Besides softball, tennis was the one sport I loved to watch and play. I took tennis seriously and spent many summer days playing, training and prepping for my high school (and hopeful) college career.
 
One of my dreams as a child was to visit all the Grand Slam events and stadiums. In 2005, I visited Rod Laver arena in Melbourne, Australia. At this time, I studied sport management in the US and the simplicity of Australian tennis and rugby facilities proved that the US treated sports like an amusement park.
 
One facility down, three more to go. While living in Germany, we planned a trip to London, not realizing that it was Wimbledon Finals weekend. Besides hotels costing around 300 pounds per night, we were destined to visit the arena. 

I naively figured that the grand television and grassy knoll that you see on TV is outside of the arena. We trecked to the stadium, pouring sweat in one of the hottest weekends of the year.

Where’s the television? I wanted to do a quick photo snap and be on our merry way until we saw signs pointing to the General Admission line.
 
What is general admission? We didn’t really know, but we were told that we could walk around the stadium. Oh hell, for 15 pounds I might as well get as close to my dream as possible for at least one picture. I may not be able to sip tea and eat crumpets on center court, but I could at least experience Wimbledon.
 
After passing through security check, we were granted access into the stadium. 

And holy shit, you can watch tennis matches? In America, you have to pay for everything and I assumed the general admission provided access to only the grounds.

Oh but we were so wrong. General admission allows you watch many lower level matches all for the price of 15 pounds! You can’t even buy a hot dog and a beer for that price in America. 

Perusing through the “streets” dotted with purple flower hanging baskets, we quietly sat, “oohh and awed” and clapped at the Men’s Junior Final Matches.  Live tennis is exciting especially when the crowd naturally reacts with the same noise for every (missed) shot, Ace or lobby. 

After the match, we meandered through court to find the grassy knoll with the Big screen TV. That’s where it is, inside! How clever. The television broadcasted the men’s final match played on center court. There is so much purple and green inside the stadium that the contrast feels soothes any unexpected sunburn.
 
The only downfall to the experience was that it was bloody hot as hell. A five-pound ice cream cone can only cool you off for so long, so it’s best to wear a sundress during hot days as your skin melts into the seats. 

So, if you visit London during Wimbledon season, take advantage of the General Admission ticket. It’s well worth the experience.
 
And you can view some of the bigger matches and courts especially before the play time. And the security is nice enough to take a picture with you. Apparently, my American accent of saying, “Can you take a picture of us?” meant for my husband to take a picture of the security guy and me. 

Ahhh so one dream down......so many more to go!

Have you been to Wimbledon? Who did you see play? What was your favorite part? 

Find a Lemon Every Now & Then....

Now that summer is here, these are 26 pictures that show the beauty and rebirth of Seattle in the spring. I photographed these flowers in Queen Anne mainly along W Highland Drive, W Olympic Place and Parson's Garden. The rose garden is on the waterfront at Elliot Bay Avenue. 

These flowers show the transition of spring to summer blooms to awaken our spirits with sunshine, dry weather and lush surroundings. 

Germans summers are short. Battling grey skies, rain and cool weather year-round, once the sun peeps through the clouds, Hannover bustles with excitement. Crowded street cafes, busy beer gardens – the locals spend as much time as possible in the sunshine.

Although Hannover is land-locked, this city features a wide variety of outdoor swimming opportunities from lakes to pools. It seems like the options are limitless in Hannover since tiny lakes and pools are dispersed throughout the region. Although there’s more than this list offers, these are the places that I explored and are some of the best spots in town.

Swimming is magical part of the Hanoverian summer experience. From my perspective, Germans love to swim. Riding your bike through nature, I saw Germans live this balanced life where they got in touch with nature and enjoyed the present moment of just laying in the grass or the sand, something we Americans struggle with – relaxation.  
 
If you are looking to stay cool this summer, be sure to check out one of the see (lakes), schwimmbad (pools) or freibad (outdoor swimming pools).

