Category: Family trip

Our covid holiday in England

Reading Time: 19 minutes
England (April 2022)
Experiencing international flights again

It finally happened! Australian borders reopened in November 2021 after being unable to leave the country since March 2020. We were finally allowed out! I didn’t book a trip straight away though. Australia had a very high vaccination rate but the pandemic wasn’t over yet. During our Summer of 2021/22, Covid rapidly spread throughout Australia and I wasn’t convinced things wouldn’t revert back to lockdowns and border closures again. Plus there were still quite a few impediments to travel. I knew it wouldn’t be as easy as it was pre-Covid.

We were desperate to see our family and friends in England so after weighing up pros and cons we decided to book a month long trip in April, spanning a week either side of the Easter school break. Brandon had finished high school and was taking a break while looking for work. For Cordy two weeks off school wasn’t ideal but as it turned out, schools were experiencing heavy teacher and student absences anyway- either getting covid or being forced to isolate due to a family member having covid.

Continue reading “Our covid holiday in England”

Top 10 attractions in Vegas (other than gambling)

Reading Time: 8 minutes

When most people think of Las Vegas, the obvious thing that comes to mind is gambling. But there is so much more to Vegas!

I have been there five times now and whilst I confess to have played on the odd slot machine, it is certainly not the gambling that brings me back.  It’s the numerous other activities and the bright neon seduction of this ostentatious town surrounded by scenic desert landscape.

Most visits have been as a couple, with my hubby, but we have also taken our children: once our son when he was only 1 year old and then 10 years later, we took the two children, when they were aged 11 and 7 years – we never had any problem finding kid friendly activities to enjoy.

These are my top ten things to do in Vegas: Continue reading “Top 10 attractions in Vegas (other than gambling)”

The appeal of Venice, California

Reading Time: 10 minutes

Venice, California, U.S.A.

Venice Beach, Los Angeles (Feb 2016)

Venice Beach is only 25 minutes drive from LAX and is walking distance from Santa Monica.  It has always been famous for its boardwalk, canals and beautiful beach and now also offers a shopper’s paradise on Abbot Kinney Blvd.

The beachside community was founded in 1905 and developed by an eccentric millionaire named Abbot Kinney. He modelled the town after his favourite Italian city of the same name, complete with canals and plenty of pizza stands.

It has had its share of rough times with gangs in the past and has a massive homeless problem (like many places in the USA) however we love Venice for its character and down to earth vibe. We have visited eight times over the past 25 years and each time it feels like not a lot has changed since our first visit in 1993. Continue reading “The appeal of Venice, California”

This is L.A.

Reading Time: 18 minutes

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Venice Beach, L.A. (April 2017)

I have been to L.A. many times. My first visit was as a child, aged 9, with my family. I returned when I was 23, with my boyfriend (now hubby), and we have been another 7 times since then, mostly as a couple, twice with our children. We all love this city. It’s big, diverse and has a great climate. There’s something to offer for everyone, whatever your tastes or interests.

We often return to the same places, each time relieved to see only subtle changes, generally for the better. Although we like going back to places we know, we also try to discover and experience something new each time.

Apologies in advance, this post is quite long – I have so much to say about this city. Hopefully you will find my tips useful if you are planning a visit!

This is L.A. Continue reading “This is L.A.”