This week, I’m celebrating 13 years of living in London—what started as a post-university trip to get an internship became a full-time job, and although I’ve travelled a lot, London is the place I’ve called home for over a decade. I’m not a big history buff; it was never my favourite subject in school, and I can’t say that it’s something I go out-of-my-way to … Continue reading 3 Ways London’s History Shapes How the City Feels Today
Today was the first day where to get close to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, it came at the cost of €2. From 9am to 10pm, lower-level access close to the fountain is no longer free for tourists; to help manage the bustling crowds in the piazza, those who want to get closest to the fountain will be charged for the experience. The fee … Continue reading The Trevi Fountain’s €2 Charge: A Step Too Far For Tourism?
I’ve been sick this week, coming back from my cousin’s engagement party in Leeds. Before I got this cursed cold, I spent a weekend with my partner in Leeds, England. It’s more north than I’m used to venturing—about 2.5 hours on a train from London—and it was my first time in this city that wasn’t a stopover to somewhere else. Over the weekend I learned … Continue reading Three Meals I Loved In Leeds, England
Lately in London, the weather’s been changing; what was once a bright and warm summer is turning into Gilmore Girls weather; a nip in the air, more grey in the sky, leaves on the ground. I love autumn—it’s my favourite season—but I’m a little sad that summer is over. So I’ve decided to take a trip in October, just to take advantage of one last … Continue reading 5 European Locations for Tropical October Trips
Last weekend I travelled to Bristol, England, for a day trip with my partner. We checked out a Tudor-era castle that’s been transformed into a hotel, and I ended up learning a lot about the property. England is full of historic buildings, and many of them have been turned into businesses that can be explored, but unlike a National Trust building (which can be toured … Continue reading Three English Castle Hotels for Your Next Weekend Away
When my partner and I stayed in Sintra last month, one of the places we were excited about going was Pena Palace. Our hotel’s host told us, “It’s nice…but the Quinta da Regaleira Palace is better.” I ended up visiting both, and if you’re curious if which one’s worth the visit, look no further! Pena Palace Sintra is a town set on the side of … Continue reading Palace Paradise: A Review of Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palaces
If you’re looking for the answer to “What is the best day trip from Lisbon?”, I’ve got your answer: it’s Sintra, Portugal. I went last week for a four-day trip surrounding a wedding, and I got to revisit the beautiful countryside—full of village quaintness, national park attractions, and so many castles! Why is Sintra so popular? Sintra was full of people, wherever we went. So … Continue reading Sintra: The Castle-Filled Countryside a Quick Trip from Lisbon
If you’re visiting London, you’ll undoubtedly be using TFL at some point. Transport for London (TFL) is the company that runs the tube (overground and underground) and bus services throughout London. London has one of the best-connected transit systems in the world; I’ve never been in a position of needing to get somewhere and not having a possible route. However, it can feel complicated due … Continue reading Getting Around London: The Ultimate Guide to Public Transit
While touring the halls of Sainte-Chappelle, I made some friends who asked me what I was planning on doing during my trip. That’s the first time I’d heard of the Musée de l’Orangerie. I love Monet’s water lillies paintings; when I was a kid, I took charcoal classes at the local bookstore, and learned how Money would paint the same scene, again and again, at … Continue reading The Best Two-For-One Museum Ticket in Paris: L’Orangerie and Musée D’Orsay
Sometimes, something you’ve been waiting for can sneak up and surprise you. In another life, I was a personal assistant at Condé Nast—at House & Garden, and World of Interiors, magazines. I didn’t know much about interior design (which is the topic that both magazines are experts in, from different points of view), but I was a very good PA, and I was excited to … Continue reading Social Seating in Munich, Germany: When Conversation is the Aim of Art
No Small Wander 