Harrods, Rotisserie, Box, with, truffle, mac, and, cheese, roasted, broccoli, and, chicken, showcasing, a, generous, and, delicious, meal
FOOD CORNER

HELLO LONDON | HARRODS ROTISSERIE

Hello Beautiful Souls,
Inspired by some viral TikTok videos, I ventured on a culinary adventure to try the famed rotisserie box at Harrods. Intrigued by the buzz around the Harrods Rotisserie menu, I couldn’t resist giving it a try.

After spending a delightful afternoon at the V&A Museum, just a 15-minute walk from Harrods, I found myself with some extra time and a beautiful sunny day beckoning me to explore further. Harrods, with its iconic food hall, seemed the perfect destination.

Upon arriving, I headed straight to the Rotisserie counter. The prices were quite reasonable, with a full rotisserie box costing just £10. This includes your choice of meat, two sides, and two condiments. However, I was particularly drawn to the truffle mac and cheese box, priced at £12 but following the same concept. Unfortunately, the rotisserie chicken was sold out for the day, but I was eager to try the truffle mac and cheese.

Harrods, Rotisserie, Box, with, truffle, mac, and, cheese, roasted, broccoli, and, chicken, showcasing, a, generous, and, delicious, meal

When I got home and opened my box, I was not disappointed. The rich aroma of truffle hit me immediately, and the flavours did not disappoint. The mac and cheese was creamy and indulgent, with a perfect hint of truffle. The roasted broccoli and chicken were delicious, making for a satisfying and hearty meal. For the price point, I was pleasantly surprised by both the quality and quantity. It was a generous portion, easily shareable.

Harrods, Rotisserie, Box, with, truffle, mac, and, cheese, roasted, broccoli, and, chicken, showcasing, a, generous, and, delicious, mealSo, beautiful souls, if you find yourself near Harrods, I highly recommend picking up a rotisserie box. It’s a delightful and affordable treat, perfect for lunch or a takeaway. The Harrods Food Hall offers a wide array of options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. I know I’ll be returning to try the rotisserie chicken next time.

With love,
Miss Widjaja

Clifton Beaches 1-4-capetown-southafrica
TRAVEL

South Africa | From East to West in 14 Days Part 2

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Continuing our journey through South Africa, let’s dive into the details of my adventures from Day 8 onwards. From the breathtaking beauty of Plettenberg Bay to the historical charm of Swellendam and the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town, each day brought discoveries and unforgettable experiences. If you missed Part 1, go back to read all about the first 7 days in South Africa before continuing to read Part 2.

Day 8: Exploring Plettenberg Bay

TsitsikammaPark-plettenbergbayDespite a rainy start to the day, we didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits. We ventured on a breathtaking hike in Tsitsikamma Park, where the dramatic coastal scenery against the forest backdrop made every step worth it. However, the chilly aircon from the previous night left me with a cold, so I opted for a cosy evening in bed, preparing for the excitement of whale watching the next day. The hotel at Plettenberg Bay was one of the best during the trip, Bayview Hotel Plettenberg. The meals in the hotel restaurant were superb and room service made it possible to eat in the hotel room when I needed to recover from the cold.

Day 9: Whale Watching and Protea Farm

ProteaFarm-plettenbergbay-southafricaBid farewell to Plettenberg Bay with an amazing morning adventure on the Indian Ocean! Our excursion with Ocean Blue Adventures offered glimpses of majestic whales and visits to the Seal Colony at Robberg Nature Reserve. Despite the challenge of capturing these incredible creatures on camera, the experience was a definite success. Afterwards, we indulged in a relaxing visit to a protea farm, where we learned about these fascinating plants and enjoyed stunning views. The evening ended with a delightful BBQ hosted by our friendly fellow travellers in Oudtshoorn, making for a memorable night under the stars.

Day 10: Oudtshoorn Adventures

Betsy-thekisser-Oudtshoorn-south africaOur day was filled with exploration in Oudtshoorn, guided by the knowledgeable Roland. From an eye-opening excursion to the majestic Swartberg to an up-close encounter with ostriches on a local farm where we met Betsy “the kisser”, every moment was filled with wonder. We indulged in a wine tasting afterwards and savoured a mouthwatering dinner featuring juicy ostrich meat [one of the tastiest meat I ever tried], making for a day filled with special experiences.

