DRINKS TABLE

HELLO FOODIE | DISREPUTE – D.R.P.

Hello Beautiful Souls! I am doing it again! This month, it is in September instead of our usual October. I am bringing some great places to you for  food and/or drinks here in London. [Whoop Whoop]. Foodtober is back and better this September! Twice a week [Mondays and Fridays], I will share a blog post about appetising and/or fancy spots I have been to for drinks, dinner or lunch. Let’s start with a sophisticated hidden cocktail bar called Disrepute.

This hidden cocktail bar is in the same street/alley as Cahoots on Kingly Court. It is a small luxurious cocktail & lounge bar in a basement. [Perfect for dates and cosy conversations]. I went to this hidden bar two years ago for the first time. It is still a lovely place to hide and have some exquisite cocktails. 

A fun fact is that this bar is number 12 on the list of the top 50 cocktail bars in the country. On the list, you will find some other suggestions from previous blog posts such as The Night Jar [13], Tayēr + Elementary [4], Oriole [8], Callooh Callay [48], and The Cocktail Trading Company [50].

Another fact is that Disrepute is a members-only bar, but you can book a table in advance online or, if you like, you can apply for membership just for a fee of 150,-. This fee makes it the cheapest you have to pay for a private members club and all its perks. 

 

[metaslider id=”13633″]

 

#hellolondon #londonlife #livingabroad #happy #goodvibes #misswidjaja2023 #mwlifeafter35 #hellogems #staycreative⁠ #afterworkdinner #londonfoodies #London #london.travelers #lifestyle #drinkstable #londonist  #londoning #soho #thingstodoinlondon #foodtober #hellofoodie #foodblogger #hiddencocktailsbars #afterworkdrinks #drinks #cocktails @disreputebar #disreputebar

TRAVEL

CHANIA – CRETE | 5 THINGS TO DO IN 2 DAYS

Hello Beautiful Souls! As you know by now, I travelled to Greece to visit Athens and five different islands in two weeks. The second visit was to the idyllic Island of Syros. After Syros, we moved to the smallest Island, Paros. Next was the largest Island of the Cyclades, Naxos. The fourth Island is the well-known Santorini, which, unlike all the other Islands I have been to, is on a cliff/caldera. Finally, we are ending the exquisite two weeks of Greece on the Island of Crete. Specifically, the city named Chania. 

Here is the itinerary of my five things to do in Chania within two days.

The old Venetian Harbour of Chania
Chania is a beautiful 14th-century harbour with [lots of] narrow streets and restaurants on the boulevard side near the waterfront. 

 

The lighthouse of Chania
When you walk around, towards the old Venetian Harbour, you will see the lighthouse. The lighthouse has influences from Venetia, Egypt and the Ottoman. Walking around the harbour, you will find many [touristic] restaurants. One of the things I like about walking in the old Venetian Harbour is the constant fresh breeze of air. 

Explore the streets of Chania
The streets here in Chania are one of the most gorgeous streets I have seen. With all the Venetian influences, you feel like you are in Italy. Walking around, you will find some authentic al fresco restaurants and shops. The shops in the old town are excellent for buying some “real” souvenirs, like organic soaps, extra virgin olive oils and gorgeous jewellery. 

One of my favourite restaurants is in the Old Town, owned by an old lady and her family, is called Argo Cafe Tavern. I had one of the best octopus salads here for lunch. 

 

Giali Tzamisi mosque
This mosque is a peculiar building from the 17th century. The building is now open for exhibitions. During my holiday there was a photo exhibition.

 

Imbros Gorge
The Imbros Gorge is an 11K long hike through a canyon. Best to start early morning to avoid the burning sun. Walking this gorge will take around two or three hours and end in the village of Kommitádes. There is a cafe/ bar to relax and drink after the hike. 

 

[metaslider id=”13081″]

 

#hellotravel #Greece #livingabroad #happy #goodvibes #misswidjaja2023 #mwlifeafter35 #hellogems #staycreative⁠ #itinerary5things2days #Chania #summerholidays #meetingnewpeople #familytrip #Crete #whattodoinCreteChania #lighthouseofChania #oldtown #oldVenetianHarbourofChania #ArgoCafeTavern #GialiTzamisi #ImbrosGorge #Kommitádes @discover_chania @we_love_crete_ @skg_explorers

TRAVEL

SANTORINI | 5 THINGS TO DO IN 2 DAYS

Hello Beautiful Souls! As you know, I travelled to Greece to visit Athens and five different islands in two weeks. The second stop was the idyllic Island of Syros. After Syros, we went from the smallest Island Paros to the largest Island of the Cyclades, Naxos. The fourth Island is the famous Santorini, which, unlike all the other Islands I have been to, is on a cliff/caldera. 

Here is the itinerary of my five things to do in Santorini within two days.

Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini. The Island is also known as Thira and got its shape from volcanic eruptions 3,600 years ago. The caldera, a reaction to the volcano eruption, makes the view of each part of the town so mesmerising. Fira and Oia have one of the best sunsets. It makes it slightly difficult to enjoy it in peace.

Of all the Islands, Santorini is the busiest and most expensive. The town of Fira is almost becoming a tourist trap. You can find here so many shops, restaurants and bars. It doesn’t feel that authentic anymore. However, the sunsets from this Island are from another level. In the evenings in September, the Island can be pretty chilly and windy, so you will [definitely] need a jacket.

