Island Hopping: Koh Phangan

Our next stop was Koh Phangan, this island is probably my favorite during the trip through Thailand. We stayed in the north, far away from the party people which tend to stay in Haad Rin. From the beginning it was quite clear that we wanted to relax and our hotel was the perfect hideaway. Well, it's not only the hotel that keeps you hidden... you are literally stuck on that island I mean there are no real streets or sightseeing spots to visit and thats the reason why this island is so flawless, no rush, no nasty tourist bars... the only thing you have is the beach, the sun and the jungle behind you. 

Did I miss something? 

Haha oh yes... the Half and Full Moon Partys! We went to the Half Moon Party on Christmas Eve, a different way to celebrate Christmas for sure, but it was so much fun. The party itself is located inside the jungle in the middle of now where... it is very psychedelic, colourful and the people are crazy and full of drugs, but funny and obviously happy.

Island Hopping: Koh Samui

After we visited Bangkok (post here) our next stop was Koh Samui. We stayed 3 nights in a very nice hotel called Anantara - Villa Lawana.There we had our own little pool so we could enjoy our privacy and the silence. Believe me after Bangkok that's exactly what you need. To explore the island we rented a moped and that was the best idea ever. We found a nice and not so crowded beach, had a really nice dinner on the beach in Mae Nam and visited some sightseeing spots. 

1 Day in Barcelona

I visited Barcelona twice, the last time was in September and yes I am doing it again at the end of this month! What can I say... I can't get enough of this place. It's such a vivid and interesting city, just walking through the streets of Barri Gotic, El Raval and El Born is so magical. I can't really describe why I immediately feel like home when I leave the plane, its crazy. 

But that's where a trip usually starts, right? So hurry up leave the bloody plane, grab a taxi and enter this beautiful city.

Start with a walk to the Mercat de la Boqueria, watch the lively people around you and have a healthy breakfast with some fruits and a freshly squeezed juice.

After you visited the Boqueria Market it's time to walk to the beach. Please don't just walk down the Rambla, that would be such a waste. It's way more interesting when you take a walk trough the streets of Barri Gotic and El Born. 

You arrived at the beach in Barceloneta and the weather is good? Great... sit down take a sunbathe and enjoy the sea. Hungry again? We once had lunch in a Restaurant located on the beach named Xup Xup, it wasn't bad at all. I had a goat cheese salad and Tobi had a Gazpacho.

Xup Xup

Passeig Maritim Barceloneta, 1

08003 Barcelona

The good thing about Barcelona is that you can go shopping and visit the major sightseeing spots simultaneously. Start at the Placa de Catalunya and continue on the Passeig de Gracia. After you are done with the shopping walk to Casa Mila/La Pedrera and enjoy the rooftop, the art and the view. It's magnificent and one of my favorite places in Barcelona.

For a little break I would recommend you this nice little bakery next to Casa Mila called Lolita Bakery. I had a Red Velvet Cupcake super yummy.

Lolita Bakery

Carrer Provenca 267

08008 Barcelona

Next stop is the Sagrada Familia, this gothic church is very impressive and what I love the most is the ceiling inside. 

Heading home? Nope... we are not finished yet! We still haven't been to the Parc Güell, take the Metro it's very convenient and quick. 

After all this sightseeing it is finally time for dinner! The best Paella I ever had was in a Restaurant called Can Majo close to the beach. 

Can Majo

Almirall Aixada, 23

08003 Barcelona

Blueberry Pancakes

Ingredients

300 g Flour

4 Eggs (seperate the egg white from the yolk)

½ Package of Backing Powder

1 Vanilla Pod

3 Tblsp. Sugar

Pinch of Salt

200 ml Milk

300 ml Jogurt

Blueberries

Take a bigger bowl and combine the flour, baking soda, yolk, milk and yogurt. Use an electric whisk to mix them together till it's smooth. Gradually add the sugar, salt and the pure vanilla. Now prepare the beaten egg white and fold it gently into the dough and add the blueberries. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Now get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to medium and do a test pancake to see if you need to add a bit more sugar or whatever you think is missing. While you are baking the pancakes it can get a bit boring so don't forget to play music. 

Serve the Pancakes hot with maple sirup or icing sugar.

Just to let you know I was listening to Damien Rice. 

  

Bon appétit!