this amazing island!

The post Bali :: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Go appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

The Park

This is a beautiful memento dedicated to the 9/11 victims, survivors and first responders. What a beautiful place to display it.

Picnic tables in Heisler Park make it a wonderful place to bring the family.

There are benches throughout Laguna Beach dedicated to and by people who live there.

Artist installation of “Breaching Whale” displayed beautifully in Heisler Park.

The Laguna Beach Garden Club, Laguna Beach Beautification Council and the City of Laguna have collaborated by planting around the magnificent Melaleuca Tree. The over 50-year-old tree is in danger of being no more because people are tempted to use it as a bench.

Beautiful plants and trees extend to the ocean viewpoint…

The Views

Bird Rock is named for the obvious :: it’s a great perch for the birds. The City of Laguna Beach takes great care to make sure that they are left alone. What an amazing view, don’t you think? The other images I’ve posted of the views here don’t need further explanation :: they are among my most favorite views ever…

The Memorials

Semper Memento “Always Remember” dedicated to the 9/11 tragedy.

Two original beams from the Twin Towers were used to create this 9/11 memorial called Semper Memento display by the artist Jorg Dubin who lives in Laguna Beach.

A Veterans Monument was presented by the American Legion Post 222 including two plaques that commemorate those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms as well as those who served in the Armed Forces during times of war and placed in Heisler Park.

The Veterans Monument also contains a Time Capsule that was sealed up in 1977 and is scheduled to be opened on May 30, 2027

It wouldn’t be complete to have a war memorial without the American Flag. I’m assuming the flag was set at half-mast the day I took this picture in honor of Princess Diana of Wales who died on August 31, 1997.

The Public Art

“Breaching Whale” sculpture so beautifully displayed. Artist is Jon Seeman, winner of the Art in Public Places contest held by the Arts Commission in Laguna Beach.

“Time Connected” shows interlocking wheels filled in with ceramic tiles showing images of local plants and insects. Artists Scott & Naomi Schoenherr.

Catching the Sun :: her name is “Sea Breeze” and she stands on the bluff overlooking Laguna Beach. Her hair turns to waves when she emerges from the sea.

“Sea Breeze” artist Sukhdev Dail used beautiful colored glass in the canopy she is holding above her head.

“The Tidal Pull” is centered on stainless steel fish textured and patinaed to show scales, fins and eyes and the fish appear to swim in circular motion. Artists Scott & Naomi Schoenherr.

Drinking fountain decorated with beautiful tiles created by the same artists of “Time Connected” and “The Tidal Pull” :: Scott & Naomi Schoenherr.

One of the many concrete benches throughout Laguna Beach. Being such an artistic city you won’t find many that are not considered some type of public art. This one is a bus bench on the street right outside Heisler Park.

“Continuous Rotation” :: the award winning multi-media art studio of Scott & Naomi Schoenherr were chosen to create the sculpture garden here, this being their third piece of public art in this space.

There are many, many public art installations throughout Laguna Beach. I may just have to write a separate post to feature the amazing artwork and the artists who created them within my favorite California beach city…

And here is where you can find Heisler Park ::

After having seeing these amazing images I am certain that you will want to come for a visit soon. You can really lose yourself in the beauty of God’s creation, man’s beautiful artwork and the peaceful serenity here. And andlthough the beauty of these breath-taking beaches are more than enough to draw visitors from around the world it is also a city filled with all kinds of nightlife and fun things to do. I may have to write another post about that! Best of both worlds!

Tell me what you like best about Laguna Beach whether you’ve been here or not… I’d love to hear what you think!

Read more ::

Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach

My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

10 Secret Places in San Francisco and Where to Find Them

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OK you might be saying to yourself “That’s great and all but what about the cost of living? Isn’t it expensive to live in California?” I mean, it isn’t the cheapest place to live for sure. But you get what you pay for, right? I live near the beach, the desert, the mountains, the river and downtown Los Angeles. I can just jump in my car and all it costs me to get there is some gas. The weather is a balmy 70-75* nearly all year long. I have sunshine in my backyard 90% of the year.

At a moment’s notice I can decide to go to the beach, to any one of a plethora of concert venues or amusement parks or broadway-quality theaters, dine at the best diners and restaurants and I can be to any of those places within 30 minutes without a worry in the world that the weather will be a deterrent.

C’mon, wouldn’t you agree that those are some pretty compelling reasons for living where I do? So we sacrifice on having material things :: I’m not a material girl anyway. My big love in life [besides my family of course] is travel. And when I can get any number of amazing places at a moment’s notice, that’s worth the price of living here.

And of all the amazing things I have at my fingertips on a daily basis there is one place that has completely stolen my heart ::

Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach

Seriously, aren’t these deep blue waves crashing on the rocks here in Laguna Beach calling your name? You can hear it, can’t you? They’re saying “Come to me!” If you haven’t been here yet I can’t urge you enough to come for a visit because Laguna Beach is absolutely FABulous. A 30-45 minute drive will bring me from the comforts of my home to this beautiful place where I can feel as though I’m on a vacation far, far away.

