My horoscope predicted that I would achieve much this year and that's the truth. My highlights? 1. Finished every single study subject with a good grade (working hard makes me proud). 2. I moved to Ireland, all by myself, and globalised in a new culture. 3. I changed for the better in many ways and got opportunity's to learn, a lot. 4. I took surfing lessons (bucket list). 5. Opened my very own photography exhibition (bucket list). 6. Made friends from all over the world and I love them more than I could ever imagine. 7. Improved my English. 8. Worked for a big PR-agency and Amsterdam Fashion Week during the summer. 9. Got my ear pierced (another thing to cross off my bucket list). 10. Travelled for five months through Ireland, England and Scotland and survived with only one suitcase of clothing. 11. Got closer to friends and family by missing them endlessy. 12. Went to the most breathtaking and magical concerts and gigs ever. 13. Designed and needleworked clothing (hello, bucket list). This was all one big experience which I needed to get. At the moment I'm a bit sad, because my Ireland adventure will end soon. However, I'll never forget all the golden memories and sparkling moments from 2013. I have to be honest; before I moved to Ireland my head was a mess, apple juice. Struggling to find 'myself' back. I'm looking forward to 2014. Why? I don't know! We'll see what happens. It will be peaceful, creative and exciting. My intentions? Moving in with my best friend, travel, travel, travel, do an internship and write a book. That's it! (At least for now.)
I've spent the last days surrounding myself with my best friends. Tom and (blogger) Sanne visited me and we did some crazy stuff... We went to an interesting museum, danced at Christmas markets and ate a lot of hamburgers. We bought the same t-shirt from Topshop and walked around as triplets. The most memorable and magical night was on Monday. In a small village, at a cozy pub, Kodaline, Orla Gartland, Hudson Taylor, Gavin James and more music lads were playing a gig together! My friends left the day after, on Christmas Eve. That night the streets of Dublin were crowded with people... Bono from U2, Glen Hansard and Damien Rice were busking together. I couldn't believe my ears! At Christmas I chilled out at the house of my Italian friends (they cooked the most perfect pasta) and drank Irish Whiskey. Santa got me an ear piercing! How was your Christmas?
I love cooking. The thing is, I'm not perfectly good at it. I found this recipe and I thought it was worth a try and worth sharing. The result is not how it's supposed to be, but it was simple and delicious. Just slice three courgettes in thin pieces, sprinkle with olive oil and put in the oven on 160 degrees for an hour or so. Don't forget to add salt and pepper and some fresh rosemary and basil. Crispy, spicy and healthy! It would look wonderful on the Christmas dining table, wouldn't it?
Last weekend I had another visitor from my home country. I showed her all the highlights from the city and bought ourselves some Christmas presents. On Saturday night we went to a club party and met the guys from 'Oh Land' by accident (their music is amazing). They invited us to their show on the next day and that's how we ended up on the guestlist! We couldn't be more happy. Bytheway, you probably wouldn't believe me, but it's 17 degrees in Ireland! Reason enough to wear my sunglasses while reading this book about vintage fashion knitwear in my garden. Untroubled, because I'm free for seven fucking weeks! Seven! The bad part is that in these weeks I'm flying back 'home' and that, my dear readers, makes me sad. Now what? Drinking red wine in a long lost men's sweater.
This is proof that time flies, it's been two weeks since my parents visited me. A lot of good conversations and fun. I missed them. They make me feel so proud of myself and I'm happy we made many good memories. They've been sending me postcards ever since I left. How sweet? I'm in my final week of college (busy, busy)! It's the reason why I share photos from some time ago. I'm experiencing some rough nights, lately. For once, this isn't about partying. It's about studying... I'm opening my photography exhibition 'Art from the Street' on Monday. So excited!
I just came back from a visit to the country of tartan prints, Scotland. We flew to Edinburgh, the historical birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and Harry Potter. It was as if they forgot to take down a film set, absolutely magical. The day before departure the doctor discovered an ear infection and told me I was not able to fly. It was tricky, but I'm still alive. It was worth it! We visited castles, including Hogwarts, churches, art exhibitions, pubs and several musea. It was pretty interesting and talked hours and hours without even noticing.
I used to say (and I do this a lot) 'you can't have everything in life'. I was wondering whether this is a positive thought or not and came to the conclusion that yes, it is. It's about appreciating the things that you do have and accept the simple fact that you can't have, you know, everything. It's like a hunger that never ends, it's always another thing. Think about it when you, for example, have to make a difficult choice between things.
As the tempertures getting lower, the show windows
starting to radiate the ‘Christmas sparkle’. With Topshop, Forever21 and Urban Outfitters on every corner it's quite hard resist to not spend money; glittering stockings, underwear with red lace and mintgreen woolen sweaters. And - as we speak - I'm in the checkout process of ordering new brogues at Asos.com. Voices in my head scream 'pick me, pick me' when I see a combination of something fluffy and tartan (and/or stripes). It all makes sense, as long as we can blame Christmas.
I had a dream of dreams last night. I lived in a big castle full of shiny clothes and leather shoes. The dining table was covered with turkey, grapes and pastries. I danced around in white lace and my bracelets sounded like tiny jingle bells. Maybe it's because I visited plenty of castles and too many shopping centres last week. When the time came to wake up I didn't felt disappointed. On the contrary, I felt nothing more than satisfaction.
Autumn has started. The trees are leafless, the pavements are covered with yellow and some red. I slipped a couple of times on rainy leaves and the snow is yet to come. Spending the wet days drinking hot chocolates in little cozy coffeeshops. Wandering around in the Art Gallery of Dublin. In my room the ceiling is made of glass. When I lay down on my back, between the warming sheets, I can see the rain falling down. Careless and thoughtful. I added some soap to the pool... As if the clouds had fallen down.
Do you even recognize me? I don't. Halloween seems to be a big deal in here. We have a week off from school, which basicly means dressing up every day, partying around. This week I've been transformed into a vampire, a pumpkin, a dead bride and tonight is the big night... I'll be dressing up as some freaky doll. My head feels like the moon after using so much make-up. The day after tomorrow I'll probably walk around with a green mask to purify my skin and two slices of fresh cucumber.
After almost two months being abroad my friends starting to miss me too. Friend and blogger Lisa took the airplane to visit me. Together we visited many restaurants, (art) musea, shops, flea markets, parties and pubs. We walked around, spending our money, taking photos and talked, a lot of talking. She made my week 7 complete.
Over mij
Hi there! Ik ben Cherelle, en dit plekje is (al meer dan 10 jaar!) mijn avontuur- en reisblog met persoonlijke reisverhalen en zelfgemaakte foto's. Hier neem ik je mee naar de fijnste bestemmingen, hotspots en mijn favoriete plekjes op planeet aarde. Ook geef ik tips over op avontuur gaan, reizen in het algemeen en het leven als digital nomad. Zo hoop ik jou te inspireren altijd het mooiste uit het leven en het beste uit jezelf te halen! Ga je mee op avontuur? Op dit moment schrijf ik vanuit Fuerteventura, Spanje.