Melise Bricault

food and travel blogger

[melisebricault]

📍Villa Borghese museum was spectacular. I have been to dozens of museums and this was without a doubt the most incredible art exhibition I have ever been to. Each room left my jaw on the floor.The house alone was an experience in itself. From the extravagant painting ceilings, to the mosaic floors, and marble walls, the villa did not disappoint. Coupled with the variety of works and artists, including Caravaggio and Michelangelo, arranged throughout, the Borghese museum is an absolute must when visiting Rome. I would recommend going earlier as it gets quite busy. Having a tour guide (not one from the museum), made the experience much more enjoyable and informative.

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One of the best drinks i’ve had in a while. The Court in Rome📍 Bar for the Manfredi hotel. While the drinks were on the pricier side, one round came with an unlimited appetizer platter. I ordered the Jasmine Butterfly which was the best out of the 4 (Purple Skies, The Greener, and Mango Italiano). Had a great view of the colosseum and staff was very attentive. Good overall but a little overpriced. Nice spot for drinks before a night out!

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The Jerry Thomas Project📍Another great bar in Rome that is also a speakeasy. The drinks here were great but all on the sweeter side. The clover club and improved aviation were my favorites. Surprisingly this was a much more affordable alternative than other bars I have visited. Reservations are necessary but definitely worth it!

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Pompeii ruins📍I travelled here with my architecture class after completing our overview of Roman monuments and history. Pompeii was buried in ash after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The flourishing and sophisticated Roman city was very well preserved even after centuries of being underground. Excavation began in the late 16th century and is still on going. I first learned about the history of Pompeii in a Latin class in 6th grade and have not revisited it until now, my freshman year of college. While most of the city is in good condition, including various villas; Julia Felix’s compound and House of Menander (bottom left and right images), some portions of the city; most of the forum and several walkways have been damaged by the ash. Many of the frescos and original art have been restored including the largest fresco in the Villa of Mysteries that lies on the outskirts of the city (right image in second row). The city was highly advanced; many domus’ had early stages of plumbing, as well as architectural features that allowed the buildings to remain cold, even in the hottest months of summer. The most notable part of the experience was walking through the amphitheater and listening to acoustics achieved by the architects. Even without modern technology the city was extremely advanced for its time and would have flourished if not for the eruption. Was a very cool experience and would definitely recommend.

[melisebricault]

Yuma📍One of the best asian fusion restaurants in Zurich. The yuma and strawberry mules were both delicious - not too sweet but strong. The dumplings were all amazing, my personal favorites were the chicken and miso prawn (despite the fact that I do not eat seafood). The crispy drunken chicken and sides of mushrooms, fried rice, and sweet potato fries are also a must. As for dessert the açaí bowl, cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake (my personal favorite) were all fantastic as well. The bao buns and tacos were mediocre but otherwise a great meal overall.🔥🔥

[melisebricault]

Chinese Gardens, Zurich Switzerland📍Very beautiful Chinese gardens located in city. Was a great afternoon walk and spot for pictures! We went around sunset which made the experience exponentially better.

[melisebricault]

Uetilberg, Top of Zurich📍After a 25 minute hike we arrived at the highest point in Zurich Switzerland to watch the sunrise over the clouds. The sun arose at approximately 7:20am. Was such a cool experience and would definitely recommend.

[melisebricault]

Ostia ruins📍 I visited the ruins of Ostia last week for my architecture class. The port city was founded in the 4th century and was excavated in the 20th century. The city had some of the best preserved mosaics I have ever seen featuring black and white images of gods, humans, animals, etc. The colorless nature of the images was a classic style and representation of wealth in the ancient city. The port city was inhabited by mostly upper class merchants and political figures however many of the Domus (city houses) had various slave quarters and apartments used by lower class citizens. The amphitheater located in the forum was in exceptionally good shape and was surrounded by office spaces with equally well kept mosaic floors. Overtime the shoreline has receded and the Tiber river has altered its natural course. The two bodies of water made Ostia an ideal location for trade and primary access to Rome as many travelers passed through the city. Was about a 25 minute subway ride from Rome!

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Thermalbad and Spa Zurich📍Yesterday we had a hydrotherapy spa experience. There were 10 sections: you begin in a steam room, then move to a shower where you exfoliate and then return to another, more intense steam room. This process first opens your pores, the shower and exfoliate cleanses your skin and then rehydrates it in the second room. Next you move to a hot pool which sends your body into a deep relaxation. There are three more pools that gradually decreases in temperature as you move through and two sets of hot stones in between. Finally you end at the rooftop pool (shown in pictures above) that outlooks a 360 degree view of the entire city skyline. This was my favorite step of the process and overall was the most enjoyable experience I have had in switzerland. Would definitely recommend!

ps bring your own products if you plan on showering after☺️

[melisebricault]

Zuma, Rome📍 This is one of the best asian fusion restaurants I have ever been to. The food and drinks were all incredible. The raspberry and lychee martinis were my favorite. I don’t typically eat fish but the sashimi and shrimp tempura were both delicious especially with their respective sauces. All of the meat was fantastic. I already have reservations to eat there again and couldn’t be more excited. This is must if visiting Rome!!🔥🔥🔥

[melisebricault]

Swiss Chuchi, one of the best fondue restaurants in Zurich🔥🔥. The original cheese was my favorite and the chicken, beef, and garlic bread were definitely the best dippings. We ate inside, but the I would recommend eating outside as it the chilly weather would have made the experience even better.

[melisebricault]

Last night we went to Blinde Kuh, a blind restaurant in Zurich, Switzerland. All of the waitstaff and chefs are visually impaired. The entire dining experience was in a pitch black room. We were lead to our table in a conga line. We had the three course meat (the first, third, and fourth items in second picture). The salad and entree were both incredible but I wasn’t a fan of the dessert. Overall was an amazing experience. Would highly recommend if visiting Zurich.