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Welcome to the Cologne Cathedral Germany
Want to visit one of the most enormous & gorgeous cathedrals in the world? It's a work of art! If you're looking for things to do, take a trip to see the Cologne Cathedral in Koln (Cologne,) North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Koln Cathedral / Cologne Germany Cathedral
The Roman Catholic cathedral is also referred to as the Kölner Dom in German. The Cologne Cathedral is the cathedral (Episcopal Church) of the Archdiocese of Cologne; it is under the patronage of St. Peter. They have masses, devotions, choir performances, and organ recitals. In 1996, the cathedral was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site. You will adore its splendor & beauty. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about this stunning cathedral. There are plenty of day trips from Cologne too.
Address: Cologne Cathedral, Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany
Related reading: Cologne (Germany) Street Art & Graffiti
History of Cologne Germany Cathedral
The construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248. Goodness gracious; that's a really long time ago! The cathedral itself is 474 feet tall (144.5 meters) & 283 feet wide (86.25 meters); the towers are 515 feet tall (157 meters). It's enormous. It's difficult to get it all in one photo. In fact, the history of Cologne Germany is that Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe.Cologne Cathedral width is 86.25 m (283.0 ft). It has two spires and eleven church bells. The spire heights are 157 m (515 ft). The nave has many 19th century stained glass windows. The address is Cologne Cathedral, Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany. There's always restoration work or maintenance work to keep this remarkable cathedral in great condition.
Significant works include:
- Gero Crucifix, circa 970
- Shrine of the Magi/Shrine of the Three Kings Wise Men, circa 1190-1220
- Milan Madonna, c. 1280/90 - Located in the Sacrament Chapel.
- Altar of the City Patrons, c. 1442
- Open Choir Stalls from Southeast
- Design of the Floor Mosaic, 1887
- Plan F, End of the 13th Century
- Altar of the Poor Clares High Feast Day Opening
- Window of the South Transept, 2007
Related reading: Europe Trip Double Exposure Photography
The gothic-style cathedral features two huge spires, flying buttresses, a black marble High Altar, Three Kings Shrine, art treasures, immense stained glass window, and more. Visitors can climb up the spiral staircase of stone steps to a viewing platform. The Cologne Germany Cathedral is genuinely gargantuan. It is one of Germany's most famous landmarks. You have to back up pretty far in order to get the whole thing within frame for your photo. Spot it from outside & gasp with surprise. Head inside & see what riches lie within. I like to think of it as a history of Cologne Germany museum because there's an abundance of beautiful religious art inside. You can travel nearby since there are day trips from Cologne.
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996
Throughout the entire construction period, the original blueprints were not changed. The Ottonian Gero Crucifix on the altar in the cathedral is the oldest monumental sculpture of Christ still in existence. While the Cologne Cathedral is not dedicated to Three Kings, relics are said to be located there, making it a site of pilgrimage. Let's start with the exterior. It's the first thing you see. Take a look at the main entrance with its 19th-century decoration. There is plenty to look at, that's for sure. You could stand around browsing each statue, each figure, but a photo lasts longer & is less time-consuming. So that's what I did.
The Criterion for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site includes (i): Cologne Cathedral is an exceptional work of human creative genius. It was constructed over the course of more than six centuries. The last Criterion is that Cologne Cathedral is a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe. People will often travel there for the Shrine of the Three Kings. The cathedral is a place of great religious significance.
There are furnishings, windows, tombs, monuments, floor mosaics, & cathedral bells at the Cologne Cathedral. When I went back to the Kölner Dom website, I was surprised by just how many significant works were held within its confines. A lot. If you can't make it to Cologne, Germany, you can do a virtual tour on their site. It tells you about every piece & where it's located within the gothic cathedral.
The entire cathedral is massive. Don't feel bad because you're not the only tourist there. It's one of the biggest tourist hubs in Cologne. Many people were there taking photos, praying, & enjoying the glory of Cologne Cathedral. On another note: I couldn't help but be captivated by the creepy looking door handle. It's truly creepy no? It's sad. It kind of reminds me of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
You could spend all day occupied as you look around the interior. It is a walk-in masterpiece, a celebration. Have you visited Germany? How about the Cologne Cathedral? What's your favorite gothic cathedral, church, religious structure that you've ever visited? Do you have any ideas for day trips from Cologne? Do you know the history of Cologne Germany?
