TRAVEL DIARIES: 10 THINGS TO DO IN PARIS

Paris is of course my favorite city, and I have had the pleasure to see it twice. I would go back every year if I could, but hubby is not a fan of seeing anything twice. There is just so much see and do in Paris, if nothing else just taking the city in would be my favorite thing to do. Everything is just so pretty there! I could go on and on about what to do and see in Paris, but here are my top 10 things, apart from the main attractions of course, which include the Louvre, the Pantheon, Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Cœur, the Palace of Versailles.

1. Visit Laduree for tea and macarons on Champs Elysees (obviously)
2. See Eiffel Tower sparkle at night

3. Climb Arc de triomphe - and enjoy the panaromic views of the city and the Eiffel Tower

4. Shop at Galeries Lafayette for designer brands

5. Visit 31 Rue Cambon - Coco Chanel's apartment

6. Watch sunset from the Eiffel Tower

7. Take a walk through the streets of Paris, even on a rainy day

8. See Cherry Blossoms in March/early April

9. Take a long but a magnificent walk from Arc De Triomphe to the Louvre

10. Explore the St. Germain neighborhood

TRAVEL DIARIES: 10 THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH

Morocco is a stunning country with its rich heritage and Moorish architecture. It is well known for its leather export, intricate tile work and spicy cuisine. Morocco has something for everyone, no matter what you are into. For a design junkie like myself, I couldn't keep my eyes off the beautifully deigned and decorated buildings. For a foodie, Morocco is a dream. French pastries and Moroccan spices provide a food pallet for just about anyone. Marrakech night market, at Jemaa El Fna square, is where all food lovers gather each night. For an adventurer spirit, there are numerous excursions that you can take to the Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert. 

We visited Tangier and Marrakech for a quick 3 day trip which was part of a longer 10 day European trip. As I mentioned in my Seville post, we took a bus from Seville to Tarifa, and boarded the ferry to Tangier. We spent 8 hours exploring tangier, and took a night train to Marrakech. Below, I have listed a few things you must try things in Marrkech

1.Buy Moroccan Tea glasses and leather Poufs from the Souks

2. Try a Tajine (Moroccan dish) at one of the many restaurants surrounding the Jemaa El Fna square

3. Visit Medersa Ben Youssef

4. Take a walk to Theater Royale & designer shops in the new part of Marrakech

5. Stay in a Riad (tradition Moroccan home converted into a B&B)

6. Have dinner at the night food market of Jemaa El Fna

7. Take a day trip to Casablanca

8.  Get Henna done on your hands (it only lasts a few days so it's fun!)

9. Walk through the spice souks in the market

10. Do an excursion to the Atlas Mountains

TRAVEL DIARIES: 10 THINGS TO DO IN QUEBEC CITY

 1. Visit The Montmorency Park National Historic Site and enjoy magnificent view of Wall murals on Rue Notre Dame

2. Have lunch at Place Royale Plaza

3. Have a picnic at Château Frontenac gardens

4. Stroll through the gardens of the Parliament Building

5. Make a wish at Fontaine de Tourny

6. Have dinner at the extravagant Ristorante Il Teatro

7. Enjoy a show at Le Capitole

8. Take a walk from Rue Saint-Jean to Cote de la Fabrique

9. Visit Notre-Dame de Quebec

10. Check out one of many free festivals happening around the city, such as Free Cirque du Soleil show, fireworks competition!

11. (BONUS) Enjoy macarons and coffee at Pillard

TRAVEL DIARIES: 10 THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE, SPAIN

 I traveled to Seville, Spain in 2009. I can't believe it has already been 6 years! It was part of our 5 country trip, we flew from London to Lisbon, and took a bus from Lisbon to Seville. Going to Seville I wasn't really sure what to expect. I assumed it was a pretty Spanish town, and that was it. I was, however, completely shocked when our bus pulled into the city that I realized Seville in fact is a large metropolitan city (with plenty of Spanish charm)! The architecture is to die for! Moorish inspired buildings and cathedrals can be seen all around the town, but especially prevalent in the city center.

