Andiamo - The Most Authentic Italian Restaurant in the Seattle Area

After spending about six months in Italy, I had my fair share of traditional Italian food. It was an amazing time over in Italy in terms of cuisine, because  in my opinion, Italians do it best when it comes to cooking. After returning to the States I had eaten at some Italian restaurants here and there, but the quality just wasn't at all up to par with Italy. (No offense, Olive Garden...) It was when I tried Andimao, though, that I was transported back to Florence with a single bite of my gnocchi. This small restaurant in downtown Bellevue (east of Seattle) is located on the corner of 110th Ave and 10th St. There are tables and chairs outside on the sidewalk (reminded me of Italy) and there is a relaxing atmosphere inside. Of the three times I've been there, the service has been excellent.

Everything from the pasta al dente and insalata mista to the silky, pure olive oil and the little basket of bread tasted exactly like it did when I dined out in Florence. I've had the tortellini in prosciutto sauce (pictured, left) and the gnocchi with bolognese. I always recommend this place to friends when they're in the Seattle area.

Andiamo Ristorante Italiano

Address: 938 110th Ave NE #1 / Bellevue, WA 98004

Phone: (425) 452-9602

This was not sponsored. I just loved it so much I had to write about it!

The Thermal Bath Experience in Budapest

Budapest thermal baths

One of Hungary's most exciting attractions are the thermal baths - large hot tub-like baths that are open to the public. Budapest became known as the City of Spas in the 1930s with its number of baths around the city that drew in visitors. Last winter I went to the popular Szechenyi baths in Budapest and my expectations were blown away by how cool thermal baths actually are. The Szechenyi baths have large baths outside as well as some smaller pools and saunas inside. I went on a regular night, but there are often spa parties with crazy lights and laser shows.

The Thermal Bath Experience in Budapest

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It cost 4300 ft (about $19 USD) for entry and a locker at the Szechenyi baths. I also rented a towel and a swimsuit. I forgot to bring my swimsuit, and I regretted it - while it's nice they offer ones for rental, you can tell how old and used they are. I'm sure they clean them, but in my opinion it's just more comfortable to be in your own swimwear.

Instead of a traditional key, you get a waterproof bracelet that you tap to lock/unlock your locker. It was so nice to not have to worry about having a key with the possibility of getting it lost or stolen while you were in the bath. I put my clothes, shoes, and handbag in the locker. Outside by the outdoor pools there are mini lockers that your tap bracelets work with as well. I used one of those to put my camera and some extra cash in.

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I used some cash to get a drink at the mini bar outside ;) but just know that you can't take your drink into the water!

There are three pools with people relaxing and mingling. One is a whirpool which is a lot of fun.

Since I went in the winter, it was very cold outside! Luckily the baths were warm. Also, when walking from one bath to the other there was a little "moat" of warm water lining the pools. I'm pretty sure that's to wash your feet before you get into the pool but it was nice to take a few steps in to warm up my feet when switching from one bath to the next.

After a couple hours we left and grabbed our stuff from the lockers before heading back to the hotel to shower and change and go out for the night. All in all it was a fun experience and I highly recommend going to the thermal baths in Budapest during your visit!

Amazing Mountain Resort in Utah

On my way to Arizona, my dad and I stopped at Hotel Park City for the night. We drove 16 hours from Seattle to Park City (near Salt Lake City) and arrived around midnight. The view that greeted me as I opened the blinds the following morning was absolutely amazing.

I'm not a skiier/snowboarder, so I've never really been this close to mountains with ski trails. (And I have no idea if "ski trails" makes any sense at all. Ha!) The emerald green hills were breathtaking and I can only imagine how pretty they would be under a blanket of snow.

We stayed in one of the cottage rooms, which is basically like a small furnished apartment. There is a master bedroom/bathroom, living room, kitchen stocked with dishes, utenstils, and a blender, a second bathroom, two TVs, a washer and dryer, and a private patio with a hot tub. There is a spa, fitness room (group fitness classes included), a couple restaurants, and a golf course. If I ever make it back to Utah, this is where I'd want to stay.

This article was not sponsored by Hotel Park City. All opinions are my own.