My amazing followers have taken my walking tour to Dresden during the Christmas holidays!
Standing inside the Piazza del Duomo, is the most famous structure in Florence; the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Although if you want to sound like a local, just call it the “Duomo.” The bright white marble exteriors, trimmed in green and pink stone, are so unique and iconically Florentine. If there were a beating heart to this city, it would live right here. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur, the history or the spiritual power of these buildings, visiting these sites in Florence is almost a right of passage. But many people come here and gaze upon this building without really understanding the context behind it’s construction and artistry. Through this post, I hope to help illuminate some of those mysteries and perhaps help you appreciate these attractions for more than just their beauty.
Casa Dovela is a three suite, “Casa-Boutique”. It’s a cross between a luxury home and a boutique hotel located along the art-deco streets of Condesa. The building, which is now the boutique hotel, was left abandoned, like so many other residences in Condesa after the earthquake. But seeing its developmental potential, the creators, Chic by Accident Project and Ludwig Godefroy, snapped it up. They nabbed it just as the revitalization of Condesa was starting to take place. Aspects of the original architecture were preserved, but many parts of the building were modernized both for aesthetics and comfort.
When people ask me for something fun and unique to do in Mexico City, the first thing that comes to mind is Sunday mornings, riding down car-free Paseo de la Reforma. This experience is both a fantastic sightseeing opportunity but also an excellent chance to interact with cheery locals, out enjoying their city.
The Condesa Tianguis market is only once a week, on Tuesdays, which made it even more special that I had just happened upon it. The market runs along Pachuca street from Agustín Melgar Calle south to Calle Juan Escutia. They shut this entire road down from traffic for the day, and it feels like it completely transforms the feeling of the neighbourhood. It changes from just another side street to a lively traditional shopping experience. The market opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm.
Cooking classes are so enjoyable both in terms of getting to make delicious food, but also to learn about the history behind those dishes. But Casa Jacaranda offers more than just a cooking class. It’s a whole day of activities, discoveries, learning opportunities and a chance to make new friends.
Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur, the history or the spiritual power of these buildings, visiting these sites in Florence is almost a right of passage. But many people come here and gaze upon these buildings without really understanding the context behind their construction and artistry. Through this post, I hope to help illuminate some of those mysteries and perhaps help you appreciate these attractions for more than just their beauty.
Standing on either side of Piazza del Duomo, divided by Via dei Calzaiuoli, are two of the most famous structures in Florence; the Baptistery of St. John and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Although if you want to sound like a local just call the Cathedral, the Duomo. The bright white marble exteriors, trimmed in green and pink stone are so unique and iconically Florentine. If there were a beating heart to this city, it would live right here. Whether you’re drawn here for the grandeur, the history or the spiritual power of these buildings, visiting these sites in Florence is almost a right of passage. But many people come here and gaze upon these buildings without really understanding the context behind their construction and artistry. Through this post, I hope to help illuminate some of those mysteries and perhaps help you appreciate these attractions for more than just their beauty.
Hiring a photographer is going to cost money; there is no way of getting around that. And in an age where everyone has a camera on their phone, there is sometimes this feeling of “should I really be spending my money on this when I can do it myself?”. And yes, yes, you should! For every reason, I mentioned above and all the ones I’m about to talk about. After booking my first travel photographer, I knew that this was going to be something I would invest in every time we went somewhere special. It was worth every penny and not only that, and it made for an incredible experience as well! Here is why YOU should book a travel photographer on your next trip!
The Basilica Santa Croce is one of the most important architectural and historical masterpieces of Florentine art you’ll find in the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence. Its iconic structure overpowers the square and seems to beckon visitors to come inside. Whereas some people are disappointed in visiting the interiors of the Duomo, this church is thoroughly fantastical, inside and out! I’ve attached at the bottom of this post a handy google map of all the different spots on this tour for easy-to-follow directions!
One of the best things to indulge in during the Halloween season is to make a little trip out to one of the many ghosts towns that are spread out across America. Jerome is the perfect, small ghost town to visit on any road trip through Arizona or even as a day trip from Phoenix, Prescott or Tucson. Even outside the Halloween season this town is full of spooks and scares but there’s just something about it in October that feels all the more macabre. Whether you’re staying overnight or just driving through, this spooky guide will help you take in all the haunted sights, sounds and scary delights that this old mining village has to offer!
One of the best ways to get you into this spooky season is a walk around a local cemetery. Cemeteries are often viewed as sombre places to avoid, nothing that a happy traveller would seek out on their next exciting adventure. While they are places of reflection and respect, the dead have a lot to say about the living. Since the dawn of time, the way in which we house, dispose and care for our dead reflects the kind of society, culture and people that lived during that specific time period. While not all of us may love art, or food or sports, what we all have in common is that we will all die. Cemeteries are a place where people or all kinds can come together, for eternity.
Paris is one of those cities which seems more infamous than famous. People either love it or HATE it. But even those who love it, find certain aspects of this incredibly popular city a little frustrating. But I have a secret to share? And that secret is called ‘wintertime’. Being a tourist in Paris in the winter is honestly one of the most underrated experiences. The typical vision of a visit Paris might include having a picnic on the green grass in front of the Eiffel Tower. And sure you can do that, but you’d be one in a million others doing the exact same thing. Fighting for space, and lost is a sea of Instagram filters. Visiting Paris in the winter is like unlocking a key to the city. Suddenly everything opens up, seemingly just for you. It’s my favourite time to visit, and let me tell you why!
Packing for a Fall Vacation in Southern Europe can be a tricky scenario, especially if you’re trying to pack in only a carry-on bag (highly recommended!). With airline prices skyrocketing for checked luggage, figuring out how to create a small capsule wardrobe for your trip will significantly reduce your travel expenses.
Coyoacán is one of the most colourful and yet quiet neighbourhoods in Mexico City. Coyoacán is the place I come to escape the crowds and relax in some of the most beautiful parks and meander down the most vibrant streets. Coyoacán was the home of Frida Kahlo throughout her entire life. It’s no surprise why she chose to stick around this bohemian community rather than move into the bustling city centre. Every park, house and street corner is busting with energy and natural artistry.