Siem Reap - Where Tomb Raider Meets Indiana Jones

We arrived in the town of Siem Reap on a bright and sunny day! We went to our hotel and dropped off our bags so we could go out and explore. We only had two and a half days to see everything. We walked along the side of the road to go to the Markets. The traffic was crazy! Cars, Tuk Tuks, bikes, and scooters were coming from all different directions!

On our way to the Market we found a cute Alley-way street that had pastel painted buildings. We walked down it and found some cute restaurants and some nice shops. One store sold items made from plastic bags, all hand-made by local women. It was really interesting. When we hit the market they had all the typical souviners as well as a popular game called "Sai" that is similar to hakey-sack but with a shuttle cock.

There is no shortage of delicious restaurants and interesting places to eat & drink in the town. The first one we decided to try was Marum. Some of the proceeds of Marum go to a charity to help children. The restaurant was really cute and had nice outdoor seating with lights in the trees.

We ate outside and fended off the mosquitoes and wild cats. We got spring rolls, Beef with Red Ants, and a Fried Banana for dessert. The Beef with Red Ants dish I was super hesitant about. I had to get over the mental image of eating ants! Mi Amor had no problem and went straight for the dish and took a big bite! I admire his bravery with trying different foods. It took me a couple minutes but after watching him take a bite, I went ahead and ate some! The ants are cooked and sprinkled on top of the beef (so you can still see their full bodies!!). The dish did end up tasting good, with a little bit of a crunch!

The next two days we spent exploring the temple complex that draws so many tourists to Siem Reap. I can't even begin to describe how awe-struck we felt walking in to the ancient land. You have to cross a bridge which represents angel and demons with faces of fantastical creatures lining the edges of the bridge. They watch you as you walk through the giant gate that was once used for protection. There were tourists walking, bikes, cars, buses, and elephants all crossing the bridge. We felt like we were about to walk into a time warp. Right in front of Bayon Temple were monkeys running around with old huge trees sprouting up. Felt like the wild had started to take over the ancient ruins.

Angkor Wat Monkey
Temple Details
Bayon Temple
Faces of Bayon Temple

Bayon temple felt magical. Every time you looked up you could see the four-faced turrets smiling down at you. Each face represents a different attribute - Compassion, Charity, Sympathy, and Equality. Besides all the tourists walking around and trying to snap pictures it felt like walking in history. The temple also represents the harmony and merging of Hinduism and Buddhism. 

Siem Reap is such a huge complex! We also went to explore where the old palace was and passed by Baphuoun Temple that has a giant ancient Reclining Buddha on the outside of the building, and then saw the Elephant Terrace where the king used to stand and deliver speeches to his army.

We also went to Angkor Wat on our first day exploring the Temple Complex. Angkor Wat feels like a temple out of Indiana Jones, we felt like we were going to find the lost ark or some golden chalice! It is truly incredible how intact this temple is after so many years. It has seen so much in it's lifetime. During the Khmer Rouge there was a time where rebels were hiding out in this area and the outside suffered a few bullet holes. Thankfully only a few.

We started our second day watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat. The sky exploded with color from golden hues to red and oranges and then to the blues and yellows of early morning. The temple's towers were silhouetted by the sun's rays and created an other-worldly look. There were a lot of other tourists watching and experiencing the sun tickle the temple. Since we are on the shorter end, we wanted to try to get some good pictures to capture the moment, so Mi Amor went and found the only woman who was selling selfie-sticks! We never had a selfie-stick before and I was never an advocate for them, but once we got one, I totally get it! For the rest of our trip it was a must-pack for our day bag!

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

After watching the sunrise we headed to Ta Prohm Temple. I was so excited walking up to it and stepping into it! The temple has been slowly reclaimed by the trees and nature that surrounds it. There is something about nature growing over the walls and making it a part of it's roots that feels so mystical.

Thom Temple

Our last temple we saw was Banteay Srey. It's a smaller temple, but it is the most intricate one! Was absolutely stunning! Couldn't believe all the detail in each piece on each stone! It was simply incredibnle.

