she knits. she purls.

a long time comin'

2013-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Finally the day came where I got to meet my Cole and Reid Woods! I also got to see my best friend (and her husband too), who I haven't seen in nearly 2 years! Like I said, its been a long time coming!

I was so happy to see everyone, and we had a great afternoon playing around the apartment and then going out for dinner. Oh yeah there was that really fun part where Cole screamed bloody murder and my heart fell to my floor as I took out some stitches from his chin. Chocolate pudding cured everything though.

Can't wait to see the brood again!

Love you bestie and your kids aren't bad either!

xxoo

one of many awesome expressions

love this little man

i wonder when that day will come that i hate you?

cole and daddy (that hair!)

i love you too buddy...priceless

hey whats down there?

oooo...

aunty making things better, after picking her heart up off the floor, sorry little man.

i think he's over it.

brotherly love.

Something to think about...

2013-01-17T22:23:00.000-08:00

I saw this saying on a blog I follow and couldn't help but share it.

So often we go through our days, weeks, months with blinders on. Only focusing on number one and sometimes, maybe too often not taking time to think about those around us and what they are going through. Not telling our friends, family and loved ones we care about them, find them important and love them.

My job is normal to me and I sometimes forget that what the people I care for and their families are going through is a BIG deal, a life and death deal, and I sometimes brush off what they are going through as "normal" and "to be expected after surgery" without thinking what they are going through. Even though I was in that same place at one point.

So when I saw this it made me stop and think. It reminded me that I need to take time everyday and be thankful for what I have and what I have to come, to be there to support my friends and family through everything and above all be appreciative of the love and support that surrounds me and has for a long time.

via

From Russia, with love

2012-09-28T15:31:00.001-07:00

My Russia trip was the one I was looking forward to the most. Since I really knew nothing about Russia other than it was a communist country I was very keen to learn more and to see it with my own eyes.

Let's just say I was pleasantly surprised! I was actually shocked as to how beautiful the buildings and the cities are. Not what I think of when I thing of communism. I think dark brown, square block, no ornamentation. Russia is quite the opposite. Beautiful buildings covered in carvings and lots and lots of GOLD.

St Petersburg is gorgeous with so many beautiful buildings. The food is also great. Very much meat and potatoes but so yummy. We also went to the ballet, which was good. Lots of point and tu-tus so can't complain about that! The most beautiful church I have ever seen is in St. Petersburg; the church on spilled blood is simply glorious. The onion domes on the outside and the most amazing intricate mosaic tile work on the inside is breathtaking. I've seen a lot of churches in the past year and this one takes the cake for beauty hands down!

The overnight train from St. Petersburg to Moscow was great too, hot and cramped and loud but such a great experience. I shared a cabin with 3 others on my tour, our tour guide and the cutest old man. I asked our tour guide to ask the man (I thought he only spoke Russian) if he liked train travel and did it often. He responded in English and we had a great chat about travel (his second trip ever for pleasure only, he was probably around 75 years old), he asked where I was from and turns out he worked in Seattle years ago as a physicist. He was a lovely man and bid us safe travels and a great time in Moscow when he left the train. That's why I love travel. You never know who you'll meet and what experience will stick with you.

After checking in to the hotel in Moscow and having a run in with the police (our guide, for not buying a drink in the cafe we were sitting in, everything was fine in the end) we went out on a walking tour of the city seeing the Red Square, Lenin's mausoleum (we couldn't go inside since it was closed for the season, apparently they were applying a new layer of wax to his body) the GUM shipping Center and of course St Peters Basilica we headed back to the hotel with sore feet ready for bed! Our next day started off with a tour of the Kremlin which is quite the impressive fortress. We finished the day with a tour of some of the most beautiful subway stations I have ever seen. Honestly they are works of art, many meters (65) under the ground! Amazing! We toured an soviet bunker 65 meters under the ground and it is amazing to think that there are hundreds of these bunkers and this is only the one that is open to the public. Some are still classified.

Moscow was by far my favourite part of the trip it is what I think when I think Russia. It just seemed authentic and very Russian! Let's just say I can't wait to go back and I want to more than ever take the Trans Siberian railway.

Sail away with me...

2012-09-28T15:26:00.001-07:00

Can I just say one word for this post? Well maybe two? GORGEOUS! and FUN!

