In exactly one weeks time Justin and I will be hopping on a plane to the Amalfi Coast! Excited doesn’t even BEGIN to cover it. We found a crazy, insane, wicked good deal (obsessively checking travel sites sometimes pays off) and jumped at the opportunity.  We’ll be staying in the small town of Maiori, just 10 minutes east of Amalfi. From what I understand, there isn’t a ton happening on in Maiori but it will act as a jumping off point for day trips (Capri, Positano, Sorrento, Pompeii…) Everything happened relatively quickly and we’ve yet to do any legitimate research, so I’m here to ask for advice!  One of my biggest pet peeves is spending money on sub-par food so restaurant recommendations are especially in order.  Please do send anything and everything this way! 

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Though I’ve been back for just under a week now, I inadvertently took an additional few days off from this ol’ blog here. Is it alright for me to blame the Florida sun? I just couldn’t get my act together last week no matter how hard I tried. But I’m back! And I’ve missed you guys! So in case you were wondering what has kept me away, here’s a little preview in photography format.

Despite the fact that I was working the majority of the time I was gone (once-more, working from “home” proves its worth!), I still managed to squeeze in a bit of fun in the sun (this might be evident from this collection of photos). If I’m being completely honest, this mini getaway could not have come at a better time. Between long hours at “the office”, attempting 3-4 hours of studying each evening, and trying to manage some semblance of a social life (ha!), I had long been burning the candle at both ends (I legitimately thought I might lose it a handful of times there.) But they say that the cure to all ailments is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea, and such statement has never felt more true. So if you’re ever feeling more than overwhelmed, may I suggest the beach? It really does do great things for one’s soul.

We couldn’t leave Ireland without experiencing some of the countryside it has to offer. One day, just before heading home, both Jess and Ian had to head into work which left Justin and I alone to explore. Having wanted to experience The Cliffs of Moher for longer than I can remember, we opted to take a day trip out that way. The drive up was absolutely outstanding; exactly what you’d imagine when envisioning the Irish countryside. At one point we passed a herd of wild miniature horses running through a field and I began to question whether or not the entire journey was even real.

The morning was bright and sunny but in true Ireland form the skies opened up and poured down on us just as we arrived cliff side (of course it waited for us to get far enough away from any form of shelter before hitting torrential downpour status). Though we were soaked through and through, there was very little that could get our spirits down at that point. One of the natural wonders of the world, the cliffs are simply one of those things you have to see to understand. Their grandeur and beauty is difficult to explain in words.

We took a different route home, driving alongside the Galway bay and stopping briefly to take in The Burren Landscape. With a few hours before we needed to head back to Dublin, we made a brief stop in Galway. A small bohemian town, it’s here you’ll find residents littered with talent. Artists, musicians, singers and the like, three hours was not enough to take it all in. I definitely want to make a point to spend more time here in the future.
All in all, an exceptional two weeks.

| pretty architecture |

| a sneaky shot of the Trinity College Library. (spotted all over Pinterest) |

| Trinity College campus |

| the river Liffey after a storm |

| views from The Gravity Bar |

| colourful doors are a bit of a thing in Dublin |

| best friends since the 7th grade |

If you ask me, it doesn’t get much better than visiting friends abroad. Especially if said friends have been a part of your life for the better part of fourteen years (holy!). Having “locals” give you a personal tour ultimately means you get to see the very best of the city without a ton of prep-work.

Having almost an entire week with virtually no plans was a nice departure from the go-go-go of the Scottish leg of our trip. We were able to take in the city at a leisurely pace, stopping often for tea and pints of Guinness.

While we naturally took part in some of the must-do activities (the Guinness brewery & high-tea at the Shelbourne obviously being on that list), we also had the opportunity to experience the lesser-known tidbits that Dublin has to offer. Things like incredible restaurants (hello 777 & The Pig’s Ear for starters), vintage shopping and adorable local pubs tucked in back alleys. Jess and Ian graciously put us up in their apartment for the week which not only helped us stay on budget, but brought back memories of childhood sleepover and proved to be a ton of fun. I’ll let them know if any of you need future personal tour guides, knowing them they’d be happy to oblige ;)

As mentioned, the primary reason behind this particular trip was so that Justin and I could visit our friends who currently reside in Dublin. We had a fabulous time and  Jess and Ian proved to be fantastic hosts.

Though we spent the majority of the week in Dublin, enjoying the company of our friends, we did manage to head out for two day-trips throughout the week. The first  consisted of a quick ride on the Dart to the cute little town of Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dun-Leery – don’t ask me how. Crazy Gaelic language!) Both Jess and Ian are (fabulous) chefs and I won’t lie, our primary reasoning behind this mini-trip was to take in the food market that takes over the park every Sunday. We gorged on fantastic food, walked the old Victorian pier, and treated ourselves to ten minute chair massages for $5 in a nearby tent (best idea all week, let me tell you). It was the perfect start to our Irish adventure.

After we left Stirling, we made our way west to our last stop: Oban. To be honest, this is the portion of the trip I had been looking forward to the most while in the planning process and it did not disappoint. The route takes you through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park as well as the Argyll Forest which are both incredibly stunning. Three hours of bright green rolling hills, lochs, highland cows (my new favourite animal) and sheep in every other direction. Basically exactly what you’d imagine Scotland to resemble.

