One Twenty Five

London has been making me feel all warm n’ fuzzy inside....

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:21:01 -0400

London has been making me feel all warm n’ fuzzy inside. It’s simply so beautiful here!

Big Ben
Buckingham Palace
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey’s garden hallway

(photos from my Instagram: Fabulizzles)

I feel like I’ve been a bad blogger lately. Actually, this is a constant thought of mine,...

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:35:37 -0400

I feel like I’ve been a bad blogger lately. Actually, this is a constant thought of mine, which is obviously ridiculous, I know. I think it’s because lately my head has been working overtime, and I want to write all the things down I’m thinking, but simply end up staring at a blank page. Part of me feels numb inside. It’s weird. Because I also constantly feel excited for everything, and yet on the verge of tears. Does this even make sense? I guess right now I just feel lost. I’m in this massive state of ‘life limbo’ and it somewhat scares the hell out of me I am a) moving in with my parents on Wednesday(!!), b) have no job and/or career, c) have gained weight back and am running a marathon in October, d) have changed so much it’ll be weird with my friends, and e) terrified I’ll fall into a depression when I land in Toronto.

So yup. There’s that. I wondered the streets of London today (I actually had an amazing day), but just felt like a complete nobody. But not only in London, but kinda in life. I can’t believe I’m starting from scratch. I can’t believe I’ll be home Wednesday at 9pm. I can’t believe this is all over. I can’t believe how constantly sad/happy/scared/numb I feel. I can’t believe how scared I am for the next year…. moving home is so much scarier than moving away. I don’t know what to do with my thoughts. I just want them to stop. I’m so confused. I’m so tired. I just want a to know that everything will be okay. I suppose, that’s all.

How one spends their day in London alone. Obviously.

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:19:00 -0400

How one spends their day in London alone.

Obviously.

London!

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:14:00 -0400

I’m always a little nervous doing these types of things, but I’ve got a couple of requests for a London catchup, and as I would love-love-love to meet some new people, I thought, yessssssss, let’s do this.

So, would any & all of you Londoners, want to meet me for a quick little, casual coffee/drink? Perhaps tomorrow night? Which is awfully short notice (so sorry!), but I fly home Wednesday.

I was thinking around 7pm, and somewhere central - perhaps a Starbucks (I know, so original)? My Internet skills just failed me at finding a place, so suggestions are welcome. Shoot me a private message, email me, or leave a comment.

Gah. Okay. That’s all. Thanks! Oh, but wait - I’ll be the most awkward person there, so do not worry about that, I got that covered. :)

Update: We’re meeting at the Starbucks in Kingsway at 7pm - all are welcome! :)

I went to the most beautiful wedding today. Really, and truly, it was wonderful. It was a wedding...

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:46:00 -0400

I went to the most beautiful wedding today. Really, and truly, it was wonderful. It was a wedding filled with love, friends, & the English countryside. It was small; 33 people to be exact; actually, it was perfect…

Except.

Except I missed Matt. I haven’t written much about this, because I suppose what’s the point? I’m here. He’s there. And that’s that. But it hurts. A lot. Matt was my best friend for nearly a year and half. He was a huge part of my life, and my friend. And then I said goodbye to him, and suddenly all communication stopped. It’s hard. I miss him. More than I should admit.

And I kept seeing couples tonight sneaking kisses, or reaching for the other’s hand, and I wanted that. I missed that. But I shouldn’t tell you this, I shouldn’t tell anyone this, because what’s the point? I’ll just have to wait for time to do its thing; wait till I don’t hurt this much; wait till I stop feeling the desire to share my day with him, or hear about his. Wait till this pain stops.

And lame photo of the day award goes to… BUT I DON’T...

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:05:00 -0400

And lame photo of the day award goes to… BUT I DON’T EVEN CARE.

I am now in the south of England for a friend from university’s wedding and I have my *own* room, with my *own* bathroom. I can’t even begin to explain what a luxury this is after staying in eight people hostel dorms the past two weeks.

