So, this past weekend I went to Scotland for a long weekend. We (me, my sister and our bff) flew from Gatwick to Edinburgh and spent a few days between Edinburgh and the cute little town of Crieff.
We had a great time in Scotland. Amazingly, there was a heatwave, it was sunny and mega hot the whole time we were there while there were thunderstorms back home xD
The scenery was breathtaking, of course, and the architecture was so beautiful. But we discovered something else – Scottish people are so friendly, and the guys were cute too LOL. We made some great friends up there and we’re hoping to go back again in the winter time.
View from the top of Edinburgh Castle
I fell in love with this architecture 🙂 Isn’t it beautiful?OK so I never post pictures of myself on the internet…but I figured this one is OK as it’s only from behind xD my sister took it as I was snapping pictures of the views and it made for a kind of iconic picture!
Tackling going to New Zealand by myself was a big big thing for me. As the name of my domain would suggest, I’m quite timid, very shy, and don’t have any real confidence. And, coming from the UK, New Zealand is pretty much the furthest place you can go.
I had only ever flown once before, and that was with someone, so I was in their hands. Flying so far completely on my own – with a stopover in Hong Kong too, I’ll add – was the most terrifying thought to me. In my own opinion, I’m really not the sharpest tool in the shed (though of course my family waste endless amounts of energy trying to convince me “you’re not stupid, you’re just a bit ditzy!”) In fact, I would go as far to say I have about as much common sense as your average 4 month old kitten, although I may be giving myself too much credit there, or perhaps not giving most 4 month old kittens enough. I was truly terrified of doing such an unknown and enormous thing on my own.
Nonetheless, I was determined. I knew that people around me didn’t think I would be able to do it, and this made me want to do it more. So, I did it. I of course wandered around like a lost puppy asking anyone that would talk to me where to go, what to do, where am I, how do I do this, but I did it.
I have some wonderful kind friends in New Zealand that were lovely enough to let me stay with them for 4.5 weeks and show me around the South Island where they live. Some of the incredible things I did included a gondola ride up a mountain and a speedboat ride, not to mention hiking up Mount Nimrod and witnessing an avalanche on Mount Cook (it was only a small one, but hey, it was pretty cool). Some of the places I visited included Timaru, Lake Tekapo, Oamoru, The Moeraki Boulders, Arrowtown, Queenstown and I’m sure there are more I’m forgetting. Of course, being away from those I love for over a month was hard, but what an absolutely fantastic experience I had. I jetted off from Heathrow on 19 December 2017, and I came home on 23 January 2018.
Lake TekapoRocky stream around Mount Cook trailTimaru High StreetArrowtownCaroline Bay, TimaruQueenstown landscapeMount Nimrod hidden waterfall – this took my breath away it was so magicalStart of the Hooker Valley trail around Mount CookMist over the mountains in GlenorchyLake Wakatipu in QueenstownGlenorchy landscapeQueenstown shoppingGlenorchy was phenomenalÂ
Wales is a gorgeous country and it’s not too far from home. I went there in June of 2017 when there was a wonderful heatwave going on throughout the UK. I was able to enjoy the rolling countryside, the sea, the lakes and rivers all with rays of sunshine (oh, and some sunburn too). Our accommodation was a quaint little farm in Ceredigion. I did discover paddle boarding during this trip, which, unlike most thinks “physical activity” related, I was actually good at! (Better than my brother which is an achievement!)
It’s a bit of a drive from England to Wales, but in my mind that’s great because you get the wonderful views once you get out of the city and into the countryside. Even if you’re a city kinda person and not so much a farms and tractors person, you’d still love this kind of relaxing atmosphere. Some of the places we visited were made so much prettier by the amazing weather we had during the trip. All in all, it was a magical experience.
New Quay on a sunny dayNew Quay MarineCeredigion private little coveWe were able to spot a dolphin or two out in the distance from here
My first ever trip (yes, first ever – I had never left my own home country before the age of 19) was in March 2017. Some of the areas that I visited included Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. This trip was such a whirlwind of emotion, both good and bad. Unfortunately, being young, naive and a little bit too carefree meant it wasn’t as plain sailing as I’d hoped, but it was still a great experience and I’m glad I was able to visit such a beautiful striking country for my first abroad trip.
Views coming over FloridaBye bye England!TulumThe resort beachThe resort staff were so kind and talented and made theseTulumPlaya Del Carmen shoppingPlaya Del Carmen
Han's Adventures 