Hallo from Germany! Europe Trip 2013

I'm leaving Germany tomorrow morning and heading to Austria for the last part of my trip. I've had a great three days in the land of pretzels and castles- in fact, visiting the German countryside has been one of the highlights of my trip.

Day 1: (Fussen) After spending the night in a Spa/Resort in the German countryside, we headed to explore two castles outside of Fussen in Southern Germany. The first castle we saw was called Hohenschwangau. Built in the 19th century by Bavarian King Maximilian II (father of Ludwig II), Hohenschwangau served as a summer home and hunting residence for the royal family. We toured the inside of the perfectly-preserved castle and viewed the vivid Romantic artwork on the wall depicting local legends and history. 

The second castle we visited was called 

Neuschwanstein and sits on a neighboring hill to Hohenschwangau. The castle was constructed by Ludwig II (family friend and brilliant composer Richard Wagner was known to visit) and served as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland. As a girl with a love for happy endings, I found Neuschwanstsein to be my dream fairy-tale palace. 

Day 2: (Munich) In stark contrast to the fairy-tale that was Day 1, Day 2 left me pensive and deflated. Upon arriving in Munich, we visited the Dachau Concentration Camp about 45 minutes from the capital of Bavaria. It was a gloomy, rainy morning which seemed fitting as I walked through the same gates that prisoners of the past walked through to enter the camp. What struck me upon arriving at the site was the vast emptiness that seemed to take up most of the enclosed space. Other than rows of barracks, a museum and a bunker, most of the camp's lot was completely empty. I first explored the museum and watched a horrifying film about what went on at this camp- opened in 1933 as the Nazi's first concentration camp. What left me most disheartened was that this was one of the less severe camps- more like a holding place- although tens of thousands were killed here between 1933 and 1945. I walked through prisoners' cells and was overcome with numbness. It's a strange feeling going to a place that I've read so much about. It was almost like I knew that Dachau existed somewhere but I just couldn't believe it was somewhere I would ever go. There was always a part of me that hoped I would never walk on the same concrete where generations before me had been dehumanized, yet another part of me wanted to know. To keep the wounds fresh in my mind and in the minds of others, so that we, as humans, can rally under the promise never again.

After the camp, we headed back into Munich to explore the Marienplatz, which is part of the Old Town. We visited St. Peter's Church and watched the wooden figures come to life, spinning to music at 5pm at the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. we also saw the Royal Palace/Theatre (yay) and shopped around. We couldn't leave Munich without a stop at Hofbrauhaus, the world's largest and most famous bier hall to try out the massive pretzels (not kidding, they were bigger than my head). 

All in all, an incredible few days in Germany- wish I was able to stay here longer to explore more!!

xoxo

College Chic: Best Bags for School

Best Bags for School by prosepearlspolkadots featuring backpacks bags

Back to school shopping is one of my favorite things ever. Picking out folders, binders and pencils makes me excited to get back to school and learning (I'm the biggest nerd, I know). I have the most fun, though, picking out my school bag.  

Throughout high school I tried so many different bags. Freshman year I had a standard Jansport backpack that eventually ripped as I rarely used my locker, often carrying books for all 7 classes. Eventually, I realized the value of a locker and traded my bulky backpack for an over-the-shoulder bag. I felt so mature. In grammar school, we were only allowed to bring backpacks and lunch bags to school- not cool oversized purses. After that first bag I was converted. I loved how easily I could get in and out of the bag and that I could just take books out and have a purse for weekends! Come senior year, however, I revisited the backpack- this time opting for a North Face pack with a bunch of really spiffy/practical pockets- but I soon realized that there were so many more chic options for over-the-shoulder bags. 

Anyway, in college things are different. You don't have a locker and you only have 3 (or some schools 5) classes at a time meaning you won't have nearly as many books. The bags above are all the perfect size to fit college essentials- including a laptop or tablet. In fact, I used the Kate Spade Wildflowers bag this year as well as the Longchamp Le Pilage large bag! Happy shopping!!

Gruezi from Switzerland! Europe Trip 2013

Today, I find myself writing from the foot of the Swiss Alps in Lake Luzern, Switzerland! My family and I have stayed here for three nights, exploring the lake, beautiful town and the Alps themselves.

Day 1:  I arrived in Lake Luzern in the evening and ate a late dinner at a delicious italian restaurant (featuring the most incredible swiss chocolate and maple walnut ice cream). After dinner, my family checked into the hotel, then I unpacked, wrote a few post cards and fell asleep.

