haleydaytoday
Day to Day
78 posts
I'm Haley! I travel, capture, and post.
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
November 2018
Five reasons why the eleventh month was wonderful. 
1. The first day marked my birthday. This is wonderful because it means cake, a dinner date, and treating myself to something. This year, my cake was gluten free, my dinner date was take out pizza, and my treat was a pampering for my poor feet. 
Tumblr media
Baked a sheet cake, cut it in half and stacked the halves on top of each other with a layer of icing and sprinkles in between. 
Tumblr media
The chef is gluten free, but I’m not sure if that is enough justification for MY cake to be...
Tumblr media
This isn’t even a great photo. But still, proof I did a bit of self care for a new year. 
2. I traveled to a new state! I undoubtedly love traveling and what always makes a trip extra exciting is when the plane takes me somewhere new. In November I spent a long weekend in Washington, visiting Seattle. You can read more about it here. 
Tumblr media
We always take this photo when visiting a new place. I think it’s our little way of marking that we stepped foot somewhere.
Tumblr media
Not your typical Seattle photo, but I loved this point of view! 
3. I attended a live podcast event in D.C. Have you ever done this? Preet Bharara hosted a live taping of his NPR show, Stay Tuned with Preet, in downtown D.C. I tagged along with someone else who is a big fan (this podcast is not in my itunes library) and figured I would just suffer through. Preet had on Chuck Todd and surprisingly it made for a great evening and interesting conversation. 
Tumblr media
Okay now THIS is a terrible photo...
4. My business is growing! Back over the summer I launched my business and website, Haley Day Photography. Clients are steadily showing interest and I have sessions booked through spring of 2019! 
Tumblr media
Shooting location for a recent portrait session! 
Tumblr media
My brother’s dog is my client and we had a lovely session together. 
5. November means family and the start of the holiday season. I spent a lot of time at home for November. My birthday starts off the month, my brothers follows two weeks after, and the third week is Thanksgiving. It feels so good to be at home surrounded by family while the days get shorter and the nights turn colder. 
Tumblr media
Thanksgiving with my family, we’re a bunch of well dressed goons. 
Tumblr media
We bought a Christmas tree! And a tree skirt! And ornaments! And some 100 more after this photo was taken. 
Cheers to my 25th year and all it had to bring. I can’t wait to see what 26 will turn out to be.
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
Seattle, Washington
For some reason we scheduled our Seattle trip to take place in November. 
If you do a quick google search, “Things to do in Seattle in November” you’ll find that the worst month to visit Seattle (or Washington for that matter) is November. 
Some roads begin to require chains. Hiking trails and National Parks are closed. There is no sunlight.  The weather is constantly rainy, foggy, dark and cold. (Can ‘dark’ be weather?)
But nevertheless, the second week of November we flew out to Washington to experience Seattle for a long weekend...
and we had perfect weather. 
Tumblr media
The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
I’m starting at the beginning of our vacation and what also happened to be our favorite activity - Boeing’s factory tour! This tour is open to the public but does require purchasing tickets ahead of time. I would recommend booking at least a month in advance to ensure the date and time you want. We booked as late as three weeks out and had some limitations in our options. During this tour you’ll get to see the Boeing Everett Factory (the largest manufacturing building in the world) and witness first-hand the assembly of airplanes. The tour is about 90 minutes in length, a reasonable price, and doesn’t involve much physical ability. It was absolutely fascinating watching the assembly of a 747-8 (the worlds longest airliner), learning about the new 777 and of course laying eyes on the now popular, 787 Dreamliners.  Boeing's Factory is equipped with a runway and you’ll be able to see planes take off for their test flights! Everett is located just 20 minutes north of Seattle and this tour is definitely worth the drive! 
I spent $78.00 in their gift shop and I have zero photos of this experience because...secrets (no photography is allowed). It was the best! 
Pike Place Market 
I am juxtaposing our favorite activity with Pike Place Market, our least favorite experience in Seattle. It’s not that I wouldn’t recommend doing this, I would just want to prepare you for the crowds, the shouting, and the feeling of being thrown into a river that is headed downstream. Pike Place is full of Seattle culture and really unique experiences. Here you can see the original Starbucks, which opened in 1971 on 1st & Pike, and if you hang around by the seafood you can watch the entertaining art of fish throwing. Either way, take your time to mosey through the market and speak to the merchants. Here you can find some truly special souvenirs and you’ll certainly make a memory to bring back home. 
Tumblr media
Space Needle 
As more of an “obligated-to” and less of a “must-do”, on our last day in Seattle we headed up to the observatory deck in the Space Needle. Tickets for the Space Needle are surprisingly expensive (much like everything in Seattle, for that matter) so we tried to make the most of our dollar and purchased the combo ticket, featuring both entrance to the Space Needle and Chihuly Glass Garden. The garden was already on our list of things to do so the combo ticket was a natural option for us. However there are other combo tickets available, paring nighttime with daytime, or the Woodland Park Zoo or Children’s museum.
With the chaos and gift shop below aside, the observatory deck is pretty straight forward and a quick activity. The Space Needle has two ways for you to experience the Seattle skyline. The upper deck features an indoor/outdoor all glass observatory and benches called Skyrisers while the lower deck (called the Loupe) features a revolving glass floor.
While this is a quick activity, I certainly had fun, definitely got freaked out and it was a nice way to see the city from above!
Tumblr media
Chihuly Garden and Glass
With everything we did in Seattle (and for how long this post is!), the Chihuly Glass Garden was my favorite experience. The garden came highly recommended by friends, co-workers, and travel bloggers. For a pretty forthright name (glass garden), what you will find is pretty indescribable. Chihuly creates a magical and beautiful exhibit out of blown glass and every room differs from the next. Grab your camera and spend time wandering around here. While most of the exhibits are indoors, some of the best sculptures are outside in the garden, so watch the weather before you buy your tickets.
Tumblr media
Kerry Park 
Kerry Park is where you can snag your iconic Seattle skyline photograph. Be prepared for this to be more of a grassy area than an actual park (the park is just over one acre). You’ll find parallel street parking, a statue, some benches and one hell of a view. 
Tumblr media
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
Visit this park after your Boeing factory tour. Mukilteo is just 15 minutes from Everett and well worth the quick stop. This park has its own parking lot (you’ll need to pay for at the kiosk) and on your way you’ll travel downhill, getting to see the iconic Washington ferries. This waterfront park has an adorable lighthouse and keeper houses to view and a paved walking path for you to enjoy a walk along the waterfront. 
Tumblr media
Theo Chocolate Factory 
This tour barely made it in our trip and I am so thankful it did! I discovered this tour through one of my favorite bloggers, the Everywhereist. As a Washington native and a name like ‘Everywhereist,’ I was quick to take her word and ignore some of the negative reviews on TripAdvisor. This tour is a cheap ticket and only 45 minutes but well worth it! I don’t want to give too much away and many reviews online will tell you what to expect. But I will say, it was so fascinating learning about the bean and how Theo came to be a USDA organic, Non-GMO, Fair Trade certified chocolate factory. Theo is small, charming, and delicious! This tour includes lots of taste tasting (some gluten free, some not) and this is the only gift shop you won’t mind being dropped into at the end of the tour.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Alki Beach Park
For a small moment and an even smaller park, I dare say this was my favorite photograph location from our trip. Just a short drive away from Seattle, across the water, is Alki Beach. Alki is a precious town outlined by charming homes, restaurants, and the Seattle skyline. This beach park has a very easy parking lot to access and it’s free. We loved this spot (and shot!) so much that we visited at both sunset and night.  
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Snoqualmie Falls 
Just 35 minutes east of Seattle are the stunning Snoqualmie Falls. The falls make for a great excursion if you are looking for a free activity that is easily accessible and outdoors! 
Compared to some of the other nature hikes in Washington (Mt St. Helens, Mt Rainier and Olympic National Park) Snoqualmie has a convenient parking lot, an easy walking path, and many overlooks and viewing areas. 
Two tips if you decide to add this to your itinerary: 
Decide ahead of time which parking lot you will use. There are two upper lots and one lower lot. Of the two upper lots, one will cost $5.00, while the other lot across the street is free and provides access to the falls via a walking bridge. The free lot is not much farther but does get filled up quickly! Additionally, when we went to visit, after viewing the upper falls we drove down to the lower falls, only to find that the lower parking lot was closed due to weather conditions. 
Watch the weather! If the clouds are low or the day is particularly cloudy, the falls will disappear. We visited twice before being able to see the falls, the first attempt was a foggy failure! I would recommend visiting in the afternoon, when the earth and air are both warm from the sun. I attempted an early morning photoshoot and encountered the mountains fog. Luckily, these falls are just a short distance and the drive (or two) is breathtaking! 
