Chicago next

Chicago is said to be the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the idea of the skyscraper. Sounds perfect! But I do not have time to see it all. Do you have some great tips for me? Where to eat? Where to go shopping? What about interiors, architecture and museums? Last but not least: What do I just have to experience?

The Oslo vibe

Ever heard about Edvard Munch? Last month, an original of his painting The Scream fetched $120m (£80m) at auction in New York. Read more about Munch and Oslo in The Independent, a rather good article about Oslo I think.

Oslo is like a second home town for me and I get a little bit annoyed of all the tourist traps which is always recommended. What about experiencing the true Oslo? Do the same stuff as people from Oslo would do to enjoy this city. So, here are what to do in Oslo to experience it like a true Oslo citizen:

--> take a walk along Sognsvann lake (maybe even go for a swim) and enjoy the fresh air right outside the city centre

--> go window shopping in Bogstadveien and eat huge and delicious French pastries at United Bakeries

--> have a glass of white wine out in the sun at Bølgen & Moi restaurant, known for their interaction of food, wine and art

--> end the day with slow dining at the Palace Grill. An intimate gourmet restaurant with big personality both in food and presentation. Reservation needed.

--> and of course enjoy a lacy day in one of the public parks in Grünerløkka. If you really want to feel like a Norwegian you will sit down in the park, drink your beer and just gaze at the people passing by. Then you for sure will feel the Oslo vibe.

Want to know more about what to do (or not to do) in Oslo? Leave a comment or just send mail.

Sognsvann (photo: www.cavinguk.co.uk)

Bogstadveien (photo: www.nenyheter.no)

Palace Grill (photo: kathsblogg.blogg.no)

Birkelunden, Grünerløkka (photo: www.riksantikvaren.no)

Bølgen & Moi restaurant (photo: www.bolgenogmoi.no)

Bremen - the home of Becks

Bremen is the perfect location for a weekend getaway! 

Whether you are in for a quiet couples retreat or a pub crawl with your friends, Bremen is the place to go. Be prepared for fabulous architecture, charming streets, comfortable atmosphere, traditional german food and one of the best brews this country has to offer.

Weekend advisers rating:

Shopping: ☆☆☆

Food: ☆☆☆

Drinking: ☆☆☆☆☆

Architecture: ☆☆☆☆☆

Location for couples vacation: ☆☆☆☆☆

Overall impression of Bremen: ☆☆☆☆

Am Markt is one of the most visited places in Bremen. It recommended to dine in the gourmet restaurant Ratskeller. They have wonderful food, great atmosphere and famous wine cellar.

Photo:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bremen

Becks am Markt isa Becks restaurant and "bierstube". Enjoy a nice cold Becks when the sun is shining. Bremen is the home of the world famous brewery "Becks". If you like bier, make sure that you visit the brewery and take the guided tour in the production. It´s worth it, and they give you free drinks after the tour.

Photo:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bremen

Don´t forget to walk around in the old part of Bremen, - the Schnoor Viertel. The Schnoor Medieval Quarter is a traditional and historical part of Bremen. You should go and see "Das kleinste Haus im Schnoor" the smallest house in the Schnoor Quarter, only 41 sq.meters.

Nice in early June

We went to Nice, on the French riviera, the first weekend in June. Longing for sun and shopping. We got both. 

Weekend advisers rating:

Hotel Massena: ☆☆☆☆

Shopping: ☆☆☆

Food: ☆☆☆

Location for shopping and sun: ☆☆☆☆☆

Overall impression of Nice in early June: ☆☆☆☆

Hotel Massena is located at Place Massena and is just a short walk from the old city and the pebble beach and shopping area in Nice, so it was the perfect base for our weekend. The cab ride from the airport was less than 30 euro (week day) and took approximately 15 min.

Hotel Massena was actually better than expected. It is not a new hotel, but the standard was still good. Good service and a really good breakfast buffet with: egg and sausages, toast, yogurt, cereal, rolls  and of course croissants.

The beach in Nice is easy to reach and the water is clear. Be aware that it is all pebbles and therefor it is nice to have beach sandals (especially for children and elderly). Remember sunscreen!

Scallops and fries is a typical dish in Nice. We tried it in the flower marked in the old city of Nice and is was absolutely delicous! If you´re going you just have to try it.

This beautiful and old patisserie is located in the old city. Every item was carefully presented and the old interior was intact.

Restaurant VILLADESTE is a 10 min stroll from Hotel Massena. It is an Italian restaurant and we were recommended their speciality - a rigatoni pot. It was really, really good! The service and interior was ok, however the rose wine (unfortunately I can´t remebmer the brand) was delicious.