Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts

July Desktop Calendar

Original Image Source: Wall Save

Warsaw has always been a place I've wanted visit. I remember reading about it at school while studying World War II and thinking what an incredible city it is! After the war, most of Warsaw was pretty much reduced to nothing. When they rebuilt, they decided to paint the new buildings in bright colours so it gave off a happy and vibrant energy– something the locals were in need off at this grim time.

Leave a Comment desktop calendar, desktop wallpaper, Europe, july 2014, poland, warsaw

9.6.14

Postcards from Far Away Friends

Who doesn't love receiving letters/postcards in the mail? There's something so special about holding a tangible note in your hands and seeing the words and adorable little drawings handwritten so meticulously.

Although it's easy to understand why it is a dying communication method. In a world where facebook chat, twitter and skype rule the roost, the slow process (and $1 expense!) of actually writing a letter isn't so appealing.

But that's what makes letters and postcards so special! That little bit of extra effort taken makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside... someone loves me! Hahaha!

Just the other day I received a postcard all the way from PARIS from my friend, Emma (from Daydream Believer).

Made. My. Day. I just had to instagram it.

Original Image Source: Instagram

I'm thinking of replying with a postcard from Hamilton ha!... what do ya think? ;)

Check out Emma's blog, Daydream Believer . She seems to be having the time of her life living in London. I'm very jealous!

Rachel.

Leave a Comment Daydream Believer, Emma, Emma Daydream Believer, England, Europe, France, Friends, letters, London, Paris, postcards, UK

8.8.12

Scenic movies: Woody Allen

I love watching movies! It's one of my favorite things to do, especially in the winter time! Lately, I've been watching a lot of Woody Allen films. They are so distinctively quirky and refreshingly different from your standard Hollywood blockbusters – which I love! But, the thing that I love most about Woody's films is the way he takes a location and somehow manages to transport you there through the screen! I liken it to watching a foreign film, just without the subtitles (for the most part– there are sometimes a few)!

If you have ever seen a Woody Allen film, you will know that they are not everyone's cup of tea– you either love them or you sit there confused, trying to figure out what all the hype is about! But, if you like films with a lot of stunning scenery, I would definitely encourage you to give one of his films a watch. These are some of his more recent ones...

'Midnight in Paris' (2011) is one of my favorites, probably because its set in the back streets and cafes of one of my favorite cities! The main character, Gil (played by Owen Wilson), is an American tourist on holiday in Paris, France with his fiance, Inez (played by Rachel McAdams). While wandering the streets alone at night, Gil is 'magically' transported back in time to the 1920s and adventure ensues!!

Sourced from: Rotten Tomatoes

Sourced from: Sony

'Vicky Christina Barcelona' (2008) is another goodie about two American friends, Vicky and Cristina (played by Rebecca Hall and Scarlet Johansson, receptively), who are holidaying in Barcelona, Spain. They both fall for the same man, Juan (played by Javier Bardem), which causes problems for their friendship. However, Juan seems to have his own problems in the form of his mentally ill ex-wife (played by Penelope Cruise).

Sourced from: Listal

I am also looking forward to seeing 'To Rome With Love' (2012) when it comes out here in December. From what I've heard and read, its about a group of individuals whose stories intertwine while in Rome, Italy. If the all-star cast (Penelope Cruise, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page and Alec Baldwin to name a few!) is anything to go by, this should be a great film!

Sourced from: Rotten Tomatoes

Enjoy!

Rachel xoxo

2 comments Barcelona, Europe, France, Italy, Movies, Paris, Rome, Spain, Woody Allen

3.8.12

A little rant about Europe

(Sourced from: Pinterest)

I LOVE Europe!

...but I'm sure you've already figured that out based on the amount of Europe related posts I've done (see my posts about London, the Eiffel Tower, Tuscany, European castles and Amsterdam)!

Honestly, I just can't help but write about this wonderful place all the time because everything about it resonates so strongly with who I am– my likes, my dislikes and my personality. Allow me to elaborate...

Venice (sourced from: Pinterest)

I think I have mentioned my love of history before. I love the thought of being somewhere that has seen so much. What better place to go and discover great historical wonders than the continent that contains some of the oldest civilisations around!?

These people have left an indelible mark on the area. Oh, the beautiful old buildings and crooked stone walkways; the monuments and statues to interesting and influential people; the unchanged landscapes spotted with old country cottages! I want to see and be amazed by it all!

Somewhere in Sweden (sourced from: Pinterest)

Speaking of being amazed... what about the museums over there!? Oh my gawsh! Where I live, it is rare to see a collection as special as what they have all the time at places like The Lourve in Paris or the British Museum in London. I am a bit of a facts nut and love finding out new and interesting things, so I would be in heaven at any one of these museums!

