Los Angeles, first impressions Los Angeles, primeiras impressões(Em Português AQUI) After a period of pandemic Los Angeles, primeiras impressões Depois de um período de clausura pandémica, restrições
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The economic stopover A paragem económica (Em Português AQUI) We couldn’t leave the old continent without taking advantage of the perks of European low-cost travel. Well, to secure an affordable trip for the desired dates, we had two options with crazy layovers. We opted for an independent layover, spending a night in Oslo, which would give us more time for final preparations. We left at dawn, heading to the cold city. A few hours of work from the airport. A 10-minute transfer to the hotel that costs more than the flight from London to Oslo. After demagnetising two room cards and deactivating an elevator, nothing beats a hot shower and a comfortable bed to crash in. THE BEST PART – THE BREAKFAST Well-deserved rest, and in the morning, one of the best breakfasts of my life—but only 15 minutes to enjoy it. Unfair! Why was I so lazy to get up? Why didn’t anyone warn me that such a feast was waiting for me? The truth is, I didn’t expect such a varied and delicious hotel breakfast. Perfectly cooked eggs in multiple styles, bread, croissants, cheeses and cold cuts, fruit, salmon, etc. I hate wasting anything and want to try almost everything. But I couldn’t. If anyone stays at the SCANDIC OSLO AIRPORT and the chef is the same, please wake up early and enjoy what I couldn’t! We left for the airport with time to spare, only to discover that the line for LA was huge and the check-in time was absurd. THE COOL GROUP Out of nowhere, a lady asked if I was part of the group. What group? The group of tired people waiting for a flight? The group of people who are exhausted, half-dizzy, and lost in time zones, mentally calculating everything that will be needed or possibly forgotten? Turns out, the lady had only seen my protective jacket and thought I was part of the group she was looking for—a group of crazy adults on an organised Harley motorbike trip through California. I wasn’t even prepared for my own adventure yet, and I was already being identified as part of the community. Suddenly, I was surrounded by motorcycle fanatics, who out of nowhere started talking about engines, seats, and destinations with me just because I was wearing an Alpine jacket. Another proof that appearances deceive, and there I was, immersed in an unlikely environment. Doubts began to arise. Was I in the right place? They talked about the good things and the difficulties—the challenge of hitchhiking, the hardness of the seat, the wind, the heat, etc. The more I listened, the more doubts crept in. A feeling of regret started to bubble up, even though I saw them all excited for their adventure. I felt out of place, like the odd one out. Since I was the oddball, I became the court jester, someone to chat with to pass the time and distract from the long wait. Until a kind soul realised that at this pace, we’d all miss the flight, and they decided to open more check-in counters and speed up the process, creating special lanes so we could rush to catch the plane, which was almost leaving empty. Yes, this happened in organised Europe, in a punctual and efficient Nordic country. The rush was such that, of course, I ended up losing something. The thing I always lose, but this time I lost both: my gloves! Brand new, with tags, with a guarantee, with protection. The most expensive gloves I’ve ever had, and I never even got to use them. CELEBRITY MIRAGE Before boarding, a figure caught my attention because of how different he looked. A tall guy with style passed by like a celebrity, and for a moment, he seemed like Harry Styles. If he had taken off his sunglasses, maybe I could have confirmed I was wrong, but everything about him looked like Harry. But I’m terrible at recognising celebrities. After failing to recognise Mr. Rowan Atkinson, the eternal Mr. Bean, I no longer trust my facial recognition instincts. And obviously, Harry Styles wouldn’t be there travelling on a 12-hour low-cost flight from Oslo to LA. Maybe it was his double. THE BENEFIT OF BEING ON A BUDGET Anyway, I was lucky not to have paid extra for front-row seats, which were full, and ended up in the less populated back section, where there were six seats for two people. In other words, a long chaise for each of us—a kind of executive experience for the poor. I believe the gods were signalling that I needed to rest well for the adventure I was about to embark on. A luxury breakfast, unexpected comfort on the flight… sooner or later, I’ll have to pay for this. Thanks, Norse, for the trip! I didn’t know about you, but you’ll now be a go-to on my trusted list. Uma