Just a short drive from Perth, Fremantle (or “Freo” as the locals call it) is a vibrant port city where old-world charm meets modern creativity. Its streets are lined with heritage buildings, colourful murals, buzzing markets, charming coffee shops and the smell of the ocean. Fremantle has a relaxed, artsy energy that is perfect for wandering, exploring, and soaking up the laid-back coastal vibe. Below are some of the highlights for us and places that we had planned to visit. We absolutely loved this place for its character and charm and spent three days here but could probably have stayed longer. Great spot!
Fremantle Prison
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most fascinating historic landmarks. Once a high-security jail built by convicts in the 1850s, it now offers guided tours that take you deep into its eerie cells and underground tunnels, a haunting glimpse into WA’s colonial past. There are many different tours to take and we took part in the Convict Prison Tour, more so as it spoke about the Irish convicts and how they were used to build the prison.
Fremantle Markets
Since 1897, the Fremantle Markets have been a weekend institution. The heritage hall is filled with local produce, handmade crafts, street food, and live music. It’s a feast for the senses and the perfect spot to experience Freo’s lively community spirit.
Architecture
Fremantle’s streets are a showcase of beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. From grand Victorian facades to quirky terrace buildings, the mix of colonial and maritime design gives the town its unique, nostalgic charm. I won’t show too much of this as I want to keep a few shots for my future doors posts!
Vintage Shops
Freo is a treasure trove for vintage lovers. Wander down High Street or the Cappuccino Strip and you’ll find retro clothing stores, antique shops, and hidden boutiques full of one-of-a-kind finds.
Art and Murals
The city’s creativity spills onto its walls, literally. Fremantle is covered in colourful street art and murals that celebrate its maritime roots and bohemian soul. Every corner seems to tell a story.
The Green and Red Lighthouses
Standing proudly at the entrance to Fremantle Harbour, the red and green lighthouses are local icons. They mark the port’s north and south moles and make for a stunning photo spot, especially at sunset. We took a walk out to the green lighthouse only as it’s quite a distance but I am a huge lighthouse fan so had to see at least one up close.
Ferry to Rottnest Island
From Fremantle, you can hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island, home of the famous quokka! The trip takes about 25 minutes and offers beautiful ocean views as you head toward one of WA’s most loved holiday spots. I will create a standalone post for this island as it is a real highlight when visiting WA.
Breweries – Running with Thieves & Little Creatures
Fremantle’s craft beer scene is thriving. Running with Thieves offers bold brews and a sleek coastal vibe right by the beach, while Little Creatures Brewery is a Fremantle institution, a relaxed spot for great beer, ocean views, and tasty food. We had tried these beers before so we’re super excited to sample more of their beers at their breweries. We had paddle boards to sample a few, great experience.
Our view for beer tasting at Little CreaturesSomeone’s happy with their paddle boardRunning with ThievesSo many other tipples to try including ginger beer which is really popular in Oz
Perth sits on the far west coast of Australia, however, surprisingly, it is closer to Jakarta, Indonesia than it is to Sydney or Melbourne. It is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, and you feel that remoteness the moment you fly across the country. From Sydney, the views below change dramatically as you make your way closer to Perth, from coastal greenery, to the barren red deserts of the outback, and finally to the sparkling blue Indian Ocean as you descend into Perth.
We stayed in West Perth, which is a great base, much quieter than the CBD but still close to everything. From here, you can easily explore some of the city’s highlights and I have made a list of the ones we were able to see below.
Kings Park & Botanical Garden – One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park offers stunning views over the Swan River and Perth skyline. Its beautiful gardens, walking trails, and wildflower displays make it a must-see for nature lovers.
Stirling Gardens – Perth’s oldest public garden, Stirling Gardens is a peaceful green escape filled with native plants, sculptures, and shady trees right in the heart of the city.
Elizabeth Quay – A lively waterfront precinct perfect for a stroll, Elizabeth Quay combines modern architecture, public art, and dining spots along the Swan River.
The Bell Tower – This striking landmark houses historic bells from London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields and offers panoramic views from its observation deck.
The Perth Mint – Step back in time at The Perth Mint, where you can watch gold being poured and learn about Western Australia’s glittering gold rush history. We didn’t actually go inside but we really wanted to see the building.
