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31 May 22, 4:04 p.m. 🐅 High-Speed Train, Lland 31 May 22, 4:04 p.m. 🐅 
High-Speed Train, Llandudno to London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🔜🇬🇧

🐅 Never one to be outdone, I TOO found a tiger and we’re now on the high-speed train from Llandudno to London for the Jubilee.  Leonard and I met in Cardiff; and, after spending a deeply meaningful week together, we’ve decided to make it Instagram official!  It prolly goes without saying that we both love tea, cake, sandwiches, good books, long walks and, obviously, a great blowout.  Why are we so damn sexy, y’all! 💃🏼🐅

Occupying seats 19 E and F on the 14:43, we expect to arrive at Paddington around 7:00 tonight, giving us plenty of time to get to the Tower of London for the Ceremony of the Keys.  You should come.  I promise it won’t be boring.  x Sandy 🐅
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#wales #llandudno #trains #uk #unitedkingdom #travelblogger #travelgram #travelbloggers #traveladdict #travelinggram #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #womenwhotravelsolo #explorer #traveladdicted #thesandypapers #travelnotebook #momentsofmine #traveldiaries #traveldiary #travelnotes
27 May 22, 11:14 a.m. 🚂 Cardiff, Wales 🏴󠁧 27 May 22, 11:14 a.m. 🚂
Cardiff, Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

It is often said that truth is stranger than fiction.  As I take my seat on the 11:22 train from Cardiff to Llandudno, I watch the woman seated in the row ahead of me cradle a two-foot-long stuffed tiger, speaking to it as if it were a proper person, and silently reaffirm to myself that this theory is, indeed, true.

Although the First Class compartment is quieter, the goings-on in here are surely no less strange than the happenings in any other car.  Mind you, I’m not complaining.  It’s a welcome change from deserted sidewalks and empty seats for the last 20 months.  As I type these words, the elderly man to my left smiles broadly at his traveling companion as he removes his teeth to — his words — “give his face a rest”. Spoke too soon.  I immediately have second thoughts… 🧐

Yes, traveling is strange business.  Aside from the four-month air ban imposed in 2020, I’ve traveled nearly continuously since August 2020.  Europe, Africa, Central and South America and have loved every 👏🏻single 👏🏻minute👏🏻 of it.  No crowds, no queues, fewer quacks.

But make no mistake:  Travel is back, y’all!

Why Llandudno?  Three words:  Alice in Wonderland. 🐇🦤🦩 If you follow me even a little bit, you know it is one of my obsessions.  But did you know the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, Wales was a frequent holiday destination of the real Alice in Wonderland, Alice Liddell?  The Liddells were close family friends with Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) and it has long been speculated that Carroll visited them at the holiday home they built in Llandudno, inspiring some of Alice’s adventures while in Wonderland.

So, here I am.  Traveling all this way for the chance to step into the Rabbit Hole and see Llandudno for myself.  Nope, nothing strange about that now, is there?  All aboard!  x Sandy 🚂 🐇🦤🦩🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

#travelgram #travelblogger #traveladdict #travelingram #wales #cardiff #llandudno #trains #unitedkingdom #momentsofmine #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #thesandypapers #adventuretime #traveldiaries #travelnotes #traveldiary #travelawesome #travelbloggers #travelblogging #travelbloggerlife
Once you realize you can do it alone, you become a Once you realize you can do it alone, you become a very powerful person. x Sandy
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#thesandypapers #travel #travelphotography #travelling #lisbon #lisbonportugal #lisbonlovers #travelblogger #travelgram #beautifuldestinations #traveladdict #travelingram #momentsofmine #darling #darlingescapes #darlingtravels #traveldiaries #traveldiary #aroundtheworld #portugal #travelgoals #travelgirl #travelgirls #travelawesome #womemwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #travelnotebook #inspiration
🔥 ‘Burning of the Ribbons’ (or Queima das F 🔥 ‘Burning of the Ribbons’ (or Queima das Fitas) is an academic event where final-year university students celebrate the end of their studies.  However, ‘Burning of the Ribbons’ isn't just a festival for final-year students anymore but rather for all students, as well as the community as a whole.