Would that be a total cop out? Probably, so let me elaborate. We started in Dubrovnik after I finished up my Balkan road trip. So the itinerary went like this Dubrovnik > Mljet > Korcula > Hvar > Stari Grad > Makarska > Split.

I explored Dubrovnik the night I arrived and what a blessing that was since the temperatures were tolerable in the evening. We checked into/onto the boat the next afternoon then had more free time to explore so after a hot lunch on a hot day I was off to seek the shade and something cool to eat! Lucky for me we got these great little bracelets that afforded us discounts at all kinds of places; the first being an ice cream shop! Obvious choice really! Got myself 2 scoops and enjoyed every last lick!

We were off early sailing and finally got a glimpse of the dalmatian coast when I woke up for breakfast! Then a glorious swim in the sea!

I took every advantage I could to be in the water and due to the high salt content in the Adriatic you don't even need to know how to swim you just bob along. It's great!

I really enjoyed all the places we stopped but I would have to say that Hvar was my favorite; despite spending the least amount of time there I thought it was the most beautiful and would love to go back and spend more time there.

The sailing experience was interesting. I think it would have been better had out captain allowed is more swim time from the boat instead of focusing on getting to port early and if the people on the boat were a bit more respectful with noise late at night. But I know what I was signing up for and it was all part of the experience! Also I was in a state of perpetual motion for a few days after getting of the boat which was a bit unsettling but again all part of the experience. I would love to go on another sailing trip because I just love being out on the water!

I will let the photos of this trip do most of the talking though since this post would be waaaay too long to type out everything so please enjoy the shots!

Greece, Albania & Montenegro

2012-09-28T15:24:00.001-07:00

Sitting here in Vancouver on a muggy day reminds me remotely of my travels from Greece to Croatia, traveling through Albania and Montenegro on my way.

I am reminded of the stifling heat in Albania and Montenegro if only slightly.

I started my trip in Corfu, Greece. Where I spent to fabulous days on the beach just relaxing and enjoying being done work! The goal was to get a good base tan so as not to get crispy while sailing. Job done!

I hopped aboard the ferry to Saranda, Albania to begin my Balkan road trip. After meeting the group and boarding the coach we were on our way in the sweltering Albanian heat and it was only just 1000. We travelled through Albania stopping at 2 beaches (the second stop demanded by the group despite the guide saying the beach would be packed. We didn't care it was simply to hot to not get in and cool off!). We stopped for traditional Albanian food in Berat a quaint city with gorgeous views then continued to Tirana where we went out in the old soviet district! We cruised through Montenegro sadly only stopping in Kotor and then one photo stop before we crossed the boarder into Croatia and our final stop of Dubrovnik.

The trip was good but it was very, very, very hot and a lot of driving but served its purpose to get me to Croatia and I was able to see two more countries! The contrast of the rich and poor is so great in Albania with some people driving flash cars and others using horse and cart still. At times I felt like I was in a third world country. Where Montenegro the classes seem to be closer together.

Luck of the Irish

2012-08-11T03:30:00.001-07:00

This trip to southern Ireland was everything I wanted and more!

Departing Dublin and seeing the scenery before me was excellent, so many trees, I mean real trees people, like tree in Canada trees! This is a big deal due to the serious lack of vegetation in London. I mean my lungs felt better instantly after breathing the fresh island air!

Our first stop was the soggy town of Blarney, home to, you guessed it Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney stone! I gave it a big ole smackeroo, to get the gift of the gab! Pfsst as if i didn't have it already! Lol After getting thouroughly soaked we were back on the bus to head to Killarney and search for men clad in plaid and tractor hunting. We had an evening with an Irish storyteller which was awesome, some pints of guinness which was grand and then danced the night away. I even awoke with a dancing man on my head :(

We headed to dingle and around the dingle penninsula where i happliy kicked off my shoes and put my toes in the sand and walked in the atlantic! So the story goes, if you dip your toes in the Irish Atlantic your soul is kept in Ireland for 20 years, upon which time you must return to Ireland to claim your soul back, which has been kept safe for you! Guess I'll see you again Ireland!

We kicked off the last day with a trip to the Cliffs of Moher! Gorgeous rugged and harsh coastline, breath taking. With a lunch stop in Gallway with all sorts of singers and buskers on the street we ended back in soggy Dublin and I headed back to London, with one more stamp in the passport and yet another place added to the "must go back there" list.