Langley Park – Known for hosting Perth’s motorsport and air events, Langley Park is a wide riverside expanse ideal for festivals, sports, or a scenic walk. We were extremely lucky to stumble across the Celebration of Motorsport event showcasing hundreds of classic cars – I will show more of these in a future Thursday Doors post!
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub – A lively Irish pub with plenty of charm, Durty Nelly’s is the perfect place to enjoy a pint, hearty fare, and friendly atmosphere. This place offered fantastic Guinness and a lovely bangers and mash!
London Court – A tucked-away laneway in Perth filled with chic cafés and boutique shops, London Court captures the city’s cool, creative vibe, inspired by London’s Tudor times and creates a link between Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace in Perth’s city centre. This is definitely worth a visit.
Street Art – Perth’s laneways and walls are alive with colour thanks to a thriving street art scene, showcasing bold murals and local talent at every turn.
Remote, diverse, and full of surprises, Perth is a city worth the long journey and we totally fell in love with it!
Speaking of travel, we have just arrived in Perth, Australia for the next couple of weeks. Time to rest and recharge, whilst also exploring a little of Western Australia. We have never been here before so we are super excited and when you have somewhere new to see, getting up early is a real joy. Have a great weekend everyone!!!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is KNACKERED.
Do you ever get home, flop on the sofa and think, “I am absolutely knackered”? If so, you are in good company. In Northern Ireland, knackered is the go-to word when you are completely exhausted, physically, mentally or even both. It is one of those brilliant words that sounds exactly like what it means. For me, it can be shorthand for needing a sit down and a cup of tea. This is how I feel after competing in Hyrox on Friday. I felt fine yesterday and even worked a full shift but today my legs are tired and I am mentally drained.
However, it was a beautiful winter’s day here in the Shire and we wanted to make the most of it. We took the ferry to a favourite place of ours near the National Park, known as Bundeena. I have a previous post on this place here but it was just lovely to visit for a few hours this time. After walking from the ferry terminal, around the village, checking out the local markets, I am definitely ready now to sit down with a cup of tea. I hope you all have a lovely Sunday too. I can hear the thunder roaring here and a big storm is on its way so I won’t be leaving the house for the rest of the evening.
Tom Thumb 3rdLoved this friendly passenger Checking out the local art
Exploring Manila’s Makati: A Tale of Three Neighbourhoods.
When you think of Manila’s modern heart, Makati often comes to mind, however, we picked this area as it had good reviews for tourists and it had different pockets to visit. Within this urban core lie three unique areas worth discovering: Bel-Air, Greenbelt, and Poblacion. Each brings its own energy, rhythm, and charm.
1. Bel-Air: Calm Behind the Buzz
Tucked just off the bustling avenues, Bel-Air Village offers an unexpected pocket of calm in the middle of the city. It’s a well-maintained residential enclave, home to embassies, expats, and local families. The streets are wide and leafy, and there’s a real sense of community here. It’s also just a short walk to the main roads, so you get the peace without missing out on convenience.
Some local food, we avoided all the StarbucksBeautiful sculptures Very leafyThe local library Jeepneys – best way to travel These underground pedestrian walkways are fantastic
2. Greenbelt: Luxe and Lifestyle
A Manila icon, Greenbelt is more than just a mall – it’s a lifestyle complex that blends luxury shopping, lush gardens, fine dining, and a serene chapel at its centre. Whether you’re sipping coffee, shopping high fashion, or attending mass under the trees, Greenbelt offers an upscale escape right in the middle of Makati’s CBD. Great for business travellers or anyone looking for a polished Manila experience, just be aware, the designer shops are pretty pricey.
Garden Chapel We couldn’t believe we found an M&SThey really look after their cats here
3. Poblacion: Manila’s Creative Pulse
Just a few blocks from the business district, Poblacion is where Manila lets its hair down. It’s gritty, colourful, and constantly evolving. With its street art, hole-in-the-wall bars, and indie eateries, Poblacion has become the city’s go-to spot for nightlife and creative culture. If Greenbelt is the polished suit, Poblacion is the leather jacket and we had really wanted to see the not so polished side of Makati.
Beautiful church Love how the city lights up at night
Final Thoughts
Makati isn’t one-note, it’s a patchwork of experiences. Whether you’re after the quiet charm of Bel-Air, the refined atmosphere of Greenbelt, or the electric buzz of Poblacion, there’s something here for every mood and moment. However, Makati is just one part of Manila. There was SO much more to explore but we only had a couple of days to see the sights…which means that we will have to come back again!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is SALAMAT PO.
