Travel – Page 3

Of Montreal.

“Life is an unfoldment, and the further we travel the more truth we can comprehend. To understand the things that are at our door is the best preparation for understanding those that lie beyond.” – Hypatia

In 2010 I was given an incredible and unforgettable opportunity to travel to Europe on a school history trip. It was only my second year teaching, and it was my first time travelling overseas. Our first stop was Paris, which is a city that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Along with over 45 students and four other chaperones, we experienced the beauty of France and Belgium while seeing what was learned and taught about the Canadian contributions in World War I and II. It was this trip that officially gave me the travel bug. Fast forward several years, and I have had the immense pleasure of joining students on many other trips to England, Netherlands, Italy, New York City, and back to France and Belgium. Just this past week another opportunity arose for myself and my husband to chaperone my school’s band trip to Montreal. Believe it or not, but it was my first time travelling outside of Ontario in Canada, which may be surprising considering I teach Canadian history. The experience was just as positive as the previous school trips I had been on, not just because I was able to explore a new city, but to see it through the eyes of my students as well. Whether it’s a quick local field trip, or a larger excursion like this one, getting students out of the classroom and experiencing the world around them has to be one of the most beneficial learning experiences. For some it helps them develop skills needed to be independent, but also reinforces that learning is continuous and doesn’t always have to be inside a school. From enjoying symphony performances, to seeing views from Mount Royal and the beauty of Notre Dame Basilica, our journey to Montreal was certainly one to be remembered!

SaveSave

Fashion, Travel

Art Deco.

“If a building becomes architecture, then it is art.” – Arne Jacobsen

If there’s one thing that’s quintessential Miami, it’s definitely art deco architecture. The city is full of pastel colours on buildings with clean lines and geometrical shapes. Walking down Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive is like stepping back into the 1920s (minus the Ferraris and Lamborghinis). While I was all smiles when looking at these buildings, I couldn’t help but also feel sad that North American architecture today has lost its timeless style. These art deco hotels are not relics of the past, but a reminder of how beauty has the power to sustain.

What North American city do you think has the best or most interesting architecture? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Blackmilk Clothing. Bag: Clare V. Tassel: Clare V. Shoes: Call It Spring (old, similar here). Sunglasses: Le Specs. Earrings: Baublebar. Lips: Marc Jacobs Infamous.

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Fashion, Travel

Vizcaya.

“Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it.” – Rumi

Who knew a European mansion and garden would be in the middle of Miami? I sure didn’t until I did some pre-travel research. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is honestly comparable to many of the beautiful homes I have seen in Europe. The gardens may not be as extraordinary as Versailles, but they are still incredibly beautiful. While walking through them, I kept thinking to myself how I wouldn’t need wifi or a tv if I lived here. Getting lost in the gardens would be enough for me to enjoy myself for a long time. The inside of the house is equally as impressive and actually includes European artifacts and designs. Not only was the entire complex stunning, but it was also used in multiple episodes of Miami Vice, which for me, made it even more interesting!

Matching Set: Showpo (sold out, similar here). Bag: Mansur Gavriel (mini mini available here). Hat: Nordstrom. Sunglasses: Le Specs. Earrings: Baublebar. Shoes: Call It Spring (old, similar here). Lips: Marc Jacobs Infamous.

SaveSave

Fashion, Travel

The Bass.

“Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced.” – Leo Tolstoy

When we visited Miami we decided to check out The Bass, a small contemporary art museum near our hotel on Miami Beach. The museum was unlike many I have been to because instead of pieces of art or portraits hanging on walls, there were immersive rooms where the art was more about the experience. From interesting art films, to a room full of clowns, The Bass is quick fun and intriguing visit away from the crowds and parties.

To read more about my philosophy on art galleries, check out my post from earlier this year.

Dress: Urban Outfitters. Bag: Clare V. Tassel: Clare V. Shoes: Call It Spring (old, similar here). Hat: Nordstrom. Sunglasses: Le Specs. Earrings: Baublebar. Lips: Guerlain Rouge Kiss.

SaveSave

Fashion, Travel

Wynwood Walls.

“Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality of nature, placed alongside thereof for its conquest.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

When we first booked our trip to Miami, one of the first things I read about and had to see was Wynwood Walls. I have a love of street art and murals, which can be seen in many of my posts in Detroit’s Eastern Market. Wynwood did not disappoint. The actual “walls” are in an enclosed area that includes murals on walls and doors, well as two galleries with art that can be purchased. Throughout the whole Wynwood district are colorful buildings, even more murals, some retail shops, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink. It was an almost overwhelming experience because everywhere you turn there is a place where a picture is just begging to be taken!

