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Paris Travel Guide: Two Days in Paris What to Eat, See and Do
My Breaking Views

Paris Travel Guide: Two Days in Paris What to Eat, See and Do

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Paris is known for being one of the best cities in the world—the city of love, romance and culture. I have been to countless times – so many that I have lost count; I visited Paris around this time last year in May 2022 for a long weekend via Eurostar. I also went to Paris for a cute romantic weekend in 2019.

So I missed my first train because I had not realised I needed to be at the station at least 90 minutes before the train departed. Paris is an absolute must if you’re considering a trip to France. Here’s a guide on what to do, what to eat, things to see, and where to stay. This is helpful for you if you are keen on a quick and easy trip to Paris with a friend solo or on a romantic holiday. 

About France (Paris)

The capital of France is Paris, a major European city known for its art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. The best times to visit are June to August and September to October. However, I have been several times all year round, including May 2022 and January 2023. Depending on when you visit can have an overall difference in your cost. 

Entry Requirements 

Before you travel to Paris, check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section for current entry restrictions and requirements. 

Food in Paris 

When you think of food in Paris, I think of easy on the palette. Some of my ultimate faves are croissants, pain au chocolat, macroons, baguettes and croque-monsieurs: Paris’s best culinary specialities! 

Try escargots de Bourgogne (some snails) if you like challenging your palate. Either way, you will be satisfied with the food in the city of Romance. 

Getting to Paris 

When I visited Paris in May 2022, I travelled from Kings Cross St. Pancras. Unfortunately, I missed my train to Paris and had to wait for the next one. If you are going via Eurostar, get to the station at least two hours before your train departs. The beauty of going via Eurostar is taking more of your luggage and not stressing too much about the airport. 

Getting around Paris 

After going to Paris several times, I purchased myself a metro card for which you need a passport photo. I suggest using Google Maps to get around the Metro; however, Uber is easy and affordable. 

Two Days in Paris Itinerary 

There are plenty of activities and attractions to do in Paris. Use the itinerary below to give you a guide for your trip to Paris.

Day 1 
  1. The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly Paris’s most iconic monument. You can only go to Paris to see the iconic Eiffel Tower. I would suggest taking a stroll around the Champ de Mars, enjoying the Trocadéro Gardens view, and considering going up the tower for a panoramic view of the city. You will have to purchase a ticket which you can do here. 
  2. Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris and is certainly not to be missed. You can easily access the monument. It has a  staircase of 284 steps or a lift which allows access to the attic room. I suggest booking early to avoid long queues, which can be done here. 
Day 2 
  1. The Louvre Museum is a true beauty and not to be missed. The surroundings are truly astonishing. Spend a few hours at the Louvre Museum, and check out the art, including the famous Mona Lisa. You can book a tour here. 
  2. Luxembourg Gardens, you can take a break from sightseeing and picnic at the park or even have a romantic stroll. 
  3. The Cathedral of Notre Dame is a beautiful iconic church with Gothic architecture. Explore the interior, and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of Paris. Book your tour here.

Other things you can do:

  • Take a boat cruise on the Seine River. 
  • Visit the Musée d’Orsay

Where to stay in Paris

There are so many options when it comes to booking accommodation in Paris. Stay by the Eiffel Tower if you can, as you will be close to the Eiffel Tower, which is such a beautiful sight to see when you are in Paris. Here are my suggestions:

These are both great hotels for views of the hotel. I recommend the former hotel as you can also have breakfast with a view. 

What to eat in Paris 

When you think of Paris, you must think of the food as a culinary paradise. There are countless dishes to explore. My suggestion? Please don’t hesitate to try local specialities or seek recommendations from the locals to discover the most hidden gems. Bon appétit! Here is what I had during my trip : 

  • Croissants: Start your day with a croissant – you can’t go wrong with a classic French croissant. Look for a bakery that specialises in traditional, flaky, buttery croissants. Try going to Eric Kayser or Maison Landemaine. 
  • Steak Frites, I had my cooked raw as I wanted to get the real authentic taste of the steak. I had some chips – or should I say French fries? Look for bistros or brasseries that specialise in this classic dish.
  •  Soupe à l’oignon (French Onion Soup): This rich, wholesome dish consists of caramelised onions in a flavorful beef broth, topped with melted cheese and a slice of bread. 
  • Escargots de Bourgogne (Snails): This is for adventurous foodies like me that like to try something new. The famous escargots (snails) are cooked in delicious garlic and parsley butter. Should we do Cooking Travel Talks for France via Instagram?
  • Macarons: I love a good old macaroon – pistachio is my fave. Paris is famous for its colourful and delicate macarons. They are sweet almond meringue cookies filled with various flavoured creams that are a treat for your taste buds. You must go to Ladurée. Don’t go anywhere else for these treats. 