What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Visiting Berlin, Germany
Got 3 days in Berlin? There is so much that you can do.
I flew from Barcelona to Berlin for $29. How could I resist visiting Berlin at such a bargain? I ended up visiting Berlin for one week, so I have a good idea of how you can condense what to do in Berlin in 3 days.
About me: I write about travel, food, drinks. I've worked with tourism boards such as Visit Long Beach, Visit El Paso, The French Ministry of Agriculture, Visit Reno Tahoe, & Discover Torrance. To learn more about the campaigns I've been a part of, read my Press + Media page.
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| The view of the Tiergarten from the Victory Column in Berlin, Germany. |
Visiting Berlin
Where is Berlin, Germany? Are there tips on what to do in Berlin in 3 days? How about the best Berlin photo spots? This post is ideal for anyone visiting Berlin. Keep reading or scroll to find what you're looking for. Traveling somewhere soon? Check visa requirements!
So, Where is Berlin, Germany?
You might be wondering where is Berlin exactly? In relation to the rest of Europe & the world, where is Berlin, Germany? That's a good question - it's good to be inquisitive. Berlin is the capital of the country of Germany. It's the biggest city in Germany in both area & population, located in the eastern part of the country.
Related reading: How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
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| Tips for visiting Berlin: go to Brandenburg Gate. |
3 Days in Berlin Itinerary
72 hours is enough time to visit some of the best places in the city. Try to knock as much as you can on that first day. Three days pass by quickly, so go to the well-known, high-rated places mixed with some of your bucket list items.
Brandenburg Gate
If you have 3 days in Berlin, Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks. The history dates back as far as 1788 when it was constructed. In 1961, the Berlin Wall was inaccessible to locals & visitors since it was in an exclusion zone. After the fall of the wall, people celebrated at Brandenburg Gate & it remains a symbol of a reunited Berlin to this day.
East Side Gallery (former Berlin Wall)
Searching for what to do in Berlin in 3 days? You must visit the East Side Gallery, a portion of the Berlin Wall that still exists. This 1.3-kilometer piece of the former Berlin Wall is completely covered in murals & art. Some of the art is moving & poignant. Some of the art is happy & fun. East Side Gallery is easily one of the best Berlin photo spots with the range of art that covers it. Check out the Berlin Wall Museum. *One of the top Berlin photo spots
Related reading: Learn About the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany
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Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Also known as the Holocaust Memorial, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, stands to commemorate & remember the victims of the Holocaust. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman & engineer Buro Happold, the memorial contains over 2,500 concrete pieces arranged in a grid, in a somewhat undulating pattern, rising & falling depending on where you walk. I must say I was completely moved at this memorial & took a somber minute to honor the Holocaust victims & survivors. This should go without saying but please be respectful.
Tiergarten
The Tiergarten is easily one of my favorite things to do in Berlin. The inner-city park feels like a tranquil haven within the city. Make sure to stop by if you're pondering what to do in Berlin in 3 days. A must-see for those visiting Berlin, great Berlin photo spots.Alexanderplatz
Spend a few hours exploring Alexanderplatz, a public square, one of the essential stopping points for those visiting Berlin. Alexanderplatz feels like a lively downtown area with its multitude of shops, restaurants, cinemas, within walking distance. Alexanderplatz is located close to the TV Tower, Berliner Rathaus, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, & more.
Hackescher Markt
If you want to go for a stroll, do a bit of shopping at local boutiques, then you need to tour Hackescher Markt.
Checkpoint Charlie
Located on Friedrichstrasse, Checkpoint Charlie is a historic stop for travelers who make a trip to Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie was set up as a border crossing between East & West Germany during the Cold War, named by the Western Allied forces.
Mall of Berlin
Some people sight-see, some people shop. The Mall of Berlin is a massive shopping center in Berlin with around 300 shops for your purchasing pleasure. Shop your heart out, scout out a souvenir or two, or grab dinner in the food court (that’s the option I went for). It was scrumptious! If you need some supplies (clothes, etc.), this might be the place to stock up.
Charlottenburg Palace
Plan a visit to the rococo Charlottenburg Palace, built for Sophie Charlotte, Queen consort in Prussia.
Berlin Television Tower
The Berlin Television Tower is kind of like the North Star; you can see it from anywhere & it almost becomes a navigation tool. "Ah yes, I can see the Berlin Television Tower - we're getting close." The Tower stands 368 meters tall. On a cloudy day, the Tower becomes obscured into the skyline & looks something to the effect of Jack's beanstalk once his magic beans sprouted into the clouds.
