Wanderlust Part I. - Kakslauttanen, Finland

This is real life (in the Finnish Laplands).

I don't think there could be a more perfect day for sharing these vacation photos than today, a snow day here in NYC. (For the record, snow days are decidedly less awesome when you work from home..!) Since I am a photography-monster (I took nearly 1,000 pictures!) and our trip included 2 distinct parts, I'm going to break this up into 2 posts and hopefully share some wanderlusty images combined with helpful tips. Here goes!!

So to answer your (likely) first question, Dr. H and I decided to travel to northern Finland, in search of the Northern Lights, because of a picture I saw on Pinterest. I sh*t you not. I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights so when I saw THIS picture and was like "I want to go to there" Dr. H said "looks cool" and off I went to plan a trip of winter adventures and magical sky seeking! We settled on the Finnish Laplands, and Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort because of the great accommodations and activities options. The hotel arranged everything we did for us (which was clutch since we were doing our own planning). Our flights were through Helsinki (southern Finland) to Ivalo and then the hotel transferred us to their arctic wonderland about 30 minutes further north. We were there for 3 full days and nights... Ok enough talking... picture time!

There is never a guarantee that you'll see them, but we did,
on night one right outside the main lodge of our hotel!

We stayed in the Traditional House, an almost century old structure. We built
our own fires each day and everything. It was pretty badass.

I cannot describe to you how magical seeing the Aurora is. It reminds me of that
scene in Sleeping Beauty when the 3 fairies are fighting "pink! blue!" and flashes
of colorful light are filling the sky. They move and "dance" They are magic.

For our day 1 activity we did a Husky Safari. It was INSANELY awesome!
Dr. H and I had our own sled and took turns driving these beautiful beasts.

Daylight lasts only a few hours this far north this time of year. We took a
walk around 2pm and that's when I snapped this picture. 

Another mid-afternoon sunset shot, because OMG gorgeous right!?

Night time snowmobiling anyone!? Notice how bundled we all are...
it was about -25 degrees outside (pre-windchill!!!) 

During the day you can see how the heavy snow transforms the trees into
"snow monsters" which bend in all sorts of funky directions

That time we went for a "1 km walk" which ended up being about 3 km, all uphill

The week after Christmas, we put the reindeer back to work.

Into the woods...

This photo was taken after about 5 minutes of stunning Northern Lights views.
My camera wouldn't cooperate and I gave up on getting a picture and just soaked
in the beauty. And then I decided to try one more time to get a snap...

REALLY glad that I did.

Back on the snowmobiles by day which was really freakin amazing.
(check out the GoPro placement on the front of Dr. H's helmet)

I cannot even handle this. This is REAL!

The reindeer farm was unexpectedly awesome. 

Sup?

It is so cold here that the snowflakes fall to earth in perfect fractal form.

A few important things worth sharing:

- There are lots places in the world where you can go to see the Northern Lights. For a list of top locations, click HERE.

- The best time to try to see the Northern Lights in most regions is between late Sept and late March

- Plan in advance (duh): While we did stay at the resort that inspired our trip, the igloos were sold out by the time we made our inquiry (barely 60 days in advance, so I can't be too upset). Since the Northern Lights have a "season", the hotels with optimal viewing book up early. Plan accordingly!
- Pack right: We did not mess around when packing for this trip. We took the forecasted temperatures to heart and purchased new boots, gloves and plenty of "base layer" clothing (We wore Uniqlo HeatTech, cheaper than the EMS-ish/sports brands and SO SO good.) I left the cute clothes and high heels at home. I was packed perfectly and though it was FREEZING, I rarely felt cold.

- Dare to be adventurous: I was pretty nervous about snowmobiling until I tried it. Dr. H doesn't love dogs, except, as it turns out, when they're huskies pulling him in a sled. A trip like this is wild through and through, so once you get there, be brave. 

- Expect the worst (hope for the best): For weeks leading up to the trip, we reminded ourselves that we might not see the Northern Lights and became determined not to let this ruin our trip. Just like any trip that centers around an activity/weather you can't guarantee, go into it prepared to make do without. That way when the sky lights up green on your very first night, your joy and amazement will be immeasurable. 

Merry & Bright, Happy & Healthy

Here here!

Friends! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, a Happy Channuka, a Merry Meri(!) Christmas and the start of your most joyful year yet. For this bookend'ed holiday week, Dr. H and I are taking our overdue Anniversary Adventure and this year a winter wonderland excursion of epic proportions is on tap.

