Napa

Last week we enjoyed beautiful days away from home in wonderful Napa. I am so glad our initial plans did not get cancelled after all. So, so glad. We had such a lovely time, saw the prettiest views and sunsets, drank wonderful wine and enjoyed fantastic lunches and dinners. We love Napa. Not only is this the place we got married last year it is also a place to calm down, relax, and just be happy. It is not too far from where we live so this is convenient. However, I have to say, Northern California doesn't only have Napa when it comes to wine, and I have to admit I feel Napa is quite overpriced sometimes but hey, which majorly known place isn't?! We love Napa.

Here we go...my photos of our fun trip.

We stayed at the Meritage and enjoyed every minute of it. I usually do not like big hotels but have to say I liked staying at this one. Yes, it's expensive, but how many times do you get to celebrate something big?! Exactly. Plus I wanted a view overlooking the pool as well as the vineyard and I received both. :) I win!
And despite people thinking it was noisy being so close to the pool, I have to say there was no noise whatsoever. Very impressive.

 

We had reservations for the Napa Valley Wine Train and enjoyed our very delicious lunch from start to finish. About a week before we went on our ride, there was this group of about nine women who got escorted off the train. It was all over the news. Whatever the reason, these ladies must have been super loud, disruptive and doing something wrong. It certainly had nothing to do with race as some claim. When we went we had all kinds of "races" on our train and no one was escorted off. Apparently, I read, they were asked three times to be quieter, it is a fine dining restaurant after all. Despite this negative cloud hovering over our ride it was well worth it. It's not the cheapest ride but if you want to experience something new, something different...and maybe are celebrating something special, I'd suggest trying out the Wine Train.

Also, with my gluten sensitivity I was given gluten free options...hello?! Awesomeness. I wasn't sure how they were handling my request but upon making the reservation I told them I had a gluten sensitivity so they made sure everything was perfect. They didn't even ask, they said "here's your gluten free appetizer selection". YUM. Coming from the hospitality service industry I call this perfect service!

 

 

Some more random photos of the Napa Valley!

 

We went to a few wineries, among them our favorite Raymond, we then stopped by Castello di Amorosa and Chateau Montelena among many many wineries. I loved Castello di Amorosa but only for its views and the history. However, the whole winery looked and felt like it was made for tourists. I knew this beforehand but hoped it was not as dramatic as it sounded. Let's just say it was loud when we tasted wine and we felt like sardines. Definitely not a place I would come back to taste wine...only to buy wine because after having tasted ten different kinds I know which ones are my favorites. :) Plus, Castello only sells their wines at their vineyard and nowhere else.

We ended up buying wine and we are good until maybe the next time we visit Napa...like in five years?! Hahaha! Yes, we bought a ton of wine. We enjoyed ourselves, don't judge!

A Napa trip will not be perfect without a trip to the Oxbow Public Market to stroll around and eat, and have dessert at Kara's Cupcakes. Love their cupcakes. Whether you want gluten free or regular cupcakes...they are the best. Sprinkles and Crumbs can say bye bye. Well, okay, maybe not exactly but Kara's is amazing!!!!

Needless to say our trip to Napa was a success. Cannot wait to go back one day.

xoxo

first image credit Traci Thomas

My Europe Trip {1}

In May I had to abruptly fly to Europe to spend incredible last hours with my mom and say my good-byes to her. I am still in awe at how everything turned out to be so negative, so unfair, so fast and so unexpected. However, it was the right thing to do, and today I know it was the right timing for me. If I had gone earlier to see her my hopes would have been up and I would have been more devastated. I still carry anger with me, and I am still upset at everything but I understand that this needed to happen whether or not I liked the outcome. 

So flying to Europe was not exactly a positive trip for me, BUT even on my saddest and darkest days I tried to find happiness and enjoy my months in Europe. Being back home was fantastic yet sad. I was able to see some friends and their beautiful children, see family, talk endless hours about life and love, eat my favorite dishes, see sights I hadn't seen in years, and I learned that no matter what happens in life, we gotta move forward and keep smiling. I wanted to do more but did not have the energy to do so. Exhaustion sucks. 

Finding happiness and beauty was one major thing that kept me going {and knowing I will be reunited with my favorite person again of course}. So with my old iPhone I captured what I could and today I am sharing it with you.

Switzerland - the Swiss weather blessed us most days...hot, blue skies, and some rain at times. Perfection.

