tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37641093734371253992024-03-05T01:00:52.925-08:00D O O D L E S & D A Y D R E A M SA little blog of happy thoughtsBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-91117299968143680152018-05-14T04:19:00.002-07:002018-05-14T06:40:27.651-07:00Thailand Part Two - Temples, Trains and Terrible Fortunes in Ayutthaya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As a nature girl at heart,</span> I was looking forward to escaping the concrete jungle of Bangkok and heading somewhere a little greener. I'd enjoyed <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/thailand-part-one-khaos-on-khao-san-road.html">my time in the big city</a>, but a bit of peace was needed. It was time to head up north!<br />
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After an evening slump feeling a bit sorry for myself for being back on my own again now that the Bangkok crew had split, I woke the next morning feeling energised and ready for the adventure ahead. I checked out of my hostel, shared a delicious bowl of spicy noodle soup for breakfast with an enthusiastic, elephant pant-wearing backpacker, before meeting the group I'd be travelling up north with. <br />
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For the duration of my time in north Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, I had booked onto a hop-on hop-off bus with <a href="https://www.straytravel.asia/">Stray Asia</a>. Feeling a bit nervous about travelling solo for the first time, I decided to ease myself in with an organised bus rather than jumping into the deep end completely on my own. This way, I could gradually get a feel for travel within South East Asia for the first couple of months, safe in the knowledge that I had a safety net should I need it, yet still have the freedom to book my own accommodation, choose my own activities, and leave the bus whenever and for however long I wanted. By the time my tour came to an end and I started my independently-arranged travels, I knew I'd be able to handle it.<br />
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Our first stop from Bangkok was to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, where, after a lunch of the spiciest tear-inducing Thai green curry I'd ever had in my life (just a head's up, the mild Thai green curry that is popular here in the UK is not a thing in Thailand), we boarded a wooden boat for a ride along the Chao Phraya River to visit some of Ayutthaya's famous temples. <br />
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Thailand's hidden archaeological gem, Ayutthaya is a treasure trove of stunning ancient Buddhist architecture dating back to 1350. The second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, it flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, growing to become one of the world's largest urban areas of the time. However, after an attack from the Burmese army in 1767, it was burned to the ground and completely abandoned. What was once the centre of global commerce, was left as a forgotten ruin. Though the city was never rebuilt in the same location, many of the ruined temples and monasteries remain, giving an insight into the splendour of the city's past. <br />
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We floated up the murky brown water of the river, passing by small ramshackle huts and stilted houses lining the banks as smiling locals waved to us, and made our way to our first temple: Wat Chaiwatthanaram. <br />
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As one of my first Buddhist temples, it certainly didn't disappoint. Rising from a lush green field, I immediately noted its similarity to Cambodia's Angkor Wat - no coincidence it turns out, as it was built in the same Khmer style popular during the times. Sitting on a raised platform with eight towering chapels ("chedis") surrounding a 35-metre-tall tower ("prang") and 120 Buddha statues, it was one of Ayutthaya's grandest temples and inspired the design of many others. However, along with the rest of the city, it fell into decay and became the site of much destruction and looting before it was finally protected and made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.<br />
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We wandered through the ruins, passing through secret passageways decorated with faded paintings of Buddha's life and imagining the past opulence of the temple. However, the dark history is ever present, with rows of blackened headless and armless Buddha statues eerily lining the corridors - a sign of the thieves who looted the treasures once hidden inside.<br />
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We hopped back in the boat, grateful for the refreshing breeze as we sped down the river to our next temple: Wat Panan Choeng.<br />
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Built in 1324, at centre stage sits an enormous 19-metre-tall golden Buddha statue, enshrined in a large assembly hall lined with 84,000 small Buddha images. According to legend, tears were seen falling from the eyes of the giant Buddha just before Ayutthaya was attacked by the Burmese.<br />
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In contrast to Chaiwatthanaram, this temple is still used today, and as we wandered through the hall we were lucky enough to observe a prayer ceremony taking place before the giant Buddha. A cloud of incense surrounded us as we watched enormous robes of orange thrown and wrapped around the statue by the peaceful worshippers gathered beneath.<br />
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Once the ceremony had finished, our guide took us to have our fortune told. Rather than the typical old woman with a glass ball, we were told to kneel and shake a pot containing multiple sticks until one worked it's way out and fell on the floor. On the stick was a number, which matched to a fortune written on paper. As someone who's always been fascinated with horoscopes and fortunes, I was excited to find out what mine said, assuming that as a peaceful religion, all Buddhist fortunes must of course be good! The excitement was short-lived when my guide translated it to me. Apparently I was going to get sick, that I should avoid travelling at night, and that I can't escape my bad luck - just what you want to hear on your first solo travel trip!<br />
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After waving to some very enthusiastic Thai school children keen to practice their English on us, it was time to board the boat and head back up the river, where the afternoon was spent exploring the local market and sampling delicious lychees and mangosteens. In the evening we hopped into a tuk-tuk and flew through the traffic to the train station, where, against my fortune's warnings, we would be boarding our 12 hour overnight sleeper train.<br />
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As the train finally pulled into the station, we rushed on board with the crowds of other passengers. My expectations of Slumdog Millionaire-style trains were thankfully proven wrong when we were pleasantly surprised by our own beds complete with curtain, pillow, sheet, free water and window - luxury!<br />
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It certainly beat a lot of hostel beds I would stay in over the next 8 months!<br />
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Next stop - Chiang Mai!</div>
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Love,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
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<b><u>Tips: </u></b></div>
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<b>Stray Asia</b><br />
For my time in North Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, I booked onto the <a href="https://www.straytravel.asia/passes-and-tours/hop-on-hop-off/mekong-pass/">Mekong Pass</a> with <a href="https://www.straytravel.asia/">Stray Asia</a> through <a href="http://www.statravel.co.uk/">STA Travel</a>. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">STA almost always has some sort of discount going on for the different Stray passes, so keep an eye out to avoid having to unnecessarily pay full price. </span>Although my chosen route covered a minimum of 27 days, the pass itself is valid for a year, so I was on it for about 2 months by hopping off the bus in various places. <br />
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<u><i>Pros: </i></u><br />
- Easy to organise and arrange any days I'd hop off the bus (as long as Stray are notified of the itinerary changes)<br />
- All transport arranged<br />
- Friendly and knowledgeable guides<br />
- Hostels and activities are arranged by guides<br />
- Good way to meet other travellers<br />
- Freedom to hop off in any place of your choice<br />
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<u><i>Cons:</i></u><br />
- Cheaper hostels and services can be arranged yourself<br />
- Limited buses available during off peak season (there were only 2 buses available per week during my trip, which meant if I hopped off anywhere I would have to wait at least 5 days in the same place until the next bus arrived, which often was much too long!)<br />
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<b>Train</b><br />
Take a jumper! The air-conditioning gets super cold. Also, pack an eye mask. In my carriage they didn't turn off the bridge lights during the whole journey.<br />
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-76764511212344537622018-04-22T12:03:00.002-07:002018-04-22T13:42:49.981-07:00Thailand Part One - Khaos on Khao San Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">For most people,</span> if you think of Bangkok, you'll probably think of Khao San Road. Or <i>The Hangover 2</i>, which I haven't watched but assumed the title would inevitably be relatable. Hopefully not the face tattoo though.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>After speaking to the people who work and live there throughout my travels, it became evident that there is so much more to Bangkok than the hedonistic backpacker haven / tourist trap of Khao San Road, but as a new traveller just arrived in the capital from London with 3 hours of sleep and the onset of jet lag, I wasn't quite ready to leave the backpacker scene just yet. Throw in a good measure of culture shock and I shamefully only strayed the mile or so radius of my hostel once during my stay!<br />
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After 12 hours of flying, 4 films, 3 TV episodes, plenty of free wine and even more free food (which I eventually had to turn down - a true sign of the extent of my travel nerves!), I finally touched down in Bangkok. I'd had my first blast of heat during my midnight layover in Doha, but nothing could prepare me for the hot humid Thai air that hit me as soon as I stepped off the plane. A swift pass through immigration and the baggage collection point, and I was finally on my way into the city.<br />
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The hot air didn't last long though, as the heavens opened and I had my first experience of a tropical downpour. And man, did it pour! Suddenly I didn't mind about getting stuck in the rush hour traffic and spending a bit longer in the taxi. This was to become a recurring theme in Bangkok, when around 4pm everyday, there would be a flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder, and for an hour the streets would be flooded with a deluge of monsoon-like rain. The English drizzle was nothing compared to this! As the first raindrops appeared, so did my regrets about deciding to travel South East Asia during rainy season, but I soon realised it was actually a blessing in disguise. Far from being a nuisance, I began to look forward to this quick interval of relief from the sticky heat, as soon enough the sun would be beating down again and the streets would dry up as if nothing had ever happened.<br />
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We pulled up outside my hostel down a little side street just a few blocks from Khao San Road, and I hopped out, swung my backpack on and made my way to reception, awkwardly smiling at other travellers as I went. Soon I was being shown around by a friendly Australian, who left me in my dorm with an invitation to happy hour downstairs at the bar. I slumped down on my bed in a heap... and remained there. Suddenly it hit me that I was actually here in Thailand, about 9,500 km from home, and completely on my own. What on earth was I doing? The nerves which had left me on the plane were back and, far from wanting to go out and explore my new environment, the temptation to just go to bed and pretend it wasn't happening was high. The last thing I wanted to do was go downstairs and attempt small talk with strangers at the bar. But after a quick pep talk to pull myself together and a reminder that I was here to push myself out of my comfort zone, I took a deep breath and made my way downstairs.<br />