🔥 Considered Porto’s largest festival after the St. John's Festivities, celebrations kicked off informally yesterday (30 April) with music and dance events taking place all across the city.

🔥 At precisely midnight on 1 May, official celebrations began with hundreds of students gathering in the city center singing loudly into the wee hours of the morning.  This student is no doubt headed home to get some much needed rest.  Celebrations will continue all week long, including a big parade through town on Tuesday, 3 May.  After two consecutive years of Corona-related cancellations, if you’re lucky enough to be in Portugal this week, congratulations!  You’re in for one hell of a party! 🔥
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#porto #harrypotter #portugal #festival #travelblogger #travelbloggers #travelblog #traveldiaries #traveldiary #traveldiary_aroundtheworld #momentsofmine #travelingram #travelphotography #traveladdict #travelgram #travelgirl #travelgoals #wanderfolk #wanderlusting #travelgirls #aroundtheworld #thesandypapers #tradition #travelguide #lonelyplanet
Picture-perfect Porto is awash with colorful build Picture-perfect Porto is awash with colorful buildings and sumptuous architecture.  Take the imposing Art Nouveau facade of the Marcolino Relojoerio building, for example.  Located in the heart of Porto’s historical district, it recently underwent a major glow up!  Standing tall and proud, the structure sports a daring shade of red, commanding your attention from every angle.  The devil is, of course, in the details and the window frames have also been painstakingly restored and kept intact.

Welcome to Porto, y’all!
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#travelgram #travelphotography #porto #loveportugal #architecture #travelblogger #travelblog #travelbloggers #traveldiaries #momentsofmine #thesandypapers #traveladdict #travelingram #travelpics #travelawesome #portugal #travelguide #traveltheworld #loveportugal #visitportugal
Often called the most beautiful town in Colombia, Often called the most beautiful town in Colombia, Barichara is also one of the best preserved.  Exploring it by tuk-tuk is mandatory.  Dating from the founding of the city of Barichara in 1705, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an extraordinary work of art.  Supported by 10 monolithic columns and crowned by a huge dome, the church stands in perfect harmony with the city’s main square and surrounding buildings.
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#aroundtheworld #colombia #thesandypapers #igtravel #instatraveling #travelphotographer #lovetotravel #barichara #tourism #travel #travelawesome #travelblog #travelbug #traveldeeper #traveldestination #traveldiaries #travelers #travelingram #traveller #travellife #cityphotography #travelphoto #travelpic #travelpics #travels #travelstoke #traveltheworld #worldtraveler #churches #momentsofmine
In 1991, Time Magazine dubbed Medellin “the most In 1991, Time Magazine dubbed Medellin “the most dangerous city on Earth”. On average 16 murders were committed here EVERY day.  Fast forward 30 years.  Now an exciting, vibrant metropolis brimming with law-abiding, entrepreneurial people, Medellin is now one of the great success stories of South America!

Follow along and, together, we’ll discover how Medellin transformed itself from the murder capital of the world to a hipster holiday destination 🚕🇨🇴

#colombia #medellin #medellincolombia #postcardsfromtheworld #travelblogger #travelblog #travelphotography #traveling #travelingram #colombiatravel #wanderfolk #traveladdict #southamerica #momentsofmine #traveldiary #traveldiaries #roadtrip #adventuretime #travelmore #travelmoments #beautifuldestinations #getoutside #travelgoals #explorecolombia #wander #wanderer #cityphotography #wanderlust
🌋 It’s hard to pigeonhole the Mexican capital 🌋 It’s hard to pigeonhole the Mexican capital.  Brash, bold and beautifully boisterous, this sprawling metropolis surrounded by a ring volcanoes is a city literally exploding with contrasts and contradictions.

