Tales from the Jet Set: Rogano's Oyster Bar in Glasgow + London

Hello readers! This post is long overdue. This marks the last post in my "Tales from the Jet Set" series. After half a year of bouncing around Europe, I returned home to my beloved Maryland on May 19th just in time for a summer of crab feasts, beach trips, and boat rides. However, I managed to get one more trip in before returning to the US, and that is to the former capital of the world: London, England.

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Rogano's Oyster Bar

A few days before my trip to Malaga, I drove over to Glasgow with my flatmates Seth and Niamh. I haven't featured Glasgow on the blog yet, which is a shame considering the number of times I have been there. While our initial plan was to meet Seth's visiting family for a pizza dinner at a local brewery, we ended up somewhere else afterwards. Walking around Glasgow's main shopping area, we stumbled upon Rogano's Oyster Bar. Niamh had been before with her family, and recommended we give it a try.  Proudly being from the self proclaimed seafood capital of the world, I was initially skeptical of going to a Scottish oyster bar. However, I was greeted with a pleasant surprise when we went in!

Located in Glasgow's city centre, Rogano's would have fit in just as well in New York City or Baltimore!

As I entered, I was greeted to what appeared to be the set of a 1930s period drama. Big band over the radio, check. Waiters and bartenders in black tie, check. Ashtrays, check. Art deco design, also check! Even though we had just eaten pizza and indulged in locally brewed IPAs, we decided to stop for at least one drink. However, we ended up ordering seafood as well, being a massive pot of steamed mussels in cream sauce.

Rogano's dates back to 1935. While there have been renovations to help maintain the bar, the layout has been left the same since its establishment.

A bar set-up rivaled only by Harry's in Venice.

While an Old Fashioned was on the menu, Seth and I both got Martinis while the ladies present all got Cosmopolitans. The bar had several variations of the drink, a gin version, a vodka one, and James Bond's famous Vesper Martini. However, being in the UK and at a 1930s era establishment, we both went for stirred gin Martinis.

We initially planned to return to Rogano's the weekend of the 11th, but unfortunately these plans fell through. However, I am glad I got to experience a bar like this in the UK at least once! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for one in London!

London

May 13th
I flew out of Edinburgh around 6 in the evening and arrived in London around 8. Getting to my AirBnb wasn't easy, as I had little preparation for the London Underground and didn't have a way to contact my host. However, I eventually managed to reach my destination.
May 14th
After doing some research, I discovered the train station near my rental had a line that would take me into Central London. The total train journey was a total of 20 minutes on the Jubilee Line, dropping me at Waterloo Station near the London Eye. This put me in walking distance of most of the city's highlights.

At 30 Pounds per ride, I preferred enjoying London Eye from an on-ground perspective.

Next to London Eye was a bridge that led across the Thames. I then followed a street that led me directly into Trafalgar Square.

Like any cosmopolitan city, London also had a Chinatown.

Not far from Chinatown was Piccadilly Circus

After having the first Chipotle meal in months, I made my way from Piccadilly to Carnaby Street, the fashion hub of 1960s Swinging London.

While the 60s are now behind us, Carnaby still remains an attraction for tourists and Londoners alike.

Barbour's Carnaby Street location. While still being expensive due to outfitting the British upper class, the coats were slightly cheaper than in America. It was here that I was advised yet again to send my Bedale in for waxing rather than DIY.

Another brand I discovered in the UK was Jack Wills. Essentially a British Vineyard Vines, the company markets itself as the "outfitter of the gentry".  I had been to their Glasgow location as well, and managed to snag a sole sweater from a shop in Stirling. While relatively unheard of in the US, the brand has several stores over here, all in New England.

Jack Wills offers the same options as J. Crew or Vineyard Vines, plus a logo of a cane wielding, top hat wearing pheasant. What could be more Anglo than that?

The London Jack Wills also happened to have a fully stocked bar and cafe downstairs.

I then made my way from Carnaby Street to Buckingham Palace, cutting through Green Park on the way. It just so happened that Her Majesty happened to be home too!

After seeing Buckingham Palace, I headed to nearby Hyde Park. This is the park's lake, the Serpentine.

