Cuenca

2550 m above sea level, 3rd largest city in Ecuador and named UNESCO World Heritage.

I'm talking about Cuenca, a historic andean city in the South of Ecuador.
I landed there coming from Guayaquil just a day after the city's Independence day 3rd of November which follows the in Ecuador highly celebrated Day of the Dead on the 2nd of November.
So the city was in party mode Wednesday until Saturday. And then Sunday, because Cuenca is like the epicenter of Catholicism the city was completely deserted. But I was on a tour to the National park Cajas so it didn't bother. 

Friday and Saturday though I had the chance to enjoy the handcraft market along the river Tomebamba.


Things to Do:

Cajas national park



I just came from Cuenca, where I visited the national park Cajas. It's around 30km from there up in the Andes (3100m and 4450m above sea level). Travel Agencies in Cuenca offer different day trips (around 50 dollars with a private guide).

Although I had no luck with the weather, it was pretty amazing. I saw amazing landscapes,  more flowers and birds than I could count (or name) and it was my first time at 4167m above sea level.

Did you knew that Ecuador has 4232 different types of orchids? Or which plants you make the delicious pink lemonade called Pitimas or the warming pink tea named Orchata out of? I did the "love" test and touched a blue Gentiana. It closed so I have proven to be faithful.

Isabela & Santa Cruz


Hey just got back from my four day trip visiting 2 other islands. I had a great time there and want to share some pictures with you. And since a few people have already asked me, I'm going to upload my "schedule" too.

Ecuadorian Slang Part 1

Learning the language is always my goal when I'm traveling. Even if it is just a few words. Here in Ecuador, I actually came to learn Spanish. And I did. Más o menos :P
But then there is still the local slang. The more you hang out with people from the island, the more you will hear it.
I am no language expert and it's also not only island specific, but those are some things I heard around the Galapagos. Have fun with it!



Buenas Your to go greeting if you don't know the time and the fitting salutation

Chévre /Que Chévre Cool! How cool!

De ley Right/ You're right

¡Qué bestia! Basically Wow, literally what a biest

Chuchaki From Quichua meaning hangover or feeling hungover

Ve se/sa man Wow...heard that around the pool table often, when someone made a miraculous shot
Es muy rico For good food. People will love you Mono Coastal people, sometimes mean

Serrano the Highlanders or Mountain people

Suca / Sucita White girl with whitish blonde hair

Colorada Blonde, blue eyed & tanned girl

Ya saaabe You know maaaan!

¿Mande? You will here this one all the time .

"Come again? This one has a negative historical context rooted in the times of Spanish conquerors, as it was the proper way for a subject to address their ruler. Mande is the polite “you” form of mandar (to command). Basically, you’re politely asking, “What do you want me to do?” or “What do you command me to do?” It’s considered to be polite, so you may use this as you please in Ecuador with whoever you’re addressing. "(from fluentu.com) 
Carajo! Damn

 Achachai — Cold. Say “¡Achachai!” when you’re chilly and shivering.
Arrarrai — Hot. Say “¡Arrarrai!” with strongly rolled rr sounds when you burn yourself.
Atatai Eww!
Canguil Popcorn...by the way, they put it in soup



Perdóname - Sorry, I promise to be better

Here and now I promise to keep this blog more up to date.

Now that I have better internet connection and can actually upload photos I will finally publish my already written post. Have some forbearance with me.

Buen viaje y bienvenidos en Guayaquil!



Frankfort, it's 3AM and I get up after having slept for two hours max. The night before some friends of my family came over and my godmother too. So it got late, damn.

At 5AM I somehow managed to get to the airport, standing there with all my luggage I still can't realize that I will leave Germany for 4 months. And it will take me 17 hours more to do so.

My first flight is headed to Amsterdam. I get talking with my rowmates, and surprise one is going to Ecuador too. I mean, who else is crazy enough to take the plane to Amsterdam when just stepping into a train would be so much faster and easier.

My Teaching Project

Hi,


did you know that Elvis is still alive? He prefers an afro nowadays. And I teach him.

Fitness Salad

Hey guys,

let me introduce you to my sister, Florence, who is going to share some of here mouthwatering recipes here.
Enjoy!


