San Francisco, I Miss You

Golden Gate Bridge. Union Square. Pier 39. Fisherman's Wharf. – Probably the most mentioned places when talking about San Francisco. 

Two years ago, I did a road trip down the West Coast. San Francisco was the first stop and by far my favorite of all the other ones. Even though it had been a few very foggy days, I fell in love with this amazing, versatile and multicultural city.

The main sights are definitely worth a visit but I also liked to stroll around the streets to discover much more than that. Chinatown, for example, is such a busy area: The pedestrian ways are narrow, full of tourists and for someone with anxiety probably not the perfect place. But when I passed one of the backstreets, I suddenly had the perfect view on Bay Bridge and the Ocean. This view was so calming and I just couldn't not take a photo of it.

Another highlight was the drive up the Twin Peaks in the evening. San Francisco is even prettier in the dark. It felt like time stood still for a moment. I still regret not taking my camera with me that night. On the other hand, looking back on that moment just supports my wish to go back to San Francisco.

Even though this city is certainly a hilly one, I didn't mind because of the view I had every time I made it to the top. Plus, I valued going downhill even more... Besides, it is definitely a great exercise! 

Have you ever been to San Francisco? x

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With Love From Brighton

I can't even count on my fingers how often I planned a trip to Brighton in the last two years and didn't actually go. A couple of weeks ago another of my plans seemed to be destined to fail. I was about to give up, but one of my best friends bought four train tickets and within 12 hours we were sitting on the train on our way to Brighton! It was a Saturday, the last hot summer day, the train was full and the air muggy, but I was so happy, I just couldn't stop smiling.
After our arrival we had a really nice lunch at the pub and headed then to the beach. I was excited like a child, walking down the street and seeing the sea in front of me. It was such a nice feeling and I already could feel the salty air on my skin.

We spend hours lying at the beach, talking, playing UNO (and teasing each other), and enjoying the sun. Before falling asleep we decided to get up and have a look around.
I have a soft spot for architecture and really liked the houses and hotels in Brighton. Even though it is really touristy and crowded there, it was so fun watching kids running around and trying to pop bubbles. Everyone seemed to be happy, in fact, Brighton seems to be a really happy place to live.
Another stop was (of course) the Brighton Pier. It was exactly how I imagined it: full of fun attractions and amazing doughnuts. We had a blast taking pictures with the different photo walls and just spending time with each other.
We ended our trip with a little walk around Brightons amazingly beautiful town centre and a super yummy dinner at one of my favourite pubs "Pitcher&Piano". By the way: You need to try the Taco Salad, it's the best!
And after a really long day (and especially tricky ride back) I fell asleep. Exhausted, with a lot of memories on my mind and a smile on my lips.

Have you ever been to Brighton? What are your fave spots? x

A Stroll Around: Notting Hill W11

You guys really seemed to like my recent post about Londons hidden spots (check it out here in case you missed it), that's why I wanted to make this a regular thing now. Today I wanted to show you a bit of Notting Hill, which is majorly famous for the pastel-coloured houses and the (almost) unaffordable rents.
Even though it gets really crowded during the weekend I personally think that it's the best time to go there. The Portobello Market by itself is worth the scramble, in fact it's the world's largest antique market! Located at Portobello Road it's the perfect place for vintage lovers and antique collectors. You can find there anything from jewelry over fashion and even furniture. And neither food addicts will be left out in the rain. When you make your way through the market you can already smell the different and unique foods people are preparing right in front of you at the stands. It is definitely worth a try!
Apart from the market you can also find a lot of shops there like All Saints, Office, Cath Kidston and many more. If you're in Notting Hill I would as well recommend to head to Holland Park, and I mean the actual park (the district is called the same) with all the beautiful parts like the Kyoto Garden. Grab a coffee and have also a look at the Opera.
Small tip at the end, if you didn't know already: You might be spotting the Beckhams around since they moved to Holland Park (in this case I actually mean the district) recently.

The easiest way to get to Notting Hill is probably by tube (station: Notting Hill Gate (Central, District and Circle Line) or Holland Park (Central Line)) but you can also get the bus (station: Palace Gardens Terrace / Notting Hill Gate / Holland Park). Just keep in mind that the traffic in London is a pain in the arse most of the time, especially in such busy areas like the Kensington one. That's why the tube might be the quickest to get there.

Hope you enjoyed reading about another lovely area in London. Take care x

A Stroll Around: Richmond Riverside TW9

There is more about London than the Big Ben, the Queen in the Buckingham Palace and those bloody rainy days we all complain about but accept as a part of the most beautiful and exciting city.

As a tourist you don't always have the time to visit other parts than Central London. Don't get me wrong: I love the touristy parts like Piccadilly Circus. Especially by night when it's brightly illuminated by the advertisements, street performers in front of you giving their best show and the double-decker buses passing next to you. If you close your eyes you can feel the magic. With every single breath.

