Oman, Travel

Oman Impressions (Oman)

No Comments


Last year I visited Oman. If you are a fan of impressive landscapes, whether on land or under water, this is definitely the place to visit. While snorkeling, I felt like swimming in an aquarium right in the middle of crowds of huge (and admittedly a bit scary) moray eels, cute little box fish, beautiful rays and tons of other brightly colored fish. Happy!

Hiking in the vast, bare mountains, past old deserted stone villages, steep canyons and in the wadis (oasis) I felt awestruck by the natural beauty surrounding me.

And walking through the bazaars and forts provided me with all the fragrant scents, abundant friendliness and historical sense this country has to offer. In the winter (October – February) the climate is mild and perfect for a bit of exploring. Enjoy a few of my impressions. 


Note to self: I definitely want an underwater camera.

Continue Reading

Gourmand, Greece, Greek food, Travel, Zakynthos

Dinner at the Port (Zakynthos, Greece)

1 Comment

Last time we visited our favorite island Zakynthos, we decided to eat at the main port of the island. I’ve passed by this place each and every time I set foot on the island, but had never considered a tavern at this busy transport hub to be a good choice for a nice dinner out. So boy, was I surprised when I noticed the lovely nautical decor, including some amazing vintage pieces I was ready to take home then and there (the radio! the fan!). All this prettiness nicely hidden from the travelers coming and going from the ferries. Our food was well prepared, the wine local and the sunset very agreeable. My favorites: the grilled veggies and the stuffed sardines.

Komis Fish Tavern is not the cheapest option in town, but it’s well worth the experience. Supposedly their bathrooms are a sight in and of itself. I have to admit though that not every guest was as big a fan of two of Ratatouille’s friends checking out the grounds once darkness had set…

Continue Reading

Mexico, Travel

La Isla des Mujeres (The Island of Women) (Mexico)

No Comments
While in Cancun, we decided to take a day trip to the island just off the coast…La Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women).  A quick bus ride, ferry and a skip away and we found ourselves on the Island surrounded by Mexican tour guides attempting to lure us in.  If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun but aren’t willing to travel south to the Mayan riviera, then I highly suggest taking a day trip to Isla des Mujeres. It’s a very charming, small, and laid back island with great beaches and food.

There are two different ferry terminals from Cancun that take you to the Island. We went to Puerto Juarez and took the Gran Puerto ferry boats which were fast and affordable. Once at the Island, we were immediately on the look out for food, and found the small, charming and family run Mexican restaurant called Amigos. We then walked around Centro which is covered by small local shops and made our way  to the the north of the island (by foot) to Playa Norte- which is just minutes away from the ferry terminal. Playa Norte is a beautiful small beach with crystal clear water and local beach bars.



Off to the distance you can see the Cancun strip of hotels.





Cliff of the Dawn- Most eastern point of Mexico



An Iguana enjoying his view or contemplating his/her suicide
.
Cafe Mango- closed the day we went but known for its tasty fresh food. 
Isla Mujeres grocery store



Playa del Nore

After a day at the beach, we rented a golf cart to tour the beautiful island. We headed south to the Mayan ruins located at the southern most tip of the island. Definitely take the time to rent a golf car to tour the island. We got off at Punta Sur and strolled through the ocean walkway to the bottom. It was truly breathtaking. 

Continue Reading

France, Paris, Shopping, Travel

Vintage Shopping (Paris, France)

No Comments

Shopping in general is not one of my favorite pastimes but I do make a few exceptions. One is foreign grocery stores. How I love all the unknown foods, in interestingly designed packages and all the exotic smells. The other exception I make is for thrifting. I adore the idea of all the stories that lay behind vintage items, re-using and newly loving these pre-loved objects and I simply like the styles, prints and shapes of bygone eras. In France they take vintage shopping to an all new level. Here a few of the very best second-hand clothing stores in Paris, thanks to my good friend there who introduced me to them!

Retro-Chic

Retro-Chic is a lovely little store to browse clothes from the 40’s to 80’s, with a nice mix of accessories (silk scarves, sunglasses, bags), affordable vintage and true gems by Chanel, Lanvin and Gucci. Most in tiny sizes, women’s clothes only. 

Retro-Chic can be found at: 
4, Place du Marche Sainte Catherine
Metro St Paul

FripesKetchup

FripesKetchup is a store we ran into by accident, and is much more minimal in look and collection than most of the other vintage stores. Definitely more a 80’s vibe here but I’ve also seen some older pieces. They mainly sell clothes, but also some accessories. Definitely affordable and a wide range of sizes. Women’s clothes only.

FripesKetchup can be found at:
8, rue Dancourt
Metro: Abbesses or Anvers 

Mamie

Mamie and Mamie Blue are two stores by the same owners. I have honestly never seen a store so fully stuffed with vintage clothes, accessories and shoes. You can find things as old as from the 1900s as well as relatively new stuff from the 80’s. Take out some time in your schedule to rummage through it all and you are bound to find something worth your while. Lots of cute vintage children’s clothes and a large men’s section as well.

Mamie can be found at:
69 and 73, rue de Rochechouart
Metro: Anvers

Mam’zelle Swing

Mam’zelle Swing has the sweetest store owner I’ve ever met in Paris and a great collection of mainly 50’s and 60’s clothes in all sizes and at very fair prizes. Women’s clothes only. 

Mam’zelle Swing can be found at:

35, rue du Roi de Sicile
Metro: St Paul or Hotel de Ville
Continue Reading

France, Paris, Travel

Through the Looking Glass (Paris, France)

3 Comments
The Nomads share many loves; sweets, cheese, travel and many more. Paris is another one of our loves. The Hungry Nomad has recently written an amazing and thorough guide to the city of light for all of us lucky to visit this vibrant city. I was happy to also spend some time in Paris a bit before and ooh, the food, the wine, the style, the culture, the vintage shopping! Since we never seem to get enough of this city, here a few impressions of my recent trip.

Continue Reading