Europe

Hugo and I were really fortunate to spend five weeks in Europe this year.

We got to:

I can’t wait for our next European adventure.

Hugo and I smiling for a close selfie on a sandy beach, with calm Mediterranean water, distant mountains, and scattered umbrellas and sunbathers stretching along the shore behind us.Hugo and I smiling at the camera from an elevated viewpoint overlooking Plaza de España, with its sweeping brick buildings, tiled bridges, canal, and central fountain filled with visitors.Hugo and I posing in front of the Torres de Serranos, the twin stone towers rising behind us as cars and pedestrians pass through the open city gate.Me reclining and grinning in a spacious business class airplane seat under purple cabin lighting, pointing at the seat controls with personal storage and another passenger visible nearby.A playful action shot of Hugo and me near a roaring waterfall, Hugo crouching and laughing while I appear midair in a dramatic leap as water crashes down behind us.Hugo and I smiling closely together inside a busy bar, one holding a glass of amber beer, with warm indoor lighting and other patrons crowded in the background.Hugo and I taking a close selfie on a walkway beside the City of Arts and Sciences, with sweeping white modern architecture curving behind us under an overcast sky.Hugo and I smiling at night with a brightly lit fair behind us, featuring a glowing Ferris wheel, colorful rides, and crowds moving through the illuminated grounds.Hugo and I standing arm in arm on a stone terrace surrounded by tall trees, with historic fortress walls and towers rising behind us in bright daylight.

Virgin Atlantic

We loved our flights between LAX and London on Virgin Atlantic. Hugo scored a great deal (with points and cash for taxes/fees) between the two cities.

We got off to a great start on our flight to London. Before the flight, we went to the clubhouse at LAX, and then enjoyed our business-class seats on the way to London.

Leaving London was a different ballgame entirely, in the best way possible.

Our ride took us to a private entrance for Virgin. We rubbed shoulders with some celebs on our way in through private security.

While waiting for our flight, the waiters in the lounge took care of us, including bringing us a little desert because I had mentioned that it was Hugo’s birthday month.

The flight back home was fun too. We departed at 2pm-ish London time so staying awake was our primary goal. We hung out in the shared lounge area in business class and made friends with other locals coming back to LA.

If you’re going to Europe, I think it’s such a treat to find a points deal for a business-class flight and really enjoy yourself. Of course we would’ve been fine in economy seats, but it was a real joy to know that we hadn’t paid much cash to get upgraded into a premium experience.

A flight map showing the transatlantic route from London to Los Angeles, with a curved path across the North Atlantic and a boarding pass graphic labeled LHR to LAX. Overlaid, text reads “So long, London.”A large woven metal sphere sculpture suspended by cables in an open-air terminal courtyard, casting intricate shadows on the ground beneath a bright blue sky with billowing white clouds.A hearty breakfast plate with toasted brown bread, a thick grilled mushroom, baked beans, wilted spinach, a slice of tomato, and a softly poached egg with a glossy white.A generous berry dessert layered with pink meringue, cream, and fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, topped with mint and a chocolate plaque, lightly dusted with powdered sugar.A white card reading “VIP*” with a red enamel pin labeled “they them,” resting on a dark stone surface, with small text noting “very important pronouns.”Hugo and I smiling while seated side by side in business class under soft purple cabin lighting, with other passengers settling in behind them.An elegant starter featuring golden shrimp arranged with bright yellow garnish, microgreens, a lime wedge, and a smooth pink sauce, served alongside rustic bread and butter.A colorful bowl of fragrant yellow rice topped with spiced curry, toasted cashews, dried cranberries, creamy puree, and crisp flatbread tucked on top.A refined dessert plate with a glossy dark berry parfait resting on sponge, paired with whipped cream, berry sauce, and a glass of red wine.An afternoon tea spread with finger sandwiches, a warm scone with jam and clotted cream, a lemon macaron, a Battenberg-style cake, and a small tart, served with tea.

