Dreaming of a European summer

I wrote this little reflection upon returning from Europe last July, why I never posted it I don't know. In light of all my friends currently planning fun trips abroad I thought it right to post my musings from a wonderful little trip to my favorite places.

 10 Rue Bailleul, my temporary Paris home

...It’s been just over two weeks since I left the wonderful world of holidays and was thrown abruptly in to the cold, Melbourne winter. Four magical weeks spent exploring, wandering, eating, shopping, eating some more and sleeping. 

It had been four years since my last trip to wonderful Europe, four years since a European summer. I know I can’t complain I am lucky that this was a trip where I revisited my favorite places, when I know many have yet to experience the joy that is a European adventure and a European summer.

Paris' famous Left Bank

This was a trip that I had been looking forward to for a very long time, something entirely different from my last trip. I am a very different person compared to the last time I was there. I was going for entirely different reasons and have a completely different outlook compared to the very young 22 year old that visited in 2010.

This was a trip purely for me; it was a trip that I had initially planned to go on by myself. But as luck would have it I spent most of the four weeks enjoying the company of friends and family with a few wonderful days on my own re-exploring magical Barcelona.

Paris, London, Barcelona and Pezenas…

Almost two weeks were blissfully spent in Paris. Of any city, apart from Melbourne, Paris is my favourite. It is beautiful, interesting and there is so much to see, do, eat and drink. I am not talking about your standard tourist attractions (Don’t get me wrong I love a good tourist attraction, I mean the Eiffel Tower… just stop it!). But the quiet streets away from the major hustle and bustle, little lane ways, cafes, wine bars, patisseries, galleries, bookshops… one amazing taxidermy shop (If only I had somewhere to keep a menagerie or a polar bear). 

 This little beauty was one of the many treasures found in Design et Nature (4 rue d'Aboukir 75002 Paris)

It’s a magnificent city. Days were spent wandering streets where the only decisions that were made were along the lines of, left or right and do I want another cake. It was a hard few weeks that’s for sure. 

The shopping, don’t even get me started on the shopping…OH EM GEE! The Europeans sure know how to do a sale, and Australian retailers really need to up their game. With most shops offering a 50% off minimum it was hard to contain myself. 

Paris left me in a daze. Cakes, cheese and pastries were eaten; wine was drunk, with a side of long walks and long lunches. Some people go to Europe to see the sights; I go for the cake shops and patisseries. 

Cakes from the Patisserie down the road, the eclaires pictured changed my life. If your in Paris I highly recommend a visit to Boulangierie Julien: 75 Rue Saint Honoré 75001.

Paris was followed by a wonderful and sunny long weekend in London, catching up with old friends and eating some more. London is wonderful; having been lucky enough having spent a bit of time there in the past, there is nothing better than experiencing London as a local. Completely bypassing anything touristy and just hanging out.

Somewhere near Brick Lane

The most wonderful thing about this trip was that I got to just hang out, revisiting places where I have already done the touristy thing. It’s so enjoyable being able to experience a foreign city like you would your home. 

After a very sad good bye in London, and some pressure placed on old friends to get their bums over to the sunny side of the world ASAP it was off to Barcelona.

The first stop where I was traveling solo, it really is a liberating experience traveling all on your own. And sometimes a confronting one, you forget how much you just rely on others to help with things… Like needing to pee at the station with your entire luggage and no toilet cubicle big enough to fit you and your suitcase in… Major dilemma, do I leave my suitcase out or do I pee my pants?!

Leaving suitcase unattended won.

It’s also strange having dinner alone, which was probably the main down side to traveling solo. It was a novelty on night one, a novelty that quickly wore off. People respond in funny ways to a young woman dining on her own, there were some pitying looks; some confused and others were admiring my confidence to eat alone… I was hardly going to bypass eating dinner just because I had no one to eat it with!

Barcelona is a crazy place, bustling, hot, busy, loud, colourful. The main attraction I have with Barcelona is the art and architecture…. Three words, Oh My Gaudi. Antoni Gaudi, wow. Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Vicens and Casa Batlló, all wonderful buildings by this genius of a man.

The last time I was in Barcelona I visited Sagrada Familia, while I was there only the perimeter of the inside was open for viewing.  Scaffolding was everywhere and metal construction poles were holding up the ceiling.  You could see basic outlines of what the building was to look like but it was hard to get a good idea. 