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As with most things, it turned out I needn't have worried, as I was only awkwardly scanning the room for potential friend-targets for approximately 1 minute, before a girl took pity and invited me over to come drink with the hostel workers. It wasn't long before I was making the rounds and sitting with a new group who would go on to become my Bangkok crew for the rest of my stay. Multiple Changs and a game of drinking Jenga later, it was difficult to believe that just a few hours ago I was worrying about how I would meet people!<br />
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Before I knew it, I found myself stood amongst the flashing lights and booming chart music of, you guessed it, Khao San Road. Rather than the exotic, other-worldly experience I'd been expecting, I felt like I had zoomed straight back in time to my 19-year-old gals' holiday walking down the Magaluf strip.<br />
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Just a few hours into my Thailand adventure I was already ticking off the backpacker clichés one-by-one as, with a bucket of God-knows-what in hand<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span>we approached a tiny Thai lady selling an array of BBQ'd scorpions on a tray. Embracing the "say yes" attitude, I sampled a pincer (I may be all for new experiences but judging by the others' reactions, I wasn't quite ready for the whole thing). Crunchy, chewy, and pretty much all shell, this was one local speciality I was happy to try just the once. I was now just one pair of elephant pants away from having the full backpacker bingo set!<br />
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The rest of the night was spent dancing in the street with the crowds of other sweaty tourists (or, in the case of one of the Bangkok crew, warding off lady boys) before crawling back to the hostel in the early hours of the morning, ready to catch up on all those hours lost in the change of time zone.<br />
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The next day started fairly late, sleeping off the remainders of jet lag and a banging hangover. Ready to face the concrete jungle, I peeled myself out of bed and joined the rest of the crew for lunch in a little riverside tavern, enjoying a very authentic meal of club sandwich.<br />
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One of the first things that you notice about Bangkok is the smell. As my first Asian city, a whole host of foreign smells, sights and sounds hit me as we ventured outside during the day - and not all of them were pleasant. There's no denying it, Bangkok is a dirty city. A cacophony of tooting horns became the soundtrack of the city, while exhaust fumes from the hoards of cars and tuk-tuks poured out into the smoggy air. As we ate our lunch, wafts of hot sewage would float past us, and we watched, mouths open, as a young boy splashed around in the opaque brown waters of the litter-strewn river flowing beneath us. After travelling around South East Asia for 4 months, these unfamiliar smells and sights became a normal part of most, if not all, of the capital cities, and it was soon easy to look past them and see all the good things instead. However, in those first few days in Bangkok, it was something I struggled to adjust to, and only lent to the permanent state of culture shock I found myself in.<br />
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After an afternoon sheltering from the heavy rain with a game of Scrabble, a couple of friendly flying squirrels, and some local children throwing firecrackers at us, I was ready for an early night, agreeing to a bedtime tipple of just one Chang...<br />
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But suddenly I was back on Khao San Road again. Those damn Changs! We didn't stay there long though as we hopped into our first tuk-tuks, racing each other through the traffic like we were in a surreal game of Mario Kart with flashing lights and Justin Bieber hits. The roads began to empty as we arrived at what appeared to be the seedy side of the city, where we had agreed to experience another one of Bangkok's notorious sights - the ping pong show. I'll leave this one to the imagination as the less said about it the better, though it was a sight I definitely would not have regretted missing out on. Knowing the corruption and exploitation of the women who are involved in this industry heightened my guilt of seeing it even more. It was a lesson I learnt early on that just because something is a popular tourist attraction, it doesn't make it OK to go to. After a bucket or two of vodka lemonades to erase the images from my mind, I promised myself to ensure that the rest of the experiences I had on my trip would be ethical ones.<br />
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The next day, I ventured beyond Khao San Road to explore the more cultural side of what Bangkok had to offer. We aimlessly wandered for hours, escaping the frenzy of the streets within the peaceful walls of Buddhist temples, where we watched monks clad in orange robes go about their daily chores and prayers amongst serene golden Buddha statues and an aromatic cloud of incense. We browsed the assortment of patterned clothes and souvenirs displayed on the rows of market stalls, and we covered our noses as we walked through hot narrow alleys of fishmongers hidden underneath corrugated metal panels, stepping over the day's, or possibly yesterday's, catches while swatting away the swarms of flies that buzzed around us. Finally, after a pretty poor attempt at bartering over the backpacker staple of a sarong, we reached our destination of the day: the Royal Palace. Only to be turned away at the entrance. It turns out we had severely underestimated the strict dress code, and my patterned trousers and sarong-over-shoulders combo was not appropriate wear for a royal residence - I don't blame them really, it was a pretty dismal fashion faux pas. So it was a tuk-tuk back to the hostel!<br />
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Finally my time in Bangkok had come to an end. I had certainly started my trip off with a bang, but this nature girl was looking forward to escaping the crazy city life and heading somewhere a bit greener. I waved goodbye to my Bangkok crew as we went our separate ways across the country, sad at the thought that goodbyes like these would become a recurring theme throughout my trip. <br />
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And I was back on my own. But I couldn't be sad about it for too long as it was time for the next chapter of Thailand - to the North!<br />
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Love, <span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
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(While in Bangkok, I stayed at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293916-d6481989-Reviews-Back_Home_Backpackers-Bangkok.html">Back Home Backpackers</a> at about £8 a night - a basic but very friendly and sociable hostel located down a quiet road just 10 minutes from Khao San Road. <i>Tip:</i> you can order food from the restaurant just a few metres away and have it sent to the hostel to eat!)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-2423094087190298762018-04-09T01:57:00.000-07:002018-04-09T01:57:56.865-07:00Why I Travelled 8 Months On My Own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I did it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
I quit my job, I bought a one way ticket, and I flew to the other side of the world.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/elephant-jungle-sanctuary-chiang-mai.html" target="_blank">played with elephants in Thailand</a>, I drove a scooter around Vietnam, I explored the Malaysian jungle, I surfed in Australia, and I climbed mountains in New Zealand.<br />
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And I did it by myself!<br />
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Before I went away I wrote <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/time-for-adventure.html" target="_blank">a post</a> saying how solo travel had always seemed impossible to me. Up until I jumped on that plane, it still felt impossible. I remember so clearly how completely terrified I was before I left, crying on my own in the toilets at Heathrow airport as I waited to board my flight to Bangkok. To be honest, my 6 month target seemed like an unreachable task, and I didn't think I'd last longer than half of that. I had a list of countries and a rough idea of the route I'd take, and that was it. How was I ever going to make this work?<br />
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But my winging it was successful, and 8 months later, here I am sat back home in my lounge having returned a week ago, pinching myself to prove that it wasn't all just some crazy whirlwind dream.<br />
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I've done a lot over the last 8 months. I spent 4 of them exploring South East Asia, following the "banana pancake trail" of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, before heading down through Malaysia and Singapore. A slight diversion by a volcanic eruption changed my plans, and I spent a month travelling up Australia's East coast, building up a cracking tan as I went. Another change of plans saw me spending 2 months driving around and falling in love with New Zealand, before finally ending my trip with a quick visit to Sri Lanka. <br />
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I've done a lot and I've seen a lot. I completely pushed myself out of my comfort zone and challenged myself every single day. I spent all of my money, but I gained even more memories and learnt a lot of valuable lessons. And I can honestly say I've never been prouder of myself for what I've achieved.<br />
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So why did I have to do it on my own? Well, for one, there wasn't anyone to come with me! But mainly, because I <u>wanted</u> to do it on my own.<br />
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Like many people, I've always struggled with self doubt. Everything I did was accompanied with a thought that I wasn't good enough. So I went on this trip on my own to get rid of all of those thoughts that I couldn't do it and prove to myself that, actually, I could.<br />
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I won't pretend that it's been easy, and it certainly wasn't as glamorous as most social media makes out. I found myself in situations that made me question why I was doing it, and I almost booked a flight home multiple times. But without the bad stuff, there wouldn't be any of the good, and if I had to choose between both or neither, then the bad was certainly worth it. And besides, it would be boring without a challenge!<br />
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I've had a lot of people express their disbelief at what I was doing. People asked if I was scared. They asked if I was lonely. They said how they could never do what I was doing, or that they wanted to but they were afraid. I feel like these words from Cheryl Strayed are a good response:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"So much of the most important things I've ever done in my life that have actually enriched my life all happened because I decided that I wasn't going to let fear hold me back... Being fearless is not being unafraid, it's existing with your fear."</span></i></div>
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Was I scared? Of course. Did I get lonely? Yes. But I wasn't always scared, and I wasn't always lonely. Because I learnt to move past these things and continue despite them. By travelling on my own and having no one to rely on apart from myself, I couldn't let fear or loneliness hold me back or overwhelm me, because if I did I wouldn't have made it through those 8 months. I wouldn't have even stepped on that plane in the first place. And my dreams would remain just that - dreams. Once I realised that I could move past this fear, I realised I could do just about anything. Could I regain the courage to go outside on my own again after being mugged? Yes. Could I jump out of a plane at 11,000 feet? Sure, why not. Leap off the highest bunjy in New Zealand? Sign me up! This is why I think everyone should travel on their own at least once. It could be for months, weeks, even just a few days. And if it scares you, then that's even more reason to do it - you'll surprise yourself! <br />
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But not only will you see this different side to yourself, you'll see a different side to other people. Media is so full of scare-mongering when it comes to portraying other countries, even more so when you're a young female travelling on your own. It's why I had so many people asking me if I was scared. Sure, you'll meet a few bad eggs - they're back in your own country too! - but you'll see that the bad is the minority here. When you're on your own you'll find yourself in situations where you have no other choice but to rely on the kindness of strangers, and I've met some of the most kind and open people in my life on this trip who I wouldn't have met if I'd been travelling with someone else. From the people who welcomed me into their homes, to the drivers who picked me up when I was hitchhiking, to the man who calmed me down with a hug and paid for a tuk-tuk to take me to the police station after I was mugged - there's a lot of good in the world out there, you just need the courage to go and see it for yourself.<br />
