2 days in Berlin

Life has been beyond hectic! So I've been MIA for the last 2months...but Berlin has remained firmly on my mind...Just my fingers seemed to forget how to type. So after much long awaited time and hectic times flying past me, here is the Berlin affair. Life was such that knowing I was going to Berlin for the weekend was somewhat comforting and somewhat nerve wracking as I thought I would feel too stressed to go….How wrong I was. Berlin removed any ounce of stress from my life the moment we landed. It was like the feeling of seeing an old friend for the first time in years, that comfort, the warmth, the beauty and natural feeling you get just in one moment. I literally felt that the moment we landed in Berlin, Germany.

Picturesque Berlin

Berlin has been on my top list for some time. The history, the culture, the arts have always appealed to me, and inspired me to go, so to finally have the honour was nothing but a joy. We began with exploring the area of our hotel, on the outskirts of the eastern side, and being overly eager to begin exploring the next day. Now never one to complain about the weather, I was desperate to hit the Museums – specifically the Jewish museum, but waking up on Saturday morning to 40 degree heat meant there was NO way Filip would even think about being inside. We walked to the museum – after getting the wrong map direction for brunch – and decided we would come back to Berlin in the winter time, to explore all of the inside art offerings at one time that made sense. (I tell you London has missed the sunshine this year, so any chance we get we grab it.)

Ice-cream is always needed when the sunshine is out :)

After making the decision to fully walk the streets of Berlin, we did not let any moment go to waste. Starting off at Check point Charlie (the American gates separating East to west of the Berlin Wall) I saw my first site of the wall, and just couldn’t begin to imagine how such a separation could occur. Of course separations are everywhere in our history – in different ways – but having such a strong symbol was a pretty powerful site to see.

The stories surrounding us, were intense and overwhelming, and seeing how everyone casually stood on the road where the wall once stood, made me stop for a second and try and imagine. It was surreal to say the least.

      

We explored all over the city following the line of the wall – upto Brandenburg gate, and along to Museum Island – Berlin is a true gem to explore by foot, and I thoroughly recommend you truly stroll. We stumbled across buskers and markets, antiques and nick nacks, each unique and mesmerising in their own ways.

Brandenburg Gate :)

 In the evening we walked along the water front to an amazing potato restaurant called Kartofel Keller Berlin – I really don’t need to say any more other than you MUST try it when you go! Was fab fab fab, and although in a touristy area (water tends to call to the tourists) was up a street from the main road.

The next morning – after researching and double checking we went to a Brunch restaurant opened by a woman from Seattle and reviewed by The Guardian…This led me to believe it would be amazing coffee and well trusted and recommended. I wasn’t mistaken. This brunch was quite possibly the best ever – fresh, amazing light, fabulous surrounding buildings, tucked neatly away in a sweet neighbourhood, and brilliant coffee! Could you want anything more….I don’t think so at all! Barcomis is a must do – and spend a few hours – no need to rush it’s perfect for any stroller passing through on their Berlin expedition.



Reading for Him...

  

...& Reading for Her :)

Best food ever - such a treat!

With fab weather and full tummies we went back to the end of Museum Island to chill in the park, and listen to buskers and bathe in the fountain. What a day! Peaceful, chilled and fabulous weather. Oh and I randomly met a woman also dipping her toes with her kiddies in the fountain, who was from London and a choreographer in Berlin. Jo Parkes  creates works of wonder and mostly in site specific places.She reminded me of my previous life, and I urge that when in Berlin look out for her work – she sounds amazing and was a pleasure to meet with her and admire her passion infused with her family life.

All in all – it really couldn’t have been better. Berlin relished in all of my expectations infusing them with even more and topped it all off with fab people, weather and culture. I so look forward to seeing my good friend again!

The last few weeks...

So sorry I’ve been away from blogging for what feels like forever! It’s been a busy couple of weeks to say the least. Wanted to quickly update you on what I’ve been up to.
So after the engagement, the hype still hasn’t died down, and I’m still catching up with friends gushing over the beautiful ring Filip had made, and that was chosen himself, to wanting to hear all the ideas and details etc. I knew right away we’d have to get some save the date cards out there quick smart, as with 95% of our guests having to travel overseas I wanted to prepare them and give them the option to plan well in advance. The beauty of save the dates is they buy you the time to really plan a beautiful invitation and provide all the right details etc. The tough part – is the fact that I chose to make the save the dates myself. But that’s the fun part too right!
I asked our friends Keith and Sylwia to take a picture of Filip and I, in a funky and beautiful café nearby our house (well old house…more on that later!) where I envisaged writing the details on the photograph in paint. Keith did a fab job, and the picture turned out better than expected. I set to work on two images, finally deciding the best one with Filip. I then wanted to provide a nice border, and after purchasing what I thought was green paper (turns out I had a momentary colour blind moment picking highlighter yellow…How did I get that so wrong) I returned and settled for a beautiful speckled cream, flecked with gold, tan and the natural colours I originally envisaged.

