en arrière pour la deuxième fois

In exactly four days, I will be back in Virginia. It is so strange to think that summer is nearly gone and I'll resume school again as a sophomore. What's equally bizarre is how much I've changed over the course of a summer. It is almost as if I'm returning to school as a different person. However, no matter how much time I have until I leave, it will never be enough. I am surely going to miss my baby sister and her copper-blonde hair, the way she affectionately pronounces my name, and how she gives me her hugs; I'm going to miss talking to my sister; I'm going to miss my parents, not able to sit down and laugh; and I'm going to miss being home. No matter how old I'll get, I shall still be childish when it pertains to saying goodbye. 

That being said, I aspire my second year to be different, to stand apart from my previous year, to show progress and maturity. First year of university is akin to testing the waters: it's not quite as difficult as many claim to be, you realize that university life prospers on excellent time management skills, and making several necessary adjustments (such as not going to be 3 hours after midnight). Things are going to be different this year, as I plan to make many changes regarding schedule, diet, and time management. Perceiving it as a test run for living on my own is perhaps not a bad idea, as that instills a sense of personal responsibility (which doesn't mean I didn't do that beforehand). Prepare more meals, formulate a fixed schedule (what to do and accomplish and actually do them), and maintain the patterns I have at home while being at school. Moreover, keep the objectives I've set out this summer for this coming school year. 

Regardless, there are a few things that I plan out on accomplishing. A great deal of them include making the meal I've pinned on my Pinterest. Others, not so much.

1. As I've posted numerously regarding my fervor for traveling, taking a cue from a film I've watched recently, I am going to purchase a world map and tape to my wall. I'll purchase some small pins and put them in all the places that I plan to visit. That will be a wonderful way to inexpensively spruce up my bedroom. 

2. After seeing Midnight in Paris, the costumes were immaculate. This inadvertently spawned my desire to be a 1920s character for Halloween. Getting inspiration from Marion Cotillard's character and Zelda Fitzgerald's ensemble pieces, it is going to be a goal of mine that I shall accomplish successfully. All Halloween past, I've dresses up meagerly on account of not getting the clothes I wanted to make the character believable. This year shall be different. 

3. Purchase a Fujifilm Instax 210. I've wanted a Polaroid for that longest time and this is an excellent alternative. I have lamented purchasing another camera because I'm not a photographer, but a single captured moment immediately processed and having it in your hand is special. Thus, I am growing more and more sure of this forthcoming purchase.

4. Become more fluent in French. Living in a French-speaking country, it's somewhat a shame that I have not been vigilant growing more proficient in the language. To change that, I shall download podcasts off iTunes so that while I may not be total attention, it will filter in my mind.

Summer Films

This summer hasn't exactly what I thought it was going to (it was even better). I honestly thought that I would return from my session in school and lie in my bed reading and watching films, lying in the sun, making frozen slushies, and essentially wasting another summer doing absolutely nothing and hoping that next year will be different. Thankfully and fortunately, it was different. I didn't watch as much television (or the telly, as the English colloquium calls it) but I didn't read as much as I wanted to due to the fact that I had to finish eight weeks of school in four in order to go to Europe worry-free. While I did not have a social life for four weeks in order to complete that task, once I finished, I was confused as I did not know what to do. I didn't want to watch the crud that on airs, so, naturally, I resorted to films.

1. Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging

I'm fairly certain I've watched this film three times already in a course of 10 days. This movie is so perfect, that I cannot stress enough how much I enjoy it. Georgia's sassiness, Robbie's attractiveness, the curious and fascinating way English teens speak (which immediately sparked my interest in an English accent), and the overall film. Having Eastbourne as the backdrop of the film creates is just absolutely perfect. Every time I watch it, I always tell myself that I am going to visit the UK, explore London, Brighton, and Eastbourne. And seriously, any girl that dresses up as a stuffed olive to a Halloween party needs to be my best friend. Georgia Nicholson is the coolest fourteen-year-old I know. 

2. Contagion

I watched Contagion on the plane to Europe. Bad idea. It also happened to be late (or early in the morning). Even worse idea. It is a creepy movie at first but then it begins to showcase how civilization would react to a global pandemic and that perhaps was even more frightening than the disease's symptoms. The first ten minutes, I have to admit, made me cringe in my seat. People who were coughing in the film eventually displayed the contagion's symptoms, so imagine my reaction when I heard people coughing in the airplane and then in the airport. Shudder. I wasn't eager to touch things without immediately washing my hands after. Also, on a side note, I paid close attention to Marion Cotillard's character wardrobe, wondering if that is how she dresses normally, or at least Parisian women. 