I have used this word A LOT over the past two weeks and it simply means thank you. A little word that goes a long way. Let’s break it down –
Salamat = thank you
Po = a particle added to show politeness and respect, especially to elders or people in authority.
Every time I say this to a Filipino, they are so extremely grateful, they even double take when I say it, strange as it sounds, as it’s only a word but I think it really makes them happy. The Filipinos I have met have been tremendously friendly and helpful, reaffirming what I already know about Filipino people.
It has been an absolute joy to attend a Filipino wedding here of my good friends and be immersed in their colourful, warm and loving culture. More to come from the Philippines! We are about to board our flight home to Sydney in a couple of hours so I will hopefully see you all from Down Under.
We recently treated ourselves to a stay at Crown Sydney (my partner’s birthday), an indulgence I wouldn’t make a habit of but certainly one I’m glad I experienced at least once. We have always wanted to stay here for a night but could never justify the price. Yes, it’s expensive but if you’re after a splash of luxury, it definitely delivers… mostly.
The room was sleek and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the harbour beautifully. The views were spectacular even with a grey sky. I was never so delighted to see blue skies later in the day, it just sets the view off beautifully. Everything felt plush—from the bed linen to the marble bathroom. I experienced my first electronic toilet with remote control, absolutely loved it and the shower was really powerful with both an overhead and hand held (both which worked simultaneously, a feature I have never experienced before).
Room view
The gym was one of the best I’ve seen in a hotel: modern, well-equipped, open 24/7 and offered stunning views again. For me, the number one feature was the outdoor pool — serene, with panoramic views, plenty of loungers to sink into and a large jacuzzi that was very welcoming considering it was a cool morning when we tried it out.
Breakfast the next morning at Epicurean was absolutely stunning. The buffet had everything from fresh pastries and eggs made to order to more indulgent options like dumplings and smoked salmon. I always like to start with something healthy like fruit, yogurt and muesli, moving onto a cooked breakfast of eggs, sausages, tomatoes, toast etc (nothing beats a Northern Irish cooked breakfast, if you know, you know).
That said, just because a hotel is expensive doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Check-in took far longer than it should have, and while the staff were friendly, they felt rushed and not particularly helpful (in their defence, they were two members down), a small letdown that stood out in contrast to the rest of the experience.
On a brighter note, dinner at Noodle—the in-house Asian restaurant—was a highlight. Fantastic flavours, quick service, and a menu that nailed the balance between comfort and elegance.
The location’s a win too: right on the water at Barangaroo, with some of Sydney’s best dining and bars just a short walk away.
Would I stay there again? Of course but only if someone bought it for me! It was definitely a great experience but not something I could afford regularly. You might also be interested to check out the casino in the Crown, it’s something that we didn’t indulge in but is a very popular place.
Thank you for reading my Crown Sydney review and I hope you enjoyed seeing it a little.
After living in the Sutherland Shire now for just over a year, I thought this would be the perfect time to share why it’s such a great place to live and highlight some of my favourite things about the area.
First of all, what is the Sutherland Shire?
The Sutherland Shire, often called The Shire, is a local government area in southern Sydney, New South Wales, known for its beaches, national parks, and strong sense of community. Geographically separated from the rest of Sydney by the Georges River, it can only be accessed by road via two main bridges. However, public transport offers alternative routes, with trains and ferries providing convenient connections to and from the area.
Moving to the Shire
Before moving here, we had lived in Sydney’s eastern suburbs until we relocated to Ireland for 17 months. When we returned to Sydney, we found the eastern suburbs had become overwhelmingly crowded, with skyrocketing rental prices making it nearly impossible to secure a decent place to live. We had always wanted to escape the Sydney rat race and experience a more suburban lifestyle, and this move gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that.
1 – Proximity to Sydney
The Sutherland Shire is only 30 minutes to central station by public transport, meaning you can still come to the city to meet up with friends etc. and you don’t have to trek too far to get home. There are train stations in many of the Shire suburbs and the trains work pretty frequently (when they’re working). Bus services are also an option as well as driving if you have a car.
2 – The variety of suburbs where each one will attract you for their own unique reasons. The most frequent ones that I seem to visit are Miranda, Gymea, Kirrawee, Caringbah, Sutherland and Cronulla (although there are heaps more).
