LATEST on Urban Kristy
Interview
Diary
October brought a lot of new discoveries, inspirational awareness & all kinds of emotions, which of course weren't always fabulous. In the post, I've put my October Thoughts in bullet points, coz why beat around the bush (and I'm pretty sure you prefer it that way too).
Recommendations
I always find it difficult to figure out what to do for NYE. I need delicious food, great music to dance to, and lovely company. Combining all 3 can be challenging, so I've done a bit of a research & came up with a few great options for Prague.
My Urban Recommendations
October brought a lot of new discoveries, inspirational awareness & all kinds of emotions, which of course weren't always fabulous. In the post, I've put my October Thoughts in bullet points, coz why beat around the bush (and I'm pretty sure you prefer it that way too).
I always find it difficult to figure out what to do for NYE. I need delicious food, great music to dance to, and lovely company. Combining all 3 can be challenging, so I've done a bit of a research & came up with a few great options for Prague.
I love October, because at this point I usually have had enough of summer, and I'm totally ready to layer up! Walking around the city is now much more enjoyable without the heat & spending more time indoors doesn't come with a guilty conscience.
"Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul... but I must confess that I love you only because you are a prelude to my beloved October." — Peggy Toney Horton
Usually I would've been quite nervous if travelling wasn't much on my agenda over summer, but this year I quite enjoyed staying put. Having the time to fully explore the city I'm beginning to call 'home'.
I've finally moved back to Letna area in Prague, which has brought a lot of magic back into my life. I'm sandwiched in between 2 beautiful parks, so mornings and evenings are very close to perfect.
It's summer! I'm eating more, I'm drinking more, but luckily I'm moving and laughing more, so that's hopefully burning a few of those extra calories.
In search for more healthy options in Holesovice, dreaming about an apartment in Karlin and chilling at our favourite outdoor spot by the river.
The month of May has been about discovering more of local music and swapping those horrid shopping malls and branded fashion for more original pieces from vintage stores. Also, a new Cafe has just opened which has an incredible interior worth checking out.
The best pizza in town, healthy lunch options next to my work and a funky space I never knew existed - & my latest Berlin visit.
Latest Video
My Diary
October brought a lot of new discoveries, inspirational awareness & all kinds of emotions, which of course weren't always fabulous. In the post, I've put my October Thoughts in bullet points, coz why beat around the bush (and I'm pretty sure you prefer it that way too).
SNUG: adjective,
warmly comfortable or cozy, as a place, accommodations, etc.
I always find it difficult to figure out what to do for NYE. I need delicious food, great music to dance to, and lovely company. Combining all 3 can be challenging, so I've done a bit of a research & came up with a few great options for Prague.
I love October, because at this point I usually have had enough of summer, and I'm totally ready to layer up! Walking around the city is now much more enjoyable without the heat & spending more time indoors doesn't come with a guilty conscience.
I'd rather be hibernating, but apparently only bears do that! So here are my other plans...
"Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul... but I must confess that I love you only because you are a prelude to my beloved October." — Peggy Toney Horton
Usually I would've been quite nervous if travelling wasn't much on my agenda over summer, but this year I quite enjoyed staying put. Having the time to fully explore the city I'm beginning to call 'home'.
Why go to 'VODA': If you're like me - someone who doesn't take sports too seriously, then this is the perfect summer activity for you. It's more of a social gathering, but on water.
Why go to Pohoda Festival: Because it's probably the only time in the year you'll completely let go of all your worries, judgments and fears.
I've missed Pieštany for what it was back in my care-free days. The town hasn't changed much visually, but the spirit's gone. Young people have left, and with them the strength that was needed to preserve this place...
I've finally moved back to Letna area in Prague, which has brought a lot of magic back into my life. I'm sandwiched in between 2 beautiful parks, so mornings and evenings are very close to perfect.
It's summer! I'm eating more, I'm drinking more, but luckily I'm moving and laughing more, so that's hopefully burning a few of those extra calories.
In search for more healthy options in Holesovice, dreaming about an apartment in Karlin and chilling at our favourite outdoor spot by the river.
I personally fell in love with the Forbidden Spot - it's creative, it's rough and it's unique, but what will surprise you even more is what they serve and how they present it.
The month of May has been about discovering more of local music and swapping those horrid shopping malls and branded fashion for more original pieces from vintage stores. Also, a new Cafe has just opened which has an incredible interior worth checking out.
Street Festival which took place on Krymska street in Prague. A day filled with food, drinks, music and plenty of good vibes!
A walk around Prenzlauer Berg, stopped for brunch and walked to the East Side Gallery, Yaam - beach bar, White Trash bar & restaurant, and ended up at MauerPark
The best pizza in town, healthy lunch options next to my work and a funky space I never knew existed - & my latest Berlin visit.
A charming French Bistro, a French Restaurant with great snails, a new Cafe and a new Bakery in Prague 7.
A place, where happiness is contagious, fun is viral & problems seem to instantly vanish... only at Pohoda Festival
Prague has got some amazing artists & luckily the city's still relatively cheap
What can I say. Panic attacks & anxiety suck. They sneak upon you from nowhere and make your life miserable. However, there are ways to fight back.
Lucia is one of those people who has that gift of instantly making you feel good. Reminding you that life really isn't that bad - that it can be quite exciting.
No. 8. Location: Knowing, that home is where you speak their language fluently.
The Hipster Trend is still here & quite ALIVE. For some, it's getting old and for others it's still kind of hot. I'm not going to lie - I'm also a fan. I get turned on by the thought of...
These elements are responsible for my happiness, motivation and general sanity in this Urban Jungle.