3. Monte Carlo

I've already seen this film in theatres and on DVD at school, but after watching it immediately after coming back from Europe was bittersweet. The action in the film itself is sweet and cute, with my eyes captivated by Pierre Boulanger's character, Theo's charm, looks, and heart. However, seeing Paris and Monte Carlo, I quickly took my journal and jotted down those two locations as one of the places I want to travel to, complete with the over-ambitious touristic experience. Exploring the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and lying on the beach in Nice. I'm fair to say that Europe has stolen my heart.

4. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

This was a quirky film, unsure of what the plot would be. I mean, judging by the film's title, I did figure it would involve salmon fishing in the Yemen. I didn't however expect that it would be full of heart, a wonderful vocabulary, tender moments, a pure love (not having the main protagonists end in bed at the end of the movie, as many American films portray), and good messages that mostly came straight from the Sheik's mouth. A very, very good film that I believe is severely underrated.

A Summer Haze

For the past three weeks, record hits have plunged the majority of the globe in a summer heat have, with temperatures hitting mid- to high 30s C or rising past 100 F degrees. Staying reasonably fashionable even in the midst of a blistering heat wave is extremely difficult. (I was touring Timisoara, Romania in 41 C weather, under direct sunlight.) While a simple tank top and lightweight shorts may not necessarily be the best option, it is possible to look cool even when it feels that the sidewalk is melting.

The first thing that is a must-know is not to wear heavy fabrics. That may seem redundant, but anything that feels heavy will cling to your skin, making the heat even more unbearable. The second thing that should be noted is to wear light colors. Pastels and neutrals are preferred in warm weather because the sun will not radiate heat as it would do with dark colors. Wear clothing that will not make you sweat due to the weight of the clothing. Also, wear something comfortable. In the hot days is not the best day to try those heels for the wedding or wear a fitted skirt that doesn't allow you to breathe.

taken from tumblr

taken from tumblr

white blouse, white peplum top, dress

mint dress, mint maxi skirt, pleated skirt

taken from tumblr

 

taken from tumblr

Style Journal: Eleanor Calder

I personally don't waste time wondering what celebrities are wearing, what they're doing, what sort of debacle they're in now, and what other sorts of piccadilly they've entered in simply because that would be a waste of time. I'm not friends with celebrities, so I'm one to spend hours on the internet scouting Kim K's latest move (or miss). However, I do find myself enamoured by the styles that emerge. For example, as many readers know, I am partial to European style. Nothing against American style, and its colorful variations; it just happens to be my personal style. I've always enjoyed the simple, delicate, and sophisticated silhouettes that emerge from the London, Paris, and Milan runways.

With the popularity of One Direction reaching across the globe, many fans are paying close attention to the people closest to their hearts: girlfriends. Louis Tomlinson's girlfriend, Eleanor, has a unique and enviable wardrobe. With most pieces hailing from Topshop and Zara, it's no wonder many girls are paying extra charge to emulate her style. Myself included. I find her style very similar to my own. She wears a lot of the same pieces (albeit a slight moderation to the ones she did wear) and has gained a reputation, style-wise. She has clean, simple, and modern look that is a breath of fresh air. Pastels, blouses, and flowy skirts and tops are slowing become ubiquitous for her. She is very classy without looking stuffy, modern without looking too avant-garde, and classic without looking outdated. I may attentively take notes because her wardrobe is of high caliber.

Eleanor was recently spotted wearing this ensemble with her beau while vacationing in Nice. She is known for not having complicated ensembles, but the first time I saw this, I actually thought to myself, I need everything she's wearing. The simplicity of a white low-high hemline maxi, a black top, a leather belt, and flat sandals would do. She not only epitomized Southern France chic, but made it look enviably cool.

leather belt , black bag, black top, white skirt

As you can see, she rotates around the same palettes, look, and style. She knows what she likes and what looks good and her and sticks to that. (Kudos to that, Eleanor.) Skinny jeans, peterpan collar blouses, messenger totes, flats, structured bags, aviator sunglasses, and black jackets have quickly become synonymous with her name. For being Louis's girlfriend, she's quickly making sure that she's not just come ditzy, fangirling girlfriend. She's a student with some serious style.

pink top, lace top, white shirt, mocassin flats, denim jeans, skinny jeans, peach blouse , white blouse, bag

Bit By the Travelling Bug

I recently returned from my time abroad in Europe. There were good times, not-so-good times, learning times, and other times that I don't think would fit into a single category. It was a humbling experience, it broadened my horizons, and it produced an opportunity of self-reflection. This time in Europe, I not only matured my personal taste, but it also permitted me to see different cultures, different mindsets, different ways of living, and different scenery. The experience I received while being there will remain with me for as long as I shall live. Right before leaving, an amalgam of emotions swept over. I didn't want to leave, yet I wanted to the luxury of being home with the pleasures and delicacies of Europe. That being said, I definitely want to go back. I shall go back. I want to go to different places, see different sceneries, and experiences the different cultures in Europe.
Since I have been severely bit by the travelling bug, whenever I go on Amazon or venture into the nearest book store, I always, without fail, veer towards the international travel section. Scanning the different places I want to go (and mentally plan to go as well), I develop a list of the travel guides that will be of good use when it shall be the time to go to that specific places.

