Wallpaper goodness

Inspired by Laura from Kit & Nancy, when visiting Copenhagen a trip to Retro Villa was on top of the list. A wonderful oasis with an entire wall filled with vintage wallpaper, as well as textiles, ceramics and quirky bits and pieces adorning the shop. In short - it was close to heaven. 

After leaving the boy to wander around the streets in -2 degree weather, I turned and realised that this was not a place where you could just make a decision quickly. Knowing I could only take a few metres back with me, I narrowed my selection down to 3 patterns - an old classic, a geometric and a good old retro. It only took me forever! I wanted to take one of everything home! 

Looney Tunes love

This baby is getting framed!

A favourite to go in the kitchen

Completely content with my purchases, we made our way onto Amsterdam and I never expected to see anything quite like Retro Villa ever again. That is until we got lost looking for a museum and stumbled upon a kitchen shop. Stocked with Indian prints and melamine cups, it wasn't until I made my way towards the back that I discovered the mecca of all wallpaper collections. Piled high in an old wardrobe, there must have been about 40 rolls of it - some the same patterns, others completely different. Upon seeing the prices I begrudgingly came to grips that I could only, once again, choose a metre or two - that was until I was told it was for the whole roll!

I almost died. I couldn't get back to that wardrobe fast enough.

After another 30 minutes of trying to decide what I could and couldn't take back, I walked out of that shop on clouds, clutching 7 whole rolls of the good stuff. 

My absolute favourite.

Vintage love.

Full of happiness.

Floral overload.

Pink patterns

Indian-esque.

I've got yellow fever.

And I still don't know what I'm going to do with 73m of it all. Any suggestions or ideas?

European Vacation

What started out as a fantasy on a whim last September turned out to a whirlwind 3 and a half week winter European vacation. 5 hours after my final exam (ever!) I flew out of Australia en route to Rome to meet up with the boy. We spent a few days with his huge Italian family in a small seaside town near Rome - eating, drinking, and even more eating. A 'small' Sunday family lunch consisted of about 6 courses, starting with lasagne and ending in all sorts of cakes and pastries. I was not at all prepared for that. 

After Rome came Venice, in the aftermath of the floods. It is such a beautiful city, and it's easy to  lose yourself in Venice. I managed to find the amazing mask gallery and workshop that I found on my last trip and we spent an hour trying on every single mask you could ever imagine - there were carnivale masks, opera masks, pirate hats, top hats and everything in between. 

Onwards to Germany and hello winter. Averaging around 1 degree for the time we were there, it was certainly a new experience. A day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (the castle Walt Disney based the Disney castle on) saw us high up in the clouds, and ended in a beer and brewery tour - I think it's safe to say that German beer is definitely the best. 

A few days in the beautiful medieval city of Prague, followed by a few more in Copenhagen, and we landed in Amsterdam. My favourite new place. The canals, the art, the fashion, the architecture - everything about the city is just beautiful. 

Last but not least, we spent a few days in London and inadvertantly stumbled across the world première of Les Miserables. That's right. Just strolling around waiting for a table to become available and the next thing i hear is "and now ... HUGH JACKMAN". I almost lost it, and finally realised what the big crowds were for. We saw the arrival of all the stars - it was a very surreal experience. 

Travel will always hold a special place in my heart and to experience a winter with snow was just incredible. I know it won't be long til I return again - but maybe next time with a bigger bag!

Christmastime in Berlin

The majestic Colosseum

Venice

Colourful Copenhagen

Snow!

The canals of Amsterdam

Love bikes!

Neuschwanstein Castle in the clouds of Barvaria