A lot has happened since I first started this blog. A lot has happened since my last blog post. I was in a very low point in my life. I was lucky to have the support of a few close friends around me. I went to India. I became a new woman. I became an independent lover of life. I was happy just being by myself. I started to truly heal the wounds of 2017.
2018 has really truly been a year of new starts. I started working as a violin teacher, which has truly been a goal to use my degree to its full use. I went back to an old job that I absolutely loved. I started a new job. I realised that money definitely helps, but having a job that makes you happy is what matters. I have realised that I really am truly good at my jobs, because I actually enjoy what I am doing.
I went to Vietnam and Cambodia in August with my oldest friend. I feel so lucky to have had that experience. I feel so lucky to be able to explore my love of travelling. Vietnam and Cambodia also made me realise that you can have anxiety, yet still be really brave. Though I was a complete mess before I went with my anxiety. I am so proud to say that I was one of the bravest people on that trip. I completed the Chu Chi Tunnels. Only 3 out of 13 of us did it. I faced my fear of heights, and went to a Sky bar in Saigon. After the initial fear, I ended up really enjoying the evening. I wasn't going to let my fear stop me from doing it though. I also ate tarantula, scorpion, and cricket. It's like I did all my worrying before my holiday, so I could be completely free of it whilst I was there.
I have also got on to the property ladder. I am still trying to get everything sorted out, but I am getting there. I have been getting frustrated that it isn't organised yet. I want it to be perfect. I keep being told though that it really is one step at a time. It will be fine. I have also noticed that I have been starting to trust my own judgement when it comes to decisions in my house. I know what I want, and I just want to be able to see my vision through.
Another development is that I have a new man in my life. I am really happy that they are in my life, I am just getting used to being with someone who is in the forces. There is so much to try and learn and understand. The way I think is the more I understand, the more it helps the relationship.
He is away now for 7 weeks, and this is the longest time I have spent away from him so far. But not just away, without proper communication as well. I know that deployment is going to be much longer (more like 6 months), but I have found it a bit difficult. When you are with someone in the forces, partly having that reassurance from them really helps. In the end though, you really have to know for yourself that they care about you. Not just that, but that you care about yourself.
I try and look at the benefits. It gives me the freedom that I always crave. I get to truly enjoy being by myself in my flat. I get the time to myself to sort through everything in my own time. I get time to be with my friends.
I also had some brilliant advice from a friend who was in the army. It is better to make the most of what you have together, try to not worry about what could happen later, or if something could change. Life is short. Enjoy it!
I probably will end up writing in this blog more often now, as I have found being able to write down my thoughts has really helped. It may not be all the time, but I'm just going to use it to be able to just write down how I feel, and if other people in the same position want to connect and chat, please feel free! It would be great to talk to other people in the same situation!
Showing posts with label geography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label geography. Show all posts
Monday, 8 October 2018
Sunday, 2 April 2017
Bucharest- The (slightly late) round up
So I know this is a bit late off the mark, but I promised myself a year of travel. I also promised myself to keep the blog up to date a bit more often, so here goes.
So did my first trip of the year with my uni queen to Bucharest. Now I have done a city break or two before, but I found this very different from any other I have been to.
Firstly I was very lucky that the friend I went with used to live in Bucharest, so we could basically say what we wanted to do throughout the holiday, and he would plan the route/day as to where everything was. Also handy as he knew the city, we didn't get lost, and could speak fluent Romanian.
The other part of the trip I found was very different was how Bucharest seemed to be a city of opposites. You would have some beautiful buildings, and then another moment a derelict building. The poor and the businessmen/women. The traditional Romanian food, with the big chains dotted around the city. It added a different charm to the place, a very unique touch that I haven't got from other places I have been to.
Day One
After an early start, we got to Romania about 1:45, and spent the day getting round Romania, enjoying our fabulous hotel (I will take full credit for our brilliant hotel. Just saying.). I tried traditional Romanian food, and getting a general feel for the city. You do notice the tale of opposites in this city very quickly. We went out again that evening to use the metro for the first time, to wander round the shops and get some supplies. Very handy having a shopping centre shut at 10pm. Also they do nice macarons. Just saying.
Day Two
Got a lot of stuff done this day. Went to the Natural History Museum, (word of warning: you have to pay to take photos. Don't get caught out.) Ventured out to Herastrau park, where we just chilled out and enjoyed the 22C sunshine. Stuffed our faces full of gorgeous food at lunchtime, visited my friend's old flat, went to the white church, and hung out at the Romanian Atheneum. We didn't bother venturing too far out for dinner, as apparently I had to try this meal at KFC, and we had been pretty busy throughout the day.