When it comes to views, Laguna Beach has some of the best So Cal has to offer.

#6 :: Best ocean views from our hotel

Waking up in the morning to this kind of view is pretty spectacular, don’t you think? Laguna Beach has the perfect vacation view. We love staying at Laguna Beach hotels :: this one happens to be the Laguna Beach Inn which has an adorable atmosphere, a lovely pool overlooking the ocean and it’s close to the beach and all of my favorite little shops and restaurants. Oh, and it is walking distance to Starbucks [sorry, not sorry].

#5 :: Best ocean views from the boardwalk

Walking along the beach is something that Roydio and I enjoy immensely. The view is pretty stunning and we can walk along with this view for hours.

 #4 :: Best ocean views from Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach is hidden from view and unless you know exactly where to go to find it you will not. Around the corner to the right is one of the most interestingly placed towers I’ve ever seen with a great story to go with it :: you really need to walk out there to see it because it is like none you’ve ever seen. I’ll leave out that image so you are compelled to go!

#3 :: Best ocean views from Crescent Bay Point Park

Calm serene, Crescent Bay Point Park is the perfect place to relax and reflect while enjoying the beautiful views of Laguna Beach.

#2 :: Best ocean views from Brown’s Park

Brown’s Park is hidden in plain sight, tucked between the Village Shops and the Wyland Gallery. Once you find it you will be so happy you did! A unique park with a beautiful outlook over Laguna Beach beyond two beautiful stained glass fence rails. The park itself is really adorable :: well worth finding.

#1 :: Best ocean views from Heisler Park

I’ve been coming to Laguna Beach for over 30 years and after all that time there is one place that I just recently found that I am really thrilled to share with you and it’s become my #1 pick to visit for its views :: Heisler Park. I love it so much that I’ve dedicated a separate post about it. Look for it on Thursday!

But wait, there is so much more to Heisler Park than the views! OMG I can’t rave enough about it. To read more about the beautiful Heisler Park stay tuned!

Oh, did I tell you I took all of these pictures with my iPhone X? I know, if you’re a photographer you will probably not approve. But my goodness my pictures aren’t half bad, right? I do love my iPhoneX.

Laguna Beach has some of the best ocean views in California. This town is full of life and beauty :: it really has it all. So when I need to get away for a few hours or for the day or for a weekend this is my staycation destination of choice. I feel so blessed to live nearby this beautiful ocean city.

So tell me :: when are you coming to Laguna Beach for a visit?

Read Also ::

Los Angeles :: Why Only See it When We Have Visitors?

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

Best Girlfriends Getaways 2019

The post Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

And whether or not you are from Dutch decent as I am, you will find much of the charm of this adorable country throughout this beautiful island in a way you hadn’t expected. As part of the Dutch A-B-C islands [Aruba, Bonair, Curacao] there are hints of their culture everywhere. From the people to the lodging to the food… The Netherlands shows itself in Curacao for sure.

Curacao. Definitely a destination to be considered for the very near future. There are so many options to keep you busy for weeks on end but also many for just relaxing on her incredible beaches.

It was surprising to me that I didn’t realized what a treasure it was to have had so much time on an island with amazing weather, wonderful people, an endless number of truly outstanding beaches and memories to last a lifetime until I returned home. Of course my memories won’t have to last a lifetime because I plan to go back in the not-too-distant future!

Read more ::

Top 5 Beaches in Curacao

Top 10 Things to do in Curacao

Accommodations in Curacao ::

For your convenience, here is a list of ACCOMMODATIONS IN CURACAO. Please consider booking your Curacao accommodations through this link. It costs you nothing extra and it helps support this website. Thank you!

The post Curacao :: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

The criteria for my favorite beach has more to do with the overall accessibility, amenities + comfort. Snorkeling + diving is amazing throughout Curaçao. So that is a given. So let’s just “dive” right in, shall we?

#5 :: Mambo

Mambo Beach has all the facilities you need, palm trees, beautiful white sand + shallow water. It also has several boutiques, snack shops + bars as well as facilities for all water sports. The beach is especially popular with families + young people. Weekends can get very crowded because it is the nightlife beach of Curaçao. There are concerts + sometimes even movies on the beach.
$3 entrance, $3 beach chair, $10 cabana

#4 :: Kenapa Grandi

Kenapa Grandi is a beach definitely worth visiting. Beautiful vista views, warm breezes, white sandy beaches + calm blue waters make it a perfect place to relax! Snorkeling is best near the rocks on either side of Grandi but you can certainly also take a long swim out to the reef. Locals come on weekends. Between Grandi + Chiki is a cliffside lookout point you won’t want to miss.

