A Sample of Chicago's Striking Architecture

The astonishing Rookery Building

I lived in Chicago for seven years and never fully appreciated being engulfed by striking architecture. Every time I visit, I make a point of discovering new structures. Bonus points for buildings that stop me dead in my tracks, as occurred during my last excursion.

The Hunter Building boasts an incredible mural by Ella & Pitr 

The captivating Schatz Building

Design

Skyline views and lights of Buckingham Fountain

Canoodle with nature amongst skyscrapers

No fear of heights

Gargoyles at Harold Washington Library

Patterns

A fountain side view

My fave - artsy house in the South Loop

I can't wait to see what turns up next time. What are your favorite architectural spots in the Windy City?

Miami Beach on a Budget

View from South Pointe Park Pier

The skeptics were out in droves telling me that Miami Beach isn't budget-friendly, causing me to have my own doubts. The million dollar question - can you travel to Miami Beach on a meager budget? The answer is a resounding yes!

I exclusively fly with Southwest Airlines in the U.S.; therefore, I had to fly into Ft. Lauderdale since they don't service Miami. While a bit of an inconvenience, it only cost me $6.00 to get to Miami from Ft. Lauderdale. 

Step One
Take a tri-rail complimentary shuttle from the ground transportation level at FLL to the Ft. Lauderdale train stop. There is more than one tri-rail bus, so be sure you are getting on the free shuttle that takes you to the train station.

Step Two
Take the tri-rail train from the Ft. Lauderdale station to the Miami airport. You can purchase your ticket at the train station for a mere $3.75 and the train offers free wi-fi.

Step Three
Once you arrive at the Miami airport, take the 150 airport express bus to your destination. Pay on board with correct change ($2.25) or buy a ticket at the airport.  In my case, the bus dropped me across the street from my hostel. 

Arrival travel time took approximately three hours since it was my first time; however, the departure trip took only about two hours.

Accommodations
Miami Beach International Hostel, located at 236 9th Street, just two blocks from South Beach. I stayed in a 6-bed female dorm room with en suite bath. 

Pros:
*Location, location, location!
*Friendly staff.
*3 meals/day included (I didn't participate).
*Decent size room & comfy bed.
*Rooms cleaned 4 times/day.
*Reasonably priced.

Cons:
*The lobby is used as a party lounge in the evening, full of people and extremely loud music, which makes it difficult to check-in.
*No on-site bathrooms other than the bathroom in your room.
*Extremely spotty wi-fi only in the lobby area.
*Since meals are included, there are no dishes or utensils available; however, they do have a fridge and microwave.

Food and Drink - all my meals and single drinks were under $11 with the exception of Naked Taco, which was my priciest meal and worth every penny (see individual post on Miami's culinary scene).

*Della's Test Kitchen 
*Lone Wolfe Food Truck
*11th Street Diner
*Naked Taco
*BurgerFi
*Aroma Espresso Bar
*Bar at Wynwood Yard
*RUST Wynwood 
*The Room
*Abbey Brewing Co.

Activities - all FREE to enter and explore
*Architecture in the Art Deco District (especially along Ocean Dr.)
*South Pointe Park
*Wynwood Yard and Wynwood Walls (see individual posts)
*South Beach
*Lincoln Road Mall (be sure to visit Cindy Vega's jewelry stand here)
*Ugo Rondinone's Miami Mountain, located on the grounds of the Bass Museum of Art 
*Soundscape Cinema Series at Soundscape Park

White looking so sexy👌

What an entrance❢

Pretty in peach

Do you spot the needlefish?

Those cars doh!

It costs absolutely nothing for these views💙

My fave stands alone

Hanging with Ugo's Miami Mountain

Miami Beach Community Church

Red and white never looked so good

What's your story?

