Weekday Inspiration | Stavanger Street Art

Travelling to Stavanger last weekend was an incredible experience, for a number of reasons.

First, it was the initial trip I've taken since arriving in London 2.5 months ago. The proximity of London to so many diverse countries was a major draw when choosing where to move next. Experiencing the first opportunity to really take advantage of this proximity was exciting, to say the least!

Second, every time I get to explore a new place with my love I feel a lot of gratitude. Being in a new place is fun, and that rush of seeing things for the first time, remarking on what you like, or what surprises you, making memories together is really magical. Okay, sappy part over haha!

Third, Stavanger was drop dead gorgeous. Before going, we knew we would hike up to Preikestolen, but other than that had no expectations or plans. That was good and bad, because we overlooked the little matter of cost/currency conversion and have since learned a few valuable lessons we will apply to future travel :) But, as far as Stavanger's appeal is concerned, it is a phenomenal city. Small, walkable, set on the water, surrounded by hills and forests emerging across the water. And the street art....wow! I did not see that coming.

Here are some of my favourite shots from our strolls around the city.

 Click on for more of my pics!

Architectural Bake-Off in Fitzroy Square

There is so much going on in London!

I remember feeling that way about Toronto, too, it seemed that every single weekend there were at least 5 cool things to check out, new gallery exhibitions, concerts, trivia nights, film festivals, park parties. Other than a few die-hard extroverts, I think it's safe to say my friends and I fell into a content pattern of drinks, food, and movie nights with only the occasional out-of-the-ordinary Toronto experience.

As a newcomer to London, I'm focussed on keeping track of all the cool stuff and actually going to some of them! (Feeling very grateful for Time Out right about now!) Last weekend was the architectural bake-off in Fitzroy square, a competition that pitted 8 architecture firms against each other as they tackled the building of an iconic London structure using cake!!

Read on for all the delicious details and pics.....