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toomanystoriessolittletime · 4 years

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Devil in disguise 3/3

Summary: You weren’t the girl who get attention from guys. You were the friend that always ended up alone at the bar, nursing her drink until you got home by yourself, while your friends took home someone. That’s how you suppossed this night would go to. Until an Apple Martini you didn’t order was set down in front of you. Looking around to make out who had ordered it for you, you saw him. John Wick.

Pairing: John Wick / F! plus size Reader

Wordcount: 3.723

Warnings: fluf. (SO much fluff) a tiny bit of smut, shopping for a bathing suit (this should be a warning cause if you hate it as much as i do.. urgh)

A/N: There we are. The last chapter. The response to this fic was really overwhelming. I seem to have struck a nerve. Thank you all so much for your response. Hope you love the last chapter.

Masterlist

Taglist:

@meetmeinthematinee / @hisdeadwife / @fanficsrusz / @mrrightismrreeves / @ladyreapermc / @theolsdalova / @pinkzsugar / @ivymiiru / @paanchu786 / @penwieldingdreamer / @greenmanalishi / @itsmydreamlifethings / @blackeyedangel9805 / @wiskey-chaser

It was noon when you woke up. And you felt sore in all the right places, a smile sneaking to your face as you looked up at John, your head still resting on his chest.

How could this man have killed people for a living? He was so gentle when he was with you. Breathing in deep you sighed as you breathed out. You loved him. You really did. All you had to do, was to tell him.

“Princess?” He whispered, making you smile.

“Yes?” You whispered back.

“I think I love you.” He opened his eyes as he said those words. Looking at him with big eyes for seconds you burst out laughing.

“I'm sorry... It's just... I think you can read my mind.” You said as John looked at you with a blank face.

“I was thinking about how I love you just before you said it.” You looked up at him and could see him breathe out relieved before his arms pulled you up to him, you lying on top as he brought his lips to yours. Feeling his hands on your naked body you sighed.

“Aren't you hungry?” You asked against his lips as his hands slowly massaged your back, sneaking lower.

“Not for food.” He groaned and pulled the covers over you.

“So, the things you did...” You said as you laid with your head propped on his lap the day before your final exam.

“Yes.” John said looking down at you.

“Was it easy for you? Like I don't want to get in it too deep because I know you don't do that anymore... You don't, don't you?” You asked.

“I don't. Never will again.” He nodded.

“Like how did you even get into doing this? And why did the people look away when you walked by them? And... And that is a question I was always most curious about, how much money does someone like you get?” You babbled, not being able to stop yourself. John brushed away a stray of hair and sighed before he began to talk and told you everything.

With tears in your eyes, you looked up at him as he finished, reaching for his hand, kissing his palm.

“I'll keep you safe from this world from now on.” You whispered.

Smiling he looked down at you. His fingers tracing the lines of your face.

“Have you thought about what you wanna do now?” You asked, wondering if now was the time to tell him that you had put on some applications for your residency across Europe and already got one offer.

“I put the house on the market and I was thinking about going to Europe. I can do my book stuff from all over the world. But...” He stopped.

“But?” You asked.

“I don't want to leave you. God that sounded cheesy.” He shook his head chuckling.

“We've only known each other for like 6 weeks.” You said and he nodded.

“But what if I would tell you I had sent out applications for my residency to Europe? And what would you say if I already have one offer out of these.”

“Are you serious?” John asked and you only nodded, slowly pushing yourself up, straddling him, your arms crossed behind his neck.

“So if I don't fail my exam..”

“You won't.”

“And say I would move to Stockholm to work there...” You smiled.

“Sweden?” He asked you nodded.

“I could live in Sweden.” He said quietly.

“You could.” You said softly.

“We could live in Sweden together.”

“We should.” You nodded.

“Yeah?” He grinned.

“Absolutely.” You smiled back before his lips captured yours in a sweet kiss.

John took you out to dinner to celebrate you passing your last exam. You looked at yourself in the mirror, your red dress hugging your body, ending just beneath your knee, leaving your shoulders free. Straightening it with the palm of your hands you smiled at yourself as you put your earrings in. You had put a little more effort into your looks today. It was the first time John was taking you out. With you being busy studying and John wrapping up his old life you didn't really get to go out.

You had styled your longish growing hair in big waves, your lips painted sinfully red, the same color as your dress. Nothing and no one would ruin this night for you. You heard a knock on your door.

“Coming!” You called, slipping into your high heels, grabbing your black purse. Opening the door you bit your lip as you saw John. He was wearing one of his dark suits but with a white dress shirt, no tie and the first 2 buttons opened. It looked like he had a new haircut, an inch or two missing in its length. He was holding a single white rose in his hand.

“You look absolutely breathtaking.” He said, bending down to kiss you softly, his hand resting on your hip as you brought one of your hands up to touch his chest.

“You look hot too.” You whispered against his lips, making him grin.

“This is too much John.” You said after he had sat down across from you. You looked through the elegant room, admiring the clean design. This must cost a fortune.

“It's our first date. And we're celebrating you getting your PhD.” He said warmly, reaching for your hand across the table.

Sighing you took his hand, smiling.

“Good Evening Mr. Wick.” You were interrupted as the waiter brought the menu.

John only nodded, taking the menu as you took yours, the waiter walking away.

“They know you here?” You asked quietly.

He nodded. “Sorry. I don't think there is a place in Manhattan I can go where no one knows who I am.” He apologized.

“That's kinda hot.” You grinned before you hid your face behind the menu.

The food was extraordinary. It had to be the tastiest meal you had ever had. Apart from John's lasagna of course. John paid before you could even glance at the bill, making you glare at him. You knew about his wealth. He had told you that he probably wouldn't have to work for a single day again in his life and still would have more than enough money left. That wasn't something you were used to. You never had anyone handing you anything. You worked and worked hard so you could live a comfortable life. Always had.

“What are you thinking about?” John asked, his hand holding yours as you walked down the crosswalk.

“You.” You smiled a little, looking up from your side at him.

“Only good things I hope.” He teased.

“Always good things.” You said, leaving his hand and bringing your arm around his back, sneaking under his jacket, your head resting on his shoulder.

“You have another week off, don't you?” He asked as he put his arm around you, bringing you closer to his side, as you continued walking down the street towards where he had parked his car.

“Yeah.”

“What do you think about taking a short trip into the sun?”

“That sounds like something I can't afford.” You said right away, making him sigh as he stopped walking. Looking up at him, you saw his frown.

“If this is going to work you need to let me take care of you. Do you want to go on a trip?” He asked.

Sighing you nodded.

“Then let's go on a trip. You deserve it.” He leaned down, kissing your nose, making you giggle.

“I love you, John.” You smiled at him.

“Love you too.” He smiled back.

“I do need a new bathing suit if we're going on a trip.”

“No, you don't.” He grinned, letting his hand rest on your ass, making you shake your head chuckling.

“Yes, I do.” You scolded him with a smile on your face.

“Fine.” He shrugged.

Shopping. Why did you agree to go shopping in an actual store? With people? There was a reason you preferred online shopping. First of all, you could spend hours on your couch browsing for the cheapest option. Then you could order 2, sometimes 3 sizes because no size was ever the same. And then you could try it on at home. But with him booking a short trip, leaving tomorrow you had to go to the store.

John insisted on coming with you. He also insisted on paying and you just couldn't say no to him as he looked down at you with his eyes, pleading you.

Nadia had shown you the store you were in now, because against your better judgment and saving money everywhere you could, you were drawing a line at buying underwear, or in your case today a new bathing suit. And maybe some new lingerie, now that you had someone who could peel it off of you.

“You look like you're having fun.” You teased John as he browsed through the shelves. He was standing in front of a black lace bodysuit that left little to the imagination.

“Just picturing you wearing this.” He whispered as he leaned down to you, kissing your cheek. Nodding you grinned.

“What about you pick 3 and I pick 3? And then we decide.”

“Do I get to watch you try it on?” He asked, eyebrow raised, his eyes wickedly grinning at you.

“If you're a very good boy.” You whispered back, patting his chest as you turned around to head for the swimsuits. Looking over your shoulder, you saw him watching you, making you grin to yourself.

Rolling your eyes at yourself as you looked at you in the floor-length mirror you sighed. How could it be that not any of the bathing suits you had tried on fitted? Either they sat great on your chest but were not wide enough on your hip or the other way around.

Exhausted you sighed. Maybe you should go naked after all. Putting on the bikini John had picked out you were surprised that it actually fit and you looked good in it. The high waist making your ass look the perfect shape.

“How is it going in there?” You heard John ask from outside.

“Wanna take a look?” You asked. You saw the curtain shuffle before John's head appeared. Turning around you put a hand on your hip, looking at him as his eyes darkened.

“What do you think?”

“Nothing I can tell you while we're in public.” He said, voice hoarse, making you grin. It was like a moment of clarity. Never would you let the outside world drag you down again. Not when you had someone like John Wick who looked at you like you were his whole world.

“Okay. So we found a bathing suit. I'll be trying on the rest now.” You said your eyes glancing at the very little fabric John had picked out.

“I want to see every single one of those before we buy them.” He said.

“I will think about it, Mr. Wick.” You stepped towards him, pecking him on the lips, before you pushed him out, making him laugh.

Pulling on the bodysuit John had eyed in the beginning you couldn't help the dirty grin on your face. You looked good. Sexy even. About to call for John you heard a voice outside, you knew all too well. Stepping closer to the curtain you listened.

“What are you doing here John? Need something to wear?” It was Nadia.

“Actually here to pick up some stuff for my girlfriend, Miss Tarasov.” You heard John reply.

“Uhh... Girlfriend? That must be the first time I hear you use that phrase for one of your affairs.” Nadia teased. You could picture her stupid grin as she said it. Nadia had been a great friend in the beginning. Helping you study for your first exam. That's how you met her. As you were learning anatomy in a Starbucks and she had been fascinated by it. But over the years it got less and less the more she only seemed to care about the men around her.

You could almost picture John standing in front of her, trying not to roll his eyes. Deciding that it was time to rescue him you took a last look at you in the mirror.

“John? Babe? I need some help!” You called before you opened the curtain revealing just your upper body, your eyes searching for his. Nadia was standing in front of him with nothing but a bra and her jeans on. Pathetic, you thought to yourself.

As both of them turned to look at you, you could almost see the relief in his eyes, followed by his eyes darkening as he spotted the lace you were wearing.

Nadia blinked a couple of times as if she wanted to make sure she was seeing right.

“Her?” She asked scuffing, her eyes so full of judgment as she looked at you.

“Yes. Her.” John said smiling before he left her standing, pulling the curtain to the side and stepping into the dressing room, closing the curtain behind him.

You were leaning against the mirror as he looked at you, his eyes roaming over your whole body as if he was about to eat you.

Stepping closer to you he closed his eyes, breathing in deep.

“You have no idea what you do to me.” He whispered. Looking up at him, you reached for his bulge, already feeling his cock hard, stretching the fabric of his pants.

“I have some idea...” You whispered before his lips crashed down on yours. Taking your hands in his he put them over your head, stepping closer to you, pushing his body against yours. Moaning into his mouth as you felt him rub himself against you, you let your head fall back, his lips leaving yours to kiss down your neck.

“John.. We can't... Not here...”

“I know.” He groaned against your neck, his hands still keeping your pressed against the mirror.

“Doesn't change the fact that I want you.” He said, nibbling on your earlobe.

“Then let's get home.” You moaned quietly, arching your back to get some friction.

“But you haven't tried everything on yet.” He whispered, his hands leaving yours, his fingers pushing down the straps of your bodysuit.

“And you're going to help me?” You asked, biting your lip as he kissed the top of your breasts.

“I am certainly not going out there alone.” He whispered, his mouth closing around your nipple, making you moan his name louder than intended, you hand flying over your mouth as he chuckled.

“If you don't stop...” You whispered as he slowly peeled the bodysuit off of you, throwing it on the seat in the corner of the dressing room, leaving you in you nude panties you had put on today.

“What then?” He asked, kneeling down in front of you.

“Jonathan.” You breathed in as you felt his hands on your thigh. He was looking up at you as he leaned closer, pulling your leg over his shoulder, kissing your inner thigh.

“Can you keep quiet?” He asked, his finger pushing your panties to the side.

“I don't think so.” You whimpered, as his finger brushed through your folds.

“Then make sure to scream my name so she can hear you,” John whispered against you before his tongue flicked over your clit.

Your serotonin was at such a high level you couldn't even be embarrassed as you stepped out of the dressing room, John and you walking hand in hand towards the cashier. The whole store probably had heard the two of you as he fucked you against the mirror, but you couldn't bring yourself to care.

“Found everything?” The lady cashier asked trying to hide her grin.

“Oh yes. Everything.” You grinned at her, catching Nadia in the far corner looking at you as John put all the stuff you had tried on on the desk. He bent down to kiss your cheek before he searched for his wallet, putting his credit card on the table before you could even reach for your purse.

Shaking your head you watched as everything you bought was put in bags.

“Dinner is on me.” You said, leaving no room to argue.

“Yes, Princess.” He said as he grabbed the bags, his arms coming around your shoulder. Not even looking at Nadia as you walked past her you smiled as you stepped outside, leading John to your favorite Chinese restaurant.

You were surprised by what the right amount of money could do when you had decided to leave the country.

You had taken the job at the hospital in Stockholm which would start within 6 weeks of accepting the offer. Which left you panicking if you could take care of all the things one had to take care of before leaving the country and moving to another one. John had sold his house in Mills Neck you never had seen for a HUGE amount of money and had presented you with three houses near Stockholm he was eyeing to buy.

“I guess we're really doing this.” You said as you sat on his lap, Dog beside you as he showed you pictures of the houses.

“We are.” He said, his cheek against yours as both of you watched what he had picked out.

“I love this one. It's a seafront house with a huge garden.”

“It's also the most expensive one.” You added, making him sigh.

“Ignore the price. Do you like it?” He asked.

You loved it. If someone told you to describe your dream home it would be this. It looked like a little ranch directly at the sea. A jetty for a little boat or two. It was newly renovated and looked straight out of your dreams.

“I love it.” You sighed.

“Then let's buy it.”

“John... I can't just let you buy and take care of everything. What if this doesn't work out? Between us?” You asked quietly. You felt his arm tighten around you.

“Do you think it won't?”

“No. Actually, I am waiting for the day we argue for the first time. It's all so new. I never felt like that before.”

“Like what?” He asked. Turning your head to look into his eyes you breathed in deep.

“Like I'm home. I love you so much it scares me sometimes. You love me for me. You see me. With you beside me, I feel safe. I don't even see the other people judging me anymore. And we've only known each other for two months but I don't think I can ever live without you anymore.” You felt the tears in your eyes. John looked at you with so much love.

“Marry me.” He said, adding your name.

Looking at him with an open mouth you tried to talk but couldn't.

“Not now. Not tomorrow, just. Marry me. Some day.” He added, his hand reaching for your cheek, his thumb brushing over your bottom lip. Swallowing you felt yourself nod.

“Yes. I'll marry you. Some day.” You smiled.

“Yeah?” He asked smiling happily.

“Yes, John.” You grinned before you leaned into him and kissed him.

“Did you use my name?” You asked as you parted. Grinning he nodded at you.

“How long did you know?”

“From the night we met.” He smiled, making you shake your head grinning before you kissed him again.

Learning Swedish was harder than you thought it would be. But you loved learning new things. You had left the states almost 4 months ago, making it the best decision of your life as you took the job in Stockholm. Even more, you loved the fact that you got to do everything with John. He was standing at the water, enjoying the last rays of sunshine for the day. You had come home form your last shift only minutes ago, Dog welcoming you at the door as you pulled off your work clothes. You could see that he had been working in the garden the whole day, his skin glistening with sweat in the sunlight as you sneaked towards him, only wearing your long tank top and your underwear. It was a hot summer in Sweden.

Kissing his back before you put your arms around him, your head resting on his back you breathed him in.

“Hey.” You said.

“Hey, Princess. Long day?” He asked, turning his head so he could look at you.

“Longest day. I'm dead tired. All I want is a shower, a pizza, and my bed. The garden looks great.”

“Thank you.” He said, turning in your arms, putting his around yours.

“Pizza will be here in 30 minutes.”

“God, I love you.” You smiled exhausted as you looked up at him.

“You only love me for my ability to provide you with food after work.” He teased.

“That might be true.” You shrugged, sucking your bottom lip in to keep you from grinning.

“You shouldn't have said that.” He said lowly, picking you up in his arms.

“John...” You said carefully.

“JOHN!” You laughed, clinging to his chest as he walked to the jetty.

“You wanted a shower” he grinned before he ran towards the edge jumping into the water with you in his arms, making you scream.

