STOP #5: Rome, Italy

Germany had been wonderful, Megan was now my travel partner in crime and though she had already been to Rome once before, her love of art and history had me excited for Rome. The phrase “You can’t do Rome in a day” was definitely true.

Can I just add we thought it would be a good idea to fly Ryan Air? Oh how I love taking a bus to an airport in the middle of nowhere, barely making the weight limit with our bags and then piling on Ryan Air plastic seats where your knees hit the seat in front of you. Worth it. We snuck wine on and watched Always Sunny in Philadelphia and flew over the Swiss alps as the sun set. It was crazy pretty. Landing in Italy, getting in the bus to the airport and then finding our way to our room was another big ordeal…or shall I say, fiasco? We managed but it was humid, hot, no signage, and a good walk to the train, where we exited Termini….the main train station by which we were staying.

We had just booked a room a few days prior and of course we booked one that said it had wifi…did it? No. And did we even stay in the intended room we were supposed to stay in? No. We had to check into an Italian restaurant where a nice man promised us we were being upgraded, a short, young Italian man walked us a couple blocks to our room and alas–no wifi (or upgraded room). I think, if I recall correctly it was the room that had a timer on the light switch and window units with a mattress that felt like something people in jail might sleep on. Ah, the life.

So, the little Italian man was really sweet and like we were going to refuse a free Italian meal after we just rolled into town, and some vino. We threw down our stuff, complained of our accommodations then went down for din-din. I can’t remember what we were served up, but I remember all I wanted in Italy was lasagna.

In the midst of our Italian meal, sitting at the sidewalk patio table chatting, we explained we bought the room specifically for  wifi capabilities only to find there was no wifi. “Oh yes, yes you can use it here! I will get you the code.” (read in an Italian accent and broken English). And so as I set my phone out to wait for him to come back, to get the wifi code, it was snatched up. Yep, I set it on the table (like an idiot) and someone ran by, snagged it and took off running. I had grabbed my purse it was sitting on, and saved that, but stood up in shock. The guy who had shown us to our room was actually dining next to us, he untucked his bib from his collar and took off running after him, yet no such luck.

Little did I know not having my phone for the rest of the trip, though was tough here and there–was actually a blessing in disguise.

And now, some photos from Rome

The Coloseum–probably my favorite thing, line was long, took a tour to skip some of it, and its size is impressive and how it was built even more so.

Here I am in the massive arena.

Streets of Rome are narrow and winding, loved it. Tons of motorcycles and unorganized traffic worse than MoPac.

Did you know Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world? Did you know Kansas City is second to Rome in # of fountains? (Fun Fact I learned when living in KC)

Here we are getting robbed as tourist, pretty sure we paid a pretty penny for these cheesy pics! (worth it!)

 

The Parthenon

 

 

 

Our Coleseum Tour guide

 

Had a mini obsession with taking photos of cool doors while I was in Europe.

 

Italian we ate while there, some damn good lasagna but most likely a tourist trap, ha.

 

So right after the ol phone got stollen (it was night) we decided to walk around, so I saw this at night-so pretty, so big, and at least I had my camera.

 

We weren’t in Rome for very long, a good full two days, and I didn’t get to see the best part of the Vatican (it was Sunday–we poorly planned) BUT the best part of the trip was to come-a train ride to Cinque Terre, coastal Italy here we come. I was so ready to relax (and exercise, despite walking a ton in flat flip flops this girl needed a hike or swim, or something).

 

And off we went!

This past weekend I competed in my first CrossFit competition, which is why I felt compelled to write this blog on CrossFit and my spin on it….(ok and to vent a little).

CrossFit is one of the fastest growing  fitness movements in the Nation. More people are now becoming aware of what CrossFit is all about…or are they?

Is it a phase like Atkins or Tae-Bo (yes I used to do those tapes)?, perhaps, but I don’t see it going anywhere for a while with the principles that it enforces in the fitness world.

I am not going to go into why the culmination of strength and weight training, endurance, gymnastics, flexibility,  alongside the Paleo diet should be apart of any athlete’s regimen, BUT I am going to say this–I am so tired of people giving CrossFit goers grief. I know it can be “cult” like, but I don’t see anything wrong with a group of people working out together, achieving personal goals, getting in better shape, perhaps even losing weight or gaining muscle, feeling better about themselves, and possibly altering their lifestyles for the better.

Like with any fitness craze that gains a vast following there will always be a trainer that disagrees, “Oh your back hurts, huh? Probably from doing cross fit.” If you think about it, if someone does any sport long enough, don’t eventually you increase your chances of getting hurt? Doesn’t form tire out for anyone who does a repeated motion exhausting their body? I can’t name a whole lot of athletes I know who haven’t had to ice down a body part, take a break, take some Advil or ease the pain. It’s when we start doing things in an obsessiveness or don’t stop when something hurts, take a break when exhausted, roll out when sore–that eventually catches up with “us.” And does that mean it’s because “we” do CrossFit, no but depends on the person-how far they decide to push themselves.

I had a friend recently who said she wanted to try something new, like a boot camp or workout classes. I said, you should come with me to a free CrossFit workout at my gym. And she replied, frightened a bit, “Oh, I don’t know if I want to do a workout that’s so hard core where the coach yells at you the whole time.”

(I interjected– as that is NOT the case at all CrossFit gyms–eventually I will get her to join me soon on a free Saturday workout!)

Whoa-talk about a bad impression. Is that what people think CrossFit is like? A bunch of meat heads yelling at people during a really intense workout?

Perhaps some CrossFit gyms have some pompous coaches yelling (err motivating and pushing??) their clientele, but this hasn’t been my experience with CrossFit, which I am happy to say.

Are all CrossFit boxes (aka gyms) the same?

No. I cannot guarantee down to Earth, positive coaches…or even coaches that can do all the movements, lift more than you, do more burpees in 2min than you or eat Paleo on a consistent basis. The coaches have to be certified, and it is a written test, not a physical test.

Who would you trust more with your nutritional and diet program? A fat dietician or one that looks lean and healthy?

Healthy should have been the more common/on-par answer.

So who do I trust with my CrossFit workouts?  My coaches (Kyle and Blake) at CrossFit City Limits, Austin Tx. They are patient. They can do the workouts. They can beat most-if not all of us-in the workouts. They display and teach proper form. They also know the importance of mobility exercises as well. (You never knew how much a lacrosse ball would come in handy until you learn to work out some knots!) Also, they aren’t arrogant but encouraging. They aren’t mean, but motivating…and shouldn’t that be what it’s all about?

So fortunate to discover this place near my house a little after they opened up. (You’re welcome for the plug guys).

Sooooo…before you start “hating” on people who like intense workouts, setting weight lifting goals for themselves, maybe wear crazy colored socks to their knees or those expensive rubber looking shoes that are like “toesies” shut it. Yes, we CrossFitters have been known to toss around the word “WOD” or talk about it more than anticipated, but it’s better than some of the other cults out there! We aren’t worshipping demonic/non-existent items or killing people, so quit complaining and give it a try, what do you have to lose (besides a little pride after you get whooped up on, ha!)