Take Me to Church
Top churches in Berlin include Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church, St. Hedwig's Cathedral, St. Mary's Church, Berlin Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, Maria Regina Martyrum, and more.
Museums: What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days
Berlin is a city rich in history. A trip to Berlin isn't complete without a museum visit. I could drone for hours about the museums in Berlin. There's even an entire Museum Island dedicated to museums in Berlin. Here are some of the museums to check out while visiting Berlin or if you're searching for what to do in Berlin in 3 days.
Head to top museums such as Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum (New Museum), Altes Museum (Old Museum), Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum Berlin), Gropius Bau, Museum für Naturkunde (Museum of Natural History), Deutsches Technikmuseum.
You can visit the Reichstag Building, Charlottenburg Palace, Topography of Terror, Jewish Museum Berlin. Take a look at the Visit Berlin top museums page to look at the range of museums. They go into detail about the top museums in Berlin including art museums, child-friendly museums, photography, design, and film museums, natural history museums, and more.
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| Posing at the Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin (Berlin Botanical Garden). |
Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin (Berlin Botanical Garden)
Man oh man do I love a botanical garden & the Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin is no different. If you can't think of what to do in Berlin in 3 days, add this to your list. I was impressed with the sheer size of the place & it felt like not many people were there. The Tropical Greenhouse is worth a visit as one of the top Berlin photo spots.
Food
Go on a food tour. Check out restaurants on Yelp or Google and save some on your Google Maps. You can also reserve your spot at a restaurant ahead of time in case they need reservations.
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| Roamers Cafe in Berlin, Germany. |
How to Eat on a Budget While Traveling Abroad
There are plenty of ways to save money while you're traveling. Eating out three square meals each day in Berlin can be costly. If you're staying at a hotel, take advantage of any hotel breakfasts. If you're renting a place with a kitchen, stop by a local grocery store to grab a few groceries. Read my blog post for many more tips & tricks on How to Eat on a Budget While Traveling Abroad.
Time to visit Berlin! So did you find the answers to your questions? Where is Berlin Germany? What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days? What are the best Berlin photo spots? Comment your best tip or if I missed something!
Cologne (Germany) Street Art & Graffiti
If you're looking for things to do in Cologne, Germany, you could spend the afternoon searching for all the street art in the city.
Curious for more street art & graffiti? I highlighted Copenhagen, Oceanside, Los Angeles, Seattle, Venice Beach, Canada, & Israel.
Curious for more street art & graffiti? I highlighted Copenhagen, Oceanside, Los Angeles, Seattle, Venice Beach, Canada, & Israel.
The quest to discover various types of street art makes every day less mundane & more like a personal art gallery. Wherever you go, colossal city or tiny town, there will always be art forms to find. Some cities have designated walls where artists are welcome to create their work. This post is a collage of Cologne, Germany graffiti.
I'm girl who looks at the ground, but not in a shy, mousy type of way. I mean this in the way that I'm always looking for something. You wouldn't believe how many of my trip souvenirs came from finding stuff on the ground — scarves, key chains, figurines, pens, lighters, & even a glass cup. It's just a part of my nature to look for the unexpected.
That's the reason why street art & graffiti have remained a constant point of amusement over the years. I love free stuff & a complimentary tour of a public, local museum is the way to go. Although it was a brief day excursion through Cologne, Germany, I was able to see a decent amount of public works. Twerk Biatch! is my ultimate favorite. Looking back at photos like this makes me want to get out of the house, drive a few miles, & roam the streets to see what art awaits.
The Cologne Cathedral is another fun thing to do in Cologne, Germany!
I'm girl who looks at the ground, but not in a shy, mousy type of way. I mean this in the way that I'm always looking for something. You wouldn't believe how many of my trip souvenirs came from finding stuff on the ground — scarves, key chains, figurines, pens, lighters, & even a glass cup. It's just a part of my nature to look for the unexpected.
Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights
That's the reason why street art & graffiti have remained a constant point of amusement over the years. I love free stuff & a complimentary tour of a public, local museum is the way to go. Although it was a brief day excursion through Cologne, Germany, I was able to see a decent amount of public works. Twerk Biatch! is my ultimate favorite. Looking back at photos like this makes me want to get out of the house, drive a few miles, & roam the streets to see what art awaits.