London

Our trip to London was split into two parts: four nights on our way into Europe, and two nights after Spain on our way out.

Here are all my posts:

Somehow we lucked into beautiful weather on our first and second trips. Since the weather was good, I loved the pub culture of grabbing a beer and hanging outside.

For our first trip, we stayed at an Airbnb which was fine while we were there, but incredibly sketchy after we checked out (asking us how we reviewed them before leaving their review). Bethnal Green was a cute neighborhood and we loved the coffee place nearby.

On our return trip, Hugo and I stayed at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. It was a real treat to stay in a hotel after 32 days in Airbnb’s.

Six days is obviously not enough time to do even a fraction of what’s available in London. It was really expensive, so I’m not excited to go back on my own dime, but I’d love to revel in the city again.

Corner café on Jersey Street with a black-painted façade, a pixel-style sign reading “F*ckoffee,” and a mosaic “Bethnal Green” sign above, with a bench, window display of mugs, and pedestrians passing by on the pavement.Close-up of pale stone statues with draped robes and carved faces, including a bearded figure seated in the foreground and others standing behind, their weathered surfaces and calm expressions giving a solemn, monumental feel against a grey sky.The Shard rising sharply above surrounding buildings, its glass surface reflecting daylight, with crowds gathered along the riverfront below and boats and rooftops filling the lower frame.Row of richly carved stone columns on a red-brick façade, each column wrapped with detailed relief figures and decorative patterns, creating a dense, ornate rhythm along the museum exterior.Street-level view of a shuttered storefront covered in posters and graffiti, topped by an orange banner reading “Shoreditch wasn’t gentrified for you to microwave your dinner,” with taped boxes and layered textures adding to the gritty scene.Wide view of a long brick building painted with the words “Let’s adore and endure,” large illustrated posters in the windows, bicycles parked outside, and traffic passing along the road.View across the River Thames showing modern glass skyscrapers on one side and the historic Tower of London on the other, with boats on the water and people lining the riverside path.City skyline seen through a train window, with tall modern towers clustered near the river, cranes in the distance, and blurred tracks and railings in the foreground suggesting motion.The Albert Memorial standing tall with gilded details and Gothic arches, surrounded by a patterned stone platform, green lawns, and a few people walking nearby under an overcast sky.Close-up of vivid pink tulips with softly curved petals and visible stamens, filling the frame with saturated color against a blurred garden background.

Here are some of my favorite shots from walking around London.

Pictured: Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, The Ten Bells in Spitalfields, St Dunstan-in-the-West on Fleet Street, the Rivington Street car park in Shoreditch, Leadenhall Market, Regent Street, and Bond Street.

Ornate red-brick Victorian building with a corner tower, white sash windows, decorative stonework, and a steep slate roof topped by a finial against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Detailed stone facade of a grand Edwardian building, viewed from below to emphasize carved columns, cornices, and sculptural details rising toward a cloudy blue sky.Crowded pedestrian lane lined with converted brick warehouses, long communal tables, hanging string lights, and people eating and drinking outdoors in warm late-afternoon sunlight.Crowd gathered outside The Ten Bells pub in Spitalfields, with people holding drinks beneath the hanging pub sign, leafy greenery on the facade, and a busy street atmosphere.Historic church tower with a large clock face and four stone pinnacles, partially framed by trees, rising above surrounding buildings under a soft afternoon sky.Multi-story concrete car park covered in large, colorful typographic art stacked across each level, with graffiti at street level and traffic cones marking the entrance.Symmetrical view down Leadenhall Market’s covered arcade, featuring ornate painted storefronts, a vaulted glass roof, hanging lanterns, and a quiet cobblestone walkway.Curving sweep of Regent Street at night, with grand white stone buildings lit by storefronts and streetlights, light traffic, and pedestrians moving through the illuminated scene.Evening view down Bond Street with luxury storefronts, Chanel flags, Union Jack banners, passing cars, and pedestrians under a deep blue sky.Upward-looking view along a modern glass-and-steel building, illuminated with blue accent lighting that emphasizes strong lines and geometric repetition against a black night sky.

