Travel Guide: Mallorca

 

Mallorca was a bit of a mystery to me but I fell so in love with this Spanish island. We were only there for a 4-day getaway over Easter last year, and although it was brief, it was enough for me to experience the perfect vacation trifecta: good food, hiking, and swimming. 

STAY

Hotel Eden Soller • Port de Soller

Getting to the island was such a breeze and I feel like this trip opened my eyes to a whole new era of long weekend European travel. It was incredibly easy to take a 2.5 hour direct flight from Amsterdam and pick up a rental car at the airport. The rental car was super key for us to jet around the island in a short amount of time, and the quality of the roads was amazing, but I also noticed public transit all over the island so keep that in mind.

A colleague recommended that we stay in Port de Soller and I can say that it was a great jumping off point to access beautiful rocky beaches, mountainside villages and citrus farms, but also easily get to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range for some epic hiking.

Hotel Eden Soller was right on the beach and also had a huge pool (swimming... check!). We enjoyed walking around the port town and could find some delicious Spanish food as well as some casual coffee and sandwiches all within walking distance.

EXPLORE

Town of Soller • Soller

Soller is a cute town with a beautiful market on Saturdays from 9:00am to 2:00pm. I shopped around, got some orange juice and pastries and enjoyed strolling around the cobble stone streets and watching the old style cable car go by.

Ecovinyassa • Soller

Although we were too late to book a citrus farm tour, we still poked our heads around this beautiful citrus to see all the lovely orange trees. Believe me when I tell you that I've never had fresher orange juice than in Mallorca! Act quickly and book ahead to get a full tour that comes with a homemade snack and juice.

Town of Fornalutx • Fornalutx

We ventured into many picturesque little mountainside villages and Fornalutx was no exception to the beauty and simplicity of them all. There were so many cyclists stopped at the many quaint cafes and it was the perfect spot to rest and have a quick bite.

Embassament de Cúber Hike • Serra de Tramuntana mountains

We stumbled onto this hiking path after driving up and up and up into the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. After walking past a stunning reservoir, some donkey friends, and through a wooded uphill path, we came across the most jaw dropping view of the whole island and out towards the sea. What a good surprise! Google tells me that the lookout was Coll de L'Ofre along the GR221 trail.

Camino de s'Arxiduc Hike • Serra de Tramuntana mountains

This hike was an absolute highlight of our trip. You can leave from the town of Valdemossa and walk along an impressive stone ridge that looks high above the sea. Look up a route ahead of time, because we definitely got lost along with a nice German family, but in the end found our way. The route was originally created at the demand of an Archiduc in the late 19th century so he could ride his horse along with amazing views... haha oh the life of an Archiduc. 

Town of Valldemossa • Valldemossa

After our hike, we were exhausted but the idyllic town of Valdemossa offered the perfect respite for lunch and an iced coffee and some exploring of the charming stone houses.

Camí dels Pintors Hike • Cala Deià 

After a super steep and narrow drive down to rocky Cala Deià beach, we parked our rental car and headed out on a golden hour hike along the coast. This hike can be a quick out and back but I'm sure if you had more time and a full stomach, you could go on and on and take in the crazy beautiful views. Hiking in Mallorca is stunning and there are abundant paths to take, although note that the routes are rarely marked and signage is scarce. But once you find where you're going after a bit of research and some aggressive map following on apps like All Trails, we were amazed at the network of trails and the unforgettable views.

Caló del Noro • S'Almonia

This beach was out of this world beautiful with bright turquoise waters and a steep walking path leading down to water. We were also pleasantly surprised that you could access a second nearby cove, S'Almonia by a foot path that connected both of these gems.

EAT

Fornet de la Soca • Palma

I ate the most delicious local pastries from this bakery, known as perhaps the best bakery in all of Palma. I especially loved the apricot delicacies and can almost still taste the melt in your mouth fresh apricots.

Cafè Drac • Santanyí

After a day of beach hopping, we headed down winding roads for a simple, but delicious beach side dinner of a whole fish, salad, and some fries, is there anything better? Oh I forgot the sangria... yum!

