Category Archives: Uncategorized

Two Weeks in Thailand: Temples, Night Markets, Rooftops & the Romance of Slow Travel

1 Reply

Our journey from Cairo to Bangkok was long — the kind of travel day that blurs time zones, meal schedules, and basic awareness of what day it is. By the time we arrived in Thailand’s electric capital, exhaustion had firmly taken hold. We crawled into bed for a few hours, surrendering completely to jet lag.

That first night was intentionally simple.

A short walk led us to a Mexican restaurant — our first taste of this cuisine in over a month — followed by a relaxed stroll around our neighborhood and, of course, an obligatory stop at 7-Eleven, Thailand’s unofficial community hub. Snacks secured, curiosity satisfied.

Our hour-long drive from the airport made an immediate impression: Bangkok felt clean, vibrant, and surprisingly calm despite the heavy congestion. Unlike Cairo, there were no symphonies of car horns — just a steady, organized hum of city life.

It was clear from the start: Thailand was going to feel different.

And it did.

Settling In (and Slowing Down)

Both of us were feeling a bit crummy — likely allergies after weeks of desert air and pollution — so Day 2 became a guilt-free recovery day. Travel has taught us that listening to your body is never wasted time.

That evening, Casey discovered a theater so highly reviewed we couldn’t resist investigating.

VIP Movie Night in Bangkok

Paragon Cineplex

Located inside the ultra-luxury Siam Paragon mall, Paragon Cineplex is less a movie theater and more a full sensory experience.

We booked two VIP tickets and settled into fully reclined seats complete with blankets and pillows — a level of comfort that made American theaters feel almost primitive by comparison.

Dinner afterward was at a local pub where we enjoyed excellent Thai food… though sadly, I took zero photos and cannot remember what we ordered. A rare failure on my part — but trust me, it was delicious.

Walking back to our Airbnb, the city pulsed around us: skyscrapers glowing overhead, street vendors steaming with activity, bars spilling laughter onto sidewalks.

After Cairo and Nairobi, Bangkok felt almost cinematic.

Magical, even.

Cocktails in the Clouds

On Day 3, we ventured to one of Bangkok’s most stylish rooftop bars.

The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar Bangkok.

Perched atop Hotel Muse on the 24th and 25th floors, The Speakeasy channels the glamour of the Roaring Twenties — think dark woods, leather seating, jazz-era elegance, and cocktails presented like works of art.

We sipped beautifully crafted drinks while watching the sun melt into Bangkok’s skyline.

And yes — another 7-Eleven stop followed.

(Pro tip: if you know, you know… Thailand’s herbal inhalers are lifesavers.)

Bangkok’s Spiritual Heart

Day 4 was our first true exploration day — and Bangkok delivered.

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Grand Palace Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew

Built in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the royal residence for over 150 years and remains Thailand’s most revered landmark.

Inside the complex sits Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha — carved from a single block of jade and considered the spiritual protector of Thailand. No pictures allowed!

The level of detail is staggering: gold leaf, mirrored mosaics, hand-painted murals.

Every surface tells a story.

Wat Arun — The Temple of Dawn

Rising dramatically from the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is decorated with millions of pieces of porcelain that shimmer in the sunlight.

Despite its nickname, many argue it’s actually most beautiful at sunset — when the temple glows softly against the darkening sky.

After temple hopping, we enjoyed lunch overlooking the water. The standout? Mango sticky rice — sweet, creamy, and deeply comforting.

Thailand had officially won me over.

Retail Therapy, Thai Style

ICONSIAM

Bangkok doesn’t do malls halfway — and ICONSIAM may be the most spectacular shopping complex we’ve ever visited.

Highlights included:

  • A massive indoor floating market
  • A surprisingly famous (and enormous) dachshund statue
  • The terrace outside the Apple Store overlooking the river
  • A multi-story indoor waterfall

It was theatrical, over the top… and we loved every minute.

Designer Breakfast & Sky-High Dining

Day 5 began with breakfast at the café inside the Dior flagship store — visually stunning, impeccably styled, and delicious.