Up yer kilt!

2012-07-23T04:37:00.001-07:00

Scotland, it felt like coming home! From the time I got off the bus at Waverley station I was kicking myself for not going to Scotland sooner as I immediately fell in love with it.

I felt this overwhelming feeling of welcome and joy being in Edinburgh, which only got stronger as we made our way north into the highlands.

The people of Scotland have this way about them that just makes you feel so welcome,and it was a lovely feeling to have!

We drove through mountains and valleys that reminded me of British Columbia and then to small seaside villages that made me feel like I was in Nova Scotia, hence the name I suppose.

I couldn't help but smile while standing on top of a ski hill looking out over the valley below, willing it to snow so I could ski down the hill. Alas, no snow but gorgeous weather and sunshine for the majority of my time in Scotland!

At Loch Ness we did a Nessie Hakka to try and get the monster to show its face but with no luck! We heard tales of fairies and giants and had good food, however very lacking in vegetables!

I really can't say enough great things about Scotland all I know is that I am glad to have some Scottish heritage but also so happy to be Canadian and can't wait to explore my own country again very soon!

Italy the final chapter.

2012-07-15T12:49:00.001-07:00

This by far was my favourite day of the trip, we didn't really do much of anything but it was the scenery that was absolutely breath taking. The photos don't even do the Amalfi coast any justice.

We left Sorento and started driving up the gorgeous Mediterranean coast and stopped in a gorgeous little town. Positano where we were able to get some Amalfi pottery. I picked up a cute little dish which I will use to hold little treasures. The people of Positano are also known to have the best butts in all of Italy. Their glorious town is built on the side of a very steep cliff/hill and there are steep stairs and walkways everywhere. Hence the bootyliciousness! We were also able to have some amazingly fresh fruit, I had a peach the size of a softball and it was AMAZING!

Our next stop was the town of Amalfi where we had some excellent pastries and were able to explore this little gem of a town. The town of Amalfi is what the Amalfi coast is named after, also they make a type of paper that the pope uses. I figured if it was good enough for the pope then why not me and I picked up some beautiful note cards and paper.

We headed onto Ravello. One word. AMAZING!

From the views, the food and the general vibe of the whole of southern Italy it is a trip that I won't soon forget and I can't wait to go back! I definitely fell in love with Italy and I can't wait to book my next ticket back and share this place that I love with someone else that I love!

Italy ~ Part 2

2012-07-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

The next day in Italy was one of beauty and that's an huge understatement. We hopped on a boat and cruised to the Isle of Capri, stopping at the gorgeous Blue Grotto along the way. Once on the Isle of Capri, I perched myself on the beach and enjoyed the glorious Italian sunshine. Probably a little too much, as I was a bit crispy later, after having a blonde moment and forgetting to apply sunscreen.

Waiting in the queue to squeeze through the small opening into the Blue Grotto

Inside the Blue Grotto, need I say more.

The opening to squeeze through.

The lovers arch

The gorgeous city of Sorrento

Had a relaxing night in the campsite and the up early the next morning for the most beautiful day of the trip...

I'm Hungary

2012-07-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know where my head has been but I just realized that I never posted about my trip to Hungary.

Katie and I made the trip there and boy was it interesting. So much history in Hungary. I didn't know anything about Hungary before I went on this trip so I had no idea what to expect, and I was happily surprised.

There is so much history in Hungary, it was under communist rule until 1989, it is very obvious when looking at the buildings, there are some that were obviously from the time of communism and some that are from before or after.

The food was absolutely amazing and soooo filling, it was definitely a stretchy pants holiday!

We also enjoyed a ballet, for 2£/ticket, it was absolutely amazing!

Love locks in Hungary (like the love bridge in Paris)

Rub his belly for luck

The Cathedral

The chain bridge

This cathedral has lovely painted tiles on the roof that are apparently acid rain proof!

Heros Square

Paprika in the market

Hand painted eggs in the market

Lace in the market

Enjoying hungarian treats!

Katie and her massive snack!

It was so windy Katie nearly blew off the bridge

Stark contrast between communist buildings and not.

Inside the cathedral

At the baths...