Passed the Salisbury Buffet on my way back to Waterloo Station. 

May 15th

Today I planned to visit Harrods department store. For those who don't know, Harrods is a world class department store and probably the most famous in London. It also happens to enforce a dress code for its customers, and has gone as far to expel celebrity patrons who failed to follow it. I took the Jubilee Line to Green Park Station, and then transferred to the Piccadilly Line which took me right down the street from Harrods. 

The green topped and domed building you see is Harrods. The store is now owned by the state of Qatar, but it still provides a thoroughly British experience to its customers.

I have been to many massive department stores in the US, but Harrods was by far more magnificent than them all. Featuring everything from fresh food to home decor, Harrods occupies a total of five acres and is by far the largest department store in Europe.

Any major British department store would be incomplete with a Barbour display.

The Beretta section of Harrods sportswear department felt like it was out of another time.

Harrods also offered the largest selection of critter ties I had ever seen. Primarily from Beretta (pictured) and Hermes. Vineyard Vines can suck it!

It was after leaving Harrods that I stepped into a nightmare. My ATM card was rejected by a restaurant. While this was not the first time this had happened, I tried it on several machines, but received the same message. I then called my bank back in the states to find out my card had been compromised by someone in Ohio, and that the bank had put my account on lockdown. The rest of my London trip would be put on credit card. I then met my old friend Spencer from classes at William & Mary for drinks in London's legal district. He is currently studying politics at University College London. It was good catching up after almost three years!

It wouldn't be a trip to London without at least one pic of Big Ben! Unfortunately, both the clock and the houses of Parliament as a whole were under construction.

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And now I am back in the States!  Europe was amazing, but I'll always be a good ol' Maryland boy at heart. However, I don't think my first time in the Old Country will be my last. But until then, that will be all for Europe related posts! Hope you enjoyed!

Tales from the Jet Set: Malaga

Hello readers! As promised, I have not gone on another hiatus from posting! There  have been some developments in my stay in Europe. Initially, I was to return to the US on May 31st. However, I am now coming home on the 19th. I also have decided to forgo my joint trip to London and Paris for one exclusively to London for three days. However, my Spain trip has gone according to plan, and it is what I share with you today! Enjoy!

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May 2nd:

I flew directly from Edinburgh to Malaga, Spain and arrived at 9 pm. I would be spending the entirety of my trip here to visit the friends I had made last summer. I took a bus from the airport to the city center, and then a taxi to my AirBnb. As I was traveling alone on this trip, I did not have the advantages of using a friend's WiFi hotspot, so I had to go to a nearby bar for their internet to let me notify my host.

I rented a room in a flat just outside of Malaga's city center. It came with a king size bed, walk in closet, and private bathroom. 

May 3rd:
After possibly the best sleep of my life, I set off to explore the city of Malaga. While I initially wanted to go to the city center on foot, I got lost almost right away, and had to hail a cab. Thankfully, it was only 5 Euros to the city center.

Plaza de Bailen, a park close to my AirBnb. I was able to use it as a landmark to find my way back on foot.

Plaza de la Marina is located in Malaga's city center. I used it as my dropping and pick-up point for taxi cabs.

This is Malaga's harbor, or El Muelle. It is full of shops, bars, and restaurants, and is a favorite spot of locals and tourists alike.

I stopped at the Atlantis Lounge in El Muelle for a Mojito. While the drink originated in Cuba, they are quite popular in Spain. I drank many of them during my stay in Malaga, especially on May 4th since it was the closest thing to a Mint Julep.

El Muelle's lighthouse. 

La Malagueta, Malaga's most famous beach

Malaga Cathedral

Calle Larios is Malaga's famous shopping area, with designer stores lining the sides.

After walking around the city center all day, I eventually found my way back to my AirBnb. After showering and resting for a bit, I returned to the city center to meet my friend Meghan. She is another exchange student at Stirling Uni who happened to be in Malaga for the same weekend, so we decided to get drinks and dinner.

The restaurant was close to Malaga's Roman theater. Almost on top of the theater is a castle that was built by the Moors during their time in Spain.

