I had the most beautiful trip in Spain. There is so much to do and something for everyone! Make the most of your time in Spain- explore the beautiful and vibrant cities, foodie scene(great tapas), indulge in the allure of iconic beaches, world class museums, history and culture while enjoying the beauty of the European country.

Destinations:

1.) Explore Seville- The capital and largest city of Andalusia (Southern Spain) and the fourth largest city in Spain. Seville is best known for its beautiful architecture, history, monuments, flamenco, and tapas scene.

Things to Do:

• Plaza de España- Visit the beautiful Plaza de España and fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park. The Plaza is the most famous square in Seville. It combines elements of Renaissance and Moorish Revival architecture- incredible patterns and tile work, decorative and ornamental colors and designs. Walk the canal, and admire the bright colors and detail of the azulejos(glazed colored tiles). Check out the 48 small alcoves with benches, each decorated with brightly colored ceramic tiles representing the different provinces of Spain. There are also four bridges across the canal representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain- Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and Leon. You can also take a boat ride around the plaza-(rent small boats to row the canal).

FUN FACT: The Plaza de España has been the back drop for filming locations in “Star Wars: Episode 11- Attack on the Clones”.

• Visit The Cathedral of Seville and LaGiralda

Cathedral de Sevilla (The Cathedral of Seville) is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial site of Christopher Columbus. The Cathedral was originally built as a Mosque, but when Ferdinand 111 conquered Seville in 1248, he converted the Mosque into a Catholic church with Renaissance and Gothic style. The Cathedral was built over remnants of a Moorish Mosque.

Climb the Iconic Giralda Tower- The bell tower has 35 ramps to climb to get to the top of the tower(343 ft). This was an unforgettable experience and offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Absolutely gorgeous views and worth it! It is stated that the ramps were built inside the bell tower instead of stairways so that the muezzin, who led the call to prayer, could ride his horse to the top of the tower.

• Wander the streets in the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood, the former Jewish Quarter of Seville. The charming neighborhood is a labyrinth of narrow, winding cobbled streets and alleys, beautiful white washed houses, flowery courtyards, artisan shops, tapas bars and restaurants, and orange-tree lined squares. It’s easy to get lost in the narrow alleys!

• Real Alcazar- Marvel at the Royal Alcazar of Seville. The oldest Royal Palace in Europe in use and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful palace has a blend of Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance styles- unique aesthetic, so much rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful lush gardens. The Royal Alcazar is a complex of courtyards and palaces that take you back to the 11th century.

FUN FACT: The Alcazar was featured as a filming location for several movies, but also used as a filming location for the fifth season of “Game of Thrones “, episodes 2,5,7,and 9.

• Flamenco Show: Seville is known to be the Birthplace of Flamenco dancing. Spend a memorable night out- Immerse yourself in Andalusian culture at a traditional Flamenco show, feel the rhythm of song, dance, and guitar playing. The intense and dramatic movements convey the emotions of the dancers. There are several venues to choose from and most offer dinner with the show. Skip the dinner show packages and head to El Patio Sevillano for an intimate and traditional flamenco experience. The dancers put on an amazing show, it was full of passion and emotions. I enjoyed a traditional Andalusian meal at Puerta Caleta prior to the show. Excellent service, ambiance, and great food!

2.) Day Trip to Cordoba- a hidden gem in Andalusia, Spain. Cordoba is a city with rich culture, history, and beautiful architecture. It is home to one of Andalucia’s three great monuments: The Mezquita, the other two being Seville’s Alcazar and Granada’s Alhambra.

• Visit The Mezquita de Cordoba, one of the largest Mosques in the world. In 1236, King Ferdinand 111 conquered Cordoba during the Reconquista and converted the Mosque into a Christian Cathedral. The Moorish architecture of Mezquita de Cordoba was significantly altered in the 16th century and was transformed into a soaring cathedral. Admire the arched pillars, mihrab, courtyards and Islamic and Christian architecture. It’s all about the arches- red and white with intricate mosaics.