3 – Shopping at Miranda Fair (Westfields) – this shopping mall is HUGE and has everything you could possibly want / need. We live in Miranda and I find myself in this mall at least once a day, even just for groceries. You could spend all day here and it’s great for your steps if it’s a rainy day or a hot day as it has the best air con. Try to avoid visiting at weekends or public holidays as it gets extremely busy. Thank goodness we can walk here as parking appears to be problematic.
4 – Irish pub at Gymea – who doesn’t love an Irish pub?! This pub, known as The Snug is one of the best Irish bars I have seen in Australia. It is fantastic. As the name suggests, it’s a snug. Very cosy and inviting with lovely staff and a friendly crowd. They have a great area at the front where you can semi sit outdoors under cover and watch the world go by. They often have live music, make great toasties…with Tayto crisps (if you know, you know) and the absolute BEST Guinness I have had in Sydney! I cannot recommend this place highly enough. WE LOVE IT HERE.
Good times at The Snug
5 – Wine bar at Caringbah – I was walking through this suburb a few months ago thinking wouldn’t it be nice if the Shire had a wine bar…and lo and behold…this wine bar appeared. I kid you not! The Black Swan is a quirky little wine bar with a great wine list, lovely snacks, live music (fitting for a wine bar) and friendly staff again. Friendly is a common theme here with Shire people!
6 – The beaches at Cronulla – this seaside suburb has it all. The beaches that are really stunning, beach walks, rock pools, cafes, beautiful restaurants and bars and a real seaside feel to it. You genuinely feel like you’re on holiday when you come here to visit and the great thing for us is, it’s only 10 minutes away by train.
7 – Cafe culture – I must say, after a year being here in the Shire, we are STILL finding new cafes to try. We feel very fortunate to have such an array of cafes that serve great breakfast, lunches and coffees here. I’m pretty sure every suburb in the Shire has at least one great cafe. We particularly love Gymea for their coffee culture that has a real European feel as you walk through the suburb and we just found an amazing cafe in Miranda last week called Oli’s that was a huge hit with us. We sat outside in their well designed garden, tucked away on a side street that I had walked past nearly every day and hadn’t even noticed. We cannot wait to come back for their smashed avocados.
Smashed Avo – bursting with colour and flavour. Oli’s, we will be back soon! The Nun’s Pool at Cronulla. Absolutely stunning food.
8 – Bundeena – To think we used to come to this suburb for a holiday. You can drive here via the Royal National Park or you can take the ferry from Cronulla (which I highly recommend). I have a previous post all about Bundeena if you wish to check it out here but just know, this place is great for beach / bush walks, relaxing, enjoying some lovely food and drinks and is a good base for visiting the Royal National Park.
Ferry from Cronulla to BundeenaSunset at BundeenaThe Salty Pearl – a great spot for a cocktailBeach walks
9 – The Royal National Park – this is the world’s second-oldest national park (established in 1879). Covering over 15,000 hectares, it features stunning coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and popular hiking trails like the Coast Track. The park is perfect for bushwalking, swimming, cycling, and picnicking, with highlights including Wattamolla Beach and Wedding Cake rock.
Natural poolsWattamolla BeachOn the walk to Wedding Cake rock
10 – Como bridge walk – This is a scenic pedestrian path running alongside the old Como Rail Bridge, connecting Oatley (not in the Shire) and Como (in the Shire) over the Georges River. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying water views, with a peaceful atmosphere and links to nearby bush tracks and parks. We like to have a drink in the brilliant Como hotel, then walk over the bridge which takes about 30 minutes and then reward ourselves with lunch in the Oatley Hotel, another fantastic pub.
Como Hotel – love the architecture as well as the food and drinks
11 – Port Hacking River – We’re lucky to have friends with a boat who love taking us out on the river. Cruising along, we get to soak in the stunning scenery the Shire has to offer, it’s amazing to see it all from a different perspective. We usually make our way towards Audley, where we stop for breakfast. Every trip is an unforgettable experience.
12 – Breweries – The Shire is also home to some fantastic breweries, including Hairy Man and Sunday Road. Both are well worth a visit and often host great food trucks. If you get the chance, try the Pop Ale at Hairy Man, I’ve never had anything quite like it. Delicious!