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It's been one hell of an adventure, and while it's strange coming back down to normality (not to mention the unwelcome shock of the cold and rainy English weather), it's nice to be home. After a certain amount of time, constantly moving around becomes exhausting and eventually you have to stop and rest. Besides, there are only so many hostels and shared dorms I could put up with! <br />
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That is until the travel bug kicks in again...<br />
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Love, </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span><b><br /></b></div>
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-67496234973673495202017-09-11T05:27:00.000-07:002017-09-11T17:50:05.916-07:00Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Chiang Mai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Alongside </span>beautiful beaches, hedonistic parties and delicious cuisine, one of Thailand's biggest draws is undoubtedly the elephants. Powerful, playful and incredibly wise, elephants are some of the world's most fascinating creatures, and visiting them is a regular appearance on many travel bucket lists.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>However, animal cruelty remains prevalent throughout the tourist industry, with controversial elephant riding in particular still being highly advertised throughout Asia. Therefore, while I still wanted to experience the elephants up close for myself, it was very important to me that anywhere I visited used no form of cruelty whatsoever.<br />
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For my travels throughout Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, I booked onto a hop on hop off bus with <a href="http://www.straytravel.com/" target="_blank">Stray Asia</a>. Along with the freedom of being able to hop off whenever and wherever I liked, one of Stray's biggest selling points is its dedication to sustainable travel. Advocates of conservation, each tour and company Stray uses has been tried and tested to ensure that it is both environmentally and culturally friendly. That's why, when I booked my day with the elephants at the<a href="http://www.elephantjunglesanctuary.com/" target="_blank"> Elephant Jungle Sanctuary</a> recommended by Stray, I had every faith that they had chosen a company where the elephants were truly cared for and protected.<br />
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After a very bumpy 2 hour "songthaew" ride deep into the jungle, we were each given a big bag of bananas to carry down the steep hill to the sanctuary's camp, catching our first glimpse of the elephants huddled together.<br />
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We settled down in a wooden hut and were introduced to the sanctuary, learning the brief history behind it. Founded in 2014, the sanctuary first began with 5 elephants - today there are over 30 situated across 8 camps (we would be in camp 1 for the day), ranging from 55-years-old to just 6 months! There is no riding, no chains, no whips, just a rattling wooden device placed over the elephants' necks so the workers can hear where the elephants are (in the jungle it must be quite easy to lose track of the elephants!)<br />
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We were given some very snazzy tops to protect our clothes from the elephants' bristles, picked up 2 bunches of bananas each, and walked to our first group of elephants to feed them.<br />
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Like most people, the only experience I've had with elephants has been within a zoo, but nothing can compare with being face-to-face with these great creatures. Their strength is incredible, and while having three 4 tonne elephants come rushing towards you all at once can be just a bit intimidating, it became very clear quite quickly that these elephants were just a bunch of big puppies!<br />
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Moving from elephant to elephant, we handed them banana after banana, laughing each time an enormous trunk would wrap around our hands to take the food. One greedy elephant decided the single banana I was offering wasn't enough, and proceeded to grab the huge bunch out of my other hand and gulp it down in one!<br />
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We were lucky enough to get up close to one heavily pregnant elephant, and could even see the little baby moving around inside the bump. If 9 months carrying a baby seems like a long time, spare a thought for the lady elephants - their pregnancy lasts for 2 years!<br />
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We proceeded further along down the river, through the trees and across bamboo bridges to the next group, where we all squealed in delight as we saw some adorable 6 month old babies! Understandably shy from the huddle of humans surrounding them, the babies hid behind the more confident adults, though a few sugar canes gained their trust. I would be lying if I said I wasn't close to happy tears at this point!<br />
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After a delicious homemade meal of chicken, vegetables, rice and fresh pineapple, we prepared the elephants' afternoon dose of herbal medicine. A combination of mashed bananas, rice and bark chippings all rolled up into balls, it sure beats my multi-vitamin pills, and the elephants were more than happy to gulp them down in one.<br />
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Finally it was time to give the elephants their bath. A mud bath that is! Alongside the herd, we clambered into a small mud pit, picking up handfuls of mud before slapping it on the elephants and rubbing it over their backs and heads. Not wanting us to miss out on the exfoliation, we got our own mud baths as the local workers cheekily threw mud balls at us.<br />
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Once both the elephants (and us!) were well and truly covered, we walked over to the river and jumped on in, throwing buckets of water over the elephants until they were nice and clean.<br />
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Sadly our day had come to an end, and soon we were driving back up the bumpy dirt road out of the jungle and to Chiang Mai where the heavens opened and poured it down with rain. Although we were leaving the elephants behind, it was an experience I will remember forever and one that has made me truly appreciate the special beauty of these fascinating creatures.<br />
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Now, how can I get one past customs at the airport?</div>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Love, </span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Beth xxx</span></div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-59412321583975058362017-07-26T04:47:00.001-07:002017-07-26T15:10:09.152-07:00Time for an Adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's</span> difficult to remember where my fascination with travel came from.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>As with most children, I used to love pretending that I was embarking on a huge adventure when I was little, whether it was trekking through the jungle in our overgrown garden, or discovering hidden dragon caves on the beaches of Cornwall. But I'd probably pinpoint my determination to see other countries after a geography trip to Iceland around 8 years ago. I was absolutely blown away by how breathtaking the natural world could be, from walking on glaciers and standing behind waterfalls, to gazing over icebergs and watching geysers burst into life. As soon as I came home, I promised myself that one day I would see what else was out there.<br />
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So this year I'm going to do just that. Next week I'll be flying out on a one way ticket to Bangkok to explore what the other side of the world has to offer.<br />
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On my own.<br />
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I must be crazy!<br />
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The idea of solo travel is one that's always intrigued me, but one that felt completely unachievable. As someone who can barely find their way around London on their own, even with the help of Google maps, how on earth would I successfully navigate the completely alien streets of South East Asia!?<br />
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There's always been something stopping me, be it fear, lack of money, or just general commitments. But as they say, if you wait until you're ready, you'll be waiting your whole life. And with no major responsibilities holding me back, there's no time like the present!<br />
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Yes, I'll admit, I'm terrified. I border on panic every time I think about what could go wrong, and I've mentally replayed every possible scenario over and over. There's a constant voice in my head telling me I can't do this. But the voice telling me I'll regret it if I don't try is so much louder.<br />
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So for the past few <strike>weeks</strike> months, I've been planning until there's been nothing more left to plan. While I'd love to be that free-spirited nomad who just goes with the flow, for my own sanity (and my parents!) I'm going to at least make sure I'm prepared for anything!<br />
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While I'm ticking those last few things off my to do list this week, I'll be sharing my amateur travel tips for any other newbie traveller out there who may be reading. And of course I plan on writing all about my travels while I'm out there (although with a combination of dodgy WiFi and my questionable organisation, I can't promise any regularity!) Hopefully by the time it comes to jumping on that plane, I'll have a slight idea of what I'm doing!<br />
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So there you have it! Although I'm nervous, I'm very excited for this path that lies ahead and where it will take me.<br />
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Because after all, what's life without adventure?</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-85853823950267409362017-07-21T03:05:00.000-07:002017-07-21T03:05:22.632-07:00Cocktails on Perissa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Santorini</span> is all about sitting back and enjoying the easy, slow pace of Greek life. So, embracing this laid back lifestyle we headed to the island's beaches to soak up that Mediterranean sun!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>With the beaches all lying on one side of the island and the cliff towns lining the other, we bought ourselves a bus ticket (most single tickets are around €2.50), hopped on and set off to the black beach of Perissa.<br />
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As a volcanic island, don't expect any white sand beaches here. The majority of Santorini's beaches are made up of pebbles and volcanic rock. A bit of a pain to walk over barefoot, but just think of it as free exfoliation for your feet! And the lack of sand makes for beautifully crystal clear water, perfect for watching the tiny fish swim around you in the sea (there's a reason why diving is big in Santorini).<br />
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After arriving at the slightly windy town of Perissa, we dipped our feet in the sea and wandered up the strangely quiet beach (one of the perks of visiting outside of peak season - the sea may be colder but you'll miss the beach crowds). We eventually stumbled across an intriguing multi-coloured wooden path, so followed it up to the even more colourful <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g635608-d2153973-Reviews-Tranquilo-Perissa_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html" target="_blank">Tranquilo Bar</a>. Accompanied by a bandana-wearing pooch snoozing on the sand, we had found the spot for us!<br />
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Two tequila sunrises in hand (it may have been morning, but when on holiday, right?), we took our place on the inviting sunbeds and concluded that we weren't moving for the rest of the day.<br />
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Sun shining, book in hand, cocktails in reach - it doesn't get much better than this!<br />
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All this sunbathing really works up an appetite - time for lunch! We headed back over to Tranquilo and nestled down amongst the comfortable cushions. Sporting a Caribbean vibe and specialising in flavoursome vegetarian dishes, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your meal. Plus the portions are massive - always a bonus in my books!<br />
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I decided go for their giant stuffed Mexican pita bread, filled to the brim with mixed salad and a generous dollop of guacamole, served with a side of baked potato chunks. Try eating that without making a mess!<br />
