24 Hours in Seville

Happy Thursday! Today I'm writing from Santa Fe, NM as I slowly make my way to the west coast. I only have about 24 hours here, but I know from past experience that you can still see and do a lot in that short period of time. So before I explore Santa Fe, let's rewind a bit to October when I spent another whirlwind 24 hours in Seville, Spain. 

I technically wasn't even supposed to go to Seville. My friend Sarah and I were going from Amsterdam to Granada, which had us flying into Seville and then taking a train to Granada. But it wasn't until our last day in Amsterdam when we realized we were going to lose a full day to traveling that we decided to shorten our time in Granada and explore Seville while we were there. We both agree it was one of the best decisions we made on the trip. 

Seville is the capital of southern Spain's Andalusia region and according to myth, was founded 3000 years ago by the Greek god Hercules. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, this charismatic metropolis is covered in sunshine almost all year long (which means you'll want to buy a Spanish fan while visiting because it gets HOT). And while I didn't get to see and do nearly as much as it has to offer in the short time I was there, I know enough to say you want to add this gem to your list of places to visit. However long you stay, don't leave without checking out these things to do in Sevilla, Spain. 

GO TO A FLAMENCO SHOW

Flamenco is in Sevilla's blood. No matter which direction you walk, you'll stumble on a touristy sign for a proper Spanish flamenco show. If you want to avoid a touristy version and find something that has a bit more grit, head to the old Gypsy district of Triana to Casa Anselma for a truly authentic backroom show. Some other great options? Tablao El Arenal and Casa de la Memoria.

GET LOST IN THE STREETS

One of my favorite things about Seville is that we had no agenda. We let ourselves get lost in the streets, wandering around anywhere that intrigued us (and pretty much ever turn did). Be sure to carve out some time to let yourself do exactly that (and be sure to look up at all the architecture when you do!)

TAPAS, TAPAS, TAPAS

It's no secret that tapas are a way of life in Spain. But in Seville in particular, it seems that dinner is rarely consumed all in one place. You can start snacking as early as dusk and keep going late into the night-- so don't be afraid to try different tapas at multiple places! So where can you find the best tapas in Sevilla? Check out these options that are full of locals, great atmosphere and delicious food: 

TABERNA EL PORVENIR

PLATO PLATÓ

BODEGUITA ROMERO

CASA MORALES

 

EMBRACE MOORISH INFLUENCE

Given it's proximity to Morocco, Seville is known for Mudéjar style (which is a hybrid of Islamic-Christian architecture). The Alcázar (a royal palace that was once a Moorish fort), the Palace of the Marquis of la Algaba and the Archaeological Museum of Seville are all wonderful places to appreciate this style of architecture. But additionally, you'll notice the intricate mosaics all around and the fragrant spices pouring out of lots of the local shops. 

Anything you loved in Seville that I missed? Let me know in the comments below! I'm off to explore a new city with these next 24 hours: Santa Fe! Stay tuned for more to come about my time here...

xx-

Whitney

Best Brunch spots in Nashville

Happy Monday! If you're new around here, I just left town a couple days ago to embark on a 6 week road trip to the west coast and back. My mom is making the first part of the trip with me so we stopped in Tulsa to visit some family we have here for a couple days before I get to work creating travel guides for cities all across the U.S. Since I won't be creating one here, it's been so great to use this time to catch up with family (including my 90 year old grandmother) and get ahead of some work that I'll likely fall behind on in the weeks ahead.

But before I left town, I had some serious catching up to do in my own city after being away in Europe for over 4 months. There are some incredible restaurants that have opened these past few months, and I felt it was necessary to experience them for myself. So naturally, I went for the best meal there ever was: BRUNCH.

MARSH HOUSE RESTAURANT | THOMPSON HOTEL

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

I heard about Thompson Hotel non-stop whilst living in Europe. Whether grabbing drinks or eating meals, it was clear all of my friends were frequenting this new hot-spot. So after seeing how vibey L.A. Jackson was, I knew I had to try Marsh House too. It had been a minute since I had a proper American brunch, and they certainly made up for my lost time. We indulged in SO many delicious dishes (all of which you need to order). First up? That box of doughnuts!