Maschee Lake next to the Aspira
Swimming is forbidden in Maschee Lake with the exception for the small public beach located at the Aspira health club. You'll enter in the public gates located between the beer garden and the health club. Swimming in Maschee looks inviting, but if you ever saw the ginormous fish and eel-like creatures swimming around you’ll understand why swimming is prohibited. The swimming area at the Aspira is a clean beach that contains an underwater fence. Beachside showers help rinse off the sand, but it’s the perfect place to spend a day at the sea. Entrance is less than three euros. If you get hungry, a crepe stand, strawberry stand and beer garden is located outside of the entry gates. This does not give you access to the health club. 
Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 83
Hanover

The Maschee Park Lakes
Just south of Maschee, are the Maschee park lakes. You can access these lakes via foot, bike or by parking your car several blocks away at Maschee. Here locals relax in the grass and dive deep into the water (or jump off the tree). Since your feet touch the bottom, be prepared for mud and slime, but once you are in the lake its “smooth swimming” from there. On Friday and the weekends, locals bring their transportable BBQ sets and an “eis” (ice cream) van sells one-euro per scoop cones. There is also a snack shake that sells beer, water, wursts and all things German. This no-charge lake is next to the FKK beach (see directions below). 

The FKK Beach at Maschee Park Lakes
Connected to the Maschee Park lakes, the FKK beach is a nude beach. Tucked away behind trees with a small bike path running through it, locals get in touch with nature in their natural state. I enjoyed this lake because the water is clean and there is a small deck and ladder to get in and out of the water. Since it leads directly to deep water your feet don’t the slimy stuff at the bottom. There is absolutely no tolerance for photographs or odd behavior at this lake. Keep your eyes to yourself. On google map, search for the term, “freibadeplatz ricklinger mash.” It's directly off the bike path that cuts off from the Maschee Lake loop trail. 

Naturbad Hainholz
Located in the Nordstadt neighborhood, take the #6 U-bahn to this outdoor natural bath. It’s the perfect place for the family or anyone looking to escape the city. Waterslides, diving boards and volleyball courts, this natural swimming hole features plenty of entertainment. The water can be quit cool so don’t expect bathwater. There is a separate natural bath for babies. Free onsite lockers are also available. 
Voltmerstraße 56, 30165 Hannover, Germany
http://www.naturbad-hainholz.de

Blauer See
Located in Garbsen, take the number four or five u-bahn to downtown Garbsen or the #126 bus from Hannover. Blauer see “blue lake” is popular for the onsite waterskiing. The lake is shallower so the water is warmer and more pleasant. The grounds include a small beer garden, beach club and snack shake. There are plenty of benches and swings located next to the sand. I recommend taking your bike on the U-bahn and then riding it to Blauer see from the last stop. During the summer months, you can enjoy daytime techno parties hosted by Tante Hanne.
Am Blauen See 119
30826 Garbsen

Strandbad Hemmingen
Just past the Maschee Park lakes and Maschee is the Strandbad Hemmingen, an outdoor lake outlined with a beach. Tucked away behind trees, this public lake, situated in a private setting, also features an inexpensive café that sells food and coffee beverages. It’s the perfect escape from Hannover’s city center and is about a 30-minute bike ride from downtown. The lake is clean and features a dock that you can swim to and sunbathe on. It’s also nearby the Hemmingen self pick strawberry fields, which I believe are the best strawberries in Hannover (and possibly all of Germany). Entrance feel is around 2.50 euros.
http://www.strandbad-hemmingen.de/preise.php
Strandbad Hemmingen
Hohe Bünte 10
30966 Hemmingen

Where is your favorite place to swim in Germany? Let us know and share the amazing spots for summer swimming in this beautiful city!

I have to admit something. I am a European at heart. I grew up with Ukrainian and Polish immigrant elders, persecuted from World War Two, and once I lived in Germany, I became attached to my European roots.
 
