➸ What's in my hand luggage ... the general edition

Sometimes I am a very nosy person and I always wonder what’s in some else’s luggage

Because there could be a few people on the internet who are nosy like me, I thought I would share what’s in my hand luggage today with you. But I just want to show you my constant travel buddies who are always on the road or in the air with me. I left out the liquids, because there will be an extra post about those ones. So keep your eyes peeled!

The important stuff

Here you will just find just the usual stuff: passport (obviously!), other travel documents like train/plane tickets, wallet …. And some snacks.

The comfy things

I really like to get comfy when I’m traveling. Besides wearing some sweat pants, I constantly bring my Christmas socks, a sleeping mask and a neck pillow. Good night sleep here I go.

The body related items

For my body related items I pack some liquids and a hair brush. In addition, I put my first-aid kit, aka my medicine, also in my hand luggage. That mostly contains something against headache and travel sickness and band-aids.

The electronics
Phone, charger and headphones - I am good to go. Often I take also my laptop and of course my camera. But because laptops are so freaking heavy I try to avoid bringing mine.

The entertainment

I know I am a little bit of a geek, but I really love my crossword puzzle booklet. It’s a fun thing to do while you’re waiting or on a long-haul flight. Time flies by and you can connect with your travel buddy.
Obviously a travel guide has to come along. I also like to bring along a book. For my next trip to Boston I picked “Casual Vacancy” by good-old J.K. Rowling. Alternatively, I always have plenty of music on my phone.

In case you’re wondering which hand luggage I am using: it’s my “S’Cure DLX” from Samsonite. Everywhere I travel it comes along. All the German speaking peeps find here a very detailed review.

➸ A postcard from Nuremberg

Welcome to the first "Video Wednesday". This video is about Nuremberg where I live at the moment. I went on a little tour around the city and discovered a few cool spots :) 

Have fun watching it! xxx Steffi 

➸ A Postcard from Porto

If you haven’t noticed yet: I adore Portugal with all of its beauty and culture. Therefore, today’s “postcard” comes from Porto, Portugal. The town isn’t as neat or renovated as Lisbon, but when you look closely you will find less tourists and a lot of the beautiful hidden charm.

The sights

Here is a list of my favourite sights I think worth visiting

The lanes

Just wander around. You will discover the findest places by just ambling through the streets and lanes. You can admire the beautiful houses with lots of differently- coloured tiles at the façade. Explore a hidden market in an old train station. You never know what comes next. By the way, the old town centre was declared as a UNESCO world cultural heritage in 1996. Pretty cool, huh?

The Bookstore “Lello”

 Of course I have to mention the Lello. There is a reason why every tourist ever is wandering to this little shop: when you enter you will probably gasp, because it’s so amazing. Lello opened in 1869 and still has some books from this time at the bookshelves on top of the rooms. Rumour has it, that good-old J.K. Rowling has been inspired by this very shop for some bits of Harry Potter. So go and check it out! 

Trainstation St. Bento

Another landmark, another beauty. The walls are covered in tiles, which together form pictures about the history of Porto. 

The “Duoro”
This is the name of the river, which winds its way through Porto. At the same time, it’s the centre of good times. Enjoy a glass of wine during the day or in the evening with the best view. Everybody is meeting up, hanging around and just loving life. Walk along the promenade “Ribeira“ and take a look at another collection of amazing old houses. My special recommendation: walk across the bridge “Ponte Dom Luis I”, inspired by Gustav Eiffel and designed by Théophile Seyrig. You will have another breath taking view over the thousands of red rooftops and the river.

The Cable Car

After crossing the bridge, you will find yourself in “Vila Nova de Gaia” at the top of a hill. You have three options now: Going the way back you come from (a bit boring, right?), taking the steps down OR taking the cable car, which gives you a ride down to the water front.  

The Wine tasting

Porto is famous for its Port wine. In Vila Nova de Gaia a lot of little charming distilleries are located. “Taylor’s” is supposed to be the one to go to for an excellent view - but unfortunately it was closed on the day we went there. So I can’t confirm that fact.

The Eating

In Porto you can eat a lot of good stuff. And even better it’s pretty cheap also. On every corner you find a little traditional bakery with little pastries. Even though it originally is from Lisbon, you have to try a “Pastel Nata”. A little puff pastry with a delicious crème filling.
“Francecinha” is Porto’s famous dish. It’s made of toasts, ham, cheese and some other weird things. Based on my friends’ judgment it tastes quite good.
Last but not least, I want to recommend a little Italian restaurant. I know we’re talking about Italian food in Portugal, BUT! They served the best Pizza of my life. The ambience is nice and the wine is tasty. I am talking about the “Presto Pizza” in the district “Baixa”.

The Sleeping

We stayed at a super cute Airbnb, called “Camelia“ run by Anna. Perfect location, quite cheap and super comfy. But just like the food, Hotels and Airbnb’s are very affordable. I’m sure you will find a good alternative.  

Hello and welcome back!

Oh, something changed? YES! 
I decided to blog from now on in this lovely language called English! Because I am not in school anymore I rarely get the chance to write something in English. But I still want to improve my language skills, especially in the writing division – that has always been my weak spot. Unfortunately, my English isn’t perfect. I will try my very best. 

 But some other things are new, too. Saw the new categories? In “A postcard from” I will share my travel experiences and reviews with you. In “the story department” you will find some funny stories about my journeys around the globe. And I think the category “useful stuff” explains itself.

Aaaand at last but not least, there will be coming new posts coming your way from Monday to Friday. On Wednesday we will have a “Video Wednesday”. I love making Videos, so why not combine this passion with my excitement for travel. 

Enough with the blabla! Feel free to comment, share or/and follow me on insta/twitter/YouTube. Hope to see you tomorrow. 

XXX Steffi