You know theses days when you come home and you are TOTALLY motivated to do sports and you are not hungry at all? No, me neither. Just go ahead and make yourself this salad, trust me you will feel like a completely new person!!!

First friends

Let me introduce you to my first friend in Ecuador, Fito.

“Curiosity killed the cat,” Fesgao remarked, his dark eyes unreadable.
Aly rolled her eyes. Why did everyone say that to her? 
“People always forget the rest of the saying,” she complained. “‘And satisfaction brought it back.” 




Packing 4 Month Ecuador


 So, I promised you I would post what I actually pack for Ecuador, after I have moved.

This time I have the luxury of two bags with 23 kg plus a cabin bag. I am not a big fan of having a lot of luggage, because it makes you more immobile. But I will be on an Island for 3 month and I know from a friend who has been there a year ago, that some things like sunscreen have tourist prices and that you will need A LOT of it.
The last moth traveling I will probably need to catch some inland flights, they may charge extra for a second bag.
I have an old hockey bag, that I bought for cheap in Canada.it is super light weight since it is like a huge polyester sac on wheels. My clothes always got tossed around in it since it is so big, so I started inserting a hanging wardrobe organiser from ikea (like this.) I never went over 18 kg anyway, because this bag is so light. Now I can pop my wardrobe up wherever I am. And I certainly will not find my formerly neatly folded cloth all messed up. (That is what I hated most about packing, folding stuff, just to find it in a mess some hours later.)

Don't be a basic backpacker! // 4 month Ecuador project

Don't be a basic backpacker // Classy Summer Style

Hey there,

so in a few weeks I will be leaving for my adventure in Ecuador! I am so excited :)
Last week I finished all my exams, and passed all of them, yay :D.

Since I will be moving next week, I can't really lay out my clothes as I usually would.
But 4 month in one suitcase, going from Galapagos to the Andes need to be planned.
Especially since I will be teaching and have to dress appropriate.

Protein Pancakes

Recently I started a new breakfast ritual. After bread, muesli & skyr with granola in the morning I kind of got tired of those foods and was craving something fluffy and sweet, but still healthy.

So I created my breakfast pancake. I modified the recipe in the last weeks, depending on what I found in my kitchen and what turned out to give it the best texture.

This is my result, enjoy!


Shopping Trip Outfit

Shopping Trip



I so want to go on a short weekend getaway and just go shopping.
But the hardest part is always packing and finding functional, but also chic outfits. So I started putting together outfits on polyvore. Here's the outcome :)


Have a wondeful weekend!

xoxo Céline

Back to Studying

Anatomy exam coming up next week :/ Wish me luck

Beetroot Smoothie


1 Beetroot
1 Apple
1 Carrot
Handful of Salad (Baby Spinach, Lollo Rosso)
Orange Juice
Water


Blend and add water till smooth.

Enjoy!


The perfect Buddha Bowl


Hey guys,
I want to introduce you to my latest obsession: Buddha Bowls. I'm kind of always on the run and while I love cooking, I just do not find the time for it. But I also refuse the "freezer pizza student" diet. So the solution is the buddha bowl.
Just fill your fridge with healthiness like vegetables (fresh and frozen), some lean proteins and some quinoa or lentils that I cooked the weekend before. When I come home hungry, I just look in the fridge and throw some yummy things together.

Enjoy the Holidays!


Lots of Love,

    Céline

10 things I did in Amsterdam


Do you know this feeling, when it's all just to much and you just need to get out for a little while. I felt like this after a month with an exam each week. Although I not done yet with my Vorphysikum, I needed to take some time off, before returning to study mode again. 
I know myself well enough to say that I am better off, taking some free time after an exam to relax and enjoy life. I may have less time to learn for my upcoming tests, but I will be so much more efficient and motivated then. In the end I actually did more, in less time. 

After my third exam in week three, I felt this urge to leave it all behind. I just wanted to get out. Have something to get exited about. So I called my best friend, whom I had not seen in such a long time, because after our graduation we moved far away from our old lives in our old hometown. Unfortunately we picked the exact opposite direction. North & South. 


She is as spontaneously as me and so we booked our trip to Amsterdam the same day. 
Getting sucked up by my bio stuff, the exam was in 6 days, I banned all my usual travel planning urges to the back of my head. 

