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

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).

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.  

Café Audrey – Aegidientorplatz *Closed in 2017*

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. 

Teestüebchen_ – Old Town

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. 

Helene Schiffers Schokolade Café – Old Town

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. 

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. 

Markthalle – Old Town

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!
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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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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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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 Slager 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. 

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). 

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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What’s red, orange and dotted with a side of purple greens? My experience at Bliss, a blissful time of where healthy food meets modern culture. 
 
Tallinn’s Old Town is a true medieval spectacle, like I wrote in a previous post - Tallinn, Estonia: A Walk Down Medieval Memory Lane.  The ancient-looking streets looked exactly the same as it did back in the 15th Century; the only difference is the modern interiors at many of the street-side cafes. Still old, I recommend Tallinn for anyone who wants to experience an authentic Eastern European trip. 

I found several vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tallinn. One of the ways that I exercise while traveling is to do everything by foot. And well, I definitely got my walk in before and after eating at Bliss.
 
Located outside of the main Old Town, I walked a mile down a semi desolate-looking road to what seems like a street that never ends. Along the way, I found a few Estonian cats waving their tales in the windows of the locals.
 
I entered Bliss and my eyes caught onto the chic and vibrant décor that splashed a bit of Bohemian living amidst open-air windowed walls. Speaking English is not common outside of the Old Town, but luckily a girl who knew enough English explained to me how it works at Bliss. 

Bliss offers a daily vegetarian and vegan-friendly buffet that has over 100 dishes. Over 50 are gluten-free and about 50 lactose-free dishes. Here, you can find everything imaginable that the plant-craving stomach juices desire, with international favorites such as hearty chana masala, pumpkin soup and guacamole.  
 
Each person receives a bliss card and you can make unlimited trips to the buffet since they weigh the plate by the 100 grams. After meandering through the aisles, my soul yearned to dip my finger in every ounce of homemade dessert and ice cream.
 
I sniffed the rising steam wafting a top of the main courses and let my nose and stomach guide me to the best. As you can see, I tried several sides with my favorite being the squash soup. I love soup. It’s like a deep love affair and somehow its one of the best things that I cook. 

Encapsulated by the carrot salad, I couldn’t help but snap a few photos. Meanwhile, that is a mistake. Bliss does not allow photographs of their space. I understood their point of view, but found it to be a bummer since I wanted to write about it. But, I wouldn’t let that stop you. Sadly, because of this I couldn’t show you the miraculous cakes or the decadent lattes overflowing with froth.
 
I ended my meal with sweet potato fries. Yes, it tastes just like home. Normally, I refrain from anything fried, but after walking 16-miles in 3 days, my body craved fat like no other.
 
When in Tallinn, take a walk or a ride, to Bliss where blissology meets foodology for no other study better than the one inside your mouth.

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 Vegan in Tallinn, Estonia: Bliss Buffet & Restaurant
 
Mustamäe tee 17, Tallinn 10616
http://www.blissest.com/en/

Do you easy vegan cooking? Check out my vegan food blog at: Mind Body Soul Food www.mindbodysoul-food.com/recipes 
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Scotland isn’t exactly the cuisine capitol of the world. From Haggis to shortbread, the only required daily nutrient of a Scottish diet is whiskey. Although it’s improving, word on the street has it that the only vegetable the Scots ate were peas, most likely from a can. Can I survive as a meatless traveler?

Well, my god mate, you can. The Scottish diet and cuisine choices are blossoming. Healthier food choices are a part of the diet and Edinburgh has a thriving vegetarian and vegan scene. In fact, I may have eaten at more plant-based restaurants in Edinburgh than I have in other cities in Europe. 

While Britain feels seemingly close to America, to me, Scotland feels more European. In fact, I believe the Scots are proud to be European. You can see it in the streets and can experience it in their mindset and politics. And there was not cuter way than to combine a quaint European café with eastern flare than at the Himalayan café.

