Marrakech, Morocco. What to do, what to eat and where to stay.

Your quick travel guide to Marrakech!

This is your quick and easy guide to seeing Marrakech in a few days. We spent a little over a week traveling through Morocco by car and we ended the trip in this chic and historic city.

There is so much to do and see in Morocco and you should really spend a couple of weeks there, to visit each region. Our two week long trip ended with us spending 3 days in Marrakech.

Where to stay:

I booked our stay at Riad Be Marrakech, before we purchased our plane tickets. I did this for a reason. This Riad is in high demand and sells out quickly. By making our reservation here first, we were able to guarantee the room that we wanted and availability in advance. I booked through booking.com and got a refundable reservation, that we did not have to pay for until check out.

Where to eat:

Where do I begin!the food in Morocco was so good and fresh. On our first night, we had dinner at Le Comptoir Marrakech. This restaurant was so chic and modern. We ate in the indoor garden and the belly dancing show started at 10 pm. We had lamb shank, mango mojitos and some of the best bread. Dinner ran us about $65 total.

Have breakfast with white glove service, at Royal Mansour Marrakech. It’s about $45 per person, but you can choose everything on the menu, including freshly squeezed juices. Buy some Argan Butter to bring home!

Have a fresh juice in the Souk and eat street food! The juice was $2 each for the largest size and dinner, 3 courses was about $17.

What to do:

I will say this, the souk is very large, the merchants are aggressive and you will get lost. Please hire a guide to shop with you. Our guide picked us up and walked us through everything and made sure that we were not harassed and got the best deals for what we wanted.

Book a spa day at La Mamounia (Do this at least 6 months in advance).

 

See the Bahia Palace

Book tickets in advance to Le Jardin Majorelle

Spend a day exploring the Souk.

Happy travels!

XO- Alisha

The long road to Marrakech. Where to stay and what to see along the way.

The ultimate road trip to Marrakech!

The road to Marrakech was a long one, but it was a beautiful adventure. We flew in to Tangier from Barcelona to make the trek. Tangier was the quickest and cheapest entry point into Morocco for us. In order to travel across the country by car, and see everything that it has to offer, planning is key.

I started planning for this trip back in February, before we even bought our plane tickets. I believe that this was a major key to crafting the perfect itinerary. We reached out to a company based in Morocco called “Let’s travel Morocco”. They did not sponsor my trip, they did not give me a discount or pay me to do a review. They are truly an amazing company.

I worked with Abdou to plan our trip. He gave me advice on which airports to fly into, which days to travel on and how long the trip should be. I told Abdou what we wanted to see, and he told us what he thought that we should do and see as well. Together we created one epic itinerary. Nacer was our guide that stayed with us the whole time and he was simple amazing.

Here is what we did, what we saw and the places that we stayed along the way. Contact Abdou to make your travel plans. You won’t regret it.

Details :


20 Oct 18 : Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes. 
 
21 Oct : Fes– Midelt  Merzouga Sand Sea of Erg Chebbi.

22 Oct 18 : Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Skoura oasis.

23 Oct 18 :Skoura Oasis – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech.
 
24 Oct 18 : Marrakech  – Medina Tour – Airport.
 
 
 
 
Itinerary : 

20 Oct 18 : Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes 6hours
 

We will pick  you from you from the airport or port in tangier  and drive you to Chefchaouen, Arrive to the blue town.  Chefchaouen is a cha­rming place with str­ong Andalusian conne­ctions. It was here that many Jews and Moors fled during the Spanish Inquisition. Highlights of our day include a short hike to the ruin of the “Spanish” mosque with its fantastic panoramic view; a vi­sit to the Ras el-Ma, where city’s fresh water springs from the mountain; and a stroll through the wonderfully restored kasbah and gardens. Than transfer to Fes City 

Overnight in Fes City  with Breakfast (B) 

Riad Tafilalet http://www.riadtafilalet.com


21 Oct : Fes– Midelt  Merzouga Sand Sea of Erg Chebbi7-8  hrs drv

Early in the morning departure at 8am from Fes heading to the Middle Atlas Mountains. The wilderness you cross is incredible diverse and can vary from rocky, sun baked plains, to cedar – clad mountains to deep canyons. In the hills of Azrou you may spot a troop of Barbary Apes. Then we slowly descend into the scenic Ziz valley passing palm groves and green oasis. Yet, again the scenery will be changing into the sandy plains and approaching Merzouga we will see the first sand dunes from the road. The great “sand sea” of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot – colored sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.