Once the celebrated heart of the Aztec civilization, today Mexico City is home to some 21 million people and the undisputed business and cultural capital of Latin America.

So, sit back, relax and let me do the driving. Together, we’ll discover where the old meets the new in the oldest capital city in the Americas — not to mention where to find the best damn tacos on the planet! 🌮🌋
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#travelblogger #travelblog #travelgram #traveladdict #mexicocity #mexico #travelmore #travelphotography #moments #momentsofmine #cityphotography #citybreak #thesandypapers #explorepage #exploremore #exploremexico #travelawesome #traveltheworld #travelstoke #travelpics #explorer #wanderlust #wander #wanderer #wanderfolk #beautifuldestinations #getoutside #travellife #travelgoals #roadtrip
  • Home
  • About
  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Eastern Europe
    • North America
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Travel Awesome
    • Travel Hacks
      • Travel Tips
    • Travel Style
    • UNESCO
    • Urban Legends
  • Contact
The Sandy Papers

A personal travel blog written by a travel-obsessed girl, featuring tons of tips, stories, guides, videos and photography from around the world. Ninety-four countries and counting. I’m so happy you’re here! Welcome.

Castles in the Sky: Your Fairytale Guide to Portugal!

June 7, 2022 0 comment

The Art of the Stroll: Coyoacan Edition!

May 11, 2022 0 comment

Red Hot, Right Now: Iceland!

January 31, 2022 0 comment

How To Spend a Perfect Day in The Marais

January 30, 2022 0 comment

Done and (Mostly) Dusty: Egypt Edition

November 28, 2021 0 comment

Weird Science: Unwrapping a Mummy

November 24, 2021 0 comment
CastlesIconic LandmarksLisbonPortoSintraWestern Europe

Castles in the Sky: Your Fairytale Guide to Portugal!

by Sandy June 7, 2022
written by Sandy

Castle, castle, fortress, castle. Swoon!   Hopping from castle to castle is enough to get any traveler excited.  Throw in mind-blowing medieval villages bolstered by staggering cliffs wrapped up by spectacular, sweeping views in every direction and I👏🏻am👏🏻 all👏🏻in👏🏻!

Scattered across lush grasslands, jaw-dropping seascapes and dramatic limestone outcrops, Portuguese castles comprise a small but important part of the historical heritage of the country. Did you know that there are more than 150 castles in Portugal? Well, there are.  And to visit even a handful of them takes a bit of planning.  By now, you might be asking yourself, “Which ones are ‘worth’ it?”

The answer to this question, of course, is that it depends.   How much time are you

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June 7, 2022 0 comment
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Central AmericaIconic LandmarksMexicoMexico CityTravel StyleTravel TipsWalking

The Art of the Stroll: Coyoacan Edition!

by Sandy May 11, 2022
written by Sandy

Mexico City is having a moment.  Sure, the sunny Central American country has been luring tourists for ages with its sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts.  But for travelers seeking mind-blowing food, amazing art and architecture, history and religion, adventure-packed excursions and exciting nightlife, you are spoiled for choice in this colorful capital!   Street life is buzzy and fun and there is something new and different happening around every corner.  When deciding where to base myself this past February, a few neighborhoods sounded like a good fit.  But Coyoacan caught my attention.

Exploring a new city can seem intimidating, especially for new globetrotters — Is it safe?  What if I get lost?   I don’t speak the language!  — but it

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May 11, 2022 0 comment
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HorsebackIcelandIconic LandmarksNorthern EuropeReyjkavikRing RoadRoad TrippingUNESCO

Red Hot, Right Now: Iceland!

by Sandy January 31, 2022
written by Sandy

Topping bucket lists everywhere, Iceland is, quite possibly, the most fascinating country on the planet.  A vast volcanic laboratory, Iceland is literally a country in the making. Every day, geysers gush, mud pots boil, volcanos rumble and glaciers cut great pathways through entire mountains. These mighty forces seemingly all come together to remind us of our utter insignificance in the larger scheme of things.   The energy on this enchanted island is palpable.

