Clara in Germany!

I like heavy rain in the same way I like airports: it takes ya down a notch. At the airport we are reduced to shivering little animals, who spend 7 dollars on Doritos and shuffle around belt-less. When it pours, the same thing happens. All the sudden people in Gucci loafers are throwing trash bags over their heads. Our plans become ruined. Our needs become simple; stay warm, stay dry, and stay put until it’s over.  Last weekend was a rainy one, and the cold has been especially bitter this July in Hamburg. But I felt more connected to the people of the the trendy Karolinenviertel, as the rain came down around us, than I ever had before. Rain protection Light drizzle Spotted at the UFeldstrasse market, which takes place on Saturday and is full of delightful junk. Seeking cover in a bizarre shop in the Karolinenviertel, in which nothing was for sale and the owner was too immersed in his science fiction novel to notice.  Sun slowly coming ba...

Within the last few years, rents have soared and gentrification has settled comfortably in Berlin, Germany’s crown jewel of cool. In search of the up-and-coming heir to the throne, I spent the past weekend in Leipzig.  I enjoyed browsing the ultra-cool neighborhoods of Plagwitz and Sudvorstadt for knick knacks, street art, and summer dresses. And yet, I found myself preoccupied by the startling number of dreadlocked Germans and statement-dirty feet. I guess this is the kind of thing that accompanies low-rent and available studio space, but I found it excessive.   But the energy was young and promising, proving that full-back tattoos and baby bjorns are not mutually exclusive.  Flower-crown workshop on the street       Who, me? Johannisbeere Schnecke, which means ‘’cranberry snail’’. The name is inspired by its plop factor, but this baked good is a triple threat. It’s crumbly, creamy, and the perfect amount of tart on ac...

The notorious Reeperbahn. Here is the main drag of Hamburg, where the Beatles got their start, sex is sold on the cheap, and the party ends when the beer runs out.  More than one bar we went into also had a fussball table. Sun coming up outside of a gay club that was so fun, I forgot to write down the name of it.  My host sister Fenja on the right, and her friends who showed us a great time at a couple of gay bars. Her friend on the far left spent hours on his incredible Ariana Grande-inspired drag look. 

The Karoviertel is my favorite corner of Hamburg. It's full of funky vintage shops, free-live music, and a bohemian attitude. While the neighboring Schanzeviertel has already been invaded by hip, young professionals and designer baby-strollers, the Karoviertel maintains an element of grit that I hope sticks around.  A couple taking a beach day to beat the scorching city heat. This store is dedicated to vintage sneakers! No shoes, no problem at a corner cafe. Look at that smile! And super industrial, well-made backpack, of which you will find plenty of in this city. Typical Karoviertel street decorations This corner of Hamburg is also incredibly lush with greenery, which balances the funky atmosphere beautifully. Colorful steps right off the U Feldstrasse bus stop, which you can reach easily from the main station. Here people sit to enjoy live music, or take a quiet moment to journal. Street art aplenty. 

This Summer, I am an intern at the internationally focused art cooperative, the Kunstverein in Hamburg! It feels good to be back in this wonderful port-city.  Near the main station Workplace! Garden of "Planten un Blomen" during my lunch break Heading home to the suburb of Buchholz, where I am staying with my wonderful host-family.

Italian style is so iconic, that for a young American it seems completely out of reach and out of budget.  Yet, Italian style transcends brand names and luxury. In university areas especially, you can see sweats, baggy jackets, and dirty sneakers. But all those Italians still look so good, and so cool.  How, and why? The key to Italian fashion lies in one's attitude. I observed a pride in self-presentation, so deeply ingrained in the Italian imagination that it has become as easy as breathing. "Fare bella figura", or roughly translated to "make a good first impression", is a phrase that has been a mantra in Italian culture for centuries.  For example, all clothes fit well, jeans are often rolled, and if socks are mismatched, you can bet it was a decision rather than an afterthought. If you aren't wearing your jacket, you carry it with strength like the Bolognese man above. You don't need money to look cool. Every piece of wh...

When I think of Pompeii, I think of arid land and death. Going there, however, after the crazy-fun atmosphere of Naples, was humbling and stunning.  Walking from the bus station to the Pompeii ruins Modern statue in Pompeii by Igor Mitoraj A worthwhile excursion to Vesuvius by bus, which costs around under 30 euros For a more luxurious outing, head to Capri, the perfectly manicured, rich aunt of Naples.  Morning view. Just keep walking up. Capri Fashion: bright color and obvious displays of wealth Afternoon. Linens, pastels, and prep