Forn Can Panxeta • Soller

A cute little bakery tucked into a narrow street of Soller with some more amazing apricot pastries.

Belmond la Residencia Restaurants • Deià

Of course every vacation needs a little bougie dinner with crisp white wine and a live band out on the terrace! I had spotted a pic of this hotel and its two restaurants, Café Miró and El Olivo, on Instagram years ago and it was a bucket list moment to be there IRL. If I had all the money in the world I would stay here, but having a beautiful sunset dinner was the perfect taste of luxury. 

Best of Haarlem

 

Hello from Haarlem! I am so in love with this charming little city. It combines the best of "gezellig" cozy/friendly Dutch culture, super easy access to the beach and national parks by bike, and it's full of amazing restaurants and cafes. I laugh that it feels like nobody works in Haarlem because if you pop out to run an errand during the week, you'll always find the terraces full of people taking their sweet time, enjoying the day. 

Here are some of my fave places to soak up this little gem of a Dutch city. 

COFFEE

1. Mogador Espresso Bar ・ If I could only choose one from this list it would be Mogador. They are located on the Botermarkt, a lively square in Haarlem's center. They have amazing coffee and cakes and the best people watching in one of their many outdoor seats.

2. Kweekcafe ・ This cafe is located in a greenhouse nestled into a beautiful garden. You feel like you're in a jungle and since it is so big, they also don't mind you working from there with your laptop. 

3. Mica Coffee Bar ・ Grab a coffee on this quiet side street and take in bikes passing by, people carrying flowers home, and all of the charm Haarlem has to offer.

4. Cleef ・ Cleef is the perfect place to grab a coffee and head to the nearby grassy canal-side park for a picnic. There are many lovely Dutch "winkels" or shops nearby to complete your spread, such as VIZ for fish, Het Oude Zuivelhuis for a sandwich or cheese, or Bakkerij van Vessem for a fresh loaf of bread.

5. Ax Specialty Coffee ・ You'll catch this place if you're coming to Haarlem for a day trip, as it is along the main street heading South of the Haarlem Train Station into the city center. It is tiny (!!) but don't let the small size undermine the excellent coffee.

6. La Maru ・ This place has my ideal combination of cafe + bakery, which also means they serve up the freshed baked goods and sandwiches. Haarlem is known for great shopping and La Maru is perfectly located on a street filled with beautiful shops to pop in and out of with a warm bevy.

7. The Coffee Spot ・ If you're looking for a delicious coffee with a view, this is your spot. The Coffee Spot is along the Spaarne river and has an amazing waterfront terrace that gets fabulous morning sun.

8. Museum Cafe Thuys ・ Technically a museum cafe, anyone is welcome here! They have a big terrace and a cozy sun-filled interior and even though you might come for the culture, you'll stay for the extra strong espresso. 

9. Native Coffee ・ I love love love the tree lined, pedestrian forward, quaint streets of Haarlem. Native Coffee is on one of those quintessential Haarlem streets and is definitely popular with locals. 

10. Fortuyn ・ Most coffee places close mid-afternoon, but although Fortuyn is also a beautiful restaurant, they have an amazing selection of warm beverages well into the night if you're in the mood for an evening coffee catch up. It's also located on the most famous square in Haarlem, the Grote Markt, and the golden hour sun shines right onto their extensive market facing patio.

11. Coffee Habits  ・ This teeny tiny hole in the wall is built into a narrow home and serves amazing coffee. It's very well located steps away from the Grote Markt but in a quiet spot where you can sit and people watch as locals pass by with their market finds.

12. Espresso Gast  ・ I love that the Netherlands allows businesses to set up shop in the middle of residential neighbourhoods. Espresso Gast is no exception to this and has also great lunch option.

I will report back shortly with my favourite bakeries, restaurants, takeout, cheese shops, outdoor cafes, and markets, because believe it or not this is just the beginning of what this magical city has to offer.

Travel Guide: Switzerland

Switzerland is an absolute dream! The lush mountains, the beautiful lakes, the refined food... I would go back in a heartbeat.

