A few years ago I visited Malmö for work. It was my first time in Sweden however, you probably know it’s often difficult to have some spare time to explore a city when going on a business trip. Then finally in 2016 I made my first trip to Stockholm for leisure. I was quite excited and didn’t really know what to expect. I only had a slight idea of what Sweden looks like through travel programs. Or films like Millennium and my previous supersonic visit to Malmö. Yet Stockholm still remained a mystery to me.
Biking in Stockholm
Let me introduce you to Stockholm by taking you around the city by bike! Using the excellent system ‘Stockholm City Bikes’ was a cheap and easy way to explore this stunning Scandinavian highlight. Enjoy our travel video and don’t forget to scroll down to my personal tips for your perfect Stockholm citytrip.
La Paz, the capital of Bolivia has quite surprised us with its magnificent views over the city, colorful markets and local traditions. Sure, the altitude knocked us down and caused us some uncomfortable nights. But it was definitely worth it! La Paz has so many things to offer: stay for a week and you still don’t get bored. Besides exploring the city by foot and cablecar, we chose to go for a ride just outside the city. We experienced the Death Road mountain bike tour which was one of the coolest things we’ve ever done!
Crossing the Rio del Plata from Buenos Aires by ferry, it’s easy to get to Montevideo in Uruguay. An excellent trip if you visit Argentina and got some spare days left.
We took the ferry to Colonia and proceeded our trip by bus since that was a cheaper option. But you may as well take the fast ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo (Buquebus, Seacat Colonia) and enjoy a great weekend in Uruguay.
Although not to be compared with Buenos Aires (Montevideo is smaller and has a different vibe), Montevideo is a cool city and there’s plenty of cool things to do.
Kyoto is by far one of the highlights of Japan. We loved its temples, beautiful gardens, colorful shrines and the savory food we tasted at local restaurants and the Nishiki market. Furthermore, there’s this special ambiance you sense in the old quarters which throws you back to Japan’s ancient times.
Let us share with you the beautiful sights we visited in Kyoto, from a colorful market to impressive shrines and lively quarters with gorgeous Japanese handicraft. Enjoy our blog!
You once might have visited the popular food market ‘Mercado de San Miguel’ in Madrid or the recently opened Markthal in Rotterdam where you can indulge yourself with gastronomic delights. Last weekend I finally had the chance to visit the recently renovated Foodhallen in Amsterdam. Some of my friends living in the Dutch capital told me about the old tram depots that have been transformed into huge lofts. Some of them house design- or clothing shops. Yet, the biggest loft houses a food hall with delicious food stands serving the hungry ones. I immediately became curious about the concept and of course, as a chick living in Rotterdam, I had to compare the new FOODHALLEN Amsterdam to our Rotterdam pride: the Markthal.
Many people are familiar with the popular Christmas markets in Germany, however there are many other great options to experience a jolly Christmas atmosphere in Europe. Brussels has not only a gorgeous main square, beautiful historical buildings and outstanding delicacy shops, it also offers an outstanding Christmas program better known as ‘Winter Wonders’. Starting from December the city of Brussels is transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland. So if you’re travelling to Europe’s capital, be prepared to be overwhelmed by some nice decoration, charming chalets selling local specialties, attractions for children, light shows and bright illumination scattered all over the different districts surrounding the Grand Place!
The new indoor market ‘Markthal’ in Rotterdam is even more gorgeous by night than by day! Now the days are getting shorter and darkness is settling in early, this new indoor hotspot is the perfect place to spend your day and avoid the cold weather outside. If you’re in for tasty delicacies, fresh baked pastries, artisanal products, good quality wines and everything else you need in order to prepare yourself a lovely dinner or appetizer, this is the place to be.
Don’t come here alone, bring your friends, relatives or your lover to taste, chat, drink at the bars or even try out a Greek, Asian or Arab dish one of the restaurants that are located inside this huge architectural work or art.
This is how the Markthal looks like at night. Isn’t it just the perfect place to visit during winter time?
Shopping underneath the world’s biggest art work – Markthal Rotterdam
I remember I used to look at this gigantic hole in the ground while standing on the third floor of Rotterdam’s main library at Blaak. I was a student back then in 2009. This deep hole which was soon filled with water, was surrounded by a large fence displaying pictures of the future ‘Markthal’ to be. The tunnel-shaped building immediately spoke to my imagination. When I found out the Markthal would become a 40 meters high building, housing 228 apartments, an indoor market containing 96 specialty shops devoted to eating and drinking, bars and restaurants, an underground Albert Heijn supermarket and underground parking with 1.200 parking lots, I couldn’t wait for it to be ready. Now, 5 years and one day before the opening, it’s time to meet my new best friend: a state-of-the-art building offering culinary delicacies and a view on the biggest art work in the world.
Fenix Food Factory is a culinary breeding place in an upcoming quarter named Katendrecht where 7 food entrepreneurs offer an authentic ‘food experience’ to the inhabitants of Rotterdam. Their love for food, their expertise in craftsmanship and the need for a change in the food industry (increasing demand for more natural, homemade products) brought these entrepreneurs together. Their dream came true to joined forces and sell their artisan products under one roof, at the Fenixloods 2 (an old hangar) in Katendrecht.
When travelling to a country like Vietnam, a visit to a beautiful beach is a must on your itinerary. So we booked our tickets at Vietnam Airlines from HCMC to Phu Quoc and soon we landed on this gorgeous tropical island. Upon our arrival at Mai House Resort we were welcomed with a fresh watermelon juice. We happily cheered on a well deserved vacation in Phu Quoc island where we would stay for three days.
