Faur + Sky

Travel Dates: Jan 21-23

Totally stoked on:

· The food! Steak, papas fritas and ceviche were awesome. 

· Cusqueña to wash it down wasn’t so bad, either. 

· The parks were beautifully maintained and a most excellent place to take a mid-day nap.

Much to be desired:

· Pretty much everything else… 

· Our room was nicely nestled on what might have been the busiest corner of Lima. 

· From horns to howls (both man and dog), the noises never stopped. 

Key Takeaways:

· The sun is beyond potent. 

· Unforgiving sunburns, sunscreen'd up or not, continue to leave their mark…. even for the most olive of skin.

Check out our Ramblings for more about Lima!

Travel Dates: Jan 25-28

Totally stoked on:

· The views. Absolutely breathtaking. From waterfalls to wild animals, the Andes Mountains and the Inka people are Mucho WowWow.

· The porters that carried the tents, food and supplies while dodging the most difficult terrain, defy logic.

· Coca leaves. Thank you.

· The food! I know we said that last time, but you wouldn’t believe the dishes they came up with in the middle of nowhere. Apple pie, Hawaiian pizza and caramel pancakes to name a few.

· The sense of accomplishment after hiking to the highest peak at Dead Woman’s Pass. It brought tears to Leah’s eyes.

Much to be desired:

· Bathrooms, or lack thereof.

· The rainy weather. 

· Not getting a few more practice hikes in.

Key Takeaways:

· The Inka civilization was way ahead of their time. Cranial surgeries with 90% success in the 16th century!

· This is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things you will ever do.

Check out our Ramblings of our Machu Picchu trek!

Travel Dates: Jan 23-24 & 28-30

Totally stoked on:

· The beautiful Andes Mountains surrounding us.

· The quaintness of the city.

· How affordable the city of Cusco could be.

· The cute llamas. The adorable alpacas. Oh my!

Much to be desired:

· The quality of water.

· The discothèque buzzing until the wee hours – paper thin hotel walls didn’t help.

· Being offered artwork, a menu or a massage as soon as we stepped foot outside of our hotel.

Key Takeaways:

· Everything is negotiable.

· We felt very safe.

· Coca tea helps with the altitude.

Travel Dates: Jan 30-Feb 2

Totally stoked on:

· The awesome, easy to use and super affordable Metro system.

· ESPN Deportes, thank you for making our Super Bowl dreams come true!

· Kross 5: thirst-quenching Artisanal Chilean brew.

Much to be desired:

· Waiting at the front desk of our apartment for over 2 hours to check-in kinda sucked.

· The heat + no a/c = HOT HOT HOT!

· The bike tour was informative, but didn’t provide access into the sites, just a slow ride-by.

Key Takeaways:

· Did we mention how helpful it would be to know Spanish?

· Santiago is pretty awesome, despite what the Peruvians tell you.

· While staying in the Centro area was fine, Bellavista is where it’s at.

Travel Dates: Feb 2-5 

Totally stoked on:

· The Torrontes grape – a beautiful, slightly sweet, white varietal that makes for a perfect summer vino. Move over Sauv Blanc!

· The general easy going, friendly nature of the Mendoza people.

· Our lunch at Cava de Cano Winery…like nothing else we have ever laid our eyes on.

· Met an awesome Los Angeles-lovin’ Swiss couple who graciously invited us to stay with them on our trek. How cool is that?!!

Much to be desired:  

· Hotel rooms were a bit pricey for what you get.

· The restaurants we ended up choosing.

Key Takeaways:

· There is a ton to do in Mendoza, our measly 3 days left us wishing we had more time.

· You can fly throughout Argentina with up to 6 bottles in your carry-on. Good to know.

· The region of Mendoza lives up to the wine hype—it really is that good. Salute! 

Travel Dates: Feb 17-20

Totally stoked on:

· Our first beach escape!!

· The fashion: colorful silks from India, edgy body suits with a 70s flare, wide brimmed suede hats and sunnies of every design. Move over Milan!

· A hotel with the loveliest amenities. It’s amazing what fresh linens, an outstanding breakfast bar and a well-equipped gym can do to your daily routine.

· The pedestrian walkways in Ciudad Vieja are lined with historical buildings, fountains and local shops. 

Much to be desired:

· The steady rain and howling wind on our last day. Although we were sunburnt so it was probably a blessing.

· We were happy to see a beach, but the chocolate-milk colored water threw us off a little. We were told, “Don’t worry, its clean! It’s just the sulfites in the water. Go on…it’s good for your skin!”

Key Takeaways:

· Each body is beautiful. No matter what shape, size or age, people wear what they want (or not) to the beach. Neon-colored dental floss included.

· For being such a small country, Uruguay is pretty remarkable in terms of having its own indigenous wine grape (Tannat), the most Copa America soccer championships (that’s right Brazil and Argentina) and is more developed with more trendiness than you might think.

Travel Dates: Feb 5-17 & 20-22

Totally stoked on:

· The innovative women’s shoes: unable to navigate the cobble stone streets in stilettos, women opt for a thick platform that was smart and stylish!

· An abundance of wonderful people: Maria, you are our little BA angel, thank you!!

· The guitarists, the singers, the dancers, the music was incredible.

· The easy-to-use Subte metro system.

· The Pinguinos.  The cutest little penguin shaped carafes by which restaurants served their wine.

Much to be desired:

· Week one doused us with some heavy duty heat.

· The inability to take out U.S. Dollars anywhere in Buenos Aires.

· The tipping is uncomfortable at best.  The servers deliver a check with a built-in tip and hover while you decide whether or not to give in.

Key Takeaways:

· From funky to fancy, there are all types of Parrillas on every corner.

· In the market for a PhD or plastic surgery?  Both University and Health Care are free for residents of BA.

· Put away the plastic, it’s all about Florida Street.

· There is so much to see and do, the city is constantly buzzing with energy.  Therefore you may need a weekend beach getaway… in Uruguay.

Travel Dates: Feb 22-25

Totally stoked on:

· The beauty of nature and its ability to move your soul.

· It looked like there was a saturated filter on everything. The greens and blues were maxed out with color in the most electric way!

· The boat ride that had our hearts pumping all the way inside The Devil’s Throat.

· Our humble abode and feeling like we were one of the locals.

Much to be desired:

· The endless nagging of mosquitos.

· Our meager budget was blown on the park entrance fees.

Key Takeaways:

· It’s hard to do justice to the power and beauty of the falls in pictures and words. It’s something you gotta experience in person.

Travel Dates: March 3-8

Totally stoked on:

· The fresh fish, the turquoise water and the laid back hammock inspired vibes!

· Sunrise to sunset beach time and barefoot beach caipirinhas!

· People get around via these fun buggies.  It definitely makes running errands a lot more fun!

