Berlin: A Photo-Essay

As I have taken hundreds of photos on my last trip to Berlin, I thought it would be fitting to end my series of posts about the city with a photo-essay.

I adore Berlin. The people are friendly and smiley. The transport systems (both public and private taxis) are cheap and easy to navigate, there is a diverse assortment of food, and there are of course, some stunning hotels to lay your head at night.

But what I love most, is unearthing a little bit more of Germany’s, and in particular – Berlin’s history each time I go there. I am completely fascinated by the stories of the wars, the human accounts, the Wall, the legends. Germany’s history reveals itself throughout Berlin, with educational trips to museums and exhibitions dotted around the city.

But history aside, the German capital is a trendy, fashion-conscious city, which makes it an ideal destination for a glam weekend city-break.

So without further delay, here are my favorite images from my trip to Berlin:

Brandenburg Gate

Berliner Dom

Poignant Graffiti

Old and New

Currywurst

Altes Museum in the Lustgarten

Temporary exhibition

DDR Museum

Checkpoint Charlie

Propaganda

Berlin Concert House

East Side Gallery – Berlin Wall

More currywurst – it’s serious business!

Mother with her Dead Son – War Memorial

Holocaust Memorial

Old World Charm

Afternoon Tea at Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin – Germany

What do Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson all have in common? Well, they were all guests of the Hotel Adlon in Berlin. Not at the same time, of course – although that would have sure been something!

The Hotel Adlon is one of the most famous hotels in Germany, if not Europe itself. The hotel survived both the first and second World Wars, only to be gutted by a fire mere days after WW2 had ended. But like a phoenix rising from ashes of the old, the Adlon was rebuilt shortly after the reunification of Germany, and now operates as part of the luxury Kempinksi Hotel chain.

The Adlon’s history is vast, rich and somewhat chequered; yet in modern-day culture, it is primarily known as the hotel from which Michael Jackson notoriously dangled his then-infant son Blanket from the hotel’s balcony, in a somewhat misguided attempt to debut the baby to the hordes of screaming fans outside.

If you read my blog regularly, you’ll know that I do love a good Afternoon High Tea (proof here, and here). There is just something about the elegant British tradition that I absolutely adore.

So, on a warm summer’s day in Berlin, I made my way over to Pariser Platz to enjoy afternoon high tea at this iconic institution.

When I arrived at Berlin’s most famous square, the Brandenburg Gate took center stage, poised about a 100m from the hotel itself. Greeted courteously by the smartly dressed porters outside, I made my way along the same path that I presume Brad and Angelina strolled when they stayed at the Adlon, and into the hotel’s stunning lobby.

Afternoon tea is served in both the Lobby Lounge bar, and the Bel Etage (first floor lounge). Sophisticated clientele were seated around the Lobby Lounge, amidst thick conversations in German, Italian and French (from what I could decipher).  There were young clusters of women enjoying the tradition of afternoon tea, businessmen in suits and colorful ties, and groups of families having a late lunch.

I settled into a plush velvet chair and immediately succumbed to a friendly waiter proffering a chilled glass of Moët and Chandon – how could I resist?

Having skipped lunch to fully appreciate the tea experience, I got to work on my three-tiered cake stand filled with delicious treats, as I took in the ambience of the hotel.

The style and décor can only be described as old-world charm. From heavy fabrics to imposing chandeliers, the impression of old-fashioned luxury in the lobby expands like the film set for the Great Gatsby. Again my mind drifted back to the Adlon’s illustrious guest book – Nelson Mandela, Franklin Roosevelt, Greta Garbo, and the Queen herself, have all enjoyed the hotel’s impeccable hospitality.

Feeling rather special amidst the history and grandeur, I delved into the savory portion of my cake stand…several finger sandwiches displayed ever so elegantly . The quail egg and cucumber sandwich went down effortlessly well with the glass of champagne.

Then, as I smothered my scones in clotted cream and strawberry jam, I was somewhat disappointed in the rock-hard texture of the scones. Perhaps left a little too long in the oven, the scones were slightly harder than I prefer.

Having chosen a delightful summer tea bouquet (named Granny’s Garden – a fruity rhubarb concoction with a hint of bourbon-vanilla), I sipped the delicious tea, poured from a real silver teapot. The hotel thinks of everything, even going as far as supplying a soft, monogrammed teapot holder to avoid guests burning their hands on the teapot, as silver can get smoldering-hot.