The City inspires me, motivates me and helps me move forward. That's why I choose the Urban Life. The Search for Freedom - I found mine in the City.
The City inspires me, motivates me and helps me move forward. That's why I choose the Urban Life. The Search for Freedom - I found mine in the City.
As many of you already know, I always try to attend events whenever I visit or move to a new city. A little gathering called 'COOK & MEET IN PRAGUE' is perfect for those who love to learn more about food, wine and travel. Daniele, organiser of this event, is someone you'll want to carefully listen to once you sit down at the table. He's got some great travel stories up his sleeve and very knowledgeable about GOOD food & drinks. Daniele also organises tours around Italy.
The amazing thing about living in Basel is the fact that you're right next to France & Germany. So if the crazy high Swiss prices create a dent in your wallet, you can opt for the 2 cheaper sides of Europe!
Interviews
Setting up an interview with Prague's cultural activist wasn't the easiest of tasks, but once I met him I understood why. He's the one responsible for the scattered pianos, chess tables and poem jukeboxes around the city. He's also the owner of Cafe Neustadt, Cafe v Lese and many happenings in Prague.
Singer / Songwriter at VOILA Band & Actress: 'We were always encouraged to pursue our dreams which was the biggest gift of all. I admire my parents - my dad for making his dreams a reality and my mom for being such a hard-worker - they are the perfect team.'
Founder and Director of URBANARA: Claire entered the room, and so did her incredible aura. She is beautiful, elegant and definitely knows what she wants. I already knew then that I'd have to interview Claire one day.
Marga, a Dutch photographer currently based in Berlin, is someone you really won't forget once you meet her. Apart from her calm and loving personality, there are 2 more things that stand out - it's her 'Bike Shop' and her great photographs which put a smile on anyone's face.
The multilingual (speaks French, Spanish, Catalan, English and German) and free spirited dancer now living in Berlin tells us how travelling out of her comfort zone changed her life and how important is to keep fighting for what you love.
"When I finish a piece, I just sit quietly in front of it and get fed with all the feelings and emotions it throws back at me. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction" Phaedra
Welcome to the Zozoville World - where Freedom mixed with a pinch of Discipline are the secret ingredients for the 'Potion of Success'
"The biggest and scariest change in my life was my move from being a chemical engineer with a stable and promised career to becoming a freelance graphic designer!" Danah
Walking into 'White Trash' to look for passionate people (instead of my usual wait for a mouth watering White Trash Burger) turned out pretty amazing!
"I love meeting people in cultural spaces, seeing different exhibitions, drinking tea or having a delicious meal." Estela
Recommendations from some fab people
This job (dance) is all about being at the right place and at the right time. If you want to get involved, search as much as you can on the internet for all kinds of auditions and courses in different schools around Europe.
I've always loved art. I was always drawing things that I could constantly see. I was never good at creating abstract art. When I saw something beautiful I always had the urge to document it - looking at the details and putting it down on paper.
From impressively successful women like Sheryl Sandberg and Christine LaGarde, to my hugely influential Economics teacher (who has sadly now passed away) to my fierce and uncompromising grandmother who would never take no for an answer, these women provide a constant source of inspiration.
"We suggest you explore more than just the capital… In the Czech Republic we recommend the 'MORAVIAN WINE COUNTRY' Experience - especially town Mikulov - definitely a place you should visit." Zuzi & Jan
"We love this spot. Every time I'm there, it has the close community vibe - just like a family gathering. Other places with a similar atmosphere are Kater and Watergate." Janina
Discovered talents around the world
Much of Ibrahim’s work circles and reacts to his conservative Islamic upbringing and explores issues such as feminism, gender equality and sexual identity, often considered as taboo in Muslim societies.
I'm always amazed how many talented photographers are out there. I love Instagram, because it offers us a never-ending flow of talent discovery.
"I wanted to record interesting people, show their style, and check out what trends were developing. I wanted to capture the ways in which people adapt to the cultural influences around them." Bill
I discovered this talented 21 year old German photographer a few months ago, and she stunned me with her beautiful surreal photography. She took me to a different world - where dreams and fairy-tales collide.
The two Brooklyn-based artists - Charly & Margaux a.k.a Chargaux - are not only musically talented, but have also wowed their audience with their beauty, style and creative art.
"I come from an abusive childhood, and so I think this side of melancholy has a large influence on some of my work." Lilli Waters
"I quit my job as an art teacher and focused all of my energy on producing pieces and sending them to a gallery from whom I worked at the time." Ramon
Story of how crafting a replica of a Formula One racing car - designed by Red Bull Racing - from 6,500 parts eventually got Paul his dream job
Her work is incredible, using only paper and a pen. Creating magnificent, photo-realistic black-and-white images in large format.
"Who is your style icon?'
'Old people living in France. My mom in the 70′s. My dad in the 60′s and 70′s. The color wheel. The Universe." BackYard Bill
An Italian Photographer whose talent, knowledge and success coincide with his integrated awareness and instinctual ability as an individual. He is someone who firmly believes in the objectivity of oneself behind the camera.
Johanna Tagada is a young French artist based in Berlin. She lives in Prenzlauer Berg, in an apartment with extremely good vibes with her English fiancé Jatinder Singh Durhailay, who also happens to be an artist.
The stylist and designer’s laidback, ethereal style and love for good music and good company is full of the city’s spirit. After growing up in Lebanon, Lamia spent years living in New York and Paris and slips between French, English and Arabic in one sentence with typical Beirut ease.
"We suggest you explore more than just the capital… In the Czech Republic we recommend the 'MORAVIAN WINE COUNTRY' Experience - especially town Mikulov - definitely a place you should visit." Zuzi & Jan