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a feel good travel blog

Vegan in Paris, France: The Loving Hut Cafe & Restaurant

5/24/2016

43 Comments

 
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I first discovered The Loving Hut in Hannover, Germany. After my first experience, I researched The Loving Hut and discovered it is a chain located throughout Europe.

Established in main large European cities, The Loving Hut is a place that integrates classic Asian-style meals with local flavors and fares. With only a couple hours to spare, I approached The Loving Hut starved with feasting eyes.

My eyes glazed the menu pondering, “Do I try the noodles? No no, I can eat that in Germany. Should I order the crepe? Oh Oh! What about the quiche?” Everything sounded so appetizing. 
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Confused and famished, I narrowed my decision and chose the daily three-course lunch special. The Loving Hut is affordable, but in Paris, everything is expensive. I wanted to taste-test as much flavor for my 15-euros worth of food.
 
The young and kind waiter spoke English as my mind reminisced on eighth grade French class. I remembered the basics of “Oui. Bonjour and très bon.” Sadly, I schools taught languages from our youth.
 
Clean and chic, the interior gravitates toward white furnishings speckled with a faux flower centerpiece. I sat solo in the café since I arrived promptly at the opening time, noon. Similar to Spain, The Loving Hut is only open for lunch and dinner and they are closed during the “siesta” hours.I waited for lunch while I read vegan French cooking books. 
 
The daily lunch special included a vegetable puree soup, seitan wrap and coconut-nut ball dessert. The waiter asked for my opinion and I replied, “très bon” as I secretly wanted to bathe in a vat of that soup. Creamy, smooth and flavorful, I desired to know this secret recipe. 

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I love soup and The Loving Hut concocts some of the best vegan soups in Europe. I sat in amazement and concentrated on each bite to depict the ingredients. What would a world be like without soup? It’d be like a world where Starbucks and Pret-a-Manger exist on every street corner in Paris. It wouldn’t be the same!
 
Earlier that morning, I walked through four districts, or “arrondissements,” so my feet ached, but the soup soothed my starving soul. Upon the service of my second plate, the seitan wrap, my heart melted into a bowl of gelatin-free Jello. The Loving Hut does seitan perfectly.
 
The taste. The texture. The smell. Everything combined with a slightly spicy sauce, made my “diable” enzymes spit fire to my digestive tract while I enjoyed the slow-food movement with a smile.
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The third and final course was a petite ball of coconut. Hmm, a ball of coconut? The insides were a mystery, but with one slice of a knife out poured nuts, seeds and a syrupy-like sauce of sweetness. My only complaint was that this dessert was French-sized. I craved an American baseball size of sweets to pack my afternoon with extra glucose.
 
This ball perplexed me, but in a good way. With years of cooking, I had no idea how to recreate this treat. The dough, pliable but firm, did not lose its shape. That means either the French know what the hell they are doing in the kitchen, or chemistry wins the award for the best nut ball in town.
 
Whatever the case maybe, I needed to find a quaint Parisian cafe for a “digestif” after lunch tea or espresso. 
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Many Americans say the French are a "cooler" culture personality wise. But, I recommend The Loving Hut for a "hearty" meal, a place where love, good food and Parisian culture unite. 

What should you try? Honestly, the question should be, "What should you not try?" Let your heart guide you and surely you won't be disappointed. 

92, Boulevard Beaumarchais
Paris, 
75011 France / Europe
Arrd. 11

http://paris.lovinghut.fr

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7 Noteworthy “Essen und Trinken” Cafes along Hannover, Germany’s Red Thread – Plus a Chance to Win a Self-Guided Walks App for Anywhere in The World!

5/17/2016

6 Comments

 
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Hannover’s Red Thread is a self-guided walking tour that journeys through the heart of Hannover. Like a RedVine, this 4,200-meter red painted floorline contains 36 significant stops where visitors learn about Hannover’s past and historical sites.
 
This do-it-yourself walking tour is simple. Just follow the red line. If you want more out of the tour, purchase the Red Thread handbook for three euros from the Tourism Office located across from the Hauptbanhof. I recommend the book as it explains a wealth of knowledge about the monuments and architecture and other cool secrets like where to stand in order to see the tops of all four Old Town churches.
 
You can easily breeze through the Red Thread in 45 to 60 minutes. Although quick, I recommend to stop and smell the roses, enjoy the moment and restore your glycogen levels with some of the best eats and treats in Hannover.
 
