I don't know why, but I love photographing street art. If you've ever visited the Riviera Maya (especially Tulum) you know that the air feels different. The energy, the vibe - the place is magical. It's a place where your soul rebirths and life is given a second chance to awaken rejuvenated, refreshed and clear-minded. 
I try to understand alot of life from a spiritual perspective. And well, I do believe energy enhances creativity in ways that are unexplainable. 

During my trip throughout the Riviera Maya, I could not help but get inspired and feel re-energized while gazing the street art. I found a deep connection to this art because I love and have always been fascinated with the ocean. Two of my favorite animals are sea turtles and dolphins. 

Not all graffiti is the same and the colors, precision and designs created gave me a whole new level of respect for street art. Whatever energy is flowing in the RM, it definitely shows through the art. The last six images are from my iPhone 4, so the quality is not the best, but you'll get the "picture." 

I actually watched the guy paint the dolphin wall for a couple of days - amazing stuff as you'll below! What is your favorite type of street art? 

Love it? Let's connect! Let's see some of your favorite street art pics, feel free to tag me with your best shot! 

Art lovers, antique collectors and vintage enthusiasts - watch out - Hannover's Saturday flohmarkt maybe the best deal in Europe. 
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When I first moved to Hannover, I discovered Hannover's Altstadt (Old Town) flea market since I lived in the historic Leibnizhaus. Each Saturday a flood of antique seekers searched the booths quaintly dispersed throughout Hannover's Old Town. Slowly making way to each booth, many took a "kaffe pause" at one of the many Old Town cafes and Flohmarkt crepe and wurst stand. It is by far a unique and relaxing atmosphere. 

At first, I thought it was cool, but didn't really pay much attention. Rusted keys, old cups and vintage signs - how neat, but not something I could spend my money on while living in Germany for 15 months.

Then, it happened. I nearly needed to admit myself into an AA meeting - Antiques Anonymous. About halfway through my journey in Hannover and Europe I began to  appreciate it's finer history, which oddly enough was available for purchase in my backyard every Saturday morning. 

During this time, I met a fellow German girl who was also a photography enthusiast. She told me that I should use vintage dish ware to photograph my cookbook. I began searching the flea market and my god, the market had some of the most amazing and historic treasures for CHEAP! 

And when I say cheap, I mean as far as American standards go. In general, Germans are frugal people. I bought an 80-year old hand painted bowl that cost 10 euros. I found tea cups that dated back to the 1930's-1940's all of which cost between two to four euros. Some finer antique pieces certainly range between 25-100 euros, but for the most part, everything is affordable. 

Enchanted, Hannover's flea market is a place to get lost throughout Europe's historic past.  

It's a place where the old meets the new and the east meets the west. You can find anything and everything that Oma and Opa once stashed away in their basement. Now their trash is someone else's treasure. 

Once I became addicted to Hannover's flea market, many of the vendors recognized my face first perusing each and every table at 9:00 a.m. Although some people overcharged, there certainly was no shortage of finding something similar at another table. My favorite vendor I called the "jedes teller" men. Two older burly German men had boxes of amazing stuff all for one euro. Across the medieval wall you can hear them scream, "Jedes teller ein euro!" I rummaged through their boxes and found a collection of antique tapestries and table clothes that set many scenes for my food photography. The kind men would often squeeze their price letting me keep 15 pieces for 12-euros. 

Once I became an antique addict, I began searching shops and markets around Europe. Porto, Paris, Nice, Krakow, Lithuania, Bucharest - nothing (maybe besides Poland and some parts of Lithuania) compared to the reasonable prices of Hannover. 

In Bucharest, I found a unique pair of antique spectacles, the old circular kind that men with top hats once wore. The lady would not budge lower than 50-euros. It's funny because some local friends believe the Hannover flohmarkt is pricier especially compared to Linden's Sunday Faust-Mephisto flea market. 

