Teenage Dali Dreams

I had the honour and privilege to visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain last year. Obsessed with Dali as a teenager, this was an absolute dream to experience. Cathartic. Heartbreaking. Confusing. Exhilarating. 

P1010032

P1010028

P1010031

P1010035

P1010054

P1010057

P1010068

P1010072

P1010089

P1010092

P1010096

P1010099

P1010113

P1010121

P1010124

P1010126

P1010133

P1010142

P1010145

P1010147

P1010158

P1010173

P1010177

P1010178

P1010185

P1010179

P1010212

P1010196

P1010039

P1010208

P1010225

P1010231

P1010233

P1010237

P1010247

P1010259

P1010205

P1010220

P1010160

P1010137

P1010143

P1010024

Til next time. x

Barcelona part one

Lots to see in Barca. Park Güell, Parc de la Ciutadella and The Basílica de la Sagrada Família get extra points for absolutely taking my breath away and giving me lots of opportunities to play around with my camera.  

P1010495

P1010489

P1010511

P1010514

P1010526

P1010539

P1010516

P1010551

P1010560

P1010564

P1010577

P1010587

P1010597

P1010610

P1010611

P1010622

P1010626

P1010644

P1010647

P1010658

P1010708

P1010709

P1010725

P1010728

P1010737

P1010748

P1010751

P1010769

P1010772

P1010775

P1010777

P1010784

P1010804

P1010810

P1010822

P1010826

P1010850

P1010023

Bye for now! x

The things that were eaten in Spain

This blog started as a food photography/review blog in my earlyish twenties with a bad camera and annoying commentary. These days nature/travel photography is more my thing but I still love photographing the delicious things I eat like everyone else on Earth. 🙂

Food in Spain is amazing in general but Barcelona was pretty next level…

The best burger I’ve had in my entire life happened here (seriously, I wouldn’t lie to you) at Granja Petitbo 

IMG_5078

Root Vegetable crisps + honey & sesame seeds at Negro Carbon

IMG_4983

Tempura fried veggies, craft beer and some rare and wonderful bavette at Bier cab.

IMG_5122

IMG_5125

Dreamy pina coladas and guacamole at El Pachuco

IMG_5162

Followed by mojitos…

IMG_5190

daiquiris…

IMG_5192

Then an exquisite dinner of tapas at Betlem.

Steak tartare

IMG_5195
Octopus, artichoke & pea

IMG_5193

Crab ravioli

IMG_5196

Roasted Octopus

IMG_5198

Apparently when on holiday, all I eat is Octopus so I decided to order a whole one roasted in paprika in Figueres.
It was the best thing I ate on the whole trip (next to that legendary burger because it was EPIC)!!

It’s a shame I don’t have anything for scale. Let’s say bigger than a rabbit smaller than a cat. I ate the whole thing. Obvs.

IMG_5251

IMG_5277

My pants no longer fit. No probs. x

Sintra

If you holiday in Lisbon, a breath-taking day trip to Sintra is a must. Make the time…trust me.

P1010191

Quinta Regaleira

P1010207

P1010215

P1010225

P1010234

P1010232

P1010242

P1010248

P1010245

P1010249

P1010266

P1010275

P1010283

P1010290

P1010293

P1010259

P1010280

P1010277

P1010211

Really surprising octopus and potato salad in the outdoor cafe…

IMG_4882

Pena Palace

P1010301

P1010303

P1010332

P1010338

P1010341

P1010348

P1010351

P1010363

P1010366

P1010373

P1010374

P1010376

P1010378

P1010382

P1010386

P1010393

P1010397

P1010408

P1010415

P1010430

P1010406

P1010405

P1010404

P1010403

P1010402

P1010421

P1010424

P1010428

P1010426

P1010438

P1010434

Bye bye! x

Lisbon

LISSSSBBBONNNN! 

IMG_4773

IMG_4781

IMG_4818IMG_4821

IMG_4822

IMG_4823

IMG_4824

IMG_4825

P1010014

IMG_4826

IMG_4831

P1010463

P1010465

A Cevicheria is a MUST.

IMG_4832

BBQ octopus with pork rind

IMG_4837

Salmon & tiger milk ceviche with edamame and peanut

IMG_4836

Tuna ceviche with tapioca and tomato

IMG_4791

Whitefish ceviche with potato lime and seaweed

IMG_4792

Halibut with quinoa, mussel, prawn, seaweed, cockle, oyster foam & kombu

IMG_4838

Banana & peanut butter cake

IMG_4839

Lisbon Timeout Market had an unbelievable selection of eats to choose from…and I am proud to say that I spent a good portion of the day here eating everything in sight.

Cold Octopus salad

P1010005

Roasted octopus stew with potato crisps…

IMG_4945

Salad with goats cheese & honey ice cream

P1010007

Chocolate bomb

P1010009

Portuguese custard tart

IMG_4817

Seafood hotpot

IMG_4916

Send stretchy pants plz. x

Piel Island

Not far from the coast of Barrow-In-Furness lies a curious little island with an rich and interesting history. Earliest records stretch back to the 12th century when King Stephen placed the island under the care of Savignac Monks and the Cistercian order. It was here that for centuries grain, wool, wine and other precious commodities were stored (and smuggled).

What remains of the castle and it’s surrounding fortifications today is mostly a mass of crumbling stone and a pub called ‘The Ship Inn’. This pub has taken care of those that pass through with lunch and a pint of local ale for centuries. Traditionally whomever runs the pub is crowned ‘King of Piel Island’ and the tradition continues to this day. Apparently there is a ceremony that involves you sitting in a 300 year old wooden throne and having beer poured all over you.

P1013805

My idea of heaven.

Last July when we visited Cumbria we took a tiny little boat across waters peppered with jellies to explore Piel island and a few pints.

P1013846 (1)

We made a friend on the ferry over. 😉

P1013857

P1013722

And even more friends once we got there!

P1013806

P1013739 (2)

I love a good sheepie cuddle. ❤

P1013743 (2)

Our tour guide Mr. Chicken was ace.