Sometimes vendors are present selling local snacks + drinks (mostly just on the weekends) but be prepared with your own just in case they aren’t there after all.

***Just for the record, this is Roydio’s pick for favorite beach in Curaçao. I have to admit it was amazing. But again I based my favorite on the totality of amenities as well as the beauty. If it was just based on that I think I’d have to agree with him on this one.

#3 :: Cas Abau

Cas Abau is a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters, waving palm trees + several gazebos for shade. The beach combines a natural setting with all the conveniences of a bar, restaurant, showers + massage facility. Ideal reefs are a paradise for snorkelers + scuba divers. A raft for sunbathing + playing is moored off shore.
$5 for entry and $3 beach chairs

#2 :: Klein Curaçao Island

My #2 pick is Klein Curaçao Island not just for the beach but also including the Mermaid Tour that gets you there. An island 2 hours off the coast of the main island Klein Curaçao has the longest + whitest beach in Curaçao. This uninhabited island is eight miles off the southeast coast. The northeastern side routinely has calm water with gentle waves.

There are a few little huts with picnic tables under them but they are quickly taken up; there aren’t enough for everyone on the tour. 

Tip: grab a hut quickly if you don’t want to sit in the sun all day long because there is really no other shade

The water is warm + crystal clear. Relaxing is imminent but be prepared to do some snorkeling as well. My love for history took us for a walk out to where the old lighthouse stands (still lit by solar power). And we also went further to the water where a small boat had washed up on shore.

Apparently there are also coral + underwater caves there but I don’t do scuba :: what a shame. It is a really popular diving spot. If you bring your own diving equipment + are certified, the diving is free. Otherwise there is a fee for that.

Mermaid Tour to Klein Curaçao ::

Wow, what a day! We took the Mermaid Boat Tour (they are the only tour group that will take you out) to Klein Curaçao island which is basically an oversized volcanic rock a little more than a mile long but such a unique paradise. 2hr boat ride up + 1.5 hrs back. We spent the entire day out there. We enjoyed breakfast (it was an early departure) + lunch + a wonderful time on the longest + whitest powder sand beach in Curacao. 

Your tour includes use of the beach house with restrooms + fresh water shower, use of snorkeling gear + beach chairs + a really nice meal. The dive operators BBQ chicken, ribs, hamburgers + corn on the cob right there in front of you. You can have all the soft drinks + juice you want (beer + wine are also available for purchase) as well as the accompanying salads + fruit. Everything was really delicious!

I highly recommend this tour. IMHO you really get your money’s worth!
Mermaid Boat Tour: $110 per person

 #1 :: Playa PortoMari

Playa PortoMari is my #1 pick for the best beach in Curaçao because it has the best of everything in one place: clean facilities, soft sand, beautiful clear water and awesome snorkeling. There’s a great restaurant and plenty of lounge chairs available for rent. And a nice place to rinse off your feet before heading back to the car.

Playa Porto Mari is a beautiful sandy bay to be found on the private estate of Plantages “Porto Mari” on the west coast. Its white coral sand beach with clear and calm water is the epitome of a true paradise for me. The unique “double” reef is easily accessible from the shore, providing a fascinating snorkel and dive site. Dive operators are available pretty much all day.

What is great about this beach is that it has all the amenities you need such as toilets and showers as well as a great bar with a large patio.
$3 entrance, $3.50 lounge chairs

Tip for all beaches in Curaçao ::
I recommend you wear water shoes. Most of the beaches have nice white sand but entrance into the water is somewhat rocky. Trust me, you will be very happy you brought them.

Read more about Curacao ::

Top 10 Things to Do in Curacao

15 Curacao Beaches in Photos

5 of My Favorite Things About the Bahamas

When it comes right down to it you can’t go wrong with any of Curaçao’s spectacular beaches. But narrowing it down this should give you a good start for your list of beaches to see when you come to Curaçao.

Of course there are many more reasons to visit Curaçao besides her beaches + I will be posting about them soon. Be on the lookout for much, much more in future posts on Curacao!

In a nut shell, you can’t go wrong visiting any of the 30 beaches Curaçao has to offer. My recommendation to you is: Just Go!

Accommodations in Curacao ::

For your convenience, here is a list of ACCOMMODATIONS IN CURACAO. Please consider booking your Curacao accommodations through this link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

The post Top 5 Beaches in Curaçao :: My Picks appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

I’ve created a list of things you might want to pay attention to before you visit Barcelona. Not to say that they are all things to avoid, rather things that you should know that will make your stay so much more enjoyable.

1. Don’t expect to see a bullfight

As of January 2012 the ruling by the Catalan government banned bullfighting in Barcelona + the Catalonia region came into effect citing that they saw it as animal torture. Four years later a Spanish court voted to overturn Catalonia’s bullfighting ban.

Despite the ban being lifted, the bullfights have not returned.

