40 countries before 40

Serious wanderluster, runner, foodie, amateur circus artist/wannabe, loving dog-owner. Follow me as I cross 17 more countries off of my bucket list before my 40th birthday in June 2021. - I'm not a full-time traveler, I'm accomplishing my travel goals....

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NEW DOMAIN

Head to www.40countriesbefore40.com to continue the adventure. I will have a redirect at some point. 

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Me right now, in real life I'm importing my blog to Squarespace with my own domain, like a real, grown up blog. I'm not very web savvy so fingers crossed it is live sooner rather than later. Updates to come.

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Small Towns of the Faroe Islands

While I was in the islands, I stayed in Torshavn (population 14,000-ish), visited Nolsoy via ferry (220), shared a taxi to Vestmanna and took the public bus service back (1215), and sailed to tiny Mykines from Vestmanna (10.5!). My point is that you better like your neighbors in some of these towns. Just kidding! I got a great sense of community from the Faroese people, they welcomed me and were extremely friendly. They’ve lived and been so isolated and far away from any other country and living MUST have been very difficult before modern times. A sense of solidarity and community was probably necessary!

I’ve already mentioned how much I want to go back, and honestly, the next time I go, I want to rent a car and spend enough time there to explore every corner of the islands. I don’t think visiting every town is my goal, but I plan to go back with the plan to do more hiking. And yes, I’d love to go back and run the half-marathon again and be prepared for those monstrous hills!

What I loved about each small town:

Torshavn: The big metropolis and capital of the island. This was the most cosmpolitan of the towns. It really did have a cute little downtown, with nicer restaurants, and a few higher end shops, museums about the history of the islands,etc. There were also hotels and a variety of places to suit anyone’s taste for nightlife. The main bus terminal for the island is here, the port for ferries/cruises to continental Europe and Iceland is in Torshavn. I think if you were traveling to the islands it would serve as a good base for day trips in a car or by bus, (if you didn’t want to stay somewhere different each night) because it has the most dining and accommodation options. There were several Airbnbs, hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts. 

Nolsoy: Across the sea from Torshavn lies Nolsoy (both island and town). It is becoming more common for people in Nolsoy to work in Toshavn and take the ferry to and from work daily, as it was only about a 30 minute journey. I went to the ferry to hike the trails but the rain discouraged me and I ended up befriending some Swedish women and the locals and hanging out in the only bar on the island called Maggie’s Cafe. There was another cafe but it closed right as the ferry arrived. I would definitely head back here for the hike and for views on a clear day.

Vestmanna: Site of the port from which we sailed to Mykines. This town was on the bigger side but was spread out and did not seem to have a central area. Or, we missed it! Either way, it seemed kind of isolated and dare I say, boring, considering its size. This town probably sees a good amount of tourists and has a pretty darn good little restaurant right in the harbour/visitor center gift shop. If you book a boat tour and don’t have warm clothes, you’ll find sweaters, hats, and gloves in that shop. After our tour to Mykines, I ate with my new friends Desi, AnnCharlott, at the visitor center restaurant and had the most delicious fish soup and salad at the restaurant with a glass of wine. Most of our boat tour did as well! It was Whit Monday in the islands (a religious holiday) and so many things were closed but we walked into the town after we ate to explore and stretch our legs. We spotted a few restaurants and pubs and the main church but it seemed like a much quieter town despite the fact that it was the largest one I went to after Torhsavn. It seemed like a jumping off point to other places.

Mykines: Tiny Mykines! The town and the island are both named Mykines. This small town is on the westernmost of the Faroe Islands and is only accessible by boat or helicopter. There is a hostel and a bed and breakfast that serves food. I’m assuming the hostel does too because there is nothing else commercial on the island. We arrived and stopped at Marit’s house to have a bit to eat, which consisted of local sheep cheese, fish cakes, local blood sausage, rhubarb jam, and local butter, bread, and coffee, all for 100 DKK or about $18 at the time of purchase. Then we set off for the hiking! There are definitely more animals on this island that people. The operator of the b&b told us 10.5 people live on the island beause he is only there in summer to operate the business. We didnt’ interact with any other local people on this island, just sheep, puffins, and dogs. :) A few of the locals were out and about and nodded or smiled to acknowledge us, but I have to guess that if one chooses to live in such an isolated and small town, that they’re friendly but not interested in talking to small boatloads of tourists. This town was magical though, out of a fairytale. I felt like I’d stepped back in time even though I had cell service and there was electricity and all the modern conveniences, which was comforting.

