tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69723267264345099232024-03-23T06:46:31.452-04:00the ocean in your bedroomSarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.comBlogger596125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-85781648086819493662018-01-10T19:21:00.000-05:002018-01-10T19:24:27.289-05:00Bangkok puns are too obvious<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, it's that time again!</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
time for me to make silly excuses and/or pretend that the ridiculously long gap between posts never happened!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
as the forgettable minor character Klaus of How I Met Your Mother would say about me, as a blogger- "you are maddeningly inconsistent!" </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
this is who I am and you love me. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a long while ago I posted about our brief stay in Dubai. wasn't that fun and pretty?! try and remember!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the next stop on my world tour was Thailand, and Brandon joined me for that too. we spent a week exploring Bangkok and Chiang Mai and even took a day trip to Cambodia. it was a wild ride. a humid, sweaty, confusing, delicious wild ride.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(that sounds like a very descriptive yet unimaginative sex tape title, right?)</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bangkok was bananas. it was hectic and hot and gloriously new. we spent our time looking for things to eat and finding things to look at. there are so many cool things to see in the city but, at the risk of sounding incredibly lame, the standouts were the many ornate and dazzling temples. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the temples and the humidity. but the temples were better.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
as a lead-in to my Thailand posts I thought I share some photos of that sweet Thai architecture. to get you in the mood. to inspire. to give the illusion of organization.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
enjoy!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(man, <i>literally</i> everything you say about Bangkok sounds sexual.)</span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751964477/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5997"><img alt="IMG_5997" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4655/24751964477_acc5973b86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751968107/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5973"><img alt="IMG_5973" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4708/24751968107_3954bd269b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751962257/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6011"><img alt="IMG_6011" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4767/24751962257_6c30885db2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/27842811049/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5946"><img alt="IMG_5946" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/27842811049_a16e0e58d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751957427/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6032"><img alt="IMG_6032" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4615/24751957427_321a8edb30_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751965577/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5994"><img alt="IMG_5994" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4617/24751965577_ee1864b9a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751961657/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6014"><img alt="IMG_6014" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4604/24751961657_5edf235cf4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751959067/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6023"><img alt="IMG_6023" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4758/24751959067_0000557977_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/39621472971/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5975"><img alt="IMG_5975" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4662/39621472971_89feaac92d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751956987/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6054"><img alt="IMG_6054" height="1023" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4657/24751956987_eb200462be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24751959827/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6016"><img alt="IMG_6016" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4659/24751959827_b72a339c46_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
more from Thailand, coming soon! ♥ <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-88703161908129233522017-12-11T18:08:00.000-05:002017-12-11T18:09:53.150-05:00...I would Dubai you a green dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(but not a real green dress, that's cruel.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been back in New York for a month now. a whole month- it doesn't feel that long. I feel like I entered a time warp somewhere between sand and swimming and constant stimulation and ended up somehow in December. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it snowed this past weekend!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
just a few weeks ago I was in the United Arab Emirates with Brandon, definitely not cold and definitely not binge-watching Christmas episodes of The Office to try and get into the holiday spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dubai was where Brandon met up with me and joined me for about 10 days of the trip. we were actually planning to meet in Thailand but the flights were ridiculously long (even for me, coming just from Hungary), so we decided to make a quick stopover at whatever place seemed convenient. that place was Dubai.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
even though you'd expect a two-day stopover to be hectic and rushed, Dubai was quite the opposite for us. it felt leisurely and luxurious. I could feel myself relax after two weeks of traveling alone; I slept in, didn't make a schedule, didn't really make plans at all. we kind of let ourselves have a <i>vacation</i> vacation, for once.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I mean, just for two days. but it was enough of a refresher to prepare me for the hustle and bustle of Southeast Asia, which I'll get to soon enough.</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/27012266059/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5922"><img alt="IMG_5922" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4554/27012266059_69bd90c268_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the tallest building in the world.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38070923364/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5693"><img alt="IMG_5693" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4537/38070923364_4d84dacf4f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">indoor waterfall at the Dubai Mall.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38070922124/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5703"><img alt="IMG_5703" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/38070922124_c2cb0529fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brandon getting a little taste of home in the Middle East!</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38070918764/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5762"><img alt="IMG_5762" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4586/38070918764_428991207d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I had never really pictured camels at the beach before...</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38756882412/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5764"><img alt="IMG_5764" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4532/38756882412_45217de9d2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">when you have a travel buddy you can get cheesy pictures at JBR beach!</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
when I say Dubai was "luxurious" I don't mean we pampered ourselves or splurged on fancy things or extravagant meals; we didn't exactly live in the lap of luxury. I mean luxurious in the definition of comfortable and self-indulgent. we wandered through the delightfully over-the-top Dubai Mall, lounged at the beach, and downed free orange juice at the top of Burj Khalifa. no schedules, no crazy sightseeing, no pressure to "experience the <i>real</i> city" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(god, I'll address the pretentious nature of that whole idea sometime soon, too)</span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and we had a great time! Dubai is a vibrant, cheerful, and beautiful city. even though it has a reputation for extravagance and opulence, the city and its people were very welcoming and down-to-earth. everyone was friendly and smiling, and things weren't outrageously expensive like we were led to believe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
there also seems to be a lot of civic pride; every person we talked to, from elevator attendants at Burj Khalifa, to taxi drivers, to tour guides raved about how much they loved living in Dubai. they talked about how clean it was, how little crime, how much they liked the local government. many of these people were immigrants from other parts of Asia or Africa and, while it might sounds silly, it was kind of heartwarming to feel like the city was full of happy people. it made for a very pleasant atmosphere.</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38070919924/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5760"><img alt="IMG_5760" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/38070919924_0d4731b422_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the Burj Khalifa looking pretty impressive at night.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38070920464/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5758"><img alt="IMG_5758" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4535/38070920464_7be7a60295_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">my travels switched from European cold to tropical very abruptly.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38070916444/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5829"><img alt="IMG_5829" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4550/38070916444_f5149d4720_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">our camel desert safari friends!</span></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/27012281439/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5862"><img alt="IMG_5862" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4580/27012281439_0bcc169c2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">my new friend Caro. </span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
we got to experience a more traditional side of Dubai on our desert safari evening with <a href="https://www.platinum-heritage.com/desert-safari-dubai" target="_blank">Platinum Heritage</a>. they offer "unique, sustainable desert experiences highlighting the local Emirati culture"; Brandon and I did the camel desert safari experience, and it was incredible. I won't go into detail describing all the events and things because you can find that out on their website, but I will say that the staff were wonderful, the activities were awesome and informative, and the food was delicious. the whole thing is a little pricey, but it's a six hour event and so worth it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
someone told Brandon not to do a desert safari because they were cheesy (and suggested that we go to the clubs instead because clearly this person did not know us very well) but it ended up being our favorite thing that we did!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
incidentally, my new favorite color is "sunset in the Arabian desert." see below for details. </div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/23922818867/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5848"><img alt="IMG_5848" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/23922818867_914923c40d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a rare photo of Brandon and me together.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/27012279559/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5876"><img alt="IMG_5876" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/27012279559_86230683fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a sunset falconry demonstration!</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/27012283899/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5903"><img alt="IMG_5903" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4519/27012283899_aecfb50b47_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a traditional Emirati dance for after-dinner entertainment (this was the only shot that wasn't a blur because the whole dance involves enthusiastically whipping your hair back and forth).</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/27012267439/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5919"><img alt="IMG_5919" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4564/27012267439_ec11457781_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>the traditional bedouin camp where we spent the evening.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/27012282499/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5856"><img alt="IMG_5856" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/27012282499_2fed750129_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Caro looking snappy in the Arabian sunset.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it was a short visit to the Middle East but I think we made the most of it. I would definitely recommend a visit to the UAE. it's exotic and modern at the same time. Dubai is a frenetic city and everything is manmade and shiny and "the biggest in the world"- seriously they have so many records for the biggest whatever in the world- but then you can drive into the desert and learn about falconry and eat in a tent and look at the stars. there really is something for everyone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's also worth noting that, even though I was with my husband at this point in my trip, Dubai is known for being very safe for solo female travelers. I got that sense too, even though I wasn't alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
in conclusion, there are a few things I can definitely recommend:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <a href="https://www.platinum-heritage.com/" target="_blank">Platinum Heritage</a> desert experiences. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <a href="https://www.thedubaimall.com/" target="_blank">Dubai Mall</a>. it has an indoor waterfall, an aquarium, access to the Burj Khalifa, the world's biggest fountain, and it's insanely pretty. plus, air conditioning!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Uber. it's too crazy hot to walk, and while public transit runs to the main attractions (read: malls) it's faster and just as cheap to take a car. plus, air conditioning! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Burj Khalifa. it's much nicer than other typical "top of the building" experiences. you get snacks and drinks, and there are lots of comfy chairs and lounges where you can hang out and take in the view. which is spectacular, by the way. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <a href="http://leilarestaurant.ae/" target="_blank">Leila</a>. a Lebanese restaurant with good prices and great food. the bi-jit riz is fantastic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- the beaches. they're right in the heart of the city and so beautiful. we went to JBR, and it was lovely, but I think Jumeirah beach has better views of the Burj Al Arab (the sailboat building).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
happy trails, or whatever!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>(note: we used Airbnb for accommodations and it turned out to be a hotel. it was fine; nice, clean, had a pool, nothing to write home about. seemed pretty standard for cheap-ish accommodations in the city.)</i></div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-67613154673450828852017-11-20T19:23:00.001-05:002017-11-20T19:29:17.236-05:00briefly in Budapest, back in Brooklyn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, here I am.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
back on the internet, back in the continental United States. feels like a lifetime ago I stuffed everything I could into two carryons and took an overnight flight to Iceland.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
22 flights, 14 countries, 18 cities, five continents, two embassy visits, one police report, and about a dozen sunburns later, and I am back in Brooklyn with my cat and my tv and my slowly deteriorating motivation to ever leave my apartment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
