22.6.14

I want to wake up in a city that doesn't sleep.

Virtual trip sponsored by the always willing, ever gracious Pinterest. :) 

I'm a conflicted person. Sometimes. . .I feel like the only "city gal" I know. Or at least, in my family. All my sisters love big trucks, corn fields, and guys in ball caps. Now don't take me wrong! I love country and cowboys and dirt (actually, I really do, :) ) but somehow the deep-rooted European in me just craves CULTURE. I like shopping and exploring and trying new foods. I like people watching, the fast pace, and popping into quirky little boutiques. If I could just quit everything right now (and had the money to do so,) I'd leave for Verona, or London, or Paris. . .and never look back. One of my top travel-destinations is NYC. And I love California. Especially San Diego.

Think I'm crazy yet?


The world is a big, exciting place, and the more I can be a part of it, the happier I am. Picasso said it best:
 "If everybody is looking for it, then nobody is finding it. If we were cultured, we would not be conscious of lacking culture. We would regard it as something natural and would not make so much fuss about it. And if we knew the real value of this word we would be cultured enough not to give it so much importance.


Naturally I was thrilled to the bones by this post. Susannah and her husband are stinkin' adorable together, her photography gorgeous, and honestly, the striped tights? Some people just get to be perfect. ;) But on top of it all, they captured NYC exactly the way I've always imagined it. Because what is a trip--any trip--without food, more food, and more food? And running in the rain. And taking in all the most random, crazy sights. Romping and spontaneous and unplanned. Actually, that should be the title of her post. "Romping around New York eating food." Totally. Reminds me of when I explored the Village of Claremont in California for the first time. I was all alone, my little bag packed and ready for a day on the town. And I did just that. :) It was adorable and whimsical and everything a little town should be. All these strange little shops like The Cheese Cave and Folk Music Store. Then stopping for a lunch-time crepe.


"I find New Yorkers incredibly engaging. They're like Parisians. . .cool and confrontational, in a good way, like they like a good debate. You walk into a restaurant and it's not full of people silently sitting in front of each other like it can be in England; it's full of people pointing fingers in each other's faces having a really good political debate, or whatever. London and New York are sort of unique in that they are not representative of the rest of the country they exist in. London doesn't really represent England-it's so multicultural and cosmopolitan that it's its own entity. [It's the same] with New York; that's why I'm able to live in New York." ~Richard Armitage


I see beauty and artistry in everything--in hidden alleyways, behind accented English, the way a man looks into a woman's eyes. Shapes, colors, sounds. Pretty things make my heart melt. Passionate things make it pound. There is whimsy in the smallest details, the way the rain hits the pavement, a latte all frothy and drizzled with dark chocolate. On the nosiest main street, in the most serene, romantic small town. Sitting outside, eating frozen yogurt. Random conversations in airports. Street-side musicians. Trying strange, local foods. Living life to the fullest.


So here's to exploration. Loud noise and flashing lights. Glob-trotting, traditions, spontaneity, people, conversation, and good food. This post didn't end up being much about NY at all, despite the cityscapes. ;) Just remember, before you exit this blog or log out of Pinterest for the day: "Travel. As much as you can. As far as you can. As long as you can. Life's not meant to be lived in one place." You don't need to go far. "Culture" is found where people are found--in coffee shops, books, music, cobblestones and puddles, a homey kitchen, or lurking around the next bend in the road. 

20 comments:

  1. YES. I think I'm the only one in my family with these dreams. Like you said - I love the south and gardens and All That - but I so badly want to go gallivanting around Europe and large cities and drink coffee and wear stripes and maybe fall in love as well. ;)

    Whenever you figure out how to make a living traveling the world, just tell me: I'll tag along. ^.^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds just about perfect. <3 I'm not sure if you saw my second-to-last post, but I'm actually tentatively planning a trip to Europe next year. I was re-motivated after our cousin from France came to visit. I reeeaaaallly hope/pray it works out. If not, Anna wants to go to NY. . .and I wouldn't mind tagging along. :) Oh yeah, and when I figure out the making-a-living thing, I'll let you know. ;)

      Delete
  2. Oh,I loved NYC!!!! So amazing and to go on a rooftop at night is a must!!! I liked visiting it,but I'm a country small town girl through and through. I have no idea about all the interesting traffic and other rules they have there. I'm learning the hard way on that one.:p lovely post Michaela.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool, I didn't know you went to NY. AND you went up on a rooftop? Awesome. :) I want to be a country girl, I really do, and I am to a certain extent. . .I dunno. I guess I like shopping too much. ;) Thanks for commenting, Blythe. It was great seeing you last week!

      Delete
  3. I love reading your words, Michaela--every one of them resounds with the reality of YOU--something bloggers struggle with SO MUCH. They think they have to be super professional or sound intellectual or copy their favorite blogger's style. (I've done all of that FAR too often.) But you have YOUR OWN voice--and I appreciate that so much. Reading your words is like breathing the freshest of the air. I can live in them like I can in almost nobody else's. You have a gift, girl :)

    And as to cities and people-watching--YES! I live on a farm, and at times I feel a little stifled in the "country is ALWAYS better" mindset. I personally LOVE the architectural beauty of cities--and the malls, of course ;) I do enjoy my family's farm and all the animals, but -- for a while, at least -- I'd like to be caught in the city atmosphere :)

    dance a real

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, I'm not sure what to say! Thank you so much, Hannah. Really, this is one of the best compliments I've ever gotten. :) I really don't even think much about my writing. . .I just write what is on my mind. It's all color, noise, and confusion. . .but somehow works itself out into the mess you see on my blog. ;) I'm truly honored by your words. Thank you again! Many blessings to you. <3

      Delete
  4. I adore cities. One thing I love is how they are built up over time. There is such a mis-mash of decades on display in big cities.
    I got to go to Chicago last month to visit my brother, and that confirmed my love of the city. The lights, the architecture...sigh. I've been to London and Paris. I'm dreaming of going back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kindred spirit! ;) You are so lucky to have been to Europe. It's one of my biggest dreams. What did you think of Paris? I've heard conflicting opinions, especially from my French cousin. :P

      Delete
  5. My heart rests in the country, but...

    I loved going to see Wicked in London, shopping at the Hay's Galleria (the book store and Christmas shop I found there), walking along the Thames and seeing the Tower Bridge down the river, and taking the "tube" to a random stop and discovering Buckingham Palace. The pulled beef on a bagel and the margaritas that were both EXCELLENT. I want to eventually live in the country, but I think I would get along just fine living in town. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sigh. . .it sounds magical. :) Maybe I should to a Pinteresty-London post next.

      Delete
  6. I LOVE THIS.

    Thank you, m'dear. ^.^

    ReplyDelete
  7. I know I've commented on nearly every post since you've started Quaintrelle, but I just love this. I'm trying to learn to be content where I am while still being completely open to adventure and wherever life takes me. A year in Europe? An adventure in NYC? I'd do it in a heartbeat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, please don't feel like you over comment! I love hearing from you. :) A year in Europe sounds awesome. If not, I'll settle for that NYC adventure. When are we leaving??

      Delete
  8. ahhh New York.
    I visited for my 13th birthday and I think I might've left a little bit of my heart there. It's...amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. But if it does not sleep how did you fall asleep to wake up in the city? :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I sort of kind of love this post. the end.

    ReplyDelete