Paris (sourced from: Pinterest)

Another thing that I think is hard not to love about Europe is the wide array of differing cultures that are contained in such a small amount of space! I've heard that, as you cross the boundaries from country to country, the change is instantly noticeable.
Coming from a small island nation, the thought of this eclectic mix of people and culture is so exciting to me. I love discovering new things and I think Europe is definitely the place to do so!

London (sourced from: Pinterest)

I also love food. Well, it is more of a love/ hate relationship– I hate that I do but I cant help it, it's just too good– ladies, you know what I mean!

European countries are renowned for their delicious cuisine. French pastries and sweets, Italian pasta and pizza and Turkish Kebabs are just a few of the delicious treats I can't wait to sample in their place of 'birth'. I might gain a couple of pounds but hey, I think it will be worth it!

Vienna (sourced from: Pinterest)

What more can I say!? I truly believe Europe and I were made for each other and one day we will meet, I'm sure of it! But until then, I'll have to settle for the next best thing– blogging about it!

Rachel xoxo

The Diamond Queen- Happy Jubilee Queen Elizabeth!

She hasn't changed a bit!

I had a very British weekend this weekend. I stayed up waaaay past my bed time with my tea, scones and jam and watched the amazing jubilee river pageant on TV. It was such a sight seeing thousands of boats parade down the Thames to the excitement of the millions of people who gathered at the banks hoping to get a glimpse of the action! It even got me a bit excited seeing all the great London landmarks from the river– London Bridge, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben (or should I say Elizabeth Tower?)! Ahh, I love London so much!

The river pageant was so amazing!

Anyway, congratulations to the Queen on 60 years of service! Can't wait till her next jubilee (Platinum is it?), maybe I'll actually be in London for that one!!

Rachel xoxo

Leave a Comment England, Europe, Jubilee, London, Queen, United Kingdom

5.6.12

Amster...dam I wanna go there!

The buildings, the colours, the scenery, the people, the culture– Amsterdam seems like a place I would like!

Like a lot of European cities, Amsterdam has its own unique style of architecture. And, also like a lot of European cities, they are so, so, so pretty!!

The Royal Palace

Amsterdam Central Station

Felix Meritis

I would love to take a good stroll around these places! The last two pictures show a typical Amsterdam scene– rows of colourful terrace houses perched beside the water.

Speaking of water, Amsterdam is full of it! Their canal system was designed way back in the 17th century mainly for defense, water management and transport, but today its only job is to look pretty– and that's job it does really well!...

The canals of Amsterdam from the sky

In the winter, when the water freezes over, people actually skate on the canals– how great does that sound?!

I'm not the most co-ordained person, but that wouldn't stop me from giving this a go! It looks like far too much fun to pass up!

Amsterdam is also known as the most bike friendly place in the world.

Everyone rides a bike! I think it must have something to do with the amount of bridges you would need to cross to get anywhere– bikes would probably be the fastest option! I imagine bikes are also one of the best ways to sight-see. You can get off the beaten track a lot easier and find some hidden gems that you might have otherwise missed in a car or bus!

Something I would love to do if I ever get the pleasure of seeing this great city for myself, would be to visit Anne Frank House which is located in exact house that Anne Frank hid in during World War 2! I am a huge fan of the book so to see where she lived, her bedroom and her actual diary in person would be such an amazing experience- one I'm sure I would remember forever!

Anne Frank's house (on left) and museum (on right)

Anne Frank House have actually produced an iPhone app called 'Anne's Amsterdam' that takes you around the city, showing you some of Anne's favorite places. There are also photos and videos that go along with each location, turning the city into one giant museum!! It's such a genius idea, I would have to try it out for myself if I get there!

Finally, on a sort of relevant topic... I love this song! –'Amsterdam' by Coldplay.

I think Amsterdam is one of my favorite places in Europe. It looks like it has so much character and such a different atmosphere to anywhere else. Of course, I can't say this with any certainty until I've actually been there! Hopefully I won't have too long to wait!!

Rachel xoxo

Leave a Comment Amsterdam, Europe, The Netherlands

31.5.12

Just like a fairytale

Like any little girl, I was a big fan of of fairytales when I was younger. Those wonderful timeless stories had a way of capturing my imagination like nothing else could! So of course, when I grew up to realise they were all make-believe, I was more than a little bummed!

But a few days ago, when I stumbled across some pictures of real castles in Europe, I reverted straight back to my childhood days. I thought, if there was anywhere on earth where fairytales could actually exist, it would be in and around these castles (seriously, I was just waiting to see Snow White or Cinderella pop up somewhere)! The white-wash bricks, picturesque surroundings and towering turrets look like they have leaped off the pages of my favorite books, they are so beautiful and majestic!

I thought I had better share these with you all. I'm sure you will be just as enchanted by these wonderful structures as I was...