BIG NEWS: Travel Far, Eat Well is Moving!

If you saw my last post highlighting some of my adventures from the past year and what’s coming up next year, then this should be no surprise to you. For the past couple months, I’ve been researching and thinking about moving Travel Far, Eat Well to a self hosted website (travelfareatwell.com instead of travelfareatwell.wordpress.com). Well, I decided to take the leap and I’ve been working diligently this past week to get the new site up and running.

From now on, all new posts will appear on travelfareatwell.com instead of the site you’re currently reading this on. All of my WordPress and email subscribers will be moving to the new site with me. Although there’s one major change: WordPress subscribers (those with a WordPress account) will no longer receive email updates of new posts, the new posts will only appear in the WordPress reader. So, click here and fill in your email address and click ‘submit’ on the right side of the page to receive email updates of new posts.

Now that I’m self hosting, I’ll be able to customize the new site to fit my vision for Travel Far, Eat Well. I’m excited to continue sharing my adventures and travel tips with you while also being able to personalize and improve Travel Far, Eat Well as it grows and evolves.

Whether you’re a longtime reader or this is your first time on my site, I hope you’ll choose to continue following my adventures. Check out the new look of Travel Far, Eat Well and don’t forget to sign up to receive posts by email – it only takes a few seconds!

I’m sure I’ll be working out some issues with the site move for the next several weeks. So, if you see any issues or have any questions or concerns, please shoot me an email at kate@travelfareatwell.com.

My First Year – Travel Far, Eat Well

Travel Far, Eat Well is officially one year old today! I can’t believe how far this site has come in the past year – 60 posts and over 300 subscribers. I started Travel Far, Eat Well because of my insatiable wanderlust and my desire to share my travel experiences with other aspiring adventurers. Maintaining Travel Far, Eat Well has been tiresome at times, but overall incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. One of the things I love the most is the diverse and supportive blogging community. I’ve gained so many friends across the globe that I otherwise would have never gotten to know and have immensely expanded my travel bucket list. The past year has skyrocketed my wanderlust to unimaginable levels – I’m constantly thinking and planning for my next adventure.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a huge thank you to all my readers for the support, feedback, likes, and comments over the past year. Let’s take a look back at this past year and what’s in store for the next year.

Most Popular Posts

Craving Chipotle in Madrid? I Have the Answer!

This is by far my most viewed post. People must really want Chipolte in Madrid, but I mean, who doesn’t?! In all seriousness, Tierra is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat if you’re craving Chipotle in Madrid.

An Inside Look at Dachau – Germany’s First Nazi Concentration Camp

This is my second most popular post and also one of my favorites. Many writers shy away from difficult topics such as the holocaust, but I think it’s so important to continue to tell the stories of the victims and survivors so they will never be forgotten.

First Impressions of the Netherlands

I love that my post about the Netherlands is one of my most popular because I love the Netherlands! From the endless canals to the colorful Dutch houses to the vibrant tulip fields, what’s not to love?

My Favorite Posts

The Best Views of Bruges from the Top of the Belfry

This will forever be one of my favorite posts because I absolutely fell in love with Bruges during our time there. Seeing a city from a bird’s-eye view is another one of my favorite things so I’m sure it’s no surprise that this is one of my favorite posts!

Best of the Midwest: Natural Falls State Park

I love exploring the Midwest because it’s my home and Natural Falls is one of my favorite state parks. Combine great hiking with breathtaking waterfalls and you have the perfect afternoon!

[Photo Essay] Austrian Countryside

Austria continues to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The amount of natural beauty is indescribable so, of course, a collection of photos is the best way to communicate the beauty.

What’s Coming Up Next Year

As of right now, my travel plans for the next year are pretty vague. I have several trip ideas floating around in my head, but I’m not quite sure which ones will become a possibility. I know I will definitely be making a trip to Colorado to go snowboarding this winter (maybe even two trips). I’m hoping to take a trip to Hawaii during Fall 2016 to watch my brother compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona (fingers crossed!). Other than that, I will be enjoying my time exploring my own backyard – Kansas City. There’s so much to experience in this beautiful city so I’m excited to share more of it with you.