Like most everyone before me, I was awestruck during my first visit to Iceland.   Sure, I had a list of must-see places, but I had no idea how many wonderful, incredible, amazing surprises were waiting for me. Before I had even completed my first trip, I was already

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January 31, 2022 0 comment
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DrinkEatFranceParisShoppingThe MaraisTravel TipsUNESCOWestern EuropeWorld Markets

How To Spend a Perfect Day in The Marais

by Sandy January 30, 2022
written by Sandy

Vibrant and bustling, Paris is, in every sense of the word, monumental.   Paris is also arguably the most beautiful city in the world.  With two World Heritage sites, 141 museums, over 450 parks and gardens and at least 170 places of worship, it comes as no surprise that Paris tops most every traveler’s list.

Truth:  The first time I came to Paris, I was overwhelmed.  The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and the Louvre were all great places to start!   But, because each new neighborhood also came with new, exciting discoveries, I left Paris that first time feeling sad that I ran out of time to explore deeper.

Fast forward 20-something years. Countless returns later, I’ve grown to

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January 30, 2022 0 comment
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AfricaAlexandriaAswanCairoEgyptGizaLuxorThe Nile RiverUNESCO

Done and (Mostly) Dusty: Egypt Edition

by Sandy November 28, 2021
written by Sandy

Somewhere between Cairo and Paris, it became Sunday, at which point I became acutely aware that my Grand Egyptian Adventure was over. And, in case I needed a not-so-subtle reminder, the cold winds of Western Europe slapped me across the face for good measure as I stepped out of Charles de Gaulle and into my taxi. Speeding away from the curb, I silently crunched the numbers:

Thirty-one days + five domestic flights + four local cabs + two tuk-tuks + one quad bike + the most insane supper of my life = millions of memories.

For the second time in as many years, I’ve visited this legendary land of kings and queens and gods and pharaohs. And, after all the

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November 28, 2021 0 comment
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About Me

About Me

Hi!  I’m Sandy, a fierce Virgo with a serious case of wanderlust that is rivaled only by an equally spectacular case of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I’m Native Texan to the bone, although I was actually born in the Black Forest under a gibbous moon. Speaking of black, I love black licorice, black crystals and black humor.

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31 May 22, 4:04 p.m. 🐅 High-Speed Train, Lland 31 May 22, 4:04 p.m. 🐅 
High-Speed Train, Llandudno to London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🔜🇬🇧

🐅 Never one to be outdone, I TOO found a tiger and we’re now on the high-speed train from Llandudno to London for the Jubilee.  Leonard and I met in Cardiff; and, after spending a deeply meaningful week together, we’ve decided to make it Instagram official!  It prolly goes without saying that we both love tea, cake, sandwiches, good books, long walks and, obviously, a great blowout.  Why are we so damn sexy, y’all! 💃🏼🐅

Occupying seats 19 E and F on the 14:43, we expect to arrive at Paddington around 7:00 tonight, giving us plenty of time to get to the Tower of London for the Ceremony of the Keys.  You should come.  I promise it won’t be boring.  x Sandy 🐅
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#wales #llandudno #trains #uk #unitedkingdom #travelblogger #travelgram #travelbloggers #traveladdict #travelinggram #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #womenwhotravelsolo #explorer #traveladdicted #thesandypapers #travelnotebook #momentsofmine #traveldiaries #traveldiary #travelnotes
27 May 22, 11:14 a.m. 🚂 Cardiff, Wales 🏴󠁧 27 May 22, 11:14 a.m. 🚂
Cardiff, Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

It is often said that truth is stranger than fiction.  As I take my seat on the 11:22 train from Cardiff to Llandudno, I watch the woman seated in the row ahead of me cradle a two-foot-long stuffed tiger, speaking to it as if it were a proper person, and silently reaffirm to myself that this theory is, indeed, true.

