Author Archives: smariehs

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About smariehs

I'm a Certified Pilates Instructor, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and the founder of The Sleepy Pineapple! This is site is dedicated to all my travels- past and present! #travelbackthursday

Munich, Germany

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I guess you can tell by looking at this picture that it wasn’t taken inside the city. The reason I have just a few shots from this day is because I totally dropped the photo ball here. However, I did go to the famous beer garden Englischer Garten and saw the Chinesischer Turm, where I obviously had to try the beer. Also, while waiting for the bus at Odeonsplatz, my friend pointed out Feldherrnhalle and the site of Beer Hall putsch (1923 failed attempt of Hitler and the Nazis to seize power). This is the only place along my journey where I was staying with someone I knew and my only full day in the area was spent hiking in the Alps. It was a lot harder then I had anticipated and we ended up staying back at a restaurant while the others finished the last leg. I had such a great time though! The Alps are just spectacular and the view during our hike was breathtaking. Just sitting there drinking coffee and looking out at that view, with cows just wandering around; it was so surreal to me. Those of you who don’t know me, cows are actually my favourite animal. To get to see these cows up close and take pictures was really fun for me. The people we went with were so warm and friendly too, it was such a nice experience and I’m glad that’s how I spent my time in Munich.

August 10-12, 2013

The Palace of Versailles, France

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I love, love, love Versailles! I happen to have a diploma in Interior Decorating and studied the palace for school; which is why I was so obsessed and made it a must see on my list of places to go. I first went on my European trip back in 2010. I was only in Paris for 2 full days and on my second day (being horribly jet lagged) dragged myself out at 7:30am and made my way to the palace; about 40 min. outside the city centre. Since my time in Paris was so short and I had another important monument to see after, I only stayed about 3 hours. Note to anyone wanting to go, which is NOT enough time. I rushed through and barely got to see the gardens before leaving to get back to the city. That is why this time around I stayed longer in Paris and gave myself an entire day. Even though I bought my tickets ahead (a must in high season) the line through security took forever. I got my headset though and listened in depth to almost all the descriptions, taking my time going room to room. I also stopped at the fancy dining room and had French onion soup, tea and macarons; the soup was the best I've had to date. Then I made my way to the vast and exquisite gardens and made a point to go to every single section. I even took in 2 musical fountain shows, which were really neat to see. I didn't stay the whole day as planned, because that's just a bit much to be honest, but I did get to see it all. It was a dream come true and I was so proud of myself getting to go back and get a redo at one of my most favourite places. Everything is so pristine that seems fake when you're walking around and it's so hard to imagine how people used to live here. It's quite remarkable and something I highly recommend to visit, just make sure to get there early!

June 16, 2013

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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I was going to wait to post about Dubai, but this was a landmark trip as I reached 20 countries visited! I say visited as it’s actually 21 I’ve been to, if you count my home in Canada. I think 20 just sounds like such a milestone though and it deserved to be celebrated! Dubai wasn’t actually an intentional trip, in the way my European getaway was, as it was not in my top list of must see places. Instead, I went after a girl I know invited me along while she was visiting family. It was really nice to spend time with her family and hear stories about their history and see some cultural differences first hand. When I travelled though Europe that is what I wanted to experience most, how other people lived. This trip was pretty hard for me and quite out of my comfort zone. While Dubai is not a place I would rush to go back to, I do feel special for getting to see it firsthand. It really is spectacular what they are trying to accomplish and create. During this visit, I not only got to see the famous Burj Khalifa, but also got to go up to the observation deck. It wasn’t my ideal time slot to go at 5:30am (note to others, book your tickets PRIOR to your trip) but I think it was meant to be. Watching the sunrise over Dubai was an incredible experience and something I will remember always. I also witnessed the record breaking firework display that occurred on New Years Eve from the Palm, which was so special to be a part of (and I really love fireworks in general). The beach I went to had a lot of construction nearby but with my headphones in, I was happy as a clam! If you’ve read my previous posts, it’s hard for me not to love a beach though. The one thing I really wanted to see and unfortunately was unable to do, was to go to a racetrack and see an Arabian horse. Both my father and grandfather both are horse race fans and I grew up visiting the track. Maybe one day that wish will come true…

December 28, 2013- January 7, 2014

Montreux, Swizterland

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Montreux, Swizterland

I am posting this one because as far as gorgeous scenery goes, it doesn’t get much better. It’s no wonder Freddie Mercury made Montreux his home. I also enjoyed the French speaking aspect as that’s the only language I can really get by with. I arrived about 7:00am the first day and had the privilege of walking the promenade without many other people around, and I was blown away. It was my first time seeing the alps, which are stunning and seem to surround you from every view. The colour of the water here though is unreal. A light turquoise/green colour that shimmers under the sun in a way you need to see in order to comprehend fully. It was recommended to be by my aunt and I squished it into an already tight schedule (as I also took a day trip 3 hours away the second day). I’m so glad I made room though; it is a picturesque place that no picture can really do justice. I highly recommend a boat tour, if you do make it here, to fully experience the stunning views. Definitely take more time then I did though, as Montreux has lots of things to see and do (including their famous jazz festival every year).