By the time I arrived at the third and final layer of my tea stand, I was actually quite content to sit back, cup in hand and listen to the soothing sounds coming from the grand piano on the Bel Etage.

If I closed my eyes, right at that moment, with the backdrop of hushed conversations and the tinkling of fine china floating around, it would have been easy to forget the present day and time, and simply slip into a bygone era where flapper dresses, wingtip shoes and fedoras were all the rage.

But a white chocolate truffle with my name on it kept calling out, and soon the delicious burst of café-crème filled my tastebuds as the truffle was washed down with the last of the champagne.

The sound of the central fountain in the courtyard of the Lobby Lounge was ever-present, adding a serene and calming ambience to the experience. And with one final peek at the luminescent stained-glass dome high above, I shook off the ghost of Daisy Buchanan and I said goodbye to the Adlon Hotel.

Buttered Side Down

Murphy’s Laws for Travel

Murphy’s Law states that whatever can go wrong; will. While an optimistic outlook should always accompany you on your travels (it’s even listed as a travel essential on my What to Pack list!)…there are some days, in a strange and foreign land, when Murphy seems to be laughing…and you’re the butt of the joke!

What follows is a collection of the most hilarious Murphy’s laws for travel.

When Flying:

• When you’re running late, your departure gate will be the one furthest away from the security check point.
• When arriving at the airport early, the flight will invariably be delayed.
• Length of flight delays will be directly proportional to the importance of you arriving at your destination on time.

(Photo Source: travelsort.com)

• When passing the security scanners, the alarm will only sound when already running several minutes late for boarding.
• The largest person on the plane will be seated next to you.
• The one time you do not pre-select your seat, you will be assigned the middle seat. Your neighbors will hungrily hog the armrests.
• The crying baby will belong to parents seated in your immediate vicinity.
• During the flight, the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign will illuminate the minute you realize you need to go to the bathroom.
• When you decide to go the bathroom, and are seated in window seat, your neighbor will be fast asleep.
• When in the aisle seat, those in your row will need to go to the bathroom frequently, and most likely when you decide to get some shut-eye.
• There will be no record of the special meal request you made several months in advance.
• Your luggage will be the last to appear on the carousel.

(Photo Source: aerotool.net)

When Touring:

• You will find an array of delicious-looking local food options immediately after you’ve succumbed to buying a McDonalds burger.

(Photo Source: luxuo.com)

• You will dent/scratch/bang a rental car if you’ve opted out of the additional insurance choices.
• Souvenirs that you bought will always be cheaper at the stall immediately after your purchase.

(Photo Source: stlawrence market.com)

• When no purchase is made, the first stall you passed selling a coveted souvenir would have had the cheapest price.
• The chances of getting lost on foot are directly proportional to the weight of the luggage you’re hauling.
• The must-see attraction at your destination will be closed during your visit, and will reopen the day after you leave.

(Photo Source: flickr.com)

At the Hotel:

• You will invariably be the last person in a long check-in queue.
• The last available room upgrade will be given to the person immediately ahead of you.
• If your trip encompasses many sightseeing tours, your room will be located the furthest from the elevator. If you plan to work/relax in your hotel room, your room will be located directly outside the elevators.
• The soundproofing of your hotel room will be inversely proportional to your need for quiet.
• If seeking a tan, all the hotel’s ideally positioned sun loungers will be occupied. The opposite will be true when requiring shade. The loungers are of course, immovable.

(Photo Source: telegraph.co.uk)

• During your visit, the hotel’s outdoor pool will be closed for maintenance/renovation.
• Housekeeping would have only just begun cleaning your room when you return from your long day of sightseeing.
• The delay for room service delivery will be directly proportional to your degree of hunger.

(Photo Source: telegraph.co.uk)

Tapping in to Lux 11

Hotel Review : Lux 11 Design Hotel, Berlin – Germany

Imagine the scene, under communist rule, the phone lines of normal East Berlin citizens are tapped, and conversations recorded. The KGB officers in charge listen attentively, trained to discern any signs of ‘unorthodox political and religious ideas’; basically, any signs of free-thinking.

As I relax, cocooned in a luxurious room in one of Berlin’s hottest new boutique hotels, with its candy-cane bedthrow, and amply stocked minibar catering to my every whim, I find it hard to believe the Lux 11 Hotel was once the headquarters for such operations.

