Cusco I am IN LOVE!

Postcards from the Saccred Valley

Welcome Amazone

I am so happy I went to the Amazon jungle. For a city girl like moi this was a bloody big step!

 They say you need to go far in to have an authentic jungle experience, but for me, being an hour away from the city (about 40km) into the jungle was more than enough.

 I must say I was also psyched when I saw I was going to sleep in a wooden cabin and not in a bed and a mosquito net. How are you even able to fall sleep in the latter?

 Despite the fact many travellers told me the jungle is not a virgin until you cross more than 50km, I still got to see a lot of creatures. As a first experience, that was more than enough. Tarantulas, Aligators, Monkeys, Tucans...SLOTHS! PINK DOLPHINS! Saw them all. Also, plenty of insects, ofc. No joke I got about 30 bites in one night. DUH. Deet doesn't really work in the jungle peeps, even if it is a 90% one.

Another thing I enjoyed while there was the long canoe rides on the calm river Amazon. Saying hi to locals from boat to boat going home (that is the further inside the jungle) was pretty fun. We also visited a tribe but it was quite sanitised as a lot of tribes live off the government payments these days. Interesting fact: despite knowing about the city, the indigenes prefer living in the wild. They think the city hasn't got much on offer!

By the way, food at the jungle is YUM YUM YUM. I'd probably highlight the chonta (palm tree leaves), which they call the spaghetti of the jungle; and carambola, a very sweet fruit shaped as a star, as my two fave things while there. MMM, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

You could also try the piranhas we fished! The locals eat pretty much any fish from the river and apparently is very tasty. It's fresh! I think my head could not cope with the idea, so maybe next time.

Oh yes, there will be a next time.

TCB x

Postcards from Lima

Wonders of The World

 Words cannot express how astonishing this place is.

 I am not one to believe in supernatural vibes but visiting Machu Picchu (which means 'Old Mountain') and being there for a day was an unforgettable experience, and it definitely made me feel something.

 I started my day at 5,30am (bugger!) with a cold shower at what is probably the worst place I have ever stayed in my life (called Los Caminantes, do not ever go there!) and head to get a powerful breakfast. Not only was I going to walk a lot through this Inca civilisation but I was also climbing Wayna Picchu, the hill behind the old town at 2.600m above sea level. BLIMEY! It was so rewarding, though. I was lucky enough to get a ticket to go there as only 400 people a day are entitled to trek it. To be honest with you, I liked that! It is because not many people can access what it used to be an observational lab that it is in pristine condition. And guess what! You can see Machu Picchu from the top. HA!

 As I went up the perfectly shaped rock stairs (though steepest and smallest rock stairs ever, even for me!), I felt I reached heaven. Or so I thought, cause I was surrounded by white clouds and I could not see, smell or taste anything else than nature. I couldn't have had it any better.

Walking down the mountain was tough as my legs were like jelly but I managed! My body was hyper for more action and so I got a guide to explain me what all those beautiful inca ruins were. After it I took some time to explore and it was fantastic. So many places to stop and stare and just take in what it is in front of you: one of the few wonders left in this world.

TCB X

Huacachina Oasis, Peru

Just few hours away of Lima by busit's the beautiful oasis of Huacachina.

Despite it's considered touristy by many, this place is still a gem even for Peruvians, which spent their Easter holidays there.

Huacachina is an oasis in the middle of the peruvian desert, the xxx at xxx altitude. It is known because of its buggy rides on the desert and sandboarding. Should you need more excuses to go? Bumpy rides that felt like a themed park in the middle of nowhere, beautiful and colourful sunset and adrenaline shot by trying to sandboard. OH YES, PLEASE.

You probably won't need more than a day there, unless you use it as a link between other nearby cities. You can also spend some extra time just to chill and endure the entertainment that it provides: swimming pools, good food and partying.

I stayed at Banana's Adventure, which was great at first -great facilities, great service, swimming pool, lots of activities, great peeps- but my room was next to some sort of club and I literally could not sleep all night. BUMMER!

In any case, if you have some time to spare, this is defo what you should do!

P.S.: Please make sure you get there by Cruz del Sur bus, I've never experience such a fancy bus ride! Even better than some long-distance flights. There, I said it.

TCB x

WHAT I WORE:  

FOMO London Snake Leggings

H&M Sport Top

Stan Smith Adidas Trainers

Hot Spots in Lima City

I must admit spending time in Lima over the holidays was a lot of fun. Not only this city has lots of culture but lots of friendly people, great food and great fashion.

The fashionistas Sole, Anny and Jeani were the greatest hosts and they showed me around as if I was one of them. Everywhere we went was FAB and therefore you need to know about it.

Foodies out there, if you haven't been at least at one of Chef Gaston Acurio restaurants, then you haven't really tried the essence of Peru. Here people pay tribute to the Chef religiously. He was the one who brought back to the country the love for food and the curiosity to try new things, and his meals reflect it.