The first is Spain. I've longed to experience the allure of the Spanish culture. I want to go through the streets of Barcelona and Madrid. Given, watching the second instalment of The Cheetah Girls may have sparked more genuine interest after seeing the backdrop of the city. Given, these are tentative plans and may not occur within the next 10 years. But still, it's good to plan ahead.

The next place that I immediately turn my attention span to the south of France. Nice, Cannes, St. Tropez, the luxurious hotels and beaches that have been iconic and the epitome of French luxury. Sigh. 

For something a little different, a trip to Scandinavia would also be a cultured and fruitful trip. Visit Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and other various locations would provide a well-rounded and broad experience.

Not in Europe, but a tourist harbor all year round, Australia is one of the top 5 places I want to go to. I really would wish to go in detail about the beaches, the local scene, and the wonders of the country, but I don't want to spoil myself for when it's time to go there. I like to be surprised when it comes to these sorts of things. Good surprises. 

Clearly, it's obvious that travelling is in my nature and that a change of scenery is not only good but healthy for the soul. 

Just Stay With Me

While it was rather rainy, miserable-looking, and colder outside, it was actually a good thing, considering that we were all still severely jet lagged and my younger sister was still finding a way to adjust to the time change. We were able to get some more groceries and while that sound perfectly boring and could possibly induce a good nap, it always proves to be an adventure. Why, you may ask? For one thing, there are an endless supply of delicious food. Not only that, but it has Fanta (the good kind, not the chemicalized American version), fresh bread and croissants, chocolate, pastries, dairy product. I wish I could eat all the food that was there! Secondly, the food is written in German and French, so I am always having to brush up on my French in order to know what I'm eating. Needless to say, it's never boring. Afterward, we stopped at a local pastry shop, Stahli, and picked up some yummy treats that made my stomach smile all day. Then, we stopped for some wood-smoked pizza. It was a lovely dining experience and it's no wonder we always eat there whenever we come here.

On a side note, I've been watching videos on YouTube on how to develop a British-English accent and I have received helpful hints on practicing British phonetics. I'm hoping that I'll eventually become proficient in it. If any of you have any tips, I'd love to hear them.

Departure and Arrival

Well, it's about time. The day had finally come and everyone was excited to go. We spent the several hours before arriving at the airport to get everything done, make sure the last things we needed we packed, and organized to make sure it didn't pass the weight limit. To the drive to Toronto, I noticed there was severe-looking clouds, but I figured it wouldn't be such a bad thing. However, when we arrive at the airport and managed to get 2 buggies to load our luggage (5 people with each luggage plus 5 carry-ons) to load in the plane. One problem: our luggage each were at 5 kilos over the limit. We originally thought that the limit was 23 kg, but it's 20 kg. And the alleged charge is $100 per bag per person. So, 25 minutes and another carry-on later, we finally managed to enter our gate. During the short waiting time, an Emirates airbus e380 arrived close to the terminal and it was truly a sight to see. Shortly after, boarding began.

The flight provided edible food and carbonated beverage. However, 40 minutes into the flight, we began to experience severe turbulence for a good 20 minutes. A little bit of turbulence is somewhat expected flying overseas, but when I noticed it didn't stop and it was actually getting worse, I took action (pray) and it calmed down shortly after and I even managed to fall asleep for 3 hours. (Prayer does work, people.)

When we finally touched down in Zurich, it was like visiting an old friend. We retrieved our luggage, got the car, and drove down to Bahnhofstrasse to denumb our legs and bottoms. Walking for a while, we realized how hungry we really were (since none of us really ate on the plane), we decided to eat at Manora. That concept is so smart and the food is delicious, I may never want to eat at another American franchise again. But, that's another rant for another time. Having the orange Fanta, croissants, and Kinder pingu was more delicious than another dessert I've tasted in a long time. With jet lag quickly setting in, set off and left Zurich to drive near Flums to our apartment. It wasn't long before everyone plopped on the bed and fell asleep faster than it took for our bodies to land on the bed.