When visiting Faster Lente Llamas this weekend- a glamping site with added llamas – I finally exhaled. I felt like the breath that I’d been holding for the past few weeks had finally been released. It was tranquil, it was blissful… and there were llamas. I invite you to explore this amazing experience vicariously through me, and then maybe go and try it for yourself.
My Summer Wishlist: Waves, Caves and Quaint Cottages
I often lose track of what’s important in my busy daily life – something we can all be guilty of. I hyper-focus on things which are meaningless, fill my life with STUFF and don’t spend enough time looking at the world around me with intrigue. So, this year my Summer Wishlist is a pretty short one…
Beating Bathophobia: How do you beat fears of the deep?
If you aren’t scared of anything, are you even human? I have a few irrational fears, the kind that few people share and aren’t based on real explanations (like heights, drowning etc.) I am so disturbed by one of these fears, that I can’t mention it in case friends decide it would be funny to send me pictures of said creatures, my other is bathophobia.
Bathophobia; is a fear of unknown depths. (Not a fear of baths.) Places of utter blackness deep beneath the world, and my particular phobia relates to water too. I often get bad dreams about the vastness of the sea and rivers that defy gravity and surround me. I’d promised myself I’d address this fear and so this week when going on a trip to the Peak District I decided to face my fear!
Major Adulting: Salome at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Part of my 30 goals to complete over the next two years involves going to see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. I chose Salome by Oscar Wilde as he is one of my favourite writers. So here’s my write up – a chance for me to exercise my long-lost analytical skills and offer a mini-review of the play. The play is described as “a tragedy in one act”. For a plot write up you can click here but otherwise, let’s carry on!
Gender Bending, Done Right
Major Adulting: First ever Hen Weekend!
Last weekend I experienced my first ever Bristol Hen Weekend! One of my good friends is getting married in July (for which I have bridesmaid duties!) and this weekend was her send-off. It was an awesome experience and one I’ll never forget. It was completely different to anything I’ve ever done…
Major Adulting: 6 Month Blogging Successes and Goals
I can’t believe how fast these 6 months have gone… This been a big success so far for me but I’ve still got a long way to go with it. So here are some of the reasons why I’d consider these blogging successes, why it was a great choice for me, and why I’d encourage you all to do the same!
Broadening my horizons
Starting this blog means I now look at everything with a bit more active thought. I plan better and somehow I see things more clearly than before. By actively trying my best to find content, I am also making sure I don’t waste a single opportunity. Sunrise Horizon Image above by the talented Mr Schild.
Finding my voice
We all use different voices when we speak to one another and I wrote a post previously about my online voice. I didn’t want to change myself based on my perceived readership and I am glad that I’ve been able to stick with my roots but also get more in tune with my writing style!
I can do Science, me!
I’ve had a love for Astronomy and Science in general for a long time, but since school, it’s been put on the back-burner to my other hobbies (mainly sleeping). Blogging means I have to research key concepts in order to blog about them. I also love English Lit/writing so… it’s an obvious choice!
Facebook Schmacebook
I don’t have to compartmentalise or restructure my thoughts to fit into a Facebook post. I have a big mouth and a lot to say! With blogging, I can say exactly what I feel and not have to edit myself too much. (Although to be honest, I am at an awful disadvantage to Facebook in that I need it to get my posts to you!)
Learning to adapt
I am a little neurotic, very hectic and lack focus most of the time! Since I began to log my thoughts I’ve learnt to structure my life and I’ve never been more creative in such a short time! Now to take my creativity to new levels and adapting myself more to fill my time with learning new things!
Improving my Photography Skills
When I go anywhere now, I am always thinking of the best composition for the photos I take. No more “family photo” pictures on holidays and trips – I am trying to capture what’s interesting to the eye and it’s driving me to improve my skills!
Remembering the good times
I often don’t remember all the amazing things that I’ve done – I am always waiting for the next big thing. By blogging my thoughts and logging my experiences it means I get to look back on all the fun things I do and realise how lucky I am to have done them!
So here’s to another 6 months of blogging successes! I’ve got a lot of things to improve on but I am getting there. I’ll just continue to be open-minded, open-hearted and keep striving to achieve new things!
Alternative Amsterdam Trip – A Photo Story
Time for the most photo-heavy post ever as I’ve just returned from Amsterdam! We had a brilliant time trying to get a good alternative Amsterdam experience that isn’t just getting high or visiting the tourist traps. Here are just a few main points on the things I found the best (and the worst) from the little cross-section we got.
As always all my own opinion – unsponsored and completely biased.
