Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Our first destination in Portugal was Belém, a relatively short distance from the city centre of Lisbon. We decided to take the electric tram 15E…and so did what seemed like millions of others. My goodness, it was probably the worst tram ride in my life. In retrospect, travelling by tuktuk would have been more comfortableContinueContinue reading “Padrão dos Descobrimentos”

Aussie cowgirl

It’s cold and grey today, and I can’t help but reminisce about past travels and amazing adventures. In 2002, I travelled to Australia for the first time. I was a recent graduate, and I just needed to get away from regular life and escape to a world of exploration. I didn’t have anything planned, not even my first nightContinueContinue reading “Aussie cowgirl”

A traveller’s indulgences

I’ll just throw it out here: I love food. 🙂 When I try things abroad, I tend to get some kind of memory attached to eating or drinking those things. Like L&P, lemon pepper or Tim Tams. Since I work hard for the money that I earn, I decided to treat myself a little here andContinueContinue reading “A traveller’s indulgences”

Dublin part 3: botanic gardens

On our last morning in Dublin, we squeezed in a visit to the National Botanic Gardens, which were not far from the Airbnb we were staying at. It was another sunny day. We truly have been so lucky with the gorgeous weather we’ve had throughout our stay. Visiting Ireland is a bucket list item ofContinueContinue reading “Dublin part 3: botanic gardens”

Dublin part 2: ancient Ireland

When we had lunch in a pub on our first full day in Dublin, someone in our group suggested doing some kind of organised tour the next day. She had collected some flyers and passed them around. As soon as I saw the flyer of Mary Gibbon’s Newgrange Tours, I got SO excited! I learntContinueContinue reading “Dublin part 2: ancient Ireland”

Dublin part 1: herding cats

My friends are an international bunch; I know several people from all over the world, and I love it! Some of those friends I only see at a charity event we attend in London every 18 months or so. At the last event, we talked about spending some time together before the next event. ThatContinueContinue reading “Dublin part 1: herding cats”

This ain’t goodbye, it’s not where our story ends

They say all good things must come to an end. I often ask myself why that has to be. It was an amazing six weeks in a country I deeply love. Despite all the setbacks I’ve had to endure (pneumonia, busted knees, tendon inflammation in my wrist), I stayed positive and enjoyed every moment. Okay,ContinueContinue reading “This ain’t goodbye, it’s not where our story ends”

Don’t stay too long, bro, there’s nothing to do there

People weren’t exactly exaggerating when they said I shouldn’t stay too long in Invercargill because there wouldn’t be anything to do there. The thing is, I had to stop there on my way back from Stewart Island. The initially planned two nights were already reduced to one, and that was fine. I picked the only BBHContinueContinue reading “Don’t stay too long, bro, there’s nothing to do there”