Travel Adventures of an Expat Cat
If you are like me you fall in love with animals everywhere. I constantly want to adopt and care for animals that I meet, but obviously can’t take them all around the world with me. One cat however, won my heart and has travelled with me. When I lived in Turkey I met and quickly fell in love with a stray cat. I named her Sultan, which is a regular female Turkish name. She was a nervous cat and was scared of me and of anyone who came to visit. It took weeks of actively avoiding her before she felt comfortable and calmed down a bit. We soon got used…
Getting started in the UK
From the green fields and historic country houses to the bustling, multicultural metropolis where anything goes that is London, the UK is definitely an exciting destination. Like anywhere, it can seem complicated when you arrive. Read on for my essential guide on how to get started in the UK. UK accommodation Before you start trying to sort out anything else in the UK you need to have somewhere to sleep. Finding rental accommodation is often simple enough through letting agents, which is a good option if you have moved to the UK with a selection of flatmates (make sure you have six weeks rent upfront as a deposit, your first…
European cities – what not to miss
With so many people, cultures and influences all packed into a relatively small area, it comes as no surprise that Europe boasts some of the world’s most interesting cities. Here are some European cities not to miss. Europe offers a plethora of different towns and cities to explore and enjoy, so how did I choose just the few you see here? The simple answer is that I chose my favourites. We all have different priorities and preferences. These are the things I love about these cities, which are not necessarily capital cities incidentally. Maybe you will agree with my choices, maybe not. Let me know! Nice, France The perfect marriage…
Ightham Mote
If you are looking to step back in time and visit a medieval manor house then Ightham Mote, built over 700 years ago might be just the thing. Ightham Mote was built in the 14th century and has changed very little since it’s original design. The house is made up of over 70 rooms built around a central courtyard and sits on its own little island surrounded by a square mote. Three bridges provide access. Impressive features include the great hall, chapel, solars, crypt and a tudor painted ceiling. The property also boasts the only existing Grade 1 listed dog kennel. As you wander around the property taking it all…
Emmetts Garden, Kent
Kent in the south east of England is lovingly referred to by many as the garden of England, on account of the lush and abundant greenery especially during spring and summertime. On a recent trip back home I visited Emmetts Garden for the first time since my childhood and saw that few places are as obviously well-cared-for and thriving as Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks. The property consists of a house and about six acres of botanical gardens and arboretum. The house was built and the gardens established by Frederic Lubbock, the original owner, in 1860. The property was then acquired by Charles Boise…
Brighton Rocks
Brighton is a seaside resort on Britain’s south coast bursting with colour and character. It offers a modern pier complete with rides and good old-fashioned British seaside fun, as well as ghost piers, cafes, restaurants, shopping and of course the beach. Brighton Pier (and old pier) Brighton Pier (also known as the Palace Pier) is the focus of the seafront. Opened in 1899 it stretches for out into the sea for 524 metres and plays host to a whole funfair of rides, games and funfair activities. It has something to suit everyone, from the traditional rollercoaster to the nasty newer rides that ‘drop’ you. The Pier also hosts more traditional…
London’s Burning
I was woken yesterday by an sms message from a friend in London saying “Riots!” followed by another saying “London’s getting ransacked!” I had noticed riots in the news over the weekend, but nothing prepared me for what I was about to see, bleary eyed and freshly roused from sleep (about 11pm in the UK). Britain is considered one of the world’s ‘developed’ rather than ‘developing’ countries. It is widely trusted as a stable and safe place. I’m a British expat and generally live my life, wherever I am, comfortably confident that not much changes in Britain while I am away. Over the past few days however, Britain has looked…
The travel plan I’ve been keeping secret for so long
I have been keeping a secret for so long that it almost feels like it is not real and I have imagined the whole thing. I have had this plan squirreled away in the back of my mind for about a year now and I am very excited to reveal it. First though, I must point out that some of you already know about this. This is not another big secret (how many can a girl have?) but the one you already know. In fairness, this has been a pretty badly kept secret. My family have known about it for a while and a few close friends too. I have…
London Commuting
“There’s nowt as funny as folk.” That’s a phrase my grandfather used a lot and he’s right. London is definitely the place to be if people-watching is your thing. London seems to be a magnet to such a variety of people and lots of the interesting ones you encounter on the buses. I was inspired to write this post yesterday. Whilst waiting for a bus on the Strand, I was approached by a chap whose hand was smeared in blood. He innocently asked me directions to Waterloo, as if nothing was unusual. The blood made this a bit scarier than the sleeping smelly old tramp who, one day on the…
Have a butchers at Londons markets
Whether you are looking for something specific or just keen to get in amongst the locals and soak up some of the atmosphere, London’s markets will not disappoint. There is always a market on somewhere in London and all sorts of treasures can be found. Keep your ears peeled for cockney rhyming slang too. The phrase ‘Have a butchers’ in my title means ‘have a look’ for example. London has many many markets.I have featured my favourites but there are lots more to explore. Camden Camden town has a thriving market scene. The largest market is by Camden Lock and it is possible to buy just about anything here. There…