The Cologne Cathedral is another fun thing to do in Cologne, Germany!
Which Cologne, Germany street art is your favorite? :]
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Bunkers del Carmel Turo de la Rovira Barcelona: Things to Do + The History
What if I told you there's a magical 360° view of Barcelona that's completely free?
Free dollars. Free euros. Free o'clock.
Free things to do in Barcelona? Count me in! Bring comfy shoes and take a hike through what's left Bunkers del Carmel underground military bunkers and be prepared to discover panoramic views of Barcelona city skyline. Del Carmel Barcelona is a great place to get lost within the city. I would say it's a hidden gem but plenty of people know about it.
Free things to do in Barcelona? Count me in! Bring comfy shoes and take a hike through what's left Bunkers del Carmel underground military bunkers and be prepared to discover panoramic views of Barcelona city skyline. Del Carmel Barcelona is a great place to get lost within the city. I would say it's a hidden gem but plenty of people know about it.
Hike Bunkers of Carmel on Turo de la Rovira for a panoramic view of Barcelona.
Imagine a panoramic look at Barcelona from 262 meters/859 feet above sea level. Picture yourself looking out at the Mediterranean Sea, La Sagrada Familia, & the entire city of Barcelona from up high. Find this unforgettable location at Bunkers del Carmel/Bunkers el Carmel on the hill known as Turo de la Rovira, the site for the defense of Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. The best way to get is here to take public transportation then walk the rest of the way.Related items: National Geographic Map of Barcelona (Available on Amazon)
Related reading: Welcome to the Cologne Cathedral in Germany
The History of Turó de la Rovira
Turó de la Rovira is a Museu d'Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA) heritage space, which officially opened in 2011 after undergoing restoration. It once contained the anti-aircraft battery used to defend Barcelona from air attacks. Pretty historic, eh? The Rick Steves Barcelona book is a great resource on things to do while you're in the city. Check out Rick Steves Barcelona here.
The View of Barcelona, Spain from Bunkers Del Carmel / Bunkers el Carmel
Perhaps you're a sucker for savoring spectacular sights. Me too, my friend, me too. If you want to take a selfie, get the best Instagram travel influencer shot, or snap a memorable photo, del Carmel Bunkers is the spot to check out. The view of the city is incomparable from the top of Bunkers del Carmel. On one side you can see the Mediterranean Sea, La Sagrada Familia, & all the Barcelona hot spots. On the other side, stare out at the Barcelona homes.
Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights
Things To to Do at Bunkers Del Carmel on Turo de la Rovira
Remember that it's free of charge to explore. Who doesn't love free things to do in Barcelona, Spain? Everything adds up: the museums, the cathedrals, the parks. Why not add something free to the list? So you made it up Turo de la Rovira, now what?Have a picnic on top of the world.
Take snacks & drink so you can have yourself a merry little picnic. It goes without saying to pick up after yourself & dispose of any trash. Have you visited Bunkers del Carmel? Have a question? Want to share your experience? Leave a comment below! Popular things to do in Barcelona include Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, and much more. You can always use tools like TripAdvisor or read articles on New York Times to plan your trip. What you do next is up to you! Are you feeling like some tapas? Stroll Plaça de la Catedral or Las Ramblas. There's so much to do in Barcelona as well as the surrounding area. To learn more about Barcelona, Spain, check out some of the books available on Amazon. Where to now?
Where to Stay in Barcelona
What are some accommodations options in Barcelona? Here's a map with some affordable options. Traveling somewhere soon? Make sure to check if there are any visa requirements!
The Beauty of the Notre Dame in Paris
Oh, Paris. You are a beautiful city filled with fashion, art, culture, & gastronomy. Paris is a sight for sore eyes. It always a rush to visit the remarkable city. If you happen to find yourself in the lovely capital of France, you must take a look at the Notre Dame.
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| The Notre Dame under construction - September 2019 |
Related reading: 12 Drool-Worthy Food Photos from Paris, France
Tourist Information:
The Notre Dame Cathedral also referred to as Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris or Notre-Dame de Paris, is open every day of the year. Did you know that it translates into "Our Lady of Paris?" Its hours are from 8 am to 6:45 pm; on Saturdays & Sundays it's open until 7:15 pm. Access to the cathedral is free of charge during the open hours. However, you may have to wait in line. The line goes by pretty quickly but it also ranges by the day or even hour.