There you have it! I absolutely love living in the Shire for all the reasons mentioned above and I could go on and on and on, but I’ll spare you the details! It’s a place with so much to offer, and there’s a real warmth to the community (people still say good morning). The people are friendly, always willing to help one another, and I hope that never changes.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. It’s a wet and wild day in Sydney today with huge thunderstorms yesterday evening and all through the night. I’m staying dry indoors and looking at my doors taken from our trip to Berry recently. I have featured a couple in my Berry blog but they’re too good (in my opinion) not to share again here. As always, let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – I love this old wooden door seen on our way to Berry in a place called Thirroul.2 – Berry. I’m not sure about this building but when we were having Thai food one evening, this building was our backdrop.3 – Church door in Berry4 – Gerringong. I love this unusual design and a great door to boot. 5 – Kiama6 – Another church in Kiama
I really love number 5 this week. I’m not sure what the building was for, now used for a few businesses but the door really stood out for me. It is so unique and the design and colours are extraordinary. Love love love.
Hope you’re having good weather where you are in the world. All the best wishes,
Nestled between rolling green pastures and stunning beaches, Berry, New South Wales, is a picturesque town that captures the charm of the South Coast. Just two hours south of Sydney, this quaint destination is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. We had been here before for a couple of day trips but I really wanted to return and spend a couple of days here to really take it all in. From our place in the Shire, it was only a 1.5 hour drive.
A Historic Haven
Berry is steeped in history, evident in its beautifully preserved heritage buildings and small-town atmosphere. Established in the 19th century, the town is a window into Australia’s colonial past, with sites like the Berry Courthouse and the Berry Museum offering a glimpse into days gone by. There is a beautiful Thai restaurant that is worth checking out that is situated in the old Berry post office. We were lucky to be able to sit outside on the garden and appreciate the beautiful nature and architecture surrounding us.
I love the architecture and quaintness of this village. Beautiful views of the mountains on the background and everyone is welcome! The Berry Museum is worth checking out and was perfect for us when there was a short bout of rain.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Known as a hub for food lovers, Berry boasts a vibrant café culture and a variety of gourmet experiences. Whether you’re indulging in artisan baked goods at The Famous Berry Donut Van, enjoying a farm-to-table meal at one of the local restaurants, or exploring the Berry Farmers’ Market, you’ll find fresh, locally sourced delights at every turn. We discovered a lovely little Italian restaurant with a homely atmosphere and we also frequented the Berry Hotel on a couple of occasions (in Australia hotels are mostly pubs) which was fantastic and gave us the opportunity to meet locals and tourists alike. They had live music one evening and we needed up chatting to the musicians at the end of the evening. I think our Guinness drinking caught their attention and they were not surprised that we were two Irish men!
This Donut van is seriously famous! Love these storesBeers in the Berry Hotel
Shop, Stroll, and Explore
The town is a treasure trove of boutique shops, offering everything from homewares to handcrafted goods. Strolling along the main street, visitors will find unique gifts and souvenirs, along with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the village vibe. The Berry Barn is worth checking out and has some fantastic Aussie clothing, leather bags and traditional hats. I had always wanted an Australian leather bush hat and I found the perfect one here, much to my absolute delight.
Nature’s Playground
For outdoor enthusiasts, Berry is the gateway to stunning landscapes. Nearby Seven Mile Beach offers serene coastal views and plenty of space for picnics and long walks. We took a drive to the nearby suburbs of Gerringong and Kiama on the way home to take in more breathtaking ocean views, check out the architecture and treat ourselves to some fish and chips.
Ocean views at Gerringong and fantastic buildings at Kiama. The council chambers building is the building I mentioned in my previous doors post. What an exquisite building, including the door!
To conclude, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a culinary adventure, or a touch of history, Berry, NSW, has something for everyone. With its blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, this charming town promises an unforgettable experience.
Pack your bags and discover the magic of Berry today, we highly recommend it! It was also recently voted the number one place to visit outside of Sydney for a day trip by Timeout Sydney.
Another year comes to end, hard to believe right?! I love looking back through the months and picking a highlight, sometimes there’s more than one and sometimes it’s just the little things in life that stood out that month.
This was a quieter year for us with no holidays as such as we had just moved back to Australia from Ireland. We had to start from scratch, finding a place to live, buying furniture again and purchasing a car. This year was about fitting back into Aussie life and trying to save some money, whilst working hard and enjoying life at the same time. Luckily, we were fortunate to be able to fly home to Ireland for a month which was really lovely as I always miss the kids in our family.