Vegan in Edinburgh, Scotland: Himalaya CafeCertain things like wraps I feel is very American. In Germany, you survive solely off brot, brotchens and baked goods. Although my tongue bleeds every day for a brotchen, I do enjoy mixing things up. But, pretty much I got accustomed to eating lunch as breakfast.  

Before heading to the airport, I bussed up to Himalayan café, dragging my suitcase across the puddled sidewalks with my right hand and my left held my umbrella and IPhone while my eyes gazed at the little blue dot. 

I entered the café with a warm welcome from the owner and was greeted to a colorful table outlined with vibrant pillows. Chilled to the bone, I ordered their popular chai tea. 

With steamed milk, I sniffed the aroma and licked the cinnamon-flavored froth. Upon that first “sense-ual” experience I transported back to India. I became amazed (once again) at how powerful our senses are. What we hear, see, smell and taste are imprinted memories that ignite our soul. It felt like just yesterday I took my first footsteps onto Indian soil, when in fact it's been eight years. That's how powerful our senses are. 

My mind raced with all the memories of chai I drank in India. Back to reality, I gazed out the rainy window to people watch men dressed in suits running to and from work. I then thanked the universe for that opportunity to have a year off to experience the world. 

And then another customer entered the cafe and greeted the owner, Reka. I thought, "Jesus where am I? Have I transported back into time?" The owner of the yoga facility of where I studied yoga in India is named Rekah. In that moment, I knew I was at the right place at the right time.

In fact, the experience was more symbolic as I just finished writing my travel memoir, Finding Om. Like any regular person with emotions, I had doubts about my upcoming adventure, but I felt as if like reassured me to move forward with the project. I believe in signs and the funny conversations I have in my head with the universe somehow needs to be reconfirmed that I am on the right (or wrong) path. 

Hungry, I wanted to try everything on the menu. Should I order breakfast or lunch? From simple wraps to local cuisine, I did not know what to order. Closing my eyes, my fingers touched down on the avocado pistachio pesto wrap. 

The café inspired my culinary adventures as when I returned to Germany, I immediately transformed my original pine nut pesto into a pistachio pesto.  Delightful and delicious, my soul became energized from combining whole foods stuffed inside a tortilla. Now the question of the day is, "Do I order the red velvet cake or no?" 

Processed colored cakes do not really exist in Germany. I opened my wallet and made a conscious decision to save some money and skip the cake. Though, it did make me extremely sad. Cake is one of the best pleasures in life. 

Along with the cafe and tea room, this place offers gifts sent directly from Nepal, Tibet and India. So, whether you're looking for a snack or a Buddha coin purse, you can find it here at the cafe and therapy center. Situated in Edinburgh's Old Town, look for the green building that says, "Free Tibet" and enjoy a cup of spicy or sweet chai to stay warm on a traditional cloudy Scottish day. 
Himalaya Cafe 
20 South Clerk Street
Edinburgh EH8 9PR
Newington

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 Vegan in Edinburgh, Scotland: Himalaya Cafe

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The Lemon Tree & GPSmycity.com have partnered to bring you informative articles available in the downloadable app that works offline! Get maps, tips and all the information you need from this article, available here at this link. 
To me, Hannover is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s a place where the big city life meets small town Germany. Hannover has everything that Hamburg, Berlin and Munich has, just packed in a dense city center. It's a city packed with music, art and culture, and the vegan scene is no different. 

One of my favorite personal quests in Hannover included tasting Hannover's thriving vegan scene. Hiller claims to be the oldest vegetarian café in Germany, selling hot meals and sweet treats since 1955. Today, Hiller has been vegan since 2012.  I recognized the name Hiller because they serve food truck-style meals at the many vegan and city events in town.
 
Meandering west of the Hauptbanhof, we found Hiller tucked away in a residential side street corridor and nestled behind a tiny street-side café with bushes to privatize guests to the walker-bys.  
 
