Travel Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Mr. Salt and Pepper

Miami Vice

4th May 2017

If Miami hasn’t got it, they haven’t invented it yet!

For those who follow me on social media know that I’m currently getting severely tanned in South Beach, Miami! *sorry not sorry* From bottomless drag brunches on Ocean Drive to daytime pool parties with the LA squad (people I met in LA last year) – my first weekend in Miami was truly unforgettable!

We’ve spent our first few days exploring South Beach and Downtown Miami. We went to Pérez Art Museum Miami and learnt more about dying languages of the world. Who knew that Livonian language is close to extinction?! Well, I didn’t know! *traces back his Baltic roots to find out whether he has any Livonian relatives*

Here are several facts about Miami (from my point of view, so far):

There are more Spanish speakers than English speakers.
Americans are extremely friendly, so they will come up to you and talk to you out of nowhere.
Outside of South Beach, no one really walks in the street…
… and everything is much more spread out.
7/eleven is your best friend!
Food portions at restaurants are fairly small…
… but everything else is huge!
Most Americans think that I am British. *blimey*
The weather stays the same throughout the day. Therefore, it doesn’t get any cooler at night. *puts his jumpers and light jackets back in the suitcase*
Wynwood is the only place in Miami where you don’t have to pay to look at the art.
Roosters in Wynwood are something else!
The first Burger King opened here in Miami, yet we still haven’t had a burger in America… It’s Day 7!
Air con is the best invention, ever.

SHOP: Pink Floral Viscose Print Shirt from Primark | Basic White T-shirt from Zara | Chino Shorts from H&M | Accesories from Topman

Life / Travel

Mother’s Day

26th March 2017

Happy Mother’s Day to the most fabulous woman in the entire world!

Last week, I flew to Lithuania to see my family and spend some quality time with my lovely mother. I don’t really travel back home much. Therefore seeing everyone for a cup of coffee is always a treat.

This time, I got to see my grandfather who recently moved back from Chicago, after living there for 18 years. He was the only male figure when I was growing up: he taught me how to ride a bicycle and build my own tent. On Saturday, we spent all afternoon talking about politics, American culture and my life in London. We both agreed that there’s not much going on in Lithuania, especially for those who lived abroad for a long period of time.

On Sunday, we drove to Vilnius to do some sightseeing and get a little bit cultural. We went to my favourite bar in Užupis – Šnekutis. They do the best Lithuanian cuisine and everything is extremely cheap. You can have a starter, main (potato dumplings!!!), snack and a pint of beer for about €6. I mean… Quite ridiculous!

Visiting Lithuania is always an eye-opener for me. I realise how far I have come and how different my life could’ve been if I stayed there. Back in the day, I used to be veeery shy. I felt like I couldn’t be myself or be different. My mother raised me and my brother all by herself.

When I was 12, my mother told me that there’s only one place on earth where all my dreams will come true. That place is called London. Mothers can sense everything about their child and she was absolutely right!

SHOP: Wool Mix Double Breasted Overcoat In Rust from ASOS

Travel

The Mighty Craic

1st February 2017

Last week, I teamed up with Outsavvy, an LGBT ticketing guide, to experience the Irish capital Dublin. This is our second international trip (first one being Magical Pride at Disneyland® Paris) and it’s part of their “travel package deal” launch. I cannot wait to share more information on this very soon!

Prior to our trip to Dublin, my thoughts on the Irish capital were: Guinness, Sinéad O’Connor and evil Leprechauns. Of course, all of those things do exist but I had no idea that this city has so much more to it. Pretty much every single pub has it’s own irish folk band playing live music and their cuisine is way better than in Britain (sorry about it).

For three (3) full days, we ran around Dublin like it’s rush hour to discover the best places to eat, drink and have a jolly good time. Scroll down to continue…

Here’s my complete Dublin City guide, featuring a copious amounts of Guinness and donuts with bacon… No, I’m serious, donuts with BACON! Read on…

Food

The Old Mill at The Temple Bar – when you wake up with a sober hangover and only have €10 left from last night. This fabulous little pub in Temple Bar serves the best Irish Breakfast in town with unlimited teas and coffees. Perfect start of the day!
The Rolling Donut – probably the biggest cultural shock of 2017 – donuts with bacon (pictured above)! It may sound odd but it tastes sooo yummy, almost as good as them pancakes with bacon and maple syrup (thanks New York City). Other than that, there are plenty of other flavours to choose from. Who would’ve thought that Dublin is so hip?!
KLAW – crabshack dining experience in the heart of Dublin. We tried Sampler Menu 2, which has 5 different types of oysters. Super fresh and delicious, we are definitely coming back for more.
The Blazen Head – established in 1198, “The Blazen Head” is Ireland’s oldest running pub. It’s almost as old as Lithuania, can you imagine?! Order the Irish Stew, it amazing.