Whether you crave a “kaffee pause” or want to savor your sweet tooth with a slice of homemade German “kuchen” (cake), here are seven cafes I recommend along the Red Thread. 
Holländische Kakao-Stube - Mitte
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Whether you’re looking for a slice of heaven or the best cake in Hannover, you’ll find it at the Kakao-Stube. Located nearby the Opera House (near stop 3) and the Kröpcke clock, veer off onto Ständehausstrasse and look out for the Blue and White sign with a little Dutch girl on it.

Once you walk in you’ll feel as if you walked back into time with flashbacks of the Netherlands in 1921 where blue and white tiles cover the wall and staircases are covered with “gold” handrails. Here is where the real journey begins. Admire the cakes, torts and tarts behind the glass and “scratch and sniff” the homemade goods located next to the cash register. For Hannover, this café is a bit pricier, but by American standards to get a coffee and a slice of cake between five to seven Euros is a hell of a deal.
 
In this café, you’ll order your cake at the counter and then bring your ticket to a table. Don’t worry if the ladies don’t smile at you. It’s Northern Germany and smiling is optional. This is the place where born and raised Hanoverians hang out so . But, it’s by far the BEST cake and most historical café in Hannover. Check out their website for pictures of the café before and after World War II.
 
What should I get? EVERYTHING, but if you must choose one – Frankfurter Kranz (see below).
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Hannover’s New Rathaus Der Gartensaal - Rathaus
The New Rathaus (city hall spot #11) is an area where I recommend you spend sometime. Inside and out, the entire garden area is where you can experience the true European lifestyle. Inside the Rathaus is “Der Gartensaal.”

Before I proceed, I must admit this is more than a café. In the past, I’ve had some Germans “kindly” email me about past articles on what distinguishes a café from a restaurant. I feel that if you can order a coffee and dessert without pressure, it’ll count as a café since I ordered tea and read a book or book. It’s a cross between a café, restaurant and banquet center.
 
The best part is during the summer you can sit on the terrace overlooking the pond and garden. The place is swanky and with it being the first cup of tea I drank in Hannover, I like it. Trust me, you’ll feel like royalty.
 
For a few euros, you can visit the rooftop where you’ll discover more history and catch a panoramic view of the entire city.  

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Café Audrey – Aegidientorplatz *Closed in 2017*
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Located between Aegidientorplatz and the Rathaus is the feminine and fancy Café Audrey (between stop 8-11). You may need to veer off the red line a few feet, but this café is in the retail space at the Nord/lb building.  Cute, quaint and quiet, this pink and turquoise-infused café makes me feel like booking a beach vacation and scheduling a makeover appointment at a salon.

Inspired by the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, this café inspires me to live in indulgence – with cake and coffee that is. During the summer, the café has an open-air patio where you can sit (or lie) on a couch draped with a canopy to enjoy your “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” I love the chai lattes, and pretty much everything else. 
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Teestüebchen_ – Old Town
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This café may very well be the most popular café in Hannover. Located in Ballhofplatz (stop 25), this historic café is as cute inside as it is outside. Family operated since 1970,their popularity continues to grow with newcomers and city visitors.
 
Here you can order over 40 handcrafted teas and also coffees, cakes and sandwiches. Most desire to sit outside, and well, who can blame them? It’s vital to take advantage of any ounce of sun you can soak up in Northern Germany. During the summer months, you can find a late Saturday morning jazz concert and for the rest of the year, enjoy watching the ivy foliate between deep green to fire engine red.
I recommend the Blüte von Himilaya tea paired with a slice of traditional NYC-style cheesecake. 
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Helene Schiffers Schokolade Café – Old Town
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Once you enter Old Town, you’ll have no problem finding a place to eat and drink. One of my favorite spots, Helene Schiffers (between stop 26-28), in Old Town is tucked away between the Leibnizhaus and the leine (river).
 
First, the owner is one of the nicest Germans I ever met. Warm and smiling, she and I would converse in English and some broken German. Second, the place is just down right adorable as she sells, and serves her coffee in, the famous handmade Polish cookery and pottery and chocolate gifts. Finally, the coffee and chocolate drinks are addicting and effective, meaning if you want a coffee buzz her coffee will do the trick. In the winter (or what the heck why not year round), I recommend the hot chocolate coffee. During the Christmas Market she’ll have some already made in a pot, but everything she makes is fantastic.
 