Overall, I loved getting a peek at these little towns in the Faroe Islands. When I go back, I have my sights set on the northern islands and the towns on the island of Vagar so that I can hike the famous and picturesque lake Sorvagsvatn and see more of the natural scenery of the islands. Each one has its own charms!

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The Faroe Islands: Torshavn

I don’t think I’ve  still fully processed my thoughts on the Faroe Islands portion of my trip because I loved it so much. Then, I had the overnight in Reykjavik and I was so sad to leave. So, I really have no idea how to start this, I am going to keep it short for now. But, I’m just going to start with Torshavn, because it was my base. Torshavn is the capital of the small country and less than 20,000 people live in it and the surrounding area. It is small but has all that it needs, it felt bigger than I think a town in the in the States that size would feel, perhaps because it is the major harbor of the country (Torshavn literally means Thor’s Harbor). But the race and its participants might have made it feel more international as well with about 500 participants total, from the Torshavn, the Faroe Islands, the Nordic countries, and then the rest of us scattered around from all over the rest of the world.

The Faroe Islands had their own very distinct identity but as an outsider and an American, I did notice similiarities to Iceland. The natural landscape blew me away. It didn’t look exactly like Iceland, where there are a lot of volcanoes and glaciers, but it is more like the islands off of the coasts of Scotland and Ireland: rocky, steep, and green. Torshavn was hilly and the half-marathon I ran that started and ended there was very challenging because of this. I’ll save the race review for another day though.

Overall, I was completely charmed by this small town and its people. I got to know it very well over the course of the 5 days I made it my home base for exploring the islands. I will most definitely return and stay there. I will run the race again. I’m excited to see how the city grows and changes. The Faroese were kind, friendly, and curious as to what attracts tourists. Don’t worry, I told them! 

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Friday Favorites: my favorite parts about Copenhagen ❤️

I normally post links and stories that I really enjoy on Fridays but today I’m posting my favorite things about Copenhagen.

People: This was the second Nordic country I’ve ever visited (Iceland being the first) and I do think that Iceland is a bit different than continental Europe. Don’t get me wrong, I love both, so much. In fact, I teared up a little bit when my passport was stamped in Keflavik on the way home and that meant I had to leave (I know, something is weird and not quite right about that).

 I have experienced nothing but friendliness from Nordic culture and people. It is not like American friendliness where it is quite outgoing and sometimes over the top - which I am not belittling! But, the Danes are a bit reserved at first and then they open up when they’re comfortable. Then they’re very friendly, generous, and warm people. I think I can relate to this because I can be a bit shy at first and then I really open up. 

Everyone I met was generous, helpful, intelligent, and thoughtful. I had a lot of fun and interesting conversations with locals in Copenhagen. I did blend in - almost a bit too much because being alone and being a fair-haired, fair-skinned, female dressed in a lot of black made me look just like a local woman. 

The family I stayed with was wonderful and I had so much fun eating breakfast with them each morning and watching the local morning news show, chatting about our evenings and plans for the day, and about life in general as it related to current events. I would stay with them again and I they wrote me a private message in Airbnb saying to come back and stay again. <3 I honestly can’t say enough nice things about the family and everyone I encountered in Copenhagen. <3

The city: Copenhagen is a fairly small city, flat, on a part of Denmark that is an island (a big one) and very close to Sweden. The sea and a river were both very important to its development and economy. It really doesn’t take much for me to be charmed by the appearance and architecture of a city but I loved the city. I like Danish design anyway, it is simple, clean, and classic. The archictecture of the city reflects this. It isn’t grand and ornate like Vienna or Paris, but it has its own charms and beauty in that it isn’t trying to be fancy.

