City Awoken

Spring is a beautiful time where the city starts to come alive again and my eyes are opened to all the wonderful things I've missed the last few months. Can't wait to enjoy my last Spring in this city. 

Georgia

Frozen Walks

A walk around the frozen falls. Minnehaha, Minneapolis. 

Georgia

Land of Fire and Ice

The last leg of my European trip this summer was a little north, to Iceland. I honestly had no clue what to expect upon arriving and as the plane landed in Reykjavik, you could look out and see no signs of life for miles. Lava fields covered the landscape and the drive out of the airport was in the valley of an active volcano. 

Our first day there we went on a hike through the Golden Circle. The first destination was between the tectonic rifts that marked the spot where Europe had now ended and North America began. We then drove past Volcano Heckla, who was just starting to appear past the clouds,  until we came across the Golden Waterfall. Surrounded by green moss, purple wildflowers, with steam that rises from far beneath the surface, and trails with no restrictions. We then made our way through the Geyser Valley. Where we walked (and swam) along rivers and hot springs that almost shone blue and held steam that would rise up and surround you, occasionally interrupted by a tremendous blast from the geysers. 

The next day we returned to the city. Iceland is home to only 300,000 people, and Reykjavik is the largest city as well as the hub of Icelandic culture. Walking down the streets you pass both backpackers and locals that would remember your name from the night before. The town square is filled with colored rooftops and coffee shops and just at the center of the city is a  famous clock tower that gives you a beautiful view of the oceans and volcanoes. 

There is so much more I could expand on this trip but if I can leave you with one piece of advice it would be to travel  somewhere you normally would not think to go. Surprise yourself. Iceland changed the way I saw the world, it pushed my comfort zone, it expanded my mind to new experiences, and it taught me a lot about people and honestly through that, myself. Iceland might not be for everyone, but it's captivating beauty and wild spirit has me hooked.

See you soon land of fire and ice.

Georgia

Mon Pays

Traveling to France is something I've wanted to do for years. My french teachers would ramble on about this place for hours if you would let them and I would happily listen...but to live it is completely different. 

I really did feel something in the air that you just cannot find anywhere else, I'm not sure what to place it on exactly. It's so easy to see what everyone loves about this city. I spent my time in many of their vintage shops, practiced my french at delicious cafes, walked around Paris at night until I physically could not take another step, then writing on my balcony while seeing the faint search light from the tower reflect on the walls across from me. All of this is made slightly better by the fact that Edith Piaf was stuck in my head the entirety of the four days. 

This trip was rewarding in it's own way. The photographs are a lovely reflective tool. The pin on the map was personally satisfying, but the things I learned from the lifestyle, the culture, and the people were extraordinary. I won't go into too much more detail but let me just say that never have I seen a group of locals more appreciative and proud of their own city then the parisians, never have I been exposed to a culture where being seen as busy is looked down upon instead of admired, and perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that not everything has to be life changing, but things can certainly change the way you admire the world.

Because summing up this trip is nearly impossible to do in a paragraph I'm going to give a short summary under each picture, do with them what you will. 

The first night in Paris was christened with a slow and beautiful walk to the Eiffel Tower. Just try to imagine what it would feel like to turn the corner and see this beautiful lady staring back at you. Wowie wow.

The Siene is the soul of Paris. Decorated by locks and the boats that line it's shore by day and filled with locals picnicking along the bank at night.

I have always had an appreciation for rooftops. This was something else entirely. 

This is what level two looks like.

That first night again. Sitting on the Champs De Mars, taking in a sunset that 

had even the locals in awe

Taken during a dusk walk through the Jardin De Tuileries. 

Putting the down payment on the pink villa immediately.

Can we just take a minute to admire the blue French skies....

This is where we picnicked our last night in the city. The beautiful gardens outside The Louvre go wonderfully with some jambon.

Actually the first stop on my visit, The Louvre. Now let me just start by saying five hours is not nearly enough time to give this building all the attention it requires. This is a picture of me having an architectural epiphany. (Fun Fact: The Louvre was actually the home of the royal court under Louis XIV before he moved his court to Versailles)

Venus was the epitome of beauty during the time of her creation. She taught me 

much about femininity. 

I attempted to escape tourists one afternoon by taking the longer route. I may have got a little lost, but found, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful spots in Paris, under a willow along the Seine. I'm coming back for this tree alone. I named him Theodore.

Notre Dame is one of Paris' most beloved icons for a reason. I have learned about the art and architecture behind this building in courses before, but seeing in in person is a completely new experience. I could not help staring up in awe for longer than I could get away with. 

(Shoutout to Victor Hugo for saving this church from destruction in 1831)

The most fascinating thing about Parisian dining is that the chairs are arranged to face out. Of course there is no need to look at your partner when Paris is right there in front of you, seems like common sense now. 

Not sure if my favorite part of this photo is the sky, the french flag waving proudly, or I don't know maybe the french man painting underneath the bridge.

Art work layers the walls all around Paris. I love it.

Found a gem of a record store with lots of artists with names I couldn't pronounce. 

Modern Paris meets Old Town Paris. 

Parisian windows are some of the greatest in the world.

Look at her. 

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I have one last stop to share with you all so that will be coming up in a few days. 

All the best,

Georgia

Northern Town

The first stop on my European adventure was my home town in Cheshire, England. I spent two weeks here, on and off, and managed to visit many different cities during my stay. This quaint country is filled with such classic beauty and will always hold a special place in my heart. 

Part two and three of my travels through Europe will be coming soon. 

Hope you're all well,

Georgia