Slovenia,Ljubljana EuropeTrip

 Slovenia

Slovenia, where to start. Back in 2010 a friend of mine who was from Slovenia, Told me i should visit one day, and that the country was a hidden gem, as you don't really think...Slovenia. well i didn't at the time anyway, After he showed me, it had always been on my list of places to visit. I didn't know what to expect actually going, i did little research and what i saw i liked, but still, its very hard to understand a country untill your there in the flesh.

We arrived in the Afternoon to the city of Ljubljana. At first, i was a little reserved to what my first thoughts were, we arrived in a area that wasn't particularly pretty, very Urban is the best word for this. we were so tired and just wanted to find our Hotel (which ended up being a Hostel) but we had to travel cheap, and this was good enough. We wonder around the old town of Ljubljana, I'm not usually a big fan of Old towns and high Tourist spots, it seems so fake and designed for the lost, i love the adventure, going to places where little get to experience. tho it was pretty, its not what i travel personally.

After a long day of Travel, food was a must. I usually like to eat out of my Comfort zone and try local dishes, but with the little research a did, i wasn't really sure what Slovenia was all about, was it eastern or Italian, thats kind of the thing that made me love this country, it's kind of its own thing. It started Raining, and to avoid it and get shelter we ran to the first thing we saw.

I loved all the little cute italian style streets, definitely what i loved most about Ljubjana, But it was also very Urban! you will find a lot of Street Art Everywhere in the city. 

We didn't stay in the city long, we had many plans around Slovenia to visit, we had rented a car when we arrived to make travel easier, as driving goes, its very safe, people are friendly and considerate there, so if you are thinking about it, but nervous, i would say don't, roads are easy going. 

Our next day in Slovenia, which was our first full day, involved going up to Mount Vogel. It was so Beautiful, I didn't prepare very well on the clothing department, weather in Europe can not make its mind up this year, so i was freezing ( stupid on my department) where warm clothes! it the cable cart takes you up 500m where there is toilet, Resturant and a little museum. its actually a Ski lodge, but during none snow times, you can walk and hike around. we didnt stay long because it was super cold up there, but the views were beautiful. 

Afternoon we drive our way down to Bled Lake, its a very popular place for Hikers and enjoying the large lake around Beautiful Architect, and lots of nice restaurant. (do not, eating isnt cheap here, pack lunch or eat outside the area) free parking on Sundays in Slovenia, so weekend is a nice time to go. 

Bike riding, Boating, Swimming. you will see everyone taking part in one of these activity's on Bled Lake. On a hot summers day, it seems to perfect. amazing place for Photographers and people watching. 

we rented out a boat, it was quite expensive. 30 Euros for 1 hours 

but it had to be done, we got in our little row boat and rowed to the island where there was a beautiful Church, which you cant miss! 

 Unfortunately, we didn't get to stay on it long because we had to get back before our time ran out, but if you want some excersice this will do the trick.

Bled Lake really did change my view after a first not so great impression, its so beautiful here, and so Unique, its mixed of everything, Bavaria, Italy, and Eastern Europe. 

before heading back to Ljubljana we went for a meal a little outside bled lake. I got to try some Tradition Slovenia Fish, it was super delicious and very filling as you can imagine. 

Slovenia was such an Adventure, so full of beauty everywhere you turn. the churches especially. 

Germany Bavaria Europetrip

Germany Bavaria

My Europe Trip has been Completed! i have been lucky enough to Travel around the East of Germany with my husband which i wont lie! has been exhausting.... 

First Stop Germany. Since recently Bavaria has been my favourite place I have visted, this is my second time here in Bavaria, early this year my husband took me on a surprise trip to Austria where i fell deeply in love with it. we only had a day here, so our inisial plan was to visit Neuschwanstein.

 Arriving we did not encounter rain. this really set us back as we were only here for a short time and i was mostly looking forward to Germany out of our stops. after 30mintes of drowning our sorrows away in the car we had rented to get there, we decided it was in our best interested to just get out and go rain or shine. and as we knew it, the rain had stop, though it was  not sunny and a little cold, it didnt even matter at that point, it was the best we had. You can either walk up to the castle by foot which is roughly a Mile, or take the bus. (you can purchase tickets near the station 4Euros) 

the walk sounds not that much,but its all up a steep hill, so unless your adventurous, i would highly recommend the bus option. They run every 20 minutes so a wait is in order.

as i understood, you can't just go up to the castle and explore yourself, you have to book a tour, which can be found near the parking lot down the mountine. we were able to catch the last tour at 6 (do note, the bus route stops at 6 also so if you wanted to catch the last one, you will have to walk down yourself) 

 if your doing this on the cheap and didnt actually want the tour, its great for photography, you can get some amazing shots from the top, and there are hiking trails all around the park for serious travellers.

after only a short stay here in Germany, we ended our day with a traditional German Pub, and the waiters for so friendly. There card machine wasnt working and we didn't have cash with us on hand, and a lady next to us (a local) offered to pay our bill!. though we were flattered by her gesture, we told her we were fine and that she was sweet for trying to help us. Don't worry, the waiter did let us go find a cash machine, a little awkard, but all was fine. 

and yes! i had to get a Snitzel while we were here in Bavaria, specially on a cold summers day, it really made me feel so cozy.

 and so our trip here ended, we stay over in a hostel in Munich and go on a Morning Bus to our next destination. more blogs to come

thanks for reading along :) 

xoxo

BUDGET FOOD WHEN TRAVELING

Eat Cheap

Travel can be very expensive, But it can also be really cheap.... that's if your willing to give thing's up. We all love to Indulge while we are away and try all the foods are heart contents, But in order to do more your going to have to cut back on some things to make it work.