P1013724

P1013726 (1)

P1013728

P1013749

P1013769 (1)

P1013763 (2)

P1013761

P1013781

P1013776

P1013771 (1)

P1013817 (1)

A few little jellies…

P1013812 (1)

P1013823 (2)

P1013821 (1)

That’s it! Piel Island done! x

Belgium! Discovering Ghent, Bruges and Brussels…Part Six – The Atomium.

There was one final place on our list to visit before our stay in Belgium came to an end!

I give you, The Atomium in Brussels.

Untitled

Constructed for the 1958 World Fair in Brussels, this futuristic architectural wonder is equal parts science fiction and brilliant design. Crafted of steel and standing at 102 meters high, this amazing structure is a replica of the unit cell of an iron crystal atom – magnified 165 billion times.

And you can go inside of it!

Untitled

Inside the beast…

Elevator shaft…S looks up intently.

View from the top sphere…

2001: A Space Odyssey on a loop…

Each giant steel sphere is connected to the next by tunnels containing either metal staircases or escalators lit with rainbow light panels that flicker and pulse as you descend.

Untitled

Read more about the Atomium here: http://www.atomium.be/

Farewell Belgium! You were very good to me – thanks and see you again one day! xx

Belgium! Discovering Ghent, Bruges and Brussels…Part Five.

On our last day in Belgium, we wandered around Brussels a bit aimlessly. A happy and relaxed last-day-on-holiday sort of aimlessness. Eyeing the shop windows for choccy, stopping in for moule frites, exploring some back streets and churches. Blissful wandering.

Camera in hand as always. 

Untitled

So many treats…

Byeeeee. x

Belgium! Discovering Ghent, Bruges and Brussels…Part Four.

Ghent was indeed quite beautiful, but Bruges really stole my heart and I didn’t want to leave. ❤

Bruges is where I really let my chocoholic flag fly proudly.

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Who doesn’t need a big pair of chocolate boobs?

Untitled

No shortage of beer!

Untitled

And beer flag of course.

Untitled

Mmmmmmmmm KWAK!

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Beer bible! The only bible for me!!

Untitled

Satan makes delicious beer. No surprises there.

Untitled

Birthday Food was wonderful as well!

Fondue…

Untitled

Vol-au-vent au poulet
Untitled

And Bruges, itself…simply stunning.

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

DALI Museum

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Probably should have split this up into more posts! Oh well. x

Belgium! Discovering Ghent, Bruges and Brussels…Part Three.

There were lots of rainy days when we were in Belgium (which is perfectly fine if your top priority is drinking beer 24/7)!

In an effort to not be completely sloshed for the duration of our holiday, we visited the Design Museum Gent to see the temporary exhibition, Lightopia.

Lightopia is a playful and mesmerising exploration of light. From the humble but extraordinary beginnings of electricity, through the evolution to ultra modern and cutting edge lighting fixtures, we wandered around for hours absorbing the artistry and immersive experiences that the exhibition offered.

The design museum itself was really beautiful, but the contemporary light fixtures woven throughout the 18th century drawing rooms takes you on this amazing journey from the past into the future. Walking away and further contemplating my experience over a large pint of delicious Belgian beer, this part of the exhibition was what really stayed with me.

Photos presented below without comment – Enjoy!

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Next up… Onward to Bruges!

Belgium! Discovering Ghent, Bruges and Brussels…Part two. WAFFLES.

Who’s in the mood for some motherflippin waffles?!

The answer is: ALL Y’ALL.

I did some investigative “wafflesearch” (as you do). So there’s this place called MAX in Ghent.
It’s this super cute but 100% touristy little art nouveau cafe that says they invented the waffle.

Isn’t it a beautiful building?

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Of course, I ordered a waffle.

Untitled

A big, fluffy, light-as-air, splendid and amazing waffle. Crispy. Slightly Sweet. Yum.

And a really dumb fancy coffee.

Untitled

And then I ordered an apple fritter because I’m insane.

Untitled

P1013623

Next up – LIGHTOPIA!!!!

Belgium! Discovering Ghent, Bruges and Brussels…Part one.

Ahhhhhh Belgium! So many reasons to visit this beautiful country.

Picturesque cottages. Quirky Cobblestone streets. Beer. (REALLY AMAZING BEER) Art. Chocolate. (REALLY AMAZING CHOCOLATE) Swans. Misty canals. Moules Frites. Medieval churches. Waterzooi. More beer. More beer. More beer.

I chose Belgium for OPERATION: DECOMPRESS VIA ALL OF THE BEER.

The old Monastery conversion we stayed at in Ghent was absolutely stunning!

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

And the historic town centre itself is incredible.

Sint-Michielskerk glowing at night…

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Graffiti tunnel…

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Had a beautiful dinner at De Graslei where I ordered the very traditional Flanders dish “Waterzooi”

Untitled

It was SO YUMMY.

All the walking around in the freezing rain made us VERY thirsty. So we spent a lovely evening sampling (pouring beers directly into our faces) a few of the 250 beers on offer at Pub ‘de Dulle Griet

Untitled

Untitled

If you want to drink the gigantic “Max” beer, you must hand over one of your shoes. It goes in the basket, the bell is rung, your shoe is lifted high to the ceiling and here comes your beer!

Untitled

Untitled

And then you drink the rest of the beers…

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

ALL THE BEER! Up next…The Design Museum Exhibit Lightopia and WAFFLES!

Paris, FINALLY! Part Two. AND Three.

Annnnd we’re back! I decided to cram the rest of the photos into one last post so this is your warning that it’s a LONG one!

So picking up from where we left off with part one of our Paris trip, after a sweet little breakfast at Maison Lacombe we made our way toward Notre Dame and the Centre Georges Pompidou.

P1013601

P1013615

P1013616

P1013617

Centre Georges Pompidou!!! Amazing!!!