For our last meal in London, we went to Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, sat at the bar, and enjoyed a delicious meal of oysters, crab, and fish & chips.

Freshly shucked oysters nestled in crushed ice, their glossy shells framing plump, translucent meat, with a lemon wedge tucked alongside for brightness and contrast.A dressed crab presented in its shell, generously filled with sweet white and brown crab meat and neatly topped with chopped herbs and vivid orange roe, with classic sauces and toast on the side.A clear martini served ice-cold in a stemmed glass, garnished with a long ribbon of cucumber curling through the drink, emphasizing its crisp, clean character.Golden battered fish resting over thick-cut chips, the crust deeply crisp and textured, served with mushy peas and a pot of tartar sauce for a classic, comforting plate.The restaurant exterior at dusk, with glowing green neon signage and warmly lit outdoor seating tucked into a narrow London street, creating an inviting contrast against the darkening sky.

On our last full day in London, we had traditional Afternoon Tea at The Park Room in the JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

It was expensive, but a really calm, delicious experience. We took some to go (in a very cute takeaway box) because we had just come from Dishoom.

Hugo and I seated around a white linen table set for high tea, with fine china, polished silverware, and a tiered stand of sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Soft daylight, green velvet chairs, and classic paneling give the room an elegant, relaxed feel.Amber-colored tea fills a delicate patterned teacup and saucer, the surface clear and glowing under warm light. The fine porcelain and gold detailing emphasize the calm, unhurried ritual of tea service.Two open-faced savory bites on a decorative plate: one topped with silky smoked salmon shaped like a rose, caviar, and fresh dill, the other with soft egg, creamy filling, and microgreens. The textures and colors look fresh, rich, and carefully balanced.A pale yellow lemon sorbet served inside a hollowed lemon shell, frosty and crystalline. The icy texture and citrus color suggest a sharp, refreshing break between courses.A three-tier stand arranged with neat finger sandwiches, golden scones with visible fruit, and an assortment of refined pastries. The layers feel abundant but orderly, with glossy finishes and precise shapes that invite lingering bites.A patterned takeaway box labeled Park Room rests on the table, its soft yellow design echoing the tea set. It feels like a thoughtful, indulgent extra meant to extend the experience beyond the table.

For our second-to-last night in London, we booked a reservation for “drinks and light bites in Sky Garden Bars.”

I thought it was going to be a cozy bar—it was actually more of a club! We had a couple drinks and walked around the building to see London at night.

A busy indoor garden bar with a slanted glass ceiling glowing red and orange, where groups sit at tables and lounge seating while others stand near the bar, surrounded by plants and city lights beyond the windows.Two coupe glasses filled with pale sparkling drinks sit on a dark table beside a small lit candle, with a chilled bottle in an ice bucket behind them, creating a low-lit, intimate atmosphere.Night view over the City of London featuring the illuminated Gherkin and a sharp, angular glass tower, their office lights forming geometric patterns against a cloudy sky.A sweeping nighttime panorama of London with the River Thames winding through the city and St Paul’s Cathedral glowing white among dense clusters of city lights.Tower Bridge lit in white and blue spans the Thames at night, its twin towers reflected in the dark water with surrounding city lights stretching into the distance.An elevated indoor garden walkway lined with lush plants and a glass roof lit red, where visitors stroll and stop to look out over the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.

We popped into The Devonshire for Guinness twice during our trip (at the beginning and the end). We didn’t have food, but we enjoyed the liveliness of the cozy bar. Amazing that the building is almost as old as the United States.

