Since we first launched Wayfare magazine a couple weeks ago, the response has been incredible. We've had so much positive feed back across the net, and from folks who have emailed us to share the appreciation of what we do (thank you from the entire team!). We're already working on what's to come (with some other exciting things in store), but for now, I wanted to use this post as a reminder that although we're a magazine, we also have an entire blog devoted to travel + lifestyle as well. Once a week I'll be contributing to the "New Discoveries" column, to go more in depth with some of the cool finds we've shared in the magazine, as well as some brand new ones as well. Click for today's post of New Discoveries #1!



P.S. Sorry there's no BOARDING PASS today, but it's a great excuse to visit the archives!

Every January I get a little pang of envy, as loads of talented bloggers and creative types meet up in Salt Lake City for Alt Summit, a conference designed to bring together the latest ideas and interesting folks to one place for a creative and inspiring few days. Fortunately, for the past two years I've been able to follow the feed on Twitter and pick up some awesome advice. The good news is now there is a solution for those of us in Europe. This year debuts the first ever The Hive Berlin, European blogging conference. Started by three creative bloggers from three different cities, the idea is for those of us in Europe to meet-up and learn about different aspects of blogging. It all happens May 19-20 in Berlin. In other exciting news? I'll be one of the speakers! My talk is on blogging etiquette and how to deal with negative feedback. Here's what I'll be addressing:
If you're in Europe, I highly recommend coming and joining us. While it's amazing the way we all can communicate online, even better is when you get people in the same room! Click here for the full program and hope to see you there!!

And while everyone can't get away for these conferences, I just wanted to share my two favorite resources for continuing education online happening right now. Alt Summit recently launched the AltChannel which has a full line up of 1-hour online courses, and for only $15 each (I'm taking my first one next Thursday). Skillshare is another company doing awesome things, and anyone can offer or take a course. Their motto is "Learn anything from anyone, anywhere." Both are worth checking out!


{note cards made with Index Card Generator}

A couple summers ago when I was a nanny for a French family, I heard mention of these so-called fêtes désguisée (costume parties). They were described to me as very elaborate (one was pirate themed and in a chateau!), and some folks were more into the idea than others – clearly a lot of effort goes into them. While I didn't get the "costume" memo for the party I was invited to over the weekend, I soon learned that these parties are the true year-round solution to the lack of Halloween in France.

My invitation was a return to the French countryside (the same place where I spent Christmas). I couldn't help be amused by the fact I didn't know the guy whose birthday it was upon arrival. Thankfully, the people I hitched a ride from out of Paris (who I met when we got in the car) didn't know him either, so at least I wasn't the only party crasher in the mix.

The setting was "the Chapel" in the backyard, a space that has long since been transformed and now makes the perfect party setting. The entire party started very unsuspectingly. Everyone was dressed normally. In the car I had rushed to change my hair to have three small buns, as I had completely forgotten the theme of the party was "3" in honor of the 33rd birthday. Alas, it wasn't until Marge and Homer Simpson arrived, complete with awesome blue beehive wig, and yellow painted skin (legs too!) that the night started to transform itself. Then Inspector Gadget and Penny (known as Sophie in the French version), along with their dog Brain (aka Fino for the French) showed up. Yes, this house was known for hosting fête désguisée, and people got into it (tons of old photos on the wall served as proof). Then the birthday boy came back dressed as God, followed by someone else as one of the three little pigs. (The secret to going to a French fête désguisée is knowing they bring a change of clothes, so eventually they can return to their own selves by the end of the night, or make a dramatic entry at any time.)

As the night rolled on, the music, dancing and overall merriment continued. Then the true "spirit" of the night showed up. One of the guests disappeared, only to reappear, but now only wearing two records to cover his front and backside. He strolled in proud of his costume, as if it was a badge of honor. The best part was that I later learned that of all the guests, he best stuck to the theme. It turns out there are 33 turns on any record. This was another moment where I kicked myself for not charging my camera battery for the evening.