turns out blogging while traveling at a rate of one international flight every three days is not the easiest thing to commit to. once the occasional disaster starting popping up every couple days/minutes I figured I’d err on the side of sanity and put more spare time towards things like sleep and enjoyment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know, how dare I?! whilst you were waiting patiently for my updates.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
turns out stuff like night market tours of Ho Chi Minh and swimming at Waikiki beach are much more fun than editing a bajillion photos in a dingy hostel dorm room.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but, since it is long overdue, here are a few notes and ramblings about my short stay in Budapest, Hungary.</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24677433788/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5616"><img alt="IMG_5616" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4571/24677433788_be9459619f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">lovely Fisherman's Bastion.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/24677435698/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5619"><img alt="IMG_5619" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4537/24677435698_d67132cc76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the view of the Danube & Parliament from Castle Hill.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38492316946/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5675"><img alt="IMG_5675" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4582/38492316946_fd15abedc6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Budapest's own "Lady Liberty" high above the city.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Budapest was pretty and pleasant and had an air of mystery about it. it’s very much how I pictured typical “Eastern Europe” in my head; ornate architecture, cozy taverns, hearty food, and hearty people. lots of dark haired men with beer bellies and acid-washed jeans and thin pretty women smoking cigarettes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but to be honest I don’t feel like I can give any assessment or description of Budapest that would be fair or accurate. any significant cultural experience of the city was overshadowed by meeting up with my friends Christina and Adrian, which was by far the most fun part of my brief visit!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
unfortunately my camera was being as moody and mysterious as its surroundings and so the only photo I have to prove we actually saw each other is this one, that actually looks more like a bad photoshop job. so it really isn’t much proof at all, but you’ll just have to take my word for it.</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38548671911/in/dateposted-public/" title="21950117_984549279926_1298652851167905463_o"><img alt="21950117_984549279926_1298652851167905463_o" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4562/38548671911_b5277cc690_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the three of us did a free walking tour together in the afternoon because- thank goodness- they are just as nerdy and touristy as I am. I don't see the problem with being "touristy" anyways. people are so snooty about it; "don't go there it's so <i>touristy</i>," "that part of town is so <i>touristy," </i>"oh you only did the <i>touristy</i> stuff." always said with such derision. I got news for you, people- when you're traveling, you <i>are</i> a tourist. and those things are usually touristy for a good reason.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
we had a lovely afternoon exploring and chatting and catching up. Christina and I went to journalism school together and we've both moved many times since then, always ending up on opposite sides of oceans or countries (you'd think we really didn't like each other). but now it's years later and we just casually hang out in Eastern Europe. no big deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
can't wait to see where we meet up next!</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38516946992/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5598"><img alt="IMG_5598" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4517/38516946992_e222301b7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a sampling of lovely Budapest architecture (the Hungarian Academy of Sciences).</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38492321646/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5636"><img alt="IMG_5636" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4580/38492321646_94e43f4a4d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>the difficult-to-fit-all-in-one-picture Matthias Church.</i></span></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38492320076/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5640"><img alt="IMG_5640" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4564/38492320076_236800d4e0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Buda Castle Labyrinth; Dracula was held prisoner here, apparently before he had the ability to transform into mist and such.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38492438906/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5627-2"><img alt="IMG_5627-2" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4540/38492438906_4bcf676eef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>just me. and Parliament.</i></span> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
the walking tour itself was nice enough- no complaints, especially since it was free. it provided a pretty good overview of the city's history and offered some lovely views. (you can check out the same tour <a href="http://www.triptobudapest.hu/" target="_blank">here</a>). afterwards our little party ventured into Budapest's famous "ruin pubs" where we tried Hungary's spirit of choice- Palinka- and sat sipping beer in an old car that was turned into a booth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
let me tell you, Palinka is no joke. it smelled like jet fuel and made it hard to say whether these bars are named more for their rustic decor or the state tourists are in when they leave them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
of course we three behaved ourselves and called it a night after one little shot because we are mature and classy and not because it was Sunday and all the pubs we tried to go to after were closed...</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38492317576/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5651"><img alt="IMG_5651" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4573/38492317576_be8efdc40e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Szimpla Kert, a quintessential ruin pub.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38516948232/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5587"><img alt="IMG_5587" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4531/38516948232_7c66dc0119_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lenin greets you as you arrive at Memento Park.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/38516951392/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5582"><img alt="IMG_5582" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4581/38516951392_b8842925a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sarah for scale.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I didn't particularly want to mimic the statue, but my guest photographer insisted...</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
my solo adventures in Budapest were slightly less exciting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I paid a visit to Memento Park, which was described somewhat hyperbolically as a "Socialist Disneyland" and was more accurately a sparse garden full of very large Soviet-era statues. it was a interesting, but hardly comparable to any type of amusement park.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I took a tour bus from a town square which was very overpriced considered that the term "tour" was applied very liberally- we were just dropped off at the entrance and left to wander for two and a half hours, which was far too much time. the whole walk around to see every piece took about 20 minutes in total and there was zero information or backstory offered. I sort of saved the experience from being a total bust by searching Trip Advisor for some trip advice, where I learned that the $5 guide book would shed some light on the history of the park and make the whole experience slightly more meaningful. all in all the whole thing cost me about $50 and wasn't worth it, but I did get a few pictures out of it. lemons and lemonade and all that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the Central Market Hall was also underwhelming and I regretted choosing it over going to the more famous Turkish baths. I did have a big Hungarian lunch and buy a souvenir for a friend, though. so again, lemonade.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know I don't really have all that much to offer in way of advice or travel tips. all I can say is if you ever find yourself in Budapest for two days just have a wander and enjoy. eat langos, hang out in a ruin pub, take in the architecture...and if my friends are around maybe give them a call and stick with them.</div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-34501422571154163182017-10-11T18:34:00.000-04:002017-10-12T23:38:08.409-04:00Vienna II: small bites, big city<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
here, finally, are my last thoughts on Vienna!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
in case any of you were unaware, internet in Southeast Asia is ridiculous.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
actually internet pretty much everywhere has been awful. I should’ve bought one of those mobile wifi stations. those are things. that would’ve been awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vienna is elegant. it’s a city known for architecture, music, and art.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
you know, boring old rich people stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can’t picture droves of young people flocking to the city for crazy partying and club scenes (although I’m sure it happens).Vienna seems more sophisticated; people are smartly dressed, sipping coffee or wine at a sidewalk cafe, dressing up for the opera. it’s not stuffy or high brow- just has a feeling of class.</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37547969306/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5398"><img alt="IMG_5398" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4485/37547969306_c82ba84a33_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Kohlmarkt Street, one of the oldest & most expensive shopping streets in Europe.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36926840053/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5422"><img alt="IMG_5422" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4506/36926840053_964bb58750_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the city from Stephansdom Cathedral.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37547960696/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5433"><img alt="IMG_5433" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4501/37547960696_c352411ee0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">purple-lit cathedral ceilings, and the pipe organ.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/23744080108/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5493"><img alt="IMG_5493" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4461/23744080108_1652fd4530_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>the front garden of the Belvedere Palace.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
for a quintessential Vienna experience, the thing to do is check out the symphony, or an opera, or if you’re lucky/crafty enough an actual honest-to-goodness ball. of course because the Viennese are already much classier than us tourists, seated tickets for operas, ballets, and concerts at the State Opera House- the Staatsoper- are always sold out, and crazy expensive. but you can get standing-room tickets for 4 euros on the day of the performance, so naturally I thought that was a must-see for a classy person such as myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I waited patiently in line for two hours and got tickets for the ballet Gisele. waited again inside for the show to start, feeling oh-so-superior to the plebs in the standing section with me; to bring shopping bags! to wear jeans! <i>so</i> not classy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
then about ten minutes into the ballet I realized that ballet is boring and I didn’t want to sit through three whole hours of these people tip toeing around on stage to music that was, in my opinion, only meant for lullabies and soothing plants.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
silly Sarah. you are not classy!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
so I bailed at intermission and went across the street to the famous hot dog stand and bought a giant, spicy wiener and it was amazing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’m sure the ballet was lovely, and if you’re a genuinely high-cultured person you would probably love visiting the decadent opera house; but there’s nothing wrong with knowing what you like. and I like a spicy wiener.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
besides, "wiener" comes from "Wien", which in English is Vienna. so I'm participating in local culture! </div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37338362320/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5553"><img alt="IMG_5553" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4463/37338362320_395167d8fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">inside the Staatsoper (State Opera).</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36886360604/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5574"><img alt="IMG_5574" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4490/36886360604_e49c9be186_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">food for the gods (or just me, give them all to me).</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37338368190/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5525"><img alt="IMG_5525" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4443/37338368190_0dd05865cc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">grafitti on the Danube; the hipper side of Vienna?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
even though I might not have appreciated some of the pomp and circumstance that Vienna had to offer, I did enjoy the general posh feel of the city. it’s beautiful, and clean, and even getting coffee is a luxurious experience. Vienna fun fact: its cafes have been named “intangible world heritage” by UNESCO. the Viennese are just oozing culture and caffeine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the cafes were by far my favorite part of the city. and not because of the food, and not even really because of the coffee. there’s just a really great, leisurely atmosphere at a cafe. you mosey in past the sidewalk tables, they tell you to find a seat wherever, then you wait. no one in these places is in a hurry; the waiters will get to you when they get to you, and the patrons don’t rush through their lunch breaks. these people really know how to relax.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and then, also, the coffee usually fantastic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
order a cafe melange- classic Viennese coffee- and watch the world go by for a little.</div>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/23744087678/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5465"><img alt="IMG_5465" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4450/23744087678_49b5cac531_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the famous Sacher Hotel & Cafe.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/23744084408/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5481"><img alt="IMG_5481" height="896" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4513/23744084408_efed22c15d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sacher Torte, Austria's national dessert.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37338357390/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5561"><img alt="IMG_5561" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4496/37338357390_f82eb83cc0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a cafe at the Naschmarkt.</span></i></div>
<br />
click "read more" for thoughts & reviews on what I did/saw/ate in Vienna!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><i><span style="font-size: large;">to see & do:</span></i></u></b><br />
