Welcome to New York

I go to New York, the way a person recharges at a spa.

Every time I visit, it feels like I never left. I see the same friends. I stay at the same place in Brooklyn. I insert myself into the daily swarms of people heading everywhere, and nowhere. I eat sandwiches, and bagels and stay out too late, and then eat another sandwich, and sip on too many cups of coffee. And just like that, I feel inspired again.

New York isn't a juice cleanse, it's a sugar rush.

On Sunday, Jules and I headed over to Central Park, as I found out that one of my new favourite bands City of the Sun was playing a live show by the Bethesda Fountain. I've been to Central Park before, but because of its size, I realized I had never been to that specific area before.

The Greece Diaries - Lefkada

Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada

When planning my trip to Greece, I'll admit that I didn't do much.

Maria had it all mapped out, and my only request was that she take me to the ocean. I didn't care where we went. If anything, I wanted her to take me to where she usually goes. Before this trip, I've never heard of Lefkada. When friends or family visited Greece, they told me to check out Mykonos, Santorini, or Ios.

I learned that Lekfada is part of the Ionian Sea (most of the other islands are part of the Aegean Sea) and that it is one of the only Greek islands that can be accessed by car.

Driving to Lefkada was one of the most amazing experiences I've had on vacation. We drove on roads that spun off cliffs of lush forests where you could never tell where the sky or sea started. While there, we visited three beaches:

• Kathisma
• Porto Katsiki (voted one of the best beaches in Europe)  
• Egremni 

When I first got to Kathisma, I thought I hit the centre of an alternative paradise. The water was as clear as a man-made backyard pool, the temperature like a warm bath. Maria and Kostas barely fluttered an eyelid, assuring me that the next two beaches we'd visit would blow my mind.

I said I didn't believe them.

Cue Day Two. We arrived at Porto Katsiki. A beach that was carved out of speckled white and orange cliffs, the colour of a Tabby cat. The water here was clearer, and I spent the day dripping in salt water, climbing on rocks, and floating on my back, unable to process where exactly I was in the world.

I then told them, nothing could be better.

Day Three: the final escape to Egremni, a beach that could only be accessed by walking down 347 steps.

We left early in the morning, and as we arrived the sun was just starting to illuminate the endless stretch of sand and ocean. As my feet sunk into the rocky ground, the shore would spit up white, foamy bubbles like the mix of saliva and toothpaste in a sink.

Kostas found us a grotto to rest our stuff under, our own personal cave where we could hide from the sun when it got too strong (and the sun is no joke in Greece). The only caveat of Egremni beach is when you have to use the bathroom, you have to climb back up the 347 steps. I caved and made the trip up in the afternoon, a feat that I definitely don't recommend. Kostas and Maria, more seasoned beach professionals waited until we left to climb back up.

All I can recall from that day is the blue. The bluntness of the shade. The way I flung off my sunglasses to examine the colours. The deep ombre of the ocean, starting with an electric indigo, and ending in cyan. 

I've never seen blue like that, except maybe in the irises of my grandparents' eyes. That's all I remember. That's the most I'll ever be able to describe.

Below are some photos! Enjoy.

The Coffee Diaries - NYC

Four words that turn me off: "I don't drink coffee."

I've dated a few people who don't drink hot beverages. I've even dated someone who hates the smell of coffee. The smell! While it's not a real deal breaker (I'm not a modern day Jerry Seinfeld) it's not aligned with my lifestyle.  

Coffee isn't just about getting caffeinated. I spend hours sitting in cafes typing, writing and sipping. The first thing I do when I get to a new city is find a coffee shop; it's how I situate myself. I love sitting across from someone and connecting over conversation that doesn't involve getting spinach caught in my teeth. I think it's one of the few rituals that hasn't been ruined by technology, (minus taking photos of latte art).

I have my favourite cafe in Toronto, which changes regularly, but right now it's Early Bird on Queen West. This past weekend on my visit to New York, I found some new shops, and visited old favourites. Below is a list of some of my favourite NYC cafes. Enjoy!

Happy Bones - Happy Bones is a coffee shop in Little Italy located on Broome St. It's small, so you may not be able to grab a seat but it's worth the stop. They also source their coffee ethically to support farmers and the owners hail from New Zealand. The cute part? Tortoise shell spoons! (see main photo above). Shout out to Amanda P for the recommendation.

Toby's Estate Brooklyn - When living in Brooklyn that summer, Toby's just opened in Williamsburg and I spent all of my time sitting and staring out the large black paneled window, while pretending that this environment could make me write the next great something. Toby's also sources their coffee sustainably from farmers all over the world, and they offer private brewing classes for coffee enthusiasts. 

Dunwell Doughnuts - I'm not really a coffee and doughnut kind of woman, but this vegan doughnut shop is my favourite stop for a little guilt-free indulgence. With over 200 flavours, (I'm partial to peanut butter and jelly) this cafe is a sweet spot in East Williamsburg, and the best place to satisfy that doughnut craving you didn't even know you had. Their drip coffee is also 10 times better than anything you'd find in an actual doughnut shop. 

The New York City Ban

The last time I visited New York was seven months ago.

It was Labour Day weekend, and it marked a full year since my previous summer spent living in Brooklyn. During my visit, I felt different about the city that I was attached to. I tried to push myself away from the experience; the way you do when you love something, but you know it no longer serves you. On that visit, I came to the realization that I wasn't going to find my way back there.

I needed a reality check. I had only lived there for a summer, not a century. I was still a tourist in most regards. When I got home from that trip, I imposed upon myself a New York City ban. I didn't book my usual trips for Halloween or New Years Eve; I stayed put. I focused on local ambitions. I found my own place. I committed to my job.