Tumblr media
After our four days on the beautiful West Coast, we found ourselves more in love with Washington state than the city of Seattle itself. Give yourself the time to leave the city and wander around some of Washington’s beautiful national parks. 
You might just find that it’s your favorite part. 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
October 2018
October was a great month for me, personally and professionally. October means that my birthday is nearing and it is time for me to do lots of things that make me feel like I didn’t have a useless year.
Do you do that? I do that.
Here is what I did to myself in my last 30 days of 25.
I photographed my first wedding! 
This is definitely the highlight of my October and it just may be the highlight of my year. Back in August I launched my business and one of my first bookings was a wedding! Booking this client was a mental change for me, I started viewing myself a business owner rather than a simple hobby photographer. I created business cards, client contracts and service agreements. I had to build my own website and figure out a work flow and delivery method - it was amazing, both for me and my business! I shot with a second photographer which helped quell some nerves, but I’m not sure anything can take the stress away of capturing a first look or a first kiss!
Tumblr media
When you have to use a suitcase to carry all your gear...
Tumblr media
Just a little happy 
I finished the great Pumpkin Run! I guess races make me feel good about myself, because it seems I have a habit of registering for one as my next birthday closes in. Note to self - start running races once a season, not just annually. This year was the Great Pumpkin Run, which is sponsored by Sour Fish Events and hosted on a beautiful farm in PA, Froehlich's Farm & Garden Center. The races earns you a medal, an apple cider, entrance to the farm for the day and a pumpkin (if you’re tough enough to run your race while carrying it.) I ran with a bunch of girlfriends I have in that area and our race day was a brisk 48 degrees and muddy as hell.
Is hell a muddy place? 
I imagine it might be, because running 3 miles with your feet sinking into inches of cold, runny, shitty (probably) mud, was torturous.
Tumblr media
Guess who was the only one in the group who didn’t brave carrying a pumpkin? 
I chopped off a lot of my hair! So, turns out a shorter look for me does not make me look like a young professional woman, just a child. I got off work one day, headed to the salon for a pedicure and hopes of a fresh look. Now, I’ll be living in lob regret for the next five months.
Tumblr media
TOO SHORT. NOT MENTALLY PREPARED. 
I got a library card!  See? I do things that make me feel like it was a good, purposeful year. 
But for real, I use this thing like every other week. I have worked my way through a handful of books, I started Rosetta Stone for Spanish and I have borrowed a ladder. A LADDER.
I was Velma for Halloween! This is making the October post because I was not anything for Halloween 2017 and when I look back in time I want to remember that I took the time, energy and money to look exactly like Velma Dinkley for Halloween 2018.
Tumblr media
We nailed it, if I do say so myself. 
I got tickets to Pete Souza’s Shade Book Tour Pete Souza served as the White House photographer for Obama’s presidency. In 2017 he published his first book, Obama: An Intimate Portrait and in 2018 he released his newest book, SHADE. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this event but it was everything I didn’t know I wanted. Pete showed us never seen before pictures and told us behind-the-scenes stories from many notable days during Obama’s presidency. 
It made for a great night out in D.C. and gave us an inside look at George Washington University! 
Tumblr media
Pete is not only a talented photographer, but also hilarious.
I took myself to Red Door Salon as my birthday present! Each year I always like to treat myself with a birthday present. This started back on my 21st birthday when I gave myself the present of red hair. A long time desire but with an expensive maintenance fee. Typically I treat myself to a salon, a quick trip or a couple new items for my wardrobe. This year, it was a (ridiculously expensive) facial. The Red Door is a Elizabeth Arden salon and spa, known for its luxurious and relaxing treatments and experience. I was certainly treated: drinks, snacks, a robe, slippers along with beautiful bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, and seating areas. But, lovely things like these come at a cost. The facial was long and relaxing and my skin was glowing for a day or two...but I don’t think I will be giving this gift to myself again. 
Maybe next year a nice...lunch will do. 
Tumblr media
Only picture I have, the lobby. I had my phone locked away for the rest of the experience. 
October ended with the anticipation of my 26th birthday at midnight.  And just like that, a new year of my life began. 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
Cancun, Mexico
Scrolling through my pictures, it appears the only (notable) thing I did in September was sit on a beach. Which, is fitting because the entire reason I pressed so hard for a beach vacation was so I could finally have some time to myself with a beach, book, and an empty to-do list. So, for the first time I am letting a travel post also serve as my monthly update post.
In September 2018, I went traveled to Cancun, Mexico. 
Tumblr media
Sorry if you hate feet.
Trying to make the most of a holiday, we lined up a vacation during Labor Day weekend. For this trip I just needed a lot of free time and not many places to be, thankfully Marriott Cancun delivered. 
Tumblr media
MCancun! 
So for four days we lounged around this incredibly gorgeous resort. Our room had a breathtaking view, the pool was just luxurious, and all the staff were so gracious and friendly.
Tumblr media
Room view!
Tumblr media
Came back to this on our final night thanks to the amazing staff! 
The hotel itself was uniquely indoor and outdoors all at the same time. Some hallways felt like a grand hotel while others felt like a remote resort.
Tumblr media
Outdoors! 
Tumblr media
Indoors! 
If we weren’t laying poolside we were walking along the beach. If the beach got too hot we cooled down under the patio for some life size games. If I woke up early I went to morning Yoga and if I slept in late we headed right to lunch.
Tumblr media
Poolside 
Tumblr media
We played Checkers and Jenga!
On day three I worked up the courage for my first ever message. How awkward is the part where, you know, GET NAKED?
And on day four I ordered a table-side caesar.
Tumblr media
This isn’t excessive. 
I read three books. I drank virgin mojitos daily.
And I dare say my spray tan looked pretty convincing.
Tumblr media
Happy Haley! 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
August 2018
August, the marking an end. The end of summer,  the end of long days, the end of child’s play. 
Summer is my favorite season and I certainly held on to every last drop of sunshine August had to offer. Here is how I spent it - 
Hosting my sister 
The title for first-visitor-and-family-member-who-loves-me-most goes to, my sister! My sister and her boyfriend came down for a weekend in August, my first timing hosting! With a sunny weekend we spent the day Saturday shopping in North Bethesda, watching planes land at BWI, and licking ice cream cones at my favorite spot. The best part aside from a sleepover with my sissy? Sunday’s breakfast featuring a dozen Georgetown Cupcakes. 
Tumblr media
 Buying a Car
In July, our older car really started to take a turn for the worse and August offered us no mercy. The car continued to overheat, leak oil, and blow tires. We tried quick fixes, spent money on new tires, and lost time taking it into shops. But by the final engine failure, the cost of repair wasn’t worth the value of keeping it and so we began our hunt. 
Tumblr media
Adding oil after work in order to make it home...
Tumblr media
Flat tire...while in a car dealer parking lot! 
Our hunt took us to the very end of August, a good time for “final summer days” sales and squeezing car salesmen. While shopping we had a couple of okay experiences, one awful experience and a fine one at the very end. At 9:00pm on a Wednesday night we shook hands with a salesman and drove off the lot with our new car. 
Launching my Photography Business 
For years I have been photographing my friends, family, and vacations as an amature. Over time I invested in my gear (bodies, lens, editing software) and started saying “yes” to photoshoots.
Family photos, senior portraits, engagement photos, ...even a surprise proposal.
In August, I was referred by a friend and I booked my first wedding.
I put off starting a photography business for a long time. I didn’t feel that my skills or products were strong enough and I certainly didn’t feel as if I could justify charging money for something I genuinely took pleasure in.
But after receiving encouragement of my friends, love from my clients and a few features on instagram, I took the leap and launched my business.
You can find and follow me at:
wwww.haleydayphotography.com Facebook Instagram
Tumblr media
Flying to Cancun
My company’s vacation policy is use-it-or-lose-it, so with the eighth month ending for 2018, this meant I only had four months left to burn the rest of my PTO off. All of 2017 brought me oversees and each time was a trip, not necessarily a vacation. So my criteria for one of our last vacations in 2018 was: island, all inclusive, and zero plans. Using points and miles we capitalized on the Labor Day weekend and on the last day of August we flew to Cancun. 
Tumblr media
...and I will pick up September there. 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
July 2018
I filled July with my favorite things: long summer nights, outside adventures and planes to new places. 
Tumblr media
Those are regular favorites for me, but early July brought a new favorite into my life - 9Round Kickboxing! 
Have you tried this yet? 
It’s a specialized gym, dedicated to kickboxing. You could say it is similar to Orange Theory, it’s a franchise and has become one of the most popular workouts you can pay for. I started July 2nd and in one month I saw incredible results. My boxing skills really developed (not that I had any to begin with) and my core strength and self confidence improved significantly. I try to go at least 3-4 times a week (which is their recommendation for guaranteed results) and I absolutely love it. It is totally kickass and the best part is that it is only a 30 minute circuit. 