So then the task of sticking the pics to the pages began, and voila! Here’s the final copy. Most of these are now in the post, so they’ll be on their way, but for those who prefer electronic and ASAP viewing – here you are (minus the pretty paper)!

SAVE THE DATE!

Was such fun to make, and we’re now considering to do the invitations also….we’ll see how stressed I get later on.

We then, in between the entire save the date madness, flew to Dortmund to see Ulrika (Filip’s sister). Was so lovely as we’d just had Louise (Filip’s other sister) in town, and to be able to see both amazing women in the same time frame was fab. The weather of course didn’t co-operate entirely, but neither did the fact that I became ill either. So one stomach bug, two days of rain and cool weather, and three still smiling people later, we realised (actually I think we prepped ourselves prior to landing) Dortmund is amazing to visit because Ulrika’s there. Many people say – especially German folk, “Why are you going there?” But I love the cute little city… No not much to do, but we managed a street market, a Tunisian restaurant, a game of tennis when the clouds broke to release the sunshine, and champagne, flowers and chocolates all purchased and given to us, by our amazing family! Was a fab weekend and re-energised me back to London…unfortunately the sickness continued, but I’m now back to my normal fighting self. Thank goodness!

I did a charity run on Wednesday evening for Barnadoes – was so much fun and I ran the entire 5.8kms – was so proud of myself and was such a  brilliant cause. Will definitely be looking into more of that next year too!

I’ve also been captivated since last weekend with…wait for it….yes the latest rave…The Fifty Shades series. I love it! I love the relationship the two characters have, and it’s just a can’t-put-it-down kind of read. I’m already on the second book less than a week after starting the first. So my advice – pick up a copy, and don’t pre-judge it based on the content from first glance – there’s a lot more to it, than first meets the eye.

And lastly as I’m sure you’re now well bored of hearing about my busy few weeks– buying a house is on its way. The contracts are almost ready to be exchanged, and that means I’m almost a home-owner…. I’ll touch on this more next time. But very very cool is all I can say for now.

Madrid = Sunshine = ♥

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Madrid. I knew obviously to expect the sunshine and the heat, but I was hesitant to fall in love with the place, as Italy is the place that has captured my heart previously, and I would feel unfaithful to really love Spain in the same way. But after visiting Barcelona, I knew Spain had something rather rare and unique to offer that would be different to Italy....I just didn't know exactly what it was Madrid would have to give.

Amazing Paella :)

Madrid most definitely is hot though! And that was just what the doctor had ordered for Filip and I. Our first day consisted of walking walking walking - we wanted to see everything. For me the number one thing - the paella, sangria (Restaurante Le Plaza de Chamberi), sunshine and architecture. AMAZING - it really feels like the nation's pride and joy within one city. Filled with the capital and country's finest, the buildings are big, beautiful and unique. It hosts wide avenues, many water fountains to feast your eyes upon and culture and art spread around the city in a dignified and unobnoxious way. It provides any visitor and/or local with stunning nature - the avenues and streets are lined with stunning trees leading you to the next cobble stoned avenue with enough to feast your eyes upon. Madrid oozed relaxation within a city of its size, and modern beauty which I wasn't expecting it to have in such fine form. The bars and cafes are open, bright and laid back, which again surprised me, being that Madrid is such a financial and busy hub. 

Our favourite place on Saturday was Piazza de Colon. Situated in the centre of the city with the buzz of the financial district on one side, and the shopping district on the other, it was an open space leading the way toward the Archaeological Museum and the National Library - utterly stunning headquarters. We walked past in the morning and HAD to return upon Filip's tour guiding in the afternoon (He siad he wanted to photograph the ginormous Spanish flag). Little did I know this was the place that would set the path for our future. We came across another 'penguin' set up and designed for charity sales all around the city, and after my famous last picture with the penguin, was greeted by a man on a knee taking my hand, presenting me with the most AMAZING thing I've ever seen in my life, and asking if I would be his for our years to come. Madrid became the backdrop for a proposal that brought tears (well more like massive emotional blubbering) to my eyes, and a complete joy and love in my heart that I will never forget. We had the Spanish flag, the art and history surrounding us, and looked toward our future in quite possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

Newly engaged!