The more time I spend in France, the more I realize what an integral part of the celebration champagne is. For the past few weeks I've found myself with bottomless flutes of champagne in my hand on several occasions. The raging headache the next day is teaching me to cut myself off more, but alas, I assure you it is an integral part of the French experience. You may as well treat it like water.

The amusement of the night started when we arrived at the house only to realize that my ride wasn't going back to Paris that night, so I guess that meant I would just be forced to profiter from the party and stay all night. Who needs sleep? Much to my amazement, the dancing really did go on until the wee hours of the morning, much like my first French wedding experience, (which I also crashed) last fall. The moves became more and more interpretive as the night rolled on, with a mix of ballet jumps and spins (especially entertaining, knowing that these were talented musicians behind these dance moves). Little by little the party dwindled down, and people hit the hay wherever they could find a space. But the best part for sure of the late night French party is waking up the next morning (errr, later that day) to laugh about it and share stories from the night before, comparing notes and piecing together tidbits of what we each had missed. Très amusant.

A few tips for attending a French soirée or fête désguisée :
– Charge your camera battery in advance
– Bring a bottle of champagne
– When the French say costume party, they're not joking. Go all out. (And it's totally acceptable to change into normal clothes once you've had enough of the wig and entire ensemble)
– Be prepared to dance until the wee hours of the morning
– Figure out your ride home and where you're sleeping in advance (or not – it was kind of entertaining to wing it, and makes for a better story)
– Expect to do laundry in the days to follow. Cigarettes are guaranteed at any party with the Frenchies, even inside.

{I forgot to charge my camera battery and the iPhone photos didn't turn out as well as hoped in the low light. Use your imagination!}

I guess you could say it's true of anywhere, but one of my favorite things about living in France is that I never know who I'm going to meet. Over the weekend I found myself at a birthday soirée in the French countryside (a whole other post in itself!). That night at least two of the members of Caravan Palace were in attendance (and part of the dance party that went until 6am). Besides a poster on the wall I didn't know anything about the group, until I heard one song on Sunday still in my post-party haze (they're French, but sing in English). Then yesterday I looked up their new album (just released yesterday in fact) and came across the new release video. Vintage Paris, robots and electro-swinging vibes. Need I say more? I'm completely addicted now and downloaded the album. A must see/hear below!



The video was directed and art directed by Ugo Gattoni, alongside Guillaume Cassuto and Jeremy Pires. Amazing that it was all made in one month!

You can find Caravan Palace on myspace, Facebook + iTunes.

{image: new Panic album cover; logo by Mario Hugo}

When documentary and travel photographer Katrina James first sent me the link to her site, I was instantly struck by her ability to capture people and the human spirit. These were people living their every day lives, and these really mundane moments come alive. Katrina is currently in South Africa and to get in under the skin of the city her activities have included spending the day with Felix, a car park attendant. (I love that this is an activity no guide book would ever tell you to do). There are many more wonderful moments she's captured, so check it out for yourself! Thanks, Katrina! –Anne

Very excited about beer from the Ukraine.

last trip taken:
3 months in Cape Town (I am still here enjoying the sunshine)
View of Lion’s Head Cape Town taken from a bathroom in an art gallery.

next trip on deck:
I am going to hang out with a very good friend in Amsterdam, the a quick trip to Prague and I will be headed back to Sydney for a visit at the end of the year.
Aranyosapati A village in Hungary

one place you would go back to again and again:
BERLIN I love that city so much I sometimes refer to it as my boyfriend (I know that makes me sound crazy).
At a Wedding in Poland where the groom had to identify his bride while blind folded.

place you'd most likely recommend a friend go visit:
I would recommend visiting the places that really pull you in, don’t go somewhere or do something just because its on the tourist trail listen to you instincts and follow them.
Inside an MBT in Cape Town.