It was early December and myself and three fellow singers from the ship had been asked to make the trip to the Vatican to make a film to be shown to the passengers in the build-up to Christmas. Glory, glory, Hallelujah! A trip to the Vatican!! At Christmas!! I'd been before, a couple of times,… Continue reading A Christmas Story: That Time I Got Kicked Out of the Vatican City
Category: Europe
Barcelona in Winter • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The first time I visited Barcelona was at the height of summer 2015, and despite the fact that it was chockablock with people, I still fell in love at first sight. The architecture is fantastical, the sun shines almost consistently, and the Catalan way of life is just as warm as that good old sunshine.… Continue reading Barcelona in Winter • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Gjirokastra Albania (That time I fell in love with an actual town)
The city of Gjirokastra, Albania is one of the most magical places I have ever been. All research that I'd done prior to my arrival in Albania, was that many a person makes a day trip from Sarandë to Gjirokastra; but not so many opt to stay overnight in the mountain city. And I am… Continue reading Gjirokastra Albania (That time I fell in love with an actual town)
I Basically Went Time-Travelling…in The Village of Argyrades, Corfu
I'll be honest- the thing that really brought the Greek island of Corfu to my attention, was the fact that The Durrells is set here. You know, the TV series based on the true story of The Durrell family, who moved to the island in 1935. The programme paints a very nostalgic and beautiful picture… Continue reading I Basically Went Time-Travelling…in The Village of Argyrades, Corfu
One evening in Cascais (It was pitch dark and I still loved it)
How do you spend only one evening in Cascais? What some people don't realise is that when you're a crew member of a ship you're technically not getting paid to travel the world; you're getting paid to work, and the travel is a bonus. On the day in question that we arrived in Lisbon, sailing… Continue reading One evening in Cascais (It was pitch dark and I still loved it)
Things to do in Civitavecchia, Italy
The port of Civitavecchia is often sold as 'The Gateway to Rome', which is a little misleading considering Rome is over an hour away by road. However while many people skip Civitavecchia completely in favour of the Colosseum and other Roman treats, this little port city is worth a look in too. This place has… Continue reading Things to do in Civitavecchia, Italy
One Day in the Azores
Do you ever have one of those days that you just feel AMAZINGLY LUCKY AND HAPPY ALL DAY LONG? My one day in The Azores Islands in Portugal was one of those days for me- combining a stunning road trip through the island of São Miguel, with delicious food and some downright wonderful company. *This… Continue reading One Day in the Azores
La Sagrada Família, Barcelona: photos and stories from a modern day wonder of the world
Barcelona is positively overflowing with architectural works of art, and the building that is synonymous with the city is La Sagrada Família, the mammoth Catholic basilica which can be seen from just about any high vantage point across the entire city. In fact, some say that this bad boy is a modern-day Wonder of the… Continue reading La Sagrada Família, Barcelona: photos and stories from a modern day wonder of the world
Five Things You Have to See on a Brighton Day Trip
A Brighton day trip is the perfect get-away from London- in fact, so perfect that people often call it 'London by the Sea.' The Sussex seaside city is a haven for hippies, the 'gay capital' of the UK, and pretty much an anything-goes kind of place. I once saw a man in full 17th century… Continue reading Five Things You Have to See on a Brighton Day Trip
Things to do in Pisa other than the Tower
I totes get it. People visit Pisa for the Leaning Tower; it seems to be defying gravity, Elphaba style. And it's one of the most popular landmarks in the whole of Italy, so it goes without saying that you should definitely check it out if you're in the vicinity. But there is so much more… Continue reading Things to do in Pisa other than the Tower