viagem para recusar Não podíamos deixar o velho continente sem aproveitar as regalias das viagens low-cost europeias. Pois bem, para conseguir uma viagem acessível, para as datas pretendidas tínhamos duas opções com escalas loucas. Optamos por uma escala independente, passando uma noite em Oslo, o que nos daria mais tempo para a organização final. Partimos de madrugada rumo à cidade fria. Umas horas a trabalhar desde o aeroporto e um transfer de 10 minutos para o hotel que custou mais do que a viagem Londres-Oslo. Depois de ter desmagnetizado dois cartões de entrada e desactivar um elevador, nada como um banho quente e uma cama confortável para cair. O PEQUENO ALMOÇO DOS DEUSES Descanso merecido e pela manhã um dos melhores pequenos almoços da vida mas apenas 15 minutos para o desfrutar. Injusto! Porquê tanta preguiça ao levantar? Porquê não me avisaram que estava à minha espera um manjar daqueles? A verdade é que não esperava um pequeno almoço de hotel tão variado e saboroso. Ovos perfeitamente cozinhados em múltiplas versões, pão, croissants, queijos e enchidos, fruta, salmão, etc. Não gosto de desperdiçar nada
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A perfect trip to be refused Uma viagem para recusar (Em Português AQUI) After a period of pandemic isolation, with constantly changing restrictions, and after spending time longing for the old routine, I received an invitation for a trip that was easy to refuse, yet tempting. WHY SHOULD I GO: It was an opportunity to explore a continent that was new to me. The America. That one colonised by Europeans that now has a mix of legacies. Where we find relics of ancient peoples, indigenous traditions, prejudices from less noble eras, and cultural influences from other parts of the world. It’s also filled with social and political conflicts, where some pursue superpower status while others fight to survive extreme poverty. A continent forced to receive what it both wanted and didn’t want from across the Atlantic. This is how I see the American continent, shaped by its contrasts. What has always fascinated me is its cultural diversity and what has grown from it. Despite the negative aspects of colonisation, I believe all this cultural blending has resulted in a wealthy continent, particularly in art, fashion, food, and music. America isn’t afraid to use colour, to mix flavours and sounds. It’s the continent of distances, where nature is as generous in what it offers as it is drastic in what it destroys. My favourites come from there: colourful Mexican embroidery, Argentine tango, U.S. pop art, Panamanian bananas, Colombian coffee, and even Brazilian music. WHY SHOULDN’T GO: For all these reasons, the invitation for this trip was indeed tempting, if not for the fact that it was offered as a ride on an off-road motorbike. Yes, this detail means that I could only have half a suitcase of clothes, a backpack for essentials, a laptop for work, and a very hard seat. No doubt that it was a trip to refuse. And I did refuse it. So many times I said no. I explained all the reasons I didn’t want to go. But I was not strong enough. So I said yes. Yes to give it a try until I realise it wasn’t for me, or perhaps until I changed my mind and decided to continue. This would be a crazy journey for some perfectionists, with so different expectations. This was the kind of trip I wouldn’t even dream of taking, but one that real life pushed me toward. CHANGE OF MIND: So, I committed to trying, to confront my fears and prejudices. It would be a few days in California and some more in Mexico to get a better sense of the culture outside the luxury resorts. I packed a dozen pieces of clothing, two pairs of shoes, and a strong will to step out of my comfort zone. It was time to embark on the adventure of travelling and working remotely with only the bare essentials. For this to happen, I had to renew my passport, pack up the clutter of my normal days, and set off with a backpack on my shoulders and a healthy portion of craziness. Uma viagem para recusar Depois de um período de clausura pandémica, restrições em constantes alterações, depois de um tempo a matar saudade do que era rotineiro, surgiu um convite para uma viagem fácil de recusar mas tentadora. PORQUE SIM: Uma experiência para conhecer um continente novo para mim. A tal América que foi colonizada pelos europeus e que vive agora com uma miscelânea de heranças. Por lá encontramos relíquias de povos ancestrais, tradições indígenas, preconceitos de épocas menos nobres, influências culturais de outras partes do mundo. Também não faltam guerras sociais e politicas, onde se busca o super poder ou se sobrevive à pobreza extrema. Um continente obrigado a receber o que queria e o que não queria, do outro lado do atlântico.. É assim que vejo o