-Thanks for reading my rant!, Ashley

PS Photos below from our first members only competition, also can find them by liking the CrossFit City Limits Facebook Page!

STOP #4: Munich

I took a bus, yes a bus (by now I felt like I was in the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles) from Prague bright and early to Munich. I was told to take the early one because the later one is filled with partiers headed to Oktoberfest. The drive and country side were pretty, sadly I sat next to a man who didn’t speak a lick of English and slept the whole way, I was bored. I did eat at a Mc Donalds in Prague. That was interesting.

So my adventures in Couch Surfing had thus far been successful. Crazy for some to accept, but Jane in Berlin was awesome. Those of you unfamiliar with couchsurfing.org (or CS), hosts and surfers get reviewed like E-Bay sellers and buyers. So when I saw Michael had hosted and surfed over 200 times and he was all about Oktoberfest, I thought it would be great. I did read negative reviews he had, but figured I wouldn’t have a personality clash with him like some of the reviews had indicated. I get along with most. When I got there he picked me up from the bus station, super nice of him. He had another surfer with him (who he met through CS). We dropped off stuff, I warned him that I was still recovering and exhausted but we walked to Oktoberfest together and…how do I put this…Michael is a bit forceful. I was greatful his English was perfect, but after two hours with him forcing me to drink up, eat up, ride this ride, do this, do that…I was ready to take a nap. That’s exactly what I did. I texted Megan when back at the apt. and let her know that I didn’t think she was going to like him too much. Michael was a bit of an A-hole, not going to lie. His politics and anal retentive habits, as well as talking about how rich he was, how awesome he was, and racist comments rubbed me the wrong way. I went along with it, but knew feisty Megan may just come out.

 

(Michael my host on left, and the other youngster couch surfer)

(My first beer at Oktoberfest…ugh probably not the best choice being sick and all, but only young once, right?)

 

(Oktoberfest in the day time a few hours after arriving in Munich, rides looked awesome, did a few myself).

(You can’t go to Germany and NOT have a pretzel).

Some photos below from the fetival in the day time, so pretty out-70s and sunny

(How adorable are these guys above?)

(I am sorry, I couldn’t resist. It was 3pm, someone was napping on the grassy null!)

Day 1–Complete. Still not feeling the best and drunk off two beers I slept from about 6pm to 7am, it was ridiculous but needed. And now, I was feeling good about day 2 and Meg’s arrival (oh and she had American drugs in tow from CVS, yes!)

Megan I met back in the day waiting tables when I had first moved back to Austin after a stint in Kansas City. The funny thing is, we don’t hang out that often, we can pick up where we left off when we catch up and we get along perfectly BUT we were about to spend two weeks together–this could be interesting.

I was so happy to see her. While traveling alone hadn’t been bad at all, a friend or companion (English speaking at that) was going to be nice to have. Branching out alone can be difficult. Off the train Megan appeared! We dropped off her stuff, went into Munich, grabbed some breakfast and did a free walking tour around Munich starting at the Glockenspiel.

(Our walking tour guide, he was British I believe, but good history lessons)

There really isn’t much to Munich. A lot of everything was rebuilt since destroyed in the war, and it was much tinier than I had anticipated. We had a beer during the tour, grabbed some food after (I was already tired of pretzels or any white bread for that matter, ha).

 

 

 

(Statue of the King, his son, we learned did a tribute to him, despite the fact he hated this statue and the fact he was sitting down, however his son is the reason we celebrate Oktoberfest, when he married they had a festival in some open fields, now Oktoberfest..or something like that, I can’t seem to retain everything I hear).

Time to shop for our Oktoberfest outfits. Yes, they are ridiculously expensive but even major department stores sell them…in fact they were very easy to come by that week. We found a thrift shop (I had researched Trip Advisor previously) and we found some authentic hand-me down dirndles. Being the girls that we are, this did take hours, but so worth it. We later got ready back at Michaels, got ready and went to Oktoberfest. It was nightmare-ish. I know now that IF I were to go back to Oktoberfest I much prefer it in the day when you can actually find a seat, the sun is shining and a jacket isn’t necessary. That night we got in a little late, the taxi had dropped us off a little farther North and I had been texting Michael we were on our way, which he said he had to go into work and there was the other Couch surfer there at the time, but he left by the time we got in there. The couch surfer (I cannot remember his name for the life of me!) said Michael was angry with us for not being back in time for “curfew” (aka another one of his anal retentive rules).

The next morning we were woken up by Michael telling everyone to get up, the maid was coming and we all had to leave because his place was “filthy.” We obliged and said, “Sure, want us to come back in a few hours, we’ll go grab breakfast.” But Michael wanted us to come home about after 6pm because he had to work that day. So basically no shower, leave and be gone all day and then come home. Megan and I shut the door to our room and looked at one another frustrated and tired of Michael’s bossy attitude, despite the hospitality he had given us already (and there is much more to Michael’s antics and lies that I left out for purposes of keeping this shorter, but we had enough at this point). Megan said, “Want to get our stuff and just go find wifi and a room somewhere?” And I said “Yep” We said bye to the guys (at this time there were 3 total, another couch surfer was added the day prior and poor guys slept on kitchen floor, we slept in the room with bunk beds and a cot and Michael had his own–which the door was always closed. PS Did I mention there was a security camera in the hallway of his apt. Yep! Super Creepy, which is why it was time to find our own place to stay. Which is what we did.

We thanked them for their hospitality and headed out! Ah, freedom!

 

Finidng wifi in Munich was not easy. We had to pay for it I believe, at some coffee shop and then we found a fair deal off the Square and close to the train station for one night. We walked over, but couldn’t check in just yet, but luckily dropped our bags and headed out to get items we needed and a late lunch. This ate quite a bit of time, but finally we checked in, got a nice shower, threw on our drindles and headed to Oktoberfest! Sadly it was raining/sprinkling this night. Started to get super crowded in  one of the beer tents (which really could equate to a dance hall in Texas to be honest, the word “tent” doesn’t necessarily depict it very well.

With the rain and everyone seeking shelter in the beer tents it got ridiculously crowded and the door guys wouldn’t let us out. Megan faked a panic attack and FINALLY someone let us out. For the past few days Megan had mentioned there being a wine tent. Aren’t we classy ladies? Low and behold, we found it–the wine tent. Not only that but some nice boys in kilts (Megan has a little background with Scotland and Scottish boys so we hit it off with them and some dude from California who ended up being very pompous anyway, ha).

These guys were awesome. I had some strudel, we chatted with them about everything and made fun of one another’s accents and our night wasn’t a total bust with the cold rain and crowded tents after all!