Day 2:  I ended up sleeping in pretty late (well 10 AM), so my day didn't really begin until after my Parmesan and arugula salad and cappuccino. I began my exploration of the city with a guided tour that highlighted Luzern's famous features: Chapel Bridge, the water tower, Ritterscher Palace, Needle Dam, Spreuer Bridge, Musegg Wall and the Lion Monument. Afterwards, I walked around the downtown area, popping into different Swiss watch and souvenir shops, and then headed to the two bridges for more in depth exploration. 

History Lesson: Named after the local St. Peter's chapel and constructed in the 14th century, Chapel Bridge is the main pedestrian footbridge that crosses the lake. The ceiling of the bridge is covered in 17th century paintings that portray local history and culture. The much older Spreuer Bridge, completed in 1408, is a bit more removed from the city. The roof of this bridge also is covered in paintings that depict a 'Dance of Death.' After touring the bridges, I ate dinner lakeside with a gorgeous view of swimming swans and the mountains above.

Exploring the Chapel Bridge! (note the paintings on the ceilings)

Another view of the Chapel Bridge.

Day 3: Today, I explored the Lion Monument and Glacier Garden, ate lunch at the Old Swiss House and visited the Alps.

History Lesson: The "dying lion of Luzern" commemorates those lost at the Tuileries in 1792 is perhaps the icon Luzern. Many have come to admire the lion, including Mark Twain. 

In the rocks behind the lion is Glacier Garden of Luzern that shows the region's prehistoric climate and also features a "Swiss Chalet" museum depicting unique topographical maps, different rocks and fossils as well as a historic Swiss mirror maze. Finally, the Old Swiss House restaurant lies in front of the Lion Monument and Glacier Garden as a Luzern staple. 

History Lesson: The restaurant, where I had a late lunch, has served numerous celebrities and dignitaries including three American presidents and Frank Sinatra. The restaurant, serving traditional Swiss and French food (the chocolate mousse is a must) prepared table side, houses many Swiss artifacts including a ceramic stove from 1636. 

We also went up into the Alps (my brother went bobsledding!) to see the incredible view.

Standing across the pond from the Lion Monument (I can't even imagine how this was carved...)

In the Glacier Garden learning about prehistoric Luzern!

Some of the rock samples in the museum.

Outside the famous and dizzying mirror maze (I'll admit I got very lost and kept running into walls).

After a delicious lunch at the Old Swiss House!

On top of the world!

Day 4: Off to Fussen, Germany! 

See you in Germany! xoxo

Sam Edelman Felicia Flats

Sam Edelman Felicia Flats by prosepearlspolkadots featuring sam edelman shoes

Hi there! All of the walking around I've been doing in Europe has gotten me thinking about shoes.  I am a shoe addict. Shoes can really make or break any look. But comfort is always of the utmost importance to me (there's nothing chic in complaining about sore feet!). Meet Felicia: Sam Edelman's genius ballet flat. I am obsessed! There are literally dozens of patterns, colors and materials to choose from.  I've been living in these the entire trip and haven't gotten a single blister! I have four pairs (excessive I know): nude, black, camel and platinum snakeskin (who knew snakeskin could be cute?!). If I end up getting another pair I am thinking of a floral pattern or coral/pink pattent leather. You might think I'm crazy for buying four pairs of the same shoe, but trust me- once you walk in Sam's shoes you will understand. They're classics in the making! For a first buy, I would recommend the nude (makes your bare legs look longer) or the black (looks perfect with tights/stockings). I hope you try a pair out- I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xoxo

Book Review: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, Never Let Me Go, is one of those really hyped up books that I read because it was so highly recommended even though I thought I wouldn't like it. However, I was proved wrong. I loved this book. In a sort-of-futuristic, sort-of-parallel-universe England, three best friends Kathy, Ruth and Tommy, attend an exclusive boarding school called Hailsham where they are watched over by guardians. According to the guardians, Hailsham students are 'special,' just what that means is unclear to both the readers and characters. Eventually, these students along with numerous other students across England, donate their vital organs for a 'greater good' (sort of Orwellian, don't you think? side note: happy birthday George Orwell!!).

Anyway, that's more than enough plot summary to both intrigue you and make you think this is some strange sci-fi dystopic novel.  Which it isn't.  Initially, I wanted to categorize this with The Hunger Games, but I realize that's not really what this novel is like. The England described is clearly twisted, but there's something that makes this novel only slightly unbelievable. Think a more mature Harry Potter minus the magic. I appreciated the mystery in this book and I do love a good mystery.  There is so much that the characters don't know and don't notice and that I was trying to piece together along the way. However, the characters are smart.  They don't take a hundred pages to uncover Hailsham's secrets, in fact, they often were able to piece things together before I did which I really loved.  There's a big focus on timing in the book: Hailsham students receive information about their futures at the perfect time- while they're too young to fully comprehend, but old enough to be receptive. I felt that way throughout the book, like Ishiguro was feeding me clues at the right time- after I knew there was a new secret to uncover but before I realized I had the right tools. This book kept me on my toes.