continente Americano, desenhado pelos seus contrastes. Pois o que sempre me chamou a atenção foi a diversidade cultural e o que nasceu dela. Apesar da parte negativa da colonização, penso que toda a mistura cultural deu origem a um continente bastante rico principalmente em arte, moda, comida, e música. A America não tem medo de usar cor, de misturar sabores e sons. É o continente das distâncias onde a natureza tanto é generosa no que oferece como drástica no que destrói. Muitas das minhas preferências vêm de lá. Os bordados coloridos Mexicanos, o tango Argentino, a arte pop dos Estados Unidos, a banana do Panamá, o café da Colômbia, ou mesmo a música Brasileira. PORQUE NÃO: Por tudo isto, o convite para esta viagem era bem sedutor, não fosse ela oferecida à boleia de uma mota todo-o-terreno. Sim, uma viagem apenas com direito a meia mala de roupa, uma mochila para os essenciais, um computador para trabalhar e um assento bem duro. Obviamente esta era uma viagem para ser recusar. E recusei. Insisti na minha recusa. Expliquei todas as razões para não querer ir. Recusei até ser convencida a tentar. A pelo menos experimentar até perceber que não é para mim, ou até mudar de ideias e decidir continuar. Esta seria um viagem de loucos e para uns loucos talvez demasiado perfeccionistas com diferentes expectativas para tal aventura. A tal viagem que nem em sonhos me metia, mas que a realidade e a oportunidade me empurrou para tal. MUDANÇA DE IDEIAS: Então comprometi-me a tentar. A confrontar os meus medos e preconceitos. Seriam uns dias na Califórnia e uns quantos no México para conhecer melhor a cultura fora dos resorts de luxo. Agarrei-me a uma dúzia de peças de roupa, 2 pares de calçado e vontade de sair da zona de conforto, para entrar na aventura de viajar e trabalhar à distância somente com o estritamente essencial. Para que isso acontecesse foi preciso renovar passaporte, empacotar a tralha dos meus dias normais e sair com uma mochila às costas e uma boa dose de loucura.
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Creative Direction: AMA – Ana Sousa / Photo & Edition: Bárbara Gomes / Makeup: Tatiana Coelho Models: Joana Gomes & Tatiana Coelho WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE STONES THROWN AT YOU? How many stones await you at the arrival of each stage, which will hurt you? The same heavy rock that crushes you can be a solid support to lift you. Quantas pedras te esperam à chegada de cada etapa, quais te irão ferir? A mesma rocha pesada que te esmaga poderá ser um suporte sólido para te elevar. In you What stones do you receive when you decide to be or to stay? They are heavy stones that cool the body and feel inspired. Many of them are more the price of your choices than of your giving up. They could be flowers, light, soft, with gentle harmonic fragrances. They could even have some thorns easy to avoid, but no, we almost always receive stones. Stones are thrown almost with eyes closed to consciousness and feelings. . EM TI Que pedras recebes quando decides ser ou estar? São pedras pesadas que esfriam o corpo que se sente inspirado. Muitas delas, são mais o preço das tuas escolhas do que da tua desistência. Podiam ser flores, leves, macias, com suaves fragrâncias harmónicas. Podiam até ter alguns espinhos ou farpas fáceis de evitar, mas não, quase sempre recebemos pedras. Pedras atiradas quase de olhos fechados à consciência e aos sentimentos. THEY ARE NOT ROSES, MA’AM, THEY ARE STONES! NÃO SÃO ROSAS, SENHORA, SÃO PEDRAS! May the roots be strong to cushion the balance of uncertainty. Yes, those that sustain you, that lets you grow and bloom, the same ones that, without you noticing, nourish you. Those that are even buried, applaud your glory. But roots are not always the original ones. Many are born from well-healed cuts. Que as raízes sejam fortes para te amortecerem o balanço da incerteza. Sim, essas que te sustentam, que te deixam crescer e florir, as mesmas que, sem te aperceberes, te alimentam. Aquelas que mesmo enterradas aplaudem a tua glória. Mas nem sempre as raízes são as originais. Muitas nascem dede cortes bem curados. Swear to me that you wouldn’t let yourself be divided or annulled because they are the two sides of the same coin that will make the difference at the time of reckoning. Jura que não te deixas dividir nem anular, porque são os dois lados da mesma moeda que farão a diferença na hora da cobrança. May the lightness not be lost in waiting for the firmness. Because the STONES will always be STONES, sometimes solid, sometimes rolling. because the stones will always be stones, sometimes solid, sometimes rolling, almost always very HEAVY. Que a leveza não se perca à espera da firmeza, porque as PEDRAS sempre serão PEDRAS , ora sólidas, ora rolantes, quase sempre bem PESADAS.