Before heading back to our hotel we decided to stop and see The War Remnants Museum. It was very informative and interesting. They have old tanks and helicopters on the land that you can see. Along the edges of where the tanks are parked there are some exhibits on the war. The exhibit that stuck with me was the one showing all the different kinds of Land Mines. They also explained that there are still Land Mines out in the jungle where some people go to get food and shelter , there are people that still get hurt on them to this day! So many adults and children have died or been maimed by these hidden mines. It's horrible that there is a part of their land that they can not use until all the mines are cleared, but it becomes increasingly difficult with the lack of resources and help to clear the land. 

The three nights we stayed in Siem Reap we explored the nightlife. We walked around the Night Markets and got to see different souvenirs, art pieces, and massage parlors. The Massage that really intrigued us was the fish massage! There were quite a few places that had big fish tanks that you would dip your feet in to and the fish would swarm up and start nibbling at the dead skin on your feet! Mi Amor decided to try it here and got a beer for two bucks!

We loved the different bars we came across and how lively the night was under the string lights that dangled over the streets. On one of the streets in the area called "Pub Street" it seemed like the bars were competing with who's music could be the loudest and attract the most people! There were also just so many sights to take in, from the people selling skewered scorpions to the lit-up kiosks selling drinks and ice cream! Was a fun feast for all the senses.  

Pub Street

Indiana Jones - Lite

On our third day in Cambodia we explored Battambang Province! I was very excited because this was the day we would explore some ancient temples and ride a bamboo train!

Our first stop was to Phnom Banan. There were 358 Steps to climb to get to the top! When we started our ascent, two little kids started following us with paper fans. I was grateful for the little girl who ran up the stairs next to me with ease while fanning me, I was melting. For the last 100 steps, Mi Amor raced the little boy that was following him up to the top. The top of the mountain had a handful of pagodas surrounded by cacti and green plants. The Pagodas didn't seem to be in such good shape, they had been bombed by the U.S. during the time of the Khmer Rouge.

Phnom Banan
DSC01676.JPG
Phnom Banan

Then it was off to The Bamboo Train!!! On the drive there we stopped at a fruit stand on the road and got a pomelo to share. I had never heard of a pomelo before! It is a citrusy fruit and was actually pretty good. This one we had was a bit dry and the flavor wasn't as strong, but we had some more another time where it was way more juicy and flavorful. I recommend trying one if you are ever in South East Asia!

Palmello

When we got to the Bamboo train all the platforms were laying out. They started placing the axels with steel wheels on the track and then put the bamboo platform on top. There is a guy who sits on the back of the train and controls the motor. The tracks are old train tracks that were left from when the French occupied Cambodia, then the locals started using them to transport livestock and goods in a faster way, and now it's a tourist attraction. The track is not very seamlessly connected, so at points during the ride there is a bit of a bump. I really loved it! The train takes you through vibrant green scenery and you feel like you are on a mini Indiana Jones adventure! The track ends at food and souvenir stands, then you go back the way you came on the same track.

Bamboo Train
Bamboo Train
Bamboo Train Love

When you are on your way back on the platform, if there is a group coming, you have to get off the platform and take apart the train and wait until they pass. You then have to put the train back together and then hop on to get back! All part of the experience!

After riding the Bamboo Train we worked up quite an appetite! So we stopped for lunch and had fried chicken spring rolls, Pomelo Chicken Salad, and a fish stew in banana leaves. Everything was so good!!

On our way to Wat Ek Phnom we stopped at the side of the road at this local family's house where they make Spring Rolls. We saw how they made the rice paper by using boiled rice and water to make sheets. They also showed us the racks they use to dry them and what the paper looks like before it's final process. The paper looked like a piece of plastic! Even though we just had lunch we ordered a fresh spring roll from them to try, and it was delicious!

Rice Paper
Roadside Spring Rolls
First step Rice Paper
Fresh Spring Rolls

We explored Wat Ek Phnom, part of the temple area had been destroyed during the Khmer Rouge time. It was still very beautiful to walk around and take everything in.

For dinner that night we went to The White Rose in Battambang and had an amazing meal. We had Khmer Corn, Bun Hoi (which I am still craving to this day and want right now!), and pinapple cashew chicken stir-fry. Seriously. Everything was so good!

White Rose

Mountains, Lakes, and New Food!

