Categories
Colombia Living Abroad Solo Travel South America

A New Year, A New Life

South America, I’ve arrived via Colombia!

After what felt like a decade of packing and planning, I finally finished most of my pre-trip list and got to bed at 130am Tuesday morning. I was right back up an hour and twenty minutes later to get ready for my flight. Turns out it’s impossible to sleep when you’ve got a massive trip coming up.

Donning several sweaters, a scarf, and a bulky pair of hiking boots, we drove to Detroit in the pitch black, 18-degree weather at 4am. It felt just like every other Monday morning after a holiday when I would fly back to New York before resuming a grueling workweek. Thankfully that wasn’t the case this time. Instead I was heading to 90 degrees, sunshine, and carefree days spend exploring instead of sitting behind a computer.

After showing proof that I did in fact plan on leaving Colombia despite my one-way ticket, I got my boarding pass and made my way to the gate. One three-hour flight, two-hour (delayed) layover, and a two-and-a-half hour flight later, we landed in Cartagena.

Cartagena Sunset

I dropped my stuff off in my hotel and made it to Cafe del Mar just in time for an incredible sunset. As I stood there watching that red ball fall into the ocean, I couldn’t help but think “this is it. The trip you’ve been planning for so long, it’s here. And you don’t have to go back next week, or ten days from now. You go back whenever the hell you’re ready to go back or when you run out of money. And it’s up to you what “go back” even means. But right now, you have the next few months planned to just do what you love most: travel, explore, and meet new people.”

This is the first time in my life where my focus is to simply enjoy life. I know I haven’t even been here 24 hours yet, but I feel happy and free. I’m incredibly grateful that I learned early on to play by my own rules by going after what I want and building a life that’s worth living. That direction may keep changing as I learn and grow, but one thing’s for sure is that I’ll always be happy with my decisions.

Wherever you may be celebrating in the world, if you’re still looking for a New Year’s resolution why not make it to simply enjoy life in 2015? Rather than setting up a resolution with high expectations and a possibility for disappointment, take the time to focus on the things that really matter to you. Whether that’s family, friends, travel, or spending more time pursuing a hobby, ensuring that you’re able to recognize the important things in life and enjoy every single day that you’re fortunate enough to wake up in good health is one resolution that can’t go wrong.

So as we ring in a new year, the year in which I will enter my 30’s, my New Year’s resolution is to simply see more sunrises. I’m not a morning person at all, but as it’s probably the most peaceful time of day, I want to see the sun come up in some of these amazing places that I’ll be visiting over the next few months. It’s not 2015 yet (in this part of the world), but I woke up to my first sunrise today without even trying.

Happy New Years everybody! Do you have any other great resolutions? Comment below!

Cartagena Sunrise

Categories
Living Abroad Solo Travel South America Travel

I Just Bought My First One-Way Ticket

I’ve been in Ohio for eight days. Most of the time I’ve been sitting on the couch in my pajamas watching TV and playing with the dogs, but today I finally made a move towards my “what’s next.”

After months and months of figuring out destinations, routes, and budgets, today I purchased a one-way ticket to Cartagena, Colombia. I’ll be welcoming 2015 by devouring empanadas and salsa dancing my way through the walled city. Then a few days later I’ll hop on a bus and head off to another part of Colombia for a few nights before packing up and moving on to another spot. For at least a few months.

As of December 30th I’ll be backpacking my way around South America indefinitely (basically until I run out of money, get sick of roughing it, or complete my grand tour, whichever comes first). I’m going to leave most of the trip unplanned and completely open to spontaneity, but I’ll be following a rough path:

through Colombia, eventually making my way down to Brazil in time for Carnaval, then down through Argentina where I’m hoping to spend a few weeks in/around Buenos Aires before reaching Patagonia, then up through Chile and Bolivia before making it to Machu Picchu, and finally finishing up in Ecuador.

Aside from living in a cozy flat in London for three months, the longest trip I’ve ever taken has only been about two weeks, so this is a completely new experience for me. But since I wasn’t quite ready to make the commitment of moving to the West Coast just yet (mostly the whole getting a car thing), I figured it’s time to go live the life that my inner wannabe Latina has always wanted to live. Plus I’ve felt so liberated since selling nearly everything I own a few weeks ago, I kind of can’t wait to live with nothing more than what I can carry on my back for a while.

