PERIPATETIC.LIFE

peripatetic /ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/ adjective: travelling from place to place, for relatively short periods.

  • Keeping yourself looking and feeling awesome while travelling

    When travelling especially for long distances and having various stops around the world, it can leave you feeling exhausted and that can show, immensely! Your skin can feel dry and undereye bags can begin to show. This is a sign that you’ve got to look after yourself. Don’t let yourself think it is not important just because you are travelling! Not only will you show the world you lack sleep and hydration, but to make the most of your adventure you have got to feel awesome on the inside and outside! Here are a few of my tips and tricks I’ve learnt while travelling.

    No.1: Always keep hydrated, with water!
    Sure, it can get annoying using the toilets at every opportunity, especially when you are on a plane, but not drinking enough not only makes your skin feel dry and cause breakouts but you will not be able to sleep profoundly when thirsty. Bring a bottle of water with you at every opportunity and aim to drink at least 2 litres daily! Fill it up at every opportunity but be careful when drinking tap water as different countries have different bacteria that your immune system will not be accustomed leaving you feeling sick. Buying water may be an easier way than filling up your water bottle. However, if you do bring a bottle, ask the air hostess to fill it up, and sip throughout your journey. Try to steer away from coffee as you will feel exhausted and not as relaxed as you should be!

    No.2: Bring fresh, healthy snacks before boarding!
    If you are an excessive traveller and boarding many different planes with the little time lapse between them, flying for a long amount of time the food given planes can leave you feeling bloated. Their food contains a high amount of salt, for it to not rot as quickly as fresh food, therefore, resulting cheaper for the airline. Buying fresh snacks beforehand and taking them on board gives you a healthier option and also the ability to eat whenever you want. Everybody knows having too much salt in your diet can be bad for you, but it will also tire you out quicker and not give you the sufficient energy to enjoy your destination once you land. You’ll want to explore not sleep once you land.

    No.3: Bring your eye mask and earmuffs!
    To sleep profoundly, these are a must! There will always be noise from people talking, and probably that odd baby crying, you never know! So to be sure and escape into your dreams, bring these! On long distance flights, you will always be given a blanket and pillow to complement your trip. Therefore, you’ll have no need to bring a neck pillow with you.

    No.4: Make the most of the plane’s toiletries!
    After your lovely nap, you should freshen up to feel more awake. The majority of airlines now carry moisturiser and lotions in their toilets, so make the most of them to keep clean and fresh. Carry a small bottle of perfume, travel size, to spray yourself with, rinse your face with cold water or spritz yourself with something such as mac’s fix plus and it will leave you feeling awake!

    No.5: Wear your most comfortable clothing!
    This may seem an obvious thing to do but I see many people wearing dresses and heels. Remember it is not a fashion show and you have to remember you need to board and get off the plane safely. The plane will sometimes require you to walk up and then down the stairs to get off and get on the shuttle. Always remember your safety and that people can get impatient!

    No.6: Bring a backpack instead of a mini suitcase!
    If you have a backpack or handbag with you, you can easily slide it underneath the seat in front of you and take out whatever you want whenever you need it, without having to stand up and block the hallway when people want to walk past. Also, once you land, you can quickly rise from your seat, grab your hand luggage and get off the plane while everybody else is wrestling one another to attain their luggage.

    I hope you find these tips helpful for the next time you fly!

  • Being a travel ‘addict’

    If there is such a term, then sign me up for it! This post is a little out of my ordinary writing style. Here’s a little bit about me which I would like to share with the world.
    My passion for travelling began since a young age. Pretty much as soon as I was born. Only months of existing I flew out to Peru, where my mother is from, and my family still live. I was born in Germany, where my father is from, but two years after and a few holidays in between we moved to the UK. I was two when I first got onto the ferry and sailed to this Island. Since then I have lived there for 16 years. During those 16 years of my life, I have visited the majority of Europe. Berlin, Frankfurt, the most popular places known to tourists in Germany. I was born in Hanau, where many of my family members still live and have visited them recently, only a few months ago. Little has changed in the little village. Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium also, for holidays and family bonding times. What I love about Europe, is the fact that it is so different! They are all united but all immensely different, like a huge dysfunctional family. Greece, Spain, Portugal, South of France are immensely warm with beautiful beaches something the rest of Europe cannot show off. However, the UK, Germany, and the rest of the colder climates can speak proudly of their beautiful forests and frosty scenery in the winter months. Every single country is uniquely different and the fact they are all bundled together is something to be proud of living in Europe.
    Since a few months ago I’ve been spending time in South America, living here for the past 3 and a half months. Their culture and traditions are strongly felt by every individual, and they are so proud of the history their country obtains. Being completely different from Europe, and such a breath of fresh air for somebody who has lived in Europe all their lives until now. The feeling of adventure and experiencing something new mesmerising.
    The fact that my great-grandparents, grandparents, and my parents met each other in a certain country when both came from different countries has certainly had an effect in the way I see the world, and my eagerness to explore it all!
    Learning about people’s lives and their ways of living is something so addicting! I could never think to stay in one country for more than a few years, I always get the need to explore and hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to visit every continent even if it only means one country in it.