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><i><br /></i></u></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*it's a little strange to assign a grade to a palace or a cathedral, but I'm trying to quantify my experience and how "must-see" I think each thing is. hopefully it might help someone make decisions in the future, or at least make them more prepared.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>the Albertina:</b> this art museum is in a beautiful building on the grounds of Hofburg Palace. it has a great collection of works from famous artists- Picasso, Van Gogh, Signac, Klimt, Warhol- and is very well curated. rooms cover different eras or “isms” and show the evolution of modern art in Europe, and there are great explanations and descriptions with the paintings. no tour guide needed. the collection is varied but not huge or overwhelming; a couple hours will get you through the entire thing. all in all, one of my favorite art museums to date!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 5/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>the Staatsoper:</b> find out if you’re classy! try the cheap-o standing room tickets. a side door under the arcade opens about two hours before showtime and you have to line up inside and wait till they open the box office. once you get a ticket you’re ushered straight into the standing area and basically just stay there till the performance starts, so it’s quite a while just standing around waiting, to then stand around for three hours during the performance. but it’s pretty easy- just be sure to go at least two hours before showtime, because they only have a small number of standing tickets for sale. you have to check coats and any bags bigger than a small purse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Schloss Belvedere:</b> you kinda have to do a palace in Vienna, so I picked the Belvedere; mainly because it famously houses the original Klimt “the Kiss”. basically I paid 15 euros to see the painting, because the rest of the palace wasn’t that interesting. I heard the Schonbrunn is much more impressive, but I didn’t want to pay for more gardens and renaissance portraits. (see, not classy.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Stephansdom Cathedral:</b> every European city has a pretty church, and this one will not let you down. it is indeed very pretty. it is also very expensive; a ticket to all the “attractions” inside will run you about 23 euros. but that will get you to the catacombs and crypt and up in both of Stephansdom’s towering spires. you can also buy tickets for individual attractions for about 5 euros each. the South tower is apparently where you find mad views, but I mistakenly got a ticket for the North tower and I didn’t want to pay again… plus you have to walk up over 300 steps in the South tower and that didn’t sound like a good idea for someone with a head cold who couldn’t breathe through her nose.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 4/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hofburg Palace:</b> the Hofburg is right in the city center, and you can walk around through its courtyards to the various attractions and buildings on its grounds; there’s the Lippizaner stables and Spanish riding school, the chapel where the Vienna Boys’ Choir perform mass every Sunday, the National Library. you can access the main palace with a ticket, and that includes the Imperial apartments and the Sisi museum (the most famous Hapsburg empress). I didn’t do any of that. but I walked around and it was pretty and I saw some horsies!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3.5/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Free Walking Tour:</b> a free tour starts at 10:30am most days from the lobby of the Wombats City Hostel (but I'm pretty sure you can you can join even if you aren't staying there). our guide, Charles, was fun and interesting and showed us all the main attractions in district 1- including most of the things I mentioned here. the tour was a good mix of history and culture and daily life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 4/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">to eat & drink:</span></u></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cafe Korb:</b> not gonna lie, I mainly went because Lonely Planet said Freud used to hang out here. but it’s also in a convenient location (walking distance from Stephansdom) and seems to be fairly popular with locals. I had a cafe melange and Wiener schnitzel with potato salad; both were delicious, the latter was bigger than my head. it seemed like the atmosphere could’ve been better if there wasn’t persistent construction going on right outside.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 4/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cafe Leopold Hawelka:</b> best apple strudel I have ever eaten in my entire life. and I don’t like dessert with fruit in it. this is one of the most famous of Vienna’s cafes and has been around since 1936.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 4/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cafe Sacher:</b> so there’s a whole thing about the Sacher torte; it’s Austria’s national cake, and there’s the story about this apprentice in the kitchen inventing it under pressure for royalty, and then his son opened the Hotel Sacher, and eventually someone left and took the original recipe and there was a lawsuit… it’s a very dramatic dessert.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
anyway I had the original Sacher torte and I didn’t care for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
just personal preference, though, there was nothing wrong with it. the cafe is very charming and classic, and the service is impeccable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
still, though, a little pricey and not as yummy as I’d hoped.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3.5/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Figar:</b> this Lonely Planet-recommended brunch place has decent food, but I kinda think people come more for the hipster vibe. it’s cute, less traditional Vienna, and the food is good, but nothing extraordinary. at least a better breakfast than the typical European tiny coffee- juice- croissant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bitzinger:</b> uber popular hot dog stand in front of the Albertina.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
every time I think about the giant hot dogs at this place the speech from When Harry Met Sally plays in my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
which is why I stood in line behind literally 60 people to get another one of these babies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 5/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>the Naschmarkt:</b> a big, mostly-outdoor market selling some souvenirs, pashminas, random clothing, but mostly food. while walking through the small, crowded aisles, vendors will offer you free samples; hence the name "nasch", which means taste. there are some full-on restaurants too, with cuisines from all over the world. nice for browsing or eating if you're nearby.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3.5/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Palatschinkenkuchl in Naschmarkt:</b> a mouthful in more ways than one! this place serves an Austrian version of crepes. the pancake itself was very tasty, but I didn’t listen to my tour guide and got one with three toppings and it was overkill. try a traditional version with jam and a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re really craving a pancake breakfast.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3/5<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">to stay:</span></u></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Wombats City Hostel:</b> stayed in a female dorm and had a great experience. I was worried about dorm life because I was pretty sick, but the women were very friendly, respectful, and quiet. the bed was comfy. wifi was ok; not smooth-Netflix-watching great, but ok. the staff were really nice, you don't have to pay a deposit for a towel, and everyone gets a locker in the room. the location was perfect as it was right across from the Naschmarkt, so lots of food around, and it’s a 10 minute walk from the city center where you can find all the main attractions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 4/5</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Vienna public transport:</b> a lot of trams again, and a small metro that I didn't try at all. trams are great for going around "the ring"; the main road that encircles district 1 and from which you can get to most tourist sites. if you venture off the ring it can be a little confusing because it's hard to tell which direction your tram is headed until you're actually on it- I went 9 stops in the wrong direction once. but overall it's not bad. if you're sticking to the city center walking is most convenient (and public transit doesn't really go in there anyway).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
★= 3.5/5</div>
</div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-72701060155600450022017-10-06T18:00:00.000-04:002017-10-06T18:00:35.900-04:00a retrospective <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">. . .</span><br />
<br />
preface:</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
ok, so I'm going out of sequence here with a text-heavy post.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
just think of reading my blog as time travel. and it's my timeline, not yours, so you can jump around however you want and the universe won't implode and there won't be any paradoxes etc. etc.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
you are now visiting me present day (which incidentally is your future, because time zones are cray, and also my past because there isn't really a present... wibbly wobbly!) <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">. . .</span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<3 div=""></3><br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
today I’m feeling a little proud of myself as a traveler. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
it wasn’t a particularly eventful travel day, and definitely not what I’d call a successful one. but that’s when I really start to feel it in my blood. when, at the end of a rough day, I still feel like it was worth it. the few good moments glow in my memory and outshine the exhaustion, the discomfort, sometimes physical pain. all the bad fades and what remains is good humor and a sense of wonder, at things as simple as pleasant conversation with fellow travelers, or Vietnamese coffee, or the realization that I can get back to my hotel on my own. at the end of the day, I feel satisfied. I’m excited for tomorrow, not dreading it like I do so often when I’m stuck in a routine. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
whatever travel bug bit me was a serious mofo. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
so, here’s the story.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
no nutshells, be warned.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
today was a bit of a challenge possibly because it was my first day being alone again. Brandon and I went our separate ways yesterday, him heading back to New York and me continuing on to Ho Chi Minh. when you have kind of a rough day and you’re traveling alone, it feels so much worse. I kept thinking that if I was with someone, anyone, at least we could chat, or make light of the situation, or strangers wouldn’t keep coming up to me and trying to give me a ride on their motor bike (no thank you, only Freddie Mercury could pull that off). </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
anyway, after arriving in Vietnam yesterday and surviving the grueling immigration process, I got a good night’s sleep and woke up ready to take on the chaos of the city! </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
well, I thought I was ready.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
Ho Chi Minh is ridiculously confusing. with smartphones and google and the internet it’s been a long time since I’ve been lost in a city, but in Ho Chi Minh it took me about 15 minutes. maybe it would’ve worked out if my phone/data worked in Vietnam, but hey, it doesn’t, so I had to rely on a good old-fashioned map. every street seemed to have the same name, or the same name with a number or letter added, and the side streets had the same name as the main street, and things were not where they were supposed to be! I wandered around for an hour and a half looking for two banh mi places my Airbnb host recommended to no avail; I never did find one of them, and the one I FINALLY stumbled upon didn’t open till 4pm… which I kind of feel like should’ve been mentioned. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and don’t say it’s because it’s street food and that’s an evening thing or whatever because apparently banh mi a common breakfast and this was around lunchtime so HA.)</span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
to make matters worse it was about a thousand degrees and I was completely drenched in sweat and hadn’t even started my day yet. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
the rest of the afternoon I was kind of on autopilot; I walked into the first Vietnamese restaurant I came across that had wifi and had a pretty yummy lunch, even though I had no idea what I was ordering and that bugged me. the AC made me feel a little better. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
I got a cab to the War Remnants museum, which was very intense and shocking and sad, but also informative. kind of a bummer but definitely a must-see, especially if you don’t know much history surrounding the Vietnam war (which I did not). </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
the map showed the Reunification Palace about two blocks away, but I ended up walking for another 20 minutes to find the right entrance. then I couldn’t hail a cab, and while Uber is the most recommended way to get around the city it kind of requires an internet connection, so I ended up walking to my next destination. and got even sweatier and hotter and crankier. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
by the time I got to the meeting point for my <i>walking tour</i> (yeah, after spending about five hours walking already) I was dehydrated, had an embarrassing stain on my pants because they were damp with sweat and well, dirt is brown, and my thighs were burning from from unfathomable chub rub (tmi, don't care, it's real). </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
my hopes were not high for the evening.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
but, as tends to happen when I travel, it ended up being a pretty great time. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
I did an Urban Adventures street food tour and I was in a pretty bad mood at first. I was uncharacteristically quiet and distracted due to my physical discomfort, and just keep thinking that I couldn’t wait to go back to my room and take a shower. but it turns out there were a lot of stops where we could sit along the way, and the actual walking was not so far nor frequent. by the time I sampled a few local specialties, talked myself out of eating balut (couldn’t do it), and ok, yes, had a cold beer; I was really enjoying myself and the company.<br />
<br />
I was with a really nice group of people- even met someone who lives pretty close to me in Brooklyn!- and our tour guide was wonderful. we ended the evening at a coffee shop that I never in a million years would have discovered on my own- it was in this incredible, old building with miscellaneous shops, apartments, rooms for rent, big unfinished spaces, just a mish-mash of unique things on every floor. the Vietnamese coffee was, of course, amazing, and we all had a great chat about our travels and plans and homes and it was just… lovely. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
I snagged some wifi, got an Uber back to the neighborhood I started in, and walked confidently back to my Airbnb. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
so here we are. </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
I’m not proud of myself because I did a good job today. I’m proud that, in spite of everything, I’m excited for what’s next. it’s about the experience, after all. might be good, might be bad, but either way, it’s an experience that I feel privileged to have. and tomorrow I’ll do better.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br />
and now at least I know where that one banh mi shop is. </div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-23676062321327676642017-10-03T14:05:00.001-04:002017-10-03T14:05:40.394-04:00coughing & coffee in Vienna <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it feels like ages ago I dragged my beer-soaked, germ-ridden self off the train from Prague and into the elegant streets of Vienna. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the first two stops on my solo world tour were wonderful, but by their powers combined I was struck down in the prime of lime <span style="font-size: x-small;">(not a typo, a very dated pop-culture reference)</span>; Reykjavik was far colder than I anticipated, and Prague weakened my immune system with delicious alcohol. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
