Tag: pictures

Meet Vincent

Hola everyone.

How are you all doing on this beautiful Monday? Another week, another new start, am I right? Actually, this is the last Monday I’ll be spending in London for over a month, as I’m flying home for my birthday and the Easter holidays on Saturday. And then, when I’m back, I’ll have about two months here and then summer will have come and my second year at BIMM will end. I’m sure the last year at uni will go by just as quickly as this one. And then it will be time for me to get a job and become a real adult. Ugh.

.

But hey, let’s not think about that just now and worry about stuff that’s still in the future. Because, right now, I’m doing absolutely fantastic and I don’t think I could be doing any better. This is partly because of me living in London, basically the greatest city ever, and my amazing friends here and all the crazy, exciting stuff we do. And today, I’d like to show you some pictures of one of the events I went to with my very good friend Lauren a few days ago. It was beautiful. Please enjoy.

.

As some of you might know, I’m a huge fan of art and painters, especially Monet and Van Gogh, and whenever there’s a chance for me to go to a museum or some cool art installation, you can bet that I’ll be there. So when I saw a few months ago that there would be a special Van Gogh exhibition coming to London, I immediately added it to my list of things I wanted to do in the city. And after a bit of a wait, it was finally time for us to the step into the magnificent world of Vincent Van Gogh.

.

I’m not going to lie, it was pretty amazing and unlike anything I have ever seen. I don’t want to completely spoil it for you, as some of you might want to go and as I would totally recommend doing that too, so I’ll just say that the exhibition lets you get to know Van Gogh unlike any other museum or exhibition I’ve ever been to. It truly is absolutely magnificent. And if you go see it, don’t forget to take your camera with you, because there will be multiple occasions where you will want to take a picture, trust me. And speaking of that, here are some of my favourite pictures that I took that day. Some were taken on my camera, some with my phone. But all of them are fantastic and I’m so incredibly happy that we got to go to the exhibition. What a wonderful experience.

.

{“subsource”:”done_button”,”uid”:”72DF58CA-AB7F-488A-8A5A-75EF14CDD83A_1583381977800″,”source”:”other”,”origin”:”gallery”,”source_sid”:”72DF58CA-AB7F-488A-8A5A-75EF14CDD83A_1583381978548″}

.

And with that, we’ve already come to the end of today’s post. I hope you enjoyed reading about the exhibition and my pictures. If you’re interested in the installation or just want to find out more about it, here’s the link to the website. As always, I’d love to hear your opinions, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. And until then I wish you all a great week and thanks for reading. x

A trip to another world

Hola everyone.

How are you all doing on this wonderful Monday? I hope you’re feeling good. I, on my behalf, am feeling absolutely fantastic. The past few days couldn’t have been any better. I went down to Brighton with my friend on Saturday, had the best last shift at work yesterday and tomorrow I’ll be seeing Tom (Rosenthal, duh) for a special Christmas gig. And, let’s not forget, I’ll be on my way home in two days. Absolute perfection. And also, another thing I did last week, which is also the reason for today’s post, is that I visited the Natural History Museum here in London with my friend Lauren. And oh wow, it was absolutely fantastic. As you can probably guess, I couldn’t resist taking my camera with me to snap some pictures, which I can’t wait to share with you today.

.

Before we get into the mass beautiful black and white shots, here’s a walkthrough of the whole experience. For a start – I walked in and immediately felt like I had stepped into Disneyland. I’m not even joking. Because, hear me out, there was this huge escalator right at the entrance that disappeared into a planet-like orb at the top. Have any of you ever been to Disneyland and seen the Space Mountain roller coaster? Because this might as well have been the entrance to that. I was amazed. And after that little “ride” on that escalator (HA), the museum continued to blow me away with every single part of the exhibition. There were an earthquake simulator, glass cases full of twinkling diamonds and gems, too many to count them, the skeleton of a whale and even a complete model of the moon floating in the middle of a room. All in all, it was absolutely magical and I enjoyed every second of it. Not to mention that just the plain sensation of walking through the beautiful building was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t help but feel like I had just entered Hogwarts as we walked into the main hall.