OH! also-also, I am surrounded by my good, strong, friend, Mr. Internet (finally!! because I hate being behind on blogging. I know, I know I’m so cool) and, well, I head home to Toronto next week and despite feeling SUPER nervous about this (because the end is sooooooo near!!!!!), I am also quite excited. I like routines, I do well with routines, and I am welcoming with open arms a full time job, CrossFit, Running, and just living in the every day life of Toronto.

But now, as the clock strikes 1am in England, I must snooze, because beauty sleep is a must in my old age.

The Red Light District. What to say about the red light...

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:45:45 -0400

The Red Light District. What to say about the red light district? It’s hard to really get a grasp of it until you walk the streets and see it for yourself.

But first, some history - because am I the only person who finds this so fascinating? (below’s source).

Amsterdam’s “red light district” began in earnest in the 14th century, according to the country’s official website (Holland.com). By the end of the 17th century, high-class brothels flourished.
When Napoleon ruled Holland in the early 19th century, prostitutes had to have health checks twice a week to ensure they didn’t pass syphilis to soldiers.
In 1911, the Netherlands banned brothels, but prostitution continued using businesses like massage parlors as “fronts,” according to Amsterdam Red Light (amsterdamredlight.com). Soon after this, it became apparent that laws couldn’t banish prostitution. Local authorities allowed prostitutes to ply their trade as long as they didn’t solicit in doorways. This is how the “window trade” began, as girls now beckoned customers from behind openings in curtained windows.
By the 1960s, Amsterdam authorities tolerated red-light district prostitution, and the sex trade in the area became a tourist attraction.

But despite having seen it before, I really wasn’t prepared to see the women in the glass windows trying to lure in the men walking by. The women were hardly wearing anything, and standing behind glass windows of fake, little, staged bedrooms, waiting for any man to knock on her door.

And the most shocking thing? actually seeing men go into the little rooms with the woman. I’m not exactly sure why I was so shocked, as obviously this has happened for centuries… actually, I suppose it was how normal & young the guys were. How guys my age or younger were going in. Guys in big groups of friends who were in Amsterdam to party. I guess I was just naive to this, but it really shocked me - watching regular guys step in, and the curtain be drawn.

I was also stunned (like mouth open stunned) when I found out the women were selling their bodies for a mere $50 for 20 minutes. I don’t want to make a judgement, because there is no way to know why each of those women ended up hardly dressed behind a glass window, but I felt sadness for them, and I felt fortunate and lucky I had never been put in a position where I felt that was my only way out (although, I should note I heard lots of women choose to do it).

So yup. That was Amsterdam. I had a lot of fun with the group I traveled with (hi guys!) and drank & ate a little too much (hushhhh), and slept too little, which of course is the equation for a very good trip.

I had never planned to head to Amsterdam, but then somehow,...

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:11:52 -0400

I had never planned to head to Amsterdam, but then somehow, someway, I was convinced (cough tulips cough) when I was walking the streets of Paris with ~~people~~ friends I had met from my hostel.

I find Amsterdam an interesting city. Visually it is beautiful, and quite unique too as it’s a canal based city, with a ton of history… but then, of course, marijuana and prostitution are legal.

This was my second time heading to Amsterdam, and I’m so pleased I returned. Why? because I think Amsterdam’s red light district overshadows a lot of really amazing things about the city, and last time I was there (when I was 18), I never really took the time to explore the awesomeness Amsterdam offers outside of it’s city centre. But this time? this time around I went for long walks through parks & down alley ways, and really got to see how amazing Amsterdam is.

Oh! And if you ever find yourself in this city, the Heineken Experience tour, Anne Frank’s House, and the Van Gogh museum are definitely must dos. As well as a canal tour, and a night walk of the history of the red light district.

After Paris I made my way north to Amsterdam with a bunch of...

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:14:55 -0400

After Paris I made my way north to Amsterdam with a bunch of people I had met at my hostel. They were heading to Amsterdam for reasons, umm, unknown (ha), but I wanted to head there for the tulips!

