Off on ANOTHER adventure ♥

I am already on one awesome adventure to Germany but I arrived in Turkey yesterday for another adventure!

My cousin, Cindy is married to a Turkish man, Cagri. They have two little ones and her mom, my Aunt Nancy, lives with them in Istanbul, Turkey.

I flew direct from Berlin to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. It's a great company and they we really accommodating. Instead of giving you peanuts or pretzels, they passed out hazelnuts, which is one of their commodities from what I understand.

I arrived around 3:30 p.m. but before I knew it I was already turned around. I went into the passport line,
but evidently I was supposed to get a visa before that line. I was lost. The guy was not too nice about it. After I got a visa for 15 euro, I went back into the passport line to finally get entrance into Istanbul. Cindy was waiting.

We killed sometime by stopping at Starbucks, of course, where we caught up on life and the last three years. It was so good to see her. I have always looked up to Cindy. She is a driven person who has accomplished a lot. and now has a wonderful family.

After a chai latte and splitting a piece of lemon cake we went to go pick up Cagri from work. He had sent his driver home and the three of us were going to dinner.

We left the airport at 5-5:30 and didn't get to his work until 6:45 p.m.

The traffic is unreal in Istanbul. With close to 16 million people, you can only imagine how bad it can get. Istanbul is like the New York of Turkey, people everywhere and really tall buildings with lots of flats and apartments.

By the time we got out of the airport, it was getting dark and it had already been raining so it was hard to see the scenery but from what I could tell Istanbul is very hilly with many different structures and architecture types. Mosques have been built through out that are just simply stunning.

This is one of the many Mosques.

After about an hour in traffic we came to Cagri's school where he works. It was gorgeous and so many things surrounding it. We picked him up and off we went slowly went to dinner. The traffic in town I think is worse than on the interstate but I could be wrong, there was some different techniques of driving I will say. 

We didn't get home until about 10 p.m. Aunt Nancy was waiting up while the little ones, John 4 and 1/2 years-old and Adelia, 14 months, were sleeping. Cindy, Jon and Adelia, were all sick so I didn't feel as bad coming with whatever little cold I have but the poor little guys are so sick today. 

They're house is gorgeous. It's in a gated community with lots of amenities. They live in a four bedroom apartment that is so spacious, with pretty details.

After a couple more hours of catching up and eating sugar cookies Jon and Aunt Nancy made, it was time for bed. It was a long day, full of new sights, people, sounds, and traditions. It is so good to be with family. I have missed them so much. 

Aunt Nancy just came down for my graduation about a month and 1/2 ago but she is one of the aunts I am closer to. She is such a wonderful person and I am so glad I get to spend this time with them. 

When they told me a few years back they were moving and  "You should come visit," I always said "That would be awesome, I will look into it," but I never really thought I would really have the chance or opportunity to visit them in Turkey. Little did I know what the future had in store. Now I am here, loving every bit of family time.

Einkaufen, starbucks und Spaß

For those who don't speak German, the title is "shopping, starbucks and fun." 

I barely got any sleep last night, but that didn't stop me from wanting to go explore and of course, shop the day away.

Today was great and although I am still trying to kick whatever little cold I have going, the sun was shining, the weather was wonderful and Gina and I went out for a day of fun in Potsdam.

We started out by having a healthy breakfast with Sylvio. After relaxing from eating, we opted to walk into the city of Potsdam. We could have taken the train but the weather was nice, except really chilly for me. On the walk, I saw many fascinating things. Once again, loving the architecture and scenery over here, I took plenty of pictures.

While walking, we came across my favorite little lake, frozen and covered in snow. I love the area because it is so pretty and hidden. There is so many trees and different things to look at. 

The lake was even more beautiful with the snow lightly dusting the surface. Gina and I thought it would be a perfect spot for our first photoshoot of the day. 

After our little photoshoot, it was time to go find our starbucks so we could warm up. On our way,  I just became more and more mesmerized by the beauty of the little city, so of course I had to take more pictures. 

As we were walking down a main street, I found this gorgeous green wooden door that I fell in love with. It was the entrance into this abandoned red brick building and I knew we just had to take some shots. It was the perfect place for some fierce fashion photos. 

After our photoshoots, it was really time for Starbucks now, so we got a warm chai latte and sat in comfy green chairs while looking out the window and talking. The day was so gorgeous. Everyone was walking  around town. 

After warming up in Starbucks, it was time to go to the mall. We took the train into another part of Potsdam where there was a HUGE mall. From what Gina said, it's small, but it is way bigger than any mall I have been to. There we went into clothing and shoe stores. I found two fabulous dresses from H&M and bought something for Gina. After a little shopping, it was time for food. We chose chinese, and let me tell you, it's different from American chinese fast food, good but different. 

