Tag: travelshots

From Austin to Seattle, With Love!

August 4th, 2017

As our country was prepping to celebrate another birthday, I decided to pack my bags and head to the Northwest to escape the Texas heat! Goodbye Austin, hello Seattle!

I booked a room at Hotel FIVE in Belltown, Seattle; check-in was a breeze and the delightful hotel staff was more than happy to offer a quick overview of the area and some recommendations for food nearby.

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Once I got up to the room, aside from the vibrant decor, I notice something very unexpected, it was this adorable little husky sitting on the bed. His name is Dash and the little card on the bed encouraged me to take him along on my travels, tagging photos with #dashadvenutres. This was a bit of marketing genius!

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

The room was clean and quiet with a funky, yet somehow homey decor. The red accent wall behind the bed really made the room feel warm and inviting.

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

There was also a pineapple shaped box placed on the counter as a fun little upsell; an assortment of Munchies for your late night cravings.

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St. Giles Cathedral

November 4th, 2015

When entering into the Cathedral, I was greeted by a very large sign requesting that no photos be taken until a 2 GBP fee was paid for a photography permit. It stated that the fee would be used to fund the upkeep of the church which was founded in the 12th century. So, I walked up to the attended, paid my 2 GBPs and spent the next hour plus wondering around the massive interior, reading each of the placards and snapping photos.

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Tomb of James, Marquis of Montrose is shown below. “From 1644 to 1646, and again in 1650, he fought a civil war in Scotland on behalf of the King and is generally referred to in Scotland as simply ‘the Great Montrose’.”

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Such attention to detail …

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

As luck would have it, my visit coincided with the organist’s practice schedule. I felt like I was in a movie – the acoustics of this building were amazing. I only wish I had better words to describe this experience …

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

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An American Girl in Ireland

June 17th, 2015

It took me about three weeks to convince myself to do it, but it’s totally happening … I’m heading to Ireland in October!

Yes, while this seems to not be such a big deal to some, I’ve always lived my life with a certain care … for many years I have had to weight the thoughts of a good meal versus a roof over my head. In the past five years, all of that has changed. Though a lot of hard work and determination, I have placed myself into a great position.

Even though everything is going well, I always have that little voice in the back of my head that say, “what if … ” Well, with the purchasing of these tickets, I have basically told that voice to shut it’s trap!

I’m not much of a spontaneous person, so while three weeks of convincing is the exact opposite, I still feel like I’m becoming a more “in the moment” individual.

With that, the tickets are purchased, the time off of work booked … now I just have to figure out what to do when I get there.

To help answer this question, I’ve turned to my all time favorite travel guru, Rick Steves!

Rick Steves Ireland 2015 is up-to-date, and considered by many sites to be one of the best travel guides out there … let’s face it, Rick is my hero! Travel, adventure, food and friends – I can’t think of anything better.

I’ll be flying into Dublin – basically the least expensive option from the US – with the intention of spending about four to five days exploring Ireland, chatting up the people and drinking copious amounts of the black stuff. Let’s face it, I’m a light weight … by copious amount, I mean a pint or two.

After that, who knows! I have about 10 days booked on the other side of the pond, so I’m thinking of taking a quick trip over to Bavaria, maybe check out Hirschgarten which is heralded as having the largest beer garden in Munich, maybe the world.

The only thing I’m afraid of with this trip, is falling in love with either of the countries … that would pose a problem for my budget. But hey, you only live once, you might as well enjoy it!

With that, I’m off to plan …