EMERALD CITY

Pike Place Market - View of Bainbridge Island - Market Theatre gum wall - Local street art

Seattle was a city loaded with mystery and charm. The cooler foggy weather gave me the chance to drink more coffee too which, let’s face it, is never a bad idea and as the birthplace of Starbucks I was not complaining. We stayed in Belltown which was an edgy, arty part of town. It was an easy walk downtown to Pike Place Market which, on a Sunday, was sensory overload. The market was the centre of the city, full of smells, noise and people. Due to the cloudy weather, a few locals said not to worry about the Space Needle. Instead we walked around, snapped a few photos then headed to the EMP Museum which pays homage to Seattle’s local music acts, including Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. As for cafes, Victrola Coffee Roasters in Capitol Hill made a great latte and Local 360 in Belltown served incredible vegan buttermilk pancakes. We also stopped by Ltd Art Gallery which displays a selection of modern, pop and surrealist work. Seattle was a city alive with diversity. It was embracing and proudly unique. A city I would happily visit again.

HARBOUR LIFE

My photographer friend, Aleena, took these back in September. On this hot summer day it’s hard to believe I was wearing jeans just three months ago. During the cooler months my go-to outfit is a button up shirt and jeans. I lived in this combo during winter and our US trip. I love Sydney and there’s nothing more iconic than the harbour. Dining along Circular Quay is always a must when visiting and, of course, a trip to Bondi. I’m hoping to get back there in January so watch this space.

BOSTON, I LOVE YOU

Trinity Church - Boston Common- Strawberry & Banana Waffles- Boston streets- Charles River Basin

Boston is filled with a rich history, impressive architecture and, in my opinion, is a city home to the world’s coolest accent. Boston lived up to all of my expectations, and more. We stayed in Back Bay, a French inspired neighbourhood that is beaming with life. Our days were spent wandering through Copley Square, admiring the Boston City Library, the John Hancock Building and Trinity Church. Renovated terrace houses line leafy Newbury Street, the heart of the suburb. Here you will find some of the city’s quirkiest boutiques and cafes. Trident Booksellers & Café was a favourite of mine. Fresh waffles and coffee became a staple for breakfast. Cafeteria was a go-to for dinner and their parmesan fries were insanely good. The Red Sox were playing during our stay and although tickets were sold out, we spent an afternoon exploring Fenway Park- the nation’s oldest ballpark. On our last day we followed the footsteps of revolutionary heroes, walking from Boston Common to Monument Hill. The Freedom Trail is a must for history buffs like myself. I have a feeling my love for Europe was part to blame for my obsession with this city and the New England area. Boston’s European flair made me feel at home and by the end of our stay my boyfriend and I were looking at real estate windows, dreaming of one day living there.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

NYC buildings - Saturdays NYC - Pinkberry - SoHo streets - Top of the Rock - Magnolia's Bakery - Bleecker Street - Times Square - Brooklyn Bridge

New York City has the ability to captivate your every sense. It is, for me, a place of dreams. Anything, everything is possible. The city was buzzing with tourists during our July visit but it didn’t stop us from enjoying the main attractions. Top of the Rock at sunset was the best $25 I have ever spent and a view I will never forget. A red velvet cupcake from Magnolia’s Bakery is another must, especially if you’re a Sex and the City lover. With Starbucks in one hand and Pinkberry in another, my boyfriend and I spent our week exploring Central Park, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, shopping in SoHo and admiring the incredible sky scraping buildings. It really is a concrete jungle. Friends warned me the affect this city would have on me. They were right. New York really is a place apart.