prairie girl musings

Category: Travel

New Zealand: My Spiritual Homeland

“I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Ice Palace

There are endless reasons why I consider New Zealand my spiritual homeland, many of which I’ve overzealously documented in this very blog. And lately, especially in the depths of winter, these reasons have been amplified. It’s gone so far that I’ve had repeated dreams about Auckland. Attending outdoor concerts with my Converse-clad mates, going for hilly, trail runs with my energetic besties, reading and drinking ciders on the North Shore’s beautiful, sandy beaches, and hosting barbecues and bonfires every other night. What’s truly been lacking from my life, as of late, is the quirky, somewhat off-beat, sense of style I’ve seen throughout the South Pacific – but particularly New Zealand. While Melbourne and Sydney are considered “style capitals,” I’m partial to New Zealand fashion scene. I find the designers more wearable and relatable to my own style ethos.

Karen Walker sunnies, all the rage!

Converse with EVERYTHING.

Ruby and jelly sandals.

Fashion Quarterly, an amazing publication

Lonely Hearts

Twentysevennames

New Zealand Fashion Week

c/o Auckland Street Style

Ruby

Nicole from GPV donning one of my all-time favourite Ruby jumpers!

Blatantly chic

Karangahape Road is known for its eccentric style!

February 12, 2013
Cape Town

Our month in South Africa started out in the glorious Mother City of Cape Town. Cape Town is the second largest city in SA, and the largest in the Western Cape. My sister, Stephanie has been living with my SA/NZ friend, Adrian since her arrival in August. Natalie and I were able to stay at their apartment for a week, and hang out with all of Stephanie’s co-workers and friends.

Here are some photos from our CT excursions including a trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned before the fall of the Apartheid, our trek up Table Mountain, a red bus tour, The Great Gatsby musical, my 24th birthday celebrations, and a trip to my favourite market in the whole world. Our trip definitely started out on a high note, check it out:

Red bus tours

George Street Market

Afternoon at Camps Bay

Steph and Terry

Delicious homemade pizza

A must-try

Enjoying another market day

Table Mountain hike

My birthday!

Ostrich stop

Ostriches

The most unusual animal

Journaling

Birthday dinner

My cupcakes!

Sunisha’s delicious dinner!

Natalie relaxing at Adrian’s

Dad and Mom after climbing Table Mountain

Breathtaking view

Our amazing Congolese friend

He carried this chilly bin ALL the way up!

Taking a break to take in the scenery

Awkward turtle

Having a glass of wine with Adrian.

A former political prisoner of Robben Island now gives daily tours

My beautiful sisters

Jelly fish!

February 9, 2013
Tuesdays in Toronto

I’ve always liked, not loved, Tuesdays. Love is much too strong a word for Tuesday. However, I do like Tuesdays because Mondays (despite being a fresh start of sorts) always feel a bit out of sync. I’m out of routine from the weekend’s festivities, and it takes me awhile to get my groove back. By Tuesday, I’m more present and engaged. I’m a lot happier to be back at work, especially since I know what’s left to tackle for the rest of the week. I’ve been doing a lot of blogging and writing for Weddingbells, which is basically a dream come true. I’m really fortunate, both of my internships have enabled me to develop my writing skills along with my journalistic skills. My goal this week is to learn Adobe InDesign, and get a start on Photoshop. It pays to have a boyfriend who studied design and several colleagues who went to journalism school.

Usually after groggily dragging myself to the gym, (thank goodness it’s in my building) I spend a couple minutes online gathering my thoughts. Tuesdays are quote-days for me. I love reading and re-reading my favourites on Pinterest.

Today, I’ve been thinking about travelling. But let’s be honest, I think about travelling EVERY DAY because I’m infatuated with new experiences and new people. The fact that I’m settling into a regular routine so easily is quite surprising to me. 2012 as you know, was characterized by travel. Yes, I finished my degree and started a new job (internship) but those experiences were overshadowed by travel. My friend, Mary, (a Torontonian I met in Auckland) sent me this article yesterday, I urge you to have a read:

Converge Magazine: Why You Should Travel Young

Worthy advice! Without further ado, here are some of my favourite travel quotes and images:

“I was not born for one corner. The whole world is my native land.”

“Paris is always a good idea.”

“If your 22, (or 24) physically fit, hungry to learn to be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as wide as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them, wherever you go.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Be a traveller, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding the amazing world we live in.”

– Andrew Zimmerin

“I love the feeling of being anonymous in a city I’ve never been before.”

“She said she usually cried at least once a day not because she was sad, but because the world is so beautiful and life was so short.”

“Once in awhile it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they’ve been told.”

– Alan Keightley

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”

-Jack Kerouac

“I fell in love with the world in you.”