Enjoying the ballet for 2£

The worlds second largest synagogue, the largest is in NYC

A memorial for the murdered jews in Hungary

Notice the street name above; this was the name of the street when under communist rule.

Oh Canada!

2012-07-05T08:43:00.001-07:00

What a great day Canada day was here in London. I spent the day at Trafalgar Square where there was a huge Canada day party.

I was able to enjoy Canadian music and 'knock off' Canadian foods. I say knock off because the 'poutine' was not poutine at all there where no cheese curds. The vital ingredient to poutine. Also the hot dogs weren't classic hot dogs like we have in Canada.

But there was Molson Canadian beer which although nostalgic, reminds me why I don't ever drink the stuff, talk about watered down tasting and WAY over priced for Molson's that's for sure.

It was so nice to be around so many happy smiling people enjoying themselves. Even the Brits were showing their support for the colonies and were out in their red and white.

I was happy to show my Canadian pride I some red and white, but more importantly I donned my Canadian tuxedo!

Happy Canada day to all my friends near and far!

Italy ~ Part 1

2012-07-04T04:24:00.000-07:00

I don't even know how to begin to describe my experience in Italy.

First of all Italy was never on my must see list when I moved to England last year, but after numerous people telling me Italy was one of their favorite places I thought well why not. So I decided to do a Busabout tour from Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento - Isle of Capri - Positano - Amalfi - Ravello - Rome. This was the best decision I have made about a holiday!

This was without a doubt the best holiday I have been on since being in the UK.

Pisa airport

I arrived in Pisa and made a mad dash, suitcase in hand, to the Leaning Tower, which should have been straight forward, had I not tried to take a shortcut. In the end I saw the leaning tower in all its glory and it does really lean a lot. I also have to mention that it was about 35 degrees in Pisa so this was a sweaty mad dash as well, but so worth it to check this icon off the list.

I hopped on the train to Rome which was thankfully air conditioned!

Nuns taking the train

I arrived at the campsite in Rome and quickly ate and went to bed. Sadly despite being in Rome for 2 evenings I did not see any of the sights of Rome. I'm not worried as I know I will be going back to Italy!

We departed for Pompeii bright and early.

When driving into Naples Mt. Vesuvius is a looming sight over the city of Naples. It was very easy to see why there was so much devastation when Mt Vesuvius erupted.

The city of Pompeii was so well developed considering what little tools the Romans had, they even had elevated walkways (which doubled as speed bumps for the horse drawn carts) over the streets which allowed the Romans to walk through the streets of Pompeii avoiding the water and sewage that would be in the streets.

In Pompeii there were also 28 brothels! Imagine! You could tell if there was a brothel because there was a penis in the wall of the building pointing towards the brothel. Naughty Romans.

Plaster cast of a resident of Pompeii

The grand square in Pompeii with Mt. Vesuvius in the background.

I enjoyed my first Napoli pizza and then it was back on the bus to Sorrento, along the winding, narrow, hanging by a thread roads along the coast.

Kite surfing outside Naples

The beautiful city of Sorrento is absolutely gorgeous its location perched on the cliffs, the cobbled streets and narrow walkways and alleyways are absolutely gorgeous, everything you would expect from a quaint Italian town.

The cutest Italian man

Amazing lemon flavored candies.

We had a fabulous Italian meal, saw 3 wedding parties getting their photos taken around town, which couldn't have been a better setting for a wedding, then off to bed for an early start to the Isle of Capri in the morning.

Sorrento

Italy preview

2012-06-29T15:10:00.001-07:00

I have to put a lot of effort into my Italy blog post(s) so here's a sneak peak of what's to come. Amazing scenery and tasty treats.

Happy festivus!

2012-06-19T13:55:00.001-07:00

I went to my first festival her in the UK. Lovebox. What a great time with great friends. There was great music dancing and very sore feet. What more could you ask for.

MUD! There was that too. Really wish I had some gumboots (or Wellington boots as the Brits call them), a worthwhile investment I'd say especially living in BC that's for sure.

Amsterdamsel

2012-06-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

I took this Amsterdam trip long ago but totally forgot to blog about it.

Three things I love about Amsterdam.

The canals. I mean it doesn't get much more beautiful, as you wind your way through them no matter what the weather it's do romantic and feels like you have been transported back to another time where life was slower and people stopped to enjoy life instead of having their heads down, earphones in and ignoring everyone around them.