“Not like that.” You pouted as you surfaced from under the water, swimming towards him.

Pulling you to his chest he grinned at you.

“We have 30 minutes.”

“Better be quick then.” You grinned back before you kissed him.

(for people who are interested in the house click)

#fanfic #fanfiction #john wick #john wick x you #john wick x reader #john wick fluff #john wick fanfiction #devil in disguise #keanu reeves

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thisislizheather · 5 years

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July Jiffs 2019

So technically the end of August is the appropriate time to start any and all Halloween/autumn talk (I think I made up that rule, but it feels right), so I’ll respect that and wait. Just know that I’m inwardly filling up with joy in anticipation of the best time of the year. Here’s what went down this month!

I made a list of some of my favourite summer vacation-y movies that I like to watch to pass the ungodly slow summer hours.

I read and reviewed the book Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (the woman who wrote Wild).

We had a small party for July 4th and it was the best. Here’s what I made and loved: Panzanella Salad with Fresh Mozzarella (I used the How Sweet Eats recipe, but added mozzarella and omitted the corn and avocado - I also made the croutons the Ree Drummond way, because that’s the tastiest way), Spinach Bacon & Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms (because they’re so delicious I want to scream), I used bell peppers as the bowls for holding the ranch for the vegetables, Slow Cooker Ribs, Eggplant Lasagna (I can’t remember the recipe I used, but it was pretty basic), Peanut Butter & Nutella Cheesecake Bars (this was the second time I’ve made these and it’s a perfect dessert to make a night or two before so that it can really set up), Blueberry Lemon Bread, and a charcuterie board (which is like assembling food art & I love it).

My favourite fruit/vegetable season is the end of summer mainly because of the fresh tomatoes and corn, so I can’t wait to try some of these corn dishes available in NYC right now. Although I don’t know how any of them are going to compete with the corn gnocchi at Park Avenue Summer. (I just looked and there’s also a sweet corn agnolotti with black summer truffles on the menu now too, so things just got interesting.)

Jenn sent me a link to this lovely poem Perhaps the World Ends Here by Joy Harjo that I just love.

I watched the AOC documentary Knock Down The House on Netflix and it’s so, so good. Cried at the ending.

I went on Nathan’s podcast to talk about dogs, cheating and movies.

I went for lunch at the cafe at Lilia in Brooklyn and it was ONLY AVERAGE. So that was disappointing. Maybe I ordered badly? I got the prosciutto, parmigiano butter, balsamic mustard sandwich - and even though it looks great (love whole grain mustard), it was really just too bready and not very flavourful.

Above Photo: Prosciutto, parmigiano butter, balsamic mustard sandwich at Lilia Cafe, Brooklyn

I saw Midsommar (by the same guy who did Hereditary last year) and I really liked it. Some parts are just unnecessarily graphic (and the slow motion shots of this stuff are insane to watch), but the plot was great. Love an original movie.

Watched the entirety of Champions on Netflix and it really bums me out that it got cancelled, it was a really fun show.

Made this chocolate chunk coconut banana bread and it was goooooood.

I visited the new TWA Hotel at JFK and wrote about it over here.

So excited to hear that there will be three more seasons of Big Mouth!

I also rewatched Dante’s Peak (still a great movie) and Twister (again, it holds up). I think I was in a natural disaster kinda mood that week.

Do you remember experiencing or hearing about the ride Kongfrontation at Universal Studios in Florida? I’ve only ever heard of it, but it seems like it was probably the best ride that ever existed at that park. I hate how most ride these days are just 3D screens with no real interaction or animatronics, it’s bullshit.

Fucking obsessed with this strawberry lemonade kombucha that’s apparently only available at Trader Joe’s. I thought their gingerade was the best flavour, but now I have to reassess everything. (Also tried the “watermelon wonder” but it’s pure trash.)

Some songs that I can’t stop listening to: You Need To Calm Down by Taylor Swift, Blow Your Mind by Dua Lipa, Everybody by Elliphant feat. Azealia Banks, Boys by Lizzo, Let Me Go by Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso feat. Florida Georgia Line & watt, Doin’ Time by Lana Del Ray, We Were Young by Petit Biscuit feat. JP Cooper, Calma (Remix) by Pedro Capo & Farruko

Apparently I can’t get enough of Bill Hader.

I refuse to shut up about how great the (square bottle) nail polishes are at Urban Outfitters. They’ve been consistently great for years. I’ve been wearing their neon pink Hot Tub off and on for at least five years, and they keep putting out wicked new colours. There’s almost always a 3 for $10 deal and recently I got Coffee Creamer, Sun Bunny & Optic White and they’re BEAUTIFUL.

It’s currently Restaurant Week again (it’s on until August 16th), so of course I went back to The Dutch for their beautiful wagyu steak tartare. I also had the corn cappelletti with chanterelle mushrooms and marjoram that was heavenly.

Above Photo: Wagyu steak tartare, The Dutch, NYC

Above Photo: Corn cappelletti, The Dutch, NYC

I saw The Farewell and it’s everything I wanted it to be and more! Definitely go see it. It also reminded me of this beautiful song that I had to sing for a competition once years ago, Caro Mio Ben.

There’s a deal with ClassPass where you can use the service for free for two weeks, so I tried it and it’s not that great. It’s just too expensive to justify having it when I already have a monthly gym membership somewhere else. I did try an aqua cycling class through Aqua Studio during the free trial and it was… only okay. I mean, it’s fun and great to be in the salt water, but it wasn’t all that challenging as a workout.

I wasn’t planning on buying it, but I tried it, loved it, so had to buy it: Glossier’s Brow Flick. I’m still learning how to use it properly, but so far I’m really into it. It inspired this eyebrow products video that I posted last week.

I saw Toy Story 4 and I really hope this is the final one they make because the ending was so good. That’s all I’ll say. Quality series of movies, right here.

Some friends of mine recently opened up a small, late night food place called Foodstruck in Astoria and the food is really good. They’ve just opened, so they’re still figuring out their hours but I think they’re catering to the late night crowd, especially servers/bartenders who get off work late. Check out some of the food specials from this past week.

Above Photo: Burger with gruyere, onion marmalade, sun dried tomatoes & a rosemary garlic butter on a potato bun

Above Photo: Fried boneless chicken thighs with a garlic soy tamarind glaze

Above Photo: Fried chicken sandwich with a spicy mayo, cheese sauce & pickles on a potato bun

My too-kind friend Irene got us a housewarming gift of a Diptyque candle (in eucalyptus) and somehow it’s still going after three months of daily use, which is incredible. Do not look up how expensive this candle is.

I watched To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before on Netflix and really liked it! Especially the hot tub scene. But let’s not get into it. I double-checked to make sure they’re both over 21 and they are, so all’s good.

Made this pappardelle pasta with mushroom ragu when Nathan was out of town (I like to get my mushroom recipes in when he’s gone) and it’s definitely going on my favourite-dinner-recipes list.

I ate at Misi in Brooklyn because I’ve wanted to go for ages and the pasta was solid as hell, I’d definitely go back. We had the charred peppers, marjoram, and whipped ricotta crostini, the corzetti with marinated sungold (peeled) tomatoes, garlic, pecorino & summer herbs (have you ever eaten a PEELED tomato? It almost feels wrong. The good kind of wrong), the strangozzi with pork sugo, nutmeg and parmigiana and for dessert we had the strawberries and cream gelato (it was a special that night) and the espresso gelato. Everything was so crazy good. The service was fantastic and the space is huge. Is it better than Lilia or L'Artusi (pasta-wise)? Ugh, that's such a hard question. It's really good. I'll have to revisit to get more intel to make a final decision on that.

I went to Coney Island with Irene and it was great, as it always should be.

I visited the Profundo Day Club (mainly to get my ass in a pool) earlier this month, and I highly doubt that I’ll return. Mostly because even though the pool was nice (small, but nice) and refreshing, the blaring house music in the middle of the day was a little excessive. There’s also a disco ball above the pool itself. And a unicorn floatie that drifts around the water. And waitresses who shoot sparklers off when someone buys a bottle of liquor. It’s… not for me, let’s say. And the cheapest pass was $70 (tax included), which is waaaay too expensive for Queens. Let’s be real.

There’s a new season of Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee and the Martin Short episode is just lovely. It almost killed me when he was talking about when he bought his house and said, “We bought it in 1986” even though his wife passed away years ago. Am I being ridiculous in thinking that him using the word “we” is so sad and sweet and nice? Or maybe that’s a normal thing to say and I’d melt at anything to come out of his mouth. And while it was a good episode, I got so fucking sick of all the filler shots of coffee being brewed, coffee being poured into a cup, beans being tossed in a can, flowers sitting in vases - for fuck sake JUST TALK TO MARTIN SHORT AND SHOW ME THAT. Annoying as hell.

Nathan and I started watching season three of Stranger Things and… it’s not good? We saw all of the first season, which was pretty good. Attempted season two and never finished it because it became boring. And last week, we watched the first couple episodes of season three and I think we’ve silently agreed on just stopping it altogether. And look, I’m happy other people like it, but it’s just not for me. Demogorgons are too close to being dragons, maybe that’s why I can’t care about them?

I like to go to at least one baseball game each season, so I went to a Mets game last weekend and got this beauty that was the giveaway (below) since it was the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

Honestly, this bobblehead makes me so happy for some reason. I love going to Citi Field especially ‘cause the food is always so good. We got the filet mignon steak sandwich from the aptly named Pat LaFrieda’s Original Filet Mignon Steak Sandwich, incredible fries from Box Frites, souvenir cups & drinks from Effen Vodka Bar, mozzarella sticks from Big Mozz, and chips & queso with ginger lime margaritas from Cantina.

Above Photo: Pat LaFrieda’s filet mignon steak sandwich, Citi Field

Above Photo: Fries with parmesan ranch and cheese sauce from Box Frites, Citi Field

Two new things that I’m going to start doing:

1. Buying less things off of Amazon. If there’s an alternative, independently run company that I can find the item at (and if the price isn’t wildly more expensive) then I’ll shop there instead. Every new thing I hear about Amazon makes me shudder, and I hate that it’s become my default place for me to buy anything.

2. If a store/restaurant is cashless (ie. credit cards only), then I’ll refuse to shop there. It’s insane that this isn’t illegal everywhere yet. I’m so sick of it and cash should be accepted everywhere, it’s nuts that I even need to say that. (I was excited to have lunch at Ole & Steen in Union Square for lunch the other day, but they’re “cashfree” so fuck them!)

Some things that I’m looking forward to doing this month: I’ve already sent in my email requesting tickets for Saturday Night Live (you can only request tickets during the entire month of August), I can’t wait to see Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark with Layla, there’s a tomato gelato that I want to try that sounds either awful or life-affirming, going on our anniversary trip at the end of the month, excited for a Canyon Creek caesar salad with Harmeet, planning on going to the CNE with my mom (haven’t done this in years), going to two weddings (!!) and I love weddings, being in a pool with Marla and a bunch of our kids, and taking advantage of a few more Restaurant Week specials. Excited for the last month of trash weather!

#Liz Heather #Nathan Macintosh #July Jiffs 2019 #monthly roundup #summer #NYC #best of NYC #best summer #Positive Anger

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lcgjjdh-blog · 5 years

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We are the generation of online entrepreneurs and digital nomads. We travel more than ever and sometimes we lack inspiration for our future trips. Let me inspire you! I created this list of 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30 and the reasons to visit them.

Of course, everybody has a different lifestyle and spending level, but none of these locations is really expensive and totally unaffordable and many of them you can visit in one trip. It’s not impossible to travel so much and if you’re interested how can we afford to travel every month – you can read this post.

How to combine countries and visit more of them in one trip, so you can really visit all these 30 countries before you turn 30, I’ll tell you at the end of this post.

30 countries you should visit before you turn 30

1. Thailand

From Bangkok to James Bond Island, from vicious Pattaya to Buddhist Temples in Ayuthaya, Thailand has so many things to offer to its visitors and is definitely one of the 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30. It’s even possible to go volunteering there and many people, who did that, said they had the best time of their lives. You can also, of course, just buy a ticket to Thailand and enjoy your holiday, like we did. Read some of our posts about Thailand here.

Thailand

2. Morocco

From Agadir to Marrakech, Morocco is full of amazing cities and towns. Morocco is safe, beautiful, cheap and luxurious at the same time. You’ve probably seen plenty of photos on Instagram, featuring the hotels, which look like palaces – Riads. Staying in one of them is not that expensive at all. You can read about our adventures in Rabat and Marrakech here.

Marrakech

3. Mexico

Mexico is a very accessible destination for all the Northern Americans and it’s really amazing. Mexico has so many fabulous colourful cities like Puebla or San Cristobal and perfect resorts (see the top 10 in this post) in places like Cancun, Riviera Maya or Puerto Vallarta. And of course, in Mexico, you can try the most delicious guacamole in your life or take some colourful photos in lovely Coyoacan – one of the best districts of Mexico City.

Mexico – Riviera Maya

4. Belarus

Instead of reading how and imagining, how was the life back in the USSR, just head to Belarus. The capital, Minsk shows you how the life was in the 70s or 80s. Not much has changed since then in the city and it’s really really interesting. Read about top 10 things to do in Minsk, Belarus in this post.

Minsk

5. Cuba

Cuba is a unique country and my advice – you should visit it now before it changes. And believe me, it will change. Cuba is poor, but just as many other poor countries, it’s quite expensive for the foreigners. Don’t have too high expectations for food in Cuba, but their rum is one of the best in the world. Also, Cuba is all about the atmosphere and I didn’t meet anyone, who didn’t like this amazing island.

Cuba

6. France

If you ask any person in the world, who hasn’t travelled outside his/her country yet, what do they want to visit, they would probably answer Paris. Paris was featured in so many iconic movies, books and it was a huge fame about it. It’s not a secret that over the last 30 years Paris changed a lot (and not to the best, unfortunately, some districts are now quite dangerous), however, it still has so many charming, cute and fabulous places! France is not only Paris, of course, and you can visit some pretty amazing places like Carcassonne or French Riviera or Bordeaux. So France definitely deserves MANY trips, but you have to visit it at least one before you turn 30!

Impressive Carcassonne

7. Norway

Norway is expensive, so to travel there you’ve got to know your ways. If you’re before 30, you can still enjoy backpacking (don’t get me wrong, people after 30 do plenty of backpacking activities too, but usually (not always, but USUALLY), when you turn 30 and work full-time you want to have some certain level of comfort, besides you will probably have a family at some point and bringing your newborn to the hostel would definitely be a bad idea) and live in hostels, so that would help you to save a lot. While Norwegian capital, Oslo is not that impressive (read my post about my short layover in Oslo), but Norwegian nature and fjords are definitely some of the most beautiful places on Earth!

Norway from the window

8. Japan

Japan is unique! It’s a totally different world and I’m dreaming of going there one day. People say it’s impossible not to like Japan. Again, as a young person you can enjoy Japan on a budget – staying in some capsule hotels will be somewhat intriguing and buying ready meals in the supermarkets will be definitely an interesting experience. That’s why Japan is one of the 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30.

Japan

9. USA

(in case you aren’t from the States) or even if you are: The USA has cosmic landscapes, amazing beaches, cities full of culture and history – that’s why you need to visit the States at least once in your life. The USA is one of the best countries in the world for road trips – you can do the iconic route 66 or the West Coast or even the East Coast. What you should visit is the Natural Parks – they are incredible! I also enjoyed Miami Beach – its atmosphere is great and shopping there was beyond my expectations and also I somewhat enjoyed New York City.

Colourful Miami Beach

10. Russia

Russia is the biggest country in the world – so if you have one of these cool scratch maps of the world, it will seem like you have visited half of the world just after scratching the whole territory of Russia. However, there are of course more reasons to visit Russia than filling your scratch map – the Kremlin in Moscow is really impressive, St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the North of Russia – Karelia has amazing nature, Nizhny Novgorod has a fabulous EDM music festival – Alfa Future People, Kamchatka is cooler than Iceland and of course, Lake Baikal and the famous Trans-Siberian Railroad. Enough reasons to visit Russia? Check these 5 reasons to visit Russia right now and don’t forget to include Russia in your travel list of 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30.

11. Hong Kong

If there’s the best place for a student exchange in the world, I think it’s Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a paradise for students and I enjoyed every second of my exchange in Hong Kong! Amazing nature, interesting culture, best nightlife in the world, free alcohol, beautiful skyscrapers. What else do you need?

Hong Kong

12. Argentina

I haven’t visited Argentina yet, but it’s in top 5 of my bucket list for the next couple of years. Argentinian food, culture and nature are amazing! And Patagonia – the most beautiful part of Argentina is definitely a must!

