tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527341706457894842024-03-05T04:23:38.155+00:00This Girl's Journeya journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step....a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-87067501901041289102013-08-25T19:48:00.000+01:002013-08-25T19:48:08.266+01:00Story behind the photo - Naples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoI-pPIAAfuW4GLb5HsGXwbE8ed8x-cf9xmDu8t4XiLHFpU7knm5EgrfqI0aVjhY-yQlDeFqzg15WtmgyWWHarSRyapVHhI0ilL3CjRkmF0iavM3ETuEhLkA26P5iOBMAPpYW28LiB3Q/s1600/P1090189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoI-pPIAAfuW4GLb5HsGXwbE8ed8x-cf9xmDu8t4XiLHFpU7knm5EgrfqI0aVjhY-yQlDeFqzg15WtmgyWWHarSRyapVHhI0ilL3CjRkmF0iavM3ETuEhLkA26P5iOBMAPpYW28LiB3Q/s320/P1090189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I visited Naples earlier this year, my main reason for going was to visit Pompeii. I knew that Mt Vesuvius was near to the city, but I didn't realise just how close until the plane was coming in to land - I remember looking out the window and being shocked to see it right there...This is a photo taking down at the bay in Naples, looking across to Mt Vesuvius.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-60408087129947111672013-08-20T20:37:00.001+01:002013-08-20T20:37:30.621+01:00Travel Tuesday - Incholm AbbeyScotland would rank up there as one of my favourite places I've visited, and I've been there fairly regularly in the time I've been in the UK. On one of my visits to Edinburgh, I knew I wanted to see the Forth rail bridge (pictures to be shared another day), and while reading about it, read about Incholm Abbey. I decided I'd go visit, and was very glad I did. It was a beautiful, peaceful place to spend an hour or so. You have to take a sightseeing cruise around the Forth to get there - those are with a company called <a href="http://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/sightseeing-boat-trips-under-the-forth-bridge">Maid of the Forth</a> . And just a word of advice - if you're visiting over lunchtime, take your own food. There's a small information centre, it sells drinks and snacks but nothing more substantial. And now, for some photos:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://foundlovenowwhat.com/">Found Love. Now What?</a> and <a href="http://www.bonnieroseblog.co.uk/">A Compass Rose</a></span></div>
a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-91087174707167633642013-08-18T19:31:00.002+01:002013-08-18T19:31:40.450+01:00Story behind the photo - Capri<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I visited Naples in January of this year, and took a trip out to the island of Capri one afternoon. To be honest, I didn't enjoy Capri as much as I had hoped - I suspect its a better place to visit during the tourist season, rather than the off season.<br />
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After spending a few hours on the island, just wandering around in the grey, overcast weather (I'd hoped to visit the Blue Lagoon, but the weather meant it wasn't possible), it was time to get the ferry back to Naples. Walking to the dock, I spotted this bin floating in the harbour. I have no idea how or why it was there, but the picture makes me smile none the less.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-37890334013061608582013-08-15T19:48:00.002+01:002013-08-15T19:50:55.407+01:00Expat to Expat Q&A - August<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">As I slowly get back into blogging, I'm discovering all sorts of expat blogs. I figured I'd join in this month for this fun-sounding expat linkup :-)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. What is your favourite food store in your city and why?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Purely because its the closest to my flat....Sainsbury's. I also live within easy travel distance of a Tesco and an Asda, so if I'm looking for something specific (for example, Asda has crispbread that's a pretty close substitute for Cruskits) I'll head there</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. For your answer to number 1 is it ok to buy the store brand items or do you pay extra for a name brand?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep! I've got a mixture of store brand and name brand items in my kitchen cupboards. Depends on what it is as to whether or not I'll go store brand or name brand.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. What do you think is the best way to get about your city? i.e. bus, bike, car, etc</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hands down, public transport. I can't imagine driving in London on a regular basis and keeping my sanity</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.. Which store do you turn to for basics like toilet paper or cleaning supplies?