A canal full of river boats


Another beautiful canals

Bikes. This city was made for them. Everyone no matter age or gender rides bikes. No matter what their attire as well. Women in dresses, men in suits, businessmen, students and even tourists ride bikes. I enjoyed the walk-ability of the city myself,
bikes + cobblestones = falls for Kim.

At the Anne Frank House

Anne's House(on the right)

One of the many bikes locked to bridges throughout the city.

The large hooks on the front of houses to hoist furniture in and out when people move

A bike parkade

Hundreds of bikes outside the train station

Amsterdam Central train station

Infront of the Iamsterdam sign

Tulips. The Keukenhof gardens were open when I was there do of course I made my way out there with all the other white haired people. I was AMAZED at he beauty of the gardens and all the tulips in full bloom. The pictures don't do the gardens justice. The vast expanses of colour were just amazing and truly a check of the bucket list in my books.

Beautiful tulips on display

Paintbrush strokes of color

A beautiful windmill

Wooden clogs

Cool checker board tulips

Windmill pub in the city.

Cheesey Goodness

All in all it was great to visit yep another great place! The dutch people are so friendly and welcoming which was refreshing

Wienerschnitzel

2012-05-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

What an amazing city!

We hit the ground running upon arriving to Berlin. Had a great first meal at an unsuspecting restaurant which we first thought would be sub par but turned out to be amazing.

We then went on a Sandeman's walking your which was a great way to get acquainted to the city. It was a gorgeous day and 30° so who could complain I even got a bit of a sunburn so all in all a great day. That night we went out for supper and had some traditional German food which was amazing. Wiener-schnitzel was amazing and the size of a dinner plate and oh so yummy! The beer. Wow. So. Good.

The next day we rented bikes and rode around the city which was an amazing way to see the city and since Berlin is such. A bike friendly city I felt safe the whole time, everyone gives way to bikes which was great.

We ended the day with another great meal for Katie's birthday. Then off to bed as I had to be up early to get to he airport and back to reality. Until the next time Berlin!!!

A piece of the Berlin wall

The Victory Column

A section of the wall

Where the wall used to be, such an obvious divide!

Checkpoint Charlie

The Glockenspiels! (the coolest bike gang around!)

Planning our route over lunch

The East Side Gallery

Memorial to the Murdered Jews

Oh Germans, you make good beer!

The location of the book burnings, of all books that the Nazi's deemed had Jewish content

My sweet ride for the day!

The Reichstag - German parliment

Memorial for the Murdered Jews

Brandenburg Gate

The birthday girl and a yummy beer!

28

2012-04-25T23:40:00.001-07:00

Well 28 you were pretty great. You are definitely going to be a hard one to beat. I am going to give it my all to though. Here's to the final year of my 20's, look out 30 here I come. Are you ready for me????

First live rugby match

one of many views out a plane window

hiking in beautiful BC

The amazimg Dorset coast

First Christmas in London

New baby Cole

Across the road from mt work.

Special invite to the houses of parliment

Bournemouth beach in OCTOBER

Soaking up the Spanish sun

The Blue Mosque

BC beaches

Casa de la Queen

ONP studying

The Alhambra

Hungarian Ballet

Run for Blind Sports BC

The beauty of the Eiffel Tower

Mimama comes to London

A big haircut

Springtime flowers in Amsterdam

'Bawston lawbsta roll'

Harrods at Christmas

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

'Home'

Red Sox beat the Mariners - Fenway Park with Dad

First sighting of Big Ben

Springtime in Vancouver (up at Seymor)

My work attire

Last breakfast club

Great new friends

St. Patty's day London

Copenhagen

Houses of Parliment

29th birthday tea partry

Je t'aime Paris

2012-04-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

To date this was my favorite trip that I have made since being in the UK. Mostly because I have wanted to go to Paris for so long, also because it is such a beautiful city, beyond all the graffiti are some beautiful and historical buildings, and of course the best thing of all the Eiffel Tower, a brown beacon during the day and a sparkling wonder at night.

I arrived bright and early via Eurostar train and hit the city.

The Arc de Triompe

first look at the Eiffel Tower

Went to the Arc de Triomphe, and marveled at the many streets coming onto one roundabout, and how there are no street lines, its a basic free for all, first come, loudest horn madness.