Patagonia

13. Italy

I haven’t met a single person in my life who didn’t like Italy (same goes for Cuba, but the difference is, almost everyone I know, has been to Italy and only a few have been to Cuba). Seriously, I even asked on my Instagram with 30.5K followers whether there’s somebody who actually disliked Italy. And there was no one. Is it a valid reason to visit Italy? No? Well, then there’s Rome with it’s cultural heritage, romantic city Verona, home of Rome and Juliet; the famous city of canals, Venice; the cradle of university education – Bologna; beautiful city of art – Florence; city of opera – Milan, the city of food – Naples; amazing Sardinia and authentic Sicily. There are SO many places to visit in Italy!

Naples city panorama

14. Scotland

Scotland is part of the UK, but yet it’s a different country. Is has incredible nature (Highlands look like they are from a different planet, same goes for the Isle of Skye), beautiful unique architecture – just look at Edinburgh and amazing & kind people! If you’re a student, you’ll love studying at the University of Edinburgh and if you’re a tourist, you can visit Edinburgh on a budget. Glasgow is also great and definitely deserves a visit! As well as Inverness, St. Andrews, Perth, Oban and many other places!

Scotland

15. Singapore

Singapore looks exactly like the city of future (I feel that’s how the future will look like). It’s sustainable, modern, beautiful and represents a huge mix of different cultures and religions that perfectly coexist together. Singapore has some amazing & fun attractions like the Gardens by the Bay or the Universal Studios Singapore and it even has a beach. The only problem – Singapore is quite expensive, so you need to save for a while in order to be able to experience all that Singapore has to offer!

Garden by the Bay

16. Tanzania

There’s incredible island Zanzibar, there’s Safari, what else do you need to enjoy your holiday? Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa and a great destination for tourists, that’s why it’s one of the 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30.

Zanzibar

17. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, but in my opinion, it has one of the tastiest food in Europe and great party destinations for Europeans! Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are extremely popular summer party destinations – they are cheap and fun and if that’s what you’re looking for – head there! If you’re just like me and prefer quieter locations – Varna is the place to go! Nice beaches, cheap prices, good weather, friendly people and amazing food – what else do you need?

Varna

18. Peru

Peru is home to one of the new wonders of the world – Machu Picchu. While some say that Lima is not that impressive, Cusco is a place to go in Peru. There are llamas everywhere, just like sheep in Scotland, and the locals wear their very colourful traditional outfits. Also, it’s always quite cold there, because of the elevation!

Peru

19. Greece

Greece is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe and Santorini island in Greece of one of the most instagrammable places on Earth. However, other Greek islands like Rhodes and Crete also deserve your attention! We did a crazy Balkan trip last year and also visited Athens and Thessaloniki and enjoyed them a lot!

Rhodes

20. Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries I visited in my life and it’s a great destination for budget travellers. Cambodia has a great history, amazing historical places like Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and lovely beaches around Sihanoukville. Cambodia is hard to reach by plane (we flew there from Singapore and it wasn’t so cheap, but the best and cheapest way to get there is by bus from Bangkok, Thailand).

Cambodia

21. Germany

Germany has the best beer in the world and the most punctual people (how do these both facts go together, I don’t know). If you’re young, you should definitely visit Oktoberfest in Munich. However, there are so many great places to visit in Germany! I personally recommend you to go to Bavaria (Bayern) and spend a couple of days hiking and exploring lovely places like Berchtesgaden and Bad Reichenhall. I also lived in Hamburg, when I was 15 for two months and it was an interesting experience.

Bavaria

22. New Zealand

New Zealand is an iconic destination for all the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fans. However, if you aren’t a fan of these books/movies, New Zealand still has plenty of things to offer to you, such as tasty food and incredible landscapes. You can visit on of the most impressive glaciers in the world and that’s quite an adventure!

New Zealand

23. Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers & surfers because of its popular island Bali. Bali is the favourite place on Earth for millions of people and you’ve got to visit it at least once to understand why. However, don’t go to Bali in December and here’s why!

Bali

24. Romania

I’ve been to Romania already twice and enjoyed it a lot, that’s why I included it in this list of 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30. Bucharest is the new emerging great destination in Europe and has plenty amazing party places! Bucharest is very cheap and has plenty of things to offer! Check my post about 7 reasons to visit Bucharest! Also, there are amazing places to visit in the Romanian countryside – Brasov, the Dracula Castle Bran and the amazing castle Peles!

Beautiful Bucharest

25. Turkey

Turkey is one of the most popular summer beach destinations for Europe, but that’s not the reason to visit Turkey. The true reasons to visit Turkey are its beautiful capital Istanbul and the balloon show in Cappadocia. Also, there are plenty of interesting places in this country. However, if you only want to visit Istanbul, you can buy a long-haul flight with Turkish Airlines and have a long stopover in Istanbul – that way you can even get a free excursion around the city!

Turkey

26. Vietnam

Vietnam is incredible – it’s very cheap almost as cheap as Cambodia, has amazing beaches and even better food and it’s a great backpacking destination! Have you ever tried Pho? Well, it’s Vietnamese and if you like it, you should definitely go to Japan!

Vietnam

27. Ireland

Ireland is home to Guinness beer (who doesn’t like Guinness?), fabulous Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Galway and Cork! Ireland is a must-visit destination for the nature lover, seafood lovers and beer connoisseurs and it’s a great destination for young people (despite the fact it’s not cheap at all).

Ireland

28. Australia

One of the last 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30 is Australia. Australia needs at least two weeks, so you see few of the amazing places there are in Australia! The best way to explore Australia – hire or even buy a campervan or a motorhome (whatever you call it) and head on your adventure of a lifetime! If you have more time and money, don’t forget to visit beautiful Tasmania.

Australia

29. India

India is the country of culture and once of the best places for yoga retreats in the world. India is different, it’s really unique and you’ve got to be open minded to enjoy your visit to India (otherwise you’ll just complain about cows on the beach or trash everywhere or unhealthy living conditions). India is a great destination for volunteering.

India

30. Iceland

Iceland has been one of the most popular destinations for road trips in 2016! Why? Because of amazing nature in Iceland – geysers, waterfalls, mountains… There are so many places to see in Iceland. Also, everybody wants to take a photo in the famous blue lagoon. But what if you don’t want to take a road trip to Iceland? Don’t worry, you can stay in Reykjavik and book a couple of tours, just like I did during my solo trip to Iceland in March 2015! Iceland is definitely one of the 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30!

Iceland

Feel more inspired to travel now? Liked any of these 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30? Or you’re still doubting that you’ll manage to see them all so soon? Don’t worry, if you combine them properly, you can visit from 2 to 5 countries in one 10-day trip!

So, combination variants: Thailand + Cambodia + Singapore – 12 days – read how we did it Scotland + Ireland Indonesia + Australia + New Zealand – 14 days Canada + USA + Mexico – great for a 3 week adventure France + Germany + Czech Republic – 10 days Italy + Croatia – 10 days Argentina + Peru Japan + Hong Kong + Vietnam Turkey + Tanzania (flying with Turkish Airlines) Belarus + Russia + Norway

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30 countries you should visit before you turn 30 | Tripsget was last modified: June 13th, 2017 by Liza

The post 30 countries you should visit before you turn 30 | Tripsget appeared first on Tripsget UK Travel Millenial Blog.

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wandering-ish · 7 years

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(reposting this post from last year because it won’t show in my travel tag and it annoys me quite a bit (((a whole fucking lot))))

5 years ago and last year, I didn’t appreciate Korean food much. But during my last trip to Seoul, I learned to love the food I didn’t even like before! In fact, I spent quite a lot on food >__> So I decided to get the most out of the spending by… writing it down. My overlimit credit card and I proudly present:

SEOUL CULINARY DIARY

Fried chicken 양념 치킨 (yangnyeom chicken) is the first meal I had during the trip. Getting exhausted and hungry while trying to find Sinseonggak Jajangmyeon from Gongdeok Station, a hole in the wall chicken place got me interested. The owner saw me hesitating in front of her shop so she encouraged me to go inside, and I went. The place only had one table with 2 chairs. I was doubting at first, but ended up ordering half and half chicken set with fries. I was actually trying to order rice, but they don’t have it there (fortunately so, because I ended up struggling to finish the chicken). They served the chicken and fries with coleslaw and 치킨 무 (chicken mu) aka cubed radish pickle. Not much to say other than how amazingly delicious the chicken was, it’s like KFC but a zillion times better. Asked for more coleslaw because it was so good, fresh cabbage and tasty mayo. Also, I used to not like chicken mu but I ended up enjoying it. What I was surprsied about was that this little restaurant accepts credit card! They have that cashier machine thingy too. Really impressed. My guess was it was sponsored by the government for small businesses. If only the government here does that too~

My visit to Hello Kitty Cafe at Hongdae was planned. Pretty easy to find, you can follow this map here. I instantly chose strawberry mousse because it was the most representative of Hello Kitty. Tastes good, but nothing special. For drink, I ordered sweet potato latte because it seemed unique. It tastes just like our sweet potato, but in liquid phase. Overall, this place was nice to hang and chat, but the dessert was quite expensive. The mousse alone was 11500 KRW (around 130k IDR / 10 USD).

Still hungry after dessert and strolling around Hongdae, Izakaya bar was my next stop. Though it was a Japanese bar, it had 막걸리 (makgeolli aka Korean rice wine). The price for 1 litre of makgeolli was only 8000 KRW (87k IDR / 6.7 USD). Unfortunately, they asked me to order one food menu too aside from drink, so I ordered beef okonomiyaki (sadly it had shrimp and octopus too, so I didn’t enjoy it much). The makgeolli was nice. You had to drink it with a tin bowl. Felt quite buzzed by the end of the night because I had to finish half of this jar, possibly more.

Seoul was raining the next day, so a bowl of 삼계탕 (samgyetang aka ginseng chicken soup) seemed like a good choice for lunch. Personally, I am not really fond of samgyetang. I think it lacks the spice, but maybe it’s because my tongue is too used to overly spiced Indonesian food. Anyways, Tosokchon Samgyetang is a famous place, so I went there. The atmosphere was great there. I got the middle floor seat, sitting between a chinese tourist family and a couple of college guys. Ordered one regular samgyetang (there are a few types of samgyetang, but I chose the cheapest one, of course), a bottle of soju, and one pajeon. The pajeon came so late I thought they forgot this (they didn’t write the order, but only remembered it in their head). Pajeon had shrimp and octopus so I had to remove them before eating them. Samgyetang tastes like samgyetang did, I didn’t have improved opinion of it. But the weird part was I kind of didn’t hate soju anymore?? I used to dislike it, because it smelled like nail polish remover and tasted like how nail polish remover probably tastes like. Still smelled vividly like that, but I could finish half a bottle (probably more) of it. Obviously I got drunk in the middle of the day and passed out on the train ride.

SUM Cafe is located near Cheongdam Station Exit 6. I took pics and took a look at the magazines displayed there, but apparently you couldn’t sit in the cafe and read magazine without buying anything, so I ordered a lemon tart + coffee set. The lemon tart tastes just like those lemon biscuits from Khong Guan assorted biscuits tin. I meant it in a good way, because I like them biscuits. But this tart was way to overpriced. I went downstairs to take a look at the new SUM Market. It was a mini market, but the goods are packaged with SM artist names or arts on it, and sold about 5-10 times more expensive than the regular goods with regular packaging. In other words, the place was a capitalist hell. Sadly I still bought a thing, aka a bottle of SHINee’s sparkling water. Sounds ridiculous, but it was the least ridiculous thing of all things there. It was also the cheapest.

I got drunk for the 2nd time that day, this time at a bar called Oz in Itaewon. Last year I went to why not, the bar across from it, but it was too quiet and exclusive, so I chose Oz for a new experience. Because it was early, the bar still only had a few people. The bar was small with only bar seats available. The bartenders were CUTE and they tried to chat with us, albeit struggling while doing so. I ordered Banana Bomb, aka banana uyu mixed with vodka. Unexpectedly, it was really tasty. I wish we had banana uyu here so I could make this drink every other weekend. I can’t recall what others drank, but mine was the tastiest. Tho I didn’t reject Luthfi’s offer to finish his drink.

On the morning of my Railbike+Nami+Garden of Morning Calm Tour, I went to 7-11 to buy snacks. I was about to buy my favorite snack aka Thor’s Pretzel. But like dramatic fated meeting of lovers in kdramas, I stumbled upon a 2+1 deal for Cheese In The Trap potato chips! As a passionate CITT fan ☠webtoon only☠ I instantly bought it. I finished those three tubes mostly by myself during the whole day trip.

At Nami Island, I had lunch in the BBQ restaurant. Originally, I only ordered the pork one, but the restaurant won’t let 2 people share one set. Finally, one pork set, one chicken set, a bowl of dwenjang jjigae, and two bowls of rice were ordered. Plates of banchan and lettuce were served as well. Dwenjang jjigae came first, so I ate it with rice because it was cold and I was hungry. Personally, I didn’t enjoy it very much. Then, the meat came and I got into the grilling. I tried the wrap with kimchi and pickled chilli, but I ended up liking it without. Maybe because I’m not into Korean pickled things in general. All in all, the grilled pork and chicken was A++++ and I ate very happily. Most likely because it was the first time I ate rice in 4 days.

As I arrived at the Garden of the Morning Calm, I saw stalls of street food and I spotted The French Fries Coated Corndog!! I never found it in Seoul, so it got me super excited. After I finished going around the park, I went to buy it right away. They offered a few choice of sauce such as tomato ketchup, mustard, etc. I chose garlic. It was way tastier and better than the other corndog. I was so pleased. It was also so big and fulfilling.

The last day in Seoul, I chose to have brunch at Myeongdong Kyoja. Located near artbox in Myeongdong, it was easy to find. Famous for its 칼국수 (kalguksu aka knife cut homemade noodle), I ordered that along with a set of 만두 (mandu aka dumpling). Kalguksu had the width and thickness of pho noodle and the broth looked thick and rich but it was refreshing and not heavy. It got minced meat (pork? I think) and four dumplings. I enjoyed it very much. The portion was big, tho. And I still had to eat half of the dumpling set too. It was too much, but it was a great meal nonetheless. I had to poop before eating to reserve some space for the food.

Notes: All restaurant stated above (except street snack stalls) accepts credit card and provides free water.

Phew.

So that was my culinary diary from my last trip to Seoul. It was very mind opening. I had a great time and I feel like Seoul will never bore me?? There are still so many restaurants on my list that I have yet to visit. Which means I absolutely have to go back, right?

Right.

#travel #seoultrip2016 #seoul #culinary #food #korean food #hello kitty cafe #korean fried chicken #makgeolli #samgyetang #soju #corn dog #kalguksu #mandu #cheese in the trap #sum market #trip

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charllieeldridge · 5 years

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21 Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Buzzing Capital

Kuala Lumpur, or KL as many know it, is the bustling capital of Malaysia. It’s also a cultural melting pot, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous tribes. If you’re hoping to visit the Malaysian capital, read on for a list of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

With a name that literally means “muddy confluence,” this may not sound like a fantastic travel destination at first! In fact, many travelers never see beyond the airport. This is a crying shame, as there are lots of excellent things to do in KL to warrant sticking around for a few days.

Admittedly, I first visited Kuala Lumpur out of necessity. We were traveling to Indonesia and had to catch a flight out of there. Rather than make a beeline for the airport, though, we spent a few days exploring the city. I was happy we booked round-trip flights because I quickly realized there’s a lot going on here.

With just a few short days, you can explore the city’s ethnic neighborhoods, visit caves surrounded by monkeys, check out one of the coolest skyscrapers in the world, and lots more. The city is also home to some world-class museums and parks, so there are fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur regardless of the weather.

Perhaps best of all, you get to enjoy mouth-watering cuisine around every corner here. From Malaysian nasi lemak and Chinese noodles, to Indian curry, you definitely won’t go hungry here!

Let’s get to it and take a look at some of the top things to do in KL.

1. Dataran Merdeka

Our exploration of the Malaysian capital begins in Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square). It was here that Malaysia declared its independence from the British on August 31st, 1957.

While the square itself is actually just a big, well-manicured lawn, there’s plenty to see surrounding it. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap some photos of the gorgeous Sultan Abdul Samad Building. You can also see the 95-meter tall flagpole in the place where the Malaysian flag was first raised.

Head into the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, which has exhibits detailing the history of the city. It’s very informative and best of all, totally free! You can also take that all-important photo with the “I KL” sign while you’re here.

Around the square, you’ll also see the Royal Selangor Club. Built back in 1884, this once served as a meeting place for the British elite during colonial times. It’s still open and it’s still an exclusive (and very expensive) club, but you can at least admire the beautiful building.

