About Me

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Bonn, Germany
20 year-old blogger from Bonn, Germany with a passion for fashion, styling & make up. I love literature (Shakespeare, Goethe, Dostojewski & Tolstoi are a MUST!), traveling, different cultures & meeting new people. Even though I was born in Germany I'm of Romanian descent & proud of it. I'll be posting & blogging about everything I freaking want.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

[Around The World #6] Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 2012.



Hey everyone!


After ages I am finally back. I'm not going to make up any excuses I just didn't have enough time and a bunch of stress the last couple of months. Therefore I also achieved lot of things. :) I passed all of my exams, moved back to Bonn, organized everything for my internships and New York.
I have to finish up the posts about my summer vacation quickly because I still have to pack my bags among other stuff since I am leaving for NY tomorrow. I thought about not doing them anymore but thought it would be sad even though it is kind of ridiculous since my vacation was 6 months ago (if I'm not mistaken, time seriously flies) and I will be back in Bosnia by the end of March anyways.

A short update: I decided not to go to Romania this year since I was offered two internships in Bosnia for spring and summer: one in Sarajevo and one in Banja Luka. I will probably stay for about 4 months. Neither would I have enough time for Romania nor money.
Concerning the last four posts (including this one): I wrote them a while ago, wasn't happy with it, deleted everything, wrote it again and didn't finish editing, looked at it now and realized that a lot just wasn't up-to-date anymore. Here I am again with not enough time on my hands, trying to keep the texts short - quoting a lot - keeping the focus on the pictures. I'm aware of the fact that this actually is neither doing the places nor the people justice. Bear that in mind. 

Let's get it crackin'.
If you've read the title you'll know that we took a trip to the lovely town of Visoko and its pyramids (which you actually can't see but guess, since that was the exact place where the pictures were taken).

Besides its pyramids Visoko has a breathtaking landscape and is the home of a bunch of amazing people.
I don't know whether all of you are familiar with the Bosnian pyramids or have even heard of them before. As a matter of fact: You should have. They are not only extremely interesting and fascinating but also highly controversial. There is a whole debate on whether they are actually pyramids or not etc., man-made or a "hill". Honestly, none of it makes sense to me. They definitely look like pyramids. Arguing whether people lived in there or not, were buried there or not is in my opinion absolutely unnecessary. I am 100% positive that they are NOT "natural" furthermore they have an extremely complex structure. I don't get why people even argue whether they are man-made or just "hills". As far as I can say, even though I am not a scientist, the wikipedia entry supporting the latter is BS. I have eyes. I don't think that nature can built something that precise.

Since I don't want to say anything wrong, here are some more information about the "bosanske piramide". Maybe I will also include a video the next days, a documentary my dear friend Haris (who was there with his mom, my mom and me) posted on FB after our trip:

Just for your information: We were on the Bosnian Pyramid of the Moon where we had an AMAZING little tour guide. If I'm not mistaken he was not more than 12 years-old and told us that he had worked at the pyramids for years, showing tourists around without asking for any money. After talking to our friends in Bosnian and a little English here and there he suddenly started talking German, the moment he realized that my mom and me were speaking it. Let me just say that his German was damn near PERFECT! He seemed proud to say that he learned it from TV. That little guy truly got himself a place in my heart, and all of my respect. 
After lunch we went to see the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun where we met a boy from Germany/Poland with his Polish father who ended up exploring the rest of the city/pyramids with us. Since it was extremely hot we didn't went all the way up and decided to visit the Tunnels. They were by far the most interesting. I had never been in ANY pyramid before and apart from that not with a tour guide as good as the one we had for the Tunnels. I tried to convince him to write something for my blog since he would have been able to write way more detailed, having obviously more knowledge. The tunnels were not only interesting because of their architecture but also because of a lot of spiritual "myths" (as some might call it) surrounding the place.
When we got out we wanted to see even more but it was already evening and we were way to tired. We decided to go back to Zenica, had coffee at our friend's house and then me and my mom got back to the hotel.

I am outraged and cannot understand why the pyramids don't get more international attention. As most of it in Bosnia, they deserve it.
All I have to say is: If you ever visit Visoko - which you definitely should, if you get the chance - hit me up for the info on the tour guides. 

On that note and again a long post: toodles! I'll be back with Mostar and Međugorje in a couple of minutes.

Yours,
Lea.



























Thursday, January 3, 2013

Happy New Year! - and: I am BACK.


Bună seara!