We left Phnom Penh to go to Battambang Province. We ended up driving 5 and a half hours up to Battambang, but made a few stops along the way. On our way out of Phnom Penh we hit morning rush hour traffic! We got good glimpses of life driving around on Scooters. Right before getting out of the city we were stuck in a single line behind a truck and the lane next to us was being re-paved. The workers were spraying down a layer before putting more tar down. This scooter driver to our left thought it would be a good idea to get around the traffic by driving over the road that was being worked on. He sped over it and turned, but because the ground was wet he had no traction and slid and fell. He ended up having black tar and paint all down his right shirt and pant leg, but got right back on the scooter and drove off like nothing happened. I guess this is just life in Cambodia, huh!?

They call the wires "Spiderwebs"

They call the wires "Spiderwebs"

Our first stop was to a village where they are well known for making jewelry and pots out of silver. We got to meet a family as they were working on a couple pieces.

Metal Work
Practice Metal Work

The next stop we went to was Oudong Mountain. It seemed like the type of place that during the popular times of the year would be very busy. Luckily we were there early and kind of in an off-season. We climbed up the first set of steps and to the right was a path leading to the first pagoda. As we kept walking passing more pagodas we were eventually greeted by a small group of monkeys running around and playing! It seemed that they were guarding the last pagoda. We were surprised when we looked up and saw this huge White structure that looked so beautifully preserved. It was shooting up into the sky, so stunning! There was so much detail and we couldn't believe how crisp it looked! This was the last Pagoda on the mountain we visited. Inside it houses 5,000 Buddhas!

Oudong Mountain
Oudong Mountain
Oudong Mountain Details
Monkeys on Oudong Mountain
White Temple On Oudong Mountain
So Many Buddhas
Details
Oudong Mountain
The Way Down

After we took the stairs down from the mountain we saw a series of street vendors selling food and souvenirs! There were these women making a fried dough treat. It was so delicious! Was a little similar to funnel cake but not as fluffy, more crispy. The perfect treat to eat after walking up and down stairs!

Bread Treat
Delicious Bread Treat

Along the drive, we ended up stopping at a road-side restaurant that was half-outside with a covering. Their specialty was Snakehead Fish soup, they are close to a river (which would be our next stop) so they get the fish fresh. We ended up trying the fish soup and a stir-fry beef dish. The soup was good, it had a nice clear broth and veggies in it as well.

Road Side Lunch

Our last stop for the day was a river with a Vietnamese Floating Village on top. We took a boat out to see the houses. It was really interesting to see that the houses are made with bamboo floats and rubber underneath them, so they are literally right on top of the water. Each row of houses are tied to each other and tethered to the shore so they don't float away. The people mainly live off of the water and fish for their food. This neighborhood is only for Vietnamese people who came over to live in this particular part of Cambodia.

Vietnamese Floating Village
DSC01648.JPG

After the Village we ended up in Battambang and were getting excited for our next days Adventure!

Phnom Penh - An Intro To Cambodia

So, I'm sorry to anyone who did check back in December for an update on our trip. I was hoping to post along the way during our travels, but instead we semi-unplugged and just tried to enjoy every minute of our trip.

The Start

Our first stop was Phnom Penh, Cambodia! Now, I don't know about you, but I honestly didn't know too much about Cambodia besides Angkor Wat and the ancient temple complexes in that area. I knew Cambodia was somewhere I wanted to visit for it's ancient history, but the country surprised me with it's friendly people and it's complexities.

When we landed we had to get a Visa On Arrival Form in the airport and pay a $30 fee as well as give them a passport picture. The process was very easy and only a little confusing. There were two windows, one where you hand the form and photos, then the second you go to when they call your name and pay the fee. It only took 20 minutes and then we were on our way! When we got out of passport control we ended up outside surrounded by families and friends waiting for their loved ones. We were lucky and had a guide meet us at the airport. He was very friendly and energetic. His name is Chanseng. When he saw us he asked how our flights were and then wanted to know if we wanted to use "The Happy Room". Mi Amor and I looked at each other and we were like, "What's the Happy room? I mean...I don't want to use it now...maybe later?". We laughed, our guide told us it was the bathroom! So now we know "The Happy Room" is the bathroom and not some kind of Happy Ending Massage type deal.

The next day was our First day and it was jam-packed! We woke up early and met our guide Chanseng. He took us to The Palace. It was incredible! First of all, the weather was clear and hot with blue skies. Seriously couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! The Palace grounds have multiple buildings and the King still lives on the grounds. The buildings all have dragon and cobra details and really popped against the blue sky. We got to see the Throne Room that was more European style inside with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, but the walls were decorated with paintings of a Buddha Epic.

