Bonjour Gia: Travel

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BEGINNING AT THE END

I have almost come to the end of my year out. And I'm about to start something completely different, and go back to studying. Loads of people I know have already done a year of this, so it's not a big deal, but it is something I'm still afraid of; I'm still nervous for. I'm also excited, because I get to be out of full time work. I'm also waaay too excited about decorating a new room. Even if that means buying a plant pot and a poster that I can't hang up.

If you, one of the three people who read this, aren't sure whether a gap year is a good idea, I will 100% say that it is. It just is. And that's all there is really. It may not be for everyone, but you don't know until you take the risk. It also is very dependent on how you use it. For example, a gap year is amazing if you can plan, and afford, travelling around the world - this is unofficially called a "gap yaar". A gap year can also be amazing if you want to spend half of it at home and half of it living anywhere else. Maybe you want to make some money to cover what your student loan most likely won't. Or maybe you just want to get used to living alone, and learn how to use a washing machine or deal with budgeting weekly food shops and creating recipes. Either way, if you aren't ready for the seemingly large step to university, you don't have to follow everyone else. And they won't tell you this, but you can always defy your teachers and check the "defer" box on your ucas.

I might do a follow up post listing things I've learned over the past year.

But for now here's some more film from this past year, some more recent, some not.

posted by G . Monday, 17 September 2018 . Diary / Photography / Travel

BEGINNING AT THE END

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BEGINNING AT THE END

I might do a follow up post listing things I've learned over the past year.

But for now here's some more film from this past year, some more recent, some not.

BEGINNING AT THE END

posted by G . Monday, 9 April 2018 . Photography / Travel

📷 VIENNA ON 35MM

At the beginning of February, which I am aware is agggggges ago, I went to Vienna with Vikki, more formally known as Victoria Jane. I eventually got my film developed from that trip and now they're here, all prettily laid out for you to love (or maybe hate??). It was a really fun 4 days in the most clean city I've ever been to. We stayed in a cute hotel, and basically went on a tour of the city's cafes that I'd pre-researched via Instagram.

Anyway, here are some pics.

I definitely recommend visiting the place at least once before you die. The public transport system is amazing. I sound like such a public transport nerd but I probably am one. We pretty much walked everywhere because it's not too big in terms of a city and, although freezing, the high quality of their hot beverages made up for it. Vienna blends its history, which Vikki likes, with its cafe culture, which I LOVE, really well. The retail therapy facilities aren't lacking either.

And, most importantly, it wasn't too shabby to photograph.

📷 VIENNA ON 35MM

posted by G . Sunday, 11 March 2018 . Fashion / Travel

🍒 A SHOE PARTY

Recently I was invited to a Launch Party for the new MiistaShoes store in Paris. Their first store is in London and being invited to this new one was really exciting for me. Not only was the invite really cute and almost a pinch-me moment, but the brand makes some amazing shoes. And I love shoes.

So last week I went to Paris, for this party amongst other things. The shop was nicely decorated with lots of stone wall, very minimal shelving and some beautiful photos, which meant that the real showstoppers could shine - the shoes. I pretty much loved every single pair and I wish I could've taken them home with me. However, my case was already too heavy and my wallet a little too empty to buy even one pair. They are a splurge, but a great one at that. And if you are ever near one of their sample sales DO NOT miss out because I'm pretty sure the discounts are crazy good.

Every pair of shoes presented was of a high quality and made of comfortable materials. I tried some on just to make sure. Tried and tested by yours truly (sadly not bought though). My personal favourites were the light brown short boots. Very practical, of course, because realistically I'd be too scared to step outside in the metallic moon boots, as much as I adored them. There were also some gorgeous sandals, and many variations of them. Some yellow, Coney Island-style tie-up heels particularly caught my eye.

In all honesty, there is a pair of shoes for everyone on their site, and hopefully more to come in store. It may be my leftover excitement talking, or the memories of the INCREDIBLE wine we were given, but either way, it was such a nice experience and if you're planning to spend some hard earned cash on a gorgeous investment, I would most definitely suggest you get some Miista shoes.

Because your shoes take you places.

So go stylishly.