Two freshly poured pints of Guinness with thick, creamy heads sit on a small round table, the dark stout glowing slightly under warm pub lighting, with bartenders and a polished back bar of bottles softly blurred behind them. A sign reads “Soho since 1793.”A long evening queue spills down the street outside a pub, packed shoulder to shoulder with people chatting and waiting, while bright red Moulin Rouge theatre lights glow across the road and reflect off the pavement.Two pints of Guinness rest on a wooden window ledge beside a small table lamp and a handwritten menu, while the Moulin Rouge sign shines outside through the glass, mixing pub warmth with busy West End night energy.The green and gold entrance of Carroll and Rogers Freehouse stands open to the street, framed by ivy and glowing panels, as groups of people cluster nearby waiting to get inside on a busy night.

After Notting Hill, we wandered down to The Churchill Arms. It’s so pretty from the outside! The inside was decorated for Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which was about a week after we popped in.

Corner pub covered in cascading greenery and yellow flowers, Union Jack flags flying from the roof and façade, with pedestrians and parked cars framing the street under a bright blue sky.Crowded bar back filled with spirits, taps, and vintage objects, decorated with VE Day 80 bunting and Union Jack flags, creating a dense, celebratory, and historic atmosphere.Framed portrait of Winston Churchill hanging on dark wood paneling beneath small American flags and a humorous sign for the restroom: “Men to the left because women are always right!”Hugo hugging me outside the pub entrance, standing beside tall potted plants and dark tiled walls, with menus by the door and greenery wrapping the façade.

We made a little trip out to Notting Hill and wandered around without a plan. We saw what is maybe the blue door and took a peek inside the bookshop.

As an aside—I loved seeing the mix of colorful homes and stretches of all-white buildings throughout the neighborhood.

While walking around Shoreditch, we stumbled across Lounge Bohemia, which I can only describe as a retro, speakeasy-vibes, pretentious-but-enjoyable experience.

They “required” a reservation but let us sit down anyway. We tried a few of the tasting menus and the “drinks” were truly unique.

A row of small black droppers set into a white ceramic tray, each capped with a differently colored latex tip and partially covered with crinkled silver foil, suggesting precise, experimental cocktail preparation with a playful, theatrical presentation.A smooth, pale yellow clarified cocktail sphere resting in a tightly woven twig nest, its matte surface and careful placement giving it the feel of an edible sculpture served as part of a tasting course.A glass topped with a thick, glossy cap of white foam, pierced by a tiny metal tap and spoon, creating a whimsical, interactive drink that looks rich, creamy, and meticulously constructed.An open menu listing classic cocktails and five-course tasting menus, including themes such as “naughty childhood,” “nature,” and “west meets east.”

We took a Yeoman Warder guided tour of the Tower of London. It took a couple hours but it was neat to walk around, feel the bloody history, and see the Crown Jewels.

The White Tower and surrounding stone walls rise behind the River Thames under a clear blue sky, with leafy trees lining the ramparts and modern London buildings and cranes visible in the distance, creating a striking contrast between medieval architecture and the contemporary skyline.A long stretch of weathered stone curtain wall and round towers fills the frame beneath dramatic, textured clouds, while the glassy peak of the Shard appears in the distance, emphasizing the contrast between historic fortifications and modern London.Visitors queue beneath a tall arched stone entrance marked by heraldic shields and a royal monogram, with sunlight highlighting the warm tones and textures of the medieval masonry around the doorway.Rugged stone towers and battlements stand in the foreground, their crenellations sharply defined in sunlight, while the Shard rises sleek and reflective behind them against a pale blue sky.Tower Bridge’s twin towers frame the background beyond arched stone walkways and grassy lawns, with remnants of old walls and a crowd of visitors in bright clothing adding depth and lively scale to the historic scene.A lush patch of green grass is scattered with orange poppies and small wildflowers, creating a vivid, colorful meadow that feels unexpectedly soft and natural against the historic setting.

In London, we visited two Dishoom locations (Shoreditch and Carnaby) as bookends to our Europe trip. Expensive, but a delicious treat.