that's my convoluted way of saying I was miserably sick. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
that's a lot of the reason why I'm behind on my updates; I was guzzling vitamin C and going to bed early while tantalizing anecdotes and wanderlust-inducing photos were patiently waiting to be shared!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but that's the thing about Vienna...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it waits for you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
oh yeah, I've had that one cookin' for a while. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
even though though I was feeling like garbage physically I still have only the most pleasant memories of the city. it was so calm and leisurely and just a little decadent. if I had to be sick somewhere on this trip, at least Vienna was a decently comfortable place to do it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
without any further ado, here is you photographic introduction to Wien!<br />
reviews and etc. coming soon!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37429097146/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5519"><img alt="IMG_5519" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4487/37429097146_913a67d351_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Schloss Belvedere.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/23624788268/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5407"><img alt="IMG_5407" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4489/23624788268_ae47ec0a89_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a first glimpse Stephansdom Cathedral.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37219042980/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5386"><img alt="IMG_5386" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4507/37219042980_58efacf2e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>the Holocaust Memorial... the lower statue is a "street cleaning Jew" and represents the hardships Jewish people faced in Vienna even long before WWII.</i></span></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37476623571/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5486"><img alt="IMG_5486" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4503/37476623571_2f2113e59d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the Vienna State Opera; I prefer its German title, the Wiener Staatsoper. cause wiener is a funny word.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37446132372/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5549"><img alt="IMG_5549" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4503/37446132372_8d43682005_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">inside the Staatoper. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">fun fact: the Viennese originally considered this building to be horribly ugly! such delightfully high standards!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37429139236/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5454"><img alt="IMG_5454" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4484/37429139236_1e65c22b51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lipizzaner horses in front of the Hofburg Palace.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36807349033/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5419"><img alt="IMG_5419" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4495/36807349033_bb32cf018e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the view from the North tower of Stephansdom.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36807327543/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5430"><img alt="IMG_5430" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4443/36807327543_a7c2f57934_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">inside the cathedral.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37429143736/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5440"><img alt="IMG_5440" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4478/37429143736_9f1bf46a0f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Viennese coffee melange at Cafe Korb.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36807252163/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5537"><img alt="IMG_5537" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/36807252163_1b6645c8ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">favorite Vienna experience: cafe culture.</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37476614141/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5504"><img alt="IMG_5504" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4511/37476614141_1306bb1aa2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">can't go to Vienna without seeing some Klimt.</span></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(and I basically paid 15 euro to see this so I am most definitely posting a picture)</span></i></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37429128146/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5475"><img alt="IMG_5475" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4491/37429128146_641d516d54_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">on the terrace of the Albertina.</span></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-72597889945077133122017-09-29T13:43:00.002-04:002017-09-29T13:46:09.078-04:00just Czeching in<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
safe to say I am really falling behind on the travel blogging, since this is only my third post, it's about Prague, and I am writing it in Bangkok. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
hmm. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
blame it on the bad internet or the magically disappearing scheduled posts or the crazy sleep deprivation. definitely don't blame my unreliable personality. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, here's more Prague!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I promised more architecture shots, and I got bunches of 'em, interspersed with ramblings on what I did while I was there. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the rambling is symbolic, you see. you can meander confusedly through this post the way one might meander the winding streets of Old Town Prague. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
nailed it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37338158971/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5219"><img alt="IMG_5219" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4444/37338158971_a2215337d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36668864643/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5285"><img alt="IMG_5285" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4453/36668864643_42d9b10111_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37291054716/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5226"><img alt="IMG_5226" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4360/37291054716_198582a611_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37291057546/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5216"><img alt="IMG_5216" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4443/37291057546_5f8c7d6405_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did a LOT of walking in Prague, and an uncharacteristically high amount of walking tours. I'm not always a tour person- I like to plan my days myself and see things at my own pace. but sometimes I do like a walking tour on my first day, like an orientation of sorts, and the hostel offered a free one, so why not, right? I had such a short time in Prague and didn't really know much about the city (I was sans guidebook for once) and after the great experience of that very first tour, I stuck with what worked. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did <i>three</i> tours with Good Prague Tours, and let me tell ya, they were more like GREAT Prague Tours!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
bet their marketing team couldn't come up with that gold. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the first free walking tour was a great way to see all the main sights and really get my bearings. our guide was Lucie, and she was fun and informative and super helpful. at the end of the walk you got a discount if you wanted to do more with that company, so I added the Prague Castle tour for a taste of Prague history, and the beer tour for a taste of... well, beer.<br />
<br />
for the Castle tour our guide was V (he had a very Czech name and just told us all to call him V) and he was funny and really knew his stuff. touring the Castle seemed better than aimlessly wandering without really knowing what I was looking at, and as a bonus, V brought us to the John Lennon wall at the end. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37338152141/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5306"><img alt="IMG_5306" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4335/37338152141_972d455dc6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37308459712/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5322"><img alt="IMG_5322" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4467/37308459712_fb70afdede_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37291041506/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5348"><img alt="IMG_5348" height="993" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4359/37291041506_67b1187cbf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
for the beer tour our guide was James, and like his aforementioned colleagues he, too, was nice and really knew his stuff. plus he had the added challenge of keeping track of and speaking over about 15 drunk people, so kudos to James. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
people will tell you that beer tours are a waste of money- you can go anywhere and get a beer, just go to the bars, blah blah bah. but what I like about them is that you get a little cultural insight, you get to learn a little, and you get to meet people who have similar interests to you- in particular, traveling and beer. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's especially helpful if you're traveling alone and want to both a) experience a little nightlife and b) not be murdered. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(side note, that was mostly a joke; Prague is extremely safe for ladies traveling alone. I only mean that if you're nervous or also just in general don't fancy drinking alone- which I don't- beer tours are very social!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
with that in mind, I did a <i>second </i>beer tour in Prague. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Czechs are all about beer, you guys. it's a big deal. I needed to really immerse myself in the culture. completely necessary. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
this one was with Urban Adventures, and was actually very different from the one with Good Prague Tours. this tour had bar snacks included, and the group was smaller and less rowdy- which could be a pro or a con depending on your mood. our guide was Casey, and he took us outside the center of Prague for a different neighborhood experience. I had a great time and enjoyed learning a little about Czech beer culture. plus, the food and beer was fantastic! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the Good Prague beer tour seemed a little more mainstream and touristy (again, could be a pro or a con) and the crowd was younger and more boisterous. I chatted a lot more with the group, and got more of a Prague "party vibe". great time once again.<br />
<br />
overall I'm really glad I chose to do two beer tours, because they were very different experiences. I'd recommend Urban Adventures if you want a more intimate setting, but the vibe definitely depends a lot on the people who end up in your group. Good Prague Tours is more drinking-focused (shots were involved) and seemed to attract younger people (much, much younger than me). but I'm sure the group dynamic varies a little. </div>
<br /></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36668866713/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5270"><img alt="IMG_5270" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4376/36668866713_a80ca5723a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36668880423/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5165"><img alt="IMG_5165" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/36668880423_6c71af150d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37338165931/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5197"><img alt="IMG_5197" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4400/37338165931_09aea2d570_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37081785870/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5365"><img alt="IMG_5365" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4394/37081785870_058713eed8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and that about covers the sightseeing and walking I did in this remarkable city! I haven't filled you in on much else yet, but Prague was definitely my favorite stop in Europe. I had such a fantastic time there- everything was five stars, would see again.<br />
<br />
at the end of this post I included a little more info (<i>MORE info Sarah? geez you're a bit of a windbag</i> yeah I know, I know) and reviews of stuff from Prague if you want the specifics (ones that I can remember). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37308483532/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5167"><img alt="IMG_5167" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4512/37308483532_46c2e7caa9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36668873833/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5201"><img alt="IMG_5201" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4489/36668873833_0d0d5680da_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37081807400/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5192"><img alt="IMG_5192" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4463/37081807400_6c2e04d322_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>food & drink stuff:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
first off, I'm a big dummy and didn't write down the names of places I ate or drank. mostly because they were stopovers on one of my bazillion tours, but also because they were written in Czech. I wish I had made better notes, but live and learn! I shall improve!<br />
<br />
I do, however, have a few general notes about Czech food and beer that I can share, and hopefully they will guide you to your own delectable discoveries.<br />
<br />
- Prague is really rough on vegetarians. they basically eat only meat and dumplings- the only vegetable I had while I was there was cabbage. it was delicious cabbage, but still.<br />
- Czech food is yum, though! it's all very rich and hearty and tasty. don't be afraid to try it!<br />
- goulash is actually a "meat soup," which sounds unappetizing, but tastes fantastic. it's always just a little bit of beef, a lot of liquid on a plate (yep a plate) and huge bread dumplings to soak it up.<br />
- svickova is my favorite Czech dish; beef in cream sauce served with cranberries and... yep, more dumplings.<br />
- nakladany hermelin is the best bar food ever; it's a marinated cheese and comes with Czech bread, which is always fantastic.<br />
- Petnika is the bar that we visited on the UA beer tour and it had my favorite beer in the city; Unetice 11,5 Zitna Special (rye beer). also great bar snacks! a little outside city center, but easy to get there by metro.<br />
- Czechs invented lager, and most of their beers are pilsner/lagers. you can still find other kinds of beer, but they aren't as common or traditional.<br />
- beer is crazy cheap and most people will have one with every meal (I've been told even breakfast). you can get a small one if you're wary of getting day drunk.<br />
- more foam is better and never, ever scoop it off!<br />
- beer is the most important thing in Czech culture and if you like it at all you should do some research or go on a tour because there is just no way I can accurately convey its importance.<br />
<br />
<b>review stuff:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>the Czech Inn/ St. Christopher's:</b> stayed at this hostel. big fan of the first name, not so much a fan of them having <i>two</i> names. confusing for the airport shuttle. I stayed in a female dorm and it was big and clean and quiet. there's a bar in the basement that I never went to (see: above beer tour rants). the staff is very friendly and helpful. the internet sucks.<br />
★= 4/5 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Prague public transport: </b>safe, cheap, easy to use.<br />
trams are frequent and very efficient. stops are always announced and displayed, so it's hard to miss. if you end up going in the wrong direction, just hop off and walk across the street- they take the same route both ways. my hostel sold tram tickets and day passes, but you can usually get them at convenience stores nearby stops (if you can't find a ticket machine).<br />