Last summer, Sander and I went on the ultimate road trip starting at his parents' house in the Netherlands and through Germany to visit friends, and then making our way to the south of Switzerland. On the way back we drove through Italy for a hot second and then popped out of a mountain pass back into Switzerland to visit my cousins. I can't help but pour over the photos to relive those sunny days driving through the mountains with the windows down.

I thought I would share some of the spots we landed upon because my gosh was it ever stunning.

STAY

Park Hotel Delta Wellbeing Resort • Ascona, Switzerland

Before we left, Sander and I spent days going back and forth about whether we should splurge for this part of our trip and book this ritzy hotel for our stay in Switzerland. Considering the rest of our trip was spent staying with family for free, we went for it and it was the BEST decision.

We definitely felt like we were living in a fairytale while we sipped cappuccinos poolside or a cool glass of white wine in one of the property's many saunas. It was crazy luxurious and so fun to live that life for a few days.

Located just outside of the city centre of Ascona, the hotel was the perfect oasis for lounging around the pool in a lush robe, or adventuring off into the surrounding Ticino area.

EXPLORE
Ticino has the ideal combination of mountains and lakes. It's also just North of Italy so you can imagine the plates of pasta and cones of gelato we devoured. We brought bikes with us to take advantage of the flat lakeside paths and then hiked high into the mountains to admire the vast landscapes of the lakes below.

Cardada - Cimetta Hike • Depart from Locarno, Switzerland
This hike tops my list of all the hikes I've ever done! The views are spectacular because you get to see the lowest point of Switzerland, Lago Maggiore, at the same time as the highest point, Dufour peak in Monte Rosa... mind blown! You can either hike all the way up or take various cable cars and chair lifts to explore the peak of the mountain. One of my favourite parts about Switzerland is how even in the most remote areas, i.e. halfway up a mountain, you run into the cutest cafes. At the top of our hike we enjoyed a drink and took in the view of those crazy enough to para glide down.

Valle Verzasca Swimming • Lavertezzo, Switzerland
There's something so special about swimming in the freshest mountain water on a hot summer day. We explored the area around Ponte dei salti in Lavertezzo which had an amazing swimming hole. After watching all the little swiss boys jump off a huge cliff with no fear, I couldn't resist and joined in jumping into the crystal clear water. We then drove North and chilled in the streaming river for a bit, soaking it all in.

Tibetan Bridge of Curzútt • Depart from Monte Carasso, Switzerland
After spending a day deep in the valley, we decided to venture out once again to the the lush mountains, this time to the Tibetan suspension bridge. We took (a rather old and scary) cable car from Monte Carasso part way up the mountain and then hiked past an 11th century church, wineries, and beautiful old stone houses nestled in the forest to ultimately cross one of the longest suspension bridges in Switzerland. Don't let the smile in the photo below fool you, we were scared out of our minds. I just kept reminding myself that the Swiss are amazing engineers right?

Lago Maggiore (and all the other wonderful lakes) • Locarno & Ascona, Switzerland
We borrowed bikes from Sander's parents, but there are plenty to rent in the area to explore the beautiful paths around the southern Swiss lakes. Just around the corner from more well-known Italian lake Como, Switzerland is home to some fabulous bike paths with plenty of spots to stop and grab gelato along the way. I hopped into my bather many a time for an on route swim, whether just off the side of bike path or in the many lidos (public outdoor swimming areas - pools or beaches).

The photo below is when we stopped for a little walk in Lucerne. Another gorgeous spot for a swim!

Breathtaking Mountainside Villages • Levron, Switzerland
Towards the end of of our trip we were lucky enough to spend time with my family in the Valais area. It was so fun to be staying with them all the way up a mountain with only a sprinkling of houses in their little village. It's easy to discover and explore little gems like this because even though they are remote, you'll always find your way with their great hiking trail signage.

We stopped at a little restaurant for a little stretch and snack on our drive and I snapped this photo!! I can't wait to explore other regions of this magical country.