During this trip I’m going to focus more on my travel writing, perhaps even writing a book—but more on that in the next month or so. In the meantime, any suggestions on where to stay, what to eat, who to meet, or what to see while I’m down there, leave in the comments!

Categories
Europe Living Abroad

FUTURE CINEMA PRESENTS: AN ACTION-PACKED MOVIE NIGHT

London isn’t exactly the most adventurous place to visit or live. Sure you could always shit-talk some drunken die-hard Chelsea fans and try to dodge punches, or test your luck at jumping in the Thames to see what happens to your limbs. But what about when you want to do something without the fear of being severely disfigured?

How about a night at the movies? Sounds boring doesn’t it? And while we’re at it, why not a black and white film from 1942? Are you sleeping yet? Yeah, my thoughts exactly, BORING. That is, until I found out it was a Future Cinema production. If there’s any way to turn an ordinary movie experience into a fun, action-packed evening, Future Cinema is it.

Simply put, Future Cinema is live cinema. They don’t just play the film. They create a theatrical world around the film that fully immerses you into an environment that makes you feel like you’re in the movie. So we bought tickets and went to see Casablanca. Though I’d never seen the film beforehand, that didn’t ruin my experience (but I bet it would’ve been 10x cooler if I knew what was going on).

Our experience started before we even got to the venue, and I honestly felt like I left that place in the middle of World War II. Our confirmation emails gave us a passport along with a name, nationality, and directions on how to dress to get into the show.

 

Casablanca Paperwork
My passport, exit papers, Francs, and literature on France

I was Dana Yevseyeva from Slovenia. And my email told me to wear the sign of the snake, learn the Marseillaise song if I believe in a Free France, and bring jewels to barter with on the black market to secure an exit visa to America. I had no idea what to expect.

The Troxy was decked out as Rick’s Café Américain as we entered in through the Caroline Street entrance, a dark side street that was crowded with an audience dressed head-to-toe in 1940’s era clothing. The actors were spot on. About a block away we were accosted by what we believe were prostitutes. The policemen were so intimidating I’m actually not convinced that they weren’t actual policemen. While we were in line, these stone-faced guards picked men from the line to push against the wall, screaming “I said put your hands on the wall, what are you stupid?” When they grabbed our papers the interrogation and sweating began (I don’t do well during confrontation). We were scolded for mispronouncing our names, and teased because we didn’t look Slovenian. I felt like I was in an unwelcoming foreign country doing something illegal and I needed to hide my American-ness for fear of being exiled or murdered.

Policemen at Casablanca
The policemen were so intimidating that we were scared to take photos. This is what happened.

 

We walked inside and made our way through halls and stairways of potted plants before reaching the grand room that smelled of Moroccan food thanks to Moro. London-based French musician Benoit Viellefon and his Orchestra welcomed guest singers on stage while the dancers moved to the rhythm in their sequined bodysuits.

 

Inside the Troxy
Part of the stage setup
Rick's Cafe Americain
The lovely overpriced cocktail menu that I fell victim to
Inside London Troxy
Who needs cushiony, reclining theater seats?

 

As we made our way towards our seats it became difficult to figure out who was in character and who was another theater-goer looking to start up a conversation. I was taking notes on my cell phone when a woman came up to me in a frenzy, warning me that “the Nazis can intercept everything, so you should be very careful when using communication devices.” After she thoroughly confused me with her political French talk, an attractive French man came up and started flirting with me, which kind of sucked because only in a world of make believe did an attractive French man ever hit on me. It’s hard to respond when you know the person hitting on you is only doing so because it’s his job (is this how men feel at strip clubs? I’m gonna go with probably not). What’s even more weird is that he started acting like he knew my character, saying things like “are you good at gambling? You used to be,” before giving me 20 (fake) Francs to gamble with.

 

Hard to see, but Marcus coyly took this photo while I  try to figure out if this chick is an actress or spectator.
Hard to see, but Marcus coyly took this photo while I try to figure out if this chick is an actress or spectator.
Gambling with fake money
The roulette table in the back, where security only allowed certain people to play.
Ilsa Lund
The actress dressed as Ilsa from Casablanca, dining amongst the rest of us.
Me in a fez
One of the girls with us stole this fez from a security guard. And yes, I know I’m not very 1940’s-ish. Especially with my iPhone falling out of my belt.

