Author: Roisin Astell

Berlin Instagram

Weekend in Berlin

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What a weekend! I have a surprise for many of you (for those who follow my instagram account, the surprise is unfortunately ruined…). Last weekend in France was a holiday, which meant that we had a four-day weekend. With so much time off, I decided it was the perfect time to go and visit one of my best friends, Sally. So, I headed of to Berlin! Yes, I spent the four-day weekend exploring the city and hanging out with one of my dearest pals. Berlin is an awesome city. It was my first time there, and to Germany! Having studied German for five years with the expectation of going to visit the country with my family, you can probably imagine how excited I was to finally go. There is something really interesting about Berlin. As we wandered the city, I felt as if there was not ‘one’ Berlin. The capital is incredibly diverse, and as you progress around the city, it almost feels as if you yourself are traveling through different cultures and countries. Berlin …

The Promenade Plantee, Paris

The Promenade Plantée – A hidden gem of Paris

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Located in the 12th arrondissement is one of Paris’ hidden gems. The Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont (tree-lined walkway en Anglais), is an exquisite promenade that stretches just under 3 miles (around 4.7 kilometers) spanning from the Bois de Vincennes to Place de la Bastille, via the old Vincennes rail line. Having walked across New York’s High Line last October, I was convinced that it was unique to the American city. However, Paris’ Promenade Plantée was in fact the very first green space constructed to form a public park/promenade, as it was inaugurated in 1993. Similar to New York’s High Line, the Promenade Plantée was erected from a disused railway line The entire promenade is aligned with a variety of beautiful flowers, plants and trees. It was almost like walking through a perfumery – the sheer amount of different plants was not only aesthetically magnificent, but also nice on the nose! The Promenade Plantée offers a variety of wonderful sights and experiences. Part of the promenade follows the route across a wooden …

Laura Marling, Le Trabendo, Paris - 10 May 2015

Laura Marling, Le Trabendo, Paris – 10 May 2015

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Last night one of my dreams came true. I finally got the chance to see one of my idols – Laura Marling. I have been a keen follower of Marling for many years, using her first three albums as the necessity aides to get me through those difficult years – adolescence. Unfortunately for me, there were two separate occasions to which I could have stood in the midst of this talented singer (once back in Sixth Form, I was on holiday; and the second I only found out the day after! Laura was playing in the York Minister, which was a once in a lifetime opportunity). So one can only imagine how I felt – it was like Christmas. I’m not going to write a concert review, because to be honest I would have no idea where to even start and I am sure I would not do it any justice. But what I can attempt to say is that Laura Marling offered a beautiful and yet haunting performance of her work – mostly taken from her …

DGT ( Dorell. Ghotmeh. Take), 'Light in water'

Exhibition Review: ‘Lumières, The Play of Brilliants’ exposition, Éléphant Paname

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6th March – 31st May 2015 After handing over our tickets to be verified, the steward pointed us in the direction of an entrance. Upon entering, our senses were immediately struck with the darkness of the interior. The lights were low, the room was empty of people, and we were confronted with a circular floor-to-ceiling installation. However, this is not just any normal installation. Utilising both water and light in a captivating way, DGT’s (Dorell, Ghotmeh, Take) Light in Water is a magical sight. It actually takes a couple of seconds to register what is occurring in this otherworldly spectacle. Falling from the ceiling is a cascading waterfall, which is illuminated with the continual changing strength of lights, creating an ethereal experience for the viewer. Intensifying the experience further, visitors can walk into the very centre of the installation, becoming one with the piece. The exquisite combination of light and water makes the water droplets seem light graceful falling diamonds. Opening the exhibition, DGT’s Light in Water truly sets the tone for the rest of …

The Eiffel Tower and Blossom, Spring in Paris

Mon retour à Paris – Back to Paris

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These past recent weeks seem to be flying by, and much too quickly for my liking. The last two weeks have been the holidays for me, which included travelling down to the South of France and then heading back over to England to spend time with my family. Not only have the weeks gone incredibly quickly, but I cannot believe that it’s May already! Where did April go? For me, this means that the clock has begun ticking towards my departure from Paris, and it makes me really sad just thinking of leaving my French family and life here. However, I shall not be down the last two months I have here, but will make the most of the time I have left here in this beautiful city. That includes visiting places I have never been before, as well as trying my hardest to blog all about them.

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Cherry blossom, Paris in Spring

The blossom of Notre-Dame

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Just when you thought Paris couldn’t get any more beautiful,  it can. Surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Square Jean XXIII is in full bloom. So after school one day I could not resist paying a little visit to attempt to capture the charm of the scene. I have never really been a massive fan of the colour pink, but I think spending my Spring in Paris has totally made me change my mind. Don’t forget, you can view all the photos that I took here on my Flickr account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/roisingrace/sets/72157651966672755/