I cruised up the Champs Elysees, and had a very expensive ham and cheese sandwich for lunch with views of the Arc de Triompe, so I suppose the views were worth the price.

Home of French Macarons

I finally made it to the Louvre, where I was again in awe of its size. I didn’t go inside but thats ok, the outside is beautiful enough. I headed back to the hostel to try and rest a bit since I was still recovering from my Turkish cold.

At Notre Dame Cathedral

Katie, Deanna and Jason arrived and I met up with them after I did a walking tour of the city which was really informative. Who knew there was a whole group of people who work to preserve the french language and when new technologies or other things are invented they determine if the item will be masculine or feminine. The Ipod, turns out is masculine.

I also saw the lock bridge or love bridge, where two people in love write their names on a padlock and lock it to this bridge and toss the key into the river, locking them together in love forever, or until the locks are cut off every spring.

Locks of love

Paris fashion week

I ended my day gazing at the beautiful eiffel tower! It was beyond words.

We visited the Palace of Versailles, amazing is all I have to say, if you are in Paris make the time to go visit it! The pictures definitely don’t do it justice!

Palace of Versailles

The Opera house

After a quick trip to Montmartre to see the view of Paris from the hill, and a gander at the Moulin Rouge we were on the train back to London.

Je t’aime Paris, until the next time...

Istanbul, no. Constantinople

2012-03-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

When I arrived in Istanbul my sight and sound senses were overwhelmed! I have never arrived to an airport with more people waiting in the arrivals area than the one in Istanbul. Whole families were there waiting to greet their friends and family members back home. I also have never been asked so many times where I was going or being shouted at asking if I needed a taxi. I was so tired from my flight and early morning start (0300) that I caved and got a taxi to the hostel.

The 30 min taxi ride took me past hovels and fancy palaces, what a mixture of wealth I saw. Also I arrived on a Sunday so every park that we drove past was over flowing with families out enjoying the sunny weather, bbqing and playing in the park or just walking along the sea shore.

The view from the hostel

I arrived at the hostel and headed out for a quick exploration. I was aware that the Turkish men are very forward and at times pushy, especially the ones trying to sell you this or that, and even more so to tourists. I was not prepared however for the intensity at which I was harassed to buy this or that by every single person I walked by. Talk about overwhelming.

I made it to the Blue Mosque removed my shoes and went inside. AMAZING! What a gorgeous building. It is truly overwhelming to see all the mosaic tiles and the sheer size of the building. There were also some Muslim people praying when I was there. It was very interesting to see their dedication to their religion.

The Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue mosque

The impressive mosaic tiles on the ceiling of the Blue Mosque

Men and Women can't pray together in the Mosque.

I did the typical tourist attraction the hop-on hop-off bus tour around the city, and despite the rain and freezing cold it was great to see. I was however quite sick and didn't have the energy to tackle the city full on so this bus tour was perfect for me.

The Grand Bazaar turned out to be more harassment, but also an unreal place to see. The size of the place is unreal and oh so easy to get lost in, I managed to get out though!

The Grand Bazaar

On my last day I went to the Basillica Cistern an old cistern that once held all the city of Istanbul's water, which traveled there via an impressive aqueduct system. I was really interesting and lit well, kinda spooky too. Next I went to the Haya Sophia, another impressive mosque, which is double the size (if not double; close) of the blue mosque. It is quite well preserved but is no longer an active mosque but a museum.

Inside the cistern

Massive support posts

Grandeur of the Haya Sofia

Look how small the people are from up here.

View of the Blue Mosque from the Haya Sofia

I think my favorite part of Istanbul though was the call to prayer several times a day. Each mosque projects the call to prayer over loud speakers to alert the surrounding areas that it is time to pray. Despite my lack of understanding of what was being said it was still really cool to hear.

Ben comes to town.

2012-03-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

The long awaited arrival of Ben finally happened and what an amazing time we had.

Hearts along the path by the London Eye

I'll have to admit I was a little nervous if things between us would be different since we'd been apart for nearly 7 months, but it was like no time had passed at all which I was really happy about!

A little nervous here

At the top of the London Eye

We started out as tourists in London, exploring what this city has to offer. We even met up with Ben's sister Kirsty who was in London on business coincidentally.

C'mon...