We arrived in Oban on Thursday evening, pleasantly surprised at where we were terminating the Scottish portion of our vacation. As a little fisherman’s town right on the coast, it’s here you’ll find some of the best fish and chips in the country. We ended up staying at Heatherfield House,  a sweet little bed and breakfast that I could not recommend more. Gary and Sues home was so well-appointed that they could have given Martha Stewart a run for her money. Our room was impeccable, beautifully decorated in soft shades of grey and yellow, with views of the ocean to boot. Our bathtub had a row of rubber ducks to greet us, their soaps and shampoos had come from a local organic supplier and we found chocolate bars tucked into our robes upon arrival. Not to mention the grounds lined with chickens, providing us farm fresh eggs for breakfast each morning. I’m telling you, a dream.

Though we stayed for two nights, we only had one full day to explore the small town. We decided to take the ferry over to the Isle of Mull to check out the Donegan castle and take in the area by boat. In addition to our mini day trip, not being a scotch drinker myself, I did accompany Justin on the Oban Scotch distillery tour, which ended up being a lot of fun. Naturally, we topped off the day enjoying (the freshest) fish and chips in a little pine cottage overlooking the harbour. Yes, Scotland was good to us.

As a total aside, I realize that these travel posts aren’t usually my standard material. Are you guys getting sick of reading about these journeys yet? I was going to come back next week and share a few posts on Ireland but I wanted to make sure it’s something you guys are interested in! I absolutely adore sharing these things as it’s a nice recount for my own personal memories, but I understand that lots of you come here for the interior design portion of my program. A show of hands and I’ll gladly continue!

Admittedly, both Justin and I were just a little disappointed when we arrived in Stirling. Though there’s no denying the city had its own particular charm, we both felt it paled in comparison to Edinburgh and St. Andrews. We may have been quick to judge considering we were barely there for twenty-four hours, however we both agreed it lacked the familiar vibe that emanated through the previous two cities. We felt Stirling Castle was too pristine, too restored and re-touched, and each and every pub and restaurant was filled to the brim with tourists. While travelling, we like to make a point of trying to find a local watering hole just off the beaten path. It’s possible that we were simply missing the mark that day, but we just couldn’t seem to track anything suitable down!

That being said we, of course, still managed to enjoy our limited time in Stirling. Our hotel was located just steps away from the castle, with views of rolling hills for miles when we awoke in the morning. Built in 1787, it was originally intended as an all-boys school which has since been converted into rooms to rest ones weary head. If you did want to experience this city for yourself, I would definitely recommend this spot as a place to crash.

{cupcake shoppe}{sagrada familia}{justin & I}{Gaudi’s Casa Battló}{Cava (& tapas)}{meandering the streets}{the most beautiful architecture}{views from Park Güell}{Park Güell}{sunsets}{small cafes}{bliss}

When all of our original New Years plans began to disintegrate, Justin and I found ourselves searching for a plan B. Originally, we contemplated heading south for a few days to ring in the New Year, just us two, but when we found this amazing deal to Barcelona (it was actually less expensive than 3 days in a sup-par  hotel in Cuba) we knew we had to take it. Booking our trip just two days before leaving (and the day before Christmas), admittedly, gave my type-A personality some serious anxiety but in the end I’m so happy that we did.
We spent 5 nights in what can easily be declared one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever laid eyes on. We hopped from Gaudi building to Gaudi building (seeing the Sagrada Familia in person was so surreal, and I was able to cross something off of my wishing well!), drank cava and ate tapas late into the night, enjoyed our fair share of inexpensive beer and sangria and meandered the streets at will. We rung in the New Year in an old tavern, complete with walls that had been built in the 11th century, eating grapes with locals as the clock struck twelve*. I can already feel that 2012 is going to be a good one.

*the Spanish tradition is to ring in the New Year with food and family. At midnight, you are to eat 12 grapes, one at a time, before the clock stops ringing. Every grape you fail to eat is equivalent to a month of bad luck in the upcoming year.

{the view atop the Soho House}{red velvet cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery}{shopping in Brooklyn}{the east village}{camembert & honey at Betto}{strolling through Central Park}{Monet’s Water Lillies at the Met}

We managed to jam pack a lot of activities into our 48 hour whirlwind trip to New York. There’s no denying the buzz that hums through the city and I’m convinced that it’s what kept us on our feet for hours on end.

We stayed at my cousins apartment in the East Village. Having someone to show us around proved to be far more time effective than times past when we’ve navigated the city ourselves. Not having planned anything in particular before leaving, we were left with ample time to meander the city at will. We brunched at the Soho House*, perused the High Line, frequented sample sales (hello $198 sequined top for $35) and acted the tourist at Magnolia Bakery. Between Italian tapas in Brooklyn, Sundays strolling through Central Park and hours in the presence of Monets and Van Goghs at the Met I’m left inspired and deeply moved by a city so unbelievably fantastic. It really is unlike no other.