• Meander the Juderia de Cordoba, The ancient ‘Jewish Quarter of Cordoba ‘ along Calle de los Judios with its labyrinth of cobbled, narrow and winding streets lined with white washed walls, picturesque squares, flower- filled patios and a view of the 16th century Synagogue. Admire the bronze statue of Maimonides, famous Jewish doctor and philosopher of Cordoba.

• Swing by Calleja de las Flores (Flower Alley), one of the most popular and picturesque streets of Cordoba. It’s a narrow alleyway lined with vibrant flowers- geraniums and carnations in blue flower pots hanging on white-washed walls. The city of Cordoba hosts The Courtyards Festival, also known as the Patios Festival in the first two weeks of May. The Festival is a competition where residents open their Courtyards to showcase their colorful blooms to win prestigious recognition.

• Stroll across the impressive Roman Bridge, referred to as the “Old Bridge ” by locals and enjoy picturesque views of the Guadalquivir River. Take photos of the Old Town, there are also street performers on the bridge playing Andalusian instruments.

FUN FACT: The Long Bridge of Volantis from the ‘Game of Thrones ‘, season five was filmed at the Roman Bridge of Cordoba.

Recommendation:

For a savory and tasty quick bite, while exploring, check out Manolas -Empanadas Cordobesas. There are many varieties to choose from, but the lamb and chicken were delicious.

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope it has inspired you to visit the beautiful cities of Seville and Cordoba. I will be posting more on other cities that I visited in Spain.

XOXO, Rochelle

The food scene is Buzzing in The Chi! My culinary tour was a great food and cocktail experience. Chicago has a diverse selection of places to eat and drink. Check out some of my faves as well as a new, buzz-worthy restaurant!

1. )Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on Rush Street. My all- time favorite restaurant; great cocktails, seafood,  steaks,  and salads.  I also recommend the Joe’s Fried Chicken,  Colossal Lump Crab Cake and Lobster Mac&Cheese. The ambience is lavish and the service is stellar.

2.) Provare’- New on my list! This Creole and Italian Fusion, Black- Owned restaurant located in West Town was a hit! The dining experience was amazing- welcoming atmosphere and a great music Playlist. The server greeted us with a shot of one of their signature drinks.

WHAT I ORDERED:

Windy City, an Espresso martini. This delicious, creamy, indulgent cocktail was one of the best I’ve ever had. The list of cocktails are named after Chicago streets and neighborhoods.

Chef’s Special Calamari- Fried Calamari with red onions, jalepeno and yellow peppers, with a side of marinara and sweet heat aioli dipping sauces. Very good, fried to perfection.

Spicy Seafood Trio with add-on lambchop. Can’t go wrong with adding -on! What’s your favorite Add-ons? This pasta dish was amazing and very flavorful. Provare’ did not disappoint, I would definitely recommend and revisit. A must try if in The Chi.

Check out Prive’ Speakeasy- located in the basement of Provare’. The hidden entrance is located behind the bookshelf, and the man wearing a suit will escort you. Reservations are required. Great vibes and cocktails, limited menu- late night bites.

3.) Bar La Rue- A touch of France in the Windy City, located in Fulton Market. The restaurant serves French inspired, American comfort foods. Very ornate aesthetic with Bohemian floral decor. We snagged a patio seat streetside- coveted spot to sip, dine, and people watch! The Bonne Vivant was a very light and refreshing cocktail. We ordered the Royale with Cheese (smashburger), Provence Style- served over gruyere cheese fondue and frites with garlic Aioli. The food, cocktails, and service was impressive. 10/10 experience.

4.) Dearly Beloved, A Premier Cocktail Restaurant with impressive decor. The presentation is everything! The aesthetic is eerie and elegant. Be willing to try meticulously crafted, unusual spirits. The cocktails are works of art! I ordered “The Last Kiss”- tropical and creamy drink that reveals itself as woody, aromatic, and calming. It was garnished with Palo Santo smoke, great presentation and taste. The food did not disappoint. I ordered Truffle fries, Truffle Honey Fried Chicken, and Potato & Caviar Cigar. This was an Amazing luxurious experience – ambience, decor, service, cocktails, and food. Executive Chef, Kristofer Lohraff stopped by our table for a little chat.