Every world coffee table book shows the spectacular photos of the Netherlands’ tulip fields, so when I realized I would be there during peak, bloom time, I just had to detour to go see them. And see them I did!

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is the world’s largest flower garden and according to their official website, they plant over 7 million bulbs each year. The garden was established in 1989 by the mayor of Lisse and the idea was to present a garden exhibit where flower-growers from all over the world could show of their hybrids - and help the Netherlands’ export industry (the Netherlands are the world’s largest exporters of flowers).

The Keukenhof Gardens was well worth the visit, and if you’re in this area of the world during late April, or early May, I highly recommend the detour.

It’s a weird thing to complain about traveling, because I am so aware that those (myself...

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:42:38 -0400

It’s a weird thing to complain about traveling, because I am so aware that those (myself included) who travel are very, very lucky, but I need a moment to complain. Apologies in advance.

Today was the worst. THE WORST. I want to tell you the details about the insane number of unfortunate events, little and big, that went down, but my mind seems to have blocked out the details from this travel day from hell. But what I do know is this: I took eight trains today. I had to pay for a second ticket from from Amsterdam to London, because I missed my previously booked train, even though I was there & ready, but EuroStar doesn’t accept electronic tickets. I know my 55 pound suitcase’s wheel broke. Oh! And I broke my flats - I don’t even know how one does that, but I did. I got trapped in a packed train for 45 minutes because the doors wouldn’t open. I discovered Europe has hardly any elevators in train stations. And I had a million and two moments where I wished with everything I am, that I was back in my childhood bedroom, laying on my bed, looking at my ceiling, all warm and happy in bed (especially when the British customs guy refused me entry into England).

Traveling is filled with ups & downs, and downs & ups, I know that, but today? Today wins for the worst of the worst days I’ve ever had.

Au revoir Paris! A sneaky-deaky photo on the train from Paris...

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:30:05 -0400

Au revoir Paris! A sneaky-deaky photo on the train from Paris to… Amsterdam!

A quick look at any Paris tourist map or book will tell you to...

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:13:00 -0400

A quick look at any Paris tourist map or book will tell you to head to the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental arch in Paris’s downtown area that sits at the western end of the Champs-Élysées (Paris’s famous shopping/rich avenue).

The arch was commissioned in 1806 after Napoleon declared to his soldiers, “you will march home through arches of victory,” and construction finished in 1836. The history is long, and the monument has endured the ups and downs of political upheaval (Wikipedia article here). In 1921, the Unknown Solider was buried below, and the flame of remembrance was lit on November 11, 1923 which has never gone out.

Yesterday morning, I climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, and got to see the 360 degree panoramic views the arch offers, and get a sense of the way Paris was built. As you can see, Paris is a very low city, and has had government restrictions on the height of their buildings since the 16th century (you’ll note none of the cliche French buildings are higher than seven stories).

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Paris, I would highly recommend heading up the Arc de Triomphe to get a beautiful view of Paris with the Eiffel tower in it (personally, I’ve never had a desire to head up the Eiffel Tower, because why would you want views of Paris without the Eiffel Tower in it? Exactly. So head of the Arc).

(Source from the pamphlet I received at the Arc de Triomphe)

Moments in Paris

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:11:00 -0400

SNAILS (Escargots)

I can’t believe I’m writing this, but… when in Rome! I went into the dinner with an oh-hell-no attitude, and then what do you know? I tried a single snail (after *a lot* of pressure from not only my table, but also the locals). And? And it was, ummm… well, I will never-ever-ever eat one again, but I admit it was more my mind messing with me, because “omg it’s a snail!!” All I really tasted was the pesto, butter sauce, but then afterwards I couldn’t stop thinking the little thing was crawling around in my tummy (ewwwww).

FOOD

Paris’s food is delicious (minus the snails): cheese, bread, fondue, crepes, souffle, creme brulee, croissants, French fries, macarons, French toast, baguettes & wine? YES PLEASE. Really, it’s amazing everyone (and I mean everyone) is skinny here… but of course, all in moderation. I’ve actually been been super-duper good, and dessert-wise, only eaten the lemon tart (above) and a creme brulee, because as Amelie says, “cracking creme brulee with a teaspoon” is one of life’s simple pleasures.

