palais garnier opera paris france

Bright Lights of Paris

Everywhere you look in Paris, the city of light glows. As I wandered around, I found myself mesmerized by the endless illumination of the streets, bridges, buildings, and landmarks. From the street lamps that align the cobble-stoned sidewalks to the exquisite chandeliers that sparkle from the ceilings of the relics of its royal past, no piece is left unturned and unlit in La Ville Lumière. During the day, the bejeweled stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle shine bright and after sunset, the towering Eiffel Tower twinkles in the night sky, proving that no matter the hour, the magic of the capital of France does not cease to delight.

Here are some of the highlights of the lights of Paris spotted during my recent trip. Let there be light!

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paris france eiffel tower trocadero

La Vie En Rose in Paris

In Sabrina, the titular heroine Sabrina Fairchild (played by Audrey Hepburn) proclaims that Paris is for changing your outlook and for throwing open the windows to let in la vie en rose. The city of light and love is a reputed destination for adventurers who believe in seeing the world through rose coloured glasses and embracing new places and new opportunities with joie de vivre.

This spring, I ventured to see if such a grand notion on the life-altering effects of Paris is a true reflection of reality or just a romanticized fantasy. From April 25th to May 1st, I journeyed to the capital of France (and cultural center for fashion, beauty, art, architecture, cuisine, history, romance, and much more) for a week of extravagant exploration. Below is a summary of my jam-packed itinerary for the week, which included an endless list of internationally renowned landmarks, monuments, museums, and hotspots in the city’s various arrondissements (neighbourhoods). For my photos of the picturesque Parisian sights, click through to the hyperlinked titles below and check out my #BonjourParis2016 hashtag on Instagram. As you can see, Paris is a photographer’s paradise. Without further adieu, here is la belle vie!

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chill winston gastown vancouver

Lunch Guide to Vancouver’s Gastown

When at noon the grand clock chimes, it’s lunchtime! Along the picturesque scene of cobblestoned sidewalks, Victorian-style architecture, old-timey streetlights, and of course, the famed steam clock, the historical district of Vancouver’s Gastown offers many dining options to complement your afternoon of strolling, sightseeing, and shopping. From classic comfort food to the more adventurous choices, there’s something for every visitor who craves a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s diverse cuisine. The next time you find yourself venturing through this downtown Vancouver neighbourhood, check out these recommended places for a memorable munch.

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Image Credit: Chill Winston

London: A City Fit for a Queen

At the end of April, I fulfilled a lifelong desire of mine by embarking on a trip to my dream destination – London, England. Taking a cue from my favourite independent female icons from British History (I’m looking at you, Queen Elizabeth I and Jane Austen), I took the liberty of traveling across the pond and conquering my first trip to England as a solo adventuress.

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Make It Happen

When I saw this motivational Post-It on the tree outside my office building, I had to stop and snap a picture. Later that day, when I had a moment to pause and reflect, I thought about what the encouraging phrase written on that note meant to me.

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