Located a mere 5 minutes from Alexanderplatz in the vibrant Mitte neighborhood, the hotel is perfectly poised for a night on the town; be it club hopping or bar crawling. If that’s not your thing, then the location is also ideal for visiting the city’s museums and galleries, and there is no shortage of restaurant choices; whether you’re craving Berlin’s famous currywurst, authentic Italian pizzas or spicy Mexican burritos.

Lux 11 is a boutique hotel, housed in a sprawling whitewashed building. The alabaster backdrop is a designer’s dream, and as such, the minimalistic design elements of the hotel come to life. The furniture, in muted earthy tones allow for the deep contract of hot pink splashes that seem to jump out at you, aiming to surprise.

I check in to an executive suite on the 3rd floor. The room is huge – by any standard. Large windows run along one wall, letting in masses of daylight. There is a living area, with beautiful monochrome couches and a contemporary low-lying coffee table.

I find a long table on one end, which can be used for dining or working depending on your need. Sectioned off from the living area is the huge king sized bed in clean white linen, and the stylish bathroom with rain shower. The enormous walk in closet is any woman’s dream come true.

It’s cozy, relaxed; with an ‘at-home’ feel that can be sorely missed after spending too many days on the road. There is a fully functional kitchenette stocked with crockery and cutlery for 6 place settings and the bar fridge is well-appointed.

I find a toaster and a coffeemaker, which I use frequently. I think I love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the room almost as much as the coffee itself. In the cupboard I find several long-stemmed wine glasses, and they seem to be issuing a siren call to the bottle of red sitting on the counter. To my amazement I find there is even a dishwasher!

I love the luxurious full-size bath amenities and like its sister hotel, The Weinmeister, I find  a range of essential toiletries in a gift box by the vanity –including minty dental floss.

Lux 11 is exploring the concept of the ‘apart-hotel’, which provides all the comforts and luxury of a traditional hotel but with a coziness that allows guests to make the room their own – even if only for a short while.

From the candy gifts to the iPod docking station, it seems no detail is too small at Lux 11.

With its prime location and the contemporary minimalistic design, Lux 11 is the embodiment of Berlin itself: classic yet ever trendy; stately, but with a hint of a wild side.

For the latest pricing and special offers visit the Lux 11 website.

Rates from 119€ to 299€ per night (depending on various factors such as room category, season, events in Berlin and the number of people), excluding continental breakfast.

Disclaimer: I was a guest at the Lux 11 Design Hotel, staying in an Executive Suite. All opinions expressed in this review however, remain completely my own.

 

Punk Rock Design

Hotel Review : Weinmeister Hotel, Berlin – Germany

‘Hip’ and ‘happening’ are two words that can be used to describe Germany’s capital city. From the street food vibe to café culture, Berliners seem to be in-the-know on the latest trends, remaining ever so edgy, yet ever in style.

In keeping, the Weinmeister Hotel located in one of Berlin’s coolest and most dynamic neighborhoods, Mitte, is a shining example of what transpires when design-luxury combines with all things ‘in vogue’. Referred to as the ‘Golden Cage’- in reference to the golden façade the six floor building exudes when lit up at night, it’s certainly a ‘cage’ you wouldn’t mind being stuck in.

Arriving at the hotel one shouldn’t be fooled by the seemingly haphazard graffiti scrawled across the front entrance. Graffiti is, after all, synonymous with Berlin, and the scribbling gives an opening taste of the provocative and daring design the Weinmeister hotel has perfected. Drawing a crowd of artistic clientele from the film, art and music industry, the hotel is known to be frequented by celebrities.

Exterior of Hotel

Paying homage to ‘monochrome’ with soft, earthy undertones the hotel oozes a luxurious modernity. None more so, than in the Lobby Lounge; defined by oversized chairs in plush fabrics that invite you to sink in with a coffee and a book. The space doubles as the hotel’s restaurant serving continental breakfasts and a selection of light dishes throughout the day.

The Schwarz Bar is the draw card for the trendy population that breezes through the door of the Weinmeister Hotel on a seemingly endless loop. The bar is believed to be named after the German actress Jessica Schwarz, whose family brews a popular liqueur especially for the hotel.

I check into room 501 – the Hurts Chamber; a rather special room at the Weinmeister Hotel. The room was designed by members of the British electro-pop duo, the Hurts, who have won a string of recognized music awards and have recently released their 2nd studio album. Alongside the generous bath in dark bold lettering: “I don’t mind the lullabies from the machines”; a quote from their song “Evelyn”.