Tired out from all the walking, we headed back into town where I did a little more shopping for my cousin in Turkey, since I will be visiting on Monday. It was 4:30 and already dark out so we made one more stop at another H&M -it's my new addiction- where I bought a really great top for 12 euro, then we headed home. Once at the house we went to the grocery for dinner and then relaxed for the rest of the night. I caught up with the boyfriend and Miranda as well :) 

To see all my pictures from Germany so far click here. 

It is close to midnight here so I am off to hopefully get some good rest. Monday is Turkey and I am so excited. Tomorrow all the shops are closed because it is Sunday so Gina and I will have a girls day of beauty and watch a movie. Today was really fun and I can't wait to have more days like this. 

Goodnight moon. XO

Get healed up!

Today I woke up feeling even worse than yesterday. I think with the combination of really cold weather, traveling across the world and not completely getting rid of whatever I had before, is finally catching up with me.  So today I took it real easy. I woke up at 10:30 a.m. Germany time; that's late for me.  Once up, I made some coffee, took some vitamin C, and ate my yummy granola, that I mentioned in the last post. Once again, it was a slushy, icy day so I decided to stay inside.

After breakfast, I talked to three of my favorite people. First I spoke with daddy. He always makes my day. I am such a daddy's girl so we try to catch each other everyday, since he is a world traveler too, being in Brazil. He told me to go to the doctor and "Get healed up girlfriend!" By the time I talked to Syvio, they had closed for the weekend, ay! Next I called Ally. I spoke with her for a whole 20 minutes, to catch up on life. That's what I love about skype: it's just so easy to keep in touch with loved ones. After that the boyfriend got on to let me know work had been canceled because of weather over in FL, so I called quickly before he went back to sleep. Great way to start my day, when I am feeling sick and blah.

Gina had a short day at school, so she was home by 12:30 p.m. She invited me to hang out in her room where we talked and showed pictures/ videos of different things. She even showed me German reggae:
CLICK HERE

I also had the pleasure of catching a dear friend, Jamie, as he was getting ready for work. He is in the Airforce training to be a pilot right now. He told me the reason I am feeling sick is because I haven't had any German beer yet, typical J!

I also got to talk to Alyssa where she told me that she might move to Colorado. She should. Right now is the time to do traveling and see different things. I told her, if she doesn't now, it might never happen because sooner or later we all have to grow up and have "real" jobs and go into the real world. If she has the opportunity to do it do, go for it!

After Gina took a little nap, we went to the Apotheke, which is the German version of a pharmacy, where I got something to help break up the stuff in my chest. On the way, it began to snow. I was so excited. Although I have seen snow, I have REALLY wanted it to snow here. I love it.

snow on top of their BMW.

I am so excited to have snow flurries falling on me.

Snow on a tree stump. 

Me and Gina before getting in the car. Snow flurries in my hair! 

After the pharmacy, we went to the grocery store to buy stuff for dinner. On the way, it started to snow harder so I had to get a picture. 

Outside the grocery store. 

 In Germany, and I'm sure all of Europe, they have so many wonderful, delicious things that we don't in the U.S. and it seems to be cheaper for the most part. After the grocery, we grabbed a movie to watch. 

Before dinner was ready, I was able to catch one of my favorites, Jill. We went to school together in St. Augustine. It is her last semester and from the sounds of it, it is crazy busy, but soon it will be her turn to graduate. I can't wait to visit her in St. Auggie. I miss my little town and love bug. 

For dinner, we had vegetable soup, to help me heal up, salad, and really delicious meatballs that Sylvio made. It was the first time I have been really stuffed. Now it's pj and movie time. 

xo, Jody

What a bum!

Today has been dark and dreary, with snow flurries here and there, that melt before or right after they hit the ground, *tear*. I want to see some snow action. Three weeks ago, Sylvio's backyard was covered, and I mean COVERED, in snow.  Below are pictures today.

There ARE snow flurries, but it just looks grainy.

See the white specks, those are little snow flakes. You can tell how bad I want to see snow!

The weather for the next 36 hours. 

I woke up not feeling well. I have been trying to kick whatever I have since the day after I got here. I was really sick about a month before I came to Germany and I just don't think I got rid of it fully, so now it haunts me. Today has been the worst. I went to bed coughing and woke up coughing. I have been sniffly as well, so I decided it wasn't the best idea for me to go out in the cold, rainy/snowy weather. I need to kick this thing before Turkey on Monday! 

So what do I do when I am bed stricken for the day: surf the web, duh! Being a complete bum, I have chatted with a few people back home, emailed back and forth with daddy, written a wonderful but not yet finished post for Tickle Me Chic, and hit up all my daily sites: eonline, twitter, tumblr, blogger, facebook, hotmail and my fashion news sites. 

Me in my room, being a complete, lazy bum, hoping to feel better. 

Before I forget --I have been meaning to tell everyone-- Gina, helped me find this granola with coconut that is oh so delicious! It is the best breakfast cereal I have ever had. I might just have to smuggle a box back, shhh. 

