My Travel Bucket List

Vatican City

1. Treat my parents to their dream vacation

This will be half way done come January, I'm taking my mom to Europe!! I still need to do some research on what my dad's dream vacation is but it feels great to give back to them after all the unmeasurable things they've done for me. 

2. 30 countries by 30

I wanted to say 25 by 25 but that would only give me two years to get 15 countries and for some reason 20 over the next seven years seems more realistic...

3. Work Abroad

I am currently in school working on my masters degree in counseling psychology and would love to one day work abroad with MFS a.k.a Doctors Without Borders. This is very far in the future because you have to be licensed and I'm only in my first year of school but it is still my #LongTermGoal. For now I would love to be in Au Pair during my school breaks #MoreRealistic

4. Learn another language in a different country

I did have this opportunity in the past when I studied German in Vienna but I am sad to admit that I put very little effort into learning the language. This time I want to try with a language that I love and one that would be more useful for me in California. I have found a program in Cordoba, Argentina that looks amazing but if life were to take me to Brazil, South Korea, or back to Austria, I want to learn from my past and take full advantage of the opportunity. 

5. Visit the home of my ancestors

Last but certainly not least, I would love to one day visit the mother land, Africa, but for know I want to go to the home towns of my grandparents and do more research about their families. I want to go as far back on my family tree as possible but the hardest part now is choosing where to start.

Comment down below letting me know whats on your travel bucket list!

Safe travels,
Cirrena  

An Afternoon in Half Moon Bay #ExploreHomeFirst

This week I spent an afternoon in Half Moon Bay, a small town on the peninsula with a population of around 11,500 people. Getting to Half Moon Bay from downtown San Francisco takes less than 40 minuets by car. As you can see from the photo above the weather was not perfect but it was still a great day with the family, having good conversation and eating delicious food.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

We originally went to Half Moon Bay to have the delicious dairy free clam chowder at Barbara's Fishtrap but when we looked across the street and saw the great out door seating at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, and a quick glance at the sky to make sure there was no rain coming our way, we decided to eat there. This place did not disappoint! The food was fantastic and they had an awesome selection of beer, I highly suggest the Blackberry Belgian Blonde. I was a bit thrown off by all of the beer infused deserts and decided to end things on a high note and not explore that side of the menu. 

Half Moon Bay was full of dog lovers and families picnicking on the beach. It was an awesome change of environment even if it was only for a few hours. We did end up taking some of the Fishtrap's clam chowder to go which was still great after a day in the fridge, I am drooling just thinking about it. I definitely suggest you make a quick stop in Half Moon Bay the next time you are in the Bay Area. 

Leave a comment letting me know how you will #ExploreHomeFrist

Safe travels,

Cirrena

#ExploreHomeFirst

Dolores Park, San Francisco

Over the past few years my list of new cities to visit has grown (and grown and grown) but working and going to school full time makes leaving San Francisco difficult for most of the year. So I'm finally reevaluating my travel bucket list and experiencing new things closer to home has made it to the top. 

In this weekly series, #ExploreHomeFirst, I'll be sharing my local experiences with you. This week I explored Muir Woods and drank Chinese Mai Tais at Li Po Cooktail Lounge with my college roommate, Sigvor. Check out some highlights of our weekend below!

Three Tips for Saving Money at a Giants Game

This past weekend I watched the Giants play the Phillies and it was a great game! The Giants won, which is always great, and I picked up some new knowledge that made my experience even better. So I wanted to share my secrets with you. 

AT&T Park

1. Cheap Seats

Depending on who the Giants are playing you can find tickets as cheap as $10 but keep in mind these are the nose bleeds, the highest and the farthest seats in the park. To enjoy the game at a lower altitude but comparable savings look for bleacher seats. These seats are located in behind outfield with a clear view of home plate, you'll be close enough to read the numbers on the players jerseys for just a few dollars more. Keep in mind these seats are not covered so there's no protection from the elements so keep your sunglasses, baseball cap, and sunblock near by.

2. Cheap Eats

Although hot dogs and Gilroy Garlic Fries are a delicious SF ballpark staple these treats add up quickly.  To save a few dollars pack your own lunch! If you don't want to carry food all the way from home there is a grocery store one block away from the ball park and a sandwich shop across the street, Bacon Bacon, that makes excellent sandwiches. Eat well at the game without breaking the bank by bringing your favorite snacks but remember bringing liquid are not allowed.

3. Cheap Beer

Beer and baseball go together like peanut butter and jelly but as we all know beer at a baseball game can set you back $13 for a Bud Light. So to help you and your wallet make it through nine innings here is a tip that true Giants fans(my brother included) are not aware of: if you enter the stadium through the Public House, a bar located at Willie Mays Plaza, you can get a beer for the same price as outside of the ball park and bring it to your seat in a plastic cup.  Their beer is cheaper and they have a better larger selection of beer. 

Safe travels,

Cirrena

My Top Five Favorite Cities(So Far)

The hardest part about being in graduate school is not being able to travel at the drop of a hat. I've been fighting the urge to book the next flight out of SFO for months but patience is a virtue. For the next two months I'll have to sit in class and daydream about my next adventure in January but who knows what surprises are in store for August. I guess we will just have to wait and see. Until then take a look at my top five favorite cities so far, in no particular order. Leave a comment letting me know some of your favorite cities. 

