Hiiiiiii! I’ve miss you all an unreal amount! What’s the 411? What’s the hot gossip? What and where and when are you eating?!
I’ve been eating everything in sight. Literally.
Europe was dreamy. As you know, I scheduled a few posts before I left so you wouldn’t all have up and left me by the time I returned, but it has been a helluva weird experience not blogging and communicating with you all through social media on a daily (lezbehonest, more like hourly) basis. It’s a bit sad not waking up to my best friends, endless croissants and breathtaking views, but I must say that I’m happy to be home!
Our trip destinations included Paris, Croatia, Cinque Terre (Italy) and Rome, Barcelona, Porto (Portugal) and Dublin. Six countries in seventeen days probably sounds like a lot, but it was the perfect balance of bustling cities and quaint towns. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the opportunity to travel to Europe again, so I was really glad to have been able to see so many different places in a short amount of time.
So let me start off by saying that the food was pretty much amazing everywhere. I ate basically anything and everything I wanted, which consisted of some kind of pizza, pasta, bread or cheese 99% of the time. Even in Croatia where we weren’t sure what the food would be like, it was largely Italian. It’s funny because I rarely eat pasta at home–not because of carbs or anything, but just because I prefer Mediterranean, Mexican or Indian food to Italian. But the pasta there was nothing short of exceptional; and you all know how much I love me a slice of pizza pie! Bring it on.
I normally eat tons of fiber each day from all the smoothies, fruits, nuts, veggies, whole grains and legumes that are staples in my diet. I don’t eat white flour and cheese super often, but that’s pretty much all I ate in Europe–no complaints! When in Rome, right? While in Europe, our day was usually something bready for breakfast (think croissants or a smoked salmon sandwich), some kind of pasta or pizza with a salad for lunch, a cappuccino and maybe a treat for a snack, and maybe some seafood or more bready things for dinner. I ate WAY fewer veggies simply because there aren’t tons of veggie-centered meals here. I also eat nuts, seeds, avocado and nut butter daily at home but I barely any while I was there! Super weird. I definitely drank my weight in olive oil though, so no worries. I couldn’t wait to faceplant into a gigantic chocolate blueberry green smoothie when I got home! I actually made one twenty minutes after I got home from the airport.
There was amazing seafood everywhere and I love fish of all kinds, so I definitely took advantage of that. I enjoyed everything from smoked salmon and octopus to mussels, grouper, squid, clams and shrimp. It was weird because at home, I’d go weeks at a time without eating seafood. I don’t normally prepare it at home and it’s not always fresh at restaurants; but in Europe when I was overlooking the ocean, the seafood was really just incredible.
Everything is beyond fresh there. Genetically modified foods are illegal in Europe, so it’s incredible to see lemons the size of my face growing on a tree and just knowing that that’s how they grow. My friend Carrie ate sour patch kids candy on the train and it was colored with vegetable extracts instead of the artificial colors we use…I died. I mean I’m in love!
There were little markets on the streets pretty much everywhere. I would often grab a nectarine or some cherries to snack on throughout the day. I really didn’t pack much in terms of snacks because a) I barely had enough room for shampoo let alone healthy snacks and b) this was probably the only opportunity I’ll ever have to be Europe, so I was fully ready to eat baguettes all day and not think twice about it. We had espressos or cappuccinos pretty much every day and they’re incredible. One time we paired one with a frozen cannoli and it was epic. We also had a bottle of wine every night with dinner, obviously. We were living it up and feeding our souls. I decided that I wholeheartedly want to eat my way through every country on this planet. Truth.
Our first stop was Paris (and only for a day), where I had one of my favorite meals–a vegetarian tartine with zucchini, peppers, tomato, fresh herbs, pesto and mozzarella with grilled veggies on the side. Beyond amazing! I also had a super scrumptious smoked salmon sandwich with this dill cream cheese at a little shop before we went to the airport. They weren’t super friendly in Paris and it was a tad smelly, but still totally great. Did I mention that everyone smokes cigarettes in Europe? That was a huge adjustment!
Every little cafe was unique and delicious, which was so fun. You just couldn’t go wrong! It’s like wherever you went, you knew it would be good.
Next was Croatia (Split and Havar), which was just beyond beautiful. There were fabulous beaches and adorable little towns with shops scattered everywhere. The food was incredible, mostly Italian with Mediterranean influences. There were amazing markets with hands down the best nectarines I’ve ever had. I also had fabulous pistachio gelato in Split! There wasn’t ice cream anywhere–just gelato.
Right when we got there, we had yummy pizza and Greek salad on the beach complete with the best feta I’ve ever had. Died. For dinner, we had a delish creamy pasta dish with salmon and prawns along with mushroom risotto. It was rich and heavy and divine.
Other highlights included a fabulous veggie omelet with homemade walnut flax bread at a little breakfast nook called No Stress Cafe. We also had an incredible meal of tuna steaks and cabbage slaw on our boat ride in Havar. Tuna is on every menu here and it’s so flavorful! After the boat ride to the caves, we found these fantastic homemade mini donuts with coconut and chocolate–yummmm!