Phnom Penh Palace
Phnom Penh Palace Details
Phnom Penh Palace
The Palace Grounds

The Silver Pagoda is also on the Palace grounds, it is named this way for the silver tiles that cover the floor inside. When we entered we had to take off our shoes and then we could walk around. There were glass cases filled with artifacts of value. In the middle of the Pagoda is a Buddha statue made of 90kg of gold and was encrusted with diamonds! (Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos inside)

Phnom Penh Palace Grounds
Stupa at The Palace
Silver Pagoda

After wandering the Palace Grounds we went to The National Museum. The museum is filled with artifacts from around Cambodia and is a great intro to the Country. There was an interesting exhibit about a submarine that sunk with Cambodians on it going to help during World War One. I had no idea Cambodia was even involved in WW1, but I will admit I am ignorant when it comes to world politics and history. It's one reason I love traveling, I can learn in a hands-on experience about what that country has gone through and what they are still going through. It is always an eye-opening experience. The grounds of the museum are also very beautiful, we took some time to enjoy the courtyard and relax a little.

Phnom Penh Museum
Phnom Penh Museum

Our next stop was Wat Phnom. It is a Buddhist temple on a hill created partly because of a legend of Lady Penh. A woman who found statues of Buddha in a Tree and placed one on top of a hill that the people helped create. It became a shrine and then later was made into a Wat. The temple on top of the hill has statues of Buddha as well as a statue of Lady Penh. The statue of Lady Penh had a Louis Vuitton necklace around her neck! Seemed that someone who visited gave her a nice gift!

Wat Phnom
Inside Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom

We took a break for lunch at this restaurant called "Titanic" on the river. It was really nice, and we sat right by a traditional dance performance. We had fish skewers, Chicken Curry, and a vegetable stew. Everything was delicious! Also tried their local beer, Angkor. It was good!

Titanic Restaurant
Titanic Dance Show
Lunch at Titanic

The second half of our day was very heavy. It's hard to write about. We went to see The Killing Field that is just outside the city. It is absolutely horrible. I really didn't know too much about this recent history, honestly really only saw the movie about it. Schools that I went to never taught us about this genocide. I was also just so shocked at how recent it was, 1975-1979. It seemed that any people from Cambodia that we met had a family member who was affected by this war. I don't want to get too much into the history because I don't want to get any facts wrong, but I urge you to read about it and educate yourself about what happened there.

We had a Bovine Road Block on our way to The Killing Field.

We had a Bovine Road Block on our way to The Killing Field.

The Killing Field we went to visit and pay our respects to had a monument to the people who died there. Inside the monument, they had excavated some of the grounds and put the bones they found inside a tall glass structure. It was like a catacomb. Each row was a different age group. Some were even kids. I did not feel comfortable taking photos here, but wanted to at least show you a little.

Killing Fields Monument
Killing Fields Monument

We walked around the grounds of the field. They had recently built a raised wooden boardwalk so people could walk around and see the extent of this place without accidentally stepping on someone's bones or decomposing garments. Some of the mass graves that have been excavated have wooden posts around them and visitors put bracelets on the posts to show their respect. I left a hair tie I had with me on the mass grave of mothers and children.

After visiting the Field we went to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum which used to be a prison called S21 and before it was a prison it was a school. This museum was shocking. They have some old jail cells you can walk into in the first building. The middle building has photos of people who were kept there. Some of the photos were of a person after they died. There was also a section where you could walk through a hall that was divided into very small cells, maybe only big enough for one person to lie down in. Those cells had stains on the floor still. We were told when they turned the prison into a museum they didn't really clean up the blood stains. The third building I couldn't even walk through, it had images of torture techniques and items. People were just killed in such a raw brutal way. It was honestly very hard to walk through.

S21

At the museum there were two men who survived being held captive here. One wrote a book about his experience and you could meet him. He was spared because he was able to fix a typewriter.

Later that night we went to see a Traditional Dance show that is at the theater behind The National Museum. It was very beautiful to watch, but unfortunately our jet lag started to kick in, so in the middle of the show we both fell asleep for a little. But! I would recommend seeing the performance, if you aren't too jet lagged! It was a good end to our first day.

