 | Hello beauties <3 long time no post, I know. I have been really busy with this semester which is why I have not posted in over a month. But on the bright side, I have lots to share with you. Now, most people when they think "Spring Break" do not necessarily think to head out West to the Rocky Mountains, but that is exactly what me and my friend did. It's just we've been to Florida, Cancun, even the Amalfi Coast for past spring breaks, so why not go for a change of scenery? (literally). Now here is what Denver taught me that I did not know prior to coming: |
1. I don't hate hiking as much as I thought I did
Honestly, my entire life, hiking was something I've loathed. This time, on the day trip we took to a canyon in the mountains called Garden of the Gods, I realized I really don't mind hiking: turns out i actually enjoy it. Turns out I like rock climbing as well.
2. The drives through the winding mountains would be the best part
The above photo is taken from inside the car on a drive through the mountains at 11,000 feet. No filter needed, and yes, driving through the mountains can be very scary: especially when there are no clear railings, so you literally look down from the passenger window, and you're looking down the mountain. I was also unaware that wild elks definitely have the right-of-way when it comes to crossing the roads (their antlers are huge).
The above photo is taken from inside the car on a drive through the mountains at 11,000 feet. No filter needed, and yes, driving through the mountains can be very scary: especially when there are no clear railings, so you literally look down from the passenger window, and you're looking down the mountain. I was also unaware that wild elks definitely have the right-of-way when it comes to crossing the roads (their antlers are huge).
3. How good the shopping is
I was not told to bring extra money because the shopping in Denver is quite nice. Above, I got an Alex and Ani Colorado Rockies bracelet for $14 to add to my arm candy, an ostrich feather Helmut Lang top for $19, and a pair of Bagley Mishka stilettos which I am wearing for graduation for only $50. I got lots of other stuff too, which I am sure you will be seeing in future posts, all from the Denver Nordstrom Rack.
I was not told to bring extra money because the shopping in Denver is quite nice. Above, I got an Alex and Ani Colorado Rockies bracelet for $14 to add to my arm candy, an ostrich feather Helmut Lang top for $19, and a pair of Bagley Mishka stilettos which I am wearing for graduation for only $50. I got lots of other stuff too, which I am sure you will be seeing in future posts, all from the Denver Nordstrom Rack.
4. That they're known for taffy
Surprised I didn't come back with cavities after all the saltwater taffy I ate. Taffy boutiques are everywhere, and some places they even make it in front of you. They also have really interesting flavors such as wedding cake, cookie dough, butter, and apple pie.
Surprised I didn't come back with cavities after all the saltwater taffy I ate. Taffy boutiques are everywhere, and some places they even make it in front of you. They also have really interesting flavors such as wedding cake, cookie dough, butter, and apple pie.
5. How much they appreciate local artists and handmade goods
Denver over all cities I have been to, has a huge appreciation for artisans and unique, handmade goods. To the left is a handmade earth clay tea pot shaped like a pharoh, the middle is handmade, loose tea because there are mom and pop tea shops on every corner (and they're all cute and all have a "house tea"), and to the far right are life-sized bear statues that are hand-carved and you can pick what you want the sign the bear is holding to say. Needless to say everyone in Denver has very unique tastes, and there are many different styles of houses and decor that you will notice if you really observe.
Denver over all cities I have been to, has a huge appreciation for artisans and unique, handmade goods. To the left is a handmade earth clay tea pot shaped like a pharoh, the middle is handmade, loose tea because there are mom and pop tea shops on every corner (and they're all cute and all have a "house tea"), and to the far right are life-sized bear statues that are hand-carved and you can pick what you want the sign the bear is holding to say. Needless to say everyone in Denver has very unique tastes, and there are many different styles of houses and decor that you will notice if you really observe.
6. That Colorado is a very haunted state
Colorado is full of ghost towns, haunted mines, and home to the Stanley Hotel, all of which I toured. I was most excited for the Stanley Hotel because it is where Dumb and Dumber was filmed, but what I did not know is that it is the fourth most haunted place in the US, and it is where Steven King stayed where he got his inspiration for his most dark and twisted stories. His classic, "The Shining" was filmed here, and now I can see why.