As evening falls we retreat to the comforts and luxury of our exclusive private desert camp where we will be greeted with mint tea and fresh dates or nuts. The camp is set in a beautiful spot between sand dunes and gives the impression of being alone in the vast African desert while enjoying the comforts of a nomad king. We will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by campfire time beneath the starry African sky. Nothing compares to the millions of stars, silence and peacefulness of the Sahara. We sleep in luxury canvas tents feeling like we walk into one of the stories from the Arabian nights.  (D. B)

As evening falls down we enjoy 3 -course dinners and then sp­ecial entertainment will be provided aro­und campfire with mu­sic, drums, and sing­ing from our Berber guides.

Desert Luxury Camp:

http://www.desertlux­urycamp.com

 
 

22 Oct 18 : Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Skoura oasis  appx 5 hours drive

 

We recommend early morning with the sunrise to enjoy a camel trek.  We will head off into the vastness of the dunes on a camel caravan accompanied by camelteers. The sturdy camel has been a mainstay of desert life over the centuries, being used to ship the precious cargoes from Sub Saharan African to the trading ports of the Mediterranean coast. You can ride or walk alongside as you slip into the pace of the caravan led by Berber guides and marvel at the awesome spectacle of the desert and the solitude a silence that comes with it. Then return to the camp for a delicious breakfast.

Leaving the desert behind you’ll head up into the Atlas Mountains to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular gash in the hills that surround Tinerhir. The region is dotted with deserted kasbahs, palmeries and mud- brick villages, creating a photographer’s paradise. The cliffs loom above as you approach the mouth of Todra Gorge. Rising to 300m, the honey-colored hues of the sheer face change constantly as the sun moves across the sky. Local Berber people can often be seen moving their herds through the gorge. Heading into the gorge you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs on a walk to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Rejoining the vehicle you’ll retrace your steps out of the gorge and follow the remainder of the Route des Kasbahs to Skoura , (B. D)

Hotel: Ksar el Kebbaba – Dinner and breakfast

http://www.ksar-elkabbaba.com

 

23 Oct 18 :Skoura Oasis – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech    4  hours

Morning departure to Ouarzazate and to Ait Ben haddou. This is probably the best-preserved fortified Kasbah in the country. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as a location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel in the Nile, and more recently Gladiator, Ait Ben Haddou sits upon a lofty pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from around the 15th century, its importance as a trading post gradually waned, and today’s inhabitants eke a living from farming… and as film extras!. Then we set onto the dramatic drive of Tizi and Tichka that will take us to Marrakech opening the landscapes to some breathtaking views of many Berber villages, snow capped mountains and green valleys.  Early afternoon expected arrival to Marrakech. 

Overnight in marrakech

be Marrakech 

 

24 Oct 18  Marrakech  – Medina Tour 

Join your guide this morning to explore Marrakech and the de­lights it has to off­er. The tanneries ar­ound Bab Debbagh nor­mally work in the mo­rning and still cure leather in a way th­at has not changed for hundreds of years. There are plenty of other places for you to visit too. You could take in the Palais de la Bahia, built at the end of the 19th century for Si’ Ahmed ben Musa, the Grand Vizier of Soultan Moulay al Ha­ssan. Only part of the palace is open, as the royal family still makes use of a fair proportion of the building. The bea­utiful courtyards and splendid living qu­arters provide a pic­ture of a grand bygo­ne lifestyle. Another possibility is the Dar Si Said, housing the Museum of Moro­ccan Arts. This form­er royal townhouse now contains beautiful art and craftwork from all corners of the country. Free af­ternoon to return to the souk and search for bargains, or sit at one of the cafés on the Djemaa el. 