Even the bathroom was unforgettable.

(Yes, I regret not photographing it. No, I still wouldn’t.)

That evening brought us to one of Bangkok’s iconic rooftop restaurants:

Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok

Located on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, Vertigo offers a dining experience that feels suspended in the sky.

The food? Forgettable.

The view? Absolutely unforgettable.

Up there, Bangkok felt oddly peaceful — quiet yet unmistakably alive.

Fight Night in Bangkok

For Day 6, we leaned fully into Thai culture with VIP seats at Rajadamnern Stadium, Thailand’s oldest Muay Thai arena.

Open since 1945, Rajadamnern is sacred ground for Muay Thai — often called “The Art of Eight Limbs.”

Elbows. Knees. Shins. Fists.

It is as strategic as it is brutal.

Nearly every bout ended in a first-round knockout, and the energy inside the stadium was electric.

Afterward, we headed to Bangkok’s most infamous nightlife strip:

Khao San Road

Khao San Road is sensory overload in the best possible way — street food sizzling, bass thumping from open-air clubs, massage offers every few steps, performers, travelers, drag queens, and yes… Thailand’s famous ladyboys dazzling passersby.

Chaotic.

Global.

Unapologetically alive.

The Romance of the Rails

Day 7 brought a new adventure: an overnight train to Chiang Mai aboard Train #13.

Was it luxurious? Not exactly.

Old. Cold. Tight quarters.

But there is something undeniably romantic about falling asleep on a train and waking up in a completely new landscape.

I’d do it again — though next time, perhaps on a newer carriage.

Chiang Mai: A Softer Rhythm

We arrived exhausted and immediately took a long nap — a travel ritual we’ve come to respect.

That evening, we wandered through a night market where I devoured one of the best Pad Thai meals of my life for 70 baht (about $3 USD).

Thailand continues to humble me with its value.

Later, we discovered one of Chiang Mai’s most entertaining nightlife gems:

Ram Bar Chiang Mai

We planned for one show.

Stayed for two.

The costumes were spectacular, choreography sharp, and the performers magnetic. Unlike many American drag shows, these artists performed alongside full backup dancers — making the entire production feel theatrical and elevated.

It was pure joy.

Living Like Locals

The next few days were intentionally unscheduled — wandering streets, sampling street food, visiting 7-Eleven more times than I care to admit, and indulging in $12/hr massages that made resistance futile.

Slow travel is becoming our favorite travel style.

Into the Mountains

One unforgettable day took us to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest peak.

High atop Doi Inthanon sit the twin pagodas built in honor of Thailand’s King and Queen — a tribute not only to the monarchy but to the deep reverence Thai culture holds for tradition and harmony. Surrounded by vibrant gardens and sweeping mountain views, the setting feels almost otherworldly. Cool air, drifting clouds, and total stillness made this one of the most unexpectedly serene moments of our time in northern Thailand.

Other highlights included:

  • Wachirathan Waterfall: thunderous, misty, and hypnotic
  • Kew Mae Pan Trail: sweeping mountain views above a sea of clouds
  • Visits to local villages where artisans crafted textiles by hand
  • A traditional Thai lunch bursting with fresh vegetables and warming soups

I purchased a handwoven throw blanket for about $10 — one of my favorite souvenirs so far.

We also sampled strawberries so sweet they barely tasted real… and a homemade lychee “vodka” that leaned far closer to moonshine.

No regrets.

Waterfalls & Baby Goats

Another tour led us to two natural wonders:

Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls

Thanks to mineral-rich limestone, the Sticky Waterfalls allow you to climb directly up rushing water without slipping — like nature’s staircase.

Angel Waterfall Chiang Mai

At Angel Waterfall Park, however, the true stars were the animals.

Baby goats everywhere.

My heart barely survived.

Even better, we met a wonderful family from Zurich who mapped out Switzerland recommendations for us this summer — a reminder that travel is as much about people as it is places.