Yes I saw that sheep. It was actually a cute one. I still kept my distance though. I took a lot of shots of the lake, panoramas of my hometown, and of simple, ordinary things most people take for granted and would not even ever consider taking a photo of. Imagine me taking photos of cobblestones, a bottle of soda, and street names. Weird, I know. I had a good time in Switzerland despite everything.

Today I am coming to terms with everything, and I know it is for the better that I am in California and not in Europe at the moment. Fingers crossed I get to recover smoothly and happily. Just blogging alone and knowing I am doing this somewhat on a regular basis again is a good sign I think. No?!

I have more photos to share with you but didn't want to share too much at once. :)

Hope your day is going great!!!

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

P.s. Don't worry, I didn't eat any of that pastry. I was trying to but friends kept me away. Good friends, really good friends.

California!!!

It is time. I am finally going home to California.
I have spent the last 2 1/2 months in agony. I have questioned my future, my life, life in general, and just wished to be back home. The day has finally come and I am going to be reunited with the love of my life, my favorite state, and my home forever. I am so excited it's not even funny. I am ready to say good-bye to Switzerland, and to take with me memories I will share with my future children, friends, and whoever. This summer will be unforgettable as it wasn't the most beautiful summer ever. However, I have learned that life is full of surprises and that life does continue no matter what obstacles are in the way.

I am beyond excited to wrap my arms around my man at the airport. I have missed him more than words can say. So, enjoy the rest of this week and think of me as I am letting go of my sad summer and making the best out of this summer that is left of this year. I need to work on my summer list as well and will edit it from time to time, so don't forget to stop by there as well. And of course, I will be back writing posts again...just give me time!

California here I come!!!!! 

I will be home again!!

xoxo

image via here

My A to Z Travel

I believe it is time to stop my blog hiatus and return to normalcy. After all, I have always claimed that writing is a tool that heals, comforts, and lets us escape from whatever is happening in our lives. I took this hiatus to spend time with myself, away from pressure, from reading, from anything that would force me to sit in front of a computer...I slept a lot, I rested even more {and no that is not the same as sleeping}, and it occurred to me that doing this is part of my healing process but it's not enough. Plus, I need to get back into life, into shape, into my daily inspirations to look forward to doing something or living beautifully. So here I am. I saw this post the other day and thought that this was the perfect way for me to start getting happier, and write more uplifting posts. July has been an awesome month and I am improving daily; baby steps but I can feel it.

So, here we go!

A) Age you went on your first international trip:

I was barely two and we went to Trinidad and Tobago. We stayed for a few months. All I have left of this time are photos and the memory of dreams I had when I was around four. Crazy.

B) Best foreign beer you’ve had and where:

Define foreign? I grew up in Switzerland so anything outside that is foreign...then in the US, anything outside that is foreign to me as well. To be honest, I like beer but can live without. Also, due to my gluten allergy I am now drinking Sorghum Beer which is pretty okay and it's made in Colorado. Not at all foreign.

C) Cuisine (favorite): 

Turkish, Spanish, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese. Well, just food that makes me happy. As long as it's delicious and makes me stuffed I'm a very happy girl.

D) Destinations–favorite, least favorite, and why?:

Favorite: Istanbul, Berlin, and San Francisco {home, history, home and memories...and SF reminds me of Europe} - I am sure there are more favorite places but these came up first.

Least favorite: as much as I like Greece, I did not enjoy my trip there. It's very similar to Turkey so I had no issues, the views were awesome...the people were unfriendly though and it felt like they just wanted to throw stuff at us and not even "handle" us "tourists". Sad sad.

E) Event you’ve experienced abroad that made you say “wow”:

Waking up in Yosemite at 5.30 in the morning...that clear blue sky and crisp fresh air? Pure perfection on an upcoming hot summer's day {and yes, Yosemite is not technically abroad for most of you}, and just waking up and knowing that you'll experience something eventful that day...that is a wow moment all to itself.

F) Favorite mode of transportation:

Public transportation...mainly in Europe. I also enjoy the buses/Muni in San Francisco. Other than that I love being the passenger in a car gazing outside the window and taking it all in...lets me escape for a few minutes. Also, I like to look into cars and find the most obscure things people do in cars. 