Discover rustic chic at La Bastide de Marie, a relaxing and inspirational place for romance, from pre-wedding to honeymoon Entering the tranquil countryside of Provence, there are many special locations for a romantic getaway. Facing the mountain range of Luberon in Ménerbes, I find the charmingly restored 18th-century farmhouse of La Bastide de Marie. A well-kept secret, this house oozes authenticity and comfort, allowing guests to forget about the world outside. From the entrance to the living room, it is impossible to be indifferent to the environment with its fine combination of traditional and modern. Vintage furniture and antiques enhance the décor, giving a home away from home vibe. In the rooms and suites, each is designed with its own colour theme. They tell a different story though the delicate fabrics and little details, yet all express comfort and romantic harmony. Around the house, every “salut” comes served with a kind smile and attentive discretion. Serenity lives in every corner, beside the pool, in the shadow of a terrace garden tree and amongst the vineyard paths. I am visiting in autumn and the 23 hectares of vineyards look truly magical. The changing colours of the leaves create the perfect scenery for relaxation. We are sheltered inside with warmth and comfort, whilst the last sunbeams fall across the landscape. It is simply enchanting. Treat Yourself With the house green tea, a chocolate cake, or seasonal truffle. Pair the treats with a fruity rose Marie wine Wine & dine The cuisine at La Bastide de Marie is delicious. Every week the chef prepares an innovative menu, cooked with passion and creativity. Each dish focuses on quality, using the freshest products in the region at the time of year. Not only was the gastronomy rich in flavour, it was also presented beautifully. Overall, this made the food even more appetizing. As a famous wine-producing region, Provence boasts wines as flawless as you would expect, and La Bastide de Marie is no exception. The in-house wine, named Domaine de Marie, is made from eleven vine varieties and possesses a spicy, fruity flavour. The wine is an ideal accompaniment to salads or starters. However, if you’re opting for haute cuisine, the premium wine, Nº1, is recommended. Refined and elegant from 25-year old vines, these wines balance richness, finesse and complexity. PRE-WEDDING The surrounding area offers many options for couples getting ready to say, “I do”. Feel the fresh air on an electric bicycle ride and see the landscape up close, without a guide or time limit. On your travels, don’t miss the pretty village of Ménerbes. A beautiful stone commune built upon a rocky hill, the village is the perfect stop for a break with wine and truffle tasting. Another option is to venture to the tradition market in Gordes, where you can find lovely pieces of pottery, special condiments and spices. Here, you can also allow yourself to be seduced by the natural aroma of handmade soaps. For some décor inspiration, shop in the small town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where you can find extraordinary antiques and a Sunday market. Every object tells of a different story and the market stands showcase some of the best flavours in the region. If you have time, visit the Edith Mézard shop for customisable linens and local souvenirs. Return to La Bastide de Marie at the end of the day and relish with a facial detox, pampering treatment, or massage at the Pure Altitude Spa. The in-house products use a selection of rare and natural ingredients from extreme environments, offering effective care for face, body and mind. WEDDING day A glorious venue for an intimate wedding, La Bastide de Marie is the perfect place to accommodate your guests. Spread across multiple levels, the 14 rooms allow everyone to stay in same space whilst maintaining a sense of privacy. You can declare your vows in any corner of the garden, surrounded by vines, olives and cypress trees. Alternatively, an indoor wedding at La Bastide de Marie is equally beautiful. Why not get married in the Vermentino Room with panoramic window, just a few steps from the main house? The panoramic views of the vineyard and access to the wine cellars make it an ideal