Kansas City Skyline

Another exciting milestone that is in the works is moving Travel Far, Eat Well to a self hosted website (travelfareatwell.com instead of travelfareatwell.wordpress.com). I’ve been thinking about making the switch for a while and am finally ready to take the leap. Stay tuned for more updates on this!

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Thank you again to all my readers and don’t forget to subscribe via e-mail on the right sidebar to continue following the adventures that await during the next year!

Kansas City’s Ethnic Enrichment Festival

One of the things I love the most about traveling is tasting the unique cuisine from different countries and regions around the world. The Ethnic Enrichment Festival held annually in Kansas City has been my escape to experience a small part of many of the countries I’m longing to explore. The Ethnic Enrichment Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the country and features more than 60 different countries selling their native foods, crafts and performing ethnic music and dances. Booths line the event representing the unique cultures of countries from across the globe.

A pavilion is situated in the middle of the event and features a demonstration from the many countries represented at the festival. The demonstrations range from traditional dances to music and singing that symbolize the cultures and traditions of each country.

This festival is the perfect way to get exposed to a variety of different cultures and foods from around the world without leaving the comfort of home. I love the opportunity to taste the cuisine from countries that I’m considering trips to because I can get a better idea of what to expect once I get there. Plus, tasting the native cuisine gets me even more excited for future adventures to far away lands. On the flip side, this festival is the easiest way for me to feast on all my favorite dishes from the countries I have visited. There’s no way you’ll catch me leaving the festival without devouring a nutella crepe from France and patatas bravas from Spain (just a couple of my favorites).

The festival is held in Swope Park and the venue offers free parking with an event admission fee of $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under. The different booths determine prices for the food and crafts that are sold representing the various countries. This event is the perfect opportunity for families to explore cultures unfamiliar to their own. The children are offered a “passport” when entering the festival which can be used to collect passport stamps from the many countries represented at the festival.

If you’ve been itching to travel but can’t make it happen at the moment, then definitely make plans to check out the Ethnic Enrichment Festival each August in Kansas City. Spend an afternoon sampling delicious dishes from around the world while watching traditional dances and demonstrations performed on the festival stage.

Have you experienced Kansas City’s Ethnic Enrichment Festival? What is your favorite travel related festival?

Hostel Review: Smart Place Paris

Looking for an affordable, friendly, and safe hostel for your stay in the City of Love?

Look no further! Check out Smart Place Paris – my friends and I stayed here on a previous trip to Paris and we really enjoyed the friendly staff and great location. They offer free Wi-Fi in the common areas, a fully-equipped kitchen, computers for guest access, and offer great advice on which sites to see and which restaurants to try out. Smart Place also stored our luggage for free after our check-out time so we were able to continue exploring Paris without the added pressure of looking after our bags. The common area has a super chill, friendly atmosphere and is the perfect place to relax after a long day sightseeing. Spend your evening lounging around in comfy chairs and forming friendships with fellow travelers over a plate of spaghetti and past travel stories.

On top of the relaxed atmosphere, Smart Place Paris is conveniently located minutes from Gare du Nord, a major train and metro hub that can transport you to any point of interest in Paris. The metro system in Paris is pretty easy to navigate and buy tickets, but always be aware of pickpockets and people trying to scam you (this can be said for any city in Europe, not just Paris).

One thing I really loved about this hostel was the location, even though we were a little outside the typical “tourist” area we were really well connected to the whole city through the Gare du Nord station (which is huge). Another perk of being away from the touristy areas was the restaurants around our hostel weren’t as expensive since they aren’t catering to the tourist crowds. I definitely recommend Smart Place Paris if you are looking for an affordable and safe hostel for your stay in Paris.

Gare du Nord

Headed to Paris and looking for fun things to do? Check out the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries!

[Photo Essay] Canals of Amsterdam

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of Amsterdam are the miles upon miles of canals that weave their way through the city. It’s an adventure in itself to just wander through the city strolling up and down the endless canals. I think it’s incredible how many canals there are, but yet each one is still unique and so picturesque. The beauty of this extraordinary city is best conveyed through pictures so spend a few minutes and pretend you’re strolling through these stunning Dutch streets.

