Category: Travel

Cascais, Portugal: The land of palm trees and custard tarts

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Happy Friday!

Hope you are as excited for the weekend as I am! I’m heading to the cinema this evening and then to a brewery tomorrow afternoon. Bring on delicious craft beers 🙂

Even though I’m seriously looking forward to the weekend, I’ve still been reminiscing about my recent trip to Portugal — aka my favourite citybreak so far! I’ve covered the fabulous cities Lisbon and Sintra so far on the blog, but now it’s time to focus on this little gem — the sea-side Portuguese town of Cascais. Only 30 minutes away from car or metro, this is the perfect day trip from Lisbon.

What is there to say about this darling little palm-tree lined town? For starters you have quaint streets filled with shops, cafes and bars. Every shop window seems to have something that literally triggers stars and hearts in your eyes — whether that’s a cute little leather crossbody bag or a healthy scoop of gelato.

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Clearly, I could not resist from indulging in the traditional Portuguese custard tarts. These are absolutely to die for! If you go to Portugal and do not try one (or two or three!) of these perfects little treats you might as well not have even gone! I’m serious, they’re just that delicious! Why not pair it with a little cappuccino for a caffeine boost 🙂

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Although the streets that weave in and out of Cascais are absolutely adorable, the real gem is where the sand meets the sea. We enjoyed fab views of a turquoise marina and a quiet little beach… the perfect place to perch up and get lost in your favourite book or have a picnic (if it’s not too windy!).

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Although Lisbon seems to be the star attraction in this part of Portugal, Cascais is the perfect little day trip to break up your sightseeing in the capital. I mean, just look at that view 🙂

xxx

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Lovely Lisboa! Why you need to go right now

Published on by McKenna4 Comments

Hello, lovelies!

Hope you’re having a fab Saturday! Today I’m dodging this dreadful Easter weekend storm in London and staying put on my sofa. Sometimes you just need a little Netflix in your life, am I right?

I’ve finally had a chance to post gorgeous pictures of a recent trip I took. If you’re wondering where to go for your next city break… I have the answer right here: LISBON, PORTUGAL.

Not only is this city absolutely beautiful, with its rustic charm and unique mosaic tiled buildings, it has everything you need in a weekend getaway: gorgeous sunshine, restaurants to die for, beautiful architecture and the most friendly culture I have ever encountered while traveling. Even our AirBnb host left a delicious bottle of traditional Portuguese green wine in the fridge, awaiting our arrival 🙂

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Our days were filled with sightseeing, strolling down the city’s cobblestone streets (clearly obsessed!) and experiencing gorgeous castles and palaces. And, of course, indulging in traditional Portuguese food including custard tarts, seafood rice and codfish cakes.

One HUGE advantage of Lisbon is its affordable nature — you can find a delicious glass of Sangria for only 1.50 Euros (literally I could not believe it, especially coming from London). A daily travel card, which includes metro, bus, tram and water taxi, is only 6 euros. This place is a steal 🙂 not to mention our adorable AirBnb was authentic and in a prime location (in the Alfama waterfront neighbourhood) for an incredible price. Have I convinced you yet?

lisbon view

lisbon waterfront

lisbon square

And not only were we able to explore Lisbon, we were also able to experience palaces, castles and quaint cafes in the neighbouring cities of Sintra and Cascais. Just think colourful castles, waterfront restaurants and adorable family owned shops. Posts to come on those, of course 🙂

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time for you to experience Lisbon yourself!

xxx

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Tis the festive season! Christmas markets are calling my name

Published on by McKenna2 Comments

Christmas joy is in the air! I made my way to Germany for the first time and discovered my new favourite tradition … browsing through quaint, festive German Christmas markets! From delicious bratwursts to warming gluhwein and handcrafted tree ornaments, Dusseldorf offered cute little stands to suit any and all tastes!

Dusseldorf Christmas markets | Photo by McKenna
Dusseldorf Christmas markets | Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna

And when you need a quick break from shopping … we eat cake!

Nomz | Photo by McKenna
Nomz | Photo by McKenna

Then we get back to eating and shopping!

