SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

Sometimes, I feel like I'm living in someone else's shoes. 

These past few days, I was lucky enough to visit beautiful Vienna. I took many photos of the city of course, but the absolute highlight of the trip was visiting Schönbrunn Palace. Unfortunately, I was unable to go inside and see the beautiful interior design and art work, but I was able to take in the castle's beauty from the outside. Of course, I got a little carried away and took a tonne of photos. Sadly, not many with me in them... since I'm a lone traveller, I get tired of asking the usual "could you please take a picture of me".

Prepare to be amazed. I have visitied many European cities now, and I must admit, Vienna is among the most beautiful. 

THE HALF

I've always wanted to run a marathon.

Problem is, I'm too lazy to train. I love running, I love that runner's high feeling in the middle of my run that makes me feel invincible. In the past 7 days, I have ran 5K 3 times. Except, I'm not actually running all 5K. It's more like a run/walk of 5K. Clearly I have some work to do because a half marathon is 21K. Luckily, I have until October to reach this goal. 

I decided to run a half marathon for a few reasons. The first one of course is to get healthier and the second one is because I have always wanted to run a marathon. Runners just look so focused and appear to lead perfect lives. Although, I'm not sure just how perfect their lives may be. 

Yesterday, I decided to begin running in the morning. I think getting some exercise in the morning is great because you burn more calories (or so I'm told) and it's a great way to begin your day with a high a level of energy. Even though I'm out running by quarter after 6am, I feel more alert throughout the day. Again, must be that runner's high. I've always heard that morning exercise is great for your health and keeps your burning calories all day. I sure hope it does! Can't wait to get out and run tomorrow.

I guess I can kiss my morning Chai Latte's goodbye :(

AVENUE LOUISE

Where Paris and London meet Brussels.
This past weekend, I took a little stroll down the luxurious shopping district of Brussels; Louise. It is a mecca for all shopaholics. I didn't know Brussels had such great shopping. I mean, it's no London but still, it's got better shopping than any other city I have lived in so far. It's filled with luxury shops, good restaurants, coffee shops, residential buildings, etc. It's like heaven.

I began my stroll by visiting the Leopold II monument, and then made my way to the neighbourhood of the rich and famous (or not so famous).

 Abercrombie and Fitch à la European

 House of Versace, Chanel, Salvatorre Ferragno, Dior and Louis Vuitton

LA VIE EN EUROPE

I'm alive! My M.I.A. days are over.. at least I hope they are. For those of you who are joining now, I recently made a big move across the pond (again) and am currently living in Brussels, Belgium. I've been here about 3 weeks now and I'm so behind on my blog posts but I promise, more will come soon. I've been super busy trying to find a flat, and getting settled into my new city; so busy that I haven't had much time to blog.

I've done a bit of exploring and this city is a gem. It's not only the capital of Belgium, but also the capital of Europe. It's completely bilingual (French and Dutch), so I'm experiencing a bit of both cultures. In the last 3 weeks, I have fallen in love with the architecture, food and the locals. People here are extremely nice and helpful and love my French accent. To my surprise, they find it cute (or so they say) as opposed to revolting.

I'll have more posts coming up soon, but for now I will leave you with some pictures that I have recently posted on instragram.

1. Celebrating my 25th birthday a month earlier

2. Goodbye party with my lovely lady friends

3. My luggage (I clearly cannot pack lightly)

4. Across the pond

1. Famous Belgian Frites

2. The Belgium-France border

3. The Royal Palace

4. Happy to have found a Starbucks

1. Tunes in the streets

2. Took a short trip to Paris and arrived bearing the colours of the French flag

3. An evening with TinTin

4. Place de la Bourse

1. Belgian Chocolate shops

2. Truffles

3. Place Royale

4. Ice cream on a waffle

1. The English parliament at mini Europe

2. The Atomium

3. Cute Belgian streets near Porte de Namur

4. A little Belgian treat

1. Rue Royale

2. The European Parliament

3. Outside the Royal Palace

4. Galleries St. Hubert

1. Near the Grand Place

2. Grand Place by night

3. The old City Hall

4. Parc Cinquantenaire - right near my flat!

1. My new found Irish friend John 

2. Boys looking spiffy

3. Play fighting with my favourite leprechaun

4. Boys and their cocktails

More photos to come soon! xox

M.I.A.

There are many reasons for which I feel I have nothing to blog about. For starters, I'm currently packing  as much as I can into 2 suitcases. What a nightmare! On top of that, I had this crazy idea to go get my hair chopped off 2 days ago. Okay, not entirely chopped off, but I did get 5 inches cut off my length.

My hair was basically at my waist and is now barely past my shoulders! I really like the look, and lord knows I definitely needed to chop off my ends. So here's the new me!

Also, I'm currently trying to learn some Dutch before my big move to Belgium! I'll be living and working in the Flemish part of Brussels, so I need to learn some Nederlands :)

Hallo, mijn naam is Sthephany!