the metro functions pretty much the same way, but obviously you can buy tickets at the stations.<br />
★= 5/5<br />
<br />
<b>Good Prague Tours:</b> find all their stuff <a href="https://www.goodpraguetours.eu/" target="_blank">here</a>. I didn't get to check out the Bone Chapel, but it sounded pretty cool.<br />
★= 5/5<br />
<br />
<b>Urban Adventures Prague Beer & Czech Tapas tour:</b> find all UA Prague tours <a href="http://www.urbanadventures.com/destination/Prague-tours" target="_blank">here</a>. I really like this company, and they do tours all over the world (of which I've done several).<br />
★= 5/5<br />
<br />
as you can tell, there was not much I didn't like about Prague...<br />
ahoj! </div>
</div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-62684600463868756282017-09-21T18:07:00.001-04:002017-09-23T17:15:49.692-04:00Prague magic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
wow, this trip is <i>flying</i> by.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm already at stop number three and I've only got one real post up?! how do people do this? I need to take travel blogging lessons. or time management lessons... or life lessons... where's this popular "school of hard knocks" I keep hearing about? do they have degrees in how to not be a complete disaster?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, at least I can say that the main reason I've been having trouble finding time to write is that I'm actually doing real-life stuff! I'm not procrastinating like classic Sarah would do. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a quick two-and-a-half days in Prague, and it was glorious. honestly, I enjoyed it far more than Reykjavik (but more on that later).<br />
<br />
Prague is so charming and cool. it felt eerily calm, but humming with activity beneath the surface- sometimes literally; in dimly lit bars, after dark, in basement restaurants. it's a like a city out of time, old and new, quiet and buzzing, classic and contemporary. I've been to a few cities, both ultra-modern and old-world, and Prague has a really unique energy, like it's balancing between those two worlds. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sure part of what gives the city that vibe is the juxtaposition of all the architectural styles- Renaissance, Gothic, Neo-Gothic, Baroque- and it makes for a perfect visual representation. honestly I could do a whole post on just random beautiful buildings in Prague (and I probably will), but to start off here are just a few of my favorite photos of this enchanting place.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(and one or two of me, because it's really hard to photograph yourself while traveling alone so any successes are worth sharing shut up)</span><br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36976341150/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5269"><img alt="IMG_5269" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4425/36976341150_058cc9313c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37373897135/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5164"><img alt="IMG_5164" height="972" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4344/37373897135_ed1259492f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36976383660/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5231"><img alt="IMG_5231" height="981" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/36976383660_da553d348e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36976437760/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5173"><img alt="IMG_5173" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4374/36976437760_63ec310b42_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37184253996/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5262"><img alt="IMG_5262" height="418" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4440/37184253996_230b788e92_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37373771575/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5312"><img alt="IMG_5312" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4405/37373771575_c5d6436eb8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37373763145/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5325"><img alt="IMG_5325" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4343/37373763145_72a8070c4f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
oh, and beer. beer is very important here. it's a whole thing. I should also do a whole post on Czech beer, but I really didn't retain enough information since while learning about said beer I was also sampling the product...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
there are some things you will just have to experience for yourself, dear readers. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37184281776/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5239"><img alt="IMG_5239" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4438/37184281776_b9c2466825_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37202938862/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5359"><img alt="IMG_5359" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4370/37202938862_69cb8ddff3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37184377506/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5144"><img alt="IMG_5144" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4390/37184377506_3197fec4fe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-41155000530550857452017-09-18T18:25:00.000-04:002017-09-18T18:30:52.923-04:00just a little bit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
time for an update!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
first off, I'm still tired. but that just seems like my normal state of being so I'm not blaming Iceland (or Prague, now).<br />
<br />
second, the reason this update took so long is because it's been a very dramatic couple of days (or, for those of you who know me well, melodramatic- obviously). I won't go into detail, but it involved me very nearly having to buy a new camera and also falling off a bus. the second thing wasn't related, it was just embarrassing and really hurt.<br />
<br />
another reason is, well, I've been having fun. and struggling to write and post on a blog while using crappy internet is not on the top of my list of authentic cultural experiences. but there are many things being noted and much being learned, so there is more to come!<br />
<br />
for now, I thought I'd share a little taste of my Iceland photos and jot notes of other memorable things!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37122726281/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4904"><img alt="IMG_4904" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/37122726281_5ba96b0ff3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gullfoss (+ rainbow!) on the Golden Circle.</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36450482213/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4899"><img alt="IMG_4899" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4341/36450482213_9d757dbf06_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">...& the canyon view</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37074741056/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4877"><img alt="IMG_4877" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/37074741056_cec77bd90b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Geysir, the O-Geothermal spout.</span></i> </div>
<br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/36450528043/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4864"><img alt="IMG_4864" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4368/36450528043_671ee1f0a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">skadoosh!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37074619206/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/" title="IMG_4959"><img alt="IMG_4959" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/37074619206_9d8c78ef45_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">me, all pensive and relaxed at the Blue Lagoon.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37074573126/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5053"><img alt="IMG_5053" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/37074573126_a31f021acf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">strangers at the Lagoon enjoying a waterfall massage.</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37092751082/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4929"><img alt="IMG_4929" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4402/37092751082_f05287f9bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">scenery at Þingvellir.</span></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/37074537396/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_5110"><img alt="IMG_5110" height="960" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4399/37074537396_aa6d4b48b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
other notable experiences include:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- some kind of rye bread that was soaked in sugar and is basically food for the gods</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- meeting and barhopping with three random Canadian travelers</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- the Blue Lagoon legit makes your skin feel like magic</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- buying an adorable and overpriced pink wool hat because I somehow didn't expect a place with "ice" in the name to be as cold</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- there's a penis museum</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
more details to come, but for now it's back to enjoying Prague!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
peace out, mortals. </div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-63805345820684864352017-09-15T21:20:00.003-04:002017-09-15T21:20:35.695-04:00I was gonna... but I didn't<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
alright, kiddos.<br />
<br />
I worked long and hard (lolz) on a blog post for you and it was almost done, but then I did something else instead...<br />
I went out for a beer and found three Canadians and bought them white Russians at a Big Lebowski themed bar and we danced to the Backstreet Boys.<br />
so suck it.<br />
<br />
love from Iceland,<br />
Vikin Sarahdrukkinn<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-90310216191243099372017-09-12T17:47:00.001-04:002017-09-12T17:47:19.474-04:00new things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's here, folks! the moment you've all been waiting for!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
rejoice, be merry, and ease thy bated breath, for the glorious day of my much-anticipated return to the blogosphere has arrived!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
that's right. after two whole years, countless undocumented adventures, and much wailing and gnashing of teeth (for you readers, of course), I'm back. for reals, this time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I needed a blogging break. in a nutshell, I ran out of the time, energy, focus, and motivation to keep up this hobby amidst all the changes that were happening in my life. to quote the lifestyle sage Andy Dwyer, "my whole life is a giant mess, and I love it."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I make this triumphant return at an exciting juncture in this giant mess; I am making big changes and big plans, and I want to write about them! hopefully you will also want to read about them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the first little change is in my domain name, which may seem insignificant but has proven to be fairly annoying. make note, dear readers- my brilliance is now located at theoceanin.com. sounds like the Ocean Inn, but fret not, I have not become a cozy Connecticut bed & breakfast.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(second note: apparently there are some technical difficulties where you can only get to my site if you type the whole nine yards, as in www.theoceanin.com. management is working to fix this because in this day and age NO ONE should have to type www. every single time.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the second little change is that I now have Instagram, as all cool kids do. but when I had my blog layout done I wasn't grammin', so I don't have the cute little button over there. --------------------></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
you can find me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sklovesak/" target="_blank">@sklovesak</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but the real reason that maybe somehow, somewhy, you would be interested in me again is that <strike>in about an hour I'm headed to the airport</strike> I'm currently in the airport aaaaand I will not be returning to the ol' US of A till November!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
GASP!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm about to go on a solo <b>round-the-world trip</b> (you may recall that I previously planned this as my thirtieth birthday present to myself, so success!) and Imma try real hard to travel-blog it up. my intention was originally to lead into this travel-blogness with travel-blogness from my last trip to Japan/Korea/China, but as you might have noticed that didn't happen because I'm kind of a flake.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
right now I am waiting to board my flight to the first stop on Sarah's World Tour (also the hashtag I believe I will be using- #sarahsworldtour- because it makes me sound like a rock star) which is Reykjavik, Iceland! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
so stay tuned! tomorrow is a whole new adventure. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, for me. but you can follow along. </div>
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-35520807966319377502015-08-14T09:55:00.002-04:002015-08-14T09:59:52.647-04:00hidy-ho, bloggerinos! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">long time no see. a lot has happened since my last blog post; vacations, a new apartment, my birthday, several haircuts. the usual. I’m sure I’ll enjoy bombarding you with all of it in the weeks to come. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I wasn’t really expecting to take such a long break from my blog. it just sort of… happened. I fell behind, then the task of updating grew more and more daunting, and before long I realized my life was just as enjoyable sans internet documentation. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I KNOW. can you believe it?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I guess I’m at another one of those crossroads in my life where I reevaluate how I spend my time. I love blogging, but sometimes it seems that the time I put into a post could be better used for other things. I won’t really get into it. recently I’ve read things from bloggers like <a href="http://www.indianaelsewhere.com/" target="_blank">Indiana</a> and <a href="http://www.delightfully-tacky.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a> and I really feel that I identify with their reasons for cutting back on time spent in the digital world. I’m not saying I don’t want to do it anymore, I’m just saying I’m not going to force myself to stick to some arbitrary blogging schedule or guidelines. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I could always bore you with a long explanation of my impromptu hiatus, listing excuses and claiming real-life productivity. but I thought I’d rather just skip all that and pretend it never happened. from now on this thing may be less consistent, but hey, life isn’t consistent! you can always follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/sklovesak/">Instagram</a> for more brief, real-time updates on my ordinary adventures. (you really should! Instagram is fun!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">thank you for visiting my little corner of the internet, and thanks for sticking with me! happy living to you all!</span></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-50369665721691390802015-02-06T17:36:00.000-05:002017-07-20T11:51:49.114-04:00mad for plaid & other tales<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18997409/?claim=g7a89k7346e">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
well, February certainly came in like a lion!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know that's not the saying, but it works here. the end of January was uncharacteristically hustle-and-bustle-y; live music and board game nights and basketball games. lots of frantic fun! and the weather certainly has been weathering.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...oh god am I 45?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
sometimes I feel like I am. and what's the best way to combat feeling old? dress like you're in junior high school! with preppy plaid and lace-up booties.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