On many levels, I knew my soul spent lifetimes in Europe. Sometimes I joke it’s why I ‘ve felt so out of place in America. Europe changed me in ways that I cannot describe. I became more logical and spiritual at the same time.
 
How does that work? To see the persecution and destruction of people and places makes one realistic about human nature and mankind. We’ve evolved as a specie, but have a long way to go.

Upon returning to Seattle, I spent the weekend rediscovering Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district. To me, Pioneer Square is a European-oasis dotted between the Amazonian jungle of mile-high skyscrapers and the cannabis-infused district of SODO.
 
Intuition guided me to the popular Arcade. Ironically, I never explored the basement and the nagging voice in my head said, “Go downstairs!”
 
I stumbled upon The Hidden Alchemist, a quaint window-front style shop “hiding” in a narrow strip of space between a brick wall and a faux storefront. Dried herbs and roses dangled from the windowsill as the homemade incense basked in bath of aromatic oils. Copper pots hung out on the exposed brick wall as change jingled inside a prayer giving shell.

My soul reminisced with memories of Latvia, Estonia and Poland where many people still believe in ancient herbal remedies.
 
Shop owner, Sunny, is like a reflection of myself. Spiritual yet logical, I knew there was a reason why I was so attracted to this place. After much conversation, she admits that she has a very balanced approach to life that integrates logic.
 
Sunny is a Master Clinical Herbalist, which means she has trained to create compounds from scratch. As a compound herbalist, she creates mixtures that use specific herbal combinations to aide certain functions.

Sunny’s in-depth knowledge and wisdom proves (to me) that she is meant to heal the world through herbs. She’s created tinctures for over 20 years and operated a business for seven years.
 
Curious, I wondered if her interest in herbs was random or came from what I term a soul’s calling. Sunny expressed that always had interest with herbs.  She started her first garden at the age of six and grew chamomile along with other herbs. As she aged, she gifted herbal presents for holidays and special occasions.

Her passion and knowledge comes alive in the shop where visitors can watch live tinctures drip into a basin or consult Sunny in the ever-so-therapeutic meeting room.
 
Sunny hand makes every product in her shop. Teas, muscle rubs, tinctures, lotions, beverages, energy shots – you name she’s got it! She makes her products in small batches, ensuring every product is fresh with an appropriate shelf life. She uses organic, chemical-free and handcrafted herbal tinctures and natural skin care products.

Everything she touches is with care, including her handmade business cards. The alchemist, the ultimate creator, is the being of light that can heal the world and the people.
 
Sunny is also author of a lavender cookbook, “The Culinary Lavender Cookbook of Delicious Desserts and Luscious Drinks," which autographed copies are sold in store.
 
Besides the shelf setup and the antique-looking birdcage perched outside of the door, the most attractive part of the shop are her affordable prices. Fifty cents for a tea bag? Three dollars for a wellness shot? A couple bucks for a package of homemade incense? Where am I? I felt as if I transported to Romania, a place where unadulterated mainstream consumerism exists.
 
As a homeopathy consumer, I find more value and authenticity in her products compared to similar items sold on the mainstream market.

Sunny also trains apprentices on how to become compound herbalists. It’s a long and arduous process, but like traditional yoga, it’s the old-school method where the guru teaches the pupil. Isn’t that so refreshing (and so European) that something like this still exists in a world dominated that is pumping out health coaches every three days with online certificates?
 
Sadly, Pioneer Square, like the rest of Seattle, is changing. The Hidden Alchemist lost their lease and Sunny will relocate to Fremont in August. Right now, she has an indiegogo campaign to save her small business.
 
All guests are welcomed into the shop and handed a small sample of freshly made tea. My favorite tea is the Just Breathe and Peach tea.
 
I pretty much recommend everything but I love love love the incense (green tea, wisteria, honeysuckle, lilac and lavender are my favorite). 
 