There is only one remaining bullfighting arena remaining in Barcelona, La Monumental. But it is now home to a museum (Musea Tauri) about bullfighting.

The nearest active bullfighting arena near Barcelona is about 200 miles away in Zaragoza.

2. Don’t think you’ll be allowed to smoke just anywhere

In most areas in Europe smoking is still very popular. However, as of January 2011 in Barcelona tobacco consumption is prohibited in all public buildings + on public transport, including taxis. You can’t smoke at workplaces, railway stations, bars, restaurants or nightclubs. It’s also not allowed on hospital grounds, health centers + schools. Previous rules such as separate smoking areas in restaurants or free choice in bars no longer exist.

Up until the ban Spain + Barcelona had a reputation whereby the smoking in pubs + bars was so heavy that you couldn’t see your hand in front of your eyes + that the smoking bans were consistently ignored. But this is definitely not true for Barcelona. Even the majority of smokers were actually in favor of the strict law. Recent polls show that about 70% of the people in Barcelona are now non-smokers.

3. Don’t plan on going to a nightclub before midnight

Lunchtime in Spain doesn’t hit it’s peak until 1:30-3:30pm. Dinner is usually around 8:30-10:30pm. So you can see that it wouldn’t make sense for nighttime adventures at the bars + clubs to start earlier than closer to midnight. Right? But what if I told you that it doesn’t really get into full swing until about 2am? Well, that is exactly what you can expect. 

Barcelona has a well-deserved reputation for having some of the best nightlife in Europe, from greasy dive bars to high-class beachfront clubs + pretty much everything in between. Clubs are almost always busy until the bars close their doors at 6 a.m.

Tip: Although Barcelona is pretty laid back in their dress code for nightlife, leave your shorts + flip flops at home. As a matter of fact the only other item looked down on is tennis shoes. Anything else goes.

4. Don’t think you’re smarter than pickpockets

After having an absolutely fabulous time in Barcelona we had an unfortunate occurrence during our stay. And although this is definitely an amazing city to which I hope to return it has one flaw that can’t + shouldn’t be overlooked: Barcelona has been coined with the title “Pickpocket Capital of the World.” Unbeknownst to us before our visit, unfortunately. Let me confirm: this is not just a rumor.

So here’s what happened. Roydio went out late on our last night in town to buy some water at the store which was about a block away from where we were staying. As he was walking back to our hotel which was located in a dark alley less than a block off the main promenade, he was approached by a guy trying to get him to come to a nightclub. When told no several times, the guy kicked his leg between Roydio’s legs. Thinking it was strange Roydio turned around ready for an altercation, then kept walking.

About a minute later another guy came up behind him + asked “is this your phone?” And it certainly was! Apparently guy #1 had used the “kick between the legs” method of pickpocketing to kick Roydio’s phone out of his pocket maybe thinking it was a wallet! Wow! Apparently Roydio’s broken phone was of no use to the pickpocket so he must have just dropped it on the street – at least that’s what we figured happened. 

To this day we still aren’t really sure. All we know is that you cannot carry things in your pockets at all because they have found creative ways to rob you.

Tip: keep your money, phone, etc. in a jacket or vest with inside pockets or wear a money belt under your clothes that is not visible to pickpockets. If they don’t see an opportunity they will leave you alone.

 5. Don’t wear your swim suit in the street

Barcelona has a pleasant Mediterranean climate year round + is particularly warm + sunny from May through October. With a large stretch of beach not far from the city center it’s as much a beach town as it is a cultural mecca. However, unlike some other vacation hotspots, don’t stroll the streets in a bikini or swimming trunks even if you’re heading to the seaside. You might be able to get away with it on the beachfront promenade but cover-up elsewhere. It’s not just considered tasteless + inappropriate, it’s actually illegal. You can be fined 100 to 200EU if you are caught walking around in skimpy beachwear. Even men wandering bare-chested in shorts is not acceptable.

 6. Don’t choose the wrong airport

Europe’s budget airlines are infamous for flying to airports that are nowhere near the actual cities for which they advertise. For example Ryanair describes both Girona + Reus as Barcelona airports even though they are a long way from the city proper. Expect to spend at least an hour getting to the center from either of these airports.

BCN is the airport you want. It is closest to Barcelona’s city center.

7. Screaming after quiet hours — they will pour water on you

Being loud after quiet hours (around 10-11pm), is a major faux pas + violating this rule has consequences. You know why locals always keep a carton of eggs handy? Because they throw them at people who are being too loud! Throwing water down from balconies is another popular punishment for loud visitors. It’s really just about being considerate of the people who live here. Not everyone in Barcelona is a tourist without early morning commitments.

8. Don’t think Barcelona is like the rest of Spain

Barcelona is known as the capital of Catalonia + Madrid is the capital of Spain. Even though Catalonia is part of the Spanish nation it is a distinct region that has its own customs that make it unique.