After dinner, we both returned to our respective AirBnb and hostel. However, I made sure to get a cab back to mine due to being exhausted from all the walking.

El Muelle's lighthouse was lit up at night.

I hate mirror selfies, but this is the only outfit photo I got for Day 1 in Malaga.

Polo Shirt (Marks + Spencer)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Stretch Fit Chinos (J. Crew)
Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
*Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)

• Marks + Spencer Polo Shirt- Bought from namesake department store in Stirling. I own a similar shirt in light blue from Banana Republic's Mad Men collection. However, this one fits much better and gives the same 1960s vibe. 
• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• J. Crew Leather Belt- See other posts.
• J. Crew Stretch Fit Chinos- Beginning to wear out. Will likely buy a new pair, or from a superior brand, when I return to the states. See other posts for more.
• Fossil Chronograph Watch- The only watch I brought to Europe with me. The Bulova is sitting in a drawer in Salisbury, and will potentially need a new battery when I return. For more, see other posts.
• Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- Had these mailed to me in Scotland to give my ailing Aldens a break. However, they do not make for comfortable walking shoes. My feet were a blistery mess after wearing them for the day. For more, see other posts.

May 4th:

Today I would be meeting my friends from last summer during the evening. However, I would spend most of my day at La Malagueta. I took a cab to Plaza de la Marina, and walked the rest of the way to the beach in my swim trunks, a polo, and loafers. If that didn't scream tourist, I don't know what did.

La Malagueta's letters had a person in front of them at all times for a photo.

I rented an umbrella and chair for 10 Euros, bought a Mojito for 5,  and the guy threw in a bottle of rum for free. Cue some Jimmy Buffett, and you have a day in paradise.

Met one of my friends from last summer on the beach. She was shocked to see I wasn't wearing my American flag trunks.

Baggies Shorts (Patagonia)

• Patagonia Baggies- Bought from Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC. If you are looking for a worthwhile investment for summer, buy a pair of baggies. They come with 5.5 and 7 inch (pictured here) options for inseam, and can be worn both in water and on land. Freeballin' never looked (or felt) so good!

After returning from the beach in the early evening by cab from Plaza de la Marina, I got ready to meet up with another girl from last summer. We met on Calle Larios and we walked around parts of the city center I hadn't seen yet. But before we did that, I bought a new pair of loafers from one of the stores on Calle Larios.

The first place Maria took me was Jardines de Puerta Oscura. It led to a scenic overlook of Malaga's city center.

You could see pretty much everything from where Maria took me. La Malagueta, El Muelle, even the city's bull ring. I wanted to go see a bullfight while in Spain (much to the disapproval of my flatmates back in Stirling), but unfortunately, there were none scheduled.

Happy getting to see Maria again! Hopefully she can come do an exchange with SU at some point.

Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)

• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- As I said with Italy, you can't go wrong with a neutral colored polo shirt or anything from Ralph Lauren in Europe. For more, see other posts.

While I had already been through El Muelle several times, Maria and I went to watch the beautiful sunset.

After walking around for several hours with Maria, we met up with a larger group of the students from last summer. We all then went out to a Tapas restaurant for dinner and to a bar for drinks later, where I was happy to discover that Spanish bartenders have a heavy pour.

It was great getting to see so many of my friends from last summer!

Penny Loafers (Massimo Dutti) Portugal

• Massimo Dutti Penny Loafers- Bought on Calle Larios. Massimo Dutti is not an Italian brand like the name suggests, but Spanish! The brand is fairly young, dating back to 1985, but they offer quality clothing and shoes. Made out of cordovan leather from Spain, but assembled in Portugal, I'd definitely recommend these shoes bought new to anyone looking for a quality deal like I was.

Malaga's other famous theater, Teatro Cervantes.

May 5th

I checked out of my AirBnb around 11:30 and walked to Plaza de la Marina to meet my friend Clara to catch a bus to Malaga's seaside district to meet some other girls from last summer. There we would be going for a walk on the promenade and eventually going for a seafood lunch. While none of the beach side restaurants had open tables due to it being Mother's Day in Spain, we still managed to get our seafood from another place close by.