Since I didn't do much today, there is nothing else to report. Tomorrow is Friday, the beginning of the weekend so I must get better. Gina has planned some great things for us to do. 

Until tomorrow!

XO

Skype Dates & German Music

Today was a day of relaxation. It kept raining off and on and I had a skype date at 2 my time, 8 a.m FL time. It's been hard trying to catch everyone because of the 6 hour time difference but I love skype. It's been so nice to video chat with friends and family in the U.S. because sometimes I get lonely and a little homesick. This afternoon I talked to Miranda panda where she caught me up on life and such. After dinner I got to talk to Alyssa, she downloaded skype just for me :) Things seem fine over in the states. 

I miss everyone so much, my boyfriend, family, friends, but it has been really nice video chatting with so many people. I am REALLY missing my baby bug, Tika.

She is my absolute pride and joy, and it kills me that she isn't with me. Talking to my mom yesterday made me miss her even more. She hates to hear me through the phone, it scare the poor thing. 

Enough with missing people, on to the walk I took this afternoon. Once I got ready, it started raining, again, but, on the third try out the door, it worked. I enjoyed a gorgeous walk down the street into Potsdam. It was a little chilly, in the thirties, but still lovely.  I saw Joop's house, which is a famous fashion designer (below), many different styles of houses, a few castles, and I stopped at the bakery across the street for some bread. 

Joop's house, a German fashion designer.

I was trying to use the timer, and the last picture I took I cut my head out. 

Stunning. So many castles around.

It gets dark early in Germany. By 3-3:30 the sun was setting so I headed to the house. Gina was home by the time I got back. We went to the grocery store in town and then she showed me some German music that's pretty popular:

Rammstein- metal, rock

Kitty Kat- woman rapper

Marteria- rapper with two identities

Enjoy.

Hope everyone has a great day! Until tomorrow, xo.

A learning experience

 I arrived in Berlin on Saturday morning and up until now we have tried to get my press pass, but because I am classified as an intern I was not able to get a pass into the shows. My friend and host Sylvio, was able to because he is a director and producer, but he does not want to go.

It's not going to get me down, I still had the chance to go inside and check out all the fun things that were about to happen. 

Hopefully I will get to see some of the action from the outside. Next year I know exactly what I need to bring and do. It's a learning experiece and I am glad that I had the chance to be inside and see the sights.

Check out Berlin Fashion week starting tomorrow.

After a day of running around for MBFW and Bread and Butter, I didn't get that press pass either, we went back where I had a lovely lunch. There is a market and bakery across the street from his house so I went over a bought, I don't know what, but it was yummy. I ate half and left the other half for tomorrow. 

Today was catch up day. I got to talk to Ally aka biffle, mom, Cindy to let her know I will be arriving in Turkey on Monday, and daddy of course. It's nice to hear familiar voices. Not being able to understand German is really hard, but I am learning a few words every day. Today I learned, street, numbers 1-5, and something else but I forgot, oops X. I will learn more tomorrow. I would like to learn as much as possible before leaving. 

Tomorrow it's predicted to snow. I am so excited! Before I arrived it was a winter wonderland here, but evidently there was a "warm" front that melted the snow.

Left: Around Christmas/New Years  Right: What I have been waking up to. 

Today has been by far the coldest day. I love it, but once that wind blows, it gets REALLY cold, I was shivering uncontrollably at one point. To keep warm I wore a cami, long sleeve shirt, blazer, scarf, and coat. 

                

     

After relaxing for a couple hours, Gina came home from school and we went into town. I pulled out some money, 200 USD = 266 and some change Euro, OUCH! Europe is expensive. We then went around town and picked up a few things. I also went to my first H&M! It was amazing. I bought a cute sweater for 10 €. Gina loves chocolate, so she was buying some when I found, Yogurette. It's milk chocolate with strawberry pieces and cream; so delicious.   

Alright, it's off to enjoy the night. Until tomorrow. XO

We no speak Americano

Today was all about getting my press pass to MBFW Berlin. Sylvio and I drove into the city with our first stop being Ka Da We, the Harrod's of Berlin as I like to call it. There were 6 floors AND a 7th for sitting. There was everything from appliances to fashion, MAC to Chanel, wines to cheeses, you name it, this department store has it. After a tour of the food section, we went back to our errands. Finally we came to the venue for Berlin Fashion week (2nd time in 2 days). We entered and I was in awe. Just that I got to be inside of the building where everything will take place was amazing enough. Sylvio was able to get his press pass. He left a piece of important paper for me at his house so we will go back tomorrow and hopefully get my press pass too. Once receiving your press pass you get a cute little tote filled with goodies. Fingers crossed for tomorrow!

This is a little video I put together of my day. Hope you enjoy xo

music: Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup - We No Speak Americano

p.s. I am official. I got my first business card as a journalist and it's international.