Day 11: Swellendam Heritage Tour

swellendam-accomodationWe immersed ourselves in history with a visit to Swellendam, the fourth oldest town in South Africa. The Drostdy Museum provided insights into the town’s rich heritage [during the Cape Dutch Colony], while a day of relaxation and fine dining at Field & Fork offered the perfect balance of history and indulgence.

Day 12: Hermanus and Stellenbosch

Neethlingshof-Estate-winetasting-southafricaA picturesque day filled with whale watching in Hermanus, strolling around and wine tasting in Stellenbosch! We marvelled at the majestic whales in the South Atlantic Ocean before indulging in a wine tasting at Neethlingshof Estate. Stellenbosch is a university town with lots of gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture. The day ended with our arrival in Cape Town, where we embraced the vibrant city atmosphere and enjoyed dinner at V&A Waterfront.

Day 13: Cape Town Excursions

a-Seal-Island-cruise-capetown-southafricaOur final full day in Cape Town was packed with exciting excursions, from a Seal Island cruise to exploring the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. We witnessed African penguins in their natural habitat at Boulders Beach before enjoying a fantastic dinner with the entire Djoser group at Marco’s. It was a night filled with laughter, African music, and delicious food, marking the end of an incredible trip.

Day 14: Farewell to South Africa

Cape-Town-City-HallAs our adventure came to an end, we soaked up the Cape Town sunshine with a historical walking tour through the city centre and went on the hop-on hop-off bus to go through Cape Town in a few hours. After we indulged in Dutch delicacies at La Botessa Boutique Hotel, had an authentic ramen at Ramenhead on Parliament Street. We bid farewell to this beautiful country, grateful for the memories made and the experiences shared with my mum. With hearts full of gratitude and our minds filled with unforgettable moments, we boarded our [11-hour] flight back to Amsterdam, already dreaming of our next adventure to Africa.

For hassle-free travel outside Europe, consider using an Airalo eSIM. It offers global coverage, including countries like South Africa, and is often more cost-effective than roaming. You can conveniently activate it online before your trip without needing a physical SIM card. Ensure your phone supports eSIM, download the Airalo app, purchase a plan, and follow the activation instructions. Check it out here. It kept me connected during the entire trip.

Stay tuned for more travel tales and adventures to come!

With love,
Miss Widjaja

 

leopard-kruger park - south africa - manyeleti park - rear find
TRAVEL

South Africa | From East to West in 14 Days Part 1

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Embarking on this incredible journey across South Africa has been nothing short of magical. Thanks to Djoser, the fellow travellers in our group and my incredible mum, we all shared some memories to treasure forever. The first part of our journey started from the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the tranquil landscapes of Kruger National Park, each moment has been filled with wonders and adventure.

One thing that helped me stay connected during this trip was using an eSIM from Airalo. I purchased it in advance, and it was ready to use as soon as I landed. It definitely worked flawlessly, ensuring I could share my experiences and stay connected with ease.

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and have 14 days to explore, buckle up for an unforgettable adventure! Here’s a breakdown of the must-see places for the first part of your journey. Thank me later!

Church Square -Pretoria - South AfricaDuring our journey through South Africa, we discovered the invaluable benefits of touring with our tour guide. Not only did it provide us with insider knowledge and hidden gems, but it also offered a heightened sense of security throughout our travels. Please keep this in mind when you book a trip to this glorious country.

Day 1 & 2: Johannesburg and Pretoria

the museum -Hector Pieterson - Soweto - South AfricaOur journey began late at night at the airport in Johannesburg, where the energy of the city was noticeable. After a restful night, we explored the iconic Union Buildings and Church Square in Pretoria, immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of South Africa. The vibrant atmosphere and architectural marvels left us in awe, setting the stage for the adventures to come. If you have some time left, try to visit the township of Soweto and the museum of Hector Pieterson. Also, the Voortrekker Monument is a stunning architecture in honour of the people who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. There is a lot of Dutch history in this country.

Day 3: Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route

the Three Rondavels - Mpumalanga’s Panorama RouteVenturing out on Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route was a breathtaking experience. We marvelled at the towering rock formations of the Three Rondavels and the natural wonders of Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Unfortunately, the clouds wouldn’t allow us to capture, the beauty of God’s Window, which would offer us panoramic views of the lush landscape below. Our day ended at the captivating Shalati Safari Camp, where the promise of safari adventures awaited. I recommend this Lodge for the ultimate camp feeling. This is the place where I fell in love with the South African cuisine.

