There is something about Paris I just fell in love with. Looking back on this journey from just a few days I ago, I cannot decide if it was the people, the scenery, art, or even food I loved the most. I am even enrolling in a French language program this week, so next time I am in the airport, security won't stare at me waiting for me to speak their language. I also don't want to feel like Tom Hanks in Terminal ever again. Too many stories from my last day, I'll eventually own up to writing about!

But back to the city of lights...My four days in Paris couldn't have been so amazing without my best friend Manuel, who became my French brother and angel of a guide! We would go around the city and as we approached site after site, he would not let me look up until we arrived at each special location for which I became speechless. From the Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower...and even the Gardens of Luxembourg! Every single site, image and atmosphere took my breathe away. 

The main reason I have always loved learning about different cultures, is to be able to oversee the stereotypes for what they are known for but is usually so untrue. I was prepared to show up to France and be yelled at, surrounded by cigarette smoke and eat bread that felt like cardboard...because that's what I always heard! 

Instead, the French were so welcoming and passionate about sharing their culture and even their fascination with America...and Brazil! Who would have known, soccer rivalry doesn't continue to on for so long. The food - AMAZING! The fashion - A DREAM! The streets themselves were like walking through a painting. From the bridges with locks of love to being surrounded by water, every single minute in Paris that would pass by I did not want to blink to miss a site. 

My last morning in France changed my overall misconstrued perception into a overwhelming passion for this beautiful country. It was early in the morning and I got dressed to walk to the nearby bakery. I was greeted by the baker who was just as surprised to hear my little French I learned in four days...which was enough to leave with my baquette that I carried so gracefully under my arm. I just wanted Frank Sinatra's version of "C'est La Vie" to play as I walked through Val d'Europe. That little moment walking through the town in perfect sunny weather, made me realize how traveling is seriously the best mood booster and life lesson. I never felt more like myself then when I paused for a moment to reflect on how I was able to pull those eight days off. 

Traveling is such a beautiful journey and something I hope to continue to pursue and share with everyone. Nothing is worth more than the memories and special moments that are created from these adventures. 

xoxo

My day in Rome began as soon as I got off the train from Milan. I was whisked away by a Roman named Luca and we met his sister Lorena at her 1960s Fiat. We drove straight to the Colosseum, where I was immediately overwhelmed, not only because of the thousands of tourists roaming these ancient streets, but also by the immediate historical architecture I was exposed to. 

Nothing is more beautiful than capturing special moments that came to life in person and now in photos.  Everything I studied in the past and watched in movies, was much larger and older than I imagined! From the original stone streets to the numerous statues around the city. There is so much to see in Rome!

Since I only had one day in Rome, I came up with three things I did not want to miss. 

1. Visit the Trivi Fountain, throw a coin and then fall in love. I threw a coin the puddle that was left behind due to construction and then I fell in love with the near by gelateria...and also a pair of red pumps I purchased from Italian triplets! (Check out in my fashion section).

2. Have lunch with the Pope at the Vatican. I ate Roman pizza, Suppli - the most amazing Italian street food, and I waited two hours in line to step inside the centerpiece of Catholicism. Unfortunately Pope Francis was only in site on numerous souvenirs, but I was able to step into a service lead by Bishops who were adorned with tassels like the big man on campus. It was remarkable!

3. Architecture, architecture, architecture! The best way to see Rome, is to walk around the city with no itinerary or guide. Roam the streets like a local and you will walk into some of the most beautiful scenery you would not want to miss. I never expected I would be able to see so much, like the Spanish steps, original Valentino studio and of course many cathedrals. 

My day really felt longer and I did not want it to end. Many things (like this trip) happened unplanned. My hosts and I ran into a gay pride parade, we couldn't find dining in the city so we drove outside to the fields and ate at a "Godfather"-esque restaurant which was hosting a wedding.  The evening ended with fireworks from afar that were just magical.

The hospitality, conversation and overall culture of the Italians are all what I truly fell in love with. I hope my coin will bring be back! Ci vediamo!

xoxo

Ah Milan! I fell in LOVE with Milan! La bella vita as the Italians like to call, "the beautiful life" is definitely evident in the country's rich culture and unique architecture. Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world, but it's surprising to hear this Italian delicacy is somewhat underrated for the "world traveler" and as some would say you could experience all of Milan in one day. Not true!

Sure, there is plenty of shopping and popular tourist sites you do not want to miss - the Milano Duomo being one. But I definitely recommend getting lost in Milano Centrale for a day, so you can roam the streets and experience the living of this beautiful metropolis. 

I was a little frustrated when every time I asked for directions, I would be told - "Dritto! Dritto!". Which means...straight ahead! The funny thing is that Milan is a big circle of streets, so you will eventually end up at the location you started with if you do not take the risk to find your way through. So I stopped for a quick bite of gnocchi and restarted my adventure through Milan. 

I walked through the streets and couldn't help but to think of a bella vita in Milan! You are surrounded by art, culture and diversity. 

What I fell in love with most in Milan and most of Europe,  is the mix of classic and modern architecture. Thanks to the hugely impactful Milan Expo, many new buildings were constructed in just a few months. Long before, original structures have been turned into living spaces and shops. It's remarkable to view in person and it is definitely inspiring!

Milan is simply...beautiful. 
xoxo

After going through such a roller coaster of lifetime movie-esque moments in the past couple of years, I have officially become aware that life is as unpredictable as the next trend in fashion. 

With already two months into the new year, I have made some positive changes and am leaning towards a new direction in life. I will not worry and cannot expect to have everything fall into place at once. So if all else fails...I will move to Italy. Yes, that escalated quickly - but I think it's a great plan. 

I love the Italian culture and I find it RIDICULOUS that I have not been overseas to visit this country of the best fashion, food and everything else. But for years ever since my mother use to make my favorite Italian dish "Gnocchi" and I would grow up watching The Godfather...only part one, I was always immersed in the culture. 

So if my new plans in life do not go into effect accordingly, my official back-up plan is to move to Italy. I am not making a deadline or making any promises...I am just thinking that instead of being stressed out of what could go wrong, I am thinking about what could be the better options. Moving to Italy is one of them. 

Here are my five reasons why I would move to this popular European destination and home of "La Dolce Vita":

xoxo