London Underground

I've really enjoyed my time here in London, despite the fact that I've been working most of the time. Today I had a free day to explore the city and found it to be incredibly charming. Royalty is infused into every nook and cranny, from the street names to the actual palaces. The tube is an amazing way to get around, but you feel more like a peasant than royalty as you sweat alongside the throngs of passengers.

I was invited to a book launch party that had old London charm. One bar was dedicated to Ether cocktails, while another was dubbed "Curious Concoctions." The amazingly delicious drinks were served in tea cups. Very classy indeed! There were live snakes and even a horse cameo. Everyone was absolutely charming and it made me feel right at home in this dynamic city.

I hope to return soon so that I can explore London further~

Paris Je T'aime

After spending a week in Paris, I can see why the city is so hyped up. The city itself has a personality; it's cool, hip, chic. And french people really know how to live. Everything they do exudes quality, from the clothes they wear to the food they eat.  There's a confidence they carry with them that gives them attitude (although a bit too much sometimes.) They know how to enjoy life. The work week is capped at 35 hours a week. They take long lunches.  Couples dance in the park and mothers actually spend time with their kids. Americans could learn a thing or two from their classy French counterparts...

24 Hours of Flying

I was just on four flights in the last 24 hours. I went from Milwaukee to LA, LA to Zurich, Zurich to Nice and Nice to Paris. Traveling can be so cool and so shitty at the same time.
 The cool part: I hugged my family in WI, had sushi with my girlfriends in LA and kissed my French boyfriend. I saw the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps and the Eiffel Tower all in the same day.

So what could I possibly have to complain about? Domestic flights don't give blankets anymore. A lot of flight attendants are really rude. Running through terminals to make transfers sucks. Flying congested makes your ears pop and they stay like that for a long time. Here I am in the wonderful world of Paris, and I slept until 4pm because I'm jet lagged. Traveling is not always glamorous. But the people, the sights, the sounds, the everything about each destination is the reason I'll keep coming back for more...

Brew City

I'm delighted to be back to Wisconsin, even more so because the weather has been perfect. One of my favorite things about this place is all of the amazingly delicious local micro brews. There's light beers, full body ales, darks and bitters and we're already seeing seasonal batches like pumpkin spice.

Although I usually stay pretty close to my Milwaukee turf, my sister and I cruised a few hours north to Door County. This quaint area is full of adorable antique shops, cafes, wine and beer tastings. We thought we'd get a little wrecked at Shipwrecked, a cute cafe off the lake. While my sister preferred the darker ales, blondes are always my favorite, and neither of us cared much for the seasonal pumpkin.

We tried to walk off our typicaly heavy Wisconsin lunch as the afternoon settled. The small lake pier was peaceful and made me feel happy to be home. Now I just have to work off this little beer gut I've naturally acquired...

Burning Man Post Mortem

I recently lost my Burning Man virginity. The experience was both challenging and immensely rewarding. As Exodus takes you through the pearly gates, you are greeted with the comforting phrase, "Welcome home." But this place is like nothing I've ever seen before.

People work together in the dusty desert to erect camps, structures, and epic art installations. The city soon grows to a thriving 60,000 people. This is a true city, equipped with lit streets, a temple, hospital and post office, even public transportation. At night everything glows; elaborate moving art cars, endless discos, even people's clothes. It's like Vegas on crack and your constantly amazed by the next spectacle of human excellence being performed.

Anything you're into, you can find at Burning Man. Ask and you shall receive. Literally. The gifting culture creates an instant sense of strong community. Despite the harsh desert conditions that challenge the body, mind and soul; it is easy to come away with a rewarding feeling of gratitude, appreciation, and overall elation.

Fire is intrinsically intertwined in the daily lives of Black Rock citizens and the energy swells by the end of the week. As the iconic Man effigy burns to nothing, people dance and celebrate, have a real good time. And when the temple burns, people cried of rebirth. Release. As fast as we came, we leave. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. We leave no trace behind.

A new side of LA

It's great to be back in LA. I immediately went into the same hectic, frenzied schedule than when I left the city only a few months ago. The only major difference is that I no longer own a car...

In the six years I've lived here, I've never tried the public transportation. It's not like New York where everyone takes the subway. But I hate bumming too much off friends so I decided to give it a try. I was a little skeptical but I'm no sissy girl!

The first leg of the trip involved the subway, which I always thought was practically non-existent. It actually goes to pretty many places. It was easy to use and my purse didn't get stolen. I chatted up a visiting Brit and before I knew it, I was already half-way across town.

The second leg of the journey involved the bus. I had lower expectations for this, but it really wasn't bad. No creepers in sight and I found myself now chatting with a visitor from Ireland. Maybe being a tourist in the city isn't so bad afterall. Purse still in hand, I made it to my destination feeling elated from my fun little LA adventure.

Italy for a Day

I woke up yesterday and asked my boyfriend Ben "What do you want to do today?" His response was something most women only dream of. "Let's go to Italy!" An hour and a half later, we were there~

San Remo is a quaint little town right past the border of France and Italy. We spent a wonderful day shopping, drinking "real Italian coffee" eating lasagna and gelato, and speaking our Frenglish in an Italian accent.

We walked by the sea, went to art galleries and even saw a street play (although neither of us understood a word they were saying.) By the light of the full moon, we were back in France that night, exhausted from our day's adventures.