That being said, I was happy to look back through the months of this year and see that we actually have done more than I first thought and it makes me appreciate that 2024 was a pretty good year.
JANUARY – Back in Sydney at the height of summer. I have seen this view hundreds of times but it never gets old. It was good to be back in Oz, we just had to find somewhere to live, which wasn’t the easiest thing to do as there is a severe housing shortage in Sydney.FEBRUARY – we decided to move out of Sydney and look for a place in the Sutherland Shire, about 45 minutes south of Sydney. Luckily we found a place near the Royal National Park and a beautiful coastline. Cronulla beach is a 10 minute drive from us and perfect for beach walks and ocean swims. MARCH – We visited our good friends in the Southern Highlands, an area that I have mentioned many times. We love this place for weekend getaways, lots of wineries, bush walks and cosy pubs. APRIL – We tried our first ever puppy yoga! I wanted to do something different for Brian’s birthday and he loves dogs so this was the perfect fit. You practise yoga for 30 minutes and then the instructors release the puppies to run amongst you all. Needless to say, not much yoga happens thereafter. It’s also a great initiative for you to adopt a puppy as these are all rescue dogs looking a new home. MAY – Good friends of ours from the Shire here just happen to own a barge and love to take trips along the Port Hacking River. We were delighted to be asked to come along, not once but twice on this idyllic river cruise. We dock at a local cafe for breakfast and then sail along the river, meandering through the different suburbs of the Shire. Very tranquil and great for wildlife watching. JUNE – One of my favourite ever sunsets in Bundeena, a quick ferry ride over from Cronulla. I was excited to show friends this area and we were treated to this absolute spectacle. We used to come here for weekend breaks, now we live close by and can call over any time. JULY – Home! It was great to be able to come home again for a few weeks. Belfast, when it gets the sun, is one of my favourite places to be. AUGUST – This is the Grand Opera House Belfast. I worked here for a few years as a student and it was like my second home. I met Brian here also, so it holds many positive memories for me. For my birthday, I really wanted to see a show here and luckily for me, there was a Simon & Garfunkel story being told with all their music being performed. Right up my street! The Opera House had a major refurbishment lately so it was really enjoyable to see for myself, 20 years after I first started working there. I was always really impressed by the amazing architecture of this building, designed by Frank Matcham. SEPTEMBER – Back in the Sutherland Shire and exploring the area even further. There are so many great suburbs here. This one is Oatley and the home to Oatley Castle. Not as grand as the castles we have in the UK and Ireland but still worth a visit. OCTOBER – Our friends finished building their new home in the Southern Highlands. We were thrilled to be invited down to stay for the weekend. Just look at the view they have from their balcony with unbelievable sunsets. NOVEMBER – We were fortunate to be invited to the hospital ball where I work. I had never been to a Christmas ball before so this was a big deal. All expenses paid and really fun to get dressed up for once. Best of all, the venue was 10 minutes from my home. Usually for us living in the Shire, everything is miles away, especially as many things tend to happen in the city. DECEMBER – Attending the Christmas markets in Sydney at central station. This was a lovely day with friends where we had lunch, wine at a little wine bar on the side of the street, followed by the Christmas markets. They had stalls, food, drinks, Christmas music and snow!!!! This truly felt Christmassy and magical. I don’t often feel like it’s Christmas here in Australia as it’s so warm, so this was lovely to feel the joy of Christmas, at least for a few hours.
Thank you all for reading this post and all your support again through 2024. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the time with those nearest and dearest and I will see you in 2025 where I’m sure I will be partaking in Bloganuary once again.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another magnificent week of doors. Today is my 100th edition of doors of WordPress and I wanted to create something a little different to mark the milestone.
I couldn’t think of how to choose my most favourite doors and it was very hard to narrow down my collection, so I thought a video might be a quick way to show some of my favourites. I managed to narrow it down to my top 250 doors!!!
I am so grateful that I have found a community that love doors as much as I do and a big thank you to Dan for creating this great space on our blogging platform. I have met lots of blogging friends through the Thursday Doors club and I love how we support each other by checking in and interacting through our appreciation for a good door.
I created a video to a song that I love by the Cranberries and shared to my Instagram account. It’s called Dreams and I’m sure many of you will know it. Sadly I cannot download my video with the song, I’m guessing due to copyright reasons so I have posted the video below mine in case you want to listen to it.