🍒 A SHOE PARTY

posted by G . Tuesday, 6 February 2018 . Photography / Travel

✨ TOUR DE STEAD: CHRISTMAS 2017

I recently got a bunch of rolls of film developed and printed. Exciting for you, I know. Because it took so long to do, I now have a huge backlog of photos that I feel like deserve to tell some stories. Christmas is mostly always a travelling event in our family. This year we spent the actual day of Christmas at home, for the first time in what must be about four years. It was pretty great. The only way I could describe it is with the oxymoron of organised spontaneity, a.k.a mum had everything perfectly planned out, and we had no idea what the plan actually was.

Christmas is usually the time where we see extended family, as do most people. This year we started off by visiting the lakes on boxing day, to catch up with my dad's side of the family. The lakes never fails to be beautiful, (thank you Beatrix Potter) and it manages to blend the light of the sun, with the temperature of Antarctica so well. Despite the harsh cold, it made a great backdrop for photos of my surprisingly photogenic family.

A walk down to the lake is an obvious activity to do when actually in the lakes. It is their main attraction hence the name, I highly recommend. It is something that just has to be done every year we've been in that location. I'm only just starting to appreciate it and actually enjoy taking part instead of moaning about walking in the cold. Or just walking in general. But to drive there would be silly considering it's about 2 minutes from the house. My 10 year old self still would've preferred to drive though.

This past year was particularly beautiful and the light was stunning, as you can probably tell in the photos below. However, I would NOT advise that you go swimming in the lake like the clearly insane people we saw, no matter how pretty it is. But by all means take a photo and make it look like it was your family who were brave enough to do so. Even though it definitely was not.

From the lakes, we drove back on ourselves and further as we ventured to the land of Scot. This is so mum's side of the family wouldn't feel left out. We went to visit my gran and eat lots of chocolate and watch lots of Miss Marple, as everyone should at Christmas. I most definitely recommend that activity.

We also visited the place where my parents got married a million years ago, however it was a little bit disappointing and had been refurbished, also known as ruined. I will save them a name drop and a scathing review even though we, of course, prepared a list of complaints. But it really wouldn't be a Stead family trip if we didn't go somewhere slightly arty to mix things up, so we had coffee at The Beacon in Greenock, an arts centre. We in fact did not see any art or any movies but let's pretend that we actually contributed to the appreciation of art, instead of just getting coffee, as we always do.

All in all, a wonderful Christmas and a cute retrospective of both flattering and unflattering photos.

I mean, at least I've provided some variety.

Thanks for reading :)

✨ TOUR DE STEAD: CHRISTMAS 2017

posted by G . Tuesday, 14 November 2017 . Photography / Travel

🌹 ALONE IN PARIS

London is so grey right now, as though mimicking my feelings towards being ill and back to the working routine after a weekend in Paris. That's not to say that Paris wasn't grey because it was, and it included rain, but even when the weather is miserable there it's hard to let it reflect onto your feelings. Maybe it's just me but I find it virtually impossible to be miserable in Paris, even when I'm waiting for the Eurostar back home. I think a person can easily be sad in Paris, in a dramatic black-and-white-film kind of way, but even when it's raining and there is a minimal amount of light in the sky, something reminds you that you're next to the Seine and you can probably see the Eiffel Tower somewhere.

Despite being slightly bias because I am obviously a fan of Paris, if that's what you would call it, my weekend was also cheered up by the fact I was asked for directions three times, and in French. So either I look French, if that is a look, or I'm pulling off looking like I know what I'm doing and where I'm going. Which is all completely pretend. I'm as clueless as the next eighteen year old on their gap year.

I did discover a couple of things, which just heightened my love for the place, whilst I was there sauntering around the autumnal scenery for three days. Firstly, you can carry a book around, and read literally anywhere and no one thinks twice about it. Normally I would have a giant bag to hide any hint of the leisurely activities I intend to do in a day, such as writing, reading or taking photos. Or maybe that is more a personal confidence issue that I just so happen to lose when abroad. Secondly, it is perfectly acceptable to eat plain baguette bread outside of your house. This seems like something you should be able to do anywhere, but from my experience, eating the end of a baguette on your way home from work draws in a couple of confused, clearly-never-been-to-France stares. But not in Paris.

Returning from this trip, I was not only immensely excited to go back sometime soon, but I also got my roll of film developed on that same day. Due to being there by myself, none of the photos really contained personal moments of interaction but they still maintain a sentimentality to them. Mostly because the autumn light that runs through the pictures was so beautiful, and in a way reminded me that it is possible to enjoy being alone, wandering through exhibitions, without feeling lonely and grey.