Related reading: How I Decided to Quit My Corporate Job While Traveling in Paris
History:
The Notre Dame is a historic Catholic cathedral with French Gothic architecture. It's about 800 years old! In 1163, construction began for the Notre Dame Cathedral; the original cathedral that stood there was demolished. Construction took quite a long time & was eventually completed over 100 years later in 1272. Since it was built, the Notre Dame has remained one of Paris's & France's most recognized symbols.
Related reading: How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
I love viewing the grandeur that is the Notre Dame. It's a wonderful place to visit regardless of how many times you've seen it. I am obsessed with churches & religious art. I always have been; I remember it started in my ninth grade world history class. Last time I featured the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Once you get inside it's up to you what you want to see. There's no right or wrong way to do things. Walk around. People watch. Look at the stained glass. You can buy a candle, light it, & say a little prayer. Take a moment to soak in the glory of the Notre Dame. If you're in Paris, France this is a must-see experience. It's just one of those things you have to do!
Related reading: Reminiscing About Paris, Planning Future Trips, & Gin Punch
The Notre Dame is a world wonder. It has so much character after being developed over hundreds of years. When you visit Paris make sure to set some time aside to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. After all they made a whole Disney movie about it, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. That has to mean something, right?
Have you ever visited Paris or the Notre Dame? :]
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2 Years Self-Employed: Blogging Coach, Travel Influencer, Social Media Consultant!
It's official! I've been self-employed for 2 years. June, although midway through the year, always signifies a fresh start.
I never mentioned this before, but only 10 days after my resignation from my corporate job, I went on my first press trip as a self-employed travel influencer, blogging coach, & social media consultant for small brands. (Yes, I do a bit of everything as a digital influencer. I kind of have to!)
I never mentioned this before, but only 10 days after my resignation from my corporate job, I went on my first press trip as a self-employed travel influencer, blogging coach, & social media consultant for small brands. (Yes, I do a bit of everything as a digital influencer. I kind of have to!)
Is it stressful? Oh yes.
There's no boss to blame because I am my boss. Well, I guess I could blame myself, & that does happen from time to time. I'm in charge of what I do, when I do it, & what I earn. While this might sound like the ultimate freedom, this journey comes with a learning curve.
Last year I wrote my one-year self-employment anniversary post after I'd gotten back home from a familiarization tour to El Paso, Texas. The tourism board flew a few journalists, bloggers, & industry leaders to El Paso to see the city in person. It was a whirlwind experience.
About me: I'm a San Diego blogger. I love Earl Grey tea. I was a Netflix girl but I'm digging Disney+ these days.
About me: I'm a San Diego blogger. I love Earl Grey tea. I was a Netflix girl but I'm digging Disney+ these days.
Read my updates from My First Year 1 & Year 3!
Related reading: Finding My Balance as a Blogger, Influencer, & Entrepreneur
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| San Diego Blogger life! Downtown San Diego before an event - I was invited to a restaurant opening (September 2018) |
Things I Learned
I learned a lot this year as far as SEO (search engine optimization), going outside of my comfort zone, understanding the true meaning of networking/connections (building genuine & authentic relationships with people in which you can mutually help each other but in different ways).Year 2 as a Travel Influencer
In my second year of self-employment, I explored frequently as a travel influencer. I'm grateful to receive invites to travel influencer press trips to places like Lompoc (where I went skydiving!!!), Long Beach (where I rode in a gondola down the river), & Oxnard (where I slept in an ocean view room at Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach & saw a pod of dolphins off the coast of Anacapa Island).
Looking for things to do in California? I also explored other parts of California such as Hesperia, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Ventura. As a digital influencer, I share visual stories online with my audience about each place.
What is a Press Trip/FAM Tour?