Tumblr media
One of my first workouts. The goal is to spend little time in the red zone and most of your time in the yellow and green zone...oops.
Right around the corner brought July 4th. I used the holiday to see my best friend. We saw a movie and afterwards had dinner, then around 9:30pm my town set off Fireworks. 
Tumblr media
I grew up watching fireworks from my front yard, now I drive to the mall. Whatever works! 
Our second trip of the summer flew us into Boston. I write more about it here. We had a fantastic time whale watching, exploring the city, and indulging in all the food!
Tumblr media
We got such an incredible perspective of Boston from the Harbor. 
Tumblr media
Enjoying the best donut and view from our room. 
Mid July brought us lots of car trouble. We had (foreshadow) a 2002 Civic in our lineup and it really started to crap out by the time we got back from Boston. The engine was constantly overheating and two of the windows stopped working. The inside handles would randomly stop letting you out, leaving you locked inside the car, forced to climb over to the passenger side to set yourself free. Near its end we even experienced our first flat tire. We told ourselves we could make it until August and pushed off shopping...
Tumblr media
 Pulling over in a lot, waiting for the engine to cool down became a regular part of running errands.  
Tumblr media
Rocking that spare! 
Running from our car troubles, the last weekend of July we ditched the car for aircraft and flew to Georgia. Family friends of ours have a house in St. Simons Island, which is a beautiful beach town right on the coast of Georgia. I had never heard of it, but turns out it’s one of the most popular island destinations in the U.S. 
Tumblr media
New destination means new foot photo!
Downtown is everything you want it to be, a main street lined with restaurants and crafty gift shops. With a beautiful lighthouse and pier waiting for you at the end.
Tumblr media
St. Simon’s pier. 
We spent the long weekend on the beach, shopping around downtown and exploring the island. One afternoon we took a boat out from a marina and experienced their sunset cruise. We were taken out to the bay and searched for dolphins, turtles and birds. Early in the trip, one of my favorite places we came across was Driftwood Beach. This beach is on the north end of the island and is slowly eroding, which is killing the trees. It’s a sad, but beautiful graveyard that resembles driftwood. 
Tumblr media
Driftwood Beach.
I stayed in Georgia as late as possible on my last day, delaying the return to reality, and the page turn to August. 
1 note · View note
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
Boston, Massachusetts
For a quick weekend getaway, I flew up to one of my favorite cities - Boston! I took the afternoon flight out on Friday and spent the weekend as a true...  
*googles “Bostonian”*
Bostonian! 
Tumblr media
Boston’s beautiful harbor! 
Whale Watching
When planning what activities we wanted to experience in Boston, whale watching was at the top of my list. We researched a few places and eventually ended up booking our excursion with Boston Harbor Cruises.  The company offers a great rate and partners with the aquarium. Allowing you to easily buy combo tickets if the aquarium is something you would like to do too. 
The whale tour is about four hours in total, including the 45 minutes you are asked to report to the docks before your ticket time. Since the tour is in a marine sanctuary, sightings are pretty much guaranteed regardless of what time you choose. It takes about 60-90 minutes to get out to the sanctuary, the ride is fast and features lots of sea life along the way! The crew on board are marine biologists and do a great job of narrating during the watch. Specifically, they speak to whale behavior and interpret what is happening. In total, we saw about six whales and a variety of behavior - rolling, tail smacking, even two full breaches!
Tumblr media
You can’t image the splash.
Now that it’s over, I try and put myself back in this moment. Free floating on a boat with the engines cut, quietly watching two humpbacks feed in front of me. The sound was the most overwhelming sense. The breath of a 30 ton female as she breached for air, the same air I was breathing, sounded like a gift I should be thankful for.
Tumblr media
Boston Commons and Public Garden
I’ve been to Boston many times and regardless of the season, Boston Commons is one of my favorite parks to walk through. Between the rolling hills and the baseball diamonds you can find benches and food trucks, picnics on blankets, and water fountains with bare feet splashing in them.
The Commons eventually meets Boston’s Public Garden. Where colorful flowers guide you over a bridge to the Garden’s busy lake. A lake lined with a walking path and filled with paddle boats carrying its passengers shore to shore.
Tumblr media
North End
The North End is where we did the majority of our eating. This side of town has great Italian restaurants and a lively nightlife. After dark, and even late into the night, it was comfortable to walk around the streets. People our age, older couples, and even families with children were out and about.
While in the North End, we participated in the tradition of tasting cannolis from rival bakeries. On Hanover street, you can find Mikes Pastry, which has been crowned “Home of the Cannoli.” Any night, you will find the line for Mikes out the front door and around the street, everyone wanting their share of cannoli. However, across the street and down a few doors has popped up Modern Pastry. Locals and tourists have been making their way down the street and reviews are starting to come in claiming that Modern is just as good as Mikes, if not better.
Tumblr media
Ubering these bad boys back to the hotel.
So the taste test was on.
We tried Modern on the first night, the line was shorter and offers gluten free cannolis (which is what we find ourselves limited to these days). It was hit for Pat (it had been his first cannoli in three years), but I found the filling to be a bit...runny. On day two we swung by Mikes for a 3pm pick-me-up. Mikes has a much larger selection than Modern, flavors such as mint chip, coffee, and hazelnut. They make a bigger cannoli too.
Tumblr media
Mikes on the right, Modern on the left.
To keep the taste test fair, I ordered a cannoli with chocolate chips from each,
and with a larger, creamier, and more flavorful cannoli...
Mikes was the winner for me.
Boston University
My Grandmother attended Boston University, Sargent College. This is BU’s College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences where she studied physical education. I imagine this is where I got my interest in health science, and why I eventually attended a college of health sciences myself.
I say “imagine” because I don’t know. I never got to know her.
Tumblr media
A picture for my Grandfather.
So every time I am in Boston I like to visit the University, as if to say “hello.” I head to the street she lived on and enter into the building her dorm was in. You can even find her name engraved on a mounted plaque, Nancy. I walk along the same streets as she did, trying to imagine her books in her hand and lanyard around her neck. I am here now, in the same place she once stood. Am I standing in her footsteps?  
And even though I stand in her lobby, we have missed each other.
We have missed each other by a couple dozen years,
and I miss her.  
Tumblr media
My Grandmothers dorm. 
Thank you for the weekend Boston
and thank you for your cream filled donuts. 
Tumblr media
Room views and breakfast eats. 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
June 2018
I have been waiting all year for June! I went places, saw things, and worked my way through my bucket list.
June started off with another trip home and another graduation. High school for one and graduate school for another. 
Tumblr media
Graduates! 
One party included beer pong, the other did not.
Tumblr media
This isn’t even a great or useful photo. But, proof I have friends! 
After the first weekend at home, my bags were packed again and this time I headed home in a different sense. Home as in heritage, Ireland!
Tumblr media
But, not before eating in an invitation only, secret restaurant.
 I’m thinking I should use the word ‘hidden’ here since it isn’t really a secret.
This place is called Classifieds and it’s located (somewhere) in Newark Airport. It’s for United passengers with a certain status and they kicked off the restaurants opening with an “invitation only” promotion.
Last year we gained a ton of miles and this qualified us for the invitation.
You’re told what location to meet at (it’s a restaurant hidden in a restaurant) and the hostess directs you through the dining room, to a faux door in a wall.
And through a secret passage way you go...
Tumblr media
See, not very secret because I am taking pictures and telling you about it.
and you come out the other end in Classifieds! 
Tumblr media
I have to admit, dinner was fantastic and the restaurant was beautiful. However, it did feel rather sterile and posh. Nearly no one was in the restaurant, the waiters were up our butt, 
“Is there anything I can get you?” and we didn’t dare speak above a whisper. That, and the mounted iPad in my face definitely took away from the experience.
Tumblr media
PLEASE GET OUT OF MY FACE. YOU’RE BLOCKING MY VIEW. 
We were on vacation for nine days and we visited both Ireland and Italy. We stayed in Dublin and saw national parks, castles and the Cliffs of Moher. Then on day four we flew over to Italy and visited Venice, Milan, and Florence. Venice is everything you want it to be, and Florence will always remain a classic favorite.
Tumblr media
Dublin! 
Tumblr media
Blarney Castle! 
Tumblr media
Shooting the cliffs of Moher. Sitting down so I don’t die. 
Tumblr media
Venice! It’s so blue its unbelievable. 
Tumblr media
Florence! Her dress is prettier than mine and I suck at being in front of a camera. 
After our trip, the rest of the month fizzled out. The most notable parts are my second Gardasil shot and a lesson on how to use a grill. Weekends settled down and I found myself relaxing by the pool with a book in hand, and day dreaming of the adventures behind me. 
Which, is exactly what a summer should be.