Rummaging through her shelves is similar to a scratch and sniff booklet. Every smells so fresh that your mouth waters, disguised as your brain thinks its edible food. I recommend sniffing (and trying) the lilac bath salt and goat milk soap.
 
The lotion works wonders on dry skin. Each lotion is made with coconut oil as a natural moisturizer and my favorite is the Honeysuckle. 

Discover more about Sunny & The Hidden Alchemist at http://www.thehiddenalchemist.com.
**The Hidden Alchemist moved to the Fremont Neighborhood in August 2016 but changed their storefront distribution.**

Please note that as of 2018 online orders are possible and you can pick them up at Arundel Books in Pioneer Square. Please see their website for up-to-date details.

Do you enjoy goods from an apothecary? If so, what is your favorite item? 

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 The Hidden Alchemist: A European-style Apothecary Nestled in Seattle’s Historic District
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If you are a health-conscious American, you can easily get "fired" up over the food, drug and health industries. From an overuse of pesticides to pink slime, it seems that 50-percent of our diet consists of antibiotics, chemicals and man-made plastics. 

NEVER in my life have I "tasted" a strawberry until I lived in Hannover, Germany. One of Hannover's best features is that it is a bike-friendly city. I remember the mornings or afternoons where I plugged in my headphones and aimlessly rode my bike to wherever my two-wheels led. 

One day, I decided to get lost. Getting "really" lost in Hannover is difficult because somehow you end up on a familiar path. Like the universe, every thing and path is connected. I rode through alleyways and meandered through exposed farm fields. Somehow, I rode near the Strandbad Hemmingen and discovered a self-pick strawberry field. 

It reminded me of my childhood where my nature-loving parents took my sister and I strawberry and apple picking. I decided to buy a half kilo of already picked strawberries. I strapped the box to my backpack and took the path less traveled back to Old Town. 

I washed and popped one these berries into my mouth and I glanced at Josh screaming, "Holy shit!" He then tasted the berries and I felt as if my eyes bled tears in sadness knowing I've missed out on eating good strawberries my entire life. Soaked in sweet juices, this farm was a testament to how crummy our produce can be in America. 

I can go into details, but no one, unless you grow your own berries, has ever tasted such a fresh strawberry. I felt that what I ate the last 29 years of my life were a combination of water and steroids. 

Like white asparagus, strawberries are a big deal in Germany. Every summer strawberry stands pop up around town selling the best and most fresh berries. It's part of their cute culture where there is a connection and celebration for local produce. (Have you ever done a grunkohlfahrt? I have!)

German strawberries are one of a kind. But, eating Hemmingen strawberries is euphoric; the proof that fruit is nature's candy. There is no need to consume refined sugar when you have fruit as pure as these berries. 

The best time to pick the berries is in the beginning of June. You can access the field with a short bike ride from the Maschee Park lakes or the Strandbadsee Hemmingen. Bus #363 stops nearby the field. 

Here, you can grab a basket and pick as much or as little as you want. The stand also sells already-picked berries for those who are in a rush. Compared to America where everything is weighed in pounds, these berries were also some of the cheapest strawberries I bought. A half kilo (approximately one pound) is between 2.50-3.00 Euros. One kilo is approximately four to five Euros. Stock up on these bad boys 'cause the berries go quick. Also, since they are so pure they need to be used within five to seven days of picking. 

When the berries run out, the strawberry stand sells berries from the other nearby farms. I tried them and well, they're not as delicious. 

Have you picked strawberries from Hannover? Where are your favorite fields or stands? So, pump up your bike tires, get your hands dirty and get ready to eat (in my opinion) the best strawberries in the world. 

Let's Connect! Want towin a free self-walking tour city app? If so check this out! 

Oh the twenties. It seemed just like yesterday. Looking back, I believe the twenties are like the adult-toddler years where we learn to stand on our two feet physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually.

It’s the time to learn, make mistakes and discover whom you really are. Besides busting my booty in the career field, I had an enriching and fulfilling decade. I lived abroad four times. I dove deep into spirituality and lived out some of my wildest dreams.
 