Catalonia is one of a few regions in Spain that has its own language apart from Castilian Spanish. Catalan is a romance language closer to French + Italian than Spanish or Portuguese.

Catalonian food is also different from the typical Spanish cuisine + most known for its specialties such as butifarra (a cinnamon pork sausage), fideuas (a type of noodle) + calcots (spring onions).

Tip: Try to learn a few Catalon phrases. Bon dia = good morning, perdo = excuse me, sisplau = please. The locals will really appreciate that you are aware of the region’s uniqueness + that they speak their own language. Try this Kindle edition app of the English-Catalonian phrase book

9. Don’t try to see it all

Don’t try to see all of even the most important sites in Barcelona in one visit. There are people who have lived here for years + are still exploring new sides of the city. I’ve been in Barcelona twice + haven’t even come close to seeing most of the places Barcelona is known for.

I would recommend that you plan to see one major attraction for each day of your visit. Slow down enough to have a local beer + do some people watching, take in the atmosphere. Savor the local cuisine (I’ll cover that in more detail in my Beginner’s Guide to the Best Food in Barcelona post). Try to just enjoy being here because the best part of the city is the city itself. Immerse yourself in the culture. Barcelona is a truly amazing place.

Barcelona is a great city filled with history + culture + fun! But you will enjoy it much more by considering the things I’ve mentioned above. You don’t need to necessarily blend in with the locals but you certainly don’t want to upset their way of life.

My next post will go more into detail regarding the food. Because this is definitely a subject that deserves a post all its own. Bon profit!

Click here to check out everything Barcelona has to offer + use it to book tickets, restaurant reservations, tours, etc. Goooooooaaaaaal!

The post 9 Don’t Do’s in Barcelona appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Six: Barceloneta Beach and Platja de Barcelona

According to TripAdvisor Barceloneta Beach is the best city beach in Europe.

I took the following video at Platja de Barceloneta, a wonderful open square surrounded by restaurants and bars on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.

Although you can expect it to be pretty crowded with tourists year round you can see it is a really delightful area to hang out. Whether you’re there to sunbathe, swim, dine, drink, people-watch or just stroll around here you will find the perfect atmosphere.

Tips:
1. Be aware that you will be approached by vendors trying to sell you everything from a circular towel to massages. Sometimes it can be annoying but you might actually enjoy some of their wares.
2. August is the most crowded month so if you’re not into waiting in lines you might want to choose another time to visit.

Five: Try the food

Of course you know I’m going to talk about the local food. Food in Barcelona is all about making the most of the best local produce and boasts some of the best gourmet delicacies in Spain. I’m just going to touch on a couple of options here. In an upcoming post I’ll go into more detail in my Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tapas

Known for its Tapas (small plates) bars, Barcelona does not fall short of variety and flavor and quality.

This is actually my favorite way to eat: small plates of a variety of flavors and textures. I prefer this type of dining over a big piece of meat with a big helping of potatoes + vegetables.

Paella

Another recommendation I have for you is the paella (rice and seafood cooked and served in a large flat shallow pan). Paella originated in Valencia and you can therefore find the best of the best in that beautiful coastal town but with a little research you should be able to find quality paella in Barcelona as well.

There is much too much to cover when it comes to the food in Spain so I’ll go into more depth in my upcoming post Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Tip: Do your research to find places that serve authentic cuisine rather than the cheap and tasteless tourist versions. Once you taste the real thing you won’t want to settle for less.

Four: La Rambla

[AKA Las Ramblas. Originally a series of 5 smaller “ramblas” have been incorporated into one big La Rambla]

La Rambla is the most famous promenade in Spain, a beautifully tree-lined pedestrian street 3/4 of a mile long, stretching from the Christopher Columbus Monument on the south end to Placa de Catalunya on the north end. La Rambla is filled with restaurants and shops and souvenir shops and street performers, etc. This very popular Catalonian landmark is visited by tourists from all over the world all year long. Once you experience it you’ll understand why.

Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria

My hotel in Barcelona was located less than a block off the center of La Rambla, not far from probably one of the reasons why (you might have guessed) I love finding local markets everywhere I go: Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria.

I’ll go more into details in my post Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona.

Font de Canaletes

On the north end of La Rambla and the heart of Barcelona by Placa de Catalunya you will find Font de Canaletes, a popular meeting point.

Font de Canaletes’ legend is this: “If you drink water from the Font de Canaletes you will always be in love with Barcelona. And however far away you go you will always return.” I can attest to that! I DO love Barcelona and I DO plan to return, so in my eyes this saying is not just a legend.

Tips for La Rambla:
1. Barcelona is known as the Pickpocket Capital of the World. Be very aware of your belongings when walking the streets, especially in the crowded tourist attractions and late at night. Your pockets are not safe. I would recommend you wear a money belt or a jacket or vest with inside pockets in which to keep your money, phone, etc. I’ll tell you what happened to Roydio in my next post: Don’t Do’s in Barcelona
2. There is no way to avoid crowds altogether in Barcelona but August is their busiest month. Just a heads up.