Tumblr media
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
Dublin, Ireland
I’m of Irish descent. I have pale and freckled skin, a last name of Inis, and the ability to tell a story more like a tale, rather than with its actual truths. The Irish are known for their fairy tales.  Because of my heritage, Ireland has always been at the top of the list of places I want to visit. I can remember in high school, a team I was on had the opportunity to participate in a competition abroad and we could choose between Ireland or Italy. I raised my hand for the Ireland vote, while the rest of the team voted for Italy.  Last year I had multiple trips internationally and each time it came to plan our next destination, I voted for Ireland. But because of flight prices and our unique situation (my boyfriend living in Western Europe), the trip to visit these islands continued to lose in the elections. In 2017 I stepped foot in Norway, Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Czechia, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. No Ireland.   June of this year was our opportunity to travel internationally again. When we sat down with our wish list, budget, and Rick Steves (books) to pick out our next adventure,  Ireland was at the top of my list... and Ireland won. 
Tumblr media
Ireland! 
Trinity College and Library We had three days in Ireland and we allotted one of them for the city of Dublin. Our flight had us arriving on an hour delay but thankfully this didn’t disrupt our timeline. We landed around 8:00 AM and easily figured out the bus system, getting to the hotel around 9:00 AM. Our room wasn’t ready so we quickly splashed water on our face, dropped our bags and headed out for our day. 
Tumblr media
Trinity’s main courtyard. 
Trinity College was just a short 10-minute walk from our hotel and we easily joined the 10:35 AM tour. We purchased a combo ticket, which included a quick 30-minute tour of the campus followed by entrance into the college’s library. The tour is short, simple and gives you a great overview of Ireland’s oldest university. The tour is led by current students which is really fun because you get great stories and hear about many of the college traditions. The tour drops you off at the library, which for us, was the part we had been waiting for. 
The library contains two iconic pieces of Irish history: the Book of Kells and the magical Long Room. There is no dress code and like I had mentioned before, your combo ticket allows for admission to this building. Phones and cameras are allowed, just no flash. We spent about 30 minutes on tour and another 45 minutes walking through the library. 
Tumblr media
Not a Google image search, just picture-perfect. 
St. Patrick’s Cathedral 
There are two main churches in Dublin, St. Patrick’s and Christ Church. Due to some bias (Hi Patrick), we decided to spend our time in St. Patrick’s. It’s seven euros for admission and you can opt for an audio guide for an additional five. We simply paid admission and used their English pamphlet to guide us around the cathedral. The pamphlet opens to a map of the cathedral with many location points and each number has a reading associated with it. So, simply walk to the point on the map, read the paragraph, rinse and repeat. 
Tumblr media
St. Patrick’s ceiling 
If you have time on your itinerary for this, it’s fine for a visit. But other than that, I wouldn’t say to change your plans in order to have this make the list. We found the outside of St. Patrick’s to be beautiful but the inside just seemed to fall flat. I’m not sure if this is because we have the Sagrada Família or Notre-Dame to compare it to, but the inside felt more of tourist gimmick than a place of worship.
Lord, please forgive me. I paid the donation. 
Tumblr media
The outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral 
Dublin Castle   Buried (literally) between the bustling streets of Dublin is Dublin Castle. Not much of the castle is left, but it’s an easy tour to book and well worth the 10 euro admission fee. The tour is 70 minutes long and you’ll find roughly 20 people along with you. The tour guide takes you underground to the original castle towers and moat, teaching about the birth of Dublin along the way. Other sites, like the original chapel and castle apartments are also included. We took the last tour of the day (4:00pm) and even through the jet lag and dehydration, we were glad we took the time to see the castle.
Tumblr media
The castle’s courtyard. 
Rock of Cashel 
On our second day in Ireland we headed south, towards Blarney. Along the way, if you follow the M7, you will eventually come along a popular castle, Rock of Cashel.  This castle is worth the eight euro visit and very easy to tour. At the base of the castle you can find parking (“car park” as the Irish would say), a cafe and a few shops. Park the car and simply head up the hill to the gates. You’ll probably need no more than 30-40 minutes here, but it’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs, snag some great photos and wander around the ruins of a castle. 
Tumblr media
She’s beautiful even on a cloudy day
Tumblr media
In June it’s hard to get a picture to just yourself! 
Blarney Castle 
Blarney Castle is about a 2.5 hour drive south of Dublin and even if you’re not interested in kissing the Blarney Stone, it is certainly worth the visit. Parking is a breeze and there is an awesome visitor center equipped with all the souvenirs you could want, a simple cafe, and plenty of bathrooms. We spent two hours at the Castle and we probably could have used about an hour more - there is so much to do! Blarney is more than just a castle, it’s walking trails, gardens, waterfalls, and caves. Head into the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of gab and eloquence.” The attraction is well marked and even posts wait times, which makes it easy to figure if you have time for this. I would try and hit here first, the rule of thumb I was taught is that it’s an hour wait from the castle’s front door, then add 30 more minutes for every additional 100 meters. 
If you don’t have time to wait, don’t fret, the rest of the grounds are just as exciting! 
Tumblr media
Beautiful Blarney 
Tumblr media
We took this in the Poison Gardens! 
Tumblr media
A waterfall with Blarney’s Wishing Steps in the background. If you walk up and down the steps with your eyes shut while thinking of your wish, it is said to come true within a year.  
Cork, Ireland 
Just minutes from Blarney is the city of Cork. Cork was our last stop before heading back north to Dublin. Cork is a quaint but bustling town, divided by a river with a pedestrian-friendly bridge connecting the two sides. There are plenty of shops to pop in, delicious restaurants and iconic pubs to pull up a seat in. And that is exactly what we did. 
Tumblr media
Cork, Ireland
Cliffs of Moher UNESCO World Heritage Site The greatest reason why we chose Ireland was to see the Cliffs of Moher. It’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered to be one of the top tourist destinations in Ireland (along side the Book of Kells). The Cliffs receive one million visitor in a year (the Colosseum brings in four million and the Eiffel Tower, six) and if tragedy interest you, they say 28 people fell to their death in 2017. The cliffs are 3.5 hours east of Dublin, clear across the country on the opposite coast. If you don’t plan on renting a car (and braving the left side of the road), many companies run 12 hour day trips over to the Cliffs. 
Tumblr media
Ireland’s iconic cliffs.
We spent two hours hiking the Cliffs and definitely could have used two more. There are two sides to the Cliffs, with the visitor center dividing the two. Over to the right, you’ll find O’Brien’s Tower and that iconic, picture-perfect view. If you head left, you will be on top of the main Cliffs and looking back on the Tower and the secondary Cliffs (these aren’t the official names, just how I am describing them). We were only able to hike to about half way on each side, so if you would like to do the full hike, I would figure around 4 hours. 
Tumblr media
O’Brien’s Tower 
As far as safety, there is an official trail which is marked by the visitor center and a stone wall. This trail is perfectly safe, well marked, and easily accessible (even for the elderly). There is a second, unofficial “seasoned trail,” which is not within the park grounds and considered dangerous. This trail is well marked, due to the excessive foot traffic and not nearly as accessible. 
Tumblr media
...not the official park trail. 
All these tips and explanations aside, my one recommendation is to take a deep breath and to soak it all in.
Tumblr media
Soak it in! 
The Burren UNESCO World Heritage Site The Burren is just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher. You’ll need your camera and no more than 15 minutes here. There is no proper parking situation, everyone just pulls their car to the shoulder (as much of a shoulder a place like Ireland has) and hops right out. The Burren continues on for miles along the road but any place is worth taking a stop to visit. The ground turns from rich agriculture to stone, spilled right out in front of you. Towards the coast, the rock continues on right up to a cliffs edge. Towards inland, the hills tower above like natural stone walls. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the wild horses making their way along the cliffs. Walking along the Burren will feel like you’re on another planet, and you almost are. It is said the Burren is the only place on Earth where you can find the closest terrain to Earth’s Moon. 
Tumblr media
Martian’s land 
Tumblr media
Watch your step! 
Galway, Ireland 
Returning from County Clare back to Dublin, we stopped for lunch in Galway. Galway is a harbor town with quaint streets and a lively town center. If you’re looking for live music, pubs, restaurants, and shopping, you’ll want to head here. We spent two simple hours enjoying our lunch and shopping in the streets. You can find plenty of shops owned by local families and even hand knitted sweaters from the Aran Islands.
Tumblr media
Galway, Ireland. 
Ireland gave me the experience I had been hoping for. Days filled with grey skies and Gaelic in the air. Footsteps on lush grass, castle walls, and cliffs made of stone. 
And history-
the history of Dublin, 
the Irish people, 
and me. 
