Wander: Berlin, Germany

Sprechen sie Englisch, bitte? Do you speak English, please?

This is our first time visiting Germany, and I suppose the first place neither of us could speak the language. So upon landing in Berlin our lack of German was immediately sobering. Tegel is probably the most chaotic airport I've ever flown into (and that includes Heathrow) - pair that with a couple of tired travellers who don't speak the language...fear certainly took over.

What we quickly learned though is most people in Berlin speak great English. As long as you're prepared to learn a few greetings, niceties, work on pronunciation and at the very least know how to ask them if they sprechen sie Englisch, they're more than happy to converse with you in English with a smile. 

We feel much braver exercising what we've learned and are inspired to look into language classes when we get home. German may not be the prettiest language but its a really fun one! 

Being in Berlin the last several days has been nothing short of amazing! The people here are great - friendly and fascinating! The sights, the food, the graffiti and the eclectic culture that envelopes you as you wander through, has an infectious effect. There's something about Berlin that feels like coming home. Especially if you're a creative person! The fashion and overall style of Berliners is exactly what I'd fill my "personal style" Pinterest board with. 

In just a short few days, Berlin has captured my heart and my imagination too. The thought of leaving makes me sad as I feel we've only just scratched the surface, but I'll forever dream of a return trip. 

And when we finally get back here, we'll be armed with a whole new vocabulary.

Ich liebe dich, Berlin. I love you, Berlin.

Ps. I'll be following this up in the next few days with a second post about Berlin.

Wander: To walk among Scots.

To state the absolute obvious, Edinburgh is an OLD city with many tales to tell. Every block you pass through has seen its share of dramas, battles, and love stories dating back centuries. The same could be said about the rest of Scotland. And of course Europe.

Being from Canada, our own history is just a blip in time compared to the history that has existed here. I mean, you can't help but appreciate knowing some of Scotland's more "modern" buildings are as old as your own country. 

I've never had a head for remembering historical battles and/or dates - a "history buff" I am not. But there is something to be said about walking streets, alleys and sweeping landscapes that embody so much life.

Any place will have a spirit about it. Scotland just so happens to walk among many. 

Wander: Edinburgh, Scotland

Kevin and I road-tripped through Ireland several years ago, we've wandered London a couple times too. The UK is not new to us and there is no place we feel more at home or are surprised by every time we visit.

Our trip to Ireland so many years ago really inspired our interest and love of whisky which has only deepened with time. Visiting Scotland to take in its history and its yummy whisky roots, well, we've talked about taking this trip for a while. 

We've rented an apartment in Edinburgh through Airbnb and our plan was to keep our plans fairly loose and treat this city like it were our own. 

Edinburgh is quite small and we realized, very walkable too. Despite its small size there is so much to discover! The key is to let yourself wander. While wandering ourselves I found a beautiful quote that could easily keep us company while we travel Europe this next month. 

"Not all those who wander are lost"

Fitting for life as well. 

A few things we've learned while in Scotland:

- The Scottish are lovely, warm people

- Haggis is delicious

- Whisky tastes better on this side of the Atlantic

- Eggs, and fish 'n chips too

- After a week of hearing it around you, a hybrid of an accent takes shape! Apparently mixing a Canadian accent with a Scottish one creates a softened Irish lilt

- Don't travel like a tourist. Embrace your new surroundings like they were your own.

Wander: Europe bound.

Kevin and I are headed to Europe tomorrow.

We haven't been back since 2009 and let me tell you, my body and mind has been aching for it ever since.

I grew up with European grandparents, so I've only ever felt a step away from this culturally rich and eclectic continent. Every time I'm back there, it feels like coming home.

We'll be gone a month to explore Scotland, Berlin, Lithuania (where my heritage lines lay) and Paris. I've already been to Paris, but this time I get to explore it with the husband in tow. A more romantic end to what is promising to be an enriching trip, there could never be.

I plan to share random anecdotal thoughts, daily photos and musings here throughout our trip. I hope you find it interesting! I can't wait to get started!

mk xo

(Taken with Instagram)

Shop: Pretty Paper Please

 

Branding solutions is what I offer my clients on a daily basis. When I had to turn the tables and think about how to brand myself and stationery line... it became a whole new challenge.

As part of my consignment/wholesale business series over on Lotus Events' blog, I've shared my insights on branding yourself in today's post. 

I'll be covering lookbook design, line sheets and catalogues over the next few weeks. Make sure to follow along!

Travel: Victoria, BC

 

 

After losing Charlie just over a week ago, Kevin and I needed some time away for a bit of a break from our thoughts.

We decided to take the ferry trip to Victoria, BC and make a long weekend of it. We hadn't been back since 2003, and boy, has the city changed!

It still has its old-town charm but with a much younger character than we remembered! Block after block of local coffee roasters, craft beer microbreweries and amazing new restaurants, the city has become a definite food haven. And you can't help but get lost in some of those views.

This trip was exactly what we needed.

Shop: Pretty Paper Please

I began sharing my consignment + wholesale experiences over at the Lotus Events blog last week. Over the next several weeks I'll be covering everything from how to approach prospective shops, creating/maintaining your brand's image, and the ins and outs of producing line sheets and product catalogues. 

Make sure to follow along!