Sitting outside on a hot summer day, the staff (and the nagging bees) welcomed us with a simple menu, or “speisekarte.” Nothing too complex or over the top, the menu looks basic and straightforward, but trust me the flavors burst with excellence.
 
Cute, quiet and quaint, this is a place to visit for an authentic European experience. Most Americans would call it the slow food movement; Hiller’s is not a fast-paced location. And that doesn’t mean that they are slow or unorganized, it’s just the lifestyle and I dig that.  It’s what Europe is, a slow moving snail (schnecke) compared to our bullet-paced eating culture in America. Eat healthy. Eat slowly. Enjoy life. Sounds simple right?
 
I decided to order the CHAMPIGNONS À LA CRÈME MIT SALBEI-RISOTTO UND SEITAN-KRUSTLING. Or in English, mushrooms in a cream sauce with sage risotto and a seitan steak. To me, this was the most unique option on the menu, plus I had a hankering for seitan.
 
While trying to perfect my own homemade meats, I realized that restaurant seitan and gluten-based meats have something to them – flavor. As a vegan food critic, I know a lot of “stuff” has to go into vegan meats. I remember in college I used to love Morning Star’s bacon strips, until I read the ingredient label. It had MSG and all these other things in it that I could not pronounce.
Making seitan at home is sometimes not the same as compared to restaurant style.
 
And hot damn did I make the right choice. I forgot my DSLR so I had to use my IPhone to capture the savory and palate-popping flavor. Everything was perfect and in unity even right down to the mushroom.
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Mushrooms with quark (similar to a yogurt sauce) is a popular German essen (food). They sautéed the mushrooms to perfection, soft, but left with a slight crunch.  Mixed with the seitan, I felt my body powered with enough protein to last me through my upcoming Greek vacation.  
 
And, the bees liked it too. Swarming and disturbing my meal, the bees were out for any chance at a lick of food, but I think they preferred the apple and avocado salad. But in all honesty, how could the bees not like the salad? It was a molten lava of chakra-pumping vegetables that ignited my confidence to believe that I could achieve anything. (And least thats how I connect to healthy food.)
 
Topped with “apfel-zwiebel” (apple onion) dressing, I ran to the train station after eating to grab ingredients to try to recreate their dressing. This salad knocked my socks off especially with the combination of the crunchy carrot and romaine with the soft avocado. The light dressing atop of the carrots were my favorite part.
 
For Hannover, prices are a bit on the higher end, but I promise its worth at least one dine. Hiller’s offers a Saturday buffet and mid-day 3 course meal. To sign off I’ll leave you with Hiller’s motto:
 
“Überraschend. Natürlich. Vegetarisch.”
 
Surprising. Naturally. Vegetarian – must I say more?

​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 Vegan in Hannover, Germany: Hiller Vegan Café


Kontakt
Blumenstraße 3, 30159 Hannover
Telefon: 0511 - 32 12 88
E-Mail: [email protected]
http://www.hiller.hasede.com

I woke up tired and sleepy on a traditionally cloudy German morning. Cold and wearing my sweats, I showed up to Steintor platz where I volunteered to help build the weekend long vegan Hannover Christmas markets. One gal I spoke with said, “Only one-percent of Germans are vegan, but it’s a growing trend.”
 
One percent seemed tiny, but living in a meat and dairy society, I was pleasantly surprised at how open-minded Germans are about veganism. I spoke with and watched many meat-eaters support the local market not only because they know eating more vegetable-based foods are healthy for them and the planet.
 
This blew my socks off because in the States I feel many people live at one end of the spectrum. You are either a peace-loving vegan hippie or a manly man who has the right to bear-arms, hunts and grills deer-steaks in the back yard. There’s barely a fusion between the two and for many Americans eating 16-ounce steaks is what a man does. But this was opposite in Germany, where many meat eaters are open and supportive to eating alternative food.
 
