Anchorage

I met a new friend at the Anchorage Museum and as we looked out the window over the whole city she said with an almost rhapsodic voice, "Anchorage is not the ugliest city in America... but it's definitely in the top ten."  Walking around, it's hard to disagree.  It reminds me of the flat blocks back in Prague, built for one purpose, and aesthetics was not it.  

It's easy to look just in front of you.  It's easy to discount the city for its blocks of beige boxes.  But they serve an essential function.  The hold the offices of businesses and industry that provide us the opportunity to live in modern comfort and...

 to live in a city with this as the horizon.  

I've been in Alaska three weeks.  I found a job teaching preschool and I took it!  I do not view this as wildly-adventurous.  We live in a time when opportunities must be seized because it is unlikely that they will come along again soon.  But one thing I have found about Alaska is that there are opportunities here.  Things are not as rough as in the rest of the country.  This is the first place I've been where most recent college graduates I meet are working in their chosen fields.  

And I'm digging the people.  The fashion is blog-worthy.  The beer is good.  Public transit is working well for me so far.  The public libraries are awe-inspiring.  

And I can be friends with this reindeer on Facebook.  

(My roommate tells me that this is not the original Star, but a replacement.  As a child, she would drive by and whisper, "I will free you someday, little reindeer.")

Expect more Anchorage love from me!
-Colleen

On the Road in Italy: Menaggio, Italy on Lake Como

One of my favorite recent trips was an overnight stay in Menaggio, Italy. It is on Lake Como, which is absolutely breathtaking. We went here based on a recommendation from my boss and I am so glad we did. 

Our short stay involved walking along the water and enjoying the view.  However, we made sure to eat pasta, drink wine, and enjoy an evening gelato.

The lake is the deepest in Europe (over 1300 feet) and was created by glacial activity. It has been a vacation destination since the Roman times and attracts people from around the world today.

I was lovin' this little seaplane that we saw takeoff on our morning stroll!

The drive to and from the city was full of amazing views of the water and surrounding mountains. It was comprised of winding tiny roads that were hard to maneuver, but worth the stress for the beautiful landscape! 

<3 Amy 

Hooray for the Internet!

The last few weeks have been so busy. I feel like I have barely had time to catch my breath. I am working on finishing my very last paper for the semester, which will be the last paper for my Masters Degree program! Yay!!! Here are a few exciting things I have found on the internet this week! A little something for everyone, hopefully.

Such fun wallpaper!
via Keltainen Talo Rannalla

Glorious outfit!
via From Me to You

I am in love with this view.
via Weliken Nature on Tumblr

The view from the patio of the restaurant Terasa u Zlaté Studně (Terrace at the Gloden Well) is breathtaking. This article features restaurants with the best views of Prague. I will have to visit a few of these.
via Expats

These demijohn bottles have been beautifully upcycled into candle holders!
via Apartment Therapy

Lovely hand-bound journal. This shop is operated by a brother and sister team. Absolutely amazing work!
via Etsy

This little pup is too cute! I am sure he has big plans for that roll of string.
via Keltainen Talo Rannalla

I see this seafoam green kitchen in my future. Also, the exposed brick is amazing!
via Apartment Therapy

Hope you enjoyed!

<3 Amy