Arrival Day
Room Mate Aitana
Alternative Amsterdam Museum Day
Shamelessly drunk in the daytime…

Moving on, we walked back up through the Red Light District in the early evening and the atmosphere had changed dramatically. The pubs were overflowing, smoke filled the air, the lights were glaring and the ladies were out in force (it wasn’t even 6-pm). Of course, there were no pictures allowed but I have to say it should be on everyone’s travel bucket list!
Frugal Day
Killing Time Highlights
We saw the outdoor chess board in tribute to the famous Dutch Chess Player Max Euwe with a little group playing chess in the sun.
We stopped by a little fast food place called Febo where you can get croquettes. They were served from vending machines and they were super tasty. Kinda like pie filling in breadcrumbs. Mmmm.
We visited the IAmsterdam sign and the Modern Art Gallery gift shop which was full of amazing art and design literature. It made me realise we need a bigger library…

Science Day

Shops and Pop Socks: A Geek’s Guide to Visiting Brighton
As I spent last weekend visiting Brighton, I decided to do a quick review of what I’ve learnt about it over my many trips there! Brighton is like my home from home – I feel like I really belong there and if I could, I’d happily live there. I have visited at all times of the year, doing “the tourist thing” and also exploring with friends that live nearby, which helps when you’re trying to find out the places where the locals go!
So here is a very brief guide to visiting Brighton – where to go, what to see and sometimes where to give a miss (despite the hype). Every time I visit I am exploring more and more, so I am sure there will be updates as I go! As always, my completely biased and unsponsored opinion -please feel free to completely disagree!
Sights to See
Street art
Street artists in Brighton are extremely talented. You won’t find just scribbled tags here – every alleyway (and sometimes the frontages) are covered with artwork. Every time I visit the walls have changed and new artwork has appeared. It just makes everything just that little more interesting and vibrant.
The South Lanes (at night and in the day)
The reason I’ve put the lanes in the sights category is that they can be very busy – too busy to even get a look-in at the shops! If you’re going there in the day I’d recommend a weekday, and I’d also say, bring lots of money… It’s home to the famous ChoccyWoccyDooDah and other awesome establishments.
In the evening, it’s really atmospheric – walking through on a warm Saturday night I came across glowing little restaurants, iconic pubs and bars and really talented buskers setting the scene for us.
Snooper’s Paradise
Another place I’ve put in the sights category rather than the “buy” – it’s great if you are out to buy some awesome curiosities but, I never have enough money to spend! I think one reason for the pricing is its commercialism, but it is the ultimate bric-a-brac store. It’s a treasure trove of quirky stuff! If you’re there for the unusual then definitely worth a purchase, but if not then do shop around first!
The Seafront
I will forego the cliché pictures of the burned down pier… But seriously there are some cool things to see on the sea-front. The pier, the permanent carousel, the pub that looks like a ship, the kissing picture, the big… doughnut thing? Awesome.
Places to Buy All the Things
Churchill Square (and the surrounding area)
The main shopping centre for Brighton, which has all of the core shops you’d expect on the high street – plus some extras! The Lego Store, Pylones and Scribbler (to name but a few they don’t have in my city)… I even enjoy high-street shopping more when visiting Brighton than at home!
North Laine
Coming from a city deprived of any real ‘alternative’ shops, when I visit the North Laine I tend to spend ALL of my money! Everything is so colourful and different to anywhere else I’ve seen! Camden eat your heart out! There are no cheap crappy remakes and big chains here – each shop is unique and wonderful. Another place to visit on a weekday.
This is Not a Butchers (etc.)
The name, the weird and funny stuff to buy – just a great little shop filled with quirky gifts. I told myself I wouldn’t name any specific shop to go and buy things in but, this one is just really cool. To make it a bit fairer, I will also mention I love to shop in Tuff Tarts, LUST! and Pussy too. (Yes, they’re the actual names.)
Eateries and Drinking Establishments
Burgers and Cocktails
I find it difficult to put the label “the best burger I’ve ever had” onto any burger, but Burgers and Cocktails has to be one of the most memorably awesome burger joint experiences EVER. Their nachos are to die for, their fries – sublime, and don’t get me started on the cocktails. They were half price for happy hour so my friend and I tried four as a matter of course. No regrets!
The Mesmerist
This place is just the best! It’s got an amazing atmosphere, and even more amazing mixologists. They play old school jazz, rock and roll and blues music. I am yet to go when they’re hosting an event / live band but it’s on the list! I didn’t take any pictures here because I was too busy dancing my pop socks off!
La Choza
As soon as you hit the Lanes coming from the train station, you come across La Choza. The amazing smell of burritos hit you as soon as you pass it and on more than one occasion it’s drawn me in! I’ve heard there’s also a La Choza kitchen at the Hare and Hound pub should the restaurant itself be too busy.