.

If you ever get the chance to visit the museum, I can only highly recommend it. It’s so much fun and really damn interesting. And, on top of that, it’s a treat for your wallet, because it’s completely free. What is there not to love about that? But yeah, until then I hope you enjoy reading about my little adventure and the pictures down below. As always, I would love to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to leave your comments and thoughts down below. And, of course, I wish you all a great week and thanks for reading. x

.

The Sounds of Heaven

Hola everyone.

And welcome back to my blog and also with that to another week. I hope the last week and weekend have been great and that you’re doing good. First of all, I need to apologise for not posting anything the past week. I was quite busy the last few days – good busy, not bad busy, thank god – and could unfortunately never find the right time to actually sit down and write something, although ever since Saturday the 19th – the one two weeks ago – I’ve had one post fully planned out. This one you’re reading right now, to be exact. And it’s a special one, I can tell you that. Because today, and finally, I have the honour of telling you everything about the very beautiful, super mesmerizing and absolutely unbelievable Amber Run gig I had the chance to attend. It was incredible. I can’t wait for you to read this.

..

Okay, so, first of all, the whole adventure started off with me – and buckle up for this – actually getting to interview these lovely guys from this incredible band. Joe, Henry, and Tom. The fantastic trio. And the ultimate reason for one of the most phenomenal days/evenings/nights of my entire life. I’m not gonna go into much detail about the whole interview, as all the gossip and stuff isn’t really my thing, but I do want to say that they were the nicest guys ever and that I still feel so incredibly honoured to have got the chance to meet them. I’ll definitely never ever forget it. And with that, it is also my pleasure to share the finished feature I wrote about our whole chat with you guys. So, if you want to check that out, please just click here and enjoy. Also, please don’t hesitate to tell me your thoughts if you do check it out. I appreciate any kind of feedback. Thank youuuu.

..

So, yeah, that was kind of the first part of the absolute madness that was that day. And I had every intention to fully enjoy every second of it. After the super lovely interview, I then obviously had to stay at the venue – the Roundhouse in London – in order to get to the front for the gig. You might think now that it could be a bit weird to be there as a journalist at first and then end up in the front row for the gig, but, in all honesty, I had waited for that gig for a long time and besides that, I’m also short, so it’s either the front or seats for me. And in that case, it had to be the front. Which I actually managed to get – I mean, it was second row, but let’s not be that strict, right -, which I’m still kind of proud of. I know, I know, I was one of the first people to actually get to the venue, so where else would I be, but still. I’m proud.

..

After quite some time of waiting outside and then inside, which mainly consisted of me sitting on the cold floor and fangirling about the interview with my friend, it was finally time for the support band – Stereo Honey – to come on stage and then, after them, Amber Run. I can’t even put into words how excited I was. Even after having spent quite some time with them chatting while being sat in a tiny room, it was still so incredible to see them on stage. Maybe also because it was my first time of seeing them live. Either way, if anyone ever looked professional and at ease with what they’re doing, it was definitely them. And I truly, truly loved that. You know, whenever a band is on stage, playing live, and really shows and lets the crowd know that they are enjoying the moment just as much as the people attending the gig, the whole thing levels up by about a hundred for me. It just completely changes the overall dynamic in the room when the artists are as happy as the crowd. And that’s why it matters so much to me. I want the band or the artist to be happy. Just as happy as I am in that moment. And I think, on that particular Saturday, the whole room was definitely just one big heap of happiness (and maybe a bit of melancholic sadness in-between, depending on the song they were playing).

..

Out of the whole one and a half hours, there were quite a few highlights, which I do have to talk about because I simply can’t help myself. The first one definitely has to be finally getting to hear ‘Amen’ and ‘I Found’ live. I cried during both of them. Both kinda broke my heart – ‘Amen’ a tad more simply because of its story and existence in general (or how Joe put it – it was peak emo). And both were an experience that I could only describe as heavenly and otherworldly. I mean, the whole gig in itself felt like a trip to heaven for a few reasons. For once, there’s Joe’s voice. If you don’t know how it sounds, please go and check it out now, because I simply have no words to describe how beautiful it is. Then there’s the fantastic band. And last but not least, there were the moments I will forever cherish when all three of them – Joe, Henry (their keyboardist) and Tom (their bassist) – sang together. I can’t even describe what their voices combined sounded like. Heaven. They sounded like heaven. And they made me feel like I was in heaven.

