#WithShandraAroundTurkey Part 2 ✈️

"The gladdest moment in a human's life is a departure to the unknown lands"

I never imagined myself going to Turkey, that wasn't really a destination I had ever thought to myself that I just needed to see, but when the opportunity came and I went to Antalya, I was smitten. The country is so magnificent, it is so green and surrounded by mountains and blue waters, that anybody would fall in love with the land. So what do you do in a beautiful country like Turkey? You go and explore it of course and absorb as much of the culture as possible. So on my second day there, that's what I pretty much did and now when I'm back home, I must admit that I'm having serious Turkey withdraws where I want to go back! One thing I must say, if you ever do go to Turkey, make sure to go to the local spices market. The colours and all the different smells and flavors will overwhelm you, and will pretty much get you addicted to the culture even more.   

Anyways that was all this time around, so until next time - Ingat!

X❤️X❤️

Shandra.

#WithShandraAroundTurkey Part 1 ✈️

Okay so I turned 24 back in Feb and as a surprise birthday gift, my bestie took me to Turkey where we stayed in Antalya. We stayed there for a couple of days and I figured why not bring you guys with me? So here are some snapshots through my time there.

When you're in Antalya, make sure to check out the old city. They have lots of local shops and breath taking view from the habor.

If you're going to do a bit of shopping at the locals, it's allowed to negotiate about the prices. And you can pretty much anything in the old city - everything from little bracelets to Hakka and face branded bags haha. 

 At the harbor, there are lots of people trying to sell boat ride. Most of them last for around 45 mins and are a bit pricy but you can always negotiate. We were lucky enough to get the boat ride for free because one of the boys accidentally spilled hot tea on my friend haha. Woopsii.

Turkey is sorrouned by mountains and I couldn't get over the scenery of Antalya. The mountains are so beautiful and every morning you could see how the sun would rise from the mountains. So beautiful! Though if you do go to Turkey, make sure to go in March, April, May or September or October since these are low seasons but still nice and warm. 

After our boat ride we went to a local restaurant at the harbor. It's a bit pricy again but what can you expect when it's right next to the water and has a beautiful view. Best thing about it was the food! Super delish! On a side not, try to taste their local ice cream. The consistency is very different compared to what we are used to but it's really good. 

The last stop was at a local hair dresser where we got our nails and hair done. Very over priced and to be honest, I wouldn't go back to that place. 60 lira for getting your hair curled, that's almost 40 dollars?!

 Anyways I hope you all enjoyed this little post of mine and until next time - Ingat! 

X❤️X❤️

Shandra.

#WithShandraInParis Part 5: The Royal City ✈️

There is no way that you can go to Paris and not visit the Versailles Palace (if you're a history geek). And since I am a history lover, Noob and I of course went to the famous Versailles. I am sure many of you have heard about the Versailles (Marie Antoinette used to live there). It is in Section 5 of Paris and is kind of a city by itself. I didn't really know what to expect but I knew it would be beautiful since it was all royalty who used to live there. But I had not imagined how beautiful the Versailles palace really is in real life, my jaw literally dropped when I saw the golden gates. I really felt like I was going back in time and I simply couldn't believe that I was inside, standing on the same spot where so many royal people through out history had been standing. The Versailles Palace is a must see and I suggest you spend an entire day there since it is so big and the garden is just.. I can't even put it in words, just extravagant and grand - A truly fit for a king.

If I could be a princess and choose any castles or fortress in the world, I would pick the Versailles Palace. When the Versailles was build, it was a country village. The court of Versailles was the center of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved from Paris. The Versailles is not only famous for the building and it's beautiful architecture but also as a symbol of the monarchy. Fashion around Europe was copied after what the royal court of the Versailles used to wear and that it's probable one of the reasons why Paris is seen as the Mother of fashion. 

Anyways I think I should stop now before I get way to deep with the history, so until next time - Ingat! 

X❤️X❤️

Shandra.