P1013618

P1013619

P1013622

P1013627

P1013635

P1013634

P1013636

P1013637

The walk to Notre Dame…

P1013642

P1013643

P1013646

P1013667

P1013651

P1013649

P1013659

P1013662

P1013663

P1013674

P1013680

P1013669

P1013678

P1013688

P1013694

P1013698

P1013700

P1013703

P1013705

P1013706

My beautiful parents!!!

P1013720

P1013712

P1013715

P1013721

P1013725

P1013727

P1013730

Cutest lunch at Aux Arts Etc Cafe’ Galerie

P1013742

P1013743

The owner was soooooo lovely!

Off to the Pantheon…

P1013754

P1013755

P1013757

P1013758

P1013768

P1013770

P1013773

P1013774

P1013775

P1013776

P1013778

P1013779

P1013784

P1013785

P1013790

P1013795

P1013797

P1013798

P1013800

P1013804

P1013753

P1013842

P1013860

Eiffel Tower!

P1013852

P1013858

P1013865

P1013880

Collectively sharing our feelings about selfie sticks…

P1013890

The sweetest older lady and dog duo there ever was…

P1013891

P1013897

P1013899

P1013902 - Version 2

P1013909

P1013920

P1013922

We were completely destroyed from all the walking and had a simple charcuterie and cheese feast for dinner…

P1013924

P1013926

Yum.

The next morning we took a boat cruise on the Seine from The Eiffel Tower…

P1013928

P1013938

P1013959

P1013970

P1013984

P1013985

P1014002

P1014005

P1014008

P1014010

P1014016

P1014023

P1014027

P1014054

P1014063

P1014077

P1014078

P1014096

P1014102

P1014113

P1014127

P1014120

P1014137

Then a quick little pit stop in Bistro De Montemartre

P1014149

P1014150

P1014156

My beautiful mother who never seems to age!! ❤

Followed by a walk through the beautiful and sombre Montmartre Cemetery…

P1014167

P1014172

P1014168

P1014169

P1014171

P1014173

P1014175

P1014179

P1014180

P1014185

Our journey to Sacré-Coeur began with more walking around Montmartre…

P1014186

P1014187

P1014188

P1014190

P1014193

P1014197

P1014198

P1014200

SACRE-COEUR!!!

P1014226

P1014203

P1014211

P1014209

P1014216

P1014219

P1014222

Loviest of birds… ❤

P1014223

Our last dinner was at a tiny neighbourhood restaurant in Ternes called Le Petit Acacia.

We were incredibly lucky to yet again, have a stellar meal.

P1014253

P1014234

The parents look pretty darn happy and relaxed! 😉

P1014238

P1014240

The FOOD!

Roasted Bone Marrow

P1014248

Suckling Pig

P1014254

Confit Duck

P1014257

Creme Brulee

P1014259

On our last day in Paris, we toured the Musee D’Orsay then dined at another fantastic restaurant Le Recrutement Cafe for one final Parisian feast.

P1014263

P1014280

They still look happy after all of the endless walking! Success!

P1014267

Lovingly threatening my darling with my Escargot tongs…

Which was short-lived because then there was escargot! YUM.

P1014272

Beef stew

P1014274

Salad with duck gizzards and foie gras

P1014275

Cheesecake (my mother says this was the best she’s had)

P1014276

Cheeky Cheese Plate

P1014277

Apple Tart with salted butter ice cream

P1014278

And creme brulee #2 for moi.

P1014279

One final look before heading to Gare Du Norde…

P1014284

So that’s it. Sadly!

Thank you for taking the time to scroll through all the photographs!

Goodbye, beautiful Paris. See you again soon! x

P1014289

Paris, FINALLY! Part One

My folks flew over for 10 days (they are still here actually!) and we took the Eurostar over for a little Parisian city break!

We rented a beautiful flat in Ternes for 3 nights and had the dreamiest time exploring Paris!

Our lovely apartment…

P1013380

P1013385

P1013379

P1013378

A beautiful first meal near the flat at L’ANNEX.

P1013390

P1013392

P1013395

P1013401

I enjoyed a few well-deserved glasses of crisp grassy Sancerre…

P1013402

Followed by the most gorgeous Escargot…

P1013403

Rare Rib of beef…

P1013405

And SWEETS!

Apple Tart…

P1013409

Panna Cotta with Raspberry…

P1013411

Then a night walk to the Arc du Triomphe for some magical night photography fun.

P1013417

Love them!!

P1013422

P1013527

P1013531

P1013539

P1013552

P1013561

P1013578 - Version 2

P1013570

P1013579 - Version 2

P1013580

…and many many stairs to the top!

P1013428

P1013431

P1013436

P1013440

P1013457

P1013504

P1013513

P1013523

P1013494

P1013482

We awoke the next day to gorgeous electric blue skies and had a beautiful little breakfast at Maison Lacombe.

P1013598

P1013596

I had read that people travel all over for their croissants and I completely understand why as I was unable to get a photograph after shovelling the croissant into my face in record speed.

P1013588

P1013587

P1013585

P1013589

P1013591

I shall leave you with these and pick up at Notre Dame and all the rest tomorrow! x

My Brother Arrives!

Hooray for visitors! My big brother recently flew from Nashville to London to visit me (first time travelling outside of the US mind you). This consisted of us basically dragging him around to anything and everything historically notable we could cram into his short stay! We made sure to keep him calm in the face of public transport by plying him with lots of craft beer! Please forgive the combination of bad iphone photos and proper photographs! 😉

IMG_8640

P1012759

IMG_8743

IMG_8736

IMG_8739

IMG_8707

P1012765

IMG_8730

P1012779

P1012780

P1012785

IMG_8708

P1012786

P1012788

IMG_8697

IMG_8655

Climbing at Trafalgar Square…

P1012799

P1012803

P1012805

P1012813

P1012819

Imperial War Museum!

P9113279

P9113298

P9113293

P9113290

P9113291

P9113284

P9113283

P9113273

P9113272

P9113271

P9113269

P9113255

British Museum!

P1012827

P1012828

P1012830

P1012832

P1012833

P1012834

P1012836

P1012841

P1012859

P1012860

P1012862

P1012863

P1012867

P1012877

P1012879

Boat taxi home on the Thames…

P1012880

P1012942

P1012945

The obligatory phone booth shot!