location for lovers of the beverage. Saunter between the cellar and large terrace, an area enriched by the daytime sun and glistening stars at night. La Bastide de Marie is encompassed by the fragrant tones of lavender, serene beiges from the ancient stones, and purifying greenery. From sweet pastel colours to vibrant yellows, whatever your wedding theme or colour palette, it will look picturesque amongst the stunning backdrops. Honeymoon After a romantic wedding ceremony and reception, why not extend your stay for the honeymoon? Enjoy the sun by one of the outdoor swimming pools, or take a stroll around the vast garden. Rest on the terrace and take in the purifying breeze and gentle sound of the fountain. For more privacy on your honeymoon, stay in the Gipsy chic caravan. This nomadic abode is located in the garden and allows you to imagine a carefree lifestyle, free from modern constraints. Alternatively, at the end of the property is Villa Grenache, a house with five rooms, private terrace and heated outdoor swimming pool. It offers the same attentive hotel services as La Bastide de Marie, with the intimacy of living in your own private residence. This charming Provencal setting is the ultimate place to recharge your batteries before returning to daily life as a newly married couple.
Breathe in deeply, close your eyes and imagine that you are underwater. Breathe in deeply, close your eyes and imagine that you are underwater. breath As you dive below the surface, the hypnotic sounds of the water begin to soothe your senses, and you notice the sunbeams scatter through the turquoise shallows. Hold you breath and sink lower into the indigo depths of the ocean, to the spaces unexplored by man. Here, there are no rules, restrictions or boundaries other than those governed by nature. You feel an overwhelming sense of peace and the freedom to begin a new adventure… This is how I felt when I first experienced Martina Amati’s ‘Under’ installation at The Wellcome Gallery in Euston. Standing there in the dark room between two projector screens, I felt as though I had been dragged underwater with her. I became completely immersed and entranced by the skilful art of free diving. This is swimming for long period of time underwater without a breathing apparatus. Whilst it may seem unnatural and dangerous, I began to appreciate how addictive it must be when executed correctly. The divers succumb to the water’s natural rhythm and they flow gracefully through it like dancers. The film itself captures the free divers’ journey underwater all within a single lungful of air. The female free diving record is an impressive 9 minutes and it’s 11 minutes for men. Martina explains, on her interviews, that each time she dives deeper and comes closer to death, she feels more alive than ever when resurfacing for air. Essentially, free diving challenges the limits of science and the critical combinations of time, distance and depth. Therefore, it’s important to stay completely in tune with your body in order to be in control of the risks at stake. As I watched the divers plummet, I was overwhelmed by this constant physiological and mental battle that they face. They fight between t he liberation of the deep ocean, and the pressure of returning to land. The intensity of Martina Amati’s short film captivated me profoundly, and it was impossible not to be lured. I could see the divers enter a meditative state that brings them into an entirely new dimension, one that Martina likens to being back in the womb. She hopes that ‘Under’ will raise awareness and trigger scientists to research and collaborate with free divers to keep pushing the limits of what’s humanly possible. The intensity of Martina Amati’s short film captivated me profoundly, and it was impossible not to be lured. I could see the divers enter a meditative state that brings them into an entirely new dimension, one that Martina likens to being back in the womb. She hopes that ‘Under’ will raise awareness and trigger scientists to research and collaborate with free divers to keep pushing the limits of what’s humanly possible. “Focus on endurance and functionality, each detail serves a purpose to keep the officers protected against wind and rain.”