Giant black and white images of band’s members Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson adorn the space, and their original gold record for the song ‘Wonderful Life’ hangs on the far wall – a gift to the hotel.

The influence of these two artists can be felt throughout the room: from the framed signed poster, to the concert backstage pass; from the books in the drawer to the music uploaded on the iMac computer.

Did I mention there is an iMac computer?! Traditional television sets being obviously too lackluster for the Weinmeister hotel, all rooms are fully equipped with a large screen version of cutting-edge Apple technology. Internet access is quick and more importantly, free; whether you prefer using the computer or connecting to the Wifi on your own device.

The room is huge. There is a couch lining one wall, a walk in shower, a work desk, and the aforementioned bathtub. There is no closet but rather, exposed clothes-hangers suspended above a storage chest that doubles as a bench. It’s certainly unorthodox, but that’s just the style of the Weinmeister.

The room has a dynamic flow to it: the large floor-to-ceiling windows letting in an abundance of light. But it’s the bed – in its ‘pod’ design – that dominates the room. Oversized, and slightly imposing, it’s perfectly made up with crisp white linens. There is sufficient space between the pillows to fit another single bed – such is the enormity!

The vanity is stocked with outrageously decadent toiletries – full-sized bottles no less, so you’re not fumbling about with tiny lotions and shampoos like in typical hotels. There’s a collection for men with spicy masculine notes, and a female collection with softer, floral undertones created in collaboration with two leading perfumers. In keeping with the ethos of the hotel, the range is cheekily called “Love it or Leave it”.

 

It seems the management has thought of everything, from the black cotton pyjamas that lay on the bed (in my right size!), right down to the dental floss and hairband I find discreetly presented in the amenities box tied with a black satin ribbon. Even the slippers and bathrobe are nontraditional! My feet are cushioned in fluffy flip-flops with hot pink soles, while the bathrobe is plush and soft.

I run a bath and enjoy a decadent soak. I contemplate booking a session at the hotel’s spa on the 6th floor, but I make my way back down to the lobby for a little sightseeing instead. A little tip: when at all possible, take the stairs. The walls and corridors of the stairwell come alive as an urban art gallery. Berlin based artists have gotten together to create the colorful cartoons and perplexing drawings that jump out at you, making you glad you skipped the elevator.

I know that once I step outside the hotel I will find myself right in the center of the lively Mitte district; an array of restaurants, bars and cafes at my fancy. Finally, squinting into the elusive German sunlight, I reluctantly ‘escape’ the cage – granting, only for a short while – as I begin my exploration of this fascinating city.

What I loved:

• The stylish feel of the hotel: The edgy designs, the color choices and the flamboyant, oversized furniture choices create a space that doesn’t sacrifice function to form. I truly loved the modern feel of the rooms and common areas.
• The rooftop terrace: with amazing views over Berlin, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner.

View from the rooftop terrace

• Location: There is not much more than can be said about the location of the Weinmeister hotel, except that it is the perfect base to explore the city.
• Concept Rooms: From the Hurts Chamber, to the Peppermint Jam room, there are some special concept rooms available at the hotel that is sure to add a little something extra to your stay.

What I didn’t love:

• The one small gripe I have would be that the hotel serves only continental breakfast. If you’re looking to start your day off with a full, hot breakfast you’d have to find a restaurant in the nearby area. However, it’s worth noting that there is the opportunity to make your own waffles and boil your own eggs…if you’re seriously craving some hot breakfast options.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the The Weinmeister Hotel, which provided a fresh dose of contemporary luxury in the heart of Berlin.

For the latest pricing and special offers visit the Weinmeister’s official site.

In keeping with the über-cool nature of the Weinmeister, room categories are standard, medium and large, with rates from 119€ to 299€ per night (depending on various factors such as room category, season, events in Berlin and the number of people), excluding continental breakfast.

Disclaimer: I was a guest at the Weinmeister Hotel, staying in the Hurts Chamber   (large room category) including continental breakfast. All opinions expressed in this review however, remain completely my own.

Giveaway: A Luxurious L’Occitane Summer Essentials Kit

L’Occitane en Provence, the renowned French cosmetics brand, has been producing luxurious products since it was founded in 1976.

My travel bag is never without one of their sumptuous hand creams, and one lucky reader could soon know why!

I’m giving away L’Occitane’s Summer Essential kit, which is absolutely PERFECT for travelers!

