finding beauty in greece

With as much excitement I had to experience all that is Greece, I really struggled there. Athens was nothing like we expected, as I pictured all of Greece to be coastal hillside towns, with white stone buildings and blue rooftops.  You know, like you see in the movies? Athens is nothing of the sort, as it is overly populated with the coast nowhere in site.  We did find it's beauty as we escaped to the old historical neighborhood known as Plaka, where I indulged in my first euro ever, and roamed old multicolored streets.  However, Plaka wasn't enough as we discovered Aegina Island was only a little over an hour away and we altered our travel plans immediately.  The Port of Aegina offers endless amounts of outdoor patios where you can take in the view. We spent the day walking along the port enjoying frozen yogurt, driving up into the hills, and learning about some of Aegina's history.  I'm truly happy I was able to relax here and experience a brief moment of coastal Greece before realizing my valuables had been stolen.  By the time that occurred, I was ready to head over to Italy. 

the elegance that is paris

I never imagined my arrival into the "city of love" to go as it did.  Once we arrived, we walked out of the train station into the dark soaking streets of Paris.  I was immediately thrown into a terrible mood as I knew we'd have about half a mile to conquer before we reached our hotel.  The rain is not something that usually bothers me and I was well prepared with my umbrella in hand.  However, dragging luggage through endless wet streets with soaking drenched feet is another story.  On the other hand, the elegance of Paris is something to be thankful for, considering I was able to numb the terrible mood and soak in the amazing views on my arrival.  I couldn't help but to fall in love as Paris is absolutely breath taking, even on a dark and rainy day. 

 Those city views.

I tried hot wine, and let's just say there is no wine I could ever discriminate.

Never head to Paris without an umbrella, you'll be sorry.

Paris is very accommodating in terms of satisfying hunger, and it is hard not to want to stop at every outdoor patio considering the majority look like this. 

Merry-Go-Rounds are the thing in Europe, as I saw more on my trip than I have in my entire life.

Those Autumn colors.

I was advised to watch the Eiffel Tower light up after my experience of arriving in the city.  It's amazing how the simplicity of a lit up structure can help to alter moods.  The fact that it twinkles every hour may have something to do with it though.

London

As soon as I arrived in London I immediately acquired an accent, or so I thought.  I couldn't help but walk around and pretend to know what I was doing.  I'm sure I worried my friends as they prepared for me to do this everywhere we went for the entire three weeks.  It did stop in London though, as it became a bit harder to pick up on entirely different languages elsewhere.  London was the first stop on our Euro tour, and an excellent way to ease into the culture shock of all the visited countries involved.  I fell in love with it's history, architecture, and fish and chips. It also reminded me a whole lot of New York, which is something I could never complain about. 

cheers to twenty six

This past weekend I celebrated my twenty sixth birthday; although I think I'm still in denial about the whole situation.  I swear I just turned twenty five, as time just seems to be accelerating. It's humorous because I feel like just yesterday I was complaining about not being old enough for anything.  I would fight nap time, complain about rules, and wanted nothing more than to be my own boss.  Now I complain about not having enough naps and life not being as carefree and easy as it once was. Twenty six does have its perks however, as with this age I am able to throw a party with some of my favorite people and endless amounts of wine.  Although the day went nothing as planned, with only getting to see one winery and having the party bus become the actual party, I was so thankful to spend it with these people. Cheers to you guys for making twenty six so memorable!

#pdxeats

I've been indulging in a number of Portland eats recently and I'd just like to share a few...

Deschutes Brewery: the pretzel is a must have

Bar Bar: Last week was "Portland Burger Week" and so I took full advantage, obviously.  Bar Bar offered their State Fair Burger which is presented on an Alessio bun (my favorite part).  I also tried the Stuffed Cheese Curd Burger at North Light and if I'm being honest, could have had more cheese curds. This desire coming from a cheese lover, noted.  Lastly, I stopped by Club 21 for their Shadow Burger which was advertised as being 'topped off with an onion ring' however, mine was not.  I failed to notice until the last bite, so it wasn't a terrible absence. *all burgers were not consumed in one day (but two)*

Mike's Drive In: I had an unplanned date with the brother here and am so thankful it occurred.  I notice each time I see him how much alike we are, and am so happy to have such an amazing guy as my brother.  You can never go wrong with one of their seasonal shakes.

Cupcake Jones: This has got to be one of the best cupcake shops in Portland.  It's located in the Pearl District and offers just a handful of flavors including Cookie Dough, PB&J, Peanut Butter Cup, and German Chocolate.  It was fun indulging with my littlest friend for her second birthday.  

Mod Pizza: This isn't technically located in Portland, but it's right across the river in Vancouver, WA.  It's a fast serve pizza place so I was all in when asked to be the third wheel with one of my favorite couples.  

Fact: I can never say no to pizza. 

Tis' the Season

I love to see couples tie the knot no matter what.  There's just something about that moment when the bride comes out that makes me whisper "I'm going to cry" every single time.  However, a summer night, a tree farm, oven roasted pizza, and an ice cream truck all make for the perfect wedding.  As I headed up the driveway to the location, I immediately knew how perfect the wedding was going to be. I started noting the things I liked as if Pinterest had come alive.  I love this season like it were supposed to be included in the other four.  If that was the case, it would without a doubt, be my number one.  This fact becomes obvious as I had to get dragged off the dance floor, not ready for the night to end. 

out east...

is my rural escape

just beyond acres of endless fields

and old abandoned homes

lies a river I've come to know well

with a dock I've come to call my own

and a patch of grass to hold my temporary shelter

where I can play my favorite card game for hours.

It seems like every year my trip to Maupin comes at the perfect time, as I desperately seek an escape from every day life.  In Maupin, routine is nonexistent as well as obligations and concerns.  It is here that I can lay on my dock and enjoy a good book until only the sun has worn me out, I can raft down the river and lose all track of time, and I can reminisce with good friends about all the good times.  For these reasons, Maupin has become my summer escape. Correction: my favorite escape.

new hobby

I found my future home, located out on an empty country road.

I also found my new hobby, if tasting wine can be considered one.  Stoller Vineyards is located in Dayton, Oregon and offers seven different varieties of  ripened grape juice.  It also offers you a day of relaxation as we sat for hours in the perfect setting consisting of four lawn chairs and a tire swing.  It was the best of both worlds as it allowed me to drink my wine and act like a child, while trying to remember how to maneuver  a tire swing. The assumption was that we would visit a handful of wineries, but after coming across this set up, it was clear we wouldn't move until we were forced to head back into the city.