A Day Trip to Bosnia

It occurred to me recently, while my Dad was begging me not to take a trip to Ukraine, that if you have even the slightest desire to go someplace, and it's not on the state department's danger list, you have to jump on it while you can because who knows what war or epidemic will be next (I'm looking at you Ebola)!  

That is what brought me and Eric to Bosnia this weekend. Just 20 years ago it was involved in a pretty brutal civil war and now the effects of the war are still apparent but it's also extremely charming  and extremely Eastern European feeling. And now it's so safe that my Dad just says BE CAREFUL!!!! And Eric just says WATCH OUT FOR LANDMINES!! 

That's me being careful and watching out for landmines...

There were lots of signs like this throughout Mostar. 

Still lots of destroyed buildings and bullet holes.

Because we were only here for a day we wanted to go all out with our only meal, Bosnia-style.  We may have over done it, if that's even possible...

Who knew Bosnia had great beer?

And great cheese...

Polenta with cream and cheese. 

Some of the best baklava I've ever had. Bosnia is also extremely cheap. All that food for only €26.

 

There is also great souvenir shopping in Mostar.

 

 

Note however that Bosnia is NOT for kissing!! Still, I highly recommend it for all that great cheese.

 

Also no German Shepards or bathing suits allowed. 

Welcome to Croatia

Here I am sipping coffee on the balcony of a 5 star hotel watching the end of the sunrise. 

No, I did not win the lottery. I'm in Croatia, one of the last "cheap" and "undiscovered" parts of Europe. Also it's the off season so it's a bit too cold to have true beach time, but kind of perfect for exploring a less crowded city and sitting outside with blankets.

More specifically I'm in Dubrovnik with my right hand man, Eric. 

Hi Eric! He's my first blog guest star. Finally someone to take my picture!! 

Yesterday we had a fantastic day exploring Old Town Dubrovnik. Obviously it started with a great breakfast buffet (most fantastic days do).

Then we headed to town. This is where parts of Game of Thrones is filmed. 

We started with a walk around the city walls. 

Beer time!

We love this stuff. 

After convincing Eric not to buy a $90 Octopus print, I convinced myself to buy a $30 red coral and turquoise necklace. 

Then we headed up to Mt. Srd by cable car. 

Then back down the mountain to catch the spectacular sunset.

And some wine...

And finished the day with some traditional Croatian cream cheese strudel.

All About My Carry-on Bag...

I used to be a terrible flyer. I would stuff everything I thought I might need into an extremely non-practical (but adorable) bag with random cords and things spilling out. Then one day I left my favorite coat on a flight due to the chaos of all my stuff. That's when I knew things had to change. Now after 20ish years of flying I think I've perfected the process.

 

It occurred to me as I was packing for my latest adventure that people may be interested in what's in my carry-on bag so that you too don't lose your favorite coat. I was originally going to write "people are constantly asking me, 'Ash, what's in your carry-on bag??'" but this has literally never happened once. Despite that I would still like to offer some unsolicited advice...

Here's how it all looks. The Note this was actually from a previous trip but since I always pack the same things i figured you'd be cool with that. 

 

Starting on the top left...

Sunglasses: great for pretending to be a celebrity in airports and also hides the "WHERE THE F AM I??" deer eyes that are inevitable after hours of flying to a new land.

Passport: Helps you get into countries.

Wallet: Helps you buy things at duty free.

Socks: the benefits are trifold: keeps your feet warm, keeps your feet clean, prevents fellow passengers from giving you the stink eye when they see your bare feet.

Camera: I have fears of it getting crushed in my checked bag so it comes with me. 

iPad: I get actual panic attacks thinking about boarding a flight with no TV. I could go on and on about this. I will tell you this though...sitting in coach on your way to China with no inflight entertainment and no personal entertainment changes you. Also it was the first time I've ever cried on a flight. I wish I was joking.

Computer: backup in the event that the iPad fails. 

Chargers and ear buds: for now I only have regular ear buds but I would eventually like to get those fancy noise canceling Bose ones.