In it, you’ll find:
– 1 Verbena Shower Gel 30ml
– 1 Verbena Body Lotion 30ml
– 1 Shea Hand Cream 10ml
– 1 Shea Foot Cream 10ml
– 1 Shampoo 35ml Aromachology
– 1 Shea Butter Soap 25g

All this comes packed in a nifty travel purse designed by Julia Wauters.

To stand a chance of winning these delectable treats, you will have to follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page. Easy peasy!
If you’re already a fan on Facebook and Twitter, you’ll merely need to click to confirm.

TO GET STARTED CLICK ON THE RED LINK BELOW:

L’Occitane giveaway

Competition closes on 26/08/13!
* Ts & Cs apply

Color P.O.P

Hotel Review : Hotel Luxe, Split – Croatia

A leisurely stroll away from Split’s ancient Old City and a stone’s throw from its bustling harbor stands the Hotel Luxe – taking the concept of ‘boutique hotel’ to whole new level.

The hotel is ideally situated for those wishing to tick off all Split’s tourist hotspots, yet still enough removed to give guests the opportunity to experience authentic everyday life in Dalmatia’s largest city.

We arrived at dusk, having made the drive from Zagreb, but I took immediate fascination with the white-on-white lobby and attached bar.

Lobby (Source: hotelluxesplit.com)

Splashes of color jumped out at every turn, but it was the undercurrent of deep purples against the alabaster backdrop that made the reception area ‘pop’ – so to speak.

Our check-in was seamless, and soon we were eagerly riding the elevator to our superior room on the top floor. Throwing open the door, we were completely taken aback! The photos we’d seen prior to our arrival did not do justice to the psychedelic look of the room!

Source: hotelluxesplit.com

The flamboyant use of color stopped just short of being overwhelming. From the multi-striped carpet, to the silver scatter cushions; from the tasselled lamp shades to the flashy art on the walls – the effect was reined-in to perfection by the use of glass and chrome finishes, and again, the all-white furniture. The resulting overall look was ultramodern.

Source: hotelluxesplit.com

Tossing our suitcases in the corner, we flung open the glass doors to catch a glimpse of the view from our balcony. The ferries and cruise ships moored in the nearby harbor, their twinkling lights like glow worms on the horizon.

Bathroom (Source: hotelluxesplit.com)

After a quick shower (it’s worth noting the bathroom has a glass wall facing into the room, but it can be closed with a curtain) we made our way into the Old City for dinner along the Riva. The Riva, standing proud for hundreds of years in front of the Diocletian palace, is the bustling strip of waterfront with numerous restaurants, cafés and bars.

After having our full on of the best pizzas we’d ever eaten, we made our way back to the hotel for a restful sleep.

Our next morning commenced with buffet breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant. ‘Restaurant’ may be a bit of stretch, due to the size; but the breakfast spread was delicious, and more than adequate. Comprising of the usual –and some unusual – hot and cold dishes, there was also the option of made to order eggs or omelets.

Restaurant (Source: hotelluxesplit.com)

We spent our day exploring the history and charm of the Diocletian Palace, as well as making the uphill trek to Marjan for unrivalled views over the city.

We ensured sufficient time in the afternoon to make use of the hotel’s spa facilities. Albeit small, the wellness area, like the rest of the hotel, was ultra-modern. There was a fully equipped gym and a sauna, but the showcase of the wellness area was the jacuzzi room, with its starry skylight. Darkened and exuding privacy, the whirlpool gave off an eerie glow against the white, space-age loungers. The entire effect was sheer modernistic luxury.

Source: hotelluxesplit.com

Source: hotelluxesplit.com

I had booked an aromatherapy massage which I enjoyed immensely. I was left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.

What I Loved:

• Location: The hotel’s location makes it a perfect base to explore the city
• Boutique Hotel: I enjoyed the boutique feel of the property. Although smaller than other hotels we’ve stayed at, instead of feeling cramped, the hotel felt more intimate.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Unlimited and quick – always wins me over!

What I Didn’t love:

• In-hotel dining options: Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed going out to the Riva for dinner and lunches, I would have liked to have the option of a hotel restaurant when feeling lazy.
• Parking: Although free for hotel guests, parking is available in a lot off a street behind the hotel. The street is EXTREMELY narrow, and due to the fact that traffic flows in one direction, if you miss the poor signage, you’ll be forced to circle around the block once more.

I will certainly consider returning to Split, and when I do, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at the Hotel Luxe again.

