Travel and Food

September Inspirations

September 2, 2015 Leave a Comment

My Facebook homefeed is serenading the pumpkin. Pumpkin Everything. I’ve got nothing against pumpkins. In fact, I’m a huge fan honestly. But today, for me, is not about the pumpkin. It’s about simplicity. Black and white with a burst of truth (and sometimes color).

Most days I don’t feel like this is true. But I love it. I can change my world, and I can better my friend’s world. Now, isn’t that something to be reckoned with?

This image popped up on my Pinterest homefeed this morning, and the simple elegance took my breath away. Therefore, I thought it should be shared as we merge into the clean lines of autumn.

Now these next two images need to be introduced because I’m almost ashamed that I’m so head-over-heals for these crazy awesome wedge tennis shoes. I know. I know. Back in the day, I kind of that they were a bit wonky. But now, I kind of love the style. They’re hands down the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn. Not that I own a pair…yet.

And now, abrupt change to deep thought.

One of the saddest things to me is how horrified of aging many of my peers are. I’m just in my mid-20s, but I know people who are just frustrated at the idea of another birthday, meaning closer to thirty or forty or whatever. And then, I see these pictures (like the one above). This woman is gorgeous. I could stare at her for days, wanting to know every story that goes with each wrinkle of her skin. Accept your beauty marks: wrinkles, scars, all of it!

Autumn inspires thoughts of tea. But you know. I drink tea all the time so this picture is relevant pretty much every day.

Current Music Jam: “Rescue” by Yuna

My favorite food right now is *drum roll please* meatballs!!!! For me, it’s uncharted territory because I am still learning how to make the best meatballs ever. A couple of months ago, I sat down with a recipe book only about meatballs. After that, I felt I had license to explore! In that time, I’ve decided that the key to perfect meatballs is high heat, bread crumbs, egg, fresh herbs, and honey. But, don’t just do what I do! Explore this culinary deliciousness.

As you travel into this new month, I hope that you find strength in places you thought you only had emptiness.

But don’t forget to find joy in the chalky, sweat moments of life. May you laugh at the silliest things and cavort at the unlikeliest moments despite the audience around you. With one life to live (unless you’re reincarnating), may you live well.

Go forth in joy!

Loves: Books and Architecture

August 27, 2015 Leave a Comment

Before I was physically traveling the world, my parents encouraged me to travel the world through books. My dad dubbed me the Reader of the Open Plains because I went through a phase of only reading books set in the Wild West. After reading everything I could get my hands on for that topic, I spread out. My family frequented 3-4 libraries and when ordering books online became a thing…the world of books opened up to me even more.

To this day, when I walk into a space filled with books, breathing seems easier.

So today’s post is an ode to beautiful places filled with books. All these images can be found in my extensive Pinterest collection called Capricious Thinking. I know. The title has nothing to do with books or architecture, but I’m one of those weirdos that create titles that have nothing to do with the content (or seemingly so. It makes sense in my head!).

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/189010515581398052/ — Pinterest

Anyone want to build this book igloo for me? I’d love one!

Beauty and the Beast, anyone? Has anyone come up with a library hotel yet? I’d be so all over that or at least I would salivate over the pictures, dreaming of the day I could stay there!

But you know, someday I could actually have a wall like this! Swoooooning.

I can almost smell the dust just looking at this picture, but nothing is so wonderful to me as book dust.

Everything is right about this room of books…except for that chair. I just don’t believe it could be comfortable.

This might not be so practical for a rainy day, but I just love it!

You know, I think I’d be always afraid to walk through this hallway because what if a book slid???

It makes so much sense to me that books would be housed in a cathedral. Books have a certain sacredness.

The only problem I can see with this is that one morning where you wake up really clumsy (wait, isn’t that every morning?) and run into that bookshelf. Man, that would be a rough way to begin the day.

I hope you’ve enjoyed skimming through these beautiful images and maybe you feel a bit happier in your day. I know I do! But, one more thought!

As a reader and writer, people often ask me, “What’s your favorite book?”

HARDEST QUESTION EVER.

But my favorite way to answer this age-old question is to quote Danielle from Ever After, “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens.”

My Tips for Venice and Train Travel

August 17, 2015 Leave a Comment

I consider myself a newbie traveler, but then again, I’ve been to 13 countries other than my home country (so I guess in total 14 countries) so maybe I’m not such a newbie. I know that this hardly even brushes close to many other travelers, like the Wandering Earl or Girl vs Globe.

