Last month, Derik and I made the spontaneous decision to go to the Beer Festival held in Brugge, Belgium. With over 400 different types of beer made from breweries all over Belgium and Europe, it was hard to say no. I was a bit worried accommodation would be slim-to-none since we literally decided a week before that we were going to go. After a quick online search (o.k. more like a couple hours), I discovered booking.com had the best options, and I reserved a place at House of Bruges. House of Bruges Review To be honest, I’m a little upset I didn’t discover this cute little B&B last time we visited Brugge. I loved our stay at Hotel Marcel, but the value for money, quaintness, and overall private experience House of Bruges gave us, ... Read More
Korcula Town to Stari Grad with MedSailors
There’s nothing more beautiful than experiencing the sunrise or a sunset on the ocean. Although the Philippines wins in my book for best sunsets in the entire world, Croatia definitely gave it a run for its money while we were sailing through the Dalmatian Islands with Medsailors. After our overnight in Vis, we took off for Hvar (enjoyed some swimming activities along the way) and spent the evening in Korcula Town before heading over to Stari Grad. The day was a blur of sun, sailing, dolphins (didn’t grab my camera quick enough), seafood, drinks at sunset, and tons and tons of laughter and games. Do I even need to mention the gorgeous location?!? I couldn’t get over it. Our port stop was a bit of a drive from Korcula Town, ... Read More
Andronikos Hotel Mykonos
A couple weeks ago Derik and I finally took a vacation together, and decided we wanted to get a little sun on our faces and wind in our hair, so we went to Greece. We spent a week sailing around the Saronic Islands with Medsailors, and then took a ferry to Mykonos to enjoy a couple days celebrating my birthday ( !!! how’s that for a birthday present). Derik was on the computer for hours looking for a great place to stay, stumbled upon Andronikos Hotel Mykonos online, and booked it right away. Andronikos Hotel Mykonos Review I am writing a review of the Andronikos Hotel not out of obligation (I was not asked in any way to promote their hotel, nor did I mention I had a travel blog to the staff), but because we had such a great stay. The ... Read More
Sailing to Vis, Croatia
In a matter of less than a week, Derik and I will be embarking on our second sailing adventure with Medsailors. It’s hard to believe it has already been a couple years since our last trip (seriously, where did the time go), and since we’re back in Europe, we though it would be fun to end this summer with another epic vacation. In all transparency, our last sailing trip was sponsored, but we had the best time in Croatia and believe in this friendly little company so much, we wanted to go again on our own dime! As we get ready for our second trip (location TBA), I thought I would take a few days and sort through photos and memories of our time in Croatia! Our first official stop was on the old military island of Vis. Vis, one of ... Read More
Staycation at Hilton Palacio Del Rio
I don’t know about you, but I find that sometimes staycations are a bit more glamorous and restful than actual vacations. Is it the fact that you don’t actually have to travel anywhere? Is it the fact that you already know the area and the best location to stay in? Or is it simply the fact that you’re spending time with your loved one and all the hustle and bustle of normal life is set aside and exchanged with relaxation and enjoyment? Whatever the reason, taking a staycation is one of my favorite things and I’m not sure why we don’t do it more often. Hilton Palacio Del Rio Review The last few nights before we moved to Germany, Derik and I decided to take a mini staycation at Hilton Palacio Del Rio to celebrate Derik’s graduation from ... Read More
Norway in a Nutshell
Norway has always been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. There’s just something about the quaint little villages nestled between gigantic rocky cliffs, the tasty seafood that no one can ever get enough of, and all the friendly people that beckon a person to visit and stay a while. Last summer Derik was tied up with school and I had a bit of free time on my hands, so I took a couple weeks off and traveled to Germany to see my brother-in-law, sister, and three sweet little nieces. During the time I was visiting, we took a 5-day trip to Norway with Norway in a Nutshell, and I absolutely fell in love. I’d have to say out of the very few countries we’ve visited in Europe so far (I think our tally is at 7), Norway has stolen my ... Read More
Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift
Christmas is quickly approaching. I don’t know how we got here so fast this year, but I suppose I have to face reality and launch myself full-steam into the festivities: hello cheery music, Starbucks red cups, cute boots and scarves, and lots of homemade cookies! One of my absolute favorite things to do is buy Christmas presents. I know for some it can be a stressful time with so many personalities, tastes, and budgets to consider, but the mere challenge of it all gets me excited. Derik is obviously my choice person to shop for (duh), and I spend the entire year watching, listening, and waiting to find 'the perfect gift' for him. I’m usually a last-minute shopper even though I have the gift in my head months in advance, but this time ... Read More
Exploring the Alamo with Jord Watches
Hello LIAL readers, I’ve missed you! As much as I’d love to say I’ve done a great job keeping up with my blog, fact is, I haven’t. Whomp whomp. Here’s the reason why (not that you’re concerned about it): Derik and I moved again — this time to Texas! I also managed to squeeze in another trip to Europe last month, so between the two, I’ve had little to zero time for personal blogging. I have however kept up with my IG account, so if you want a quick recap of what we’ve been up to, check in there. That being said, I really miss blogging. I have so much accumulated material to share with you from the last year +, I could probably blog every day until my fingers fell off and then some. I’m also considering a name change/re-brand (domain has ... Read More
Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park with Major Marine Tours
First of all, I can’t believe it’s been since May that I’ve blogged. I didn’t mean to take such a long break — I was trying to soak up every last minute I had in Alaska before leaving. I’ll be posting all about our adventures hopefully for the rest of this month and next, so we can move on to other things and new destinations! I’m super excited to share with you today about our time touring the gorgeous Kenai Fjords National Park with Major Marine Tours! I had a really good friend from Germany come visit me the last few weeks of June, and we wanted to take a cruise to see both the glaciers AND wildlife, and couldn’t quite decide what tour to choose. This is where Major Marine comes in, they had such a variety of cruise tours on their ... Read More