Once I was settled in Toronto, I felt that I could book a trip back, without having to push anything away. I was ready to embrace my favourite city, like the moment when you finally become friends with an ex, and you can see them without wanting to be with them. At least that's how I hoped I would feel. This time, I knew I'd have something of mine to come home to.

Before I left, I booked a hair appointment and welcomed brighter strands for my usual spring refresh. I mean, when you know you're going to run into your ex, you want to look your best right?

Mel and Manda Take Miami

If there is one song to sum up my trip to South Beach, Miami it's the Sesame Street song, "One of these things is not like the others."

That thing is me.

In South Beach I am considered frighteningly pale, grandmother conservative and unwilling to walk around without clothes on. My sister and I happened to be in town during an electronic music festival and people seemed to go by the mantra, clothing optional.

There was underwear that passed as shorts, heels paired with bathing suits, and bikini tops worn as real tops. Overly suntanned bodies busted out of bright neon apparel. Men wore tank tops that they cut open on the sides, to completely negate the point of wearing a tank top.

I missed the memo and wore a knitted vest to a pool party over my bathing suit. My sister, who I always gush about how beautiful she is, was much admired by these muscle men. I generally stood back and chaperoned with my eyes as to say, Be careful beefcake, that's my baby sis. 

With only a weekend to spend in the city of skin, the sis and I balanced parties with daytime strolling down Lincoln Road, where I enjoyed sipping iced Americanos and not wearing a parka. We also managed to find my favourite NYC burger spot, The Shake Shack and my sister's favourite Parisian macaron shop Ladurée. On Saturday night, I loosened up as per my sister's orders, and wore one of her dresses that could only be described as human sausage casing.

If there is one thing I learned from South Beach, it's that confidence is the secret to looking good, whether you're wearing a turtleneck or a thong bikini.

Although I never saw any turtlenecks. 

Below is a mini photo gallery/collage. Enjoy! x

It's a Roman Holiday!

If Florence is like drinking a frothy cappuccino with cocoa powder dusted on the whip, then Rome is like guzzling fourteen energy drinks, and then crushing the can on your forehead.

First, it's officially July so the amount of tourists in Rome are tenfold compared to my initial arrival in Italy in early June. Second, there is SO MUCH to see. By the end of my solo-touring days, my limbs would be buzzing as if I did a seven hour spin class.

If this was my Roman Holiday, where the heck was Gregory Peck? I also find the men in Rome extremely aggressive in their hot pursuits of solo female travellers (more on this to come). Anyways, I did my best Audrey impression by wearing a little black dress and a vintage headscarf I bought in Florence.

In other news, my Nonna begged me to go "see the Pope" and I didn't actually think I would "see him" but apparently every Sunday there is the possibility that he will come to some window and perform a blessing. The crowd was enormous, and filled the entire Piazza San Pietro. The sun was relentless, and I managed to hang with a family who had those little tourist umbrellas that I usually mock, but this time, I appreciated stealing some shade. 

Whether or not I believe in the mania of Pope nation, I thought "Papa Francesco" as the Italians call him was really sweet, and while I could only make out every sixth word he said, he seemed really humbled by the crowd.

In no particular order, my escapades included visits to the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Borghese gardens and museum and the Trevi fountain. I'm exhausted just writing this.

Below are some photos! Enjoy. x

The Roses

Yesterday I visited Giardino Delle Rose, translation: Garden of Roses.

Roses remind me of my best friend Stefania, who has a sleeve of roses on her arm, and who also launched a new website/photography company called, Yellow Rose Portraits.

While you sometimes see her photos on my blog, she also has an impressive portfolio of travel, lifestyle and portrait photography. I took her photo for the "About Me" section of her site, and below is my favourite shot. You can also check out her website here. Congrats Stef!

Now, back to the rose garden.

I huffed and puffed up many steep slopes, and for the first time since being here I was uncomfortably hot. Summer has officially arrived in Florence and my adventures now leave me gleaming in sweat. The rose garden was lovely and although some of the flowers were wilted from the heat, there were plenty more to stare at.

I don't listen to headphones here in Italy (too dangerous) and it seems that my daily walks and explorations are more vivid, and my mind is more alert. The saying, "Stop and smell the roses," is not just a cliche, as I've begun to find a great calm from being around nature lately.

This weekend, I hope you find the sun, a steep hill or something to marvel at. I have a full weekend planned in Tuscany so I will have much to share next week!

Below are my photos from the garden. Enjoy! x.

Ciao from Cinque Terre!

This past weekend, I visited Cinque Terre.

I went with my language school on a 2.5 hour bus ride to the land of the coloured houses, as I call it. The best thing about bus rides in Italy are the convenience stops along the way that sell NUTELLA AND BREADSTICKS in those little containers with JUICE. My absolute favourite thing to buy, ever.

As for a mini background lesson: Cinque Terre is located in Liguria, and translates as "Five Lands." Of the five villages, we visited four: Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Manarola.

Once we arrived, all I could smell was the sweet ocean.

The houses in Cinque Terre look like they've been stretched in the colours of saltwater taffy. They range from lilac and creamsicle to baby doll pink and Robin's egg blue. To me, colour equals life. People and tourists come in droves to hike the paths and sample the sizzling fried fish along the water. Being there is like walking into a postcard that was then uploaded and enhanced on Instagram. It's that vivid. For lunch I had tagliatelle alle granchio, (pasta with crab), and of course, I finished the day with gelato.

If you're ever in the region, I highly recommend it.

Below are my photos. Enjoy x