Colorado is full of ghost towns, haunted mines, and home to the Stanley Hotel, all of which I toured. I was most excited for the Stanley Hotel because it is where Dumb and Dumber was filmed, but what I did not know is that it is the fourth most haunted place in the US, and it is where Steven King stayed where he got his inspiration for his most dark and twisted stories. His classic, "The Shining" was filmed here, and now I can see why.
from left to right: Josie Maran Argan Face Oil, Benefit Pore-fessional Pore Minimizing Balm, Maybelline BB Fresh Cream, Josie Maran Intense Creamy Oil for Face and Hands, Cargo HD CC Cream in Matte, Glossier All-Around Skin Salve in Coconut, and L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter.
7. How dry my skin was going to be
I was not aware that my skin would be dust, and my hair would be straw. I highly recommend that if you are visiting Colorado (or anywhere with high elevation and mountains), you pack your most moisturizing products. I did not know this prior to coming, and after day three, I realized powder foundation and eyeshadow were not an option. Also, my skin was so dry, I picked up the Cooling Water Gel Stick by Milk Make-up and it saved me: I highly recommend it to keep in your bag during hot months or if your face gets easily dehydrated. Other products I recommend are some kind of facial oil, a hand cream that has either real shea or coconut oil in it, a pore minimizer (my pores looked big and dirty), and a cleanser that is moisturizing: although not pictured, I like either the Mary Kay Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin, or the First Aid Beauty (FAB) Cream Cleanser. I would NOT bring anything geared towards acne, or anything with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as the elements will make your face dry and burn. I also recommend using a moisturizing hair mask if you will be there a week or longer.
I was not aware that my skin would be dust, and my hair would be straw. I highly recommend that if you are visiting Colorado (or anywhere with high elevation and mountains), you pack your most moisturizing products. I did not know this prior to coming, and after day three, I realized powder foundation and eyeshadow were not an option. Also, my skin was so dry, I picked up the Cooling Water Gel Stick by Milk Make-up and it saved me: I highly recommend it to keep in your bag during hot months or if your face gets easily dehydrated. Other products I recommend are some kind of facial oil, a hand cream that has either real shea or coconut oil in it, a pore minimizer (my pores looked big and dirty), and a cleanser that is moisturizing: although not pictured, I like either the Mary Kay Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin, or the First Aid Beauty (FAB) Cream Cleanser. I would NOT bring anything geared towards acne, or anything with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as the elements will make your face dry and burn. I also recommend using a moisturizing hair mask if you will be there a week or longer.
8. The fashion is still very wild, Western
Coming from Italy and NYC, I am very accustomed to black, monochrome, and sleek leather, but not here. Everything is fringed, and tasseled, with big, chunky embellishments. Also, lots of cowboy boots and hats. Again, re-stating that they love hand-made goods, lots of the fashion includes pieces of turquoise, tigers eye, and silver. Above were my Western pieces of choice: Bags: Snakeskin Canteen Bag: Express, Fringe Satchel, H&M, and Turquoise Necklace, Chicos
Coming from Italy and NYC, I am very accustomed to black, monochrome, and sleek leather, but not here. Everything is fringed, and tasseled, with big, chunky embellishments. Also, lots of cowboy boots and hats. Again, re-stating that they love hand-made goods, lots of the fashion includes pieces of turquoise, tigers eye, and silver. Above were my Western pieces of choice: Bags: Snakeskin Canteen Bag: Express, Fringe Satchel, H&M, and Turquoise Necklace, Chicos
9. How attractive and nice the people are
Now, I do not have pictures of the locals because that is very weird and stalker-ish, but the men in Colorado are all very built and attractive: I don't know if they're all lumberjacks or cowboys, or what but they were all nice to look at. And all the women have beautiful, interesting styles, and are very kind and welcoming, especially to travelers.
Now, I do not have pictures of the locals because that is very weird and stalker-ish, but the men in Colorado are all very built and attractive: I don't know if they're all lumberjacks or cowboys, or what but they were all nice to look at. And all the women have beautiful, interesting styles, and are very kind and welcoming, especially to travelers.
I hope you enjoyed my travel diary entry on the Wild, Wild West. This trip was definitely a change from my usual travel destinations, but in a good way. I will definitely be back, and I encourage all my US (and international) readers to explore the West if you have not already. You will be impressed with what you find.
xo
-A
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