Friday Travel Observations: China

China will always be one of my favorite places in the world. Some of the most generous, intelligent, and giving people reside there. Each city brings its own uniqueness to the Chinese culture. Every place you visit tradition encompasses you and  you can't help but to rediscover yourself. China is so completely different from the westernized life most of us know. It actually requires you to think and behave in a new manner. China is always a beautiful new discovery.

I've been to Xi'an, Beijing, Nanjing, and my second favorite city in the entire world, Shanghai. Throughout my travels these are my observations:

1. Americans are their fascination. So don't be alarmed if they ask for your picture, laugh at you using chopsticks, or think your life is like Gossip Girl. Just smile and try unsuccessfully to convince them otherwise. 
2. There is no comparison anywhere outside of China for their food. Other cultures can try, but fail miserably. While in China, do not eat anything besides their food and you won't regret it (China McD's doesn't count as Chinese food). 
3. Always use chopsticks (even if you feel like a fool, you will be a larger one when you don't).
4. Being a pedestrian is life-threatening. For the large intersections, cross only when it says or you will get smashed. Also pedestrian sidewalks are not safe, always be on the look out for small motor vehicles.
5. Don't wear a seat belt, it offends them. And yes you will be risking your life. 
6. Negotiate when buying market items. They will start you off at $1100 yuan and you can easily get it down to $300 yuan (or cheaper if you are good). If you are with a local = bigger discount. If you pretend to be married to a local = you're golden! 
7. Don't ask what you are eating if you don't know. Most of the time it's better not knowing (yes, Frog Ovaries are delicious) 
8. Sing Karaoke. Best. experience. ever. 
9. Walk Shanghai. Don't take a taxi. You can easily get from the Bund district, to the shopping district within an hour's walk. You discover so much more. Truly appreciate the architecture there, it's astounding. 
10. Although the Terracotta Warriors are the main tourist attraction in Xi'an, you need to also visit the Imperial Hot Springs. The Imperial Hot Springs are by far my favorite tourist site in all of China (beating out the Imperial Palace and Great Wall). I believe the word beautiful was derived there. They are enchanting. 
11. Learn how to say Hello, Thank You, numbers 1-3, and a pick up line in Chinese. They will love you for it. 
12. Always have napkins or toilet paper with you at all times. Most restrooms lack these. 
13. Nail the peace sign pose. 
14. Understand you will be overwhelmed by the tradition and history, but learn as much as possible. 
15. Observe the people. Learn their intricate ways of respect, love, and wisdom. You will be a better person because of it. 

Terracotta Warriors

Drum Tower, Xi'an

Love their use of English

Yummy Snacks

Food is delicious and beautiful. 

Harmony

Starbucks, China Style

Hot Pot (one of many favorite foods there)

Red Square

City Center, Nanjing

Imperial Hot Spring Ruins, Xi'an China

The Bund, Shanghai

Angie and I at the Great Wall

Luisa, me, and Serena in Xi'an

Back in the Saddle Again

I don't know if it was inspiration from yesterday's outfit (see below) or because the sun was shining, but I'm back to my regular workout routine.  You might say I took a temporarily leave from working out most of September. Yesterday while on my run, I realized how much I missed it and it's boost of good feelings. So now I'm back to my 5-6x a week fitness schedule. Have to be in shape for all those adorable fall fashions!

In speaking of fashion, the staple item of your wardrobe should be the plain white button up shirt (I have 3). This is a timeless piece that can go from jeans to skirts, heels to boots. Absolute must for any closet.
Also gold nail polish is subtle but stunning for fall. It gives you just enough glitz to brighten any outfit. 

Wednesday's Wish

My latest outfit creation I'm lusting over. I have the sweater, now just to get the maxi dress, Kate Spade purse, and Tom wedges...doesn't this just exclaim Fall?!? However lusting is all I can do.... I'll need a second job to obtain this ensemble.

Wednesday's Wish by taffetaandtaste featuring a halter dress

Grey Skies

Grey Skies by taffetaandtaste 


Here's my outfit for today. Perfect for a rainy Seattle. 

Transformed

Last night I had dinner with friends from college. They are dear acquaintances and I haven't seen much of them since graduation. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about our dorm room days. As we got up to leave, someone made a comment on how cute my outfit was, then another remark was thrown on how much of a difference it was from my hoodie, bball shorts, and jeans college attire.  Which made me think...did I really dress that bad in college?