5.) Nobu Rooftop- Soaking Up Summer Vibes in The Chi. Great specialty crafted cocktails, small bites, music, ambience, and service. Great time taking in the stunning Chicago skyline while sipping cocktails, my favorite is the Lychee & Elderflower Martini.

6.) Costera Cocina Tulum- great spot for girls night, fun dinner spot! Great atmosphere, food, cocktails, and vibes. Our server was very attentive. I ordered chips&guacamole, asada tacos, and Sandia fuego(spicy watermelon margarita) which was tasty. The short rib quesadillas and surf & turf is also very good. This Tulum inspired restaurant and lounge is a full- fledged club after 10:30pm…Lovely Jungle decor!

7.) Pizzeria Portofino- Spritz and perfect Picturesque views of the river! Located on the Chicago riverfront, this restaurant transports you to the Italian Riviera, reminds me of that time in Cinque Terre. Enjoyed my favorites alongside stunning views of the Chicago River! I ordered the Paparazzi Spritz, light and refreshing. Also ordered the Portuguese Octopus with crispy potatoes and portofino vinaigrette, Calamari Fritti, Crispy Parmesan fries with garlic aioli, and Mediterranean Branzino, cooked to perfection, served skin on over a green olive Salmoriglio. Make sure to save room for House-Made Gelato, the Salted Caramel was amazing. The riverfront terrace was the perfect spot on a summer day for an amazing, relaxing lunch with friends. I highly recommend, a great place to check out! Great vibes, food, and service.

8.) The Penthouse.

The Penthouse- Toast to Summer on Fioretta’s Exclusive Rooftop, perched on the 13th floor, perfect for the Per•Us wine tasting event. This was a sophisticated atmosphere with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. Interactive experience with Winemaker Russell Bevan, vintage wines and food pairings. 10/10- atmosphere, food, wine, and music.

9.) Fioretta- Italian Steakhouse located in Fulton Market. Another one of my faves! Impressive decor and cocktails. The food is amazing!

What we ordered:

Parmesan Truffle Fries with Garlic Aioli, Table-Side Caesar Salad, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina- served sizzling and carved table-side, and Brussels Sprouts. Great selection of cocktails, but I ordered spirit free Pineapple punch; had great wines on The Penthouse. Great atmosphere, music, food, and service. Highly recommend! Also a perfect date night spot!

I spent 16 days on holiday in Thailand and it was quite an experience. This was a beautiful trip and as promised, a blog post is a must.

Livethruthelens.com was able to capture and document authentic experiences and indelible moments to share, while inspiring others to travel abroad. Traveling abroad challenges you to escape your comfort zone and is a great opportunity to discover the beauty in other cultures. Check out the highlights of my trip!

DESTINATIONS:

Where I went, What I did!!

Arrived in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. Exotic Bangkok is a vibrant city with grand temples, rich culture, amazing cuisine, and bustling nightlife- nightclubs, cabarets, and red- light districts.

1. City Tour of Bangkok, traveled through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market- colorful/vibrant flowers and veggies.

2. Visit to Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with a gigantic Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 50 feet high, covered in gold leaf. The Buddhist temple complex is impressive and the other parts of the temple include gardens, tall decorated spires, intricate colorful carvings and numerous statues of Buddha, and Chinese statues. Walking around the complex is a relaxing and enlightening experience.

3. Hailed a tuk-tuk to a local Thai restaurant for dinner. Uncovered a gem of a restaurant in the alleyway- Dok Kaew House Bar. It was a relaxing atmosphere with great staff, craft beer and pretty good food. It’s supposedly a haunted craft beer bar taking over an 80 year-old, two story house.

4. Sunset views at Red Sky- Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Set on the 56th floor, the Rooftop Bar offers 360 degree panoramic views of the skyline. Indulged in creative cocktails, small bites and an amazing dinner. An absolute must- amazing experience!