Everything is so slow in Europe and meals are quite a lengthy experience, which I don’t hate one bit. Keep the bread and wine coming!
How about a couple pics to highlight Croatia’s BEAUTY?!
We died for these purple flowers!
Then we were in Rome for a bit which obviously was pretty incredible. We took a bus tour and I learned a ton about all of the fantastic scenery. All of the historic beauty took my breath away! We basically just hopped on and off the bus, explored, and ate lots of yummy Italian food.
Everything in Rome was so untainted by modern influences and so rich with history.
We ate lunch near the Vatican at a totally authentic little Italian restaurant. I had canneloni, which was basically pasta stuffed with a ricotta spinach mixture topped with marinara. It was perfect and I savored every bite. We also had the best salad ever, which was just frisée, this amazing vinaigrette, salt and pepper. So simple but to die for. For dinner we had the best Sauvignon blanc ever, an incredible Italian cheese plate, ravioli and octopus pasta. It was all crazy good!
The owner of our Hostel recommended this adorable Sicilian patisserie called Panella which had the most authentic pastries. I got a wholemeal blueberry tart and a little sandwich with fresh whipped cream and berries. Since they don’t have coffee in Europe, we of course got espressos!
Aaaaand that’s all for now! I’ll chat about the rest of the trip in a post next week so I can squeeze in a giveaway and a recipe this week! I’m working on updating the blog a bit, so get excited…
Fiona says
Oh man your trip is making me sooo jealous! Looks amazing! Good for you for going and just LIVING the experience!!! Can’t wait for the next post!
Alexis says
Thanks, Fiona! I felt like I was living through food :) Best way to live!
Elle | ATE says
I want all of that for breakfast. Like now. So happy you had a fabulous time!!! Can’t wait to hear more :)
Marie Chanatry says
Your trip and food look amazing!! Bitsy and I are planing a trip next year and hope to follow your path!! Thanks for sharing!!
Alexis says
OMG how fun! You guys are gonna have the best time :)
Alexis says
I want to eat it all again tooooo! But really though. :)
Shay says
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful food and sights! I am living vicariously through you – what an amazing experience!
Alexis says
Awww thanks, Shay! I’m so glad I can share it with you all :)
April says
Welcome home, beauty! Trip looks amazing and I adore hearing about your appreciation for all of it — way to live in the moment and really embrace the opportunities you get! You are, as always, an inspiration. I love your guts. Plus your writing is – again, as ALWAYS – so dang cute. Hearts. Glad you had the best time! Blog has missed you!
Alexis says
Thanks doll! I definitley tried to live in the moment and eat all the bread in the world. YUMZZZ! Glad to be back :)
Lauren says
Oh my gosh – it looks like you had such an amazing time! I cannot wait to see more!
I live in the UK and it is completely different to other parts of Europe apart from the rich history. Over the Channel their produce is amazing, they eat hardly any processed crap and food and wine are hugely important social experiences to be enjoyed and like you said, savoured. Everyone smokes though, especially the French – I don’t think that will ever change…
I am off to Croatia on Sunday and I cannot wait – BRING ON the seafood!
Alexis says
How amazing that you live in the UK! I would love to travel there. Have an amazing time in Croatia!! Split was way better than Havar–much better food and culture ;)
Dietitian Jess says
Wow!! Looks like a delicious and amazing trip… I came back from my first European trip last month and the food was definitely a highlight- so much fresh seafood, coffee, pastries, bread, etc!! Glad you were able to take such a great trip and cant wait to hear more :)
Alexis says
That’s so fun that you went to Europe recently as well! I could really go for a European cappuccino right now :)
Katie says
As a Catholic and a fresh food lover I am so jealous of your trip to Rome, its my dream destination!
Alexis says
You must go! You would adore it!
She Rocks Fitness says
I am so so so JEALOUS! The food, the scenery, the lifestyle…I am so glad you had a wonderful trip and enjoyed yourself. Cannot wait to see the second part of these photos. The pizza is absolutely amazing over there…I think I ate it every day when I studied in Florence. ;) XOXO
Alexis says
Awww thanks, girl! I didn’t want to photo dump you guys, so I thought splitting it up would be good :) How unreal that you studied in Florence! I heard it’s beyond beautiful there :)
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Cannot.even.COPE. Basically all my family lives in Europe so I’ve been out there a handful of times to visit throughout my life, but it’s been about 5 years since the last time visited and I really need to change that soon. I love everything about Europe. The culture, the history, the people, the FOOD… Okay, no seriously — all sorts of jealous :P
Alexis says
OMG how amazing that your fam lives in such a magical land!! You MUST go back soon! I’m already missing the food SO much.
Katie says
Loved hearing more details about the eats! The seafood! The Bread! ahh all to die for! Yum :)
Alexis says
Eeeeee thanks, Katie! I want to eat it all over again!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Welcome Back Lady!!!
