Yes I’m still alive. A little break from blogging was needed. Of course, the reason was my sudden move to Berlin. My life needed a little bit of organization und had to get settled here. The big move will take place next week and I’m excited for the new apartment. I’ll show you some pictures soon!
Today I have an autumnal look from Cannes (I still have to show your the travel pictures). I’ve been hunting these jeans with pearls from H&M the whole summer until they came back in my size – something different! I’ve shopped these beautiful satin high heels during my last Berlin trip and love them. How do you like the look?
OUTFIT DETAILS
More & More leather jacket Zara basic top H&M jeans with pearls here / more here Zara pumps here / more here
Yes, call me crazy – 85 km of sightseeing in 11 hours is hilarious. But please consider, I’d only had a little bit more than 48 hours in Tokyo and wanted to see everything! With everything I mean to see as much architecture as possible. For those of you who are new to the blog – I’ve studied architecture for six years. To visit architectural interesting buildings sometimes I take quite long roads, i.e. in the Southern suburb area of Tokyo. I wish most of the houses were in one neighborhood (which would have still been huge for Tokyo).
Here’s a little photo diary and architecture guide for Tokyo!
The early bird catches the worm. My alarm rang super early each day and I started my expedition. “One Matcha Latte to go, please. Can you use my to-go cup?” (yes, I try to travel sustainably). “and no sugar, please!” Try to find unsweetened drinks in Japan – nearly impossible. The day before, I’d made a Google Maps map and noted the most important sights. Creating maps is always helpful to get a quick overview of a city. Japanese architecture, here we go!
Tokyo Highlights MEIJI-SHREIN
The Meiji-Shrine is one of the most imporant shrines of Japan. What are shrines? Shrines are religious monuments belonging to the Shintō-religion. Together with the buddhism it’s the most widely spread religion in Japan. People who believe in shinto religion don’t worship only one god but numerious indigineous Japanese gods, called kami. Every shrine is devoted to another god. For example the Meiji Shrine was devoted to the soul of Meiji-tennō and his wife Shōken-kōtaigo. You’ll find 80.000 – 100.000 Shinto shrines in whole Japan.
Neighborhood: Shibuya – free entrance
Tokyo Highlights The East Gardens of the IMPERIAL PALACE
Early in the morning, I visited the park of the Edo castle, also called Kōkyo Higashi-gyoen. The area is huge. I especially liked the Japanese Garden Ninomaru. Unfortunately, I missed sakura, the cherry blossom by a few weeks. They bloom so pretty here. You can also go on a boat tour around the castle.
Neighborhood: Chiyoda – free entrance | Monday, Friday and Public Holiday closed
Ninomaru Japanese Garden
Tokyo Architecture Highlights TOKYO CENTRAL STATION
From the Imperial Gardens, you’ll reach Tokyo Central Station on foot. It’s one of the most important traffic hubs, where most of the metro lines are crossing. Unfortunately, most of the area was under construction as they are renewing a lot of infrastructure for the Olympic Games. I highly recommend not changing lines here. I walked approximately 20 – 30 minutes from one station to the other (ok maybe I just got lost in the underground maze).
Tokyo Architecture Highlights KIYOSUMI-PARK
You should visit at least one Japanese park. Obviously, there are a lot of them in Tokyo. I randomly found the Kiyosumi-Park, which looked very pretty. In fact, it was owned by Mitsubishi, which bought it as a park to relax for their workers. Later on, the Southern part was opened to public.
Neighborhood: Kiyosumi – metro station: Kiyosumi-shirakawa of Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon-Linie and Ōedo-Linie | entrance ¥150
always have coins ready if you’re taking the bus!Japanese toilets are a world of its own…
Tokyo Architecture Highlights
Tadao Ando’s International Library of Children’s Literature
My architecture tour brought me to the North of Tokyo. The famous extension of Tadao Ando at the International Library of Children’s Literature is worth a visit. The mix of the modern addition and the old architecture is beautiful. Also, the inside of the Children’s Library is so cute.
neighborhood: Ueno-Park | free entrance
Tokyo Highlights
the techno-neighborhood AKIHABARA
I walked from the children’s library of Tadao Ando through the Ueno Park down to Akihabara. The popular neighborhood brings technology fans together. You’ll find many electronical shops, but mostly gambling halls called Taito Station.
soft toys of any type seen in a Taito StationGaming
Tokyo Highlights SHINJUKU at night
Shinjuku in the western part of Tokyo is a popular quarter for nightlife. Moreover, there are many designer shops. Golden Gai is very popular; it is a small quarter with more than 200 bars and restaurants. But, the district is very reserved as many bars only allow regular customers in.