First things first:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I dearly hope that all of you guys had a blast on the 31st!!!! Apart from that I also hope that all of you had a lovely Christmas with your family and friends, at least those of you who celebrate. Even if you didn't I hope you had some nice days off. 



I know it's been a while but I've got my reasons. As some of you may know I've started university in Jena last October. Unfortunately neither the subject nor the city or university was what I had expected. The last months had been a struggle for me in every aspect and all I felt like doing was learning - at least SOMETHING productive. 
The only good thing: The LANGUAGES! I've decided to change university and subject again. I will still continue learning the Romanian & Bosnian though. I'll get my language  qualifications this February, then move back to Bonn, fly to NY with the man and then hopefully go to Bosnia for an internship and then to Romania for another work experience. It looks good right now but I haven't got any letters of acceptance yet - also I don't how long I'll stay and when. I guess it would be good for me since I could improve language skills, get more qualifications and actually LIVE in both countries. 
In October I will finally go back to university - praying that it will be the right decision this time. I will probably go for law, as I always wanted to do it when I was younger but thought I'd be restricted to one country - namely Germany. Luckily I found out that there is also the possibility to study international law after your foundation course. Sounds perfect to me. As a lawyer I'd have a lot of possibilities in all kinds of jobs, not only in court. Besides that I could still work on my languages at university (apart from completing law school). I know that it is a pretty good plus to be fluent in German, English, Spanish, Romanian & Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian - especially if I want to work in The Hague or in an international organisation. Furthermore I am also keen on learning Russian or Arabic. Let's see what happens and how everything turns out. I hope to be able to get into the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg. It would be close to home, yet not too close and I could see my boyfriend more often.



Anywhoooooo.... Back to my blog. Finally a new outfit post. ;-) 
I have not forgotten about my  'Around The World series' either. The "last days in Bosnia" will be up soon... I just have to edit them & write a little more.


Please notice that it is kind of hard for me to upload & write new outfit posts in Jena since I have no one to take pictures of me. I will try to figure something out.



The pictures in this 'article' were taken on 12/26/2012. I was going for something chic yet also comfortable & casual since it was Christmas and all we did was eat and then visit my aunt on her farm - to eat even more. I paired the skirt with a shirt a friend gave me a while ago. MR is for Mash Raiders - if you are interested in good music you should check them out. The best DJs around!

I also put on my new favourite shoes! Those boots/heels are extremely comfortable - believe it or not. I don't know what you guys think but I adore them! In addition I wore an old H&M cardigan and later on I threw on an old coat. The earrings were my bestie's Christmas gift to me. Stunning, huh?



Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures on NYE... Just to let you know: My dress was KILLER. Maybe I'll put it on again and take pictures. I got it in the sale from Mango last Saturday - a last-minute-buy so to speak. 

What did you guys do for New Year's Eve? I was staying at a friend's in Heidelberg and we were simply too lazy to go anywhere or do anything. We stayed at home, got dressed up (since I wanted to wear the dress I bought especially for NYE), cooked, watched TV and later the firework before we went to bed around 2 am. All in all a lovely & chilly night.



That's all for now & way too much already. Until next time - that will be in Visoko, BiH. ;-)



I hope you have an awesome year ahead of you. Always remember: 


I know I will...
  
Love y'all always and PLEASE excuse my absence.



Yours, 
Lea.



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 *****************
What I wore:
- Pencil skirt from Vero Moda
- MR shirt
- Cardigan from H&M
 - Scarf from H&M - ages ago.
- Heels from "She"
- Earrings: "Magic Fireball" from Konplott
 Make-Up:
• Face: 
- The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream (in 01)
- MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 (in NW20)
- MAC Mineralize Concealer (in NW15)
- MAC Studio Fix (in N4)
- MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in "Dollymix"
- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "Soft And Gentle"
Brows:
  -BeYu Eyebrow Gel (in 3)
  • Eyes: 
- Artdeco Lash Booster Volumizing Mascara Base
- Artdeco All in One Mascara
Lips:
- MAC's "Diva" 
Fragrance:
- Joop! Le Bain
***************** 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Viata asta-i bun pierdut, de n-o traiesti cum ai fi vrut!


Salut!

In between my 'vacation posts' a quick F.O.T.D.
Enjoy!

Yours,
Lea. 


