D Travels 'Round

The Story of My Thai Street Cats

Thai street cats
If you would have seen me the day I dropped of my two cats, Keeley and Jezebel, at their new home, you would have thought someone I loved had passed away.

Seriously.

I hadn’t cried like that in a long time.

There’s something exciting about starting a new life as an expat. A thrill. That ‘world is my oyster’ feeling. But, being an expat comes with sacrifices. Namely, having to part ways with people and animals you love.

Initially, I had considered bringing the cats with me to Thailand. But, everyone talked me out of it. And, thank goodness they did. Being a new expat, in a country in SE Asia with no home, no idea of what kind of resources were available, would have caused a lot of undue stress. Not to mention the stress for the animals I loved with all of my heart.

So, I left them in good hands and embarked on my journey.

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Cities Less Travelled: The Markets of Bangkok

There’s a reason Bangkok is one of the world’s hottest cities. From the amazing food, culture, nightlife, and historic attractions to the incredible markets and hotels in Bangkok that cater to all budgets, there is something that attracts people of all ages to the Big Mango (yes, that is its nickname).

If there is one thing I love to do in Thailand, it is shopping. For starters, I find some incredible items (think jewelry, bags, vintage items, and clothes) for far less money than I would spend anywhere else in the world for the same things. While I spent most of my time living in Chiang Mai as an expat, I definitely got down to Bangkok to spend some baht.

What markets are worth the exploration? Get ready to get your shopping on in some of the best markets of Bangkok!

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Cities Less Traveled: Tracing the Viking Heritage in Stockholm

Where to find viking tours and attractions in Stockholm via www.dtravelsround.com — Photo via Flickr Creative Commons: Vometia

After watching Vikings on the History Channel, I am now completely obsessed with everything — and anything — related to Vikings.

What makes more sense than heading to the former stomping grounds of this historic people to learn more about them? Stockholm, which once served as a the home of the Vikings during the Dark Ages, has roots that run deep with Viking stories. The Swedish capitol is a fantastic place to visit to expand your knowledge about the Scandinavian pirates known for their raids.

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Reawakening in Spain

“Tonight, can you please take me on a tour of my new barrio?” I ask my friend, Tobi, who has been my unofficial tour guide of all things awesome in Madrid since the second week I moved here.

“Yes,” she promises.

And then, we’re off. It’s early evening (by Spanish standards) and the sun still hangs high above the terra-cotta tiles of the magnificent colored buildings in Lavapies/Embajadero.

I’m fightings the ghosts of Chiang Mai and questioning my existence in Madrid when we head out. I’m numb. Our first stop of the night is La Inquilina, which serves up 1 euro tapas along with their booze. Tobi knows what I’ve been going through since I moved here, and tonight I am fighting past those demons in my mind. Tonight, I promise her, I want to live in the moment. To embrace my new home. And, that’s exactly what we do.

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Getting a Student Visa for Spain as an American

Step-by-step tips on how Americans can get a student visa to live in Spain via www.dtravelsround.com
For most of my adult life, I have dreamed of living in Europe. But, as an American, actually living in Europe beyond the Schengen visa limit of 90 in/90 out in a 180 day period makes it pretty much impossible (unless I get hitched to someone with an EU passport, which is never entirely out of the question).

So, what is a girl to do when those dreams of residing in this bubble of history and culture can’t be achieved without an EU passport? Answer: she gets creative.

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Adventures in Biking from Santa Monica to Venice Beach

Biking in LA
It’s a little green monster, that bike in front of me.

“Where’s the brake?” I ask, scanning the handlebars for the metal clutch to prevent me from bashing into people, or giving me the ability to slow down.

“You back pedal,” the man says, tossing me a look of ‘you’ve got to be kidding me, lady.’

I stand there, surveying the bicycle as my friends begin to climb on their own set of two wheels.

It’s only been two weeks since I re-learned how to ride a bike, and the biking I have done has been through the rural roads in Delaware, not bustling California beach cities. For nearly 15 years, I’ve had a fear of bikes. A totally rational feel, I assure you.

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Hipmunk CityLove: Discovering the History in Sarajevo

Bullet holes and resin roses stand out against the vibrant life in Sarajevo — a juxtaposition which leaves many visitors speechless. Here, the tragic recent history of this Bosnian capital lies entangled with the city’s colorful present, creating a place not only to explore the riches it now offers today, but also it’s past.

Although the Bosnian War today is only in history books, visitors can still learn about it first-hand, thanks to the city’s preservation of the bombed and bullet-laden buildings, the memorials and the museums which remind people of its sad ties, but also inspire hope and a living note that these atrocities cannot happen again.

Simply wandering through the heart of the city, which presents travelers with a walking history lesson in and of itself (think Austro-Hungarian architecture followed by Turkish and beyond), there is more to be found under the surface.

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Hipmunk CityLove: Offbeat Attractions in Paris

Paris may be known as the City of Love, but there is so much more to the French capital than just that. While most visitors to Paris check out the Louvre and Notre Dame, today I’m giving you the tips on where to find the funky, the cool, the offbeat attractions in Paris.

The Paris Sewer Museum

Offbeat attractions in Paris | www.dtravelsround.com — Photo via Flickr Creative Commons: Bogdan Migulski

Who thought an afternoon spent walking through sewer tunnels could be fun? Guess what? It is. Take the Paris Sewer Museum tour to get a glimpse of the massive sewer system in Paris’ belly. Head to the tunnels to learn about the history of the sewers and soak in the fascinating surroundings. Part museum, part exploration, check out what the system used to be like on your own, or hop on a free guided tour that navigates you through this system under the Seine.

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Hipmunk Citylove: Exploring Historic Sites in Athens

Athens historic sites | www.dtravelsround.com
Athens, Greece, has no shortage of historic and breathtaking sites to explore. This ancient city — one of the oldest in the world — is loaded with historic sites, which gives visitors a chance not only to learn about the city’s past, but also to understand what makes the Greek capital so mesmerizing.

With half-a-million who call it home, the city is bursting with life and things to experience. From nightlife to shops to beaches and more, Athens has something for everyone. But, if you’re a history buff, this city is the cream of the crop.

Because these little bits of history sites are spread throughout the city, finding a hotel in Athens is the easiest part of your trip planning — anywhere will do.

And now, the sites you’ve got to include in your visit to Athens:

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Where mod meets pop culture: Brighton’s Hotel Pelirocco

Editor’s Note: I was a guest of Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton, England. If you have questions regarding this, please read my disclosure policy.

Tucked into the posh Regent Square in the famous seashore of Brighton, England, is Hotel Pelirocco.

This pink-halled 19-room hotel, dubbed “England’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel” isn’t just a place to sleep. The edgy property, in its 15 years of life, has morphed into a cultural hotspot for Brightonians and travelers, treating them to a hedonistic (if they want) place to unwind and tuck into the town.

Brighton, an easy escape for Londoners looking to hit the shore, is also known as London-by-the-Sea. In its recent history, the seaside town has become the place to have “dirty weekends,” something Pelirocco caters to.

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