I also love the “Trinkschokolade” or drinking chocolate from Austria. They are small bricks of chocolate that you melt in warmed milk on the stove. She closes for an hour mid-day usually between 2-3pm.
 
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Sonam’s Little World- Old Town
Sonam’s Little World (near stop 25 and ballhofplatz) is one of my favorite places in Old Town. Sonam, a native to Nepal, is not only a very kind person (she speaks great English) but her ethics is admirable. Part café, part shop; Sonam only sells sustainable, fair-trade and locally sourced products. She makes a killer latte (beans from a local Hannover roaster) and the chocolate she sells is of the highest quality. I also recommend drinking of the bio loose-leaf teas with the masala chai being my favorite.

You can learn more about Sonam’s here, but she sells products that are hand-made and selected from small and family businesses. By far, Sonam and Michael are two of the nicest people you'll meet in Hannover. Whether you want a coffee, chocolate or a gift Sonam welcomes everyone with a smile.
*Update - this shop changed locations in 2017. 
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Markthalle – Old Town
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7 Noteworthy “Essen und Trinken” Cafes along Hannover, Germany’s Red ThreadNear the last stop (33) on the red line is the markethalle, a place where cafes, groceries and restaurants unite under one roof. Whether you’re seeking some fresh fruit or a meal, you can find everything café-related here. Sadly, the markhalle doesn’t look anything like the original since post-war architecture chose the most bleak and boring designs (sorry to my architecture friends who may find this offensive).  If you want a serious plate of pasta, stop at one of the bei Cüneyt stands. You get a massive plate of vegetarian or meat-based pasta or rice dish for only four euros! For the BEST brochens and chocolate croissant I’ve ever had, visit the Das Statement stall.
 
So, what are your favorite cafes or places to eat and drink nearby the Red Thread? Or what is your favorite self-guided walking tour in Europe?

Tell me, I’d love to hear it! Anyone who comments on this blog post will be entered to win a free self-guided walking tour app from GPSmycity.com . If you win, you can choose any city in the world that mygpscity.com offers. Whether you have an upcoming trip planned or want a walking tour of your favorite city, you can choose from one of 5,000 walks within 470 cities! I'll select up to 20 winners! The list is that extensive! No strings attached! Comment by June 7, 2016!

​
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 7 Noteworthy “Essen und Trinken” Cafes along Hannover, Germany’s Red Thread 

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Den Haag's Peukie Beach Club: Where Buddha Meets the Beach (and Veganism)

5/15/2016

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Have you heard about this place called Den Haag in the Netherlands? If you haven't, no need to fret. I discovered "The Hague" a year ago with a chance to live there for a month. I never heard of The Hague with the exceptions of it being Holland's parliament and embassy city. 

When I lived in Australia, government-based cities like Canberra were bleak and not-so-exciting for a young urban gal's wild heart. I figured Den Haag would be the same. Although it has an abundance of embassy offices, The Hague is place where serenity meets excitement. Now, it's not Amsterdam, but its a classier version of what Amsterdam once was many moons ago. 

If you've followed any of my posts, you know that I love the ocean (and the sun). Combined with a bit of entertainment, The Hague's (nearly) countless beach clubs ignite a fiery yet chilled atmosphere, sort of like when yin meets yang. Compared to Germany, The Hague may seem sleepy but the city  itself is more beautiful than most German city centers. And we all know that everything is beautiful next to a beach. 

I spent many afternoons freelance writing, vegan dining and sipping lattes in the sun and grooving to house music at the beloved Peukie's Beach Club.

Peukie's is the place to unplug, let go and let it roll with the sunshine and damn good house music. 
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I admire the Dutch's (and German-speaking language cultures) simple design styles that flourish with flowers, beauty and vibrancy. So, when beauty meets the buddha, expect nothing but rainbows as Peukie's is chic and for the young at heart. 
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Young, old, single, married; people of all ages kicked back to relax at one of the many sand-side couches or beach cabanas. It's a place where Buddha casts off his meditative energies to ground your toes in the sand while your brainwaves flow the sound of house music bumping at 125 bpm. 

But remember, Buddha has big ears for a reason. Buddha hears all. Even thoughts. He has this majestic telepathic capability and can hear everything including the bratwurst-looking beefcakes who got in a fight because his woman chose someone else. Beach clubs attract it all, including stockpiles of Eurotrash. Sadly, you can't avoid it, but if it happens just keep sipping your latte and focus on your karma.  