Next stop after Munich, Rome! Flying Ryan Air was a trip, my bag barely made the weight limit by .1kg!! And we had to take a bus pretty far, but I wrote post cards and napped until we got there. Flight wasn’t long and we flew over the Alps, arrived in Rome about 9pm. Probably one of the most unorganized airports I have ever been in… Read on for my adventures in Rome in my next post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{December 1, 2012: Heidi and Brian’s Wedding at the Caswell House, Austin Photography}

About two years ago I met some girls that had contacted me about a house they wanted to lease. I met them and liked them instantly. They were spunky and honest and forward on what they liked, yet really different and all over the place–we hit it off immediately.

We worked together and I actually never got to help them find THAT particular home (found something through an owner with a sign in the yard), but the sweethearts sent me a gift card or check (can’t remember but it was of monetary value–right before my birthday too) and they thanked me for all my hard work in helping them–how nice is that?! Then a year later I helped one of them (Heidi) find a house for lease in Hyde Park. And then again a year later or so, she contacted me again when she was ready to buy–and she did… (which I helped her find and close-yay me!)

So while our relationship was usually work related–we could be very candid with one another ( it is no secret I am pretty honest and open–I mean you ARE reading my blog about anything and everything for pete’s sake!). Anywho, this cool chick followed my facebook business page photos of random things I liked to photograph, eventually I did some engagement shoots for friends, posted some of those on my blog as well. I definitely have a preference for portrait photography. Then one day she’d ask me to take photos at her low key wedding, reception to follow in their newly bought (and renovated) home in East Austin (sold to them, by yours truly, again I remind you, haha) and I said No way Jose! Way too much pressure for someone who just likes to take photos of signs of her fav Austin restaurants, ya know?!

Anyway, time passed and Heidi’s wedding got closer and she asked again. She promised me she was low maintenance, no fuss, and I knew she wasn’t lying, she is such a laid back, cool person. So, I for some reason, agreed. Only to later find out in our lunch meeting about her wedding that it was now at the Caswell House-ceremony and reception and she had 8 bridesmaids now and Whole Foods to cater! NBD, right?! The pressure was on now.

Low and behold, here are some shots from Heidi’s wedding. Now, from a professional standpoint I know these are not that great, but the only thing that matters to me is that Heidi and Brian were happy–and they were, and I am grateful for that. What I did learn is of all the camera accessories I now want for my camera (or a new upgraded camera-hehe). Thank goodness most the bridesmaids had nice DSLRs, without them, I wouldn’t have gotten some of the amazing shots when the room was darker and people were dancing (that is seriously the toughest moment to capture)!

Here are a few photos, not sure how I’d feel about doing it again, but perhaps for someone just as cool and nice as Heidi (and a beautiful bride never takes bad photos, so that certainly helped). Enjoy.

Bride picked these flowers, brought to you by Whole Foods

Getting ready in the lady’s quarters

Girl shot!

What I love is that Heidi told her lovely friends “pick a long gray dress” and they all came together nicely, each one reflecting a bit of their personality. Lovely, ladies, lovely!

Some other cameras I used besides my own, thank goodness for my second, third, fourth and fifth shooters, between us all I am sure Heidi has some awesome photos. I love my beginner Nikon, but may be time to upgrade

If there’s one thing I like it’s a snappy ceremony! (and it was!)

I love this photo. Pretty sure Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” came on, that will make any girl excited, ready to dance, and sing along.

Best Man Speech. Probably one of the best I have ever heard. (Is it ok to cry at a wedding you are not officially attending as a guest??)

The little book the best man wrote in while getting ready earlier. Love it.

Gotta have the father/daughter dance shot.

I think some elbows were thrown for that bouquet.

View from the Caswell house upstairs balcony.

There wasn’t much time for bridal party photos following, (in fact the whole night just flew by but I like the look of this one and tried my best to capture everyone!

Seeing something like this you’d think it was my idea, but nope…this guy came up with it all on his own. Classy.

During the last dance, everyone waited downstairs and got sparklers ready and I snapped this one. I was using a different camera than mine (it was actually really dark in the room) but I just loved it and focused in on the flowers.

After I snapped the first (and I did like the look of the Shiner Bock bottle in the shot), I thought–well, better move it while I have the chance. Hopefully one of these they like, as it is one of my favs and just a little different.

And away they go!

Or do you prefer this affect better? I played around with it some when I was editing, I like them both for different reasons but always think black and white is a classic…like this one below (Heidi’s sister).

Aren’t these the cutest parting gifts?!

And they lived happily ever after.

As always, thanks for reading.

-Ashley

(the Realtor, non professional photographer who likes to blog about all, loves Austin, taking photos, traveling, working out and working with people). That is all.

 

While I have had fun bloggin’ about my Euro-trip I interrupt mid-trip to bring you work related items.

You know what’s funny, I think of topics on a daily basis. But the time it takes to type, upload photos (and edit them to be appealing etc) is so exhaustively time consuming. BUT I digress. This is important. This is biz…And these are nice condos and YOU need to know about them, so here goes my sales spiel….

PEASE PLACE CONDOS 1603 Enfield, Austin Tx 78703

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 25 units total 3 floors (more units on 2nd and 3rd floor)
• Currently as of 12.11.12 we have 8 units under contract, 6 to close before the holidays (fingers crossed)
• We do not yet have C of O’s yet (certificate of occupancy, but are so close) THEN we will have staged models, sales office fully set up and able for those to move in, check out etc!!
• What’s currently available?: 13 1br unique floorplans, 2 2br 2ba corner units, 2 studios (both different floorplans under $200,000
• This is a 4 star green project. Note that not all Builders are certified Green builders, so it is good to know the energy efficiency and sustainability of this project is what makes it unique.

“Green” Features

• Igneous stone countertops (recycled quartz)
• Porcelain tile by American Olean in bathrooms
• Bosh and Whirlpool energy eff. appliances throughout units (varies)
• Mohawk wood flooring
• LED lights throughout
• Solar panels on roof make for low electric bill!
• Tankless hot water heaters in every unit
• Open cell spray foam insulation
• Gas cooking and water

I have had the pleasure of walking the units and showing them to several prospective buyer and those in the neighborhood who are excited to see what the Butler family has financially backed now, (the eye sore that sat for 6yrs is finally being finished-and done right) the new layouts, and the high end finishes.

While we don’t have the units fully staged and completed YET, we are coming along, but wanted to share while we are still at entry level pricing and our reservations are turning into contracts of what the finishes and floorplans look like.

Photo above of the top floor 2/2 unit. Already has upgraded glass tile back-splash and wood floors throughout.

Floors are taped up in attempt to keep it clean, but this give you an idea from the balcony door looking into the kitchen area the layout. No bedroom walls are shared. The guest bedroom has two large closets.

Top floor balcony wraps around living area and master-it is the largest balcony in the building. There are only two 2br and they are both corner units on the NW side of the building.

Master bedroom has lots of light, steel beams in ceilings as well and recessed lightng for bedside table lamps. Did I mention all interior lighting is LED in the complex?

Mohawk wood floorin–not in all units currently because it is an upgrade option, if you prefer carpet in bedrooms that is fine too!

