Weekend in Norfolk

Last weekend I came away from the city, after spending two weeks interning at British Airways' High Life magazine. It was ultra exciting to see what went on behind the scenes of the magazine I read when I flew from home to Glasgow for university, and excited I managed to spend some time there. What also was a dream, was where the office was situated. It was right by Covent Garden, and only minutes from the Thames, making every lunch break different each day.

After leaving London on Saturday to catch the train, I met my uncle at North Walsham and we went into Cromer for the afternoon. I tried my hand at crab fishing (failing miserably), walked up the pier, and then settled with a cornflake cake and strawberry milkshake as we spoke about what we had been up to.

Leading on from that, we went back to his beautiful cottage situated by the North Sea and took his dear Cavalier King Charles named Poppy along the coastal walk.

The longest beach in forever, where we went for a walk in Bacton.

It was a really lovely day and the sun was shining on us, as we went to go and my aunt and sister in Norwich for dinner. We settled in a restaurant called Coast to Coast, where I had a full rack of ribs! It had an american diner feel to it.

Me, my uncle and sister.

The next day we were taken into Norwich, where we had a wonder round the city. It was a vibrant and buzzing place, somewhere I would definitely return to, and the Old Town was so picturesque!

Cobbled streets

It was a lovely weekend and I'm looking forward to returning soon! 

Have you been up to anything recently?

Kirsty 

xx

French Travels, Marseille #2

Hey Bloggers, 

We're halfway through the week and I thought I'd share with you what I have been up to in France. On our few days in Marseille, I took a boat trip to Les Calanques, a place that is coated with beauty and mystery as the boat takes you through the caves and to the mini rivers, leading from the sea. However, on this day we went, it was not to be the case as the sea was rough, and by the end of the trip I felt extremely sea sick! :(

The Les Calanques on a bad day, the water should have been crystal blue!

On our way back we passed Castle D'If, it is most famous in the novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.

However, after this, we managed to see a lot in Marseille, the photos I took below summed up my time here!

The view of Marseille from the Cathedral de la Gare.

The doors to the main Cathedral, down here where this photo was taken was the Crypt.

The beautiful embellishment inside the Cathedral.

This was the fort of St John.                  

The view from the fort, before heading into the adjoined Mucem.

Mecum garden, where you could stop for lunch!

Backstreets of Marseille.

Marseille has been lovely and it has been interesting comparing the cities between each other when we have moved on to other destinations. 

Is there a city you've enjoyed spending time in?

Kirsty 

xx

Marvellous Marseille

On Monday, my boyfriend and I jetted off to the South of France for a small adventure. We're currently at our first stop, but will be continuing our journey further along to the sunny city of Cannes in the next few days. However, Marseille has brought beauty and bliss as we're exploring the city's touristic sites and exhausted its many coffee shops! 

Upon leaving our bags at the hotel room on the first day, we hopped on the Metro from our stop, La Timone to Vieux Port, the escalator climbed to the city floor and we sprung upon this beautiful view!

We walked around the port and landed ourselves in Le Panier district. I would recommend anyone to go here as it is bustling full of unique shops and squares of independent restaurants.

                     

At the end of the port we found ourselves at Cathedral de la Major. The architecture in this cathedral was so beautiful, and a definite place to go to when exploring Marseille. 

                     

                   

                    

                    

After walking around this beautiful and historical cathedral, we then left to walk back around the port and book a boat trip to Les Calanques, something I will talk about on my next blog post! 

However, this insight to Marseille on the first day excited me of what was to come in the following couple of days we were here. 

I will write to keep you updated on our adventure in the south of France!

Kirsty 

xx

Wednesday Stroll

It's almost the weekend and I've been extremely busy recently, and will be able to tell you all soon about my new adventure I will be going on. For now though, I will let you in to what I have been up to these last couple of weeks!

My friend Heather came down to stay during the week and we went into London numerous times to play tourists and go partying. On Wednesday, when she arrived, we got the train to Brick Lane and had a nosey around. As usual, we made our way to the Beigal Bake and got ourselves a smoked salmon bagel and a jam doughnut. I can confirm, as ever, both impressed.

Later, after walking around, we found a lovely café where we both got a Mocha and stayed to chat more for a few hours.

 

Upon leaving east London, we both thought of west end shows we wanted to see. I had a friend who worked at the Shaftsbury Theatre and so messaged him to see what the availability was for Memphis. With a lot of luck, we were able to get tickets to see the show and so we made our way to Covent Garden.

Neal's yard, Seven Dials

Shoreditch

Memphis

Set in 1950s in Memphis, the production kept me on the edge of my seat as I watched Beverley Knight sing away. The show introduces Huey, a white man who goes into Del Ray's underground bar. As the regulars begin to leave, Huey tells the black men and women that he loves the music they produce and goes on to prove that he can sell and play their music successfully. In the midst of this, he falls in love with Delray's sister, Felicia (who is played by Beverley Knight). 

The story is an interesting one, and keeps me hooked throughout. Its catchy songs and dazzling voices, I enjoyed every moment.

I would definitely recommend anyone to go and see the show, whilst it is still on!