P1012967

The Emirates Air Line!

P1012985

P1013004

Deep thoughts on the Thames with Dan…

P1013008

P1013022

P1013023

Off to the Tower of London!

P1013027

P1013029

P1013039

P1013042

P1013047

P1013044

P1013048

P1013053

P1013054

P1013056

P1013058

P1013066

P1013076

P1013077

P1013078

P1013083

P1013080

P1013085

P1013086

A little afternoon stroll…

P1013168

P1013169

IMG_8642

P1013087

P1013088

P9103217

IMG_8738

P9103233

P9103250

P1013093

P1013102

P1013110

P1013115

P1013124

P1013139

P1013141

P1013143

P1013144

P1013146

P1013159

P1013164

I already miss ya bro! Come back soon! xx
P1012761

A Weekend in Worcester…

It was that time again.

Work. Sleep. Work. Sleep.

We needed a break!

One Friday afternoon a few weeks ago, we piled the family into the car (pups included) and headed North for a couple of days of respite.

Goodbye London, hello Worcester!

Our friends live in a beautiful old Georgian house filled to the brim with antiques nestled quietly between neighbouring farms.

IMG_8443

P1012217

P1012188

IMG_8452

P1012195

P1012275

The view from breakfast…

P1012221

P1012512

A gorgeous hike…

P1012320

P1012322

P1012288

P1012296

P1012306

P1012307

P1012308

P1012309

P1012312

P1012313

P1012316

P1012319

P1012323

P1012351

P1012359

P1012380

P1012450

Happy little babies…

P1012394

P1012406 - Version 2

P1012463 - Version 2

P1012458

A bit of rain…

P1012491

P1012481

P1012495

Which gave me plenty of time to explore this amazing house stuffed to the brim with antique tins, boxes, bottles, prints, signs and general oddities!

P1012507

P1012505

P1012506

P1012219

P1012226

P1012231

P1012232

P1012236

P1012504

P1012235

P1012247

P1012245

P1012248

P1012249

P1012252

P1012251

P1012255

P1012256

P1012261

P1012262

P1012260

P1012264

P1012266

P1012503

P1012502

P1012500

P1012498

P1012497

Pepper was not at all pleased when we told her it was time to leave! (Neither we were)

P1012271

Thanks Linda & Al!!

xxoo

Car Surprise!

My Dad has always been obsessed with cars. The curves, the sparkle. The speed. The smell of expensive leather. It’s a thing apparently.

Hey Dad! I hope you enjoy this car-themed birthday blog post just for you!! x

Noodles starts us off right with a bit of window surfing on the drive to the park…

P1011401

He gets really zen in the wind…

P1011399

Pepper spent the entire time being adorable.

P1011540

P1011562

P1011558

And then the sun turned to storm clouds…

P1011577

P1011575

P1011566

Super surprise old car festival meet up thing was going on!

P1011443

This used to be a VW bus right?

P1011440

P1011444

P1011445

P1011446

P1011447

This is a tow truck and I know that because I can read.

P1011448

This is Elvis’ car and I know this because his name is all over it.

P1011449

P1011452

P1011453

P1011454

P1011455

P1011483

P1011484

P1011485

P1011520

P1011517

P1011514

P1011468

P1011466

P1011467

P1011469

P1011471

P1011473

P1011472

P1011474

P1011476

P1011477

This is Dick Tracy’s car.

P1011478

P1011479

P1011482

P1011457

P1011458

P1011502

P1011506

P1011501

P1011495

P1011500

P1011498

P1011499

P1011496

P1011507

P1011489

P1011526

P1011524

P1011525

P1011521

P1011522

P1011490

P1011587

P1011493

P1011491

P1011465

P1011459

P1011463

P1011464

P1011462

P1011509

P1011510

P1011511

P1011512

xx

Four Countries In Four Days – Part Three.

I completely forgot to mention the epic meat feast Uros treated us to in Ljubljana at CAD This was the day we walked around in the rain and watched the Rugby in the pub!

photo 4

This was my first experience with Serbian/Bosnian cuisine and it reminded me of Thanksgiving because the food was so delicious and plentiful but my stomach started waving the white flag of defeat shortly after we started!

So let’s wrap up this colossally amazing trip with more photos of things we saw, ate and drank! 

The last full day/night in Ljubljana we met up with Uros and Jani and drove to Lake Bled. 

P1019881

The castle!

P1019868

The church in the middle of Lake Bled!

P1019885

Uros!

P1019908

photo 3 (2)

P1019942

P1019929

P1019938

P1019935

Me trying to express how hungry I was with very lady-like hand gestures…

P1019904

They took the hint and we went immediately for Slovenian Pizza and beer!

photo 4 (1)

Which, was UNBELIEVABLE.

Afterwards, we took a stroll down to the bottom of the hill to get a good view of the castle…

P1010134

Then we piled into the car for a scenic drive…

P1019966

P1010008

And did some frolicking in the snow…

P1019993

P1010007

P1010017

 

P1019987

P1010037

P1019992

P1010103

P1010101

P1010115

P1019986

P1019970

Which kicked off an obligatory snowball fight!

P1010019

P1010059

P1010062

Then we drove into Austria! Because why not?

P1019958

photo (3)

We got there just in time for a sunset stroll in Klagenfurt…

P1010152

P1010150

We stopped for a coffee and ice cream and cake! MMMMMmmmmmm.

image (4)

image (2)

image (5)

P1010188

P1010184

P1010181

More dragons!

P1010177

P1010178

P1010175

P1010172

SCHMUCK JEWELLERS. AMAZING. At least they are upfront about it right??

P1010171

P1010163

P1010157

P1010156

Thank you Jani for the beautiful tiny dusk tour of Klagenfurt! xx

The next morning Uros took us out for a scrumptious breakfast in a gorgeous little French cafe in Ljubljana.

photo 5 (2)

P1010193

P1010192

P1010190

photo 2 (3)

Then we packed our bags and headed to Italy for one last stroll around the coast in Trieste.