Much to be desired:

· Skyler’s fish was a little too au natural filled with those pesky little bones.

· No ATMs.  No money, big problems.

Key Takeaways:

· Be flexible, you may fall in love like we did and stay longer.

· No hotels here, everyone stays in these unique and colorful guesthouses, locally referred to as Pousadas.

Travel Dates: Feb 25-March 3 & March 8-11

Totally stoked on:

· Being able to change cuisines from steak and potatoes and incorporate some delicious, fresh seafood.

· The scenery and backdrop of the city and beaches!

· TT Burger and the guava ketchup – just ridiculously tasty! And maybe a little taste of home.

Much to be desired:

· Our room the last 3 days in Ipanema.

· It was a little expensive compared to its South American sister cities.

Key Takeaways:

· Eat at the per kilo restaurants for a schmorgesporg of cheap (and good!) eats.

· Pack light, its HOT and HUMID.

· Rio, while definitely intimidating in a lot of respects, really is a place that should be visited more with as much beauty, culture and passion it has going for it.

Travel Dates: March 12-15

Totally stoked on:

· The animals…. I mean c’mon!

· The South African Sun.

· Margaret’s House, our cozy little B&B.

· The locals we met, thanks again for showing us around!

Much to be desired:

· The fact not one person said it would be OK to walk anywhere at night.

· Taxi’s without a meter.  How do you even come up with a rate??

Key Takeaways:

· If you’re in Joberg go on a safari.  Even if it’s a mini one like ours, it’s totally worth it!

· Our passion for Kruger and the Serengeti has been lit... we’re coming for ya!

· Awesome bottles of wine for pennies on the dollar.  Oh South Africa, you make the R12 to $1USD truly regal.

Travel Dates: March 15-25

Totally stoked on:

· Cape Town is SUPER affordable.  The dollar crept up and over R12.50 to $1USD and our pockets were grateful!

· Skyler’s insane negotiation skillz on our lodging.  We stayed at the pristinely designed and ultra-hospitable Cape Heritage Hotel for 10 nights and could have moved in indefinitely.

· So much to do!! The challenging and view-rewarding hiking trails, the breathtaking wine farms and the grapes they crush and the incredible string of beaches.

· The uber on-trend vibe of the city: the fashion, jewelry, dining, art—everything was effortless and chic.

· The wildlife: those cute little black and white dressed penguins at Boulder’s Beach, the great Great White Sharks gracefully swimming, the happy-go-lucky sea lions sunbathing and an aquarium visit with more colors and sea life than we’ve ever seen!

Much to be desired:

· ….There was that one time we were chased by a homeless man on more than a few substances in a faux security vest demanding money for “keeping us safe.”

Key Takeaways:

· We’re calling it compact diversity.  Everything you need from sea to summit, to all your city needs in between.  From the business district to the beach-side running paths; every lifestyle is accessible and wrapped in a neat little package called Cape Town. 

· We want to go back!!

Travel Dates: March 26-30

Totally stoked on:

· Little Creatures Brewery!  The ambience was MoBoHo (our slang for Modern ‘n Bohemian).  Leah discovered the Pipsqueak dry cider that is so refreshingly cool and crisp it is close to life changing.

· Kings Park.  Panoramic views of the city where all the neighbors congregate to picnic and enjoy the setting sun.  It’s as if you're perched upon a forest of trees on a green lawn overlooking the bay and city.

· Thank goodness for Oz’s healthcare!  This one was a doozie… Skyler came down with the shingles.  Thankfully we were able to get in a doc visit and grab some meds for a fraction of what it would have cost in the U.S.  We’re not sure if this is a case of the ‘Ol Benjamin Button, but he’s looking better every day.

Much to be desired:

· The Airbnb we stayed in was located in a very suburban area far, far away from the city fun.

· An introduction to how expensive this country is.

· The expectation put on the area of Freo by the locals, described as a ‘MUST see,’ but it ended up being a boardwalk of underwhelming shops.  

Key Takeaways:

· Aussie Rule #1: Don't feel bad about not tipping.  Servers more than make up for it with their salary of $20-45 an hour.  (Seriously, a server told us this.)

· If you have the money to spend (and don’t have the shingles), Perth would easily be a cooler city, however, it was tough to do a lot on a tight budget.

Travel Dates: March 30-April 2

Totally stoked on:

· All. The. Tastings. Were. Free.

· How the warm Barossa climate is conducive to our taste buds.  Some may say the sunnier climate produces “Big Jammy Monsters” but we choose to think of those wines as A to the Mazing!

· Skyler got his first library card since 1989!  The things you do for free Wi-Fi…

· The unbelievably quaint main street that took us back to what the 60s must have been like.

Much to be desired:

· The “resort” title our motel claims.  Our ground floor window overlooked an empty dirt lot that was beyond spooky.  Can’t forget our couch, which was also from 1960 and covered in dusty gold chenille.

· Everything shuts down by 9pm.  Try and find any signs of life at 9:01pm…. we dare you.

Key Takeaways:

· Make sure you have a map in hand as it’s easier than you think to find yourself down many a dirt road that leads you to nowhere.

· This is a wine tasting mecca of Oz, and surrounded by other valleys where you could spend endless amounts of time.

Travel Dates: April 2-4

Totally stoked on:

· Befriending the locals and taking the time to chat, led to cheaper motel rates and free desserts.

· The changing landscape from forest to pastures to the aqua marine ocean.

· The freedom of the open road with no hotel/motel (…Holiday Inn) commitments!

· The awesome little towns: Robe, Port Ferry (Skyler wants to call this home), Lorne and Torquay.

Much to be desired:

· What’s with cancelling the Rip Curl Pro the one day we show up to watch it?! The weather and waves looked killer to us!

· Our lack of planning, preparing and researching what the GRO has to offer. There is so much to see, do and crowds to beat, we shoulda planned ahead a bit.

· Easter weekend was the nail in our tire of our road trip. Easter in Oz is akin to our beloved Thanksgiving, so make travel plans accordingly or avoid.

Key Takeaways:

· We needed more time to explore this GRO.

· The local pub along the way may have more than just a cold beer…

· The time changes a half hour depending upon what side of the road you’re on.

· Did we mention Easter is a bad time to travel?!

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Little Creatures Single Batch.  Crisp, slightly complex with a malty body.  A delicious, all-purpose brew for most any occasion.

Travel Dates: April 4-10

Totally stoked on:

· The AFL game! The closest thing Skyler has gotten to American Football in a while.  Don’t worry Phillip Rivers, you’re still his #1.

· Mornington Peninsula was a highlight beach town with the charm and brightly colored surf shacks.

· The dairy farms in the Yarra Valley! Leah went bonkers for the fresh goat cheese, Persian feta (obviously!) and aged cheddar.