Kirsty

xx

The Silent City, Mdina

It's a lovely Saturday morning in Malta, and I've been here now a week with my mum. We had a friend come to visit and so we paraded around the island, showing her the sights and scenery of the best places in Malta. She was only here for three days and so my mum and I had to choose the most interesting places we think she would like.

We visited the Silent City, located in Mdina on the first day.

The gate to the front of the Silent City.

Historically, Mdina was established by the Romans. Melita (meaning Honey) was divided into two. The citadel was known as Mdina (the city) and the rest of the area was the village of Rabat (the suburbs). These two names are still used today. Mdina at one point in history was the most desirable place to live in Malta, not only because it was the capital, but because it was one of the highest places on the island. It's fertile land at its base provided food, and it was easy to defend for those who would try to attack.

The city wall, at the entrance of Mdina.

When the Order of the Knights arrived in Malta in 1530, they settled in Marsa, diminishing the importance of Mdina, as they were left undisturbed. When Valletta was built and became the new capital of Malta in 1571, Mdina became known as the 'Old City'. The term 'the Silent City' became prominent and the name is still kept today because no vehicles are allowed beyond the city walls, barring the residents, who are given chosen areas to park their cars. The narrow streets and alleyways make the city so picturesque and personally, I love to wander around the city for hours. It is so small and there is little here, consisting of only restaurants, churches, monasteries, tourist shops, and houses. All of this is protected by a dry moat and city wall that surrounds the area.

The beautiful alleyways, full of history.

The vicinity of this area is packed full of so much history, and the panoramic views are something to envy. All three of us loved it, and I took lots of photos!

A lot of these alleyways are only big enough for horse and carriage.

One of the beautiful churches inside Mdina.

St Agatha's Chapel dates back to 1410. This chapel was damaged in the earthquake of 1693.
Restoration of this chapel is ongoing as it is so old.

The panoramic view from the city walls.

We stopped by here for a drink, it was getting very hot!

The Cathedral is one of Mdina's Baroque cathedral, dedicated to St Paul and shares the title
of Co-Catherdral with St John's in Valletta. It was erected between 1697 and 1702 after the
earthquake destroyed the original.

I had the most lovely morning here. It is definitely a place to admire and muse upon. I will be returning there soon.

What cities have you visited that are very old and boast a lot of history?

Kirsty 

xxx

My weekend in Oxford

Hey bloggers,

I have been so busy recently, I finally have the time to sit down and write about the weekend. I have just spent in Oxford with my friend Jack. Because I've finished uni so early at Glasgow, compared to the English universities, I decided to make the most of it and catch the train from Leigh-on-Sea to Oxford.

I didn't know what to expect in Oxford, but en route, it really was a nightmare to get there. Upon arrival at Paddington, I was told on the train that it was cancelled as a man had jumped in front of a train at Twyford. Despite this horrid news, I had to get off and was really annoyed as Jack had planned to attend a 'formal' at the Trinity College, one of the colleges amongst the others at the University of Oxford. He wanted me to experience of the more posh side to Oxford and its traditions!

Luckily, I arrived JUST in time, with only minutes to get changed and then made our way to dinner.

Jack and I at dinner.

After this, we made our way to drinks that were being held by the Cherwell News. The newspaper that Jack writes for, before making our way back to the room to sleep before the activities next day! The next day we went to walk around the different colleges. Here's me at Trinity College in the day:

And then we booked a punt with Christchurch as Jack attends there (YES! The university where Harry Potter was filmed in the Great Hall!!) 

Punting down Cherwell River.

Jack and I.

Jack punting at the back of the boat.

I had such a great time, as we played music down the river and relaxed in the afternoon sun. 

Afterwards, we made our way to the Great Hall for dinner with Matt, another school friend who attends Balliol. 

Outside the Great Hall where Harry Potter was filmed.

I was definitely thinking of returning, as I made my home on Sunday. Oxford itself is such a small city and we were able to walk all around it. It was surrounded by tourists as they walked around the city looking at the picturesque scenery of the ancient buildings standing that are now owned the university.

Did you do anything nice this Bank Holiday weekend?

Kirsty

xxx

The Chelsea Flower Show

Christmas was becoming more imminent when I finally decided to purchase two tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show for my mum for Christmas. I knew she had always wanted to go so I saved up and planned to go on one of her days she had off work, during the week it was being held.

I booked the 3.30-8pm slot as I thought we could take a slow ride up to London and have some lunch. We had to go to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea and had to queue as we arrived early.

A definite tip for anyone thinking of going next year is to definitely arrive early and queue so you're one of the first people into the Show.

My mum and I standing by the most beautiful flowers that were named after ice cream flavours!

We went round the gardens after looking at the main map at the start of the park.

The map telling you the layout of the event.

These are some of the photos I took of the day...

Prince Harry's garden, inspired by an african theme.

The tree coming into the photo on the top left is over 150 years old.

Dead and alive plants hanging from the ceiling.

Outside the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

Inside the large marquee, where plants from over the world were shown here.

After spending the day here, I definitely felt like I had more of an idea which plants can be grown in 'acid soil' and which gardens I wanted! Unfortunately, my favourite, Roses weren't to be seen! I would love to go next year, so will keep an eye out for tickets when they go on sale. 

Kirsty

xxx