G) Greatest feeling while traveling:

When I travel I love to see how other people live. I see the regular "boring" sights everyone wants or should see when traveling...but then I'd like to escape outside that bubble and get a feel of what life really is like in those countries or even cities. It makes me appreciate the things I have. We take way too much for granted and believe life is like that everywhere, but this is not true. So traveling and getting to know a place from another perspective...that's what is fascinating. That is what makes traveling perfect. Plus, getting off the plane...that's another great feeling I get when traveling. I made it!

H) Hottest place you’ve ever traveled to:

Spain and Portugal...the heat was unbearable. Turkey was hot too but holy cow, Portugal almost killed us.

I) Incredible service you’ve experienced and where?:

I have not yet fully experience incredible service...I have experienced great service but nothing outstanding that deserves mentioning.

J) Journey that took the longest:

Going back to and coming back from Europe always takes the longest. Non-stop flights are awesome, just those 12+ hours suck big time. Yet, in the end it's worth it.

K) Keepsake from your travels:

Magnets, handmade jewelry, scarves, and just one piece of clothing. Always!!!

L) Let-down sight, where and why?:

Hmmmm...nothing really yet. I always try to enjoy everything while at a place...no matter how long I stay. If I missed seeing something it saddens me for a little while but it's okay...the memories I have made are enough.

M) Moment where you fell in love with traveling:

I traveled a lot when I was a child and a teenager, thanks to having family all over the world, so I guess I was born into this. I had no choice but to fall in love with traveling. 

N) Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in:

The one in Bodrum, Turkey and one in Berlin. I consider nice as just simple, no problems occurred, and the staff was friendly enough to make me feel at home away from home.

O) Obsession–what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?:

The ocean or the sea, animals, landscape, countryside, food, sunsets, and old buildings.

P) Passport stamps-how many and from where?:

My passport has been renewed so many times, so my stamps are rare these days as they don't stamp it all the time. :(  Latest and most stamps are from Turkey and the US. Any other ones in my older ones were from England, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Greece, and some other places I can't recall. Switzerland doesn't stamp my Swiss passport...haha. I wish. I often travel with my ID in Europe so no stamps, and in the US...I don't need a passport. :(

Q) Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where?:

Nothing really...

R) Really Frightening: where’s one place you’ve visited where you felt unsafe or uneasy?

Paris, after they had to close down a street and a whole area for security reason. They found suspicious boxes or so and had to get the bomb squat come out. It was close to where we lived. Not the most fun thing to experience.

S) Splurge-something you have no problem spending money on while traveling:

Food, and a souvenir clothing item. :D

T) Touristy thing you’ve done:

I always do all kinds of touristy things...but the best and most fun touristy thing is to play tourist in your own city. Love pretending to be a tourist in a place I can walk around blind-folded.

U) Unforgettable travel memory:

NYC with my mom, uncle, aunt, and cousin many many years ago. But for the last travel memory...my trip to Istanbul this month where I spent five wonderful days with family, honored mom, and tried to suck as much Istanbul in as even possible. I just love this city.

V) Visas-how many and for where?:

A student visa but that was it and has long expired. Nothing else so far.

W) Wine–best glass while traveling:

Portugal!! It worked perfectly with our food. YUM.

X) eXcellent view and from where?

Love to hike up a hill in Laguna Beach and just overlook the city and Pacific Ocean. It calms and refreshes me. The sunset in Istanbul, overlooking the European side, is one spectacular view too, and most tourists fail to see this because they never cross over to explore the Asian side of this gigantic city.

Y) Years spent traveling:

Since I was a young child.

Z) Zealous sports fans and where?:

Not really a sports fan...if I had to choose, maybe Monaco when the Grand Prix motor race takes place.

Have an amazing Monday, and an amazing week. I am packing up my last belongings and getting ready to reunite with my favorite person. We have been apart for way too long and we have lots to catch up on. I also know he will help me heal and find my way again. This is not what one has in mind during their first year of marriage but life is full of surprises and our first year has definitley hit some rough moments but we are strong and we can do this. I am so counting down the days. So ready to be back home again. So so ready!!!

Which are your A to Z of traveling? Would love to know!

Travel Update

 Most of you don't know this but I am in Istanbul right now. My cousin is getting married here and it will be quite a party. Also, our entire family will come together and this hasn't happened in over 15 years. At first I was a bit hesitant. I wanted to go but at the same time didn't. My uncle convinced me otherwise. Also, what better way to start a new chapter in your life after a loved one has passed than to celebrate love and see your family again?! Exactly. I can't stay under my blanket every day. I gotta move on. I gotta celebrate life and its beauty and love. So, here I am. In Istanbul.

