New York City time lapse

I am loving vimeo at the moment! I have found so many amazing short films. This one, entitled 'new york city.', shows a beautiful time-lapse of New York. It may be the great scenery, the pretty night lights and/or the wonderful music, but it's making me want to go there even more than usual!

 
(Source: James Ogle on vimeo) 

Rachel xoxo

Big dreams

Sourced from: Pinterest

This blog is testament to the fact that I am a BIG dreamer! I have big plans for myself and I am determined to see them become a reality. I want to travel the world and experience new things... blah, blah, blah– you all know this by now!

Sure, I fill my little corner of the web with pretty pictures of beautiful places and I ramble on and on about what I love about them and what I would do if I was there but, as exciting as all that is, it is also really, really scary! The world is so big and I am so small; there are so many places to get lost– both physically and in translation!

This quote reminds me that being scared can be a good thing. It can mean that there is a big adventure ahead, just waiting to be had! I find that kinda comforting, don't you?!

Rachel xoxo

Well done, London!

Fireworks during the closing ceremony (sourced from: London2012.com)

I'm just sitting here watching the closing ceremony/ waiting for the Spice Girls to come out and I can't help but feel a little disappointed! Not because of the ceremony itself– it's pretty amazing so far– but because it is all ending! :(

I've made no secret of my love for London, it's one of my favorite cities! I've really enjoyed watching the marathons, triathlons and cycling events that toured this wonderful city from the streets. Aside from actually being there, I think it's the best way to see the London sights.

Also, I love the sense of unity that comes along with having the entire world represented in one place at one time and for one reason. It's so special and fills me with so much pride!

But even though these games are ending, I guess I can take comfort in the fact that the next games are that much closer! I can't wait for Rio 2016, let's see if they can out-do London 2012– it's not going to be an easy task!!

What was your favorite part of the games?

Rachel xoxo

Quote for the day #5

Sourced from: Pinterest

...and I can't wait to find it!

Rachel xoxo

Scenic movies: Woody Allen

I love watching movies! It's one of my favorite things to do, especially in the winter time! Lately, I've been watching a lot of Woody Allen films. They are so distinctively quirky and refreshingly different from your standard Hollywood blockbusters – which I love! But, the thing that I love most about Woody's films is the way he takes a location and somehow manages to transport you there through the screen! I liken it to watching a foreign film, just without the subtitles (for the most part– there are sometimes a few)!

If you have ever seen a Woody Allen film, you will know that they are not everyone's cup of tea– you either love them or you sit there confused, trying to figure out what all the hype is about! But, if you like films with a lot of stunning scenery, I would definitely encourage you to give one of his films a watch. These are some of his more recent ones...


'Midnight in Paris' (2011) is one of my favorites, probably because its set in the back streets and cafes of one of my favorite cities! The main character, Gil (played by Owen Wilson), is an American tourist on holiday in Paris, France with his fiance, Inez (played by Rachel McAdams). While wandering the streets alone at night, Gil is 'magically' transported back in time to the 1920s and adventure ensues!! 

Sourced from: Rotten Tomatoes

Sourced from: Sony

Sourced from: Sony

Sourced from: Sony

Sourced from: Sony  



'Vicky Christina Barcelona' (2008) is another goodie about two American friends, Vicky and Cristina (played by Rebecca Hall and Scarlet Johansson, receptively), who are holidaying in Barcelona, Spain. They both fall for the same man, Juan (played by Javier Bardem), which causes problems for their friendship. However, Juan seems to have his own problems in the form of his mentally ill ex-wife (played by Penelope Cruise).

Sourced from: Listal

Sourced from: Listal

Sourced from: Listal

Sourced from: Listal

Sourced from: Listal



I am also looking forward to seeing 'To Rome With Love' (2012) when it comes out here in December. From what I've heard and read, its about a group of individuals whose stories intertwine while in Rome, Italy. If the all-star cast (Penelope Cruise, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page and Alec Baldwin to name a few!) is anything to go by, this should be a great film!

Sourced from: Rotten Tomatoes

Sourced from: Rotten Tomatoes

Sourced from: Rotten Tomatoes

Sourced from: Rotten Tomatoes



Enjoy!

Rachel xoxo

A little rant about Europe

(Sourced from: Pinterest)

I LOVE Europe!

...but I'm sure you've already figured that out based on the amount of Europe related posts I've done (see my posts about London, the Eiffel Tower, Tuscany, European castles and Amsterdam)!
Honestly, I just can't help but write about this wonderful place all the time because everything about it resonates so strongly with who I am– my likes, my dislikes and my personality. Allow me to elaborate...

Venice (sourced from: Pinterest)

I think I have mentioned my love of history before. I love the thought of being somewhere that has seen so much. What better place to go and discover great historical wonders than the continent that contains some of the oldest civilisations around!?
These people have left an indelible mark on the area. Oh, the beautiful old buildings and crooked stone walkways; the monuments and statues to interesting and influential people; the unchanged landscapes spotted with old country cottages! I want to see and be amazed by it all!

Somewhere in Sweden (sourced from: Pinterest)

Speaking of being amazed... what about the museums over there!? Oh my gawsh! Where I live, it is rare to see a collection as special as what they have all the time at places like The Lourve in Paris or the British Museum in London. I am a bit of a facts nut and love finding out new and interesting things, so I would be in heaven at any one of these museums!

Paris (sourced from: Pinterest)

Another thing that I think is hard not to love about Europe is the wide array of differing cultures that are contained in such a small amount of space! I've heard that, as you cross the boundaries from country to country, the change is instantly noticeable.
Coming from a small island nation, the thought of this eclectic mix of people and culture is so exciting to me. I love discovering new things and I think Europe is definitely the place to do so!

London (sourced from: Pinterest)

I also love food. Well, it is more of a love/ hate relationship– I hate that I do but I cant help it, it's just too good– ladies, you know what I mean!
European countries are renowned for their delicious cuisine. French pastries and sweets, Italian pasta and pizza and Turkish Kebabs are just a few of the delicious treats I can't wait to sample in their place of 'birth'. I might gain a couple of pounds but hey, I think it will be worth it!

Vienna (sourced from: Pinterest)

What more can I say!? I truly believe Europe and I were made for each other and one day we will meet, I'm sure of it! But until then, I'll have to settle for the next best thing– blogging about it!

Rachel xoxo