Other things to try 

  • Cheese and Wine 
  • Crêpes
  • Baguettes 

Restaurants you will want to visit: 

Ending my trip to Paris 

Visiting Paris for the 15th time reminded me that returning to a country will always be different. Whether you’re travelling with a loved one, friend or solo, the experience will always be somewhat different.  

I suggest only staying in Paris for a few days – honestly, you will go back again. It is such an accessible city to revisit and navigate. You could pair it up with another town in France. As always, I hope this guide was helpful, and I look forward to writing more helpful guides for you! Have you been to Paris? What did you get up to? Let me know in the comments. 

Do you have any questions? Please do not hesitate to drop them in the comments; I’ll happily answer them.

Speak soon. Love MBV X

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British Citizenship: My Journey, the Challenges I Faced and Becoming British
My Breaking Views

British Citizenship: My Journey, the Challenges I Faced and Becoming British

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Gaining British Citizenship. We rarely discuss the challenges and hurdles we have to overcome in obtaining citizenship or a passport in the Western world. But without my British passport, I would never have had the opportunity to travel and taste so many dishes around the world.

I remember like it was yesterday – discovering that I was not a British citizen. It was when I was off to University/College (here after uni).

I remember it so clearly. I had put an application in believing I was British because I was born in the UK, only to be told that I was not British. Having had no idea that if your parent were not British at birth, you, too, would not be considered British. 

If both your parents are not British or settled at birth after December 31, 1982, and before July 1, 2006, you will not be considered British. Between 2010 – 2011 I decided that I was going to get my passport. It took me nearly eight months to get my passport. I successfully obtained my British citizenship in June 2012 and am now onto my second British passport – yeah me! Here is my Journey: 

Becoming a British Citizen

If you are to become a British Citizen in the UK, you need to of lived in the UK for at least five years before the date of your application. You also should not have broken any UK immigration laws. As I had lived in the UK my whole life from birth, I had this one covered.

You must also consider your circumstances and, if required, complete the Life in the UK test. The other requirements you may need may be easily obtained if you are married or have a civil partner who is a British citizen.

You could meet the requirements differently if you’re a citizen of a country in the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, or their family member.

If you are born in the UK, you can apply for British Citizenship by registering, only if you were born after December 1, 1982, and before July 1, 2006. This works well if you are under 18 and can prove you have lived in the UK for the first ten years and have not spent more than 90 days outside the country. I had tried this myself, but as you will see, there was not enough information to gather.

You should find out what status you need to have and other requirements that apply to you before you start your application. Check out the complete requirements here.

My Journey to Becoming a British Citizen 

When I applied for British citizenship, I already had indefinite leave to remain in the UK, so I could work, attend school, receive FREE health care, vote, and more. All in all, I could do most everyday things a British Citizen can do. I only didn’t have a passport, so I couldn’t easily travel. It was only while at uni that I saw the opportunity to do a study exchange abroad in Singapore that I knew I wanted to get my passport to move overseas. 

I was under 18 when I started the British Citizenship process, and as I was born in the UK, I thought I would only be required to register myself, which at the time seemed reasonable and pretty straightforward. Spending the next six months trying to obtain evidence of the first ten years of my life. I laugh when I say this was not as easy as I thought it would be when I was doing it. Computers weren’t heavily used in schools in the 90s, and my details were still in books for nursery and primary school. I wasn’t a child that was always sick, so I didn’t have vast amounts of doctor appointments to rely on.

Running out of time

I was running out of time to apply for my study exchange. After speaking with my lawyer, I decided to go the naturalisation route. This required me to do the Life in the UK Test, which cost me £50. There are several test centers that you will need to take the test. The test requires you to study. Don’t forget your ID and proof of the test. I suggest booking the test and studying for seven days until the final day. You can practice through the Life in the UK app or here.

The cost of naturalisation to become a British citizen is now £1,330. It was slightly less when I paid for it.