This time… Wow! The inside is almost completely finished, apart from a few stained glass panels. It really is the most magnificent building I have ever visited. The scale and the intricate detailing, it completely took my breath away. It is a masterpiece. I’m not one to fuss over churches too much; however it’s hard not to fall in love with Sagrada Familia.

 

My days were spent wandering streets I had never been down, eating lunch at the St Josep Merkat and loosing myself amongst the crowds.

Then it was off to the south of France. Life is really better in the south of France. The French have it all sorted, they know how to live and how to enjoy themselves. Life is all about eating, drinking and spending time with family and friends. 

I ate fairy floss flavored ice cream here, I felt like all my childhood dreams had come true! 

My first night in Pezenas was spent at La Estival, a summer street party held every Friday night down the main street of this beautiful little town. The street is closed to traffic, tables and chairs are set up, food stalls, and local vineyards have wine for sale. You come down, buy an empty glass, proceeded to fill it and your tummy with delicious goodies, sitting on tables with hundreds of strangers. It really is the best way to spend a Friday evening.

My week in Pezenas was spent exploring medieval cities and castles, eating, sleeping in, eating more, visiting markets and enjoying the sunshine. I did not want to leave, Pezenas is one place I could happily spend much more time in. 

I’ve come home planning my next trip over, promising myself it won’t be such a long time between visits. There is just so much to see and holidays are always more exciting than real life!

Me in my happy place, wandering the grounds of the Louvre just before sunset

I left my heart in Paris.

Missing Europe this winter, especially Paris. Few city's have captured my heard and soul like Paris has.

I have itchy feet, I don't think I can last another Melbourne winter with out a European getaway.

Europe I'll be back, sooner rather than later.

It's been far too long.

 

 

New York I love you, but Sandy you're bringing me down...

Day nine and 10, a write off...found out our flights to LA were cancelled, over 23,000 flights were cancelled thanks to Sandy. Found out the earliest flight we could get out was the following Saturday...5 days after we were originally meant to leave. Realised that Disney Land and sunny LA was not going to happen, after so much excitement, there was not a lot that we could do. We couldn't do a whole lot all Monday, far too windy and dangerous. The bitch came that night, all power went off at 8pm. Our hostel delivered though, they had food for us, beer and a live band. HURRICANE PARTY all the way! The only way to live through a Hurricane is to party all night. We were really fortunate that we were in an area that was fine, we lost power and went with out for 2 days until we moved to an apartment on the Upper West Side. It was a strange two days, we couldn't do a lot, we kept hearing things from our parents about how bad all the damage was but seeing as we had no power we had no access to news. All I knew is that thankfully we were ok, just a little damp and windswept.

 

Sandy Snacks | Window Fridge | Wet view from our window

 



Day 11 we moved uptown, thank god someone had somewhere for us to stay with power. Deb's cousin kindly offered the four of us her beautiful apartment. We wandered down to Whole Foods to stock up on delicious treats and spent the remainder of the day eating and doing our washing. Dinner was a trip down Columbus Ave to Shake Shack, where I had the best hamburger and shake that I have ever had in my life. We also did a little star spotting, spotting Macaulay Culkin out to a family dinner at the Indian restaurant just down the street from us. We all got a little excited and my have walked past a few times tying to be super smooth and stealth just to catch a glimpse!

 

Central Park Closed | Clean up begins | Desperate for Wifi

 



Day 12 Kate and I ventured down to the MOMA, it took us the entire day to make our way through and I am pretty sure we missed a huge chunk. So much amazing art, my favourite bit was an exhibition on the Quay Brothers. These brothers are famous for their avaunt guard stop-motion animation, slightly dark and eerie. They use puppets and old dolls, freaky creatures created from bits and pieces to make confronting, frightful, enchanting stop-motion films. I had never heard of them before but was enchanted and slightly repulsed by all of their work on display. Once we finally left the MOMA we wandered up to 5th Ave and had ourselves a little retail therapy.