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

SUNGLASSES: PRADA (SIMILAR HERE)

Next, we scarfed down these gloriously-gooey cinnamon rolls (that I'm still dreaming about). 

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

After the sugar high from all the pastries, we moved on to some appetizers. First we tried Momma's Gumbo (with okra, shrimp, andouille and crab) and the shrimp toast (which was one of the most unique and delicious dishes I've had in a while). After that we moved on to the brussel sprouts (with honey and pecan) and the yellowfin tuna tartare. Every single dish was awesome (and we were already STUFFED at this point).

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

After the appetizers, we noshed on some delicious seafood that they pride themselves in (this crab and oysters were just as delicious as they looked!)

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

While I was already full after the pastries, I bravely pressed on for the sake of all ye brunch lovers. It wasn't easy, but I'm no quitter. ON TO THE MAIN COURSES!

These buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and maple syrup were a carb-lovers DREAM. 

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

And if you go to brunch in Nashville and you DON'T order Chicken + Waffles, did you actually go to brunch in Nashville? But unlike most of the traditional versions of this dish, Marsh House offers Korean Fried Chicken with a chili & cane syrup glaze (holy yum). 

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

We washed it all down with countless cups of coffee and mimosas before they finally rolled us out of there (it was well worth the food coma). But as much as we enjoyed all of the food, I'd argue the atmosphere is equally as lovely. Bottom line, I give Marsh House an A+ and highly recommend dining here whenever you find yourself in Music City! 

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO

BARCELONA

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN | SHIRT C/O THREAD CO.

I adore Spanish tapas, and so I quickly went to dinner at Barcelona as soon as I got home (it was SO good). When I learned they also served brunch, I knew I had to go back and experience that too.

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN | SHIRT C/O THREAD CO.

For starters, this Bloody Mary bar is NO JOKE. They have the traditional mix (as well as a spicy version) like most places, but their toppings are unlike anything else I've ever seen: Spanish cured jamón, sardines, a variety of olives, manchego, meats, peppers... the list goes on. 

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN | SHIRT C/O THREAD CO.

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN

Once we sat down for food, we started with some greens: Blistered Shishito Peppers (which were BOMB) and the Greener Roots Lettuces salad (also bomb)

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN

Then we moved on to some more delicious dishes: Pan con Huevos, Steak & Egg, Huevos Estrellados... all unique from the other and equally incredible.

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN

But my favorite dishes we tried? Easily the Churros & Chicken and the Wild Mushroom Benedict (that Hollandaise was pure magic). 

PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN

Aside from the scrumptious food, the ambiance in Barcelona is killer and our server was awesome. It's clear this brunch spot is still a hidden gem because there were actually tables available on a Sunday (so hurry in before the word gets out!) 

Looking for some more brunch options in Nashville? Some of my all time favorites include: 

PROPER SOUTHERN FOOD

Husk

Kitchen Notes

Biscuit Love

WITH THE GIRLS

Marché

Le Sel

Josephine

RELAXED AND BOOZY

Saint Añejo

Tavern

Adele's

VIBEY AF

Pinewood Social

5th & Taylor

Prima

Regardless of where you choose to get your brunch on in Nashville, none of these options will disappoint! Stay tuned for more adventures of the epicurean sort...

Thanks to Marsh House Restaurant and Barcelona Wine Bar for hosting me and sponsoring this post. I will definitely be back to see both of you again as soon as I'm in Nashville!

Tips For First-Time International Travelers

If you're headed abroad for the first time, you're in for the adventure of a lifetime! I'd argue that international travel is one of the most life-enriching experiences in the world for countless reasons (which I won't get into right now). And while you have so much to look forward to, there are also some things you should plan on before you go to ensure a trip without hiccups.  