As someone who lives in London it's always nice to just stroll around and discover new beautiful places. Richmond is perfect for a Sunday walk. You can walk by the Thames, sit down on the grass with a few snacks and just enjoy your surrounding. You can also rent a boat, which is definitely on my bucket list!
If you fancy anything proper to eat you can find a lot of pubs at the Riverside. If you follow the Richmond Bridge to the city centre (Hill Street) you can also find a few restaurants and bistros there. Plus: afterwards you can go there shopping! From beauty (like Space NK Apothecary, Jo Malone) to fashion (COS, H&M, House of Fraser) to homeware (Oliver Bonas, Zara Home) - you can find anything your heart desires!
You wanna know another beautiful thing about Richmond? You'll never run out of those hidden lovely and narrow alleys where you can find some more pubs or small shops.

Now you might be wondering: how do I get there? Well, well, well - let me tell you: there are many ways and it's pretty easy as well! If you fancy to go there by tube you take the District Line to Richmond (Zone 4). You'll exit the station right in the town center.
You prefer going by bus? No problem! If you want to get out in the town centre you get out at George Street or The Quadrat. A lot of different buses are stopping there.
If you want to start at Richmond Riverside/Richmond Bridge you better get off at Cresswell Road, but again, it depends which bus you're taking and where you're coming from.
A brilliant website I can recommend to you is Travel For London (TFL). You can type in the bus or tube station you're starting from and add your destination. The website will show you the fastest way to get there and if you have to expect any delays.

Hope you have an amazing day x

Tips For Traveling

Holiday season has finally arrived and as I'm traveling more and more on my own I thought I'd share some of my best tips for traveling with you. In the last few months I realized how stressed I can get. Not about traveling itself but the preparations. That's why I tried to come up with a routine which makes it easier for me to remain calm and actually enjoy the excitement!

1. Write a To-Do-List..

with all the things you have to do before leaving. When you have an actual list it's much easier to keep it in mind without getting too stressed about it. You have always the possibility to add new things, have a look on it and to tick them off when they're done!

2. Prepare as much as you can beforehand

Especially packing! Don't do it last minute because you're more likely to forget something. Plus: write down what you are taking with you. It's so helpful when you pack your luggage when returning. Check-In one day before your actual flight and print the tickets if necessary. You can get really cute travel organizers and passport holders (click) on the internet and they keep you organized as well (win-win!!). Check also how much luggage you are actually allowed to take with you and get some travel-sized toiletries. It makes everything so much easier!

3. Create a holiday playlist

Listening to the songs I love most makes me calmer. Before going on holidays I usually sit down and create a playlist on Spotify which is so much fun. It's so nice to just close your eyes during the trip and listen to the music.
Whenever I listen to the songs again after the holidays I identify them with scenarios or adventures I experienced during that time and I immediately become happier. Definitely try it out!

4. Take a (disposable) camera with you

Photos are still the best way to catch your favorite moments. If you don't want to take your expensive camera with you, you can get a disposable camera in your local drugstore (click). Or what about a polaroid camera (click)? They fit in every bag and some of them are also usable under water! I love printing my holiday photos out and decorating my walls with them or putting them in a box with other memories.

5. Think positive!

Even when you screwed up your time management and you're getting crazy about all the things that are still left to do: try to stay positive. When you drown yourself in negativity it will get even worse because you can't concentrate on your priorities. Again: make a list starting with the most important things and try to work your way through. It's hard - I know, because I've been there before! - but just imagine how great your holidays will be when you get there! All the fun and adventures you will have with your family and/or friends. This is the best motivation only you can give yourself!

Are you going on holidays this year? I'd love to hear all about your plans for the summer and always remember:
Take care x

Impressions: Alicante 2015

Before heading back to London for the whole summer I decided to finally visit my old flatmate and really good friend in Alicante. It was my first time in Spain that's why I was really excited to show off my great Spanish skills (which can be counted on the fingers of both hands!) and to experience the Spanish culture and lifestyle.

We spent a lot of time at the beautiful Costa Blanca, enjoying the sun and catching up. It was so hot (I can totally understand why the citizens take siestas in the middle of the day) but fortunately the Mediterranean Sea was just in front of us! Jumping into the waves is one of my favorite things.
And so are Tapas. I will definitely never be able to drink beer or sangria at 11am, but those Tapas though.. They're just one of the best things I've ever eaten. So many variations, so little time to try every single one.
Another highlight of my holiday was our trip to the Santa Barbara Castle which is located above the city on a mountain. You have the possibility to hike the whole way up, but (let's be serious here) we didn't do that. We took the lift, no judgements, please! Either way when you finally arrive at the castle it's hard to decide where to look or to go first. The view is absolutely stunning and is worth a visit!

During my stay,  Alicante was full of beautiful artistic sculptures which were as high as the houses. The reason for this is a celebration called "Hogueras de San Juan" which takes place every single year.  The citizens celebrate the upcoming summer season with a lot of parties, fireworks and the burning of the sculptures.
On my last night we went to the beach which was full of people. It seemed that whole Alicante came together. Everyone brought snacks and drinks and every group made their own bonfire.
At midnight we all wrote down our wishes for the upcoming year and threw the papers in the fire. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience and I really hope that everything we wished for comes true.

It was one of the nicest holidays I've ever had. I came back with a lot of new experiences, memories and a much more positive mindset. Sometimes you just need to spend some time at the beach, right?

Enjoy your day x

P.S. I took the time to also film a few impressions of Alicante. I'm absolutely no filmmaker but - if you like - just press play! Or you can just check out my instagram for more pictures.