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whichever supermarket I've gone to that week.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Where do you think is the best place in your city to get a cup of coffee (or beverage you prefer) and catch up with friends?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not really a tea or coffee drinker, so I don't really know. Of the coffee chains, I generally end up in Costa over the others, so I guess that's my answer...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bonus questions :</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was your “eureka, I’m practically a native” moment?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Realising that you don't *have* to take the tube everywhere....other modes of transportation can sometimes be easier (and quicker). Oh and not having to look at the tube map every.single.time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Does your real accent get in the way?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Depends on who I'm talking too...some people say I don't have a very strong Aussie accent, for other people they can pick it straight away. I do have to remember to slow down sometimes when I'm talking though...(see <a href="http://agirlfromoz.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/accents">here</a> for a few more of my accent tales...)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.foundlovenowwhat.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Found Love. Now What?"><img alt="Found Love. Now What?" src="http://foundlovenowwhat.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/expat-to-expat-1_250.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">linking up with <a href="http://foundlovenowwhat.com/wp/2013/08/15/expat-to-expat-qa-august/">Found Love, Now What?</a> and <a href="http://hemborgwife.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/expat-to-expat-qa-4-basics-and-eureka-moments/">The Hemborg Wife</a></span></div>
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a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-88380804454784833942013-08-11T19:56:00.000+01:002013-08-11T19:56:08.974+01:00Story behind the photo - Herculaneum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfQNcVhyphenhyphenxKJcOVXRme-DvmyNfGy1AYoIlgLK0nECONep9BargiamkzXc2NVXJNXSiapWdAp-upHDFjkuqJ9YjOdc_GGO31hcfFkIhaVWHRrY2qMF3e0ytsQhkvWC1QXtScx_RISQkCjI/s1600/P1090406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfQNcVhyphenhyphenxKJcOVXRme-DvmyNfGy1AYoIlgLK0nECONep9BargiamkzXc2NVXJNXSiapWdAp-upHDFjkuqJ9YjOdc_GGO31hcfFkIhaVWHRrY2qMF3e0ytsQhkvWC1QXtScx_RISQkCjI/s320/P1090406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To be completely honest, I'd never really heard of Herculaneum before I started researching my trip to Naples earlier this year. A couple of friends recommended that I should visit, and I'm so glad I did. Herculaneum was destroyed in the same eruption of Mt Vesuvius as Pompeii - which is far better known. This photo is taken as I was walking down into the ruins - you can see just how close they are to the modern day town. In my opinion, Herculaneum is definitely worth a visit from Naples - it was quieter than Pompeii, and a bit more manageable size-wise as well.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-4801730787515251752013-08-08T20:20:00.000+01:002013-08-08T20:20:00.449+01:00Hints for international postingA couple of years back, I wrote about <a href="http://agirlfromoz.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/things-i-have-learnt-at-post-office.html">Things I have learnt at the post office</a> . Looking back on the list, everything still holds true.<div>
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I need to add one more thing to the list - almost a caution for anyone living in the UK with family/friends overseas who send you parcels (or vice versa)</div>
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<li>For parcels coming into the UK from outside the EU, if they are valued over a certain amount, then you might have to pay tax in order to pick them up from the post office.</li>
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This also extends to gifts sent to you in the UK from family/friends overseas. I had to pay VAT (Value Added Tax) before I could pick up a parcel from my family earlier this year. The worst bit....the parcel contained birthday presents! This was the first time this has happened to me, but it happened to a work colleague also - so just wanted to make people aware.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer - this is only my experience, I don't know if this applies to all parcels sent into the UK.</span></i></div>