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Fruity cocktails, delicious food and a bandana-wearing dog - what more could you want from a day at the beach?!</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-49279653773267260372017-07-19T03:41:00.001-07:002017-07-20T06:16:02.557-07:00Amoudi Bay, Santorini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">At the foot</span> of the busy streets of Oia, there is a quiet refuge nestled in the rocks. If mermaids do exist, I'm sure they'd set up home here.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Grab a beach towel and a sturdy pair of shoes and clamber down to the magical Amoudi Bay.<br />
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But first you must tackle the steps down to Oia's old port. 300 of them to be precise. I won't lie to you and say it's easy going, especially with the combination of sandals and the Greek sun. The dry cobbled stones can also be slippery, so don't go too fast, even if the smell of the donkeys will make you want to get to the bottom of the steps as quickly as possible.<br />
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Speaking of donkeys, there are lots of them on the steps. This is a recurring thing throughout Santorini as they are used as an alternative mode of transport from the ports up to the towns. If you don't feel like walking yourself, you could catch a ride on one of the donkeys, but personally I think this is one of the cruellest parts of Santorini's tourism. If you think walking up and down 300 plus steps is difficult, imagine doing it multiple times with a person sitting on your back while another whips you from behind whenever you stop to rest. Of course everyone is entitled to do as they wish, but when it comes to animals and tourism, please think beyond the holiday photos and acknowledge the potential suffering that may be happening for the benefit of tourists.<br />
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Rant over.<br />
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Anyway...<br />
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Once you finally reach the old port you'll want to dive straight into the crystal clear water!<br />
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Walk under the restaurant canopies and between the tables lined up along the waters edge to a rocky path winding around the cliff. Follow this path across a slightly precarious-looking bridge and clamber over boulders until you hear the sounds of laughter and splashing...<br />
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Jump on in! The water may be a bit chilly in May but I promise once you're in there, you won't want to get back out!<br />
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It would be easy to spend all day floating in the water, but eventually you'll have to drag yourself out. Feeling relaxed and refreshed, though slightly peckish, we made our way back to the port and browsed the restaurants alongside the water.<br />
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Seafood is Santorini's speciality, and the traditional method of sun-dried octopus is certainly unique!<br />
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We grabbed a table overlooking the calm water and ordered my favourite Greek treat - Baklava! Layers of crumbly filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in sugary honey, served with a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream for good measure. Delicious!<br />
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After all, you'll need the sugar rush to get you back up those 300 steps!</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-55492080679006816582017-07-17T03:15:00.000-07:002017-07-18T11:38:03.752-07:00Oia, Santorini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oia</span> is Santorini's most recognisable town. It's the one that you will have seen in all the photos. The blue domes, the traditional windmills, the incredible sunsets - it's no wonder that hundreds of tourists flock to Oia every day.<br />
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After our long coastal walk from <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/hiking-in-sandals.html" target="_blank">Fira to Oia</a>, we finally reached our destination, albeit feeling rather hot and in need of an ice-cold beverage. The breathtaking views across Santorini's most beautiful cliff side town was quite the welcome though!<br />
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After a quick refuel on a fresh Greek salad and incredibly strong iced coffee, we were feeling energised and eager to see what all the fuss was about in Santorini's most famous town.<br />
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Safe to say it didn't take long to realise why it's so loved...<br />
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As with all of Santorini's towns, Oia is truly a feast for the eyes. Bigger and busier than Imerovigli but prettier and more romantic than Fira, Oia is the island's gem.<br />
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But as with all gems, beauty comes at a cost here. Tourism has overrun the town and consequently Oia is one of the island's most expensive areas. The lines of boutique shops certainly make that clear, but streets this picturesque were made for leisurely ambling, so we didn't mind a bit of window shopping.<br />
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Wander down the quieter alleys and you'll find a beautiful new view round every corner.<br />
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You won't be hard pressed to find spectacular ocean views, but the ones from Oia's crumbling castle are some of the best. Climb up, take a seat and look out over the endless blue sea and Oia's old port. It's a long way down!<br />
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And of course look out for Santorini's iconic windmills. It's incredibly easy to take a cliché photo here!<br />
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As the temperatures began to soar the sea was looking ever more inviting. Time to start the long descent down the steps to Amoudi Bay for a refreshing dip...<br />
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Love,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-78768349567209096512017-07-08T10:16:00.000-07:002017-07-09T03:38:35.396-07:00Hiking in sandals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2olimDAlbGlA-e-5jTUIM68V0_WhLvrQURpI_bdIU8iCuHjVh5CSkDQw6U8f3TbZlwhSjwsovr0zoxE6tVjAeIykGe1x_aAxuEphR1C1uCQJ6GiAzThtxqitoAmAPiuS1SJeYYi1vLOg/s1600/DSC_0596_kindlephoto-107493959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2olimDAlbGlA-e-5jTUIM68V0_WhLvrQURpI_bdIU8iCuHjVh5CSkDQw6U8f3TbZlwhSjwsovr0zoxE6tVjAeIykGe1x_aAxuEphR1C1uCQJ6GiAzThtxqitoAmAPiuS1SJeYYi1vLOg/s640/DSC_0596_kindlephoto-107493959.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1537032790"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Let's </span>just take a moment to appreciate the unbelievable cuteness of the above photo.<br />
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*Squeal*<br />
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<a name='more'></a>You'll be seeing more of those little fluffballs later...<br />
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One of the most recommended walks in Santorini is the coastal trek from Fira to Oia. Passing through Firostefani and Imerovigli, it's just under 10km, and took us about 3 hours one way in sandals (big up my <a href="http://m.newlook.com/" target="_blank">New Look</a> bargains for not falling apart!)<br />
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Word of warning, walking up and down multiple hills on varying levels of loose gravel and volcanic rock in sandals is not the wisest of choices!<br />
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Sure, you could just hop on a bus and be there in less than half an hour, but why would you want to miss views like these?<br />
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We weren't the only ones enjoying them!<br />
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You're sure to meet a few locals along the way...<br />
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How could you possibly walk by these little guys without stopping to say hello?<br />
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Safe to say I was in my element. And judging from that little face, he was too!<br />
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Eventually you'll have to pull yourself away (although I'll happily play with puppies all day). After all, you've got a walk to complete!<br />
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This is certainly one way to burn off those multiple gyros and souvlaki. Those hills in the heat may be tough, but you'll be treated to Santorini's hidden gems at the top.<br />
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And did I mention those views?<br />
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You know the end is in sight when you reach a colourful little church perched high up on a cliff overlooking the caldera and back towards Imerovigli and beyond. It is quite a hike up though. This snoozing pooch at the top has the right idea!<br />
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It is from here that you'll have the first glimpse of your final destination - Oia! Don't worry, it's closer than it seems...<br />
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The walk may be long, but you'll be in for a treat at the end!</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-25743323002065763932017-07-07T13:23:00.001-07:002017-07-07T13:35:23.799-07:00Skaros Rock, Imerovigli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">If</span> you go to Santorini you will no doubt do a lot of walking. Unless you plan on spending your time relaxing in the pool, and hey, if you're lucky enough to have these views then I don't blame you!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>But if you're more of an explorer like myself, then Santorini is full of little nooks and crannies for you to wander through.<br />
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After a lively introduction to Santorini's nightlife, I woke up the next day feeling rather sorry for myself. But the day was beckoning, so after a much needed nap I threw on some shades and we wandered up to the next town of Imerovigli.<br />
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Or rather crawled... Heat plus hangover is not the best combination! Nothing an ice cream can't sort out though.<br />
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Feeling slightly perkier, we explored the maze of white-washed paths and soaked up our perfect surroundings.<br />
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Never have I been to a place where I've felt like I'd stepped straight into a magazine more. Everything in Imerovigli is impossibly pristine: the gleaming white paint; the impeccable fuschia flowers perfectly positioned on the walls; and of course those incredible views overlooking the glistening caldera. Combined with the cloudless sunny sky and it's almost too perfect to be real!<br />
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While Oia is often thought of as the place to honeymoon in Santorini, in Imerovigli you get a sense of calm solitude like nowhere else I experienced on the island. We barely passed another soul as we wandered along the narrow paths, and the majority of the few we did wouldn't look out of place in that magazine. Certainly put my hungover self to shame!<br />
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After weaving in and out of numerous alleys, we began the descent to our destination of the day: Skaros Rock.<br />
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Without much shade it is a pretty tough-going walk down countless steps to the rock, even worse with the knowledge you have to climb back up them later! Throw in the relentless sun and a lingering hangover for good measure. Though these views more than made up for it!<br />
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Once you are out on the rock you are rewarded with beautiful panoramic views over the island and its surrounding caldera. Continue walking down the other side of the rock and you'll find an adorable little church where you can sit and look out to the endless sea. Quite a walk for your Sunday service!<br />
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Fira is just as pretty from afar as it is within...<br />
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One last glance back across the caldera and its sleeping volcano before the slow journey back up those steps....<br />