man, I am the BEST at segues! </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16432186325" title="prepschool_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="prepschool_1" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/16432186325_4f6039d84d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16246279167" title="prepschool_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="prepschool_2" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8622/16246279167_75dafa157a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16432185955" title="prepschool_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="prepschool_3" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/16432185955_f4fef859e8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15809671964" title="prepschool_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="prepschool_5" height="358" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8637/15809671964_f2800622f2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>dress- Modcloth // shirt- American Apparel // tights- Joe Fresh // boots- Chelsea Crew via Modcloth</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
you guys, plaid is my favourite thing. like, not just my favourite pattern; I think it may be my favourite thing, ever. right up there with Netflix and gluten. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got <i>two</i> new plaid dresses recently and I still look at my closet and think "there needs to be more tartan in here." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
thankfully this dress I received for Christmas is just about the most positively prepossessing presentation of plaid perfection you could possibly picture! I love the shades of burgundy and navy, and the cute details like cut-outs and black trim. I think it gives it a little modern edge, especially when you pair it with sultry makeup and leopard-print tights. take that, 12-year-olds!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16246278797" title="prepschool_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="prepschool_4" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/16246278797_83e830dd28_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16432185475" title="prepschool_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="prepschool_6" height="460" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/16432185475_a5709d9719_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I call this last photo "Pensive Precaution" or, "February, Don't Go Breakin' My Heart."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
cause let's face it, February is no picnic. Valentine's Day? please. that's not a real holiday. it's just cold, boring, February. which is why it's the best month to plan a vacation! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
that's right, I'm finally going to Florida. Miami, Palm trees, Disney World, sunshine, and all that good stuff. I'm not one to wish time away, <i>but I cannot wait</i>. you guys, I'm gonna meet Mickey Mouse. and ride in the little tea cups. and lie on the beach. all in dumb ol' February!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it may have come in like a lion, it's going out like a sweet little lamb. :D</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
FULL CIRCLE. </div>
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-69473605425388940882015-01-27T21:29:00.000-05:002015-01-27T22:34:01.914-05:00storm in a teacup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
so "snowmageddon" was kind of a bust, huh?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not sure how you native New Yorkers felt about blizzard 2015, but I was kind of underwhelmed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
that being said, the snow day was very appreciated, and it's kind of nice to have a little winter wonder around here. if it's gonna be cold, there might as well be snow!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16197076208" title="stormy_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_1" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8632/16197076208_204b4ec332_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15764692263" title="stormy_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_2" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/15764692263_8b9d16dbe7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16358722786" title="stormy_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_3" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/16358722786_074abe6a1c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16198484289" title="stormy_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_5" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/16198484289_fac2b62eec_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>coat + dress- Modcloth // boots- Hunter // hat- Topshop</i> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
you're never too old for a little frolic in the snow. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got a new coat for Christmas from my mom- she always gives me the best coats! unfortunately it was a little too big... but when I exchanged it Modcloth had a <i>huge</i> sale on so I got this coat in <i>two colours</i>! and I love them both. I'm always nervous ordering things with sleeves online (do I just have freakishly disproportionate arms?) but this coat is so comfy and chic and perfect for New York City winters. meaning not blizzard-y or snowpocalyptic. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
at all. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
come on, guys.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15764692003" title="stormy_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_6" height="478" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/15764692003_d21d79d28b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16197298080" title="stormy_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_4" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/16197298080_30d596bc35_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16382971051" title="stormy_7 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_7" height="426" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/16382971051_a2f4dce62a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16384709815" title="stormy_8 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="stormy_8" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/16384709815_e015e7492d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
happy snow day!<br />
and now back to your regularly scheduled programming.<br />
♥</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-65404023074719555062015-01-11T17:33:00.000-05:002015-01-12T17:36:50.283-05:00everything is awesome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, the 2015 blogging year is off to a great start, isn't it?!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
where does the time go? even as I type this, I'm sitting in a slowly darkening room, tired and frazzled, wondering if they've started secretly reducing the number of hours in a day and I am the only one who's noticed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
who "they" would be, I have no idea. the time police? the government? alien overlords? probably the government.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but I think perhaps it's just that I am spectacularly bad at time management and value naps above human interaction. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(human interaction- who needs it! I have a cat who supports my laziness and sleeps on or near me at all times. she loves me unconditionally! I don't need you, real world!) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16154900441" title="greenpolka_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="greenpolka_1" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8623/16154900441_598520048b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15971038397" title="greenpolka_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="greenpolka_2" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/15971038397_5d1d1946cf_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15534458674" title="greenpolka_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="greenpolka_3" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15534458674_1041bccd5f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>dress- gift, <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/bake-shop-browsing-dress-in-emerald-dots">Modcloth</a> // cardigan- H&M // boots- gift, Chelsea Crew via <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/search?keyword=chelsea+crew">Modcloth </a>// tights- American Apparel</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
in all honesty though, the real world is what has been keeping me from the interweb. January thus far has been a hectic and lovely mix of babysitting, bakeries, beers, books, trip-planning, movie-watching, and Friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
the tv show, not the real thing. because now all ten seasons are on Netflix so my real friends have been expecting me to become a recluse. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
amidst all that I often wear clothes such as the ones pictured, a fact I somehow imagine you would be interested in. so enjoy these gratuitous pictures of me- "gpoms," if you will- and feel free to use my life as a template of how to live mediocrely. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15971038357" title="greenpolka_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="greenpolka_4" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/15971038357_f97142da63_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16156049722" title="greenpolka_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="greenpolka_5" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/16156049722_7ba9bc768d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15971038327" title="greenpolka_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="greenpolka_6" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/15971038327_a69d20c2ac_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
...just kidding, my life's kind of awesome.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>disclaimer:</u> if I seem especially disjointed, sassy, or ridiculous in this post, I blame Mindy Kaling, whose book I've finally gotten around to reading, and whose humour and affability I've obviously, subconsciously and very poorly, attempted to emulate here. my soul is pining to be more like Mindy.</div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-31149054611192371072015-01-01T17:22:00.000-05:002015-01-03T13:29:34.359-05:00couldn't we make it just like we want it?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2014 was an interesting year for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was looking back at my last New Year's Eve post, and I didn't make any resolutions then. no resolutions but there have still been plenty of changes. well, one <i>big</i> change, and then a long (and enjoyable!) period of adjustment. there weren't a ton of significant achievements or events, but 2014 was good to us. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't travel to a lot of new or exotic places, but I spent most of the year exploring <i>this</i> city; my new love. ♥ being a tourist, hosting tourists, eating buttloads of pizza, going to free concerts, meeting awesomesauce people, and eating even more pizza. I'm telling ya, this is the life. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15539196183" title="nye14_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_1" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7556/15539196183_15c2bc96c7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15539195953" title="nye14_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_2" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7486/15539195953_c93c60eeeb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16158941415" title="nye14_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_3" height="413" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8610/16158941415_6222605678_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15972872159" title="nye14_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_4" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8669/15972872159_6222605678_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15536593814" title="nye14_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_5" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/15536593814_7e58420a69_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15536593414" title="nye14_9 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_9" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7496/15536593414_8bdd0f23ae_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16133153196" title="nye14_8 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_8" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7533/16133153196_b08db09332_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15536593004" title="nye14_10 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_10" height="426" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7557/15536593004_f749389945_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did get to travel to two great cities with two of my favourite people; Toronto (/Niagara Falls) with Caitlin, and Washington DC with Brando. these two little trips satiated my wanderlust for the time being, but most of all they allowed me to bask in the gloriousness of two of the finest humans to ever have existed. there is nothing I miss more about Canada than my friends, and this year I am resolving to see much more of them. and as for Brando... well, he's around all the time. but with the crazy year we've had, it's nice to get away once in a while and just be us. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
all that being sad, I am itching for travel BIG TIME, and I think now that things are getting sorted here this year will bring a lot more of it for me to enjoy. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15971630010" title="nye14_7 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_7" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7521/15971630010_29e2ea446e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15972871989" title="nye14_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_6" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7521/15972871989_066aee4733_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15971503748" title="nye14_12 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_12" height="965" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/15971503748_d982974d7d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16158936475" title="nye14_14 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_14" height="853" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/16158936475_18ba54827c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15536589724" title="nye14_13 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_13" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8613/15536589724_7fe3bc882e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
2014 was a crazy mess of changes and emotions and adjustment, and it flew by all too quickly.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm gonna skip the specific resolutions and half-hearted goals again this year, but I do have an idea of what I want 2015 to look like. I want to travel more. I want to visit a new continent. I want to check more things off my "30 before 30" list. I want to make more friends and really enjoy the crap outta the amazing ones I have now. I want to focus on doing things and not just reading/dreaming about doing things. I want less idle, wasted time. I want to take more photos, hear new music, speak new languages, make something. I want to make this city my bitch. I want to <i>learn</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
that's not so much to ask, is it?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and I really think it'll all work out this time. :)</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16157042311" title="nye14_11 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_11" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7530/16157042311_0eea5e5dac_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15972865259" title="nye14_15 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_15" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7494/15972865259_467cdd92c0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16158990425" title="nye14_20 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_20" height="176" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8588/16158990425_8217d21037_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16158188212" title="nye14_16 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_16" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/16158188212_9cd6371817_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16157035621" title="nye14_17 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_17" height="465" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7520/16157035621_a13aaf330e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15972864259" title="nye14_19 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="nye14_19" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7553/15972864259_560d7c71e8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
