prato
a year of my twenties
studying and living in europe
"just one suitcase and a backpack".
That was my rule. Everything I need in one suitcase.
I don't consider myself a minimalist but I try my best to live minimally as possible. Thinking about a product's function before purchasing is really essential. Like why should I get a knife set when I just need one knife? It may be a bit cheaper but honestly too much stuff just clutters my mind.
but yeah.
I started off my ten months with just a large suitcase and backpack.
note: If you click on an image, you'll be able to see more images.
travel
antwerp
travel
vienna
antwerp was probably my favorite place I've visited this year. Just the colors of the buildings are enough to put you in awe.
travel
munich
living
analog
We traveled to Munich to attend ISPO Munich, an athletic wear expo. To be honest, athletic sportswear and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Nevertheless it was interesting hearing about all the details and care that goes into the construction of each garment. No details are added without having a function.
At the Neue Pinakothek, I met the most beautiful Klimt I've ever seen. When one thinks about Klimt, one imagines the bold gold but this piece was one of his more subtle works. The muted blue tones against her pale skin and white dress is so lovely. After seeing this piece, visiting Vienna and the Leopold became one of the last places I would like to visit before leaving Europe. It was actually one of the first places my friend and I wanted to visit when we heard we were going to spend a year here. For some reason it just slipped our minds.
Pinakothek der Moderne was more of my cup of tea. I brought along my minilux and started my first roll of colorplus. It is currently in my fridge next to the eggs waiting to be developed.
living in europe has brought out an attraction towards film photos, and vintage clothing I never knew I had. For the past 10 months all Jolin & I would talk about is analog photography.
travel
stockholm
One should not go to Stockholm during New Years mainly because there won't be many stores open. Also the sun sets around one so if you wake up late, you'll miss the light. Nevertheless, it was a good way to end our trip. We stayed in most of the time and catched up. Since high school, it's rare that we get to spend a lot of time together. So it was pleasant just staying at the airbnb, cooking and chatting.
travel
berlin
Berlin is like how cool you aspire to be but in reality you are far from it.
That kind of describes our time there. We came during christmas so everyone was on holiday.
work
four month recap
living
twenty-one
Honestly, I wrote a draft of this section when it was "four months since coming to italy". Now that I reread it, it doesn't really reflect what I felt.
Let's just say, I had a great time traveling but school really stifled my creative freedom and I had a hard time with that. Would I do it again? Honestly not.
For me, my pride and joy comes from creating thing's I am excited about.
living
mementos
I've always been into decor so I tried my best to bring back something meaningful from each city I visited. Mainly just books-I think that is the only thing I hoard the most next is art supplies and skincare. I didn't get a chance to document how I arranged the mementos in my apartment in Milan. It's a shame.
Now, I'm back in new york and started settling in. I used to and still really adamant about living minimally but I think it's nice to have some reminders of good times with friends. Don't you?
I also found this 60s industrial modernist chair that was made in North America that I absolutely adore. It's such a pleasurable experience sitting and working in it.
instagram
@michelletraann