I realized sadly, it was true. Although by my senior year I had developed a  bit more fashion sense, I was still a long ways off from where I am today. I remember coming in my freshmen year and my dorm mates trying to put me in skirts and dresses. I will admit my college motif was comfort over couture. I loved my hoodies, loose jeans, and converses. I would also have my sport-centric lounge wear when I was just inside procrastinating on a paper. Although now I'm wearing 4in heels, day dresses, and have accessories like crazy, I will always love my staple of converses, jeans, and hoodies (you'll still see it time to time).

So what caused the change? Honestly, it probably started a year and a half ago. It was when I was really starting to run more (competing with someone helps). I was losing weight and therefore was more inclined to buy cute (tighter!) outfits. I felt that I no longer needed to cover up with oversize hoodies. Then it became a hobby of buying and trying the latest trends (within reason) and creating outfits. Honestly, I found my confidence. No matter what your size or type, if you have confidence, you can pull anything off.

It's amazing how great it is to buy clothes and know I look good in them! Things I've wanted to wear forever, I can now wear. This was my a year of firsts. My first bikini this summer and now with fall/winter I'll finally be wearing sweaters and not hoodies.

So treat  your body well, exercise, and be confident in the beauty you have. The possibilities can be endless.

The Power of Voice

I lost my voice today. This morning it was a low, husky, sexy sound and I'm sure all the guys in my 30min meeting enjoyed it. By this afternoon, nada. I just cancelled two meetings because I could barely whisper a word. Incredible how much is done purely based on communication. It does create a humorous day and makes me very thankful that I can usually talk.

It also helps put into perspective how vital a voice can be. Think about everyday interactions. How many times did a compliment make your entire day or even week? Or the opposite, how one word can destroy so much.

I truly enjoy analyzing speeches (nerd points for my pastime..I know). One of my favorite speeches of all time is Barbara Bush's Wellesly Commencement Speech. It was given in 1990. If you have not heard this speech, I highly recommend you listen to it. It's flawless.
Text here: http://www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/Commencement/1990/bush.ht
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxhuPIzOIfc

I encourage everyone to listen, analyze, and study powerful speeches. It is truly astounding how someone with just words can spark a movement, soothe the mourning, and rally a nation. Watch their movements, expressions, and truly listen to what they are saying.

Located here: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speechesall.html  is what to be considered the top 100 speeches of all time. They are truly inspiring and are still just as powerful now as they were when spoken.

Travel Lust....

Today I'm daydreaming of far away places. I haven't been on a plane since July. To me, 2 months of not traveling is agonizing. I have no idea where my travel lust came from, all I know it's not necessarily a good thing. To clarify, I suffer from travel lust, not wonder lust. I love having a home base to return to. The anticipation of returning home is all part of  the lure.

I thrive on airports, new sights, sounds, tastes, seeing friends or  making new ones abroad. Lately I find myself looking at pictures of France, Shanghai, Norway, and Ireland. Places I'm dying to visit or return to. I wish I had the means to work 10 months of the year and then take off 2 months to travel. Completely ideal to me.

Currently, my next trip isn't until November. I'm ecstatic to see Boston in the fall and fly with new travel buddies. I might have to sneak a trip to San Diego or Utah in next month though to help tame this traveling lust.

Do any of you suffer as I do?

Friday Travel Observations: Texas

Throughout my trips I write down numerous travel observations in my lil' notebook. Each Friday I'll post a new place.
Disclaimer: These are purely observations, they may or may not be entirely accurate and are not intended to belittle anyone or anyplace.

This week's observation is from my most recent visit to Austin, TX! I instantly fell in love with the city. It has the same atmosphere and feel as Seattle (just mucho hotter). Great food, 6th Street is full of crazy new experiences, and the people are not as "Texy" as the rest of the state. Plenty to do in this lovely and weird city.
However these observations are based on the Great State of Texas and not just Austin alone:

• Roadkill is everywhere, it's practically a dead zoo. 
• Texans love to bling out their vehicles
• Texans most coveted parking space in not the closest spot to the entrance, but the one with the most shade. 
• In Texas, pedestrians do not have the right-a-way on a free red light (even if it says WALK). If they hit you just sue them for their Ranch. 
• Even the restaurant a/c is too cold for locals. 
• They take their salsa seriously..very seriously.
• You will be told welcome to Texas within 10min of getting off the plane from a local (not the airline). Apparently they can sense if you are not from their homeland. 
• Cowboys, beer, inner tubes, and a river is the thing to do. 
• Austin maybe weird, but it's the most normal city in Texas.