Story behind the photo - Cardiff

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.

Wordless Wednesday - say what?

where's the right shop then?

taken in Lisbon, Portugal.

Story behind the photo - Snow (2009)

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).

Because I apparently need reminding...

Dear self:

Remember this post? Go on, read it again....apparently you need to because you haven't learnt yet. Read it? Right, here's hoping you can remember next time...

Regards,

Me (aka a slightly frustrated photographer)

Story behind the photo - Canterbury

I went to Canterbury with London Walks on another one of their day trips, which I've mentioned before. As far as I remember (it was nearly two years ago now that I went), it was an enjoyable day - although a bit on the cold side. This photo is of the interior of Canterbury Cathedral - yet another cathedral that I couldn't help but be impressed by.

Today I was reminded...

that I'm definitely not in Australia any more.

Let me explain. Australia is a BIG country. It takes forever to get anywhere. For example: between where I used to live and where I grew up, it was an 8-10 hour trip by road between the two - and that was within the same area of the country

Today I booked a day trip for next month. Nothing unusual about that, you might say. Did I mention that it was a day trip to Bruges (Belgium)? The idea that I can visit another country and be back in England in a day is just slightly strange to me....but I like it.

A lot

Wordless Wednesday - photos from home

currently wishing I was here....

Story behind the photo - Berlin

Berlin. A city that's right up there as one of my favourites that I've visited. I can't quite explain why...but I think a big part of it is the sense of history that you get while there (and what you see just wandering around) and the fact that some of it happened in my lifetime...just amazing. One of these days, I might get around to doing a blog post of my time in the city and share a whole lot more photos...

One of the reasons I visited Berlin was to visit the Christmas markets (I know they aren't the best known in Germany, but I wanted to combine the markets with visiting a really interesting city). There are several markets set up throughout the city in the lead up to Christmas. They sell a range of crafts and gifts, have plenty of food stalls,....and gluhwein (mulled wine). I don't drink, but figured I had to try some - and found I rather liked it. This photo is of the gluhwein I had on our last night in Berlin (I visited with a friend). For a fee, you can keep the mug - which I did. Hopefully, if I get the chance, I'll be back to visit Berlin again before I leave Europe...we will see.

To the people at the Underground station today....

Please move along the platform. It doesn't matter where you get on the train, it will still get you where you want to go.

That is all.

Story behind the photo - British Museum

Many people (myself included), would think of London, and think 'expensive.' Since moving over here though, I've discovered (to my surprise) that this is not the case. There are some amazing museums in London, and many of them are free to visit - always a bonus if you're watching the budget.

This photo is part of the Great Court at the British Museum. The museum was started based on the collection of one man in the mid 1700's, and has expanded over the years to what it is today - after several visits, I've only barely scratched the surface of the collection. As well as their permanent collections (which are free admission), there are also regular temporary exhibitions throughout the year, these have an admission charge (in my opinion, all the ones I've been to have been worth it). The Great Court was opened in 2000, it encloses the main quadrangle at the centre of the British Museum. Depending on what the weather is like when you visit, the colour that comes through the ceiling (which is glass) can vary.

So, for people coming to visit London, would I recommend the British Museum? In a word, yes - you can easily spend many hours there. Just make sure you pick up a map, so you've got some idea of where you're going!