1. If your staying in a hotel that provides free Breakfast... Take FULL advantage out of it. fill up as much as you can on carbs. best a big bowl of cereal or Oatmeal and a side jam & Bread. You could even sneak some with you for a snack if you get hungry later. 

2. Train Stations :The Stations have the cheapest food on the Go. you could get your self a Hotdog, pretzel, Coffee, Depending where in the world you are of course. you could end up Spending as little as €4 

3. Grocery Store: Research in to Local Grocery stores, not only will you fit right in and see what living is like where your visiting, you can grab some food to go. be creative! Maybe some ripped Fruit, bottled water, a Desert maybe even. Some may even have salad bar of some kind. 

 and if you are staying in a room where there is a kitchenette then bonus for you. you could just make home cooked meals your whole visit, its a great way to take a little rest and make put your photographs on your computer, refresh yourself, and you could make left overs or packed lunches to take with you. 

4.  Street food: If you really want to submerge yourself into the culture, but you have a tight budget, then i have the solution for you. Street food! Yes maybe it isn't a 5 star Restaurant and you don't get a personal waiter attending to your needs. but who cares! if you really want to live like the locals, get in and try the food stalls and small store food, you get a taste of tradition food that is comforting and hits the spots. Go find a place to sit in the park and enjoy a front row seat of a clear view. doing this would save you so much eating out, and mainly time! 

5. In a Hurry? : If your Traveling for long periods of time by Bus, Train or Plane and its early, you probably didn't get time for that free breakfast in the hotel, or there isnt anything open yet. If you have a food storage bowl (which you could travel with) buy Cereals from a store and a small Carton of Milk, you could get a Disposable Spoon from Mcdonalds the night before or from your Hotel and Make a On the Go Breakfast Cereal, you can serve yourself as much as your heart content, good start the the day and it cost you no more then €3 - €4 so no guilt Throwing them away after your done with it. 

Those were my 5 tips on how to eat cheap while your on an Adventure. it never hurts to go out 1-2 times for a nice meal, but for a budget friendly and time friendly trip, maybe try these out next time your away.

MOST ROMANTIC SURPRISE 2016!

Austria 

 My Husband did the Most Incredible Surprise for me This January. He had been feeling sad for me for the last few Months, As i had been getting so depressed for Years because I hate when he leaves to work, this has always been a big problem in our lives. we want to be together all the time, but life requires Money so we force apart. Alex Promised me that he will do anything it takes to make that a reality, But in the mean time he said 2016 Will be a year of Happiness and Surprise for me in the meantime. Just as the New year began I was already getting depressed again now he is back at work. One Evening after work, when i was feeling my lowest he told me that we were going out. When he said that, i thought he meant a walk for fresh air. But Boy i was wrong! it turns out he had a woke me at 3.30am that evenin to head off to the Airport. i had NO Clue! where i was off to. all i knew is my bags were packed and i was Happy!. I finally got on the Plane, still made it that far without finding out (Miracle) I heard the attendent announcement say somthing in German., so i guessed Germany, but nope i was wrong, he said "were going to Austria, and not only that, were going on a whole trip sound of music themed!" I honestly did not expect that at all. i was so happy, that entire flight i had a big cheesey grin on my face, I looked out the window and saw Beautiful Views i had never seen before in my life. i had never been this happy in the longest time. 

 When we landed, we wasted no time at all. we took our rented Car and Drove to Salzburg where i would be spending the Next 3 days. we first went to Salzburgs Fortress. you can't miss it from the town, its a big castle on the mountain. we hiked up that and looked out at the Beautiful little city.

The next Morning Alex had planned our Sound of Music Tour. i was super excited for that. we have always shared a love for The Sound of Music since we met 7 Years ago, so it was very special for us.

and we got to sit on this Awesome Coach :)

we were taken to so many different Locations the Film was filmed out. This is just one of many of them. The Back of the Von Trapp Family's House.

 Another Interested little fact about Salzburg. Mozart is from there. And this is lake Wolfgang, where Wolfgang Mozart Mother Lives before they moved to Salzburg. I can't believe places like this exsist. its to unbelievably Beautiful. I just wish i could live there. 

We were pretty much No stop that whole day. No time to waste I tell you. We got in our Car and just Drove. The best way to really explore is to just Drive, you get to see so much in little time which i love, because I wanted to take everything in at once! We stopped off because we saw a sign for Waterfalls and we wanted to find it. Unfortunately we did Find the Waterfall, But! we found this Incredible Rock Valley. we explored that for a little while, but then it started to Rain. another fact. Austria is the 5th Rainiest Country in Europe. 