Finally, I loved how everything in the book worked out. The twisting plot left me guessing and expecting the worst, but things turned out perfectly although differently than anticipated.  The writing is also flawless and the narrator's (Kathy's) tone reminded me of observant Nick Caraway's tone in The Great Gatsby. Please do read this book. I highly recommend it.

xoxo 

Bonjour from Luxembourg and Strasbourg, France: Europe Trip 2013

Part 1: Today I write to you from Strasbourg, France. We drove here today and are spending the night on our way to Lake Luzerne in the Swiss Alps. Strasbourg is on the French/German border and is one of France's famous wine growing destinations.

On our way to Strasbourg, we stopped in Luxembourg.  We stopped here on the Duke's birthday (Luxembourg is one of very few countries ruled by a Duke), so all of the roads were closed for celebrations despite persistent rain. Luxembourg is famous for its ornate bridges.  The Flemish architecture of the government buildings and bridges is elaborate and beautiful.  We stopped for a little while and then headed out when the rain got really bad.

When we finally reached Strasbourg, it was about 6PM and we headed to dinner at this delicious cafe. We had coffee and dessert there after which included a perfect creme caramel served in a mason jar and cappuccinos topped with the best whipped cream I've ever tried.  We then saw the famous cathedral made of red stones that literally glow in the sunlight (especially at sunset, when we saw it).  The Cathedral is the center of town and is surrounded by shops and little cafes. The town's architecture is reminiscent of Swiss chalets and the town is full of quaint little bridges that arch over canals.

With my legendary cappuccino.

On my way to dinner!

Standing on a bridge at sunset.

The cathedral at sunset.

The cathedral again (check out my massive polka dotted bow!).

Tomorrow, we are heading to Lake Luzerne and will stop at a textile town and wine-making town in France on the way.  (I'll write about this below once we go!).

Part 2: Bonjour! Today we drove through two picturesque towns in the French countryside on our way to Lake Luzerne.  

What's In My Bag?

Hi there! Today I have an ultra invasive post where I spill the contents of my slightly messy bag.  Since I'm traveling, the contents are a little different, but I will note that as we go along.  Enjoy!

The bag itself- a Louis Vuitton never full (medium) with a pink silk scarf that I got for my 18th birthday and am in love with!

On initially emptying out my bag, you'll find a make up bag (this one is super old- usually I just have a chapstick and lipstick with me), my Kate Spade wallet, my house/car keys, reading glasses, sunglasses, earbuds, ticket stubs from a museum in Amsterdam, my iPad (usually I carry around my Kate Spade agenda instead) and a little pouch with essentials.

In my essentials pouch, I have a book of important phone numbers, a mirror, a pencil, two packs of gum, a sample of facewash (not sure why...), advil, bandaids, a hair tie and an iphone charger adaptor.

This is my full make up bag- usually I just take a lipstick/lipgloss/chapstick around with me but as I'm traveling, I have it all.  From left to right: Make Up For Ever finishing powder, Benefit Brow Zing in medium, Kate Spade lipstick in Blush, MAC lipstick in See Sheet, NARS lipstick in Jungle Red, NARS blush in Orgasm, Sonia Kashuk Cream Blush, NARS bronzer in Laguna, Chanel Vita Aqualumiere Foundation (obsessed), Benefit Fake Up Concealor, Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara, Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Lash Mascara (also obsessed), Lorac Pro Eye Palette, Bobbi Brown Brushes/MAC eyeliner/Make Up Forever red lip liner all tied together with a hair tie, Make Up For Ever HD primer, Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion, Make Up Forever Kabuki Brush, MAC Pencil Sharpener, Tarte Gel Eyeliner. (Overpacking is an understatement...)

