What I hate most about traveling

January 30, 2013 | patriciablaj

There ain’t no sunshine without a little rain, huh? No matter how perfect a trip may be, there is always, yet ALWAYS something that rains on my parade. I’m not talking about forgetting stuff at home (my family got pretty used to having to buy me toothbrushes because for some reason that’s one thing I forget every time) nor literally about bad weather ruining my travels, because most things can be replaced or you can leave without them for a while and I actually like rain, snow, fog and the sorts while traveling. Bad weather makes the cities show their other side and I find it beautiful. What I hate from the bottom of my heart when going abroad is the last day you spend there. You already know your way around the hotel, you know how to get to the hotel, you don’t get lost in train stations anymore, you even know the best coffee shop that’s close to you and then you just pack and leave. I always feel so apathetic when I know it’s the last day I’m spending somewhere. I don’t even know where to go again, what to do, what to visit, where to eat, I just can’t decide! It usually ends up with me running around the city until my body really screams stop so I can take in as much foreign beauty as possible.

I’ve never felt as if I truly belonged here. Since I was little I felt a weird attraction to asian stuff and as I grew up I ended completely engrossed in the Japanese culture. In 2009 when I’ve first been to Japan, I felt it for the first time, oddly enough in a place worlds apart from the safety of my home, with different people who spoke a language unknown to me and had a different culture, that I belonged there. This sounds waaay cheesier that it did in my head, but I’ll let cheesy pass for once. I fell in love with the narrow streets, the short people, the amazing food, the way new mixed with old and traditional with modern. You could only imagine how bad I felt the last day I spent in Tokyo. All I could think of was how much I’ll miss it all. The city, the temples, the parks, the food, the people. But I survived (after crying half the plane ride back, I still wonder how come I didn’t die from dehydration). The only thing that sucks is that since I’ve been there I can’t help but compare every other city I’m going to to Tokyo and that’s a bummer because nothing compares to Tokyo. I’ll leave you with more photos of the things I miss, I hope you’ll enjoy

And then you’re off If you’re interested, you can read more about my trips to Japan here, here, here, here and here.

Tokyo

January 25, 2013 | patriciablaj

If you can’t have the city, you can at least have the food. Although it’s a little bittersweet, since I always end up comparing the food at Japanese restaurants to the one I ate when I was in Japan. I can’t believe in two months it’ll be four years since my first trip, I swear I remember everything as if it was last month.

We have two Japanese Restaurants in my city, but Tokyo Sushi is definitely my favourite. They stick close to the original recipes and I find the overall atmosphere better too. Plus we always get a seasonal appetizer, like the one in the photo above, which are meatballs made out of salmon. My parents must hate me for whenever there’s the tiniest thing to celebrate I beg them to go there.

I had an amazing sushi and writing this post makes my stomach grumble and my eyes get teary and the cravings lift sky high. The best was the roll in the middle, which had salmon teriyaki in it.

M y starved little brother who was still all red from the cold wind, the poor baby.

Little bro’s shrimp katsu. My family is already accustomed to the rule: you don’t touch your food until your crazy daughter/sister took a million photos of it.

Daddy’s gyoza and my step-mother’s salmon teriyaki box. Yum!

Again daddy’s food, some calamari (I think) rings and rice noodles.

Last but never least, the desserts: matcha cheesecake and choco magic :3

And then there’s me torturing the boy. Thanks a lot for reading and if you’re in Cluj Napoca craving Japanese food, make sure to pay Tokyo Sushi a visit. It’s worth it!

Beautiful Japan: Tokyo, oh, Tokyo!

May 10, 2012 | patriciablaj

I’ve missed making a Japan photography post, so here it is! The last pictures taken in Tokyo before heading up north, to Sapporo. Most of the pictures in this post have been taken in Asakusa, Shinjuku and around Ginza, I think. I remember the moments as if it all happened yesterday, but sometimes you can’t quite put a name on a place. Has it ever happened to you?

Make a prayer in the city of sin.