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.... And to bed for a well earned early night!</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-31718726707837612402017-05-21T10:54:00.000-07:002017-05-21T10:57:09.933-07:00Yasou, Santorini!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Santorini</span> has one of the most recognisable views in the world. Even if you haven't heard of the name before, there's no doubt that you've probably seen the pictures on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/btrue93/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. And it's really no surprise - it's without a doubt one of the most picturesque places I've ever been. With the perfect whitewashed buildings and unmistakable blue domes all perched high above the sparkling caldera, there's no view quite like Santorini's!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>However, with the beautiful views comes a hefty price tag. Popular with celebrities and loved-up honeymooners, I had come to the conclusion that Santorini would remain a dream on my travel bucket-list for many, many more years. <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> to the rescue! If you're visiting Santorini on a budget, then I can highly recommend <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/3071935" target="_blank">Ersi Villas</a> - clean, friendly and a short walk from the centre of the bustling capital of Fira, what more could you want? With May being off-season, prices are naturally lower, but a week in a lovely apartment for under 200 euros per person? That's an absolute bargain!<br />
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So along with my summer clothes and a good friend, we escaped the grey and drizzly London weather and jetted off somewhere a bit sunnier!<br />
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Arriving in the afternoon, we dropped off our bags and immediately took to exploring the streets of Fira. One of the best things about Santorini is you can wander aimlessly for hours through narrow alleys, up and down numerous steps (and trust me, there's a lot), and you'll always end up finding something beautiful.<br />
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All those steps really are worth it though when you're rewarded with views like these...<br />
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Diving straight into the Greek way of life, we found a spot to sit back, relax and watch the world go by wine in hand and nibbles aplenty.<br />
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Tzatziki, tomato balls and stuffed vine leaves to name a few, all topped off with a half litre carafe of local white wine! Well, it would be rude not to, right?<br />
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Cheers, Santorini! Here's to a week filled with good food, lots of wine, and many Greek adventures...</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-13849276750154609812016-12-29T08:44:00.000-08:002016-12-29T08:47:55.964-08:002016 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Remember me? </span>Sorry I went a bit AWOL for a few months there. Time just seemed to disappear! What did I miss?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Well, 2016 was a bit of a whirlwind, wasn't it? It's safe to say an awful lot of bad things happened this year throughout the world, and an awful lot of things are going to change as a consequence. But change isn't necessarily always a bad thing.<br />
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In the words of Kylie Jenner, this was the year of "realising stuff". Wise words, Kylie, wise words. But there is actually some truth in her fairly obvious premonition. We realised that things don't always go the way we think and hope they will. We realised the terrible division that people's differences can create. We realised that people will go to unthinkable and unforgiveable lengths to make their beliefs seen and heard.<br />
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But we also saw the kindness of strangers in the midst of devastation. We saw the fight for unity in the face of division. We saw the determination to continue to live in freedom, and help others gain their freedom too.<br />
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And pandas are no longer endangered.<br />
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Pandas make everything better.<br />
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So 2016 wasn't amazing, but it wasn't a complete loss. The sad truth is, bad things are bound to happen no matter what year it is, it's just a way of life. Sure, it often felt like 2016 kept smacking us over the head with an onslaught of bullsh*t, and even in these last few days it seems that it's not quite done yet. But rather than becoming overwhelmed, it's important to focus on the good and, more importantly, create the good from the bad, whether it's showing your support in times of need or doing your good deed for the day. Do your little bit to prove that, contrary to what many people have said after this rollercoaster year, there are still so many things to smile about in the world.<br />
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So here's to 2016, the year of the crazy and "realising stuff"!<br />
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Let's see what 2017 has in store...</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; line-height: 16.8px;">(Disclaimer: images taken from my </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethtrue93/words/" style="background-color: white; color: #fbaca7; font-family: "Crimson Text"; line-height: 16.8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; line-height: 16.8px;"> account, I claim no ownership)</span></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-83138052323718555592016-09-11T12:55:00.000-07:002016-09-11T12:55:44.624-07:00Apple and Cinnamon Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjy0wf7H81PLt5e4SlhnTUrE79iiH6ZHvIOnh91AwGYtBSewFMDs2S11UUUhKhUr-V4NdaaUSXXa_KDBJldFczlBG0GCVTjleALiR9O-CLpdqgLLoAGe3H6kWRqgE8AV5Ylp_q6eL5uM/s1600/apple+cinnamon+muffin+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjy0wf7H81PLt5e4SlhnTUrE79iiH6ZHvIOnh91AwGYtBSewFMDs2S11UUUhKhUr-V4NdaaUSXXa_KDBJldFczlBG0GCVTjleALiR9O-CLpdqgLLoAGe3H6kWRqgE8AV5Ylp_q6eL5uM/s640/apple+cinnamon+muffin+4.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What </span>a beautiful day! Who else is loving this sun!? I'm definitely not ready to put away the shorts just yet so I'm hoping it lasts as long as possible. I need to keep this tan somehow!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>As I mentioned in my <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/september-goals.html" target="_blank">September Goals</a>, my baking cravings have hit the roof since the return of Great British Bake Off. So, feeling at a bit of a loose end with some time on my hands, I whipped up a little something sweet.<br />
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Recently, I've been longing for some "healthier" foods ("healthy" meaning not full of sugar or slathered in chocolate). Of course, my sweet tooth means my bakes will probably never be fully "healthy", but the thought's there. These apple and cinnamon muffins use wholemeal flour, which gives them a lovely rustic feel. And in my head, rustic equals organic which equals healthy (I'm no dietician so can't confirm the accuracy of this statement). Plus they're a small and subtle nod towards autumn. Even in my stubbornness to say "good-bye" to summer, I can't resist warm and flavoursome autumnal bakes. <br />
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<u>Apple and Cinnamon Muffins</u> </div>
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(recipe from <a href="http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/cookery/baking-100-everyday-recipes/9781445430393" target="_blank"><i>Baking: 100 Everyday Recipes</i></a>)</div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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85g plain wholemeal flour</div>
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70g plain flour</div>
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1 1/2 tsp baking powder</div>
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Pinch of salt</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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40g golden caster sugar</div>
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2 small apples (peeled, cored and finely chopped)</div>
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125ml milk</div>
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1 egg (beaten)</div>
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4 tbsp butter (melted)</div>
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<b>What to do:</b><br />
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius and place 6 muffin paper liners in a muffin tin.<br />
2. Sift both flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together in a large bowl and stir in the sugar and chopped apples. Mix the milk, egg and butter in a separate bowl.<br />
3. Divide the batter evenly between the paper liners. Top with a mixture of brown sugar (preferably with lumps) and a sprinkle of cinnamon).<br />
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until risen and golden.<br />
5. Remove the muffins from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.<br />
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Denser than your usual muffin, with the added crunch of apple and a crispy topping. Enjoy with a nice cuppa. Delicious!<br />
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What autumnal bakes will you be making this year?</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-26349895700437839222016-09-03T08:38:00.001-07:002016-09-11T08:12:35.082-07:00September Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/AbzQygyw9j3GGwdK3NyiAqA-eadYHMf7FlA0fbIuWk0pRns6MkqB_X8/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/AbzQygyw9j3GGwdK3NyiAqA-eadYHMf7FlA0fbIuWk0pRns6MkqB_X8/" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwvHdRS0DpQ3LaDEXHbfTZmR9JaJBKgK7J0H2xQl7vBZxuE1Kz6DmVLA3bnxt4Bwz1NFhgMDS9fxyZMHESb011RAJBVoSWUlx1O-jbIGYmsepIE_C-rvymOFIg9elMAy25MLuM6j0_I0/s640/0d4bbdcf995735244588e738c3bcbf7a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well,</span> this is serious déjà vu. It feels like just yesterday I was writing last year's <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/september-goals.html" target="_blank">September Goals</a>...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Can somebody please tell me where August went? I just can't keep up with this year.<br />
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I've been a bit slack with these monthly goals but I won't lie, consistency isn't my thing. Some may call is unreliable, I call it keeping you on your toes.<br />
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But anyway, new month, new start. Let's try again with those set of goals.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">1. Run</span></b><br />
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So now it's getting closer to autumn (I won't accept that it actually is autumn yet), I can't really use the excuse that it's too hot to go running. Plus my new untouched pair of multi-coloured trainers really do deserve to be seen. <br />
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<b>2. Socialise more</b><br />
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Woe is me, my social life has been suffering a bit because of constant work. But now I've got my weekends back I can finally organise some much needed catch-ups (and even more needed nights out)!<br />
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<b>3. Bake</b><br />
<br />
I haven't been baking nearly as much as I used to and I'm really missing it (and eating the results). Now that The Great British Bake Off has started again (cue mini celebratory dance) my longing for baking is bigger than ever. Plus, September is a year of birthdays, so I have a lot of birthday cakes to make! <br />
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<b>4. Smile at strangers</b><br />
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Sounds creepy, but hear me out. Now that I have a full-time job up in London, I'm having to do the daily grind of commuting. One thing I've noticed about commuting is that, although the train is packed full of people, nobody ever exchanges a look, let alone a word. And the sad thing is, I can feel myself looking and acting just as miserable as everyone else on that train. So I'm going to make an effort to break the grumpy commuter stereo-type and smile at people more. On the train, in the street, in the office. I'm fully expecting people to not smile back, but who knows, maybe I'll help make someone else's commute just a little bit happier.<br />
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<b>5. Weekend getaways</b><br />
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As I've only just started my new job, I'm not sure they would fully agree to giving me holiday time off straight away. So I'm planning on making the most of my weekends and using them to explore new places on some weekend getaways. <br />