Ben's a little tall for the doors at The Tower of London

At the Canadian Memorial by Buckingham Palace

Tired feet

Just at the Queen's place, NBD

Covent Garden at night

We headed to Cardiff Wales for a short 2 days and then on to Bath where we stayed with Ben's Aunt and Uncle.

Cardiff events center

At Cardiff Castle

The Circus in Bath

It was a fabulous visit but far to short, and unfortunately made me miss home even more.

*Photo credit: Ben Peddle (mostly)

Copenhagen, Denmark

2012-01-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

**Photo heavy post**

Home from a great trip to Copenhagen. Just a quick 1:25min flight away is the beautiful coastal city of Copenhagen. The people are just as beautiful as the scenery, everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

Veggie Brunch

Pickled Herring Assortment

We arrived nice and early and easily found our hostel, very close to all the sights of Copenhagen. We then wandered to find some food; since we were starving by that point and stumbled upon a great library/gallery/cafe. We were so pleased with the amazing food we had; Katie had a veggie brunch and I had the pickled herring assortment. Both were extremely flavorful and beautifully presented.

A little bit of snow

We then just wandered the streets checking things out until we could check into the hostel and have a well desereved nap, followed by an amazing supper of salmon baked on a oak plank covered in the smoothest mashed potatos I've ever had. Amazing food, yum!

A cute alley way

On the second day we took a walking tour of the city where we learned some interesting history about Copenhagen and saw some beautiful sights and historical buildings, many of which were replacements of the originals since Copenhagen had 3 devastating fires burning many buildings twice before they decided to build the buildings out of something other than wood!

At the Royal Palace

The snow finally made an appearance when we were in the royal palace courtyard and it was just beautiful. Unfortunatley the snow only lasted maybe 30min. We also visited the national museum. They have a lot of viking artifacts which are very interesting. Even preserved bodies that were pulled out of the peat bogs they were sunk into hundreds of years ago fully preserved similar to mummification. The bodies were put into the peat because the vikings thought that the deceased would return to the world as spirits of the earth if they did this.

Since there are so many sand banks in the waters outside Denmark fixed lighthouses were no use, so they had 'light-ships' that would move as the sandbanks moved

Nyhavn - The harbor area of Copenhagen

One of the many canals

Under water Statue

The next day we went on a river tour of the city and saw more amazing sights. This tour included a trip to Christiania, an area of Copenhagen that considers itself separate from Denmark, and doesn't follow any of the laws of Denmark. It is also legal to purchase and smoke marijuana in Christiania. The city occupies an old army base and the people live in the old army barracks and have also built their own houses out of found materials. It was quite interesting and very organic smelling indeed.

Noma, voted the best restaurant in the world several years running, a 12 course meal will cost you 200£ which I think is resonable if its the best restaurant in the world.

The black diamond - The national library

Sunset over Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid - From author Hans Christian Anderson

Copenhagen at night

Our last day involved a lot of royalty, we watched the changing of the guard at the royal palace which was a lot of pomp and circumstance for what it was, but we found out from a policeman that a new princess was born that morning, so there was extra 'pomp' so to speak. We then went to the Christianborg Palace where royal gatherings are held as well as where the parliment is. It was quite royal we even had to wear little O.R. type shoe covers when we went inside to protect the palace.

A Royal guard

Pomp and Circumstance for changing of the guard

Me and the guards

Katie likes them too...

Fancy shoe covers in the Christianborg Palace

Posing like a fool

We had yet another warm drink to warm us up since it was so chilly in Copenhagen and then we headed to the airport to sadly return to London.

Touristy London

2012-01-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

I've been remembering to take my camera more places now, so I thought I'd share some of the places I've been out and about to see over the past little while.


Cute shirts in the market

The busy streets on a holiday Monday

Last week I ventured to the Camden Market, which, sadly was like a lot of the other markets here in London, a lot of the same stuff for sale. It was the atmosphere that really got me though. Camden is known for its rocker grunge vibe, and was the starting point/hangout spot for the likes of Amy Whinehouse, Oasis and Blur. Its got a really cool vibe and tons of market left fr me to explore. I found out later that 'the stables' is the best part of the market, but I missed that part, guess theres always next week. Also Camden has tons of restaurants, street food and patios, oh the patios, a summer sun spot to remember for sure.

The damn gap...