The penguins....pre engagement

In front of our place - the library being in the background :)

Our engagement dinner restaurant :)

When we awoke on Sunday, Madrid took me on a brand new journey. I felt everything looked even more enticing and elegant than what it was the day before. 

We went down to the Parque del Retiro (so stunning!) and walked and explored, us both feeling we were in heaven and walking on Cloud 9. I always say sunshine makes everything better, but in this city everything glistens when the sun shines, and when happiness is in your heart.

Retiro Park :)

 

I feel I don't want to say any more, excpet that Madrid for me equalled sunshine and nothing but love. A historical moment to path a magnificent future. 

A pool is a must!

Engaged and celebrating on the way home

Madrid, you will now hold perhaps the most important place in my heart, and we look forward to visiting and exploring again soon. ♥

Thought of the day...

In 1990, I met a girl – little did I know who this girl was let alone who she would become.
Her name was Philippa and she was my best buddy. We used to dress the same, talk the same and do everything together – others came and went, but we remained. A few years later, I had to move towns – thank goodness my grandparents stayed, so anytime I visited them I visited Phil too. She was an amazing horse rider (still is to this day), and we used to go riding occasionally together – her guiding me and my horse – always maintaining it was to keep us safe (I think now it was cos she loved her horses so much she wanted them to be ok with a new rider)… Then I moved again – this time further away. We still stayed in touch but it was less frequent than usual. We went through teenage years – still hanging out in the stable, when I visited and chatting about boys, life, dreams and futures etc. Then came uni – separate cities yet again – separate courses – separate lives – yet we still laughed and giggled like when we were 5 all those years before. I moved to London in 2007 and hadn’t been home in 3 years – when I returned Philippa was in another city so we missed our chance to catch up that time. But then I saw her for the first time in a few years last evening, and like always – nothing had changed. She still has that place of feeling like a best buddy, intertwined memories and a history no-one else knows the details of. Never remembering a bad moment – just pure laughter and joy. We really got up to mischief when we were younger and there are just too many stories to tell!

Of course whilst we have changed, and our lives have changed – we still seem to slot right back in to being those two little peas in a pod. Last night though was a little different– we giggled and laughed and included 2 others - our loves!
Filip and Ricky became special guests at one of our meetings and they indeedly fitted right in too.

Last night reminded me that real true good and genuine friends stay with you a lifetime. – does it take effort or work? Most relationships do – but when it’s real – it doesn’t ever feel like work. And with Philippa that’s exactly how it is.  Whilst we don’t talk everyday – we’re not the type of friends who have to email even once a month – we do have a close understanding and friendship. When she got engaged – she rang me in London, and we spoke for an hour at least – it simply just goes right back to the last time we talked and just continues on.

Relationships are quite possibly the most important thing to me – ensuring people know what they mean to me and maintaining true friendship – it’s truly the best thing. When Phil and Rick left – Filip said “What amazing and genuine people – so down to earth and good!” So true! I also believe you are who you are as a reflection of the people you choose to base yourself around – and having Rick and Phil think so highly of Filip – was the same good feeling that Filip’s praise of them was.  So the thought of the day is to enjoy the time you spend with your friends, however much or little  – and appreciate your friendships especially the ones that began so very long ago.

“The only thing better than making a new friend, and that is keeping an old one.” Elmer G. Letterman

Maybe we'll find matching dresses when we're older too....:)

I AMsterdam

I’ve just come back to London, back to work and back to the rain (It’s JUNE for crying out loud!) after perhaps one of the best weekends of this year. (I had a pretty great one a few weekends back in the countryside on the outskirts of London with friends and another with Filip’s parents in town – but this was one of the best travelling weekends I should say)

The best of travelling is that I get to do it with him!

Amsterdam is such a pleasure to see and be in. I use that word well aware that it is appropriate for both the Amsterdam I know and the Amsterdam that many travel to ‘see’. When you push aside the infamous aspects of what Amsterdam represents – the Red Light district and the freedom of cannabis – the representation of what Amsterdam is as a city and character is lit up and your experience is a completely euphoric one… well for me anyway.

I had been to Amsterdam before – I loved the city, but felt I had degraded my trip with the experiences many Kiwis and Aussies told me ‘I had to do!’ Pressure aside – I was indeed curious to see what the Red Light district was really like and how easy it was to go and explore different cafes etc. I had a great time, but I could see peripherally that there was a lot more to this place that captivated and interested me aside from the superficial characteristics I’d been told about.