October 25  Transfer to the airport for your flight back home, (Marrakech Airport15min from your hotel) 

Happy Travels!

XO- Alisha

Glamping in the Sahara Desert. What to expect during your stay.

Glamping under the stars in the Sahara Desert…

Have you ever been camping before? Well, this was my first time and I did it in style! Believe it or not, I really do enjoy nature and being outside when the conditions are right.

If you plan to visit the desert while in Morocco, it is very important to plan your trip during the right months. Morocco gets very cold in the Winter months, and even gets snow.The best times to visit are in the Spring and in the Fall.

We stayed at Desert Luxury Camp, Merzouga in the Royal Tents. “There are the largest in size 13x10m laden with handmade Moroccan rugs, solid wood king size bed, comfortable seating area, dressing area and full size mirror. Each tent is ensuite with private bathroom that features flush toilet, sink, shower and separate bathtub! In additional we have included small fridge and in winter times electrical heating along with electrical heating blanket is provided.”

The services at the camp was 5 star the whole way. We had gourmet meals prepared, and desert activities like camel rides and sand boarding were included.

The ride to the desert is about 10 hours from Tangier and Marrakesh. We hired a private driver to pick us up in Tangier and we made our way there, stopping overnight in Fez.

This stay can be considered a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I really do hop that I can return for another visit again.

XO- Alisha

Chefchaouen, Morocco. The do’s and dont’s while in the Blue City.

What to consider, when visiting the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco…

Do go early: The blue city, is best shot during the day. It is a long drive to get here, but that does not slow people down from visiting. It can get pretty crowded around noon. Have the place to yourself before the shop owners start moving.

Do shop: I had the best shopping experience in the blue city. I got my favorite pair of harem pants here for $5, and picked up a full sized umbrella for $5.

Do bring an umbrella: It is guaranteed to rain, or mist at some point during the day, because of the city’s position in the mountains. We started out good, then had a downpour for about 45 minutes. We took that time to stop and have a bite to eat.

Do be respectful of the doors in the alleyway: The blue city is not just a city set up for show. People live here within the walls of the old town with their families. I almost fell into someone’s home while leaning on the door to take my photo.

Don’t be loud: Remember, this is a residential neighborhood.

Do eat tangine: We had the cheapest, and one of the best meals in the blue city! My husband and I both ate full meals, with drinks and tip for $10 total.

Don’t expect for your photos to be vibrant without editing: The blue city is beautiful. Don’t get me wrong, but the colors on the walls are not as vibrant as they appear in photos. Just add saturation to your edits.

Do take the local currency and have change: The exchange rate is 10 to 1 there, but it just makes it easier when negotiating and paying for your items.

Do price hagle and offer 50% of asking price.

Do have a game plan if visiting without a certified guide: If your guide is not certified from a tourism company, they can not accompany you into the blue city. They will drop you off at the entrance and come back to pick you up.

Don’t plan to spend more that a few hours there: Other than shopping, eating and taking photos, there is not much else to do.

Do take a few outfits there to change up your look in your photos.

Be safe and enjoy!

XO- Alisha

Amalfi Coast, Italy. Your guide to the most instagramable spots along the way.

The most beautiful photo ops along the Amalfi Coast…

Visiting the Amalfi Coast had been a dream of mine, for as long as I can remember. The food, beautiful coastal views and laid back vibe is a major attraction for tourists, from across the globe.

We flew into Naples, Italy and had a driver take us on a journey along the coast. The driver took us to the best photo spots along the way.

1). Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy.

2). Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy.

3). The public beach in Positano, Italy.

4). The Limoncello Factory in Sorrento, Italy.

My last recommendation is where to get some of the best pizza in the world!  Seriously, this place was voted one of the best pizza restaurants in the world, but the New York Times. Naples is the birthplace of modern pizza, and they are still making the Country proud. 50 Kalo does not open until 7pm, but it is worth re arranging your whole schedule to try it out. Words cannot express how good it was.