A rough timeline/guide of my what I had to do:  
  • I already had indefinite leave to remain and met the requirements of being physically present in the UK for five years before my application. Once I completed the Life in the UK test, I was ready to submit my naturalisation application. 
  • Please note your application may only be accepted if you were in the UK precisely five years before the application was made. However, it depends on why you were not in the country. Find out the details here. 
  • You can apply by yourself online now. I applied by post (the online option was not available – look how times have changed?), but I would do it online if I were doing it now. You can also do it through an agent representative. They would charge. You can do it yourself if you read the instructions.
  • You need documents like your ‘Life in the UK Test’ certificate. I gave in my British Birth certificate, references x2 (people who don’t live with you), and evidence of Indefinite Leave to Remain. You can apply here.
  • Once you have completed the form, you will be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).
  • Once you get approval, you can book your citizenship ceremony. I was due to go to Ibiza and Marbella for my friend’s 21st birthday, so I booked my ceremony earlier than intended (I had to pay extra for this. I think it was around £60). 
  • At the ceremony, you will take the citizenship oath (I went with my family) and be declared a British citizen. 
  • I then received my naturalisation certificate as a British citizen by post and could apply for my British passport. Please keep this naturalisation document safe!
  • The British passport requires a similar process where you will need references (x2)- I also had an interview for my passport. I need to write a separate blog post for this – comment if you would like this.

Passport Privilege and traveling 

Please note that this is my own journey to getting my British citizenship. Your journey can be highly dependent on your current circumstances. If you are not born in the UK, your application process will differ significantly from mine. You may have to focus first on indefinite leave to remain. If you are like me and were born in the UK, the process will require your birth certificate. 

Traveling the world is a massive privilege, and I am blessed to have a British passport. Trust me, and I remind myself daily. I promise you that I do not take my privilege for granted. I have traveled to over 40 countries (still counting). Honestly, I never imagined doing it; a lot of it is accounted for by having a British passport.

Now that I have finished my master’s. I want to be honest and open with you about my journey as a travel food creator. So if you have any questions about my trip I can share, I will. If you enjoy traveling like me and do not have a passport. You can still travel. However, you will need indefinite leave to remain, as I did.

You can apply for a certificate of travel if you have permission to stay. It is also known as ‘leave to remain’. If your country’s national authorities have refused you a passport or travel document. However, that is a small risk. I wouldn’t want to take it when entering the UK, and not having a passport can be tricky while traveling. 

Conclusion

Overall, I am grateful for the challenges I experienced and the journey that got me to where I am today. I would never have thought a country bumpking from Swindon (Wroughton) would have been able to get her passport. And to then live to tell the story of traveling! Seeing the world, tasting so many dishes, not to mention living abroad! But guess what? I did, and so can you. This situation taught me I can do anything once I put my mind.

I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and love in getting me through this.

Have any questions? Ask away; I am happy to answer.

Until next time. Love MBV x

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A 7-Day Travel Guide to Turkey: Explore & Taste the Best in Istanbul, Fethiye and Cappacducio 
My Breaking Views

A 7-Day Travel Guide to Turkey: Explore & Taste the Best in Istanbul, Fethiye and Cappacducio 

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I’ve always wanted to experience Turkey. After my experience in Greece and the stories I heard about Turkey for black travellers – so was a little anxious about travelling there. However, I was pleasantly surprised and loved the food, culture, people and sites. In August 2022, I travelled through Turkey catching flights to Istanbul, Turkey well-known city, to the beautiful island of Fethiye Oludeniz and then finishing in the magical town, Cappadocia, in just a week. 

If you’re considering a trip to Turkey, here’s a guide on what to do, what to eat, things to see, and where to stay. This is helpful for you if you are planning a trip to Turkey this summer. 

About Turkey 

Turkey is a popular destination and attracts over 3.8 million tourists each year. The capital is Ankara, but many people visit Istanbul as the known for being the largest city and main financial centre. With a good mix of beach and city vibes, you have so many things to do in Turkey. The primary language spoken in Turkey is Turkish. The other languages and dialects also spoken include Caucasian and Kurdish, Arabic, Greek, Ladino and Armenian.

In February 2023, Turkey sadly suffered from a series of earthquakes which struck near the borders of southern Turkey and northern Syria. Several regions were affected. However, this has not kept tourists from visiting Turkey. The earthquake-affected areas are hundreds of miles from tourist centres like Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Mediterranean coast. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering travelling to Turkey.

Entry Requirements 

Before you travel to Turkey, check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section for Turkey’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning, so please watch via the GOV.UK website. 