In a state of pure bliss, I broadcasted my telepathic gratitude list to the universe. On a sunny Friday in May, I thanked the Buddha for this opportunity to live in Europe and to enjoy the admirable European work-life balance lifestyle. While opening my mental scripture of Blissology 101, I read through the text of my own life.

I'm living in Europe, enjoying lattes, music and the sun, sand and sea. How could I not be thankful for this life I chose? This is the life that I dreamed of. A life with absolute freedom and no restraints. I surfed through the memories of my twenties, and although I don't regret anything from the past I am glad that I lived abroad but also worked hard. The hard work set up my 30's to stop giving a shit and live a life outside of my ego. I don't give a shit if i go out dancing by myself. I don't care what people think of me and I certainly don't give a hoot about drama.
  
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I didn't want to swim too deep into my mind since the light and airy aspects of the atmosphere taught me to live in the moment, just like Buddha. He reminded me to enjoy the beauty of everything around - the sights, the sounds and of course the majestic sea. 
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I recommend Fridays at Peukie's since they have a DJ spinning live house music from afternoon to evenings. The weekend also features a live DJ and special dance events. When on the boardwalk, follow the glittering red lights and vibrations from the bass for a fun time, which well, is synonymous throughout the ND. 
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From day to night, most beach clubs open for breakfast and stay open until midnight or 1am. Whether you need to refuel your energy needs from too much swimming, cool off from the heat or possibly cure a hangover, Peukie's offers an array of food to meet modern diet demands.  

That's the beauty of European dining. You can go to a bar and order a latte or an apple juice  compared to the United States where the only alcohol-free beverage at a bar is soda or water. 

Peukie's is not a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, but is plant friendly in many ways. From appetizers to entrees, plant-based meals are available, but with a price. The beach clubs are not cheap. In fact, dining out in The Hague is expensive, and anything near the ocean is pricier. 

First, the lattes ooze with froth and steam with the scent of freshly grounded espresso beans. Served with a Lotus cookie, the Buddha's energy elevates or levitates you to Cloud Nine. Well, it could actually be the espresso beans gyrating your cells since European coffee is not for the weak or those with a bad gut flora. 

If you are on a budget, order a smoothie or the bruschetta. The most prominent vegan item is the ultra-hearty veg burger made with the "meat" from The Hague's vegan butcher, De Vegetarische Slage
r that will fuel your dancing shoes for the remainder of the evening. It is worth the 18-euros, if you want to ride the magic carpet of culinary bliss - veganism. 
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The only negative aspect about The Hague's beach clubs are that most clubs charge their (non) customers to use the bathroom. This ranges between 50 cents to one euro, so keep your purse strings tight as we all know lattes, wine, beer and smoothies flow through the body just like water. 

And the water is as mystical as the Buddha himself.  It's not the Mediterranean but every seashell has a story. It teaches you that its not the destination but the journey in life. High and low tides will continue to lift and sink your soul, but your outlook in life is what keeps you moving forward without looking back and regretting the past.

And to this wisdom, I say "Namaste" to The Hague - a place that has more Buddhas than Thailand (not sure on the accuracy of that but when you visit, you'll see). 
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Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a world-traveler and author of Finding Om, an Indian journey about backpacking and studying yoga in India. With a career in fitness, she fuses the best of travel, outdoors and wellness to help change lives everyday. 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Den Haag's Peukie Beach Club: Where Buddha Meets the Beach (and Veganism)

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Acropolis, Athens: A Sacred and Spiritual Journey of Touring Human Existence

5/10/2016

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For those that know me, I enjoy the spiritual part of life. As good German friend once told me, “I don’t think it’s okay for many people to just accept human existence. Many people search for something higher than themselves and a reason for why we are here.”
 
I have my own spiritual non-religious beliefs, but ever since I was a child I knew I needed to visit Acropolis. Something deep inside my soul became determined that I would visit this ancient city. 
 
Nearing the end of my German journey, I became sad that I was so close to Athens, but between exhaustion from traveling and blowing my pocketbook, I was just as far from Athens as I would be in Seattle. Oddly enough, a company I work for in the states contacted me to present a workshop in Athens. Although work was the priority, I had a later evening flight that allowed me to squeeze in an afternoon visit to Acropolis.
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Hot, tired and sweaty, I was ready to conquer my dream. Walking up the quiet street, dotted with souvenir shops and taxi stands, I dusted the dirt off my arms and stood at the pathway up to Acropolis. The Acropolis Hill, also referred to as “The Sacred Rock,” is one the world’s most spectacular architectural wonders, and my soul recognized something. 
 