Although the First Class compartment is quieter, the goings-on in here are surely no less strange than the happenings in any other car.  Mind you, I’m not complaining.  It’s a welcome change from deserted sidewalks and empty seats for the last 20 months.  As I type these words, the elderly man to my left smiles broadly at his traveling companion as he removes his teeth to — his words — “give his face a rest”. Spoke too soon.  I immediately have second thoughts… 🧐

Yes, traveling is strange business.  Aside from the four-month air ban imposed in 2020, I’ve traveled nearly continuously since August 2020.  Europe, Africa, Central and South America and have loved every 👏🏻single 👏🏻minute👏🏻 of it.  No crowds, no queues, fewer quacks.

But make no mistake:  Travel is back, y’all!

Why Llandudno?  Three words:  Alice in Wonderland. 🐇🦤🦩 If you follow me even a little bit, you know it is one of my obsessions.  But did you know the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, Wales was a frequent holiday destination of the real Alice in Wonderland, Alice Liddell?  The Liddells were close family friends with Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) and it has long been speculated that Carroll visited them at the holiday home they built in Llandudno, inspiring some of Alice’s adventures while in Wonderland.

So, here I am.  Traveling all this way for the chance to step into the Rabbit Hole and see Llandudno for myself.  Nope, nothing strange about that now, is there?  All aboard!  x Sandy 🚂 🐇🦤🦩🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

#travelgram #travelblogger #traveladdict #travelingram #wales #cardiff #llandudno #trains #unitedkingdom #momentsofmine #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #thesandypapers #adventuretime #traveldiaries #travelnotes #traveldiary #travelawesome #travelbloggers #travelblogging #travelbloggerlife
Once you realize you can do it alone, you become a Once you realize you can do it alone, you become a very powerful person. x Sandy
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#thesandypapers #travel #travelphotography #travelling #lisbon #lisbonportugal #lisbonlovers #travelblogger #travelgram #beautifuldestinations #traveladdict #travelingram #momentsofmine #darling #darlingescapes #darlingtravels #traveldiaries #traveldiary #aroundtheworld #portugal #travelgoals #travelgirl #travelgirls #travelawesome #womemwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #travelnotebook #inspiration
🔥 ‘Burning of the Ribbons’ (or Queima das F 🔥 ‘Burning of the Ribbons’ (or Queima das Fitas) is an academic event where final-year university students celebrate the end of their studies.  However, ‘Burning of the Ribbons’ isn't just a festival for final-year students anymore but rather for all students, as well as the community as a whole.

🔥 Considered Porto’s largest festival after the St. John's Festivities, celebrations kicked off informally yesterday (30 April) with music and dance events taking place all across the city.

🔥 At precisely midnight on 1 May, official celebrations began with hundreds of students gathering in the city center singing loudly into the wee hours of the morning.  This student is no doubt headed home to get some much needed rest.  Celebrations will continue all week long, including a big parade through town on Tuesday, 3 May.  After two consecutive years of Corona-related cancellations, if you’re lucky enough to be in Portugal this week, congratulations!  You’re in for one hell of a party! 🔥
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#porto #harrypotter #portugal #festival #travelblogger #travelbloggers #travelblog #traveldiaries #traveldiary #traveldiary_aroundtheworld #momentsofmine #travelingram #travelphotography #traveladdict #travelgram #travelgirl #travelgoals #wanderfolk #wanderlusting #travelgirls #aroundtheworld #thesandypapers #tradition #travelguide #lonelyplanet
Picture-perfect Porto is awash with colorful build Picture-perfect Porto is awash with colorful buildings and sumptuous architecture.  Take the imposing Art Nouveau facade of the Marcolino Relojoerio building, for example.  Located in the heart of Porto’s historical district, it recently underwent a major glow up!  Standing tall and proud, the structure sports a daring shade of red, commanding your attention from every angle.  The devil is, of course, in the details and the window frames have also been painstakingly restored and kept intact.

