Tag Archives: photography

Whale, Reindeer and Meatballs…OH MY!!

Posted in Norway, Sweden, Travel Bites by

During my two weeks in Scandinavia I had one goal in mind….I was determined to try as many Scandinavian dishes as I could! When I travel, I make it a point to try the local cuisine because it’s authentic and it helps give me a sense of how food changes when it gets to America.

Example…In Greece I didn’t hear one person scream “Opa!” when serving my saganaki. In Italy, I was never served olive oil and parmesan cheese for my bread. Maybe somewhere this happens, but I ate A LOT and it never saw it!

All I knew about Swedish food was from IKEA in the form of their meatballs (no judging). If I’m being truthful…I’ve never even tried a Swedish meatball from IKEA (gasp)!! I also heard rumblings that there was going to be a lot of fish, whale and reindeer meat. I don’t eat fish and I’m not sure about you, but whale and reindeer meat isn’t part of my normal diet.

All in all, I was absolutely DETERMINED to hunt down these foods and try them once and for all!!

First up…Whale! I found this at the famous fish market in Bergen, Norway. My sister and I walked up and down the market until we were sure we found the best tent! After a little help from the crew, we chowed down on a small portion of whale and potato salad (sorry PETA). I expected whale to taste like fish, but it actually tasted more like gyros…kinda.

A short distance away from the fish market, we were lucky to come across the hot dog stand that was on our list – Trekroneren Hot Dog Stand. This isn’t your ordinary hot dog stand though…this one serves REINDEER hot dogs!! I confidently walked up to the stand, paid my 55 NOK and nervously ate my first bite. I thought it would have a gamey taste, but it actually tasted like a normal hot dog. I was a little bit unimpressed, but happy that I had now crossed two items off my list!

Last on the list…meatballs! We found these all over Sweden, but decided on a small restaurant close to our hotel in Stockholm. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with potatoes and lingonberry jam and that’s just how mine were served! They were tasty and I promise that the next time I go to IKEA, I will order some and officially compare the two!

 

 

What are some of your favorite Scandinavian dishes?? Do you have any other recommendations for future travelers??

Tivoli Gardens – A whimsical experience under $20!

Posted in Denmark by

I recently went on a two week vacation with my sister to Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) and couldn’t be more excited to share my adventures with you! If this area isn’t already on your list, get your credit card ready because you’re going to want to book a flight ASAP!

The first stop on our trip was Copenhagen, Denmark and one of the places I was most excited to visit was Tivoli Gardens! Prior to our trip I did a lot of research and Tivoli had such mixed reviews that I started to second guess my original excitement. Would two young adults really have that much fun at an amusement park?? Was it going to be filled with screaming kids and unorganized parents (Yikes)?? Was the food going to consist of popcorn and cotton candy like at Six Flags in the States??

Luckily, I was able to convince myself and my sister to make not only one trip…but TWO trips to Tivoli in the two days that we were in Denmark. Yes folks, that’s right…Tivoli was so magical and whimsical that we just HAD to go back! The best news, none of my above fears were even true! Tivoli is so much more than an amusement park and the only screaming I heard came from the 100yr old roller coaster. As far as the food, it was fantastic! We managed to find a wine bar (Bodega), a newer Italian restaurant (Mazzolis) and a Brew House (Faergekoen Bryghus).

For an $18 admission ticket, we spent a few hours each day strolling around the colorful gardens and getting lost in all the winding paths. We “ohhh’d” and “ahhhh’d” over everything cause it was SO GOSH DARN CUTE!!

“Look at that toy soldier…SO CUTE!!”

“Look at that Scandinavian shop…SO CUTE!!”

“Look at that Hans Christian Anderson ride…SO CUTE!!”

It was enchantment overload for sure that anyone of all ages will truly love! It’s also very easy to get to as it’s right across from the main train station in Copenhagen (exit train station toward Bernstorrffsgade street).

For more pics on Tivoli, visit my Whimsical Denmark Pinterest Board!

Have you ever been to Tivoli?? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments field!

Camelback Mountain – Hike or Rock Climb? YOU decide!

Posted in Arizona by

I travel to Arizona, for work, a few times a year and every time I go out there I tell myself, “This will be the time I climb Camelback!” Of course, something always comes up and I’m not able to actually do it, but I always return with the same goal.

I’m happy to announce that on May 11th I finally did it!! I made it to the top of Camelback Mountain!! ((cue the applause))

I have to be honest though…I was a little surprised by the actual course. Everyone calls Camelback a “Hike.” To me, a “Hike” is a steady path up a hill. It might be high and it might be long, but you’re still walking on a path.

Camelback is a “Rock Climb” and if I can be very specific for anyone who’s looking to do this, it’s a “Rock Climb with lizards who try/want to eat you.”

See for yourself….

Despite all the rocks and the scary lizards, I finally made it to the top! The views are amazing and worth all the effort to get up there. You can find directions to the start of the hike/rock climb from the City of Phoenix website. I chose to do Echo Canyon, but there is another hike called Cholla Trail that you also might enjoy.

Tip: Go slow, bring plenty of water and wear good shoes. I wore my regular gym shoes and found myself slipping on some of the rocks.

What do you think? Was Camelback a Hike or Rock Climb??

Opa!! Greece in Pictures!

Posted in Greece by

This weekend is Greek Fest in Chicago….Lincoln Park Greek Fest to be exact. My friends asked me to go, but I’m busy packing for my Scandinavia trip! I leave tonight and couldn’t be more excited.

Greece was one of the most beautiful places I have ever traveled to! Never in my life have I see such bright blue and turquoise water. I spent a week in Athens, Santorini, Oia and Mykonos with one of my closest friends and we had a blast! We sailed around the gorgeous island of Santorini, laid on the white sandy beaches in Mykonos and raced around Athens to find the famous Poet Sandal Maker.

Although I’m missing Greek Fest this year, it was great to go back in my photo albums and pull up some of my favorite photos of the trip!

Enjoy the pics below and enjoy Greek Fest for all my fellow Chicagoans!