We cannot wait to return to Italy, for more great food and shopping!

XO- Alisha

Barcelona Highlights. What to do, where to stay and what to eat.

Is Barcelona on your radar?

Barcelona was always a place that I wanted to visit, but not a priority on my list. I was excited to be able to cross it off of my list, as we made our way to Morocco.

We made Barcelona our base in Europe, and spent a total of three nights there.

Where to stay: We stayed at Mosaic by Ona Hotels. This was a boutique hotel in the heart of L’Eixample, midway of Rambla Catalunya street. The hotel was centrally located, and in walking distance to Casa Batlo and Sagrada Familia.

What to do: We really wanted to maximize our time in Barcelona, and hit the “hot spots”. You could spend a whole day just exploring one museum. We visited a total of 4 museums/ landmarks, but only bought tickets to go into 2. We also went to an authentic Flamenco show, and we were amazed by the talent and entertainment. Here are my recommendations:

Casa Batlo

Sagrada Familia

Parc Guell

Palau de la Musica Catalana

Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

 

What to eat: The biggest piece of advice that we got from the time that we landed in Barcelona, was to not order Paella after lunch, unless you are at the beach and to not eat at any restaurant that has photos of their food posted in the window.

La Boqueria  Market was a must see, just because it is a well known landmark in Barcelona. It is crowded, busy, and for show in my opinion. We walked through, had some juice and then headed over to the beach for the good stuff.

La Fonda del Port Olympic is the best place in Barcelona for Sangria and Paella! The service is good and slow (take your time to enjoy your meal), take in the ambiance and leave happy.

Barcelona Tips: Use public transportation!! The subway system in Barcelona is extremely easy to use and very cheap. We were not able to take advantage of public transportation because of our tight itinerary, and it was just easier for us to hop into an uber with all of our luggage. The center of the city is about 30 minutes from the airport with no traffic. We arrived during the morning rush hour and it took us about an hour to make it to our hotel. There are many reports that Uber is not available in Barcelona, but it is. We used both uber and cabify to zip around the city and to make a total of 4 trips to Barcelona’s airport to catch flights to other countries. So here is the con. Those rides add up, and it cost us an average of $35 each way to get to the airport. After it was all over and we were headed back to the states, we had racked up $425 in uber and cabify charges. This was definitely not factored into our budget, but thankfully we were able to take care of it.

Barcelona is an incredibly beautiful and romantic city. Take an extra suitcase to bring home some sangria!

XO- Alisha

All hail the Queen! Medieval Times has a new Ruler in the kingdom.

Who runs the world? Girls!!!

I was recently invited to visit Medieval Times, for the debut of their new show. For the first time in Medieval Times history, a QUEEN is the sole ruler of the land!

 

The new show features NEW fights, MORE jousting, all new costumes, an originally composed and produced musical score and now a Queen rides out for the first time Medieval Times 35 year history to welcome her guests to tournament.

If you have never been to Medieval Times before, here is a little background information on the #1 dinner attraction in North America. “Medieval Times is based upon authentic Medieval history and is the true story of a noble family with documentation dating back to the 11th Century. Medieval Times began with two dinner/ entertainment complexes located in Majorca and Benidorm, Spain. The first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Florida opened in December 1983. Medieval Times’ Castles have since entertained more than 60 million guests.”

So why is there a woman ruler now, after all of these years? I had the opportunity to speak with the Queen after the show, and this is what she had to say.

“We actually changed the show, based on the audience. We had audience members request more participation from females in the show. About six years ago, our writers began working on the new script after getting so many requests. It is by coincidence, but with the “Me Too” movement going on, it was the perfect time to debut the new show.”

My husband and I visited the first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Florida back in 2007 but this was the first time for the kids. They had the best time! We had the VIP Royal Treatment, which included early entry, a walk on the red carpet, and front row seating. Go to the show hungry! Each ticket comes with a full meal of roast chicken with sides, soup, dessert and a beverage. It is the perfect place for the kids to let loose, get loud and eat with their hands!