Anyways, the Vegan Christmas markets are every non-meat eaters dream. From homemade meals to desserts, everything I tasted was heaven on earth. Goulash, doner kebabs, seitan chicken in peanut sauce, marzipan cupcakes and raw goji berry and coconut squares were the best things my tastebuds have ever tried.
 
Each stall was cutely decorated and it was a collection of like-minded people. From books to food products to condoms, there was something for everybody. I spoke with the director of a vegan river cruise that runs twice per year. Wow, how open-minded are these people?
 
When I first moved to Germany I had concerns about the availability of vegan products. After a bit of time and research, Germany was chocked full of the same stuff that we have in the states. In fact, due to EU food policies, the vegan options are healthier because of the lack of salt, sugar and preservatives in the food.
 
I loved the community and the atmosphere. The few people who I had conversations with in English were not like traditional Germans. They were relaxed and not as uptight about certain things. They were overall very friendly and hospitable people who invited me to other events in the area.
 
I could only wish the vegan markets were year round. But the Vegane Hannover group also offers a springtime market. For a mid-sized city, Hannover has a thriving Vegan scene and is one of the best in Germany. So when in Hannover at Christmas, experience these markets that run the first weekend in December.
 
 

​What is round, fluffy and tastes delightful? German kuchen (cake) of course! Although your furry fellow may claim a furball, I get really excited over trying vegan restaurants while traveling. I get UBER excited when a cat is involved. When searching for vegan cafes in Munich, I ran across the Katzen café and instinctively knew I needed to go here.
 
I walked into the café and surprised that every table was occupied except for one small table for two. I sat at the table located next to the cat tree and watched this gingerly fellow snore and sleep his day away. Damn, what a life, hey? That tiny little red headed cat inspired a dreamy cup of snoozle-berries to encourage me to curl up on the nearby couch with a blanket. I seriously needed a cat nap right about now.
 
In the mood for something warm, I ordered a vegan chai latte and watched the various cats’ run, rub and zip themselves throughout the store. The one cat loved the cash register and found her secret hideout on top of the kuchen (cake) case. 

I think the funniest part about watching any animal is the toys. I find it cute yet hilarious when watching a kitty gnaw on a catnip fish or Santa lobster. Damn, this made me miss my little sweet kitten named Snickers.
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Luckily, I visited the shop at snack time. The waitress rustled a small cat treat bag as the little boy threw the treats in the open area. As fast as lightening, the cats skipped the tender love from the humans in hopes of catching a tenderloin kibble. Begging, pleading and meowing, the cats “nom nom-ed” on their treats and with a full belly went to find the closest comfort zone for another midafternoon catnap.
 
Although sunny outside, the cats and the chai warmed my soul to know that everything in life will be all right. Isn’t the power of pets amazing? Nothing is more healing than the vibrations of a cat’s purr roaming throughout the body.
 
The Katzen Café is one hundred percent vegan and sells various logoed products such as shopping bags and t-shirts. So just like the cat’s meow, make sure you visit the Katzen Café on your next trip into Munich. Even if you're having a bad day, its the place to go to when you need a quick "TLC" pick me up. 
Turkenstr. 29 | 80799 München, 80799, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Sometimes mistakes turn out to be the best thing ever. That is exactly what happened to us exploring De Gusa Italian Restaurant. We meandered through Old Town to discover every alley way and window with laundry hanging outside.
 
Famished, we stumbled upon “Place de Jesus” and entered one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. After exiting the church, we became famished and starved. Adjacent to the restaurant in De Gusa where we sat down, not knowing the restaurant was not officially open for 13 more minutes. The local waiters said, “Seven we open.” We contemplated walking around, but decided to stick around because of the affordable prices. 
 
I decided to order a chai from the Indian restaurant next door (by the way which was an authentic Indian chai) and wait until the clock struck seven. Starved, I became confused not knowing what to order. Everything sounded good and at least one-third of the menu was vegetarian-friendly.
 