Day Three
Went to the History of Romania Museum, where we spent nearly two hours wandering around, enjoying learning about Romania. One of my favourite things is learning, especially about places I am travelling to. My favourite museum in the city. Enjoyed eating Italian food in the sunshine, and wandering around finding little bits to take back for the family. I had also been looking at all these gorgeous patisserie's throughout the city, and finally gave in to temptation and tried some baked treats. Nom. That is all.
Day Four
On our last day in Bucharest, we were able to go out early after breakfast for a last wander around, buying from the patisserie, getting those last minute souvenirs, and stumbled upon a handmade and antique market. Bought some beautiful handmade jewellery, a good reminder of the trip and a unique way to remember Romania.
All in all, Bucharest was an interesting and very different city. Would love to go back in 20 years time to be able to see how much it has developed. A couple of tips if you ever want to go....
-You don't need to bring very much in the way of Lei, it is cheap out there. Admittedly I made a decision not to drink when I was over there, but I don't think it would make much difference. I took £150 worth with me. Probably only needed £100 max
- If you are using the metro, you can get a multiple journey ticket which will save you a fair bit of money. I think it was 10 Lei (£2) for 10 trips.
- There is no map of the metro, so plan your route before you go
- You don't need to know Romanian before you go, but if you can pick up a couple of words it helps
- If you like trawling through duty free, the airport is in Euros. Make sure to bring Euros as well as Lei
- If you want traditional treats to take home, there is a carrefour supermarket that will have it all for the best price
Also, my recommendations:
* La Mama is the main chain of Romanian food if you want something traditional (cabbage rolls are particularly nice)
*Capitol Hotel is where we stayed. Brilliant location to be able to explore the city, and good value for money
* Patisseries. Everywhere. Do it.
* Hard Rock Cafe in Herastrau park is brilliant. Would recommend going for their lunchtime menu if you want a good deal
Time to now plan Budapest!
So did my first trip of the year with my uni queen to Bucharest. Now I have done a city break or two before, but I found this very different from any other I have been to.
Firstly I was very lucky that the friend I went with used to live in Bucharest, so we could basically say what we wanted to do throughout the holiday, and he would plan the route/day as to where everything was. Also handy as he knew the city, we didn't get lost, and could speak fluent Romanian.
The other part of the trip I found was very different was how Bucharest seemed to be a city of opposites. You would have some beautiful buildings, and then another moment a derelict building. The poor and the businessmen/women. The traditional Romanian food, with the big chains dotted around the city. It added a different charm to the place, a very unique touch that I haven't got from other places I have been to.
Day One
After an early start, we got to Romania about 1:45, and spent the day getting round Romania, enjoying our fabulous hotel (I will take full credit for our brilliant hotel. Just saying.). I tried traditional Romanian food, and getting a general feel for the city. You do notice the tale of opposites in this city very quickly. We went out again that evening to use the metro for the first time, to wander round the shops and get some supplies. Very handy having a shopping centre shut at 10pm. Also they do nice macarons. Just saying.
 |
| My queen enjoying the sun <3 |
Got a lot of stuff done this day. Went to the Natural History Museum, (word of warning: you have to pay to take photos. Don't get caught out.) Ventured out to Herastrau park, where we just chilled out and enjoyed the 22C sunshine. Stuffed our faces full of gorgeous food at lunchtime, visited my friend's old flat, went to the white church, and hung out at the Romanian Atheneum. We didn't bother venturing too far out for dinner, as apparently I had to try this meal at KFC, and we had been pretty busy throughout the day.
Day Three
Went to the History of Romania Museum, where we spent nearly two hours wandering around, enjoying learning about Romania. One of my favourite things is learning, especially about places I am travelling to. My favourite museum in the city. Enjoyed eating Italian food in the sunshine, and wandering around finding little bits to take back for the family. I had also been looking at all these gorgeous patisserie's throughout the city, and finally gave in to temptation and tried some baked treats. Nom. That is all.
Day Four
On our last day in Bucharest, we were able to go out early after breakfast for a last wander around, buying from the patisserie, getting those last minute souvenirs, and stumbled upon a handmade and antique market. Bought some beautiful handmade jewellery, a good reminder of the trip and a unique way to remember Romania.
All in all, Bucharest was an interesting and very different city. Would love to go back in 20 years time to be able to see how much it has developed. A couple of tips if you ever want to go....