The idea of press trips/FAM tours is to bring awareness of things to do in these California cities, whether that's sharing hotels to stay at, best restaurants, hidden gems, & nature spots. Sometimes you write a blog post, sometimes they prefer social media shares or geolocation tags. I explain more about press trips & familiarization tours on this Instagram photo. The press trip itself always ranges, but the goal is always the same: bring a bit of tourism into the city, a bit of awareness, eyeballs, interest, dollars. |
| Photo from my travels to Girona, Spain (October 2018) |
My Own Travels
I'm always thankful that my blog & social media presence allow me travel influencer/travel blogging opportunities because most of the time I plan & purchase trips myself. I visited Mexico on three different occasions since I live less than one hour away from Mexico. I explored some Tijuana breweries. I stared at the stunning pastels of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato & Peña De Bernal, Queretaro. I went to Oslo, Norway; Berlin, Germany; & Barcelona, Spain. |
| Pelicans in Pismo Beach, California (May 2019) |
Life as a California Blogger & San Diego Blogger
There are many places to visit & things to do in California. As a San Diego blogger, I traveled all over the County & I mean all over. I'm talking about Balboa Park, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Clairemont Village, Coronado, Encinitas, Escondido, La Jolla, Normal Heights, Oceanside, Old Town, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista.Looking for things to do in California? I also explored other parts of California such as Hesperia, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Ventura. As a digital influencer, I share visual stories online with my audience about each place.
Sponsored Blog Posts & Campaigns with Brands
During my second year fully working remotely, I partnered with some cool brands for sponsored posts & campaigns on my blog such as iWi (a vegan omega-3 supplement). I did an affiliate campaign with Soo Jin, a clothing company.
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| A partnership with Soo Jin, a clothing company (September 2018) |
Life as an Instagram Influencer
On my Instagram digital influencer platform, I had sponsored posts with Subway & Wallaby Yogurt. The Subway campaign was a local San Diego blogger campaign. Here's the Subway campaign photo on Instagram. I didn't do too many sponsored posts in my second year of self-employment.
Compared to Year 1, my sponsored blog post & sponsored social media opportunities went down for two reasons.
1) I was pickier with the brands I worked with.
2) Brands shifted toward social media marketing vs. blog marketing.
The Instagram influencer trend is already changing. SEO is a gamechanger if you do it strategically. I've noticed a difference in 2019 for myself & my clients. I work one-on-one with people as a blogging coach & I work with brands as a social media consultant. These two segments are separate but they absolutely benefit each other.
1) I was pickier with the brands I worked with.
2) Brands shifted toward social media marketing vs. blog marketing.
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| My campaign with Wallaby Yogurt (September 2018) |
Trends for 2019 - 2020
Brands didn't focus as heavily on blogging or SEO, they were really focused on social media content. For example, both the Subway & Wallaby campaign required two Instagram posts within a short period. It would benefit to have longterm campaigns so an audience can get introduced & acquainted to a brand over a longer period of time. But that's just me. :]The Instagram influencer trend is already changing. SEO is a gamechanger if you do it strategically. I've noticed a difference in 2019 for myself & my clients. I work one-on-one with people as a blogging coach & I work with brands as a social media consultant. These two segments are separate but they absolutely benefit each other.
Year 2 as a Social Media Consultant
I recently refocused on this aspect of my business. I wasn't as enamored with the digital influencer life because it's financially unstable. You never know how the month will go. In November 2018 I landed a new social media client, writing SEO-friendly product descriptions on their Shopify e-commerce website, writing blog posts with SEO keywords, & creating all their online ads (Google, Facebook, Instagram). Then a few weeks later I onboarded my second client. Those two social media clients have been steady, while others come & go. Some require short-term projects, some don't have budgets for continuous work. |
| Exploring Chichen Itza, Mexico (December 2018) |
My Intentions & Goals for Year 3
My intention is to shift some of my focus toward actively finding social media consultation clients, small businesses & brands looking for assistance over longer periods of time. I'm always open as a blog coach, but I'll let people find me who want to me to coach them, rather than me seek people out. If that's you, hey!!! :] So I want to have more social media management clients. I want to focus on being a travel influencer & creating fun digital content. I'd like to also create long-term relationships with people in the industry in a way that we each work together to help each other.Are you a brand or small business interested in social media management, content creation, community engagement, reputation management, SEO, copywriting? Please fill out my Discovery Questionnaire & I will email you within 48 hours.
Are you an individual who has questions about social media, how to start blogging, how to find your voice/audience, working with brands, how to get invited to press events as a San Diego blogger influencer? Please fill out my Discovery Questionnaire for Coaching.
Have a question?? Please leave a comment! :]
That Time I Spent the Night at London Gatwick Airport
I'm only 4 hours into my 24-hour+ airport adventure at London Gatwick. I'm sipping on my Costa Coffee. People order food, eat, then head off to their flight. Must be nice. I'll be chilling here for a couple dozen hours.
