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As 2018 comes to an end, it feels good to look back on all of the beautiful things I have experienced this year. 2018 has been difficult, but transformative. Big changes lie ahead!
You can never go wrong with narrow streets, quaint houses, cafes, and great pubs. Castle Combe – a veritable Shire – did not disappoint.
Logistically, it is not the easiest place to get to, but we managed. If I were to visit again, I would probably rent a car. Still, there are bus connections most days of the week – you just really have to watch out for the times because they are infrequent.
If you are looking for excitement, you won’t find it here – but that’s okay. It is enough just to be, to wander the cobbled side roads and wooded paths, enjoy the mossy green surroundings, and perhaps stop for a great pub meal or two and a cream tea.
Of all the places we visited on our trip to England, I think Bath was my favorite. The stunning architecture and scenery took my breath away from the moment we stepped off the train.
We started off with a lovely afternoon tea at the Jane Austen House. I felt like a fanciful Mrs. Darcy as I not-so-elegantly stuffed scones with clotted cream into my face (yum!)
After our spot of tea, my sister and I went to the Thermae Bath Spa to soak in the thermal waters that initially drew the Romans into the area when the city was founded. Talk about a perfect day!
We watched the sun fade along the water, walked by the abbey, and did a little souvenir shopping before catching the train back to our place in Bristol.
After exploring London for a few days, my husband, sister, and I decided to base ourselves out of Bristol so that we could explore more of the English countryside. While it’s a great base to see places such as Bath or Stonehenge, Bristol in and of itself is a very cool city worth a visit.
I am a huge fan of street art and Bristol has it in spades. Home to the famous street artist and political activist, Banksy, the street art scene there has exploded in recent years.
In addition to a cool street art scene, there is a big demand in Bristol for people to shop local; as such, there is no shortage of unique shops and restaurants to discover.
Words to live by!
As a self-proclaimed Potterhead, London has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. How it took me this long to get there, I have no idea, but I was lucky enough to finally make it happen and even luckier to have my sister along for the ride.
We stayed in the adorable neighborhood of Hackney – highly recommend!
This was her first big international trip and I was so excited to share the experience. We hit the ground running after she landed with all of the main tourist sites and started the next day with a very cool (and very nerdy) Harry Potter walking tour, where we got to see various film locations and the parts of London that inspired some of the magical locations as well (shout out to the real-life Diagon Alley!).
The street that inspired Diagon Alley!
…and Knockturn Alley!
I had really hoped to catch a show while in London, but alas – the two shows I wanted to see most were sold out. I still grabbed photos of the venues, if somewhat bitterly.
We met up with a good friend and former colleague for some drinks at a super cool roof top bar, indulged in Cornish pasties, wandered through as many neighborhoods and parks as we could manage, and shopped until we dropped (I don’t think I will ever see a bookstore that tops Foyles! They really had everything!)
It was a really great start to an awesome adventure.
I’ll never forget my first trip abroad. I had just turned 18, and although I had wanted to get out and see the world my entire life, I really had no clue what to expect. I packed a huge suitcase full of ridiculous outfits that were hardly suitable for any of our plans and two travel journals (in which to chronicle my adventures in broken French and Spanish). To be honest, I didn’t love that trip. I was culture shocked by the overly forward French men, didn’t love the people in my group, and realized very quickly that carefully structured group tours were not my jam. Still, I learned a lot of unexpected lessons on that trip and my thirst for travel remained intact.
Fast forward to now, and I am still learning and growing with each trip we take. One thing that has definitely improved is my packing skills. I still would not consider myself an expert, but I’ve gotten better and better at knowing what to take along and what to leave behind. This year especially, I’ve stumbled onto one handy little item that has been a life saver on multiple trips now: the blanket scarf.
These babies go for 10 lira (roughly $2.50) on the streets of Istanbul and are worth every penny (kuruş?). I initially bought one because I was freezing one afternoon in Kadıköy and they looked really warm (which they are). However, I’ve discovered that these bargain accessories are so much more than what meets the eye.
First of all, they’re great for plane rides. We’ve been on many red eye flights, most of which have not provided blankets…and even when they do, they usually pale in comparison to my blanket scarves. They are generally pretty water-resistant, so they have been great as makeshift towels or covers to protect things from getting wet in the rain. I even used one to protect my 3rd degree sunburn from the heat in the Maldives. Rain, shine, or snow, these cheap rectangles of fabric have become my best friends.
What strange things do you swear by on your travels? I’d love to hear.
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![DSC_0452[1]](https://goinggroundless.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/dsc_04521.jpg?w=676)
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What an incredible year I’ve had! Looking back at each month made me realize how unbelievable it’s all been. It also made me realize how quickly time is going by. How has it already been another year? How?
Here’s to hoping for an amazing 2017 for us all!
It changes all the time.
For example, this morning I was living in your arms.
By afternoon, I had taken up residence in cobbled streets beneath the sunlight.
Only the universe knows where I will stake my claim tomorrow.
We finally broke down and had to eat this chocolate we picked up in Scotland and it was pretty much perfect. I’m a sucker for lavender (as evidenced here and here) and this chocolate had just the right amount. One of these days I’ll have to return to Scotland in the warmer months to see all of that lavender in action…and to get more of this chocolate.
Map of all the visitors at the Airbnb…we were the first from Turkey!
We spent the majority of our last day in Glasgow, though it wasn’t nearly long enough.
After an epic breakfast (thanks to our Airbnb host!), we spent the morning at the Kelvingrove Art Museum. First of all, it’s free; second of all, they offer a huge variety of interactive exhibits, which I really loved. I would love to see more museums with similar activities to help viewers engage with the art.
We also visited the People’s Palace, where I saw an exhibit on pop art portraits. Saw a portrait of Obama. Felt instantly sad.
For the last couple of hours, we simply wandered through the shopping district. We stocked up on some goodies to take home (Shortbread cookies…Reese’s…pork products!) and picked up a couple of souvenirs. We also stumbled upon a pretty cool street band.
All too soon, we had to hop back in the car to catch our flight back to Turkey from Edinburgh. I really didn’t feel like we did Glasgow justice…but I guess that just gives me an excuse to go back.
Scotland was such an incredible place! We kind of planned the trip at the last minute and I’m so glad we did! If you love friendly people, good food, rainbows, castles, dramatic views, and plaid, don’t miss out!
Going Groundless 