Josh ordered the pesto pasta and I ordered the Napoli pasta and the soupe au pistou. I never tried this vegetable-based soup, and wanted to experience something new. The soup arrived and with two spoons we dug in and fell in love with the first bite. The simple soup contains the “pistou” which are herbs and olive oil that is placed upon the soup. The flavor and concoction was unmatched and I became determined to master this recipe.
 
Next, the waiter approached with the meals. Both our eyes perked up and belted #OMG to the Roman Gods and thanked them for our meal. The homemade pasta noodles and sauce were as authentic as an Italian Grandma cooking from her 1921 Italian kitchen. The pesto pasta was out of this world. The simple olive oil and basil was smooth and topped with whole pine nuts. It was not a cheese-type of pesto that is found in jars at the grocery store. They used the traditional lighter olive oil that hones an authentic taste.
 
The meal was extra special because we celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. The bonus included free water, homemade bread and Parmesan cheese that Josh mentioned was amazing. One of the best parts of French cooking is that they do not overload on the salt. So nearly saltless, I enjoyed controlling how much salt entered my food.
 
If there's any one European culture who knows how to eat and live, its the French and Italian culture. Here you get the best of both worlds that appeases the vegan palate. The most amazing part of Nice is the history. Once conquered by Greeks, Romans and Italians, you get the best of Italy set alongside the beautiful Mediterranean shorelines of the French Riviera.  If you are looking for something fresh, authentic and affordable in Nice, look no further than De Gusa.

Wander Seattle without getting lost! 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 Vegan in Nice: De Gusa Italian Restaurant. 
 

It was just another morning of boardwalking through Ses Figuertas and Ibiza Town. I found it too hot to drink a morning tea or coffee so I thought, “Why not energize the body with yet another smoothie.” I walked past Soleado a few times noticing the amazing seaside tables perched about 10 feet above the crashing waves.

With only five Euros in my pocket, I glanced at a menu with gratitude since their smoothies cost five Euros. I grabbed a front row table and sat in peace while staring at the ocean.

“Wow, life is so….,” I thought as the waiter approached saying, “Hola Como Estas?”

I ordered a coconut-based smoothie that contained tropical fruit and banana. The restaurant sits in the heart of Ses Figuertas nestled between Ibiza Town and Playa D’en Bossa.  In my opinion, the water and shoreline is more beautiful and pristine than the Playa shore.

Soleado is mainly a seafood and meat-based restaurant that offers vegetarian options. For breakfast, they serve smoothies, coffees and teas. It’s an ideal morning destination for one of the cheapest smoothies and the best views on this side of the island.

Even if I went out the night before, I dragged myself out of bed no later than 9:00 am to explore town. The “early morning” café was quiet with a few folks sipping a latte. I found it enjoyable to sit in peace and quiet while the ocean inspired my thoughts. With ambient music in the background, I felt as if I discovered Heaven on Earth.

It reminded me of the times I sat in Australia with my surfboard and contemplated the deeper meanings to life. The ocean has an effect on me that only those who are aquatic-loving creatures can understand. I send positive vibrations to the universe to bring me back to Ibiza in hopes of doing a retreat or something similar.

Soleado (like most cafes) offer British English, French, German and Spanish menus. For the seaside view, I feel Soleado offers comparable prices with other restaurants. The restaurant offers an upper and lower terrace for your eating pleasure. To sign off I leave you with some inspiration from Soleado.

“I can resist anything but temptation.” O. Wilde

​The Lemon Tree & GPSmycity.com have partnered to bring you informative articles available in the downloadable app that works offline! Get maps, tips and all the information you need from this article, available here at this link. 


Soleado Restaurante
Paseo Ses Pitiusas s/n, 07800 Figueretas – Ibiza
http://www.soleadoibiza.com/?lang=en