February 5, 2013
ZA: Into the Wild

Natalie, my younger sister, is a talented photographer. She took all of the photographs of our South African adventure last month. I’d like to share with you, in a series of posts, some of the amazing photographs she took. On our Kruger Park safaris, we (like all international tourists) were obsessed with spotting the BIG FIVE. Luckily, after four days of intense safaris, we saw several lions, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and rhinoceros!

Kruger National Park:

(Zebras and giraffes are not among the big five, but still such stunning animals!)

The white rhinoceros is extremely difficult to find due to illegal poaching.

February 1, 2013
Auckland, again!

Long time, no talk! My apologies for the lack of updates. Since we last spoke, I have been accumulating some air miles, travelling to New Zealand, back to Saskatchewan, and then visiting South Africa. Oh, the excitement! 2012 has truly been an adventure and a half. I spent the last moments of the year on a safari at Kruger National Park, and sipping wine with my family and new international friends. I am incredibly thankful for everything I’ve experienced over the past year, all the wonderful souls I’ve met, and for the beautiful collection of memories. My internship at Ottawa Magazine was a rewarding learning experience, especially since I didn’t study journalism at university. I was able to contribute to both the print and online editions of the magazine, fact-check the most engaging articles, and partake in thought-provoking discussions about the future of the industry and more specifically, our publication. I finished my internship at the end of October, and I decided to venture back to New Zealand (my spiritual homeland and also the place where many of my dear friends and boyfriend reside!) It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay away from this magical place.

My visit consisted of many lunch and coffee dates, birthday celebrations, several concerts, (The Black Keys and Coldplay, no less!) a beautiful getaway to Nick’s beach house in Mangawhai, and a yacht excursion! I also had the opportunity to pick up my degree from The University of Auckland and take graduation photos!

South African photos coming soon!

January 26, 2013
Up & Away: In her suitcase

Yesterday was the last day of my internship at Ottawa Magazine and Where Ottawa, which has got me thinking about the next item on my agenda, my mini-trip to New Zealand.

I’m spending this rainy Saturday cleaning up my apartment and packing my bags for springtime in New Zealand. Here are a few pieces that have inspired me:

Something Else Cactus Shorts: Anyone who knows me, knows I’m slightly obsessed with prints. These caught my eye immediately because of their gorgeous material and cute pattern.

Insight Del May One-Piece: For those of us who haven’t been hitting the gym quite as hard as we usually do in preparation for summer, have no fear! This gorgeous one-piece doesn’t demand hours of crunches, just pop on a floppy hat, pour yourself some lemonade, (with a spritz of vodka, perhaps?) and lie down with your favourite summer read!

Something Else Silk Panel Dress: Nothing screams “summer” like coral. This dress transitions from a day perusing your favourite gallery, to a lunch date with your girls, to an evening at the ballet. I know I’d live in this dress during the summer months.

Ruby Rockette Peplum Top: Peplum is a favourite this season, and I love Ruby’s polka dot version. It’s fitted, understated and navy is possibly my favourite colour as of late (other than burgundy, of course!)

Funkis: I’m not exactly sure where to purchase these gorgeous wedges made by Swedish designer, Funkis. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair since I spotted them at Tatty’s in February, unfortunately they were a few sizes too small. These are the epitome of cool Swedish style.

If you can’t get your hands on a pair of Funkis, check out these gorgeous MINT GREEN Kathryn Wilson wedges available at Ruby stores throughout the country:

If I had to narrow down my wardrobe to a few items, these would certainly make the cut. Paired with a simple white sundress, you’re ready for whatever events come your way.

October 27, 2012
Reasons to Love Autumn in Ottawa

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald

Isn’t that beauty of it? Autumn, wherever in the world you may be, is quite spectacular. It’s a time for change, for renewal and for new experiences. It’s a time to put away our cut-off shorts and sundresses, our bare legs will no longer see the light of day. Fall fashion is always the most enticing, encouraging experimentation with layering and new colour palettes. A time that resonates with ‘Back to School’, we often feel as though autumn represents coming-of-age, urging us to take responsibility.

As the weather gets colder, I feel myself more driven, more willing to pursue those activities I put off during the summer months. This year, I’ve started doing hot yoga again, as there’s a studio five minutes from my apartment. Throwing myself into this new endeavour, I can already feel my body becoming stronger and more agile. I am reminded of my years spent at the dance studio, committing to nightly rehearsals. Fall helps us remember, but aims to propel us forward into what’s sure to be a new adventure.

In Ottawa, it’s a thing of wonder. Upon arriving in our nation’s capital early September, I’ve witnessed the trees go from green to miraculous shades of yellow, orange and red. These burnt hues feel comforting as I bundle up in knit stockings, a wool scarf and my trustworthy trench coat. The changing of seasons is a remarkable time, and this year was extra special for me. Having spent the past two and a half years in Auckland, it felt as though I would never witness four seasons again. Luckily, the city I chose to move to is known for its glorious autumns.

