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Shatoyia

Foodie,

Trips with Bae,

NC

Mix of Luxury/Budget,

AirBNB/VRBO/etc,

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    Shatoyia
    Dec 10 2019
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    My husband and I visited Paris November 2019 for his birthday. It was a quick trip from Thursday until Monday, we stayed at a decent 3 star boutique hotel called Hôtel Libertel Gare de L'Est Français near the public subway system. We did ALOT of walking so being comfortable shoes. We stayed quite a distance from the Eiffel Tower tower we caught the subway system there. We were able to go to the top after a short wait in line although I’d recommend purchasing tickets online, we had tapas and drinks at the little restaurant at the Tower. We walked to the Champs-Élysées area to shop and eat, again lots of walking. But there’s so much to see and do! I would have to say the highlight of the trip was taking my husband to dinner at THE CUTEST family owned oyster bar called Langousta Passy, it was a wonderful dining experience!! Not only was the food great, we had a cold seafood tower with various offerings. The ambiance, hostess (Chef/Owner’s lovely wife) the Chef, staff and patrons contributed to a birthday my husband will never forget. We had great conversations, a concert and they even sang my husband Happy Birthday (Stevie Wonder version). When in Paris Langousta Passy is a MUST VISIT!

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    Shatoyia
    Jun 11 2018
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    I recently visited Saint Lucia for my birthday, honestly it wasn't my first choice. We were all booked to visit Rio until we learned we about the visa requirement. Most of what I had heard about Saint Lucia was that it was ultra relaxing and that is exactly what I desired most for this birthday, it was amazing consolation!! When we travel we like to "live like the locals" we usually rent an Airbnb in the least touristy area, emerge ourselves in the culture. We stayed in the southern part of the island at an awesome house that was right outside of Soufriere, which is pretty much the central location to where most the islands attractions are. Such as the waterfalls, the Pitons, as well as the "walk in volcano" and sulpher baths. The house was located about 30-45 minutes away from the airport, we rented a car which I was extremely hesitant about (they drive on the left side) but my husband, ever the adventurer felt as if he could drive. It was the best decision ever, various modes of transportation to and from the airport can be quite costly. Also because we stayed in a non tourist area there would be no options for shuttles to the various attractions. Also because we rented a car we were able to tour the island at our own pace. We went from the south end of the island to the north, stopping at various beaches and curb side food stands along the way. We visited the Sulpher Springs, walk in volcano and waterfalls all on our own, we paid minimal entry fees and they have tour guides on site. From were we stayed we had an amazing view of the Pitons which are two huge peaks that you can climb if you're up for the challenge, we had planned to climb the smaller one but time got away from us. Saint Lucia a beautiful island with the most natural scenery I have ever seen, you literally get the best of both worlds the mountains and the beach on one lovely gorgeous island. During our stay on the island there wasn't much nightlife to speak of but we did find a cool bar to watch a semi finals game. Also we arrived on a Sunday but there in a huge fish fry in Rodney bay so if you're there on a Friday be sure to inquire about the fish fry. Also for those interested in gambling we did run across one casino. Lastly I'm a huge foodie and I really like to eat local cuisine wherever I visit, unfortunately I did n't enjoy the food as much this trip. A few saving graces were spots we'd stumbled upon on the side of the road and our first meal which was a home cooked meal served to us by our Airbnb host, it was the best meal of the trip! Overall Saint Lucia is beautiful, there are a lot of cool things to do and they have some the most beautiful beaches in the world! A must visit for ultimate relaxation!!

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    Shatoyia
    Jun 11 2018
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    When I visited Seattle for the first time it was suggested by my next boyfriend. It was his birthday and he said he had always wanted to go to Seattle from watching Sleepless in Seattle when he was younger. So I thought cool but all I really knew about Seattle was the Space Needle and its always rainy, oh and its Jimmy Hendrix's birthday place. We found a last minute deal on Priceline and we were out! We stayed in walking distance from the Space Needle, and our hotel room had a cool view of the Space Needle. Which you must visit and eat at the revolving restaurant, we had brunch there one Sunday it was pricey but well worth it. During this visit to it was rainy but it more like a light mist, throughout the day and night. Seattle has the eclectic Pike's Market, which is a foodie's dream, every time I'm in Seattle I discover a new gem at the market. I also always order fresh seafood and have it shipped home. I love this place its an actual market which any and everything you could imagine. It another must visit place while in Seattle. Seattle has an amazing food scene which often times determines where I decide to visit. We took a really cool food tour while on our trip which I would highly recommend while visiting this ultra hip city. I cant recall the name at this time but it well worth what I paid, which I snagged off Groupon on whim as a cool gift to give my boyfriend. There were a lot to choose from so I suggest reading the reviews. Seattle in broken down in different cool areas lots of nice boutiques and shopping the Capital Hill area, there a nice club scene. I felt super comfortable while out on the night scene. be sure to take a boat tour on the Argosy. I would definitely reccommend Seattle as a cool place to visit. I've been back 3 other times, I always discover something new. My then boyfriend, who is now my husband and I have dubbed Seattle our happy place. We've seen our Carolina Panthers play at the famous Century Link Field and we've also seen one of my favorite artist Nipsey Hussle preform at the Neptune Theater in Seattle. Its a cool city, with a thriving food scene, cool bars and lots to do! It lives up to its hipster image but its a total cool spot! Be sure visit the famous gum wall!

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    Shatoyia
    Jun 11 2018
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    Anytime anyone I is travelling to Aruba I tell them, be sure to go to Kamini's Kitchen in San Nicolas! Kamini is the beautiful and extremely hospitable owner. When we visited Aruba we opted to stay in the least touristy area so we stayed in San Nicholas area in an Air BNB. You can't miss the bright blue and green building, I made note that once all my friends arrived we'd eat there as our first official meal on the "Happy Island". Kamini's did not disappoint! From the time we walked in I felt we were in the midst of family, Kamini is beautiful tiny woman who gave us a brief over view of what brought her to the island as well as informed us of the island's history. Kamini's serves a lot of West Indian cuisine, and what I would describe as "soul food" which in my opinion is food that soothes your soul, and makes you feel good. That's exactly what we experienced eating at this cozy spot. It was the kick off to my birthday so we took shots with the few patrons in attendance, listened to cool stories from some local patrons. Visiting Kamini's set the tone for the rest of our trip! Visit Kamini's Kitchen if you're ever in Aruba.

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