A generous spread of Indian dishes fills a wooden table, with blistered naan stacked in metal tins, bowls of rich red curry glistening with oil, a bright green chopped salad scattered with seeds, and charred lamb chops resting on a banana leaf with lime and mint. The mix of textures, colors, and shared plates creates a warm, abundant, and inviting dining scene.An amber-colored cocktail sits in a faceted rocks glass packed with ice, garnished with a wide curl of citrus peel. The drink catches the light, highlighting its clarity and depth of color against a pale marble surface, giving it a refined and refreshing appearance.Tandoori Lamb Chops with deeply caramelized, charred edges are arranged on a banana leaf, topped with ruby-red pomegranate seeds and served with a slice of lime and fresh mint. The dark crust and vibrant garnishes emphasize the meat’s richness and smoky, aromatic appeal.Soft, golden naan bread with blistered bubbles and crisp char marks rests in a metal tin, brushed with butter and scattered with chopped garlic and herbs. The surface looks pillowy and glossy, suggesting warmth, chew, and indulgent flavor.A bowl of vivid red curry with a glossy surface is topped with fresh coriander and thin strips of ginger. The oil-speckled sauce looks rich and warming, with the bright green garnish adding contrast and freshness to the deeply spiced base.

Houston 2025

Houston was a fun little weekend getaway that I wouldn’t mind returning to again.

We went for the Cowboy Carter Tour but also enjoyed:

We went to the breakfast klub multiple times, but apparently never early enough to beat the long, long lines.

A mirrored unicorn sculpture suspended overhead, its mosaic surface reflecting green, red, and gold lights that scatter across the ceiling and surrounding space, creating a playful, dreamlike glow.A large painted portrait of Dolly Parton with voluminous hair and hoop earrings, wearing a denim jacket and gazing to the side, mounted above a warmly lit bar with hanging lamps and exposed brick.A tall vertical mural of vividly colored butterflies stacked in flight along the side of a high-rise building, contrasting with glass windows, concrete facades, and a cloudy urban sky.Four stylized stone statues of the Beatles standing in a line outdoors, each holding an instrument while a drummer sits at a kit, set against grass, industrial buildings, and an overcast sky.Abstract layered sculptures of seated and standing human figures arranged in a landscaped garden, with manicured hedges and a large colorful mural on a civic building visible in the background.A glowing neon sign reading YOU’RE SO COOL in bright pink and purple light, mounted on a textured brick wall and casting a soft, colorful halo around the letters.

Cowboy Carter Tour

We left for Europe the day that Beyoncé started her Cowboy Carter Tour, and she came to Europe right as we were leaving, so of course we had to make a trip to Houston to see her live.

Seeing Beyoncé bring her music to life is such a joy. The crowd is too—everyone decked out in their cowboy outfits and being a part of the tour’s theme. We are the visuals.

On the first Houston night, the car that she rode as part of 16 Carriages malfunctioned (video). It’s amazing that no one was hurt and she kept performing before being lowered down.

We saw her on night two, and we were disappointed that she didn’t play 16 Carriages. She is such a great vocalist—even though she didn’t have visuals, I wish she had just sang it with her band.