Three: Camp Nou

My Roydio is a futbol player and therefore a huge futbol fan [not to be confused with American football: in the US futbol is known as soccer]. And because of him I’ve become a fan as well. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, in fact the third largest in the world in capacity – just over 121,000 and home to FC Barcelona whose captain is Lionel Messi who happens to be my fave player. So my visit to Camp Nou was compulsory. And it certainly did not disappoint.

**CHEESE WARNING** The following video is a little cheesy I admit, but Roydio was over-the-top excited about visiting this iconic stadium and couldn’t help himself from getting in front of the camera (not that he’s shy by any means). So I decided to include it here for you. You’re welcome.

Here is a panoramic shot for you as well.

For those who are fans (or not), Camp Nou is about as impressive as it gets. 25EU will get you in the door without paying for a tour. We went on a self-guided tour of the museum, the changing rooms, the press room and commentary boxes. We experienced the audiovisual and multimedia installations, sat in the VIP area, then down in the stands.

We were not allowed to go onto the field which was a disappointment but it was well worth seeing this massive stadium in all its glory. The next time we watch an FC Barcelona game we will feel as though we’re right there!

Tip for Camp Nou: Go during futbol season so you can catch a live game!

Two: Montjuic

Montjuic “Jewish Mountain” is Barcelona’s biggest hill. On the side of the hill is the Montjuic Cemetery which you can’t help but notice as you drive into Barcelona from the airport. It is quite a beautiful sight.

Castell Montjuic itself is not near as impressive as other castles we have visited but what makes it so special is the view from the top.

From the castle I took a zoomed in shot of La Sagrada Familia that shows how big this cathedral is compared to the houses around it. So IMHO it was totally worth paying the reasonable entrance fee of 5EU.

Montjuic itself is a huge 57 acre park that sprawls over the entire hill and includes several parks within itself. Entrance is free, making this the best deal in Barcelona IMO.

I took the local bus to Montjuic and took the cable car up. I then walked around the parks and fountains and took the local bus back into town.

Don’t do what I did. Since the distances between the attractions on Montjuic are spaced fairly far apart I missed seeing several of them because of how long it took me to walk everywhere, although I saw more of the details by walking which was very cool.

Having said that, I would still recommend taking the Hop On Hop Off bus.

Tips for Montjuic:
1. Start at the top and work your way down.
2. Set aside an entire day if you want to see it in its entirety
3. Take the HOHO bus and get off at the different attractions in order to see it all because there is a LOT to see
4. Visit the castle on Sunday after 3pm to get in for free

One: Works of Gaudi

Barcelona is home to the works of world-renown genius architect Antoni Gaudi, the world’s best practitioner of Catalan Modernism. Here are 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of his you shouldn’t miss when visiting Barcelona:

4. Casa Mila

La Pedrera “stone quarry” as it is popularly known. One of Antonio Gaudi’s main residential buildings, his last and a total work of art. The next time I’m in Barcelona I’d like to go back and take the full tour so I can see its rooftop terrace.

3. Casa Batllo

Antoni Gaudi was commissioned by its owner to restore this old house originally built in the 1800’s and to make it stand out. One of Gaudi’s most spectacular works.

2. Parc Guell

Located on Carmel Hills, Parc Guell is now a garden complex comprised of a series of Antoni Gaudi’s houses (including his own). It was originally designed as a housing development project that ultimately failed. The city took it over and made it public in1926. Parc Guell has been one of the city’s most important acquisitions since.

1. Basilica de La Sagrada Familia

Maybe not many people realize this but Antoni Gaudi was not the original architect on this project but took it over after one year of construction and completely changed its original design. This is considered the most famous of Gaudi’s works. La Sagrada Familia has been in construction since 1882 with its completion not to be expected until 2030.

Click here to find out more about UNESCO.

Other tips for Barcelona: 
1. Put that gratuity away. Tips are almost unheard of among the locals in Spain. If you feel your server has gone above and beyond in your eyes in an elegant restaurant, a 5-10% tip is more than enough. If your server is waiting for a tip, you’re probably in the wrong restaurant.
2. With the exception of the touristy areas and a few grocery stores, Spain closes many of its shops on Sundays. Restaurants are usually open only in the mornings on Sundays but closed in the evenings.

Click here to check out everything Barcelona has to offer and use it to book tickets, restaurant reservations, tours, etc. Goooooooaaaaaal!

Read More ::

9 Don’t Do’s in Barcelona

Beginner’s Guide to Eating in Barcelona

Bangkok :: How to See It in 3 Days

Lisbon :: One of My Very Favorite Cities in Europe

I definitely want to return to Barcelona in the future – there is only so much you can do in one visit or even two and there are just way too many amazing things to see here. Tell me what you think about Barcelona so far?