Traditional Dance Performance
Traditional Dance Performance
Traditional Dance Performance

The Start of a Grand Adventure

It's finally here! I'm excited to tell you that Mi Amor and I are about to head out for our next great adventure! We are going on a two and a half month long Trip to South East Asia, Canary Islands and Spain!

We will be saying goodbye to New York City during the winter Months and heading to South East Asia where it's warmer. Can't say I'm going to miss the cold and snow too much. 

Snowy Taxi NYC
Snowy Central park
Snowball Fight
Central Park Sled

I will say this is one of the bravest things I've done in my life. I have always wanted to do an extended travel, and maybe to some of you two and a half months is not that long, but to me it is a long time. Especially when I have a job and a life rooted in NYC. Telling my job that I would like to leave to do this trip was a scary moment for me, I was unsure of how they were going to take it. Luckily they were very understanding and would even like me to come back when I return! I guess you never know what could happen until you ask, huh?

Airplane Cotton Candy Sky

I'm so happy that I found someone who shares that same passion and is more then willing to join me in this adventure. Since we've been together we realized we had a shared dream of traveling the world. It only made sense to explore together and enjoy the experiences we will have by visiting different places around the World. We are both very excited to go to South East Asia and learn about a different part of this great Earth!

Mi Amor

During our trip I hope to share some of our stories and photos with you along the way! Check back in the end of December for more!

Delaware Water Gap

The summer is officially here! The sun has heated up the Earth and made for some beautiful, but very hot, weekends! We decided to explore The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and take advantage of one of those sunny days. We took the two hour drive from NYC and our first stop was Bushkill Falls. These falls are on private land, but well worth the entrance fee. They are absolutely beautiful!

Wooden Walkway
View from Above
Bushkill Falls
Falls at Bushkill
Bushkill Falls
Beautiful Path
Wooden Paths
Wooden Stairs at Bushkill

We took the Red Trail, which they warn you is for hikers only. We thought it wouldn't be too bad, but it did end up being very steep with a lot of stairs. The trail was enjoyable, it takes you next to each Waterfall and through the woods. There was a very nice stream and beautiful tree covered paths.

Enjoying the Views
Little Falls

Bushkill Falls took us an hour and a half to do the loop. Since we finished a little earlier then we thought we decided to drive to The Delaware Water Gap hike. The hike takes you up steep steps made in the hill side. It is worth it for the view at the top! You could see the river below with tree covered hills! Was so beautiful!

Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap

Psycho Met Roof

Over the weekend we went to explore the Met. I had heard about the Exhibit on the roof of the Met and had wanted to check it out. It's called "PsychoBarn". Cornelia Parker based the art installation off of the house in Psycho as well as paintings by Edward Hopper. It definitely has that creepy feel to it. Seeing this house sitting so proudly on top of the Met leaves you feeling a bit odd, and like you entered a fantasy world. As we walked around we felt a little out of place.

Psycho Met Roof
Psycho Met Roof
Psycho Met Roof
Psycho Met Roof
Psycho Met Roof

The house at first seems like it is a structure that is livable, but as you walk around to the back you can see that it is just a facade. Understanding how the house is built and held up adds a little more to the magic of the building.

Met Roof
Back Psycho Met Roof
Inside Psycho Met Roof
Structure in Met roof
The insides of the Psycho House
Reflection of Psycho House

This really is such an incredible art installation to walk around and explore. It felt so surreal to be seeing this facade on the Met Roof! It's worth a look! The exhibit is open until October 31st, would be cool to see it in the Fall as well to see how the seasons change it.

Holiday Hike

Here is your Country, Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resource...Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches, or its romance
— Theodore Roosevelt

Over July 4th Weekend we hopped into a car and escaped to upstate New York! We wanted to check out a couple of the State Parks near Ithaca. What better way to spend the Independence Day Weekend then exploring the nature that this beautiful country has to offer!?

On the Road Again

Our first stop was Watkins Glen State Park, in The Finger Lakes Region of New York. This park is absolutely stunning! It felt like we walked straight into a fairytale. The water flowed through layers of rock with green trees poking their heads out through the top edges of the gorge's face. There were waterfalls dancing throughout the path, it was a feast for all the senses!