Click here to find Dataran Merdeka on the map and get directions. The square is open 24 hours, but the City Gallery is only open from 9-6:30pm.

2. Petronas Towers – One of the most popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur!

The jewel in the skyline of Kuala Lumpur is definitely the Petronas Towers. These twin towers are 88-stories tall and are the most famous symbol of the city. Fun fact – these are actually the tallest twin towers in the world.

They were designed by Argentine architect César Pelli in a post-modern style. It’s a very impressive design with a facade that resembles motifs found in Islamic art.

I suggest checking out the towers at least twice on your trip — once during the day and again at night when they light up. Whatever time of day it is, visiting the towers will most likely be high up on your list of things to do in KL.

With your ticket, you can first head up to the Skybridge that connects the towers. Located on the 41st and 42nd floors, this is the highest 2-story bridge in the world. From there, you go all the way to the 86th floor to the amazing observation deck.

The Petronas Towers are open from Tuesday-Sunday from 9AM-9PM, with the last admission at 8:30. Tickets are about $20 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for children. Click here for directions.

3. Eating Street (Jalan Alor)

Without a doubt, one of the tastiest things to do in Kuala Lumpur is strolling along Jalan Alor. Commonly known simply as “Eating Street,” this is the place to be to sample some of the best (and cheapest) food in the city.

On both sides of the street, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants. There are countless hawker stands here as well, with plastic stools spilling out onto the street to accommodate the hungry masses. Be sure to bring your appetite, as there are tons of great choices here.

Jalan Alor is located just a 5-minute walk from Bukit Bintang Station. Click here to get directions. You can come here any time, but it really comes to life at night when all the lanterns illuminate the street. Many locals like coming here for a late-night meal after a big night out on the town.

4. KLCC Park

Even if you decide to skip out on going up to the top, you can enjoy the views of the Petronas Towers from the nearby KLCC Park. This is a 50-acre oasis of green space right in the middle of the big city.

The location of the park is definitely a strategic one. It’s next to the iconic Petronas Towers to highlight the importance of nature among all the hustle and bustle.

There was a lot of attention to detail in the design of this park as well. For example, they selected trees that would attract migratory birds. The park is home to a jogging track, wading pool, a large playground, and more.

A highlight of KLCC Park is the man-made Lake Symphony. The lake has musical fountains that put on a show of sound, light, and water every evening at 8, 9, and 10P PM. Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur!

☞ See Also: Top 10 Best Malaysian Islands

5. National Museum of Malaysia

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the country, be sure to head to the National Museum of Malaysia. It’s a beautiful building, as the design comes from traditional Malay palaces.

There are several different galleries in the museum, each with their own theme. In one day, you can go from pre-history to modern-day Malaysia and all points in between. Plus, a visit to the museum is the perfect way to escape the often scorching mid-day heat of Kuala Lumpur!

The National Museum of Malaysia is open daily from 9AM-6PM. Tickets cost just over $1 for adults, so this is a great bargain! Click here for directions.

6. Kampung Baru (traditional village)

Kuala Lumpur is very much a modern city, full of glistening skyscrapers and high-end shopping malls. Some have resisted the city’s breakneck development, though, including the residents of Kampung Baru.

Here you’ll find one of the last examples of traditional village life in the big city. Land and homeowners here have refused offers from developers on many instances in an effort to maintain their way of life. Ironically, the name Kampung Baru actually means “New Village.”

As Kampung Baru sits on very valuable land nearby the Petronas Towers, developers are very eager to swoop in. It might happen sooner than later and could cost well over $1 billion to buy everyone out. Make sure you check out Kampung Baru before the wrecking ball arrives. You can get directions on the map here.

7. Batu Caves

One of the most popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur is taking a trip out to the Batu Caves. This series of caves is located in limestone cliffs just north of the city.

It’s actually a very important pilgrimage site for Hindus, as the caves are home to several temples and statues. The caves are the focal point of the Hindu festival Thaipusam, when thousands of people visit for the processions.

Upon reaching the Batu Caves, the first thing you’ll notice is the giant, golden statue of Lord Murugan. The next thing you’ll probably see is a cheeky monkey, as the caves are home to countless long-tailed macaques. While you don’t need to be afraid of the monkeys, it’s best to keep your distance. They can get quite territorial and have been known to bite tourists.

Monkey business aside, it’s well worth the short train trip out to the caves. While the Batu Caves are free to visit, you’ll have to join a tour for about $8 if you want to check out the Dark Caves. Click here to get directions to both.

8. Museum Hopping

In addition to the National Museum of Malaysia, you’ve got plenty of other options in KL. Another great choice is the Royal Museum, which was the official royal residence for over 80 years.

If you want to see how royalty lived in Malaysia, be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur. The Royal Museum is open daily from 9AM-5PM and costs around $2 for adults. Click here to get directions.

Art lovers will want to be sure to include a trip to the Islamic Arts Museum. With over 10,000 artifacts, their goal is to display a collection that’s representative of the Islamic world. It’s open daily from 9AM-6:30PM and costs just over $3 for adults. You can check it on the map here.

There are plenty of other worthwhile museums in KL, including the Museum of Illusions, National Visual Arts Gallery, and the Orang Asli Crafts Museum. It’s nice to have options for where to go on a hot and/or rainy afternoon, as those are frequent here!

9. Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is centered around Petaling Street. There are large Chinese arches at either end of the street and it’s covered by a long green roof that’s commonly called the “Green Dragon.”

Along this pedestrian-only street, you’ll find countless shops and vendors selling things like traditional Chinese medicine and counterfeit watches. Haggling is not only allowed but encouraged here!

Of course, there’s also plenty of delicious food in Chinatown. Be sure to try some Hainanese chicken rice while you’re here! An interesting side note I’ll add is that I found the cheapest booze in the city in Indian-run shops in Chinatown. It’s hard to find a cheap drink in this city (well, the entire country actually), so I thought I’d let you know!

In addition to shopping, eating, and drinking cheap beers, you can visit both a Taoist and a Hindu temple in Chinatown. If you’re a backpacker, you’ll likely end up staying here as Chinatown is home to several great budget hostels. Click here for directions.

10. Perdana Botanical Gardens

When you need an escape from the concrete jungle, one of the best things to do in KL is visiting the Perdana Botanical Gardens. Built way back in 1888, the gardens have been a popular refuge ever since.

There’s enough to see and do in the gardens to keep you busy for an entire day. Here you can see the National Monument, visit the hibiscus and orchid gardens, or just relax by the lake.

The gardens are also home to deer, bird, and butterfly parks. To get around the massive park, you can hop on the shuttle tram which runs from 9AM-6PM and costs just over $1. There are also bicycles available to rent if you’d prefer to cycle.

It’s a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon in the city, so be sure to add a stop here to your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Click here for directions.

11. Thean Hou Temple

Another great way to experience Chinese culture in Kuala Lumpur is by visiting the Thean Hou Temple. This beautiful temple incorporates elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It’s one of the biggest temples in all of Southeast Asia and is dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven, Thean Hou.

While it’s always a nice place to visit, the temple is especially lively around Buddhist holidays like Wesak or Chinese celebrations such as the Spring Festival. It’s also a popular place to speak with a fortune teller and practice traditional Chinese martial arts such as tai chi.

The temple is located on a hill and offers some fantastic views of the city. It’s open daily from 9AM-6PM and you can get there by bus or cab. Click here for directions to the temple.

12. Take a Food Tour

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is simply eating your way around the city. With a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, there’s something tasty being cooked up around every corner here.

While you can always just follow your nose and find some delicious food on your own, you’ll have a more enjoyable experience by signing up for a food tour. With a local food expert as your guide, you’ll get to sample some of the best cuisine in Kuala Lumpur.

FTM (Food Tour Malaysia) comes highly recommended and offers several different options for food tours. Their best selling tour is called “Off the Eaten Track” and runs every day from 7-11PM. Tours cost $62 for adults and $31 for children. Click here to check their website for all the details.

13. KL Tower

One of the most famous sights in the Malaysian capital is the KL Tower. It stands at 421 meters (1,381 feet) tall and is the highest viewpoint in the city that’s open to the public.

The tower is actually located in one of the oldest forest reserves in the country. It’s called Bukit Nanas, which translates into Pineapple Hill. It’s actually the only such tower in the world that’s built in a forest!

The KL Tower is open daily from 9AM-10PM. Tickets for the observation deck cost $12 or $24 for the sky deck. You could also just go and have dinner at Atmosphere 360, which is a rotating restaurant high up in the tower. For directions to the KL Tower, click here.

14. Little India

In addition to Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur is also home to a neighborhood known as Little India. Taking a walk along the main Jalan Tun Sambanthan, you’ll feel as if you were transported right to the sub-continent!

As you stroll around Little India, you’ll hear Bollywood music blasting and smell the famous banana leaf rice. This dish is a mix of rice, veggies, meat, and curry served on a banana leaf. The proper way to eat it is with your hands, so it can definitely get a little messy! Wash it all down with a refreshing mango lassi for an excellent meal.

Once you’re nice and full, you can peruse the shops in the 3-story bazaar. Here you’ll find colorful saris, flower garlands, and of course, plenty of Bollywood CDs and DVD. Little India is located in the Brickfields area of the city, right near KL Sentral station. Click here for directions.

15. National Mosque of Malaysia

Seeing the National Mosque of Malaysia is definitely one of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur. It’s absolutely massive and can hold up to 15,000 people. The mosque is one of the most important symbols of this Islamic nation, and it’s an absolutely gorgeous building.

The main dome of the mosque has an 18-pointed star – 13 representing the states of Malaysia and 5 representing the pillars of Islam. It also has a stunning 73-meter tall minaret and a roof resembling an open umbrella.

It’s possible to enter the mosque, but only after prayers are over and with proper attire. If you’re unprepared, they have robes and scarves that you can borrow. The National Mosque is located near the Islamic Arts Museum and the Perdana Botanical Gardens. Click here for directions.

16. Central Market

If you’re looking to pick up some traditional Malaysian souvenirs on your trip, you’ll want to include a stop at the Central Market in your list of things to do in KL. This beautiful art-deco building is a landmark for the cultural heritage of Malaysia with a wide variety of vendors.

It dates all the way back to 1888, when it was originally a wet market. There have been several renovations and expansions over the years, including the recent addition of the Central Market Annexe. Located behind the main building, this area has a bunch of eclectic art galleries along with a 3D Illusion Art Museum.

Inside the market, you can shop for some traditional Malay batik and grab a bite to eat in their excellent food court. The Central Market is located in Chinatown near the Klang River. It’s open daily from 10AM-9:30PM. Click here to get directions.

17. KL Forest Eco Park

If you want to get out in nature without spending half your day in transit, the KL Forest Eco Park is a wonderful choice. It’s a real deal tropical rainforest right in the heart of a major city!

The best part about visiting this tranquil park is the canopy walkway located high up in the trees. It’s totally free to visit and a great place to spend a few hours enjoying the views and the sounds of birds chirping. Be sure to bring your camera because this is a prime spot for photos.

The Forest Eco Park is located near the KL Tower in the area commonly called Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill). Click here for directions.

18. Shopping Malls

I’m not usually one to recommend shopping malls, as I absolutely loathe shopping in general, but I’ll make an exception here. You see, Kuala Lumpur can be brutally hot and humid. Once in a while, you just have to escape into an air-conditioned haven!

When it comes to shopping malls, it’s hard to beat Suria KLCC. Located at the foot of the Petronas Towers, this 6-story mall is home to over 320 shops. In addition, the mall also houses a science discovery center, concert hall, and an art gallery.

Best of all, there’s a huge food court here with tons of options. It’s worth a trip here just to cool off a bit and grab a snack! Suria KLCC is open daily from 10AM-10PM. Click here to get directions.

19. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

One of the most fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur is visiting the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. This massive theme park is actually six different parks rolled into one and is fun for the whole family.

The different zones at Sunway Lagoon are: water park, scream park, amusement park, extreme park, and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon. There’s enough going on that you could easily spend the entire day here. Tickets cost about $50 for adults and $40 for children and seniors.

The park is located in the southwest part of the city about 15 kilometers from the center. Click here to get directions. The park is open daily from 10AM-6PM. You can read all about the park and what you can do there on their website.

20. Drinks With a View

I don’t know about you, but I love hitting a good rooftop bar happy hour when visiting a big city. It’s just nice watching the city light up as you enjoy an adult beverage or two with some good conversation.

Thankfully there are several excellent choices for getting drinks with a view in KL. One popular choice is SkyBar, which you’ll find on the 33rd floor of the Traders Hotel. Head here to sip on their signature cocktails, snack on tapas, and enjoy panoramic views of the park and Petronas Towers. They’ve usually got a DJ spinning electronic music here, so come and dance the night away!

Another solid choice for a rooftop bar is Vertigo at the Banyan Tree. Way up on the 59th floor, this is the highest rooftop bar in the capital. Head here around sunset to get some breathtaking views of the city. There’s also a restaurant on the floor below called Horizon Grill if you want to sit down for a meal.

21. Night Out in the Golden Triangle

Rounding out our list of things to do in KL is a night out in the Golden Triangle. This bustling commercial district is home to tons of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, making for a great evening.

The Golden Triangle is formed by Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan. It’s located right near KLCC Park and the Petronas Towers, so you always have a nice view of the city’s most iconic building when you’re out and about here.

This is definitely the part of the city to see and be seen, with five-star hotels, luxury shops, and trendy nightclubs. The nightlife is centered around Jalan P. Ramlee, where you’ll find some fun open-air beer spots and bars with live bands rocking out. You can also tear up the dance floor at a nightclub here or sing your heart out in a karaoke bar.

Ready for Kuala Lumpur?

After reading about all the fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur, I’m sure you’re itching to visit the bustling Malaysian capital. It’s the perfect place to start or end a big journey in Southeast Asia, as it’s a central hub with lots of options for flights.

Plus, it’s a fascinating place to visit with its distinct mix of cultures. Not only do you get to experience the local culture, but you can also basically travel to China and India while you’re here. That’s a three-for-one travel deal right there!

I’ve already been to Kuala Lumpur a few times and done most of the things on this list, but I’m still excited about visiting the city again in the future. Now that I’m living the digital nomad lifestyle, Kuala Lumpur is high on my list of possible home-bases around the world.

If you’ve been to KL and have some awesome recommendations on things to do, places to eat, or anything else, please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know.

Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.

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The post 21 Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Buzzing Capital appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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supernutritionandfitnessnet · 6 years

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Meal Planning Mastery: https://ift.tt/2LmgDlK Free Meal Plan: https://ift.tt/2JvsP72 Books: https://ift.tt/2LFMdLa -----SOCIAL MEDIA----- Blog: https://ift.tt/2JyLYEA Facebook Group: https://ift.tt/2HFBmOS Facebook: https://ift.tt/2JvsRMc Instagram: https://ift.tt/2LFMgqk READ THE ARTICLE https://ift.tt/2MZOO3N DESCRIPTION When it comes to protein powders there are literally hundreds of options out there. Not only do you have different types like whey, egg, beef or vegan protein powder. But you also have different brands and degrees of processing like concentrates, isolates or blends. So as a beginner you will probably ask yourself: What type of protein powder or protein shake is best for building muscle and losing weight? If you look for an answer to this question online you will notice that within the fitness and bodybuilding community there is always a lot of discussion about the best protein supplement. But before we get into that let's set one thing clear. Do You Need A Protein Powder To Build Muscle Or Lose Weight? No. Even though your body requires more protein when you want to build muscle through strength training, this doesn’t mean you have to use protein powders (or any other protein supplement for that matter). As long as you reach your recommended daily protein intake you will be fine and see results. However, consuming enough protein every day can be tricky, especially when you don’t have time to prepare high protein meals all the time. That is why most athletes and bodybuilders use protein powders in addition to a balanced diet. So if you are crunched for time, a good protein powder can really make your life easier. That said, when you research different types of protein powders, you will almost certainly find people praising their product due to its special amino acid profile or some other magic ingredient. Whey protein usually tops most lists, because of its high bioavailability, fast absorption and its high amount of essential amino acid. Even though I also recommend whey protein as the go-to protein for beginners, that doesn't mean you have to use it. What is often forgotten is the fact that, as long as you don’t get all your daily protein from supplements (which is never a good idea), you won’t notice the tiny differences among the different forms of protein. Vegan Protein Powders & Amino Acids For example, it is often said that vegan powders have an inferior amino acid profile when compared to whey protein. Now it is true that in theory most vegan sources are low in one or more of the nine essential amino acids. But in practice, this won’t matter if the rest of your diet is balanced enough to supply you with all essential amino acids and you get enough total protein. Also, certain vegan protein powders like rice, pea or certain blends actually have an amino acid profile that is similar to whey so the differences are tiny to begin with. That's why my recommendation is to go with your favorite sort of protein. If you don't have a favorite sort yet, try whey because it's usually the cheapest, tastiest and mixes well. So, unless you can’t use whey protein for some reason or don't want to (if you are vegan, for example), then that’s the protein powder I suggest you get when first trying them out. But what if you don't want a whey protein? Your other options would then be egg white protein powder or casein, which are usually recommended before bedtime because they are digested more slowly. And if you are a vegan the best options are usually rice protein, pea protein or vegan blends that combine a number of different sources. Again, you will probably find someone who tells you not to buy one or more of the protein powders I just mentioned and usually they will mention reasons like amino acid profile or digestibility. But, like I said before, if your overall diet is healthy and balanced these small differences won't matter. What's more important is that you research the top brands after you have decided on your favorite type of protein powder. There are definitely a lot of scams out there and amino spiking is a common problem. Your best bet is to head over to labdoor.com and check their rankings on protein powders. Music: Tobu - Seven [NCS Release] https://youtu.be/h18gwLKQf_Q

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travelguy4444 · 6 years

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How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money

Updated: 07/03/18 | July 3rd, 2018

I recently asked subscribers of my newsletter about the number one thing that holds them back from traveling. The near universal answer?