I asked the bartender who was working at Ruby Cocktail Chronicles what his favorite part of his city was and he answered that “you can bike across the city in about 15 minutes” and that made him happy. I can completely understand that, it is the little things that make you happy. Copenhagen is a city with many people but it is compact and easy to navigate. They have an extremely enviable bicycle/car/pedestrian traffic flow, in my humble opinion. I was inspired to ride my bike more back in Chicago and in general, wherever I end up. Has this happened yet? No, but I need to get my bike tuned-up. Next week, my friends.

The food and drink scene: Copenhagen, knows what is up when it comes to food. It is the home of Noma, (best restaurant in the world title, several times) which will reopen in December 2017. Denmark is where Mikkeller beer got started and they’ve got more projects than just beer. There are several restaurants in Copenhagen that are part of the Mikkeller family that focus on pairing food with beer. I didn’t have enough time to go to them but I definitely ATE ALL THE THINGS in Copenhagen. And drank them. I am so happy that a lot of bars there serve 20 cl size beers or I would not have been able to taste as many as I did. I loved all of the fish and seafood I ate, the beers I drank, the delicious and inventive salads I ate when I realized I needed vegetables. The availability of ethnic food in Copenhagen is fantastic as well. There was something for everyone and for every budget.

NEXT WEEK: The Faroe Islands. I’m exciting about sharing the magical destination.

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Copenhagen - EAT & DRINK!

Aka, the start of Sonya’s Mikkeller Tour of Europe. 

Madklubben Vesterbro - I ate at this place after I started walking to Warpigs from Mikkeller Bar, but then felt a little uncomfortable (it was late, I was tired, there were a few sketchy people) and headed back to the main street. I probably would have been PERFECTLY FINE. However, I was too tired to deal with harrassment in another language. Madklubben had a really tasty menu and is apparently the most popular restaurant to book at this time in Copenhagen. It was popular and I had great service at the bar. Rather large place, creative cocktail menu but I didn’t have one because I’d already had a lot of beer and decided to keep that train rolling with another one. Since I live in Chicago, I didn’t flinch at what I spent here, it was about $30 after a salad,a fish based appetizer, and a beer.

Copenhagen Street Food - This place was my favorite. All the locals were out enjoying the sun and eating and drinking on the patios. If I lived in Copenhagen I’d be here once a week. I’m sure it is really popular on Fridays after work and on the weekends. There were a few cocktail bars, a few beer vendors, and all the cuisines one could imagine. I ate Korean at the Korean Street Food vendor. The set up is an old warehouse building on what is known as Paper Island and it has been filled with food trucks. Go, you’ll love it and there are budget and expensive options here so its a crowd pleaser for a group or if you’re on an budget. I try to be.

Mikkeller Bar - My first taste of Mikkeller in Copenhagen, its a smaller location than its Nørrebro sibling but it has more “official” outdoor seating too.There’s a great mix of interesting brews on offer and I love that Mikkeller (and other bars in the Nordic countries) offer the 20 cl size for beer. Nothing is cheap, you will probably pay the equivalent of $7 plus for 20 cl of beer, but you’ll not find more unique beers anywhere either. I had three 20 cl sours and probably spent about $25.

Mikkeller and Friends - The Nørrebro location of the official Mikkeller bars in Copenhagen (Mikkeller has quite a few projects in the city). Larger space that is somewhat subterrranean but near a beautiful park and in the neighborhood that I liked so much. I had a couple of delicious sours here before heading off to do some shopping. I would say which ones but the menu is ever changing at Mikkeller so just know what type of beers you like and ask the bartenders on staff for suggestions if you’re overwhelmed by the 40 beers on tap.

Ruby Cocktail Bar - This place was suggested by my Google Trips app (which is a great app!) and I am glad that I went. It had a nice retro/throwback styled interior and the bartender on staff was dressed in suspenders and a button-down with dress pants (so kind of speakeasy style). He was friendly and extremely knowleldgable about his city and was chatty since it was fairly early and not too busy. He let me try a few different aquavits since I ordered an aquavit cocktail and didn’t know much about the liquor. I suggest stopping here for a break from the weather (no matter what it is!) and to recharge. The seating options are tables, comfy chairs, and a cozy and sunlight bar. Cocktails are about $12-$15.