Wow – your trip sounds amazing! 6 countries in 17 days has my head spinning! Love that GMO’s are banned there – those sour patch kids flavored with veggie extracts have me intrigued – that frozen cannoli sounds oohlala!
I hope to squeeze in Rome sometime next year – fingers crossed – am gonna have to remember that little cafe for sure!!
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Shashi! The frozen cannoli was insaneeeee. You MUST go to Rome! I swear you’ll fall in love! I think it was called Restauarante de Roberto.
Katie says
Looks amazingggg! Rome is the best!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Your pizzas look amazing!! I totally would have eaten those ALLL by myself ;)
Alexis says
Thanks darling! Oh, I believe it ;)
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
how exciting is this..living vicariously through your posts right now :)
Alexis says
Just pretend you’re eating loads and loads and loads of bread :)
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
Ah – so jealous. I’ve never been to Europe. Looks like you had an amazing time! Beautiful pictures
Alexis says
Thanks, ALysia!
Brittany @ Barr & Table says
Oh my gosh you’re making me miss my honeymoon so badly right now! Europe is such an incredible place. I think I ate more pasta and bread in the 2 weeks I was there than I did the entire year before haha. So glad you enjoyed it so much.
Alexis says
Same here! What an amazing place to go on a honeymoon :)
Rachael@AnAvocadoADay says
Love all the pictures! You will definitely make it back to Europe! We’ll plan a dietitian conference there :) Maybe get it sponsored by the Cheese and Baguette Association??
Alexis says
I agree-dietitian conference in Europe!!!!
Nikki says
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful trip!! Next time, I’m coming along :)
Ali says
Wow, what a great read… and memories (and meals!) you can’t put a price on; i’m starving now! My sis lives in Italy, and goes to Croatia all the time on vacay… raves, and now i know why!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
You are so smart to have done this at this point in your life! I was not as smart as you to do this before the whole marriage+kids thing and now I will probably have to wait until retirement. haha! Seriously your pictures are just amazing! What a trip! The food! The views! I never knew how much I needed to see Europe.
Khushboo Thadani says
OMG- can we travel together please?? Love you approach to your trip- part of exploring a city’s culture is definitely through food and hey, there’s plenty of salads and “healthiness” to be consumed when you’re back to reality! I adopted the same mindset during my trip to Paris this summer- croissants for breakfast were the norm, as was wine with dinner….and naturally dessert became a necessity ;)!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I WENT TO PANELLA!!!!!!!!!!!
I legit think I even have the pics somewhere- The pain au chocolat and the tiramisu tartlett. Boom. snap.
I think America suffered a loss in legume sales when you were gone.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
WELCOME BACK HOMIE! Missed yaaaaaa! I’m so happy you ate your face off! When I backpacked europe I most definitely did the same, and it was awesome. I’m like that on vacation although on my trip out West I’m 99% sure all of those peanut m&ms I ate weren’t dyed with vegetable extract….pistachio gelato NOW.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
UGH. I am SO jealous of your trip! Especially Croatia. Be still my heart.
All of the food looked so good. Your diet and almost identical to mine so traveling usually means lots of carbs for me! But I was pleasantly surprised with the vegan/vegetarian restaurant options in Paris.
Btw, I can’t wait to see more!!
Erica {Coffee & Quinoa} says
Drooling just reading this! I’ve never been to most of these places and am loving eating all the food vicariously through you :) I mean, not quite the same, but ya know… still fun!
Cassie says
I was dying at all your Insta photos the past two weeks… looks like you had SUCH an amazing trip… definitely giving me wanderlust and putting Croatia higher up on my “must visit” list!
Dana P says
Everything looks absolutely fabulous!!! I studied abroad in Spain during undergrad and absolutely loved Europe, especially at meal time. Looking at your pictures brings back so many wonderful memories. Happy to hear you had an amazing time.
Alexis says
Studying abroad in Spain would be so incredible!!
Gwen @ Confessions of a Gila Monster says
I love that you embraced all the local food (not that I would have expected anything different)! Of the cities you visited, I’ve only been to Rome and Cinque Terre, but my word, the food was so insane! So much seafood and pasta and gelato (pistachio is my absolute favorite).
Alexis says
So fabulous that you’ve been to Cinque Terre! My favorite restaurant was La Lampara…some of the best food I’ve ever had!
Emily @SinfulNutrition says
Talk about timing! I just returned from 3 weeks in France so you are talking my language in the food department! Pretty much ate my weight in baguettes, cheese, and croissants there and loved every minute of it. I mean really, who travels to Europe for green smoothies and oatmeal?! #ALLTHECROISSANTS
I did eat a lot of seafood as well though, so that pretty much evens out ;)
Looks like a great time!
Alexis says
Three weeks in France?! How amazing! I seriously miss croissants SO much. ANd cheeeeese!!!
shell shockers says
a beautiful sea and fresh air, I would love to go there