The Many Colours of Happiness

I have been to many countries across the world due to my very very very generous parents, but I have to say that when it comes to Christmas, Germany is the most magical place to celebrate it in. Every store is decked out with reds, greens and silvers; wreaths hug doorways and tinsel clings lovingly to rooftops, while Christmas music sung by deep, sonorous voices fills the brisk, fresh air. Snow covers sidewalks and falls softly onto eyelashes, colouring the scenery in a hue of cold, glittery Wonderland. Hands are warmed by gluh wein or hot chocolates spiked with rum, while the soft laughter coming from cafe chairs warms the heart. At night the Christmas spirit really comes to life as the Christmas trees that stand charming and cheerful in every city square are lit up, while the gold and silver lights than hang along walkways and link every building to one another are set ablaze, making happy faces even more beautiful in the festive glow. The people are decorated just as festivall...

Hello my lovely readers, I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. I have to confess, I wasn't planning on blogging while I was away. The anonymity I felt as soon as I stepped off the plane into Germany was addictive, and it has been difficult bringing myself back to my life back home, even to send short emails to the people I love. But internet access, a warm and cozy bed, and vodka mixed with mango juice by my side was too much of a perfect blog writing atmosphere to simply ignore. Unfortunately I am not technology savvy enough to download photos from my facebook onto my iPad, then to upload them here, so I'll have to wait to share the aesthetics of my trip with you until I get back. For now I'll stick to the 'emotional' part of traveling. Because that's what travelling is all about really, isn't it? at least that's what I've found. While it's lovely to see history before you, to experience o...

I am totally in awe of Kaylia right now. And I mean that in two senses. I am totally in awe of what she's experiencing as she treks around my little patch of the hemisphere, but I am also totally in awe of her bravery. Sometimes, following your dreams and opening yourself up to new experiences is such a difficult thing to do, but she's doing it - and fearlessly so. There is very little I admire more than that, and very few people I admire more for doing it.  And so whilst I'm hoping that I will one day be able to do the same, I thought I'd share with you my top five wanderlusts this winter - all European, of course. There's Switzerland... ...and Prague... ...and Edinburgh... ...and Norway... ...and Paris... ...but then again, I kind of think Paris is worth visiting all year every year. It's such a beautiful little spot. Where are your favourite destinations this Christmas? Kaylia, my love, I hope you have such a wonderful time. I know you'll c...

I am heading off for Europe on Monday, eep!!! I’m going to try and update when I can, I would love to do a small post about each place. I also have some amazing bloggers lined up to do guest posts, which I’m very excited about. I have had a sneak peek at one already and it is so absolutely lovely. I won’t be commenting on blogs while I’m away (Joel would kill me I think!), but I would love for you to pop over so I can share my trip with you . And please let me know how you’re going and keep in touch, whether on here or by email. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!!! xoxo psst, the places I’m going, in not exactly the right order (I have the worst memory)are: Munich, Rotenberg, Neuschwanstein Castle (Christmas!), Salzburg, Vienna (New Year!), Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Heidelberg, Cologne, Bruges and Dublin. So if you have been to any of those places and know some great things to see, or great places to eat at, any and all info will be much appreciated. :) 

I realised the other day that I have never built a blanket fort. Well of course, that had to be remedied. After looking up how exactly one would go about making a completely awesome blanket fort, and realising that there was the slightest possibility that it was maybe kinda doable in our one bedroom apartment despite the lack of blankets and space, I went home and set about rectifying my childhood that was sadly lacking in blanket forts. And that’s why I found myself under a blanket fort with Joel last night; playing Clue, drinking wine and eating the copious amount of Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups that he brought me back from the States. And while our fort was tiny and uncomfortable, and while the roof sunk lower and lower until our necks began to cramp, and while playing Clue with two players isn't nearly as satisfying as playing with four, and while the cats kept stealing our playing pieces/pencils/anything in sight that wasn’t edible and trying to eat them, it was one of the...