a great, big thank you to the people who made 2014 so beautiful. you know who you are. at least, you should, or I haven't done my job!<br />
<br />
2015, you are going to be awesome.<br />
happy new year, all!<br />
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-12429500598230024612014-12-28T20:05:00.000-05:002014-12-29T20:08:42.834-05:00the season to be jolly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
with all the franticness of the Christmas season I didn't really get to do <i>all</i> the holiday things I wanted. but Brando and I did take a nice stroll around Central Park! even though there was no snow it still felt like Christmas...especially when we walked down Fifth Avenue later and looked at all the fancy window displays; Bergdorf's certainly knows how to make a gal swoon. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16134484565" title="winterpark_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_1" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/16134484565_e64b379a00_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16132580061" title="winterpark_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_3" height="977" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8607/16132580061_7817f8076a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16133736002" title="winterpark_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_4" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8586/16133736002_05fcc8dfb5_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15514757343" title="winterpark_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_5" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/15514757343_8549c3ca59_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>shirt- Urban Outfitters // skirt- Modcloth // sparkly belt- Smart Set // scarf- American Apparel // coat- Suzy Shier (old!) // boots- Aldo</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
not only was there no snow, but it really wasn't all that cold either. I had no qualms shedding my coat to snap a few pics of my festive-ish outfit. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's not bright red or trimmed in velvet or anything, but I like the subtle wintery feel. over the holidays I tend to gravitate towards jewel tones and demure pieces; peter pan collars, sparkly accessories, airy fabrics mixed with cozy textures. that kind of thing. and even though Christmas day is past I think these little points really brighten a winter wardrobe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and it also really helps to have the perfect forest green midi... </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15514757173" title="winterpark_8 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_8" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/15514757173_15fd674dfa_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16134484275" title="winterpark_9 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_9" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/16134484275_89d4589776_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15947040768" title="winterpark_7 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_7" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7516/15947040768_e0522f15ae_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16132579881" title="winterpark_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_6" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/16132579881_58cfac05dd_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15948407959" title="winterpark_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="winterpark_2" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15948407959_4f56be116c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brando and I are very happy with our Brooklyn holidays so far! we've been enjoying our time off, spending lots of time with friends and indulging our vices- if you can't pig out on fried food and whiskey at Christmastime, then when can you?- and relaxing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm a relaxing pro right now. my bed and I are becoming reacquainted, and my cat now thinks I'm a stay-at-home mom. we're all very copacetic. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
yeah, I busted that one out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2014, going out with a bang!</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-40353962836338930292014-12-26T23:19:00.000-05:002014-12-29T20:09:02.756-05:00merry & bright<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a very merry Christmas to you all! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it was mine and Brando's first one on our own, but it certainly didn't feel lonely. we spent the entire morning FaceTime-ing with our families and opening the most incredibly thoughtful gifts from loved ones near and far. in the evening our little NYC family joined us for a Newfie Christmas dinner! we felt so loved and so lucky. ♥</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
here is a little video I put together of us being weirdos and opening our presents on Christmas morning. because video instead of photos leaves hands free to tear apart wrapping paper like a maniac!</div>
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JMJFBotg_GM" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
hope your holiday was -and continues to be- merry & bright!</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-10175933540371790962014-12-23T13:33:00.000-05:002014-12-24T13:34:20.145-05:00Christmastime is here again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
you guys, it's almost heeeere!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15902855340" title="xmasplaid_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="xmasplaid_1" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8605/15902855340_064ea32242_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's Christmas Eve- Eve, or as we like to call it in Newfie-land, Tibb's Eve! one of the best days of the year, in my humble (yet glaringly obvious) opinion. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I'm spending it lying on my amazingly soft living room rug (seriously, Ikea, is this made of baby Koala fur?! don't tell me, because I would still love it.), listening to Bing Crosby's Christmas record, and doing nothing except marvel at Christmas lights & how incredibly blessed I am. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
and later Imma have a glass or two of wine, because it wouldn't be Tibb's Eve without a little imbibe, don't ya know. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15470455563" title="xmasplaid_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="xmasplaid_2" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7546/15470455563_151e6021f2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16089425912" title="xmasplaid_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="xmasplaid_3" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/16089425912_ef3d9201fa_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15904384317" title="xmasplaid_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="xmasplaid_4" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8565/15904384317_9c1586ea0a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16090139335" title="xmasplaid_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="xmasplaid_5" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/16090139335_3d4fbd9b45_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>dress- <a href="http://www.ae.com/">American Eagle</a> // shirt- Walmart // boots- <a href="http://www.seychellesfootwear.com/">Seychelles</a> via <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/">Modcloth</a> // gold belt- Smart Set</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
every year Christmas seems to come a little quicker. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
am I getting old? of course not. silly question. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
but I do tend to notice at the last minute- when all important things get noticed- that my holiday outfit selection is rather slim! but that's ok. I quite like a challenge once in a while. and trying to dress "Christmasy" without snowflake prints or an abundance of red items can kind of be considered a challenge.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
one that I met with a plaid-and-lace combo that I've been rockin' all week. and red lipstick. always. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15902855310" title="xmasplaid_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="xmasplaid_6" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8650/15902855310_006542489d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15904037089" title="xmasplaid_7 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="xmasplaid_7" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7530/15904037089_9a22d5cd3d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Merry almost Christmas from a couple of excited, over-grown children!<br />
(that's us.)<br />
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-42031760192903681952014-12-16T21:35:00.000-05:002014-12-16T22:36:16.006-05:00the hap-happiest season of all<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
it's that time of year again!<br />
the most wonderful time, obviously, but also probably the busiest time. I believe the term "hustle and bustle" has been thrown about.<br />
<br />
I've been giving myself a break on the whole "MUST BLOG SO MUCH" attitude based on the fact that time is basically a vacuum in December and I've been too tired to function. when I'm not passing out on my amazing new Ikea rug (surrounded by tangled ribbon and rolls of wrapping paper), I'm off trying to soak up all the Christmasy goodness the Big Apple has to offer.<br />
<br />
Christmasy goodness exhibit A: the Rockefeller Christmas tree.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15852156338" title="rocktree_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="rocktree_1" height="972" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/15852156338_ecc8459bf1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16037647321" title="rocktree_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="rocktree_2" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16037647321_9ebcea8971_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15853550279" title="rocktree_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="rocktree_3" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8645/15853550279_b52233ed2e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15852156208" title="rocktree_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="rocktree_4" height="992" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8672/15852156208_c8e6cc3945_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/16037647201" title="rocktree_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="rocktree_5" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7468/16037647201_78247f7b99_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15853550099" title="rocktree_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="rocktree_6" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7551/15853550099_e87188f158_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
isn't it the most beautifulest thing you ever sawed?!<br />
I keep expecting Kevin's mom to show up and hug me. why she would hug <i>me</i>, when I am not Kevin, I'm not sure, but the holiday brain works in mysterious ways.<br />
<br />
I can't believe we are in the single digits! only nine days to Christmas, b'ys. it's gettin' hella merry and bright up in here.<br />
♥</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-1486233270457567582014-12-02T20:27:00.000-05:002014-12-02T23:28:39.896-05:00little bit of this, little bit of that<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
you guys, it's December!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>December.</i> the happiest month of them all!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
although you'd never guess it was "let it snow" season with the mild weather here. and no, I'm not complaining. it's just weird to go outside in December wearing only a light sweater.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well...and bottoms, of course. and shoes and stuff. I'm not a total nutbag.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15908819256" title="springnfall_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="springnfall_6" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7533/15908819256_f28da902dd_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15747338990" title="springnfall_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="springnfall_2" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/15747338990_ac8b24210a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15932662451" title="springnfall_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="springnfall_4" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7564/15932662451_cd0b107f54_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>skirt- Zara // top- H&M // jacket- Modcloth // scarf- American Apparel // sunglasses- Urban Outfitters</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I call this outfit "season confusion" because it looks like springtime and feels like fall. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
this scarf is majorly cozy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
this may be the last of my flowery pastels for a while, because now it's time to dress for Christmas! so winter, even if it isn't. quite. yet. is it winter? I know technically winter is on Dec. 21st, but come on. December should be winter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
are you guys ready for this? </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15933974992" title="springnfall_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="springnfall_1" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7553/15933974992_cd8d90e1fe_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15748589829" title="springnfall_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="springnfall_5" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15748589829_76d0e22d5b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15932662351" title="springnfall_7 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="springnfall_7" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7571/15932662351_d880d02051_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15748589879" title="springnfall_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="springnfall_3" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8567/15748589879_f41b8cce3b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
hey, who's that totally cool chick with the heart-shaped glasses?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
oh, I dunno. just someone. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
23 short days till Christmas! can you believe it? I've already got most of my shopping and gift-wrapping done; that's what happens when you have to mail everything to a different country. but I feel like that just spreads out the holiday cheer a little longer! this Christmas might be the chillest one yet. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
tomorrow, though, will probably be crazy. we're going to check out the tree lighting at Rockefeller Centre. crowds much? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
my goal is to get out of there without punching a child in the face. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
those little buggers hog all the Christmasy goodness. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I WANNA PET THE REINDEER TOO, KID. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's not my fault I'm 27. time is a cruel mistress. </div>
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-85026586641862723502014-11-27T15:19:00.000-05:002014-11-28T21:20:55.507-05:00thank you for being a friend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
happy Thanksgiving, y'all!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
hope you are having a wonderful day spent with the ones you are most grateful for. ♥</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will be spending it with the most incredible family that has graciously taken us in and consented to teach us silly Canadians the ways of their country. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