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What are your September goals?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px;">(Disclaimer: images taken from my </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethtrue93/words/" style="background-color: white; color: #fbaca7; font-family: 'Crimson Text'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px;"> account, I claim no ownership)</span></div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-35772835133754047862016-08-27T06:58:00.000-07:002016-08-27T06:58:57.059-07:00San Marco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A3HIyve5xTnTlaLGtg7MAirtg6yxFKOksgS1DbImwZX73XQ1sBfU3JchuR_9y-U9yxI7DPs2SbFnESAlJ8YCdZDVvBmZo3XXat9fA3xTuEgkW-9TUiI4dyejbzF-t5GYJLpZNn6ZTp8/s1600/Venice+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A3HIyve5xTnTlaLGtg7MAirtg6yxFKOksgS1DbImwZX73XQ1sBfU3JchuR_9y-U9yxI7DPs2SbFnESAlJ8YCdZDVvBmZo3XXat9fA3xTuEgkW-9TUiI4dyejbzF-t5GYJLpZNn6ZTp8/s640/Venice+5.png" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Gondolas aside, </span>Saint Mark's Square is probably the most iconic image of Venice.<br />
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Standing in the square gazing up at Saint Mark's Basilica and the Camponile whilst hundreds of pigeons flying past will feel like you've stepped into a classical painting. Everything has been built with beauty and perfect composition in mind. It's an artist's dream. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCXE9nJS11TmwCI1e8TYYbq9SG-QuJSi1VbO1z4lH6jT9Xmb3qo-_cxHTXt0xUZNQoybSKlAZSPLSDbmgUTPZ-A-eGslrLDQ1FuHFjJJonjajqeWOdt_mPN51x5v_eDqQcSaFlvl6D1k/s1600/venice+68.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCXE9nJS11TmwCI1e8TYYbq9SG-QuJSi1VbO1z4lH6jT9Xmb3qo-_cxHTXt0xUZNQoybSKlAZSPLSDbmgUTPZ-A-eGslrLDQ1FuHFjJJonjajqeWOdt_mPN51x5v_eDqQcSaFlvl6D1k/s640/venice+68.png" width="478" /></a></div>
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Beauty comes at a cost though, and it is one of the most touristy areas of Venice. Avoid the peak hours of the afternoon (when the photo above was taken, busy even in the rain) and visit early in the morning and late at night to appreciate the square without being caught in someone's selfie-stick snap. We went there on a very sunny Wednesday at midday, and although it may look busy, this was one of the quieter times that we saw it.<br />
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There's no missing Saint Mark's Basilica standing majestically at one end of the square. You can pay to go inside, but as a tour group with a time limit. We concluded that going inside the Basilica would be more worth it without the pressure of the crowds, just another incentive to go back to Venice!<br />
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Besides, there's just as much to see on the outside.<br />
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Look out for the Torre dell'Orologio (clock tower) and the beautiful zodiac detail of the blue and gold clock face. It can be easy to miss if you enter the square from the archway beneath and forget to look up! <br />
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Walk around the corner to see Doge's Palace looking out over the lagoon. <br />
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And, again, be sure to look up. <br />
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It's difficult to avoid the pigeons. They're everywhere, flying over the crowds, dive-bombing dangerously close to your head. But don't worry, they just want to say hello.<br />
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A peace offering of some bread will go far. <br />
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ATTACK! These are *very* friendly pigeons who will not hesitate to ambush you. They caught me a bit off guard, but they're really not so bad... <br />
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After all, they do say you should get to know the locals!</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-19942256733824818282016-08-20T06:45:00.001-07:002016-08-20T06:46:30.621-07:00From the Canals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just like </span>you can't go to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower, you can't go to Venice without riding in a gondola. It's expensive, it's a cliche, but it's one to tick off the bucket list! After all, you can't fight those touristy temptations forever...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>If you're on a budget, you'd be forgiven for giving the gondola ride a miss. Half an hour costs 80 euros, which soars up to 100 in the evening. You won't find a cheaper option as all the gondolas are run by the same company (unless, of course, you befriend a local and somehow get a ride in their own boat... if anyone has succeeded in this, please let me know how!). Although bargain hunters may be disappointed at this fixed price, it's actually a bit of a blessing in disguise, as you won't have the worry that you are being conned by a cheeky overpriced gondolier.<br />
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If you are looking to save some euros though, the gondolas seat up to 6 people, still at the overall price of 80 euros. So, if you can find a few mates, it is possible to only spend 20 euros for a ride!<br />
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So choose your gondolier and hop on board! <br />
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From Saint Mark's Square we bobbed along over the waves of the lagoon and under the first bridge. Prepare to be caught in a lot of photos as people snap your gondola passing by beneath. <br />
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Get up close to the famous Bridge of Sighs.<br />
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And through the quiet back canals. Sit back as you listen to the water peacefully lapping against the boat and watch in awe as the gondolier masterfully manoeuvres around the tightest of corners. <br />
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You'll want to glide on the water and explore the maze of canals all day, but before you know it you'll be back on dry land and back on your feet.<br />
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If you're going to take a break from walking around Venice, sitting in a gondola is the way to do it! </div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-62811526742358925392016-07-09T03:10:00.000-07:002016-07-09T03:10:39.995-07:00June Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Is it July already!?</span> How did that happen? I guess that's what working does for you, it makes you lose track of time and suddenly a whole month has flown by!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
June was a pretty eventful month, which is surprising considering I was waitressing most of it. I went on holiday to Venice (catch up with the posts <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Travel" target="_blank">here</a>), I caught up with friends, I went to a couple of festivals, and I even managed to get an internship in London! Not a bad month in my opinion...<br />
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So, did I meet any of my <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/june-goals.html#more" target="_blank">goals</a>?<br />
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<b>1. Get arty</b><br />
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I did manage to copy an inspirational quote which is now sitting proudly framed in my room next to my bed. Hopefully it will provide me with some morning motivation! I also tried to paint a picture of Venice, but it's a work in progress (i.e. I have given up on it). I think I'll just be sticking with the quotes for now...<br />
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<b>2. Drive</b><br />
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Sadly this is something that I didn't get round to doing. Bad Beth. And now that I'm working 7 days a week I probably won't have time for any lessons. At least it will save me some money, right?<br />
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<b>3. Rooftop bar</b><br />
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Again, I didn't manage to get on any rooftops. I did, however, go for drinks in a place that had a rooftop bar, but it was closed that day. Does that count?<br />
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<b>4. Buy a summer jacket</b><br />
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I bought <a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/grey-fleck-knitted-double-pocket-blazer-_373610304" target="_blank">this cute jacket</a> from <a href="http://www.newlook.com/" target="_blank">New Look</a> for just £24.99. It's keeping me warm during this pretty chilly summer, while not being too heavy for when the sun does make an appearance!<br />
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<b>5. Go to a beach</b><br />
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Ok, so I didn't manage to complete most of my goals. But I did go to Venice which is by the sea so it's pretty much the same.<br />
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I'll try harder next month...</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-26785894088977759102016-07-01T06:59:00.000-07:002016-07-01T07:14:15.315-07:00Slutty Brownie Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Most of the time,</span> I love baking. It's relaxing, you get to eat the end result, and it makes other people happy too. Other times, I completely understand why people cry on the Great British Bake Off. Breaking down over your burnt sponge or collapsed baked Alaska? Totally justified. This cake was one of those moments.<br />
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It should have been simple. I'd made all the components before and they'd all turned out fabulously. But in reality, I was close to chucking it in the bin. However, in true Beth style, I soldiered on and embraced the mess that is this cake, determined to not be defeated. <br />
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Would Paul and Mary approve of my presentation skills? Probably not. Is this cake delicious and indulgent and likely to send you into a sugar coma? 100%.<br />
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Almost everyone in the blogging world will have heard of <a href="http://www.thelondoner.me/2011/06/slutty-brownies.html" target="_blank">Slutty Brownies</a>. They're a brilliant, sickly sweet creation by <a href="http://www.thelondoner.me/" target="_blank">The Londoner</a>, combining cookie, brownie and Oreo, and have become a classic. They're also incredibly easy to make. So, when I saw the idea of a <a href="http://whatsgabycooking.com/slutty-brownie-cake/" target="_blank">Slutty Brownie Cake</a> whilst searching for a cake to make for my brother's birthday, I thought, "what could possibly go wrong"?<br />
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I'll be honest, I can find slutty brownies a little bit too sickly. It's the Oreo in the middle that does it. But brownie combined with cookie? I'm all over that. So, in an attempt to remain true to the original slutty brownie, whilst toning it down a bit with the Oreo, I decided to make my own version. Because it's no fun playing by the rules, right?<br />
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For the cookie layer, I followed the <a href="http://www.sugarhero.com/neapolitan-chocolate-chip-cookie-cake/#_a5y_p=1669054" target="_blank">same recipe</a> I used for the well-received <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/baking-birthday-cookie-cake.html" target="_blank">Cookie Cake</a> I baked a couple of years. However, as I was just making a single sponge layer instead of triple, I divided the ingredients by 3.<br />
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Whilst the cookie sponge was baking away, I started on the brownie layer. Here, I used my go-to <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1223/bestever-brownies" target="_blank">recipe</a> for the <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/yummy-gooey-chocolate-brownies.html" target="_blank">best brownies ever</a>, but instead put the mix in a cake tin. You will still have some mix left over, so pour that in a tray as usual to make some extra brownies for decoration (or, ya know, to keep to yourself).<br />
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Now, here was where chaos ensued. After taking the brownie out of the oven and leaving it in the tin to cool, I excitedly went to remove it. Instead, to my horror, only half came out, with the middle completely undercooked. So, that's why the brownie layer is a bit of a mess. Because it is instead a mosaic of brownie with added brownie chunks to level it out, complete with <strike>undercooked</strike> very gooey brownie in the middle. Lovely.<br />
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For the Oreo part, I decided to follow an <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/863633/oreo-chocolate-cake" target="_blank">Oreo buttercream recipe</a> (but halved the ingredient measurements), assembling the layers together with a spread of buttercream in the middle and on top. I then sprinkled crushed Oreos on top and piled a small mountain of brownie bites in the middle.<br />
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Turns out it wasn't a total disaster as the brownie did set a bit overnight. Did I slightly over-react over this cake? Perhaps. But in my opinion, it's definitely understandable to get upset over a potentially ruined brownie.<br />
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And there you have it. Messy, a bit chaotic, but delicious.<br />