.

Besides that, there was also this very cute moment when they started playing ‘What Could Be As Lonely’, which is one of my absolute favourites and also funnily enough one of theirs as well, and Henry, who was right in front of me, and I had this very fun moment of complete understanding and excitement. The story to that is that we had discussed the song during the interview and at the end they had said that they would make sure to play the song. So, when they played it, Henry looked at me with that look of “AHA! There you go.” on his face and I just laughed at him and gave him two thumbs up. It was such a sweet moment, honestly. Actually having a real interaction with the band during the gig is literally one of the best things ever.

.

And last but not least I have to mention the moment when all the crying on my behalf started, which was when they played ‘Affection’. I mean, this one has always had a special place in my heart as it was the first song I heard of their newest album, but what made it all even more incredible was that they actually had the singer of Stereo Honey come up on stage to perform the song with them. Have any of you guys ever had to cry because something was too beautiful to cope? Because that was exactly what happened to me while I was listening to them and watching them. It was just so damn beautiful. And wholesome. And cute. It was simply perfect.

.

Actually, that’s what I would call the whole day/night overall. It was nothing short of perfection. As soon as the gig had ended, I fell in this kind of trance. It had really been this good. I felt like I was on a cloud or something. And I know this might sound super crazy now, but out of the over 170 artists I’ve seen live over the course of my whole life, that band and that gig definitely earned a spot in my top 10. And that’s really saying something. I’m easily excited and interested, but not like that. Amber Run did more than just excite and interest me. So much more.

.

Also, absolute probs to their whole team and especially their stage and light designers, because, heck, what a show. I mean, just take a look at the pics down below. How beautiful does that look? With the colours and the sign and just everything. So pretty.

.

.

So, overall, that Saturday, that interview, that gig and Amber Run created something magical that I had never experienced before and I will forever be grateful for that and cherish every single moment. If any of you guys ever get the chance to see these incredible guys live, please please please do yourself a favour and go to the show. Even if you don’t know their music. Trust me, you’ll love them. And obviously, checking them out on Spotify is a must as well. And until then, I can only hope that you enjoyed reading about this magical, heavenly day/night that I got to experience. I’m utterly happy that I got to share it with you and I can’t wait to hear all your opinions. And as always, I wish you all an amazing week and, of course, thanks for reading. x

My favourite photographers

Hola everyone.

And welcome to another week. I hope, so far, your Monday has been great and that you’re all doing good. I’m currently sitting in my room at home in London, typing this, while my playlist (link here) is playing in the background. Unfortunately I’ve been ill the past few days, so this is how I’ve spent most of my time. Also a reason why I woke up today not really having a plan of what to write about. But then I remembered this one series that I started a few months ago and I immediately knew what I had to do. So, once again, the time has come to celebrate the amazingness that is photography and all the fantastic photographers behind these works of art that we, as human beings and art lovers, like to hang up in our rooms, look at and maybe even create ourselves. That’s also part of the reason why photography is such a phenomenal art form – it doesn’t exclude. There are no rules that decide what is good and what is bad. Everyone can do anything with a camera or a phone or any technical device that includes a camera. Photography is open to everyone and anyone and that’s why I love it so much.

.

Obviously, as with any sector that includes humans and requires them doing something, there are a few people that are especially talented and fantastic at what they’re doing. This also goes for photography. In my past posts of this series, I’ve introduced you to the incredible Brad Heaton (click me) and the unbelievable Will Darbyshire (click me too). Both of these creative minds are artists I look up to and admire with my whole being. And today, I would like to introduce you to another uber-amazing photographer. Today, it is my honour, to introduce you to the fantastic Brittany O’Brien, who I got to know through my love for the awesome band Hippo Campus. Ever since then, I’ve been following her account on Instagram and, let me just say, when it comes to music photography, she’s definitely one of the best out there.