All of the seaside restaurants had one of these shacks where they would cook their fresh seafood.

With less room in my backpack due to now having to carry an extra pair of shoes, I was "forced" to wear my navy blazer around Malaga and channel my inner Cary Grant.

Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
OCBD (L.L. Bean)

• Belk Navy Blazer- Brought the blazer to Spain for nice meals, but hadn't planned on wearing it on 80 degree days. Still, I didn't stand out. That weekend, I witnessed wardrobes ranging from linen sport coats and ascots to cargo shorts and tank tops. With regards to style, Malaga was a true melting pot! For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean OCBD- Later changed into my striped linen shirt from M+S. L.L. Bean OCBDs don't breathe very well in the heat! For more, see other posts.

I would probably have never found out about the seaside district if it wasn't for them!

Fried Sardines for lunch! A Malaguena delicacy.

After a late lunch, the girls had to go home to celebrate Mother's Day, and I walked around El Muelle and La Malagueta one last time before it was time for me to catch a train to the airport. Before leaving though, I managed to bring home one more thing from Spain, and that was a liter of Cutty Sark scotch whisky that would have cost 20 Pounds in the UK.

The ever-growing bar on my desk back in Stirling. Don't even ask to see my graveyard.

In all, Malaga was probably the best trip I have ever taken! I will be sure to come back one day. I recommend it to all of you! But before you go, just be sure to brush up on basic Spanish! Anyways, stay tuned for my London post in the coming weeks, maybe even one of Glasgow. But until then, adios!

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Tales from the Jet Set: Scotland, Sweden, and Italy

Hello readers! It has been too long since my last post. However, I am happy to say that this blog lives on! As many of you know, I have been studying abroad this semester in the United Kingdom at the University of Stirling! While my initial plan was to be posting weekly, that clearly did not work out.  Here are some of the sartorial highlights of my time abroad (so far) in one big mega post! Enjoy!

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University of Stirling

The University of Stirling was established in 1967, making it a fairly young institution. However, like Salisbury University, it is moving up the ranks. The campus is composed of two main academic buildings, several dormitories, a 3 par golf course, and a castle! While I don't live on campus, I take a bus to the university from downtown Stirling three times a week!

The campus loch frozen over.

Stirling Pubs

The city of Stirling has its fair share of pubs. The main two pubs that my group frequents are Morrison's and the Settle Inn. Morrison's is located next to a nightclub, and gives university students discounts on drinks. We have befriended most of the bartenders due to the abundance of time we have spent there. Settle Inn is the oldest operating pub in Stirling, dating back to the 1770s. We typically go there on Wednesday nights to hear live Scottish folk music.

The interior of the Settle Inn consists of a bar room (complete with a coal fire) and backroom lounge where the musicians play.

Morrison's is the only pub in town that knows how to attempt an Old Fashioned.

My flatmates and I before going out to Morrison's.

Clubbing 

Stirling is home to two nightclubs: Fubar and Dusk. I made the decision to go out the day before classes began with most of the international students living in the city. Dusk was having an "Frat Party" themed nights for Americans. The exhaustion was definitely worth the good time! The Scottish know how to keep the party going, even on Sundays!

When going to American Frat Party Night, get a picture with two Canadians.

Better Sweater Vest (Patagonia)
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Slim Fit Chinos (J. Crew)

• Patagonia Better Sweater Vest- Worn a la Midtown Uniform style. I was instantly nicknamed Patagucci for wearing it, along with my nanopuff jacket. I must confess that the fleece vest has been my go-to outerlayer for clubbing. Just might go into finance instead of law. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD- With its generous cut and countryside vibes, it would not have been my first pick for a clubbing shirt. However, I had been wearing it all day, and did not want to dirty another shirt up. For more, see other posts.
• J. Crew Slim Fit Chinos- Normally I would have opted for their navy blue counterparts. However, once my blue chinos were damaged by bleach, these became my go-to pants for all occasions.

Ceilidh (1/15/2019)
The university held a reception for their newly arrived international students. The reception was followed by an evening of traditional Scottish dancing, or ceilidh. Most of the off-campus students went to the dance, and ended up accidentally headbutting or stepping on each other.