The Queen ran the show from beginning to end. My daughter was in awe and has not stopped asking if we can go back to the castle. There are 10 locations across the US. Visit Medieval Times online to plan your visit.

48 Hours in Cartagena, Colombia. What to do, what to eat and where to stay.

Your ultimate travel guide to Cartagena.

I thought that I knew what to expect from Cartagena, by looking at photos and reading different blog post while doing research. My experience in Cartagena went above and beyond what I could have ever expected from the moment that I arrived.
Where to stay:
Let’s go ahead and get this one out of the way. Remember that Secret Service scandal, involving some ladies of the night in Cartagena before President Obama‘s arrival? Well, that is where we stayed. Hotel Caribe is the oldest hotel in the Bocagrande area of Cartagena and it was fabulous! With a 5 star category, this luxury hotel in Bocagrande is considered one of the national monuments of Cartagena de Indias, due to its spectacular colonial architecture with a Spanish style and big corridors and arches, its gardens and historical elements. Be sure to schedule time in your itinerary, to enjoy the hotel and it’s amenities.
What to do:
I definitely wish that I had more time to spend in Cartagena, and I do plan on going back, but I maximized the moment and saw as much as I could while we were there.
Day 1:
Take a stroll through the walled city and enjoy the sights and sounds of the locals. The walled city is absolutely gorgeous and is filled with so much history. I would recommend that you take a walking tour so that you can get a quick overview of the history, then stay down there a little longer and explore the area on your own. Take a 5 minute walk outside of the walls and enter Getsemaní. Getsemaní is the neighborhood that African slaves lived in when they landed in Colombia. This neighborhood is life! The streets are filled with brown people dancing, eating, drinking and living their best lives, on any day of the week. Beautiful murals cover the walls and help add to the party atmosphere. Getsemaní is the definition of being free.
End your day by enjoying a mojito and watching the sunset at Cafe Del Mar.
Day 2:
I searched high and low for companies in Cartagena, that would provide a customized tour, that would take me exactly where I wanted to go and give me the cultural experience that I was looking for. Alex Rocha of “Experience  Real Cartagena” came highly recommend from several travel groups that I follow. I reached out to Alex via Facebook messenger, and told him what I wanted to do for the day and he responded almost immediately to let me know that he could make it happen. Alex also quoted the best price.
I paid a deposit online to secure our date and everything was set! I checked in with Alex on the day before we arrived in car Cartagena and we were good to go. Around 8 AM that morning, Alex‘s son-in-law Boris,  picked us up from the hotel and drove us to the mud volcano. The treatment that we received was top notch from the beginning until the end. We are arrived at the mud volcano and were the only ones there. We had the whole place to ourselves and he even took us through a few indigenous communities along the way. There are so many mixed reviews on the mud volcano. Some people think it is the nastiest thing ever and others are annoyed with the amount of tipping that has to take place. We had a wonderful experience and took advantage of the massages. We felt like we were at the spa for the day. The tips that we gave were earned and I appreciated. The people at the volcano did everything for us from caring our clothes, taking photos and videos, to giving us a good scrub down and making sure that the mud was gone from our bodies and clothing.
Our next stop was the beach! Now there is a beach of sorts that many people within the city of Cartagena visit, but it is not nearly as beautiful as Playa Blanca. The trip from the mud volcano to Playa Blanca Was about a one and a half hour drive. We had a car to ourselves and we were able to relax and enjoy the countryside along the way. On our hey there, our guide Boris stopped to let us try the best empanadas in the city. We also stopped at several Afro Colombian communities that had been established hundreds of years ago when the slaves were freed. We were able to get out and speak with the people in the town and support their local economy.
Playa Blanca was absolutely gorgeous. It was crystal clear blue water and white sand for miles. Our private tour including lunch that was prepared freshly for us by one of the local merchants. We had fish, rice, plantains and the best fresh squeezed juice. Our tour also included our beach chairs and umbrellas. We only had to bring our towels. The only thing that I regret, is not having one whole day to just relax at the beach. The time that we had there just makes me want to go back for more.
Alex‘s tour company also operates a party bus each night that is called a “Chiva”. We didn’t really have anything planned for the night but knew that we wanted to go out. We traveled to Cartagena with an amazing group of people that all got along so well. I reached out to them and everyone wanted to come. We booked about 12 spots on the Chiva bus for that night. The bus picked us up around 8 PM, right outside of the walled city. We did not really know what to expect, but we were in for a treat. The party bus experience came with an open bar, that served us Colombian rum and Coke the whole night and it included a stop at a local park where we had Afro Colombian dance lessons from a group of people from Venezuela. We got back on the bus and it took us to a club where we danced for another hour or so after that. Four hours of straight drinking and partying for only $20! Riding the Chiva is a must do while you are in Cartagena.
Where to eat:
I never had a bad meal during my visit to Colombia and could not get enough of the fresh seafood. There was a hut on the beach directly across from our hotel in Cartagena, that had the best Mojito that I had ever tasted and fresh red snapper.
Besides Café Del Mar, I would recommend having dinner at Café Havana. Go late, and end the night by dancing salsa.
Alquimico is a beautiful restaurant that serves tapas and craft cocktails. I know, it sounds fancy and expensive. It was definitely fancy, but very cheap! I had a drink, shared an entrée and had dessert for only US$12, with the tip included. One drink will cost $12 in the states!
I enjoyed my time in Cartagena so much, that I am already looking at my schedule to see when I can make another trip. I will be adding Medellin to the list as well.
I hope that this guide helps you with your planning. Happy travels!
Xo
Alisha