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A true reminder that looks aren't everything.<br />
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Have you ever tried Slutty Brownies?</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx </span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-31301544073953131852016-06-26T04:04:00.000-07:002016-06-26T04:04:38.000-07:00Looking Over Venice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look</span> at that crazy mane of hair. Once again, unrealistic expectations resulting from *that scene* in <i>Pocahontus</i> have not been met. Sad times.<br />
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Damn you Pocahontus and your luscious locks.<br />
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Anyway, back to the subject.<br />
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I always think that one of the best ways to view a city is from above. Climb up the tallest tower and watch the world pass by below you. It's quite a humbling feeling, reminding yourself that you're just one small person in one big city. <br />
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First up was arguably the most famous, and most touristy, bell tower in Venice: Saint Mark's Campanile. Being in the busiest area of the city, expect long queues. We were pretty lucky that, at around midday on a sunny week day, the queue was only around 25 minutes.<br />
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The views at the top are worth the wait though. <br />
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Terracotta orange contrasting with the calm sea blue. It's strange knowing that somewhere amongst that bundle of orange is a huge maze of canals. You'd be forgiven for almost forgetting that you're in Venice. <br />
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That is, if it weren't for the multiple towering cathedrals, churches and bell towers that protrude from the skyline. <br />
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My personal favourite view from the Campanile: the bustling square by Doge's Palace, the gondolas bobbing up and down in the harbour, the boats buzzing by on the lagoon, all being quietly watched over by San Giorgio Maggiore. <br />
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Spot all the tiny surrounding islands sitting in the horizon, and bonus points if you can name them all!<br />
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Entry into Saint Mark's Campanile is only 8 euros, perhaps a bit expensive in comparison to the smaller bell towers in Venice, but you can spend as long as you like up there and you'll be out of the crowds without missing the action! Plus, if you're worried about having to climb all the way to the top, you'll be happy to hear there are no stairs, just a lift. All these views without having to break a sweat? 8 euros well spent, in my opinion!<br />
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Or for an alternative view of Venice, hop over to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and up the San Giorgio Maggiore Campanile. Here, you have to walk through the church to access the Campanile, allowing you to marvel at the beautiful architecture and paintings inside free of charge (and with no strict rules, although I did put on my ever-so-fashionable rain mac in an attempt to cover up out of respect). The Campanile itself is a lot smaller and quieter than Saint Mark's, but
the scenery's just as nice.<br />
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It's a little bit breezy up there though!</div>
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Even from the other side, there's no missing Saint Mark's and Doge's Palace perched on the edge of the lagoon.</div>
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If you're looking for a cheaper, more peaceful, alternative to Saint Mark's Campanile, then San Giorgio Maggiore's Campanile is only 6 euros (if you're under 25 and / or a student, you can get in for 4 euros). And, as with Saint Mark's, you don't have to hike up a load of stairs. </div>
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Which was a relief considering the amount of walking we had already done!</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-27138912142229485782016-06-23T02:50:00.000-07:002016-06-23T02:50:51.452-07:00Exploring Venice<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You</span> haven't truly explored Venice until you get lost there.<br />
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It's a pedestrian-only city, so the only modes of transport are either by foot or by boat. And by foot, expect to walk down countless identical alleys and come face to face with dead-ends half of the time. You just have to embrace not knowing exactly where you are and have faith that one of the alleys will eventually lead to somewhere you recognise.<br />
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My advice? Ditch Google Maps and go back to good old-fashioned paper maps. Yes, you may as well have a flashing sign above your head saying "tourist", but you'll thank me when you don't suffer from the ever-changing direction of the blue dot.<br />
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Following the thunderstorm the night before, we woke up feeling a little groggy from our late night and not-so-comfortable budget beds, but, thankfully, to only a little drizzle. After stocking up on bottled water (every square has a running tap of drinkable water, but we stuck to bottled just to be on the safe side) and food, we set out to explore. Today's itinerary? The Venetian churches. <br />
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Being an ancient Catholic city, there are breath-taking churches and cathedrals around every corner in Venice. The architecture is what makes Venice so special, with Gothic buildings so intricately detailed it's difficult to comprehend how they were made with just hand and chisel. You don't need to be religious to appreciate the beauty of these buildings.<br />
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It's important to note that the majority of the churches are very strict with their regulations, with the most notable being no photography inside and appropriate clothing (i.e. shoulders and knees covered). A bit uncomfortable in a very warm and humid environment, but you should be respectful when you're in a foreign country and abide by their rules. Don't be the ignorant tourist who ignores all signs.<br />
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If you don't fancy going inside the buildings though, the outside is just as impressive. Take the Santa Maria del Giglio, for example...<br />
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Or how about the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute? A quieter, less touristy alternative to the famous Saint Mark's Basilica, but just as breath-taking, particularly when combined with the sounds of a busker playing classical music on his cello nearby. <br />
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Keep walking down the path past the Basilica to the tip of the Punta della Dogana. The perfect place to sit and watch the world go by away from the crowds. <br />
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Be sure to have a quick stop for a drink in one of the squares as the sun begins to shine. <br />
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Or perhaps take a seat on the steps outside of the Chiesa di San Stae. Be prepared to be caught in multiple photos as water buses float by on the Grand Canal.<br />
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And sometimes reaching a dead-end isn't all bad...<br />
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It's near impossible to pass over one of the main bridges without taking a photo of the view, no matter how many times you've already crossed it. It's also incredibly easy to take the most cliche photo in Venice. <br />
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Dinner time! We chose a quaint little restaurant tucked away down a quiet side street, with outdoor seating looking onto the canal. <br />
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You can't go to Venice without trying the local specialities! A glass of Aperol Spritz (unfortunately a bit too tonic-y for my taste) alongside a delicious plate of spaghetti vongole with mussels and clams. <br />
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Stomachs full and feet aching, we headed back to the apartment, sleepy from the day's exploring. Even the most uncomfortable budget bed will feel welcoming after all that walking! <br />
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Love, <span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-71029032144156606412016-06-21T07:15:00.000-07:002016-06-21T07:15:04.588-07:00Festival Pinspiration<span style="font-size: x-large;">Festival season</span> is upon us, and I'm already planning my outfits!<br />
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Boho festival fashion is one of my favourite styles. I love the loose fabrics, the statement jewellery, the effortlessly cool vibe. Perfect for dancing all day under the sun (or more likely rain if you're at an English festival). My <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/bethtrue93/fashion/" target="_blank">Fashion board</a> on <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/bethtrue93/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> is full of festival inspiration, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite looks with you. Cue lots of glitter!<br />
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<a href="http://pin.it/jOI3nE2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g25s_e-cw5ZZflrbizSIWp58k8-6kgUuWl5pQLgsegYAzqCqFluFAuJtEJoyFYIvaBdwlkcVBG1frzlmitUklxTuosxnb75P4TLiZPJ6o5HGFLrQjzFtZP-QSbyg0xdU7UhQAqEtIt8/s640/74d1d95f8c4cb4183e6e3d5e2e957476.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
<i>Hair</i> - I love a beachy tousled mane any day! Add some braids for the perfect boho festival look.<br />
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<a href="http://pin.it/K8piPVT" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHAy6LfiDwWp5HdRSqhbZkhjsfCQ_-1ksp6ZHMAI0q7D_4iB3Ine4oMTJJpWBQrN4aT7nO_1G9aHMy3vOt2bQ737BEPEabxU0f9Q7d2kf9SBtQ5TE4yMmjbUpDqiBGryJqhOvpR9x1R8/s640/cb84d7388e965ce4f729e4f5c38be5d1.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pin.it/ksF1Ofa" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzsAz3bR28KA94KcyfffUh9o9xJuGHPt7yMakgA4yRklOmOVPNqb4u2Oss5ZuEhmExtqxcsBq1IMEEy1qANFVIIspFezV6CpIe5NRrKBu9jgRXoVgIkVyA3Ul57HymJyDYGdrkmhqTio/s640/79bfc15366559d4cf9f5f1f6b9039d48.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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<i>Make up</i> - A festival just isn't a festival without glitter.</div>
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<a href="http://pin.it/zkjuDzc" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_09rmkTxBNLgQhyphenhyphenW6MuzwyWXAPLbM2rRomFFmIHwkBRmVOKDz2JDu3ZUOYtqK7im6aJiCPVHlc0VTnQHw-KDKHY2iaKSHJOY1M7x6kQIVFB8jWRzTuRk8eQ_YyqhjKfHE28hBdO7ijU/s640/277c81cc8b7a4af56bc03fcd2079b42e.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pin.it/g5Fd1BT" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVMwf0YzDN6vLcwS0Po2BDFBf_X0Bn4z23C14MJKEUW-WBKtnqrAlvpLjxU8Zmqqbl_xGzljsPXDRM41ll5PEtCO8wyjWPOReCNr5D5jAOEXmF9650HdtYqOOaOSsMFq_64xBL8IWmms/s640/b65d3d986ae88fa06a79e0547a40d1d9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Jewellery</i> - Festival jewellery is all about statement. Body chains are a great way to add interesting and edgy detail to a simple outfit.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv3kktOl_0lvVQIfPbwqO5K6k0xWIeFC84knM7IcGo9mTLczG-Z6W7vqps-YG1-MNcGx6irWa06eWGaO9SaxTqnOKFq4gjtiFkhIS1dkCjDGeQlmggnUJYoGoZxqo6F3-jzMumxNAr1w/s640/c7d2c2cf8704c7fb3b5df1163f2f40db.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<i>Clothes</i> - Not only are bralettes super cute, but they're also super comfy! Don't be afraid to show off a little bit of lace under a loose vest - clothes this pretty shouldn't be hidden!</div>
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<a href="http://pin.it/r9SHUXq" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe599SUi4IvKwA_pcTS-TQdQgQljZWXGlgInoi7KjdRuzt-pZqbWyGFp_kHSHRSsaMbJjVcl1Gyt258p8AvQqCKqPZyzLgAYlwQ7NAy1F9CbUEnl47KbahbW41sk26O_VoHlaIHek-Tyg/s640/7ed61ae4154b0bff3cf6c5b7789e6f47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Accessories</i> - Metallic transfer tattoos may be the most recent festival clich<span lang="fr">é</span>, but there's no denying it, they look cool.</div>