 

In the couple of hours leading up to showtime we were seated about eight to a round table, enjoying our drinks while checking out all of the dapper men in suits, when all of a sudden a shout or loud noise would grab our attention and a short scene would unfold. One time it was even [SPOILER ALERT]… gunshots.

 

 

I wasn’t going to buy into the overpriced food, but those gunshots jumpstarted my appetite (okay maybe it was the two overpriced Moscow Mules), so I needed some food in me. This salad surprisingly did the trick thanks to that huge hunk of creamy brie and the warm flakey bread.

 

Brie salad

 

At this point in the evening, though I’d never seen the film I had a pretty good idea of what it was about. Then the smaller than expected screen (to be fair I think I was expecting IMAX) dropped down, the film began, and the experience did a total 180. The sound system was not that great so it was hard to hear the dialogue over the crunching popcorn and cocktails being shaken, (not stirred). People were now drunk and giggling and talking. Or maybe that was just the brown-bagging alcoholics I was sitting next to.

Overall, Future Cinema did an excellent job of making me feel like it was 1941. I walked out of that place still convinced there was a war going on. Plus I actually sat down to watch a film I probably wouldn’t normally watch, so I finally understood the 4,981 “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine” references that have gone completely over my head for the past 27 years.

SHOULD YOU DO IT?

Yes, absolutely. It’s £25, or roughly $38, but if you’re looking for a different London experience Future Cinema is definitely it. Just plan on making an evening of it. Drinks and food cost extra so bring some money, and plan on staying after the film for some more dancing. Dress up, act the part, and transport yourself into the movie. The only regret I have is that I didn’t get more into character, but I didn’t exactly include 1940’s style clothing in my luggage when I packed.

Casablanca ended on March 23rd, but next up is Saturday Night Fever from June 15th – July 9th. If you want to bump up the excitement a little more, check out Secret Cinema. It’s basically the same thing except you don’t know what movie you’re going to. I didn’t get a chance to see it but I hear it’s incredible, just check out this awesome video for the Secret Cinema production of The Shawshank Redemption.

 

Categories
Europe Living Abroad Unesco World Heritage Sites

That Time I Was Mildly Underwhelmed by Stonehenge

When my mom and aunt flew over to London we took a day trip out to Newbury to see where my aunt had lived when she met and married my uncle. Of course, once I looked at a map and realized that Newbury was only about a 45 minute drive from Stonehenge, I immediately volunteered my aunt as our personal chauffeur/tour guide.

We spent the morning touring the English countryside from the warmth of a car, and had the most incredibly delicious Sunday roast at The Star Inn.

Sunday Roast
Perfectly moist meat, veggies and potatoes. And yummy Yorkshire pudding, that completely redefined the word “pudding.”

 

The Star Inn
The Star Inn in Kingsclere

 

There wasn’t much to see during the drive. The skies were grey and the windshield wipers moved across the glass the entire time. But there in the middle of the rolling fields of meandering sheep and more than 200 mysterious burial mounds, the stones arose from Salisbury Plain. They looked smaller than I’d expected, arranged in a circle that seemed tiny compared to the massive space of openness surrounding them. But the sheer fact that their construction began in 3100 BC, 300 years before the Egyptian pyramids were built was astounding.

Stones on one side, sheep on the other

 

We parked the car and hesitantly made our way to pay £8 at the entrance. It was cold, windy, and we were going in at the same time as about 200 French students. Not exactly the best circumstances for a leisurely sightseeing stroll.

Stonehenge

Screen shot 2013-03-26 at 11.27.42 PM

Since the actual stones were roped off in the 1970’s to prevent damage and erosion, tons of people (including myself) have complained about the inability to go into the circle of rocks and see it up close. If you just show up like we did, the closest you’re able to get is right at the entrance where you’re still at least 30 feet away, if not more. Then you can walk in a circle well beyond the ditch that surrounds it, while the exaggerated loop around the far side takes you even further from the stones. If you plan on taking pictures, you’d better pack a decent zoom lens.

