My Three B's

Last night I was thinking back on some of the places my journey has taken me over the last few years, and while its next to IMPOSSIBLE to pick a favourite place, there are three cities that kept popping into my mind as possible contenders! My three B’s! I thought i’d share why they were so magical to me.

Budapest:

I actually had zero expectations about Budapest. I didn’t really know anything about the city, or its history. All I knew is that Zsa Zsa Gabor was born there and Hungarian is one of the hardest languages to learn. It. Blew. My. Mind. Fun fact, the city is actually split into two sections Buda and Pest, divided by the Danube. This city had SO much to offer. Its got an amazing mix of old world vs new. The parliament building is so grand, its especially magical if you see it lit up at night while sailing on the Danube (do it) and its classic Gothic revival if you’re into architecture.

Now you might have had goulash or chicken paprikash before, but when I tasted it my first night in Budapest it was like a whole new culinary experience! The local dishes were so good, that I still fantasize about that chicken even now. I also grabbed a Lángos off the street, which is basically fried dough with cheese and sour cream…oh my god…

Fisherman’s wharf is a beautiful look out point. Its high up, looking down on the city and its like something straight out of a fairy tale. Perhaps the most stunning for me though, was visiting The Great Synagogue. Inside was unlike any I’d seen before, full of red and gold. In the courtyard is the tree of life memorial. An incredible statue, that looks like a weeping willow and on its leaves the names of family members lost in the holocaust.

Now, Budapest is known for their bathhouses! The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a giant yellow building with icy blue waters. I was hopping between the ice cold and hot pools, lounging around in the whirlpools - it is an AMAZING way to spend a day recharging when you travel. The other thing its known for are the ruin bars! Now there are a few of them, but I just went to one - Szimple Kert. Honestly it was like being in an adult amusement park! I walked in and there were old carousel animals and papier mache boobs on the cieling, plants growing up the middle of the building up three floors, christmas lights, tv’s, cars, people giving out carrots. I didn’t know which was was up; but the music was amazing, the drinks were great, and it was easily one of my best nights out travelling of anywhere I’ve been.

Byron Bay:

I love Australia. I could easily live there. The laidback people, the work to live mentality, the weather, the animals, the culture - Its truly one of the most amazing countries, and Byron Bay, the gem of the east coast, is the best of the best. Being in Byron is like being in one of those dreams where you wake up smiling. Its a romantic, hippie, surfers paradise! I went in February, during Canadian winter, so I was SO excited to be going to the beach haha.

My first stop was the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which is the eastern most point of mainland Australia. I ended up driving there, but apparently the hike up to the lighthouse is amazing! I mean, the views were unreal, you felt like you were looking over the edge of the world!

I’m really into Australian fashion. Many brands over there are very eco conscious, I even find Australian Vogue to have a lot to say regarding how to combat fast fashion and how to source and support brands and designers who use sustainable fabric and ethically source their materials and labour. On top of that - there are just some really cool and exciting designers in Australia; and a bunch of them are in Byron! I did a good chunk of my shopping in this little boho haven. If you’re there you need to go check out Spell & The Gypsy, one of my all time favourite brands! All of the women in the shop were so welcoming and helpful and chatted with me about dresses and surfing. Rowie is another favourite of mine, making lots of cotton and linen clothing - perfect for helping you breathe in the hot summer months! Other great ones are Arnhem, Auguste, St Agni, Rove…you could honestly redo your whole wardrobe!

At first I felt like I was in a movie, walking around the town. Lots of rainbow, restaurants hanging off balconies, old VW camper vans, beautiful people walking through town carrying surfboards - it was a far cry from my life in snow covered Toronto. I just instantly felt calm here, that sort of at home feeling. It felt safe to let go in Byron. After a night of getting rowdy at Woody’s Surf Shack I danced through the warm rain, barefoot, all the way back to my hostel. To this day it was one of the most freeing experiences of my life.

The rest of my time I spent surfing, laying on the beach with my friends, because…how could you not?! I felt really connected with myself when i was in Byron Bay. Being surrounded by sand, sea, creativity and positivity - it’s why its one of my favourite places in the world.

Berlin:

Ok, anyone who knows me knows I am forever, head over heels, in love with Germany. I love the culture, the people, the language (Ja, Ich kann ein wenig deutsch!) the architecture, the men, the food! Oh the schnitzel! Oh the currywurst! Berlin was the first city in Germany I discovered, and I actually find it to be very romantic. Bursting with new life and vivacity and art. After so many decades of struggle and oppression, its one of the most hopeful and resilient places I’ve been to.

Berlin was one of those cases where I was so wrapped up in my experiences and where I was, I honestly didn’t take many photos. Although sometimes I look back and wish I’d made more of an effort, its really important to remember that we shouldn’t live through our lenses or phones - and I’m so glad I have those memories. I found myself there after going through a pretty traumatic breakup, and I was pretty lost in my life. When I got to my hotel, just off the Kurfürstendamm, I had never felt more alone, and the city at first felt dark and harsh. My first night though, I was eating alone and a woman at the next table struck up a conversation with me, she was a singer who had just performed at the Opera that night. She was warm and lovely. Between her, and the lovely waitresses who chatted away with me and tolerated my broken German, I felt welcome. When I walked out I felt re-energized, allowed myself to be open and Berlin came alive!

Easily my favourite place was the East Side Gallery. It was one of my first stops. There is SO much to see here! If you are shooting it, I suggest taking your time and walk down panel by panel, also go early in the day because lots of people will be there. I was immediately drawn to a complicated and colourful section. Up close, a bunch of swirling rainbows, and from far you can begin to make out the faces and hearts and peace signs! Its called Wir sind ein Volk by Schamil Gimajew, It made me so happy!

My second night there I went out in Kreuzberg. It’s one of the more multicultural neighbourhoods, known for its counterculture after the wall came down. Its definitely trendy with lots of urban cafe’s and museum, but its still got grit! I mean, just google ‘The Treehouse’, you’ll see what I mean. The street art and bars in this neighbourhood were really next level! I think one of the things I love so much about Berlin, is how unassuming it is. Like so often the buildings just look like warehouses and industrial walls, but inside is an underground art show or the party of the decade. Its like the city has a secret and they’re letting you in on it. Berlin, Ich liebe.