I passed bio ( yay!) had lunch with my group ( yum!) and went back to my apartment where my sea blue backpack awaited me. ( I'm in love with my fjåll raven baby <3 and will make a post about it and the advantages of traveling with a backpack soon.)
I threw some basics in, my sponge bag filled with all kinds of cream and shampoo samples and the spaghetti of tech devices that a modern human being needs these days. 


I took a train home to my family the same day and we all had sushi. At 11 o'clock I thought time was right to go sleep so I would wake up refreshed the next morning at 6 o'clock ( which is so not my time; I admire you early birds out there. I'm more like creature of the night/ maybe teatime.)
But of course everything went way to easy, so karma played me and my phone broke. I spent the next three hours transferring all my accounts, login data and contacts to my mothers old phone and then fell asleep. 5 hour s later and not so refreshed I woke up and was headed to the central train stations here I meet my friend.
There is something about old train stations in the early morning glooming in the eastern sunlight, the smell of fresh coffee, the rattling sound of newspaper getting picked up by busy people hurrying off to work and the puffing and squealing of trains. All those possibilities that are right in front of you. You just have to jump on.



My friend had also been busy the last week, so in the train was the first time we opened the travel guide to Amsterdam and did some research.
We outlined a few things we really wanted to see but quickly decided to let ourselves become part of the hustle and bustle of the city.

We arrived and quickly found our hotel which was small but nice. Floating by the docks of the Western Grachten. 
To bring my rambling to an end I will now list the 10 things I did and liked in Amsterdam. This is not at all a panacea, I haven't tried everything in just 4 days and 3 nights and represent all people. This is just a list to inspire you to visit this wonderful city.

Herrengracht

I really loved this walk by the canal. It is about 4km long if you start at Brouwersgracht in the west and walk it all around the medieval city to the NEMO in the east. Most of my favorite places are on the way or near by and it is not to crowded (I'm not the one for really touristy places.) The richest merchants used to live there, so the houses are just amazing.


De Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Want to feel like your in a tropical paradise for only 5€ (if you're a student) ?
Visit the botanical garden in the east of Amsterdam. It is one of the oldest and was built in 1682 to host medical plants. they also have a small butterfly, an orchidee and a palm house. But by far my favorite thing ( in all of Amsterdam besides the food) was the 3 climate zones greenhouse. It really feels like being in a jungle. The air is humid and sooo warm, I took of my jacket. The scents carried me from the cold wintery city to some cozy, exotic place. In the dessert house next to it is the last of its kind Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant that gets up to 2000 years old!




De 9 Straatjes

9 little streets with lots of original, creative and mostly independent shops: You will find amazing boutiques, cute vintage-designer stores and of course relaxed and friendly cafes. I think its the perfect place to shop for gifts and special treats. This map here gives a good overview. 

Rijksmuseum

Just the building by itself is extraordinaire. Inside are some of the most famous historic paintings in the world. Although the paintings from for Rembrandt and Vermeer are really great, I loves the Catwalk exhibition on the evolution of the dress the most. And check out the wonderful library too.
After so much input, I really needed time to process all the information and inspiration. Vondelpark  which is near by is the perfect place to relax afterwards. On your way there don't forget to take a quick picture with the huge I amsterdam letters behind the Rijksmuseum. 
Although my travel guide recommended buying tickets in advance, I got mine there and did not wait long. 





There is a small park, that is free behind it too!


Bakkerswinkel

Best place I had breakfast while staying in Amsterdam. The fresh scone with the homemade lemon curd and a fresh pressed carrot juice was to die for. The place is so cozy, you feel like home instantly. They offer lots of pastry choices and you will get an assortment of homemade jams.

Traiterie Chef 

It's said to have to best apple pie in town, but I actually think their carrot cake is even better. I tried both and just loved it. It is rather spiced than sweet and so tasty. Goes perfect with coffee. They also offer hearty quiches and pies.









DEKSELS! Lekkere dingen

Super tasty typical dutch open sandwiches, freshly pressed orange juice and a really fun and happy waitress. The Cafe, as a restaurant/bar is called in Amsterdam that serves drinks and small dishes, was completely full with locals, which is a good sign, right, and we were lucky that two people were just leaving.
It's open Tuesday to Monday 12:00 to 23:00 h and the trendy uprising neighborhood Jordaan is right over  the Brouwersgracht.