Have you been to Amsterdam? What is your favorite thing to do there?

6 Tips for Successful Shopping at a Local Market

Markets pop up all around the world and are a popular shopping spot for locals. Now, I’m not just talking about food markets, but also clothing markets, flea markets, art markets, and everything in between. No matter what part of the world you are in, chances are there is a local market in a city near you. Markets are the perfect spot to grab the freshest ingredients for tonight’s meal, handmade clothing, or even decorations for your home. Keep these 6 tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to successful shopping regardless of the type of market you are setting out to explore.

1. Observe the Locals

The first thing I do when entering a market is take a lap around to see all the different stalls and products, but also to observe the locals! The locals will give you an idea of proper etiquette since this will vary greatly in different regions around the world (just think, what is acceptable and normal at an American market might be considered rude at an Asian market). Another great reason to observe the locals is to find out which are the most popular stalls. These are often the most crowded and it must be for a good reason.

2. Don’t Touch the Food

It might be acceptable to touch the fresh produce in an American market, but it’s often considered extremely rude in many other parts of the world. Wait for assistance from the vendor, point to what you want, and they will handle the food. You can determine what’s acceptable by referring to #1 – observe the locals – or by simply asking the vendor.

3. Haggle

This is also heavily dependent on the part of the world you are in. In America, there is normally a fixed price for goods, but in many parts of the world, such as Asian countries, it’s expected to haggle. Do a little research on the region you are in to know what is appropriate.

4. Bring Cash

It’s a necessity to have cash at a local market. Most of the time, the market consists of a bunch of pop-up stalls, so vendors likely won’t have any way to accept credit/debit cards. Come prepared with cash!

5. Compare Prices

You would hate to buy a carton of strawberries for $2 just to find out the vendor a few stalls down was selling them for $1. It’s important to take a lap around the market to see what’s offered and at what prices. This also helps to be successful and more confident with #3 – haggling.

6. Bring Your Own Bag

Again, this is dependent on the part of the world you’re in, but it’s a good practice regardless. Some vendors will provide bags for merchandise that you buy and others won’t, so you’ll want to have your own bag to carry your goodies just in case.

Visiting local markets is the perfect way to experience the culture and lifestyle of the country you are in. Markets are a great, affordable way to find authentic souvenirs to take home with you. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s fun to wander around and see the different products for sale and watch the locals going about their daily lives. Remember these 6 simple tips and you’ll be a successful shopper at any market around the world!

What additional tips do you have for shopping at a local market? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

In Photos: Watching the Sunset from the Sacré Cœur

A visit to the city of love just wouldn’t be complete without spending an evening watching the sun set over this iconic city. One of the top spots to relax and watch the sunset is from the steps of the Sacré Cœur in Montmartre. Many tourists and locals flock to the steps below the Sacré Cœur every evening at dusk to watch the sky change colors as the sun dips below the horizon. Bring a bottle of wine, some macaroons and good company to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. With the Sacré Cœur towering behind and the majestic scenery in front of you, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day exploring the many wonders of Paris.

Where is your favorite spot to watch the sunset in Paris? Have you watched the sunset from the Sacré Cœur?

Discover Amsterdam’s Secret Garden

Amsterdam is a maze of bicycle paths, canals, and a never-ending stream of people all going about their daily activities. Amsterdam is a unique and exciting city that holds surprises and interesting adventures around every corner. The fast-paced lifestyle makes it easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Unknown to many, Amsterdam hides a peaceful little oasis right in the middle of the city center. This beautiful oasis, known as the Begijnhof with the nickname of the Secret Garden of Amsterdam, is tricky to find but you’ll be glad you did as it gives a much needed break from the rush of people and city life.

The Begijnhof is a quiet courtyard that was originally a sanctuary for the “Beguines” sisterhood. Nowadays, the houses enclosing the Begijnhof are occupied by older single women. This courtyard is one of the oldest inner courts in the city of Amsterdam and holds a beautiful 15th century English Church on the south side of the courtyard.