Food in Turkey

Turkey has fantastic food. The cuisine of Turkey is of the Turkish diaspora. Turkish cuisine is delicious and varied, with dishes such as kebabs, meze, and baklava that satisfy the taste buds. It is essentially the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Eastern European cuisines. 

Getting to Turkey 

Travelling to Turkey wholly depends on your current circumstances. If you live in London, you will want to travel to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines – I reviewed their airline, which you can watch here. Make Instanbul your first stop if you are seeking to travel to other areas of Turkey, as you will have to stop in Istanbul first to go to other cities. 

Getting around in Turkey

I travelled from city to city via Turkish Airlines. Sign up for their air miles if you consider travelling all over Turkey, as you can benefit from their miles as a member. If you have more time, you can drive, but as I was only there for a week, I suggest flying, and of course, the earlier you book, the better the price. This was my itinerary for flights:

  • Arrive from London to Istanbul – Two Days in Istanbul. I booked transfers here.
  • Arrive from Istanbul to Fethiye Oludeniz – Three days in Fethiye Oludeniz
  • Fly from Fethiye Oludeniz to Cappaducio – Two days in Cappaducio 

Pre-booking all your flights before you arrive and planning your hotels around the airports for ease. Here is how I planned my trip for one week. 

Two Days in Istanbul

If you are looking for city vibes in Turkey, make Istanbul your starting point and base for your trip. Istanbul is a beautiful historical city with plenty of things to see and do. Here is what I did in Istanbul in two days: 

  1. Taht Istanbul: This is the best studio in Istanbul for a pretend natural feel of the Turkish atmosphere at the top. Go there with a beautiful long dress and be ready to act. 
  2. Explore the Grand Bazaar: This is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices to jewellery to Turkish carpets. You will love this place for souvenirs but try to remember that the site is a maze. 
  3. Visit the Hagia Sophia: This was literally a 5-minute walk from the hotel I stayed in and is known to be an iconic structure that has to be seen in Istanbul. It was once a church, then a mosque, and is now a museum. The building is a beautiful blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
  4. Wander around Sultanahmet Square: This historic square has many important landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome. Book a tour of Istanbul here. 
Other things you can do: 
  • A boat tour on the Bosphorus
  • Turkish bath (hammam)
  • Climb the Galata Tower

What and Where to Eat in Istanbul 

If you are visiting Istanbul, I highly recommend visiting The Must Turkish Restaurant – which has the most authentic Turkish aesthetics and food you will see. I had their amazing Gozleme, which they cook right before you, and the Testi Kebab, made inside a clay pot, gives the meat a juicy tenderness. You can have this at The Must Turkish Restaurant.

There are quite a few restaurants to explore around the city of Istanbul. I suggest visiting Kuleli Yakamoz for beautiful views of the sea and the most superb Turkish breakfast! I also created a review reel for this which you can find here. 

Where to stay in Istanbul 

I stayed at the Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia, surrounded by luxury and affordable hotels. I loved it here because many of the restaurants were within walking distance. 

Three days in Fethiye Ölüdeniz 

Ölüdeniz was my favourite part of Turkey, a resort village on the southwest coast of Turkey. It’s known for the blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı and the wide, white Belcekız Beach. 

If you are looking for the blue lagoon and beach vibes in Turkey, you must add Fethiye Ölüdeniz. If I were doing this all over again, I would most certainly visit Fethiye Ölüdeniz as my last location as it is so chilled and relaxing. This was my favourite part of Turkey, and I will undoubtedly be visiting again. Here is what I did in Fethiye Ölüdeniz over three days: 

  1. Took a boat tour: Many boat tours will take you around the coast of Fethiye Ölüdeniz. I used the Blue Lagoon. You can also book here. It came with lunch and was a full day, so don’t plan anything else. We visited seven islands, including the Blue Lagoon and the famous Butterfly Valley.
  2. She was a daredevil and went Paragliding: Ölüdeniz is also one of the best places in the world for paragliding. You can take a tandem flight with an instructor and enjoy the stunning views of the beach and the surrounding mountains. I absolutely loved doing this and am glad I did this in one of the best locations. Book here.
  3. Visited Ölüdeniz Beach: This famous beach, with its crystal-clear turquoise water and white sand, is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Other things you can do: 
  •  Visit the Fethiye Museum and the Markets 
  • Chill out at the hotel. 
  • Enjoy the nightlife

Where to stay in Fethiye Ölüdeniz

I stayed at the Kassandra Boutique Hotel, and it was beautiful. I loved the small townhouses on a cobblestone street. The food is excellent here. You can have the option of an English or Turkish breakfast. Of course, I had the Turkish breakfast because I enjoy eating like the locals when I am travelling, so I can immerse myself in the rich culture and essence of the country through the food. 