The houses reminded me of NYC with the high ceilings and beautiful architecture

This time – was just the best! The city as I said earlier is just such a pleasure. There is so much here – it reminded Filip of Malmö and a little of Gothenburg in Sweden. It reminded me of getting lost in Venice, thinking one street looked like the next and in the Dam – thinking one canal was similar to the last. It has this relaxed feeling, when you get past the Red Light District and reach the canals (away from the main street where all the tourists flock for the shops), and feels very easy and safe – possibly partially to do with the freedom within their laws. It oozes quirky with modernity, and has art available within every glance of every street. It has a true café culture, with great food – vibrant atmospheres and fantastic décor. Similar to Sweden – the Dutch have amazing design skills.

The bicycles are of course a main characteristic of the city

It’s a place I do believe everyone must see – but not for the reasons I was first told I had to go there for. Go there for a rich culture, fantastic people and true European beauty with a solid history and a bright and engaging future ahead of it. When you go – check out of course the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark on a nice day. 

As extras and more off the touristy track – be sure to go to  Gallery LaRaven – we accidentally fell upon this gallery – open in Central Amsterdam for the final day before moving to its new location – and I literally fell in love with both the artist, gallery manager and the gallery space itself.

I became inspired again within a second of looking through the window, and was overwhelmed by how open and generous these guys were. I felt at home, and if I were financially a little wealthier, I would have been walking away with at least three or four pieces by Mark Janicello as they were utterly STUNNING.

This is the absolute top of my list for anyone going – and as you’re strolling along to their gallery – be sure to have your camera ready for the vast amount of art you’ll spot in the streets along the way. Very very talented people have imprinted all throughout the city, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Amsterdam hosts unique shopping boutiques, and has cheese flowing from every street corner. All in all a truly impressive, stylish and imaginative city. A place to take your family, to stroll with friends or travel to as a couple. In regards to shopping – as I’m trying to save a little at present it means my shopping must be kept to a low but of course I did manage to stumble across By Fabric (no website for me to share with you sadly)– and fell in love with the fact that they change all of their products weekly – how cool! They have two stores I believe, and I just thought it was such a great idea to keep things changing and updated. I bought a little bag for the summer evenings, as am loving the brights this season…. Good fun!

We stopped for lunch at Van Harte – great food, service and ambience. Huge portions…I literally didn’t think I would be able to eat the club sandwich due to the height of the bread. As per the below image you can see a half (yes just a half). But to be honest – the city is filled with cafes like this one, so stop wherever you think looks nice, and I’m pretty sure you’ll not be disappointed.

Trying to find a way to eat the HUGE sandwich from Van Harte

So in conclusion – the advice I have to offer is to keep your eyes open, push aside the preconceived ideas you have or you’ve been told about, and go and explore a truly enriching, creative, artistic and thoroughly enjoyable city. Explore explore explore and have an absolutely fantastic time.

A bride on her way to the church in a broken
down retro Volvo :( I hope she made it!

Amazing night sky 

The final farewell at the airport with Tulips

Penpal update

So I must admit, I am yet to write to my penpal :( But I swear my handwritten letter is coming.


Joelle from A Charming Occasion and Megan from Freckled Italian have set up this great idea to get back to a life without high-technology taking over, and simply connect via a hnadwritten letter.


I remember when I was younger I used to write letters to my family and I would so carefully choose which paper I would use and how I would use it etc. I would be creative and eager to think of everything I wanted to say and everything I wanted to know in return - it was a true and proper conversation, with just the slight time delay of when the postman would turn up :) The excitememnt would build up to see if the letter had been received and then of course the eager awaiting of a reply to make its way to your own letterbox.


I love letters - especially hanwritten ones, so I'll keep you posted for when I finally get my time together (look out for future blogs on this thought) to write my penpal a letter.

Thought of the day...

So Spring has arrived into London. FINALLY! I finally got to sit in the park at lunchtime, and relax without worrying the rain would hit, or the wind would pick up etc. It was perfection in its finest. I will indeed be writing more on this later, but London in the sunshine, is one of the world's greatest cities, and today I was well and truly reminded of that fact. Utter bliss...for the lunch break at least :)


So my thought for the day was triggered last night during my homesick little melt down. Am well and truly over it now, but in the brief 'break-down' moment, I felt really a world apart from my 'people'. For any avid Grey's Anatomy fans (me being the biggest one), they have 'people' who utterly can understand what they're going through without words, or any mere form of communication. It's an understanding that resonates within the atmosphere of their existence, and I have that with many of my family and friends who are based in the absolute form of overseas lands you can get. They really couldn't get further if they tried....or more like I couldn't further from them considering I was the one who left my beautiful country to explore elsewhere.