Cava Bar Playa - I stopped in here to warm up before my walking tour and had a delicious glass of cava. There were some local women in there - about my age - celebrating one just getting her dream job. The man on staff was very nice and we were all chatting together at one point, from our different tables and him from the bar. The local women actually asked if I wanted to join them and had I not been going on a walking tour, I would have! They were so nice (more on the people in my next post). This bar did not have an innovative or crazy cocktails but stuck to the classics and good wine, which is fine by me! There’s an outdoor terrace with tables and heaters but on that particular day it was too windy to be outside. The bartender had to go tie everything down. My glass of wine was about $15 and I didn’t select the cheapest one.

Schønemann’s - I had to make a lunch reservation here! It is extremely popular and after dining there, I know why. The Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) are their specialty and they were amazing. I ate an appetizer one and almost all of a lunch plate one. I had herring and salmon and a Carlsberg, which is the classic Danish beer, its no Mikkeller but I didn’t need anything fancy with lunch. I would go back here! It isn’t cheap, I spent about $40, but I also ordered two in order to sample and thinking the appetizer would be small and it was not. Service here was impeccable. Honestly, it was everywhere. 

Copenhagen, I love you.

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Copenhagen: SEE!

I’ve decided to break down my personal trip review of Copenhagen (i.e., not a “guide”) into three parts: See, Eat, and a general post on my impressions and thoughts. I’m going to jump right in with what I saw and where I went. 

Since I stayed in an Airbnb with a family in their spare bedroom in South Copenhagen, I purchased the 72 hours Copenhagen Card, which was approximately $98 with the exchange rate. I thought it was a good deal because it included unlimited rides on CPH public transportation (bus and metro) as well as free entry to many of the museums. 

Danish Museum of Art and Design - I loved this museum. I think it would be a good place to go for anyone, not just design fiends or even just Danish design enthusiasts. There was fashion, photography, furniture, mixed media, and a special exhibit on the Japanese influence on Danish design. There was also a great gift shop and cafe. This museum isn’t very close to a lot of other sights, but I felt it was worth the visit. Also, Copenhagen is not that big, and you can always rent bikes and bike to everything even as a tourist. Cycling seemed very safe in the city. I’m an idiot on a bicycle (hoping to change that) so I did not! This was included with the Copenhagen Card.

Statens Museum for Kunst - This place was very close to the Botanic Gardens, but did not open until 11. So I visited the gardens, then the Design museum, then breezed through this place. It is your typical State art museum with paintings from the Renaissance through the modern period. There was renovation going on when I was there so they’d created a special ground floor exhibit of the most special Nordic paintings and put them on one floor. I thank them for that, I was most looking forward to the more contemporary art and I was pleased. This museum isn’t huge so you can see it all in 2 hours or less. This was included with the Copenhagen Card.

Botanic Gardens - I was up with the sun so I went here because it was the only thing already open when I was out and about. But I am glad that I did! It was pretty and I imagine it must be quite busy on the weekends when the weather is lovely. There were so many beautiful flowers and plants. The greenhouse was filled with beautiful plants as well. This place was free.

Tivoli Gardens - I went here to see it all lit up at night because that is what a TripAdvisor person said was most magical and he was there with his kids. I got the feeling that he thought “I came all the way to Denmark and had to take my kids to a stupid amusement park, but the lights made it worth it”. So, I saved this for the end of a day and I was SO TIRED when I got there. It was my last day, I had walked all over, I got there at about 8 pm and then remembered that it would not be dark for about 2 more hours. Oy. I walked around the park, where people were having fun on the rides and playing games! There were some interesting circus-like stage shows happening, and some live classical music, however I needed to sit. After I circled through the park, I sat with a view of the most famous white palace looking building, at an outdoor cafe under some heat lamps, and ordered a coffee and a caramel sundae. I enjoyed the peace and quiet for about an hour before it was finally dark and then I snapped photos, bought some souvenirs, and took the bus home with dozens of drunk teenagers and 20-somethings who had been at Distortion. I got stuck in the Distortion crowd two nights in a row! Woohoo! (More about this later in probably both CPH posts). Entry was included with the CPH Card - rides are extra.