P1010267

P1010260

P1010251

P1010250

P1010245

P1010241

P1010228

And that’s it! Four countries! Four days! All of the fun times!

Thank you to Uros and Jani for being such incredible hosts. x

Four Countries in Four Days – Part Two.

Where did we leave off? Breakfast in England. Quick afternoon flight to Italy. Seaside dinner in Piran. Cheeky drinks in Croatia. This clearly is a great way to start a holiday.
As our eventful first night was nearing a close, I suppose we were well within our rights to pass out when we got to Uros’ flat in Ljubljana, but noooooo. HOLIDAY!!

We freshened up and high-tailed it to Zlata Ladjica – The Golden Ship, to drink more beers and meet more friends.

This is where I fell in love with Bevog Tak:

Bevog-Tak

One of the most beautiful beers I’ve ever had. And the artwork is amazing as well.

Burburan-Bevog Last

I’m not sure how easy is is to get your hands on Bevog, but if you see it in your local specialty beer shop, snatch it up. It’s excellent.

http://www.bevog.at/#beers

Here is a very blurry and VERY MERRY snap of us after a few drinks:

photo (4)

On the way home I noticed a little vigil in support of Ukraine…heavy times…

image (1)

On that note, we grabbed some street food and made our way back the flat for a well-deserved sleep.

I was lucky enough to wake up to beautiful Slovenian donuts filled with peach jam and super thick dark coffee.

Yum. Thank you to Uros’ brother Niko!!!

photo 2 (1)

We ventured out in the rain to roam around the city…

Dragons!

P1019726

P1019734

P1010202

P1019812

Translation: Tits

P1019767

The sculptures around Ljubljana are like something out of a Tool video. Which obviously makes me love it all the more.

P1019740

P1019745

P1019754

P1019768

P1019762

P1019713

Nightmarish pope related Church doors!

P1019712

P1019715

P1019761

Yes, that is a turd sculpture. Bronze turds with faces. Spectacular.

P1019820

P1019822

P1010200

We met up with Ajda and her wee little pup Laika (like the dog the Soviets sent to space!)

P1019800

P1019805

P1019778

P1019829

We stopped at an adorable coffee shop for a spell…

P1019854

1925317_10153761233495018_1390682861_n

The sun came out eventually…

P1010225

Dragon in the sun!!!

P1010204

We spent the rest of the day in an Irish pub watching Six Nations and took an early night to prepare for the next day’s events.

x

(Staying) Home for the Holidays.

All we wanted for Christmas was to kick our feet up and RELAX.

IMG_6092

P1019100

IMG_6074

IMG_6091

IMG_6177

And because these are too fantastic not to share-here are a couple of brilliant shots from the company holiday party.
Can you guess the theme?

P1019063

P1019067

We’ve been dog sitting a little muppet of a dog over the holidays as well so there are THREE pups in our pack currently. Lots of walks and lots of fun at Greenwich park.

Meet Cooper. The Fraggle.

P1019225

P1019265

I took my camera along on one of our walks the other day to capture some more of the magic that is my new neighbourhood.
I seriously cannot believe I get to live in such a beautiful place.

P1019280

P1019278

P1019290

P1019275

P1019279

P1019277

P1019191

P1019183

P1019179

P1019198

P1019205

That view NEVER gets old.

P1019192

P1019232

We made a few furry friends along the way.

P1019240

P1019235

P1019194

P1019248

x

Dusk in Looe and a cemetary stroll…

During our weekend getaway to Cornwall, we spent a few hours in the lovely little seaside town of Looe.

We just missed the sunset…

P2169839

P2169832

P2169831

P2169830

P2169828

P2169821

P2169811

P2169807

P2169796

P2169795

P2169786

P2169783

P2169782

On our drive back, we spotted a spooky graveyard poking out from behind some dark trees and. I loudly announced “creepy graveyard”, prompting an immediate  U-turn, and drove down a narrow forest path to an eerie-looking church. It was almost nightfall.

P2169841

P2169843

P2169846

P2169847

P2169854

P2169855

P2169859

P2169868

P2169884

P2169886

x

At the Olive Farm…

Alcalá la Real is full of olive farms. My Sister-in-Law Veronica has just inherited her family’s olive farm and is running it with her sister. It has been passed down over many generations and is a spectacularly beautiful place to get to explore. As far as the eye can see, just rows and rows of beautiful twisty olive trees disappearing over the hills…

PC238097

PC238074

PC238073

I wandered around the farm and tried to capture as much of the magic as I could…

PC238095

PC238099

PC238101

PC238105

PC238107

PC238109

PC238115

PC238119

PC238124

PC238120

PC238122

PC238130

PC238132

PC238133

PC238146

PC238137

PC238152

PC238153

PC238156

PC238163

PC238164

PC238166

And all of these beautiful olives…

PC238167

PC238169

PC238170

PC238173

PC238174

PC238179

PC238183

PC238186

PC238191

PC238194

PC238203

PC238207

PC238210

PC238211

PC238212

PC238214

PC238215

PC238226

x

Road Trip to Granada…

We woke up bright and early one morning and hit the road to Granada…

PC217788

PC217791

PC217794

PC217799

PC217800

PC217801

PC217803

PC217804

PC217807

PC217813

PC217814

PC217816

The Alhambra!!!

PC217845

PC217848

PC217851

PC217849

I really don’t have words for how grand and beautiful the Alhambra is…simply stunning.