Drink

Peadar Kearney’s Pub – among the dark woods, antique mirrors and faded walls, this authentic pub brings together locals (and tourists) who just love to kick back and listen to some live irish music. This was the first place I tried the Genuine-Irish-Guinness. *inserts guilty emoji here* I know, I have sinned but imagine going to a place and not trying/doing something that the place is known for. In this case, I had to try an alcoholic beverage (full of nutrients, btw) whilst being absent from alcohol.
The Foggy Dew – situated next to the Central Bank Square, “The Foggy Dew” is a great place to start your night out. Favourite feature: the Irish music recording certificates hanging on walls.
The Temple Bar Pub – this pub is like a department store – once you’re in you can’t find your way out. The craic is mighty and the music is thar barr, so there’s no reason to leave.

Dance

Pantibar – as Ireland’s national f**king treasure, “Pantibar” was EVERYTHING! Friendly customers, cheap booze and DJs playing the best tunes out there. Just imagine, a 10-minute Britney Spears medley playing in the background whilst you (not me) are drinking a pint of double vodka for €5 and dancing on tables like nobody’s watching. My Snapchat story was on fire that night.
The George – Dublin’s most popular gay club. Similar to “The Temple Bar”, I struggled to find my way out, but that was after 2 hours of intense “choreography”, which I “performed” on the main stage. Entry is €5.
Mother Club – a sub-terrain queer club featuring intense flashing lights and quality electro sounds. Peak hours are 1am-3am on Saturdays. Check out their Facebook page for cheaper entry. Entry is €5-10.

Touristy Stuff

National Gallery of Ireland – the greatest collection of European and Irish fine art. I went to see the Turner 2017 exhibition and it was quite a treat. Admission is free.
Guinness Storehouse – for every Guinness drinker out there. Entry from €14.
Dublin Docklands – looks beautiful and has it’s own Snapchat filter. That’s all that you should know.

Pride / Travel

Magical Pride

28th December 2016

I teamed up with Outsavvy to experience the 2nd annual Magical Pride weekend at Disneyland® Paris. Magical Pride is run by the tour operator Greatdays and Manchester Pride.

On a chilly Thursday morning, I’ve met up with Outsavvy at Searcy’s in St. Pancras International station to plan our Magical Pride weekend. It was the end of my 7-week post-Manchester-Pride-Weekend detox, so early drinks were in order.

For those who are not familiar with Outsavvy – it’s an LGBT ticketing app, offering tickets to theatre shows, art exhibitions, nightclubs and networking events. I’ve been working with Outsavvy for almost 2 years now and have lots planned for 2017, so… #WatchThisSpace

We took the Eurostar train to Disneyland® Paris, then a shuttle bus to Hotel New York. Luckily, the hotel was moments away from Disney® Village. Welcome drinks and dinner took place at Planet Hollywood, where we feasted on a 3-course dinner and drinks.

According to Manchester Pride, this year’s event brought together twice as many people than last year. It was lovely to see LGBT+ communities from all over the country getting together to celebrate love and tolerance.
Disney-themed quiz and more drinks were on the cards after dinner. As someone who was on a reasonably lengthy detox, I was smashed after only 2 glasses of Chardonnay.

The following day, I was powering through my godawful hangover with copious amounts of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Hotel New York is definitely taking the whole New York theme very seriously and it made me feel very nostalgic for “the Big Apple”.

After our super filling breakfast, we shimmied our way to Disneyland® Paris theme park. With the 2-hour VIP pass, it was surprisingly easy to get on most rides. We were done in 3-4 hours. Exciting times!

On day 3, we toured around Disney® Studios with guys from Magical Pride. I screamed my lungs out as I plunged 13-floors up and down in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ ride! #MrSPrecommends

Disney-themed karaoke night at Planet Hollywood kept everyone entertained until late hours on Saturday. That was the perfect ending to a truly magical weekend.

Next year’s Magical Pride is taking place between Thursday 12th and Sunday 15th of October 2017.

Click here for ticket information and package deals.