Why is Hannover so affordable?  I can only guess because it is this big-small city where locals shop. Even in antique shops in Krakow (when converting to the Polish zloty) somethings were quoted five times the price of what I would've spent in Hannover. I can only guess is that there is some sort of tourist-trap at other places. So my point is that Hannover is worth it. 

One of the best parts is the availability of rare goods. My friend Sonam, who owns "Sonams Little World" in Hannover's Altstadt found an old wooden baker's kneader bin that dates back to 1890. She uses this bin to sell scarves out of, but the coolest part is that history came alive again.  Since I became a dish ware collector, I noticed on the bottom of many German cups some would say "US Sector" - seriously? Yes!

So, after sometime spent at the markets,I realized it's more than just collecting some cool old stuff. 

The flohmarkt is a sign of Germany and Europe's past - something so significant and cultural that their goods will be recycled into something new. Most people fail to realize that immigrant countries like America don't really have a strong cultural bond compared to deep-rooted European countries where life has existed for thousands of years.

Since we are a melting pot, we have many cultures but not really one identity per say.  The modernization of American consumerism has overran most of the last remaining roots connected to European (or other) cultures.   

So, I do believe Hannover is the best flea market in Europe. It's got everything from hand-painted 1920 necklace pendants to candlestick holders that were once used during the war. If you love old black and white photos, you'll find it here. If you're into antique Christmas knick-knacks, you'll certainly find boxes of that stuff here.

It's a magical playground filled with culture, history and some really old stuff. 

The Hannover Flohmarkt runs every Saturday weather depending. Some vendors may not come if the weather is poor or during the Christmas market season. Vendors setup between 8-9am and leave something between 1-3pm. Get there early and bring plenty of cash! 

Do you love the Hannover flohmarkt as much as I do?

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Converting to the British Pound is never easy. When you realize your two-quid drip coffee is actually five US dollars, tears dwell in realization that your coffee is more expensive than a Starbucks venti frap.
 
Luckily, there are plenty of cheap, inexpensive and free things to do in Edinburgh. Unlike London, Edinburgh is more affordable and you can find cool things to do without breaking your pocketbook. Here are nine cool and unique Scottish things to do and see while in Edinburgh. 

Museums, Galleries, Churches and Notable Insignia 
There are plenty of museums and sites such as the National Gallery, Royal Botanical Garden and St. Giles Cathedral that are free of entrance. Donations are appreciated, but not many places in the world offer such profound history all for the price of free.  Old Town offers plenty of cool historical sites such as the Heart of Midlothian, a good place to spit, as this was once the administrative center of town, prison and a place of execution. Grab a map cause the options are endless.

​This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 9 Cheap (and Free) Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland isn’t exactly the cuisine capitol of the world. From Haggis to shortbread, the only required daily nutrient of a Scottish diet is whiskey. Although it’s improving, word on the street has it that the only vegetable the Scots ate were peas, most likely from a can. Can I survive as a meatless traveler?

Well, my god mate, you can. The Scottish diet and cuisine choices are blossoming. Healthier food choices are a part of the diet and Edinburgh has a thriving vegetarian and vegan scene. In fact, I may have eaten at more plant-based restaurants in Edinburgh than I have in other cities in Europe. 

While Britain feels seemingly close to America, to me, Scotland feels more European. In fact, I believe the Scots are proud to be European. You can see it in the streets and can experience it in their mindset and politics. And there was not cuter way than to combine a quaint European café with eastern flare than at the Himalayan café.

Vegan in Edinburgh, Scotland: Himalaya CafeCertain things like wraps I feel is very American. In Germany, you survive solely off brot, brotchens and baked goods. Although my tongue bleeds every day for a brotchen, I do enjoy mixing things up. But, pretty much I got accustomed to eating lunch as breakfast.  

Before heading to the airport, I bussed up to Himalayan café, dragging my suitcase across the puddled sidewalks with my right hand and my left held my umbrella and IPhone while my eyes gazed at the little blue dot. 

I entered the café with a warm welcome from the owner and was greeted to a colorful table outlined with vibrant pillows. Chilled to the bone, I ordered their popular chai tea. 