A Slightly Shameful Dinner

After several busy days, we ordered in.

Yes… McDonald’s.

It tasted mostly the same — comforting, nostalgic, and exactly what we needed in that moment.

The craving has now been officially retired.

Onward to Chiang Rai

Yesterday, we drove north to Chiang Rai and checked into our hotel for a three-night stay. Valentine’s dinner was spent along the water, enjoying Italian cuisine paired with local beer and cocktails.

As I write this, Casey is at the gym and we’re preparing to explore the city before tomorrow’s 10-hour private tour of Chiang Rai’s highlights.

Next stop after that?

Pai.

And somehow, it still feels like we’re just getting started.

Thailand continues to surprise us — balancing chaos with serenity, tradition with modernity, and adventure with deep, restorative calm.

We have so much left to see.

And I cannot wait to share it with you.

Porto, Portugal: Love at First Sight

Leave a reply

From the very first moments in Porto, we knew this was going to be one of those cities we’d never want to leave. The colorful buildings adorned with hand-painted azulejo tiles, the graceful curve of the Douro River, the wide, walkable streets lined with shops and cafés—it all felt instantly inviting. Somehow, it already felt like home.

Life on Rua das Flores
Our condo is right on Rua das Flores, one of Porto’s most charming pedestrian streets. From our balcony, we have front-row seats to endless people-watching. The street is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and hotels, and it’s always buzzing with life. Street performers set the soundtrack—musicians strumming guitars, singers belting ballads, artists painting on the spot, and even magicians drawing curious crowds. It’s the kind of energy that makes you want to linger outside long after your meal is finished.

Dancing at Time Out Market
One evening we found ourselves at a small rave at Time Out Market Porto. This modern food hall brings together some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and specialty vendors under one roof. We sipped beer and Port wine while dancing until midnight, enjoying the laid-back vibe. Casey ordered mushroom risotto, while I went for seafood rice—both dishes absolute perfection.

Porto on a Plate (and in a Glass)
The food here has been nothing short of amazing—fresh hummus, cod prepared every way imaginable, salmon, steaks, and crisp vegetables. I also discovered my new favorite drink: the Port Tonic. Similar to a gin and tonic but lighter and more refreshing, it’s the perfect sunny-day sipper.

Of course, we couldn’t skip Porto’s signature dish: the Francesinha. Imagine a decadent sandwich layered with cured ham, fresh sausage, and steak, covered in melted cheese, then drenched in a rich tomato-and-beer sauce. It’s indulgent, messy, and unforgettable.

A Day in the Douro Valley
Yesterday, we took a private wine tour into the Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in the world and the birthplace of Port wine. Our first stop was Amarante, a small city famous for its romantic bridges, charming streets, and, perhaps most surprisingly, its fertility traditions. We visited the monastery where Saint Gonçalo—the patron saint of fertility—is buried, and even sampled the infamous pastry shaped like… well, let’s just say it’s an eyebrow-raising local specialty.

From there, we visited two wineries: H.O. Winery and Quinta do Covão. Both offered fascinating insights into wine production, from the valley’s uniquely terraced vineyards to the traditional methods still used for making Port. The Douro Valley’s climate is notably warmer—about 15°F hotter than Porto—thanks to the surrounding mountains, which shield it from Atlantic breezes and create a Mediterranean-like microclimate ideal for grape growing.

We sampled dry reds and whites, along with various Ports (though Casey maintains that Port tastes like a “sweet cigarette”). Between the tastings, we enjoyed a scenic boat ride along the Douro River, where steep vineyards tumbled down to the water’s edge. The drive in and out of the valley was just as breathtaking—rolling hills, endless vines, and golden sunlight at every turn.

What’s Next
We have one more week in Porto before heading to Montenegro for a month. The plan is simple: relax, explore the city by foot, drink more wine, eat more amazing food, and maybe take a day trip to Braga or Aveiro—or both.

Porto has already stolen our hearts. Something tells me this love affair is just getting started.