a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-24148816658570645472013-08-06T20:38:00.000+01:002013-08-06T20:38:02.978+01:00Travel Tuesday - Icons of VeniceAh, Venice. Possibly my favourite city I've visited in all my time in Europe. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, I think its a combination of location, history, and the fact that Venice is a city on water. Truly a a place that I would recommend to anyone visiting Europe....so much so that I'm heading back for my third visit later this year!<br />
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For today, I wanted to share some of my photos of that most classic of Venice icons, the gondola:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://foundlovenowwhat.com/">Found Love. Now What?</a> and <a href="http://www.bonnieroseblog.co.uk/">A Compass Rose</a> for Travel Tuesday</span><br />
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a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-50539430568153359722013-08-04T20:11:00.003+01:002013-08-04T20:11:50.557+01:00Story behind the photo - London 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6Ow_EwtqPhyphenhyphenCAfHoU5SP3D1tnz_7IHcPKM0-12tfaEJEZYqU-BSUtLwWM2rZ1a5hI4dGHw3z3zGjUV6VIbtDApmG2YWYpsP4iP-qAvlw206gcFMtP90UVtYb8TLTC6r74hbshp-0sFQ/s1600/P1080376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6Ow_EwtqPhyphenhyphenCAfHoU5SP3D1tnz_7IHcPKM0-12tfaEJEZYqU-BSUtLwWM2rZ1a5hI4dGHw3z3zGjUV6VIbtDApmG2YWYpsP4iP-qAvlw206gcFMtP90UVtYb8TLTC6r74hbshp-0sFQ/s320/P1080376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a year since the eyes of the world were on London for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, so this seemed like an appropriate time to share this photo. I can remember the excitement back home during Sydney 2000 - and I watched that on TV - so trying to get some tickets for London was a bit of a no brainer. I was lucky enough to get one ticket for the Olympics (fencing) and a few more tickets for the Paralympics. All the sessions I went to had a brilliant atmosphere, and just being in London during those 6 weeks was amazing as well (anyone who was here at the time will know what I mean).<br />
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This photo is taken in the Olympic Park - the main stadium is on the right, and the 'Orbit' is on the left. I took the photo as I was leaving the aquatics centre after a brilliant night of Paralympic swimming...where the crowd did their best to lift the roof off the place with the cheering! And the sound coming from the stadium as I was leaving makes me wish I had managed to get a ticket for athletics as well....<br />
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The Olympic Park is to be renamed the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (go <a href="http://queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/">here</a> for more information). Its currently undergoing a transformation, and will be fully open in 2014. If you're visiting London before then and want to get a view of the stadium and the Orbit, then head to Westfield Stratford shopping centre, and head to the viewing area on the 3rd floor of John Lewis. You'll see pretty much the same view as above, just from a bit further away and with the Aquatics centre in the foreground.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-19956556138891671712013-08-01T10:00:00.000+01:002013-08-01T10:00:00.975+01:00Foodie travels - Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpvTBGVfERXg5fmL0QXwyKFL1GtRnguxsyzTqQNtvDe05muZXGf5L_5XsnvKtUgnDZAzZS98b6qaeScn7_upNMAtfnECIZNS6keVCC5f6HOKDBKX-sQdYNNsNymV7Czl4WwkNjzLlSfI/s1600/P1090029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpvTBGVfERXg5fmL0QXwyKFL1GtRnguxsyzTqQNtvDe05muZXGf5L_5XsnvKtUgnDZAzZS98b6qaeScn7_upNMAtfnECIZNS6keVCC5f6HOKDBKX-sQdYNNsNymV7Czl4WwkNjzLlSfI/s320/P1090029.JPG" /></a></div>
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What: gelato</div>
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Where: everywhere in Italy....this particular photo was taken in Naples</div>
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How much: A cone like this (one scoop) is usually around 2.50 euros (nothing like <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/10039834/British-tourists-complaint-over-54-ice-cream-hits-a-nerve-in-Rome.html">this</a> has ever happened to me....)</div>