Tumblr media
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 6 years ago
Text
May 2018
April showers just ended up bringing more May showers. Not many flowers. But, even with the rain clouds overhead most of May, I was able to - 
Watch my best friends get married 
May kicked off with a weekend trip to Philadelphia. We took half days on Friday and quickly got on the road by noon for a 6:00pm wedding. I met the Brides back when I was living in Philadelphia, so this wedding has been a long time coming. I was involved in many aspects of their engagement, from picking out the ring, to photographing their proposal, then recently attending their two bachelorette parties. So I honestly could not wait for them to start walking down the aisle. 
From the ceremony, to the venue, and ultimately the brides, everything was beautiful. A short and sweet ceremony let us into a surprisingly filling happy hour (fruit bar, veggie bar, salad bar, and pasta bar!), followed by a delicious main course and LOADS of dancing. 
Tumblr media
Bride!
Tumblr media
Rocking the pink
Work on my photography
Now that we are settled into our new apartment I have finally started to decorate. Plants here, surprisingly expensive throw pillows there, but nothing on the walls. I am working on it though, I have a few projects I am hoping to get on display soon. It’s taking some time because we are using our own work, which means picking out our favorite pictures, choosing between many cherished destinations and getting the edits just right. Considering all the travel we do and the landscapes we shoot, I just can't imagine having work in my home that’s not my own. 
Is that vain? Or just free decorating?
Tumblr media
Where to put this?
On the media front, I had a pretty awesome experience - my photography was featured! A photograph that I shot during my Charlottesville vacation was featured on a local Instagram. I was shocked more than anything, but sincerely thankful. I have never drawn in that many likes on a photograph before, so to know that 900 people like my work was nothing short of thrilling for me.
Thank you Pippin Hill! 
Tumblr media
That’s me!
Continued date night with Shell 
Even though I now work in a different state and have moved into a new home, I'm still maintaining the weekly tradition of date nights with my girl Shell. 
Alright so maybe not weekly, bi-weekly.
Fine, monthly. 
We’re trying! 
On a Friday night we headed downtown, grabbed dinner from one of our favorite pizza places and saw Deadpool 2. The theater we went to was definitely something to experience - fully reclining leather seats! The movie itself was just okay. I had forgotten the DP's whole thing is constantly breaking the 4th wall, and making every joke there is to make. The movie was funny, but the writing felt a little overdone.
Shell loved it though, and seeing her was all that mattered!
Tumblr media
Lean back! 
Attended University of Delaware’s graduation
May means graduation and I had two of them this season. The last weekend in May my bags were packed and I headed home to Delaware. I took a half day on Friday and 95S brought me right to graduation at the University of Delaware. 
It was hard not to be reflective while sitting in the theater seats. I found myself trying to recognize that three years ago I was the graduate down on the arena floor. Three years since college sounds way too long for me. 
That much time hasn’t passed, has it? 
After the graduation, the rest of the weekend was encompassed by family time, and of course, senior portraits.
Tumblr media
Seniors in the fountain! 
Take a day trip to Reston 
Pat was away for most of the month, traveling for work. Nearly every weekend was eaten up by trips to the airport, friends to see, or graduations to attend (see above). We did get one weekend together, however, and we decided to make a “trip” out of it and head down to Reston, Virginia for the day. 
We wanted to take things a little easier than a day trip into DC, so this beautiful town with it’s central fountain and brick streets was perfect for us. It was calling for bad storms in the afternoon so we spent as much time outside as we could before the clouds rolled in. We parked the car we took a long walk, reading menus posted outside of restaurants along the way. 
We decided on Clydes and I had the best chicken salad (its so great when served on a buttery toasted croissant). After lunch we strolled around some more, I couldn’t resist stopping in a handful of the shops. We found our way to the park area and took a minute to sit down and listen to the movement around us. When the skies started to shift color we gathered up our bags and headed to our next stop, Dulles’ Air and Space Museum.
Tumblr media
Lunch with a view
Tumblr media
Charming Reston!
Visit air and Space Museum
This is the secondary site to the Air and Space museum in downtown Washington.
And it happens to be a little better. 
It’s a huge hanger (kinda redundant, of course hangers are huge) filled with so many goodies. From spy planes, to Red Bull’s free fall capsule, even helicopters, this place has it all. The most noteworthy pieces have to be the commercial airliner, The Concorde, and of course, the Discovery Space Shuttle. After gawking over supersonic planes and a rocket that has been to the moon, we headed up to the observation tower. The tower is no extra cost (the entire museum is free actually) and definitely worth the wait for the elevator ride. The tower overlooks Dulles airport, which means you can spend all afternoon watching planes race down the runway for take off and effortlessly float in for landing.
Tumblr media
The Museum and viewing Tower
Tumblr media
Look at it all! 
May was beautiful, jammed packed, and full of celebrations. This May, the weather was stormy, it brought caps for graduates and gowns for brides. I think its starting to become my favorite month. 
So, until next time May, I’ll see you then.
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 7 years ago
Text
April 2018
My co-worker said to me the other day,
“How did January last 17 years and now somehow we’re already coming in to May?”
I don’t know girl, I really don’t know.
Tumblr media
May flowers! 
But whether it feels like it or not, May is here and April is over. Spring is finally singing and summer plans are just around the corner. My April flew by just like everyone else’s (yours did, didn’t it?), and I can list a few reasons as to why -
I had a long weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The first weekend in April I was in Charlottesville for a bachelorette party. The trip was great! With just four girls we were really able to make the most of our time and have experiences everyone wanted to participate in. We all took half days on Friday and headed south, checking into our Airbnb around 4:00pm. Later, we walked around the Historic Downtown Mall, got dinner at South Street Brewery and saw a concert at The Jefferson Theater.
Tumblr media
Solo foot photo this month, just the girls for the weekend! 
Saturday was our main event with a private winery tour. Our driver picked us up in the morning and we spent the next five hours visiting some of the most beautiful winery's in Charlottesville.  
We visited - 
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Pollak Vineyards 
King Family Vineyards 
Valley Road Vineyards
Tumblr media
Pippin was our favorite, so beautiful! 
Tumblr media
Kings was our third stop for the day. We had a picnic lunch in their beautiful tasting room. 
Saturday night was dinner and dancing downtown and Sunday featured breakfast then our long drive home. This girls weekend was so refreshing and something that I hope continues to show up on my calendar.  
I started Gardasil.
Not really sure how this speeds up April, maybe because I was wishing that entire day away? I know I am a grown women but a shot is a shot people.
Playoff Hockey.
Is the William Penn curse over Philadelphia sports broken? Eagles win the Super Bowl, Villanova champions during March Madness, and now the Flyers are back in the Stanley Cup playoffs. I made it up to Philadelphia for game three, but unfortunately the guys didn’t make it past game six.
Curse, semi-broken.
Tumblr media
Flyers sure do know how to celebrate playoffs though! 
It’s photo shoot season.
Can I call this a business if it’s not making me any money? I guess that’s what they call a non-profit business. Either way, my photography “business” is picking back up with the warmer weather. I had two sessions in April (armature status), a senior prom and a college graduation. I love doing this work, I really look forward to the sessions and I can get lost in the hours of editing. I contemplate taking photography classes to hone my craft a little more. But would I take it anywhere? I think for now I am content with my travel and lifestyle photography. I just want to make beautiful things! I don’t need it to pay my bills.
Tumblr media
Getting the details just right. 
Bachelorette #2
April came full circle with another bachelorette to wrap up the month. We surprised the bride with a party she claimed she didn’t want.
But no bride goes un-bacheloretted.
Tumblr media
“I do” crew! 
We jam packed the day with lunch in the city, a tailgate with all her friends (surprise!), a winning Phillies game, happy hour, dinner, and a dueling piano bar. I stood in as the party planner and I put a lot of energy into organizing this thing! We tried to made sure we didn’t miss a single detail. From the tickets, to cheesy koozies, and even hand painting matching sunglasses for us all to wear, we had her covered!
Tumblr media
Drunk in love
I honestly can’t imagine what goes into planning a whole weekend. Hats off to any maid-of-honor out there!
Tumblr media
Happy bride! 
With that all said and done I clearly failed at my “create more head-space,�� “do less stuff” initiative I wrote about in March. My suitcase was packed every weekend, my apartment was only used to sleep in, and I put my energy into many things - none of which were cleaning my apartment or reading my book.
I did get the Berlin post out thought!
So here is to doing less and taking time for yourself. May is empty! I’ve already rejected an invitation for a beach trip and I think this might be the first month all year I let go by without traveling somewhere.
Which is probably best, because in June I’ll be traveling abroad, and it feels like it has taken 17 years for this trip to get here.
Tumblr media
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 7 years ago
Text
Berlin, Germany
I don’t think I wrapped my head around Berlin until it was was time to say goodbye. We were on our first tour of the city, a four hour walking tour called  “The Famous Insider Walk,” with an Irish tour guide. It was hovering around freezing and the weather kept changing from sleet to snow. In between finding ways to keep my face dry and my ears warm, I kept catching sentences that just didn’t compute. 