 Earlie in the Morning on our way to our next Adventure, we stopped off at this Location. it was so breath taking. i thought if i would rub my eyes Id wake up. but this is real as it gets folk.

 This is our view from Untersburg Sky ride up the mountine. In the sound of music, this was the Mountain they used to escape the Nazi's

 When we got up there, we were not expecting this, nor were we dressed for it :D It was soo Snowy, you couldnt see in a flash. all we saw up there was sparkles because of the Pressure. it was crazy, and a experience.

Just before we Leave Austria, we needed to get that Famous Photo of The Sound of Music Hill with Maria at the beginning.

This was the best Trip of my life. and i have been a lot of places to say that. even tho its all a memory and I'm sad im not there anymore. Alex said not to worry as he has other plans for this year, still miss him all the time, and Austria. <3

Disneyland Paris Halloween Party 2015

                            Disneyland Paris Halloween Party 2015

Disneyland paris has been a tradition of mine the last 3 year's. I have made the effort each year to go for the Disney Halloween party. Back in 2013 was my first time in a long time going, so for me everything was mesmerizing and nostalgic in a way. The atmosphere was incredible with all the Decor and Harvest themed parades, and at that point i thought wow, i really would love to do this again.

20 Anniversary Parade

The 20 Anniversary Parade was new to the park as of course they were celebrating 20 years of Magic

Which had great floats and a lovely mix of characters where they would go bye and wave from a height along with some dancers dressed up in theme, your typical Disney Parade. which I really  enjoyed          

Picture from Halloween party 2013

I went the following year 2014 Party and again, really enjoyed it. Parades didn't change or shows, but there were minor updates, and the Halloween Night program itself was better then the previous year, There was a lot going on, which kept you on your feet and almost intised every place you went, Though they did get rid of the Princess and the frog river boat show, once was enough id say. but they of course added more to the Program such as . Minnies Pirates Academy which is great fun, getting to dance and join in, the villain parade, the villians meet and greets in Fantasyland which was all Meleficent Themed, a lot of Steampunk themes going on in Discoveryland.

                                                                    Pictures from 2014

This year on the other hand, Very disappointing! The passion had just from somewhere gone out of the window, or could be to do with them putting all the budget into maintenance on the front area, which took a lot away from the atmosphere. This year i decided just to go for the Party to save a little money. 

i got into the park all dressed up at 5.30 after then opened the gates to the Halloween comers and was ready to have another great Night of constant Halloween stimulation as i had before. Very Excited as my Husband surprised me randomly with this as we loved it so much before. We picked up our Program for 2015 and went someone to plan out what we wanted to do, at first i was very confused?! I thought i was missing a page because i just couldn't see anything to do, But no i sadly wasn't, there just was not anything to do! The only thing to do was Meet and Greets and Minnies pirate Academy, Jedi training and Disney dreams, I was so made about Disney Dreams being a part of the Halloween party program because 1. its playing all the time for the last 3 years now 3 times a day, how many times can you see the same show untill it gets outdated? 2. it ate up most of the evening and i ended up getting stuck in discoveryland because the crouds were to much to get through which really upset me. 3. They could have atleast done it like in the states where they have the halloween version of the Castle show, because had no relevancy to do with the whole evening, people paid all this money for a good Night of Frights and thrills not the same crap you can watch in the day time and save yourself 30 Euros doing in the first place. After the crouds died back down once Disney dreams did finish, it was around 8pm at this point, we headed off to the Jedi Training, we thought it was some kinds of show, which it was. 

It turned out it was a show, but for the group of Childrens parents to watch them pretend there Jedi's so we ended up walking out, and again more time wasted!         

We headed over to Frontierland to go on The Haunted Mashion or Phantom Manor as some call it

and the line was so long to wait (previous years the park had been less crouded, but this year not the case) They did add a few Ghost Actors walking around with there makeup so flawless, but for the money you pay, Sorry that doesnt cut it for me. After the ride, we went back over to discoveryland to party. They have this every year, but had to make the most of the night at this point. 

it was 11pm, we all got tired and cold so we ended the night with Pirates Academy which was fun

Overall tho, very disapointed with this year and just the park in general, but thats a whole other blog post. if i could advise. Go to the states, its much more worth the money you are wasting here, American know how to do Disney and actually be the Happiest place, unless you looking for Rude, badly cast Actors and Terrible food, paris is for you!

                                      HALLOWEEN THEMED FOODS

Disneyland Paris ODDLY enough are not famous for there food. its cheap, extremely processed junk that your forced to eat for ridiculous costs, but for themed stuff this is what they have.   

 Again, they have had these the last 3 times i have been, so you will definately be able to find them in the market Cafe on Mainstreet, you have Mummy Chocolate muffin, Ghost Cupcakes with Icing, Carrot Cake with Spider Icing and Pumpkin Pie. There edible and fun to eat, but in comparison again to other Disneys, its shameful.