Belles on Location

Great places to travel and travel experiences from Travel Belles and Beaus around the world.

Travel Expectations and Finding the Silver Lining

I’m sure that every one who loves to travel the world has at least once experienced a moment of disappointment. You have chosen a destination because of the beautiful or interesting things you have heard or seen in pictures; you get there and all you think is: oh my God, what’s all the hype about? And if you could, you would like nothing better than turn on your heel and return to from where you came.

But as the following story of my trip to Bulgaria will reveal, don’t! Look closer and you will find that there is almost always a silver lining, something to look at and admire which, more often than not, is completely unexpected. Often the key is to just give the place a chance.

The Street Food of Athens, Greece

… under the looming gaze of the Parthenon, lies the Monastiraki section of the city. Take a stroll through this bustling neighborhood where vendors sell fish, meat and vegetables alongside more touristy fare of T-shirts, worry beads and replicas of ancient vases, and you’ll come across one of my all-time favorite treats : roast chestnuts. You have to work a little at peeling back the crispy outer layer, but it’s worth it! Chestnut vendors sell roast corn as well — tastes great with a sprinkle of Greek sea salt on top.