1. San Francisco, California, USA

Fort Funston, San Francisco, California 

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town Hall, Prague, Czech Republic

 3. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 

View of Melbourne from the steps of the Shrine of Remembrance

4. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido

5. Budapest, Hungary

Chain Bridge, Budapest

Safe travels,

Cirrena

3 Free Things To Do in Melbourne

Even though I was more than willing to spend all of my money on experiencing Melbourne to the fullest I knew that I wouldn't last long with that mindset. So, to help you avoid going broke, I've put together a list of three places to go while visiting Melbourne that are completely FREE. You're welcome. 

1. Melbourne Library

Melbourne Library's Reading Room

I went for the reading room, but was drawn back again for the exhibits. I'd heard about Melbourne's library with it BEAUTIFUL reading room, my photo does not do it justice, but I was not told of the amazing exhibits located on multiple floors of the library. The library is also in the free tram limits so if you stay at Melbourne Metro YHA, like I did, then even getting there would be free!

My favorite piece, Melbourne's old and new trams in front of the Flinders Street Station

2. Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance

I thought I knew where I was going when I left North Melbourne for the Shrine of Remembrance, but I had no idea where I'd end up. When I stumbled upon this glorious place I had the honor of watching a brief demonstration of their annual Ray of Light ceremony, honestly I teared up a little bit. It is a beautiful place made to honor the Victorian lives lost during World War I and all of those who have fought since then. It is truly an honor to witness and I highly suggest putting it at the top of your list. 

  

 3. Botanical Garden

Entering the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne

One of the best things I did was walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and a great opportunity to spend someone time alone (shout out to all of my solo travelers!) and enjoy my surroundings. This is a great place to flee the hustle and bustle of the city, take your lunch or a good book and enjoy the great outdoors for a couple of hours. You don't want to miss this on a sunny day, trust me.

Safe travels,
Cirrena

My 3 Favorite Neighborhoods in Melbourne

China Town (shot on a film camera by Gabriella Ruiz)

Before I left for Australia I asked my Facebook friends where I should go, what I should see, and most importantly what I should eat in Melbourne. Lets be honest, food is good and is a very important part of many cultures, so what better what better way to get to know a new country than by trying the food? Nothing.

The first thing I did was google the best places to eat in Melbourne. This led me to some awesome neighborhoods, I was able to explore only after energizing myself with all the amazing food and flat whites.

Before I forget I have to give a shout out to melbournegirl.com.au and  theurbanlist.com/melbourne  for leading me in the right direction. Both websites have great recommendations for every neighborhood, I highly suggest you check them out!

1. Carlton

Lygon Street in Carlton is the Little Italy of Melbourne. It's lined with plenty of boutiques, Italian restaurants, and gelatorias. I found myself on Lygon street three times the week I visited. There was live music on the street, plenty of restaurant options, and I was able to pick up free wifi from a few of the banks (always a plus). My favorite restaurant was University Cafe. Honestly, what first attracted me was the handsome Italian server standing at the door but the food and atmosphere kept me coming back. The staff acted like a family and there was always a table of people (I assume the owners) sitting outside who seemed to know everyone that walked down the street. It was a very welcoming environment with delicious gelato.

2. North Melbourne 

The delicious Eggs Benedict from Ample Cafe

I spent a lot more time in North Melbourne than I expected to, is it more residential than other areas so I didn't think I would find places to hang out. When I started to dig a little deeper I was able to find a few hidden gems. My hostel was conveniently located just a few blocks from Queen Victoria Market, which is the main attraction for North Melbourne. It was also within walking distance of The Comic's Lounge, they put on a great show my second night there and it was free because #HostelPerks. I also found awesome food and coffee at Fancy Hank's BBQ, Twenty and Six Espresso, Ample Cafe, and Auction Rooms. I spent many mornings at Ample Cafe because they were a block away from my hostel and they use fresh produce from Queen Victoria Market. Auction Rooms had awesome staff and serves the best french toast(pictured below) I've ever had!

French toast from Ample Cafe

3. Melbourne CBD

Melbourne CBD

This I feel is a given. Of course you have to see Downtown Melbourne but I also had very mixed feelings about the Central Business District(CBD). The first time I went I was so overwhelmed! I've been to many big cities (Prague, Vienna, NYC) but I've never felt as overwhelmed in those places as I did in Melbourne CBD on a Sunday afternoon. I swore off it after the first time but there were many things that pulled me back into the center of the city. You can read about some of those things next week when I tell you 3 free things to do in Melbourne!

Safe Travels,

Cirrena

Feeling At Home In Melbourne

This past week I traveled to Melbourne, Australia to visit my best friend, Gabby, who will be studying there until November :(. Honestly, Gabby leaving me  going on her adventure in Australia is the only reason I went to Melbourne. In the back of my mind I've always thought it would be a nice place to visit but having the opportunity to explore a new country with my best friend was the push I needed.

I was able to do SO much in the week that I was there so I'll be doing a few separate post about my time in Melbourne. Gabby described Melbourne as feeling "like an extension of San Francisco." Working at a hostel I meet many people from Melbourne and they've all said that it is very similar to San Francisco and I can now say that that is true. I felt very much at home in Melbourne after a very short time. I look forward to sharing a few of my stories with you all.

Safe travels,

Cirrena