The hotel is in an excellent location because it is only 13 km from the rock-cut Tomb of Amyntas and 16 km. It is also only a 3-minute walk from Ölüdeniz Beach, which has many restaurants and activities.

What to Eat in Fethiye Ölüdeniz

Around the resort island, you will be spoilt for choosing what to eat. I enjoyed a cheeky lamb kebab at the Ölüdeniz Cafe Beach Restaurant with chips and a drink. I needed this after my paragliding experience. MBV would highly recommend having a Turkish breakfast which can be served in many restaurants. This was eaten every day at my hotel. 

The tour guide gave us food on the tour, but I suggest packing some snacks to keep you going. Our boat gave us a card to purchase snacks and drinks, which you pay for at the end of the tour. 

Two days in Cappadocia 

Cappadocia is truly a beautiful magic region in central Turkey. If you are looking for hot air balloon rides, unique rock formations, and underground cities, this is the city for you. I truly loved Cappadocia and wished I spent more time. When I return, I will do at least 3 to 4 days rather than just two. Here is what I did in Cappadocia in just two days: 

  1. Visited the Pasabag Valley: This valley is famous for its unique mushroom-shaped rock formations and is a popular spot for taking photos. It is hot in Turkey in August, so bring water. They had freshly squeezed orange juice you could purchase, which tasted amazing. You can book a tour here.
  2. I watched the hot air balloons: I woke up early (around 5 am) to watch the stunning views of the unique landscape. This is certainly worth the early rise. 
  3. Horseback riding: Cappadocia has many hiking trails with a horse. I chose a white horse. You will see stunning views of the unique rock formations, such as the Red and Rose Valleys. Do this when the sun goes down after 5 pm. Book this tour here. 
Other things you can do: 
  • Explore the Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities.
  • Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum
  • Take a pottery class

Where to stay in Cappadocia 

I stayed in the Seki Cave Hotel. I chose this hotel because of its rooftop jacuzzi, which you must pay separately for, but it is worth it as the views are truly stunning in the morning. The breakfast was great. There is a vast selection to choose from. 

What to eat Cappadocia 

I had some fantastic food in Cappadocia. I had these amazing saucy prawns at the Cappa Gusto restaurant, only 3 mins walk from the hotel. Not your typical Turkish dish, but the seafood is unique in Turkey and must be tried. 

Ending my stay in Turkey 

Visiting Turkey reminded me that everyone’s experience is different when travelling. I thoroughly enjoyed Turkey and would go back again. There were a few stares here and there, but that is normal for me when I travel as a Black woman. I would stay longer in Cappadocia and even visit Antalya, which I have heard is another fantastic beach location. I hope this guide was helpful, and I look forward to writing more guides now that I am back! 

Do you have any questions? Please do not hesitate to drop them in the comments; I’ll happily answer them.

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MBV is back online!
My Breaking Views

MBV is back online!

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MBV is back online! It’s been nearly two years! That is way too long! How have you been MyBreakingViewers? I am so sorry it has been so long 🙁 

The last two years have been focused on my master’s in Global Diplomacy at the School of Oriental African Studies (SOAS)! It has always been a dream of mine to do my master’s, and I am even more grateful that I did this at SOAS. Now that I have finished, I can focus on sharing my travel journals, guides and foodie tips! 

If you’ve been following me on my new Instagram. You will know that I re-started my IG page for a fresh start, especially after the trolls from the situation in Greece – read about it here. 

MBV is back online! 

MBV is back online. Yes, I am entirely back up and running, and believe me when I say I am here for good this time! I have been working hard, and so many things are coming to you this year. The focus has been travel, but now I want to share my views and tips and challenge the perceptions of food while travelling. 

While I was away 

Although I was working full-time and studying part-time, I still managed to find time to travel the world (don’t worry, I will share how I did this now that I am back). 

Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, I still travelled. I visited around 9 countries last year, many unplanned and some delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The countries I visited in the last two years: 

March 2022 Jordan 

This was my first time visiting the Middle East, and I absolutely loved it! The rich history, hospitality and food were truly unique. I enjoyed tasting the falafel, the hummus was the best I have ever tasted, and the shawarma was rich in juices and flavour. 