I suggest Panchita for anticuchos, Madame Tusan for chifas (that is fusion between Asian and Peruvian cuisine) or La Mar for great seafood dishes like ceviche.

However, there are other great options as well. Popular in Larcomar has a great seaside view and is perfect for a gals brunch; and so is Cosme in front of the beautiful store Isidra in San Isidro neighbourhood.

Speaking of shopping, I must admit Peru has great talents! I managed to meet in person the jeweller and shoe designer Ariana Santillana and she is such a babe! Not to mention her designs are super dreamy. If you are looking for minimal yet trendy items, she's your gal. If you are looking for something more querky/vintage...then you have Jessica Butrich. Watermelon bag? Check. Watermelon Heels? Check Check. And then you need a bikini, of course. For that, the one and only choice you should go for is Capittana.

There are many more designers worth having a look and they probably have a store in Miraflores or San Isidro, fashionista spots in the city.

Barranco is also a very hip neighbourhood. Mario Testino recently opened its own museum there! Not to mention the area is full of artists and street art. Yuppie.

All in all, you've got a couple of busy days in the city to go for.

I certainly enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

TCB xx

VIEW FROM POPULAR RESTAURANT IN LARCOMAR

CHOCLOS CON SALSA

ARIANA SANTILLANA ATELIER

COSME RESTAURANT, SAN ISIDRO

pulpo sellado, Quinua al pesto, crema de palta y sal de aceitunas

PUENTE DE LOS SUSPIROS, BARRANCO

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MARIO TESTINO MUSEUM, BARRANCO

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Leadenhall Market

Probably known as the financial district in London, The City is an area that never fails to surprise me. It's full of bankers in suits ready to splash the cash on an after-work session (at Dirty Martini or Coq d'Argent, obvs) during the week and yet desert on weekends. Quite fun to envision! And kind of a pity, there are many cool places around the area that are as enjoyable on a weekend.

I also find it very interesting that in less than a 2km to your right is Shoreditch, which could not be more different: creatives, artists, and fashion designers who could care less about splashing the cash or wearing a suit (they meticulously have though of it but they don't want you to know, that kewl); and about 3km to your left is the West End. How amazing is that? That's one of the beauties of London. DIVERSITY, PEEPS!

In any case, in this little area that we call The City there is an oasis from the 14th century: Leadenhall Market. I discovered it during one of my lunch breaks when I was working nearby and I instantly fell in love with it. The architecture of this arcade is remarkable and it stands on where it once was the centre of Roman London. Curated with selective shops, cheesemongers, butchers and florists, this place remains a hidden gem for many. Go there during the week to see the business buzz or during the weekend if you want to get a beautiful (and deserted) picture. 

Either way, it's a must! Do not miss it.

TCB x

WHAT I WORE: 

ASOS Baker Boy Hat
SheIn Stripes Top (very much Comme Des Garçons but 10 times more budget-friendly)
Pull&Bear Scuba Skirt (old)
Christian Louboutin Pumps 

Postcards from Marrakech

Parisienne Foodie

 

One thing is for sure: if I lived in Paris I would definetely be in trouble. There are so many great options to wine and dine EVERYWHERE! At every single corner, wherever you are and whatever the time, you’ll always find a café, bar, or restaurant open. A place with those cute seats outside, people watching, smoking, enjoying life passing by…

Bloody hell, what’s not to like about it? 

I was very lucky to be in Paris with my boyfriend recently. We decided that the best way to get to know the city was by trying as much french food as possible. After all, isn’t Paris meant to be one of the greatest cities for it?

So, with a bit of help from my Parisien friends, I got to know where we should head to. Question is now, what are you looking for?

Looking for fashion?

Then Café Kitsuné is a must for you. Located in the gardens of the Palais Royal, this stand-up coffe bar is the best way to start your morning. Here, fashion, music and design reunite for you to have an incredible experience. Not the mention how excellent the coffee is!

Looking for trendy?

You are talking about le Kong bar. Does that ring a bell? Well it probably does if you are a Sex and the City fan, cause this is the place where Carrie meets Mr Petrovsky ex-wife. Yes, I am geek like that! But that image clicked the moment I walked into this rooftop bar.

Known by its famous interior design (and the transparent 3D chairs) and its beautiful view of central Paris, this place is the perfect fuel-stop for brunch loverss or for having drinks afterwork.

Looking for sweetness? O-M-G. We might have a problem here! The options are literally endless. Macarons, Éclairs, Chocolates, Cakes, … it was so tough to decide where to go and what to try.

But I guess my choice today will go to Galeries Lafayette. Just head to their Gourmet building (yes, you heard right, building) and you’ll find a bit of all the delicacies from Paris. Here you’ll find Éclair de Génie, where I tried THE best éclairs ever; Sadaharu Aoki and his incredibly beautiful edible creations; or macarons from Pierre Hermé, among others.