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Taste: obviously going to depend on the flavour (this one is lemon, my favourite)</div>
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Verdict: yum! Whenever I go to Italy, I'm aiming for at least one gelato every day...</div>
a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-90350282727732682002013-07-30T20:15:00.004+01:002013-07-30T20:15:38.873+01:00Views from aboveGrowing up in Australia, it takes a long time to get anywhere. So one of my favourite things about living in Europe is that you are just a short-haul flight from so many amazing destinations. Seeing as the flights are so short (usually 2-2.5 hours), I normally try and get a window seat if I can. And the result can sometimes be this (which is hands down my favourite 'view from above')<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjKtQjSx7_u8Xx8bRd3wNKk0nI2C6sUT2FJ_OZJTIQ9LqmXgz-nhM7dsO94KByb4vx5-YtBS6vqbVHnri9JvtgeM8dmmlfkUnmmL1PJX_8VyWatr0w5EeeQQea7iIm6DP8MqMqYiyGco/s1600/P1090998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjKtQjSx7_u8Xx8bRd3wNKk0nI2C6sUT2FJ_OZJTIQ9LqmXgz-nhM7dsO94KByb4vx5-YtBS6vqbVHnri9JvtgeM8dmmlfkUnmmL1PJX_8VyWatr0w5EeeQQea7iIm6DP8MqMqYiyGco/s320/P1090998.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view as the plane was leaving Bergen</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.foundlovenowwhat.com/" title="Found Love. Now What?"><img alt="Found Love. Now What?" src="http://foundlovenowwhat.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/traveltueslinkup.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-40924790530970340972013-07-29T21:30:00.001+01:002013-07-29T21:30:54.815+01:00To upgrade or not to upgrade?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOWORRH99qZQs87HXhGYVIpE-45QSJLm8OMG7GDbMi3vQRGNHhOoQGehED-XsRektGBfTDCE3hweHTmtITMY9a_wyr0PD5jMuM-x25coV_lxmWG28AUvtTueD3ie24OJrfbOh4S56CrY/s1600/P1060202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOWORRH99qZQs87HXhGYVIpE-45QSJLm8OMG7GDbMi3vQRGNHhOoQGehED-XsRektGBfTDCE3hweHTmtITMY9a_wyr0PD5jMuM-x25coV_lxmWG28AUvtTueD3ie24OJrfbOh4S56CrY/s320/P1060202.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken near Reykjavik, Iceland</td></tr>
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As you might have guessed, I like taking photos. Lots of photos. I've only ever had a point-and-shoot camera (Panasonic Lumix TZ-20 is my current camera), and I can't help but wonder if its time to upgrade to a DSLR. (sidenote - both TZ cameras I've owned, including my current one, have had dust get inside the sensor, which I can see in the photos, hence why I'm thinking about a new camera).<br />
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I've seen photos taken with DSLRs, and I like the effects. A lot. I'd love to be able to get the shallow depth-of-field and other similar setups...my current camera won't quite do it. But then I look at the photo above, which is one of my favourites I've taken over the last couple of years. And I remember the story behind taking it....I was visiting the geysir area near Reykjavik on a day tour, and just happened to turn around back towards where the tour bus was parked, and saw the sun peeking out through the clouds (first time all day). I snapped a handful of photos of the scene, and 5 minutes later the cloud had come back over again. I'm glad I had my point-and-shoot that day, cause I'm not sure I would have managed to whip out a DSLR as quickly to get the photo....<br />
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So, I <i>think</i> I want to get a new camera (finances permitting). The only question - another point-and-shoot, or do I go for a DSLR?<br />
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Any thoughts/comments/suggestions welcome.<br />
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<br />a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-44904033374571657562013-07-28T20:59:00.000+01:002013-07-28T20:59:00.282+01:00Story behind the photo - Bergen, NorwayOK, I'll be the first to admit, I've fallen completely off the (blogging) wagon, so to speak. I'm not really sure what happened, except that I think I lost interest/motivation....but I've decided to give this another shot. So here goes....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7K4-zbf6pHOoqTTUQ3GKYBPb9kfvz_1RY9OgpvyLmbDimXeP3EvF6AEvOtyx87Z6wTzd3qk6-6w-RWlAagZwgNvoFoNZxHXqqo9cSSUn-UU1KffwEE5YMU7qVF2KqDDTrsJKR21Vzmo/s1600/P1090786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7K4-zbf6pHOoqTTUQ3GKYBPb9kfvz_1RY9OgpvyLmbDimXeP3EvF6AEvOtyx87Z6wTzd3qk6-6w-RWlAagZwgNvoFoNZxHXqqo9cSSUn-UU1KffwEE5YMU7qVF2KqDDTrsJKR21Vzmo/s320/P1090786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My most recent trip out of the UK was to Norway, more specifically to Bergen, which is also known as the 'gateway to the fjords.' Norway is known (I think) for its natural beauty, and Bergen didn't disappoint. (just make sure you've got deep pockets....Norway's expensive!)<br />