This pic was thankfully taken after the dancing. We don't actually look this bad!

Quarter Zip Sweater (Brooks Brothers)
University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren)
Braided Belt (J. Crew)

• Brooks Brothers Quarter Zip- Tied around the neck because of the heat from dancing, NOT to be a fashion statement. Again, DON'T BE THAT GUY! For more, see other posts.
• Ralph Lauren University Striped OCBD- Pink and green paired at their best! For more, see other posts.
• J. Crew Braided Belt- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth, DE. I recommend buying one.

Stirling Castle (1/16/2019)

When one is in Scotland, one must see castles when they can! Much like Maine and lighthouses. Luckily, Stirling is home to two castles! One, Airthrey Castle, is located on the campus of the university. The other is located on top of a hill near my apartment in town. Three days into the stay, I decided to hike up and tour the castle, which I was able to do for free with my housing contract!

"Have fun storming the castle!"

Baseball Cap (Vineyard Vines)
Henley Sweater (L.L. Bean)
Tattersall OCBD (Orvis)
Nanopuff Jacket (Patagonia)

• Vineyard Vines Baseball Cap- The only baseball cap I brought to the UK with me. Didn't want to be labeled as an obvious American. However, I found out I labeled myself as one in other ways. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Henley Sweater- The heaviest sweater I brought to Scotland with me. While I was expecting frigid temperatures, for most of the time, I found Stirling to be warmer than it was back in Salisbury! For more, see other posts.
• Orvis Tattersall OCBD- One of three tattersall shirts I brought with me to Europe! Provides the most warmth with its blend of fibers. For more, see other posts.
• Patagonia Nanopuff Jacket- Worn countless times during the winter and early spring. While I was initially worried that it wouldn't provide much protection, it has fulfilled its purpose and shielded me from the wind and cold every time!

Edinburgh (1/26-27/2019)

Several weeks into the semester, a group of us decided to go to Edinburgh for the weekend for a pub crawl! We rented a penthouse for the night and explored the city during the day. 

My roommate Seth and I exploring the city.

Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) UK
University Stripe OCBD (Vineyard Vines)
Crewneck Sweater (J. Crew)
Slim Fit Chinos (J. Crew)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket- Being a British brand, Barbour is very popular in Scotland. I would see at least one Barbour product a day during the winter. Stirling has a store that sells Barbour products, so I will likely be buying some wax from them before I return to the US. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines University Stripe OCBD- Meanwhile, Vineyard Vines has never been heard of by most Brits. Because of that, spotting someone wearing VV is just as much an American label as a baseball cap is. For more, see other posts.
• J. Crew Crewneck Sweater- J. Crew's attempt at J. Press's Shaggy Dog Sweater. I own two more, but in aquamarine and oatmeal.
• J. Crew Slim Fit Chinos- These would soon fall victim to bleach damage and be dedicated to wear around the apartment. RIP.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- One of three pairs of shoes I brought to Scotland with me. They have sadly begun to fall apart due to their heavy use. I will send them for repair as soon as I return to the states. However, it is likely I will be purchasing another pair of penny loafers as well. For more, see other posts.

Morning Prosecco at the Edinburgh Penthouse

Loch Lomond

While University of Stirling has a so called "loch" on campus, a better known loch close to Stirling is Loch Lomond. I went up to visit  Loch Lomond one day in February, stopping in the town of Balloch and the village of Luss.

Behind me is Loch Lomond and the town of Balloch. This photo was also taken seconds before torrential rain hit.

Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (Brooks Brothers) Scotland

• Brooks Brothers Cashmere Crewneck Sweater- Combined with Barbour for an Anglophile uniform. I will be on the lookout for more Scottish made sweaters while I am here. For more, see other posts.

Stopped for drinks in Luss at the Loch Lomond Arms, a restaurant and hotel that would make a country gentleman feel at home. 

The hotel's lounge was decorated in a fashion similar to Clyde's Restaurant in Alexandria, VA. However, unlike Clydes, actual country gentlemen would come to drink here.

Would never get tired of waiting in this waiting room.