We went to Seville towards the end of March, so it was a little chilly at night but the days were full of sunshine. I recommend a light jacket. We climbed the Tower of La Geralda, where you can admire the city views for miles to come. The Giralda is the only remaining structure of the 12th-century mosque torn down during the construction of the Seville Cathedral. Moors built the minaret with a series of ramps so that guards could ride to the top on horseback. The bell tower is capped with a bronze weathervane called El Giraldillo, which is a symbol that represents the triumph of faith.

First picture is of Plaza de Toros de la Maestranz, where the bull fighting takes place. Having already seen it in Madrid (and sadly cried because it is more of Bull-killing than fighting), and I did not want to go through that again. We walked through city center to the University of Seville.

Here are my top picks:

1. See a Flamenco dinner and show at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal

2. Visit Seville Cathedral and climb the tower of La Giralda

3. Walk the city center taking in the beautiful architecture of Seville

4. Explore the palace and gardens of Real Alcazar

5. Take a walk through city plazas to get a taste of casual night time gathering of friends

6. People watch at Plaza De Espana

7. Stroll through University of Seville

8. See Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) situated on the rivert

9. Shop at many trendy shops on Calle Sierpes

10.  Admire the beauty of Plaza Nueva

11. (Bonus) Take a bus to Tarifa, where you can take a 30 min ferry ride to Morocco!!

TRAVEL DIARIES: SCOTTSDALE, AZ

I was going to post about Scottsdale today anyway, and then I realized Superbowl this weekend is also help in Phoenix, so all the more reasons to give you a little tour of Scottsdale. Now I know most guys are about football, but ladies if you need a little break from the madness of Superbowl, take a walk in the Old Town :)

This was in November of course, so after a long drive from La Jolla, we arrived at Scottsdale, Arizona at 10pm. We got there the night before the American Thanksgiving, which meant everything was closed that day. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because we got to see the Old town in its quiet beauty. AND I could take all the pictures I wanted without anyone photo-bombing them :)

Old Town area of Scottsdale is lined with art galleries and beautiful sculptures. It is a must for any art lover. Old town is also a mix old Arizona culture and new hip and chic cafes & restaurants. If you have a short amount of time, I suggest spending a day here.

We started our walk from the water front condos, (near 5th ave) where you can find numerous restaurants, and walked down Marshall Way to Main st., which is lined with art galleries. Keep walking on Main st until it ends and walk through the park, to the Scottsdale Amphitheater, and look for LOVE sculpture similar to the one in New York City.

If you get hungry, not to worry. There are restaurants even though out the park, and many more along N Scottsdale Road and 1st Ave.

TRAVEL DIARIES: SAN DIEGO- LA JOLLA/CONADO ISLAND

San Diego: On our final day, we drove to Coronado Island. It is right across from the Gas Lamp District of trendy restaurants and night life. A short bridge takes you from the mainland to the island. We witnessed the most magnificent sunset, being reflected on San Diego skyline. The buildings changed colours from golden hues to candy coloured purple.

There are numerous restaurants on the island, you can walk on the pier, stop for ice cream and have a glamorous dinner to finish the day.

Just before leaving for Phoenix, we drove to La Jolla. To sum it up better, this is what is said about La Jolla; "La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in California. Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla's coastal profile and quaint village lifestyle evokes a Mediterranean feel"

We stopped for a quick breakfast at one of the cafes, and then opted for a quick stroll along the beach. Driving through the mansions of La Jolla is also a must! Beautiful Mexican inspired architecture, and no house looked like the next. Such a treat for a design lover like myself.

TRAVEL DIARIES: SAN DIEGO ZOO & BALBOA PARK

TRAVEL DIARIES - NYC, SWEETS AND TREATS

With Fashion week in full wing at New York, and seeing my favorite bloggers all over New York City..it is reallly making me miss NYC! I went there a couple years ago, it was just before the American Thanksgiving, so naturally the city was just dazzling in the the Christmas display windows, and surprisingly mild weather for November! I think it is a bit early for the holiday themed pictures, but I want to share of my fave pics from NYC..Enjoy!