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This photo looks across the harbour to an area known as Bryggen. Bryggen is the only preserved business district from the Hanseatic period. It consists of the brightly coloured wooden buildings you can see in the photo, and is an UNESCO world heritage site. As well as looking at it from a distance, I would recommend wandering between the buildings - you can see the architecture of the buildings up close, and there's some lovely art galleries and stores to have a look at. For more information about Bryggen, go <a href="http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Where-to-go/Fjord-Norway/Bergen/What-to-do-in-Bergen/Attractions-in-Bergen/Bryggen-The-Hanseatic-Wharf-in-Bergen/">here</a>a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-23989232928943015322012-04-25T03:00:00.000+01:002012-04-25T03:00:01.299+01:00Anzac Day 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgA6hU_Kfi4MDtRJeHtNu64kcpWD5unaWnKY0yBVKpX18Q-02cvfuUq8VPQsMbjpCYBiVDPpkfFbX4Hz7ioIcgcSNCR2_3qTp70yU4USMTRJxHtsNtV4TY6rTv51x7qM0fyKu8yXbXNU8/s1600/P1030925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgA6hU_Kfi4MDtRJeHtNu64kcpWD5unaWnKY0yBVKpX18Q-02cvfuUq8VPQsMbjpCYBiVDPpkfFbX4Hz7ioIcgcSNCR2_3qTp70yU4USMTRJxHtsNtV4TY6rTv51x7qM0fyKu8yXbXNU8/s320/P1030925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old<br />
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn<br />
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,<br />
We will remember them'<br />
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<i>Lest we forget</i><br />
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(<span style="font-size: x-small;">more about the poem <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ode_of_Remembrance">here</a> . photo taken by me after the Dawn Service at Gallipoli, Anzac Day 2011</span>)a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-40649641123049695772011-12-18T20:07:00.000+00:002011-12-18T20:07:23.115+00:00Story behind the photo - Cliffs of Moher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziwBSQ-OyraEF9OZZiS5hWNZmN5GsvLpI_6z8f6w7SFL1fyeijH6Mjicvbjm0spjLlCnqKDCYSTFx5Scy5QYbHI8jkE_d9b32-o3jyuM176HJiVnMybOndsWL5lmo99SZHI7NW4oTSF8/s1600/photo+385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziwBSQ-OyraEF9OZZiS5hWNZmN5GsvLpI_6z8f6w7SFL1fyeijH6Mjicvbjm0spjLlCnqKDCYSTFx5Scy5QYbHI8jkE_d9b32-o3jyuM176HJiVnMybOndsWL5lmo99SZHI7NW4oTSF8/s320/photo+385.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While I was doing some research for my trip to Dublin, I was looking into day trips that I could do. It came down to a couple of options: Belfast & The Giants' Causeway, or the Cliffs of Moher. I ended up deciding to go to Belfast separately (which I did earlier this year), so the Cliffs of Moher it was. And I'm glad I chose it. You can find the cliffs on the west coast of Ireland, in County Clare. They are between 100 and 200 metres tall, and, in my opinion, and absolutely stunning place to visit. Its a popular tourist destination in Ireland, but, if you go wandering off on your own, you can just soak in the view. Just one word of advice - make sure you've got warm clothing with you - I went in springtime, and it was a pretty windy day!a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-64595134857485741772011-12-11T20:45:00.000+00:002011-12-11T20:45:14.193+00:00Story behind the photo- Dublin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuZQOhQ_TGpo9UE3UQ2jH93gX7RyQwV8YYuQq60ZGuBCEXfC3ntZrdWBJYRWA9MVEMXZcH060FiHuhjrIHLePPblOehNOLgz1OHiqkC95vKXfTxHJzUBr3Tr4qSvUy8GkhpQyQHEO6U4/s1600/photo+283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuZQOhQ_TGpo9UE3UQ2jH93gX7RyQwV8YYuQq60ZGuBCEXfC3ntZrdWBJYRWA9MVEMXZcH060FiHuhjrIHLePPblOehNOLgz1OHiqkC95vKXfTxHJzUBr3Tr4qSvUy8GkhpQyQHEO6U4/s320/photo+283.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