PC217843

PC217817

PC217820

PC217853

PC217854

PC217856

PC217858

PC217860

PC217861

PC217862

PC217863

PC217865

PC217866

PC217834

PC217835

PC217838

PC217833

PC217832

PC217830

PC217829

PC217872

PC217873

PC217874

PC217875

PC217876

PC217877

PC217879

PC217891

x

A December Stroll Around Alcalá la Real

My first day in Alcalá la Real gave me the bluest skies…

PC207225

PC207227

Moody light…

PC207248

PC207236

PC207252

PC207254

PC207267

PC207273

PC207276

PC207279

PC207281

PC207286

The Magi…

PC207284

PC207289

PC207291

PC207294

PC207310

PC207325

PC207322

PC207323

Next up…Our road trip to Granada xx

Sunrise Hike in Alcalá la Real, Spain

Greeting the sun…

PC217388

PC217432

PC217455

PC217511

PC217517

PC217523

PC217532

The sky cycled through so many colours and the clouds created an amazing collection of patterns all within the span of 20 minutes or so…

PC217537

PC217619

PC217622

PC217700

PC217690

All the tiny things come to life in the early morning light…

PC217749

PC217694

PC217741

PC217753

PC217636

PC217497

PC217787

PC217747

PC217727

PC217496

La Mota sits high above Alcalá…

PC217731

PC217706

The fog lingers…

PC217702

PC217757

PC217768

Then the blue sky pushes through…

PC217764

PC217767

PC217758

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday wherever you are. xx

Parental Invasion!

My parents came to see me!!!!!!!

Of course, we had to go to Westminster…

P4190658

As well as Westminster Abbey…

P4190650

P4190649

P4190635

Mom attempts to soak in more than a thousand years of history…

P4190642

Trafalgar Square was next…

P4190671

It was pouring down rain off and on, but we soldiered through!

P4190662

A stormy stroll along the Thames…

P4200697

P4200673

P4200695

My gorgeous mom taking in the view of the Thames from London Bridge.

P4200702

We stopped in Stratford-upon-Avon (the birthplace of William Shakespeare) on the way up North to experience some of the festivities taking place in honour of his birthday.

P4210754

P4210775

P4210777

P4210766

P4210722

P4210725

P4210731

P4210737

P4210740

P4210743

P4210746

P4210750

P4210751

P4210753

P4210755

P4210760

P4210788

P4210795

P4220799

Strolling around the Lake District…

P4220815

P4220810

P4220805

P4220804

AND FINALLY, SAFARI PARK HAPPY PLACE!!!

P4230826

P4230833

P4230840

Sleepytime bear…

P4230842

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE GIRAFFE…

P4230881

GIRAFFE KIIIIIISSSSSSEEESSSSSS….

P4230888

P4230861

P4230890

Look at this guy’s FINGERS!!!

P4230895

P4230906

P4230922

P4230929

MAKING FRIENDS LIKE I DO.

P4230932

P4230934

P4230942

P4230945

P4230967

P4230969

Emus?

P4230989

They are very very large and aggressive…

P4230990

But THIS dude right here is THE BEST!

P4231008

P4231018

THE END XXOO

Becca’s Visit!

When I found out my friend Becca was going to come from Nashville to visit me I literally jumped up and down in my bedroom screaming “BECCA’S GONNA COME SEEEEEE MEEEEEEE!!!!!” at the top of my lungs while my dog looked at me with distinct disapproval of my volume level.
Most of the photos are of Becca because she’s just really super pretty.

P5161096

P5151045

P5151063

P5161101

P5151077

P5151074

A day exploring Greenwich…

P5171109

P5171114

P5171117

P5171122

P5171126

P5171131

P5171143

P5171161

P5171162

P5171174

P5171178

P5171179

P5171182

P5171183

P5171184

P5171185

P5171187

The Prime Meridian Line-where time begins!

P5171188

P5171190

P5171199

P5171201

Becca is also a MAJOR Harry Potter fan.

She was a little excited.

P5171213

P5171216

P5171224

Simply adorable.

Here we are slurping down a few beautiful craft cocktails at Bar Social…

P5181237

P5181245

P5181255

P5181264

And then snarfing down some gorgeously sinful pizza in Shoreditch…

P5191267

And beer…

P5191271

And the prettiest little butter lettuce & avocado salad…

P5191273

Did I mention that Sir Noodles fell in love with Becca during her stay?

P5201285

(she’s totally channelling some ultra-hot Uma Thurman in this shot)

Exploring Salisbury + Salisbury Cathedral.

P5201316

P5201320

P5201338

P5201325

P5201333

P5201344

P5201352

P5201353

P5201354

P5201356

P5201358

P5201361

P5201363

P5201364

P5201369

P5201377

P5151057

Sunday Roast…

P5201304

P5201300

P5201301

Let’s all just take a moment of silence for how breathtaking my friend is.

P5171206

Unfortunately, she couldn’t stay forever and had to go home. SAD FACE.

Til next time!

xxoo

A Very Cold Venetian Holiday…

Ahhhhhh Venice!

Much to our delight and complete surprise, Carnival was in FULL SWING when we arrived in Venice.

Costumes, music, FOUNTAINS OF RED WINE, and confetti, confetti, confetti!!

P2189805

P2210388

P2210519

P2189799

Venetian shop windows…!!!

P2200137

P2210449

P2210451

P2200143

P2210425

My most favourite book…

P2210418

P2200140

P2200123

P2200146

Rialto Bridge at night…

P2199986

A night of glorious Italian opera (birthday gift from the super sweet hubs)

IMG_0906

Day in Murano…

P2210162

P2210163

P2210161

P2210194

P2210200

P2210204

P2210206

P2210327

The Venice Cemetery…
P2210332

Ponte dei Sospiri (The Bridge of Sighs)

P2210390

P2210508

P2210498

P2210495

P2210492

P2210482

P2210476

P2210489

Confetti covering everything…

P2210500

P2220582

P2210521

P2210423

P2210428

P2210460

P2210462

P2210466

Pups!