Day 13 our last day was spent having lunch and shopping, because we all really needed to do more shopping! I have brought that many things it is ridiculous! It was a great last day, so sad to be leaving New York and the girls, yet I was ready to head home. New York was so much fun, I am so excited to make my way back there soon, sooner rather than later I hope!

xx

New York I Love You...part #2

Day five was ANOTHER full on day, for a few different reasons. In the morning I went to Ground Zero to pay my respects to all of those innocent people who lost their lives on that tragic day back on 9/11/2001 and those who had lost their lives in other terrorist attacks. I felt it was my duty to visit the site, it would be rude and disrespectful to be in the city where it occurred and not take some time out of my day to remember those. It was a sobering experience, the memorial at Ground Zero is beautiful. The US government has done a wonderful job, transforming a space where so many people experienced pain in to a tranquil resting place. Kate and myself were both humbled and moved by our visit, we both knew what happened but its not until you are there, reading all of the names of those who lost their lives that you suddenly realise the effect and impact that this event had on so many lives. To all those who lost loved ones and to all those who lost their lives may they forever rest in peace in a place where conflict and power does not exist to bring pain and suffering.

 Ground Zero

 

I left Ground Zero quite overwhelmed and needed to pick up my spirits, Kate and I headed down to Battery Park to catch a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty. Another token tourist thing ticked off the list, after waiting in a line for what felt like forever (Americans live their lines!) we finally got on the boat and headed over. She is much smaller than I had imagined! Lots of photos were taken and a disgusting fried lunch was consumed, we explored for a bit then got the boat back. That night the four of us got dressed up for our first proper night on the town. The Box is an interesting place, part bar, part club, part burlesque show, part cabaret, part freak show. This is a place I recommend everyone trying, it is probably not everyone cup of tea but it will be an experience none the less. I'll leave it to you all to go and have a look in to that one.

 

The boat to Lady Liberty | Lady Liberty | Token Tourists

 



Day six was a write off, hungover, tired and feeling very sorry for myself, I didn't rise until lunch time. When I did we all headed off to the Meatpacking District for a recovery breakfast, followed by a stroll down the High Line. The High Line is an old converted monorail, it is no longer used and has been turned in to a park/walkway/gallery/cafe spot. The perfect way to spend a day when one is regretting the night before.

 Hangover breakfast | The High Line

My Bebs | The High Line | Sick Street Art

 



Day seven Kate and I decided to be a little cultured, we began with a visit to The Met...AMAZING! Followed by Hot Dogs and Pretzels for lunch from street vendors and a wander through Central Park to the boat lake. Where we sat and people watched all the passers buy and the kids playing with boats on the lake. It was a really pleasant day, not as jam packed as most had previously been. This was also the day that we found out about the visitor that was on her way to New York...a little hurricane you all may of heard of that went buy the name of Sandy. There was a group of extremely nerdy dad's sitting next to us discussing with great enthusiasm how they were looking forward to the winds coming so they could sail their toy boats... Fully grown men excited to play with toy boats. Fully grown men excited to play with toy boats, who had also just informed us that our grand plans for the next few days were soon to unravel as Sandy was planning to get her windy ass in our way.

 

Hot dogs on the steps of the Met

Day eight was windy! That was the Sunday before Sandy, she came throwing her weight around on Monday. We stopped off at Duane Reid on our way out to stock up on hurricane supplies, most were buying water, canned food, torches and other useful items...we brought 1kg of Starbursts, chips, chocolate, lollies, one bottle of water each and some other useless crap. We were super well prepared! After our little supply expedition we jumped on the subway and headed down town to Katz's Deli, the one made famous in When Harry met Sally. Where we demolished one of their famous Ruben sandwiches, some GIANT pickles and some Chicken Soup with Motza Balls. Delish! The place was packed, that movie has done great things for them, I have not seen that many people fighting over pastrami sandwiches in my life! Once we left the wind had really begun to pick up, on our way back I experienced the highlight of my trip. As I was waiting for the lights to change on the corner of East Houston and Bowery I spotted the Man Repeller. And like the over excited person I can be I stopped her in the street to have a photo taken with her. God she was so lovely, I hear so many stories of people meeting people they admire and being utterly disappointed. I was not! She was so friendly and chatty, she did not mind me being a bit excited by her and invited the three of us back to her house to eat candy corn while Sandy did her thing. Meeting her totally made my trip! She is as fabulous in real life as she is on her blog!