Round Tower - This was worth the climb to the top because Copenhagen does not have any hills of notable size to view the city from so a climb up a tower was in order to get a 360 degree view. The climb was mostly a ramp that just circled up, and a very short and steep staircase at the end (like 10 steps or less) so it is actually a good climb for anyone who is claustrophobic because the ramps were spacious! There was also a mini-museum type display on almost each floor on the way up as well as public toilets so there were places to rest. Included on CP Card. 

Christiania and more to read here, and here - The last link is a Buzzfeed article, but sometimes they are right on (actually many times). I did a great walking tour that ended up near Christiania. I don’treally have any words to describe this place and photos were not allowed so I just want to say you should read the arcticles I’ve linked, go yourself, and form your own opinion. I think it is really cool that it exists and coexists somewhat peacefully within Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a bit hippie, a bit strange, but good for them. My walking tour was free and I tipped the guide about $10 after the exchange rate.

The Little Mermaid - This is a “pass” for most people because it is kind of a hike from all of the main attractions. However, I went my first day because I needed to walk and adjust to time change. I am also a huge fan of the Little Mermaid, both the original Hans Christian Andersen tale as well as the animated Disney version, so I had to see her in person. :) Free because it is a statute and there are no restrictions around seeing it.

Nørrebro - Very cool neighborhood, if I lived in Copenhagen, I’d want to live here. Lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. I did some shopping in this area after spending the morning wandering around the main “downtown” area and then having lunch at a place I’ll review in another post - then I took the bus to Nørrebro. I wandered and took a few photos, then shopped, bought some jeans, a cool earring, and some small gifts, and then had a few beers at Mikkeller and Friends before continuing on to Copenhagen Street Food and then Tivoli (omg what a full day I had my last day!) My favorite shopping street in Nørrebro was recommended to me by a friend of a friend and it was called Jæggersbroggade. 

Nyhavn - If you have seen any photo of Copenhagen, I’m going to bet it is either Den Lille Havfrue (the Little Mermaid) OR, some extremely colorful rowhouse looking buildings that line a canal that leads to the port that was once one of the busiest in the world. Nyhavn means “new harbor” and is the name for the area. There are restaurants with outdoor patios and boat tours leave from canal - it is extremely touristy. However, you must see it. I headed straight for it my first day and it was cloudy. I passed it a second day and it was a little bit brighter. My last full day I was close by and had time to kill (how?) and it was SUNNY and I ran over to snap a third group of photos of the colorful architecture. Must-see, for sure. Some of the houses date from the late 1600′s and Hans Christian Andersen lived on the street.

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Last day in the Faroe Islands 

 I have lots of thoughts and it might take me awhile to make them all into blog posts about the Islands. This might be my favorite destination? I feel like it's Iceland but unspoiled, still very rugged and still very wild. I enjoyed every minute.

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Friday Favorites from CPH 

 A few of my favorite things from my time here in Copenhagen. I'm headed to the Faroe Islands at noon today. More details to follow on my time in this city.

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Friday Favorites

Travel:

Icky travel news about carry-ons. Prepare, its coming.

Travel apps for green travel.

Tips to staying healthy while you travel - I’ll be trying to enforce these next week!

Anthony Bourdain’s thoughts (all good!) on Iran.

Budgeting for travel! This is pretty much my method.

Keeping it short and sweet this week because it has been BUSY. I am checking in to say I have kept up the morning meditation and yoga, for the most part. I’ve been happy to start my morning with a little peace and “me” time. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and I will have some short posts for you next week in real time while I travel.

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Copenhagen Eat and Drink

The photo above is from Taboga Island in Panama, but I felt the heart was appropriate because I’m about to get excited about Copenhagen bars and restaurants that I am going to hit up while I’m there.

Ruby Cocktail Chronicles - I have an early reservation here for Wednesday night, I’m excited to try this cocktail bar that has a seasonal menu and seems pretty strict about reservations.