Much to be desired:

· Rain, rain go away.  The dreary weather definitely put a damper on our exploring.

· The light bodied wine in the Yarra Valley just didn’t hit the spot for us.

· BY-Oh NO you didn’t!! Don’t go bringing your own wine to enjoy, it is not acceptable.

· The Counting Crows did not play Mr. Jones. Heatbreaking.  That’s like going to the Post Office and they’re out of stamps.   

Key Takeaways:

· If you’re going, try visiting earlier in the year for a little more sunshine.

· Loved our artsy hotel, but we wished we would have tried for something closer to walking distance to the happening Saint Kilda Street.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: White Rabbit Dark Ale.  Not super dark despite the name, but a good balance of richness and malt.  Good for colder days.

Travel Dates: April 10-15

Totally stoked on:

· All that Sydney has to offer! It’s easy to see why we ran into so many California transplants. The energy of emerging creativity is in the fashion, food, music and vibe.

· Great public transportation that everyone uses.

· Beautiful parks and botanical gardens all around the city.

· Manly beach was pretty awesome.  Make sure to account for exploring the area as there’s much to do in those parts.

Much to be desired:

· What's with measuring every drink, shot or pour??  Last we checked, Bill Nye wasn't gonna come check to make sure this inexact science is perfect.  Plus, look how much beer foam is wasted with each pint.  Come on Sydney!

· Tiger Airways… sucks.  If people are paying for bags there’s no need to weigh everything down to the gram, leave that meticulousness to the bars (see above).  And damn you for absconding Skyler’s Swiss Army Knife.  Now how’s he supposed to get his haircut??

· This is a new one.  When we say thank you, instead of a “You’re welcome,” “No worries,” or even “You bet” the typical reply is “That’s okay.”  What?  That’s okay?  Is it just us or is that phrase typically reserved for when you do something wrong??  I wonder what they say when you actually do something wrong?  Sorry for taking your car without asking and shipping it to Mexico for parts.  That’s okay…

Key Takeaways:

· Totally livable city!

· Lots of hidden gems, by way of coffee shops, bars and cafes.

· As is the message with a lot of places we visit, allow for more time than you think when visiting this city.

Skyler's Beer Pick: Cooper's Pale Ale.  Just a solid all-around beer with good balance.  Blankets your taste buds with a subtle maltiness and a rather smooth finish, with just a dab of hoppy bitterness.

Travel Dates: April 15-25

Totally stoked on:

· The campervan.  Doesn't get much better than $5 a day.  So awesome!

· The beauty of New Zealand!!!  It will stop you in your tracks.

· Surprisingly, the youth hostels!  There are some nice and clean ones out there that are actually a lot of fun. 

· Cooking our own food on this portion.  The meats, vegetables and fruits were of the highest quality.

· The tap water was like basically drinking from a waterfall.

Much to be desired:

· Bummed we didn't do the Milford Sound hike.

· Lack of good red wines, plenty of whites though.

· The weather.  Much too sporadic.  One day it could be sunny and the next, rainy.  In either scenario it was much too cold.

· WiFi is highly guarded and is never truly free of charge.  You’re either allotted a certain amount of MB’s or you have to pay per hour. 

· Hard deciding who had worse drivers between New Zealand and Australia, but we give the nod to NZ. They feature drivers who act as the backhand of the older brother warning to get of his room should you get too close when crossing the street. 

Key Takeaways:

· We realized when driving as much as we did you really need to pick your spots and stick around long enough to enjoy, instead of fitting in as many sites as you can.

· When the going gets tough and you can’t find a car rental or hotel room within budget, that’s when you must become resourceful and patient, things will eventually work out.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Mac’s Red.  Struggling to find anything close to a balanced red that featured malts and bitterness, this was a welcomed drop during those 40 degree nights in Queenstown with its nuttiness and wave of medium body to sweep over your taste buds, sip after sip.

Travel Dates: April 25-May 1

Totally stoked on:

· The glowworm caves are an absolute must!

· Even with the spoiled-egg smell (that made Skyler dry heave) the Polynesian Spa was a delicacy to be enjoyed.

· The foot-print of Wellington is quite clever, mixing in a very scenic and walkable city with so much to eat, do and experience it seems like most everything is at your fingertips.

· The way the setting sun hits the town of Wellington. Somehow it turns the clouds gold and bounces pink light off the buildings. Absolutely beautiful.

· $1 a day car: Awesome. Expectations should be tempered accordingly, however.

Much to be desired:

· The fact the North Island isn’t more like the South Island. 

· The weather.  The rain and its non-stop downpour left us wanting so much more!

· Auckland’s price of admission for a local comedy show.  $55 a pop for some up and comers to show their stuff? 

· The pizza.

Key Takeaways:

· Pick the coolest day of your trip to enjoy the hot springs, the heat is HOT HOT HOT!

· But for all other activities, go to NZ in the summer! We fell a few weeks late and paid the price.

· Just like the South Island, give yourself plenty of time to drive and explore this part as places are farther away than you think.

· All the touristy stuff is awesome, but also pricey so prioritize what’s a must do.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Croucher Brewing’s Chocolate Cherry Porter.  Perhaps it was because it was cold and rainy or I just have a crazy sweet tooth, but this unique brew out of Rotorua hit the spot.  Too rich to have more than one, it literally tasted like a chocolate covered cherry.  The cherry flavor was authentic and hit at both the beginning and end of the sip with just the right amount of chocolate notes to round out the full experience. 

Travel Dates: May 1-7

Totally stoked on:

· The wild Kangaroos we were inches from while hiking to Arakwal Beach. 

· The Beach Hotel.  We found ourselves there almost daily soaking in the setting sun and their other-worldly waffle fries.

· The bed!  Like floating on a cloud.  An experience unto itself.

· Leah getting her culinary fix, by being able to make (delicious!) home-cooked meals.

· Our hosts, if you couldn't tell from the ramblings.  Feeling like a part of a family that seems like you’ve known each other for years instead of minutes.

Much to be desired:

· After the storm, the sand knats were relentless and clung to every body part during our runs.

· The cost of beer.  Nowhere in the world should a 6-pack cost $22.99… unless it comes with 18 more of them.

Key Takeaways:

· Live music fills the air with talented musicians set up on the sidewalks honing their skills.

· Aussie’s will add a “y” or “ie” after pretty much every word to shorten it.  Therefore breakfast becomes “brekky” poker machines become “pokies” and sandwiches are dubbed “toastys.”

· Byron Bay is built on a crystal, which means there is a lot of natural energy floating up to the surface.  And we learned that as a result, half the people are harnessing that energy for rehabilitation and other half are doing the rehabbing.

· At sunset you can find a hodgepodge drum circle that congregates at the edge of the beach jamming to spontaneous beats.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale.  Brewed locally in Byron Bay, this is the ideal beer for those warm afternoons and evenings with it's easy-to-drink unfiltered body that gives way to a light tropical fruit finish. 