Stonehenge
This shot gives you a pretty realistic idea of how far back the rope keeps you from the stones.
Stonehenge
This was the closest we were able to get, right at the entrance.

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Between the frigid, nonstop wind and the fact that we were constantly moving so that we didn’t find ourselves hopelessly absorbed into the mass of students, it was nearly impossible to truly appreciate everything around us. Of course visiting Stonehenge left me bewildered with the usual questions like “how did they transport such large stones from as far as 240 miles away?” “How were they lifted upright using such primitive tools?” “Why was it built?” “If I jump over the rope and run towards the stones at full speed, how many good pictures can I realistically snap before security escorts me out?” “Can I lick the stones? Just one?”

But I also found myself curious about the restoration efforts, and how they’ve altered the way the giant stones were first discovered and originally intended. They’ve been lifted, straightened, and put into cement since then, which always leaves me curious on where they draw the line between preserving and reconstructing.

Stonehenge
An illustration of what they believe Stonehenge looked like back in the day.

Just over a mile from the stones, English Heritage is working on building a £27 million centre that will not only teach visitors more about Stonehenge, but allow them to digitally go inside the site as well. They say it’s meant to “give people a sense of what it is like to stand in the middle of Stonehenge because most people just won’t be able to do that.” Seems weird to me. Travel all that way to Stonehenge just to explore it in a virtual reality type experience? I think you’re better off planning in advance to go into the circle.

Screen shot 2013-03-26 at 11.27.21 PM

Screen shot 2013-03-26 at 11.26.55 PM

Screen shot 2013-03-26 at 11.28.01 PM

SHOULD YOU VISIT?

Obviously if you’re a thrill-seeker Stonehenge isn’t the most enthralling experience unless you plan to jump on a random sheep and ride it through the stones like an obstacle course.

Sure it’s a bit underwhelming, but it’s still Stonehenge. And for that reason alone it’s worth it. I’d imagine with a little planning you could spend an awesome sunrise or sunset inside the stones and it’d be an unforgettable experience. Add a few pit stops along the way to check out some nearby towns or even Avebury and it’d really make for an awesome day. But if you can help it, don’t go during the “coldest winter in 50 years” like we did.

Mamabear and I bundled up at Stonehenge
Mamabear and I bundled up

 

Categories
Europe Living Abroad

I’m Back From Europe: A Brief Recap

It’s been a week since I’ve landed back on US soil. And it’s taken me this long to sit down and start writing about it. Mostly because I don’t know where to start. It’s daunting to summarize what I saw, what I did, and what I’ve learned during those 97 days abroad. So let me begin by breaking it down by numbers (disclaimer: numbers are totally not my strong point).

97 days
14 airports
14,027 miles flown
42 hours on airplanes
26 hours on trains
10 trains
2 buses
1 ferry
2 Airbnb’s (3 if you count the one that I stayed at twice)
2 friend’s houses
8 hotels
8,500+ photos

Places visited:
Reykjavik, Iceland
London, England
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bristol, England
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland again
Belfast, Ireland
Northern Ireland Coast (Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Giant’s Causeway)
Newbury, England
Paris, France
Barcelona, Spain
Interlaken, Switzerland
Jungfrau, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Venice, Italy
Rome, Italy
Pompeii, Italy
Amalfi Coast, Italy : Positano, Amalfi
Athens, Greece
Crete, Greece

And yet, here I sit in my New York apartment once again, feeling almost as though I never left. But I know I’ve come back wiser, re-energized, and obviously a wee bit older with a slightly more damaged liver and a new view on living abroad. And on the United States.

To sum it up, that was the quickest 97 days of my life. I didn’t sleep much but I saw more than I ever imagined I could pull off in three months while still working a full-time job and not going into debt. I saw natural phenomenons, snow-covered mountains, and ancient cities that are nearly twelve times older than the United States. I tasted some of the most amazing food I never knew existed, met some incredibly hospitable people while spending time with friends both old and new, and drank enough Guinness to safely assume my body could snap into relapse any day now. I walked across a rope bridge in gale force winds, showed my mom her first international experience, and participated in the chaos that is St Patrick’s Day in Dublin. Of the 14 total weekends I was gone, I spent just four in London and ten traveling around Europe. I quickly adapted to waking up at 3am nearly every Monday morning to catch a flight back to London and straight in to work a full shift. It was a whirlwind of three months, but the best experience of my life.