Whether peaceful or adventurous, every journey affected my personal growth. With no regrets, these are the 20 most epic adventures I experienced in my twenties.
 
I studied Yoga in India – There’s not much one can say besides studying yoga from the source was one of the most prolific experiences for a 22 year old. Although young, I became wise to understand certain things about life. Now in my 30’s, I REALLY understand my yoga training. Experience and knowledge is key in this unpredictable world.
 
I backpacked as a solo female – From Australia to India to Thailand, I did most of my traveling alone. Yes, I am very extroverted, but also introverted. For me, traveling was a part of my personal growth, and I needed to do many of these things alone. 

I scuba dove the Great Barrier Reef & Fiji – I thought the GBR was beautiful. Well, nothing compares to Fiji. There is an entire world of peace, love and harmony under the surface. People either love or are frightened by the ocean. I became fascinated and cried in my goggles at how precious under the sea life is. 
 
I studied abroad well actually surfed in Australia – Studying abroad was one of the most freeing life experiences. I spent much time learning how to surf and well, surfing taught me a lot. I realized that no matter how many times the wave knocks you off your board, you gotta get back up and try again. How symbolic to life? You can read more here! 

I studied Buddhist Meditation in Thailand and had to live a silent life –  Cat’s out of the bag, people love to chat. The Buddhist Meditation disciplined everyone at the retreat. We were not allowed to talk during meditation or at dinner. We had to place our fork on the table each time we chewed. Talk about getting in touch with your senses, this place taught me everything about sight, sound, scent and taste.
 
I hiked the Ben Lomond Trail in New Zealand – Alone with my thoughts; I plunged up the steep trail to master one of my dreams. Looking over Queenstown, I felt as if I conquered the world. The intense trail pushed me at the time when my minded needed to believe in myself. Standing solo with a few sheep, I never felt so alive and comforted in my life. 

I studied a foreign language – In college, I studied Spanish. In Germany, I studied German. Although I am not fluent in either language, I can read and understand more than I can speak. Learning a language changes your brain. I swear your level of thinking is on a higher platform.
 
I lived in a yoga ashram in Australia – Yet another one of my quirky spiritual experiences; I engulfed myself in spirituality and purity while living in an ashram. At 23, it was weird to see the outside world as an illusion. All the drama and bullshit that goes with being young just didn’t matter anymore. While living at the ashram, a friend from highschool and college died in a car accident. I became more appreciative for life and respected whatever guided us, as they decide when we come and go. 

I danced my ass in Australia, India, Thailand, Germany, Ibiza – Damnit I love electronic-based music. I don’t know why, but I do. I love all types of music, but this stuff triggers my soul. I feel nothing but freedom and happiness the entire time I dance. Dancing is not a new concept, so I find it to be my modern day “spirit” circle.

I detoxed in Thailand with coffee colonics and shots of wheat grass – The second time I lived in Australia I learned many lessons. Crazy boss, losing love, my emotions were a wreck. I traveled to Thailand and stayed at The Sanctuary, a small detox retreat on Koh Phangan. I signed up for a three-day detox where I first discovered the connection between the mind and the gut. I laid naked on a small wooden plank with a bucket of coffee and a tube hanging over my head. Let me say the detox was effective and my mindset ascended from that point. 
 
I went to the Full Moon Party in Thailand while detoxing – The full moon in Koh Phangan is an epic party for twenty-year olds. I ended my detox the same night as the full moon. Sipping on water and eating pineapple, experiencing the party post shitting your brains out gives you a different perspective about life and drugs. Mostly Europeans, many tourists were drunk and/or high. I found the experience to be spiritual to know that my mind and the universe are connected always (without the enhancement of drugs). 

I drank Kava Kava with the locals in Fiji – One night in Fiji, I sat in a circle with locals and other tourists and sipped the mud-like water out of a coconut shell. I don’t remember the dream, but I certainly traveled somewhere far away from my body. Since it was 2005, the authentic ceremony exceeded the watered-down versions of what you see in the west. 

