If you are here, that means you have found some value in the content of this website, and that your curiosity has brought you here.
That makes me extremely happy! My main goal is to share useful and interesting information with my readers. So, I do hope you are enjoying your time here.
I started writing so that I could have more time to travel since bartending is a full-time gig, with little vacations allowed. Also, writing purges my head and soul from endless bar shifts.
But I still love it.
The Allure of Bartending
I decided to become a bartender after being drawn by mixology, and how it was an amazing part of the cultural makeup of specific cities. A Sazerac in New Orleans, a Manhattan in New York, a Pisco Sour in Lima.
These cocktails tell a story! People travel to explore, to see, and to taste the city.
I was so scared when I started. Shaking and mixing cocktails was WAY more intimidating than I could have imagined. You need to become CHEF + LIVE PERFORMER stat!
The first cocktail a guest ordered from me was an Aviation cocktail: Gin, lemon, cherry liquor, Creme de Violette.
What ever happened with starting with a beer and a shot? Some small talk perhaps?
I put all the ingredients in my shaker nervously. I forgot to put the lemon juice in the cocktail. I shook it hard, with a big smile.
This man took his first sip, and with a sour expression told me it “Tasted like sugar, liquor and purple.” Yikes.
Of course, I immediately fixed him another with a smile, apologizing, and then ran to the bathroom and cried a little.
Just joking… I waited until after my shift to cry.
My priority became to fabricate a ton of confidence super quickly, and I also had to go buy myself a very thick skin!
My bartending experiences have provided me with lots of lessons. Visiting bars and restaurants with my work background allows me to appreciate everything from a different perspective – The maker’s perspective-. I have become far more relaxed, appreciative and open minded.
Why write about travel?
When I was 14 years old, my parents were kind enough to send me to a small city in France called Montpellier. They sent me there for 3 months to learn French. It was winter, so everything was covered in snow, and I had to take a bus and walk for 30 minutes thru winding streets to the school by myself.
Every-Day.
It was so ridiculously beautiful and foreign. The first thing i learned in French was how to order an apple pastry at this tiny bakery I passed every day because it smelled like the most heavenly bread was being made in there, and it was warm and so cozy. Truthfully, I was tempted to stay there all day instead of continuing my walk to the school.
That experience started my love for solo travel. Honestly, solo travel is therapy for the soul.
I’ve been traveling around the world from an early age. With no money (as a high-school exchange student, and then as a broke college student) and later with a little more money to play with. Everyone has their weakness: mine is travel.
Nothing is more irresistible than tasting a delicious bite and a creative cocktail in every city I visit: I long for the moment I take that one sip and bite, close my eyes, and dream.
Many people prefer spending on big houses, sports cars, and designer clothes (#futuregoals haha), but for me, nothing compares to the irresistible pleasure that comes from getting on a plane and getting lost somewhere unknown.
It is these very experiences that make me work every day with a smile and daily save a few dollars for the next one. Planning where to go and where to stay makes it even more fun!
I’ve come a long way from experiencing the perils of overpacking and the regret of leaving essentials behind (how do you say ‘anti-frizz cream’ in French again?). Now I understand a bit better the importance of striking a balance between meticulous planning and spontaneous exploration.
A.K.A. Stop being a plan-it-all freak and stop packing your whole house for a weekend getaway.
Packing Light to Travel Further
It has taken many years in the making, but I have finally refined my ideal travel style: Comfortable and minimalist travel with a touch of glamour.
I firmly believe that walking in cities is the best way to immerse oneself and truly explore their vibrant essence.
And let’s be real: if you want to walk, you need to travel light.
But no need to look like a backpacker in your 30s. I didn’t even like looking like a backpacker in my 20s! PRO Tip: Nobody takes you seriously if you look like a backpacker in a city at any age. Leave the camping gear for trips when you actually go camping.
I will spend hours looking for something like “super elegant and sexy walkable comfortable heels”. Is there such a thing? Pair that with an elegant crossbody purse and a small carry-on bag.
My mom and my husband often compare me to Mary Poppins and her Magic Bag because they don’t understand it, but I can fit everything I need plus a ton of gifts in a small bag.
I hope these articles not only entertain and inspire you, but also provide you with lots of useful tips and guides for your own explorations. Remember that life is too short for regrets, so don’t be scared to be adventurous. Also be silly and have some fun.
Every chance you get.