Entrance to Watkins Glen State Park
Couch's Staircase Watkins

We started our hike at 9am and decided to take The Gorge Trail on the way up. The trail takes you through multiple waterfalls and gives you amazing views of the Gorge with the layers of rocks. It was incredible to be walking through the winding path, you felt so little but at the same time very connected to the nature surrounding you. We started our hike around the time the park opened so the paths were not as crowded yet.

Falls at Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park

I loved watching Mi Amor explore, to see his eyes fill with wonderment and adventure! Was fun to find out what things he found to be the most interesting and beautiful. I enjoyed seeing how his mind works and it made our hike even more wonderful!

Watkins Glen State Park
Postcard Love
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins State Park

Every part of the hike felt magical and wonderful. We felt like we were in a different world! One that has been untouched by man. It was such a humbling experience!

Watkins State Park
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park

Just look at that scenery! It looks so surreal, like it was only created for a movie! We couldn't believe how beautiful the patterns in the rocks were and how clear the water looked. Simply amazing.

Watkins State Park
Watkins Glen State Park

After our hike through a wonderland of enchanted waterfalls we drove to Ithaca for our next stop. First we had to fuel our bellies! Ithaca Brewery Taproom was the perfect spot. They are located less then 5 minutes away from Buttermilk Falls State Park, which was going to be our last stop before making our way back home. The selection of beers is refreshing and unique! Mi Amor and I got a flight to share so we could taste a few different kinds. Our favorite was definitely "Flower Power", I mean the name alone is awesome!

The Ithaca Brewery Taproom
Ithaca Brewery Taproom
Ithaca Brewery Taproom
Ithaca Brewery Taproom
Ithaca Brewery Taproom
Ithaca Brewery Taproom

We arrived at Buttermilk Falls around 3pm, which i think was a good time to get there. Also, we could use our pass from the previous park for this one, so we only had to pay once! The park wasn't as crowded and we could walk freely along the path. You can usually swim at the bottom of the Falls, but on the day we went swimming was closed. There were other swimming holes and waterfalls the further we hiked where we dipped our feet in.

Buttermilk Falls Park

It was a good thing we fueled up before this hike, as the beginning is more strenuous then Watkins Glen. The stairs are a little more steep and there are more of them without a break. The views and walking through the trees was worth it! There was even some art in the water!

Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park

At Buttermilk there were a few different trails you could hike. We decided to start with the Gorge Trail, as you could see more of the waterfalls this way. At the top of the stairs The Gorge Trail ends and you can take The Bear Trail which goes through a peaceful beautifully green forest and ends up at a lake. On our way back we decided to take the Rim Trail for some different scenery. I'd recommend trying them all as you get different views and a break from some of those stairs!

Buttermilk Falls State Park
The Bear Trail at Buttermilk

After finishing our hike we made our way back to New York City. It was such a beautiful day and a wonderful way to celebrate the Fourth of July! I would love to go back to both of these parks and want to explore more of this country's natural beauty!

Savannah in less then 24hr!? No Problem!

Mi Amor's brother is doing an amazing road trip and was going to be stopping by Savannah. We decided we'd meet him down there and explore together! Mi Amor went there Thursday night and I, unfortunately, can not really take days off from work, so I took a late flight out on Friday to have a full jam-packed Saturday. 

We woke up early and made our way to Collin's Quarter, a delicious restaurant in Historic Savannah owned by an Australian couple. The restaurant is open and beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and high ceilings dripping with unique light fixtures. The restaurant seemed to be buzzing with waitresses and bus boys so you never felt neglected. We ordered Smashed Avocado Toast, Seasonal Quick Bread (which was Banana Bread), and Eggs Benedict. And WOW! Let me tell you it was so delicious and fresh! I have been craving Banana Bread for a while now, and this dish satisfied that craving. It came with melted nutella and strawberries. It was amazing! The Smashed Avocado Toast had all the perfect combination of ingredients also. I will be dreaming about this savory dish!

After stuffing ourselves, we had to walk it off, and what better way then exploring the historic district of the city. We wandered through some picturesque Squares which Savannah is famous for and then walked through The City Market. Savannah has this great idea where you can go to a bar or restaurant and ask for a "To-Go" cup for your alcohol! Coming from NYC where it is illegal to walk around with an open container, it was beautiful! We grabbed a Georgia Peach Sangria and slowly strolled through The City Market area to Broughton Street where there is some great shopping and cute local stores.