But maybe you’re interested in what I can tell you about what I learned for traveling to Italy by train! If not, skip around the website. If you are, keep reading.

1. For a weekend trip, stick to the basics: a backpack and maybe a smaller zipped bag. I pack as lightly as possible, always aware that I’m the one who has to carry what I pack. Roll your clothes up! They take up less space. Pack intentionally, placing items in your bag in the order you will need them. Cardigan on top just in case you get cold on the train, but Monday’s outfit on the bottom. All important documents and things I want close by (ipod, kindle, passport, train ticket, etc.) go in my small handbag, which tends to double as a pillow or a pretend lapdog (please laugh).

2. Travel in comfy clothes that still look nice. As an American, I’m aware that I’m stereotyped as a slob (aka t-shirt and jeans). But Europe is about class. For a night train, I chose black, cotton trousers with a simple cotton blouse over a sports bra. Or you could be like the guy I saw on the train who changed into flannel pajama pants for sleeping and then come morning changed back to jeans. It’s almost like pajamas, but it’ll look good walking onto the train and walking off too.

3. While waiting for the train on the platform, keep a hand on your bags. People warn about pickpockets or thieves, and it’s not just an idle warning. On my train ride from Italy to Austria, three Turkish guys told me about a man who picked up one of their backpacks and was walking away with it. Just hold onto your bags.

4. Multiple trains use the platform for your train. While waiting for my 9:17 pm train, this American couple stood on the platform a bit away from me. When a train arrived at 9:01 pm, the man couldn’t figure out if this was his train. He approached me, ready to try out his minimal Italian on me. But I said, “I speak English.” He was greatly relieved, and then asked if this was the train to Austria. It wasn’t. The key is to know the time your train departs and keep an eye on the platform sign. Your train will likely show up minutes before it is supposed to depart.

5. If you’re on a night train and your stop is not the final stop, set an alarm and be watching for your platform. My stop was supposed to be around 3:10 in the morning at Venezia Mestre. Thankfully, I was awake because the train pulled quietly into the platform without announcement or anything. I grabbed my bags and kneed my way through the sleeping passengers to exit the train. It would have been so easy to miss my stop.

6. Every place I stayed at in Italy from hotel to hostel, I was asked for my passport. It’s unlikely that you would travel between countries without your passport, but this is just another reason to have it on you. I’m still not sure why they always needed my passport.

7. If you’re staying in a hostel, have a little ziplock bag for putting your money and passport in so you can shower. If you’re traveling alone, you’re not going to have anyone to watch your possessions while you’re cleaning up. Or carry a lock with you so you can lock up the locker available to you.

8. Carry a small water bottle in your bag. Maybe this is an American thing, but it’s often kept me sane while meandering through smoldering summer heat in beautiful European cities.

9. In Venice, please wander away from the main tourist attractions. The entire captivating city is a giant tourist trap, but if you wander far enough down alleys you’ll find squares of space with very few tourists.

10. In Venice, go to a mass at the Basilica de San Marco. It’s an awe-inspiring experience, and if you’re a lady, make sure to carry a scarf to cover your shoulders (no shorts are permitted so skirt, dress, or pants). The entrance for mass is on the side of the building.

11. Italy has a wonderful culture devoted to evening, outdoor dining. Enjoy every moment, and try to find a restaurant that only has their menu in one to two languages. This means that it’s not quite as touristy as some. It’s even better if you find a restaurant that’s only in the country’s native language.

12. Eat Gelato. ALL the gelato.

13. Don’t spend all of your time in Venice. Go on day trips to surrounding, smaller cities. You’ll find such gems of beauty with better priced food, less tourists, and just as many postcard moments (or Instagram if that’s more your thing).

14. Do drink a Cappuccino at breakfast! If you’re like me and don’t really like coffee, do it anyway. I felt a bit shameful pouring tons of sugar in to the drink, but you do what you gotta do. But one day, I opted for hot chocolate and was served this amazingly-thick-almost-pudding hot chocolate.

15. Go, explore, make mistakes, and have fun with whatever happens! Getting lost is the best way sometimes to really see a new city or find wonderful people or delicious food. Be open to the experience ahead.