I hope you enjoyed learning about what I carry around with me.  What's in your bag?

xoxo

Bonjour from Belgium! Summer Trip 2013

Bonjour! I'm writing to you from Belgium, home of world-famous belgian waffles, pommes frites and chocolate. This summer, my family decided to take a trip to Western Europe- starting in Amsterdam and ending in Vienna. It's taken me a bit to figure out the whole uploading picture situation (I brought my iPad instead of a laptop, which I've quickly realized was not the move...) but now, a few days into the trip I think I've gotten the hang of it. I'll be posting throughout the rest of my trip as much as I can, depending on wifi but I have some other posts lined up just in case. So anyway, here is my first travel entry:

After staying in Amsterdam for two nights and three days, we drove on an ultra smooth European freeway (the roads here are really the best) to Brussels, Belgium. We are staying here three nights to explore the capital of Belgium and two other nearby cities- Brugge and Ghent. Let's begin by talking about Brussels:

Founded in 979 by Duke Charles of Lower Lotharingia, the French and Flemish-speaking city is now an major international center, housing offices of the European Union and Atomium sculpture from the 1958 World Fair. It is best known for its Royal Palace, Cathedral of St. Michael and Gudela, Mannekin Pis and the beautiful medieval-style Grote Markt ('Grand-Place'). 

Day 1: We arrived pretty late on our first day because we stopped to bike at a picturesque little windmill town, so we decided to explore the little square and surrounding parks near our hotel. Brussels has gorgeous parks- in fact, almost 1/3 of the city is covered in greenery! We had dinner at a local brasserie. 

Day 2: The next day we had some delicious Belgian espresso and walked 4 km to Grote Markt. I can't even begin to describe how gorgeous it was. The buildings are all gilded in gold and have remained untouched despite the modern chocolate shops and restaurants that they now house. In the middle of the square was a picturesque flower market filled with bright blooms. I felt like I had been transported to another, maybe even a better time in history. It was just perfect! We ended up having lunch on the square that featured traditional Flemish/French brasserie food (think french onion soup and perfect pommes frites), and then we sampled chocolates from Neuhaus- the chocolatier that perfected the praline. I would definitely recommend the milk chocolate gianduja. After, we headed to the Mannekin Pis, a 'legendary' tourist attraction which really is a two foot tall statue of a child relieving himself. The statue was tiny and surrounded by tourists. It seemed a little strange to me that something so underwhelming has become and icon/unofficial mascot for the city, but it definitely was a pretty funny statue. We walked through the main park that was filled with fountains to the cathedral to admire the gorgeous carvings and light candles. On the way, we were awestruck by the elaborately sculpted government buildings that stood in stark contrast with the ultramodern EU. After a light dinner, we walked back to our hotel to get a good night's rest before the next day's all-out excursion.

Grote Markt!

Flowers in Grote Markt!

Leaving Grote Markt!

Mannekin Pis (still don't quite get the hype...)

Day 3: I woke up at 6:45 AM to go to the gym and pick up some coffee before getting ready to head to Ghent and Brugge at 8:30. The drive was a little over an hour to our first stop, Ghent. Ghent is famous for its almost perfectly preserved medieval architecture including the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the spire, the Gravensteen castle and the beautiful buildings along the Gaslei canal/harbor.

We visited all of the above mentioned sites, but didn't stay in Ghent too long as we wanted to spend most of the day in Brugge. We did, however, have the most incredible Belgian waffles before we left. One thing I'd like to mention about Ghent before I go on is how interesting it was that the city was such a mix of old and new architecture. In most European cities I've been to, there is a distinctly "old town" and then a newer town. In Ghent, everything sort of grows together making it really relatable and contemporary. It was refreshing to see Ghent as a place where people do live and work in both modern conditions and perfectly preserved buildings. Ghent has character, and I really liked that.

Looking slightly rained-on and wind-blown at the Gaslei canal. 

Outside the Gravensteen castle, wishing I lived inside.

Finally, we moved onto Brugge. Let me just begin by saying that I'm officially moving to this fairy tale land forever. Walking into the no-cars-allowed city on cobble-stone roads next to a river that was dotted with castles and overhung by greenery was one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had.  I mean, talk about feeling like a princess! We walked through a monastery-like area lined with "God Houses" where women who (confusingly) aren't nuns live in prayer and traditional white houses. We walked around the main square, where horse and buggys rattled by and I ate the most incredible hand made Dumon chocolate in the world (I think I've found actual heaven: chocolate and castles). Brugge has a slew of incredible sites including its spire, but the most notable are Michelangelo's sculpture Madonna and Child and a vial of the blood of Christ (what?! how?!).  We spent the day exploring the city's history and architecture as well as popping into little stores that sold lace, traditional woodwork and ceramics.

An extremely soaked but extremely happy Ashley, standing in front of the castle of her dreams in the rain.

Exploring the shopping district of Brugges, as per usual.

Checking out the old fish market from across the canal.

In Brugge's town square post delicious chocolate.

So, voila! There you have it. Three perfect days in Belgium.  Now I'm off to travel through Luxembourg on the way to my favorite country, France, so I can spend the night in Strasbourg before heading to Lake Luzerne in the Swiss Alps.  See you soon!

xoxo