Category Archives: photography

Giverny, France

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I happen to really like this photo. It was taken at Monet’s house in Giverny, France. This is one of the places I had always wanted to go, so while in Paris I made a side trip. Turns out it is not the easiest place to get to from Paris, with regards to train timetables and connections. I had only half a day so I went very early in order to make the first bus connection to the house, ended up meeting a girl from Korea and sat for close to 3 hours in a little cafe. There is a market on Saturday morning I wanted to go to but ended up not for fear I’d get lost (something I am good at). All hopped up on cappuccinos, we caught the bus and took it all of 10 minutes to Monet’s house. It’s a bit of a walk from the bus drop off and people boogie to be first. The line up was long but luckily I had pre-purchased my ticket and went right in. I only had about an hour and a half at this point before for my train back to Paris so I did rush a bit but I got to see it all. His house is quaint and pretty inside (no pictures allowed) with gorgeous views of the garden. That garden was so special; I’ll probably do another post just on flowers in it. La piece de résistance, for me, would be the pond with its water lilies, weeping willows and bridges (yes I took a picture on one). His home inspired so many of his materpieces, it’s surreal to witness the beauty in real life. I was blessed with a perfect, sunny day to see the historic home of such a gifted artist and I feel special to have been there. Now, the story of my adventure to get back to Paris… I left with the intention of taking a taxi back to the train station; however I did not know to call before I left Monet’s. So after getting to the bus area and seeing no taxis, I opted to try and walk. That brilliant plan lasted 5 minutes as debris filled my shoes while I struggled down the side of a dirt road. I tried to get a hotel to call me a taxi but no one was around. About 10 minutes later, I stumble upon a restaurant with a bus outside; but again no one is around and it’s closed. Now I am panicking, convinced I will miss the train. Then a car pulls up. Inside is a woman, who happens to be the owners’ wife and her two daughters, I ask if she can call me a taxi and she offers to drive me. This is the only time in my life I ever hitchhiked (if you’d call it that). She owns a B&B in a neighbouring town and was so friendly and sweet. They saved the day because I made my train and got back to Paris in time. I am so grateful to her. On a side note, the nearest station is Vernon; that happens to be the inspiration of some of Monet’s paintings. One such painting my dad had hanging in our dining room since I can remember, and even though it looks nothing like that now, it was neat to be there in person.

June 15, 2013

Monte Carlo Casino

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This was a great day! I had been out the night before at High Club in Nice and watched the sunrise on the beach, getting home just past 7:30am. I had planned on going to Monaco the following day and somehow the next morning I headed out, slightly hung-over and all. One of the bus stops will let you off just in front of the world famous Monte Carlo Casino and that’s where I started. I had seen the outside before during that trip in 2010, but had yet to be inside. It’s an intensely extravagant place and walking up you see car after car of Rolls- Royce, Bentley and other fancy sports cars. The Hotel de Paris next door is frequented by the very rich and hosts many parties and events. I saw a party there once on the terrace and the dresses these woman wore made me beyond envious! I tend to be nervous when I feel out of place or uncertain if I am allowed in somewhere, I had seen tourists going in and knew it was probably okay and I desperately wanted to see inside Monte Carlo; so I gathered my courage and walked right up those steps and went inside. I didn’t go to gamble, I just wanted to see it. Unfortunately pictures are not allowed inside, but I can tell you it’s gorgeous. The details in the carpet, ceiling (a stunning shade of blue, I can’t even describe) and decorations are exquisite. The bathroom even has a self cleaning toilet that rotates the seat and dries it after each use. Sections were closed off for a function of some sort and so I really only saw a small bit but I was happy nonetheless. I decided to get a drink at the bar and opted for a Aperol Spritz (my favourite) made with champagne at a staggering 19 Euros. It was probably the best one I’ve ever had! I made friends with the bartender and learned he was Italian (probably why his Spritz was so good) and that he travelled in each day from Ventimiglia, Italy. Coming to Nice from Cinque-Terre, Italy, I had passed through Ventimiglia so I knew of it and was surprised he travelled in each day (about an hour and a half). In total I was inside only an hour or less, but I felt really special and enjoyed myself a great deal. I just watched the people mingle about and gamble at the tables; drinking my Spritz. I’ll tell you about the rest of Monaco in another post but to this day, I will say, I have yet to see a place as glamourous as the area around Monte Carlo and the neighbouring Hotel de Paris.

July 27, 2013

Seville, Spain

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Oh, Seville; such a pretty place. The streets in the core are small and lively; filled with the smells of food and the chatter of people. I had a lovely time here just wandering around. I met a sweet girl in my hostel and we had so much fun drinking sangrias and talking at a nearby patio. As it was in most places, I wish I could have stayed longer and really have taken it all in. This picture was taken my second day while in Maria Luisa Park. There is an area with a small pond and tons of birds (of all kinds) sit in the trees, swim and wander about. Children were running around making the birds fly, and I waited very patiently for this shot. I probably stood half an hour, but it paid off; this is a favourite picture for sure. It’s also very symbolic of the freedom I felt on this trip and probably why I think its extra special.

September 7-9, 2013

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