So, what am I most excited for?

Harvest Noir, which is taking place this Sunday in Ottawa. A few days before the event, Harvest Noir attendees assemble for a mass shopping flash mob at farmers’ markets to buy the ingredients for their picnic feasts. The event combines an elegant “dress your best in black” harvest celebration with a picnic, plus pop-up parade, and a DJ dance party: www.harvestnoir.com

Haunting Season at Saunders Farm begins Saturday and is host to numerous fall activities and live entertainment both day and night. As a member of Savour Ottawa, Saunders grows much of the food they provide and believes in supporting local farmers: www.saundersfarm.com

Pumpkinferno will kick off Thanksgiving Day Weekend at Upper Canada Village and is sure to be a delightful time! Stroll through an all-new, hauntingly beautiful and spellbinding outdoor exhibit of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, set against a stirring night-time backdrop just inside the gates of historic Upper Canada Village. Marvel at this eclectic display of scenes from exotic places and historic ages, meet up with forest animals and sea-born creatures, see story book heroes, mythical characters, cultural icons and more …. all carved from pumpkins! www.uppercanadavillage.com

Check out more events on www.ottawamagazine.com (A little PR never hurt anyone!)

xxx, Vanessa

September 26, 2012
Prairie Girl Takes on ONTARIO.

Greetings from our nation’s capital: Ottawa!

I have recently embarked on a new editorial journey with Ottawa Magazine and Where Ottawa, and there is already much to report! It all happened so fast, I barely had time to blink – or to find an apartment. Despite having spent two and a half years in Auckland, which I (unlike my Torontonian friends) consider a big city, I’ve found myself more than flustered since landing in Ottawa. When I initially drafted this entry, I was only due to commence my first internship the following morning. I poured my heart out in a paragraph-length monologue about anticipating this momentous occasion, feeling a bit uneasy about my accommodation options (or lack thereof). As much as I’d like to use this time to vent, complain, and deliberate this issue, I’ll save you the pity party and move on to more readable content. I’m now located in a lovely loft nestled in Little Italy, just off Preston. It’s absolutely charming, and a brisk ten-minute walk from the office!

Luckily, I was able to spend my first night in a hotel to give me time to prepare for the week’s events and the big move. As I opened the drawer to find a map, I came across a Where Ottawa guide brimming with local events, restaurants and sights! How exciting! Leafing through this magazine gave me some perspective, enabled me to relax and breathe during an otherwise daunting situation. After thumbing through a few articles, I decided to call a few of the tenants and to sort out my apartment qualms.

After a few meet and greets, my friend Patrick called me and we went out for poutine (an Ontario/Quebec tradition) in the Byward Market area. As I familiarize myself with Ottawa and my new position, I’ll take some photos of my excursions. Flashforward to today, I’ve been at the magazine for two weeks now (with a quick jaunt to Toronto thrown in the mix) and I’m learning so much! My first day on the job consisted of proofreading (which is pretty standard for editorial interns) and research for two of my own articles! I was pleasantly surprised by these assignments as interns usually spend a lot of time editing and not a lot of time writing. I’ve now conducted my first batch of interviews, and my favourite was with a young entrepreneur, Rosina Mahlangu. She grew up in Toronto, but attended university in Ottawa. She’s young, a year younger than me, but so ambitious, bright-eyed and motivated. Meeting with her on Thursday morning downtown Ottawa was the highlight of my week because her energy was contagious. She’s the founder of a fashion consulting company and she’s already appeared on CTV and in various local publications and media outlets. She hosts her own events, with the help of a single assistant and a newly-hired intern. Pretty impressive for twenty-two, right?

As I’ve now finished two weeks on the job, I’m ready to explore everything Ottawa has to offer. During my time off last week, I went to Toronto to meet my future boss at Weddingbells Magazine as well as catch up with some friends and my dad who was attending a business meeting. Here are some photos from Kensington Market (an eclectic, interesting neighbourhood that has great shock-value!)

September 15, 2012
Southeast Asia: Bali, Indonesia

Ever since Elizabeth Gilbert released her bestselling novel, Eat, Pray, Love with a movie deal to boot, everyone’s been abuzz with the intention of quitting their day job and jet setting around the world. I’m no stranger to this philosophy, in fact, I experienced my quarter-life crisis a bit earlier than most. At the age of nineteen, I resolved to study abroad for six months, merely to escape the sensation of of being sentenced to a life in a deadbeat American town; a town that, to me, personified the expression “bible belt.” I decided on New Zealand because I already knew a handful of people who had been to Australia (Like I said, I was having an early onset of a quarter-life crisis, and determined to go someplace where I knew absolutely no one.) Plus, Australia would be a good place to escape during our two-week Easter break, with a size and mentality comparable to Canada. And that was only the beginning, upon returning to what I considered a mediocre university town, I simply couldn’t seem to get back in the swing of things.