Totally stoked on:

· The Great Barrier Reef’s colorful creatures: sharks, sea turtles, starfish, stingrays, coral and fish!

· BYOB Thai place with the most delicious Thai food that has merged fork with mouth. Not sure how Thailand itself is going to beat it!

· The perfect central location of our hotel, walkable to the best this town had to offer!

Much to be desired:

· With the beautiful rainforests, comes mosquitos and they don’t respond to ‘OFF!’

· No surf or swim off the beaches due to the killer jellies.

Key Takeaways:

· Some good ‘ole vinegar apprehends a jelly fish sting.

· Interesting fact: some sea creatures produce their own “sun screen” to protect themselves from the UVs. 

· Choosing sustainable seafood is what helps keep environments like the GBR alive.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Victoria Bitter.  Honestly, this place isn’t known for its beer, so this selection could have been substituted for any number of light-tasting lagers.  But when it’s 80+ degrees and humid out, a cold beer is a cold beer!

Travel Dates: May 14-21

Totally stoked on:

· The Rock Bar, what a setting to view the sunset, Indian Ocean and celebrate!

· Our hotel…or should we say resort!!? All of the amenities and the gracious staff; a perfect way to recharge our travel batteries.

· Thankfully, our dollar has begun to stretch farther than the previous two countries.

· Witnessing the spirituality in the form of the beautiful little flower offerings left in every little nook of the city.

· Arriving as boyfriend and girlfriend and leaving engaged!

Much to be desired:

· The disparity between the wealthy resorts and the much too common poverty stricken Balinese people.

· This would be the beginning of the self-serving motorist whose blinkers have been swapped out for horns.

· Our own laziness on not enjoying a beach day or the sunrise at Mount Batur.

· Pretty sure the liquor bottles are watered down, leaving the cocktails more like mocktails.

Key Takeaways:

· Bali is what you make it: a 4-star resort vacay or a budget backpackers surf trip, but overall we didn’t leave begging to stay.

· The Balinese style, architecture and design inspired us for future home decor.

· There was a surprise, but easy-to-purchase Visa needed upon arrival.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Bintang.  Pretty much one of the only choices of Indonesian brew, this light lager is smooth and crisp.  And as long as it’s cold, it does the trick amongst the heat and humidity.

Travel Dates: May 21-24

Totally stoked on:

· The vibrancy of the city and its ability to come alive, and stay alive, at all times!

· Air conditioning. 

· How much farther the dollar goes here versus anywhere else we've been.

· The veggie side dishes. We’re talkin’ sautéed morning glory, chayote shoots, pumpkin vines…. YUM! 

Much to be desired:

· How blinkers and yielding have been replaced by horns and disregard.  From cars to motorcycles to bicycles, everyone feels entitled to the right of way.

· While this seemingly is a common theme, it’s so unbelievably hot and humid it’s hard to put into words.  You're just sweaty.  All the time.

Key Takeaways:

· The acceptance, and even love, the local people show for Americans given our tumultuous pasts.

· The food was outstanding, but just don’t look in the kitchens…maybe a B rating in the USA isn't so bad after all?

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Saigon Lager.  At 75 cents a pop, it does the trick.

Travel Dates: May 24-June 1

Totally stoked on:

· The motorbike trip: it pushed our limits, we conquered some fears and it’s one of the coolest things we've done!  Ever.

· Our home stay in Ngoi Tu village, Boi and his rice wine.

· Skyler couldn’t get enough of the freshly fried spring rolls, especially in Phu Yen.

· All of the charming villages we passed, the scents and the warm people.

· We saw China!! Surprisingly, it’s just a quick walk on a bridge away from one of the Vietnam towns.

Much to be desired:

· The heat and humidity, especially while wearing dirt bike hear.

· Tried out an (in)famous custom tailor for a fancy suit for Skyman and he is less than thrilled with the outcome.

· Generally, the Vietnamese people prefer very firm mattresses that we’re not quite used to.

Key Takeaways:

· A tad less busy than HCMC.

· While on this motorbike trip you will dodge snakes, water buffalo, cows, ducklings, pigs and chickens…crossing the road.

· We are discovering that getting out of the major cities really resonates with us and you can feel the soul of the culture.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Hanoi Beer.  Again, at 75 cents a pop, it does the trick.

Travel Dates: June 1-4

Totally stoked on:

· The gorgeous handmade, dip dyed and affordable silks.  New dress anyone?!

· Delicious curries and spicy papaya salads!

· How well English was spoken by many of the locals. 

· The people are so warm and friendly, a welcoming welcome.

· The children of Phnom Penh, full of curiosity and wonder, will just stare at you with their adorable little faces.

· Meeting our new honeymooning friends from Ireland!!

Much to be desired:

· The lack of safety precautions at the Animal Rescue Center threw us off a bit.  Many of the animals just wandered about.  Wait, these are Tigers right?!!?

· The pollution on the streets and in the water was a sad sight.

Key Takeaways:

· Unique cultural divide in Phnom Penh: the Muslims live in little boats on the Mekong River, the Vietnamese live in floating houses on the other side of the river and the Cambodians, which are mostly Buddhists reside on land.

· Cambodia is super popular with the co-ed backpacker young’ins.

· Silk worms will die if encountered by a menstruating woman.  ….Supposedly.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Angkor Beer.  Continuing on the trend of light, watery, but kind of refreshing brews that seems to be the norm.  Southeast Asia is making my job real hard.  Nevertheless, the affordability and cold temperatures out of the fridge/tap are always a welcome sight. 

Travel Dates: June 4-8

Totally stoked on:

· The abundance of ancient, detailed temples.

· Meeting up and hanging with our new friends from Ireland and picking their brains about wedding stuff, traveling, Ireland and Sweden.

· The circus, which is coming to the U.S.!

· One of Leah’s favorite food stops so far.

Much to be desired:

· Tuk-tuk salesmen overload, needed some breathing room!

· How crowded Angkor Wat was at sunrise…what about our spiritual experience?!

· The ‘credit card fake-out.’  Every place allegedly takes them, but once you go to pay, claim their machine is broken without even attempting to run your card.

Key Takeaways:

· Popular response in SE Asia when asking about anything, “Same same,” then a few seconds later “…but different.”

· Have a scarf around your neck to wipe the constant sweat and dirt that gets caked on your face.

· There are A TON of temples, and they start running together, so maybe have a few in mind that are the priority.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Angkor Beer.  Yep, same as before, but there’s only so much you can work with in a place that has a limited selection.

Travel Dates: June 8 - 10

Totally stoked on:

· Seeing a face that had been incredibly missed … Leah’s Dad!

