Category: Europe

Overnight in the Cotswolds

Reading Time: 15 minutes
The Cotswolds, England (Dec 2017)

The Cotswolds is a huge area in south central England, stretching over six counties. It is known for being very picturesque, with gently rolling hills, green meadows and historic villages, with buildings all made from the same style and pale coloured Cotswold stone.

Despite having spent so much time in England over my lifetime, I had never visited the Cotswolds, although have often heard people describe its charm and beauty. In December 2017 while on a holiday with the extended family in Poole, Dorset, I organised a mid-week trip to see what all the fuss is about. As the children didn’t want to come with us, preferring to stay in Poole with their grandparents and cousins, we had limited time. So I hatched a plan to visit the lower part of the Cotswolds for an overnight stay, then drive through Oxford back to Dorset the next day. Continue reading “Overnight in the Cotswolds”

A winter break in Madrid

Reading Time: 16 minutes
 Madrid, Spain (Jan 2018)

This was my first visit to Spain and I was excited to explore a new country, even if only for a few days. As usual I did my research before going, mainly browsing TripAdvisor, Pinterest and an Eyewitness Travel guide book: “Top10 Madrid”. I loosely planned an itinerary for 2 days in Madrid and left open an option for a day trip to another nearby town, like Toledo or Segovia.

We left our children with their grandparents in England as we were holidaying with the family there over the Christmas period. On New Year’s Day we caught an afternoon flight Continue reading “A winter break in Madrid”

Milan – Historic, Stylish & Home of Lambretta

Reading Time: 8 minutes
Milan, Italy (July 2012 & June 2017)

While on a family trip in the UK in July 2012, hubby and I decided at short notice to take a brief side trip without the children to Milan, Italy. It was the first time we’d taken a trip without the kids (then aged 8 and 4), so we felt a little guilty. We need not have worried, it was only for 3 nights – the children stayed with their grandparents and cousins in England and had a fantastic time. Continue reading “Milan – Historic, Stylish & Home of Lambretta”

New Year’s Eve in Naples

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Naples, Italy (Dec 2015/Jan 2016)
Mount Vesuvius from Naples, Italy (Jan 2016)

In December 2015, hubby and I took a short 5 day trip to Naples for NYE, leaving the children in England with my parents-in-law.

First up, and I can’t emphasise this enough – wherever you intend to spend NYE do your research and make a booking for the evening! We found ourselves in Naples looking for somewhere to eat dinner and every – I mean every- restaurant was either fully booked or had set menus at extortionate prices. We ended up buying a packet of crisps and cheap beer from a food van on the waterfront and heading back to our hotel room for the night, which was a little disappointing.

Righto, here’s my advice on Naples: Continue reading “New Year’s Eve in Naples”