5. Escaped the busy streets of Bangkok and took a journey to the Maeklong Railway Market- fresh market selling seafood, fruits, vegetables, meats, and handicrafts and souvenirs. Located on a railway, watched as the vendors made a mad scramble to pack up stalls and goods when the signal of the arriving train rings. The trains pass at a great speed 8 times a day. After passing, the vendors unload again and customers continue to shop until next time!

6. Hopped on a long tail boat for a scenic ride along the canal to The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, admiring the local villages and farms. Caught a glimpse of the lifestyle of the locals who live along the river. The Floating market is one of Thailand’s largest and most famous Floating markets where vendors in wooden boats sell fresh produce, street food, and local handicrafts. There are also different stalls to shop and wander around.

Caught a flight to Chiang Mai (1hr, 15min), the largest city in Northern Thailand.

1. Visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple- Northern Thailand’s most sacred temple. The Buddhist Temple is located on top of the Doi Suthep mountain. To reach the temple, you must ascend a 306 step staircase. The beautiful architecture of the staircase is flanked by Naga.

2. Met a new friend at Elephant EcoValley Sanctuary. This was a no- riding Sanctuary, but I had a great time taking care of the elephants- making vegetarian snacks, feeding them, bathing them, touring the museum and purchasing elephant-poo paper! Elephants are highly intelligent, sociable, and sophisticated. They have “self awareness ” and strong memories. This was a remarkable experience.

3. Cooking class at Cooking at Home Thai Culinary School. One of the highlights in Chiang Mai. This was an Open-Air Thai style kitchen and the instructors were excellent! We took a tour to a local market to learn about local fruits and vegetables prior to class. The dishes were easy to prepare and delicious- restaurant quality. The class was super fun and a great way to learn about local cuisine and how to make a delicious meal. Amazing experience!

4. Enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner at Chef’s Together by Aod & Dan. The restaurant is located on a river and serves amazing cuisine and cocktails. Beautiful views.

Traveled to scenic Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, the northernmost province of Thailand.

1. Visit to The Golden Triangle – See 3 Countries at Once! Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, this is also where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Embarked on a long tail boat ride along the banks of the Mekong River between Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Interesting fact: Learned the history of the Opium trade. The Golden Triangle was the largest Opium producing area of the world since the 1950s.

2. Night Baazar- vibrant night market selling street food, apparel, jewelry, souvenirs. Also has live entertainment and colorful light show at the Clock Tower.

3. Admire Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, which is the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai. The Buddhist temple symbolizes purity and Buddha’s teachings. The all white exterior is adorned with intricate carvings, glass mirrors, and many Buddhist symbols. The Golden building on the grounds represent the cycle of rebirth and the bridge symbolizes crossing from the world of suffering to the world of enlightment. The gate of Heaven sculpture depicts many hands reaching from the grounds that symbolizes unrestrained desires.

Traveled to Sukhothai and Ayutthaya and visited the Historical Parks, UNESCO heritage sites. Enjoyed the history and liked exploring the sites. Marveled at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples, towers, historical monuments and ruins.

Took a flight to Phuket

1. Visit to Bang Pa- In Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, is a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles surrounded by a lake. Reminds me of one of my European vacations. The complex was formerly used by Thai kings.

2. Excursion to Phang Na Bay Lawa Island by a cruiser. Traveled through mangrove jungles and limestone peaks, enjoyed the white pristine beaches and the blue/green water. Discovered a floating Muslim Village(Koh Panyee), a fishing village built almost entirely on stilts. The village has a market with souvenir stalls, a school, and a floating football pitch.

More of Phuket!

Took a ferry to Phi Phi Islands, some of the most beautiful beaches. Maya Bay, was made famous by the movie, “The Beach ” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Also visited Monkey Beach and spotted monkeys steal bottles from boats as people left to snorkel or kayak through the caves.

James Bond Island , famous movie location where the Movie, The Man With The Golden Gun, starring James Bond was filmed.

Thailand is an Amazing travel destination that has a lot to offer travelers.

Thanks for reading my Blog

XOXO,

Rochelle M.