Hello Fall!

Hello Fall... welcome back! I'm usually quite sad when summer comes to an end, but when I stepped into the "Fall Vibes" at garden centre De Bosrand, all of a sudden it didn't seem so bad. All the beautiful home decor, fall flowers and decorations made me long for colder days and falling leaves.

What I loved the most was the fact that the clothes, home decor, flowers and centrepieces weren't all orange, red and brown, but lilac, purple and pink as well!! Garden centre De Bosrand has always been a master at making appealing seasonal displays, but this year they really outdid themselves.

All the fall home decor was so cute! Many of the fall decorations are actually Christmas ornaments, but hey, who cares? It's a great excuse to start decorating your house as early as september.

For more information, please visit: https://www.bosrand.nl

(Ps. I am not being paid for this article, I just love this store!)

Embassy Festival, The Hague

On September 7th, 2024 the 12th edition of the annual Embassy festival took place in The Hague. Out of all cultural and music festivals, Embassy Festival is definitely one of my favorites! It's a celebration of global culture, showcasing live music, traditional dances, folk costumes, delicious food, drinks and more. 

In 2024 there were 47 countries who participated (out of 195 countries that are recognized by the United Nations). That's less than 25 percent, so there is still room for growth. I have to be honest, I missed Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Spain.... of course everyone has their personal favorites.

One of the countries that I visit every single time is Mexico, with mouthwatering food by KUA Mexican Kitchen. Their streetstyle tacos are amazing (causing long lines). In case you want to experience KUA yourself, check out my previous blog: KUA Mexican Kitchen.

I could be wrong, but it seems the number of visitors grows every year! I thought it was incredible how many people turned up... most of them well-dressed in national costumes.

At three o'clock there was the Culture Parade, which is something you should not miss. Watching the participants from all different countries in national dress is something special! Embassy Festival, thank you very much for a very nice time & see you next year!

Want to read more about the Embassy festival? Please continue here:
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2018/08/embassy-festival.html

Umbria Jazz 24

Umbria Jazz 24 has come to an end.... While I'm sad it's over, I am so happy and grateful I was there!!! It was a wonderful edition with many amazing concerts!! Raye, Lenny Kravitz, Toto, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Chucho Valdes, Roberto Fonseca, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Hiromi, Christian Sands, Charles Lloyd, Ray Gelato, Funk Off, Accordi Disaccordi.... it just went on and on!!! 

I had lots of fun with my friends, had so many delicious meals (at Ristorante La Taverna, winebar la Bottega del Vino, Da Cesarino, Pasticceria Sandri), many aperitivi at the festival bar down at the Arena Santa Giuliana, met lovely new people, spent all my money at Perugia's finest stores (including Forma)...! All I can say is... next year you must pay the Umbria Jazz festival a visit!

For more information: Umbria Jazz

Want to see more of Umbria Jazz? Check out my previous blogs:
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2023/10/umbria-jazz-50th-anniversary.html
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2020/07/ode-to-umbria-jazz.html