A wave of chills overcame my body and with several tears streaming down my cheek, I said, “I’m home.” I did not know why I became emotional in that moment, but I knew my soul recognized this place. Shit, there had to be something. I mean I was obsessed over Spain and Greece while in college and I even named my blog The Lemon Tree, which the Mediterranean is the mecca of citrus trees. If it weren’t for the Greeks, I never would have studied Recreation, Leisure and Tourism, since leisure birthed from the Greek culture.
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I think too a part of my inner world grieved. I grieved for my fear to return to the US, a place that I sometimes have a hard time recognizing because the culture has gotten so extreme. Balance does not exist. The other part of me grieved for humanity.  
 
I watched girls wearing t-shirts that say, “Barbie bitch” and take selfies with fish-lips and peace-sign hands; I could not help but become emotional about the future of where we are going as a “consumerist” species. This place, Acropolis, is the birthplace of some of the most brilliant minds known to man. Living in peace, without pollution, these creative minds had nothing to do but BIRTH the human mind and to observe the stars. 

They saw the movement of the sky and they understood nature, man and the unity between the two beings. 
 
All these creative and sophisticated beings – Aristotle, Socrates, Plato – and not forgetting about poets like Sappho, historians like Herodotus, scientists like Hippocrates and Pythagoras and leaders like Solon. 
 
Fuck! This is it the place where western society based most of its thoughts, philosophies and theories. 
 
Part of me could not believe a place like this still stood, but many buildings have been restored throughout the years due to past destruction. The eternal battle between the west and the east caused much destruction throughout the Centuries.

The most prolific building, the Parthenon, is one of the main reasons why people visit Acropolis.  The Parthenon built in honor of Athena is the symbol of Athens, to thank the goddess for their success. The building replaced a temple that was destroyed by the Persians around 447 BC. The same building later became a  place of worship for the Christians and eventually tuned into a mosque in 1456. Between further destruction, the remnants of this sacred building still stand today.
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The Temple of Athena Nike impressed my eyes with its powerful beauty. Perched on a hill, and guarded by towering pillars, I could not help but wonder what people did “back in the day.” 
 
I contemplated the “deeper things” about human existence. In my twenties, I figured out all of my personal shit and now balanced and liberated at 30, I can now “worry” about my role in this world and the future of humans.
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I walked the campus thinking, seeing and breathing, until I met the single-standing olive tree. The true symbol of the Greeks, this deeply rooted tree has more wisdom than my 30 years of existence. It told me to keep thinking and breathing and so did the cat down the road.

Still and calm, a slog of DSLR-camera tourists nudged me out of the way to get their “stock photo” of the cat. I started to believe that selfie-sticks are the vein of consumerism's humanity. I continued my journey.
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Nearby the towering Greek flag, I gazed into the distance staring at white and red rooftops while sliding out of the way for people’s selfie-sticks. I imagined that back in 400 BC, nothing but vast tree-covered lands once existed this space. 
 
Some people travel just to travel and to accumulate passport stamps as a means of external bragging. And maybe I do the same, but many of my journeys are guided from within.  If there’s an internal urge or attraction to see a place, there must be a reason why.
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For me, travel is a time to be alone and think in solitude. Many of my solo journeys are just parts of me trying to pick up the pieces of my soul that I somehow left behind on this planet. And well, I found that piece of me lying in Acropolis. It told me to not be afraid, stop worrying and it’s okay to be different and that wisdom still has a place to be in this world. 

At the time, I was 10 days away from launching my first travel memoir, Finding Om, a journey of backpacking and studying yoga in India. My journey of introspection and analysis between our east and west worlds inspired me to help people help themselves through ancient wisdom. And although semi-broke from backpacking, I knew abundance would find its way once again to my bank account.
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Although nature has taught me a lot, so did Acropolis. And for that I am forever thankful for this experience and the time I spent with the Greek fitness professionals. Their culture is alive and amazing and although they struggle financially, their heart is in the right place, in their head – something much of the world is missing today.
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Powerful places like Acropolis should never be taken for granted. The problems that our ancestors overcame and the appreciation people had for the past must never be forgotten. Although life is very difficult still today, it is no where near as challenging as it was even thirty years ago where parts of the world still suffered from inhumane acts. 