I’ve learned a lot on this trip. I’ve learned that exploring without a cell phone is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. Turning off the GPS and disconnecting from Twitter and Facebook let me get lost in the city and the moment and enjoy wherever I was with no interruptions.

I’ve also learned that Europe is ridiculously expensive and living there while still getting paid in US dollars is NOT recommended. I spent a shit ton of money, but every penny was absolutely worth it.

I’ve also rekindled my love for New York City, and I’ve got a newfound respect for the United States.

So stay tuned for tons of stories, tips, babblings, and pictures. But in the mean time, here are just a few highlights.

Sunset in Crete
Yes, I took pictures and GoPro’ed the sunset in Crete. Two nights in a row.

 

This would be so much cooler with about 50 less tourists in the photo.
This would be so much cooler with about 50 less tourists in the photo.

 

Feta and honey saganaki and pan-fried cheese in Athens. OH. MY. GOD. AMAZING.
Feta and honey saganaki and pan-fried cheese in Athens. OH. MY. GOD. AMAZING.

 

Showing off my awesome sunburn in the hot tub. Oh, and that's just the Parthenon in the background, no big deal.
Showing off my awesome sunburn in the hot tub. Oh, and that’s just the Parthenon in the background, no big deal.

 

The mind-blowing beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland.
The mind-blowing beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland.

 

These were the people who inspired my own jumping spree all over Europe.
These were the people who inspired my own jumping spree all over Europe.

 

I drank so. Much. Guinness. And learned how to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Academy.
I drank so. Much. Guinness. And learned how to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Academy.

 

The beautifully lit Colosseum.
The beautifully lit Colosseum.

 

Westminster Abbey on a cold, rainy evening. So like, every evening in London.
Westminster Abbey on a cold, rainy evening. So like, every evening in London.

 

What good is a vacation without a few days in a Greek paradise?
What good is a vacation without a few days in a Greek paradise?

 

 

Categories
Europe Food + Drinks Living Abroad

Lazy Sunday at the Camden Market

This past weekend finally brought blue skies and well above freezing temperatures to London, so I spent Sunday roaming around Camden Market with my friend Julie whom I met a few years ago in New York. She’s originally from France but currently living in Geneva, and luckily for me visiting London with her equally awesome friend for a few days.

Pub shot
My selfies are out of focus about 70% of the time

 

Camden Market has been on my list of places to see since I’ve arrived, though I wasn’t exactly sure why since I’m not usually one to gravitate towards overcrowded shopping areas. But alas I went, and I was pleasantly surprised that it was far more entertaining than I’d expected.

The thing about Camden Market is that it’s so incredibly massive—it’s made up of six main sections, and then some—everyone’s bound to have a different experience. So let me give you a small sampling of what I encountered while strolling through for a few hours.

Music shop

 

When we first started walking through the scattering of souvenir shops, shoe stores, and KFC’s, I wasn’t impressed. The overcrowded streets reminded me of East Harlem during a summer street fair, minus the sweaty heat. Then we went into the green Camden Market tent which was completely packed with countless, nearly identical clothing shops. Each booth owner tried to get our money—the women by pushing the latest fashions and “just for you” discount prices in our faces, and the guys by flirtatiously combatting our “we’re just looking” lines with “…looking for a boyfriend?”

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Gothic clothes and KFC
Gothic clothes and fried chicken

 

I was hooked as soon as we made our way towards the food in Camden Lock. The surprisingly harmonious scents of Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Mexican spices lured me in, and had I not been concerned about certain digestive repercussions I would’ve sampled something from each stand. But alas I found myself drooling over the sizzling fajitas that the two semi-Mexican looking men were serving up. I ordered carne asada tacos, which were… well, interesting. The corn tacos were stuffed with a mixture of what looked like canned chili, peas, corn, tomatoes, cheese, avocado salsa, and sour cream, on top of a bed of iceberg lettuce and deglo orange rice. Pretending for a moment that it wasn’t Mexican food, I suppose it wasn’t all that bad. In fact I’ll even bet that it would’ve been incredible after about ten beers. But I’ll never go back.