The courtyard is lined with traditional Amsterdam-style town houses surrounding a peaceful green space hidden between Amsterdam’s busy streets. The Secret Garden is the perfect quiet spot to relax and enjoy the slow-paced side of Amsterdam.

The Begijnhof is a hidden gem in this city, literally, since it’s not easily found by travelers. It’s mentioned in many guidebooks, but often gets skipped because people can’t find it or don’t want to spend the time looking for it. Don’t make that mistake! You would be missing out on such an unexpected, peaceful little haven right in the heart of the city.

Since the houses in the Begijnhof are still occupied, it’s customary to remain quiet and respect their privacy while exploring the courtyard. It’s free to enter and the main entrance is located off Gedempte Begijnensloot (see the map below to better help you find this hidden oasis).

Have you been to the Begijnhof in Amsterdam? What did you think? Is this somewhere you want to visit on your next trip to Amsterdam?

The Best Spot to Eat French Fries in France

Two things..

One. I know, I know, I know, French fries aren’t actually French… they’re Belgian. BUT, Sant and I traveled through the Netherlands, Belgium and France and we tried the fries in almost every city we visited and the best fries we came across were in France. Although this particular shop is a Belgian Friterie (fry shop) so I think that makes it an acceptable best spot for fries. What more fitting city to find these delicious French fries in than the gastronomic capital of France and of the world, Lyon.

Two. I realize that everyone will have a different opinion on what the best fries in this region are, but I wanted to share mine because these fries were incredible. So here it goes…

Since the late 20th century, Lyon has built a solid reputation as the gastronomic capital and being the food lovers that we are, we couldn’t wait to explore Lyon and all of its culinary delights. We ate a lot of delicious food during our time in Lyon, but one thing we couldn’t stop talking about for days and even weeks after was the French fries at Friterie Bintje & Zoet.

Bintje & Zoet is a small fry shop in the heart of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). It sits on one of the most popular streets in Vieux Lyon, Rue Saint-Jean, so it’s in a great location and is super easy to find. The only thing we tried here were the French fries, so I can’t attest to the other food but if it’s anything like the fries then I’m sure it’s mouthwatering.

Sant and I decided to stop here since it was close to the apartment we were staying in and we bought a grand cornet (cone) of fries to share. In hindsight, we really should have bought two because after tasting them, I don’t think either of us wanted to share. I think the thing that makes these fries infinitely better than ones from home are that these are thicker and double fried which make them super crispy and oh, so delicious.

I love to dunk my fries in sauce so, of course, I couldn’t pass up trying the different sauces. My favorite ended up being the mayonnaise sauce which is pretty typical to eat with Belgian fries. Sant loved the andalouse sauce which had a little kick to it and was really good (I’ll admit, I loved it too!).

During one of our days in Lyon, we bought a grand cornet of fries and took it back to our apartment. After devouring it, Sant says “I think I’m going to go back and get more.” I laughed, but he was so serious about it, he walked back down the street and returned a few minutes later with another grand cornet of fries… which we devoured, again.

I definitely recommend visiting Lyon as it ended up being one of our favorite cities on our trip. Lyon is a foodie’s paradise with some of the most delicious food in the world. If you find yourself in Lyon, do not miss trying the fries at Bintje & Zoet in Vieux Lyon. They are affordable, crispy, and downright mouthwatering, so don’t skip the best fries in France! 

Have you ever been to Bintje & Zoet? Where have you eaten the best fries?

[Photo Essay] Red Doors of Bruges

Sant and I spent an afternoon aimlessly biking around Bruges, mostly in the residential areas since it was less crowded and we wanted to get a better picture of what real life in Bruges is like. Street after street revealed some of the most colorful and unique houses and doors so we made it our mission to search for red doors. We really could have chosen any color to search for because there was so much variety, but we thought the red doors were really unique. Not only was there so much variety with the color of doors, but just the variety of red doors was amazing! Narrow red doors, wide red doors, new red doors, tattered red doors, bright red doors, dull red doors, and everything in between.

Do you have a favorite city with really unique doors? Do you have a favorite door from the photos above?