​I worked and WWOOFed in Australia and realized the grass isn’t always greener –  Since 2005, I had this obsession with Australia. I had to return – no matter what! I did return and I worked at a tennis academy. The micromanaging boss was miserable and I needed to get so I WWOOFed and lived in a yoga ashram in Brisbane. I realized that traveling doesn’t always solve problems and the world is filled with the same “stuff” and people.
 
I quit a really well progressed career to move to Hannover, Germany and ate a lot of cake – I have to give credit to my husband for getting us to Germany, BUT I encouraged and supported it. Right when my career hit a peak, I quit and left. Do I regret it? Not really since I gained a different perspective about life that left me more balanced and gushing with happiness about my new-found work-life balance. Plus, Hannover was this last remaining gem of a city in the world. It’s a place where kids run and play in the fields, women walk alone at night and a city that respected arts and culture. 

I partied in Australia without pleasure – The twenties are an interesting age where ego, hormones and drama rule life. For some reason, some higher part of myself discovered epic party moments without drugs or random sex with strangers. I, like many young women, struggled with love and self-confidence, which many females “find” through sex. Not gonna lie, Australian men are very tempting, but I found myself through dancing and having fun. I boosted my self-esteem without some dependency on a man.
 
I bungee jumped the Nevis in New Zealand -  Young and wild at twenty, if I died, I wanted to exit the world doing something epic. Why not bungee jump? Plunging toward death was insanely….peaceful. What? That’s right, I found peace amidst the most chaotic eight seconds of my life. The natural high was way better than what you get in Amsterdam.
 
I did the whole coffee shop thing in Amsterdam – Growing up in the Midwest, we all took DARE classes. I am not a fan of drugs because most of its usage comes from a negative place. But, when in Amsterdam, everyone goes to the coffee shops. Innocently, exploring a brownie is really not that big of a deal. When people feel the need to get high all the time (especially to function) that is the point when it loses its “specialty.” Since pot is legal in Seattle, there is a new level of drug use, which many of the privileged corporate-waged liberals are high – all the time. Amsterdam shows that when drugs are contained and come from a regulated place (and most places do not accept intolerant behavior), pot can be a positive thing. 

I slept on this floor in this village in Thailand - and because of it, I will always appreciate a bed and pillow. 

I swam with sea turtles in Mexico – I first fell in love with sea turtles while studying abroad in Australia. Like a spirit guide, I glided through the water with these beautiful and nearly ancient creatures. Some turtles had “goiters,” which were caused from the oil and sunblock on human hands. Something as ignorant as humans touching a turtle reminds you how arrogant we are to those who believe that humans are not destroying the planet.
 
I hiked the Napali Coast in Hawaii – The Napali Coast is a challenge that is rewarded with the best of nature. Hiking the Napali Coast featured opulent views of the ocean, cliffs, waterfalls, rainbows and everything related to the tropical life. This hike inspired me to become a dreamer and a believer that heaven on earth does exist. 

I bathed naked in a Roman Spa in Europe – I remember studying abroad in Australia and smirked when I saw my first set of nude boobs on the beach. Many full moons later in Europe, I stripped off my clothes and enjoyed the Roman and nude-old spas. Although it took a lot of courage to do this, it’s really not that big of a deal. I mean at one point in humanity we roamed the planet either nude or dressed in a loincloth. 

​I explored the PNW Mountains – The Pac NW is one of the most beautiful areas of the USA. I bathed in fields of wild flowers and trekked some of the hardest trails; the mountains are majestic being that puts life into perspective.
 
I stood 10 feet away from a Black Bear catching salmon on Vancouver Island – Do I need to explain more? My body shook with fear and adrenaline as I got eye to eye with a black bear while standing in scat. 

What crazy, adventurous or epic stuff did you do in your twenties? 
I'd love to hear your stories and adventures!

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