“Remember, Hitler died in ‘45 but it wasn’t until ‘61 when the wall went up.” 1945? My Grandfather was 20 at the time. Did he say ‘61? That’s was only 50 some years ago. 
We would walk some more, on to the next site. I would try and find ways to position myself behind other group members to avoid the wind. Our tour guide would speak again, 
“The reunification of Germany was in 1990, just about a year after the Wall came down in 1989.”
Hm what?...1989! That was...just under 30 years ago. 1989 is so close to 2017, how could something so historic be that close to the present? 
We broke for a quick lunch in a sheltering coffee shop. My fingers started to thaw while my mind tried to sort out the past 5,000 steps. I had never been so close to history while on a tour. The places I had been before were Rome, where the stories all take place in the first century. Or France, a place that when you imagine history you picture women in decadent dresses and towering wigs. But Berlin...I just have to think back a couple of years, I saw my Grandparents, a bunch of kids from the 80′s. The people that were involved in this history are people you can see and watch walk this Earth today. 
Here is how the rest of my steps in Berlin sorted through a history like none other. 
Tumblr media
The brick markers of the Berlin Wall. 
We arrived in Berlin around mid-afternoon. I had been traveling since mid-afternoon from the day before, flying from D.C. to New York, then to Belgium and finally Germany. Check-in was available, so we dropped our bags, I showered, then we headed to dinner. 
Dining out in Germany was interesting. Berlin is a cash city, physical bills are exchanged in nearly 80% of all transactions. So to eat, go, or see anything in Berlin, be sure to have cash. Dinner here was the first time I ever had to pull out my calculator while ordering my meal, I usually just use it for the shameful post-meal tip calculation.
After handing over at least a hundred of our euros, we set foot for Berlin’s Winter World. 
Berlin’s Winter World, without the Christmas Market
Our trip fell over Thanksgiving in the U.S., but for the rest of the world it meant November was nearly over and the 25 day countdown to Christmas was beginning. Christmas markets, lights and decorations were popping up all over Western Europe. 
So, we skipped Thanksgiving and got right into the Christmas spirit. 
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this as a must see, it was more or less something to fill our first day with. Winter World was lovely to walk through, but it probably wasn’t as enchanting as a Christmas Market. At the time, Germany had a level two travel advisory - exercise increased caution. Considering this and the increasing rise in terrorism (and the focus on soft targets), this seemed to be a safe option for us. The Winter World was tucked away deep in a park outside of the city center. It wasn’t downtown or in a more popular area, like Potsdamer Platz. I’m not sure if my fear of avoiding the Christmas Markets was justified - though I am sure Brussels, Barcelona, Orlando, London, Munich and Las Vegas will tell you I was. 
We spent the night wandering through a park filled with sparkling trees, piped in Christmas-music, and whimsical light displays. A winter world. 
Tumblr media
Terrible photo, but you get the idea. 
Tumblr media
I guess I’m fine trading Thanksgiving for this. 
The Famous Insider Walk 
Our first full day in Berlin kicked off with a four hour walking tour of the city. There is just so much to see in Berlin that this tour was perfect for us, all the highlights jam-packed into a few dense hours. Our tour group was quite large, but I didn’t mind because it made it easier to dodge the history questions. 
No, I do not know when the German Reunification was.
We saw many incredible sights, some of which we went back to on our own later in our trip, others we were happy to have the opportunity to see once. 
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe 
This was just so beautiful, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking all at the same time. Visitors today still puzzle over what the towering blocks mean...and represent. 
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Brandenburg Gate
This is a site we saw both during the tour, after the tour, and again later at night. This is great spot to spend some time at, watch the German people and take in Berlin!  
Tumblr media Tumblr media
I think its better at night!
Checkpoint Charlie 
Checkpoint Charlie was the last of three checkpoints (Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie) to enter into East Germany from West Germany. This attraction isn’t very...well, attractive and is not something I would go see again. Now surrounded by the rebuilt city, it seems random and out of place. 
Tumblr media
Berlin Cathedral
The Berlin Cathedral was our favorite attraction in Berlin,
and it is quite an attraction. 
The Cathedral is open to the public and costs seven Euros for general admission with the option of an audio guide for an extra four Euros. We paid the entrance fee, listened to the audio guide and even hiked the 270 steps up to the dome. If you have the ability, we highly recommend this. The dome walkway overlooks Museum Island, the Palace Square, and Lustgarten. 
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Berlin’s TV Tower, seen from the Dome walkway. 
The Berlin Wall 
The tour finished at the largest attraction, the Berlin Wall. Throughout the city, you will come across sections of the wall as art installations or memorials, but here, the wall remains standing in its original construction. 
But, it doesn't remain untouched. The wall has been chiseled away, some large chunks even removed. As I took the time to study it from across the street, I couldn't decide if I thought it was a piece of history that should remain preserved or a disgrace to humanity that should be ripped down. 
Tumblr media
This is the largest and longest section of the Berlin Wall that remains standing. 
Tumblr media
Bebelplatz Book Burning Memorial
There is so much to do in Berlin and we tried to see it all. We made stops at The German Spy Museum, and The Kennedy's Museum, which included Pete Souza’s book tour “Obama: An Intimate Portrait.” We visited the Bebelplatz Book Burning Memorial as well as Museum Island. Our favorite museum was The Topography of Terror. This museum catalogs the rise of Hitler’s Nazi party, the story of World War Two and the Holocaust, and where survivors and war criminals are today
all while located on the former headquarters of the Gestapo and SS.
Finding parallels in the horror Germany experienced during the rise to power of an extremist political party and our current political environment was nothing short of terrifying.
It felt like foreshadow. 
Tumblr media
Written in the Topography of Terror guest book.
Another great experience for us was our tour of the Reichstag Building. Tours of Germany’s Parliament are available to the public, however, they must be booked well in advance and are subject to cancellation should Parliament hold session. This ended up happening to us and our original tour was canceled, however, we rescheduled for a later time in our trip and I think it turned out much better! 
“The obstacle is the path”  Gotta go with the flow when on vacation! 
You can request a private tour or opt for the self guided tour with an audio guide. You can contact Guest Services here to request a tour. 
Tumblr media
We originally had a daytime tour scheduled, but I would recommend night time! This time is less crowded, the Reichstag really shines, and the city lights are incredible.
Tumblr media
The most fascinating architecture! 
If you are looking to see Berlin from up high, don’t turn to the Reichstag. Instead, set your sights on the T.V. Tower, the Fernsehturm! There are different ticket options, all of which give you 360-degree views of Berlin. We decided to go with the general observation deck ticket and left the revolving bar and restaurant for another time. The views from above are incredible, and there are fun shops and restaurants below to mosey around in when you are done. 
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Hello Berlin Cathedral! 
Our trip to Germany was not what I expected it to be. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it. I expected to fall in love with the romantic cities - Paris, Rome, Vienna. But here I didn’t expect to be so moved, so emotional, so...attached. 
But now I know.
Germany’s cities, its beautiful landscapes, and most profoundly, its history and people are something you can’t help but fall in love with,
even if you’re meeting each other in the freezing rain. 
Tumblr media Tumblr media
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 7 years ago
Text
March 2018
Man, March flew by as quickly as February. I hit the ground running with a weekend trip to St. Louis. 
I’m sure there’s a runway joke to be made there but it’s just not coming to me. 
Tumblr media
If you ever land in Missouri you should head right to Ices Plain & Fancy. 
My co-worked turned best-friend lives in St. Louis with her newly-wed husband. I had last seen them in August for their wedding and figured half a years time was enough honeymooning for them. So come the first week in March I hopped on a plane and crashed in their new home for the weekend. 
Tumblr media
Hi! Missed you! 
Our weekend was jammed packed. For one of us, it was the first time off the East Coast so we tried to make sure we fully experienced the “gateway to the West.” We checked off the Arch, Missouri‘s Botanical Garden and the St. Louis Zoo. Us girls hit a workout together each morning and we all earned back those calories with St. Louis-style barbecue. Sunday morning brought a farewell brunch with friends and some last bit of sight seeing. It’s hard to have close friends in far places, my heart feels fuller when I’m with these two. 
Tumblr media
Just a little impressed. 
Tumblr media
Greenhouse at the gardens. 
Tumblr media
The St. Louis Zoo has multiple animals in the same habitat! This helps with animal enrichment and socialization! 
Tumblr media
Brunch at Russell's on Macklind.
Tumblr media
Bestfriend. 
March also brings St. Patrick’s Day. This never used to be a celebratory day for me or my family. I think in middle school I wore green so I didn’t get pinched? Wasn’t that a thing? But lately we have found ourselves more and more interested in our heritage (foreshadow our summer vacation). So we decided to have fun with the holiday this year and host an Irish dinner, complete with cornbeef and cabbage. 