Yesterday I went for a walk along the Thames path, it is a walk that oddly enough, goes along the Thames river. The whole path is about 180 miles long, so clearly I only did a portion. A very small portion indeed, since I hopped on a river boat to cut out some of the path.

Canary wharf in the background

The river boat was great, sped right along and it was a neat vantage point to see the city, also would be great in the summer, guess I'll have to stick around till then.

St Pauls Cathedral

The London Eye

I got off the boat at London Bridge and continued the walk onto the London Eye and the Houses of Parliment. It still gets me every time seeing these iconic structures in everyday life. Kinda like the north shore mountains I suppose. You just get used to them after awhile, but these landmarks are still very new and exciting to me. Speaking of the mountains, never thought I'd miss them, but I was wrong, I miss seeing them all snowy and pretty that's for sure!

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliment

I also bought a new book called 'I didn't know that about London' suggested to me by a co-worker, its amazing and full of great tidbits like this fun fact I'll leave you with. Who knew that wharf stood for anything, I thought it was just another word for pier or dock. Nope stands for Warehouse At River Front*, neat hey and a great tidbit! Always good to learn something new!

*Thanks Claire for this one :)

Brussels, Belgium

2012-01-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

Rail Ticket

I went to Brussels with Katie (my roommate The American) for the weekend and after a short (2 hr) train ride we arrived, me over tried from working all night and The American just tired from getting up so early and the train ride.

We arrive at the train station to a overly helpful (note a large dose of sarcasm) ‘information person’. We get into the metro and its filthy. I mean gross, piss smelling filthy. I thought, right, metro not the cleanest place in a city to start with so keep an open mind. We finally find the hotel; right beside the European Union, and I tuck in for a well needed nap.

We head to the Christmas markets, which we are quite excited to check out since we have read so much about them online and are apparently some of the best in Europe. WRONG, everything at the markets are either made in India or China which would be fine if they were Indian or Chinese Christmas items, they are not, furthermore everything is so overpriced that even if you did find something you liked you wouldn’t want to pay the obscene price requested for said Indian/Chinese item.

Huge Ferris Wheel at the Christmas market

Although I do sound like a real Debbie-downer, I did enjoy going to a new place, and I understand that you can’t love everywhere you go!

So lets end on a high note shall we. We did go on a great hop-on hop-off bus tour that showed us all the great sights, so it was great to see the Royal palace and the Atomium. The beer was also amazing, and so many to choose from. The chocolate was also good, for a girl who isn’t a big chocolate fan I was really impressed with the amazing quality of the chocolates. We also found the Mannequin Pis, which is literally a statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. This is one of the main attractions in Brussels, the statue even gets festively dressed up throughout the year. Very odd indeed.

First Belgian beer! Yummo, and 8.5% alcohol!

Beautifully piled chocolates

It'd be a long journey to Delta I'm sure!

Horse and Buggy

The Royal Palace

The Atomium

The Mannequin Pis

See I was really there.

More yummy beers

Thousands of beers in this shop

All in all, 2* more stamps in the Passport so not all bad stuff.

*Our first destination was a town in France, then onto Belgium, hence the 2 stamps.

Death Walk...

2012-01-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

The amazing patchwork of fields

Well this is a very late post since it happened when I was back in Bournemouth staying with the Allen’s; never the less here goes nothing.

This was one of the most beautiful and most difficult walks I went on when staying with the Allen’s. I mean I love a challenge just as much as the next person but this one was unreal!

It started with a fairly steep but manageable climb to a beautiful lookout, where my previously sprained ankle started to act up and required rub on pain relief. The photos just don't do this glorious location justice.

We then ambled along easily and then a steep decent took us to the sea. Let me tell you this was the calm before the storm/respiratory arrest!

The next climb was, well, INTENSE! Straight up without relief for what seemed like hours, really only probably 25 mins max.

All in all a great walk with amazing views and a good reminder to ~~never do this walk again~~ do more cardio.

At the top of the death climb!

The home stretch

Christmas Cookie Bake-Up

2011-12-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we really got into the spirit by baking up some great Christmas cookies. We went for some molasses cookies and decorated sugar cookies.

We really enjoyed decorating the cookies and had an icing good time with icing up to our elbows, literally!

All decorated with love

mmm molasses cookies

The whole lot

Me and our creations

Katie and the Ugly one

ahh bless poor thing...