P2210469

P2200133

P2210534

P2220538

P2220547

P2220548

P2220552

P2220553

P2220555

P2220558

St. Mark’s Basilica

P2220563

P2210402

P2210406

P2220613

P2220607

P2210395

It was cold, but it was still dreamy. Ciao Venice xx

MAJESTIC FLORENCE PART III…

I present you with the last of my Florence photos!
Wondrously Amazing Florence…

Boboli Gardens

P2169287

P2169296

P2169297

P2169301

P2169308

P2169310

P2169312

P2169317

P2169322

P2169329

P2169332

P2169333

P2169337

P2169345

P2169347

P2169355

P2169360

P2169366

P2169373

P2169389

P2169390

P2169400

P2169404

P2169406

P2169413

P2169416

P2169421

P2169429

P2169432

Ponte Vecchio

P2169462

P2179747

P2179739

P2179729

P2179778

P2179773

Medici Riccardi

P2179483

P2179486

P2179487

P2179492

P2179498

P2179504

P2179505

P2179508

P2179511

P2179522

P2179526

P2179529

Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross)

P2179535

P2179542

P2179548

P2179549

P2179551

P2179553

P2179556

P2179565

P2179569

P2179574

P2179575

P2179577

P2179587

P2179590

P2179591

P2179592

P2179602

P2179603

P2179606

P2179607

P2179608

P2179609

P2179614

P2179616

P2179618

P2179621

P2179625

P2179627

P2179629

P2179633

P2179653

P2179657

P2179659

P2179668

P2179672

P2179690

P2179697

GOODBYE SWEET FLORENCE! xxoo

MAJESTIC FLORENCE PART I…

Florence.

Florence is beyond amazing. It is simply breathtakingly mesmerizing.
I had heard that it was the best, and it truly is THE BEST.
I did not want to leave. AT ALL.
The food. The churches. The art. The gelato.
The AIR. THE WAY THAT EVERYTHING HAS A GOLDEN GLOW TO IT!!
The ease at which one can simply float about, slowly absorbing the day.
No hustle, no bustle…worlds away from the insanity that is London.

And, we were lucky enough to rent the most spectacular apartment right in the middle of everything in what used to be a convent dating back to the 16th century. Fresco ceilings and all. Antique furniture. Orange trees in our private garden.

A week was not long enough…but we did our very best to drink it all in…

P2138681

P2138678

P2138676

P2138672

P2138671

P2138669

P2138668

P2138667

P2138666

IMG_0820

Santa Maria Novella

P2138685

P2138724

P2138765

P2138692

P2138698

P2148789

Il Duomo di Firenze

P2148813

P2148828

P2148830

P2148837

P2148839

P2148843

P2148850

P2148863

P2148869

P2148873

P2148878

P2148880

P2148882

P2148890

P2148895

P2148900

Baptistery of St.John

P2148902

P2148906

P2148912

P2148915

P2148916

P2148920

P2148921

P2148931

P2148932

P2148933

P2148934

P2148935

P2148936

P2148824

P2148823

P2148939

P2148947

P2148950

P2148955

P2148955

P2148959

P2148961

x

Rome in February

I’m in Italy!!!!

IMG_0770

Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II (The Typewriter)

P2108068

P2118313

P2118309

P2118325

Roman Forum

P2118330

The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

P2128419

P2128423

P2128424

P2128421

P2128412

P2128406

P2128403

P2128397

P2128396

P2128392

P2128389

P2128386

P2128385

P2128382

P2128380

P2128379

P2128370

P2128367

P2128365

P2128360

P2128351

P2128349

P2128344

Trevi Fountain

P2108098

P2128602

Pantheon (Closed due to snow)

P2108138

P2108117

P2108128

Bridge to Vatican City

P2108157

P2108161

P2108167

P2108164

Vatican/St. Peter’s

IMG_0736

P2108181

P2108183

P2108185

P2108186

P2108201

Colosseum (taken with crappy iPhone camera)

IMG_0726

IMG_0725

IMG_0724

Six Nations Rugby at Stadio Olympico

P2118280

P2118290

P2118291

P2118277

Piazza Navona

P2128491

P2128495

P2128501

P2128516

P2128524

P2128531

P2128534

P2128535

P2128537

There were so many churches…I can’t remember all the names, unfortunately…

P2128539

P2128541

P2128552

P2128562

P2128568

P2128569

P2128570

P2128571

P2128585

P2128588

P2128589

P2128612

Florence is up next…stay tuned!!!

EDINBURGH IN 24 HOURS…

This was a fast one! Camera…go!

P1267569

P1277711

P1277714

P1277713

P1277673

P1277665

P1277704

P1277707

P1277677

P1277684

P1277710

P1277721

Sidenote for above photo: Okay, I’m being totally honest here. I’ve had a dream with this in it since I was a kid. This exact photograph. Serious as a heart attack. I’d never seen it before I took this photo. Except in my repeat dream. No idea what that means, but there it is.
Freaked me out pretty good.

P1277729

P1277731

P1277742

P1277744

P1277745

P1277788

P1277794

P1277789

P1277786

P1277780

P1277774

P1277771

I think most of the things in the castle were on loan from London museums. Which, is sort of messed up.

Hey London, Give Scotland back it’s stuff.

P1277800

P1277808

P1277809

P1277815

P1277821

THIS IS THE EDINBURGH SCHOOL OF UNICORNS

P1277826

P1277827

FANCY PANTS TEA TIME FOR ME!!

P1277853

P1277847

P1277852

P1277851

P1277850

P1277835

P1277837

P1277840

The day winds down…

P1277859

P1277864

P1277858

One more Unicorn for the road…

P1277857

x

Hampton Court

A few weeks ago, I got to visit Hampton Court.

My eyes were operating on overdrive and my tiny little heart just fluttered away inside my chest as we strolled around the Palace.

Hampton Court is infinitely beautiful.

P1216675

P1216688

P1216694

P1216829

P1216696

P1216701

P1216702

It is difficult to comprehend fully that Catherine of Aragon looked out of these very same windows.

P1216719

Unaware of the turmoil she faced…

P1216716

P1216714

The sheer scale of Hampton Court…

The soaring ceilings…

P1216724

The exquisite frescos, super-saturated with color…

P1216729

P1216746

P1216743

P1216807

P1216731

P1216828

P1216820

P1216765

P1216762

Ghosts that have left their mark…

P1216803

P1216768

Crystal chandeliers and marble staircases…

P1216740

P1216737

P1216787

Massive kitchens…

P1216853

P1216855

P1216863

How can we process all of this beauty?