Money.

This is something I hear from everyone I talk to: “Matt, I simply don’t have enough money to travel.”

This problem – and how to overcome it – is my most asked question. I answer this question in a plethora of posts, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts. Long-term readers might even be getting sick of me discussing this subject because it is one I talk about so much. I know no matter how often I address this question, it will come up again.

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact:

You do not need to be rich to travel.

Let’s repeat that.

You do not need to be rich to travel cheap.

I sure wasn’t. I had an average-paying administrative job the year before I left for my first trip. It wasn’t a lot after taxes.

Yet I managed to save enough to travel the world. How? I made it a priority. If travel is not a priority for you, you will always find some other things to spend money on and you’ll never have “enough” money to travel. I never have enough money to go shopping or buy a new electronic gadget because I spend my money on travel, so there isn’t much left over for non-priority expenses. Everything I do is focused on having more money for travel (and other things I love like sushi, movies, and nice dinners)!

At the time, I was still paying college debt, and yet using those tips managed to save over $20,000 for my initial trip around the world.

“But Matt, I work a minimum wage job/am a student/live on Social Security/am underemployed/live with my parents/spend a lot/have kids/[insert other excuse here] and no matter what I can do, I’ll never be able to do it. I can’t even pay back my student loans. What do I do?”

The Cheapest Way To Travel The World: An Ultimate Guide To Cheap Travel

What do you do when you are in that boat? What do you do when prioritizing your budget?

Six years ago, I attempted to answer that question in this blog post. Now, I’ve updated this post to address those concerns again because methods and resources have changed.

But the central tenet remains the same: You don’t need a lot of money to begin traveling.

Even if you don’t earn a lot or have debt, there are ways to go overseas still. If you feel that no matter what you do you will never get ahead by saving money, follow this guide to ultimate travel frugality and see the world on the ultra-cheap:

Work overseas

Not making enough money at your job? Why not get a job overseas? There are plenty of opportunities in the world as long as you aren’t picky — and after all, this isn’t a career you are starting, it’s just a way to earn money for travel. Here are some jobs you can get to pay the bills and fund your travels:

Au pair

Bartender

Hostel worker

Waitress/waiter

Farm worker (very popular in Australia and New Zealand)

Dive instructor (some certification required)

Tour guide

Cruise ship worker

Casino worker

Seasonal worker at ski resorts

Yacht worker

Working overseas often gets discounted as an option because it seems hard to do. It’s not. Just be open. These jobs don’t require advanced degrees or a lot of work experience either. Are you going to get some high-paying office job? No. Will you get a shitty, low-wage job that will pay all your travel bills? Yes! I’ve met people from all walks of life, both from Western and non-Western countries, funding their travels this way.

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS:

15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

Teach English overseas

One of the best ways to make money for travel is to teach English overseas. You can make a lot of money teaching — I replenished my travel funds while working in Thailand, and I have had friends leave South Korea with tens of thousands of dollars in the bank. All you need is the ability to speak English fluently and maybe a TEFL degree, depending on the country you work in. The world is yearning for teachers, and this is a job in high demand; many companies in Asia will even pay for your flight over.

Additionally, there are many websites and services out there that allow you to teach virtually. As long as you have a great Wi-Fi connection you can help people learn English from anywhere in the world!

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

How Emily Funded Her Entire Trip by Teaching Overseas

Discover How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

How to Teach English and Live in Spain

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

Get free flights

There are so many ways to earn free flights, I hate when people tell me they can’t afford to fly. Sign up for a few travel credit cards, collect miles, and then fly for free. Most cards offer sign-up bonuses of 50,000 points — and if you sign up for both an airline card (think a United airlines card) and a general rewards card like the Chase Sapphire or AMEX card, you can combine the two point balances and get a cheap flight faster.

By collecting points and miles through credit card bonuses, smart everyday spending, online surveys, bonuses, and other methods, you’ll accrue a ton of miles even before you’ve left for your trip. You can go a lot further in the world when you take away the cost of flights and some accommodation.

Travel hacking is how you can travel cheap!!!!

READ MORE ABOUT TRAVEL HACKING:

The #1 Thing Travel Experts Do to Get Free Flights and Hotels

How to Find Cheap Flights: The Ultimate Guide

Is Travel Hacking Really a Scam?

How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Each Year

Stay with locals for free

There are many services that connect travelers with locals who are willing to let them stay with them for FREE. Using these sites you will never have to pay for accommodation. Years ago I read about a guy who traveled for years while only Couchsurfing. I’ve used this service about 10 times and always meet amazing people. Sometimes you get a room, sometimes a couch, sometimes an air mattress, but it’s always free. There are also local Couchsurfing group meet-ups that can help you make friends in your new city. Moreover, because of the rise of the sharing economy in the last few years there are now websites that let you not only stay with locals but share rides, meals, train tickets, gear, and much more! These websites not only save you a TON of money but they also get you off the tourist track and into the local life. Win-win! Here is a list of websites to use for free accommodation:

Couchsurfing

Servas

Global Freeloaders

READ MORE ABOUT FINDING CHEAP OR FREE ACCCOMMODATION:

How to Find Cheap Accommodation in 2018

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Crush it on Couchsurfing

Use the sharing economy

Use the sharing economy to find cheaper accommodation, quirky tour guides, rideshare options, and home-cooked meals with local chefs. You can bypass the traditional travel industry with sharing economy websites and gain access to locals using their own assets and skills to become small tourism companies with cheaper prices. Moreover, locals know where to find deals. They know which supermarket is cheapest, which stores offer the best sales, and where to find the hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars with the tastiest food at the lowest prices. Talking directly to them gives you access to that knowledge.

These websites have changed the travel game and made travel more accessible for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite websites:

Airbnb (accommodation)

Vayable (tours)

BlaBlaCar (ridesharing)

EatWith (meals)

Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is a free way to get around that is relatively safe and quite common in many parts of the world, including Central America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. I’ve hitchhiked in more than a handful of countries in the world (and I know solo female travelers who have done the same!). Sure, it has a bad reputation in North America, but with some common sense and a bit of patience you can hitch hike almost anywhere — saving you tons of money in the process!

READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States

What I Learned Hitchhiking Around China

A Lesson in Kindness While Hitchhiking Through Iceland

Free walking tours

Want to learn about the city, get your bearings, and see the major sights? Take a free walking tour. You can find them in 90% of the major cities in Europe, and there are also a few in large Asian cities, South America, New York, Australia, and New Zealand. To find these tours, ask the local tourist office, your hostel staff (or just walk into a hostel and ask about them), or Google “Free walking tour (city name).” Just be sure to tip at the end!

READ MORE ABOUT TAKING FREE WALKING TOURS:

Historical Walking Tours of NYC

8 Ways to Choose the Perfect Tour Company in 2018

Housesit

Can’t afford your vacation? Watch someone’s house while they go on theirs! You can sign up for one of the sites below and watch people’s homes (and often their pets) for free, allowing you to stay in one destination for a while without having to pay for accommodation. Everyone’s account is verified so you know you won’t get cheated. This is a great platform for long-term travel with an important added bonus: you get a kitchen to cook your food (which saves you even more money!!!). Here are the best housesitting websites to check out:

Trusted Housesitters

Home Exchange

House Carers

READ MORE ABOUT HOUSESITTING:

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Travel the World for Free with Trusted Housesitters

Cook your meals

The best way to save money on the road is to cook all your own meals. I recently spent $60 USD for a week’s worth of groceries in Stockholm instead of an average of $15 USD per meal eating out! That’s a saving of $150 USD! If you are Couchsurfing, your host will probably have a kitchen, as do many hostels, campsites, and guesthouses. No kitchen? Pack your own container and silverware and make some sandwiches and salads on the go. Not every meal requires a stove right?

Just because you are traveling, it doesn’t mean you need to eat out every meal. You won’t ruin your trip to Paris if you decide not to eat out one day! There’s simply no reason to be spending lots of money on food on your trip!

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

How to Lower Your Food Expenses When You Travel

How to Travel and Eat Your Way Around the World

WWOOFing

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It’s a platform that allows you to work on a farm in exchange for free room and board. It’s a great way to see a destination in-depth while allowing you to commune with the great outdoors. You have to pay to get to the farm, but once you are there, everything else is covered!

READ MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING:

How to Travel and Work Around the World with WWOOF

How to Ethically Volunteer Anywhere in the World

Bonus tips

Here are five additional ways to save money that cost a little but are still very cheap:

Get rail passes — Booking ahead of time can usually save you about 50% of the cost of a train ticket, but if you don’t want to be tied into a fixed schedule, rail passes can save you a lot of money. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars in Europe doing this!

Sleep in large dorms — Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. If Couchsurfing isn’t your thing, this is your next best way to save money on a place to sleep.

Use student and other discount cards — Are you a student, teacher, or under 26? Welcome to the world of 50%-off attractions and a plethora of discounts. Get a student/teacher/youth card and save big!

Get city tourist cards — If you plan on seeing a lot of sights in a city, you should get a city tourism card, which offers you discounted and free access to the major attractions and museums, as well as free public transportation. I saved over $100 with the London pass, $80 with Paris Museum card, $50 with a Helsinki card, and tons more with other city tourism cards. They are an amazing way to save money on attractions that not enough people use.

Sell your services– Need some cash? Use Craigslist, TaskRabbit, or Gumtree to find people who need a few things done around the house and get paid to help them. It’s a way to make money when you travel without committing to a long-term job. Additionally, if you have a skill, sell it. Offer haircuts to other travelers, busk for money, consult, etc. You can also help people learn your native language through apps like Duolingo.

Between all of these tips, you’ll be able to travel for relatively little money. After all, I’ve spent five days in Stockholm on $100 and once spent 10 days in London on $700.

If I can do it, you can do it too.

Whether it’s two months, two years, or just a two-week vacation, travel doesn’t need to cost a huge sum of money. The key is to get out of the mindset that you must travel using the flight/hotel combination. Using out-of-the-box, nontraditional ways to travel can lead to big savings.

With a little creativity, patience, and practice, you can travel the world with little to no money!

Next Steps for Traveling

To turn the above advice into actionable steps by reading the following articles:

How to Get Free Flights & Hotels

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

Learn How to Get Paid and Travel

The post How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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jeffreyclinard · 6 years

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How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money

Updated: 07/03/18 | July 3rd, 2018

I recently asked subscribers of my newsletter about the number one thing that holds them back from traveling. The near universal answer?

Money.

This is something I hear from everyone I talk to: “Matt, I simply don’t have enough money to travel.”

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact:

You do not need to be rich to travel.

Let’s repeat that.

You do not need to be rich to travel cheap.

I sure wasn’t. I had an average-paying administrative job the year before I left for my first trip. It wasn’t a lot after taxes.

At the time, I was still paying college debt, and yet using those tips managed to save over $20,000 for my initial trip around the world.

The Cheapest Way To Travel The World: An Ultimate Guide To Cheap Travel

What do you do when you are in that boat? What do you do when prioritizing your budget?

Six years ago, I attempted to answer that question in this blog post. Now, I’ve updated this post to address those concerns again because methods and resources have changed.

But the central tenet remains the same: You don’t need a lot of money to begin traveling.

Work overseas

Au pair

Bartender

Hostel worker

Waitress/waiter

Farm worker (very popular in Australia and New Zealand)

Dive instructor (some certification required)

Tour guide

Cruise ship worker

Casino worker

Seasonal worker at ski resorts

Yacht worker

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS:

15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

Teach English overseas

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

How Emily Funded Her Entire Trip by Teaching Overseas

Discover How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

How to Teach English and Live in Spain

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

Get free flights

Travel hacking is how you can travel cheap!!!!

READ MORE ABOUT TRAVEL HACKING:

The #1 Thing Travel Experts Do to Get Free Flights and Hotels

How to Find Cheap Flights: The Ultimate Guide

Is Travel Hacking Really a Scam?

How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Each Year

Stay with locals for free

Couchsurfing

Servas

Global Freeloaders

READ MORE ABOUT FINDING CHEAP OR FREE ACCCOMMODATION:

How to Find Cheap Accommodation in 2018

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Crush it on Couchsurfing

Use the sharing economy

These websites have changed the travel game and made travel more accessible for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite websites:

Airbnb (accommodation)

Vayable (tours)

BlaBlaCar (ridesharing)

EatWith (meals)

Hitchhike

READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States

What I Learned Hitchhiking Around China

A Lesson in Kindness While Hitchhiking Through Iceland

Free walking tours

READ MORE ABOUT TAKING FREE WALKING TOURS:

Historical Walking Tours of NYC

8 Ways to Choose the Perfect Tour Company in 2018

Housesit

Trusted Housesitters

Home Exchange

House Carers

READ MORE ABOUT HOUSESITTING:

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Travel the World for Free with Trusted Housesitters

Cook your meals

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

How to Lower Your Food Expenses When You Travel

How to Travel and Eat Your Way Around the World

WWOOFing

READ MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING:

How to Travel and Work Around the World with WWOOF

How to Ethically Volunteer Anywhere in the World

Bonus tips

Here are five additional ways to save money that cost a little but are still very cheap:

Sleep in large dorms — Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. If Couchsurfing isn’t your thing, this is your next best way to save money on a place to sleep.

Between all of these tips, you’ll be able to travel for relatively little money. After all, I’ve spent five days in Stockholm on $100 and once spent 10 days in London on $700.

If I can do it, you can do it too.

With a little creativity, patience, and practice, you can travel the world with little to no money!

Next Steps for Traveling

To turn the above advice into actionable steps by reading the following articles:

How to Get Free Flights & Hotels

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

Learn How to Get Paid and Travel

The post How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Traveling News https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/the-ultimate-guide-to-traveling-when-you-have-no-money/

0 notes

theladyjstyle · 6 years

Photo

Updated: 07/03/18 | July 3rd, 2018

I recently asked subscribers of my newsletter about the number one thing that holds them back from traveling. The near universal answer?

Money.

This is something I hear from everyone I talk to: “Matt, I simply don’t have enough money to travel.”

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact:

You do not need to be rich to travel.

Let’s repeat that.

You do not need to be rich to travel cheap.

I sure wasn’t. I had an average-paying administrative job the year before I left for my first trip. It wasn’t a lot after taxes.

At the time, I was still paying college debt, and yet using those tips managed to save over $20,000 for my initial trip around the world.

The Cheapest Way To Travel The World: An Ultimate Guide To Cheap Travel

What do you do when you are in that boat? What do you do when prioritizing your budget?

Six years ago, I attempted to answer that question in this blog post. Now, I’ve updated this post to address those concerns again because methods and resources have changed.

But the central tenet remains the same: You don’t need a lot of money to begin traveling.

Work overseas

Au pair

Bartender

Hostel worker

Waitress/waiter

Farm worker (very popular in Australia and New Zealand)

Dive instructor (some certification required)

Tour guide

Cruise ship worker

Casino worker

Seasonal worker at ski resorts

Yacht worker

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS:

15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

Teach English overseas

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

How Emily Funded Her Entire Trip by Teaching Overseas

Discover How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

How to Teach English and Live in Spain

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

Get free flights

Travel hacking is how you can travel cheap!!!!

READ MORE ABOUT TRAVEL HACKING:

The #1 Thing Travel Experts Do to Get Free Flights and Hotels

How to Find Cheap Flights: The Ultimate Guide

Is Travel Hacking Really a Scam?