How can a simple scarf can be so powerful, so desired and so expensive? For a person that loves to learn about a brand’s history, I have made a point of doing a little research after visiting several exhibitions to make this historical trip around Burberry world. Good to know The brand Historical facts Of course, every brand sets out to create designs that will work on a commercial scale and envision the success of each season’s product lines. However, the thing that struck me about Burberry was the vast influence of the label’s heritage, tradition and distinct style that is embellished into its prints and garments.There is a story concealed with every fabric thread, every alignment and product proportioning, which is unknown to many that wear the label’s garments. Founded in 1856, Thomas Burberry aged 21, opened his first store in Basingstoke and was focused on developing outdoor attire to combat the British weather in premium style. However, the original trench coat was designed to protect the military and became the apparel provider for British soldiers during both World Wars. Focus on endurance and functionality, each detail serves a purpose to keep the officers protected against wind and rain. It was essential that the piece would be versatile to suit athleisure pursuits, like walking and horse riding. In 1879, Burberry introduced in his brand the gabardine, a fabric that had been associated with polar expeditions and air travels due to its hardwearing, water-resistant yet breathable properties. Burberry recognised the benefit of using a yarn which is waterproofed before weaving to create durable outerwear that would stand the test of time. The unmistakable tartan check that combines camel, ivory, red and black has been registered as a trademark following the rule of 45’ degrees the same pattern that makes a Burberry scarf one of the most coveted. But These historical statements were impressive, however I personally for me, the most impressive aspect was the actual exhibition itself. The creative designer and the CEO (Christopher Bailey) did an amazing job, which brought the customers much closer to the brand, giving an insight in to the creative process. and engaged with them. “Focus on endurance and functionality, each detail serves a purpose to keep the officers protected against wind and rain.” “House of Makers” Very last minute and very spontaneously, Amber took me to an exhibition named the “House of Makers” and suddenly everything started to make sense. Before I even learnt anything about the historical background, that experience made me change my mind about the brand. A variety of artists from diverse backgrounds presented their art pieces of art and explained the inspiration and mindset behind creating their latest collection. From sculptors to calligraphers, fine leather craftmanship to contemporary new material structures, it is fascinating to understand how the inspiration for clothing making comes about and how creative approaches lead to innovative pieces. “The Cape Remained” I was deeply intrigued by all the creative processes from the House of Makers exhibition, but even more amazed by “The Cape Remained” exhibition, which was showcased in Milan, Seoul, Los Angeles, Paris, and Dubai. Now, to you and me the garments presented in this place may not be our style and are most probably out of our price range, but I find it hard to believe that you would not be enthralled by what you were witnessing. A raw place, imperfect, almost destroyed, but presenting one of the most luxurious collections I’ve ever seen. Capes tailored in luxury fabrics, boasting an undeniably sophisticated aesthetic that engenders a variety of innate feelings from lust to envy. Objects that have managed to transport us to another dimension of time-space and imagination. In a dimension of greater beings, among angels and demons marked by feathers, ceramic pearls, whipped laces, military brides and origami folding birch, details of unique superiority. At the same time, it was showcased the new collection inspired by the work and atelier of a remarkable character that disappeared 13 days before my birth, named Henry More. Feminine, asymmetric and wavy forms inspired by silhouettes that were both classic and modern. “Objects that have managed to transport us to another dimension of time-space and imagination.” “Here We Are,” Last but not least, the third exhibition had a deep impact on me and brought me closer to the brand was a photography exhibition titled “Here We Are,” with portraits of British life. Genuine photos that make us part of this tale, the history of the rigor of uniforms, rainy days and situations that just who live here can understand. A reflexion of how the British identity can be found within Burberry collections. Future In 2018 Riccardo Tisci took control of this big ship starting with big changes; from the logo monogram, to ban of real fur, to stopping the practice of burning unsold goods. New era, new expectations, but of course, this engaging tour which spans across its humble beginnings to their latest fashion decisions, I finally realise the why the Burberry has become a beloved and desirable brand. The unparalleled mix of inspirations, creativity, the focus on tradition and meticulous care and craftmanship that goes into each piece, transcended a simple scarf into the world-famous, iconic, Burberry scarf. Did you know? Pattern The collar Delivery Royal Dark days Pattern Burberry’s heritage pattern – the Vintage check – is displayed in some form on every coat. The collar The most complex part of the trench coat is the collar; it takes a year to learn how to do perfectly, with more than 180 stitches on it. Delivery In 1934, Burberry offered same day delivery in London with a special vehicle. Royal Burberry has been granted a British Royal Qarrant by HM Queen Elizabeth II, certifying them as Weatherproofers & Outfitters that supply apparel to the royal family. Dark days Between 2001 to 2005, the brand was associated with football-hooligans and the check pattern was banned from some sports events.