-You don't need to bring very much in the way of Lei, it is cheap out there. Admittedly I made a decision not to drink when I was over there, but I don't think it would make much difference. I took £150 worth with me. Probably only needed £100 max
- If you are using the metro, you can get a multiple journey ticket which will save you a fair bit of money. I think it was 10 Lei (£2) for 10 trips.
- There is no map of the metro, so plan your route before you go
- You don't need to know Romanian before you go, but if you can pick up a couple of words it helps
- If you like trawling through duty free, the airport is in Euros. Make sure to bring Euros as well as Lei
- If you want traditional treats to take home, there is a carrefour supermarket that will have it all for the best price
 |
| The balcony of our hotel room |
* La Mama is the main chain of Romanian food if you want something traditional (cabbage rolls are particularly nice)
*Capitol Hotel is where we stayed. Brilliant location to be able to explore the city, and good value for money
* Patisseries. Everywhere. Do it.
* Hard Rock Cafe in Herastrau park is brilliant. Would recommend going for their lunchtime menu if you want a good deal
Time to now plan Budapest!
Saturday, 16 May 2015
Adventures of this week
Well this week I went to Riga with my bestie, and it was my birthday yesterday!
I would definitely recommend a visit to Riga, with its beautiful buildings, great museums, and fab restaurants. The people were absolutely wonderful, always helping us out when we needed it. Felt a bit sorry for this poor woman in the orthodox church, me trying to ask if I could buy incense, with the weirdest hand gestures, at least she saw the funny side!
I would definitely recommend a visit to Riga, with its beautiful buildings, great museums, and fab restaurants. The people were absolutely wonderful, always helping us out when we needed it. Felt a bit sorry for this poor woman in the orthodox church, me trying to ask if I could buy incense, with the weirdest hand gestures, at least she saw the funny side!
We were lucky enough to be there during Riga Restaurant week, being able to have fab three course dinners for 15-20 euros!
I also let the hotel know in advance that I was gluten free. I got given rice cakes to replace the bread, which helped a lot.
I used a spin off recipe from a new blog I found called hungry hinny- Recipe here. I decided to change the recipe slightly, as I am not a fan of coffee, and wanted to use up some cranberries. I also didn't have a food processor to hand, so had to improvise. All good fun!
Have to say on the most part ate pretty healthy out there, as salad and soup is big on the menus. I haven't eaten as well this week as I could have, but I know I will work extra hard next week. I am just grateful I did zumba at least once ;)
My birthday was yesterday, and was lovely to have a nice relaxed day, seeing all my family at some point in the day. I decided this year being my first gluten free year, I would make my own birthday cake. My poor poor friend having to deal with me asking constant questions, as I was determined to get this right.
I used a spin off recipe from a new blog I found called hungry hinny- Recipe here. I decided to change the recipe slightly, as I am not a fan of coffee, and wanted to use up some cranberries. I also didn't have a food processor to hand, so had to improvise. All good fun!
I also make the rookie mistake of trying to whisk the icing sugar straight away. The mess I made...
I think the end result was fab if I say so myself, and was proud it was light and fluffy- something I found difficult with gluten free flour.
I have some improvements to make in the future, but right now I am happy I had a cake I could eat and everyone else enjoy as well!
I am sure I will get better at it in the future, mainly so I don't have to bug people with inane questions. Obviously I won't be doing much practicing, as I'm trying to be good. At least I know I have this cake in the repertoire, which will definitely come out in the future.
Would love to hear about more gluten free recipes, and try some out if you have any :D
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Before I conk out...
I have a serious exercise today! A very short jog this morning (6:45 no less!), gym at 10, then after looking after my brother (he had an inset day today. Yea I dunno why it was in the middle of the week either.) I went back to the gym for a zumba class at 7. My muscles are a bit confused by the experience, but it was a good day. I got to have a lush bath, and relax for goodness knows how long. I think that is a great treat, and if it wasn't for my catarrh coming back YET AGAIN, I would know I smell pretty damn good.
I am in a very relaxed state/tired early for once, and apart from a lady at zumba who tried to patronise me-in a tone you would speak to a child- going "Oh don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon" when frankly zumba is one of the only things sport-wise I'm actually good at, and she was getting most of the moves wrong, I'm all good. That is such a small speck on my day though.
One thing I have realised though, is that North of London syndrome (refer to earlier blog if you haven't come across the term- North of London syndrome) runs in the family. I was looking up a north of London map to help my poor geography skills, again, read the last blog for details, and I was looking at Liverpool and Manchester, and my brother comes out with "Manchester is in Scotland, right?"
