Switzerland Update

It's loooooooong overdue. Ridiculous of me to totally forget about it all. I'm appalled. Well, then again, I was busy traveling, re-adjusting, organizing, and realizing that I am indeed not in Europe anymore. So, here I am photo updating you on my lovely trip east so to speak. At this point right now, I don't know if I see my folks again next year. It all depends on my school (yes, almost done!), and opportunities in life. Life does happen wherever you are, so I take it day by day. So here's a little recap - in no particular order ;)

I spent most of my time eating foods I missed. However, I also had the hardest time readjusting my guts and telling my mind that whatever I miss eating I simply can't eat anymore. I substituted most of the time, and learned to love new foods, new ways to build food memories that remind me of home.

I wish I lived in this house. Not sure why they had a stage up front but really, all I care about is to live in that house. :) 

Anyone want some sweets?! Most of them are gluten free in case you were wondering.

Not much more happened when I went over there...I ate, I drank, I slept in, I survived another European heat wave, I also survived summer rain, and I survived not having GF food or menus available. It was a good trip. It was a long trip but it was worth seeing my mom again...and a few close friends and family. However, I'm glad to be back in California. It's home after all.

Happy September 1st everyone!!!! Cannot believe that a month ago I was still in Europe! WOW.

xoxo

Bye Europe, See You Later

My bags are packed, everything is ready. I should be ready too.

My time in Europe is over for now.
I will miss it. I will long for it.
But, home is where the heart is, right?
My heart wants to adjust again and longs for another place.

Enough said.

I will miss my mom, my friends, their families and children, and everything I will miss when I am not there with them. It is what I chose to do. It is what needs to be done. 

It's funny, whenever I doubt myself there's this scene in The Notebook (don't judge) and the obvious question towards the end of the film to choose for oneself what one really wants in life. Whenever I doubt myself, have second thoughts and what not I think of this scene and ask myself if what I am doing is what is making me happy, and if it is something I want to do or if it is something I am forced to do. I always know the answer before I even ask the question.

I'll miss you, Europe.
Be kind to my people.

And also, be kind to me.

See ya next year Europe!!!

xoxo

Going to Europe

Hey everyone.
Remember me? I cannot believe that I have been absent or not fully around for a long time. I miss reading your stories and catching up on what is going on. My finals are all over, and I am waiting on one class to tell me whether or not I actually passed...it would be nice if that happens today. Please!!!

In other news, I am leaving for Europe this weekend. It's a little weird knowing that I will be away again for the summer. I did not plan this. However, my mom needs me and so I am going. I will miss my friends and family here dearly. California is my home now and it is difficult for me to acknowledge this fact as I am packing for the summer. Also, Europe is not really experiencing summer at the moment, so I'm not sure what to think of that. Knowing this makes leaving harder, but not as hard as a few other things. Not sure how I'm going to survive two months but they will make me stronger...now I just sound like a song. ;)

In other second news, I'm officially gluten intolerant. The only thing (and I'm so happy about it) that does not bother me as much is soy sauce. I am beyond happy. I can still eat my Sushi. :)  And I will tonight!

But yes, that's about it for right now.
I've been beyond busy lately and I simply could not open my computer and blog, too. Life happened. And quite frankly, it was nice to have a break from everything. Very nice! 

I will be in this town here for the next few weeks...it will be a good way to relax and reconnect with friends.

Apparently I have to bring the sun with me. It's been raining non-stop there...they even had snow two weeks ago. So not ready for cold weather.

xoxo

See ya...

Yes, Splendid, you are so right.
I love L.A. too.
And that is why I am ready to go back.
It's not going to be easy to say my see-you's but it's going to be okay. It always is.

I'm looking forward to seeing friends again.
I'm looking forward to not wearing my winter jacket, two pairs of socks, and gloves. No more!

I'm looking forward to wearing my Christmas gifts (sunglasses, and some awesome tops by, oh my, yes Splendid!)...and I'm just looking forward to engaging more in life.

For some of my favorite bloggers, 2013 is going to be their year. 

They will welcome new life into this world, and others will arrange to change certain things in their career or life in general. And one of my favorites stated she is going for the word MORE. I think I agree. More laughter, more trips, more coffee dates, more fun, more music, more silliness, more adventures, and more of whatever comes along is just one fantastic way to look forward to anything this year. 2013 will also be my year no matter what will come my way! {thanks Lacey}

Have an amazing weekend.
I know I am going to have a blast. And even if not, I will make it fun!!!

xoxo 

P.s. Europe, I'm missing you already!!!!

Friday's Fancies: European Style

Happy Friday Lovelies!!!
Any fun plans for this weekend?

Since I already started to be a little more into fashion this week I am linking up with Long Distance Loving again for Friday's Fancies. This week's theme is called "Euro Trip", and should or could possibly be an outfit we'd be wearing walking through our favorite European city.

As I just happen to be in Europe this is going to be a lot of fun. I could add up to 456 outfits, but won't. I'll probably stick to one, or maybe two because Europe is too gorgeous and so fascinating when it comes to fashion...it is such a perfect spot to get fashion-inspired. Have fun with my outfit(s).