Duck Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• L.L. Bean Duck Boots- Another tell tale sign of being an American. My Scottish friends had never seen the boots before, with Hunter Boots and similar wellies being the UK counterpart. Despite identifying me as an American, these boots have served their purpose better in the hills of Scotland than they do back home. For more, see other posts.

Luss Chapel

Highlands

In mid-March, my family came to visit me during Salisbury University's spring break. We rented a car and drove up to the Highlands for several days.

The village of Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Eilean Donan Castle, situated on the outskirts of Skye.

Our ride for the trip up to the Highlands: 2018 Audi A5.

Glencoe's waterfall

Sligachan Hotel on Skye. We stayed here for a night and were treated with exceptional service!

We saw at least ten rainbows on the road to the Highlands!

Glencoe was the site of the infamous massacre of clan MacDonald by clan Campbell during the 1600s (hello Mad Men). It also was the filming location for the Bond film Skyfall. 

A snow storm hit while we were in Glencoe, making for beautiful photo opportunities!

Hiking in Aberfoyle

About 30 minutes away from Stirling is the village of Aberfoyle. Outside of the village are numerous trails and paths popular for hiking. 

View from the bridge in Aberfoyle. We drove up the mountain later that day!

The mountain lakes of Aberfoyle felt much more North American than European. They reminded me greatly of my hiking experiences in Maine and Nova Scotia.

Walking through the moss covered woods waiting for a sprite to jump out.

Quilted Jacket (Husky) Italy

• Husky Quilted Jacket- Found this gem at a used clothing store in Stirling for only 8 pounds. At the same store was a black Barbour quilted jacket for 30 pounds. Wanting to save, I went with the Husky. When I researched the brand, I was pleased to discover I had purchased the original brand of the quilted jacket. There is a great debate over quilted jackets in my neck of the sartorial woods. Just as many people loathe these jackets as endorse them. However, being an Anglophile, I embrace the country gentleman look and wholeheartedly recommend buying a quilted jacket! It can be worn in both town and country alike, and gives the wearer the look and feeling of being of the landed gentry. Pair with Hunter Boots, tattersall, and Scottish sweater to complete the look! Made in Italy.

Stockholm

My first trip out of the UK this semester was to Sweden with my flatmates. We stayed there for three nights at a hostel in the heart of Stockholm! 

Stockholm's Old Town district was full of souvenir shops, coffee houses, and music bars.

Stockholm's Grand Hotel giving major Wes Anderson vibes.

The Vasa was a 17th century Swedish warship that sank. Archaeologists were able to recover the ship fully intact from the waters, and it is now on display in a museum in Stockholm.

Sweden remains a monarchy to this day. This is the entrance to the Royal Palace.

Stockholm Harbor

Harrington Jacket (Unbranded) England
OCBD (J. Crew)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy

• Harrington Jacket- Ordered off of British eBay as an extra layer for spring. While not as expensive as its Baracuta counterpart, this unbranded version is of equal quality, being made in England and having all the same features, including the tartan lining. My only complaint would be the jacket having a fuller cut than I expected. Despite this, I will still likely wear it more than my 1980s Lacoste one. This one sends much more of a 1960s "cool Ivy" vibe. These jackets are very popular in Europe, and can be dressed down even more with just a t-shirt. 
• J. Crew OCBD- Would be destroyed later that night this photo was taken. RIP. For more, see other posts.
• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- For more, see other posts.

Venice

I went on my second trip out of the UK several weeks after Sweden. With classes finished, my flatmates and I decided to visit Italy for a few days. We began our trip by flying into Milan and took a bus to Venice. We stayed there overnight in an AirBnb in the Venetian suburbs before going into the city itself the next day.

A special order of Spaghetti Carbonara, accompanied by wine that was cheaper than the water.

St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Basilica

Cardigan (Arnold Palmer) USA
OCBD (L.L. Bean)

• Arnold Palmer Cardigan- Inherited from my late grandfather. I love this sweater for several reasons. One, it is made in the USA. Two, it is from the 1960s. And three, it gives a continental look that is stylish from the docks of Nantucket to the streets of Paris. If you look on eBay, you might be able to score a vintage one yourself! Meanwhile, Vineyard Vines sells an imported "Palmer Cardigan" for over $100.
• L.L. Bean OCBD- The other white OCBD I brought from home. Would have opted for the slimmer J. Crew version, but that shirt is no more. For more, see other posts.