In my next post I will share with you what NOT to do in Barcelona. Because I want to make sure you are fully prepared for a great time without running into snags. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

The post Top 6 Must Do’s in Barcelona appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

It’s a phenomenon that certainly affects more people than just me, right? I mean, I travel the world, spend lots of time planning when + how + with whom I’m going to see these exotic far away places but never expend the same amount of energy on anything local. At least until a friend from out of town wants to come out to Los Angeles because they’ve never been. And I always react the same way: “OMG there are so many things to do + see in LA, yes we’ll have so much fun!” And yet rarely do I even go + visit the places that I’m ranting + raving about on my own! Seems a bit odd, doesn’t it? Or maybe you’re just like me.

“Where shall we go?”

We are all busy working, we have our families, our obligations. Life gets busy + time just seems to move forward without us even realizing it. I get it. Daily life just gets in the way + doesn’t leave much time for relaxation. But when we do have some time the first thing I say is, “Where shall we go?”

I’m just grateful to have friends + family who want to come visit me. After all, Los Angeles is an exciting destination + great place to visit for those who don’t live here + I know exactly where to bring them to show off Southern California. So when my friends Ron + Rita said they were serious about leaving the cold in Ohio + coming out west for a nice sunny visit, I immediately commenced with the planning.

But for those of you who don’t live in LA, I’ve included a couple of great tips for when you come out! LA really is a great place to visit!

Day One

The day Ron + Rita arrived we didn’t waste anytime – straight from the airport to Disneyland we went. It may have been a little much for them just getting off a plane + all. The distances in LA are pretty unreal. So whenever you are going in a certain direction you want to take advantage of seeing what’s on the way. That was my reasoning, anyway. But it sure was fun!

So we kinda sprung the Disneyland adventure on our friends without them knowing it ahead of time so for being such great sports about it we rewarded them with a stop at the Rainforest Cafe at Disney Walk. It’s actually such a cool restaurant. When we arrived we found out this would be the last day it would be open. The day after this picture was taken they tore it down. Disneyland wants to build a bigger, fancier hotel + they needed that space. Sheesh…

But Rainforest Cafe is a great theme restaurant (I bet you can’t guess what their theme is HA!) + they have other locations in California as well as in 9 other states so be sure to check out their website.

And I surprised them with a wonderful home-cooked meal, Indonesian-style! It was the first time they had ever tried Indonesian food + I am relieved that they liked it! Gado gado, steamed vegetables served with a peanut sauce + semur ayam, chicken that is simmered in Indonesian spices for hours. Have you tried Indonesian food before? It’s similar to Thai but better 😉 I may have to include some recipes in a future post… what do you think?

Day Two

We drove up to LA to what I consider one of the nicest museums we have. And it’s free so it’s a great perk as well. The Broad (pronounced BRODE) isn’t your average museum. That’s one of the reasons I love it. Their exhibits are unlike the run-of-the-mill museum with paintings and sculptures. Of course they do have those but they are just a little different.

Tip: You can schedule your appointment online so you don’t have to wait in the ridiculously long lines they have daily. That will save you a lot of time!

The Broad actually has some super cool exhibits. Check out this 4′ x 3.5′ incredible painting by Chuck Close:

One of the most coveted exhibits at The Broad when we were there was the Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.

Tip: for their special exhibits you need to go to the kiosk + make an appointment because there is usually a long line mainly because only one or two people can enter the exhibit at a time. Totally worth seeing. But here’s a preview for you:

Oh man, I just found out they don’t have this exhibit anymore. Apparently their new exhibit is A Journey That Wasn’t. I’ll have to go see that one now.

Across the street from The Broad is the LA Philharmonic which has a pretty cool rooftop garden. The Philharmonic was in session so we couldn’t go in – we just watched as the musicians made their way in. But there are lots of places to walk to from there. So that’s exactly what we did.

“…the world’s shortest railway…”

We walked over to Angels Flight, a 117-year-old funicular + the world’s shortest railway, built on what was once known as Bunker Hill.

We took the $1 ride down to Grand Central Market for lunch (you can also walk the steep path alongside Angels Flight but it’s an experience to ride it). So many options – it may take you a while to decide. If you are starving when you get there try the pork tacos on the left right inside the entrance. You can’t go wrong. They are melt-in-your-mouth Fantastic. Roydio ate his so fast that I didn’t even have time to take a picture!
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Before we got back in the car we had to at least see the outside of MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art. The sculptures outside are amazing. I think if you really wanted to + had all day you could walk for hours + see many museums, exhibits, structures in LA.

We got into the car + drove around to check out all the new stuff we’d never seen before. Our plan was to treat Ron + Rita to dinner for their anniversary at Rosa Mexicano which is one of the nicest + best Mexican restaurants in LA Live so we headed up there in the early evening. One of my faves there is the handcrafted guacamole they make + serve table-side. Make sure you ask for Jaco. He is an amazing restaurant manager who will make sure to take great care of you!