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What can happen when you have five days off, no plans, but a desire to do something different? Refusing any kind of plan, I picked a random destination, booked the flight from a remote airport, and prepared myself for any situation. But before Edimburgh My great mistake Stockholm was the intention, but due to a booking mistake, I ended up travelling to Edinburgh first. It was a positive surprise, and despite the cold, the trip was full of warm memories. It was the last day of a cold November and I was waiting at Victoria Station for an overnight bus trip to Edinburgh. Just me, my 8kg rucksack containing essential items for survival and a big desire to escape from my routine. At 7am, before sunrise, I’d arrived in Edinburgh and had already climbed the Carlton Hill to see the first light of the day at a historical and mystical place. The rain wasn’t strong enough to stop me from wandering and getting lost among the hills, castles, old villages, museums and streets adorned with Christmas decorations. A few years ago, if someone had told me that one day I’d be having breakfast in a cemetery, I’d have thought it was a joke. In fact, it was the perfect spot to imagine the experiences of the people whose names were engraved on a tombstone. It was also the closest place to wait for the opening time of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. In front of the museum was a welcome garden – a meaningful place, as the lawn was landscaped by Charles Jencks, inspired by the chaos theory. Perhaps the only theory that can sum up my trip. For the first time, I saw the life-size “Ten Marilyns” by Andy Warhol. I love pop art, Warhol’s irony, impact and his reflection on repetition. That exhibition – “I want to be a machine”– proved to be an inspiration for my upcoming projects. At the Scottish National Gallery, I was invited by chance to participate in a pop-up “Can-Can” dance experience, as part of the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition. The class was a funny cinematographic episode with a cardio and laughing exercise. And to complete the Lautrec experience, there was some lemon crepe tasting and French music, which made me feel like I was on my way to Paris instead. Back in a British mood I couldn’t avoid the Christmas market, enjoying the warming happiness of the festive time, and of course, I didn’t miss having some haggis at the pub before my departure to a Scandinavian land. Finally Sweden Why not start with my first mistake upon arrival to Sweden? Buying fizzy water as I didn’t understand the language. It was not funny. I really hate fizzy water. The city of islands Stockholm is divided but also connected by different bridges. A perfect combination of waterways and green spaces, romantic human-made sceneries and natural, landscaped views. It is calm – perfect for relaxation. The serenity of the water and the silence of cold air made me fully aware of my deep breath. Even though it is a capital city, busy and active, the routine and people’s movements looked like they were in slow motion. I was surprised by the architecture. The charming houses in the middle of a forest are a perfect illustration for fairy tales. Forgetting the Royal Palace or the monarchy’s icons, it’s still possible to feel enchanted and it’s a brain wave for any romance. Even the brief appearance of sunlight can move us into another chapter. At some points, it is impossible not to dare to dream. The Nordic winter days are quite short, but we don’t need to rush. Plus all the Christmas illuminations help us to enjoy the city at night as well. The best way to beat the low temperature is to always hold a hot drink, enter into all the traditional shops and be inspired by the amazing Scandinavian style. As an art and design lover, I couldn’t miss the Moderna Museet. After finally meeting some of my art history references, I discovered the Olafur Eliasson work and fell for his concept. Last but not least, my recommendation is to embrace the local vibe by trying to understand and use the Swedish word FIKA. The word means, ‘Take a break for a coffee and a bite to eat.’ It is the concept of enjoying the moment, slowing down and appreciating the good and simple things in life. After all that, I completely forgot the typical souvenirs (maybe because I took on the minimalistic Scandinavian style to focus only on essential things). Somehow, I did finish my experience regenerated, as a detox trip. All the time without witnesses or great photos to prove it, but instead, memories to feel the experience and a story to tell later. And that is what really matters, isn’t it?