Kabukichowalking in the south of Tokyo in the morning
Tokyo Architecture Highlights Ryue Nishizawa‘s MORIYAMA HOUSE
As I already mentioned in the beginning, I love to visit different architecturally interesting buildings. I couldn’t miss the Moriyama House of the famous architecture studio Ryue Nishizawa. The draft was inspired by the theme ‘house as a city’ and includes ten cubes with a varying layout that are spread on the ground plan. There live five parties. The building definitely stands out from all the neighboring buildings.
Tokyo Highlights ROPPONGI HILLS
Roppongi Hills is one of the most expensive areas in Tokyo. The city concept was finished only in 2003 and is a major example of ‘city in the city’. The center of the quarter is the Mori Tower, which is one of the highest towers of the city.
Tipp: you have a great view from the Mori Tower. Unfortunately, it was closed due to heavy wind when I was there.
Neighborhood: Minato
Tokyo Architecture Highlights Ruye Nishizawa’s GARDEN HOUSE
I surely walked around the block a few times until I found the famous Garden House. It’s a little bit crazy when you suddenly stand in front of it and look at the 5-storey open building, in the middle of all the skyscrapers. The building is just four meters long and enlivened thanks to an open glass wall with green vegetation.
The Tsukiji Fish Market (pronounced skidschi) is famous for its daily tuna sale in the morning. I didn’t want to wake up soo early, I was happy to just stroll around the half-empty fish halls at lunchtime. My mission: eating sushi! Afterwards, I discovered a small porcelain shop. The next time, I’ll definitely bring a bigger suitcase with me. The cute bowls in Japanese design aren’t only beautiful, but also unbelievably cheap.
Sushi-set for app. 11€ and a tasty matcha teadefinitely buy porcelain! You’ll find a great and cheap selection at Plates and Such. what is this? The art of queuing – there is a Japanese Knigge also for this
September was definitely crazy. But not travel-wise, life-wise. I’m already writing from my new home. Ok temporary home (the apartment hunt is still on), but from a new city! I’ve gotten a super spontaneous job offer, which I couldn’t refuse. Now I’m sitting here in Berlin and trying to figure out my new life. There is so much going on right now but I’ll keep you posted.
To conclude the summer, I flew to Cannes with two of my closest girlfriends and we had such a good time. The weather was still great and I even went swimming. September is definitely a good month to escape one last time. We definitely have to do it again next year! I’ll show you more impressions soon!
This month in travels: South Tyrol – Stuttgart – Munich – South Tyrol – Cannes – Berlin
Life on my phone CW 22-26
1 palms everywhere in St. Tropez
2 found a new friend in Antibes
3 my beautiful South Tyrol
4 at the port in St. Tropez
5 lunch date at Emmi’s Kitchen
6 stunning Abbaye de Lérins on Île Saint-Honorat
7 Oktoberfest o’clock
8 coffee break
9 art & new pumps
10 last summer days in Cannes
11 Moules et frites
12 one of my favorite roads at Lago di Garda
Make short work. If a great opportunity comes up – go for it! Even though I got so used to my life back home (especially the good weather, mountains, family and friends…), it was time for me for a new adventure. To be honest, I’ve missed my ‘real’ city life a lot and this is why I’ve decided to move.
Monthly favoritesBOUGHT
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To be honest, I haven’t shopped much in the past weeks. At least nothing, which is worth showing you. Here are a couple of links for:
I highly recommend ‘You are Love’ by Jo Platt. I’ve read most of Jo Platt’s books and they are all great.
Monthly favoritesSEEN
I can’t believe that I’ve never seen ‘The Tourist‘ with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp before. Moreover, I’ve finished Made In Chelsea Ibiza and Frankie and Grace.
Montly favoritesPLANNED – TRAVELS
Apart from a work trip to Stuttgart, I’ve planned to stay in the city for a while. I’ll have to head back home sooner or later but I still don’t know when.