Best Dutch Food You Must Try

You may remember this post from when I first visited the Netherlands four years ago, where I gushed about how much I love the country. I listed the top reasons why I must return, with "Beautiful Men" holding the number one spot......... Four years later I found myself eating stroopwafel in the Netherlands with the same enthusiasm but the shocking twist is that this time around I was accompanied by my tall handsome dutch boyfriend. I know ladies, miracles happen.

Number four on my list was the food, or more specifically the great restaurants. I have compiled a selection of the best snacks I had while in the land of bikes, tulips, and clogs. Have a look if you would like.

Poffertjes - Also referred to by the girl next to me in my Dutch class as: pancakes for Barbies. They are tiny little pockets of joy that are most often enjoyed topped with powder sugar and a huge heap of butter. You can get a plate of them at Dutch outdoor markets and pancake restaurants.

Kibbeling - Basically a better, lighter bite-size version of fish and chips with a little spice. Best enjoyed with copious amounts of tartar sauce. The whole country has amazing fresh fish due to the proximity to the ocean, so be sure to visit the fish shops.

Ice Cream - Dutch ice cream is almost custardy and extremely smooth. You know you've landed on a gem of a spot when there's only one flavour and a line up out the door. This was the single best thing that helped us survive the euro heatwave of 2018...

Fries - The snack culture in the Netherlands just gets me. They have little snack bars set up everywhere for after long days of biking when you just need a little something to hold you over till dinner, or at the beach, or after a night at the bar. I had mine with mayo, but to spot the real dutchies just look for those that have topped their fries with peanut sauce and raw onions. 

Appel Taart - A deep dish apple pie with a thick, almost cookie-like crust. Dutch pastries and desserts are so carefully crafted and you can find amazing bakeries even in the smallest villages. Most of the time when we stopped for a little dessert, I had mine with a mug of widely available fresh mint tea. Just hot water and fresh mint, simply perfect!

Stroopwafel - The first time I traveled to the Netherlands I used half of my precious packing space to bring home packages and packages of stroopwafel... they are THAT good. Two crispy thin waffles sandwiched with a thin layer of syrup. If you aren't eating a fresh one from the market, balance it on a mug of steaming hot tea for a hot, melt in your mouth treat.

I can't wait to be going back over the Christmas holidays to try a whole over slew of seasonal goodies. Know that I'm just counting down the days!

An Ode to Running

For some reason I know that running will never not be a part of my life. It helps that I’ve grown up around so many runners. Heck, my mom first threatened to not date my dad unless he ran a marathon with her! Some of my earliest memories are of my mom coming home from long Sunday morning runs (you know the ones) and lifting me up on her feet in “airplane” while stretching out her hamstrings. Over the years, I went from being pushed around in a running stroller as an early riser baby, to cheering on my cousins in races, and eventually crossing the finish lines of my own half marathons. Looking back, running has just been there. It has been my way of coping, celebrating, thinking through, or just plain enjoying life. 

When I started at my current job at Export Development Canada, I was so happy when I realized I was surrounded by like-minded runners who thrive on getting together to work up a sweat and pound some pavement. With running groups heading out on the coldest winter days, and coworkers making their way to Parliament Hill for yoga during the scorching summer months, I knew I found my people.

In early March, a group of 11 of us are spreading our infectious love of exercise and heading down Guatemala with Impact Marathon. The organization aims to unite runners in areas of the world that need a little love. In partnership with local organizations, we will set out to support two United Nations Global Goals – Quality Education and Reduced Inequality. 

Here’s where I need your help. 

As much as our enthusiasm and will to help is crucial, what we really need is money. Even though our 21k run up a volcano (high altitude! uneven ground! hot temps!) is going to be one of the hardest things I'll ever overcome, it doesn't even come close to the struggle that some of the locals face every day. Every single dollar will go straight to the community, so please please donate what you can right here on our team page.

I can't wait to tell you about how it goes! We are going to be sleeping on an avocado farm with views of this volcano that's currently erupting (!!) and helping families with a bunch of different projects (like this neat initiative revamping local kitchens with safer, more sustainable, and efficient stoves).


