travel | anya elise

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January 20, 2012 by Anya Elise

Athenas with attitude || Guest post, pt. 2

And now, the exciting conclusion to our European Guest Post Fantastique, from the ever-fabulous, Emily. When we left off, she was detailing her 10 most favorite sights of London and Paris.

I’m sorry for the delay in getting this on here tonight. I meant to have this rolling first thing today, but I got caught up wrangling dogies (translation: I attended the National Western Stock Show today, more on that later).

So, without further ado, excuses, babbling or pause, heeeeeeere’s Emily!

(I clearly missed my calling being a nighttime talk show announcer).

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6. Shakespeare and Co.

Being a book nerd, this place ranked high in the top things to see in Paris. This place has such character – very much a hole in the wall. You should see the reading room on the second level – a maze of old books and places to sit.

And it is literally right across the street from Notre Dame. An ideal situation? I think so.

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January 19, 2012 by Anya Elise

wrong side of the street; different side of the ocean || Guest post, pt. 1

Today, for your reading pleasure, I bring you a little commentary from my dear sister, Emily, who recently had the fantastic opportunity to start her New Year off right…and travel abroad to London, and Paris. (Color me jealous.) I asked her to write a guest post for you all, because (1) She’s a wonderful writer and has some great observations and photos to share; and (2) You must be tired of me yammering away by now. You deserve a break! Two posts off for good behavior.

So, without further ado, here is Part 1 of Emily’s European Guest Post! Cheerio!

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“So what are you doing the 5th to the 11th?”

It’s funny what life can surprise you with. A typical day interrupted by a simple question and suddenly…

…you find yourself here. Looking at this.

And this.

We arrived in London bright and early on the 6th. The best way to get on local time is to force yourself to live by that time…not the time you’re used to, which says “it’s in the middle of the night” and “what on earth are you doing up, you crazy person?” Or so I’ve been told. As I wasn’t over jet lag until the day before we left, I’m skeptical. Anyways, for less than a week, we saw quite a bit – too much to go into here. Rather than subject you to almost 700 photos (I blame Anya’s influence), here are my top 10 favorite sights of London and Paris, in no particular order.

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December 30, 2011 by Anya Elise

a retrospective slideshow || 2011 in review

a retrospective || 2011 in review from anya semenoff on Vimeo.

10 states.

Two oceans.

Lots of driving miles (yes that’s the official tabulation: lots).

A theme park, a national park, a fancy phone, thousands of pictures.

Four whales, several buffalo, a llama, iconic sites.

A business, weddings, two churches, one arch, lots of dancing, old friends and new.

One family, three siblings and an adopted transplant from the east coast.

A blog.

You.

Add all these ingredients together in a blender, puree, and the result will be my 2011. It was an incredible year.

Thank you especially to Mom, Emily, Chris, Elise, who will always be my favorites; my whole extended family, who I wish I could see much more often; our 2011 couples, who took a chance on a new business and trusted us with their love stories – we’ll never forget that and owe you so much gratitude; my friends here, old and new, who always offer fun, laughter, support and inspiration.

And, of course, to Dan, who pushes me to dare. Dare to be something more, dare to reach further than I think I can, dare to allow those dreams to be a reality even if they seem too extraordinary. I really couldn’t do this without you.

Finally, thank you to all of you who come here every day to look at my photos, read my (frequently) ridiculous musings, and share in this journey.

I love you all, so very much, and look forward to 2012. It’s going to be a big year – I can feel it.

BUT, before we drop the big flashing ball and pop open that champagne, here’s a 2011 year-in-review slideshow. It’s a little random — but when am I not? — and pretty silly. But then again: when am I not?

Much love, -a.e.

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December 15, 2011 by Anya Elise

rise || San Francisco vacation video

rise up || San Francisco vacation video from anya semenoff on Vimeo.

She doesn’t like when I do it. Take videos of her. She doesn’t like being my “human interest” piece in these travel videos.

But, I have to say, I love when my sister, Emily, is in these videos.

She’s so lovely. Gorgeous really, and she gives the camera this smile when I point it at her that is equal parts incredulity, humor, resolve, and grace.

So, Emily, though you hate it, here is one more video in which you make a number of appearances. And you’re gorgeous. (She’s also a total softie, looking out for creatures great and small. Watch the video…you’ll see.)

Thanks, sister-friend, as always, for putting up with me.

As you, my dear readers, will remember, I mentioned we didn’t have much time for touring about on my most recent – and brief – visit to San Francisco. Nearly all of this footage was therefore shot in about half a day. It’s brief, and chipper, and but a glimpse into the beauty this city offers.

One of these days I’ll go back and give it a better video. But for now, there’s this.

Love and foggy afternoons to you, –a.e.

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December 14, 2011 by Anya Elise

high time for tea || San Francisco vacation

It is no secret that I am not a natural-born tea lover. Unlike my sister. But, when provided the chance to enjoy a proper English-style tea with loved ones while on vacation, how do you say no?

And so dine we did.

The tea shop – barely larger than an English estate’s parlor – sported decor befitting just such a parlor of an eccentric nanny. On steroids.

Flowery wallpaper. Trinkets hung, strung, and flung all about. Tea cozies as far as the eye could see. You couldn’t help but laugh – and love – it all.

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