Tankless hot water heater in every unit. Here is the control for one above. The actual water heaters are located on the roof. Every unit has connections, even the studios! Some have stackable and others full size. Most have stackable features to maximize space.

We have two studio units left. One on the ground corner floor, the other on the third floor. This one is a third floor unit and almost has a one bedroom feel due to lay out and partitioned wall. Wood flooring throughout and huge bathroom that you can add extra shelving for storage if need be.

Above is a one bedroom, this is one of the larger units. Huge pantry, bathroom connects to master and living and balcony over looks Enfield.

As you can see flooring not yet installed-that is so the buyer can choose! Carpet or wood flooring. Also choice of tiling in kitchen as backsplash as well and mirrors for the bathroom… if they had something particular in mind-we can do a custom quote and look into making it happen.

Another one of my favorite units is on the back side of the building, with DT views from the balcony. Has a nice open feel, but designated areas where I could envision a dining table and living area. And there is a linen closet and closet for WD which is nice-right next to the kitchen.

views from unit #314 1br 814 sq ft

This is the outside of #315, a very nice 1br unit. Definitely a one of a kind as it is the only one bedroom that has the steel beams and vaulted ceilings…see more photos below.

This unit is also fully decked out and currently priced at $316,500, which is a great value. Please note all pricing subject to change (and soon at the rate we are going!)

So, if you are interested in these wonderful condos, feel free to shoot me an email, call to set up a tour or swing on by as our on-site office will be open on a more regular basis. Look for updated photos on our facebook page, and website as we start to sweep up, stage the model and get units closed prior to the holidays! Thanks for reading as always.

STOP #3: PRAGUE

So if you just finished up reading about Berlin you learned I left around 4 and arrived in Prague pretty late.

You also learned that feelings of strep were creeping upon me and I was getting sick. I have never slept so hard (well, on a train) in my life. Also haven’t been on a ton of trains until Europe.

So, anyway I rode on a train, but instead of this train being big and open there were 6 seats in each little room with a few rooms to each train cart. I feel bad for the person who had to sit across from me and witness me sleeping..most likely with my mouth open, light snore, possible drool.  People came and go as the train stopped. I would open my eyes to smile at the strangers around me but then my eyes immediately got heavy and I’d fall back to sleep, still hurting when I swallowed.

Travel Tip: The meds are NOT as good as ours. Definitely bring your OTC relievers!

Prague’s transportation system compared to Germany was a D-. While the train pulled in and I followed the hostel’s directions, the signage was very pour. Very little English spoken, but after much roaming I found the yellow train. I was advised several times to never take money out in Prague so I faked putting token into the not so restricted turn-stall and got on the subway. I found the hostel, passing it twice and cursing a little-only due to my lack of paying attention and looking up a little higher.

Alas, more rest. I think I paid 20 euros for two nights in an all girl hostel room, it was huge. I really, really wanted to go explore and walk around Prague, despite it being 11pm. But I showered and went to sleep like a good girl.

Another pic collage from a fancy app I used on my iPhone, clock, castle, prague views and interior of Prague Castle.

PS A Handy travel tip: packing where you put everything in a certain place or bag is key when  you have to do things in a dark room so as to not disturb others.

I felt a little refreshed, but told myself I wasn’t going to push it my full day in Prague (trip shortened due to good time in Berlin, and plus I had Oktoberfest to rest up for!)

I went to town square, naturally saw the Astronimical clock, then off to Prague Castle, it was crazy big and beautiful.

Astronomical Clock, Prague (praha) Dating back to 1410, 3rd oldest in World, Oldest still working!

Some things I liked about Prage:

• Not commericalized. For example I cannot recall seeing a McDonald’s (sure they were there, but really cannot recall seeing the streets cluttered with National brands and fast food joints)

• Small and easy to get around-despite all the roads turning you can really walk the whole city in a day

• Weather was nice. We were in late September and honestly it felt like a nice day in Texas, pretty sure I was hot in my scarf and jeans (what else is new?)

I really just did a lot of exploring to myself in Prague. No walking tours or bike tours. Just snapped photos, looked around, followed a map. Splurged on a nice meal in the Jewish Quarter, tried to get healthier while still seeing as much as possible. Tried a little ice cream (naturally) and just enjoyed myself. I had to go back to the room to rest up for a while DEFINITELY recommend my hostel. Downtown Hostel. They had events every night. I met an Aussie who was moving to Europe, but traveling for months backpacking, we had dinner in the common area (free, cooked by one of the hostel guides/social chair type person, so that was awesome!)

In the very beginning of Mission Impossible (Tom Cruise movie-the first one-) they are in Prague. I searched everywhere for the vague recollection of what I have from that movie and where they came out of that fantastic party-I don’t think it was the castle though-or was it? I need to IMDB it.

Prague Castle at night from a distance…

Infamous St. Charles Bridge

Here are some more photos, but Prague was a short visit. The nice part was that it was so tiny you could walk around and get everywhere (so long as I was feeling up to it). I did have to take a break to rest, then snapped some night photos as well.

Went to bed about midnight all packed and ready to go. Texted Meg for meds, but my Doctor didn’t get back to me in time, dangit. Didn’t care. I was going to Munich for THE Oktoberfest 2012 and my friend Megan was going to meet me there.

7am bus ride from Prague to Munich. I felt like I was on Planes Trains and Automobiles.

Here we go.

STOP #2: Berlin

A little joke to get started off on Germany…

I left Amsterdam by train pretty early in the morning and off to Germany I went! The train was nice actually, I am pretty sure it promised me wifi, but that definitely was not the case, so luckily I had downloaded a lot of Trip Advisor City Guides (no wifi necessary and HIGHLY recommend, travelers). I then met a few couples who sat next to me, since I had picked a seat with a table. They knew English but were Dutch and visiting Berlin for a long weekend and SUPER nice. We chatted about all sorts of things and they helped me find my platform once I got to the large station in Berlin. Off I went! Alexanderplatz is pretty much “city center” though Berlin is HUGE. I’d have to say I would go back to Berlin because there was so much I didn’t get to do, but I feel I made good use of my time spent when I was there.

City motto (no lie): Berlin is Poor But Sexy.

I know it sounds crazy, and it isn’t for all, but I used Couchsurfing.org and that is where I met my host for Berlin. An American woman, married to a German and they just moved there not too long ago and had two adorable little girls! Jane messaged me a pointer about finding a Berlin host and we just hit it off via email, added each other on facebook and of course since FB pretty much exploits one’s personality we felt an instant connection and off I went to Jane’s house, she met me at the station and I went to her house to put the bags down and met her family.

Jane and I havin’ a brewski…or 4 (post East Side Gallery Walk)

Cutest girls, what a cool mom: whip cream straight from can…into mouth for breakfast!

Favorite things I did in Berlin and other Crazy Stuff:

• Did you know Beer is super cheap in Berlin? I paid a Euro five for a beer in a gas station. Wait-it gets better-you can walk around with it in the city, outside, etc.

