Rhodes was never even on my radar. When it came up as a stop on our itinerary I really didn’t give it much thought. Usually a planner down to the minuscule details, I viewed this as a bit of a rest day.… Read the rest
Rhodes
Bracciano
Benvenuto Bracciano! It’s been a bit of a long day so far. We have been up since 2am and didn’t get much sleep before that with last minute packing, not to mention the excitement. Somewhere en route mid air over Diyarbakir, heading towards Ankara, I have a major pinch-me moment. … Read the rest
Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano
The incredible Renaissance castle, Castello Odescalchi, sits in the heart of Bracciano and has borne witness to centuries of change. As we arrive in Bracciano on the first leg of our Summer Holidays, it greets us, presiding over the piazza as we unload our bags, the boys too tired to notice, me bewitched and speechless at the sight. … Read the rest
The Forbidden City
The only word that comes close to describing the enormity of the Forbidden City is “vast” and even this doesn’t seem to do it justice. It’s hard to comprehend that the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) was built in the Ming Dynasty (around 1420) and served as the primary imperial residence until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. … Read the rest
Drum & Bell Towers
Together the Drum and Bell Towers, which stand opposite each other at the end of Drum & Bell Square, were used as the city’s official time keepers (right up until 1924!), the drums were beaten and the bells were rung to mark the time of day.… Read the rest
Tokyo In 12 Hours
Tokyo in 12 hours! Not ideal, but it’s all I have. I’m on a stopover on the way home and have been awake for 24 hours already, having left the UK yesterday and now landed in Tokyo early this morning with a mere twelve hours to explore.… Read the rest
Brugge Is A Blur – 5 Must Dos
What a whirlwind of a weekend in Brugge (Bruges), it went by in a blur. And not just because of the speed of the Eurostar, the upside of which you can do Brugge in a weekend. But going fast can also be a downside!… Read the rest
Stowe Gardens & Cambridge, A Weekend With Ricky & Claire
My time in London feels like it is disappearing much too quickly, like water down the drain without a plug, I am helpless to slow it down. Work is busy and demanding and just trying to keep up with everything some days (like today!)… Read the rest
Leeds Castle
I love this stuff! Leeds Castle lies 5 miles (7.8 km) southeast of Maidstone, Kent, England, and dates back to 1119, though a manor house stood on the same site from the 9th century. The castle and grounds lie to the east of the village of Leeds, Kent, which should not be confused with the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire.… Read the rest
A Tour of Bath, Stonehenge and Winchester
After an excellent night at El Rincon Latino last night and some tragic late night karaoke, the morning dawned bright. The same cannot be said for me. Still, I made it onto the bus for my tour of Bath, Stonehenge & Winchester.… Read the rest