Touring Acropolis is more than just a tourist destination. It's the gateway into your soul and to understand the origins of mankind's most innovative thinkers. ​

Wisdom begins in wonder. – Socrates
 
He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature. – Socrates
 
Wisdom outweighs any wealth. – Sophocles
 
Nature does nothing uselessly. The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. - Aristotle
 

Youth is the best time to be rich, and the best time to be poor. - Euripides

What have you learned on your journeys abroad? I'd love to hear more about your thoughts, contemplative moments or journeys into the world unknown (and your soul). 

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5 Uncommon Reasons Why May is the Best Month to Travel in Europe

5/4/2016

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Ibiza, Spain
Somehow, I love the month of May. I remember being a child and loving the month of May. I always joked that I wanted to get married on May 15th – why? Who knows other than it being an internal sense of knowing.
 
After living in Europe for 15 months, I believe May is the best month to travel in Europe (and we can add September in there). Lately, I’ve been seeing the number five and well since it’s the fifth month, I’ve decided to write five reasons why I love Europe in May. Yes it’s cheaper and quieter, but here are some uncommon thoughts on why May is the best month to travel Europe.
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Valencia, Spain
The Birth of the Blossom
If you've ever been to Europe you know Europeans love flowers and floral shops. My instagram feed cycles with thoughts of,  "#OMG! The #flowers are #beautiful and #amazing!" I love flowers and well, Europe is beyond beautiful in May! From the tulips in the Netherlands to the roses in Germany to the wild flowers in Ibiza, May is the month of rebirth. It’s the time when natural beauty rebirths and the start to yet another jam-packed tourist season. If you love nature and beauty, May is the best month to experience the spring-summer blossoms that ignite street corners and balconies. If you want to get rained on by flower petals, be sure to spend sometime in the parks like the above picture in Valencia, Spain. 
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Den Haag, Netherlands
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Den Haag, Netherlands
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Utrecht, Netherlands
Moderate Temperatures
One July trip to London changed my perspective about temperatures. I love the heat, but apparently I only love it near the seashore. Walking around London in 90-degree heat, soaked in sweat with toothpicks keeping my eyes opened in a museum made me realize May is the best month (and well, September). Europe is not equipped with AC like the states. In the summer, museums are pretty much Van Gogh’s sauna and the streets are like a medieval fire pit. Must I explain more? ​
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Ibiza - Ushuaia
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Sundance at Roof Garden Hannover, Germany
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Peukie Beach Club Den Haag, ND
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Destino - Ibiza
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Peukie Beach Club Den Haag, ND
Epic Opening Parties 
If you enjoy the European party life, May kick-starts the party season with many roof top, outdoor and seasonal club events. Thankfully, a more mature crowd attends the events in May and we all know opening parties are a sure blast of amazing music and energetic crowds. I highly recommend the opening parties in Ibiza. Not only are the sets fantastic and atmosphere is out-of-this-world but also the energy from the people is fresh with room to breathe. 
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Berlin, Germany
Hotel Availability
Have you ever made abrupt travel plans or changes, only to find no hotel availability? Or better yet, the rooms are 300 quid per night because its Wimbledon final’s weekend, so you must Air B&B 30-minutes outside of the city. (Somehow I keep learning lessons from London?!) Not only is May’s tourism calmer, but also you can find last minute deals without breaking the bank. Summer is expensive everywhere in Europe, but you can still make last minute plans in May. 

Summer hotspots like the French Rivera  requires early booking, unless you want to pay several hundred (or thousand) euros per night – but not in May!
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Valencia, Spain
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Peukie Beach Club Den Haag, ND
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Oceans Beach Club Den Haag, ND
Mature Crowds
Before all those “schoolie” and college backpackers hit the streets while over intoxicated and peeing on buildings; May is an ideal month to experience the best of Europe without the drama. Though one can never escape drama and vomit-stained sidewalks (especially in Amsterdam), you can chill at a street side café without feeling rushed. 
 

I loved the Den Haag beach clubs where a more mature crowd drank and enjoyed the sun without a blatantly loud boozing binge-fest of bloody British blokes bitchin’ to their mates about banging bitches and being "bros before hoes." Pardon my blatancy, but these conversations do exist. At a beach café in Greece in June, the table of four Irish and British guys boasted about every girl they slept with on vacation. Although humorous, some details should be kept behind closed doors. And most people really don't want to hear those details. 

What is your favorite time to visit Europe? Or to travel? 

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    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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