Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts

SEPTEMBER

Summer is almost over and, as September has managed to sneak into our lives, I felt the need to make some changes and set a few goals I'd like to achieve before starting my third and final (sigh!) year at uni.



I've always been big at the whole 'write everything down' thing, but somehow I only manage to do it on paper and rarely on my blog. So I decided to try something new: a monthly goal post where I list the things I'd like to do and try to achieve them all.

As someone who's always been highly motivated but oh so lazy at times, I feel like this would be the best move for me right now. Making something public and out there is always a good kick up your arse, isn't it?


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Uni Life: Update


Well, hello there.

I know it's basically been ages since I last uploaded a post on here, but I've literally been so busy with Uni it's hard to find the time to actually sit down and write. 
But enough with the excuses, I am so excited to write this post I don't even know where to start.

Uni is.. incredible! Hard, of course, but amazing. And I wasn't expecting it at all. To be fair, the amount of coursework I have to do is ridiculous, but weirdly enough I don't mind it at all. 
The people I met so far are great and I'm loving my flatmates and life in general. 
It's so weird how moving to another city and start a new adventure can literally change the way you see things. My life has improved so much in such a small amount of time and I cannot picture myself anywhere else but here. 

Sorry if this post isn't so long, there's more to come – do not worry. 
I just wanted to pop in and say that I'm alive and I'm enjoying myself and my Uni experience. Get ready for loads of probably boring posts about how great this city is and how much fun I have with my friends. 
You've been warned xx

A Brand New Chapter


Today was kind of a big day for me.

I wish I could start off this post by telling you guys that I did some amazing things today, but unfortunately the only thing I actually did was going to Ikea by myself. But that's exactly why it was a big day. 

I am officially moving to Uni in 6 days – scary, I know!, and I'll be living in a Student Hall which means I basically have to buy every single thing apart from a bed and a sink – oh, the joys of being an adult!
And going to Ikea today was a really important moment for me. Important because I went shopping by myself and I'll move into a house I'll share with five strangers and that just made me realise I am officially growing up. 
I've been living abroad for two years now, but I've always shared a house with families. I never had to buy my own furniture or food or anything like that and today it finally hit me, I am starting a new chapter in a new city and I'll live in a new place and I'll meet new people. And these are the memories I want to treasure for the rest of my life. I want to be able to look back at my Uni days and remember how I felt and what I did.

So here we go, first of many posts about my years at Uni. Embrace yourselves for awkward and embarrassing stories, a rollercoaster of emotions and much, much more. 

Wanderlust: Venice




























One of the things I miss the most about Italy is its beautiful and historical cities. There is just too much art and beauty, it's overwhelming. 
And today I thought I'd share photos of a city you should definitely go and visit if you're in Italy: Venice.

To be fair, this is not one of my favourite cities, but you have to admit it's too beautiful to not share some photos. 
What made this city so special to me is that last time I was there I got to meet one of my closest friends and we spent the whole day walking around and exploring lanes and alleys. The touristic part of the city is not that big at all and we practically did it all in half a day – and still managed to find the time to go shopping and find a gorgeous book shop, as you can tell by the photos. It was absolutely stunning and looked like heaven to me.

Last time I was there I also managed to make a short and awkward vlog that I'll share here as well so you can see a bit more of what we did.
I know I haven't said much about the city, but sometimes photos are better than words.



Lazy Sunday: the people I love

When I left Italy I was in a really bad place, thought I had no one who cared about me and moving to London seemed the only option.
Looking back now, I can assure you it really was one of the best decision I've ever made. London has opened so many doors for me, and I am sure it'll give me so many more opportunities. But most important, distance made me realise – once again, how lucky I am and how many important people I have in my life.

I guess it's true: you never appreciate something until you lose it – or, in my case, until you move city.
Living far away from the people I love it's not easy, and it never will be, but I am dealing with it and it's getting better because, no matter how far I am, they will always be there for me. And I couldn't be happier about it.

My advice for today? 


Go on and live the adventure, but never forget the ones who love you.






Walking around London: Portobello and Notting Hill








Different day, new adventure, same city.

Just because I moved to London now, it doesn't mean I visited every single part of this gorgeous city. That's why two months ago I promised myself I would visit a different part of the city every weekend so I would never get bored and I would have the chance to wonder around and explore.

