The Paris interview with Cheryl Howard

Cheryl Howard – travel blogger

Photo credit: Cheryl Howard

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with you some great insight from Travel bloggers from the world who fell in love with Paris. They will share their favorites addresses and things to do while in Paris. Because genuine advice and stories are so important to us, in addition to our born-and-raised Parisian tour stories, we now bring you real advice from fellow travelers.

Bonjour Cheryl, can you tell us more about who you are?

I’m Cheryl Howard, a 30 something Canadian from Toronto, living as an expat in Berlin. By day, I work as a project manager and by night, I run a travel and expat living blog at cherylhoward.com, as well as co-host the monthly Make Friends in Berlin meetup.

Photo credit: Cheryl Howard

Why did you start writing cherylhoward?

I started my blog back in 2010 and used the space to write about the things that interested me at the time, including my travels, books, movies, cooking, and more. As I was in the midst of a career sabbatical and started traveling more, the focus of my writing naturally shifted to my globetrotting adventures.

Later moving to Berlin, I also started writing about my new expat life and the blog just took off from there.

Why did you start traveling?

Although I’d always been curious about seeing the world, I come from a humble background and as such, traveling was never a part my family’s life. I’m the first person from my immediate family who’s ever ventured outside North America!
I took my first “big trip” outside of Canada back in 2007, when I traveled to South America to hike Machu Picchu and took a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. As expected, the trip was life changing and I’ve been traveling ever since.

Photo credit: Cheryl Howard

What’s special about your blog?

I don’t think my blog is particularly special, or better than anyone else’s. But I can honestly say that I put my heart and soul into all of my blog posts and try to provide content that’s not only useful (for example, an article on how to find a job in Berlin) but inspirational and hopefully, makes you want to visit that destination, especially lesser known ones like Podgorica, Montenegro or Edirne, Turkey.

What were the things you preferred to do in the European cities you visited?

My favourite (not to mention quirky) thing to do in Prague, besides walk through the city for hours on end, is to take a beer bath – and yes, this is a thing! My favourite thing to do in Lisbon is to take a motorcycle tour. Finally, my favourite thing to do in Barcelona is experience all of the Gaudi architecture, be it the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, or some other notable landmark.

Photo credit: Cheryl Howard

Your Top 3 good addresses in Paris?

My 3 favourite things to do in Paris were hanging out at Parc de Belleville (47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020), touring the Grande Mosquée de Paris (2 bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005), and getting coffee at Shakespeare and Company’s café (37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005).

Photo credit: Cheryl Howard

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

I know it’s clichéd, but the Sacré-Cœur!

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

Montmartre, for the steep cobble stoned streets, dreamy flower filled balconies, and plenty of cool places to eat and drink.

Photo credit: Cheryl Howard

Could you give us your recommendation to first timers in Paris?

If you’re into street art like me and want to see a more alternative side of Paris, I highly recommend doing a Street Art Tour.

Thank you so much Cheryl, keep on enjoying Paris

Merci beaucoup :-)