"Mexican food" at Camden Market
“Mexican food” at Camden Market

 

In my search for bottled water I was drawn to some no-name stand where I heard Tool’s Ænima album blasting. The dread-locked, tattooed, gauged ear guy running the stand (hello 18-year old Kim’s dream guy) was putting so much passion into making his coffee to the beat of Eulogy that I felt compelled to order a caffe mocha. And thankfully so. It was warm, thick, foamy, and overall a delicious companion for the chilly afternoon, even though it was gone in about six sips.

Caffe Mocha Art

 

We finally made our way into the Stables Market and down to the pinnacle of my Sunday market adventure, Cyberdog. This place was like a rave, complete with pumping music, dancing girls in short shorts, wildly outrageous but equally incredible futuristic outfits, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were even some drugs scattered about. They carried all sorts of wacky unique gag gifts and party clothes, from guitar baking spatulas, to galactic dresses you’ve probably only seen on the Jetsons, to OhMiBod iPod-powered vibrators that sync up with your music to get you off to a beat. (Or to help you beat off? Get it??!) Yep.

Best store ever, forreal
Awesome. F’ing. Store.

Best store ever

Saturn
Awesome Saturn light!
Galactic Dresses
If they weren’t so expensive, I’d seriously consider rocking these galactic dresses.

 

After Cyberdog the rest of the shops just didn’t seem to compare, so what else could we do except stop for a cupcake? It was almost closing time and most of the flavors had been picked over at Mimi’s Cupcakes, but I managed to grab a winter fruit mini cupcake for just £1. The cake was much thicker than what I’m used to in the states, probably about the same consistency of cornbread, but it made this bite-sized treat perfectly fulfilling. The tart, fruity icing was like a thick buttercream, but it played a refreshing trick on my mind to make me think I was eating something lighter and more healthy.

Winter fruit cupcake at Mimi's Cupcakes
Winter fruit cupcake at Mimi’s Cupcakes

 

I think my favorite thing about Camden Market was the grunginess of it all. I feel more at home when I’m around people in hoodies with tattoos and piercings as opposed to those in collared shirts, sweaters, and perfectly pressed slacks like the other areas I’ve been to. And it wasn’t too in-your-face with people forcing us to buy stuff (except for the food market, but they were forcing us to taste their free samples so who can really complain?). Plus there truly seemed to be at least one shop for everyone there—even those of us who hate shopping. Definitely a good market worth getting lost in for a few hours, but you have to take the time to go deep inside to find where the shops really start to get good.

 

Categories
Europe Living Abroad

My First Living Abroad Experience

So my next big trip is coming up super soon—just TWO WEEKS from today to be exact!

I work at an ad agency that offers this program called a life swap. Basically, it’s exactly what it sounds like. You swap lives with someone who works your same position in another one of our offices around the world. You keep paying your own bills, live in each other’s apartments, work each other’s jobs, and essentially just live each other’s lives for up to three months.

After a bit of begging planning, my Art Director partner Marcus and I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity arise to swap with a creative team in London starting February 4th!

This is my first extended stay in another country and I’m a little bit worried that I won’t want to come back. Right now it kind of feels like my semester abroad that I never had the opportunity to do in school. I’m already planning many, many, (perhaps too many) weekend trips to catch up with friends all over Europe, and I’ve even got my mom (who swore she’d never leave the country) coming to visit for about ten days in March, where we’ll also be spending a long weekend in Paris!

But perhaps the best part (do I sound like a late night TV ad yet?) is the two weeks of actual vacation I’m taking on the tail end of this trip. I’ve been saving up for a while now so I should be able to have a proper end to this incredible opportunity. I’m not positive where I’ll go, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be a good mix of adventure, tourism, and relaxing on some beaches if the weather cooperates. Regardless of where I end up, I’m hoping to spend my final night meeting the girls we’ve swapped with face to face in London to exchange stories.

So we’re kicking off this journey on January 29th by spending four nights in Reykjavik, Iceland, where with any luck we’ll see the Northern Lights! Fingers crossed!

I’d say I’m starting off 2013 the right way, and if everything goes according to plan it’s going to be an amazing, unforgettable three months that I can’t wait to share with everyone!

PS. I told you I’d be back, London.