How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Each Year

Stay with locals for free

Couchsurfing

Servas

Global Freeloaders

READ MORE ABOUT FINDING CHEAP OR FREE ACCCOMMODATION:

How to Find Cheap Accommodation in 2018

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Crush it on Couchsurfing

Use the sharing economy

These websites have changed the travel game and made travel more accessible for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite websites:

Airbnb (accommodation)

Vayable (tours)

BlaBlaCar (ridesharing)

EatWith (meals)

Hitchhike

READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States

What I Learned Hitchhiking Around China

A Lesson in Kindness While Hitchhiking Through Iceland

Free walking tours

READ MORE ABOUT TAKING FREE WALKING TOURS:

Historical Walking Tours of NYC

8 Ways to Choose the Perfect Tour Company in 2018

Housesit

Trusted Housesitters

Home Exchange

House Carers

READ MORE ABOUT HOUSESITTING:

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Travel the World for Free with Trusted Housesitters

Cook your meals

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

How to Lower Your Food Expenses When You Travel

How to Travel and Eat Your Way Around the World

WWOOFing

READ MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING:

How to Travel and Work Around the World with WWOOF

How to Ethically Volunteer Anywhere in the World

Bonus tips

Here are five additional ways to save money that cost a little but are still very cheap:

Sleep in large dorms — Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. If Couchsurfing isn’t your thing, this is your next best way to save money on a place to sleep.

Between all of these tips, you’ll be able to travel for relatively little money. After all, I’ve spent five days in Stockholm on $100 and once spent 10 days in London on $700.

If I can do it, you can do it too.

With a little creativity, patience, and practice, you can travel the world with little to no money!

Next Steps for Traveling

To turn the above advice into actionable steps by reading the following articles:

How to Get Free Flights & Hotels

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

Learn How to Get Paid and Travel

The post How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money https://ift.tt/2wUM9Rk

#Nomadic Matt's Travel Site digital nomad

0 notes

vidovicart · 6 years

Text

How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money

Updated: 07/03/18 | July 3rd, 2018

I recently asked subscribers of my newsletter about the number one thing that holds them back from traveling. The near universal answer?

Money.

This is something I hear from everyone I talk to: “Matt, I simply don’t have enough money to travel.”

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact:

You do not need to be rich to travel.

Let’s repeat that.

You do not need to be rich to travel cheap.

I sure wasn’t. I had an average-paying administrative job the year before I left for my first trip. It wasn’t a lot after taxes.

At the time, I was still paying college debt, and yet using those tips managed to save over $20,000 for my initial trip around the world.

The Cheapest Way To Travel The World: An Ultimate Guide To Cheap Travel

What do you do when you are in that boat? What do you do when prioritizing your budget?

Six years ago, I attempted to answer that question in this blog post. Now, I’ve updated this post to address those concerns again because methods and resources have changed.

But the central tenet remains the same: You don’t need a lot of money to begin traveling.

Work overseas

Au pair

Bartender

Hostel worker

Waitress/waiter

Farm worker (very popular in Australia and New Zealand)

Dive instructor (some certification required)

Tour guide

Cruise ship worker

Casino worker

Seasonal worker at ski resorts

Yacht worker

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS:

15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

Teach English overseas

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

How Emily Funded Her Entire Trip by Teaching Overseas

Discover How to Get an English Teaching Job Overseas

How to Teach English and Live in Spain

The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

Get free flights

Travel hacking is how you can travel cheap!!!!

READ MORE ABOUT TRAVEL HACKING:

The #1 Thing Travel Experts Do to Get Free Flights and Hotels

How to Find Cheap Flights: The Ultimate Guide

Is Travel Hacking Really a Scam?

How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Each Year

Stay with locals for free

Couchsurfing

Servas

Global Freeloaders

READ MORE ABOUT FINDING CHEAP OR FREE ACCCOMMODATION:

How to Find Cheap Accommodation in 2018

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Crush it on Couchsurfing

Use the sharing economy

These websites have changed the travel game and made travel more accessible for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite websites:

Airbnb (accommodation)

Vayable (tours)

BlaBlaCar (ridesharing)

EatWith (meals)

Hitchhike

READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States

What I Learned Hitchhiking Around China

A Lesson in Kindness While Hitchhiking Through Iceland

Free walking tours

READ MORE ABOUT TAKING FREE WALKING TOURS:

Historical Walking Tours of NYC

8 Ways to Choose the Perfect Tour Company in 2018

Housesit

Trusted Housesitters

Home Exchange

House Carers

READ MORE ABOUT HOUSESITTING:

How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation

How to Travel the World for Free with Trusted Housesitters

Cook your meals

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

How to Lower Your Food Expenses When You Travel

How to Travel and Eat Your Way Around the World

WWOOFing

READ MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING:

How to Travel and Work Around the World with WWOOF

How to Ethically Volunteer Anywhere in the World

Bonus tips

Here are five additional ways to save money that cost a little but are still very cheap:

Sleep in large dorms — Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. If Couchsurfing isn’t your thing, this is your next best way to save money on a place to sleep.

Between all of these tips, you’ll be able to travel for relatively little money. After all, I’ve spent five days in Stockholm on $100 and once spent 10 days in London on $700.

If I can do it, you can do it too.

With a little creativity, patience, and practice, you can travel the world with little to no money!

Next Steps for Traveling

To turn the above advice into actionable steps by reading the following articles:

How to Get Free Flights & Hotels

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

Learn How to Get Paid and Travel

The post How To Travel Cheap: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

0 notes

dinakaplan · 6 years

Text

10 Secrets for Eating Healthy On A Budget (Yes, It Is Possible!)

Learn how to eat healthy on a budget so you can enjoy a healthy eating lifestyle that doesn’t break the bank.

I love cooking. I also love my job, walking my dog, and having adventures. With so much life to live, it can seem like there’s not enough time to do it all. Or enough money.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthy on a budget and save time, too. I’ve learned from and helped my friends and community find and improve their paths to fresh and healthy eating and budgeting.

I’ve discovered that learning how to eat healthy on a budget takes some effort, but it is possible (and totally worth it!).

Here are 10 secrets that will help you eat healthy on a budget.

Secret #1 — Plan Ahead and Stick to Your Plan

Learning how to make planning work for your life may be the most powerful, life-changing step you can take to eat well and save money. But it’s definitely not the easiest.

Creating a weekly meal plan and developing your grocery list before you shop takes time and effort. But the difference it makes is incredible!

Learning how to make planning work for your life may be the most powerful, life-changing step you can take to eat well and save money.

You can also cook meals days ahead, so you’ll have food ready within minutes.

Daily or multiple trips to the grocery store can be costly — in time, gas, and in increased impulse buying. But planning allows you to take fewer trips.

And when you don’t have snacks, ingredients, and prepared meals on hand, you’ll be more likely to make expensive, unhealthy choices.

Secret #2 — Eat More Whole Plants and Fewer Animal Foods and Junk Foods

Highly processed foods with plentiful packaging and meat products can get pricey.

On the other hand, consuming a plant-strong diet can lead to considerable savings. Think low in meat and abundant in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

Andrée Pagès and her husband went plant-based for six months and wound up saving more than $2,800 in grocery bills. They used this money to pay for a two-week vacation in Greece.

You might be thinking: Can plant foods really be cheaper?

Consider these two studies:

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition found that eating meatless meals can save you nearly $750 a year.

A 2017 report from the Institute of Economic Affairs showed that buying fruits and vegetables is cheaper than buying processed junk foods, ready meals, and take-out foods.

The researchers in the second study compared the prices of foods and beverages at two leading supermarkets:

Many fruits and vegetables were less than $3 a pound.

Processed meals, chips, and bacon were closer to $4 a pound.

A fast-food cheeseburger costs about $1. For the same amount of money, you could purchase more than four pounds of carrots, ten apples, or two pounds of sweet potatoes.

Junk food and beverages offer little to no nutritional value. And highly processed foods typically have ingredient lists that look more like lab reports.

Remember: The longer the list of ingredients on a package, the more likely it is to be unhealthy.

Foods like soda, crackers, cookies, frozen entrees, and other fast foods come with a variety of health risks.

And here’s a point many people forget to consider about healthy food:

Not only are healthy foods more economical at the grocery store, but in the long run, they can help you save massive amounts on medical bills.

Secret #3 — Shop Local And In Season As Much As Possible

Produce is cheapest (and also freshest, tastiest, and most nutritious) when you buy it in season. Getting fresh produce in its off-season requires higher costs to produce and ship. And stores pass these costs on to customers.

Americans can use this seasonal food guide to find out what’s in season nearby before planning a grocery list.

Buying fresh produce when it’s in season and freezing or preserving it for later can save you a lot of money.

Choosing local food has many benefits, including saving money.

Ways you may be able to find local food in your area:

Shop at farmers markets. The food at farmers markets is often priced lower than supermarkets and grocery stores. Use this online tool from LocalHarvest and this online directory of farmers markets from the USDA to search for one in your area. Many farmers markets across the U.S. accept SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) at double the value. And here’s a tip: If you can be a little flexible on which items you get, try shopping towards the close of the market because farmers may discount items or give you deals. You can ask if they have any “end of market” specials.

Join a CSA. Community supported agriculture programs (CSAs) allow you to purchase seasonal produce directly from local farmers. If you’re in the U.S., you can get information on CSAs and find ones near you from the LocalHarvest website here.

Pick your own. Research if there are any farms in your area where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. Use this online tool to find pick-your-own farms in your area.

Buy directly from growers in your area. See if you can find local food growers and producers in your area and buy directly from them.

Look for it (or ask for it) where you buy food. Look for local produce where you shop. Locally owned grocery stores and natural food stores are often more likely to stock local foods. Or you can ask your local grocery stores to stock more locally grown options.

Secret #4 — Choose The Healthiest Inexpensive Foods

Rather than waste money on low-nutrient foods, choose more inexpensive, nutrient-rich alternatives.

13 Affordable, Nutritious Foods to Help You Eat Healthy on A Budget

As you learn how to eat healthy on a budget, try consuming more of these foods, which are packed with good-for-you nutrients:

Sweet Potatoes — This super source of vitamin A grows easily in diverse conditions, so it is often grown free of pesticides. Sweet potatoes can be used in both savory and sweet dishes year round.

Cabbage — One of nature’s best cancer-fighters, cabbage is a powerful anti-inflammatory that’s rich in vitamin C and affordable all year round. And purple (or red) cabbage has the highest levels of antioxidants per dollar. Cabbage is nutritious and delicious raw, cooked, or juiced (the gas-free way to eat it if cabbage creates flatulence issues for you).

Zucchini — This plentiful summer favorite is vitamin-packed and nutritious. It’s mild flavor, affordability, and low score on the glycemic index make it an easy staple to keep around the house. Use a spiralizer to make zucchini pasta or cut zucchini into slices and use them instead of crackers.

Carrots — In addition to being good for your eyes, these well-known veggies are one of the richest sources of carotenoids. Regular intake of this natural pigment is linked with an up to 50% decrease in many types of cancers.

Lentils — These small but mighty legumes are 26% plant protein. One cup of cooked lentils gives you 18 grams of protein. And they’ve been a valuable part of diets around the world since the early days of farming. They’re also rich in iron, fiber, and B vitamins.

Split Peas — These nutritionally powerful legumes are an excellent source of protein, as well as several important minerals and B vitamins. A single cup of cooked split peas provides 65% of the daily value for fiber.

Quinoa — This potent ancient pseudo-grain has as much calcium as a glass of milk and is much easier to digest. It also cooks quickly and is ready to serve in less than twenty-five minutes. Use it in hot casseroles, soups, stews, stir-fries, or cold in salads.

Oats — These grains have more protein and fiber than any other cereal grain, and they contain essential vitamins and minerals. Make your own oatmeal using rolled oats in about 10 minutes, rather than buying instant oatmeal or sugar-packed, ready-to-eat cereals. Or try these Oat Waffles.

Tofu — Tofu is made from soymilk (if you’re concerned about eating soy, see the truth about soy here). It’s a very versatile food and is best used as an ingredient, rather than on its own. To avoid GMO soy (and glyphosate!), get organic tofu.

Flaxseed — Flaxseed is one of the world’s oldest, healthiest, and least expensive superfoods. In fact, flax was one of the original “medicines” used by Hippocrates. John Robbins recommends grinding a few tablespoons in a designated coffee grinder (which is used only for this purpose) every few days and keeping the meal in the refrigerator. You can sprinkle ground flax meal on oats and salads, or mix them into smoothies or casseroles.

Sunflower Seeds — Long a staple food for Native American tribes, sunflower seeds are one of the plant kingdom’s most abundant sources of vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory effects and neutralizes free radicals, thus protecting brain cells and cell membranes. They make great, easy, healthy snacks. But they can also be used as garnishes or ingredients in many recipes.

Popcorn — Surprised to see popcorn on this list? Commercial popcorn is loaded with large amounts of fat, sugar, and salt — definitely not healthy! On the other hand, air-popped popcorn is an inexpensive, whole-grain product that is low in cost and high in nutritional value. You can pop your own popcorn using an inexpensive air popper. Important note: It’s not a good food to serve children under the age of four because of the risk of choking.

Nutritional Yeast — With its distinctive nutty, cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast is cultivated specifically for its nutritive value. It’s an excellent source of protein, with all the essential amino acids, and an excellent source of B vitamins, too. Use this ingredient in many ways — as a flavoring and thickening agent in soups, sauces, salad dressings, “cheesy” spreads, casseroles, and more. Try this Lasagna recipe with plant-based parmesan made from nutritional yeast.

Secret #5 — Buy in Bulk and Remember Frozen Foods

The next time you go shopping for dried goods, such as lentils, oats, millet, and nutritional yeast, stop by the bulk aisle.

Buying in bulk is usually less expensive than pre-packaged portions.

But don’t assume the foods in the bulk section are always cheaper. You can compare the bulk price per ounce or pound with the packaged price per ounce.

And then, store your dried goods in glass jars so you can easily see what’s in them.

You can also buy in bulk at a farmers market and freeze what you don’t need right away.

Freezing fresh food secures maximum nutrition.

Don’t get me wrong. Local, fresh produce is typically your most nutritious option — and the best way to eat healthy on a budget.

But you can’t always buy local. And when you don’t, you may end up buying fruits and vegetables whose nutritional value has been diminishing daily since it was harvested.

Flash-frozen produce is frozen shortly after being collected, which halts the deterioration process and locks in the nutrients.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry compared the nutritional value of fresh and frozen produce.

Overall, the vitamin content of the frozen fruits and vegetables was comparable to and occasionally higher than the fresh versions.

In addition to being good for you, frozen produce is affordable and convenient and has a much longer shelf life.

One downside, however, is the texture of frozen vegetables, which does suffer and turn some people away from them.

Secret #6 — Cook Often and Learn to Love Leftovers

Cooking at home is a cornerstone of the healthy kitchen.

Home cooking means:

No waiting for your food that’s been sitting under a heat lamp

Less packaging waste

No need to drive, park, or wait in line

And no need for special requests

Restaurants have high overhead and service costs. When you eat out (or get takeout or delivery), you are paying for much more than the food you’re getting.

Think about how much of the cost of your meal goes to restaurant rent, staffing, insurance, tipping, and delivery costs.

Eating out can be enjoyable. But by making eating out a treat and preparing most meals at home, you can spend thousands less each year on food than those who eat out regularly.

For example, Rachel Morgan Cautero and her husband reported saving $10,000 per year by cooking at home.

Home cooking also makes the ultimate leftovers. And while leftovers have a negative reputation for many people, the truth is:

“Leftovers are a beautiful, caring investment in the future.” — Ocean Robbins

Leftovers are a beautiful, caring investment in the future.

Ocean Robbins

Making extra food and refrigerating or freezing it for later gives you a quick, delicious, nutritious meal when you need it. And taking leftovers instead of going out for lunch is an easy way to save money.

Plus, did you know there’s a scientific reason why cooked foods often taste better the next day?

Chemical reactions continue after the food is cooked. More amino acids are released over time, which enhances the savory umami flavor of a dish.

Secret #7 — Plug-In and Feel the Power

Let’s face it. Multitasking is mainstream. So, why not rely on plug-in kitchen appliances to do their thing while you do yours.

This means no more choosing between yoga and a home-cooked meal. Handy kitchen appliances can be an essential part of effective food routines.

Trying to crockpot garbanzo beans will show you the boundaries of your patience (trust me, I know!). But here’s what you can do: Try using an electric pressure cooker instead.

Electric pressure cookers are bean time machines.

Dried beans are both affordable and versatile. And electric pressure cookers are bean time machines. In thirty to fifty minutes even dried garbanzo beans soften and are ready to become everything from hummus to chana masala.