• You can also urinate in public in Berlin. Totally legal. Jane tried to get me to pee on part of the Berlin wall when we were walking around at night…I passed.

• BUT I did pay a Euro to pee in a public restroom at the train station (I had to go so bad) and it is not uncommon for restrooms to charge or leave a plate for a donation? outside. I guess when you have so many people visiting you have to make some kind of profit money for the facilities
• Taxi cabs are Benz’. Enough said.
• The train system in Berlin (and Germany really) is efficient and smart (like the Germans, ha!) Quite intricate, but colored and numbered with announcements of next stops

• Confession: I never once paid for a ride around the city (big tickets in and out of Berlin yes) but never a subway. It is as if no one was around to check it nor were there enough machines to purchase them for the next punctual train…in my opinion
• Berlin is known for their street art-literally murals are everywhere

• Definitely do a Fat Tire Bike tour here (offered in many cities, but there is too much history here to not do a bike tour)

Ciaran-pretty sure I just butchered the spelling of his name, but this Irish fellow was an AWESOME tour guide, felt like I was back in World History with Mr. Yowell (and failing, because I forgot A LOT of stuff).

• Berlin is also known for being super liberal and in debt. And I could see why, there’s been a lot of rebuilding and new building, which I witnessed everywhere. And I believe they have one of the first (if not THE first) openly gay Mayor

I actually added Berlin as a stop just a week or two before I left because I wanted to break up the trip from Amsterdam to Prague, and I am so glad I did. I actually ended up staying longer than I thought too. Sadly I began to really come down with something here, but mainly due to my lack of sleep in Amsterdam then my added drinking AND not sleeping much in Berlin…bad idea jeans.

Naturally, I powered through.

Crossfit City Limits (my gym) Salute! (We do this pose and post on fb when traveling, don’t ask me why, but it was kinda fun, so I have a pose of me in every city doing this).

Randomly awesome: I was lost and looking for where the Bike Tour met and saw a guy with a Tx Hat. I said “Hey are ya’ll looking for the Fat Tire bike tours?” Indeed they were. Second question “Did you go to UT?” Yep, there was a couple and another guy. The couple lived in Dallas now, but lived in Austin previously and the gentleman from Austin, James worked for HomeAway and was in Germany for work. How random is that? He lived in Hyde Park and had a lab too. I swear this world gets smaller and smaller. We did the tour, chatted and I was lucky enough to hang with them, drink, have dinner and have more drinks with them as it was the opening weekend of Oktoberfest and the Hofbrau Haus was a hoppin’.

This is James, rando from Austin, after the Fat Tire bike tour. The guy behind him is the scary drunk German who approached us-I had to get a photo. James could translate this guy’s drunken English with a German accent quite well. I was impressed. And the Germans get crazy for Oktoberfest. haha

Here are some photos from the Bike Tour I did. It was about 4hrs and we stopped for lunch and of course had a beer and some German sausage. A front blew in while on the tour and I am SO thanksful Jane told me to pack jeans in my bag because I was freezing my a$s off.

I cannot remember the name of this church, but it is super old-and the TV tower, which I think dates to the 60s is next to it. Ironic some.

You see a lot of old and new in Berlin mixed together (or shall I say rebuilt and new)

Fun fact: Hitler would take statues down from many of the buildings, knowing they were about to be bombed, and he put them in the river. After the war he put them back and that’s why so many of them on top of buildings are a different color (much darker) though made of same material.

My bike at the Parliament. If you look closely you can go up in the top glass dome.

Holocaust Memorial. Pretty sad, but powerful place.

What is left of the Berlin wall.

Brandenburg Gates at night (didn’t take this while on tour, but my first night walking around with Jane).

Here are some of my snapshots from the East Side Gallery. I took some at night when I got there with Jane again, while walking around and drinking. And then I took a few before I left my last day while I was capturing some street art and what not.

Me, some guy from Austria and a classy beer in hand.

Sadly a lot of the awesome murals do have some graffiti over the work, but there was definitely some interesting work.

This was painted on the wall I think close to the station, can’t remember exactly…

This place was supposedly the best burger place. I am going to say while it wasn’t bad, it was definitely no Hopdoddy’s. Fo’ sho. Burgers: Berlin 0 Austin 1

PS- STILL have not gone back since I have been back, who wants to go with me?

Overall, I loved Berlin. I think I could definitely go back for a four days and STILL not see the same things I saw before, though the bike tour was the nice highlight of brevity and history and sites all rolled into one…oh and entertaining too.

Now, let’s talk grub.

While I have a German heritage, sausage, potatoes, cabbage and pretzels are not my favorite exactly. Here are some of the things I (and my new found Tx friends) tried at Augustiner. All was delish.

Clockwise from top. Goulash, Pork knuckle, cheese plate, brat wurst <–mine

And a toast, mine of course is the light one. <—sissy.

A Berlin staple-Currywurst. Umm apparently I didn’t get the best in town (mine was at a train station), but this to me was sausage in a ketchup curry sauce. Not that special but “THE” thing to have when you visit, or so I was convinced….

When I got in that night I was happy to see a text from a friend…

Courtney was engaged. Yay!

But back to travels…

Well, I definitely miss my host family-they were so sweet to take me in–and sleeping on the bottom bunk wasn’t bad at all! Look at the sweet picture they girls (Isabella and Eloise) drew me before I left (below). In return I painted their toenails and nails bright pink.

It has a seahorse because that was the print on my shorts that I slept in So observant they are!

So I am not even a week in on my trip and I ALMOST had my first near break down.

Imagine this: Sick, tired, running a fever, thought it was going to be colder (like the day before) throw on a sweater, a (heavy, mind you) pack on your back, a full backpack on your front and a crowded train station. No where to be found is an empty locker to store items a few hours. Fever started breaking, I was starving and all this crap was on my back and I can’t get my sweater off fast enough. I wanted to cry. Fortunately, I was in public and would look stupid. Went to the counter, gentleman informed me one more stop (4 away from my station that I NEEDED to leave from) would have lockers. Indeed they did after the long hunt and mile walk. I walked around, snapped more photos, got some water and grub, then off to Prague I went. I have never slept so hard on a train in all my life…especially in front of 3 strangers in one of those little rooms on the train. I know I was most likely snoring or drooling. But guess what? Never going to see those people again…BUT I hope they didn’t snap pics.

Goodbye for now Berlin.

I. was. so. exhausted. already. Uh oh. Hello Prague.

Well, many of you have asked how my trip was, I covered a lot of ground, was gone for three weeks and frankly it felt good to get back in the swing of things. Some of you thought I’d never return, but alas, here I am and here are my tails from Europe, what I learned, saw, experienced–the good, the bad, the ugly.

Stop #1 Amsterdam.
Every time I hear the word Amsterdam I think of this song.