However, if you want something more peculiar and not so massified, then I would probably suggest you to go to Saint Germain des Près. You’ll find the cutest Ladurée shop (and less crowded than the one on Champs Elysées) or alternatively you can have macarons from Le Maison Richart. The latter is not so known but they have the yummiest macarons I’ve tried so far.

Looking for BOBO? Then stick around Saint Germain des Près. The neighborhood is known for its Bourgeois and Bohème (so called BO-BO) atmosphere and it is just charming to wander around the area.

In here you’ll find the infamous Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, both known as the rendezvouz of the literary and intellectual élite of the city (like Sartre, or Beauvoir) during the post-war years.

Looking for edgy?

Listen to me, you need to go to Miznon. Located at Le Marais (one of my fav neighborhoods), this local restaurant will make you feel you are rather in Tel Aviv than Paris. Filled with the cacophony of Hebrew voices and Israeli music, Miznon serves fusión dishes of Israeli and french cuisine in a pitta.

Looking for views?

And you don’t mind splashing the cash for once? Then head to Monsier Bleu at Palais de Tokyo. This bankers spot is perfect to impress whoever you are going with. Brilliant food (and desserts) and the most amazing view of the Tour Eiffel while having your meal.

So I guess you are in for a treat?

Happy travels,

TCB

Travelling in Style - Paris

Paris, Paris Paris, THE city of LOVE. Many have complained that it’s cold and the people aren’t that nice. But seriously, what’s not to like about Paris?   Every corner of this city truly mesmerizes me. And if you go there with your partner, AND during Valentine’s Weekend (as I did), then it is even more charming, if possible.

I’ve been there many times now. But I must say it doesn’t really matter how many times you’ve been, it always feels special. That is why I wanted to share my special spots and moments with you, so that you fall in love with this city too.

If you are going just for a couple of days, there are certain places you can’t miss out.

First of all, museums. You might not be the cultural kind of person, but you HAVE to visit le Louvre and Centre Pompidou. Moreover, if you are on a tight schedule you should spend the money and get a Museum Pass. It’s about 40 euros, but it allows you to skip all the lines and go straight in (as if you are a VIP) to pretty much every single museum and big monument in Paris.

Le Louvre is possibly one of the biggest museums in the world and it is pretty impressive. You could spend a whole day just wandering around the big palace. But if you like, in few hours you can get to see the big hits like Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo.

If you are more into Modern & Contemporary Art, then you will absolutely love Centre Pompidou. The architecture of the museum is already so impressive, not to mention their temporary exhibitions are always incredible (Jeff Koons is currently on).

Second of all, get lost. If there is one thing I like to do with my boyfriend is just to pick an area and wander around. This is how you usually get to truly discover a city and it is so much fun! My fav areas to get lost are definitely Le Marais or Saint Germain des Prés.

Le Marais is very hipster. It is full of fashion houses, vintage shops (such as Free’P’Star or Kilo Shop) and lots of trendy restaurants. On the contrary, Saint Germain des Prés is more classy, relaxed and as the french like to call it, it is Bo-Bo (Bourgeois and Bohème). Very close by you'll also find Jardins du Luxembourg, which are perfect for an afternoon stroll, they are so majestic!

Of course you need to do the main sightseeing bits though, like Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe-Champs Elysées and la Tour Eiffel. You are in Paris! But if you do so, please make sure you don’t miss Sainte Chapelle.

Pretty close to Notre-Dame, this little Chapel is considered among the finest architecture of the 12th century because of their stained glass windows. And trust me, the whole thing is just dazzling.

Also, very nearby there’s one of my favourite spots in the city, the Shakespeare in Company Bookshop. The original shop, which doubled as a library, publisher and boarding house for aspiring writers, was featured in Ernest Hemingway's memoir, A Moveable Feast. It is the tiniest and oldest place I’ve been in Paris, and it keeps the oldest books you could ever imagine. I guess it’s the mixture of the literature enclosed in the place and its charming vibe what makes this place so unique.

I know, I know. You might be thinking why the hell I want you to go to a bookshop. But I guess this time you’ll just have to trust me and see it with your own eyes. And then you’ll understand.

Thirdly and to conclude, do yourself a favour and indulge yourself into some real treats. After all, you are in Paris.

TCB x

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Wearing Sister Jane Faux Fur Biker Jacket (available here), H&M  jeans (available here), ZARA Ankle-boots (sold out, similar here) and &Other Stories Clutch Bag (similar here)

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Wearing Kenzo Tiger Jumper (sold out), ZARA Boyfriend trousers (old, similar here), Maria Pascual Jewellery (available here) and Adidas Stan Smith Trainers (available here)

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