The Asakusa Beer Hall, or casually known, the flying poop (or was it fart?). I was deeply amused when my Japanese friend pointed to it and explained, because I was just wondering inside my head if it would be rude to say what I thought it looks like. It’s supposed to be the burning heart of the Asaki beer, but well, you can see for yourselves.

We took a boat ride and reached the Shinjuku Gyoen (park)

Japan must have some amazingly skilled urban planners because the views are just breathtaking. Everywhere you go, there will be at least one sight you will never be able to forget.

Around Ginza. We were looking for an open restaurant to have some lunch before taking the train to Sapporo (with a brief stop in Aomori)

And a last glance back to the city that stole so many hearts from innocent travelers. I have to admit I didn’t fight much too keep mine, I just… left my heart in Tokyo

Week In A Glimpse: Keep it clean

April 30, 2012 | patriciablaj

This week has been a really busy and eventful one for me. Exams and tests are coming and this week-end I’ve had the honour to be the official blogger of Japan Play Transylvania (posts about it coming soon!). I’m really nervous regarding my exams, but hopefully things will run smoothly. If I won’t post as much, I hope you will be able to understand.

Fashion wise, this week I was pretty lazy, probably because school started again and I can’t really dress up as I want to every day, nor have the time to arrange an outfit in the morning. Therefore I’ve been looking for simple yet classy outfits that can be worn in everyday life. This is the outcome!

One exception to the rule, but this outfit was too cute to skip! I really love the thigh highs, I haven’t seen this design before (I’m in love with thigh highs, I own around 10 pairs)

How has your week been? What about your fashion choices of the week? Thank you for reading!

Pictures off ridsnap.com and brigit.jp

Week In A Glimpse: The Slacker

April 22, 2012 | patriciablaj

As the title says, I’ve been cheating a bit when it came to week in a glimpse. The special edition was posted late and on top of that I’ve skipped a week. I’ve got a good excuse, but don’t we all?

Anyway, I’m typing from our new apartment now and I can say I’m very happy regarding pretty much everything about it! My room is kind of small, but the view is absolutely breathtaking, I can see the whole city! The sun is setting as I’m writing and I have to stop writing to glance on the window, it’s ravishing.

I’ve slid slightly off topic, haha This week is more varied, I think. Above we can see a host off duty in Harajuku. I really like his boots and the way the man purse compliments the outfit.

I would kill for that coat and hair! Okay, probably not kill kill, but kill my hair and money :’D She has a star on the bridge of her nose and I’m really curious if it’s tattooed or drawn.

Keeping it simple but cool. The hanging scarf is a really nice detail, together with the purple hat.

I love the general feel about this outfit and her pose and facial expression portrays it even more visible, but I don’t like the tights. I would’ve chosen simple black or faux leather ones.

I love her hair! Although I’m not a big fan of the shoes, I have to admit they match the outfit.

I’ve been having a thing for full-white outfits lately (well, except for the creepers) I love the flower hairband she has.

Don’t you find it adorable when parents don’t quit their styles when they have a kid? And even more, they take care to dress up their kids cutely too! I love seeing nicely dressed kids on the street, meaning when parents actually take time to make the kid look fashionable rather than to throw the first clothes on the poor baby. Well as long as it’s not taken to extremes (7 year olds wearing Tommy Hilfiger and Chanel?)

These two are my favourites!

So, lovely readers! I hope you’ll have an amazing week ahead of you. Ah tomorrow I’ll find out who won the JPT contest and I’m so nervous, wish me luck! Thank you for reading and take care!

Beautiful Japan: Still in Tokyo

April 12, 2012 | patriciablaj

A few of my favourite pictures from around Tokyo. I think the first two are from Tsukiji, Tokyo’s biggest fish market. I remember having lunch in a tiny sushi bar there and obviously having eaten the best sushi of my life. It was a salmon nigiri with melted cheese and onion flambe <3 I’ve just eaten before posting this but I’m hungry again!

The next few are from Asakusa, around the five storied pagoda

Here you can see the Tokyo Sky Tree, which back then was under construction. It will be opening in May, I think.