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Ohhh – what a lovely weather in Vienna some months ago. I would definitely need some sunny days like these here in Berlin. Gosh, the weather has been awful lately. But I should get used to it. I’ve just found this look in the drafts. This dress is still one of my favorites and I can wear it all year round. Will change into black tights, though!
If you’re still looking for a nice holiday destination and don’t want to leave Europe, Galicia is the perfect spot for you. Surrounded by the Atlantic, the green, wild Province is located in the north-west of Spain. Nature couldn’t be more diverse here – meagre mountains, deep cliffs and a wild coast. The region has also a lot to offer culturally – you will find bagpipes and many Roman churches. Unlike in the hot south, there are mild temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees in Galicia throughout the year. Therefore, the perfect location for the winter months too.
Did you know? Galicia is a popular destination which has been included in the top 3 European destinations by Lonely Planet in 2017
Journey! From Germany, take a direct flight from Munich or Frankfurt to Santiago de Compostela. More connections lead via Palma de Mallorca, Madrid, Barcelona to A Coruñaor Vigo
Illas Cíes
CUISINE en point!
Galicia also delights the most refined palates – the Grupo Nove is a charitable organization of top chefs from the region, which has been existing since 2013. Most of them run their own restaurants successfully, where they can live it up creatively. In fact, of 17 of 24 members are chefs. They enrich the traditional kitchen of Galicia with modern influences. Of course, high-quality products of the region are the main components: seafood, fish and meat. A wine from the region, for example an Albariño – one of the most famous wines in Galica – goes very nicely with it.
The city offers a large selection of attractions, if you need a break, you can eat in one of the great restaurants. Don’t miss the fish market! Moreover, A Coruña has the longest promenade of Europe: 13 kilometers!
Restaurant-Tip: BIDO, Rúa Marcial del Adalid, 2, 15005 A Coruña
Ferrolterra. Rías Altas
The Fragas do Eume Natural Park is one of the last Atlantic Forests in Europe. The flora is particularly dense in the ‚jungle’ and hardly any daylight reaches the ground. I recommend especially the Caaverio Monastery, which dates back to the 10th century.
The Cliffs of Loiba are 120 meters deep at its highest point. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Restaurant-Tip:A Gabeira, Valon, 172, 15593 Ferrol, La Coruña
Pontevedra has been declared the most confortable city to live in by the UN because of its pedestrian streets and also has one of the most beautiful Galician old towns. Visit the Eirado da Leña, Pandemonium and the Bagos Restaurant.
Michelin restaurant recommendations:
Casa Solla, Av. Sineiro, 7, 36005 San Salvador de Poio, Pontevedra
Pepe Vieira, Camiño da Serpe, s/n, 36992 Poio, Pontevedra
Culler de Pau, Calle Reboredo, 73, 36980 O Grove, Pontevedra
It was once thought that the Costa da Mortewas the end of the world. That’s why it’s called the coast of death. It is many kilometers long. In Touriñán and Vilán, you can see the most amazing sunsets.
Michelin Restaurant-Tip: Retiro da Costiña, de Santiago, 12, 15840 Santa Comba, La Coruña
Santiago de Compostela
How could i not mention the famous Way of St. James? Thousands of people are going on pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela every year. The city is definitely worth a visit!
Restaurant-Tip: A Tafona Casa de Xantar, Rúa da Virxe da Cerca, 7, 15703 Santiago de Compostela O Balado Restaurant, Ardesende, 3, 15881 Boqueixón, La Coruña
The city is known for its Roman city wall of the 3rd century. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Lugo is one of the best places to eat tapas in Spain. I didn’t need to be told twice. I love Spanish Tapas!
Restaurant-Tip:Restaurant Paprica, Calle de las Noreas, 10, 27001 Lugo Restaurant España, Rúa Teatro, 10, 27001 Lugo
Don’t miss a walk through the old town ofOurense. Afterwards, go directly to the spa! Ourense is famous for its hot baths. BTW, you can find breathtaking canyons that are 500 meters deep near the Ribeira Sacra. There are also picturesque vineyards. You can also enjoy a boat tour on the Sil or Miño river.
Restaurant-Tip: Nova Restaurante, Rúa Valle Inclán, 5, 32004 Ourense
the vineyards near the river Miño
How you have seen, the region Galicia offers an amazing variety. I definitely put it on my travel bucket list, especially because of the great cuisine. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and got to know a new destinations.