These protein-packed, cancer-fighting superstars balance any diet, freeze well (once cooked), and keep in the fridge for a week if you salt them.

Even if your counter space is at a premium, the one appliance that should always have VIP parking is your blender.

Whether you power up with an AM smoothie or believe, like I do, that there is such a thing as “soup season” that lasts from October through March (yes, I live in the Northern hemisphere), your blender can be your best friend.

Electric steamers can be an essential healthy kitchen tool. You can pick one up for under twenty dollars, throw in your veggie of choice, set the timer, and walk away.

Most electric steamers also include a stock tray that collects the nutrient-rich liquid-by-product of steaming that can be frozen and used alongside vegetable scraps to make your own vegetable stock.

Broccoli, in particular, is more nutritious when steamed than cooked any other way.

And don’t forget about electric rice cookers. You can load them up and turn on your timer in the morning. And then, you’ll come home to perfectly cooked rice piping hot and ready for you in time for supper. (You can also use them to cook quinoa, millet, or other grains, and even legumes.)

Here’s a tip: VitaClay makes a rice cooker out of clay — so you can steer clear of the non-stick options. If you’re interested, get it here.

NOTE: Don’t forget to look at consumer reviews and product specs before purchasing any kitchen appliance. Prices and features vary. Plus, you may find that the most affordable steamer does everything you want it to do and leaves you extra cash for that fancier blender that basically reads your mind. Or vice versa.

Secret #8 — Do More Yourself: Grow Your Own Healthy Food and Make Some of Your Own Food Products

Gardening is one of the best ways to save money on groceries.

Even if you are not much of a gardener, growing a few herbs or vegetables can save you time and money and help you eat healthy on a budget.

Knowing when to plant what is the is the first step to tasty spring and early summer greens, like chard and spinach, and plentiful tomatoes and zucchini all summer long.

Some of the easiest vegetables to grow are chard, kale, and collards. They don’t require much attention and deliver an amazing amount of nutrients per square foot.

Container gardening and bucket gardening are good alternatives if you have limited outdoor space.

Indoor gardening is another idea. Here’s a guide to help you grow an indoor salad garden year-round.

And if you do have more space, try these tips to start growing your own food.

Even one less ingredient on your grocery list means you’re saving money.

In addition to growing some of your food, making more food items on your own can save you money and be fun.

Fermented foods are great for your gut, but they aren’t always affordable. So why not try making your own?

No-boil quick pickling is a beginner’s best friend. Think refrigerator zucchini pickles, lemony pickled cauliflower, or fermented probiotics made with whatever greens are cheap that week — like this kale kimchi or this beet and red cabbage kraut.

We’re getting in a bit of a pickle over here! #pickledcauliflower #pickledcucumber #carrotkimchi #pickledonions #peckhampickles

A post shared by Wildflower (@wildflowerpeckham) on Feb 22, 2018 at 6:04am PST

On the other hand, canning takes a little more time and effort. But it can be a great way to save money. This online guide can help you learn how.

Other products you can make yourself to save money are nut and seed milks. These are easier to make than you probably think.

Making your own vegetable broth from food scraps is a great way to save money and reduce food waste at the same time.

And if you want to be a little extra adventurous, you can even buy a starter and make your own homemade soy or nut yogurt.

Secret #9 — Discover Food Rescue and Rejuvenation

Instead of letting your produce go to waste, be sure to store them properly and revive them if needed.

Here are some tips:

You can rehydrate wilted greens, like romaine, kale, chard, and bok choy, by soaking them in cold or icy water for up to an hour. The same is true for carrots and celery.

Carrots and celery are best stored in water in a sealed container in your refrigerator from the minute they get there. First, cut off the carrot and celery greens, as well as the celery root. And then, bathe them and change the water every few days.

Also, some fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas as they ripen. Common culprits include most melons and pitted fruits (apples and watermelon excepted). Produce including asparagus, broccoli, leafy greens, cucumbers, squash, and eggplant don’t do well in the company of ethylene-producing fruits and veggies. So it’s best to keep these food groups separated to delay spoilage.

For more tips on keeping your perishables from perishing, check out this infographic.

Secret #10 — Learn The Beauty of Batch Cooking

While they may be tempting, choosing meal delivery services means you’re overpaying for portions. In fact, the average monthly cost of such services can rival a monthly car payment!

Instead, buying and preparing reasonable ingredients, such as grains, seeds, and dried beans and fruit in bulk, is a better idea.

And this is where batch cooking comes in. Batch cooking means prepping meals or core ingredients and sauces ahead of time. (Often over the weekend for those who work during the week).

Batch cooking may be the end-all-be-all of affordable and time-efficient healthy home cooking.

Learn more about the specifics of batch cooking.

Batch cooking may be the end-all-be-all of affordable and time-efficient healthy home cooking.

Here’s how batch cooking works. If your core ingredients for the week are:

Lentils

Cashews

Brown rice (or ancient grains farro or quinoa)

Broccoli

Onion

You could easily make cashew cheese sauce, broccoli cashew bisque, cashew-based salad dressing (leave out the maple syrup if you want to avoid sugar,) and cashew sour cream in one afternoon.

Pre-cooked lentils save time during the week and are the base of many tasty, international dishes.

You can try Indian Dal, Ethiopian Misr Wat (be sure to use organic canola oil), Middle Eastern Mujadara (remember there are plenty of plant-based yogurts), and Lentil salad (leave out the oil to make this an oil-free dish).

Here’s a tip: Try topping Mujadara with sauteed walnuts and raisins for the Persian variety. This dish is very flexible and can easily be adjusted and modified to taste.

Batch cooking isn’t just for meal making. Don’t be afraid to make a gallon or more of your favorite healthy sauces and freeze them in manageable batches.

Homemade sauces, like teriyaki sauce (find a gluten and sugar-free version here), can be made for a fraction of the cost of store-bought varieties.

Feel free to pass along these healthy eating secrets! Some secrets are meant to be shared.

Tell us in the comments:

What are your favorite ways to save money while eating healthy?

What tips can you share to help others learn how to eat healthy on a budget?

And if you’re inspired, please LIKE and SHARE this article. Together, we can work for healthy, ethical, sustainable food for all!

[Read More ...] https://foodrevolution.org/blog/how-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget/

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atlasbar-blog1 · 7 years

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Best Protein Bar Ingredients

If you really require a snack and you are looking for a healthy one protein bars are a great alternative. There are a variety in the marketplace these days aren't really that healthy. Some include high fat, calories and are packed with sugar. When looking for them, do not take for granted they're all healthy and low in calories. The following are some protein bars that are on the market which are healthy and Fantastic tasting:

1. The Promax Bar-This protein bar has a high amount of sugar but is healthy. If you're on a very low calorie diet it's great to have because it only has 290 calories. Its flavors include: German Chocolate Cake, Black Forest Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and a host of other flavors. This bar will surely raise your energy and will yield lots of minerals and vitamins. It is also ranked number 1 by a lot people who reviewed it because of its candy bar taste.

2. The Supreme Carb Conscious Protein Bars-This bar is loaded with protein and has the potential to build muscle. There are five flavors available that include: Rocky Road Brownie, Caramel Nut Chocolate, Peanut Butter Crunch, Peanut Butter Pretzel Twist, and Cookies N' Cream. This bar is very good because it's low in sugar. It comprises a lot of healthful ingredients though it's high in calories. This is also an extremely great tasting bar which will force you to believe that you're in fact eating a candy bar.

3. The Think Thin Bar-This bar is high in protein, gluten free, contains no sugar and a great protein bar to add to any diet plan. It is not easy to find a protein bar which includes no sugar and is still fantastic tasting but this one meet the challenge. It comes in the following flavors: Whit Chocolate Chip, Brownie Crunch, Dark Chocolate, and other flavors.

Additionally, it contains calcium caseinate, a protein that is slow digesting and one which will make you feel full. This bar will surely help you in the region of weight management. I best protein bars for crossfit NY like the fact I can find a fantastic tasting protein bar once I want a snack and still not wreak havoc in my diet plan. They are also quite beneficial if you need to rebuild muscle.

The above bars are the tastiest and the best protein bars on the market. You will very seldom find a protein bar that buy atlas bars is this nutritious offer you these wonderful flavors and are great tasting at precisely the exact same moment.

You see them all over the place these days... nutrition bars that claim to be healthy and good for weight loss or muscle building, but if Click Here you read the label, you see an endless list of chemicals, sugars, processed trans fats, and other harmful overly processed ingredients.

There are so many sorts of "health bars" and "protein bars" on the market these days, how can you know whether you are actually getting something healthy or just junk food in disguise?

Again, just as I've talked about grocery store food choices, you really must understand how to read labels if you're going to stand a chance at finding a really healthy food bar.

To be quite honest, most of the bars out there are pure junk... candy bars disguised through labeling for a health food bar.

Just a couple weeks back, I was going on a bike ride with a friend and needed a fast bar to make sure I had enough energy for the bike ride.

Well, I didn't have any bars on me, so my friend gave me an extra slim fast bar he had.

Keep in mind that these slim fast bars are marketed as health foods for losing weight.

These things are just a flat out joke...there's nothing even remotely nutritional about them. In my opinion, these slim fast bars are WORSE for you than candy bars!

The first ingredient in this bar that my friend gave me was corn syrup! Then the second ingredient was sugar (hooray more sugar!) , followed by hydrogenated oils (source of deadly trans fats). After that, the list went on with nothing but junk such as artificial flavors, colors, evil artificial sweeteners, more hydrogenated refined oils, and rounded out with some highly processed soy protein isolate (which despite popular belief, processed soy Isn't healthy for you... I'll talk in detail about that in a future article) just to give your body some more junk.

So not only are those "weight reduction" bars a tragedy nutritionally for youpersonally, but the pub tasted absolutely horrible! It tasted like chemicals and has been way too overly sweetened (not a surprise with each the sugar, corn syrup, sugar alcohols, AND artificial sweeteners). This is a prime example of "over-engineering" of food.

So how can you determine a wholesome protein bar or energy bar?

I search for simplicity at a fantastic pub. Many of the healthiest and tastiest bars I've found have just a few basic ingredients like seeds, nuts, and fruit. I also search for organic ingredients and raw components if at all possible.

Some of my favorite truly healthy bars:

1. Organic Food Bars - This is actually the name.

Depending on which flavor, these are usually a base of organic almond butter (or cashew butter) with a certain type of fruit, organic seeds, organic biosprouts (quinoa, Atlas Bar etc), and some organic rice protein. Some flavors incorporate an organic dark chocolate too. They also have a line of bars that use exclusively raw ingredients.

Not only are these bars extremely nutritious, but I believe that they are delicious as well and have lots of flavors to choose from such as chocolate chip, blueberry, cranberry, higher protein, and more.

You won't find these bars at your local grocery store, but I have found them at several health food stores.

2. Larabars - These are even simpler in ingredients than organic food bars. Usually larabars are only 2 or 3 ingredients, and mostly raw... a blend of crushed nuts along with a kind of fruit is the typical combination, but they have a lot of different flavors so it can vary.

These are also delicious and you'll NEVER see a list of chemicals a mile long in their ingredient list... usually just nuts and fruit, and that's it! Simple IS better. atlasbars.com This is a very higher quality bar. Again, you probably won't find these at the local grocery store, but I've found these at various health food markets.

When you really find truly healthy bars such as these examples above, they paleo protein bars NY make great quick snacks while you're traveling or when you're at work.

I carry some on me almost at all times, just to make sure I have healthy alternatives to eat whenever I need a quick snack, so that I am not tempted by fast food joints or junk food vending machines. Fantastic luck and make sure to read those labels to make certain you're getting a health food bar and not a candy bar in disguise. See below for 5 unique tips to help you lose your stubborn belly fat.

As consumers, we are faced daily with choices about what to eat. As a bodybuilder, we're bombarded with protein bars that promise everything from a great deal of protein, low carbs, less fat, and the cheapest bar on the market. But rarely do any of the bars meet the most necessary requirement of them all. If the bar

Doesn't taste great, then I don't want to eat it.

Irrespective of how much protein might exist in a specific bar, if Bar A has more but tastes worse then than Bar B, I'm still more likely to choose Bar B. As a consumer of protein bars, I don't feel like forcing myself to eat something two or more times a day just as it has the best whey-protein available on the marketplace. And while some bars can claim to be great tasting, they never do the definitive real taste test.

The actual taste test is a bar which don't just health conscious adults will enjoy but one you can give your child and it won't come home in his/her backpack. If your child (if you are childless, get a bar and test it out on a niece/nephew) won't eat the bar, chances are there's a reason for it. Because it doesn't taste good.

Throughout the past few decades, low sugar, low carbs has become such a big deal. So now we have some of the healthiest bars in the marketplace. But nobody wants (I didn't say won't) to eat them. Because it's like going to the dentist. Who would like to go? We go because we know the consequences of not going are worse. But is that really how you want to feel about something that You eat at least two times every day?

How about eating a bar that tastes good, has enough of the fantastic stuff in it, and eating it two times every day is a treat? Okay, so you may get more sugar. Again, you might find a few more carbs. But statistics prove that you'll be more Atlasbars's facebook likely to consume all that good stuff more frequently if you enjoy doing it. Most of us don't daily do something that we don't like doing unless there's a compelling reason to do so. The lure of money comes to mind when I think of work.

Choose a bar that has enough protein in it and enough carbs.

And sugar isn't all that bad. When you workout, your body needs instant fuel. Sugar is a better source of immediate fuel then protein. Possessing some sugar before your intense bodybuilding workout isn't a bad thing. Forget all the science of the bar. Taste is most often overlooked in choosing a good protein bar. Give the bar to your child and see if they eat it. If they do, chances are, you will too.

There are numerous instant foods which are available today; they come into numerous flavours, colourful packaging and health benefits. These foods are easily available in our local markets, groceries and even freely served in schools. As you see these foods all over daily, and one of the most widely consumed instant food are the energy bars which are generally characterized with coated chocolate filling or caramel.

These nutrition bars, energy bars or protein bars comes into different types and some of them are labelled as "healthy food", "contributes to weight loss" or "muscle building food", but actually they are not; when you see the label in the back you will see a lot of chemicals in the ingredients such as sugars, processed trans fat, and other processed additives and flavourings which indeed contributes to fattening or occurrence of tummy fats.

With this, you might actually be realizing that the snack bar that you're eating is actually a junk food that fooled you Buy best protein bars for crossfit in disguised as health food, but how actually we might know that these are healthy or just the usual junk foods?

First, you must read the label. By reading the label, It Is Going to Supply you a general insight regarding some benefits as well as the content of the food;

Although good descriptions are presented, but some doesn't actually true what the label states, to be straight "candy bar is actually disguised as energy bar. And the second and the most essential clue to learn if it is really healthy are by its ingredients. As commonly, most of its ingredients right now contains huge number of sweeteners such as corn syrup, unsaturated fats and artificial flavourings and food colour which contributes to the development of tummy fats and obesity. Furthermore, these snack bars contain food chemicals which are dangerous to your health.

And lastly, the most significant criteria when determining if the energy bar or protein bar is healthy is the number of organic ingredients like fruits, seeds and nuts. The snack bar having the most plentiful quantities of organic ingredients is actually the decent ones. In regard to this, in choosing energy or protein bar here are some recommended types: organic food bars, and larabars. Organic food bars is among the healthiest type, its ingredient is generally organic and usually comprises of nuts (cashew, walnuts, and many more), seeds, biosprouts, and some organic rice crispies.

This type usually comes into numerous flavours such as chocolates coated, caramel coated and milk coated. Commonly you won't find this food on your neighborhood grocery store, but usually in health food stores. And the second type are the larabars; larabars is also a kind of organic food, but most of its ingredient components are raw foods like fruits, cashew nuts, and a lot more.

Larabars don't contain chemicals or artificial flavourings; it only contains pure organic raw ingredients. When are inclined to consume these snack bars these facts and examples would definitely assist you! Eating the right energy bars or protein bars will really help you and potentially assist you in reducing tummy fats; Good luck! And the next time you eat it, make sure that you read the label carefully making sure that you aren't consuming a junk food in disguise.

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missnicolegray · 7 years

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Travelling through Switzerland

So today I planned to sit down at my laptop and write my blog about my time in Switzerland, the prettiest country I have been so far and a definite favourite. (I clearly have expensive taste because this country is pricey as heck!) Much to my dismay, my charger stopped working and my battery was already a problem. I'm so upset! I am now working on my tablet and hoping I can figure this all out! Ok, it's now a few days later and I'm back on my busted laptop... Need a new battery ASAP! Please can it not shut down on me... Enough ranting. Let's get to the good stuff!