I was a bit appalled upon seeing the world’s famous ~evil~ sign on a pagoda in Asakusa. But then I decided to look more into it and found out this is the Asian swastika which has nothing to do with the Nazis, it’s been originated in the Indian culture long before Germany even existed. The name swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word svastikah, which meant being fortunate and it’s a symbol for compassion, luck, success and happiness. Pretty far from the feeling we get from seeing it nowadays…

Thank you fro reading! Take care!

Week In A Glimpse: Special Edition~

April 10, 2012 | patriciablaj

Just as promised, the special edition of WIAG is here! A little bit late and I am sorry for that, but I have gone though some really unexpected, so to say, events which kind of prevented me from focusing on blogging and left me kind of sad. I still am bothered by what happened, but I can’t let it take over me, I’m stronger than that.

Why is this edition so special? Because it’s men only, in case you haven’t noticed, haha Due to the lack of male participants to the usual WIAG I decided to make a special edition once in a while which contains only men.

A lot of people find men wearing heels or any kind of platform really word of the famous insult ~dramatic music~ GAY. I can’t comprehend how a sexual orientation can be an adjective in the same time, but okay. I tend to ignore all the women should do this and men that stereotypes. Everyone is allowed to do anything they want as long as they’re not hurting me with it.

Although I’ve never really liked UGGs, they kind of suit the outfit in this case. I love his hairstyle!

I like everything about this outfit, but what’s with those socks?

I didn’t care much for this guy’s outfit, but this earring really caught my eye!

Hope you’ll have a lovely week ahead! Take care lovely readers <3

Tokyo Girls Collection SS2012: Hits and Misses

April 5, 2012 | patriciablaj

For the ones who have never heard of it before, Tokyo Girls Collection is a fashion show held two times per year in Tokyo. It’s so popular that 25 000 tickets got sold out within hours, mostly because it’s a street fashion show and the clothes are usually modeled by celebrities, not by professional models.

This spring’s theme was “Sherbet Garden” and there were around 20 Japanese brands featured (Liz Lisa, Lovedrose, One way, Duras, etc) and also Avril Lavigne’s brand, Abbey Down. Celebrities spotted were Anna Tsuchiya, Kyary, Tsubasa and the Korean pop singer Kara. Let’s move on to my most liked and disliked pieces~

HITS

~TGC Special Collection~

Anna Tsuchiya (if I’m not mistaken), showing off a sexy red suit. Definitely a hit!

~One Way~

I can’t figure out if that is a shirt or a dress, but I like its pattern and shape. Plus the jacket is lovely.

Same dilemma, but I think it’s a shirt. Cute and feminine, perfect for spring.

~Liz Lisa~

I don’t think Liz Lisa will ever fail in bringing out the little girl with a princess complex in me. Love love love is all I can say.

~Twnroom~

Simple and sexy, what could you ask more?

~Duras~

I was pleasantly surprised by this collection. To be honest I’ve never been giving Duras much attention, but it took me a while to decide on which outfit to pick from their collection. Anyway, later is always better than never!

I really like the sewn details on the margins of this dress.

~Double Focus~

I’ve always found such outfits pretty messy looking, but there’s something about this one that makes me want to wear it!

Cute! Although I’d ditch the hat and that use a small, white leather purse instead, or a straw purse.

~Lovedrose~

I’ve never heard about this brand before, but I’m really glad I did now. Their collection is elegant and feminine, perfect for summer dates.

My love this season: Asymmetrical skirts and dresses! I don’t agree with the belt, though.

~Khaju~

Yet another brand I haven’t heard of before but I’m glad I discovered it. Simple yet fabulous outfits, perfect for summertime.

~Abbey Dawn~

I was surprised at first upon seeing this pretty much odd collection in between the girly, flowy and cute outfits. But not in a bad way, since they’re in the hits category. Later I realized this is Lavigne’s collection. Well done, girl!

~Nina Mew~

Cute overload!