Day 4: Safari Game Drives

Shalati Safari Camp - Manyeleti Game ReserveDay 4 brought us closer to nature as we ventured on safari game drives in Manyeleti Game Reserve. The thrill of spotting a majestic cheetah and towering giraffes was unparalleled. We witnessed the beauty of the African wilderness, from playful hippos to graceful zebras and elephants, each moment etching itself into our memories. It felt like we were in a National Geographic documentary.

Day 5: Full Day in Kruger Park

sunset-MuluwalodgeA full day in Kruger Park was a dream come true. From sunrise to almost sunset, we traversed the vast landscape, captivated by the park’s magnificent wildlife. While lions remained elusive [unfortunately], the sightings of elephants, giraffes, a leopard and baboons left us in awe of the natural world. We ended the day in this beautiful luxurious lodge, Muluwa Lodge, where we saw the most impressive sunrise from our bed.

Day 6 & 7: Travel to Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant National Park

Addo-Elephant-National-ParkOur journey continued as we travelled to Port Elizabeth by flight from Johannesburg and explored Addo Elephant National Park. Despite the rain, we were treated to an abundance of elephant sightings and unforgettable moments in the wild. The serenity of the park, the immense greenery and the beauty of its inhabitants left a lasting impression on my heart.

Stay tuned for more adventures in Part 2, as we journey through Plettenberg Bay, Swellendam, and all in between, to Capetown!

With love,
Miss Widjaja

 

brighton,in,3days
TRAVEL

BRIGHTON | IN 3 DAYS

Hello Beautiful Souls!

I’m so excited to share the story of my very first solo trip to Brighton, the stunning coastal gem! Over three unforgettable days, I experienced everything from peaceful beach walks to the lively energy of North Laine. Let me take you along on this whirlwind adventure—Brighton in three days!

Day 1: A Perfect Start
After checking in at the Britannia Study Hotel, I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious my room was—plenty of space for just me! The hotel’s location on Western Road made it the perfect starting point, just a short walk from the station.

With the sun setting over the sea, I couldn’t resist a stroll along the beach and boulevard, soaking in the fresh, salty breeze. For dinner, I treated myself to some classic British cod from Brighton Pier—delicious! Later, I headed to the i360 for some breathtaking views of Brighton from up high. (No, the capsule doesn’t moonwalk, but trust me, the views are worth it!)

The evening I ended on a high note with dinner at Bincho Yakitori on Preston Street. The sashimi salmon salad was divine, and I couldn’t resist trying the famous chicken skin skewers and chicken liver skewers. Salty, sassy, and absolutely delicious—the perfect end to an amazing first day!

Day 2: A Cultural Odyssey
My second day was all about culture. I started with a visit to the Royal Pavilion, a stunning blend of Indian architecture and Chinese-inspired interiors, courtesy of King George IV’s extravagant taste. After wandering through the lush Pavilion Gardens, I headed to the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery—a treasure trove of history, art, and design. Both of these incredible experiences were free, thanks to my ArtFund Pass!

A chance encounter at the museum led me to Roger Bamber’s extraordinary exhibition, and I even met someone who personally knew the artist—such a special moment! Despite a brief rainstorm, Brighton’s charm never faded. Later, I met up with a friend, and we ended up on a spontaneous pub crawl, enjoying the lively atmosphere at the Lion and Lobster and Maris & Otter.

Day 3: Bittersweet Farewell
My final morning in Brighton started with a hearty English breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, I enjoyed a cosy tea break with a friend at Chaiiwala—such a cute spot! Then, it was off to Seahaze [unfortunately, closed for good] for some fresh oysters by the sea, the perfect way to kick off a leisurely beach day.

I couldn’t resist indulging in a lobster roll from Brighton Shellfish and Oyster Bar as the seagulls called overhead. Before leaving, I wandered through the enchanting North Laine, full of vintage shops and quirky independent stores. My trip ended with a final drink at the Caxton Arms, where we admired the captivating Banksy art near Central Station—such a perfect way to remember this trip.

Thank you, Brighton, for the memories! As I made my way back to London, I couldn’t stop smiling, reflecting on the magic of these three days. Brighton’s charm, culture, and amazing food left a lasting impression on me.

Check out my Instagram Reels for more snapshots of this adventure—Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3! Until the next journey, fellow travellers!

With love, Miss Widjaja