While my mum and sister were visiting last year, they went to Berlin for a few days. As I had already been there (and loved it), I decided I would go somewhere else by myself for those few days - and decided on Dublin. This photo is of part of the collection of Guinness bottles inside the Guinness Storehouse, which is the most visited tourist destination in Dublin. The building has loads of interesting exhibits about the making of Guinness (at least I found them interesting), and you get to sample a pint of the stuff as part of the admission price. Now, I'm not a drinker, but I have to confess I quite liked my pint - and the view from the bar on the top floor of the storehouse (where you get your pint) was pretty impressive too.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-90389731615434313162011-12-04T20:41:00.000+00:002011-12-04T20:41:49.595+00:00Story behind the photo - Glasgow and Edinburgh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU55RLwHIECnkoX5E1eUkyPQnzeXYiiEP91vKTofTEZakq1JMEIvBJo-0kdLkTn4xIhvvidQXqPF-cmstJYDIr4mcHOcBGliwFuhUNInpop6zm5IOom_MHtU-84FrBJiTCDn36EsnfRrY/s1600/photo+099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU55RLwHIECnkoX5E1eUkyPQnzeXYiiEP91vKTofTEZakq1JMEIvBJo-0kdLkTn4xIhvvidQXqPF-cmstJYDIr4mcHOcBGliwFuhUNInpop6zm5IOom_MHtU-84FrBJiTCDn36EsnfRrY/s320/photo+099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When my mum and sister came to visit about 18 months ago, the first stop on our travels was Glasgow, where we have family. We also made a day trip to Edinburgh - it takes less than an hour on the train between the two cities, and trains leave on a very regular basis. Glasgow is a city which, for me, is more about the overall <i>feel</i> of the place, rather than visiting to seek out specific buildings/attractions. There's actually not a lot I can say about this photo, except that it was a detail on a building in Glasgow that caught my eye. When I'm taking photos, I often try to look for details or something slightly unusual, and I guess this photo reflects that. You can also see the Saltire (St Andrew's Cross - the Scottish flag) in the crest in the middle.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-22736648456840746402011-12-03T21:48:00.001+00:002011-12-03T23:05:37.464+00:00Foodie travels - Portugal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzyJZupAwY5kAr6MwDmThD00IA-vcbYKuIp8rl_nuYn6MT1egci7Dya-_b_azEMs2uGW8snCNG7foeynALN9Oi4SOutq_vP-MgxAsO-T2ZoGhRFyW91EtxeCMvdOt87pz003uSt6QA6M/s1600/P1050670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzyJZupAwY5kAr6MwDmThD00IA-vcbYKuIp8rl_nuYn6MT1egci7Dya-_b_azEMs2uGW8snCNG7foeynALN9Oi4SOutq_vP-MgxAsO-T2ZoGhRFyW91EtxeCMvdOt87pz003uSt6QA6M/s320/P1050670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What: Pastel de nata (custard tarts)<br />
Where: Lisbon, Portugal - any bakery<br />
How much: depends on where you go - the bakeries near my hostel sold these for 90 euro<br />
cents each, or 6 for 5 euros<br />
Taste: the custard part tastes like the filling in a vanilla slice, only not as sweet (and <br />
much nicer, in my opinion)<br />
Verdict: yum! I had at least one of these every day I was in Lisbon. If I could have <br />
worked out a way to post some home to my family for them to try, I definitely <br />
would have.<br />
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(PS the burnt bits you can see in the photo had no impact on how tasty these were - at least they didn't for me)a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-83214363906984005132011-11-27T20:56:00.000+00:002011-11-27T20:56:25.655+00:00Story behind the photo - London (Greenwich)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOZH8RUjYZ6VvpyBpY5LMlYUkcan84_5MoRRr-z0fpE4ZF5hahASODGwLmV7H-rnVTwNOaqv4Ic81CXJgJWeM950AkuGfFj8_VjhTEJCROaGb58gAiRQu5YJDB8eeSgUDVRZbzIukpmk/s1600/photo+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOZH8RUjYZ6VvpyBpY5LMlYUkcan84_5MoRRr-z0fpE4ZF5hahASODGwLmV7H-rnVTwNOaqv4Ic81CXJgJWeM950AkuGfFj8_VjhTEJCROaGb58gAiRQu5YJDB8eeSgUDVRZbzIukpmk/s320/photo+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Short and sweet today - this is a photo of yours truly with one foot on either side of the Prime Meridian (zero degrees longitude) at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Can't put it any simpler than that.