48 Hours in Bogota Colombia. What to do, what to eat and where to stay.

48 hours in Bogota, Colombia. What to do, what to eat and where to stay.

I recently took a trip to Columbia, that I was supposed to take over a year ago. The trip got canceled due to an airline strike. Of course I was upset about it then, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise. I traveled with one of my girlfriends to two cities in Colombia, for five days, and we had the time of our lives! Here is your guide on what to do, What to eat and where to stay in Bogotá.
Bogotá
Day 1: Bogotá was a quick three hour flight from Miami, so it gave us a full day to see a few sites after we landed and got checked into our hotel.
Where to stay:
We stayed at the Estalar Windsor House, in the Parque 93 area of town. The rooms were spacious, clean and there was a fabulous restaurant inside of the hotel. It was also a safe neighborhood, and in proximity to a mall and several great restaurants.
What to see:
Bogota is an extremely artsy city, and like so many cities in South America, it is filled with beautiful churches and cathedrals. Our first stop was to Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen, also known as the candy cane church. We did not have time to go in, but we were able to get some beautiful photos on the outside.
The rest of our evening was spent at Montserrate. Monserrate is an important symbol of Bogota. Not in ecological respects, but in religious terms. The name is derived from the Montserrate mountain near Barcelona in Spain. You can go up in different ways. There is a cable car, a train, and you can also just walk. We took the cable car for $9 usd round trip. On top of Monserrate are 2 restaurants. San Isdro house is open from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. The Santa Clara House is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm. Metered cabs are available all over Bogotá, but we took Uber (which is not legal) for about $10 from the hotel.
Day 2:
I mentioned that Bogota is a very artsy city, and it is filled with history and museums. Spend a little time at the gold museum (Museo del Oro) that is located in the heart of the city. The museum displays a selection of pre-Columbian gold and other metal alloys, such as Tumbaga, and contains the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world in its exhibition rooms on the second and third floors.
Next, head over to the Botero Museum. The museum houses one of Latin America‘s most important international art collections. the Colombian artist Fernando Botero donated 208 art pieces, 123 of his own making and 85 of other international artists, to the Bank of the Republic. With this collection, the Botero Museum was founded in the neighborhood of La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogotá, in a colonial mansion that was acquired by the Bank of the Republic and made suitable to house the art collection by Fernando Botero himself. I love how Botero’s pieces, celebrate the curves that women have. I was able to see a couple of pieces by Picasso as well!
Do some shopping and people watching at Plaza de Bolivar. The shopping in Bogota was significantly cheaper than in Cartagena. You are always encouraged to haggle, but I did not have any luck with it.
If you are a Narcos fan, this area is where you need to be. Several scenes are set within Bogota’s main plaza which is just a short walk from the Casa de Nariño and Palacio de Justicia.
Remember the episode where the M-19 raided a big government building in an effort to destroy evidence against Escobar? That was the Palace of Justice in central Bogota, parts of which had to be rebuilt after the deadly siege.
Also, Colombia’s presidential palace in downtown Bogota features predominately in the show, most notably when President César Gaviria declares a state of emergency in response to his country’s narco-terrorism woes. Netflix was granted special permission to film inside the complex.
Lastly, enjoy some local beer and a game of Tejo.  Tejo, is the Colombian sport of throwing rocks at gunpowder. According to Wikipedia, “the sport originated by the Chibcha people from pre-Hispanic central-western Colombia.”
Where to eat:
Colombia as a country, is known for its coffee, among other things. Enjoy a cup of coffee at any time of the day, at Juan Valdez Café. Having coffee in Colombia is something that you cannot miss. The people in Bogota say that Juan Valdez is the best brand in Colombia, but I beg to differ. I enjoyed Sello Rojo, a much cheaper brand that is a little more smooth.
I highly recommend La Pureta de la Catedral for a traditional Colombian meal. This restaurant is known for its Ajiaco (potato and chicken stew) and its great views. The ingredients were very fresh and the portions were large.
If I ever returned to Bogota, I would make the trip a couple of hours outside of the city, to see the Salt Cathedral and visit a coffee farm. Other than that, this list will help you to check off all of the hot spots on your list.
I will talk about Cartagena in my next post. I definitely want to visit that city again!
Xo,
Alisha