Prices: The price of a superior room (with balcony and sea views) ranges dramatically from 130€ to 300€ per room, per night, depending on the season. Rate includes breakfast. For more: http://www.hotelluxesplit.com/

This post was featured in iAfrica Travel on 17 August 2013.

Disclaimer: No part of this vacation (travel, accommodation or otherwise) was paid for by Hotel Luxe, Split. The views expressed in this review are from my own personal experience, and have not been prejudiced in any form.

Oh no! Not another travel blog!

Introduction

For years, writing has been a cathartic release for me. When I was younger, I imagined I would grow up to be a writer. This was of course before I realized that writers were, for the most part clichéd-ly poor.

No, even at that tender young age, I knew that poor wasn’t going to cut it.

So in keeping with my love for verse, I changed my dream (I’m resourceful like that) to screenplay writer. Of course at the age of 9, I called my dream job “writer of movies”.

Now this twist on my literary dream was merely because I wanted to take what I really loved, writing, and make some money out of it.

What’s this obsession with making money you ask? Well back then when I was growing up, we never had much of it. No, we were not starving out on the streets, but merely middle class citizens making by. That meant: nothing frivolous.

My mom who was a single parent, did her best to ensure that that we never lacked for anything, but I always knew, at the back of mind that one day, I would grow up, get rich, and have all the finest things in life.

And the thing I dreamed about the absolute most: TRAVEL!

There is something soul-stirring about getting on a plane and heading off for a far off land. A new place, full of new languages, new sights, new sounds, new cultures.
This dream of traveling has filled my thoughts for as long as I can remember.

I could never walk past a travel agency without stopping to pick up hundreds of brochures ranging from Asia to North America. I wanted to see it all.

While my friends went to movies and concerts, I poured through the glossy brochures making out my dream trip on paper. Everything from cost of flights, transfers, hotel and meals.

Once I had my “dream trip” all plotted out, I moved on to my next destination.

If I can be honest, while I wanted to go everywhere and see everything (naïve dreams for a teenager, I know), my absolute preference was London. The city called out to me like no other.

I watched any movie that showed me a glimpse of London life. Oh, a double decker red bus, behind Hugh Grant. Yes, that’s Westminster Abbey where Joey met Fergie in Friends.

I knew the tube map like the back of my hand, and I had never even set foot on British soil!

Funny enough, I never left my homeland of South Africa until I was 28 years old. Until that time, I watched as my friends had annual family holidays to Mauritius and Madagascar.

Then the year I turned 28 years old, something happened. Mrs Wolf, met Mr Wolf, halfway across the world, in Paris. Online relationships never quite cut it, and in the discussion of who should visit whose homeland, I knew I was going to win that race. I was going to Paris! But first, even before I set foot anywhere else, I scheduled a quick dash to my city of dreams, London.

My very first overseas trip and I packed 3 suitcases full of tulle dresses, trench coats and knee-high boots in 5 different colors. (Blame it on the fact that I had just watched reruns of Sex and the City’s last season, with Carrie in Paris)
How was I to know that French women do not actually wear buffy tulle dresses and stilettos while walking down their cobbled streets?

I wore what Carrie wore (source:daintygirl.ca)

I skipped the fancy outfits in London, and spent the quickest 3 days of my life doing every possible touristy thing imaginable. By myself, alone in a new city for the first time, I rode the tube like local, found little restaurants, and lay my head down on a London pillow. I had made it! I had become acquainted with the city I loved. Little did I know, that I would travel there again and again, and well, again. I was in heaven!

Onwards to meet my French hero in Paris.

Nervous and anxious, I arrived in Paris Charles de Gaulle airport with my 3 suitcases, and a heart full of hope.

Anyways, what followed was a wonderful Autumn month in Paris, filled with romance and sightseeing.

Paris’ most famous landmark

The French are famous (or notorious) for their romantic skills, and my Frenchman was no exception. In that month, he convinced me to marry him, and I said yes. What followed was a simple ceremony overlooking the Indian Ocean in South Africa, and a prompt relocation to the City of Lights. My travel dreams were taking root and starting to grow…

So why a travel blog? The world does NOT need a new travel blog; in an already over-saturated blogosphere.

But if you’ve been following closely, you’ll know that:
a) I love writing
b) I love travelling, and
c) I really thought French women wore buffy tulle dresses every day. (But that one’s not really important!)

Say it isnt so!!!

For the past 5 years I have called Paris home, and I have had the sheer JOY of having travelled to places my heart has dreamed of!

I hope to share these travels with you in this blog!