Tumblr media
Our first guests in our new home! 
I’m still reading and trying to keep up with my writing. I have moved onto Clash of Kings and I’m definitely paging through it faster than Game of Thrones. I have the rest of the series to finish and then I plan on finally joining the club of people who have read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I still have a few more travel posts to publish, which I hope to have up soon - 
Berlin, Germany
Vienna, Austria 
Salzburg, Austria
Hallstatt, Austria 
Munich, Germany 
Amsterdam, Netherlands 
...okay, soon-ish. The goal is soonish.
Tumblr media
Tyrion chapters are always the easiest to read. 
March brings the end of winter and the blossom of spring, which means it also brings 
wedding season. 
I am back into the swing of all things wedding! Another co-worker turned close friend is getting married in May. At the end of March we held her bridal shower, it was so nice to be back in the Philadelphia area again. April and May will bring the bachelorette weekend and finally a wedding! I had the honor of assisting with picking out the ring and photographing her engagement photos so I’m really excited to finally have the date so close! 
Tumblr media
Lace and shoulder tattoos, my kind of bride! 
Last for me in March, I’ve been trying to take care of my headspace. In late March we had a snow day, the first one in a couple years for me. It was the first time in a long time where I didn’t have chores to do, errands to run, responsibilities to manage or things to take care of. It was a glorious 24 hours, empty and ready to be filled with all things me. I slept a little and enjoyed a coffee, slowly. I did morning yoga and went for an afternoon walk. I wrote, I read, I watched. I edited photographs, I produced content, I published a blog post. I left my phone in the other room. I didn’t read messages or send texts to my daily circle. 
I have never felt more like myself. 
Tumblr media
Introducing more self care! 
That day made me realize that I’m not spending as much time as I would like to doing the things that I enjoy. So going into April I’m striving to incorporate a little more of me into each day. I spend time away from home on weekends trying to check boxes of people I need to see. I try and maintain many friendships daily, across multiple time zones and far distances. I stress if I don’t return a call or reply back to a text quickly. I feel guilt if I spend a weekend at home when I could have made plans with a friend. I realized I’m putting my energy in many places and giving it to a lot of people.
Deserving people,
but not me, and I need to start giving back my energy to me. 
Tumblr media
So with that, I am ready for April! Kicking off with a girls trip first thing and then the rest of the month I have free
and I am going to keep it that way. 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 7 years ago
Text
February 2018
Gosh, I am not getting better at posting these things in a timely manner. But none the less, we are going to ignore the fact that it is late March and post about February!
My February started just like everyone else’s - 
the Eagles winning the Super Bowl. 
Now I will say, I am NOT an Eagles fan. I’ve lived in Maryland longer than I did in Pennsylvania, so I call myself a Ravens fan. But I do happen to live with an Eagles fan.  A die hard, born in Philly, unwavering no matter how shitty, screams at the TV season after season, stupidly (borderline embarrassing) holds onto hope no matter how many times hes been let down, Eagles fan.
And they won the god-damn Super Bowl. 
Tumblr media
So I sure as hell bought us Conference Champs (and Super Bowl champs) t-shirts. 
I cooked my way through February (no more studio apartment kitchen!). Breakfast is always my favorite because it’s easy to be good at and I like to slice the fruit like a sophisticated person (I’m not). I’m cooking different cuisines (which I did NOT learn in my Sur la Table cooking classes) like Asian and Mexican. I even tried my hand at Mexican street rice and homemade Chimichurri! 
Tumblr media
As I said in my January post, I am feeling more creative and find myself reading and writing more (well...clearly reading more than writing). I finished two books this month.
A Game of Thrones by the George R.R. Martin. So...I finished this book in February, but I had been reading it since June of last year. This is my first fantasy book and if that’s any credit to what kind of accomplishment this is know that I’m still ten years and two chapters deep in The Sorcerer’s Stone. So HA!
Geraldine DeRuiter’s (aka The Everywhereist) All Over the Place. Geraldine is absolutely hilarious and the most brilliant writer. I put off starting this book because I didn’t want it to over. Yes - I didn’t want it to be over before I even started it. She’s that good and I knew this book would be too.
Tumblr media
Someone also thought it was that good...and wanted to know what was so funny. 
Two months in, we are settling into our new place and the surrounding area. We live close to both Baltimore’s Light Rail and DC’s Metro, so we usually find ourselves in either city on most weekends. Using Light Rail we met my good friend at the Convention Center and spent the day at Baltimore’s Auto Show.
Tumblr media
Light Rail or Metro? Go!
Tumblr media
One’s buying a motorcycle and they both need new cars.
Tumblr media
If only I had a gazillion dollars a month so I could live downtown. 
This same friend also invited me to my first winery, Boordy Vineyards. Lots of locals spend their Sunday camping out on the grounds or in the barn, tasting wine and snacking on the food trucks.
Tumblr media
Touring the cellar! 
Tumblr media
Sipping on wine and dealcoholized wine we snuck in for me (shh!).
February wrapped up with a Valentines/Anniversary trip to Orlando, Florida. We both had off on Presidents Day so we decided to make the most of a long weekend and seek out some fun in the sun (god...SO corny). I thought I had never been to Universal Studios so we decided to spend our weekend at the resort rather than a beach or the horrifying world of Disney. 
Turns out I have definitely been to Universal Studios before. 
Tumblr media
Featuring me and my 2007 siblings in Universal. Posing with....Jaws? 
Tumblr media
So that makes this visit round two! 
It’s a good thing we went back to Universal because I got to see all the new attractions. Including the new Marvel Universe and most notably The Wizarding World of Happy Potter. 
Tumblr media
In awe of Diagon Alley, not a single detail was forgotten. 
Tumblr media
Learned I do not like butterbeer. 
Saturday and Sunday we were in Universal Studios and Adventure Island. Monday we had free so we spent time in Disney Springs. This is a really lovely downtown area with lots of shopping, great restaurants, and plenty of water to sit by and enjoy (you know, Disney Springs). 
Tumblr media
Fountains everywhere and a huge lake in the middle of it all! 
For a short month it was great to be able to fill it. March brings another trip, the start of A Clash of Kings, and a lot less butterbeer. 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 7 years ago
Text
Prague, Czechia
or you could say the Czech Republic, but the official short geographic name is now Czechia. Just how officially the French Republic is shortened to France. 
tomato tamato...
either way, on the last stop of my September European vacation I had the pleasure of meeting Prague. 
Tumblr media
 We stepped foot in our 6th country! 
Tumblr media
looking up or down, Prague was a dream. 
We left Barcelona late on Thursday night, which gave us 3 nights and 2 full days in this fairy-tale of a city. Our plane landed at 8:30pm, which had us getting into a van with a stranger and pulling up at another persons home by in-the-dark-o-clock (by day 8 I was seriously over the whole Airbnb deal, they make horror movies about this kind of arrangement you know...). 
(fine, fine. Our hosts name was Alex and he was plenty nice, no one died. I lived to write this post.)
Alex had recommended a great traditional restaurant nearby. So we dropped our bags and headed into town, rushing to make it in the doors before closing time. By 10:00pm we found ourselves is a full fledged beer hall with steins, accordions, and singing Czech men. 
We ordered the dumplings, slaw, sausages, and cheese sauce...AHOY!
Here’s how we spent our time: 
Prague Castle 
This will probably be at the top of your must-see list, just like it was ours. The castle sits high on a hill, overlooking the city and river below, demanding your attention. The castle is the largest ancient castle in the world and its home to the President of Czechia. Inside the castle walls you can tour the Royal Palace, the Royal Gardens, and St. Vitus Cathedral. 
Tumblr media
Castle on a hill...Ed?
Tumblr media
St. Vitus
Tumblr media
Inside the castle walls there is so much to do and see, give yourself at least half the day. 
Lunch River Cruise 
We spent our morning in the castle and around mid afternoon we headed down into the city for our river cruise. River cruises are a popular experience in Prague, it is a great way to see the city and gain a different perspective on some of Prague’s iconic sites. 
Tumblr media
Smiling because it’s lunch time, no other reason.
Tumblr media
River front homes and a cathedral in the distance. 
Tumblr media
A different perspective of Charles Bridge. 
Tumblr media
Princess Kate
Prague Astronomical Clock 
While you’re strolling around the streets head down to Old Town Square to see Prague's medieval astronomical clock. Between the hours of 9:00am - 11:00pm when the clock strikes the hour a procession of the 12 Apostles begins. The clock was constructed in 1410 and unfortunately during our visit it was in the middle of repairs. I will say, the show is a little underwhelming but its worth going to see a clock that can plot the positions of the sun, moon, constellations, and planets. 
Tumblr media
Waiting for the hour! 
