You never know what the weather will bring you, so always be prepared.

- Always travel with an umbrella
- Plan your packing for all kinds of weather
- Waterproof your shoes/boots before travel

This was supposed to be a "sunny spring break getaway" in Barcelona, Spain, where normal temperatures are in the 70's or possibly 80's in late April. Clearly my wardrobe and choice of accessories are not suggesting this climate.

Even if you think there is no chance of rain in the forecast, do yourself a favor and bring the umbrella. If it means you “lugging” around an extra 2 lbs in your bag, at least you will be ready when those water droplets commence their decent to the earth. Also – umbrellas are destructible. They will break on you if there is too much wind. Spend the $10 or 10euro and get another one. There’s no point in being cheap if it means keeping you dry.

When a city’s weather channel says, “we haven’t been hit by snow in years!” Murphy’s Law states that you will get pummeled with snow when visiting that city. Not bringing enough layers of clothing or enough pairs of warm socks will only leave you smelly and cold. Very cold. If you’re worried about your backpack being too heavy to be considered carry-on, bite the bullet and wear layers through the security checkpoint. You can always take them off later.  Spandex also adds a layer of warmth and it fits just fine under your jeans or shirts.

When going from Dublin to Edinburgh during the Christmas holiday last year, I had to buy a new pair of boots for the journey. The boots I had worn into Dublin would be considered “fashion boots” and didn’t cut the 3 ft of snow, the icy sidewalks or freezing temperatures. For 29.99euro, I found a good, sturdy pair of boots from Dunnes in the Stephen’s Green Shopping Center, right at the base of Grafton St. and slathered them with 5.99euro waterproof goop I found at Footlocker; ya do whatcha gotta do. As these new boots were structured more than the last pair, I wasn’t able to bring them back home to Auxerre but I got terrific use out of them and was able to walk confidently through any puddle or snowbank; hopefully the chaps at the Art Roch Hostel donated them like I asked them to.

The best street food that I have experienced was in Glasgow, Scotland around midnight.  Chit-chatting about the seemed gloominess of the city, my friend Jon and I were walking back to our hostel for the night when we came across a dingy white food trailer with steam and grease smells emanating into the air. We walked up to the booth and saw that their menu offered little more than hamburgers, cheese burgers, fries or a sausage-patty sandwich. The sole person to be manning the trailer was a woman in her late 60’s, smiling away as she fried and flipped, cheesed and bunned each order while scratching the grease and meat remnants off the griddle into a bucket. The corners of my mouth immediately turned south...I could just imagine the slimy fat sticking to my insides and my arteries thickening.

Frankly, I wasn’t too hungry. And as intriguingly juicy the scent of the sandwiches gave off, it couldn’t compete with the unpleasant look of the whole operation. That is, until I read about the Trailer Special: the Scooby Snack. Imagine, in this order:

Top bun
Three strips of bacon
Condiments as desired (mustard, ketchup, relish)
Onion slices
An egg over-easy
A sausage patty
A potato-hash brown patty
A cheeseburger
Bottom bun

The most disgusting, at the same time amazing, at the same time greasy, at the same time AMAZING combination I have ever seen offered on a menu (yes, I am aware that I used amazing twice). Honestly, how could I not order this? Carpe diem right? It’s not like the Scooby Snack was my typical meal of choice…although I’m sure that that sandwich equated to one full day’s count of calories; gives me the shivers thinking about the numbers.

And, as one can assume, it was heaven. So juicy and meaty and salty and loaded with carbs to keep you energized until your next meal (which shouldn’t be until the next day). I’m still not too sure as to why it was titled, “The Scooby Snack.” Maybe because both Shaggy and Scooby could devour this in one bite (why did Shaggy eat Scooby’s snacks?) or maybe it’s the thought that you can fight ghosts, ghouls and other paranormal crime while a “food high” brought on by the sandwich? Who knows! But, if you happen to be in Glasgow and you see the mysterious white truck sitting in a pond of misty fog with an old lady flipping burgers, order her Scooby Snack and you’ll be delightfully satisfied.

If you’re from the Buffalo area, then you probably know about this gem on Elmwood Avenue in the heart of the Elmwood Arts District; if you’re not from Buffalo, then this is the gastro-pub to scope out while visiting the Queen City. Decorated from top to bottom with European beer posters, menus and memorabilia, the lower level of the establishment offers a similar atmosphere to what I’ve experienced in Brussels, Belgium, Dublin, Ireland and Auxerre, France. Be it from the continually changing 32 varieties on tap or the numerous bottled choices, the Blue Monk boasts an overwhelming selection of European beers and American craft brews.

Though you can order food on either level, I’d recommend eating upstairs for a bit more intimacy/forego the constant elbow-nudges in the back. The menu has been created with the beer-on-the-brain as many of the items are made with beer or offer suggestive pairings. I have to admit that I am in love with their Duck Frites (fries cooked in duck fat) dipped into the Roasted Garlic & Sea Salt Mayo and the Mac-n-Cheese. Just thinking about it makes me salivate like a Pavlovian dog. I practically went into a food orgasm when I first paired prosciutto with bleu cheese and dried cranberries, but apparently you can no longer get a meat-cheese platter. As a recommendation to the chef, as a woman, I can tell you we prefer one of each as opposed to  just  a charcuterie plate or just a cheese plate…it’s all about the balance.

Honestly, I love this place. During the winter it was my mid-week treat as I was going practically every week just to try something new. The prices are a little bit steeper than normal but you’re also getting quality European and American craft beers (this isn’t a $4.99 20 piece chicken nugget deal – gross). Typically holding a sizable crowd, the bar (wo)men hold up well as they are interested in seeing you served what you want. Not sure what to drink? Ask for a sample or a recommendation. The bar (wo)men will gladly shell out their knowledge and opinion of the beers.

I used to hate beer. I thought it all tasted the same and I couldn’t down anything that made my face twist. Granted, I was used to the nasty cheap crap we’d buy in college as we didn’t have the money or knowledge to know any better. After some getting used to, I’ve found that beer is just as exciting as wine (or any kind of alcohol for that matter) with its differences and subtleties making each one unique. I’m not going to say I love all beer or would choose it over a glass of Chablis, but I have come to appreciate it.

Here are some of my favorite beers typically, if not always, offered at the Blue Monk: St. Bernadus, Chimay Blue, Delirium Tremens and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. Have at it!

For more information on the Blue Monk, search their website.

Lonely Planet offers travelers insight into some of the lesser knows but equally remarkable landmarks scattered throughout the city. Have a look at their list…have you been to these places?