that country being Peru, of course. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm thankful for empanadas. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15891758055" title="athanksgiving_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="athanksgiving_1" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/15891758055_13bc3e79df_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15272122083" title="athanksgiving_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="athanksgiving_2" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/15272122083_0ae7243caf_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15889772131" title="athanksgiving_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="athanksgiving_3" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/15889772131_410d2a91b4_o.jpg" width="638" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15705727589" title="athanksgiving_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="athanksgiving_4" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15705727589_41c858522d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15704468840" title="athanksgiving_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="athanksgiving_6" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/15704468840_5212ce2dd6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>dress- gift // shirt- Urban Outfitters // boots- fr. a Calgary cowboy shop, of course // bag- Aldo</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
other things I'm thankful for on this happy holiday: teal cowboy boots, peter pan collars, and the fact that my bangs do not always look this disheveled. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...again, happy turkey day! </div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-30795710399514120112014-11-25T20:12:00.000-05:002014-11-25T20:12:17.918-05:00the most wonderful time of the year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
you guys, it's ONE MONTH TILL CHRISTMAS!<br />
<br />
I'm so excited I can't stand it.<br />
this will be my first Christmas away from Newfoundland, ever. I know it's going to be hard being away from my friends and family- especially for the morning of- but I'm kind of looking forward to our very first Christmas in New York! there are so many things I want to do; see the Rockefeller tree lighting, go skating in Central Park, maybe even see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! it's gonna be a merry New York Christmas.<br />
<br />
I thought one month before the big day was good timing to post my Christmas list. it's a little late this year, and most people already have my present by now... but it's always fun to make a wish list! besides, I also have an expertly-curated <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/storefront/wishlists/425992">Modcloth Christmas list</a>, and they're having a ginormous sale starting tomorrow. so if you aren't getting <i>me</i> anything, you can at least score some sweet holiday swag for yourself.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(*cough*selfish*cough*)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz9MDHIJqGU/VHUVUQTxdfI/AAAAAAAAEVA/BMmVtJ49oos/s1600/xmaslist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz9MDHIJqGU/VHUVUQTxdfI/AAAAAAAAEVA/BMmVtJ49oos/s1600/xmaslist.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>1. a funny, comfy t-shirt.</b> this one cracks me up. ♥ //<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/graphic-tees/troubleshoot-and-score-tee"><i>Modcloth.</i></a><br />
<b>2. Urban Decay Vice Palette 3.</b> it's got a whole column of reds! so cool. //<a href="http://www.sephora.com/vice3-P388527?keyword=URBAN%20DECAY%20Vice3%20P388527&skuId=1644848&_requestid=117447"><i>Sephora.</i></a><br />
<b>3. purple velvet.</b> now that winter's arrived I'm craving a wardrobe made entirely of velvet. purple is just so luxurious. //<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/vivacious-in-velvet-dress-in-purple"><i>Modcloth.</i></a><br />
<b>4. a cropped blazer.</b> if I can't have a cropped white tuxedo blazer, a plain white one will do. //<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blazers-vests/by-innovation-only-blazer-in-white"><i>Modcloth.</i></a><br />
<b>5. cookbooks.</b> there are a couple that seem perfect for me (I also like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Pan-Two-Plates-Weeknight/dp/1452106703/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416960896&sr=1-1&keywords=one+pan+two+plates">One Pan, Two Plates</a>) but the sriracha is at the top of my list. //<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sriracha-Cookbook-Rooster-Sauce-Recipes/dp/1607740036/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416960931&sr=1-1&keywords=sriracha+cookbook">Amazon.</a> </i><br />
<b>6. a party skirt.</b> nothing brightens up the holiday season like teal sequins! //<a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/71520?article=71520-A"><i>H&M.</i></a><br />
<b>7. a red sweater.</b> this one incorporates two wardrobe faves; red and lace. //<a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/52348?article=52348-C"><i>H&M.</i></a><br />
<b>8. a vintage dress.</b> like this one, or the many others on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/junebabie/favorites/christmas?ref=favs_index_2">Etsy wish list</a>. //<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208763133/vintage-1950s-dress-50s-dress-50s-sheer?ref=favs_view_9"><i>Hollie Point.</i></a><br />
<b>9. black lace-up boots.</b> comfy & cute! and the perfect winter staple. //<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-boots/evening-exploring-boot-in-black"><i>Modcloth.</i></a><br />
<b>10. Broadway tickets.</b> I would love to see<i> anything</i>! Cabaret with Emma Stone is probably my most pined-for at the moment. but there is plethora of shows I am aching to see. a plethora, I tell you!<br />
<br />
I said "Christmas" so much in this post. :)</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-86769068477920648732014-11-21T16:49:00.000-05:002014-11-22T16:49:48.282-05:00Mr. Goulding goes to Washington<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a couple of weeks ago we went on a little trip for Brandon's birthday weekend. Brando can never really decide what he wants to do for his birthday celebrations; he's a fairly stoic fellow and doesn't go wild for the party life or anything like that. (he doesn't even like cake. I KNOW.) so instead we planned a little vacation to see his/our current favourite comedian in Washington, DC. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's not that far from NYC, and we were both itching to do a little exploring, so we rented a car a drove down for the show. Mike Birbiglia was amazing; if you haven't seen My Girlfriend's Boyfriend then you really need to, right now. do it now. the show was so much fun, and we even got an autograph and acted like huge dorks. and obviously because it wasn't a two-day event, we had time to do a little sightseeing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not usually one to stand in awe of statues or sculptures, but not gonna lie, I was pretty excited to say hello to Mr. Lincoln.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15658860258" title="dc_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_1" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7554/15658860258_ebb3e84b89_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15820546626" title="dc_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_2" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/15820546626_1ddf697996_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15845755182" title="dc_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_3" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8601/15845755182_55f45a9394_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15845755162" title="dc_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_4" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15845755162_f2236d4e8c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15224107544" title="dc_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_5" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15224107544_6c53036fa2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15658860158" title="dc_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_6" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/15658860158_0b7a84d1e1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15659026390" title="dc_7 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_7" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/15659026390_d7b5734ea6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15659026620" title="dc_8 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_8" height="965" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/15659026620_3f550d992e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
this is our only picture together the entire weekend! (well, except for instagram selfies. which of course don't count.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
one of the (many) pleasant things about taking a little trip is that it gives me an excuse to stretch my photography muscles. I mean, I'm no superstar, skill-wise, and my equipment is standard fair, but it's nice to have new subjects and inspiration. aka I'm sick of taking pictures of myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I loved all the monuments and attractions and the gorgeous weather. DC has so many things to photograph!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15844384261" title="dc_9 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_9" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/15844384261_edbb928eca_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15660366999" title="dc_10 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_10" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15660366999_c403a6b2d1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15846389515" title="dc_11 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_11" height="967" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7551/15846389515_19176d89f0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
on day two of our visit- Brando's legit birthday- we had the arduous task of choosing <i>only one</i> Smithsonian museum to visit. the birthday boy chose the National Air & Space museum, and we are so very glad he did. (that's the royal we, fyi.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it was amazeballs. I saw a real spacesuit that was worn on the moon- complete with moon dust-, the Wright Brothers' first plane, and the plane Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic in. we're giant geeks and were completely mesmerized. (that's <i>not</i> the royal we, that's the two-people we.)</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click for more photos!)</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15659026540" title="dc_12 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_12" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7549/15659026540_dffd319820_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15844384041" title="dc_13 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_13" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8602/15844384041_cf7617a5c9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15660604967" title="dc_14 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_14" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/15660604967_e6092b00e2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15846389465" title="dc_15 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_15" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7496/15846389465_63c25b4133_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15226722863" title="dc_16 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_16" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/15226722863_90655091a3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15226722833" title="dc_17 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_17" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/15226722833_5a26b29c92_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15224107454" title="dc_19 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_19" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/15224107454_caebbb5b9b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15845755002" title="dc_20 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_20" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/15845755002_6aaec46a3c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15660366899" title="dc_18 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_18" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8652/15660366899_80333d9c99_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15846389445" title="dc_21 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="dc_21" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/15846389445_0c4b5b337b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
before hitting the road home we stopped by the Washington monument for one more photo op. it's surprisingly versatile for being essentially a large phallus.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it was a short stay in the capital, and there's still plenty we want to see; the Capitol building, for one. and Arlington Cemetery, and the other Smithsonian museums. they're free! but all in all it was a great weekend getaway. I'm sure we'll find an excuse to go back soon. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'twas a happy Brando-day indeed!</div>
<br /></div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972326726434509923.post-36194339125056283502014-11-17T19:16:00.000-05:002014-11-17T19:16:43.878-05:00hello, it's me again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well, there go two weeks of my life! <i>woosh</i>!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's been a while since I've visited the ol' blogosphere. how've you all been?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
this long break from blogging was unintentional, but kind of necessary. these past two weeks have been insanely hectic, with birthdays and visitors and new routines, and I needed (and possibly still need) some time to get back in the swing of things. when all is said and done, sleep and real life win out over the internet!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know, I know, what am I saying. I can hardly believe it myself. I've become a person who goes to bed before midnight and makes responsible, time-conscious decisions. and they said I'd never grow up!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15630622870" title="retroplaid_1 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="retroplaid_1" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15630622870_f4f23b5888_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15817040352" title="retroplaid_2 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="retroplaid_2" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15817040352_756220d7b8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
before all this craziness, NYC still hadn't made up its mind on whether autumn should turn into summer or winter; one day it was cozy scarf weather, the next it was too warm for a jacket. it has since decided and winter is the verdict. the cold has come to stay. this outfit was one for those unseasonably warm autumn days, when the only element I had to contend with was the fickle wind. short sleeves in October, what even??</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15815482645" title="retroplaid_3 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="retroplaid_3" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/15815482645_e5480317ce_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15630297467" title="retroplaid_4 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="retroplaid_4" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8420/15630297467_3970bcfe0d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15629665909" title="retroplaid_6 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="retroplaid_6" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/15629665909_b7e3182913_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/44724342@N06/15817040232" title="retroplaid_5 by bedroom_ocean, on Flickr"><img alt="retroplaid_5" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/15817040232_81b3191b0a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>shirt- Modcloth // skirt- Bettie Page // tights- HUE // flats- H&M // bag- vintage</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
not the most striking photos, but it's something. beats two weeks of silence, right? RIGHT???</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...guys?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
not to fret- I've been planning lots of fun things for you while on hiatus. Brando and I went to Washington, DC for the first time to celebrate his birthday, and the pictures are glorious (if I do say so myself!). and with the holiday season fast approaching you just know I'm planning to shamelessly bombard you with all things Christmas. it's what I do. you'll love it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
so stay tuned ladies and gents! (are there gents reading this? for that matter, are there ladies? don't leave me!)</div>
</div>
Sarah K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10088842417460177525noreply@blogger.com0