Mikaela's wanderings

I am a daughter, sister, friend, and lover of spaghetti. Boarding the ship to embark on a writing career, I'm preparing for high seas, motion sickness, and pirates.

[mikaelawanders]

My sister and I held a crafternoon to ensure our Christmas away from home would be merry and bright (aesthetically).

While we are not indulging in my aunty's succulent baked ham, or my grandmother's perfectly roasted lamb, or my grandfather's fresh beans picked from his garden; we visited the best grocer in Paris to purchase ingredients for spaghetti two ways. It will be a feast fit for a king without an oven in his kitchen. 

Wishing all of my family and friends, far and near, a joyful day full of love and good company (mine excluded).

Finally a very merry Christmas to you, my dear reader.

[mikaelawanders]

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in Paris by night.

Gliding out of Switzerland and into the city of love in time for Christmas. We’ve been relishing the great selection of cheeses, but I fear my wonderful mother may be suffering slightly from mild culture shock. Upon opening a wheel she grew concerned for our tummies’ safety wondering aloud if we should throw the cheese out as it was “smelly”.

[mikaelawanders]

Lucky enough to see the mighty Matterhorn bathed in winter sunshine. 

A wonder I am infinitely grateful to my parent's for showing me. I may have two decades of maintaining this image in my head as it was 20 years since my grandparents visited this very spot. I'll leave it to them to sum up:

"...that magnificent revelation of our earth's grandeur remains with us."

[mikaelawanders]

Making my mother's life long dream of a white Christmas come partially true.

A few days out from the festivities we slipped and slid through the snow-lined streets of Zermatt. No snow has fallen from the sky since our arrival but I have learnt that humans as an entire race are not fit for walking on ice. Especially humans haling from tropical Queensland. 

[mikaelawanders]

After ten months since flying from the nest, my parents flew over to check in on me.

Now I'm touring parts of Europe in a way I could never afford myself. Aren't parents great? Also, how soft are hotel towels? 

A hire car and some backseat driving delivered us to the charming city of Bern in Switzerland. 

[mikaelawanders]

Last post for Berlin: street art on an abandoned building, on what my brother and I referred to as Museum Island. 

Graffiti and pasted masterpieces hide in public and private nooks and crannies throughout the city. Hipsters in their beanies and tweed pants riding fixies can also be spotted. No wonder people visit for holidays and battle the visa lines to extend their stay to permanent. 

[mikaelawanders]

Many wars have occurred around this monument and it also played a part in separating a city.

Now the Brandenburg Gate symbolises German unity and looks on as a country heals and regenerates, building an innovative, efficient, and hopeful future. 

[mikaelawanders]

Maintaining history in a dynamic way.

One of many incredible artworks painted onto the wall which once divided a city. The East Side Gallery, although suffering from tagging, captures Berlin's post war history when the East and West were divided by concrete, guards, and politics. 

[mikaelawanders]

Near the centre of Berlin city lies 2,711 concrete pillars all of different heights and on undulating land.

This is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Approximately six million people of Jewish faith were killed during Hitler's 12 year reign of terror. No markings or plaques can be found in or around the memorial, and little insight has been given by architect Peter Eisenmann regarding his intent behind the design.

Eisenmann has however revealed he wants people to feel confused when walking the paths leading through the pillars. Visiting on an overcast day no warmer than 2 degrees Celsius, with grey in every direction, I did feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness and sorrow. For me it represented a mere glimpse into the thoughts and feelings possibly experienced by prisoners in a concentration camp. 

[mikaelawanders]

From where I sit: flying into Heathrow London. My gypsy journey is fast approaching the end which means it's nearly time to cut off my arm bands, get a haircut and get a job (real or otherwise). Alas, I've managed to wrangle a few more weeks of travel freedom as I tour Europe for the festive season. I'm still adjusting to the small conveniences of the western world, for example I'm relearning how toilet paper can be flushed and not left in the bin, however some habits die hard. Farewelling South America after seven months of wanderlust left me craving more time and making promises to return. Yes I had on-off surprise diaohrea, yes they only have two flavours for food of sugar and salt, yes you occasionally have to carry your valuables stuffed in your bra. But who cares, it adds to the spectacular fun offered by the continent in copious amounts. Not to mention the strikingly beautiful natural wonders and the locals' festive approach to life. But it's onto different adventures as I learn to swap hiking boots for flatform brogues, and rejoin the rat race where iPhone's are coloured and people impersonate Miley Cyrus riding a wrecking ball.

[mikaelawanders]

A photo steal from a friend.

After five days of gloomy rain the sun appeared allowing for some glorious beach days on Ilha Grande. This happy snap is of Dois Rios, a beach 8km from the main town. With unrelenting humidity and unforgiving rays we walked the two hours up and over the valley and were rewarded with paradise.

I don’t think I can ever look at this photo for too long or I’ll find myself in a desperate state of longing.

[mikaelawanders]

Selarón’s Staircase made up of a tile wonderland, these two lovers with a baby on the way captured my attention.

Thousands of tiles from across the globe sit in colourful unison over 215 steps. Once a work in progress that changed continually, this eloborate dedication to the city of Rio now lies dormant. Jorge Selarón, the street artist who spent 20 years creating the masterpiece, was sadly found dead on the stairs earlier this year.

[mikaelawanders]

Favela life in Rocinha is surely never dull with so many neighbours close by to enjoy a beer with or shout through house walls and across alleys your commentary during the nightly tv soaps. A peppy place buzzing with diverse characters like 18-year-old Felipe who creates art using recycled chewing gum packets and soft drink can lids. Or 50-year-old Zezinho who boasts Rocinha pride through the intricate houses inked over his legs and arms. Zezinho lives and breathes music and has found a way to share his passion by running a free DJ school for local teens. Rocinha is not at all an eyesore but a dynamic creature with its own unique heartbeat.

[mikaelawanders]

Here stands Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) at 30m in height and 28m from one fingertip to the other. This guy has enjoyed the city's best view since around 1921. Not a bad spot to be a statue.

[mikaelawanders]

There's a planet full of cities I am yet to explore, however, this far in my travels I can only reconfirm that Rio de Janeiro is my favourite. Scorching heat, humid days trailing into nights, green hills interrupting the concrete sprawl, white sand, blue surf, and beautiful people. And by beautiful people I mean physically. Hours could be (and have been) lost watching said beautiful people grace the beaches. I have definitely developed an appreciation for beach soccer and volleyball. Purely for love of sport of course.

[mikaelawanders]

Leafy streets, humid days, and every second person carrying a thermos and mate cup. The Uruguayan's don't let walking or every day life get their way of enjoying a hot cup of tea. My brief stint in this country has nearly expired, but hopefully someday I'll be back to enjoy their relaxed approach to living.

[mikaelawanders]

Uruguay's national dish, a cardiac arrest presented in sandwich form. Bread, tomato, egg, lettuce, pickled capsicum, mozzarella, skirt steak, ham, and bacon. Yes ham and bacon, because one variety of cured pork is insufficient. I ate this while watching marathon runners sweat it out on tv.