TRAVEL | italy with adam

After a long year of uncertainty I finally felt safe enough to venture out of Germany again for a bit of travel. Luckily Itlay was one of the earlier countries in the EU that have opened up their borders for tourism again. Adam and I, after experiencing some light cabin fever and suffering through horrible spring allergies decided to jump the gun and just book ourselves a ticket to Italy for a week. We decided we'd also work remotely there as to not be too tempted to eat outside amongst the crowd as much. 

Overall, the first trip out was a massive success. It was also our first trip as a couple and that's always a bit of a rite of passage. We managed to find a stellar airbnb in the heart of Verona, where we stayed for the week. We also got to travel to Venice for a day-trip, which was especially special since tourism was only limited to European residents. It was a bit surreal to see Venice so empty and sleepy. I don't think any other visit will ever feel the same. I feel extremely lucky/privileged to be able to experience something like this.

One of nights we bought a handful of antipasti dishes from the nearby grocery shops

and had a feast of our own at home. I made a salad and we paired it with a cold octopus
salad, grilled squid, and other misc. dishes.

Adam found a foccaia spot not to far from our airbnb. The quatro fromaggi

was to die for. We ended up coming back a few more times to try some other
focaccias with different toppings. The bread was perfectly fluffy, crispy, and
greasy, definitely not something you'd want to be eating every day.

PERSONAL | brunch and a walk

I've taken a loooooooong break from blogging. It was always something I had planned to get back into but it's one of those things where, the longer you put it aside the more intimidating the task becomes. Until it becomes this behemoth of a thing (all in my head though) that you just sweep it under the rug and pretend it doesn't exist anymore. I've always missed my blog but at the same time I feel like I've also lost my passion for documenting and photographing. Until now that is. I think?

Maybe the pandemic and lockdown had something to do with it. But I'm not sure if I can blame it all on that. Sure, there wasn't as many trips last year but it's not like there were none. Anyways, I look back on my photo reel from 2020 and I've barely taken any photos. 

That being said, I've been watching a lot of youtube and vlog content lately and have been feeling super inspired to be more creative. Who cares if the photos are boring. At least I'm doing something! Here's to bringing blogging back - and to starting a new endeavour I've been meaning to since forever - videos!!!

-

Lots of changes in the past year, I don't plan on diving into details, but recently I've started a new relationship (Hi Adam if you're reading this!) and while Germany is still cold af and in a semi-lockdown phase, this means no nights out, no parties, no bars or spritzes by the Spree, restaurants - you get the jist. But we've been making it up with nice evenings in, series binging and wholesome brunches. 

I mean look at that yogurt bowl. Granola was top notch from the new cafe in Wedding, { Julius }. 

Lazy weekends are also cut with long walks outside if the weather permits. We always walk towards coffee and then back home when it finally gets too cold. It's been a nice weekend routine that's currently bringing me a lot of joy.

TRAVEL | sächsische schweiz

This year I've found a lot of joy in doing sports. I've started exercising seriously last summer but sort of begrudgingly. Before that going to the gym was the bane of my existence, I never understood why people would choose to spend their precious after work time stuck in a sweaty gym. Turns out, I've just never found the right sports for me. This year I decided to branch out and try some new activities.

Earlier this year, I went through a painful breakup. As it turns out, I am one of those people who kind of get lost in their relationships. So when the inevitable finally happened, I felt as if I lost a part of my identity -- as most people who've experienced breakups know. Hardest thing in the world was to learn to pick myself up and stand on my own two feet again. I distracted myself by meeting new people, invest in strengthening my friendships, and finding things that I enjoy doing -- for me.

This past Easter a few friends and I planned a trip to Sächsische Schweiz for a 2-day hiking trip. I had been there two years ago, and it's always held a very dear place in my heart for many reasons. I wanted to share that experience with my friends and it really was one of the highlights of the year. We climbed some rocks, sunbathed at the mountain's peak, walked through some meadows, ate a bunch of snacks. It was wonderful and just the doctor ordered.

The beginnings of hike #1 on the German side. This one was managable since
the trail was clear. We weren't so lucky on the next day whilst in the Czech side.
We got ourselves extremely lost and had to race against the clock to get to our
town before sunset. Luckily we were able to catch the last bus back.



One of our many pit-stops. Lots of granola, avocados, peanut butter sandwiches,
and trail mix were consumed that day.





We're planning on going somewhere new next year. We're thinking about Croatia, hmm..

LOS ANGELES | griffith park

I can't believe in the 9 years I've spent in living in Socal I've never once hiked in Griffith Park. Then again I've never really been the active type. Now that my sister lives about a 5 minute drive away I didn't want to pass up a chance to check out the famous views. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to reach the observatory..but maybe next time.

PERSONAL | heading home..

I haven't been back to Los Angeles since I { packed my bags } back in 2014 and left for Hong Kong. I've always had mixed feelings about returning to the city I've called home the majority of my teenage years. In some ways, those were some of the hardest, most painful years of my life due to family dramas and my struggle with mental illness. In other ways, those were the days I made some of my best memories with some of the best people I've ever had the good fortune to know.

So much has changed since 2014, to name a few my little sister (the superstar of the family), is now fulfilling her dream of working in the animation industry, some friends are getting engaged or in serious relationships, and other friends I've lost and miss dearly. It's funny to see everyone so grown up.

Here are a few impression from that short but fruitful trip.