-With Love from My Travel Era,

Brandon

Copenhagen: A Quirky, Elegant Chapter in Our Global Journey

Leave a reply

Copenhagen swept us off our feet. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a dream — clean streets, colorful canals, impossibly polite people, and a mid-century modern hotel that looked like it had been styled by Wes Anderson on a caffeine high.

This was the third stop in our Global Journey with Tomorrowland, and the vibes stayed strong. We checked into 25hours Hotel Copenhagen, located right in the heart of the city. The space was a sensory treat — bold colors, eclectic art, and retro furniture that made us want to lounge all day (if the city outside weren’t so tempting). But the food? That was the real showstopper. We dove into dishes that reminded us why we love travel: warm hummus, tender chicken skewers, Israeli salad that danced with acidity, crispy spring rolls, and fresh-baked bread with rich, aromatic sauces. Every bite hit.

Our Global Journey host welcomed us with the same warmth we’d experienced in previous cities. The curated experiences in Copenhagen were some of the best yet. We kicked things off with a walking tour through the city’s highlights — and what a stunning city it is. Impeccably clean, filled with bikes instead of honking horns, and full of architectural charm that balances old-world royalty with modern Danish cool.

We witnessed the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace, an experience both regal and oddly calming. Next up: Nyhavn, the postcard-perfect canal lined with brightly painted buildings and bobbing boats. No photo can quite do it justice (though yes, we tried). But perhaps the most unexpected stop was Christiania, Copenhagen’s semi-autonomous free town filled with murals, music, and a vibe that can only be described as “creative rebellion.” On our stroll back to the hotel, we passed a bustling street cart and couldn’t resist trying the famed Belgian hotdog. It was everything — ketchup, mustard, crispy onions, fresh onions, tangy pickles — wrapped in a warm bun of pure comfort. Street food perfection.

The day ended with a private Tomorrowland rave—because of course it did. Picture this: a great DJ spinning infectious beats, bottomless beer and wine, delicious apps circulating the room, and a drag queen keeping the party alive with sequins and sass. We wrapped up the night with some of our new friends at Tivoli Gardens, a magical amusement park that somehow blends whimsy and elegance. We screamed our way through the second-oldest roller coaster in the world, then wandered through the glowing park under twinkling lights. Tivoli at night felt like being in a fairytale written for grown-ups.

The next morning, we slowed things down with a quiet breakfast at a charming café — the kind of place where you can sip your latte while doing your laundry, because why not multitask with style?

But the true climax of our time in Copenhagen came that night, with our reservation at Alchemist — a dining experience so immersive and mind-bending that calling it a “restaurant” feels like underselling it. From the mysterious entryway to the ethereal main dining dome, every detail was designed to surprise and delight. Over the course of several hours, we were treated to 50 “impressions”, each dish more inventive than the last. Standouts included:

  • The “Tongue Kiss” — a tiny beef tartare sculpture served on a replica of a human tongue (yes, really).
  • “Smoke from the Amazon” — a dish served with fog and earthy aromas designed to evoke a rainforest on fire, calling attention to environmental issues.
  • “Brain” — a dessert shaped like a human brain filled with raspberry and beet, intended to spark a conversation about mental health.

We didn’t take any food photos — deliberately. It was a rare and beautiful night where we tucked our phones away, looked each other in the eyes, and savored every strange and stunning bite in real time. (We did snap some shots of the space — the entry, the lounge, the mesmerizing dining room, and the after-dinner “paint room,” where guests are invited to leave their mark.) Can you find my mark?

As we packed our bags, both of us agreed: Copenhagen is our favorite destination so far, with Barcelona a close second. The city is polished without being pretentious, quirky without trying too hard, and full of thoughtful contrasts — art and architecture, rebellion and refinement, fairytales and food tours. We’ll be back. Probably more than once.


Stay tuned for our next stop, Brussels. Until then, enjoy the photos and remember: never underestimate a city that can serve both a Michelin-starred “tongue kiss” and a street dog with pickles that makes you weep with joy.

-BOTR