  • Inside the Louvre

    Not only is the building itself an architectural beauty, with all the art, sculpture and history inside a glass pyramid, you also have the Louvre Palace surrounding the Louvre. The building used to be a simple fortress in the medieval era but later transformed to become a Palace during the Renaissance. So much history to captive you before you even step foot inside of the Louvre itself!
    Once inside the stunning Pyramid, one of Pei’s most famous structure, you enter what seems to be a different dimension. So many elevators taking you to different eras, and parts of the world, some more full with admirers than others. For example, the world renowned Mona Lisa, by Leonardo Da Vinci. The Louvre is home to the only original painted by the hands of Da Vinci itself. It is a bit of a maze to find it but once you enter the room, you need to double check that it is in there because initially you only see a room filled with people but no artwork. Rest assured you were correct because we all know that is one of the Louvre’s biggest attraction and why it is world famous. To get to see the Mona Lisa in detail, you’ll have to squeeze through a hoarding of people taking photographs and selfies with the Queen of art. To admire and take your time, I would suggest going as soon as the Louvre opens it is doors at 9 am, and maybe when it is not summer because it gets humid!
    Apart from the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is filled with beautiful creations by Michelangelo, Eugéne Delacroix and Auguste Rodin to name a few. It is safe to say that when you visit Paris, the Louvre is always a place you need to see! Seeing it once in your life is certainly not enough.

     

     

     

     

  • My time in Sao Paulo

    Visiting the only part of South America where speaking the language was a barrier for myself, made me feel like an actual tourist again! Brazil is seen to be progressing rapidly, and this can be seen by the divide the rich and poor show. The middle class is virtually non-existent. You either have the money or not. However, due to this divide you can see the difference in the city. The ‘rip’ within the city.
    Travelling from the airport to the main city, one can see modernisation but once you delve deeper there is an ‘old’ side of town which is filled with abandoned buildings and needs a touch of modernisation to make it feel safer for tourists. However, the ambient is filled with life and tradition.

    The people make the city not seem so bad after all as there are many wealthy companies and businesses bustling with money. Once you swerve away from the ‘old city’ everything changes. Major car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini display their untouchable vibrant designs as well as designer clothing stores such as Tory Burch, and Swarovski. Your eyes are bombarded with the stunning architecture of the five-star hotels, one which I visited, Hotel Unique. A true experience of how the elite spends their days. Why even use a hand towel once, just throw it away each time you wash your hands.
    It is clear to say that Sao Paulo is moving in the right direction. A city booming with architecture rather than the natural beauty Brazil is usually associated with; it has to be done artificially. It is not close to the beach such as Rio de Janeiro, however with it lacking natural beauty; it has to be done artificially.

  • Hidden treasures of Peru

    Visiting Peru? To visit Machu Picchu or to wander through the country’s hidden gems? Machu Picchu, Cusco, is the one landmark and attraction people think about whenever you mention Peru. The country, bustling with tradition, award winning cuisine, tropical weather, love of the Peruvian step horses and warm-hearted people.

    I have been spending the last three months travelling around Lima, Peru’s capital, but also visiting its outskirts such as Huancayo, a North district in the mountain range, and Pozuzo, part of Oxapampa located in the jungle. Being founded in 1891 by a settler son of German and Austrian parents. Ever since this traditional little village has stayed true to its heritage and when you visit you feel as though you have left South America and headed to Europe.

    Although it is relaxing visiting the outskirts of Lima, the Capital has great peaceful areas that one can get to rather easily. Playa Pucusana is a great example. The beach itself is very small, and doesn’t consist of much sand but why not take a boat ride for a little cost or relax by the sea. Their many restaurants is a great spot to relax and enjoy the Peruvian culinary art. The freshness of the air and peacefulness makes the trip worthwhile. Miraflores is possibly the most touristic part of Lima with its many delicious restaurants by the sea situated in the infamous shopping mall next by the coast, Larcomar.