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-84280997973183122092011-11-20T20:38:00.000+00:002011-11-20T20:38:42.406+00:00Story behind the photo - London (Imperial War Museum and Cabinet War Rooms/Churchill Museum)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoauyNkXe9MF-TVMQySUTFVT7_bNMLZ-Pc_nt7gUTxNUABX2KT85Y2Zf4gjJQp2iWUcPRIVP6zCfaCcv5aUVAvrgn6vMTbAXxKh_m5Vmg0a7DAHRpckw8YTLwqfYBSnA8jLkdNuL3OI8/s1600/photo+1059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoauyNkXe9MF-TVMQySUTFVT7_bNMLZ-Pc_nt7gUTxNUABX2KT85Y2Zf4gjJQp2iWUcPRIVP6zCfaCcv5aUVAvrgn6vMTbAXxKh_m5Vmg0a7DAHRpckw8YTLwqfYBSnA8jLkdNuL3OI8/s320/photo+1059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The Imperial War Museum is a collection of 5 museums, which are focused on remembering and learning from war. They cover conflicts from WWI right up to the present day. Having been to the main branch of the museum in London - which is where this photo is taken - a couple of times now, I can thoroughly recommend a visit. Personally, I've found the exhibitions to be both interesting and thought-provoking, and in no way 'glorifying' war. For me, the main branch of the museum is a great place to spend a few hours - maybe even the whole day. The main branch of the Imperial War Museum is free, apart from one temporary exhibition (which is clearly signed), so it is great for those watching their pennies when travelling. (the other three branches of the museum that I've visited - 2 in London and 1 in Duxford - have an entrance charge).<br />
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For more information about the Imperial War Museum, visit their website <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/">here</a>a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-28362608021816989372011-11-13T20:18:00.000+00:002011-11-13T20:18:58.811+00:00Story behind the photo - Ely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EdpXtHa_nd98lQb8Noa494EhMXNPx0zKdGn34UmRS6mqosZnmKh6L01ZidfYUvy92S1v4B52OLO3UVDBVy5JDkYHQQKVLJqMo0dahyphenhyphenn6PDChaHy-mdf2QFqgAujiHmr87rh13zo_A8Q/s1600/photo+1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EdpXtHa_nd98lQb8Noa494EhMXNPx0zKdGn34UmRS6mqosZnmKh6L01ZidfYUvy92S1v4B52OLO3UVDBVy5JDkYHQQKVLJqMo0dahyphenhyphenn6PDChaHy-mdf2QFqgAujiHmr87rh13zo_A8Q/s320/photo+1100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Ely, a small town a couple of stops up the train line from Cambridge, is another one of those places I would imagine is not on many 'must see' lists. My main motivation for visiting was to check out the cathedral, and I'm glad I did. It was a beautiful place, and is where this photo is taken. You can take tours up onto the roof of the cathedral, and this photo was snapped partway through the tour, looking down on the inside of the church. Looking at the photo now, I'm glad I've got a pretty good head for heights...a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-80867523058928082692011-11-11T11:11:00.012+00:002011-11-11T22:09:53.763+00:00Remembrance Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wFGVOnjrNAKV6GT0n9WpJS0AXvjXilRbgu5JFCsfe7YHwVtDToYuPiY7uIwc_kM4UiDsqk3nN_3GqnF3wlUt5EyhASEUC3ocEORCuBQwm9yHzeUNOiyjlHYRYDHrtpyqDGihPDGzhnc/s1600/P1030539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wFGVOnjrNAKV6GT0n9WpJS0AXvjXilRbgu5JFCsfe7YHwVtDToYuPiY7uIwc_kM4UiDsqk3nN_3GqnF3wlUt5EyhASEUC3ocEORCuBQwm9yHzeUNOiyjlHYRYDHrtpyqDGihPDGzhnc/s320/P1030539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> In Flanders fields the poppies blow</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> Between the crosses, row on row,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> That mark our place; and in the sky</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> The larks, still bravely singing, fly</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> Scarce heard amid the guns below.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We are the Dead. Short days ago</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Loved and were loved, and now we lie,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">In Flanders fields.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Take up our quarrel with the foe:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">To you from failing hands we throw</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The torch; be yours to hold it high.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If ye break faith with us who die</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We shall not sleep, though poppies grow</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">In Flanders fields</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">John McCrae</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">poem text <a href="http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm">here</a>. photo taken in Turkey, April 2011</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div>a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-34203429492666667052011-11-06T20:33:00.000+00:002011-11-06T20:33:40.284+00:00Story behind the photo - London (New Years Day Parade)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PBscle8ZfuL-qPbOtaTwlLXojqD9TC-bcAy9SFUxqYPQE5zf7LCO_tDzB-DQ4KJO1APQ-EpP3kHiLI3fM_ckISlyADZO6OuyHBLXfeeQwhe0NlFm-WdYuQZR3_YAbGihXk6e6iXKVIg/s1600/photo+898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PBscle8ZfuL-qPbOtaTwlLXojqD9TC-bcAy9SFUxqYPQE5zf7LCO_tDzB-DQ4KJO1APQ-EpP3kHiLI3fM_ckISlyADZO6OuyHBLXfeeQwhe0NlFm-WdYuQZR3_YAbGihXk6e6iXKVIg/s320/photo+898.