While I am trying to acclimate and get used to a new langauge once again {my brain still functions in English most of the days} I thought I'd send you back to some fun blog posts of mine talking about my love for this beautiful city by the Bosphorus. Have fun reading what I had to say a couple of years back, you won't regret it.

Istanbul Update #1 

and if you are not ready to wait for another post...how about my next update:

Istanbul Update #2

Aren't you jealous?! 

Miss you all.

xoxo

Spring Break Time

It is Spring Break Week and although my school days are over, my man can enjoy a week without classes. Plus, as his other half I am making sure he will enjoy time off {even while he is working}. No books, no computer for at least three consecutive days. After that, he can study all he wants {he has an exam the day after the break - who does that; evil professor!!}. I'll be making sure he has a few drinks ready the second he gets home from work, can enjoy a freshly cleaned house, do his stuff and have a fun week. Me? I will be soaking up the sun, changing my hair, switching to my spring/summer wardrobe, and prepping my body for a hot hot summer. Oh, and I will be cuddling with a new puppy. Sadly not ours, but I'm excited to meet a new addition to my extended family. Stay tuned via Instagram!

Happy Spring Break...or well, Happy Monday!

xoxo

image via here

The Time I spent in Orange County

Two weeks ago my favorite person and I went to Orange County. That is where his family is from, and where we both met and lived before we moved to the Sacramento Area. This was definitely long overdue. Yes, I went last month for a longer weekend but it wasn't enough. He hadn't been back since early August so it was really time. There is no way to describe how much we both miss this place. It felt great being back and seeing friends and family again. It was a happy and healthy week for both of us.

It was fun having brunch on a bright and sunny Saturday by the beach {hello, of course!!}. It was also amazing having pets around again. Loved snuggling with doggies and cats. Made quiet evenings so much more fun. A few trips to the beach, hikes overlooking the Pacific, walking through L.A.,  and just fabulous days spent in our favorite area and climate. We definitely had a blast. We will be back. Sadly not any time soon but we will; until then, I am sending Southern California lots of kisses.

Off to Los Angeles

This morning B and I are off to Los Angeles. It has been five months for him to be back home and one month for me. It is time for the both of us to see friends again, visit family and enjoy the area we miss so much. There are no words to describe how much we miss life down south. Not saying NorCal is bad, it is just not us. That is okay. We are making the best out of this situation. Also, B's grandpa is in his 90s and even though he is a healthy {and quite funny} man we simply don't know how much longer he might be around. So, we are making sure to spend as much time with him as even possible; something I couldn't do when my grandma was around since she hardly recognized me anymore. We definitely need this trip. We absolutely need to unwind and recharge. Cannot wait.

Have an absolutely perfect day!

Lately....

Last weekend my man and I went to Jackson. His family spent a few days up there so they thought it would be a great idea for us two to join them. Also, we both needed some time away from Sacramento, and away from everything so what better way to go to a very close wine country and tasting wine? Exactly my point, nothing {unless you can't stand wine}.

We had a blast. It was a very mellow weekend. I enjoyed cuddling with two cats and two dogs, walking around and soaking up in the jacuzzi. Also, wine tasting wasn't that shabby either. We bought a few bottles, I made my famous potato salad for everyone while my man took responsibility in preparing the meat. I know that is his job, so not mine.

What bothered me most was that my card got declined while I was trying to purchase bottles of wine. I was very shocked and kind of mad. Luckily, we have other cards but it got me worried all weekend. Calling the bank made it worse because all they said was to come in Monday {I did and we fixed the issue, I hope}. Also, by not having a card this week to buy anything I literally worked on other things, helped my guy prepare for his interview{s}, and go fall shopping. I also got my 2nd StitchFix selection in and they nailed it big time. I am the happiest girl ever. I kept three things and I am so stoked it's not even funny. 

Halloween is pretty much around the corner...not to mention Thanksgiving. I am making dessert and I am testing everything before I even try making something. It's been a challenge especially since it needs to be gluten free. Also, I can't wait to see my friend on Sunday where both of my favorite things come together: San Francisco and my friend M. Win win!!!

What have you been up to lately?