I enjoyed the food so much that I returned home and cooked the dishes on my Cooking Travel Talks live relaunch. I went with GoJolley, the best travel group I advise you to travel with – especially if you want a smooth process. 

May 2022 France, Paris 
MBV is back online!
eating in paris
MBV is back online
travel top paris

I’ve been to Paris many times, but every time I go, it’s a new experience. If you are based in the UK, you only need 3 days max in Paris because, honestly, if you go once, you will go again and again. It was the first time I tried escargots – French snails, and it was truly yummy. We need to do a Taste of France – what do you think?

August 2022 Turkey
eating in Turkey - MBV is back online!

I was a bit nervous about travelling to Turkey because of what I heard about Black women’s experience and because it’s next door to Greece, but I loved Turkey. The food was also delicious, and the people were lovely to me. 

Septemeber 2022 Italy 
MBV in Pisa

Like France, I have been to Italy several times, but it was my first time in Pisa and Florence. Florence is my favourite city in Italy. We also did a Cooking Travel Talks live for Italy, which you can find here. 

October 2022 West Africa 

Nigeria Seafood Ofada Rice
The Gambia
Safari in Senegal

I travelled to Nigeria, The Gambia and Senegal in October. My dream has always been to travel to Africa, and my goals are close to becoming increasingly real every day. We did a Cooking Travel Talks Live for all three. I did The Gambia and Senegal with Ajala Travels.

MyBreakingViewers, if you would like to read about a specific country sooner rather than later, let me know I will focus my guides on what you want. I will post in real-time (after the trip), so subscribe and follow for more. 

I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back here! Speak soon. 

Love MBV x

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Review: Cotton Bag Co. ‘Jute Selfie Bag’
My Breaking Views

Review: Cotton Bag Co. ‘Jute Selfie Bag’

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Please note: This product was sent to me for review. 

A Jute Selfie BAG!! Music to my name! You guys remember when I received my Foodie Bag from Cotton Bag Co. Well, I just got even luckier with their new Jute Selfie Bag! With Lockdown 3 coming to an end I think I am ready to get out there and start getting my selfie pictures on the way. 

What’s in the bag?

Every year Cotton Bag Co. is looking for ways to improve their bag and I have to say that this year selfie bag has been certainly created for the ultimate selfie King or Queen! Here is a list of things included in the bag: 

  • Bluetooth tripod selfie stick: get the perfect angle with a Bluetooth selfie stick to connect to your phone. The selfie stick is great for holidays and anyone looking to get some different angles for their shots
  • Zip top: the whole bag has a zip across the top for added security and so that you can be rest assured that nothing will come tumbling out.
  • Pop up reflector: to get the perfect lighting for your selfies we’ve included a pop-up reflector that comes tucked up in its own mini bag.
  • LED ring light: if the reflector doesn’t quite cut it, then give the LED ring light a go. This ring light handily attaches to the top of your phone, plus it comes with a lead to charge and has 3 settings so you’re sure to get just the perfect lighting.
  • Handy guide: free inside each Selfie Bag, this brochure has all the tips needed to take the perfect picture.

I mean with all this.. what else do you need for the perfect selfie? Nothing else because it’s all in this one bag! 

Who is Cotton Bag Co?

If you’ve been following MyBreakingViews journey you should already know who Cotton Bag Co is, but just in case… It’s a company based in Wiltshire that creates bags for lots of wonderful business, including M&S, Schuh and for people like you and me. 

What I will be using the Jute Selfie Bag for?

I am never someone that would say no to a goodie bag! I’ve already used the ring light on a cheeky date night and will certainly be purchasing a few more of these bags for my friends who I know love a cheeky selfie. You will also see me using this when I am able to travel again and can go on a nice long solo trip!

How can I purchase the Jute Selfie Bag?

You can also order the bag directly for £27.95 inc P&P & VAT – Same Day Despatch, exclusively from Cotton Bag Co.

If you purchase this bag, then let me know! Heck, send me a picture to be featured in this post!

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COVID Travel Diaries: 3 days in Italy, Rome
FoodMy Breaking ViewsTravelTravel Tips

COVID Travel Diaries: 3 days in Italy, Rome

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Italy Rome for 3 days.…

Italy is and has always been a beautiful country to visit. There are so many places to view, such as Florence, Rome, Milan, Bologna and many more places to experience and fall in love with. Despite the scares of travelling during COVID19. I was lucky to have a quick escape and travel to Italy, Rome last year (2020). This of course was all for a quick weekend birthday get away with Tiaontour hosted trip – girlswrldtour. And it was fabulous!!!