The North/South Lanes
I cannot name these few places above without giving a bit of a catch-all header for all the other amazing independent restaurants and cafes. There is such a vast choice available that I couldn’t write down all the places I’ve been to/have yet to go to! My advice to you is; get off the high-street, go to the lanes and just follow your nose!
Places to do Nothing at all
Brighton Pavillion
The gardens surrounding the Pavillion are great to visit in the summer – just to chill and not do a lot. I’ve not been inside yet, but the outside is just stunning! There are always (super talented) buskers playing soft/jazzy music as you relax in the sun – Bliss!
The Beach
Rent a deck-chair, have some fish and chips and do absolutely nothing at all! Visiting Brighton’s stony beach means no sand between your toes (yuck); you can just enjoy the sea. Coming from a landlocked city I definitely appreciate it!
Visiting Brighton…
…is a new experience every time. Over the last 4 years, I’ve been countless times and loved every moment. I never felt like I was doing the same old thing or felt out of place!
I could continue but I feel like you need to explore for yourselves if you haven’t been already!
If you have been I’d love to know your thoughts and recommendations on some good places to visit!
Until next time,
Amy
Major Adulting: A weekday trip to West Midlands Safari Park
My best friend and I really needed a break from being adults with full-time jobs so we decided to chill out amongst the animals for a day. So this week’s post is just a little summary of my trip to West Midland Safari Park!
It was the best idea ever – a chilly Thursday in February meant no people, no swarms of children, no sweltering in cars in a queue… We could just leisurely drive at our own pace around the park and there were no battles for space to view the animals. All the animals were energetic and curious (likely due to waking up a bit after the quiet winter) and so we had some really amazing interactions with quite a lot of them!
I will let the pictures speak for themselves but here are just a few Safari Park highlights!
- Feeding the deer and giving them all silly names and personas
- Getting bitten by an overzealous zebra
- Being surrounded by little red fox-like animals
- Being closer than I’ve ever been to a lion (about 1 metre or so!)
- Having birds land on our heads and nibble us!
We also vlogged for most of the day and recorded some of our closer encounters so I will edit and upload a video soon!
Without further ado… The photos!
So there you have it- The Safari Park!
Our day at the Safari Park was a success. It was a much-needed rest and so much fun. We missed the meerkats and lemurs because we arrived too late but we got free return tickets. (Bonus!)
I want to make sure to do things like this a lot more! Hope you like the photos!
Which are your favourites?
Amy
Major Adulting: Visiting Romania Part 2 – House of Dracula, Haute Cuisine and Home
So where we left off in Visiting Romania Part 1, I was extremely tired. I didn’t write an entry before bed because I had been awake with very little sleep for around 36 hours. This is the part where things start to pick up… but I’ll let the diary entries and the images speak for themselves. Needless to say, it was an experience – and one which I will never forget!
Day 3
8 am (Feels like 5 am)
Last night I didn’t report before bed as I just needed a solid 8 hours! This morning I still feel disoriented but it’s not so bad… Breakfast was great because there was Nesquik. Whenever I’m in mainland Europe, I find I seek out the comforts of home. (Even though I am aware Nesquik is not English!) Off to the factory today to do some more training.
10.30am
Training people can be a trial when you have a language barrier. I mean, a big barrier. My colleague can show them as it’s a practical thing but I’ve got to explain procedures and it’s a bit more difficult. Often you can tell if someone understands or not because they look confused but it’s difficult if they look confused regardless because they’re processing your accent!
2pm
I pointed out that her nails looked good. She said that in other countries when they have money they “buy furniture and things”, but in Romania, if they have excess money then they make their nails look good! I didn’t expect this kind of explanation on a passing comment. It seems that they don’t treat themselves often. It made me feel thankful for all I have back home.
3pm
6pm
11pm
I tried red wine and actually enjoyed it! It was called Vardo Patima Serii or “The Flame of the Night”. They also do drinks based around water, air and earth – I LOVE anything to do with the elements and my inner branding nerd likes this. I am going to have to try them all…
We had a lovely evening with our host. The food was wonderful, the company was great. We visited Dracula’s house and the surrounding area. It was so icy and they don’t really grit the paths so everything was super slippy! We had a great laugh walking down the hill and sliding everywhere. I can imagine this place is really iconic and is a lovely place to visit in the summer.Today has been the highlight of the trip. It was so beautiful and I enjoyed every minute.




Day 4 -The last Day
9 am
It was lovely to say goodbye to the ladies and see how much progress they’d made thanks to my colleague. Everything seems to be in hand and I feel like we have accomplished what we set out to do! The people here are very friendly and they all gave us 2 kisses on the cheek to say goodbye. I am really optimistic that this venture will be a success! Time to pack up and go home – it’s a bittersweet feeling.