She Travels

Guess who took a break from college and went on a mini vacay? Oh, you sure got it right! Me!

Since there was a holiday on tuesday, myself, momma and sissi packed our cases and off we went to Germany for a long weekend. Fact number one: it was my first (and only, because hello december 17!) trip abroad this year after two years of traveling lots. Anyways, our destination was chosen by the simple fact that both Dusseldorf and Cologne sounded more interesting in this time of the year because of their many Christmas Markets, which was proven right!

We stayed in Dusseldorf because the flight was cheaper than to Cologne but I regret it all... Dusseldorf happens not to be very interesting and althought it is a big city indeed, there isn't much to do or see, besides Christmas Markets of course, but even those... we got to see them all in just one day! 

They are in fact wonderful, you just can't avoid loving Christmas!! It feels like North Pole or something - speaking of which: the weather was just perfect, chilly but not freezing cold, no wind, no rain, and the sun peeking through the clouds!

Besides that, we had a nice walk down the promenade, explored the new part of Dusseldorf and a little bit of the old town (loved that part, it is actually so different but so pretty!). Apart from that we also got to see a little park next to the new complex where you can find Apple Store and a few fancy restaurants and shops. But if you are going to do some shopping, there's nothing like Konigsallee, which is worth more than a strole, particulary after the sun sets and when all the christmas lights hanging on the trees are lit up. 

Fact number two: never though I would say this but I actually loved German food. Or at least what they had at the markets. I mean, although I've never seen so many McDonalds by square feet, there are equally indulgent offers at any stand in these Markets. I had fries every-single-day and they were some of the best I ever had. Also tried their potato fritters, sausages (wrust, probabily the only word I memorised), crepes, looooots of hot cocoa, and bretzels forever (same as pretzels, funny how the only german that stick in my head is related to food). I had at least one each day and I was seriously considering bringing home a whole bunch of them to freeze and eat for the rest of the year...

Also, another great thing about germans is that they have some of the best bread and bakeries I've ever tried or been to, and that I was not expecting, which shows how well informed I went to Germany, right...?  

A few more photos below:

I'll keep Cologne to a next post - and what I tought of Germans too ;) also, a few funny moments await you. And others not so funny as well, because that's life... So, stay tuned!

Giving Thanks

Tough we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Portugal I feel like it just impossible to ignore this day. And it is my opinion that every country in this world should have a holiday like this, just to give thanks. 

In one of these days I read the following from a fellow blogger: "I'm human, and sometimes that stupid greener grass over there looks just so freaking green, that I start to forget just how blessed I am to be standing on any grass at all over here. And what incredible grass under my feet it it! I'm thankful for it." And honestly, that's what really matters at the end of the day. 

A few weeks ago I got an appointment at my doctor's and we ended up talking about plastic cirurgy somehow . Eventually he said what we all know but ignore. That there is that one day we we'll all leave this world behind and until that time comes, we have to learn and live with ourselves because there's no way we can be another person, or look like another person, because we are who we are. 

And even before that, because I am a freak and google my professors, I found an article one of them wrote about vacation and kids. It was the most adorable, unexpected and real thing I could ever expect. He started saying how it was impossible to have vacation with kids, you either have vacation, or you either have kids. Eventually he said something like vacation actually feel good for a week or two, but they bring you nothing afterwords. And kids, well, they may give you a lot of headaches but they are an investement, they'll forever be yours and they are the future. 

I still have no kids, but I have parents, and I have a whole family and friends that I love. And I am thankful for that. I am thankful for the little things like choosing to live in my dream city or studying what I love, I give thanks for choosing what to eat at every meal when some people don't even have a choice because they really have nothing choose from. For living in a country with its problems like every other, but where I can live free and in peace. I give thanks for my clothes, my make-up and my knick-knacs. Some people may have it better, but it doesn't matter because you're not other people. And  you don't have to. You can be happy in your own way! 

Free Fallin'

This has got to be one of the best falls I've experienced. Really! I don't remember such a warm november! I mean, it's almost December, Christmas is just around the corner, and when we realise we'll be all in 2016. 

I've always loved this time of the year. Proving that is how many photos I have of leaves and skys in my "october" and "november" folders in my laptop. But this year is just special. The light is graceful and the sun is warm and gentle. No rain, no wind. There are still some days when I get out of the house in short sleeves, shorts and skirts. 

Every year I go to my favourite place in my hometown around this time of the year. Being a park is easy to love it even more when the fall comes and the leaves start changing colours. Although this is only the second time I'm home since my classes started last september, I couldn't pass by and not spend a few moments there. And so I did, with my sister.

We wandered, did some Christmas shopping and talked a bit about what's going on in our lives. 

There are some moments I feel incredibly lucky for life and for getting to live it where I do, with my people. I sure love them!

What I'm Up To

Oh hey! It's been a while isn't it?  

I've definitly been busy these past few weeks but I don't feel overwhelmed because it hasn't been all work, but I am having lots of fun too! 

I only have classes in the afternoon this semestre, so besides going to school, coming back home, studying what I've learned that day, cooking dinner, taking a shower and going to bed I've been using my mornings to relax. And that includes jogging, going for a walk at the park and, I realise how strange this will sound, but also to go grocery shopping. Most people I know hate it but I don't, although I tend to spend more than I should. And mornings are much more quiet at the grocery store you know? So it is easier for me not to end up buying stuff I actually don't need. Also, everything looks so fresh all I want to buy is fruit and vegetables and fish and no cookies or candy! Double win, right? My pocket money sure appreciates this!

Apart from that I sometimes use my late afternoons to go for a longer walk, mostly at the end of the week as I strat getting less occupied with college stuff and one of my roomates usually makes me company. Another upside of it is that she loves taking photos and well, let's say I don't mind helping her practice posing for her here and there. 

Not pictured here, last weekend we had a gas leak at the house (not fun) which meant no cooking, no warm baths and 2 nights out. In one of which we had to go out just until our landlord could come to check the situation, which end up being almost at midnight. At the end we had the most fun, the three of us, going out for dinner, pizza, ice-cream and chocolate! What else to do when you have a warm night and 5 hours to spend? haha

Have a nice week everyone!!

Cheers To The New Roomie

I've got a new roomate!!!

Joana decided to move out, and it left us kinda sad. It's been a year with her and even if we didn't use to spend much time together we had our rituals.

But it ended up being the best thing: I still get to see Joana at school and I think we are even closer now. And my new homie, Rute is the best mate I could ask for. She's always up for a walk or a photoshoot. For a movie night and popcorn or going to the club: Rute says yessss!

So, I guess you can expect a lotta more portraits of me from now on. Hope you don't mind! hehe ;)