WALKS

This city is made for taking walks in. The architecture, the flowers, the cobble walkways? I am in love and have added “Run the Paris Marathon” to my bucket list. Why? Because I lose track of time and my thoughts when I’m wandering the streets admiring everything I see. When I was on the subway yesterday I saw this lovely French girl, and I thought what a shame we (humans) don’t get more than one life. I would love-love-love to live out a life start, to finish in Paris (and Melbourne) (and Toronto) (and NYC).

MOULIN ROUGE

Because we had to! When I was 18 and partied my way across Europe (side note: I LOVE travelling at 28; I appreciate & understand everything so much more) I headed to the actual show, so this time around I just went to see the bright lights & windmill.

HOSTEL DRINKING

I lucked out (and for Australians, that means I got lucky) with the fine folks in my dorm room, which means I actually had a good group of friends this time around in Paris to talk to, and do things with, including drinking the nights away (oh hai there Kings Cup) and heading to cliche Paris jazz bars.

THE EIFFEL TOWER

I can’t even put into words my love for the Eiffel Tower. It’s so beautiful, and big, and seeing the thing in real life is up there on my favourite-things-to-do-in-life list. This, of course, means I’ve gone to admire it several times this week. So, story time: two nights ago I was sitting on the Eiffel Tower’s look-out steps waiting for the lights to turn on, when a French man (about 45) ended up chatting me up. I wasn’t interested at all, y’know, given his age, and this, but we ended up talking for a few hours and get this, turns out he’s the CEO (and LinkedIn verified this) of a very big luxury car company, and wanted to take me for dinner and drinks here (I know, whoa) and invited me to his house in the south of France, which his iPhone verified is unbelievable. I politely declined, but I felt like it was an ‘only in Paris’ moment.

SACRE-COEUR BASILICA (The Sacred Heart of Paris)

Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a Roman Catholic church perched up on a hill just outside Paris’s city centre, and is a “must do” if you ever find yourself here. (I’m actually staying in this area, and would def recommend it). The church was built in 1919, which makes it the youngest church in Paris, and it boasts some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Okay. Okay. I think I’m done. I’m actually writing this from a beautiful, little cafe in Paris, as I watched the locals go about their Sunday afternoons. Paris, you beautiful city, you; I like you.

Within minutes of walking the streets of Paris, I saw why this...

Sat, 11 May 2013 20:17:00 -0400

Within minutes of walking the streets of Paris, I saw why this city is renowned for being the most romantic place on earth; why it’s the city of lovers.

Ooh La La!

Couples roam the streets hand-in-hand, lip locking under every blooming tree, or on every park bench that boasts an incredible view. The cafe culture here encourages dining out for two, and the elegant yet impressive architecture leaves you feeling like you’re in a romantic dream. The monuments and alleyways have romantic legends associated with them, and the French language rolling off the Parisians’ tongues leaves one wanting somebody to share each & every moment with.

The whole of Paris is, without doubt, a city for love, but most notably must be the idyllic destination of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge over the Seine River, where lovers follow the Italian tradition of placing a lock onto the bridge, and throwing they key into the water below to represent their eternal love.

Today my cool oh-so-very-solo self wondered over the bridge and was left wide-eyed at all the love locks. I watched several couples lock in their love, and even offered to be their photographer extraordinaire. And… okay, this is soooo lame, but I made a point to return to the bridge someday with a special-special someone, because, well, I just think this idea is so cute, cliche and wonderful!

Paris. Oh Pah-ree! Where to start? What to say? I am head over...

Sat, 11 May 2013 09:53:00 -0400

Paris. Oh Pah-ree!

Where to start? What to say? I am head over heels in love with this city and am so pleased I decided to visit France. It’s actually been one of the easier cities to go about my days in solo; so much to do, so much to see. As I write this, my feet hurt from all the walking, but im determined to do as much as possible.