Day Three

Ron + Rita’s only request in LA was to see the La Brea Tar Pits. I had to admit I hadn’t been since I was a child. We spent a few hours there; it’s a very interesting place if you’re interested in prehistoric times. There are exhibits indoors as well as outside where you can actually see some of the remaining tar pits. What??

Afterwards we strolled down the street past the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (just for a pose outside their exhibit “Urban Light” – it is actually best seen at night when it’s all lit up) + then headed down to where the gourmet food trucks are parked. It was fun to see them all lined up. But we decided to head down farther to the Original Farmer’s Market in the historic plaza for lunch instead. Lots of great food stands to choose from. Again, you really can’t go wrong.

Day Four

We chose the coolest day of the week to drive to all the beaches in LA and Orange Counties so we were all a little disappointed. I should have checked the weather. Really?? We always have good weather here especially in June so it didn’t even dawn on me to check the forecast! Well, it was overcast all day + a bit chilly for So Cal. Especially when our friends from chilly Ohio who only brought shorts + t-shirts to wear were looking forward to sun, Sun, SUN!

Our drive took us to Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes Peninsula, Queen Mary, Shoreline Village + all of the beaches in between. Even though it was chilly we got out + enjoyed the views at each beach. When the sun finally showed itself we decided it was a great time to rent a surrey + drive out along the harbor at Shoreline Village.

We stopped for lunch at Tequila Jack’s at Shoreline Village, one of our fave places, for a wonderful meal overlooking the harbor. There are lots of fun little shops + other restaurants there of which we also had to give them a peek.

Day Five

Back up to LA we trekked. It took us a little less than an hour’s drive so not too bad. Then we spent the better part of the day at The Getty. What a beautiful location to have a museum. High up in the hills of LA with a view to die for. The buildings are amazing, their gardens are gorgeous as well.

Tip: I would highly recommend you visit The Getty when you come to LA but come early because the lot fills up. The entrance fee is free but you will have to pay $15 for parking your car in their lot ($10 after 3pm). It does come with a 3/4-mile tram ride up the hill to the museum which I recommend you take. You can also walk but it’s straight uphill.

We drove through LA to see Beverly Hills + Sunset because you have to do that if you’re in LA. And then we stopped to have lunch at the iconic In-n-Out Burger. Another thing you must do when you come to LA. Although I hear they now have locations in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas + Utah. In-n-Out is no longer exclusive to California!

Day Six

We hung out at home for a few hours today because we needed some time to just sit + chat + catch up. But in the afternoon we headed down south to Newport Beach + then a little farther to find a little secret beach called Victoria – we found it! Such a nice day for a drive. We then headed up to Laguna Beach, our very favorite hangout. We strolled along the beach for a while + just soaked in the sun.

In the evening we went to hear our friends’ band SMITH at Skyloft OC. Brandi has always been one of my very favorite singers so I love the opportunity to go listen to her band. Dinner + dancing pretty much finished off our wonderful evening. Check out their website because SMITH is a pretty terrific band!

Day Seven

Today was a pretty laid-back day. I think my friends were glad we didn’t have to get going too early even though we were up at what Rita calls “the butt-crack of dawn.” It was just really fun to have time together. Whenever you’re on vacation, don’t forget that part.

“…two sets of friends meeting for the first time…”

We got to hang out with my granddaughter Ruby today. She was excited to meet my friends + get to hang out with Oma. And it was also very special for me to be able to introduce two sets of friends meeting for the first time in Huntington Beach.

Our friends Atteke + Mark met us at Ruby’s Diner (Atteke chose that restaurant because she knew I was bringing my little Ruby) + we had a fun meal together.

The first pic below is one that Ruby took (my little photographer-in-training). And then we had the server take one of all of us together.

They have a big gum ball machine from which kids have the opportunity to pull one. If a red one rolls out, they get a free root beer float. And guess what Ruby got?

In the evening we just hung out at home + pretty much chatted all evening. Then Rita + Ron packed up for their trip back home tomorrow. It’s hard to believe that their stay is already over!

A home-cooked meal was an almost-perfect way to finish the evening. But wait, let’s get into the hot tub, shall we? It’s nice having my daughter with a hot tub only a mile away 🙂

Day Eight

It was so great to have our friends Ron + Rita visit us all the way from Ohio + make us get out + see the sights in LA. I hope it’s not their last time! There is so much more to do in LA… maybe I should check out some of those places before they come back out here? Good idea!

Thank you for joining us my friends + for getting us out into Los Angeles to spend some time in the amazing city in which we live! You’ve been a blessing to hang with! Until next time!

There is yet so much more to do + see in LA. Perhaps in an upcoming post I will take you to see more. In the meantime, I hope you had fun following us all around LA for the week. When are you coming for a visit?

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