Knitting Supplies: This serves the single purpose of entertaining me during takeoff and landing. Although most domestic (U.S) flights allow electronics during this time, most international flights do not which is why one must always have little house on the prairie style supplies to entertain themselves for an hour or so.

Guide Book: Rick Steves is my favorite. 

That brings us to the snack section... based on past posts you're probably thinking "girlfriend must bring an extra bag for all her snacks!!" Actually she don't, and here's why: I freaking love airplane meals. No, I am not being sarcastic for once. They are cute and I think they are delicious and I don't care what you say. 

The snack pack I got on my current flight.  Olives, cheese and crackers. Plus... My flying companion doesn't like olives so I pretty much won the lottery today...

I'll let you in on a little secret. Order the "Indian Vegetarian" option when you check-in to your next international flight. This insures you get no meat, which I suspect is what makes most people dislike airplane food and also insures you don't get a flavorless vegan meal which is what you will get if you order the traditional vegetarian meal. This was a HUGE risk on my part the first time I did it. Indian food on a 12 hour flight can be disastrous but it's more like...trader joes frozen indian food meals.  And sometimes it's straight up cheese ravioli. Can't beat that. 

Back to my bag...So, in terms of snacks here's what I bring:

-Decaf tea bags: tea on flights ain't so good so I just ask for hot water and use my own. Plus this makes me feel classy (she said after licking her tray of tika masala). 

-Gum: I order the Indian food. Enough said.

-Candy: no explanation necessary.

-Granola: sometimes I just get bored and need to have something to munch on. Bear Naked makes good individual bags.

And finally the beauty stuff. I keep it all in a clear zippered pouch. I splurged on a very durable bag rather than using disposable ziplock bags because this is much easier to manage.  I bring the basics:

-Brush

-Kiel's face cream

-Purell wipes: ABDOLUTELY THE BEST THING IN MY ENTIRE BAG. They are gentle enough to clean your hands but can also clean seat back trays, etc.

-Mabeline Baby Lips. I like it because it moistureizes very well.

The last thing you need to do is dress comfortably but cutely and you're ready for you're next trip!

10 Things I Loved About London

1. The People.

They are funny, nice and welcoming. Oh they also speak English which is a plus for me since I only speak English. 

This police man at the changing of the guards was especially hilarious and nice. He could have been a mean jerk especially since he deals with excited tourists like me all day.

2. Flapjacks. 

When I first saw these delicious looking (and tasting) treats I thought they were blondies and got really excited. Then the lady told me they were flapjacks and described them as "oats and sugar." Even better. 

3. Butterbeer at Harry Potter studios.

Jealous much?

4. Notting Hill. 

Check it out here if you missed my post about it.

 

Doesn't this look suspiciously like the gate Hugh Grant tried to jump over in Notting Hill?
 

5. Liberty of London.

If you like pumpkin spice lattes, yoga pants and top knots then you are a girl and if you are a girl, you would love Liberty. I wrote all about it here.

6. Churchill War Rooms

Something you may not know about me is I love WWII historical stuff. The passion started in 2001 with the release of Pearl Harbor. I'm not even remotely embarrassed by this.

7. Open Bus Tour

Classic London tourist thing. But it's a classic for a reason--because it's awesome. 

London Bridge.

St. Paul's Cathedral.

Big Ben!

8. Afternoon Tea

I went all out and had tea at The Orangery in Kensington Garden. It was probably my favorite thing I did in London. 

I ate all of that by myself. Plus the entire pot of tea and a lot of the sugar cubes. #winning

9. Speakers Corner at Hyde Park

This was cool but at times got a little religious for my taste. Every Sunday, anyone who wants to can come to Hyde Park and speak about anything they want. There are regulars who have hecklers. That part I loved. 

10. Rediscovering Fruitabix 

My Mom, Brother and I loooooove fruitabix. They are mini Wheetabix that also have raisins in them. One of my first encounters in disappointment (I was 12ish, so it was a good run while it lasted) was when Weeatabix stopped selling fruitabix in the U.S. To my delight they do however still sell them in the U.K!

I can't remember if we called them fruitabix or if that was their official name in the U.S. Either way... they are awesome.