And my hostel has been top-notch in the meeting-people department, which has been really good and distracting for my soul. As I’ve said before, travelling gets lonely by yourself, and then given my recent goodbye-forever Australia move, I am certainly quite fragile and emotional these days and feeling a little lost as I make my way back home.

I had a huge desire yesterday to be “home”, but the awful, oh so, so awful, thing was I didn’t know where home was. I didn’t really know where I wanted to be, I just knew I wanted to be with people I love, and who love me - but I felt so lost not knowing where that was. Part of me constantly feels stupid that I’m now 28 and have no home-base set up; in Australia, or Canada. I constantly feel a little lonely and find myself envying people’s stable lives on Facebook, when I am walking the streets of Paris. Insane, isn’t it?

But like I said, I’ve met so many great people in Paris and my mind has been distracted in an awesome way. I skyped Matt yesterday which was, well, I don’t even know. I constantly see couples in Paris (obviously) and keep thinking that this little European adventure I’m on is probably my last solo trip. It’s been good & amazing doing so much alone, but I’m definitely now at the stage where I want someone to share this all with (right now I feel like I’m dating my blog - sharing my photos and thoughts with you. It helps.)

Anywho, I am at a cafe right now, sipping a coffee and typing away on my iPhone as I rest my feet before I venture out again. Can’t say I know the point of this post, just wanted someone to chat to.

Notre Dame, Paris

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:39:00 -0400

When I was 18, I went to Paris for a school trip with a huge group of friends, and somehow spent a week there and never saw Notre Dame! Yea, I don’t know what I was thinking or doing either. Anywho, that means that this stunning cathedral was at the top of my ‘must-see’ list in Paris.

And see I did!

Notre Dame has acted as France’s main Catholic Cathedral since the Middle Ages. Maurice de Sully the Paris Bishop, started its construction in 1163(!!!) and the work lasted over 100 years and finished in 1270. Which also means it’s 800 years old this year - craziness.

The name ‘Notre Dame’ means ‘Our Lady of Paris’ and its architecture is one of the first examples of the use of flying buttresses, and the cathedral also features numerous statues and beautiful stained glass windows (see below). Since it was built, the cathedral has been one of the main symbols of Paris and France, and has been the spotlight of major religious and political events, including the crowning of Napoleon I, Emperor of the French in 1804

I headed into the church yesterday when their evening service was just getting starting, and I got a little camera-happy. Churches are one of my favourite things to photograph, so I hope you enjoy these.

~ Paris in Spring ~

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:16:12 -0400

~ Paris in Spring ~

A late lunch in #Paris’s Latin Quarter.

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:10:05 -0400

A late lunch in #Paris’s Latin Quarter.

~ Paris: Day One ~ I rocked up to my hostel at 8am this morning,...

Wed, 08 May 2013 18:48:00 -0400

~ Paris: Day One ~

I rocked up to my hostel at 8am this morning, but couldn’t check in until 4pm. I was exhausted from my flight, and quite jet lagged, but hustled myself out the door to go explore this beautiful city.

And explore I did!

It’s now midnight in Paris, my feet hurt from soooo much walking, and I have yet to shower and/or snooze, but I don’t even care. Today was magical. Paris is magical. The buildings, the postcard images everywhere you look, the flowers, the cafes, and the French? I just can’t. There are no words. I feel like I’ve stepped into a set of a movie.

48 hours ago I was in Australia. Today I am in Paris. One world, and yet here I sit in absolute awe of this world we live in, the variations of the cities people have built, and all the busy people hustling and bustling around their unique, individual lives.

Dear World, I love you.

(Ps. I accidentally left my SLR camera turned on, on the plane, so I had to use my iPhone’s camera today. Umm, slow clap for technology? Impressed! Also-also, my Instagram (username: Fabulizzles) is where I’ll be posting like crazy once I get 3G tomorrow).

Spring in #Paris… Whoa.

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:26:19 -0400

Spring in #Paris… Whoa.