Our adventure will include this:

exploring the Finnish Laplands by Husky

and this:

we will be riding in a Sven sleigh and visiting a Sven farm!

and hopefully a little of this:

Fingers & toes crossed for an Aurora Borealis siting!

We'll wrap things up by ringing in the New Year surrounded by this:

A very Copenhagen New Year!

shine bright!

So until next year, here's wishing each and every one of you a Merry & Bright, Happy & Healthy. If you're looking to do some blog reading, check out my Seek to Be Merry Year 3 Recap HERE and just in time for Christmas, there's an amazing reading of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas HERE. See you in 2015!! Xox - Meri

Thank You.

October 15, 2011

Today is my 3rd wedding anniversary. Three years as Mrs. Dr. H in the books. It's remarkable how time can fly like that... I thought a lot about what I wanted to say in this post, how I could outdo the cheese-tastic outpouring of love that I displayed for years one and two (or do I just write a sentence and give you some Hump Day Distractions!?) but after reflecting on everything that happened during our third year as husband and wife, I think what I really want to say is: 

Thank you. 

Thank you my beloved Dr. H for a year of unprecedented support and encouragement. For a year of pep talks and planning, assistance and patience. Thank you for helping me face my fears, chase my dreams and chill the F out (because alone I clearly would have lost my mind). Thank you for enduring my melt downs and sleepless nights, my manic energy and breathless (endless) conversations. Thank you for teaching me how to use Excel (again) and for doing all my math for me. Thank you for dancing with me. Thank you for so much love.

In marriage, you are told there will be give and take and that the goal is to achieve balance between the husband and wife. Husband, I do not know how I will ever repay you for the year that you've given me, but I'm happy to spend the next however many years it takes trying:) I love you.

On the hunt...

Nothing says romance like a... luggage tag?

You guys want to know a secret?! Since I know he doesn't come around here very often... errr, ever (unless I shove my phone in his face or read a post aloud!) I am gonna just spill the beans that I have NO CLUE what to get Dr. H for our anniversary. Our 3rd anniversary is comin' in hot (next week!) and I'm totally stumped. Each year we try to take a trip together as our official anniversary gift to ourselves (HERE and HERE), but we nevertheless also exchange small "surprise" gifts, often of the sentimental variety. Since small, thoughtful gifts are kinda my specialty, being completely inspiration-less this late in the game really has me panicked!!

For the past 2 years, I've used the traditional anniversary gifts list, giving a custom designed notebook filled with "365 reasons why I love you" for our first "paper" anniversary (oh the time I had back when we were still newlyweds!) and for our second "cotton" anniversary, Dr. H got a t-shirt personalized with our #babeitup slogan on the sleeve (obviously we have our own hashtag #becauseImaddictedtohashtagging). For a third anniversary, the gift is supposed to be leather, and since Dr. H doesn't need a wallet or watch, I don't want to buy him a belt (what am I, his grandmother!?) and leather in the bedroom ain't our thang (#zeroshadesofgrey), I'm completely stumped. I've been literally wandering in and out of stores - clothing, gadgets, leather goods, everything - hoping the right item will find me. It hasn't. So I need your help my creative, merry friends!! Tell me what I should get Dr. H for our third anniversary that incorporates leather (faux is fine!) and I will forever be indebted to you... Because we've got to get through leather before we can get to next year's so-easy-it's-a-joke "Fruit/Flowers" (I've already got SO many ideas!)

730 Days

When you put it that way, 2 years doesn't seem like very long does it? But somehow, in just 730 days, I've completely abandoned life as "me" and wrapped myself wholeheartedly into a "we" with Dr. H. 

After two years of marriage, we've found our rhythm as a couple and settled into a partnership that is inextricably a piece of who I am. I define myself, without a moment's thought, as half of a "we" and though that may sound corny, when your identity is defined in part by your love for and life with another person, the future feels filled with endless possibility. Because I know that my own strength is limited and that my ability to dream big is confined to only my vision of the world, but with Dr. H as my "we", I have someone whispering words of encouragement in my ear and broadening my perspective on what's out there to experience. Whether it's something small like motivating me to keep peddling up the giant Loire Valley hill or something huge like fantasizing about buying a home and starting a family, there is no me anymore without my "we".

So dearest Dr. H... my Peruvian hiking partner and fellow Brazilian beach bum, my Portuguese co-explorer and French biking buddy... here's to the 730 days behind us and the thousands of days of love, support and adventure ahead. You are essential to the definition of me and I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy Anniversary. (#babeitup)

Where to stay?

My kind of Paris apartment!