1. NOTIFY YOUR BANK + CREDIT CARDS

Always call the number on the back of your debit and credit cards to notify them of your travel destinations and dates. Sometimes if they see charges in another country without notice, they'll assume it's fraudulent and freeze your account. Also, be sure to ask if any of your cards offer no foreign transaction fees (there are lots of cards that do and all of those little fees can rack up quickly). 

2. KNOW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE

Call your insurance to see if your policy applies overseas for emergencies. If it doesn’t, you can consider supplemental insurance. And be sure that you've renewed all essential prescriptions so you don't run out while you're gone! 

3. MAKE COPIES OF YOUR PASSPORT

If your passport is lost or stolen on a trip, the last thing you want is to be stuck at the border or denied re-entry. To avoid this issue, simply make sure to have some copies of your passport (I take photos of all my travel documents and credit cards to keep in a secure album on my phone). You can also make a scanned hard copy to give to someone you trust back home so they have it if you need it for any reason. If for some reason you do lose your passport, immediately contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate so they can assist you. 

4. GET CASH FROM AN ATM IN THE COUNTRY YOU'RE VISITING

Skip those rip-off conversion centers in the airport or around the city and just get your cash from an ATM when you arrive in the country you're visiting. You won’t get charged as many fees this way, and the conversion will be exact. If you really want to avoid fees, you can open an account with Charles Schwab (who offers no international ATM fees or conversion rates). I did this, but only because I was gone for quite a while- it may not be worth the trouble otherwise. 

5. PACK THE PROPER CONVERTER

All electrical outlets are not created equal in this world. So before you head overseas, be sure you have the proper converter for all of your electronics. It’s unlikely you’ll need to plug-in every single device at once, but also that you’ll only need to use one at a time. So pack a number that makes sense based on your individual needs. But my biggest piece of advice? Don’t factor the one you’d need for a wand or straightener. Regardless of how they’re advertised, I’ve heard countless stories from travelers of converters frying hair tools overseas (my best friend even burned off a chunk of her hair while we were in Paris). If you want to curl your hair, buy a cheap wand once you get there (you can easily find one under €30) to protect both your tools + your locks.

6. GET A GLOBAL PHONE PLAN

In today’s world of having our phones practically glued to our hands, feeling limited to when we have data or service can feel suffocating. And while that comment may make me sound like a millennial you want roll your eyes at, I’m not just talking about being able to post on Instagram or Snapchat. You try navigating a foreign country without maps or Google, and then let’s talk. 

While most restaurants and public establishments overseas have wi-fi, it’s leaps and bounds easier to have international data on your phone whenever you need it. Depending on your phone plan and provider, these rates can be astronomical- but there are other options. Check to see if your device is unlocked (aka- able to read other SIM cards). T-mobile offers plans for as low as $50 a month that include unlimited data and texting (if you bring your own device). Simply purchase the sim card (~$20) from them or any carrier overseas and pay for each month you’ll be abroad. Voila. 

If you decide to skip this part and rely on wi-fi, be sure to turn off your data roaming to avoid charges. 

7. REGISTER WITH YOUR EMBASSY

Registering with your embassy when traveling abroad gives you an extra sense of security. It ensures that you receive information relevant to your trip (like warnings about severe weather or civil unrest) and it also makes it easier for people back home to contact you in case of an emergency. 

8. ENSURE YOU HAVE PROPER VISAS + VACCINATIONS

While lots of places require neither, be sure to check the visa requirements and vaccination requirements (if any) for the country you're visiting. 

All in all, going abroad is much easier than it may sound so don't let this laundry list of items scare you! And when you've done these things once, they'll all seem so easy to do again the next time you go. 

Have some other tips that have been helpful when you've gone abroad? Let me know in the comments below!

I'm off to load up my car because I'm hitting the road for 6 weeks tomorrow! Be sure to follow along in real time on Instagram and Snapchat (blonde_atlas). Hope everyone has a great Friday and a fun weekend! 

xx

Whitney