I agreed to go to Italy because it was one of the countries on the travel corridors list, which at the time simply meant you wouldn’t have to quarantine when you were there and when you returned to the UK……

Rome is the capital city and a special commune of Italy, it has so much character and beauty including sites such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and how can I forget the FOOD! Pizza, Pasta and more Pizza! It was a very much needed holiday after several countries that had been planned where cancelled last year (Jamaica and Jordan) due to the COVID situation.

Can you stay in Rome, Italy for 3 days?

The simple answer is yes. (par the lockdown/pandemic situation) You can easily stay and see Rome, Italy in 3 days. Your time will of course be tight, but there is a lot to see, and if you carry on reading, you will find out what I got up too. Of course, you may not be able to do everything I did, but you can certainly pick and choose what you would like to do – when COVID permits!

Day one of 3 in Rome Italy… Arrival

I arrived in Rome in the late evening, there was some delays with the trains. Due to COVID, trains were not running like they usually do. I arrived at the Giolli Nazionale Hotel. The hotel is very central to the main tourists sites!

The idea was to freshen up and head out to Zuma Restaurant. Instead, I was surprised by Tia and the girls with balloons and a Birthday sing-song! Awwwww! It was great! I wasn’t expecting a birthday surprise and just didn’t know how to react!

3 in Rome Italy

After this we freshened up and as requested dressed in our earth tone** outfits and headed out to the lovely Japanese restaurant.

The dinner was lovely. I had the maiale iberico con yuzu e salsa al tartufo which was absolutely spectacular. We spent time getting to know each other with some dining games led by Channmariee and then headed back to the hotel for a night of rest.

Please note: Some countries are strict on the type of facemasks you use when travelling to their country. For Italy, it was required to wear a medical facemask.

Day two of 3 in Rome Italy… Saturnia Hot Springs

3 days in Italy Rome

It was an early start! As we were heading to the famous Saturnia Hot Springs. The Saturnia Hot Springs is a great way to get away from Rome for a day and explore Tuscany and the Maremma. We left Rome just after 6 am and arrived there just after 10 am.

You would have thought that the place would have been empty! But no! It was completely packed! I still managed to get a few nice pictures – I think so anyway! We spent a few hours at the hot springs, grabbed some lunch in Maremma and headed back to Rome for a cooking class!!

Please note: The Saturina Hot Springs is free entry and is totally worth going for the experience.

This was my very first ever cooking class and it was great! It took us a while to get there! We found the class on Airbnb experiences. The class started with some wine tasting (both red and white). We then proceeded to make some pasta from the stretch. I was quite impressed with how quick and easy it was to make – it just needed a lot of kneeling! I added a tomato-based sauce to my pasta and finished that with some cheese and white wine… Buon appetito!

The night was supposed to end with a party (girls night in) to celebrate my birthday! But we were of course shattered from the very early rise and was summoned to my bed!

Day three of 3 in Rome, Italy… Birthday!

Today was the birthday girls birthday! yeah me! so I was mega excited! It required another early start (7.30 AM)!! to explore the famous sites of Rome, Italy! We had a quick bite to eat for breakfast and then first headed to the Trevi Fountain. We were lucky to have stayed in a hotel that was located so central because the fountain was within walking distance!

Trevi Fountain

Then we headed out to the famous Colosseum to explore some more. Along the way, we continued to take the best shots. Check out some more shots below. We then headed back to the hotel to order an Uber for the Vatican City, which was an experience indeed. We arrived just before the mass service, which to my delight was delivered by the Pope himself. I must say this was lovely for me on my birthday!

Our final stop was grabbing some lunch at a local restaurant close to the Vatican City before heading back to the hotel and catching my flight!

Must things to do in Italy, Rome for 3 days:

  • Saturnia Hot Springs
  • Italian Cooking Class
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Colosseum
  • Vatican City
  • Spanish Steps
  • Pincio Hill

I always say that you must celebrate your birthday abroad! Lucky for me I was able to do so as I know many people are not able to do so! Hope you are able to save this post to at some point visit Rome, Italy!

In the meantime, have you been to Rome, Italy? How long were you there for and what did you get up too?

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