hannahloulifestyle

Tag: europe

  • An Afternoon in Madrid: Coffee, Tapas, and the Palacio Real de Madrid

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    Hannah Shelly
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    Throughout my time in Spain, I was able to fully relax into a “work to live” mindset. With scheduled breaks and sunshine together, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt lighter as I started my morning midday. Sood Sipping from a ceramic mug, my flat white packed a punch. Strong and rich, the…

  • A Slow Morning on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile | Scotland

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    Hannah Shelly
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    High Street The solid, grey stone around me formed the foundations of Edinburgh’ s rich history. Touched by the tales the dramatic structures could tell, I wandered amongst the medieval architecture on High Street. Colorful cashmere and wool tartans stared at me as I window-shopped. I could have been satisfied for ages. Eventually, the stunning…

  • ’t Koffieboontje | Coffee in Utrecht, Netherlands

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    Hannah Shelly
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    Space Wrapping my palms around a warm latte, I felt cozy with cushions and friends at ‘t Koffieboontje. Sipping and chatting, I could have stared out the window at the canal for hours. Tons of tight knit, indoor seating was available, making me feel at ease. Like I was visiting a companion’s home. The interior…

  • Corner Coffee and Cardiff Castle: Cardiff, Wales

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    Hannah Shelly
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    In crisp, chilly air, Cardiff Castle stood at the opposite end of my early stroll. I appreciated the calmer nature of Cardiff this morning. My slow wandering through the historic town provided a needed rest from the fast-paced nature of bigger cities. An intentional reset to a sustainable pace is required now and again ……

  • Relaxing Coffee and Fondue Morning in Lausanne, Switzerland

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    Hannah Shelly
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    Icy, clear water stares back at me, still. Snowy mountaintops surround Lake Geneva in the distance. It’s as if all unnecessary sound has been blocked from this calm oasis. Strolling alongside Lake Geneva’s waterfront with a hot cup of coffee, my mind quiets. A single place has never felt more meditative to me. Bold Coffee…

  • Palais Garnier – Paris, France

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    Hannah Shelly
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    I’d erased the Palais Garnier from my Paris wishlist. The historic opera house ended up being my favorite site I saw in the city. The Palais Garnier is a masterpiece of 19th century French architecture. Every inch of the opulent structure is a feast for the eyes. Like being in the center of a decadent…

  • Paris Morning Itinerary for Athlete Recovery

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    Hannah Shelly
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    Paris, a feast for the eyes, made me slow down in the mornings. I found myself pausing to absorb the iconic city that figure skating had brought me to. Wandering through Parisian neighborhoods shifted my perspective on my career — and on life itself. This life is precious. As athletes, it’s easy to become consumed…

  • Abu Dhabi, UAE

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    Hannah Shelly
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    The oppressive heat in the mall parking garage made enduring the speech from our tour guide a matter of survival. The garage was sucking all the water from my body like a leech. He was ensuring we understood how women were expected to act in a mosque. My hydration wasn’t helped by the fact that…