Flash-forward to 2012: As I prepared to begin my last semester at the University of Auckland, I knew this was possibly my last opportunity for frivolous travel prior to beginning my professional life post-convocation. (Who was I kidding?) My high school education and family vacations had already taken me throughout North America and Europe several times. Fortunately, my cousin Lucia had a similar mindset, having just begun her first semester abroad in Auckland. We decided that on top of our local travels within New Zealand, (a country of four million) we would additionally benefit from a mini-vacation to Southeast Asia. I spoke of our Malaysian adventure in my last post, but before I go all Eat, Pray, Love on you, I’d like to rationalize why we decided to visit Bali.

Bali is a breathtakingly beautiful island, with several excellent tourist options available. We wanted to dip our feet in the culture surrounding Bali. We also wanted to indulge in a vibrant nightlife and relaxing retreat that recharged our batteries mid-semester. My Canadian friends, an adventurous couple, Kirsten and Steve, had both been to Bali separately, and revelled about their experiences. Steve urged us to visit Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital. Needless to say, we were not disappointed with its abundance of art galleries, culinary delights, wildlife and exotic temples. Every community in Bali has a local temple, and every family builds a more compact temple in their home. I was incredibly intrigued by this form of devotion. We also visited a monkey temple (or so we thought); our tour guide, Sudarma corrected us immediately and told us it was a regular temple, but the monkeys protected its sanctity and acted as guards of the grounds.

September 15, 2012
Kuala Lumpur, Man vs. Nature

Having lived in New Zealand for two and a half years, I finally ventured to Southeast Asia this April with my cousin, Lucia and a friend from British Columbia. We all fell in love with the sights, sounds and smells of Malaysia and Indonesia. The following are some of our favourite aspects of exploring Kuala Lumpur.

1. Kuala Lumpur’s delicious and enticing street markets:

During our four nights in Kuala Lumpur, we couldn’t seem to get enough of the Petaling market, which takes place every night in the Chinatown district. The options for stir frying were endless, and we ended up having barbecue vegetables nearly every night! The outdoor dining was second-to-none, as most of the stalls were accompanied with picnic tables and various seating options! As we’ve come to accept, Chinatown also featured an array of “Genuine Fake” Longchamp totes, carryalls and Ray Ban sunglasses. Luckily, there were enough culinary options to keep us occupied for the duration of our travels!

2. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

Visiting the elephant orphanage was a definite highlight of our trip to Malaysia. All three of us loved the day long excursion to Kuala Gandah, which is approximately three hours from Kuala Lumpur. The sanctuary strives to help endangered elephants. What really caught my eye, in the elephant holding area, where we had lunch prior to feeding the elephants, were the little ones! After speaking to the handlers, we realized that these elephants we thought of as babies were actually adolescents. After the feeding, we stayed around to go on a brief elephant ride.

3. Our fantastic accommodation at Reggae Mansion:

Thank goodness for our travel agent at Student Flights (NZ), Pauline! Not only did she book us several incredible tours throughout our two-week holiday, she also managed to find the most amazing (and affordable) hostels. A highlight was Reggae Mansion situated in downtown KL. It’s the ideal spot to meet like-minded tourists, especially young travellers. The hostel features a rooftop patio bar, along with a cafe and restaurant in the lobby. The rooms are air-conditioned (a big MUST due to KL’s record-high temperatures and humidity!) We engaged in various social activities during our stay, organized by the hostel owners and I’d highly recommend a stop at Reggae if you are ever in KL!

4. Shop ‘Til You Drop!

Kuala Lumpur is a shopper’s paradise, with its sky-high malls and monumental towers featuring shops to suit every taste and budget! Many visitors are surprised by the modernity and man-made glory of Kuala Lumpur. Others are convinced KL is the prime example of man versus nature. We appreciated both aspects of our visit, and couldn’t conceal our excitement with both the Bintang Bukit and Pavillion Malls, which featured an array of restaurants, high street stores and ridiculous architecture.

5. The famously beautiful Batu Caves

You cannot plan a trip to Malaysia and not visit the Batu Caves. Standing at 140 feet, the world’s tallest statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, is located outside the Batu Caves. The venerable, visually-stunning monument is a breathtaking place for worship. The trek up to the temple consists of nearly 300 steps, lined with monkeys who like to tease the visitors. The caves are a top tourist attraction bringing international guests to KL’s suburbs.

Part II, coming soon! It will feature some highlights of our Bali trip!

Until next time,

Vanessa

August 14, 2012