Tag Archives: photography

Bilbao, Spain

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Here’s another one for the dream come true category! The Guggenheim was another building I had studied for school and I desperately wanted to see it on that trip back in 2010. Unfortunately, Bilbao was too far out of the way so we were only able to do Barcelona. This time around, I made sure to get there! It was actually difficult to fit in because there were only 2 trains to Madrid per day, and my connecting flight out to Malta was set due to price. I ended up arriving at 10:00pm in Bilbao and had to walk 1km to my hostel. I also had to use my data to download a map because nothing was open and I had forgotten when I had WIFI, which cost me about $60 back home! Note to self: never again. EEK! I was probably asleep by midnight that night and was up the next day, dressed, packed and out the door, by 7:30am. I was so tired but excitement took over. I’m so happy I was so early though, because I got fantastic shots (like the one above) without any people in them. I really took my time and saw all the exhibits and art possible, including the outside. By the time I left, the whole place was buzzing and the sun had come out. It was so neat to see how the building changed and shimmered in the sunlight. It’s really an architectural masterpiece; it was amazing to see and to learn more about the construction. Afterwards, I found a delicious restaurant to have lunch that was an all you can eat salad bar, but with hot food and dessert too (sorry I forget the name, but if anyone knows it, please comment). I then city mapped nearby sites and found an adorable little park and courtyard, which I strolled around for awhile. I wish I could have stayed longer because I know Bilbao has so much more to offer. I’m content though; I set out to see the Guggenheim in Bilbao and I did. My train left at 5:00pm that evening and I spent the night in Madrid, so to say it was a whirlwind is accurate. The travelling probably caught up to me because I came down with a horrible cold that same night, but that’s a story for my Malta post.

September 12-13, 2013

Base Flying and Bravery in Berlin, Germany

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My European adventure was just that; an adventure. I didn’t intend to go for so long but it took on a life of its own. What’s funny though, I never once considered asking someone to come along. I’m an only child and can independent to a fault; but I also tend to be a pushover, not wanting to rock the boat. This was my dream and while I was terrified to be a female alone in a strange place; I didn’t want to compromise, not on this. I chose every place I went and every site I saw, creating my perfect trip. Also, the dork in me had planned about 90% of it before I even left Canada. I’m a planner though, it’s who I am, and I don’t know if I would have been able to relax had I not set it all out prior. Having that structure, allowed me to feel secure while I ventured out on the bravest journey of my life and tested myself in ways I never had before. I started out being very claustrophobic, afraid of open water, talking to strangers, and heights. Berlin is where I conquered one of those fears! I had already tackled the chatting and swimming (I’ll tell you about those later); but this day was the most alive and exhilarated had felt in years! I was riding on a tour bus at the end of a long day of sightseeing on my last day in Berlin, when my guide pointed out the Park Inn Hotel. He (mistakenly) told us bungee jumping was available from the 37th floor and having always wanted to try, I got off at the next stop. After a quick pep talk from my mom, I made my way to the hotel where I learned it was, in fact, something called base flying. I couldn’t think about it or I would have backed out. I paid my money, signed the waiver, took the elevator to the 37th floor, harnessed up and did it. You hover above all of Berlin for about 5 seconds, before dropping (attached to a rope) to an awaiting attendant, 410′ or 125m! I screamed until my breath ran out and afterwards I couldn’t stop shaking, but I also couldn’t stop smiling. I had done it and my mom was right, it reminded me I was alive.

“Bravery occurs when the desire to do, outweighs the fear.” –Me

August 17, 2013

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

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