Social Seating in Munich, Germany: When Conversation is the Aim of Art
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
Why Am I Always Tempted To Buy Self-Help Books at Airports?
After I’ve settled at the airport—been through security, checked in to my flight, and laid eyes on my gate—I typically wander through the airport. Favourite shops of mine are always those filled with snacks, discount designer items, and books. Lately I’ve been noticing that the airports book shops aren’t populated only with beach reads and SuDoKu books; there are always racks and racks of self-improvement … Continue reading Why Am I Always Tempted To Buy Self-Help Books at Airports?
Wander Where You Are – How To Be A Tourist Where You Live
I’m lucky enough to live in London, and this week, I have friends travelling from Canada to visit. Although I’ve lived in the city for over a decade, my partner is only on his third year here—when he first moved, we spent time exploring different boroughs, finding things we’d like to do. We found cinemas, cafes, and parks that became regular creature comforts for us. … Continue reading Wander Where You Are – How To Be A Tourist Where You Live
Speaking Foreign Languages Abroad: Why Effort Matters Most
I consider myself really lucky, in that I grew up with multiple languages around me. Growing up in Ottawa, Canada (the capital, which prides itself on being bilingual) we had French as part of our core curriculum, starting at age 6. I also grew up in a family with a Peruvian-born Dad, and so I heard a lot of Spanish growing up from that side … Continue reading Speaking Foreign Languages Abroad: Why Effort Matters Most
Four Day Trips to Take from London, England
This weekend, my partner has an all-day softball tournament. The last time I had the apartment to myself, I told myself I was going to enjoy being alone. Instead, I got bored and cleaned. CLEANED. Because I’m risking becoming a boring homebody, I told myself this Saturday I am getting out of the city and explore England a bit. I don’t want to wander too … Continue reading Four Day Trips to Take from London, England
Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK
There’s a heatwave in the UK, and it. Is. SWELTERING. I can’t stress enough how much the heat in the UK at 33 degrees is unbearable—and how it seems like no one outside the city believes me when I say this. Truthfully, it’s not just the heat; it’s a perfect storm of humidity (the air is hot and damp), the houses were designed to keep … Continue reading Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK
Housing, Tourism, and Protesting in European Capitals
As anti-tourism protests take place in Euopean capital cities, I’m asking myself: What can I do to stand in solidarity with people who are saying, your vacation is impacting my livelihood negatively? The immediate answer is, of course… Continue reading Housing, Tourism, and Protesting in European Capitals
My “Heirloom Quality” Obsession: Inside Le Creuset’s UK Pop-Up
Le Creuset has had a special part of my heart for about 10 years now. The brand comes with a lifetime guarantee, and more than once I’ve heard first-hand TikTok storytimes of people who find the Dutch ovens in their parent’s attics or charity shops, realize there’s a problem with the item, and then work with the brand to fix the piece. It’s less garbage in the ocean, and befitting of a promise—buy once, and you won’t have to buy another. Continue reading My “Heirloom Quality” Obsession: Inside Le Creuset’s UK Pop-Up
Four Things I Wished I’d Planned Better In Paris
I planned my solo, 10-day trip to Paris for months. I made lists, saved tiktoks, and built myself mini-schedules. But even with all that prep, there were things that I realized too late that I should have booked sooner, gotten to earlier, or educated on myself on more thoroughly, before arriving. I’m hoping sharing my story will help you avoid any of my mistakes! The … Continue reading Four Things I Wished I’d Planned Better In Paris
How to Choose Souvenirs You Won’t Regret
We’ve all done it—tried bringing a piece of a trip back home, only to find that it doesn’t really have a place in your life. In order to stop this practice of buy > take home > don’t use > throw away, I’ve gotten a lot pickier with the things I bring home…
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No Small Wander 