And for this week's blogpost I wanted to share with you my short – but productive, visit around Portobello and Notting Hill
So, where to start?

Portobello was exactly as described: a wonderful place with colourful houses and loads of flea markets. A bit like Camden, I have to say – but we all know how much I love Camden Town, therefore I'm afraid that nothing really compares to it.

What some of you may not know is that if you keep walking from Portobello Road you'll eventually get to Notting Hill and from there you can go all the way to Kensington and so on. Basically London is just a big, big city where everything is really close – if only you know where to go.

And what about Notting Hill? One of my all time favourite films was shot there, and it's such a posh but beautiful neighbourhood. Big, white houses, big streets, loads of expensive cars, but you'll always have a gorgeous view in front of you.

Best thing about this whole adventure was that I could share it with my friend Rachele, she's always up for a walk, a talk or anything really. Making friends in a new place is always hard, so when you find a good one you shouldn't let them go.

You know, it's been two months – eight weekends, since I moved here, but I will never get tired of this city.

Tourist for a day: London by night





To be honest with you I've never liked being a tourist. Now, don't get me wrong. If you've been reading my blog for long enough you know that I love traveling and exploring new places and cities, however, I don't like the idea of visiting specific places and take loads of common photos. 
Whenever I am visiting somewhere new, I like to walk around and discover streets or places that are not known as 'touristic places'. 
Does that make any sense to you? I don't know, it surely does to me.

Now, moving to London was a huge improvement and a big decision for me and I knew that it would have been a busy and chaotic city – because, let's face it, it really is!, but I also knew I'd love it unconditionally.
And I wasn't wrong. 

So, as much as I dislike going to all the 'touristic places', I found myself walking around central London last night and I suddenly remembered why I fell in love with this city five years ago.
The simple beauty hidden in all these places is something unexplainable, something that makes me happy whenever I feel sad or out of place. 

Yes, London is my happy place.

Yes, I pretended to be a tourist yesterday.
Yes, I took loads of photos.
And yes, I've enjoyed it immensely



Motivation Sunday – you can do it!

I woke up this morning feeling quite strange, probably because I've spent most of my night yesterday writing my personal statement for my university application. And that made me think about how far I've got and how many experiences I've made.

A coulpe years ago I would have never imagined to do all the things I've done: going to America, finishing high school, moving to London and so on. 
But all of this wouldn't have happened without someone. And that someone is me
I realized that the only reason why I've experienced so much is because I wanted to. I was able to achieve what I really wanted.

And you know what? I am extremely proud of this. 
I would have never thought I'd be so strong but I am, and it feels so good.

So I am here writing this post to let you know that you can do it. And I am aware of the fact that this sounds a lot like a really boring and relatable quote – but it's true. And I've experienced it.

My advice for today?

Think for yourself and never doubt your strength. You can achieve whatever you want if you work hard enough for it. 
Nothing comes easy, that's true, but if we really want something – and I mean really really want it, we have to make sure we can do anything in our power in order to make it happen.

It's our only chance to do it, after all.

View from a bus window – part 1








If there is one thing I love about public transportations is that they allow you to see parts of the city you didn't know of or places you've never been to. Sometimes, though, you're able to see places you've visited before under a complete different light.

And it's amazing.

That's why I've decided to start taking photos of my bus journeys and share them here with you all. Most of you will be surprised to find out how many places look completely different if seen from a bus window view.

So sit tight and enjoy the ride!

Long distance relationships



Not everything that shines is gold, and traveling has its flaws as well.
One of the biggest – and probably hardest, ones is long distance relationships.

Due to my previous experience in America, I can tell you that is not easy keeping in touch with the people you love, even though you try your best. 
New city, new people, new routine, sometimes it just gets too overwhelming and you can't keep up. It's not your fault, of course, it is important to remember that this whole experience marks a new chapter in your life, therefore you will be willing to discover more and experience new things.

Does that mean that the people back home are not important anymore?


Of course not
Your relationships back home are the most important thing for you right now. All the support you have is because of them, they believe in you and in your dreams, and – hopefully!, they'll always be there for you.

But let me tell you one thing, the people that are not willing to keep up with you during your new adventure are not worth your time. 
Be careful then, during this whole experience you'll lose people, but you will never regret it – trust me!