Mikkeller & Friends - I’m not naming just one of the many in Copenhagen because I will hopefully go to mulitple locations (do they have a Mikkeller passport?). I honestly can’t want to try Warpigs.

Norreboro Bryghus - I am excited to try the food and organic beer at this place and have a reservation for dinner there the same evening as Ruby but at 8 pm.

BrewDog - Planning on popping over to Malmo one day to check out this place and have a late afternoon beer (probably after the museum in Malmo, more details later) and then head back to Copenhagen for dinner on my last night.

I also have a few coffee places that I really want to try, coffee culture is important in Copenhagen and I love coffee so of course I’m going to try as much as I can. But breakfast is provided at my Airbnb! I eat like a lumberjack though so I’m sure I’ll be snacking mid morning and checking out the food options at any of the coffee options. 

Six days until departure!

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One week until I leave

I’ve reached the one week mark! I packed a little bit this weekend and what I have packed may change - it seems like  I am going to have to deal with a range of temperatures. That’s always a challenge. Confession: I do not own hiking boots and I think I need some for the Faroe Islands. However, I’m annoyed because I already have plans to pack 3 pairs of shoes and to add a fourth pair seems excessive even if one pair will be worn on the plane, harrumph!

I have been pinning and adding some fun places to visit in Copenhagen to maximize my time. And I’m planning on heading to Malmo, Sweden for my last day to have lunch at a brewery and explore a modern art museum and be back in Copenhagen by the evening for dinner and a last hurrah.

I ran 10 miles this past weekend and oh man am I ready to run this race and not have to train anymore. I like running, I’m excited to run this half-marathon, but my right hip flexor is not happy these days. I need a break from race training to let it heal properly. Either way, with work and life, I am ready for a trip again. Traveling feeds my soul, however corny that sounds, it is true.

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Friday Favorites

Travel

JET LAG TIPS. Read them, remember them, live by them.

Dealing with a hangover on the road.

Harbour Island, Bahamas - I’d like to go.

Copenhagen art, I’ll be looking for these in about two weeks!

Solo travel tips to live by. I like “when in doubt, go out” and practice that when I’m solo.

But even I need help making friends sometimes soooo, how to drink at a bar alone.

Enjoy your weekend!

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Vegas Quickie

48 hours in Las Vegas were filled with work and fun. We managed to eat at Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay and the chef himself stopped by our table to say hello towards the end of our meal. I drank the Devil Went Down to Manhattan (and then couldn’t stop singing the Devil Went Down to Georgia), and ate a half dozen oysters (the sampler) and a golden beet and goat cheese salad with a delicious pistachio cream.

After dinner, we saw Michael Jackson ONE which was absolutely fantastic. I went in with no expectations because the Beatles LOVE was my top choice but our wonderful hotel hooked us up with Cirque tickets and that’s what we were given. I would pay to see it again. The acts, choreography, performance were simply amazing. I’ve never smiled, clapped, and danced my way through a show like I have that one. Go see it! Highly recommended.

Bright and early the next morning, I woke up and worked from 6:30-12. There was a 90 minute break in there to dash out to the Tmobile store for a new phone since I’d broken mine that morning by dropping it - it smashed into the hotel bed frame. Then once we were cut loose for the afternoon, my original plan was to work out and nap before our banquet that evening. Instead, I was convinced to join my other three coworkers at the pool for lunch and sunshine. I had not brought a swimsuit, so I wore a dress out there and my friends ordered me lunch and a rum runner to start (love them). Then after I ate, I decided to don a sports bra and borrow a pair of my jean shorts and join them for the rest of the afternoon. We had so much fun and I’m glad I changed my plans. 

I left enough time for a quick workout, a relaxing bath and facemask before getting ready for that evening’s banquet (photos with the showgirls above and our “ugly” faces) and made my way downstairs. The banquet was business as usual but afterwards, my coworkers/friends and I celebrated in the casino. I watched as they gambled - I don’t like to lose money and this was not my first time in Vegas. I called it a night and went back to my room at the Red Rock Casino, Resort, and Spa and at 12:30 since I had a 10 am flight. 