Colorful balconies

Beautiful silhouettes at South Pointe Park

First night capture

"Out of Africa" under the palms

My bracelet trio from Cindy Vega Jewelry

My dream home💕

Early bird catches the view

404 Washington Ave - the most photographed bldg in Miami

Cluster

All locked up

On a side note, one of the reasons I love to travel is because you never know who you will meet along the way. In this case, I met a friendly, patient bartender at "The Room" by the name of Jacob Coronado. We started talking travel and blogging when he shared that he was about to embark on a worldly adventure. He is quite an interesting chap and I encourage you to follow his trail, where he is spreading the love.
http://thebackpackfiles.com/

Hope we meet again, Miami. You were marvelous💞

Sunsets in Miami...swoon🌴

Toronto - Your Ticket to Diversity, Art, and Food

I have been itching to explore Canada and had a fabulous start with Toronto. The 6ix is exploding with diversity, art, and food from every corner of the planet.

This was my first flight with Porter Airlines, and wow, what a treat! Every passenger flies first class with their generous amenities.

• Rows of 2 seats with ample, cushy seating.
• Delicious snacks including homemade cookies and Terra chips.
• Free wine.
• The waiting area at Billy Bishop had free cookies, soda, bottled water, and make your own espresso drinks.

My first glimpse from the air

It was such a breeze to fly into Billy Bishop Airport. I exited through the tunnel and walked up to street level to board a free shuttle bus, which drops you at Union Station.

I was going to take public transportation to the hostel; however, I was immediately overcome with the urge to wander and snap. I wasn't expecting Toronto to be so metropolitan with an abundance of brilliant architecture.

City Hall

Heads up!

Gooderham Building

Captured these two beauties while on the Prince Edward Viaduct

My first hostel stay was at the charming Only Backpacker's Inn complete with a cafe and bar. Delish espresso drinks and an impressive craft beer list await you at the Only Cafe. This place is full of funk and I really enjoyed the art adorning the walls. It's also at the edge of Greektown, which is an excellent neighborhood to be in. 

The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the room configuration. I stayed in a 6-bed coed dorm and my bunk mate's head was at my feet due to the closeness. However, since everything else was so great, I would return and recommend it to other budget travelers. 

theonlyinn.com

What I recommend in this hood:

The Big Carrot Natural Food Market

Jean's Vegetarian Kitchen

Rendez-Vous Ethiopian Restaurant

The Only Cafe (whether or not you stay at the hostel)

Wander the alleys along Danforth for some great street art

Toronto's Best Cheese Twistie at The Big Carrot

Malaysian Curry Vegetable at Jean's

I'm inspired:)

Love these intriguing garage doors.

When vacant = charming

I decided to spend my third night downtown, and it didn't take long to realize I would completely regret only one evening. Downtown Toronto mimics a small Times Square and is loaded with jaw-dropping street art and quirky neighborhoods.

I had an immensely pleasant stay at the HI-Toronto Hostel, situated in a prime location. The hostel offers an industrial-style bar/restaurant called The Cavern Bar, where I had a decent dinner and breakfast at an unbeatable price with the 50% coupons at check-in. In addition, I enjoyed free live music before turning in for the night in my spacious dorm room and comfy bed. http://hostellingtoronto.com/

Beautiful mural at the hostel

Vegan breakfast at The Cavern

Phenomenal performances

Just a stone's throw away from HI-Toronto:

Tim Hortons 

C'est What

I was beyond excited to spend a full day with Magda, a fellow Instagrammer from Toronto. We met for a beer when I arrived and this lovely, knowledgeable woman offered to give me a tour of the city on Saturday. It was such a phenomenal day that it made my entire trip worthwhile. You rock Magda! Check out her inspiring Instagram feed @when_in_doubt_travel

Let me share just a teaser of the astonishing Underpass Park. If only every city had one.

OCAD University

Dundas Square

Half House

Organic Lager at Amadeu's

St. Lawrence Market

Captivating Kensington Market

Garden Car

Brews with Magda at Mill St. Brewery

Yes, Toronto has a Love Lock

Downtown Musts:

Kensington Market

St. Lawrence Market

Chinatown

Distillery District

Dundas Square
Gooderham Building
OCAD University
Underpass Park

Graffiti Alley

Half House

Love Lock

CN Tower

C'est What

Mill Street Brewery

Tim Hortons

Amadeu's Dining Lounge (killer patio)

Extraordinary street art everywhere

Many thanks for the awe-inspiring introduction to Canada T-dot! I also have to thank Mother Nature for not raining on my parade until I departed. The skyline is lovely; even in dreary weather.