Welcome to Porto, y’all!
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#travelgram #travelphotography #porto #loveportugal #architecture #travelblogger #travelblog #travelbloggers #traveldiaries #momentsofmine #thesandypapers #traveladdict #travelingram #travelpics #travelawesome #portugal #travelguide #traveltheworld #loveportugal #visitportugal
Often called the most beautiful town in Colombia, Often called the most beautiful town in Colombia, Barichara is also one of the best preserved.  Exploring it by tuk-tuk is mandatory.  Dating from the founding of the city of Barichara in 1705, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an extraordinary work of art.  Supported by 10 monolithic columns and crowned by a huge dome, the church stands in perfect harmony with the city’s main square and surrounding buildings.
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#aroundtheworld #colombia #thesandypapers #igtravel #instatraveling #travelphotographer #lovetotravel #barichara #tourism #travel #travelawesome #travelblog #travelbug #traveldeeper #traveldestination #traveldiaries #travelers #travelingram #traveller #travellife #cityphotography #travelphoto #travelpic #travelpics #travels #travelstoke #traveltheworld #worldtraveler #churches #momentsofmine
In 1991, Time Magazine dubbed Medellin “the most In 1991, Time Magazine dubbed Medellin “the most dangerous city on Earth”. On average 16 murders were committed here EVERY day.  Fast forward 30 years.  Now an exciting, vibrant metropolis brimming with law-abiding, entrepreneurial people, Medellin is now one of the great success stories of South America!

Follow along and, together, we’ll discover how Medellin transformed itself from the murder capital of the world to a hipster holiday destination 🚕🇨🇴

#colombia #medellin #medellincolombia #postcardsfromtheworld #travelblogger #travelblog #travelphotography #traveling #travelingram #colombiatravel #wanderfolk #traveladdict #southamerica #momentsofmine #traveldiary #traveldiaries #roadtrip #adventuretime #travelmore #travelmoments #beautifuldestinations #getoutside #travelgoals #explorecolombia #wander #wanderer #cityphotography #wanderlust
🌋 It’s hard to pigeonhole the Mexican capital 🌋 It’s hard to pigeonhole the Mexican capital.  Brash, bold and beautifully boisterous, this sprawling metropolis surrounded by a ring volcanoes is a city literally exploding with contrasts and contradictions.

Once the celebrated heart of the Aztec civilization, today Mexico City is home to some 21 million people and the undisputed business and cultural capital of Latin America.

So, sit back, relax and let me do the driving. Together, we’ll discover where the old meets the new in the oldest capital city in the Americas — not to mention where to find the best damn tacos on the planet! 🌮🌋
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#travelblogger #travelblog #travelgram #traveladdict #mexicocity #mexico #travelmore #travelphotography #moments #momentsofmine #cityphotography #citybreak #thesandypapers #explorepage #exploremore #exploremexico #travelawesome #traveltheworld #travelstoke #travelpics #explorer #wanderlust #wander #wanderer #wanderfolk #beautifuldestinations #getoutside #travellife #travelgoals #roadtrip
Mexico City is having a moment.  And 👏🏻 I 👏🏻 am 👏🏻 here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻. So, grab a taco and follow along.  I promise you won’t be disappointed 🌮.
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#mexicocity #streetphotography #mexico #beautifuldestinations #moments #momentsofmine #travelblogger #travelblog #travelbloggerlife #citybreak #traveladdict #wanderlust #wander #wanderer #wanderful #thesandypapers  #trendingnow #traveldeeper #womenwhotravel #explore #exploremore #exploremexico #culture #passportready #nomad #roamtheplanet #postcardsfromtheworld
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