.

Her way of catching moments and seconds through the camera lens and turning them into pieces of art is absolutely incredible. I’m especially in love with tour shots, but not from the concerts themselves but from moments besides the gigs. When they are just sitting around, maybe having dinner, lying in the grass outside. Normal stuff. I don’t know why, but they intrigue me the most. Besides that, Brit also does film photography, which I probably don’t have to explain why I’m a big, big fan of that. So, all in all, I’m so, so happy that I get to tell you about this amazing woman and her phenomenal art.

.

And so, without further ado, let’s get to the most important part – the pictures. I dearly hope you enjoy them just as much as I do. All of them were taken during the last Hippo Campus tour (I got them from Brit’s official page, all credits go to her, of course). And yeah, what can I say – I just love them. Please enjoy.

.

 

not my picture; all credits go to Brittany O’Brien

.

If you want to find out more about Brit or simply can’t get enough of her pics, here are the links to her website and her Instagram. And yeah, please also let me know what you thought/think about this post, so please don’t hesitate to leave your comments down below. And, as always, I wish you all a nice week and thanks for reading. x

Finally, London

Hola everyone.

Oh my god, I don’t even know where to begin. First of all, I’m so so so sorry for not posting anything for so long. But, and here comes the biggest news of, like, ever, I didn’t get to write anything as I moved to London a few days ago. I moved to London. I now live in London. London has become my home. No matter how many times and in whichever way I say it to myself, I’ll probably never realize it a hundred percent. I can’t believe is this is really happening. It feels like a dream.

.

You can probably guess that this is what today’s post is going to be about because I can’t even put into words how happy I am ever since I came here, so I have to share this happiness. It has literally been the best time ever. First of all, I have to say that this, the move to London and the ability to call London my home, has been one of my biggest goals for over 10 years. I remember when I first came to London, during a school trip, I immediately fell in love with the city. It was then that I knew that this place was where I wanted to live, where I wanted to spend my life, even if it would just be a part of it. So I dreamed about London for years and years and years and worked my butt off to get where I am right now. Whether it was my uni degree or just actively talking to people and going to places to make it happen, I did everything I could to have my dream become reality. Obviously, this also could’ve never happened without the unreal support of my family and friends, so the biggest thanks go to them. I’ll be forever grateful for everything they’ve done and still do for me. I love them, with all my heart. And now, after so many years, I’m finally able to call this amazing city, this heaven of a place, this absolute dream, my home. And I could cry just thinking about it.

.

Whenever I leave the house now, where I live with my best friend, just to mention that, – which obviously makes everything so much better and easier and even more perfect – I always get this sudden shock when the realization of where I am hits me. And with every step I take and every day I spent in this city, I fall more and more for it. It’s just so damn perfect. The architecture, the possibilities, the cinemas, the concerts, the people, the shops, the restaurants, just everything about it. It’s all so perfect. And now I live here and am able to take part in and make use of all of it. Just like that. How crazy is that? Also, I have to add that we also live together with the cutest cat and dog and I am so in love, this is literally more than I could’ve ever wished for (besides being able to shrink my house plus my family and take them with me).

.

I also started uni today, which, unsurprisingly, was absolutely amazing as well. You know, even after having decided to transfer to London, I was still worried a bit that I maybe had made the wrong choice. But oh no. The building is awesome, the teachers seem super lovely and motivated and so far the class has been super nice as well. I was a bit nervous walking into a class of people who’ve already spent a year together, but in reality, I didn’t feel weird at all. And, in the end, it’s just uni. The most important part is to enjoy the time and make the most of it. And I’m so planning on doing that. Also, I think I’m probably one of the only students who are actually happy to be back at university. In all honesty, I really did miss it. So much. The lectures and the teachers and just the learning. The truth is, once you actually get to study something you really enjoy and love, even a 9am lecture is fun. It’s all about loving what you do.