My top 250 doors to celebrate my 100th doors post. I hope you all enjoy!
Thank you all for your interest and continued support of my doors and everyone else’s too. Long may the love of doors continue.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I’ve realised that my weekly doors posts are the only things that are keeping me blogging at the moment, thank goodness for doors and to Dan for having the weekly door challenge.
With work being so busy, I just haven’t been able to travel much but hopefully that will change in the coming weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to be busy at work and grateful for the opportunities here in Australia.
This week I am showcasing a few doors from Huntington in England where my sister lives. I have visited many times, with the most recent trip being last month when I visited home. I was looking back through my doors and couldn’t believe that I actually haven’t posted many doors from Huntington as yet. Surprisingly to me as the doors there are exquisite.
As always, please do let me know if you have a favourite or if one simply stands out more.
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I absolutely adore number five for the quaintness of the door, the glass panels, the wreath in situ and the exterior. I love everything about this cottage, including the thatched roof, the lantern on the wall and even the dog on top of the roof, apparently in remembrance of their previous pet pooch. What are your thoughts?
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I have returned after a two week hiatus and feeling good for the break. I have been exceptionally busy with work but also I have found a new obsession, commencing my family tree on ancestry.com. I will have to write a blog post about that but for now I will showcase some doors from my trip to England last month.
We visited an amazing place called Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire and not for the first time. We had previously visited in late 2023 when we took my niece and nephew to a light installation show. However, this time we visited to appreciate the grounds and scenery during the day and with some lovely warm weather.
Managed by the National Trust, Wimpole Estate includes a grand mansion, extensive gardens, a working farm and parkland. The estate dates back many centuries, with its development influenced by various owners who made significant changes to both the house and the landscape.
It’s a very popular destination for tourists, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts, offering walks, seasonal events, and educational activities. It is also used for filming and cultural events due to its scenic beauty and historical significance. However, for me, I just couldn’t help but appreciate the venue for all the fantastic doors it had to showcase. As always, let me know if you have a favourite one this week.
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I absolutely love the door on the church from picture number 9 but I really love the simplicity of door number 1. Those doors that are split in two halves are really cool and always remind me of old country and western movies. I think the tractor also adds to the shot.
Thank you all for having a look and I hope you’re all having a great September thus far.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of spectacular doors. This week I am showcasing just one door that I found within the grounds Antrim Castle, located in the Platinum Clockwork Garden. I have wanted to visit this garden since it opened in 2022 and it did not disappoint. The door itself is quite simple, a beautiful green door set within a stunning tower made of bricks.
The Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle is a unique and enchanting installation that captures the spirit of both history and creativity. It was designed to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, however, it is not just a tribute to her 70 years of service but also a testament to the power of innovation in art and horticulture.
Interestingly, there isn’t an actual clock in the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden. The “clockwork” theme refers more to the garden’s artistic design rather than to the presence of a functioning clock. The installation uses mechanical elements and sculptures that create the idea of clockwork, symbolizing the passage of time and celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign.
The Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden
If you ever find yourself in Northern Ireland, a visit to the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at Antrim Castle would be recommended. It’s a place where history, nature, and art come together to create a truly magical experience.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. As you may be aware, I’m currently visiting home in Northern Ireland and have just over a week left of my trip. Fortunately, I have seen an abundance of fantastic doors, something that has been lacking for me in Australia of late.
We visited a place called Armagh last week, the county where I am from. We simply took a stroll around the city and breathed in all the amazing history and architecture which I will have to show you all later at some point. In addition, I also stumbled upon some amazing and very colourful doors. I thought, seeing as it’s Pride month here in Northern Ireland, where people come together to stand for LGBTQA+ rights, it would be a fitting time to show case these colourful doors. Apparently the pride flag colours represent the diversity of the LGBTQA+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Personally, I just love the colours and they make me feel happy when I see them.
As always please let me know if you have a favourite this week and I hope you’re all keeping well in the blogosphere.
Thank you for the reminder WordPress that I have been blogging for the past seven years. I actually always remember this myself anyway, as I started this blog when I emigrated to Australia seven years ago.
