If You Go...

What to do, When you go.

[usatoday]

A Mongolian man leads his horse past a billboard. (Photo by Daesung Lee.)

See more photos from the Sony World Photography Awards. 

[ifyago-blog]

Cloudland Canyon delivered.

[ifyago-blog]

Detroit Michigan -> Hamtramck: New Palace Bakery

If you've ever visited good ole Detroit, MI, you've probably never noticed the little town of Hamtramck about 15 minutes away. I only suggest this possible detour as it is here you will find New Palace Bakery, a traditional polish bakery that will make your eyes as happy as your stomach. 

DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT: Homemade perogies and powdered sugar coated elephant ears. 

[nprbooks]

Happy International Coffee Day!

Ah, and how splendidly a good book and a cup o’ joe go together. In honor of this day, here are a few things books have taught us about coffee …

Bitter by Jennifer McLagan:

The amount of bitterness in coffee comes less from the presence of caffeine than it does from the method of brewing and roasting the beans.

Coffee for Roses by C.L. Fornari:

This one’s for the coffee-lovin’ gardeners out there: The old wives’ tale that coffee grounds work wonders for growing roses isn’t exactly true. Sure, it’s not a bad thing — but it’s not necessarily special, either; any organic material as fertilizer will do.

Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World by Mark Pendergrast:

The introduction of coffee had a “sobering up” effect on the Western world, as the previous drink of choice was most often booze (morning beer soup was actually a thing).

While it acted as an intellectual and creative stimulant — the French and American Revolutions were planned in coffeehouses, Pendergrast says — it was also a symbol of colonialism. Europeans spread the growth of coffee bean trees, but often used slaves to do it.

In America, the events surrounding the Boston Tea Party (as well as cost difference) may have caused the adoption of coffee over tea. John Adams even wrote in a letter to his wife that he’d have to swap beverages for patriotic reasons.

-Intern Bita

Image via Your Coffee Guru

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So COOL! Happy coffee day!

[ifyago-blog]

If You Go to Paris: La Fourmi Ailee

If this picture isn't enough to convince you...

My friend and I were excited to visit this specific cafe after her reading that it was an old feminist bookstore turned cafe. (I don't consider myself a die hard feminist, but I'm all about some girl power).

Besides the magical, light and dainty atmosphere, there is no reason why the fellas shouldn't enjoy this adorable cafe. 

In our experience, it served as a perfect place to give our legs a rest while getting some peace and quiet. Not to mention a DELICIOUS cappuccino. 

NOTE: There's not much going on up the stairs, but definitely venture up and take a look! You'll find this cool quote on the wall. 

"I would like to tell myself a nice, short, unbelievable story."

[ifyago-blog]

Europe Trip Summer 2014. 

[ifyago-blog]

In preparation for my video post...

Just finished creating a video of my trip to Europe. Posting soon and missing my travel buddy more than ever. 

[tacotalker-blog]

Taco Mamacita: Chattanooga, Tenn.

Before taking any advice to visit Taco Mamacita, you must be aware that you will crave it every single moment afterward until you have it again. 

Nonetheless, EAT HERE.

I’m not hesitant at all to say these were the best tacos I’ve ever had. And I’ve had my fair share. I mean… I started a blog about it…

The best part about enjoying a taco experience with a fellow foodie is you get to try their choices as well. And you absolutely want to try more than you can handle alone at Taco Mamacita. 

So between myself and my lovely guest, I tried the The Memphis, Oy Vey, Steakhouse and Taco Royale. If these were men, I fell in love with The Memphis, want to snuggle with Taco Royale, have an affair with Steakhouse and have already forgotten about Oy Vey. Let me explain…

The Memphis: To me this was the ultimate carnitas taco with a bbq spin. Carnitas tacos are my favorite, hence the falling in love. The dill pickle and jalapeno slaw added a perfect feeling of fresh on top of the comfortable bbq taste. This is the taco I’d return for. 

Taco Royale: If you’re looking for fresh, look no further. Just don’t. 

Steakhouse: With beef brisket and onion rings hogging the attention, this was definitely an indulgence. Crunchy and tender all in one. An indulgence I will never ever feel guilty about. 

Oy Vey: If you’re taking my advice, just don’t bother with this one. I don’t even remember what was so forgettable about it. 

Never have I followed tacos with plantains, but oh how I want to every time now. 

[ifyago-blog]

My vans think Nice is nice. I must agree. If ya go, be sure to bring water shoes to the beach. Dem pebbles look smooth, but as my travel buddy Katie Quine said, "Pros, no sand everywhere. Cons, everything hurts!" (while making her way up from the water).

[ifyago-blog]

Photos and stories from my far too short Europe trip comin soon! I can't bring myself to devote time to tumblr with only 2 weeks to get some adventuring done.

[ifyago-blog]

If you want new/more friends!

I've been visiting meetup.com for a while now. Yes I know it sounds like another dating site, but it is legitimately a site that makes it super easy to find people in your area that meet up to enjoy common interests. I've signed up for about four different groups, but wasn't brave enough to attend an event until last night. 

I found a group that meets up to play ukuleles together! I've wanted to get better at playing and they seemed like a minimally creepy, nice group of individuals. I expected it to be at least a little weird, but I figured, what's life without a little weird experience at least once a day? 

Side note: The more weirdness you subject yourself to, the less weird and the more wonderful things start to become. 

So eventually I found the group in a study room at the local library. I walk in with my uke and SURPRISE... it wasn't weird at all! I enjoyed an hour and a half of learning new songs and chords, and left with a huge pile of new music thanks to Barb the piano teacher. 

All of this to say, if you need friends, meetup.com is a great place to start your search. 

[caravalentestudio-deactivated20]

[oahficw]

Beautiful! If only we all engaged with the city from above…

[mistymorningme]

Rösåsen © Heli Berg

[lapizzaetlesfrites-deactivated2]

[aheartfortheheartless]

Portugal Beach Picnic by Beth Kirby

[ifyago-blog]

An Absolute Dream

[softwaring]

A day before Matterhorn; Nicola Paltani

[oahficw]

The current Amtrak train service in Florida would probably never be described as “triumphant”. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value – even if that value comes in the form of allowing citizens of Florida to affordably get around their state.

Drew Reed on plans for an all-private, luxury train service in Florida. (via thisbigcity)

Sweeeeet

[anotic]

Skógafoss, South Iceland  |  sigmund jähn