*for the Sex and the City fans, you may recall the episode in which Samantha tries to sneak in to the Soho House after waiting far too long for her own membership. I will not lie, I felt fancy brunching at such a place.

There’s something special about returning to a place where time seems to have stood still; a place that I’ve been frequenting for the last 25 years of my life, and can count on the fact that the juice glasses will remain the same, as do the pots, the pans and the stove that is surely from the 50′s and has helped feed its fair share. Visiting my cottage in Thunder Bay is one of those spots that holds ridiculously happy childhood memories and I hold it very close to my heart. It’s a place the epitomizes a Canadian summer: the fridge is always full of beer, when you walk through the bush, you must have a bear whistle tied around your wrist, just in case, the lake is refreshingly cold and the sunsets would make your heart skip a beat.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I spent the large majority of my week lounging on the dock, catching up on books that I’ve been meaning to get through but could never finish due to a lack of spare time. While I was originally fretting about the idea of being in the middle of nowhere with no connection to the outside world for an entire week, something I haven’t done since I was quite young, it ended up being just the ticket. Having literally nothing that needed to be done but watch the waves roll in, or the sun set over the lake was a welcome change from my mind reeling with a million different thoughts, ideas and things that need to be done. After adjusting to the thought of being able to read for four uninterrupted hours, I settled in just fine. While I wasn’t curled up on the front porch with a book, I passed the time listening to my 89 year old grandpa tell stories from the 1930′s, playing scrabble on the front port and eating my weight in home-cooked meals. One evening in particular was spent sitting on the boathouse for over an hour just watching an electrical storm off in the distance. It was easily one of the most amazing (and eerie) sights I’ve experienced.

I must admit though, I am happy to be back amidst the hustle and the bustle of my busy city life, only now with a clearer frame of mind. But if I can offer any advice (and this is something I’m sure I’ll have to refer back to in the near future) it’s that it’s okay to sit and watch the rain fall for a solid half an hour. In fact, it’s encouraged. It does more good than you know.

Ever since returning from India (check out the details on that trip here), I’ve been hit with the travel bug. Hard. It’s taking all of my might to not pack up and leave to some exotic place once more. At this moment in time, it’s unfortunately not a possibility for me. However, it just so happens that my cousin is away in Morocco. The girl keeps sending me these incredible pictures that leave my jaw agape and I just needed to share the beauty of such a wonderful place with you. If I can’t travel myself at this moment, I can at least attempt to live vicariously through her.

ps: how awesome is her hair? Sometimes I send her creepy messages telling her I just want to touch it. Sometimes. AND now that you think I’m sufficiently weird, I am off!

{colourful details lining the streets of jaisalmer}{deserted streets – save for a lone cow, naturally}{an efficient way to carry ones parcel (the beginning of some impressive balancing acts we witnessed)}{views of the city from the jaisalmer fort}{rows of turbans just dying to be photographed}{my camel, daniel (I couldn’t have come up with a more suitable name)}

{trekking through the thar desert}

The second leg of our trip took us south to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. We stayed in a $10 a night hostel that was easily nicer than most hotels I’ve visited in Canada. I shared a room with my aunt and we lucked out by being placed in a room with thick stone walls, hot pink silk curtains and bright cotton bed spreads.

After touring the Jaisalmer fort and palace (at 850 years old, it’s the oldest fort in the world that still has inhabitants living within its walls), scoping our many a pashmina and spending an evening sitting atop our hostel roof with the owner, eating and drinking some of his personal specialties under the stars, I didn’t think the trip could get much better.

Our second day in Jaisalmer brought about a camel trek that we had previously arranged. We were driven into the centre of the Thar desert to meet our trek leaders and our respective camels. Mine was named Daniel and he was quite handsome, if you can’t tell.

After a three hour camel ride further into the desert, we stopped to set up camp on top of the dunes. While we watched the sun set over the sand, our trek leaders began to cook our meal over a small fire, and proceeded to bring us cups of hot, homemade chai while we relaxed (and maybe played in the sand… a little).

Next, we feasted on an incredible meal of dal, rice and homemade chapatis (did I mention all of this was done over the fire?!), we hung out telling stories before retreating to cots that had been set up for us under the wide open sky. We drifted off to sleep after watching countless shooting stars, and it was easily one of the best nights of my entire life.

(See Part I, Part III & Part IV)

found here, here & here

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have heard me rambling on about a trip I’ve recently booked.

You guys, I’m gong to India! INDIA! I flip-flop between utter delight and extreme excitement (like the want-to-jump-up-and-down-and-scream-EEEE kind), to nerves and anxiety and back again. Can we talk about how the flight is 18 hours long?! That’s a heckuva long time to be suspended in the air. But nonetheless, I’m going to India! I can’t even wrap my mind around this. I can’t get over how incredibly fortunate I am to be able to take such an adventure in my lifetime. I’m so grateful.

My cousin and his girlfriend have been in Delhi since December and have invited me to be their guest. We’ll begin in Delhi and make our way to Agra for a day before heading to Rajasthan for even more adventure. I leave on May 1st and will return on the 15th with a buttload of pictures and stories to share with all of you. Taj Mahal, here I come!