Isolation can be a terrifying feeling to experience, and especially when vulnerability is already running wild on you as it is. So my thought for today, is to remember people - not just 'your people' but all people. I know that I'm often looked at as being highly responsible, well organised and structured and as a result a strong and independent woman, and whilst that can be an accurate description and view point, I still have moments and most importantly need to feel loved and remembered, as I try and do in my relationships also. It's important to just pick up the phone, write a quick text or send a brief email to say rather simply.
'I'm just thinking of you today, and I hope all is well wherever you are.' It will make someone’s day, so keep it in mind, and don't lose site of the fact that sometimes our assumptions can be apt and correct and sometimes they can be oh so wrong, and that person you view as being strong and independent, may just need you in their life...even if only for a virtual second.

I ♥ Florence

To begin with...

Fantabulous literature

...So this is my 6^th time I think to Italy (I always feel compelled to tell how many times I’ve been to a place, so you can understand the depth of my adoration) Filip has never been to Florence, and I’ve been dying to get back there, to explore more, and kind of go over the things I already know and love about this magical little city. We flew into Pisa and stayed for one night, to explore the Leaning Tower…(I think that’s the absolute on what you can explore in Pisa) and then caught the train to Florence for the second day and evening.

So Pisa in images.....

Stunningly beautiful streets

The iconic Leaning Tower

Market time on a Saturday morning

I love that in Italy passion exudes from the sidewalk literally – store owners, are hanging out and yelling sweet Italian phrases (even when aggressive it still sounds amazing), and carrying on with their daily business, which really just makes me smile. From the language to the style, to the AMAZING food – this place just lives and breathes passion. I know many can be annoyed and find the whole country overwhelming – I so never feel that. I just long for more time here. 

Bardeni and Boboli Gardens was perfect on the most amazing sunny day, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi were all on my ‘To do’ list and to share with Filip. The Duomo was the very first one I saw here, and seeing again for a second time, was no less stunning than the first time. I find this city very easy to stroll and explore – it’s just so nice being out and about here, and watching the world keep moving as you take a coffee break or get some amazing gelato, is always a must do. Just enjoy and lap up every minute. There’s never a need to worry here – it just feels relaxed and joyous the whole time. 

Just cos he's so darn cute! In Bardeni Garden :)

Boboli Garden

The Boboli Gardens (Italian: Giardini di Boboli) is a park in Florence, that is home to a collection of sculptures dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries, with some Roman antiquities.

The view from Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a Medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River in Florence, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. 

The famous jewellery stores in Ponte Vecchio

Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewellers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.

The oh so amazing site to see Ponte Vecchio

Eating is just the best joy in this country – they get it so right – they fill the time with passion over family, food, vino, conversation and decadent coffee and dessert. They do it in true style, and I really didn’t want to leave…even though the entire weekend I felt completely full and stuffed! The fact they get it perfect with simple ingredients, will always amaze me – a simple bruschetta made with fresh and delicious tomatoes, onions, garlic and of course Olive Oil. Done so right by having the fresh and amazing Italian produce. We were fortunate enough to eat at two of the city’s best – both Dinner and Lunch were an event of food and generous discussions shared with waitresses/waiters and the guests next to us. We literally stumbled across them, and are so grateful we did.


Lunch:                                                                                                    
Il Latini

Dinner:

Il Francescano

And of course for dessert:

Gelato!

Some other amazing and beautiful pics purely for my own memory and pleasure.....

The beautiful night sky and sunset from Il Francescano
:)

The view from San Miniato al Monte

 
San Miniato al Monte (St. Minias on the Mountain) is a basilica in Florence, standing atop one of the highest points in the city. It has been described as one of the finest Romanesque structures in Tuscany and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. There is an adjoining Olivetan monastery, seen to the right of the basilica when ascending the stairs.

The Duomo

Shoppers side note: – Literally the first thing I spotted upon our Pisa stroll on Saturday morning was Dixie – fell in love, and though superb for different little items at a low-ish (By Italian Standards) cost – affordable either way and oh so worth it!Shopping in this country is fab fab fab. The last time I was in Rome I purchased these great and handy and stylish welly’s – a fave, considering how popular Hunters are. I like that these are different and do the amazing trick they do. I managed to pick up a new pair of shoes on this visit and fell in love with this little chain all over again. Check out Primadonna on any visit.

Could they be any cuter!

Ciao for now!