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before moving to the UK, I had never heard of the annual parade in London on New Year's Day. When I was planning what I should do for my first New Year's here, I thought going to the parade sounded like a good idea. And it was. Except for a couple of factors: wanting to get a good position, I arrived about an hour before the parade started. What I didn't know, was that the parade was the best part of 3 hours long. Three hours standing in the same position, with buildings all around (therefore not much sun got in) = one cold girlfromoz by the time the parade was over. Secondly: being at the parade by myself meant I couldn't go and get food/drink/go to the toilet without losing my place. Thirdly: at the time, I only had one battery for my camera, and ran out of charge about three quarters of the way through. (I bought another battery not long after, but <a href="http://agirlfromoz.blogspot.com/2011/10/because-i-apparently-need-reminding.html">I still haven't learnt my lesson</a> ). Despite all this, the parade was an interesting experience, and very colourful. This photo is of one of the many marching bands that took part. As someone who has played a musical instrument, I admire this band playing without any music - certainly not a skill I've ever managed to master.</div><span id="goog_746686102"></span><span id="goog_746686103"></span>a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-44864650876750507162011-10-30T20:13:00.000+00:002011-10-30T20:13:55.683+00:00Story behind the photo - Cardiff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzDicWJa52NGHcUXI7AykfUjDZiGu8uWxmqy39amLocTYTlv1krhLgAYYx_RO52EaiaX-3HGr6GwhU_hk5rNhvt_R444Ugm9ty_rshzAsVzkqqDD9z-HmVB0ujNAEHtq_RrlYqMCjS8I/s1600/photo+771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzDicWJa52NGHcUXI7AykfUjDZiGu8uWxmqy39amLocTYTlv1krhLgAYYx_RO52EaiaX-3HGr6GwhU_hk5rNhvt_R444Ugm9ty_rshzAsVzkqqDD9z-HmVB0ujNAEHtq_RrlYqMCjS8I/s320/photo+771.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
For my first Christmas in the UK, my friend and I decided we would go to Cardiff. Why? Well why not....it was somewhere neither of us had been before and were interesting in seeing. This photo is taken at Cardiff Castle, on the upper walkway/lookout. The flag at the front of the photo is the Welsh flag, you can also see the Australian and British flags as well.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-1264657605153563542011-10-26T19:50:00.000+01:002011-10-26T19:50:43.688+01:00Wordless Wednesday - say what?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g4pi_D9HVmLUv3sWtLqlBc-9Pv2dJ_Z0kOzFgIgcppL9EY8Vp-FhQmQEowEHq0PSNulILpX-cjOhrP3I5dMRYd2PYaJXKoQLt09HDIxNsxNFak7itLPi-HBS_DfnCkgU_B_pjQce5pE/s1600/P1050667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g4pi_D9HVmLUv3sWtLqlBc-9Pv2dJ_Z0kOzFgIgcppL9EY8Vp-FhQmQEowEHq0PSNulILpX-cjOhrP3I5dMRYd2PYaJXKoQLt09HDIxNsxNFak7itLPi-HBS_DfnCkgU_B_pjQce5pE/s320/P1050667.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where's the right shop then?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>taken in Lisbon, Portugal.a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652734170645789484.post-10451719568125902302011-10-23T20:29:00.000+01:002011-10-23T20:29:54.762+01:00Story behind the photo - Snow (2009)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcP3V86DjaVciTKbCbk3rs5chR-2uua9ooQgkQtH8yAcloNKtoFQj5yX1WSJXB8I8kTu3A2uxpv9zH-9NvdAaJ10JGydo7SJIX5upyvhgOtoB80uHIPtw7ZSxJSI5CCpAQ-gMYzjwF6w/s1600/photo+659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcP3V86DjaVciTKbCbk3rs5chR-2uua9ooQgkQtH8yAcloNKtoFQj5yX1WSJXB8I8kTu3A2uxpv9zH-9NvdAaJ10JGydo7SJIX5upyvhgOtoB80uHIPtw7ZSxJSI5CCpAQ-gMYzjwF6w/s320/photo+659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As a girl from Australia, snow was never a part of my life growing up - it doesn't snow in the part of Australia that I'm from. You can imagine my curiosity and excitement therefore when I hit my first English winter and got my first taste of snow. This photo was taken out my window the first night it snowed, in the 2009-10 winter. I'm pretty sure I thought the snow was magical and pretty....but those feelings quickly disappeared when I actually had to walk in the stuff! Let's just say I'm no longer a fan (particularly when you throw ice into the mix).a girl from ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095735233367593960noreply@blogger.com0