************************************  
 
 Make-Up:
• Face: 
-Estee Lauder DayWear BB Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35 (in 01 Light)
- MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 (in NC20)
-L'oréal Paris Lumi Magique Stylo Touche De Lumière (in 1 Light)
- L'oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional: Poudre Fixante Universelle
- MAC Studio Fix (in N5)
- MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in "Peachykeen"
- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "Soft And Gentle"
Brows:
  -BeYu Eyebrow Gel (in 3)
  • Eyes: 
- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "Soft And Gentle" (inner corner & tear dot area)
- MAC Eye Kohl in "Smolder"
- MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow in "Legendary Black"
- Lancôme Cils Booster
- Benefit "They're Real" Mascara 
Fragrance:
- Reb'l fleur by Rihanna

************************************ 

>>Viata asta-i bun pierdut, de n-o traiesti cum ai fi vrut!<<
"Your life is wasted if you don't live it the way you like."

 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A Bosnian HAUL.


Good evening dolls,

In between my posts concentrating on cities & culture I had to put one, which focuses on the more extravagant sides of life. ;-)
Yes - even though I should save my money for moving, I went crazy in Bosnia regarding shopping. You only live once. Besides that I was using money I got from my grandpa and was supposed to spend on a trip. After all - shopping is a part of being on vacation, isn't it? Plus I was also getting some items for my new apartment. I already unpacked most of them and they are now in my first own home, making it look exactly the way I wanted it to look. :-) If I get the chance [meaning: if I have time for it] I will take pictures of my new place where you'll maybe recognize some of the items below.
I love to shop in Bosnia because of the prices, which are way lower than in Germany - even though it is getting more expensive there, too. Besides that I love the fact that they sell a lot of stuff I would never ever find out here & I am not only talking about traditional jewellery or furniture for example [even though that's what I mostly went for this time]. Unfortunately the fact that it is relatively cheap - for instance to someone from Germany - could be a problem since you start spending money really fast & therefore lose it even fast. That's something you always have to take care of. Also, if you go to a bazar, always be careful of scammers. There are a lot who are - like in most places with tourists - more than happy to have someone in there store or near there sales booths who doesn't speak the language or doesn't how things are working. If one of the above applies to you, watch out you'll end up paying way more than the item is actually worth. Also, it is useful to know how to haggle. I am not good at it but I had an ace up my sleeve: Locals who were haggling for me. Always excellent but it's working without them, too. Even I made some pretty good deals this time despite the fact that my Bosnian friends weren't always around.

That's all. I'll stop rambling...

Anyhow: I am >> big haulin' << now. ;-)

Yours,
Lea.

************************************

Tea light & lamp bought in a cute little store next to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

 Bits & bobs from Međugorje.
Mary, rosary & holy water from Međugorje.

 Tourist map & magnet from Mostar & the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. I also bought looots of books in Mostar but I got them for my birthday which is why I couldn't take a picture of them. Just two mention two of them (both worth a read!): "This Was Not Our War - Bosnian Woman Reclaiming The Peace" by Swanee Hunt & 'The Story Of Srebrenica - A Novel About The War In Bosnia" by Isnam Taljić.

Information about the "Bosanska Dolina Piramida" in Visoko and a souvenir Haris & Mersija bought for me.

My pride - my new Bosnian coffee service. Handmade and from Sarajevo's famous Baščaršija neighbourhood.



Isn't it beautiful?!


Aaaaaand the matching table. They actually use this size as a stool. The table looks the same, it is just bigger. Unfortunately I haven't had enough money for a big table and thought the little one would do the job as well. PLUS: I have also seen people using this size as a table.

In the same store I bought this amazing mirror. I haven't unpacked it for the pictures since I was moving this Friday.



This is a picture my mom took of me and my wonderful 'shopping-friend' Aida - a woman we met during a tourist tour that day - when we were buying table & mirror.


Noooowww... up next: jewelry ^.^

BTW: ALL of these pieces are either solid gold or silver.

 A traditional Sarajevan bracelet.

I found these babies in the cutest little jewelry store in Sarajevo (one of HUNDREDS!!!).

Me wearing them.

Also from Sarajevo...

 I fell in LOVE with these little jade earrings...

... and the store I bought them in. It's located right in front of the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. In my opinion the BEST jewelry stores - in the world - are located near or around it. 

A beautiful set containing a matching pair of earrings, a ring and a pendant I purchased in the beautiful city of Travnik.

The earrings are solid gold, handmade hamsa earrings from a store in Sarajevo. The evil eye is from the same store I bought the set above in. 

The store in Travnik.

And last but not least: Gifts I received from the family :-)