MISSES

~Phebely~

I tried and tried and tried, but I couldn’t find a decent outfit in this whole collection. I assume their theme was cheerleaders but this collection screams cheapleaders to me. It would be hypocritical of me to say that anything that reveals skin is cheap because I am wearing a see though black shirt as I’m typing this, but showing skin has a limit too. I don’t think this is the kind of image young women should strive for.

Even the fabrics look cheap to me, the colours don’t match, everything is a mess here! And those shoes, oh God.

~Khaju~

Something I didn’t like at Khaju’s Collection. I love the skirt, but I don’t thing that shirt and vest looks good with it, maybe it’s just me. Too many different fabrics and colours.

~Beams~

Another collection I couldn’t find anything to suit my tastes. Not as disappointed as with Phebely, but this outfits are, first of all, unflattering to pretty much any body type, then ugly.

Like really, what is this? Would you wear such a skirt?

~Abbey Dawn~

Individually, the pieces are pretty nice, but they don’t make a whole. The outfit is way too cluttered.

~Nina Mew~

At first I though those were jeans under the dress, which would be a big no, but then as I looked closer I realized they were thigh high jeans boots, which is a huge NO!

That was it. A lovely show, all in all. I wish I could’ve been there : ( Thank you Tokyofashion.com for the pictures and thank you, beautiful reader, for reading! Don’t forget to rate if you liked it!

Week In A Glimpse III

April 2, 2012 | patriciablaj

So, we’ve come to the third edition? I’m thrilled I’ve been a lot more consequent this time. Last time I started this series I kept forgetting about it and weeks would pass without any updates. Anyway, how has your week been? Mine has been filled with unexpected events: I dyed my hair and we’re going to move out soon!

This week’s WIAG is a lot more varied than the previous. Take a look at these lovely shop staff (I think, since they’re wearing very similar outfits) I just love tha playfulness and their colorful outfits!

Layers! Some would find it a bit cluttered, but I find this outfit layered just enough to look awesome.

I love the use of the lolita-ish dress in a more casual way, but I’d ditch the shoes if I were her. Something back would match the outfit much better.

Finally some outstanding colors, huh? I’ve got nothing to criticize at this outfit! That bow = <3

Now this is something, really! I couldn’t help but stare in awe if someone dressed like this would walk by…

Love, love, love these shoes! I wonder what brand are they? Do you have a clue? They’re so…different!

I never thought I’d agree on two different types of floral print at once. She pulls it off amazingly well, though.

Second guy! Making progresses, eh? I promise the next WIAG will be men only!

I wish you an amazing upcoming week! Take care and thank you very much for reading!

Beautiful Japan: A new beginning

March 28, 2012 | patriciablaj

As the title predicts, yes! This is the start of a new series! A series in which I will share with you beautiful pictures and memories from my trips to Japan.

In the beginning I wanted to post about my trips day by day, but they are already more than two years old so, unfortunately, I can’t remember the events well enough in order to relate them. So I decided I’ll share my favourite images in no particular order with tiny insights about the places and my time there.

The picture above is taken on the train, on our way to Tokyo (from the airport). There are still many many small cities separated by rice fields which have these beautiful, slightly traditional houses.

Tokyo – on our way to Tokyo Tower.

There are so many architectural wonders in Tokyo, compared to my tiny city. Each building is different and beautiful in its own way.

This is in Ginza if I remember well, close to where our hotel was. It took us so long to find it and it was noon already, I remember whining as we kept walking on narrow streets, dragging my huge suitcase around.

This is in Asakusa, we were visiting the temple when our Japanese friends pointed to the Sky Tree. It will open in a few months and the Sky Tree will be the highest observation point in Japan.

Around Tokyo~

The troublemaker gang!

Special abilities: complaining about the heat, always hungry, pissing the adults off, wanting to do stuff completely different than planned, sneaking out of hotels at night.

What is the furthest place you’ve ever travelled to? Thank you for reading!

WINGS FOR LIBERTY

An airhead's personal fashion/lifestyle blog.

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