Thank you for helping my team with this xoxoxo


Gaby

My Favourite Christmas Cookies

Christmas baking season is upon us!!! I love making massive batches of cookies and freezing them around the holidays and then whipping them out in the nick of time right before a work dinner/a brunch with friends/a cocktail party. Pop them into a fancy little treat bag and your loved ones will be beyond impressed and grateful for the gesture.

My two favourite recipes are Raspberry Linzer cookies and Ginger Molasses cookies. Although I'm the first to admit that I can get carried away with my food adventures, when it comes to Christmas baking, I'm all about easy, quick recipes. Turn up the tunes or put on a movie, and invite a friend over and you'll be surprised at how fast you end up with dozens of little buttery miracles just in time for the holidays.

Raspberry Linzer Cookies 

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
½ tsp salt
1 large egg
1 egg yolk 
¾ tsp vanilla
2½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
rapsberry jam

Preparation

1. Cream together the butter, sugar, and salt in a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
2. Next, add the egg yolk, mix a little and then add in the other whole egg. Mix in the vanilla.
3. Add the sifted flour and mix until well-combined.
4. Now the next step is really important!! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least an hour. I often do it the night before and then make the cookies the next morning to break up the baking process (cause I'm an old lady and sometimes I get tired baking). Or if you're in a big rush just pop the dough in the freezer for 20 minutes.
5. When you're ready to bake the cookies let the dough come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes, then knead it to make it smooth.
6. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Sprinkle some flour on your rolling surface and roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired holiday shapes! Then place the cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet.
8. This next step is also really important, place the cookies on the sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes. This will make sure that the cookies keep their shape.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes depending on the size and shape of your cookies, but keep checking to make sure they haven't started to brown around the edges.
10. Let them cool for a while before filling the bottoms with a dollop of raspberry jam and sealing the cookie with the top!!

Ginger Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients together and form 1" balls.
2. Roll in a small bowl of white sugar (not included in ingredients), and press lightly with a fork in a criss-cross.
3. Bake at 350℉ for 8 minutes or until they crack. Don't over bake!!
4. Using oven mitts, bang the pan on a counter so that the cookies flatten. This makes them really flat and chewy.

Happy baking! 

New York City Running Routes

Over Labour Day weekend I went on the most perfect trip to New York City. The thing is when I arrive in a new city, I only have one rule: No bad food shall be eaten. So over the years I have compiled lists and lists of restaurants, and coffee shops, and little hole in the wall ice cream places in cities all over the world.

At this point you may be fearing that I needed to roll home from said vacation but not to fear. The second reason I love travelling so much is the abundance of new running routes to indulge in. So while my eyes get to feast on new neighbourhoods, parks, and riverside trails, my body also gets a break from all the eating. Win win.

I've compiled a list of my must run routes I ran in New York along with a few photos I took en route if you would like to see...

1. Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo

Take in the beauty of the Manhattan skyline by hitting up the network of breezy riverside paths along the Brooklyn side of the Hudson. Pass by Jane's Carousel and then head straight over the Brooklyn bridge into the city. You won't know whether it's your fast pace or the view that's taking your breath away!

2. Central Park

Arguably my favourite park in the world, Central Park has endless treelined paths winding past ponds, fountains, and monuments. Don't worry about taking a less travelled path and getting lost, there are maps everywhere. Hot tip: go early in the morning to avoid the hoards of tourists and ensure you see the park in all of its beauty.

3. West Village

West village is the neighbourhood of my dreams. You'll feel like you're going to run into Rachel and Ross as you sail by some of the city's most beautiful ivy clad brownstones and walk up apartments. The streets are narrow and criss cross throughout this area so don't expect to be going very fast, but well worth it for those hoping to get lost in day dreams of bumping into Carrie Bradshaw.

4. High Line and Hudson River Boardwalk

This is where you'll find the majority of runners in New York City and with reason! These paths are wide and breezy with a ton to look at, making them optimal for those long thought provoking sunrise jogs.

And a photo of me and my favourite travel buddy :) Thanks for eating an abnormal amount of avocado toast with me Sander. xox