· Taking a break from the sweltering heat and sipping some iced coffees in between tourist stops.

· Our front desk staff at our hotel was beyond hospitable and helpful.

· Leah went crazy over the homemade sugar-coated tamarind candies so much so, the hotel even sold her a package from their stash.  They didn’t last long.

Much to be desired:

· Almost everything.  The traffic, the non-English speaking taxi drivers, the man that posed as a cop and told us the wrong information to enter The Grand Palace and of course the heat.

Key Takeaways:

· Write down destination addresses to show taxi drivers.

· Don’t listen or believe anyone, they are probably fooling you!

· Have a Temple/Palace outfit that is cool and light, yet covered from head to toe.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Chang Lager.  Light and refreshing, but most importantly super inexpensive.  And when there are pretty much three beer choices, this one is the tie-breaker … barely.

Travel Dates: June 10 - 16

Totally stoked on:

· Peace Resort’s out of this world brunch!  Anything and everything you can imagine to fill your early morning cravings down to the elusive American PEANUT BUTTER!!!

· Sailing on a beautiful day with great company!

· The amazing sushi dinner to satiate all Leah’s raw fish cravings!  Thanks Dad!

· The Beyoncé impersonator at Starz totally killed it!!  You go girl!

· Most of all … seeing Leah’s Dad!!!!!!!!!  Thanks for wining, dining, treating and pampering us.  We love you and miss you!

Much to be desired:

· We imagined the water to be a bit more turquoise and transparent, perhaps it was the slightly overcast weather?

· Transportation on the small island is $$$ and everything is a per person, fixed cost even though every taxi light says they’re metered.

· Seeing the street trash and oil wash into the ocean when it rained.  It made us very sad for our environment.

Key Takeaways:

· Koh Samui is the most resort-filled, developed island we visited in Thailand.

· Secrets out: We have a thing for Irish honeymooners.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Has anyone ever had Chang?  If not, check it out.

Travel Dates: June 16 - 20

Totally stoked on:

· Scootering around the island and discovering beaches!

· The cheap and yummy hidden gem restaurant behind the dive school.

· Seeking refuge at the restaurant in Sairee Beach, which overlooked the water that kept us fed, hydrated and dry from the pouring rain.

Much to be desired:

· Pineapple showers turned heavy down pours.

· Our hotel owner, his attitude and that the simple word ‘no’ was replaced by ‘that’s impossible.’  Everything was a sullen history-lesson on why something was the way it was.

· What’s with these bathrooms that combine the sink, toilet and shower?!

Key Takeaways:

· We’re not divers, so we snorkeled off the shore, but there are these sea cucumber things all over that we weren’t sure if they were safe to touch?  Plus there is sharp rock so flippers would have been helpful.

· Where is this impossibly turquoise water we see on every advertisement for an island in Thailand?  Leo can’t be the only one who has found it!

Skyler’s Beer Pick: See every other stop so far in Thailand.

Travel Dates: June 20 - 24

Totally stoked on:

· A completely different vibe than anywhere we’ve been in Thailand.  A welcomed difference indeed.

· All the amazing art at the night markets!

· Full of friendly people and smiling faces.

· The elephant love!

Much to be desired:

· Not getting to Pai, a village town north of the city, just didn’t have the time and our run in SE Asia needed to come to a close.

· We enjoyed Southern Thai food way more.

Key Takeaways:

· Negotiating is key to making your money go far at the night market, unless you push it too much and they raise the price from the original. 

· Make sure you bring cash when going anywhere, even your hotel, no one takes credit cards and a Visa sign on the window is just for looks.  Guess they don’t like to pay taxes here either.

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Oh man, OK, really hoping for some variation once we get to Europe.  Sorry to those of you following along at home, it’ll get more varied and complex real soon.

Travel Dates: June 25-July 9

Totally stoked on:

· The Taj Mahal.  Seriously breathtaking.

· Masala and chai.

· The beautiful sarees that all the women wear regardless if they’re in a dusty, deserted village or the big city.

· Sleeping under the stars and riding camels.

· The garlic and onion naan in Jaisalmer.

· The Pleasant Haveli in Jaisalmer was awesome and the staff went above and beyond!

Much to be desired:

· False advertising.  Displaying a “Visa accepted here” sticker, when it’s not.  Saying there is internet when there really isn’t.  Looking at the menu when more than half of it isn’t available.

· Keeping your mouth closed when taking a shower is harder than it sounds… just give it a try.

· Speaking of, using bottled water to brush your teeth is another side-effect of the filthy water.

· Nothing is on time.  Nothing.

· Lingering odors are reminiscent of what it’s like when opening a can of chili.

· 1 in 10 people are helpful/not deceitful.  Can’t ask anyone for directions because you’ll be lead to their cousin’s shop so he can sell you something.

· The country of India is one big bathroom.

· The lack of respect for the environment, women and tourists.

Key Takeaways:

· Unless you’re hell-bent on visiting India, just look at pictures on the internet instead.

· Or if you’re going to go, please don’t visit in the summer.

· The Indian food in Los Angeles is just as good.

· Water quality is as infamous as you’ve heard…. And even worse.

· You’re five senses will be completely bombarded.  From all the colors, to all the noises, to all the smells, it’s a stimulant combined with a battle of will.

· If the ability to fly in and out of Agra for the day existed, it could quite possibly be one of the best experiences ever.  Overnight train rides are not pleasant. 

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Kingfisher.  The most popular beer in India, a light, easy to drink lager that calmed those Indian spices.  My recommendation though would be to turn up that 5% ABV to like 11 or 12 in order to kill any bacteria that will inevitably follow most meals.

Travel Dates: July 10-14

Totally stoked on:

· The city in general.  Home to the originators of Skype and only a million or so people, this place is definitely full of character and start-up sophistication, and should grace the tops of all your travel lists!

· Medieval times are real and captured in a perfect little, flower wreath, stain glass, candle lit, cobblestone town in the center of Tallinn.  It looks like Disneyland for adults.

· The cleanliness and beauty everywhere. Not one piece of litter was decorating the tree-lined streets.

· The homemade Baltic pickled cucumbers and salted salmon, all layered on top of dense rye bread.

· The Radisson Blu Sky blew us away! The views, their hospitality and the brunch spoiled us!

· The skyline.

Much to be desired:

· The beach was more trees and rocks with a sea view. Plus it was chilly for us California wimps.

· Having to leave.  There are places we have yet to cross off… we will be back!!

Key Takeaways:

· It stays light all night.  Well, until midnight where dusk takes over for a few hours.  But for those of you wanting more hours in the day, Tallinn has them!

· It’s clean, peaceful, and safe; the tap water is drinkable and beer is popular.

· The public transport is free for locals, super affordable and even more easy to use for visitors.

· The Baltic area is untapped travel territory so go before it becomes the next hotspot!