We first stopped in Chocolat By Adam Turoni. The store is decadently decorated with chocolate perfectly placed throughout the store. My favorite part was the china cabinet full of truffles! I had to buy a couple pieces to taste! I got their Honey-filled chocolate and red velvet truffle. We continued to walk down Broughton Street and enjoyed funky store ads and cute places.

The chocolate store employees were very friendly and they told us about a farmer's market that was going on in Forsyth Park, which was a place we wanted to go to anyways. We made our way down to the park and passed through gorgeous tree-covered sidewalks and roads. 

Once we reached the park it greets you with its giant trees and entices you to stay with it's beautiful fountain and bright atmosphere. We enjoyed the canopy of tree branches arching over wide paved walk-ways creating a fantasy. 

We wandered through and made it to the farmer's market 30 min before they closed. The first stall we came across was a Watermelon juice stand. We immidiatley bought an ice cold juice and it quenched our thirt from walking in the sun. The market sold fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, cheeses, meats, and popsicles. It was a cute market. We bought some cheese and had a mini snack while sitting under the shade of a big tree and enjoying the scenery.

After resting we walked to The Sandfly BBQ at the Streamliner and had a later lunch. This restaurant was so cute! Had an old diner feel but it was in a streamliner! I ordered the Pulled Chicken plate with Mac N'Cheese and Potato Salad. Both Mi Amor and his brother got 1/4 rack of ribs. It all tasted very good!

After our belly's were full again we walked through some of the old Squares in the city. They all have gorgeous trees shading monuments beneath them, each square more sun kissed and tree covered then the next. Surrounding the squares are stunning old houses and tree-lined streets

We also walked by the admissions office for SCAD. The building is beautifully decorated inside with past students artwork. It was nice to walk through and see some of the work. The SCAD store is right next to the offices. We wandered through and enjoyed seeing the beautiful pieces of art and jewelry inside.

We ended up back on Broughton street and walked into The Paris Market store, which is a very cute place filled with beautiful stationary, jewelry, books, and kitchenware. They also had some cute Parisian Candy!  The next store we checked out was The Savannah Bee Company. I loved this place! I'm a little obsessed with honey, and in this store you can try their different flavors! I really liked the lavender and passion fruit honeys! In the back of the store they have a Mead tasting area that they make from their honey. Everything was very good and worth a try!

Our last stop on Broughton Street was Leopold's Ice cream Shop! This is a famous ice cream shop that is known for it's uniquely southern and old fashion flavors. There was a long line outside the door, but it did move pretty fast. I got the Tutti Frutti ice cream, even though I was a little skeptical of this flavor. It pleasantly surprised me, was very delicious! I really enjoyed it! Tutti Frutti is inspired by Fruit Cake, but to me it tasted better then fruit cake!

After our ice cream we were a little tuckered out so we went back to the hotel to nap and shower. We got ready and went back out around 8pm. We drove to Historic River Walk. It was so busy with people walking around and sitting by the river enjoying the sunset. Live music was leaking out of bars and restaurants all down the walkway. It was a beautiful lively atmosphere! We parked and took a stroll passed restaurants and bars packed with people. We wanted to try Mata Hari, a speak-easy style bar we heard you need to have a key in order to get in. When researching Savannah articles told me you had to ask a local for a key. I had texted them during the day, since we only had one night in Savannah, to see if we would be able to get in without a key. We were lucky enough to get a password to go in! The bar was decorated like a 1920's speak easy!We enjoyed the atmosphere then got hungry so we got some to-go cups for our drinks and went to get food! 

We made our way to Treylor Park, where we each ordered different tacos. I think mine were the best! I got the Chicken and Pancake tacos! They were absolutely delicious! Drizzled with a strawberry salsa and complimented with chips on the side. It was a great taste and treat to end our Savannah trip with!

I loved my less then 24hrs in Savannah, but obviously if I had more time I would have loved to explore even more! That Friday I missed Mi Amor and his Brother went to Mrs. Wilkes restaurant and Tybee Island. Both are places well worth checking out! Mrs. Wilkes is only open on weekdays and from 11am-2pm! You'll have to get there early because there are always long lines but it is a true Southern Feast experience! Tybee Island is a beautiful beach area with some bars, also somewhere if you have more time in Savannah to go to and relax!