TRAVEL // CHICAGO

Chicago became part of my childhood summer routine, right before going back to the Philippines. We would drive across the bridge to Detroit from Windsor & fly 45mins to Chicago & spend several days there to hang out with my cousins, shop & eat some deep dish pizza. But that ritual stopped when we moved to Vancouver. So, the last time I went to Chicago was when I was 16... probably the best summers I had as far as traveling was concerned (another story, another day). 

So after a decade & a bit, I finally made my way back to the Windy City for my dearest friend's wedding (which is another post to follow). I managed to cram as much as I could for the little time I had. I flew in on Thursday evening & of course my flight was delayed by 30mins. I arrived at around 7:30 (Chicago time - 1hr behind) & it took about 15mins to wait in line & to clear customs. Another 5mins to walk to the train station. It was about a 30min train ride from Midway to State/Lake station and another 10mins walk from the station to the hotel. By the time I got to the hotel I was exhausted and the hunger settled in. Here's a tip, if you're are flying in from Midway spend $3 vs. $40 taxi ride. 

TRAVEL // PARIS, FRANCE

There's just something about Paris for me that I can figure out.

I am just in love with this city. I love the je ne sais quoi. 

The highlight of this trip was probably me sitting in Jardin des Tuilleries and eating my Laduree pastry. 

It was the most magical yet simplest thing you can think of.

Walking on the cobblestones... criss-crossing through all the bridges that links the city.

Oh Paris, why are you so magical?

I also took a day trip to Giverny, where Monet just painted away. 

This little village is about 1hr train ride outside of Paris...

tucked away in the most beautiful backdrop of greenery hills.

Just magical. 

xx charisse

LIFE // A DELAYED HELLO + TRAVEL UPDATES

I know. I've been horrible. 

But finally I'm fully back. 

It's been almost a month since I returned from my trip but it's just now I finally had a breather.

Work was intense the moment I came back. 

It kept piling on and it just didn't seem to stop until  this past week.

I feel like I can breathe now. No longer feeling overwhelmed. 

Back to being organized. Until the next flood of campaigns comes through.

Now onto my trip.

I visited Barcelona and Paris.

10 days of blissfulness with two of my lovelies.

Eating amazing food, drinking sangrias, seeing the sights. 

And I'm already counting down to my next trip.

It was my first time in Barcelona and I had heard so much about it.

So expectations were high.

As inspiring the architecture by Antonio Gaudi was. 

I didn't love the city as I would hope to.

But don't get me wrong it is a vibrant & colourful city 

and they had so much amazing food and sangrias that taste like heaven. 

But it just wasn't for me... or not for me for more than 2 days. 

I'll be posting about Paris in the next couple of days.

Until then xx charisse

NOMADIC TRAVELER AT HEART

The first time I was on the plane I was 3 months old.

And ever since then...traveling just became part of me. 

Having moved a lot when I was young. Try 5 cities by the age of 18. 

Being in transit became second nature. 

So, it's no wonder that every chance I get to get out of the city. I do it.

What's on the docket this year? 

I went to Vancouver and New York in a 2-week span in May due to weddings. 

And now... it's cottage time this weekend. 

I need some r&r away from the city - I can't wait to reconnect with mother nature!

Happy Weekend!

xx charisse

TRAVEL // VANCOUVER

During the Victoria Day weekend, I got on the plane and headed to Vancouver for my dearest friends' wedding Jen & Jason. It was fun to see my old friends and getting reacquainted with the city where I went to high school. It rained a lot (quite typical in May) but for one day I was able to whip out my camera and take some shots. 

Thank you for the four amazing days, Vancouver. 

xx charisse

TRAVELS // GIRAFFE MANOR

Africa has been on my list of places to visit (at least once). But, now it's probably hop scotch a couple spots up when I heard about the Giraffe Manor. It is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest and is only 20 kilometres from Nairobi city centre. Built in the 1930s, this luxury boutique hotel has maintained all the charm of the era and is now famous for its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe. Giraffe Manor offers you an unparalleled experience of the giraffes, with them vying for your attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even your bedroom window. Giraffe Manor is also home to many characters including warthogs, bushbuck, dik dik and more than 180 species of birds and has a striking view of the Ngong hills.

Who would like to trek with me to Giraffe Manor?

charisse
{images via Travelettes}

CAPTURED // FRANCE

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Sitting there, alone in a foreign country, far from my job and everyone I know, a feeling came over me. It was like remembering something I’d never known before or had always been waiting for, but I didn’t know what. Maybe it was something I’d forgotten or something I’ve been missing all my life. All I can say is that I felt, at the same time, joy and sadness. But not too much sadness, because I felt alive. Yes, alive. That was the moment I fell in love with Paris. And I felt Paris fall in love with me. 

{from in the final vignette of Paris Je T’Aime}

CAPTURED // NEW YORK, NEW YORK

With the 2012 almost coming to a close... 

I decided to do a round-up of the best memories in my travels.

A 4-day getaway with friends where we shared laughter & everlasting memories.

Plus a proposal in the park marks it to be a memorable trip.

Through the eyes of Alex, Sebastien, Kai, Derek & Isabelle.

Welcome to our Empire State of Mind.