With steamed milk, I sniffed the aroma and licked the cinnamon-flavored froth. Upon that first “sense-ual” experience I transported back to India. I became amazed (once again) at how powerful our senses are. What we hear, see, smell and taste are imprinted memories that ignite our soul. It felt like just yesterday I took my first footsteps onto Indian soil, when in fact it's been eight years. That's how powerful our senses are. 

My mind raced with all the memories of chai I drank in India. Back to reality, I gazed out the rainy window to people watch men dressed in suits running to and from work. I then thanked the universe for that opportunity to have a year off to experience the world. 

And then another customer entered the cafe and greeted the owner, Reka. I thought, "Jesus where am I? Have I transported back into time?" The owner of the yoga facility of where I studied yoga in India is named Rekah. In that moment, I knew I was at the right place at the right time.

In fact, the experience was more symbolic as I just finished writing my travel memoir, Finding Om. Like any regular person with emotions, I had doubts about my upcoming adventure, but I felt as if like reassured me to move forward with the project. I believe in signs and the funny conversations I have in my head with the universe somehow needs to be reconfirmed that I am on the right (or wrong) path. 

Hungry, I wanted to try everything on the menu. Should I order breakfast or lunch? From simple wraps to local cuisine, I did not know what to order. Closing my eyes, my fingers touched down on the avocado pistachio pesto wrap. 

The café inspired my culinary adventures as when I returned to Germany, I immediately transformed my original pine nut pesto into a pistachio pesto.  Delightful and delicious, my soul became energized from combining whole foods stuffed inside a tortilla. Now the question of the day is, "Do I order the red velvet cake or no?" 

Processed colored cakes do not really exist in Germany. I opened my wallet and made a conscious decision to save some money and skip the cake. Though, it did make me extremely sad. Cake is one of the best pleasures in life. 

Along with the cafe and tea room, this place offers gifts sent directly from Nepal, Tibet and India. So, whether you're looking for a snack or a Buddha coin purse, you can find it here at the cafe and therapy center. Situated in Edinburgh's Old Town, look for the green building that says, "Free Tibet" and enjoy a cup of spicy or sweet chai to stay warm on a traditional cloudy Scottish day. 
Himalaya Cafe 
20 South Clerk Street
Edinburgh EH8 9PR
Newington

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Vegan in Edinburgh, Scotland: Himalaya Cafe

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Upon my first footsteps through the quaint and quiet streets of Goslar, I could not believe my eyes. How does a place like this still exist in Germany after World War II? Goslar, a small town located next to the Harz Mountains, is one place that everyone should visit while in Niedersachsen. 
 
Known as the “Queen of the Harz”, the only thing missing are the jesters, peasants and children wearing rags that meander the streets. Goslar is an untouched and majestic medieval town that sparkles with history. The only way to describe Goslar is that it really is a fairy-tale town pulled directly from a Grimm Brother’s book. Just by the looks of the buildings you can feel the existence of Hansel and Gretel come alive.

City center is not far from the Hauptbanhof (central train station) and it’ll take several minutes of meandering past the modern plagues of Kartstadt and H&M before getting to the good stuff.  First, I recommend getting lost in the side streets on and around Bäckerstraße to explore its thousand-year-old history and _____ faux houses, the traditional half-timbered homes. Here, you’ll explore buildings constructed in the 15th and 16th Century with wonders such as, “How many people have lived in this very apartment?” 

Along with colorful facades and blooming plant life, you’ll also explore “modern” Germany where the Apothekes (pharmacy) open 8-1 on Saturdays and 10-1 / 2-6pm during the week, a life that maybe once existed in 1930 America. So, if you think your heart may go "kaputz," stay away from the wurst and bring extra meds. 

The heart of Goslar is its central Market Square. Bustling with leisurely walkers, locals and visitors experience the slow life by having a cup of coffee at one of the many street side cafes or watching the town clock strike the new hour. The carillon bells and figures chime four times per day where mining figures tell the story of the Rammelsburg mining and its renowned discovery of ore by Knight Ramm. 
 