The famous canals of Venice

Enjoying a dry martini at Harry's Bar. The restaurant was frequented by the likes of Hemingway and Fitzgerald during the 1920s, and today is occasionally visited by celebrities. While the drink prices were steep, the service was exceptional! The bar threw in complimentary food with the martini, as well as two post cards.

In addition to specializing in the dry martini, Harry's Bar is also the birthplace of the Bellini. 

When in Italy...

Venice is world renowned for its seafood, so I made sure to order clams when we stopped for an open air lunch in a square.

Florence

After spending the day in Venice, we then boarded a train to Bologna, where we would then switch to one going to Florence. When we arrived in Bologna, we missed our original train, so we snuck onto a Naples bound train with its next stop in Florence. When we arrived at the station, we watched Tiger Woods make the winning putt of the Masters. To celebrate the biggest comeback in sports history, we went out to a bar frequented by American international students and ended the night at a karaoke club. We would be staying in Florence for two nights at an AirBnb, so we got our fair share of nightlife while in town!

Florence Cathedral was a thirty second walk from our rented apartment.

I went into the Gucci store with one of my flatmates just to look at the loafers. With my Aldens in such a state of disrepair, I seriously contemplated buying a pair of these Italian beauties!

Ran into an old friend while in Florence. He was clearly American judging by his choice of outfits.

The view from the hill overlooking the city.

With the timeless style and architecture, this photo could have been taken in 1959 just as much as 2019.

Polo Shirt (Lacoste)

• Lacoste Polo Shirt- Don't be the guy in a pastel Vineyard Vines polo in Italy. Go for a more continental look of neutral colors with Ralph Lauren or French Lacoste. You could even go Anglo with Fred Perry. The Talented Mr. Ripley is much better inspiration than your frat brothers. Don't rule out pastels all together though! For more, see other posts.

After walking around the city all day, two of my flatmates and I ventured to the outskirts of the city onto a hill overlooking the Tuscany countryside.

Sitting in a Florentine park with a Cuban. Life is good!

Casual Socks (Brooks Brothers) USA
Cigar (H. Upmann) Cuba

• Brooks Brothers Casual Socks- Bought from Madison Avenue flagship store. I enjoy pairing these cream colored socks with my Aldens for a contrast. Its a more mature version of the pairing loafers with white athletic socks. Very Kennedy-esque, if you ask me. Made in USA.
• H. Upmann Cuban Cigar- Stirling has a premium whisky shop downtown, which also specializes in Cuban cigars, which are not outlawed in the UK. One of the options they carry is the H. Upmann, a smaller cigar that was stockpiled by JFK before the embargo with Cuba took place. While they don't last as long due to their size, I highly recommend giving Upmann a try!

Pisa

After two nights and a full day in Florence, we took a train to our city of departure: Pisa. And while in Pisa, one must go and do one thing.....

With the Notre Dame fire being the day before, and the Italian media suspecting terrorists, soldiers and police guarded the tower with automatic weapons.

Linen Shirt (Marks & Spencer)

• Marks & Spencer Linen Shirt- There are no rules about when to wear linen in Europe, so when the warmest day came, I broke out this new shirt I bought from Marks & Spencer, a British department store company that one time owned Brooks Brothers. While it gives a midcentury Mediterranean vacation vibe, it also is reminiscent of the outfit of the early Beach Boys. I have worn it only once in Scotland on one day in the 70s, but I will likely break it out again for my trip to Spain. 

Martini lunch with the Tower of Pisa behind me? You bet I took a pic!

I also finally found a place with an actual Old Fashioned on the menu for a reasonable price.

*****

And that is all from Europe so far! In the coming weeks, I will be finishing my final exams and traveling. Spain will likely be next, followed by a joint to trip London and Paris, all of which will be by myself. I hope to avoid another hiatus from the blog that lasts as long as this one did. But in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this mega post! So, as the Scots say, cheers!