Atlanta’s Inaugural La Fête du Rosé. Full Recap

A Pink and White Picnic in the Park…

La Fête du Rosé, sponsored by Moët & Chandon hosted its inaugural event in Atlanta on Saturday May 5th at Old Fourth Ward Park. Atlanta’s first Rosé picnic featured DJ Cassidy, as well as a wide assortment of popular Atlanta-based DJs. The DJ’s specialized in different genres including DJ Stormy, well-known for her fusion of Hip Hop and EDM, and  DJ Babey Drew from Power 96.1.

It was a beautiful day in Atlanta, and the weather was perfect for getting out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. The location was perfect, and allowed you easy access to parking at Ponce City Market across the street. This event had a small similarity to the popular “Le Dinner En Blanc” that is held nationwide and the “Pinknic” held in New York City.

Chef and Grammy Award-winning artist Kelis Rogers, partnered with Atlanta-based catering company  Gotta Have It Catering to execute her uniquely curated picnic baskets,  The food was available for purchase online prior to the event. I purchased one of the “baskets” and would say that I definitely should have passed. The small box of food that I purchased, cost about $37 before tax, and ended up being a boxed snack. It was only enough to feed one person.

Allowing people to bring in their own food like Dinner En Blanc, as well as having more food options available for purchase on site, would have made this one aspect of the event so much better.

The VIP +1 option is the way to go if you and your friends are big drinkers. The VIP ticket gives you a bottle with an ice bag and glasses, grants you access to a dedicated Rosé bar with no lines and a luxury porta- potty. There are also unique photo opportunities, seating if you get there early, and passed appetizers. I would still bring a blanket since the seating in the VIP area is limited. You may also want to move out into the crowd to feel the energy of the music coming from the stage.

We had a great time at this event! I look forward to attending again on next year. I would recommend that you get there early, eat before you go or after you leave at one of the great restaurants at Ponce City Market. Go with a group of fun friends and dress to impress!

View my gallery below to see some of my favorite outfits from the event…