Skyler’s Beer Pick: Pohjala Rukkiraak.  A much welcomed 5.9% rye brew that’s malty with a bold flavor and hints of caramel.  This was quite the treat after the water they pass off as beer that’s been offered the past few months.

Travel Dates: July 14-19

Totally stoked on:

· Packed full of medieval charm, but still has a metropolitan city feel.  Is this perfection?!

· How easy it is to get around if you can’t walk, which is 90% of the time; there are buses, metros and trams!

· The tasty, home-cooked meals and beers at Folkklubs Ala.  We loved the cave atmosphere, dripping candles and local live music too!

· The walking path along the canal that is basically a gorgeous park, lined with flowers, the beautiful Opera House, gothic bridges and little boats.

· Skyler really dug the Ethnographic Museum because you’re actually walking through the living rooms and kitchens of the people back in the 1600s.

· How clean everything is!

· The guest discount off food and drinks our awesome hotel offers!!  Hey, every little bit helps!

Much to be desired:

· Weather is a tad sporadic.  One day it’s sunny, the next it’s raining and then it’s windy.

· One grumpy bus driver slammed the doors on Leah so she couldn’t get off at the same stop as Skyler.  Sorry for letting an elderly woman exit first!

Key Takeaways:

· This is another hidden European gem.  We were shocked when we heard an American accent, they were very few and far between.  The Baltic area is awesome, inexpensive and gorgeous!

· The local liqueur is Black Balsam.  Super herbal, kinda Jagermeister-y with a black licorice after taste. 

· Rye bread, pickles, pork, dill and sea buckthorns find their way in every meal.

· How do the women in spiked heels navigate the uneven stone roads?!  Bring wedges!

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Aldaris Legenda 1865.  A pale lager with good structure, apricot in color.  Caramel mixed with a touch of orange peel.  Texture is a bit frothy.  Another thing that is a subtle but necessary mechanism to enhance the taste is the glass it’s served in.  In this case, a proper chalets.  This is the perfect beer for when it's cool, but is almost versatile enough for all around enjoy ability.

Here are a couple others worth noting…

Brengulu Light.  Sweeter side, teetering on too sweet, but with its medium body, tends to make up for it. 

Valmiermuiža’ Dark.  Full bodied, coffee mixed with stone fruit.  Straight up delicious.  I also read they invested a million Euros to develop this particular recipe… talk about dedication.  

Travel Dates: July 19-24

Totally stoked on:

· The airport should be called a smart-port!  Everything is streamlined, easy and efficient.

· The dedicated bicycle-only lanes all over the city and the respect motorists have towards them.

· Leah was loving all the herbs they use here: dill, basil, fennel, parsley… mmmm!

· Our adorable apartment we rented, decorated and stocked beautifully, it even inspired all home-cooked meals!

Much to be desired:

· Man is this city spendy! 

· We were there in the supposed summer and it was pretty chilly.

· The local markets stock a very lame and limited selection.

Key Takeaways:

· One of both of our ALL TIME favorite cities.  Copenhagen is just cool!  From the fit cycle-dedicated lifestyle, to the cleanliness, boating on the water, the juxtaposition of Gothic and Modern architecture.

· There is so much to see from old Viking towns to museums and monuments.  And nothing disappointed.  The boat ride is a must!

· It would have just been smart to rent a bike for the week, so as not to keep checking them in and out.

· Visiting during Christmas time is apparently a must due to the Danish “Hygge,” their word for ‘coziness.’  Danish winters are long and dark, so their best weapon is Hygge, and the millions of candles that go with it.  

· Their 7-11s are similar to our Whole Foods… definitely a luxuriously unique convenience store experience. 

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Didrik Luxusbryg by De 5 Gaarde.  I found this little number while at one of the oldest supermarket chains in the world called Irma.  A European Strong Ale, this brew is full-bodied, rich and a bit sweet with a hint of honey that meets caramel.  At 7.5% you can taste a bit of booziness but it’s not overwhelming.  A fine beer amongst a crop of many worthy candidates.

Travel Dates: July 24-29

Totally stoked on:

· Grilled and cross-hatched polish sausage! Oh and potato latkes, can’t forget those delicious savory pancakes!!

· Hilltop views from Wawel Castle.  The grounds were immaculate, adorned and gorgeous.

· Ordering at a traditional pub and being served rye stew filled with ham, onions, sausage and bread, complete with wine in mugs.  Cheers!

· The skyline.

· All the side slaws and salads: shaved cucumbers, dressed shredded carrots, pickled red cabbage; Leah was digging on the sides.

· The tourist map (created by locals) was so good you could give yourself a tour, complete with historic details.

Much to be desired:

· So pierogis are okay, but the fillings that they are commonly filled with could use updating. Let’s swap livers and innards for some spinach and bacon?!

· Crazy sporadic weather: its sweaty-hot one minute and a raincloud hovers in the next with wind and thunder so powerful roof tiles shatter to the ground.

Key Takeaways:

· Learning more about the people that were taken to Auschwitz was heartbreaking, but knowing more about what millions of innocent Hungarians, Gypsies, Polish, Jews, Nordics and others went through hopefully keeps their stories alive. 

· The cheesecake is dryer, more like shortbread that tastes like the cheese filling.  Leah favors it to the NY style.  Skyler prefers American all the way.

· Vodka tasting is popular here and the people party accordingly.

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Okocim Porter.  Noticeable elements of chocolate, but not sweet.  Big at 8.9%, but not overly filling, and crafted with a nice balance, enabling someone to have multiple beverages due to its smoothness. Probably one of the better tasting porters I've ever had.

Travel Dates: July 29 - August 4

Totally stoked on:

· The architecture, layout of the city and the way Budapest looks at night!  Hard to describe the magnetic radiance the city emits, but it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

· Boating down the Danube at night.  Seeing this brilliant city from the water was a stunning vantage point.

· The executive lounge at the Hilton Budapest.  Free happy hour… hells yes!!

· How easy and efficient the laundromats there are, or at least the one we found.

· The Ruin Bars and their uniqueness.

Much to be desired:

· We love that they have Uber, but to the drivers who have no idea we’re writing this, you can indeed go through the gate to drop us off instead of making us walk up the hill each time.

· The bathhouses were unique, but let’s limit the amount of people who can be in there at once. 

Key Takeaways:

· Budapest was once two cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube, which is now one unified capital.

· There is a ton to see and hidden surprises everywhere you look, we didn’t get to cross everything off our list. 

· The city is very affordable.

Skyler’s Leah’s Beer Pick:  Alulu Coconut Pale Ale.  Switching it up on you all this time around as Leah was inspired by this easy to drink, coconut-macaroon-tasting, brew.