The Red Rock is not on the strip, but the hotel itself is quite nice, is extremely large and the rooms are spacious. The property is nice and has a large pool, a spa, fitness center, large casino, everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel but not on the strip. 

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Souvenir ideas for yourself and gifts

I like buying souvenirs when I travel - for myself and others. However, I also do not like clutter, so I am pretty picky about what I buy. So, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite ideas that are not difficult to bring back even when your bag already seems full.

Food/candy/alcohol - I usually bring back some chocolate, some for me, my office, my family. I like interesting flavor combinations or I ask what would be the local favorite. I am especially excited if I can find a local chocolatier and go crazy in there. In Vienna I spent about $80 in one chocolate shop because everything sounded so delicious and I just could not decide. In Colombia, I bought 7 bags of coffee to bring back as gifts, drink at my office, and 1 or 2 to keep for myself. I also like buying spices and interesting salts (think lava salt from Iceland, paprika straight from Hungary). The spices are something you can research in advance as well while you investigate the local cuisine. I also appreciate edible items because they won’t clutter up a person’s home for too long. I’ve also almost always bought small bottles of the local spirits for people to try because it is always fun to get a taste of what liqueurs are popular. Black Balsam (Latvia), Birkir, Bjork, Floki whisky (Iceland, yes I went nuts there), Aguardiente (Colombia), Laphroaig (Scotland but bought at LHR)  are all things I’ve brought back. Sometimes I buy a big bottle for myself but only in duty-free so I don’t have to worry about schlepping it around my entire trip. On occasion I make an exception to that rule though.

Jewelry - Buying jewelry for friends is always nice because it involves spending some time selecting a piece that will suit your friend or family member’s taste. I also try my hardest to find a local artisan to support. This place, was a favorite in Prague, and I’d go back for more pieces. I’ve bought some pretty amber pieces in the Baltics and a lovely porcelain ring in Prague. If this sounds like a good idea but you’re not good at selecting jewelery, I think a good choice for almost anyone who has pierced ears is a unique or dainty pair of studs. 

Local artwork or craft - Whether it is a painting, drawing, small sculpture, whatever, supporting a local artist is an amazing way to remember your trip or share it with another. The most fun part of purchasing local artwork is talking to the artist - if you bought it directly from them. Or, if you’re a high roller, talking to the gallery employees/gallery owner you purchased it from. 

Beauty products/locally made skincare/handmade soaps/candles - This might be one of my favorite categories. Just like food and drink, there is a shelf-life, so it won’t take up space forever. Meanwhile, you might just end up using something or lighting something everyday that brings you back to your trip and the moment you purchased it, whate lead you to that place, etc. I also like that packaging of locally made/handmade products often have extremely unique and beautiful packaging, like a pretty bottle that you could use as a vase later or refill with another soap, liquid, or oil so that that you can still admire the container long after the product is gone. I LOVE buying soaps too because there are always some unique scents and ingredients and they are super easy to pack because they do not take up a lot of space. Finally, even though Sephora is everywhere, I enjoy going into Sephora in other countries because there are always local beauty products and skincare (I’m more into the skincare than makeup, to be honest) that I can’t find at home.

Random clothing items - I do like pretty scarves, but I have had a self-imposed moratorium on buying scarves since about 5 years ago. Unless I saw something that I HAD to have, I’d pass it up. I usually travel with a few scarves anyway. I do keep an eye out for interesting hats or hair accessories though. I included this category because some people can still add to their scarf collection so this is a great idea that takes up almost zero space.

So, there you have it, my favorite things to buy for myself and others. Postcard packs always work too though because they’re usually easy to display and can be changed out when you tire of the photos.

 Also, I’m pictured above from a trip last year after an afternoon of shopping in Le Marais in Paris, with a Diptyque candle bag. Yes, I bought one and yes, I know they’re kind of basic. But, I still love Feu de Bois and the John Galliano candles (even though he is awful). The only time I will allow myself to buy a Diptyque candle is when I am actually in Paris because they are expensive and my own personal travel treat.