June 20-22, 2013

Mont St. Michel, France

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I adored this place. Located in Normandy, France, Mont St. Michel is a UNESCO world heritage site and is visited by about 3 million people each year. Travel in and out from Paris is a little difficult as trains to the nearest station are not that frequent, so you need to be prepared and organized (or spend more time in the west of France). I spent the night in a little hotel located inside the walls of the Mont, which happened to remind me a great deal of my late grandmother. Some may not enjoy that aspect but the pale pink decor and distinct smell made me feel so comfortable and at ease, I would love to return just for that. The actual Mont is pretty small and at the very top is where the Abbey is located, which is definitely a workout to get to! But the quaint little paths and the 360 degree views are unbeatable. There are 3 museums but the main activities here are shopping and eating. There is a more suburban tourist hub of shops and hotels in the nearby town at the base of the Mont but buses are needed from there. For me though, nothing beat coming out of my little hotel around 11pm and walking out into the dark stillness with the distance sounds and shadows of other visitors around and taking this picture. It was the second place I visited on my trip (Paris being the first) but the first time I felt I was actually travelling, that I was embarking on this life altering experience. I had first heard about Mont St. Michel from a picture on Pinterest and I decided right then I would see it in person. It really was a dream come true when I got out of the bus and looked up, I could hardly believe I was actually there! It really is something to see.

June 17-18, 2013

Ayia Napa, Cyprus

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Ayia Napa, Cyprus

The famous Nissi Beach is famous for a reason and from this picture, I think you can see why! My favourite beach day this entire trip happened when this beautiful creature came to visit. I’d never seen an actual pelican before and this one had the prettiest pale peach colour to its feathers. I followed it around for a solid half hour and felt like a happy little kid. The water was also the clearest turquoise I’d ever seen (even more than Caribbean waters) and litterally you could walk out forever because of the sand bars. I spent the entire 4 days I was here on this beach and did not want to leave. I know there is much more to Cyprus then this one beach and I did make it into town for corn on the cob and to visit the converted monastery; but this beach really is incredible and if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend a visit. If you haven’t already noticed, I am partial to beach towns. I think I might have been a fish or a mermaid in a past life…

September 27-30, 2013

Eze, France

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Eze, Francephoto (6) photo (7)

Now, I don’t say this lightly and considering the nearest beach is a 45 minute hike downhill from the actual village, so to say this is my favourite place is a large statement! It is true nonetheless (that’s why I’ve included mutiple photos) and if I could live inside the stone walls of this adorable medieval village, I would. There are a few places, I’ll admit, that I would want to live in Europe. Eze is magical though. I first went as a compromise almost 4 years ago on another trip, but instantly fell in love with this place. It’s actually very small and can be completely visited in half a day. It’s also quite expensive, even the exotic plant garden at the very top charges to go inside. However, the view is absolutely worth it! I also recommend visiting one of the restaurants at the sea view hotels (there are a few), but go at a slow time of day and you might just get as lucky as I did and receive your own private terrace to have a drink on. I returned twice on this last trip and would have gone more if the bus wasn’t so infrequent to get home. There is just something special about the little paths, stone walls, nooks and cranies and shops that line the scenery of this quaint village. Even the tourists couldn’t deter me from loving it here, which says a lot if you know me. Lastly the cemetery and church are so peaceful, looking out at the view from here, you want to whisper as to not disturb the serenity. It’s a mere 30-40 minutes from Nice and a must see if your in the area.

Twice during July and August, 2013

Lake Alpsee, Bavaria, Germany

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Lake Alpsee, Bavaria, Germany

This photo is top 3 for favourite pictures I took on this trip and trust me, it doesn’t even do it justice! Located below the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, this lake is unbelievably gorgeous. You can’t see it at first, but as you get closer and you finally catch a glimpse, the scenery literally takes your breath away. The swan is very significant symbol as King Ludwig II of Bavaria (the crazy castle king) was also known as “The Swan KIng” and translated Neuschwanstein literally means “new swan stone”. Not only can swan designs be seen throughout the castle but also on many royal Bavarian artifacts. Although the area is an overdose of tourists with the inclusion of the Museum of Bavarian Kings and Hohenschwangau Castle, as long as you are prepared, purchase your tickets prior and follow the advice for visiting the castles, it can be a very enjoyable experience. Finally you MUST definitely get a pretzel as it will change your life!

August 12, 2013

Positano, Italy

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Positano, Italy

As far as favourite places goes, this cracks the top 5! Not just for the scenery either, as this was the first time on my trip that I made friends and where I learned that the people I met could make a place. Even without my new friends though, Positano was everything I had hoped and more. The way the towns travel up the side of the hills, the windy roads, the small town beach vibe, the food and hospitality; it’s unparalleled, truly. It’s a great base point as well to visit Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri and Pompeii. I would love to go back one day, and while there is a backpacking/party scene, if I ever went again I’d want to have family or significant other to share it with.

June 24-28, 2013 (also visited Pompeii and Capri)

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Ireland

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A truly amazing experience, this bridge was a nerve racking adrenaline rush to cross! This photo (which require much patience in waiting for people to get out of the shot) is one of my favourite pictures from this whole trip! While it has been enhanced, the original had just as much purple! I couldn’t believe the magic I felt in Ireland… This was the final stop after a trip to the Giant’s Causeway which was absolutely incredible and something I highly recommend to see before you die!
August 31- September 5, 2013
Taken September 2, 2013