The two most impressive buildings are the Gothic Kaiserworth and town hall. The Baroque figures still stand on Kaiserworth boasting the best of Gothic-architecture. History dates back to 1494 where clothed-merchants build their immediate guild hall. 
 
Another prominent landmark is the Market Fountain. Topped with a golden Eagle, this fountain marks the center of Goslar and its market square. The lower basin was constructed in the 12th Century flaunting the Romanesque times. One hundred years later, locals added the upper bowl while the eagle perched its throne in the 13th Century. However, the eagle’s crown dates to the 18th Century. Although pieced together through time, it’s the perfect place to toss a Euro and make a wish. I’m still waiting for mine to come true, but you know, patience. 

After exploring the Nordturm de Marktkirche (central square’s church), walk left on the Hoher Weg for a cup of tea or a slice of traditional kuchen (cake). Keep your eyes peeled for the witch guarding the cafe doors. Alongside the road you’ll notice various tourist shops filled with “hexens” (witches) and Christmas decorations sold year round. Let me tell you, if you love German Christmas the items in Goslar are much more affordable here than in other parts of Germany. 
 
Witches play a large roll in Germany’s medieval history. Wurzburg is known for the largest witch trial in the Deutschland, but Goslar does not shy away from its dark past and The Harz Witch Trials. Known as the modern day aromatherapist, witches brewed up plenty of medicinal cures for people in need. They understood nature, the same as the modern day tea mixer.
 
If you get a chance to stop at the Elke Walter tea shop located near Market Square, I highly recommend spending the two-euro on a bag of loose-leaf “hexenpunsch” or witch’s punch. 

Anyways, on Hoher Weg is the 1254 Great Holy Cross. Here, orphans, pilgrims and ill people received food and shelter. What looks once like a church is now an art gallery for local artists. Nestled in tiny rooms, duck under the four-foot doorway to explore a variety of jewelry, handmade clothes, scarves, pottery, glassware, paper products and purses. 
 
Nearby is the Tin Figure Museum, which is a must-see in Goslar. Set in a 16th Century building, local artists keep history alive by creating, constructing tin figures. The two floor museum shows approximately ten thousand handmade and painted tin figures to show the best of Goslar’s thousand-year-old history. There is really no other word other than “cute” to describe the pride and care that goes into bringing tradition alive. 

There is so much to do, see and explore in Goslar that one to two days here is best. Although ordinary, exploring life outside the gated old town is still majestic in its own way. On Septemeber 20, 1934 Hitler made a grand appearance in Goslar. Luckily, Goslar remained pure and untouched, unlike most of Germany.   
 
Can you imagine what Germany would have looked like if World War II never happened? I can only imagine that it looked a lot like Goslar…

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Goslar, Germany: A Place Where Medieval Life is Still Alive
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Nice, or as some say, "Nizza" is a place where my soul blossomed into a whole new reality. Nice is so amazing that I can't believe a place like this actually exists. An Italian-inspired town nestled on the French Riviera with Greek and Roman influence, you can't help but feel the energy that blossoms from this place. 

In some funny sixth sense, I felt at home in Nice. I love aquatics and everything that goes with it's history - turtles, dolphins, mermaids - I still have yet to understand my soul's connection to Greek culture. It's like a love affair that features the sweeter, and healthier, side of life. From delectable candies to pastries pasted with powder sugar, I devoured every French sweet known to man. But let me explain that the French culture is also very healthy.  Plus. it's hard to be unhealthy with the ocean and the Promenade, your body moves in ways that are natural.

It's a celebration of all the good things in life - biking, wine, cakes, cafes, art - how could your soul not be inspired by its culture and natural beauty? Although people laugh at me, every time I swim in the ocean my spirit is reborn. And well, I rebirthed in Nice. 

Here are 20 images dedicated to showing the true heart of Nizza.