Of course, finding Laduree on the Madison was a total fluke but the best surpise ever! Though, i was a huge fan of Laduree from before having been to it in Paris and London, I was ecstatic to discover it on the other side of the pond! 

Mint flavor macaron tower, what more can one ask for!

And no one should come home without a box of happiness!

Another thing that really surprised me about NYC was all the Art decor architechture. I guess I should have done some homework (the Cryslar building should have been a big clue), but seeing all these art deco details made me very happy! I think it is my favourite style of architecture,..the glam, the gold, the design..what's there not to love!

LOVE. Though I had seen this sculpture, I had no idea where it was installed. Blaming it on lack of preperation as it was kind of a last minute trip, but finding it anyway was the best part. This is when I really fell in love with NYC, seeing cute surprises everywhere. I don't just see architecture..I feel it. And NYC you made me fall in love with everything you had to offer!

I found some wonderful artists selling stuff in Bryant Park. At first it didn't seem anything special but I would much rather buy souvenirs that don't look tacky and are usable. So this is where I decided to do some shopping. I bought this wallet for my brother, and a very similar wallet for myself. Of course I didn't let him know I was a tourist (having lived in London for a while, I can always pretend to be a local so I don't get scammed). He said it wouldn't get damaged and this is printed on a quality leather, and I threatened to come back if the wallet was faulty in any way. Well guess what, I still use my wallet everyday and it is holding really well!

Spotting Timmies in Times Square is just awesome!

I absolutely love this pic, it is my fave from the bunch, and I love how each window of the Borgdorf has a lovely wreath! Now I am getting excited for the holidays.

Having gone through my NYC pics, I think I am going have to do a few more posts. There is just so much to see, the architecture, the parks, the bridges, the food...its definitely not helping my craving for NYC!

The North

So a while back, I went camping in Northern Ontario. I have never camped before so needless to say I was pretty nervous. But luckily we decided to camp in the Provincial parks, which makes it a bit easy..there is firewood, ice, hot showers! It more of glamping than anything. But the real thrill is to camp by the Lake Superior and waking up to the waves of this vast lake. It was so serene and beyond stunning! I saw the most beautiful sunsets and crisp fresh sunrises..So here I share just a few pics of the trip up north. Enjoy xx

Happy Friday: Sunsets around the world

Happy Friday everyone..another busy week and even more hectic weekend coming ahead for me. Tomorrow is supposed to be a gorgeous day here in Toronto but I will be stuck indoors in a boring lecture.. But I hope everyone else gets to enjoy this lovely weather we are finally having!

Today I leave you with a little collection of my pictures capturing sunsets around the world. This is only a small collection but I do intend to share with you every stunning sunset I have ever captured. 

Enjoy the weekend!

TRAVEL DIARIES: : COLOUR-BLOCKED LISBON

As promised yesterday, nothing but colour! I took these pictures a while back during my trip to Lisbon, Portugal. I loved the famous tile facades but it was by luck I spotted these gorgeous buildings. It was in the area of Belem, famous for the Belem cafe, the University, museums, piers and of course the Belem Tower. We we walking along Av. India when I saw all these colours and as usual ran towards them with my camera. I couldn't believe the beauty and I love when people are daring enough to choose bold colours. Can you imagine blue, pink, purple, orange and mixed with natural greens..what a stunning view. I have to be honest though I never did find out what these buildings were but I did bring back a little part of Belem with me.

Pictures below are from a resting station from our bus ride from Lisbon to Seville. I couldn't believe this was a real place. Gorgeous spring sunlight, and crisp colours of the station, it seemed a like a movie set.

A lilac Hotel. Enough said. These pictures remind me of "The Grand Budapest Hotel". What a lovely thought that these stunning buildings do exist outside of  the Hollywood sets.

Well until spring finally decides to visit us this year I will simply admire these colourful beauties..hope you liked em too.