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What's your favourite festival look?</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px;">(Disclaimer: images taken from my </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethtrue93/words/" style="background-color: white; color: #fbaca7; font-family: 'Crimson Text'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px;"> account, I claim no ownership)</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-55515539314477908062016-06-19T04:02:00.000-07:002016-06-19T04:02:53.248-07:00Ciao, Venezia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ7FbCZaVUOSG6fHP3SLYVYvdesodmIrISL4RTHZGMe34sIWq0k-m61yTG8DbPrXP_ciTjEjbXc7-QWS39VWwh4hYwF5AO4O5XXPugyutZFx9dQ9exr-eNtovvYYhX6wOPZvxsUOey-0/s1600/Venice+16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ7FbCZaVUOSG6fHP3SLYVYvdesodmIrISL4RTHZGMe34sIWq0k-m61yTG8DbPrXP_ciTjEjbXc7-QWS39VWwh4hYwF5AO4O5XXPugyutZFx9dQ9exr-eNtovvYYhX6wOPZvxsUOey-0/s640/Venice+16.png" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A while back</span>, I ended <a href="http://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/travel-bucket-list-2-venice.html#more" target="_blank">a post about Venice</a> with a quote by Truman Capote: "Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go". I couldn't agree more. Venice may be all about the simple life, but it's beauty is pure indulgence. It hits you all at once. Everywhere you turn, your breath is taken away. There's really no surprise I ended up with over 200 photos in just 4 days. It truly is something special. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Venice has been on my travel bucket list for years, and, joined by one of my oldest friends, I finally set off for the floating city.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdYvdwrwanD_65R2vVVTQqZtmxzEORmher3U0mDIOPZY-7-z-1Sn0u7v8XWmMgvpR68qOFejPi_4WsC4benv-VJZb6zQ2gRcQgwTWTDaghJdk8EYvg4MtiKVgxRlr4o1pbMS7BT9mhrI/s1600/Venice+19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdYvdwrwanD_65R2vVVTQqZtmxzEORmher3U0mDIOPZY-7-z-1Sn0u7v8XWmMgvpR68qOFejPi_4WsC4benv-VJZb6zQ2gRcQgwTWTDaghJdk8EYvg4MtiKVgxRlr4o1pbMS7BT9mhrI/s640/Venice+19.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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Jetting off on a vaporetto, we were transported away from the bustling square of Piazzale Roma, and soon cruising up the Grand Canal, cameras already snapping away. I found myself gasping in awe as we went round every corner.<br />
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It's a rare occasion when you visit a place and it's exactly how you imagined it would be. Venice is just that. The crumbling buildings, the gondolas quietly floating past, the gondoliers in their stripey tops - it's all there. I often found myself asking how such a classically beautiful place could even still exist in our modern age. It's like another world.<br />
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We hopped off at the Ponte dell'Accademia, dropped our luggage off at our nearby accommodation (we stayed at <a href="http://casa-accademia-hostel-venice.bedspro.com/" target="_blank">Casa Accademia</a>, very basic but fits the purpose and an absolute bargain in a brilliant location - find it on<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/casa-accademia-venice.html" target="_blank"> booking.com</a>) and set out to explore and admire the scenes around us.<br />
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It certainly gets a thumbs-up from me! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPJsEKBPW1MBz6NC3vtBr1nK7Mw3Mk_YQDGKXnxJKf5hHQUgZtp9ev30ef9TGfB-lJYLCt9AV47AOid5dW_43tjM2el7M1XY09RzbxVVvVau8g3CQhlAFDo94hNTOUyxLdW73S6k-7xs/s1600/Venice+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPJsEKBPW1MBz6NC3vtBr1nK7Mw3Mk_YQDGKXnxJKf5hHQUgZtp9ev30ef9TGfB-lJYLCt9AV47AOid5dW_43tjM2el7M1XY09RzbxVVvVau8g3CQhlAFDo94hNTOUyxLdW73S6k-7xs/s640/Venice+17.png" width="480" /></a></div>
After dinner and, of course, gelato, we wandered over to the other side of the island and were met with the flashes of lightning across the lagoon. So, we chased the storm, sat on the edge of a jetty, and admired nature's light display late into the night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIEgkC2_wh-FMsFRjBG9fpTeX0j6AgcRwRADrbqAY3VLTC6Yn0SwsagW2qfzlYkf-27R-lGi9N094fACTE2yrpfC8Clv2HUrSvTSmqTPjrMWq8a-59-KSf3O2SoJUpUWu9rjkwxhWtRg/s1600/Venice+22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIEgkC2_wh-FMsFRjBG9fpTeX0j6AgcRwRADrbqAY3VLTC6Yn0SwsagW2qfzlYkf-27R-lGi9N094fACTE2yrpfC8Clv2HUrSvTSmqTPjrMWq8a-59-KSf3O2SoJUpUWu9rjkwxhWtRg/s640/Venice+22.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh3chW0bYmFxWof9_eurIoyFKe02fBQ0yJ4HlleweWG3LUxxFBKgjYFWyCtF9RNVv_BdPvqmt_Jw2Qma42idDG0s0IyDN-9ti5loqnoVZJ-BpLz8GpxgyN8ymYVtTONmFtJEg-EdbIKI/s1600/Venice+23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh3chW0bYmFxWof9_eurIoyFKe02fBQ0yJ4HlleweWG3LUxxFBKgjYFWyCtF9RNVv_BdPvqmt_Jw2Qma42idDG0s0IyDN-9ti5loqnoVZJ-BpLz8GpxgyN8ymYVtTONmFtJEg-EdbIKI/s640/Venice+23.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, on the way back to our apartment we got lost in the maze of alleys (we soon realised this would be a recurring thing) and got caught in a torrential downpour complete with lightning and thunder. Our beds have never felt more welcoming than when we finally found our way back out of the rain.<br />
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Safe to say we kicked off our stay in Venice with a bang (pun totally intended)!<br />
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Love, <span style="font-size: large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-36281761546599612522016-06-06T10:06:00.000-07:002016-06-06T10:07:28.549-07:00Kiwi, Banana and Mango Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI0z-v_AZWkz47Q5f5MpWsyDSeBXPWy7myxh-XjRGvTr6FhC6VmBhHXIbNKdCrBIC8kt9ZpzyfHNkfnmX8ED90rcBO-o7py7EzbVk2yaLLIg07IRTzLm389W5aVe2zmsAwgyzxQo4GpY/s1600/kiwi+smoothie+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI0z-v_AZWkz47Q5f5MpWsyDSeBXPWy7myxh-XjRGvTr6FhC6VmBhHXIbNKdCrBIC8kt9ZpzyfHNkfnmX8ED90rcBO-o7py7EzbVk2yaLLIg07IRTzLm389W5aVe2zmsAwgyzxQo4GpY/s640/kiwi+smoothie+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The sun's back!</span> Oh, how I've missed you.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>What better way to celebrate the start of summer (let's hope it stays) than with some fresh fruit? Or rather, fresh fruit in a smoothie. This one's topical flavours will have you dreaming of exotic islands and sandy beaches. Best consumed relaxing in the sun, just as I did. <br />
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<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
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1 banana<br />
1 kiwi<br />
1/3 of a mango<br />
5 tbsp natural yoghurt<br />
Chia seeds (optional)<br />
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<i>What to do:</i><br />
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1. Cut the banana, kiwi and mango into small chunks and put in blender<br />
2. Add the natural yoghurt to blender and whizz<br />
3. Top with chia seeds<br />
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And there you have it, super simple and super healthy! <br />
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What's your favourite smoothie?</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx </span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-85128009236385901572016-06-02T11:18:00.000-07:002016-06-07T13:11:34.364-07:00June Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pin.it/EpxPeN2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi-Nlbnzj7xJtv5bJIWkfaZruehd0QCMkoCSAiVPIwZQq8XXP4YYQ0RyBOOKUONvXdy9IPr7jour9PBkgLf86GEe6Pz24vg20X1sFQUQaXn4Jb3_N_5Zv4aoVawr2RoI8Um6LgDcg8zE/s640/47dd74d18f28310c3d71cb5ca534814d.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hellooo June!</span> Happy to see ya! Not happy about this rainy weather though, where's the sun? Fingers crossed we'll see an appearance of it soon.<br />
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Another month, another set of goals!<br />
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<b>1. Get arty</b><br />
Before I went to university, I used to draw a lot. Art was one of my passions, but as uni work took over, I lost touch with my creative side. Now that I have lots of free time, I want to regain that love of art and get crafty.<br />
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<b>2. Drive</b><br />
Being so dependant on getting lifts from other people or taking the train is driving me crazy ('scuse the pun) so it's definitely time to get back behind the wheel.<br />
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<b>3. Rooftop bar</b><br />
There are so many great rooftop bars in London, and with Summer just round the corner, now is the perfect time to get some friends together and have a drink!<br />
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<b>4. Buy a Summer jacket</b><br />
I'm longing for a pretty jacket for those warmer Summer evenings - if anyone has any recommendations then please comment below!<br />
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<b>5. Go to a beach</b><br />
At uni the sea became my happy place, and a walk along the beach would always help put my mind at ease. Recently I've been missing the peace and quiet of the sea, so a visit is definitely needed!<br />
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What are your goals for this month?</div>
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Love,<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Beth xxx</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px;">(Disclaimer: images taken from my </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethtrue93/words/" style="background-color: white; color: #fbaca7; font-family: 'Crimson Text'; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16.8px;"> account, I claim no ownership)</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764109373437125399.post-28054957440182208072016-05-31T08:53:00.000-07:002016-05-31T09:10:18.502-07:00May Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRf-Wop7MgE09No9NTuaKVFv7B9IYF-rNFWC4STnENhsV2s238NywF5LNZ_1qBP4IcZkYLehvwrTYMfH59daa3vuo-oMDLq29tTApnnOmDu09c7YxNFPk_UbqZZWyuK1FChveGTuLXMg/s1600/20160528_162737_kindlephoto-88415133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRf-Wop7MgE09No9NTuaKVFv7B9IYF-rNFWC4STnENhsV2s238NywF5LNZ_1qBP4IcZkYLehvwrTYMfH59daa3vuo-oMDLq29tTApnnOmDu09c7YxNFPk_UbqZZWyuK1FChveGTuLXMg/s640/20160528_162737_kindlephoto-88415133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll be honest with you,</span> I've been looking forward to seeing the back of May.<br />
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It's been a pretty uneventful month for me, but it has also been a month of making plans. From booking holidays and buying festival tickets, to starting a new job to save up money for travelling, I know my future self will thank me for all this preparation! So I'm going to view this quiet month as the calm before the storm. And after an incredible time at my first festival of the year, <a href="http://www.wearefstvl.com/" target="_blank">We Are FSTVL</a>, this bank holiday weekend, I cannot wait for the adventures ahead! Bring on the Summer!!<br />
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Alongside my planning, I didn't forget about my <a href="https://doodleanddaydream.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/may-goals.html" target="_blank">May Goals</a> either. Let's see how I did...<br />
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<b>1. Learn to cook from scratch</b><br />
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In a bid to become more healthy, I wanted to learn to make some meals completely from scratch, no jar or packet mix in sight. I did my research, jotted down a load of healthy recipes in my notebook, and am proud to say I actually made some without the end result being a disaster! From sweet potato noodles and courgette fritters, to falafels and Jamaican mango chicken, I think it's finally safe to say that I am no longer a danger to myself or others when it comes to cooking.<br />
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<b>2. Become a morning person</b><br />
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So while I am still not quite that person who is willingly up and ready to go at 7 in the morning everyday, I have been trying to get up at an acceptable time. I'll admit that recently I've slipped into the habit of waking up and then spending the next hour on my phone, still wrapped up in my duvet, but I'm awake so that counts, right...?<br />
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<b>3. Make a season scrapbook</b><br />
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One thing definitely ticked off the list! Even though it makes me a bit sad to look back (I still haven't quite gotten over the season blues), it's nice to know all my favourite photos and souvenirs are kept in a safe place for whenever I want to take a trip down memory lane.<br />
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<b>4. Travel plans</b><br />
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This is an ongoing project but my research for travelling is well under way!<br />
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<b>5. Visit somewhere new on my own</b><br />
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Although I did visit new places this month, it was never on my own... There's always next month!<br />
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How was your May?</div>
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Love, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beth xxx</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574703901509219261noreply@blogger.com2