One of the restaurants I enjoyed eating at is Dionysos in Atlantis. Great for anything from Greek cuisine or pizzas. A church to visit in this town is Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. This Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church which is refreshing after seeing many Byzantine churches.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias
The Monastery is 565 meters above sea level and on the highest hill in Santorini. The Monastery [ built in 1712] is one of the oldest churches in Santorini. It is lovely to walk around the Monastery. They even have a gift shop with lots of liqueurs, natural soaps and tea. I brought back lemon liqueur from here. I immediately regretted not bringing home another bottle. It was excellent!

Perissa
Perissa is known for its black sand beaches. If you like to be on a beach with fewer people, go to Perissa. We had lunch at a lovely beach restaurant called Aegean Safran.

Cable car of Santorini
The cable car connects Fira with the port. If you go down from Fira, you might have to wait a long time before heading up again. The port is where all passengers from different cruise ships land when they want to spend a day in Fira or anywhere on the Island. We regrettably did take the cable car down to the port. From there, we waited 45 minutes [in the burning sun] to go up again.

Hike from Fira to Oia
The “most” panoramic hike is the hike from Fira to Oia. The hike is a 10K walk along the edge of the cliff. There should be a path that connects both towns. Once you are at the starting point in Fira, It will be easy to define how to walk.

The last tip is when you leave the Island and need to go to the port, make sure you leave in time. Keep in mind there will be lots of traffic. When this happens, you might need to wait before your bus can drive downhill to the port.

 

[metaslider id=”12764″]

 

#hellotravel #Greece #livingabroad #happy #goodvibes #misswidjaja2023 #mwlifeafter35 #hellogems #staycreative⁠ #itinerary5things2days #Santorini #summerholidays #meetingnewpeople #familytrip #Fira #whattodoinSantorini #Thira #caldera #DionysosinAtlantis #SaintJohntheBaptist #TheMonasteryofProphetElias #Perissa #AegeanSafran #CablecarofSantorini #HikefromFiratoOia #10Khike @santorini @skg_explorers

*Feautured image is taken by someone else of the Djoser group.

 

TRAVEL

NAXOS | 5 THINGS TO DO IN 2 DAYS

Hello Beautiful Souls! As you know, I travelled to Greece to visit Athens and five different islands in two weeks. The second stop was the idyllic Island of Syros. After Syros, we went from the smallest Island Paros to the largest Island of the Cyclades, Naxos.

Here is the itinerary of my five things to do in Naxos within two days.

Chora
The capital of Naxos is Chora. It is also known as Naxos Town. It is a port filled with beautiful white houses and medieval Venetian mansions. The boulevard is the place to be for drinks with a view of the sunset. I have met such lovely locals working there at bars and restaurants.

Kastro
Kastro is part of the old town on the hilltop above Chora. You can still see bits and pieces of the castle dating to the 13th century. There is an archaeological museum here in this Venetian town, but it is much nicer to stroll around the narrow street and see some street art along the way. There are many jewellery shops and shops for Greek-style cotton/linen shirts when walking from the old town to Chora. These are great for gifts and also for yourself. I loved the jewellery shops with silver jewellery that are gold plated and gemstone pendants. Jewellery is the perfect souvenir to bring home.

The Portara
The sunset at The Portara is a bit cheesy but still worth it. You will find lots of tourists watching the sunset from here. The Portara is the Temple of Apollo. It is an unfinished temple built in 530 BC. This “main” landmark is visible when you arrive at the port.

The Temple of Demeter
This temple is also known as the Temple of Sangri and is one of the earliest Ionic temples built in 530 BC. The temple was dedicated most likely to Demeter. Greece is such a wonderful place to visit ancient archaeological sites. I missed during the Island trips having a historical guide who could tell us more about these archaeological sites during a day tour around the Island.

Panagia Drosiani Church
This church is the Oldest Christian church of Naxos near Moni. It date from the 6th century AC. Panagia Drosiania, known as the Dewy Virgin, is one of the most important Byzantine churches. The frescos in this church are very visible. It is such a privilege to be able to see ancient frescos still today. Next to the church, you will find the cemetery of the village.

We stayed in hotel Barbouni, which is run by a lovely old lady and her family. It is just 20 minute walk from the port towards the old town. I had one of the best breakfasts here. Simple, but you could see she made it with love. A nearby beach is Agios Georgios Beach. There are a lot of beach bars here for lunch and to relax in the shades. Unfortunately, I forgot all the names of the bars and restaurants we went to, but the harbour has so many great restaurants/bars you can’t go wrong.

At Naxos, [it was the first time] I tried the traditional Rabbit Stifado [stew] and a tasty gyros pita. I [definitely] recommend trying all traditional Greek food.

 

[metaslider id=”12483″]

 

#hellotravel #Greece #livingabroad #happy #goodvibes #misswidjaja2023 #mwlifeafter35 #hellogems #staycreative⁠ #itinerary5things2days #Naxos #summerholidays #meetingnewpeople #familytrip #Chora #whattodoinNaxos #Choraport #Cyclades #Kastro #Byzantineera #ancientByzantinechurch #ThePortara #TempleofApollo #Byzantinechurches #TheTempleofDemeter #PanagiaDrosianiChurch #Moni #Barbouni #AgiosGeorgiosBeach #RabbitStifado #gyrospita @visit.naxos @skg_explorers