Anyway, last year I blogged my New Year’s resolution for 2012 was to go to Europe, as well as drink more water. Well, the water thing hasn’t caught on just yet, but I purchased my plane ticket after chats with people, clients, strangers in bars and anyone and everyone who has traveled that I could get my hands on and  eventually decided: Fly into Amsterdam, Out of Barcelona. Step 1 complete. Round trip tickets purchased. Then I used the next 7 months to plan where to go in between and how to get there.

(The backpack I borrowed, thanks Jill! 3wks of clothing, travel necessities and cameras-yes plural,all on my back! It was the first time ever I wore everything I packed, ha!) This is an Osprey 50L by the way.

I was lucky enough to have clients that lived there for seven years prior who happened to relocate from North Carolina and as we chatted about traveling, he put me in touch with a fantastic host! I stayed with Patricia for a few days, and here are some of my overall thoughts on Amsterdam–I decided putting them in bullets may just be an easier read.

(the sweet clients that hooked me up with a place to stay in Amsterdam-The Watkins Family)

(And off I go, direct flight to Amsterdam from DFW. Thank you Andree, Philip and Charli for letting me crash the night prior, feeding me and a ride to the airport, much appreciated. I was pretty giddy here).

Pulling into the Netherlands. So pretty. Why I decided to take a 3pm flight, not sleep and arrive at 8am is beyond me and bad idea jeans, by the way.

KLM is an affiliate with Delta, I was quite impressed. Had a few seats to myself and wine and Heineken were free! Food wasn’t bad either and the service was great. We even got hot towels-which at first I didn’t know what the heck to do with. On the way I caught up on Breaking Bad and Modern Family and watched those on my iPad. (I do recommend bringing one if you have it, def came in handy!)

• First off–Amsterdam is NOT as crazy as everyone says–maybe at some point in the past drugs and prostitution used to be a big problem, but I never felt like my life was in danger or threatened when there and a bunch of people were running around stoned out of their mind. (Actually they probably were but they were so chill I didn’t even notice).

 

• The streets are almost U-shaped centered around the main train station, surrounded by water and tons of canals, you think it would be easy to not get lost, but several times I ended up where I was starting (and frustrated as all get out).

 

• Yes, you really can just walk around the Red Light District and see women in their scantily clad underwear soliciting to sell their bodies. I came upon it on accident actually so it was funny when I walked down an alley and looked to my left and saw a girl dancing in a window. PS Prostitutes pay taxes in Amsterdam. It is a totally legal business to run, crazy huh?

• No, I didn’t smoke pot while I was there–yes everyone does though. Smell of weed definitely fills the streets more so in the Red Light district (or so I noticed). But because I am not an avid smoker or drug user AND the fact I was ALONE and already out of my element I decided to save the recreational drug use for another time??

This doesn’t even begin to describe how many bikes are in this town. So awesome.

Places and Things I really Enjoyed in Amsterdam:

1. Anne Frank House (I mean  you can’t really go to Europe and not get some WWI and WWII history, and this is a must stop. It’s had some renovations, but there’s still a lot of original artifacts, wall paper, photos of how the home once was and you walk through where they hid above the warehouse/workers. They also show documentaries and interviews of some of the people that helped and fed Otto Frank and his family hide-it was very touching. Made me want to read the book (Diary of Anne Frank) again.

(Tip-see that line? Yeah I didn’t wait in that. I bought online, walked up to a door, pressed the button, showed her my stuff and was in like Flynn! I felt super cool even though I read it on Trip Advisor-can’t believe all these people didn’t).

 

2. Van Gogh museum. I am not going to lie, this one was a little disappointing for me. I suppose because a lot of his work is dispersed in other museums, AND the museum is moving, so part of the exhibit was closed. I had expected to see some more of his works, BUT because of my fabulous host and her museum card I got in for free–so really cannot complain. If you are an avid museum go-er and you visit Amsterdam I recommend the card, definitely will save you some coin.

3. Canal Boat Ride. The second night (I think–hell all the days blend together at this point). I did a nice evening-night boat ride on the canals. The host spoke English (in fact everyone in Amsterdam speaks English!) and it was cool to ride around and see so much of Amsterdam, I feel like I had learned all these amazing facts, which have disappeared, but here is one for you: Amsterdam has over 4,000km of navigable rivers/canals! The boat ride was quite romantic solo, ha, as I sipped red wine and ate peanuts and took some cool photos (night photos not my strong suit, as you will see below, but still fun).

So many bridges. So many canals. I was so turned around on the boat ride.

Yes these are leaning. Our guide talked about how they’ve all gradually started to lean and the foundation has actually been fixed to stabilize them this way at this point.

3. Vondelburg Park. If you are a park person. Or outdoorsy or like to jog then I recommend this park. It reminded me of my NYC Central Park days and jogs after work. So peaceful, right in the midst of the city, tall trees, ponds, playgrounds, strollers, joggers, walkers, yoga masters…loved it. Again it rained while I was running, but it was actually kind of nice, and didn’t last long. I took a lot of photos on my phone while I listened to my music and ran, so not the best quality, but  you get the idea…

A little collage after my jog, how cute is that kid? And yes it rained a little.

4. Went to the flower market or (Bloemenmarkt), it rained off and on the day I did this, which I knew was going to happen, but honestly wasn’t too affected by the rain (perhaps because I was prepared and everyone told me it rains a ton there and was going to be cold. Another fun fact: 75% of the world’s flower bulb production comes from the Netherlands.

Now, instead of boring you with more text, I will go ahead and post some Amsterdam pics. I really enjoyed walking (and biking) around in the city. Note–the faster you can get lost (hence riding a bicycle) the faster you WILL (and most likely be farther away from your destination).

(On the left we have a cute bicycle-what Amsterdam is notorious for, Vondel Park that I explored and me inscribing “Amsterdam” when I woke up a rainy/foggy morning. The photo on the right is the first flight I took to get upstairs. They were so steep–man, the dutch are small, if I moved in here, you’d bet I’d say a while just to avoid the move.)

(I had an app on my phone that let me make collages, so I’d snap a bunch of photos and then sum it up and post on facebook to let my parents know I was still alive. It was fun and since I couldn’t sleep the first few nights, this is what I’d do-play with the app, I believe it was picture stitch but there are a ton).

The green coffee cup has this wafer with a thin caramel center my host told me I had to try. You but it over hot tea and get it soft, it was so tasty! The sammich is a toasti I believe is what they called them-mozzarella and tomato).

A typical Amsterdam view crossing over the bridges.

Exploring the city, I believe day 2. It was fairly cold, but bearable and a nice break from the Tx humidity.

Dam Square. Looks classic with the horse drawn carriage.

That little speck with green is me holding a green umbrella. There are two of these signs in Amsterdam. I highly recommend this one by Hermitage Museum (out back) because no one is there. My first photo of me with this sign was by Van Gogh museum and there’s 30 other people in the photo.

One stylin’ bicycle.

Nemo Museum, shot this photo from their new (and very modern/cool) library-below.

Library. Awesome views. Modern and a must see.