.

And now I’m sitting in my room, in the middle of Brixton, and I still can’t really fathom that I’m really here, with Leni just a few stairs away and the city welcoming me with open arms and waiting for me to explore it. I can only think of the future and of all the exciting things that are going to happen and, honestly, I can’t wait. This is exactly where I need to be. London is finally mine and it feels good to be home. Finally.

.

Of course, I am planning on taking you all with me on this journey in and through London, so please stay tuned for more exciting adventures. Obviously, if you’ve got any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them and your other thoughts down below. I’m so happy that I get to share all of this with you and I really look forward to more. But until then I wish you all an amazing week and hope that you’re doing good. And, as always, thanks for reading. x

Ps: Ed just opened his own bar called Bertie Blossoms in Notting Hill and obviously I had to visit it as soon as possible. It’s literally the cutest place ever. Might have to save up some money to have dinner there some time. It’s a must, let’s be real. Pics are below.

.

 

Salzburg – Part Two

Hola everyone.

How are well all doing on this fantastic Friday? I hope so far you’ve had an amazing week and that you’re doing good. As mentioned in my last post about my trip to Salzburg with my mum (click here to check that one out), today is the day I get to share the second stock of photos I took of and in this phenomenal city with you. This time, with my iPhone 6s. The funny thing is, although I have a real, professional camera (Sony Alpha 6000), I sometimes actually prefer the photos I take with my phone. I can’t even tell why. It’s mostly just because of the overall feeling the pictures give me. The vibe. And I think, sometimes, when they’re in a good mood, phone cameras are extremely talented when it comes to capturing moments and emotions. Just the overall feel of a certain part in time. A certain second.

.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that I think that phone cameras are better than professional ones. Not at all. The contrary, actually. But even I don’t always get to take my camera with me all the time and in those moments it’s nice to know that my phone can also work its own magic. Also, it’s another plus for anyone who wants to get started in photography and who can’t afford a good camera just now. This way, even phone cameras are a nice thing to start with. And in the end, it’s all about getting started and working with what you got anyway. And to never stop fighting for your passion and what you want.

.

Which brings me to another thing I want to talk to you about before we get to the pictures. Because today, guys, isn’t just a simple Friday, like any other. It’s not just another Friday the 20th. No. Today is a very special day. A day I’ve been waiting for and dreaming about for over nine years. Today is the day I am finally, truly, officially moving to the greatest city on earth. Today, guys, I’m moving to London. My London. My love. And on top of that, with my best friend. Even while typing this, I can’t believe it’s really happening. I’ll probably write another post about this whole, completely unbelievable thing that’s happening right now later, but for now, all I can say is that I can’t really say anything. I’m speechless. Unable to truly understand what is going on. That this dream, this ultimate goal I’ve had for some many years, that I’ve tried to reach and work towards for such a long time, is really coming true. I can’t even begin to explain what this means to me. To be able to say that I now live in London is absolutely mind-blowing. My favorite place on earth. My dream. My love.

.

At this point, I have to thank everyone and anyone who helped me on this crazy path, especially my friends and above all my parents, because without them I’d never be where I am right now. I’d never be able to call London my new home. And for this, I’ll be forever grateful. And I really hope that I can, one time, give some of that back. Also, for the sake of loving yourself, I lastly need to thank myself. I truly worked my ass off for this, to reach this place I am in right now and I’m just so damn glad that I fought when it was needed, stayed strong when I thought all was lost and never stopped believing in my dreams even when people made me feel like some crazy person. It was all worth it. So, please, just for the sake of yourself, please please please never stop fighting for what you want and believe in. Never.

.

And with that, I’m going to stop because I’m about to tear up here and we don’t want that. I’ll now let the remaining pictures of the beautiful Salzburg do the rest of the talking and with that, I hope that you enjoy them. As always, please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts and comments down below. The next time you’ll read from me, I’ll already be living in London. Complete madness. But the best I could wish for. And until then, I wish you all a lovely weekend and, of course, thanks for reading. London, here I come. x

.