Living in a Country (that is not your own)

Posted on by Grace

What is it like to live in a city?

I have never really lived in a city before. Every morning I wake up (yes, even after 8 months living there) and realize, oh wow! I live in Berlin. As a child, this is nothing I could have ever imagined. As a young adult, I dreamed of purchasing some land, preferably on the side of a mountain with a great view, build myself an off-grid cabin and garden and become a recluse writer/gardener with minimal contact with the outside world. As an “adult” Continue reading “Living in a Country (that is not your own)” →

First Aid Kit: Non-Traditional Additions to the Basics

Posted on by Grace
One of my favorite parts of traveling is that first day in a new city/country. There is a mystery about a new place that gives me a thrill like no other. Then again, there is nothing like arriving in a new city and instantly becoming super sick! Unfortunately a recent trip to Vienna is the inspiration for the post.
While being sick is no fun there are precautions/comforts you can take with you as you travel in an attempt to give you some comfort while you let your body heal.
Note: While there are “standard” first-aid kits (with band-aids, antibiotic ointment, etc.) that you should always travel with, the products I am writing about are those extra items that are for your own personal care. So think hard, what are your health challenges? What items can you bring to mediate these? Here are a few of my favorite!

Hot Water Bottle
This is, hands down, my favorite traveling companion. It is great for everything from being cold/having cold toes to period cramps and stomach aches. Hot water bottles come “baby-sized” which is perfect for a traveler who wishes to travel light.

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The Best Pup

Posted on by Grace

My sweet summer puppy. How I have loved you since I was 8 years old, how I still love you at 24. You were an old man, even at 1 years old. You preferred a calm night curled in front of a fire or on my lap rather than running to fetch a stick. Your curiosity had you ranging on your leash from in front of me, out to the side, to trying to drag me backward. Or maybe this was just because you didn’t want to go inside yet. You loved the outside, no matter the weather. In the summertime, you dig holes and curl yourself in a bed of dirt and in the winter you make a nest of snow and rest just as comfortably. To others, you appeared calm, mellow and slightly dopey. To us who know you best, we know your mischevious side. We know the husky in you that peers over your shoulder at us when we call you in, then calmly walk into the woods, not to be found for several hours. We know your silliness and your sweetness. Remember that time, one winter, I went to search for you. I found you in the field with snowballs in your feet, too uncomfortable to walk home. Why didn’t you come home earlier before it got this bad? No matter, I broke the clumps free and we walked home in the blue light of evening.
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Recap: Moving to Berlin

Posted on by Grace

Last week is when everything changed. During the last week (or two) I left the US, traveled in Israel and finally landed on the 5th (or 4th, depending on what country you are from) floor of an apartment building around the corner from the Warschauer S/U Bahn station. Last week I moved to Berlin.

You may ask why. I would probably look at you and rattle off several reasons but many of them do not encompass the entire truth. So what is the Entire Truth? Honestly, I don’t know. Many of those reasons that I would tell you are true but they are only elements of why I moved to Berlin, not the complete reason. The closest to the truth I can give you is that I like to try new things, I like an adventure! More than anything else I was given an opportunity and I took it. Let’s leave it at that for the moment.

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10 Experiences in Munich

Posted on by Grace

(you must have while you are there)

I found myself in Munich almost by accident; an opportunity arose and I took it!  Thankfully I had a wonderful guide who showed me the sights and introduced me to some unique experiences. Here are my top 10 favorites from the times I spent there. Now, off to your adventures!

1. Have a Pretzel

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werner hoffmann

11 Places to Visit in Marrakech

Posted on by Grace

Whether you plan to visit Marrakech for a week or more, or if you are staying for just a couple of days, here are some tips to get you on your way. Upon your arrival, you will constantly have offers from taxi drivers and young boys wanting to be your guides. These folks can be helpful but if you are more interested in making your own way (and saving a bit of money otherwise used to tip these guys) I would highly suggest getting a map (about 10MAD or 1USD) and a sim card for your phone, (Maroc Telecom gives a sim and 1 gig data for 3USD, also cheap and easy to top up). It is also suggested that if you do want a guide, go through official services rather than accepting offers on the street. I would also recommend wandering and seeing what you find rather than rushing to each tourist destination as you will get a better feeling and energy of this amazing city. That being said, here are a few of the places that may be worth checking out during a visit to Marrakech! **

1. El Badi Palace

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The Computer Eats my Soul

Posted on by Grace

All things considering, working in a location independent manner does not seem like a path that I would ever try and go down. For one thing, I am not a huge fan of technology, though I am fairly efficient in using it. I believe that it vacuums you in and takes up much of your time; I am guilty of being caught up too, don’t worry. It also takes away a certain amount of privacy, and oftentimes without asking you. The amount Facebook knows or has deduced to my location, conversations, etc. is somewhat frightening (especially as I learn more about it).

Other times, to be able to utilize certain aspects of the internet you have to provide more information than you might like. I am definitely dragging my feet on this one. In my ideal world, I could scribble down my amazing words, put it on a paper boat and send it out to the world. Fat chance for that. I am afforded no such anonymity for the work I provide others, nor for the writing I share. If I want to market it in an efficient manner, I must also, in a way, tag my name, my FB account or various other accounts in order to have it seen. Though I am by no means famous, every little bit I must give up to the monster that is the internet eats at my soul.

How do you feel this impacts your daily life? What positives or negatives do you feel? Thoughts and questions are much appreciated!

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A New Start?

Posted on by Grace

Working on my professionalism. Who knew this could be so hard. Welcome to the new spot!

Here I hope you find this site a portal to journals, writing, and photos from my current and previous travels as well as other projects that I have worked on. I anticipate incorporating some new things, i.e. suggestions on travel gear, destinations and other travel related topics soon. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to shoot me an email!  I’d love to hear what you want to read as well!

I am not only blogging! Please check out my for hire page for services I provide.

Check out my current location! Or learn more about me or unknown territory!

much love,

cg

carly.grace42@gmail.com