Pretzels for days | Photo by McKenna
Pretzels for days | Photo by McKenna
Altbier, three regional sausages and sauerkraut | Photo by McKenna
Altbier, three regional sausages and sauerkraut | Photo by McKenna
Handcrafted wooden Nutcrackers | Photo by McKenna
Handcrafted wooden Nutcrackers | Photo by McKenna

Now let’s talk about the beer… in Germany an empty glass simply does not exist. The second you come to the last sip of your drink, a refill hits the horizon before you can even blink an eye. It is just FANTASTIC.

Keep them coming
Keep them coming

It’s safe to say I’m in a Merry Christmas mindset now! Just call me Mrs. Claus!

Home sweet home xx
Home sweet home

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Living the London life

Published on by McKenna2 Comments

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Every MDW I’m usually soaking up the sunshine on an East Coast beach with a pina colada in hand, Ray Bans on. Well, not this year!

Since my last post I have hopped across the pond and moved to London! This means Coffee and Cobblestones will be shining a spotlight on the everyday beauty and vibrance of good ol’ Londontown!

Tower Bridge
Photo by McKenna
St Pauls
Photo by McKenna
Chelsea
Photo by McKenna
Big Ben
Photo by McKenna
Carnaby Flowers
Photo by McKenna

 

From boozy brunches to gorgeous flower markets, my goal is to unveil every hidden gem this grand city has to offer 🙂

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Jet set: Istanbul

Published on by McKenna2 Comments

Istanbul. Istanbul. Istanbul. What can I say about this city? The first thing that comes to mind is the following confession: I am currently going through Turkish withdrawal – it’s been a struggle.

It’s been a month since I was in Istanbul and I can genuinely say I wish I were gazing at the beautiful architecture of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque from the rooftop of my hotel, cocktail in hand with a bag of Turkish delights, RIGHT NOW. 

Beautiful sights? Check. Delicious food and drinks? Check. Amazing, hospitable people? Check, check, check. This city has it all. Take a look at some of my photos … you’ll want to pack your suitcase and jet set, too!

Our hotel in the historical Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, the Pasha Ibrahim Hotel, had a gorgeous rooftop overlooking the entire city. Breathtaking.
Our hotel in the historical Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, the Pasha Ibrahim Hotel, had a gorgeous rooftop overlooking the entire city. Breathtaking.

Beautiful by day…. and beautiful by night.

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A vibrant, technicolor fountain at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Simply gorgeous – and look at that beautiful sky!

Some details you might want to unravel before you head to Turkey:

  • Be sure to obtain a VISA online prior to arriving. You’ll need this in addition to your passport. It’s just $20 and lasts 90 days. You’ll save a lot of time at the airport by purchasing this ahead of time!
  • Istanbul is EXTREMELY inexpensive. My travel buddy and I went to a nice dinner at a four star restaurant (equipped with a bottle of wine of course!), hit several cocktail lounges, bought several knick-knacks and consumed way too much baklava, Turkish delights and other sweets. In two days we had EACH only spent 149 Turkish Lira (TRY) – the equivalent of $70…. Yes, THAT cheap.
  • Half of the people we encountered knew English, while half only knew Turkish. No biggie – you get around it. That’s the fun in going to a foreign country!
  • There are stray dogs and cats everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE.
  • Now, time for more photos 🙂
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Diana and I have the biggest sweet tooths on the planet – Hafiz Mustafa is our heaven. Baklava, chocolate croissants, gelato, Turkish delights… pure heavenly goodness.
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Turkish delights on Turkish delights … Yum!
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Beautiful Turkish lamps in a nearby market in the historical Sultanahmet district of Istanbul.
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Amazing ceramic glass architecture and artwork in the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque.
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Diana buying beautiful prayer rugs for family – gorgeous!
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Stray kitties surrounding me. I was loving every second of it.

This city is such a gem – I will be returning in the near future. That’s a promise.

What’s your favorite international city to travel to? Stay tuned for more travel pics – coming soon! 🙂

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