Beyoncé performs on a massive stadium stage with two enormous mirrored screens showing her in a white cowboy hat, sparkly Houston jersey-style top, denim shorts, and feathered coat, singing into a microphone while dancers frame her. A glowing triangular stage structure anchors the center, with dramatic lighting and a sea of fans holding up phones in the darkened stadium.The stage glows deep red as Beyoncé performs “Jolene,” surrounded by a theatrical Western saloon–inspired set. A large neon sign reading “Jolene’s” crowns the stage above a triangular light structure, while dancers in cowboy-themed costumes and bold props move across the stage, creating a fiery, high-drama atmosphere.Beyoncé appears elevated high above the stage, seated within a glowing illuminated horseshoe suspended in darkness. Spotlights cut through the blackened stadium, isolating her as the focal point while the crowd below watches, their phone screens twinkling like stars.Beyoncé wears a striking voluminous red LED gown that fills the giant screen behind her as she sings, with a matching red triangular stage installation beside her. The rich crimson lighting and billowing fabric create a regal, cinematic moment against the packed stadium audience.A full cast of dancers fills the stage beneath towering red lighting and a stylized house set, evoking Americana imagery. Beyoncé stands center as the performers strike synchronized poses, while the crowd below raises phones to capture the bold, graphic tableau.Beyoncé commands the stage in a dramatic red fur coat over a sparkling bodysuit, wearing dark sunglasses as dancers in coordinated red outfits flank her. Blue and purple stage lights contrast with the red costumes, and smoke effects add depth and glamour to the performance.Under a wash of purple light, Beyoncé performs in a star-spangled bodysuit and white cowboy hat, framed by massive screens and a glowing triangular stage. Dancers line the runway, and the stadium crowd stretches into the background, illuminated by concert lighting and phone screens.Beyoncé stands confidently on an extended runway platform, wearing a cowboy hat and sparkling outfit, surrounded by purple haze and neon Western-style graphics, including a large horseshoe motif. The elevated platform lights and mist create a dreamy, cinematic Western atmosphere.Two smiling concertgoers take a close-up selfie in the stadium stands, wearing glittery gold outfits and cowboy hats, with rows of excited fans visible behind them. The image captures the joyful anticipation and communal energy of the crowd before or during the show.

Houston’s Behind Closed Doors was such a cute little treat. We went to the back to the find the restroom… and stumbled upon rainbow arches, one of which gave way to a hidden bar with delicious cocktails.

A glowing, inverted U-shaped neon arch stands against a dark wall, its smooth bands transitioning from violet and blue at the top to green, yellow, and red near the base, creating a luminous rainbow halo that reflects softly on the floor.A dark coffee cocktail is served in a faceted crystal goblet, topped with a delicate layer of foam and three glossy coffee beans, the rich brown liquid catching warm lamplight and looking smooth, aromatic, and inviting.A close-up of a tall, textured glass catches dramatic blue and amber light, the rippled surface refracting a warm glow onto a patterned tabletop, creating a moody, abstract play of reflections and color.Visitors walk through a curved tunnel illuminated by bold rainbow bands of red, green, and blue light, the saturated colors arching overhead and reflecting on the glossy floor to create an immersive, otherworldly passage.

No better time than the holidays to catch up on some blogging! Let’s go back to Houston and London…

The weekend we were in Houston just happened to be Pride Houston, and thus I ended up going to my first pride event. 🏳️‍🌈

A drag performer in a sparkling hot pink gown waves from a parade float decorated with rainbow flags and glittering streamers. The float is branded with local radio stations Mix 96.5 and Mega 101, and is surrounded by participants in matching light blue shirts. Spectators reach out with rainbow flags and phones, capturing the performance and adding to the energetic, joyful vibe of the scene.

The Pit Room. 📍

The line for The Pit Room was long (maybe an hour?) but it was totally worth it. Amazing brisket and ribs.

Close-up of a barbecue tray featuring a large smoked beef rib with a well-defined smoke ring, accompanied by green beans, white bread slices, potato salad, yellow mustard-based sauce, and a reddish-brown barbecue sauce.

Interior of The Pit Room showing customers in line at the counter as staff serve barbecue behind glass. Overhead, two large menu boards display offerings like brisket, beef ribs, tacos, and sides, with a chalkboard listing “Wagyu Beef Ribs” as the weekend special.

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I knew that I would lose steam in posting photos from Europe if I didn’t get them mostly done while I was there… and I was right! 🙈

Off to Houston for a little Beyoncé and birthday celebration for Hugo. ✈️

Los Angeles–to–Houston flight map showing a blue route line from LAX to IAH across the southwestern United States, with a small airplane icon near Arizona; overlaid boarding pass from Flighty app for United flight UA 1416 on 28 Jun 2025 at 08:50, passenger “Chasen Le Hara,” seats 34C and 34A, and a bold purple “LAX → IAH” tag.