Imagine a hot summer's day...somewhere in lovely Barcelona, or even in Palermo. Or hey, why not even in Paris or Istanbul or Berlin. It is hot and all you want is walk and let whatever air happens to come your way come your way so your dress slowly but welcoming-ly is flowing from left to right and back to left. You need a fun and bubbly drink, a view to look at, and just a very comfy, girlie but fun outfit. I think the following sums it up, no?

European Summer 2012 by crazylittleworldofmine

Have a brilliant day and an awesome weekend.
And don't forget to head on over and link up if you're playing along.


xoxo

Monday - Again

Hello good morning!!!
Today, I'm linking up with Leeann, Sami and Dana to tell you all about my lil weekend...enjoy, and don't forget to hop on over and see what others did over the weekend.

I am so not going in order to tell you what I did (or didn't do!!) but here are a few things I thought were somewhat worth mentioning...the usual, scatter-brained and random Monday post:

I finally, and fully started watching Downtown Abbey. Where have I been? I am loving it.

Nothing else was on one evening and I really felt like staying home and relaxing and it just so happened that this show was on (first episode of the first season, so I had to watch it). It made me smile and love old Europe even more.

Also, my weekend was filled with lots of food and drinks. And a lot of walking on Friday. Needless to say, I love to walk but my legs hurt really bad...hmmm, I might be out of shape these days.

I got to walk around my city and enjoy the little things, like random tourists asking me to take pictures of them, or a quick tv/newspaper interview in front of one of the most famous sights in the city. It was fun. The interview was awkward because I just don't like being in the spotlight like that, but hey it was for a class, and I felt like those boys deserved my little help.

Since I was walking a lot I got to be a tourist in my own city. I may not live here anymore but it is still my city and my country. ;)

If you've been to Luzern, Switzerland you know this...the lion monument.

 

 I so wanted the guy in this picture to move but he kept on sitting there.

I love spending time in this little cafe. 

The staff in this cafe is halfway good. Yes, I am mentioning this on the blog.
Reviews are not my thing on here but I have to say that as much as I love this place...when the boss is not around the staff is horrible. Not all of them. I have my favorites. But come on, have some decency and respect and don't make your customers wait, beg for someone to take the order or make us question whether or not you want our money...really.

  I'll keep coming back because I like my milk coffee there.

On weekends I don't have to rush, so I like to take my sweet time and get ready. Putting on my favorite body lotion in slow motion and taking in the whole cocoa scent was one of my highlights.

I also have to mention the following on here because what would a random Monday post be without two random topics (and the admiration of certain words/actions/conditions), like a wedding and a divorce in one sentence? Exactly. 

May I just add...yay, finally to both topics?
Thank you.

Not that I approve of the wedding but the conditions are fabulous!!

Though the highlight in general was to end up with a picture like the following:

Excuse the poor iPhone quality, I think someone was shaking the camera/phone ;-)

You may recognize one or two in this picture...well, me, trying to stretch my arms and making me taller (one day it is going to happen!), and then there's Christianna from The Girl with the Blue Bow. If you are reading her blog you know she's traveling through Europe for the next seven weeks and Switzerland is her first lil stop. While she has fabulous guest bloggers helping her out I am sure she will be filling us all in on what she did while having fun in beautiful Europe!!! Cannot wait, but until then it is all on FB. Just saying.

That was my weekend.
Filled with new people (Friday), stupid allergies (oh yes!!!), some rain, more sun, shows, news, and good coffee.

Hope your weekend was as much fun...if not more!!!!

xoxo

Culture Shock Alert

Funny, I was walking through the mall (I know I can't stop myself) and out of nowhere realized that there are going to be things while I'm away in Europe that I need to get used to again. You'd think it's the same, but for all of you that have lived abroad, that grew up somewhere else other than the US or are living abroad right now, you know what I am talking about. No matter how close or similar one country is to another it is never the same.

Today, here's my list that I need to remember so I won't get shocked while getting used to another, very familiar culture again:

1) Prices are going to be insane
2) No tax will be added whatsoever, so if it's 5.50, it is 5.50!
3) No refills
4) Water is not free, unless it is clearly stated that it is
5) Tips will be included
6) Public transportation will be very much on time
7) Cars will stop at the crosswalk to let pedestrians pass
8) No right turns on red!
9) No 12-lane plus freeways
10) Smaller cars are going to be all over, including more narrow streets
11) Teenagers will be walking around drunk
12) Dogs will be all over, too
13) Self-seating in restaurants
14) Unable to use my Starbucks card and earn rewards (I know, scandalous!)
15) Less pool and beach time
16) Lots of political, environmental, and educational talk
17) Tourists trampling all around the city
18) Finally, no more brand names and designer drama...as awesome as they are, it's not everything!
19) ... I am sure there is more...I just can't think of it right now.

And once I enter wonderful Istanbul...lots of more changes will come my way...but hey, I won't bore you with that! I'll just stick to being myself...the easy-going and adaptable me. Love being a Gemini.

I am just so looking forward to seeing my friends and family again. At least part of it - since all of my relatives live all over the world. It is always a hassle to coordinate visits and trips to all kinds of places. It sounds all so glamorous and fun, but at some point you just wish your family lived in one spot and you could visit them all at once. 

