Paris In The Spring
Pack a suitcase and head to Paris for a romantic escape. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets along the river or wander through the gardens and parks. Hunt for a bargain at the Paris flea markets, order a cafe au lait and a croissant on the Champs Elysee and watch the elegant passers-by. Buy a crusty baguette, fill it with creamy French Brie and wash it down with a glass of Sancerre. Shop on the Left Bank, catch the metro, take a boat ride on the Seine and stop by the Musee d'Orsay. Be a tourist and climb the Eiffel Tower and don't be shy to use that schoolgirl French!
Bonjour Paris
One of the things I love about trips to Paris is sitting at an outdoor table of a Parisienne cafe watching the world go by. The women are so chic and elegant - always classic and understated and the men look so sophisticated in their summer linen suits - even the dogs are well groomed and stylish!
Paris Shopping
Is it not every girl's dream to spend a few day's shopping in Paris? Preferably with unlimited budget! Every time I've been to Paris, even when I lived there for six months, I have been on a tight budget and every Euro has been wisely and carefully spent. So one day it's my dream to go to Paris with an open credit card and to finally experience some indulgent and guilt free shopping! My list would include macarons from Laduree, hot chocolate from Fauchon, French perfume, Chanel cosmetics, maybe a pair of fabulous shoes and a designer bag from Chanel or Louis Vuitton. Is that too much to ask?
Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Bon Apeitite
I have incredible weakness for French food - not just the obvious irresistible pastries and macarons from the likes of Laduree but I am in love with french cheese and warm, crusty French baguettes. I am addicted to 'pate de foie gras' and French champagne. On Saturday mornings there's nothing better than waking up to fresh croissants and the morning paper and in winter I can't get past steaks with bearnaise sauce and 'pommes frites' or hearty french stews like 'coq au vin' in creamy white wine and garlic sauce. Mmmm....I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
Postcards from Venice
Venice is an amazingly romantic and picturesque city to visit - a perfect destination for honeymoons and anniversaries and romantic holidays. With stunning architecture, winding canals, serenading gondoliers, and gelati coloured buildings there is a photo opportunity at every corner! The Venetians have a well deserved reputation of being fashion conscious and stylish. It's a city where style and good taste are appreciated so pack a suitcase full of designer dresses, heavenly shoes and fabulous accessories and do Venice in a bit of style!
Images via Fashion Bride
Paris Je T'aime
One of the things that gets me so excited about Paris is their history, the rich culture and the traditions. I love the noble architecture, the beautiful old buildings, the elegant bridges spanning the Seine, the graceful parks and gardens, the galleries and the museums overflowing with art and sculpture. I get so much enjoyment from just walking the streets of Paris, past the artists along the river banks, the flower markets, the heavenly patisseries, the elegant boutiques and the bustling cafes. When my feet too get weary from all the shopping and the walking it's time for a dainty macaron and a cafe au lait at Laduree!
The Orient Express
It has long been a dream that one day, when time and money are no object, I would love to catch the Orient Express from Venice to Paris. It takes two days and a night and promises a journey unlike any other. Romance, adventure and style are all entwined as you step back in time to a more gracious, elegant age of travel. Luxurious, Art Deco cabins, gastronomic cuisine and beautiful scenery combine to make this iconic train trip one of the world’s finest travel experiences - one that I don't want to miss out on!
Cherry Blossom Festival
To celebrate spring, the Japanese hold 'Cherry Blossom' festivals all over Japan between March and May. 'Hanami' is the ancient Japanese custom of viewing the cherry blossom flowers which dates back over a thousand years.
Ever since watching 'Memories of a Geisha' where there was a beautiful love scene set amongst flowering blossom trees in a Japanese garden, I have wanted to visit Japan during the festival 'Cherry Blossom Festival'.
Picnics are enjoyed in the parks and gardens where 'Sakura' Japanese cherry trees are in flower. Gorgeous flowers are the main attraction of the festivals, but there's also traditional Japanese performing arts, Japanese tea ceremonies, regional food as well as local arts and crafts.
Visiting Japan at this time of year is high on my wish list of 'places to visit'.
I love flowers and natural beauty so I would love to lie under the falling blossoms
and capture all of these beautiful blossoms on my camera.