I'm writing a blog post for a sponsored ad campaign, but little do I know the Wi-Fi expires after 90 minutes. After those brief 90 minutes of glorious but slow freeeee Wi-Fi, I'm forced to sign up for a Boingo account to pay for Wi-Fi to get my work done by deadline.
Ah, the joys of the laptop lifestyle.
Here's the kicker, I forgot to cancel my account & paid for another month. Oops.
I will eventually spend the night tossing & turning on a lumpy loveseat with my lovebug Fred, as terrible Christmas covers blast overhead. We're running off a high from 9 exciting days of exploring London. We found a prime spot at the upstairs Caffè Nero, one of the only spots I saw that had couches without armrests (better if you want to fully lie down).
The hustle & bustle of the airport lulls for a bit from 11 PM - 4 AM, I would know, I was up. The flights slow down & people start to congregate by couches & seats. A couple of guys speaking Arabic play cards on my left. A few ladies from New Zealand laugh over a cup of 2 AM coffee. I watch something available on British Netflix.
Related reading: Welcome to the Cologne Cathedral in Germany
I inhale the beautiful range of people & languages. I love travel. Even though I have a sexy batch of pimples festering from my 36 minutes of sleep on the arm of the couch, I am grateful for this experience, to travel, & most importantly, to be alive.
We toss & turn our way through the night until our flight the next morning. We grab breakfast at Pret-A-Manger, a staple during our trip. We love their affordable pricing & vegetarian options. Then board our flight on Norwegian Airlines to head back to San Diego. Back home to the real world, back to the sobering reality.
But yeah, that was the time I spent the night at London Gatwick Airport. If you get the chance, stay in one of the Gatwick Airport Sleeping Pods They're located in the South Terminal. The pods are part of YOTELAIR London Gatwick Airport.
It took two weeks to recover from the lack of sleep at the airport & then lack of sleep on the flight home. Not a good time, but the travel memories are worth it (kind of).
It took two weeks to recover from the lack of sleep at the airport & then lack of sleep on the flight home. Not a good time, but the travel memories are worth it (kind of).
Have you ever spent the night at an airport? I'd love to hear your story. Leave a comment! :]
Q&A with Etnik
Etnik. Fun fact: Etink is both his stage name & real name. It's kind of like getting to know him & his music on a personal level. "Oh hey! Etnik is playing at HARD Summer." I mean, it sounds pretty casual. My interview with Etnik (also seen ETИIK) was short. The German native is a man of few words. Brief. Concise. To the point. Instead he lets his music do the talking. He even described his music as simply Etnik, a man twisting knobs on stage. Well, let's see what he had to say.
Name: Etnik Zarari
Age: 22
Hometown: Hamburg, Germany
Current Location: Hamburg
What is a typical day like for you? Having breakfast when others have dinner.
Where do you gather inspiration? It depends on the mood actually, but I'd say mostly from clubbing.
What do you do right before you go on stage? I take a quick look at the crowd & then I decide what the opening track should be.
How would you describe your music style? It's hard for me to describe my own music. It's just me being me while twisting the knobs.
What are you most excited about for HARD Summer? It's my first time playing in L.A., gonna be cool to play there, and I'm really looking forward to hang out with my good pals from Owsla & Pilo.
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| Photo by Björn Jonas |
What did you have for breakfast this morning? Kellogg's Toppas. One of the top 10 on my cereal list.
Where's the coolest spot to hang out in Hamburg? Maybe it's just me, but I think Hamburg's coolest spots are changing weekly - so you are basically always kinda busy finding them.
Can you dance? Haha. Yes. Back in the days before I even started making music, I used to be in a dance school locking & popping.
It looks like you have your logo/branding tattooed on your chest, kind of like a superhero. How many tattoos do you have & who is your favorite superhero? It's my first and only tattoo. There's no superhero I can identify with.
What do you do when you're not making music? Listen to my favorite music or read books on how to improve my sound.
In case you were wondering or didn't know (like me), Kellogg's Toppas are the American equivalent of Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats. Mind blown! But at least we know one of his top favorite cereals. Etnik is a dapper young gentleman with cool hair & a unique style. His modern twist on techno will be a hit at HARD Summer. Check out one of his music videos here:
Find Etnik on:
Facebook
SoundCloud
Twitter
Website
Bloglovin // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter
Find Etnik on:
SoundCloud
Website
Bloglovin // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter
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