Tacos Perla

There are sooo many new restaurants opening up around San Diego,

that I can barely keep up. 

Tacos Perla is just one of the new kids in one of my favorite SD neighborhoods - North Park. 

The concept is pretty straight forward - we're talkin just tacos. 

While I opted for the taco Del Mar, as well as the Vegan option with extra portobello mushrooms,

the guys I was with couldn't stop raving about how good the Adobada tacos were. 

Noted for next time. 

The house-made corn tortillas were on point, 

and the cucumber agua fresca was super refreshing on a hot summer day like yesterday. 

If you care to spice up your traditional tacos,

feel free to choose from the add-ons of cheese, chicharonnes, or.... crickets. 

Yes. Crickets. 

They sell them. We bought them. I ate one. Boom.

House made salsas. No. 2 was my personal favorite!

Hahaha don't worry, I didn't accidentally find this guy in my taco. He was consciously ordered.

Vegan and Del Mar tacos. Yum!

Traditional tacos de carne asada and adobada. 

Tacos Perla

3000 Upas Street

San Diego, CA 92104

Venice, Italy

Venice, a city that's disappearing before our very eyes. 

Although it will probably be around for decades to come,

the heritage sight has been on my wander list for years. 

It was our last stop in Italy,

a perfect parting image before we bid adieu to the land of carbs and wine. 

It's a place like nowhere else in the world.... 

I personally think it should be its own country,

but alas, this is not a political blog, but rather a place to share memories from my time abroad. 

In total, there are 118 islands, separated by canals and linked by bridges. 

There seem to be more tourists than actual residents,

especially on days when the giant cruise ships make their way in.

It's kind of annoying, and a tad bit sad in my opinion. 

But such is life, so one must look past the crowds and take in the beauty of their surroundings. 

First of, where to stay?

Not gonna lie, it's kind of a pain to get around this place, 

so it's all about planning ahead. 

We stayed at the Hilton Molino Stucky,

a gorgeous hotel situated in Giudecca, and offers a free shuttle to and from San Marco square all day long. 

Then there are the must-sees of San Marco square - 

Palazzo Ducale, Bell Tower of St. Mark and the Clock Tower.

Squeeze in some shopping in the Rialto market,

and, if you can afford it, take a traditional gondola ride (be prepared to shell out no less than €80).

And of course, take your time when it comes to meals. 

Grab a seat by one of the canals and try the Polenta Nella Seppia, 

a fried corn meal with the black ink of a cuttle fish, one of Venice's trademark foods.

Feel free to skip Venetian pizza... it has a rep as the worst in Italy. 

Wash it all down with a traditional Bellini, a mix of white peach juice and Prosecco,

invented at the famous Harry's Bar in Venice. 

Lastly, take a walk on the wild side. 

Break some rules and feed some pigeons.

The activity is technically banned in Venice,

but the photo ops are SO worth it. 

Verona, Italy

“What's in a name? that which we call a rose 

By any other name would smell as sweet.” 

 -William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Continuing on through Italy,

we settled into our cozy Fiat and drove down to Verona.
Most famously known as the setting to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet,
this quaint city has plenty to offer.
Besides the mandatory visit to Juliet's balcony,
Verona offers plenty of sights that are noteworthy.
Check out the Arena, a spectacular Roman amphitheater,
crumbling on the outside but still functioning today.
The apartment we rented during our stay, overlooked the Castelvecchio,
a 14th-century, red brick, fortified castle on the banks of the river Aldige.
The main castle buildings house the city art museum which is packed with a rich collection of medieval sculpture and Renaissance paintings - definitely worth a visit.

Let's see, what else?
There's Piazza delle Erbe and Lamberti's Tower,
but really, Verona is a perfect place for relaxation and leisurely strolls.
I recommend a shopping excursion down the golden mile,
followed by a delicious Italian feast with plenty of wine.