Travel Dates: August 4-5

Totally stoked on:

· First pasta dish was homemade, melt in your mouth good.  Oh, and the buffalo mozzarella was THE BEST we had in all of Italy!

· The architecture lives up to the hype and even exceeds it; it is so breathtaking.

Much to be desired:

· Very hot and super crowded.

· Skyler lost his sunglasses. :( :( 

· Those charming little gondola rides start at 80EUR!  Yikes!

Key Takeaways:

· Definitely get the multi-day water bus card because the walk ways don’t connect, so it’s really the only way to get around.

· The restaurants that are down a few alleys, away from the crowds, are more affordable and feel like Grandma Nona is cooking from scratch.

· House wine is the most affordable drink on the menu.

· Pizza is delicious, high quality, cheap and can feed two.

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Moretti & Peroni.  I'm sure it's frowned upon to lump the two together, as it's probably the equivalent of combining Miller Lite & Coors Light, but I feel these beers can coexist in harmony.  But mainly because I associate Italy and their beer with those two iconic lagers.  Clean, smooth, simple, this a refined lager.

Travel Dates: August 5-11

Totally stoked on:

· The sunset we strolled into was SUNsational!  Everyone stops to watch as it dips behind the mountains.

· Loved the fresh, clear water of Lake Garda!

· Renting bikes and making our way along the strand to the town of Garda was an afternoon well spent.

· Can’t say enough about the Aperol Spritz aperitif!

Much to be desired:

· So apparently nobody in Italy got the memo that smoking causes cancer.  Literally everyone has a cigarette in hand anywhere and everywhere – the young and old alike.  It’d be impressive if it wasn’t so sad.

· Walking on the “beach” into the lake is probably similar to stepping on broken glass.  Or walking on hot coals.

· The attitude of the front desk people at our first hotel.

· We had to change hotels three times, which kinda sucked.  Like we don’t get enough packing in as it is.

Key Takeaways:

· Definitely look to see if the hotel is charging you per room, or per person.  We learned the lesson the hard way and found out our rate was double what we had thought.  Ouch!

· This is where the Italians come to vacation, so it felt really local and special.

· Bring beach towels, water shoes and floaties to the lake.

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Aperol Spritz.  Yes, I know this is not a beer but since this area is where the Italians go to vacation, we'll take a vacation from beer.  The "Euro Spritz" as I've deemed, is an electrically colored orange beverage that's three parts Prosecco, two parts bitter orange Aperol, with a splash of soda water.  It just sounds refreshing, right?  Add that concoction, a slice of orange all into a cup of ice and you're ready to get pinkies out.  Restaurant tables are seriously covered with this Italian aperitif morning, noon and night.

Travel Dates: August 11-17

Totally stoked on:

· Is this place even real??… YES!  And it looks just like the pictures you’ve seen!

· The hike between the villages is so worth the effort and cost; just gorgeous postcard views of all the terres and blue water.

· The cliff side restaurant, Bar e Vini a Pie de Ma, has the most unreal view of the bluest cove water.

· We also loved the bar at the bottom of our apartment steps, Bar O’Netto.  The staff was great with recommendations and it was pocket friendly.

Much to be desired:

· The huge ferry that takes people (tourists) from terre to terre is absurdly packed.

· You have to be in the water on the hot days, it’s unreal and there is no a/c.

· Speaking of no a/c, our place had a killer view, but we would spring for some cool air next time.

· So so sooooo touristy.

Key Takeaways:

· You are climbing up millions of steps, anywhere and everywhere: from the beach, to the apartment, to grab a glass of wine.

· Each village provides fresh water that is free for anyone to fill up bottles.

· Beaches are rocky, but the water is completely transparent and totally invigorating.

· The 5 terres: Monterosso was the biggest and most built-up; Vernazza doesn’t have a traditional beach, so people just find boulders to perch on; Corniglia was teeney tiny and unique because it was at the tip top of the mountain; Manarolla had a great cliff side restaurant with the most killer view and cheese plate to match; Riomaggiore is where we stayed and we loved it had only one main street, small and postcard picturesque from the boat.

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Birrificio del Golfo Summer Ale.  None of the craft brews in this area will knock your socks off, but this one was unique due to its heavy citrus taste with a dry-hopped nose.  Ideal when you need an invigorating beverage during those hot days after climbing up a thousand stairs to get anywhere.  

Travel Dates: August 17-23

Totally stoked on:

· The Chianti classico wine exceeded all of our expectations and preconceived understandings.

· The landscape: rolling hills with vineyards just dragging with plum grapes, olive groves and a few stone villas.

· We stayed out in the Tuscan countryside, there was a ton of open space, you could breathe, unwind and relax.

· Fattoria di Rignana was an absolute dream Agriturismo, we loved our stay!  It is a working winery with the most delicious wine we tasted in Chianti.  The breakfast was the spread of all spreads and the afternoon antipasto is perfection.

· Seeing Michelangelo’s David, in person. 

· Florence is less busy and touristy and we really loved it.  Can’t wait to go back!

Much to be desired:

· Ugghhh…driving stick shift up these rocky, dirt roads and steep hills was not fun for Skyler, but he got the hang of it… sort of.  Good thing we didn’t have to go too many places.

· Paying 25EUR to see David.

Key Takeaways:

· Chianti makes you think you’re in the middle of nowhere and you kinda are, we had one restaurant within 20 kilometers of us.  But it’s only an hour from Florence.

· Neither of us realized Michaelangelo’s David, is the David from David and Goliath.  Silly us!

· Wine tasting in these parts isn’t as easy as most of California since you have to reserve each tasting when they’re open, which is usually seldom.

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Archea Bock.  One of the few craft beer spots we found throughout all of Italy, the owner takes pride in the beer he serves.  Plus, he pays tribute to a lot of US (and Cali) beers lining his shop with old bottles.  At 7.8%, and perhaps a bit sweeter than it needs to be, there is an immediate taste of caramel, followed by fresh orange including the bitter rind… in a nice way.  The bartender explained cardamom, but that didn’t make its way out.  Still, considering Italy isn’t known for their craft beers, this one stood out.

Travel Dates: Aug 23-Sep 2

Totally stoked on:

· Our friends coming to visit!!

· Boats: Yachts (to lust after) and Sail/Speed boats to whisk you away to secret swim spots, secluded coves, caves and family-run restaurants.  Worth every penny to rent one for the day in Hvar, especially with BaRe Sailing Hvar.

· The Island of Vis: This island across from Hvar looks small on a map, but is a must for a day trip. We enjoyed a casual stroll off the beaten path and landed at a delicious local restaurant for lunch.  We also checked out the unbelievable Stiniva Bay where we found a secret beach and bar that feels like a million miles away from reality. 

· The awesome balcony we had in Split to start off our trip with good people, good food, good beverages and belly laughs.

· The amazing seafood!