Let me enjoy some of the amenities this wonderful country has to offer before I enter another one. 

Where's my refill?!

xoxo

One Week

Oh my readers....

...I can't believe time has gone by so quickly.
It's past mid-May already, finals are over, summer's basically around the corner and I'm heading to Europe in about a week. Yes, I'm excited. Thanks for asking.

At the same time I'm not looking forward to it just because it involves saying "see-you's" to dear friends and family and worst of all...PACKING. Seriously, it's not the first time I'm flying or traveling and I still have a hard time getting ready. What do I bring, where do I put it, is it really necessary, do I need it, or should I leave it and buy something new again...questions I hardly ever find the proper answers to. So I usually happen to bring too much with me and that's it. Oh well. All I know is that I'll be having a fabulous time and a blast seeing my family and friends again. YAY. 

I know I'll have a blast and will update as often as even possible.

Promised!!

However, I'll be also quite busy in the first two to three weeks...I'll be traveling back and fourth between two countries and may or may not have access to the internet. I am betting on the latter option, and quite frankly I could use some time off where I don't stare at a screen for a while. I've had enough of that. When the fall semester starts I can do that all again. :) 

And while I'll be doing mostly this for the first two weeks...

 ...I'll be having awesome guest bloggers entertaining all of you.
I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I enjoy reading their blogs and tweets! They'd love to hear from you, too. And I'm so thankful they are helping me out while I'm soaking up energy in a fantastic country with awesome history and culture! :)

So yes, stay tuned.

I'm so excited...it's in about a week and I still have so much to do until then. Can the day not have 36 hours? Or something like that? Really, I could use a few more hours a day.

Either way I'm happy I'm leaving for Europe and can't wait to update you all!

And no, that's not me...but imagine that's me laughing and sitting on grass in the middle of an amazingly cozy and beautiful park somewhere in Europe! Trust me, I'll be doing that; the sneezing included (darn you allergies!). 

Happy Friday everyone!!!

all images via pinterest

11-11-11 at 11.11

Today is a day where we honor all those who have fought for freedom and to protect the lives of everyone around. Today also marks the official day of Carnival season. It has this bitter taste to it though...for me that is. I am not in Europe celebrating this special day, nor will I be around in February when everything goes crazy during our awesome fifth season. And, our fun season will always mark a very confusing and dark time in my family's life as well. It'll be our season, and our thing, but it will always also remind us that we lost someone dear to us. 

And, today...I wonder how many babies are welcomes into our world. To me 11-11-11 is a magical number...very special, and very positive. It's my friends' lucky number and let's hope it's a lucky number for all of us. We all need luck in our lives, don't we? And even to you out there, maybe sitting on your bed or sofa, reading this very line and being all cynical...you also need a lucky day, and luck in life...even if you don't believe in this and don't think it matters. It always does. Sometimes, life will teach you this very lesson and luck will be on your side and you will remind yourself that yes, you had read this somewhere that luck needs to be in every person's life...and then you'll find yourself smiling, and thinking back at your cynical, dark days where nothing seemed right and everything was taken for granted. 

click on pictures for sources

Have a fantastic day my readers!
And don't forget to smile!

Heat, Bears, Ducks and a quick stop in another country!

Yes people...today was a long day...started at five and is still going on.
Among a ton of other things I saw baby ducks, and four bears, went window shopping, killed a few bugs, spent two full hours on US land, carried one heavy bag with me all day long, drank at least one full gallon if not more (I still need to calculate this), spoke three different languages, had some hot moments (it was 90+ today, and no AC anywhere but on the train), tried to ignore a lady next to me on train (I'm not rude, I just didn't want to talk at seven in the morning), escaped some possible and heavy rain shower, and now I am trying desperately to cook, distract myself and get some very important things settled.

Busy?!
Maybe.
Ok, no YES!!!

I know, this too shall pass!!

Friday Time is Gigantic Picture Time (Como, Italy)

Today I wanted to share some fashion love with all of you but I decided not to. Why not?! Well, because it would turn out to be more like a post about one of my favorite colors: turquoise (check out my guest post as well) and this would be kind of boooooring. Instead I wanted to share some pictures with you I think you will love. Or hate. Either way. ;) 

*Be warned...it's an overload of pictures*

Welcome to Italy.
A wonderful town called Como.
About 20 minutes away from Milano, and about 10 minutes away from the Swiss border.
I love living in this part of the world. I will miss it dearly!

I love this shot. Just love it!

Views... 

Random streets and places...

A few more buildings and impressions along the way...

And yes maybe some proof I actually was there...

...and my melting ice cream! I took this pic less than one minute after I had bought it. Crazy hot day!

And some more views...

And with that, I'm wishing you a wonderful weekend!!!

Enjoy whatever you're doing.

If you're working I'm sending you a big hug because really I know how frustrating it is to work on a weekend. Okay, let's say it: it totally blows and sucks beyond imagination!!! There we go.

A busy week is coming up for me, please keep me in your thoughts. Positive ones.

They are needed big time!!!

Thank you.

Happy Weekend everyone!