Gatework

I came and triumphed

This was day 1 in Paris. After a mishap in the metro involving someone's sticky fingers (yes people, pickpocketing is serious business over here), I safely made it to see this beauty a few minutes away from the hotel.

From there, I walked straight to the Louvre.

My first day was a roller coaster ride. After getting my wallet stolen, encounters with locals were either really enjoyable or quite unpleasant. One shop girl was extremely nice though. She barely knew any English, but was very kind and even walked me to a local thrift shop (she didn't know what thrift was, until I said "old clothes"). I bought this shirt from her for 40 Euros, and it's currently one of my favorite things to wear (suede elbow pads!)

I wore this outfit the next day and John, over at Hippy Market, snapped a picture of me!

(Sand on the boots from walkin' to the Louvre beeteedubs)

The store, reminiscent of some thrift/vintage stores in the Lower East Side, is full of leather jackets, leather handbags, short a-line skirts, and patterned button-up shirts. I bought a very cute scarf from them for 12 Euros. It's perfect for tying around bags or wearing on your head.

If you're ever in Paris, definitely check them out! You can find the location and see more Hippy Peeps on their facebook! http://www.facebook.com/hippymarketmarais

Another day in Milan

Another day, another gelato.

The Ideal Parisian Diet

Oh yes, welcome to my tummy little Parisian pastry.

I left my heart in Firenze

Hey guys, how have you all been?
I've been doing really well. I just got back from my 2 day (really only 1.5 days) in Firenze (Florence), Italy. All I can say is I am IN LOVE. I also decided this was probably good I didn't get to see everything there because now I have an excuse to go back.

I definitely am on a gelato diet. But seriously, gelato here is like eating a sweet cloud...nothing like it!

A true Italian brand, Missoni!

Cute little stores everywhere . . .

The art in Florence is amazing e molto bella!

This is only a fraction of the pictures I took there (don't worry, I'll probably post images for days after I come back).

I stayed at the Westin Excelsior in Florence, and the reason why I have to mention that is, if you ever stay in Florence and really want to stay somewhere nice or have people with whom you can split the cost (it's pricey), stay there. The rooms are amazing, fully equipped and comfortable, and the service is top notch! Ilaria, the woman who checked me in, was super attentive and personally took me to my room. And the next day, Alessio (it's something similar to this but not exact) at Concierge was amazing. He was personable and super informative, and helped me reserve tickets at the Academia and Uffizi so I wouldn't have to wait in line (after letting him know I was leaving that same night). I just thought I would let everyone know because I work at a hotel and after staying there, it's really inspired me to be even more amazing.

Oh Firenze, mi manchi già (I miss you already!)

En Milano Streets

Sorry, that's not happening.

The bag

Sitting in the park, with my purse and a few memories.

Italia!

Hello from Milano! I arrived safely a day ago and already I'm in a daze. The air is so different here and the people are so laid back! And I have never been in a place crawling with so many straight men (art high school, fashion college, you get the gist).

The trip getting to JFK was the worst part of the whole thing. The subway just would not move, and I thought I was going to miss my flight! It was only when I actually arrived in Germany that I calmed down a great deal and started to enjoy myself.

I had a 9 hour layover in Dusseldorf, Germany. That being said, I did not end up going to some of the major places I was planning to go to (I was kind of scared I would have another almost-miss-my-flight episode), so I just stuck to the central part of Dusseldorf.








It was Sunday and everything was closed, but I still enjoyed walking around (and eating brat). The people there are so nice! I had people help me with directions, buying train tickets for me (no English option on the machines I'm afraid), and one man by the name of Oliver literally went out of his way to make sure I got to the right airport (as in, took me there with his train card and made sure I got there safely). I regret not getting a contact but I am eternally grateful Oliver!

I arrived in Milan a few hours later, at night. My friend Isadora picked me up at Centrale Station, where we hugged and celebrated the fact that I did not get lost and end up in the middle of nowhere. She took me to her apartment and introduced me to her roommate/friend Jacki (she is super cool!) After a very late dinner, we hit the hay.

That leads me to today . . . Duomo.





(Duomo and me!)

Everything is BEAUTIFUL. I could never see something like this in NY . . . it would be ruined by skyscrapers and construction sites in the background. This is definitely something you guys have to get on a plane and see (and I urge you to do so).

We also had some AMAZING gelato. The name of the place escapes me but they basically drizzle chocolate from a chocolate fountain into your cone, load up two flavors of gelato (your choice) on top, and finally, they stick a wafer cookie in it. It was TO DIE FOR. The place was crowded and we did end up waiting for a while, but it was worth it. If you ever find this place (I'll try to get the name), get the flavor called Caprese. Tastes like a rainbow cookie (SO GOOD)!

Anyway, I gotta sleep soon (it's close to 1 am over here!) But look forward to more pictures soon~ Ciao lovelies, from Isadora and I!

Flyin'

Hey guys, notice the cheesy-grinning girl above this text? Yeah, you really can't miss her. Well, that girl is me.
I know, you're wondering why I'm smiling so hard. Well, you'd be smiling too if you found out . . .

YOU WERE FLYING TO EUROPE!

Okay, if you live in Europe, it's probably not the biggest deal to you. But for a girl that's seen nothing but NY for the past few years and has been working non-stop, it's pretty much the answer to everything.

I'll try to keep you guys updated. I'm currently trying to convince my mother's boss to lend me her extra laptop for the trip!

That's it for now. I'll post pictures of what I've been up to recently as well! Au revoir!