[40countriesbefore40-blog]

Friday Favorites

(Pictured above, me, currently)

Travel

OMG, these scary roads.

How to have a relaxing vacation. Apparently some people need help.

James Beard awards 2017 and the best new US restaurants.

Cities with amazing street art.

I hate lists like this, but probably important. 

Prepare for more eating in this German town.

At some point, I’d like to learn to surf. I don’t have to be good, but I’d like to try it. This list is inspiring.

Big fan of Parts Unknown here, and this episode about LA on Sunday night, was one of my favorites EVER. So well done. I don’t mind when he returns to cities because he always finds a new angle or attitude, neighborhood, or cuisine and culture to explore. Right on.

RANDOM

I have no idea why I clicked through every photo in this slideshow and read every word about makeup artists making 20-something actresses look young enough to play teens, but I’m linking it here because maybe someone else will find it interesting.

Band names you’ve probably been mispronouncing. I’m happy to report I got most of my favorites on that list correct. Most importantly Sigur Ros

[40countriesbefore40-blog]

Google Trips and Packing Tips

My upcoming trip to Copenhagen and Torshavn (Faroe Islands) is the first time I’ve used Google Trips to plan my own trip. If you read a previous post, you remember that my friend used it to plan our trip to Central Europe last fall (Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague). We really were able to see a lot in all cities because of Google Trips, recommendations, and using the maps and points dropped on the map to plan our days. It is really such a fun and useful tool! 

I’m very excited to plan some daily itineraries in order to maximize my time in Denmark. For Torhavn, since it is very small, it will be more helpful as a map and a guide to eating, drinking, and coffee-ing. :) Since I’ll be spending about 24 hours in Reykjavik, I’m also using it as more of a map there too but it was nice to see that my hostel’s bar (I’m staying in a hostel for one night!) was listed as a fun place to have a drink. I also want to hit up a coffee place that I missed the first time I was there. Reykjavik Roasters, I’m coming for you!

Finally, addressing the packing. As usual, I’m going to carry-on and pack light. It will be fairly cool while I’m there and I will need a half marathon ensemble. I’m planning on bringing three pairs of shoes - maybe buying a pair of hiking shoes/trail runners late in the game - I don’t know, we’ll see. They’re certainly useful but also hideous and huge and take up space. I will definitely bring my trusty Adidas’s, maybe a pair of black ballet flats that I just got from JCrew that seem comfortable (but probably are not),  and maybe my little pair of black booties that I bring everywhere. 

I like to wear comfy clothing on the plane, so leggings of some sort and a comfy cardigan tank combination with an infinity scarf. I’ve written about all of these before. I usually wear my heaviest shoes on the plane. I’m going to try very hard to only take 4-5 shirts and two pairs of jeans (black and grey), one black dress, black tights, a leather jacket, my North Face down-style jacket that is great in the rain, a second scarf for variety, all of the important unmentionables, socks, and pjs. My Copenhagen Airbnb has a washer and dryer but I am not sure if I will need to wash anything that early. 

I try to keep my beauty routine minimal in everyday life, so on vacation, even moreso. Quite honestly, I forgot my makeup when I went to Panama and Medellin. I had a tube of lipstick in my carry-on and that was all. I did not miss it. I also barely wore a bra. Those might have been the two greatest parts of vacation, being FREE! But I digress. I have a very strict skincare routine and I will bring that (oil, moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, facial wash). My travel beauty routine is usually mascara, brow gel, a bit of foundation, creme blush that can also go on my lips, a tiny travel size rollerball perfume, one daytime lipstick, and one bright red for evening. But to be quite honest, there have been some days that I’ve only dabbed on perfume and walked out the door. I also am very lax with my hair and let it do its own thing - so it is usually wavy. I have a travel sized bottle of seat salt spray, travel sized dry shampoo, and travel sized shampoo and conditioner. I am lazy in real life when it comes to a beauty routine and even worse on vacation. I will do a REAL LIFE packing list post for the day I leave, but this is the anticipated plan. It is pretty similar to my Warsaw-Riga-Vilnius-Amsterdam-Paris trip last year in May. I packed really well for that and expect to have similar luck. :)