Even I know that Manchester is not in Scotland. Oh dear.
I think my facebook map will shed some light. I have travelled to/had more photos taken in other countries than I have in the north of England. I haven't ever been to the neighbouring countries of the British Isles either. Oh dear.
Hopefully travelling up to Old Trafford, and the Millennium stadium for the Olympics will help. A little. At least I am trying, right?
Anyhoo, back to the point. I am looking forward to doing my usual pilates and gym tomorrow, I just gotta hope this catarrh will bugger off before choir.
Fingers crossed! x
I am in a very relaxed state/tired early for once, and apart from a lady at zumba who tried to patronise me-in a tone you would speak to a child- going "Oh don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon" when frankly zumba is one of the only things sport-wise I'm actually good at, and she was getting most of the moves wrong, I'm all good. That is such a small speck on my day though.
One thing I have realised though, is that North of London syndrome (refer to earlier blog if you haven't come across the term- North of London syndrome) runs in the family. I was looking up a north of London map to help my poor geography skills, again, read the last blog for details, and I was looking at Liverpool and Manchester, and my brother comes out with "Manchester is in Scotland, right?"
Even I know that Manchester is not in Scotland. Oh dear.
I think my facebook map will shed some light. I have travelled to/had more photos taken in other countries than I have in the north of England. I haven't ever been to the neighbouring countries of the British Isles either. Oh dear.
Hopefully travelling up to Old Trafford, and the Millennium stadium for the Olympics will help. A little. At least I am trying, right?
Anyhoo, back to the point. I am looking forward to doing my usual pilates and gym tomorrow, I just gotta hope this catarrh will bugger off before choir.
Fingers crossed! x
Monday, 16 January 2012
AUDITION!!!/North of London Syndome
Yesterday, as you could probably tell, I was having a right tantrum. Today just seems to bring amazing opportunities my way.
I finished an application for Halfords, handed it in, and got a phone call at about 5pm asking me for an interview on Friday, (thank you Neil for putting in a good word!!). I have applied to go touring with a indie/gypsy band round the UK and mainland Europe, which will probably include Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. For me this is an opportunity for me to see the world, (well, some of Europe at least). I have been to France, the Canary Islands, and Zante, and I am so desperate to visit more- and my orchestral director in Chichester is fine with it, which means I won't be in the doghouse before I start university again! I got a message from them back asking me to email them, and I've got a flipping audition!!! AHHH!!! :D
I have applied for the pageant, as it isn't exactly going to be bad for my self esteem (and I get a sash :D).
A resolution -which is admittedly very late- that I have made today is to swot up on my geography. Yesterday I was talking to my friend from Manchester, and I really showed how bad I am at geography north of London. I like to call this 'North of London Syndrome', commonly referred to as being a southerner. I know where virtually everything is south of London. I even know the London Underground, but you take me past London and I get all confused :S
I always thought it was just quite cute and nice to live in ignorance of northern geography. Lately I've been feeling like a moron. I have started my studying, (I can hear Jaymie saying "Praise the Lord!") and now know where some of the counties are, and realised that Cumbria is a county, not a city!
Slowly but surely eh...x
I finished an application for Halfords, handed it in, and got a phone call at about 5pm asking me for an interview on Friday, (thank you Neil for putting in a good word!!). I have applied to go touring with a indie/gypsy band round the UK and mainland Europe, which will probably include Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. For me this is an opportunity for me to see the world, (well, some of Europe at least). I have been to France, the Canary Islands, and Zante, and I am so desperate to visit more- and my orchestral director in Chichester is fine with it, which means I won't be in the doghouse before I start university again! I got a message from them back asking me to email them, and I've got a flipping audition!!! AHHH!!! :D
I have applied for the pageant, as it isn't exactly going to be bad for my self esteem (and I get a sash :D).
A resolution -which is admittedly very late- that I have made today is to swot up on my geography. Yesterday I was talking to my friend from Manchester, and I really showed how bad I am at geography north of London. I like to call this 'North of London Syndrome', commonly referred to as being a southerner. I know where virtually everything is south of London. I even know the London Underground, but you take me past London and I get all confused :S
I always thought it was just quite cute and nice to live in ignorance of northern geography. Lately I've been feeling like a moron. I have started my studying, (I can hear Jaymie saying "Praise the Lord!") and now know where some of the counties are, and realised that Cumbria is a county, not a city!
Slowly but surely eh...x
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