Second hand shops


There are lots of second hand shops, where you find unique and affordable pieces. I just love browsing through vintage clothing and dressing up funny. Here is a really helpful map if you are looking for some eye catchers.



Westergasfabriek 

It is a 19th century renovated former gas factory that now hosts exhibitions and fairs and is home to a cinema, a brewery, cafes and designer stores. 
It's located in park and has a great atmosphere. Unfortunately most shops close at 17:00.  
I had dinner at TROOST, a brewery where you can get a really good beer and burgers, flammkuchen and cheesecake. (No cash - you can only pay by card!!!)




Canal tour


Seeing to city from the water is a really great experience. You can just lean back and drink in all the flair of the beautiful Amsterdam merchant houses.
Lots of different canal tour operators start at Amsterdam Centraal (central station).



GOOD TO KNOW


OPENING HOURS
Shops open late and close early. Even in the big main streets.
Here are the regular shopping hours in Amsterdam from I amsterdam:


  • Monday: 13:00-18:00 (shops open later than usual)
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 09:00-18:00
  • Thursday: 09:00-21:00 (late-night shopping)
  • Sunday: 12:00-17:00 (This primarily applies to the shops on and near the Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat. In some of the other shopping streets, you may find that only a selection of the shops are open on Sundays).


TRAM
There are trams, an hour ticket is 2,90€ but they do not go inside the Grachten Belt where you find most places of interest. I wanted to go from Hortus Botanicus to Westergasfabriek once and was really sore from all the walking, this was the only time I took a tram. Both lie outside de Grachten belt so it made sense, but I think most of the time walking through the picturesque streets or going by bike if you dare are much better options.

BICYCLES & SCOOTERS
There are bicycles every where. I read that there are more bicycles in Amsterdam than people living there. they have there own ways and their own rules. You have to watch out for scooters. I saw 2 accidents happen on the same day. 
If its warm enough, I think exploring the city by bike is the smartest way, but only if you are used to cycling in a city.

DINING
There are Cafés everywhere, they serve Cake and Snacks, but especially drinks like a normal bar. Sometimes even restaurants are called Café. Bruin Cafés are quaint historic pub-like cafes, that seem like they have been taken out of a Rembrandt painting.
In the real dutch restaurants you pay at the counter, only in the touristy places the will bring you the bill.
The dutch people love gezelligheid ( translates: sociability) which means that cafe are like their second living room.
I have not been to a Coffeshop prsonally, but if you go beware that smoking tobacco is illegal in there. So either pure hasch or sometimes they have an extra room, where they don't serve.

Chocolonely, fairtrade chocolate founded by a dutch journalist is sooo good.

I hope I could inspire you for your next trip to Amsterdam!


xoxo
       
             Céline



Hi, nice to meet you...


Mahé, Seychelles

Hi, I’m Céline, a serious coffee addict and travel lover. If I am not studying in Freiburg, in the beautiful Blackforest, you will find me running in the hills or snowboarding in the mountains.

To satisfy my wanderlust, I am constantly trying out new recipes from all over the world (gluten free) or browse through my collection of travel guides.

London




"Ich sehne mich danach, durch die bevölkerten Straßen ihres mächtigen London zu streifen, mitten durch den Sturm der Menschheit, ihr Leben zu teilen, ihre Veränderungen, ihren Tod - alles, was sie ausmacht."
       - Aus: Bram Stoker, Dracula (1897); Graf Dracula zu Jonathan Harker


Ich war die letzten Tage sozusagen auf Draculas Spuren und diesmal ich auch dieses England-Feeling mit grauem Regenwetter. 

"Ich bin abgereist, weil das Wetter zu gut war. Ich hasse London wenn es nicht regnet."
      - Groucho Marx

Ganz so schlimm bin ich dann doch nicht, aber London ist eine Stadt die auch bei schlechtestem Wetter noch glänzt und verlockt.
Neuste Errungenschaft aus London

Vor  fast zwei Jahren war ich eine Woche vor Kate's und Williams Hochzeit dort und es gab einfach eine Woche Sonnenschein. Die ganzen Regenjacken hatte ich umsonst eingepackt.
Im Gepäck hatte ich passend zum Ziel auch noch Sherlock Holmes.
Und ich habe festgestellt, dass Google Maps und eine Auslands-Internet-Option so ziemlich das beste ist was einem in einer Großstadt passieren kann. Vor allem wenn man die bekannten Sehenswürdigkeiten schon kennt und eher bestimmte Geschäfte sucht. 