As has become our own lovely little tradition, Dr. H and I are currently planning an overseas adventure in celebration of our wedding anniversary. This year we're treating ourselves to a "cycling holiday in the Loire" (oui oui!) followed by two nights in Paris (ooh la la!) Ever the adventurers, we are presently debating whether to stay in a Paris hotel, or to rent a small apartment for an authentic Parisian experience.

Have you ever rented a home or apartment instead of staying in a hotel? Lately tons of trustworthy and user friendly home rental sites have popped up (airbnb and homeaway seem the most popular) and it's easy to see the appeal of living among the locals in your own private residence instead of in a single room, one tourist of many in a hotel. I've personally had some amazing home rental experiences in places like Maine and Vermont, but I did once end up in an errr, "rustic" beach house with axes on the wall for decor. You win some, you lose some!! For those of you up for a different kind of adventure, here are some Merry Meri and Dr. H guidelines for renting vs. checking into a hotel:

* You don't want to feel like a squatter in a complete stranger's home. The property should be be sufficiently de-personalized, tidy and clean. Though some don't mind, I prefer an apartment or house that's set up for renters without too much of the owner's stuff everywhere.

* Renting an apartment can be a great way to experience a city's most expensive neighborhoods at a fraction of the cost of a hotel, BUT look closely at what's included in the per night cost. Linens, towels and cleaning fees may be extra and those costs may eliminate the savings you thought you were getting.

* Take time to read the reviews! Dr. H and I are brave, but not brave enough to be the first guests at a rental property. See what previous guests have to say about their stay and make sure the reviews are fairly recent. Some sites also have property owner "responsiveness" ratings which are very helpful. You don't want to rent from someone who is slow to respond and will make you worried a few days out as to whether your booking is good to go.

* Think about the type of trip you want to have. If it's appealing to wander through neighborhoods or head to a market and prepare your own breakfast (baguette and cheese anyone!?), an apartment might be perfect for you. But, if you're looking to be waited on and pampered (who doesn't love housekeeping's daily visit!?), a hotel may be a better fit.

A sweet escape: Lisbon

The Arco de Rua Augusta is at the center of the city

To celebrate our first wedding anniversary, Dr. H and I travelled to Lisbon for a 4 day getaway. Located on the west coast of Portugal, Lisbon and the surrounding areas are a beautiful place to relax and explore. There's plenty to see (palaces, beaches, romantic cobblestone streets!) but not so much that you're marching from site to site squeezing it all in. The people are friendly, the city and transit system are accessible and the architecture, (from tiled buildings to Romantiscim palaces) is stunning. We just kept asking ourselves, "why isn't everybody coming here?! This place is great!!" See for yourself:

Looking inland from one of the city's MANY hills

Portugal was all about exploring the seas

colorful buildings

perfect for strolling with Dr. H

just your average Lisbon sidewalk. NBD.

We travelled 40 minutes by train to Caiscais

Well worth the trip!

Another train ride took us to Sintra

living up to Sintra's "mystical" reputation

and amazing homes

and crazy mysterious gardens!

Make time to visit Queluz and it's stunning gardens

one of the most beautiful palaces I've seen,
and we were pretty much the only people there!

The city of Lisbon shines at night!

Lisbon was the perfect destination for our first anniversary adventure. Whether for a quick trip or as part of a larger tour of the region, Lisbon is Merry Meri and Dr. H tested and approved.

Happily Ever After: Year One

True love.

Today is my first wedding anniversary. Even as I write that, "first wedding anniversary", it sounds too adult to be true. But it is, and if I'm being honest (and extremely cheesy) it's wonderful. Everyone always asks you as a newlywed (a term I think I'm officially shedding as of today?) "how's married life treating you?" and you say "Great!" or, since Dr. H and I were together for many years prior to our wedding, "You know, mostly the same as unmarried life", but that's not really the truth. The truth is, I've found marriage to be fulfilling in the most unexpected way - I love it most for the partnership. Dr. H is my bud and in our marriage I have found the ultimate partner for planning and deciding, mulling and choosing. The comfort I find in facing decisions with Dr. H at my side is what makes having a husband the best. I get someone to blame if a decision goes badly (hehe) but more importantly, I have someone to listen to my fears, push me through difficult decisions and to scheme and dream with. In short, being married (specifically to Dr. H) rocks.

So husband, happy anniversary to you, to us. Thank you for being the ultimate sounding board, consultant, dreamer and partner. Our life together brings me happiness in ways I could never have imagined and I love you to the moon and back.