FOOD! Clockwise: Choc covered waffle, warm goat cheese salad, Dutch style pancake (think omelette, but thinner) and I can’t remember my first dinner but I know it had peanut sauce-they were big on that there. Oh, and of course I had the fries they are also notorious for.

Seriously-how unpractical is this toilet? haha

A few more photos from around town. The one on the bottom of the double rainbow was actually taken right outside my window. I am usually so annoyed by rain, but probably because I am never prepared here like I was there-always had an umbrella on my bag with me.

All in all, very nice people, English everywhere so I didn’t feel too out of my element, friendly, architecturally speaking-old and charming and thanks Patricia for hosting me, taking me to the nice little cafe and earring shop and the kind hospitality!

Off to Berlin by train.

 

 

Well, I am not a newbie to writing about my personal life. Is it weird?– a little, but do I enjoy telling my friends these stories of mine? Yes. I am somewhat of an open book. And I think of  topics to write about all the time (sadly most of them relating to dating), but never end up writing about it because I get so busy. Plus the fact my previous dating experiences and theories shared online did spawn me a little national television appearance (thank you Anderson Cooper), I have decided to share another story. The story of the worst date I have ever been on. Is there a website where people could share really bad dates? There should be. Maybe I will (wo)man that project.

While I could write an entire blog about how lame online dating is, I will spare the negativity…for now (that’s a whole other topic). And I could go on and on about how socially inept people (men) are these days, but again I will refrain (and have somewhat already talked about that in the past).

Where I will start is with this: He has my number.

What does that mean to men these days that have your number? Time to text. No one calls these days any more. And for those of you that know me well, know I am included in that, and those of you that know me better, know that I cannot stand when a guy gets your number then never calls only texts. I especially hate pointless texts that just try to keep you around, but never get to any point.

Let’s give this guy a name, an alias. We will call him Mr. Bubbles (I will get to why later). So Mr. Bubbles has my number. He texts me a few times, we exchange witty banter here and there are a few times within that week or so where he’d text me to go out. Not go out in a few days, but literally meet him out like right then and there. He knew I lived North and would write something like “Park. Brunch, come join now.” I am sorry, did you just ask me to have a date with you now. And are you really eating by yourself at THE Sunday Funday spot in Austin? Doubtful. So did you just ask me to join you and your friends…well that’s a weird first meet up. I told him I was busy. Not because I was lying, but because I actually was busy– showing houses or working an open house-can’t remember but there was definitely plans in my books. He stayed persistent and nice. Good. The witty banter texts continued for the next few days and he had asked me to to do something a few days later, but again at the time he was texting me. I had a softball game, I told him he would have to be a better planner than that. I keep busy. (In a nice way I said this, I am not always abrasive-promise).

Then I got a call one night. I paused from my friends and answered. Holy crap, I thought to myself, this guy ACTUALLY called. It was a miracle. He noticed it was loud-ish where I was. I explained I was having dinner and catching up with a friend in town. He was bummed I was busy because he was going to ask me to do something–again–at that very moment. And then honest Ash kicked in. You know her well. I said, “Look, if you want to ask me out on a date, you need to plan a few days ahead. I can’t just drop what I am doing any night of the week and come meet you. I put things in a calendar. I work evenings and nights some times and I am a social person.” He got the message. We finally scheduled  a date. Sometimes being blunt works for me (other times it does not, ha).

Typical date place picked: Kona Grill (since we both are North Austinites). Time of date 8pm.

The night of our date rolls around, at about 3pm he calls to confirm. (Again, he called–props to him). But asks if we can push it back to 8:30, fine by me. Around 7 or so he texts me he is just about to hit the gym and can we make the date at 9pm. I texted him back and said-Sure that’s fine, but doesn’t the restaurant close at 10? No response. Oh well, I guess 9 it is. I arrive at 9. I don’t get too excited about many dates, especially because I am just so burnt out on them and most of them are pretty low key lunches, walks, dog park dates etc (which is what I suggest because who wants to sit through a dreaded 2hr meal–which I end up paying for my half anyway to a restaurant I didn’t even really want to go to -yes this happened, again-another blog). I was semi excited about this one because  1. He was Tall (I have found most guys lie about their height, and also my heels and wedges make me one tall lady). And 2. He was funny (well via text at least) and I will add he was kind of confident, which is always attractive for the opposite sex. And 3. He had suggested an actual, decisive “real date” place, made the plan-didn’t leave it to me, and all that good stuff.

So he shows up late. No biggie. I am not always on time either. But the restaurant closes at 10pm. So 9:15 we head to a table, as there are really only about 10 in the whole place and you can tell the servers are cleaning and taking care of their check out (being in the service industry for as many years as I have made me already aware that we were going to be that last annoying table). I double check it is still that fantastic reverse happy hour. ” No I am sorry, we don’t do that on Sundays” says the hostess. As we walk to a table Mr. Bubbles says, “Aww man, are you serious.” And we sit down and look at the menu, ” Everything here is so expensive if it isn’t on happy hour.”

I am not rich. This place wasn’t a fancy steak house, and I know I may sound like a total brat, but guys–don’t ever complain about the menu price. ESPECIALLY if YOUpicked the freakin’ place. If you are too cheap to eat, drink and tip, then just don’t go out, there are plenty of things you can do then. I normally wouldn’t gripe about this kind of thing, but after several conversations with friends-I know I am not alone on this opinion. Strike 1: The guy gripes about menu prices at restaurant HE PICKED!

I suggested we go somewhere else. “The Park is open until 2 and may still be serving food.” He asks me what I want to do, I said I didn’t care, and then he starts talking about other stuff. The waiter comes by a few times before he finally orders a coffee. We don’t discuss the menu and what we are going to eat and in fact he pushes it aside. So in my head I am thinking: Did he really just order coffee this close to closing? And the other part of me was thinking–did he really just order ONLY a coffee and we aren’t even going to eat or anything? I am not sure how we got on the subject, but Mr. Bubbles was funny via text, but on the date, no, he was quite boring. He discussed how awesome he used to be at music, but he quit that after a while of living in Austin. He discussed how “set” he was in life and how he could probably retire early. Then he discussed how he had dropped out of college several times and he worked part time at UPS. Hmmm. Strike 2: Mr. Bubbles was boring and liked to chat about himself A LOT. (And I am not even scratching the surface of some of the ridiculous things we discussed)

Conversation eased up some when I called him out for being so playful via text messages and so serious on our date. We chatted about dating. Isn’t that what you do on dates–Discuss your theories and awkward moments and the pros and cons? I think I have on almost every date.

Well the restaurant was definitely closed. Waiter had come by about 5 times to see if we were ever going to order. I had about three glasses of water. He had a cup of coffee, which he had asked for another but the waiter said the “dishwasher” already threw it out to wash the pot. We were the last table in the restaurant just about. He paid for his coffee (semi surprised I didn’t pay for it, though because my water was free, I didn’t offer to split the tab).