Jenni Sparks for Evermade.com


"In rapid succession we passed through the fringe of fashionable London, hotel London, theatrical London, literary London, commercial London, and, finally, maritime London" — Arthur Conan Doyle (The Return of Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes, #6)


Alles, alles Liebe


     C.

Bagelrezept

Seit ich ein halbes Jahr in Kanada war, bin ich einfach Bagel verrückt. Leider gibt es hier in der Nähe aber keine Bäckerei, die diese verkauft. Ist ja nicht so, als hätten wir schon mehr als genug Sorten an Gebäck & vor allem Brot ;)
Also habe ich schließlich und endlich beschlossen, selber welche zu machen. Es gibt so viele Rezepte dazu, das ich mir mein eigenes zusammengebastelt habe. Eines das so ist wie ich sie aus Kanada kenne ist hier, allerdings wusste ich nicht wo zum Teufel man Malzsirup herbekommt. Wer, so wie ich, keinen Malzsirup hat, macht nichts, mit diesem Rezept hier werden sie trotzdem super lecker.

Das Schlimmste war, diese Fotos zu machen, ohne sie sofort aufzufuttern.

Zutaten:
500g Mehl
1 Würfel Frischhefe
1TL Salz
3TL brauner Zucker
1 Eigelb
2EL Mohnsamen
2EL Sesamsamen (hihi...lustiges Wort :)
4EL Semmelbrösel

Dauer: mit gehen lassen und Backzeit insgesamt 1 3/4 Stunden


Zubereitung:
1. Mehl in eine große Schüssel geben, in die Mitte eine Mulde machen um den Hefewürfel dort rein zu bröseln, 300ml lauwarmes Wasser, 3 EL brauner Zucker hinzufügen und mit etwas Mehl bedecken. 1TL Salz irgendwo an die Seite geben. Das ganze für rund 10 min stehen lassen. (Bis die Germ zu schäumen beginnt)


2. Ca. 10 min gut durchkneten und zugedeckt für mindestens 30 Minuten gehen lassen in der Nähe einer Heizung, ideal für die Hefe sind 27°C.
3. Teig mit den Händen nochmals kurz durchkneten und kleine (10 - 12) Bällchen formen und auf bemehlte Fläche legen. Mit einem feuchten warmen Tuch abdecken.
4. 1 l Wasser in einem Topf kochen. Und währenddessen in jede Teigkugel ein 2cm großes Loch drücken.
5. Backofen auf 200°C Ober-/Unterhitze oder 180°C Umluft vorheizen. 2 Backbleche mit Backpapier auslegen und die Semmelbrösel darauf geben (damit sie auch von unten knusprig werden)
6. Nun die Teigkringel in das kochende Wasser geben und auf jeder Seite jeweils 1Minute kochen.  Mit Frittierkelle aus dem Wasser nehmen, abtropfen lassen und dann auf das Backblech legen. 15 Minuten abgedeckt gehen lassen.
7. Das Eigelb mit 1EL Wasser mixen und die Bagels damit bestreichen. Danach mit jeweils Mohn  oder Sesam bestreuen. (Bei Vollkornmehl machen sich auch gemixte Körner gut darauf)
8. In der Ofenmitte nacheinander für 20 Minuten goldbraun backen. Bei Umluft können beide Blech auf einmal eingeschoben werden.
Anschließend auf Kuchengitter auskühlen lassen.

Das wichtigste zum Schluss: Lasst es euch schmecken.
Ich mag am liebsten Frischkäse, Rucola und Lachs dazu. Aber auch Avocado, Zitrone, Pfeffer, Salz und Schmelzkäse machen sich super darauf. Wer seine lieber süß mag, dem kann ich Frischkäse und rote Marmelade empfehlen.

LG C.

P.S.: Was mögt ihr am liebsten auf euren Bagel?

Under Construction



Coming Soon