River Seinne, Paris France

It’s tough being a woman. Aside from the typical annoyances that fill our day, we have fashion to consider. Chloe, Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Louboutin – how can you say no? But being a woman also means knowing when to say ‘no.’ Thankfully, in Paris, I can put all will power aside and cave into my indulgences.

It wasn’t my first trip to the City of Light. Paris stole my heart almost nine years ago when I first stepped under the Eiffel Tower and watched in amazement as the sun set behind the steel structure. I was romanced, swept off my feet and sent spinning along the Sienne and even as I tried to contain my enthusiasm, I knew what was happening: I was falling in love. Nine years later, Paris still holds my heart.

This trip, my hotel was perfectly placed in the 6th arrondissement. The Jardin le bréa was seductively tucked off a side street and but perfectly placed within walking distance from Jardin du Luxembourg and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral. Steps from some of Paris’s tiny cafes, patisseries and plenty of boutique shops, I nourished myself in the morning with a fresh croissant and cup of coffee before I set out to explore all that Paris had to offer. (more…)

Capuccino at the Hotel Homs

It started with my first cup of coffee. The foam on my latte was perfectly placed on top of the steaming brown cup of brewed beans. The barista finished off my much-needed caffeine fix with a heart in the center of the cup and asked me for me 2 euros.

I wasn’t in Rome for one hour and already love was being thrown in my face, and it was in my coffee – the only thing I needed to turn me from sleepless psycho woman to life of the party.

But surprisingly, Rome took a turn for the interesting…

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Armored knights, white horses and maidens-in-waiting. Moats, bridges and canals leading to ivy-clad castles and hidden corners off cobblestone walkways. Even in the 21st century, Bruges still oozes a medieval atmosphere.

Bruges canal

The journey begins in the “Markt” – the central square area of Bruges whereby all side roads connect. If you’re feeling brave, climb the 300-plus stairs in the Belfry Tower and witness the most spectacular views of Bruges before exploring the city on foot.

Your climb is worthy of a snack, so treat yourself to a side of Belgium fries for 3 Euro from one of the many snack stands in the Markt and start exploring.

From any of the roads leading off the square you’ll stumble upon magnificent brick buildings from as far back as 1200. One your walk, make sure to stop by the lady making lace and watch her weave the strings that eventually become breathtakingly beautiful cloth meant for clothes, tables, windows and more. Stumble upon the artist’s corner, where Bruges residents offer their own perspectives of the city in oil, chalk or charcoal. Before you hop on a canal ride to see Bruges from the water – one of the more magical ways to explore the city – stop by the open-air flea market to see if you can’t find some ancient Bruges artifacts. (more…)