Dress: Urban Outfitters. Bag: Mansur Gavriel (mini mini available here). Shoes: Forever 21. Earrings: My Beloved Crafts. Sunglasses: Le Specs. Watch: Chanel. Lips: Marc Jacobs Infamous.

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Travel

Definitely Miami.

“If Miami hasn’t got it, they haven’t invented it yet.” – Miami Vice

Last year my husband and I travelled to New York City for March break and though we enjoyed ourselves and made some wonderful memories, it was freezing and there was actually a blizzard. We made a note to ourselves that if we were to travel again in March, it had to be some place guaranteed to be warm. We ventured to Miami with another couple on the recommendation of my husband’s cousin. A frequent Miami traveller, he was able to give us great advice on where to stay and what to do. Miami wasn’t entirely a tough sell, though. My husband and I are big Miami Vice fans and loved the idea of visiting Crockett and Tubb’s home turf. Overall, we really enjoyed our trip. We got the weather we wished for, and easily fell in love with the city’s architecture and aesthetic.

Where to sleep.

We were recommended by multiple people to stay on Miami Beach above 15th St., which was perfect for us. We were actually in Miami during spring break, and it got pretty crazy the more south you got, which isn’t really our scene. The hotel we chose fit both our budget and taste. The Gale (1690 Collins Ave.) had a classic art deco vibe, and our room was spacious with a large terrace.

What to do.

By far, our favourite Miami activity (besides eating and drinking) was spending time at the beach. We would take quiet strolls at night, and spent a day soaking up the much missed and needed sun. Wynwood Walls is a cool hipster area on the mainland with murals on every wall and building. It’s like Eastern Market on steroids. Another highlight was Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which is a stunning European style mansion that was built between 1914-16. We also enjoyed The Bass, a small contemporary art museum on Miami Beach. Walking down Ocean Drive and checking out all the art deco buildings is also not to be missed.

Where to eat & drink.

Before we left, almost everyone told us Miami was expensive. They were not wrong. Some of the drinks are as pricey as $25, but you can get better deals during Happy Hour. You could easily spend a night wandering from hotel to hotel to find the bar or restaurant you like best. Listed below are some of our favourite places we ate and drank on Miami Beach:

Employees Only | Casual and elegant prohibition style bar | 1030 Washington Avenue

The Broken Shaker | Super hipster tiki cocktail bar | 2727 Indian Creek Dr

Pane & Vino | Classic, fresh, and delicious Italian with amazing service | 1450 Washington Ave.

Byblos | Mediterranean small plates |1545 Collins Ave.

Sushi Garage | Delicious and innovative Japanese fare | 1784 West Ave.

Stay tuned for more Miami posts featuring Miami Beach’s art deco style, Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya, and The Bass!

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Philosophy, Travel

On art galleries.

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

I was in grade six went I first visited an art gallery. It was the Detroit Institute of Arts, and my mother insisted that my sister and I join her for a day of art. Though I’m not a visual artist myself, there was something about seeing the variety of pieces on display that captured my interest, and most of all, heart. Now at 32, I have seen some of the greatest masterpieces in several museums throughout the world. From the Louvre in Paris, to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, I never get bored wandering through the labyrinths that are art galleries.

In Alain de Bottom and John Armstrong’s Art as Therapy, the idea is proposed that art galleries should be organized by theme in order for the visitors to be better able to connect with the art through the stories they tell, revealing more about what it means to be human, rather than a study of technique and design. What de Bottom articulated well is that art galleries should go beyond simply displaying art for aesthetic purposes, but to give way to self reflection and understanding. It is for this reason that I enjoy visiting art galleries so much. Yes, it’s nice to see pretty paintings, but it’s a lot more engaging and sometimes even challenging, to see myself in the art, and consider how an artist can capture an idea so well. To see what is happening inside my mind visually represented on a canvas or through a block of marble can be comforting.

In January my husband and I had the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. Though we travel to Toronto a few times per year, we haven’t dedicated much time to its museums. What I enjoyed most about the AGO was its focus on Canadian content. The European masters often cast a shadow over North American artists, so it was a pleasure to see art created from a Canadian perspective, celebrating our country’s landscape, as well as its Indigenous traditions.

Though not everyone can be a skilled painter or sculptor, we can all share in positive aesthetic experiences by visiting art galleries. If one is to avoid preconceived notions of institutionalism and art critic snobbery and enter an art gallery with an open mind, you are bound to not only learn about art, but yourself and the human condition as a whole.

Instagram