· The feeling we all got when finally turning the corner down a rocky trail during a 95 degree afternoon to find the most amazing cove of beach known as beach Pokonji Dol.

· The family run restaurant, with limited running water and power, that we discovered on a tiny island called St Clement, which served up an authentic Croatian feast.... highlight meal of the trip!

· Other worldly vino just about everywhere in Croatia, especially the vineyards in Dubrovnik.

· The hotel pool of The Grand Village Argentina that was on the ocean and had a diving area straight into the Adriatic and a view of the Castle Walls... a perfect way to spend an afternoon (and celebrate a birthday)!

· The oyster shucking excursion to the actual farms where they are shucked right then and there.  Topped off with some homemade white wine, compliments of fisherman Mario!

Much to be desired:

· Relentless mosquito bites give new meaning to Dalmatian coast... more like Dalmatian tourists! 

· Rocky beaches make walking in and out of the water look like a particularly painful Olympic sport. 

· Staying outside the main town of Hvar meant walking up an Everest-like hill.  Take note of warnings when booking apartments ... they may just be telling the truth!

· Not finding out you can take a ferry boat direct from Hvar to Dubrovnik until it was already sold out! (Pelegrini Tours for any future visitors!)

· Cash only at more establishments than we'd prefer.

· Air conditioning broke on our last three days, that happened to be insanely hot. 

· Walking into the rental car agency only to find the car we rented was half the size of what we thought.  Size matters. 

Key Takeaways:

· Croatia is home to the delicious Plavac Mali grape (think red Zinfandel).

· Some of the finest drinking water in the world, straight from the tap!

· There's way more to do in this country than you think so definitely take your time exploring the hidden gems.

· Hanging with your very best friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world is a priceless experience we will cherish forever. 

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Ožujsko.  The national lager of Croatia, it’s inexpensive and revitalizing.  Plus they sell it in two liter plastic bottles, which is helpful for a day out on the water.

Travel Dates: Sept 2-11

Totally stoked on:

· Roadtrippin’ through the gorgeous countryside of painted sheep, rolling emerald hills, glittering water and scattered stone farmhouses.

· The sun was out!

· The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, especially at sunset.

· All of the little towns outside of the city, with their colorful buildings, football supporting banners and fresh seafood.

· The Irish people are the friendliest people you will ever meet.

Much to be desired:

· We still don’t understand the lure of the black and white pudding.

· Although the sun was out, it was still pretty chilly and windy.  Not sure how it would be if it truly were raining as the locals claim.

Key Takeaways:

· You have to do the touristy stuff, like kissing The Blarney Stone, visiting The Guinness Factory and staring at The Cliffs of Moher—they are all worth it.

· Just pop into a pub and watch the locals watch a game of Hurling.

· Renting a car to see Ireland is key and there are a lot of beautiful coastal drives and little historic stops along the way to any town. 

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  The black stuff: Guinness.  Do I even have a choice? 

Travel Dates: Sep 11-17

Totally stoked on:

· Edinburgh is an incredibly fast paced, metropolitan city full of great shopping and trendy restaurants.  And it also had this amazing history, outfitted with the architecture and stories to back it up.

· The train ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh was easy, quick and enjoyable as the locals will chat you up!

· The Scottish men playing the bagpipes with their traditional kilts on just like you imagine.  We did not solve the mystery of what is worn underneath. 

· The friendliest continues on from Ireland as the Scottish people were very warm.

Much to be desired:

· The dreary weather.  Gray every day is, well, so gray.

· The British Pound is a fortune.

Key Takeaways:

· Two quick whiskey tips: if the liquor has been ‘peated,’ it is going to have a more smoky taste due to the organic material and if it has aged in a port barrel, there are some sweeter notes and a deeper color.

· People will rag on Glasgow, but we liked it!  Although Edinburgh is the place to be for the majority of the time.

Skyler’s Beer Scotch Whisky Pick:  Glendronach 18.  Aged in port barrels, this fine scotch is extremely smooth down the hatch with a bit of fruit and spiciness at the tail end.  Excellent value as well.

**Special Edition: written by our talented friends and Reykjavik travel buds!**

Travel Dates: Sep 17-25

Totally stoked on:

· The seafood! They’re practically catching it right outside the restaurants.  Don’t miss the fish & chips and the Icelandic mussels, which you can’t get anywhere else in the world.  Shout out to Kex Hostel for the best food and coolest ambiance complete with kitschy décor and flickering candles.

· Have you ever seen Interstellar?  Well it was filmed on a glacier in Iceland.  You truly feel like you’re on another plant. Picture green countryside, glaciers, and volcanic rock… all covered with sheep and Icelandic horses.

· We stayed in a beautiful air BnB condo in Downtown Reykjavik – and truly felt like natives as we shopped at the local Bόnus, cooked at home, and walked to Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur (the heart of Downtown).

· Floating massages at the Blue Lagoon left us in a completely blissed out state.

· Icelandic wool – those sheep are around for a reason!  The sweaters are expensive, but really unique and warm.  Make sure to visit the Hand-knitting Association of Iceland for the best prices! 

· Conquering the Beast of the East riving rafting adventure with Arctic Adventures and Viking Rafting… the frigid water was almost as invigorating as the canyon scenery.

Much to be desired:

· We couldn’t wait to see the jewel of Iceland, the Northern Lights.  Our heads were filled with dreams of beautiful green, pink, and blue giant swaths of color across the star-spangled sky.  Sadly, we were disappointed when, after waiting in the freezing cold, we were met with a faint milky white stream across the sky for about 15 minutes.

· Everything is pretty expensive.  From day tours to drinking to shopping, expect to be searching for deals.  The good news is, Happy Hour is huge in Reykjavík.  There’s an App you can download called Appy Hour that will find the closest bars and best deals around you.

· All of the sites and adventures are generally located 2-4 hours out of the city… make sure to bring snacks (and possibly a neck pillow!).

Key Takeaways:

· Reykjavik feels like a homey ski village where the mountains were swapped for immense ocean views - complete with friendly faces, cozy cafes, and a rich history.

· We were there during the time of year when the days and nights were about the same length.  During the winter, the city only gets 4 hours of sunlight on its shortest day…. however, in the summer, it’s light for almost 24 hours a day.

· Rent a car!  We rented one from the airport for about $50 USD per day.  Instead of taking expensive day tours to see all the sites, we found it easy to navigate the roads and drive there ourselves.  Road trip anyone??

Skyler’s Beer Pick:  Borg Ástríkur Klausturöl Nr. 18.  Don’t be deceived by its golden color as it packs a punch both in body and ABV, coming in at 10%.  A great way to warm up on the frigid Icelandic nights, it has a touch of fruit, while the finish is a combination of booze meets bread.  A limited edition brew, that is worth its weight in Icelandic Krona.