Charles Bridge and Tower 
THIS is what you go Prague for, Charles Bridge. Imagine...Europe's version of a boardwalk. But rather than neon airbrushed t-shirts and Zoltar machines (that’s a reference to the movie Big) you’ll find delicately made jewelry and some of the most beautiful hand-painted works of art. Not souvenirs, but rather a piece of Prauge to take home. 
Tumblr media
Artists, musicians, and locals. 
The bridge begins and ends with towers, Charels Tower. The towers were finished in the 15th century and are still open to the public and available to climb. 
And you know us and climbing towers... 
Tumblr media
The tower isn’t difficult to climb and offers some of the best views of the city!
Strahov Monastery
...speaking of some of the best views of Prague. On the last day in Cezchia we headed up to Petrin Tower. On the way however, you have to walk through the Strahov Monaserty
and all your dreams will come true. 
Tumblr media
Looking back on Prague 
The Monastery grounds themselves are something out of a fairy tale, with lush green hills and stone walking paths through gardens.
And then you head inside... 
Tumblr media
Unless you have a private tour you cannot walk through the library, but with admission you can peek down the hallway.
Petrin Tower
Once you pass the Monastery you’ll find yourself at Petrin Tower.  The viewing tower is much like the Eiffel Tower, but with only 233 stairs. There is a fee to climb to the top and an additional fee if you chose to use the lift. Whether you chose the stairs or the lift this visit is worth it. The Petrin Tower offers you views that Charles Tower simply cannot. 
Tumblr media
The capital of Bohemia.
Prague was like nothing I had seen before and is certainly a something I will see again. It’s as if someone threw a little fairy dust on a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. The city unfolds piece by piece and soon you realize you’re walking around in a land only found in storybooks. 
Tumblr media
1 note · View note
haleydaytoday · 7 years ago
Text
January 2018
Hi! 
Hello! 
I’m sorry for the neglect! 
I haven’t been keeping up with my entries and it truly is starting to feel like neglect. I’m itching for a creative outlet, I’m finding myself editing more photos, reaching for books rather than the remote, and I am (finally) typing again. I genuinely enjoy writing posts for each city I visit but it has kept me behind on my monthly recaps. So, I still have tons of cities to post about but in the meantime I am here to provide my January recap. I missed my November and December posts but I promise its because I was busy doing wonderful things. 
In November I began a new job, I was promoted within my company and this involved changing site locations (and states!). I turned 25 and I crossed Germany and Austria off my bucket list. (All future posts that are coming!)
Tumblr media
New job means new head-shots. 
December began with a trip to Amsterdam and around mid December my two worlds finally became one…
and that is what brings us to my January. 
I moved! 
The most notable part about January is that I moved in with my long time (and very long distant) boyfriend. After 10 years together and the past year apart we took the next step in our relationship and put our names down on paper
a paper lease 
not that other thing.  
Tumblr media
This was our moving notice we sent to friends and family! 
Building a home together has been tons of fun and is coming very natural to us. It’s been interesting to see what our style is, we’re very afraid of color! Weekends are full of errands, shopping lists and chores (and building IKEA furniture). Cooking is a joy for me again, thanks to more counter space and a dishwasher! And, the greatest part is that there are no more goodbyes. 
Sappy, I know. SORRY. 
Tumblr media
Lived here for about 3 weekends. 
Tumblr media
We lost count of the number of recycling runs we had to make. 
Tumblr media
Some fan favorites for breakfast and dinner. 
I moved out! 
Moving in together also meant another moment for my January, moving OUT. I got to kiss my studio apartment and its monthly false fire alarms goodbye!  
Tumblr media
Goodbye 450 square feet! 
Tumblr media
Goodbye Montgomery County firemen! 
I now have doors and walls, and an actual bedroom! I have a DISHWASHER! I don’t have to walk down the hall if I need to do laundry! 
So many exclamation points 
so many reasons to be happy! 
In between moving out, moving in and all the associated to-do lists, I was able to have some fun in January too! 
Work Outing 
Had I written a November recap I would have focused on my new position at work. In October I was offered an opportunity in my company to change, move, and grow. The position offered me more responsibilities, a larger site and a big challenge. I felt pretty stagnant and experienced in my old position so I accepted and started my first day of work on my 25th birthday. Every day I find another reason to be happy with my decision and last weekend the reason was
Dave and Busters.
My boss and I took the team out for some bonding and good ol fun! The greatest part of my new position is that I have co-workers. Co-workers who make walking into work enjoyable, and co-workers who take DDR very, very seriously. 
Tumblr media
Eat and Play baby!
The 2018 Travel and Adventure Show 
Another reason why I love living near a city! The Travel and Adventure show was in D.C. towards the end of January and we were just a few metro stops away. Lots of National State Parks and U.S. cities had tables and giveaways. There were even some speakers and presentations from travel show hosts and bloggers. We are still picking our 2018 destinations so it was great to go and get more ideas! 
Tumblr media
D.C. Convention Center
Flyers @ Capitals 
January brought me to a Caps game, I finally made it to one. Not that I had been wanting to go to one…but having lived in the area for five years one would think a hockey fan would have made it to a Caps hockey game. 
I made it and was underwhelmed. Caps fans don’t come close to what Philadelphia fans can be. I need more trash talk and a better goal horn.
“Unleash the Fury” didn’t seem to intimidate the Broad Street Bullies, flyers won in overtime. 
Tumblr media
So that’s my January, I’m probably down playing how pivotal and transformative it has been for me. 2018 seems to be my year in so many ways: a stronger relationship, a new job, and a wonderful life. Lots of things that were upside down last year have turned right-side up
and somehow everything fell in to the right place. 
0 notes
haleydaytoday · 7 years ago
Text
Girona, Spain
Strangely enough, this post contains Season 6 Game of Thrones spoilers. Fair warning! 
During our two days in Spain we dedicated half a day to explore a city just 63 miles north of Barcelona - Girona! I’m so thankful we discovered this city!
Tumblr media
Why Girona 
Girona is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the HBO show, Game of Thrones. Creators of the show chose Girona as the backdrop for the fictional city, Braavos. Unlike Bravvos, Girona is not bustling with merchants, seamen, and a psycho killer Waif. Instead, Girona is a gorgeous, intimate town with quaint quiet streets and now, home to some very famous locals. 
Tumblr media
The whole town shut down for filming, everyone had off work and got to play extras in the show! 
What to do 
If you get to Girona early, one day should be enough time to experience it all. However, this town is so beautiful I imagine you won’t want to leave, we ourselves even changed our train and headed back to Barcelona later than we planned. With so much to do, here are the top five experiences you should have in Girona - 
1. Game of Thrones Tour 
Schedule yourself a Game of Thrones tour! We paired up with a wonderful woman who designed the tour herself. She took us to all the filming locations, told us wonderful stories of the history of Girona and gave us a ton of tips on how to make the most of our day.  I don’t want to spoil the tour too much but we got to see nearly every location of the most notable scenes from season six. 
Like: 
The bloody hand smear Arya leaves down these steps, leading into the room where she fights the Waif. 
Tumblr media
Cue candle slice
And the corner Arya sits on in the middle of the street market, begging 
and fighting. 
Tumblr media
“What is your name?” 
Tumblr media
And the magnificent church that Jamie gallops up to face the High Sparrow.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Hi Jamie
Tumblr media
Been on these same steps, no big deal. 
2. Kiss the Lioness 
A fun legend -  kiss the butt of the Lioness to ensure you will return to Girona! You can find the statue in front of the church of Sant Felix. 
Tumblr media
3. Stoke the fly for good luck! 
Flies are the protectors of the Girona (just like other tales of cities mention dragons or lions), they ward off evil spirits and bring peace to Girona based off a famous legend. Flies are the city’s emblem and the city even throws a festival celebrating the flies once a year. If you come across this wall be sure to pet the fly for good luck! 
Tumblr media Tumblr media
4. Hike the city walls 
This medieval city is surrounded by stone walls. You can climb the walls from many different locations and make your way around the town. The walls stretch on for multiple kilometers and offer some of the best views in the city! 
Tumblr media
Twists and turns along the walls. 
Tumblr media
Can’t you just imagine the guards patrolling? 
5. Take in the beauty 
Girona was founded in the first century BC, so to say this city has old town charm is an understatement. The streets are stone and the homes are stacked just so. Vines grow high and remnants of the ancient city are everywhere, from churches to castle walls, even the original door to the city is still intact. Take the time to wander around, get lost, and step back in time. 
Tumblr media
Fairy-tale worthy. 
Tumblr media
Even windows had me stopping in my tracks. 
Tumblr media
A castle tower.
Tumblr media
Girona! 
We fell in love with Girona and are so thrilled we took the time and energy to make our way to this special city. A kiss on the lioness or not, we know we will return to Girona again. 
0 notes