First Stop: Geneva, Switzerland

I am so lucky to have stayed in an amazing home with a pool! I arrived to a pretty rainy day in Geneva which gave me a bit of time to rest and relax. I was woken up by a knock on my door from a familiar face. My ex-English teacher from high school, Mrs Murray, and her husband were generous enough to open their doors to me. Going for a walk in the area was well worth it. Mrs Murray jumped into her running shoes and told me to come quickly as there was a perfect view of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps! This was a massive opportunity because the days since it has been covered by clouds. I wouldn't have even known it was there!

My First Full Day in Switzerland

Next day was for me to explore Geneva, Switzerland on my own. I was told of the buses and trams to take (first time on a tram by the way!). And off I went on my merry way to see the lake I had been so excited to see! I mean really, what's the point of being in the city and not seeing the gorgeous Lake Geneva or Lac Leman. (Depending on whether you are in Switzerland or France! Clearly both very proud nations!) I wandered around a park called Jardin Anglais, a favourite spot of mine as I revisited it many times. With a perfect view of the Jet D'Eau, a large fountain in Geneva with a maximum height of water jet of about 140 metres above water level. When it is in operation, at any given moment there are about 7,000 litres of water in the air. I spent a lot of time there chatting to some friends and family back home on the free WiFi and taking photos. I then walked through to the old town of Geneva to find Saint Pierre Cathedral - my meeting spot with Mrs Murray after she was done with work. I walked for quite a while, wandering around with my Google Maps trying to find this place! I was going in circles for quite a while and eventually realised that I had been standing in front of it the whole time... Needless to say Google Maps wasn't on the mark with that one! I was only meeting my lovely host later and since I had found the spot I decided to find the Reformation Wall which was meant to be reasonably close. The Reformation Wall in Switzerland honours many of the main individuals, events, and documents of the Protestant Reformation by depicting them in statues and bas-reliefs. The sculptures were then created by two French sculptors: Paul Landowski and Henri Bouchard. It was located in the grounds of the University of Geneva. Another beautiful park area where I decided to take a nap. Following this, I went back to my meeting place and waited for Mrs Murray so we could climb to the top of Saint Pierre Cathedral to see another view of Geneva, Switzerland. It was completely breathtaking. Going back down to the Old Town we stopped at a cafe for aperitifs and we were spoilt with many snacks while drinking our pretty heavy Gin and Tonic! A nice buffer for the alcohol. We walked a bit more of the city before taking a ferry over Lake Geneva and back towards the tram that would take us home.

Carouge in Geneva, Switzerland

Next day off I went to another area of Geneva called Carouge. As I stepped off the tram I was met with a gorgeous little Catholic Church. I spent quite a while in there gathering my thoughts and praying my prayers before heading through the area. I have a thing for parks. So that is first on my agenda when I reach a new place and am wandering around alone. I seem to find a lot of peace sitting on the grass and watching people around me. So back on Goggle Maps, I searched for the closest one. I found one that wasn't too exciting though. I realised I was pretty hungry, so I went in search of good and less expensive food... HAHAHA try find that in Switzerland! Eventually, after searching for a while, I found a random little taco place where a couple of the local youngsters were. I figured it would be cheaper since it was students buying. I walked it and ordered the cheapest item, a single cheese burger. When it arrived I was AMAZED! It was the size of my hand! I was the biggest, tastiest burger I have ever had, definitely a win! I was completely stuffed after that. The following day was spent with Mrs Murray. She took me to another spot with a view of Geneva, I am in love with this city. So much space, so much nature, people really look after the environment.

Yvoire, France for a Day

Then off to Yvoire, France, on the banks of Lake Geneva (or Lac Leman) we went. Geneva is so close to the French border that it's quite easy to go across. Yvoire is a small medieval town only accessible by foot. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages of France and the photos will show you why. (Although photos never do enough justice!) I have to say, this place stole my heart. We walked a bit and then sat down for a bite to eat. Oh my YUM! Give me cheese, cured meats and bread any day and I will be happy! This was too delicious for words. Food is a big deal for me, it can make or break a place. So far, so good! We continued on our journey of the village and found the local church Saint Pancras which dates right back to the 11th century. We then walked towards the lake. The view was stunning. I would live here in a moment. And that was Saturday.

Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland

Sunday was a relatively early one. We woke up for church. It was a great service and I enjoyed the fact that I had gone together with Mrs Murray. There's always strength in numbers! Following church we went for coffee then wandered off to the Geneva Street Food Festival which was around the corner. There Mrs Murray left me to check out the goodies as she had some marking to do. (The life of a teacher... Their work is never done! I have so much respect for them.) I looked around, stared at all of the mouthwatering food and ended up with a couple of slices of pizza in my hand (typical Italian). I went and found another park, as there are many in Switzerland, and ate my goods. Back to the Jardin Anglais park I walked. And this time I decided to get up close and personal with the Jet D'Eau which can be reached via a stone jetty from the left bank of the lake many visitors were surprised to find themselves drenched after a slight change in wind direction! I went back to the edge of Lake Geneva and dipped my feet in for relief from the end of the hot day. Sunday made!

Geneva, Switzerland - Tram Stop: Nations

Monday was spent roaming the United Nations area and the Botanical Garden of Geneva. The Broken Chair sculpture was especially moving as the first stop. With this write up next to it, in this time of uncertainty and violence in our world, I was moved to tears. Following this, I made my way to the Conservatoire et Jardins Botaniques de la Ville de Geneve. Or in English - the Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva. I took many photos, inside and outside the greenhouses. I even stopped at a small pond with ducks to have my lunch which I had bought from the local grocery store (I had decided not to buy from a restaurant today... Travelling on a budget!) I ended up on the lake front and decided to go down to put my toes in. Why pebbles! My poor feet were so hot but pained as I walked on the pebbles, either way, I had to at least feel the water. Quickly jumping back into my shoes I continued through the garden and went home.

An Expensive Lunch in Geneva, Switzerland

Tuesday was spent back at the Jardin Anglais with a walk around the area and a sit down meal of gnocchi with tomato, basil, parma ham and mozzarella di bufala. I decided to treat myself. It was so expensive but totally delicious! I allowed myself one moment of weakness in Switzerland where I gave in to the stupid high price of a meal. I went back home and had a dip in the swimming pool which was amazing! Then later Mrs Murray and I took a walk so she could show me the carvings made from tree trunks in the area made by a local artist. Such creativity! I loved seeing these, people can be so inspirational in their works. Just for the love of it!

Another Day in France

Next day off to another spot in the neighbouring France called Annecy. It was on the top of things to do in my area on TripAdvisor so I decided to make a turn. I got completely lost though. Looking for the old town of Annecy, I walked roughly 10km in the wrong direction. I had seen the name Annecy-le-Vieux and thought I was going to the right place, only to find out when I got home that I should have been looking for a place that had been a stone's throw away from my starting point. Oh the joys of travelling! I arrived at the top of this mountain, completely lost, and found a church. I walked in and was greeted by a very well dressed man. I sat in one of the pews for a moment. A few seconds later the well dressed man was accompanied by others and was carrying in a coffin. I figured I should leave as they were setting up for the funeral and I was in very casual attire. I had taken some photos of the church and only realised when I got back home that there was something like a halo surrounding it. I guess sometimes we have to get lost to be found. I will remember this moment forever. Even in death there is light! The next day I started this blog post and got fed up. So I left it until now!

Second Stop: Interlaken, Switzerland

Friday was my next adventure. After only 3 hours of sleep because of sheer nerves! Jumping on a train, I was readying myself for my first stay at a backpackers! I was so nervous as I had booked a mixed dormitory (the all female ones were full up) in Interlaken. I had been told by Mrs Murray and her hubby that this was a definite must see in the middle of Switzerland! So I booked it. They were not joking. I could have spent all my time there amidst the mountains, forests and rivers. It was totally breathtaking! I met a lovely girl from India, her and I were waiting to check into our rooms so we decided to go for a walk. We went up to Harder Kulm, one of the nearby mountains and took a crazy steep but slow train to the top. Harder Kulm is a viewpoint at 1,321 metres overlooking the towns of Interlaken and Unterseen. Great first impression of Interlaken, Switzerland. I was only in Interlaken for one night so made the most of it by going to the Balmers Backpackers' night club! Haha I lasted there a lot shorter than intended... Headed back up to my room only to find a snoring man ready to keep myself and 2 other girls awake with his noises. I had 3 hours of sleep... Again. 2 nights in a row of this.

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Following morning I checked out and made plans with my new buddy from India to head to another group of mountains in the Lauterbrunnen area. Booking our ticket, we were told we would have to walk from the area of Stechelberg further up the mountain to Murren in order to get the cable car back down... No problem! Boy, was I wrong! The views were amazing. Walking through the mountains was a great experience! But... I had slept terribly and was completely exhausted. My body was angry with each step I took! After 5,5km we finally made it to Murren. It was an UPHILL battle! But I did take some great shots of the mountains, streams and cows along the way. So it was worth it!

Third Stop: Lucerne, Switzerland

Back to the backpackers I went to collect my bags and off to my next stop I headed, Lucerne, Switzerland. I arrived at 9pm to an all female dormitory at the Lucerne Youth Hostel. I loved my roomies here. One Korean girl living in California, one Chinese girl living in Pennsylvania and one Austrian girl there on a conference. Brilliant! And no snoring men! The Chinese girl and I decided to make a plan for a mission the following day and had an early night. Finally some sleep!

Sightseeing in Lucerne, Switzerland

We woke up on this Sunday morning, had breakfast, and headed for the city sights. We went to The Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne. This is a rock relief that commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. Mark Twain praised the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." Following this went off to Museggmauer (Town Walls) to climb one of the towers for a view of the city. A quick walk to Franziskanerkirche, an elaborate Gothic-style Franciscan church with a large pipe organ & paintings on the walls. Then off to another church, the Jesuit Church. Switzerland's first large church in the Baroque style that was built for the Jesuits directly on the left bank of the Reuss between 1666 and 1677. The interior was updated to the Rococo style in 1750, with an outstanding painted ceiling and ornate faux marble side altars. When we arrived I had been completely distraught emotionally from the loneliness of my journey through Europe. It's not always fun and games I thought it would be, alas, I was struck with thoughts of "What on earth are you even doing?! Are you sure this is the right move?!"

Sunday's Miracle in Switzerland

Being a Sunday and knowing I was going sightseeing with my new friend, I had come to the resolve that I wouldn't be making it to mass. We had reached the Jesuit Church at 14:45, walked around in awe of what people had built and sat in a pew. With my head in my hands and tears streaming down my face I started begging for a miracle. I had noticed the church starting to fill up. (Sheesh, my eyes are watering now just thinking about it.) I walked to the back of the church and noticed that there was a mass on at 15:00. Wow, even when I thought there was no way I was going to go to mass that day, God put me in the perfect place in His perfect time. I was shocked. I asked my new friend if she wanted to stay or wander around some more but she decided she would stay for the mass. After about an hour of German it was over. I felt like a weight had been lifted. As soon as I walked out of there I had a completely new spirit. I'm not saying I don't still feel the loneliness but somehow God keeps throwing me little blessings to remember that He is there, always.

The Last Bit of Lucerne, Switzerland

We continued our walk onto Kapellbrucke, or Chapel Bridge. The most characteristic sight in Lucerne, Switzerland a covered wooden bridge running diagonally across the Reuss. Built in 1333, has more than 100 17th-century pictures hanging from the roof rafters inside, depicting patron saints and scenes from the town's history. We ended our day off at a park (surprise!) called Ufschotti. There was a mass of people sunbathing, swimming in Lake Lucerne, playing volleyball and practicing the Brazilian martial arts of Capoeira. It was such a great atmosphere filled with music, the smell of barbecues and happy people.

Final Stop: Zurich, Switzerland

Next morning, off to Zurich for my last night in Switzerland. This time I stayed in the Zurich Youth Hostel in a female dorm with only one other person. An Indian doctor who was in Switzerland for a conference and had decided to come a few days earlier to explore. She and I went as quick as we could through the city as I had to be in bed early so I could catch my bus from Zurich, Switzerland to Genoa, Italy at 3:00am. We decided to check out a few churches, the old town then head to Lake Zurich. A very rushed trip but at least I managed to see a bit of the beauty. Now I am in Genoa, Italy. Working on my busted laptop hoping it doesn't crash while I am writing this post! I look forward to doing some good exploring while I'm here for the next few days. I am glad to be back in Italy, after all, it has the best food! Click to Post

#geneva #interlaken #lucerne #spiritual #switzerland #thetravellingmakeupartist #travel #travelblog #travelblogger #traveldiaries #traveller #travellife #wanderlust #worldtravel

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toomanysurveys9 · 7 years

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Is there a rail line near your house? If so, is it noisy and bothersome?

there’s one that isn’t far, but it’s not close enough to hear or be bothersome.

What’s your favourite flavour of potato chip?

it changes. lately i’ve liked sour cream and onion..

How far do you live from the nearest international border?

i don’t know.

Do you know anyone born on the 29th of February?

not that i can think of. i’m sure i did in school, but no one i’ve ever been close to.

What’s the tastiest thing inside your refrigerator right now?

in mine.. probably my yogurt.

Do you have a name that can also be used for the opposite sex?

i don’t think so. i mean, it could, but it’d be kind of strange..

Have you ever dated someone you work with?

jake worked at mcdonald’s at the same time i did for a brief period of time. that’s it though.

Who was the last person to call you?

jacob.

Do you have a lock number or pattern for your phone?

i don’t have either.

Is your pantry messy at the moment?

i don’t have a pantry. just cupboards.

How are you feeling today? I hope you’re doing well.

i’m pretty good. it was actually a decent day.

What’s your favourite type of juice?

apple or orange, depending on my mood.

What was the last present someone gave you and what was the occasion?

big mac and andrea gave us a bouncer and whatnot for wyatt yesterday because they’ll be out of town tomorrow.

Do you ever let your phone go completely flat before charging it again?

it sometimes happens. which i need to start keeping it charged now probably..

When was the last time you left the house? Where’d you go?

this morning when we went to get stuff done for the baby shower.

Are you in any sort of physical pain right now, even if very mild?

not right this second.

What was one of your favourite movies as a small child?

i loved disney movies and lord of the rings. i know there were numerous others, but i can’t think.

Do you know the middle name of the last person you texted?

yes, i sure do.

What was the last thing you bought from a liquor store?

alcohol? lol. i don’t remember what kind.

Have you had pins and needles today?

not that i recall.

What was the hardest language you’ve ever tried to learn?

probably french.

Do you have any food intolerances or allergies?

nope.

What did you dress up as last Halloween?

i did not dress up, although i kind of wanted to cos of my little bump. lol.

What’s the best dress-up you’ve ever done?

jon, jake, and i went as an operation gone wrong once. i was a nurse and we covered me in fake blood and whatnot. jon was the doctor. jacob was the operation. that was a lot of fun.

What was the last thing you put in your mouth?

banana flavored laffy taffy.

Is there any cereal in your house? What kind?

strawberry frosted shredded wheat, cinnamon toast crunch, and strawberries and cream oatmeal.

What’s the most number of people you’ve ever lived with?

ten people, not including me, obviously. plus a zoo of animals.

Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

not really, no.

Are there any cool keychains on your keys?

not really any cool ones i don’t think..

Do your favourite shoes have laces? If so, what colour are they?

no.

What brand and type of milk do you usually buy?

lately, vitamin d. that’s what jacob prefers. brand doesn’t matter. whatever is cheapest.

Does it bother you when bands you like change/experiment with genres?

i don’t really care.

What is in the drawers beside your bed?

clothes. random stuff. important papers.

When was the last time you tripped on your own feet?

a few days ago..

Do you own a tablet device?

nope.

Do you like to listen to albums from start to finish or just shuffle it?

usually start to finish, but i might skip one or two after i’ve heard them all at least once.

Does small-talk bother you a lot?

it doesn’t bother me, but i’m not good at it.

What’s the time right at this minute?

6:50 PM.

Do you have any pets? How long have you had them?

2 dogs. i’ve had phe for almost four years.. cocoa for about three, which is when she was born.

When was the last time your stomach grumbled? Did you feed it?

a little bit ago, and just a piece of laffy taffy.

Does your building have an elevator?

i live in a trailer so it’s not needed.

Have you brushed your teeth today?

yup.

What’s your favourite kind of cheese?

depends. usually pepper jack or american, but it also depends what i’m eating the cheese on..

Do you know anyone named Amity?

i do not.

Who is the last person you kissed?

jacob.

What was the last favour you did for someone?

i don’t know.

Do you prefer sleeping with it’s hot or cold?

cold. i can’t sleep when i’m hot.

#survey #surveys #personal #question #questions #random

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