P1216775

P1216866

P1216876

P1216922

P1216890

P1216878

P1216943

P1216941

P1216931

Bask in the majesty…

P1216900

P1216895

The tiny details…

P1216954

P1216949

I really should be sauntering around in a mammoth gown right now…dripping in gems…

P1216834

P1216837

P1216841

Surrounded by so much magic…

P1216842

P1216830

There is this immense feeling that you are being watched…

And I’ve never been happier…

London for the First Time.

Man. I had no idea how behind I was with posting photos!
These photos were all taken at the end of June/beginning of July 2011 when I gleefully flew 4,000 miles to London.

It was a whirlwind week of art, food, history, and romance that ended with me flying back to Nashville with an overflowing heart.

There is so much in London. It’s completely overwhelming.

I present to you, my three weeks experiencing it all for the first time…

P6262886

Trafalgar Square

P6293052

P6293055

Charing Cross

P6293045

Somerset House

P6293034

A stroll along the River Thames

P6262849

P6262847

P7073571

P6262895

P6262846

P6262857

P6262892

P6262914

Southwark Cathedral

P6262880

P6262876

Battersea Power Station and Park

P7023274

P7023286

P7023292

P7023284

P6303175

Millennium Bridge & St Paul’s Cathedral

P6262860

P7053463

P7053490

Photo19

Quite the view from the top of St. Pauls!

P7053472

P7053486

P7053482

P7053479

P7053480

The amazing Lloyd’s Building (or the “Sonic the Hedgehog” building if you are me)

P7073514

P7073540

The Gherkin

P7073519

P7073528

P7073524

The Monument to the Great Fire of London 1666

P7073557

P7073555

Art everywhere. ❤

P7073641

P7073659

P7073638

P7073636

P7023300

Lily Cole on a horse outside of St. Pancras…obvs?

P7053509_2

Tate Britain Museum/V&A/British Museum/Museum of Natural History

P7023321

P7023315

P7023310

P7023309

P7023305

P7023324

P7023349

P7023340

P7023338

P7023337

P7023331

P7023323

P7023319

P7023316

P7023303

P6293003

P6292994

P6292990

P6292989

P6292976

P6292973

P6292972

P6292968

P6292967

P6292966

P6292961

P6292960

P6292952

P6292950

P6292945

P6292944

P6292943

P6292941

P6292937

P6292934

I want this chandelier. I must must must have it.

P7023334

P7083772

P7083770

P7083769

P7083768

P7083766

P7083761

P7083757

P7083762

P7083763

P7083755

P7083741

P7083740

P7083667

P7083737

P7083735

Is it weird that I even want to hug taxidermy sheep?

P7083713

P7083711

P7083729

P7083727

P7083679

P7083675

P7083706

P7083686

P7083684

P7083682

P7083695

St. Katherine’s Dock

P7073626

Photo22

Deathcab in Brixton!

P7073662

The Tower of London

Photo21

P7073593

P7073586

Tower Bridge, NOT “London Bridge”

P7073597

The Shard (in progress)

P7073561

P7073613

Buckingham Palace

P6293102

P6293098

P6293090

P6293088

P6293086

P7033361

Westminster Abbey

P6293123

The Palace of Westminster (“Big Ben” is actually the name of the BELL inside the clock tower, not the clock)

P6293134

P7033456

Stonehenge !!!!!!!!!!!! (1.5 hours outside of London)

P6303213

And SHEEP!

P6303223

P6303228

Photo8

P6303231

You should go to London.  Just go.

Hereford Cathedral

I have seen more cathedrals in the last 6 months than I have in my entire life.

I was grateful to be accompanied by the best tour guide ever, the Hereford Cathedral cat.

PA045414

PA045415

PA045417

PA045423

PA045425

PA045428

PA045429

PA045433

PA045432

PA045434

PA045435

PA045438

PA045439

PA045441

PA045445

PA045446

PA045447

PA045448

Despite my lack of religious belief, I always light a candle for my Grandfathers who have passed.

PA045450

PA045452

PA045453

PA045454

PA045457

PA045462

PA045467

PA045470

PA045469

An hour inside the cathedral and the weather has already gone cloudy!

PA045471

Goodbye Hereford! xx

Aquae Sulis

Bath is a marvellous place. One of England’s most stunning treasures.
It is a city simply brimming with history.

As Legend has it, Prince Bladud, who was afflicted with leprosy, was cured after bathing in these naturally occurring hot springs. In gratitude, he founded the City of Bath here in 863BC.
This Prince became the 9th King of the Britons and is also said to be the father of King Lear. Ooooooh.

In 43 AD the Romans conquered Bath and cultivated the city into a spa with temples and shrines to Sulis Minerva, Goddess of wisdom, healing, and sacred waters as well as Aesculopius god of medicine and healing.
The Roman bathhouses are well preserved and incredibly beautiful.

I visited in October, just as the leaves were starting to take on their Autumnal colours.

PA035257

PA035269

PA035333

PA035262

PA035265

Inside the Roman Baths

PA035267

PA035282

The calm waters…still protected by Sulis Minerva?

PA035277

PA035276

PA035274

PA035271

PA035270

PA035293

PA035288

PA035318

PA035297

PA035312

PA035310

PA035291

PA035330

PA035350

PA035358

PA035366

PA035375

PA035382

PA035389

PA035405

PA035383

PA035355

PA035399

PA035406

PA035410

PA035411

And my travels continue…. xx

Tintern Abbey

Quaint bed & breakfasts with gorgeous panoramic views of the picturesque green & grey countryside.

Fresh air.

SHEEP!

Here’s a lovely little Wales trip where we took a tranquil stroll around the ruins of the Tintern Abbey.

PA045538

PA045546

PA045489

PA045494

PA045548

PA045497

And all the sweet little surprises reaching through the ancient cracks and crevices…

PA045523

PA045526

PA045529

PA045545

PA045534

PA045532

PA045501

I could just stay here forever…

PA045581

Alas, I must return to the city…

xx