    I have to admit being in the city for so long with no escapism to nature can drive you a little insane, that is what disconnects Lima from other Capital cities around the world. Miraflores is the most praised part of Lima with the majority of the people willing to pay extra for a small apartment instead of living in the spacious commodity for a more reasonable price. Having the ability to shop high street and designer stores and eat award winning food in front of the coast, is something you cannot find in many Capital cities in the world. Also paragliding is a must in the summertime, around Christmas time. Miraflores is home to its most prized restaurant, La Rosa Nautica where one can eat the best food with the best view! Moreover one can not forget Parque Kennedy, home of the friendliest cats in the world, where you can relax on a sunny afternoon surrounded by nature, eating soft ice cream and watching the cats play.

    I still have around three months left to discover more of Peru and become more infatuated learning about their rich culture. Of course, I still have many places to visit with the most important one being Machu Picchu, a true wonder of the world! For now, I hope I have at least merely expressed the amount of beauty this country has to offer simply by using words to describe what my eyes see and my heart feels.

     

  • Easter Island – An Island with both beauty and brains

    Recently I’ve left the island, and I am already planning my next trip in the future! The aspect that initially drew me towards visiting, this culturally rich paradise, was their mysterious stories and theories linked with their famous ‘bodies’ or ‘human-faced statues’ best known to be Moai. These statues were a symbol that represented their ancestors. Their family members believed that the souls of those deceased could protect the Island once they were transported into the moai. That is why all the moai face inwards and never outwards towards the sea.

    Rapa Nui, most famously known by its European name, Easter Island as it was discovered on Easter Sunday by Jacob Roggeveen is home to over 1,000 moai, over half have been restored and are now standing. After a civil war between indigenous inhabitants and foreigners, many moai had been toppled over in the hope that this would weaken the spirits of the indigenous leading the foreign citizens to take over the island. However, the Islanders were tougher than they thought and once they tried to destroy what was sacred to them, it meant the end of the war, with the indigenous claiming territory of their Island.

    Not only is this island super rich with history and culture, the atmosphere and landmarks, such as the famous anakena beach, made this vacation a real vacation where one can relax and make the most of its natural beauty, as well as learn about its history all in a day!

    During this time, you feel less obligated to connect to social media and news programmes and something one should take advantage! As once you re-enter the ‘real’ world, it is nearly impossible to feel so spiritually liberated. Making the most of your trip to one of the most historically famous Islands in the world is a must! Taking advantage of the many tours it offers, on foot, horseback, boat, or bike and visiting the many deliciously fresh and organic restaurants by akanena beach or in its town centre is also a necessity. Once you visit, you’ll crave its calmness and don’t be worried if you begin feeling homesick on the plane ride home.

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    The Moai, always face inwards from the South Pacific Ocean to keep and eye on their territory.

     

     

  • Walking through history (Pompeii)

    The ruins of Pompeii have got to be one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world. When vesuvius struck this vibrant Italian city of Naples in 79 AD, the city could be said that it is frozen in time. We have the terrified corpses buried in the volcanic ash to remind us and feel as though we are walking back in time. Pompeii and its ruins, is one of the biggest attractions in the district, of Pompei a small traditional city in Naples.

    To get the real feel of authenticity I accommodated in a hotel only five minutes away from the ruins and I sure felt as though I was living in the era before time stood still forever. The local people made me feel as if I was in fact living there during my short stay and my childhood dream of wandering through the ruins, and relating with the lives of the people buried under the hot ash, was more than I could have expected and it is definitely a place every travel fanatic should visit at least once in their lifetime.

    I hope you enjoy my selection of photos, and they inspire you to visit the city coveted in the ash from the infamous Vesuvius. Thanks for taking the time to read.

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    Meeting one of the many true celebrities, one of the most recognized is the ‘seated man’ who is supposedly crying or praying at the time of his death.
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    The House of Faun
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    Another very popular tourist attraction, Villa de los Misterios

     

     

  • A walk through West Yorkshire – Harden waterfall

     

    Yorkshire is renowned for its scenic countryside and acres of green land that seem to go on for infinity. The air you breathe is as fresh as it was when nothing corrupted the Earth’s complex ecosystem. The village of Harden is no exception to natural beauty and its compelling waterfall can be overwhelming for the first sight. This place is proof that nature can be as endearing and fascinating as the many architectural wonders of the 21st century.

    I would definitely recommend a visit Harden whenever you are within the region of Yorkshire. It is a haven for those looking to escape city life and appreciate the sights of nature where it will leave you astounded as well as rejuvenated of the mind and soul’s stress. I hope my words will win you over, but it certainly is a sight you need to experience for yourselves.

     

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