 The best lunch with the best bebs

Loosing my shit with the Man Repeller

New York I love you...part #1

Finally home after two jam packed weeks, one hurricane, three days with out power, 64 hours in transit, three time zones, four planes, two buses, multiple yellow cabs and subway trips and what feels like thousands of kilometers walked. New York you were amazing! Two of the most overwhelming and stimulating weeks of my life. Right now I am seriously struggling to keep my eyes open, jet lag is setting in, inevitable, yet still frustrating.

My trip to New York was originally a trip to catch up with a friend I met the last time I was traveling, it turned out to be not only a catch up with an old friend but an opportunity to make new wonderful friendships that I hope will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Where to begin... Day one was spent wandering around Downtown, Soho, Noho, Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village. Exploring Bleecker Street and all the cute shops and cafes that we stumbled across. A trip to the iconic Magnolia Bakery, I hate to say that after the long wait I was disappointed in my cup cake. I think all the hype just gave me too many expectations. We found some craft markets and had lunch in a gorgeous little Italian Pizza place. Visited the Marc by Marc Jacobs store, where the four of us won over the attention and affection of the male sales assistants, leaving the store to a round of applause... that is not something that happens every day! One of the highlights was stumbling on to the set of a scene being shot for Don't trust the B$#@h in Apartment 23, we were shooed away from the cameras but still got to admire James Van Der Beek from afar, reminiscing on the Dawsons Creek days where we were all just a little bit in love with him.

                        Urban Outfitters                                                                    Bleecker Street Soho                                                             Magnolia Bakery

 

Soho

 

Day two Kate and myself got our token tourist on, first it was Grand Central Station, The State Library, Bryant Park, The Chrysler Building, Times Square, a trip back to our childhood with a visit to Toys-R-Us (where I spent most of my time in Barbie World, no matter how old I am I will always love Barbie) M&M World and a walk past The New York Times Building. For dinner we ventured off the Island to Williamsburg to hang with the hipsters and have dinner.

                             Times Square                                                             East 42nd and Vanderbilt                                                     Williamsburg

City Library

 



Let's just say that I knew that New York was an amazing place, however after day three I was completely enchanted, after a trip up the top of The Empire State Building I was gobsmacked! Never have I been quite so taken with a city, and I have been to quite a few, New York really is something else. It was a cloudy day, yet I could still see so much, Up Town, Down Town, Central Park, The World Trade Centers, The Chrysler, Madison Square Garden and so much more. From the Empire State we wandered up town to the Guggenheim to see Picasso: Black and White, got lost in Central Park (thought we were walking down towards the bottom of the park...ended up on the opposite side of the park and were helped by a lovely gentleman when Kate and myself were both looking at the map with very confused looks on our faces), drooled over the beautiful stores on Madison Ave, had a sticky beak at the houses off Madison Ave all decked out for Halloween (one had a security guard, to protect the decorations, too funny) fine dined in dirty converse sneakers and finished the day off with a trip up the top of the Rockefeller Tower...which was even more beautiful, seeing New York at night than during the day at The Empire State Building.

 

                      View from the Empire State                                                   Empire State Building                                                        Guggenheim

 



                                    Central Park                                      Lost in Central Park                                                    View from Rockefeller

Day four was a little less hectic and touristy, a day trip to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We shopped, wandered, ate and shopped some more. Exploring jewellery stores, my favourite discovery a little place called CatBird, thrift stores, boutiques and an epic trip to American Apparel...we are seriously ripped off in Australia, American Apparel is so damn cheap over there (I may have gone a little over the top with 'essentials'). Lunch was insane, I cant remember the name of the place, it was some dinky pizza place off Bedford Avenue, $3.25 a slice and I was in food heaven. Not a massive fan of pizza but oh my, this was beyond, fresh chunky tomato base with fresh mozzarella and basil all in a slice the size of my head! Wednesday night was spent on Broadway, reminiscing with one of my favourite childhood musicals, I lost my shit at Mary Poppins! It was wonderful, I struggled to refrain from singing at every opportunity, I forgot how much I adore a good musical. My lovely cultured day was followed buy a lovely, huge, tacky, dinner in Times Square. Tex Mex, burritos the size of my arm and margaritas the size of my head, a great combo and a great end to another full on day.