JAPAN

Its been a little over a month since Keith and I took a trip to Japan for my 27th birthday. We went to Tokyo, Niigata, Osaka, and Kyoto. Japan is such a beautiful country with amazing food and tons of interesting sights to see. I stayed in a hostel for the first time - definitely my last! Although the hostels we stayed in were interesting and cute, I like having my privacy and luxury of a private bathroom. 

I have to go back - I want to see the cherry blossoms next time I go. 7 days was definitely not enough for all that we packed in. I want to spend more time in Kyoto - the food in Kyoto (especially this one Izakaya we came across) was to die for. 

We went camping in Niigata, where me and Keith had a traditional Japanese meal and ryo-kan experience. We also spent a night in a private outdoor onsen. As I type this, I'm feeling really major withdrawals, and miss Japan so much!

On my birthday Keith took me to see the Yayoi Kusama exhibit and Fish bank Tokyo. The food was so delicious, and felt like a 10 course meal. I wore the wrong sweater, and had lint shedding all over the place (embarrassing). When we got to Osaka, Keith got me a tattoo as my birthday gift. I was going back and forth on getting a tiny wave but last minute decided to get a infinity sign with simple flowers. 

Anyway I'm sad to be back home. Maybe one day I can be a nomad (with Keith).

Portugal

This was the first of many more trips I've ever taken with my mom alone and probably one of the best trips I've ever been on. I'm so happy and grateful I had the chance to spend my 26th birthday in Portugal with no one other than my mama - also she is such a fun travel partner! 

Anyway Portugal was beautiful left and right. The buildings had so much character, and I love love love all the tiling details. We stayed in Lisbon, and took day trips to Sintra, Fatima, Obidos, and Cascais. The food was so cheap, and getting around with out a car is really easy. 

I would definitely go back....especially for pastel de natas and cheap green wine :)

26

I'll be 26 next week ... ew! Spent the weekend with Keith (as I normally do, ha!) and he took me out for some "early birthday" fun since I'll be in Portugal for my actual birthday. We went to check out an exhibit, had Japanese bbq at Gyu-gaku, and watched Fantastic Beasts. 

I really liked Fantastic Beasts. I also really really like Gyu-gaku. Also, I really liked this weekend! It was so chill, and the weather was wonderful except for Saturday night. Saturday night we stopped by Queens for a "friendsgiving" party, and going home we got caught in some hail - which was awful.

Anyway, that is all.