He walked me to my car, which happened to be right next to his. He did the whole, hug and “I had a nice time ” line. I said the same but was definitely thinking otherwise. He asked if our date was disappointing. I told him that he just seemed really serious and kind of nervous. His explanation was that he wanted to show me a serious side. haha. Oh boy. He also mentioned that he’s a “health nut” and trying to eat really well. I then said, “oh, well you should have said something, we could have gone bowling or done something active if you don’t go out to eat much.” I kid you not, he told me, “Well I don’t really know how bowling works and all that…” Apparently he also doesn’t know how dinner dates work either. I can’t tell if that was a really crappy excuse or the truth. Remember earlier when I mentioned he had started his own business and he was “set for life”? His mini-van that he drove was the company cleaning business he had started. He told me he used to have four, but just down to this one and yes, it has a maid and bubbles painted all over it. Hence the alias Mr. Bubbles, because apparently that’s what the guys at work call him. Strike 3: I don’t really even need to explain why this date was over before it began.

Best part about this whole date was his response the next day.

Honest Ashley came out full speed ahead (#sorryfornotbeingsorry) all via text message (note I am typing these text messages as they appear on my phone):

Bubbles: I like your confidence miss Ashley and what you got to say. I hope I wasn’t too much of a disappointment. Thank you. It was very nice meeting you.

Me: Well, the thing that was disappointing was I was under the impression we were going to eat. So I didn’t eat all day to have a nice meal with you and then you don’t even ask if I could care for anything after we just got done talking about how on first dates there are little tests that people give each other. If you didn’t want to spend any money or eat bad you should have just said so and we could have met at a coffee shop or something. I just thought I was going to see this playful side and then you were just so serious. Sorry if that sounds mean, I am just really honest. But I didn’t feel any sparks and it was nice meeting, thank you so much. [Longest text ever, I know]

Bubbles: Cool. I could tell you wanted to leave within the first five minutes. I had my next date after yours and she came home with me and is still asleep in my bed–I’ll ask her if I was sweet enough and treated her right when I wake her up in a sec here and drive her home. I will get this right someday.

I won’t go into the next few text messages from Mr. Bubbles raging on me, but the funny part was the next day I got a text that said: Let me know what I can do to get you more clients. I wanna see u succeed. [weird].

 

Again, I didn’t respond. Perhaps dating etiquette is half the battle. Who knows, but this guy had to go.

Right. I will be sure and do that Mr. Bubbles.  And so the search continues for a better worse date to write about. Can this experience be topped? Only time will tell (and my blog). Stay tuned for more shenanigans and as always thanks for reading.

 

Iconic Austin shots and then some…

Recently I have developed quite an interest in portrait photography. I wanted to share some couple photos I have taken around Austin (all engagement photos). Still learning, I have done these for free and taken an interest in photoshop touch-ups as well. So forgive my amateur-ness, but hope this gives you any ideas to taking photos around town, or even friends visiting Austin, or just something to “check out” if you haven’t done so yet

. If interested in having your photos taken, let me know-somehow in my busy schedule, I manage to make it work and really enjoy doing this!

Great places to take photos around Austin:

#1 Mayfield Park

Mayfield is known for its brightly colored peacocks running around. There is also a lot of stone work, ponds, flowers, and all maintained by the City. There are trails as well as a running creek toward the bottom, great place for all sorts of photos!

#2 Hotel San Jose (out front)

#3 Jo’s Coffee, the side mural, S. Congress

Depending on your lighting and exposure, you can manipulate the color saturation of this mural, as I did above in each photo. The middle photo was taken in the evening, around 7ish, while the other two were taken midday.

#4 Blue tiled wall, East 5th Street close to Neches

 #5 Tesoro’s Trading Co. along S. Congress-mural on side of building (Elizabeth and Congress)

I love the color pop here.

#6 Behind Guero’s-love the brick surrounding

This is the side of the building, below the windows.

This is behind the building.

#7 UT campus, Longhorn grads usually want some photos near the towers or one of the many fountains

I made the props here, inspired by Pinterest of course!

#8 Zilker Botanical Gardens

This place does have restrictions for photos, and if being paid fees are involved as well, all rules and regulations can be found online.

#9 Greetings from Austin Mural, S. 1st and Annie (easy to miss if headed South on S. 1st, it is on the side of Roadhouse Relics, on the West bound side of the street

I am a big fan of “jumping” photos, just looks so playful!

Almost always parked outside Roadhouse Relics is this awesomely color aqua-ish old school truck. Also great for photos and nice color!

 

#10 Venturing on over to the East side-random tid bits. If you head by Progress Coffee shop and walk East, there’s a few spots that I like to take photos at. On the Northbound side of the street are a few little designs painted on the concrete of this blockade (see below).

Across the street on the South side, what I think now is a farmer’s market or at time a concert venue used to be an Art place. There are a few painted warehouse doors–

#11 Cenote Coffee shop. Also on the East side, cute couches, nice patio tables outside and splashes of color, sure there are plenty of Austin coffee shops, but I found this one had more charm (plus my friend owns it-keep Austin weird, support local!)

#12 Another East Austin Mural (which can also be found on 5th and Congress in different colors) ‘Til Death Do Us Part Mural.

#13 Lamar People’s Bridge. Sure there are lots of great skyline shots around Austin, and from the S. 1st and S. Congress bridge, but this one I like because you have great East and West views encompassing some of the best parts of Austin.

 

This photo above is the West facing views–I hate it when cars get in my shots, but not good at Photoshop to delete it just yet!

The other places I would like to add to my list, but don’t have any examples, because I have yet to take photos there (of other people, I have however gone around with a friend and snapped a few). is

• Rainey Street-the old houses give a nice vintage look, especially Lustre Pearl, in my opinion. Some of the rooms have great color, fireplace, and plenty of nice touches, there are always the outdoor picnic tables and chairs outside as well.
• The Capitol Building-an Austin Icon, or at least a photo in the midst of S. Congress with the beautiful building behind it
• Mt. Bonnell-a scenic and tall point of Austin Tx, with a good enough camera you may be able to capture the city skyline behind your subject
• Paramount Theatre-Another cool building, with great architecture, not sure how I’d go about getting inside there for some photos and getting all those awesome lights on, but definitely could be cool.
• Big Top Candy Shop on S. Congress. Great colors, lots of vintage things that could be used as props (so long as you didn’t break anything and bought a treat I am sure they’d be ok with it)

I know there are plenty of cool Austin places I am missing. Sometimes the coolest/prettiest pictures are ones where people are doing the most natural of things. Sitting on a picnic bench in front of a food trailer, walking in a park, sitting on a porch swing, but hopefully the above list added a few ideas to your list.

If you have any ideas or places that you think are fabulous as well-please let me know! I love hearing new ideas!

If you want to be a subject some time feel free to email me! AshleyBrinkman@gmail.com…Happy to do it, perfecting on my own as I can. Not good at children just yet, but getting there and will post some that I have done soon!

As always, thanks for readin’!

-Ashley Brinkman