I find it insane that I have actually lasted this long as I never imagined it to be a long term project. My aim was to show case places that I was visiting in Australia and maybe inspire others to visit them. This has continued but I would say that my journey has changed throughout the past few years, meandering my way throughout the blogging world, always on the hunt for tips and advice, learning new things and meeting new people along the way. It’s a journey that I thoroughly enjoy, however, my only wish would be to have more time to invest in blogging. Also more time to travel would be lovely but alas, one still has to work and bills to pay 😜.
When Covid hit, I thought I had nothing left to blog about as we could no longer travel. However, I soon learned that you don’t have to stick to what you normally blog about. The blogging community taught me that it’s my blog and I can write about whatever suits ME and whenever suits me. I participated in many writing challenges throughout the covid lockdowns and beyond, with some of them now firmly in my psyche, for example, being a member of the Thursday Doors club hosted by the amazing Dan!
I have found the blogging community to be strong, supportive and for the most part, inclusive. Thank you all for having me in your blogging space and I really hope to still be around for the next seven years. I will continue my doors posts and hopefully share some new travel experiences now that I have moved back to Australia. Next week I am heading home to Northern Ireland to visit my family which I am extremely excited for. It’s only been seven months since I have last seen them but I really do miss my family, especially as I have a new niece to meet!! I will keep you all posted on what we get up to.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I only have one door to show case, however, this is a special door found on a boat trip that I undertook last weekend.
The ferry to Bundeena with its fantastic wooden door for the captain’s use only.
We took a small boat trip from Cronulla, our nearest seaside town, to Bundeena, another smaller and more quaint little seaside town. I have previously created a blog post for Bundeena as we had taken a short trip there during covid times and absolutely LOVED it.
Cronulla to Bundeena – a little village in the Royal National Park
The boat ride takes about 35 minutes and costs about $8 one way. It’s a beautiful, relaxing boat journey and the best way to travel to Bundeena. I was thrilled to be able to showcase this boat journey with my friends from Melbourne and enable them to visit Bundeena for the afternoon.
I had great intentions to walk along the beach, have a nice lunch and complete the Aboriginal trek, however, my friends were more interested in finding the nearest pub! Luckily for them, we found a cool, cosy pub on the main street that also served street food (lucky for me). After a couple of tasty margaritas, we headed back to the wharf for the ferry ride home. Fortunately, the sun was setting and we were able to view the most stunning sunset.
A magical end to the day seeing this sunset. I was obsessed 😍
I am very fortunate to know someone who owns their own boat or barge, as they call it and they are happy to take passengers on a river cruise along the Port Hacking river, located here in the Sutherland Shire. My friends have been inviting colleagues from our place of work to experience the river cruise, with different passengers taken on board each time. I think my partner and I are considered the resident guests, meaning we are able to attend every time, wow! I feel so lucky that we have been able to attend on the two occasions that have happened so far.
We meet at a nearby carpark at 7am, it’s nice and early and a great way to start the day. We hop on board and sail towards the Audley Dance Hall Cafe for breakfast, about 20 minutes from when we set sail. The river is so quiet and serene at this time and we have been lucky enough to spot some spectacular wildlife, including a sea eagle and a kingfisher.
The breakfast at Audley is tasty and it’s a great way to catch up with friends and share great conversation. After some time and having checked out the Audley gift shop, we head back to the barge and set sail back the same way we came. Instead of docking again, my friends take us on a little journey along the river to more open waters and we sail around the different suburbs of the Shire, taking in the beauty of the water, the tree filled shore lines, the impressive boats / yachts and the stunning homes built along the water’s edge. You can tell people have a lot of money if they live here.
All in all, the river cruise is extremely relaxing and enjoyable and I can’t believe we are able to attend for free AND it’s on our doorstep. Simply amazing. I hope my photos can show case the beauty of the river cruise experience.
We hop on board at the boat ramp and sail down to the dance hall and back again before heading out to the more open water of the river.
Hi everyone and welcome to another week of fantastic doors. It’s Friday morning here but I figure I’m still in time to post some doors. It’s 0630 and I’m currently on my hourly train ride to work, so what better time than now to look through my gallery.
I have an array of doors still waiting to be showcased, however, this week I want to show you some of my favourite lighthouses. I absolutely love lighthouses and will make it my mission to go out of my way to find them. I love their architecture / design, their spectacular viewpoints and the fact that they emit light to help people at sea. What’s not to love! Plus they will almost certainly have a door. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite. These are all located within New South Wales, Australia.
Macquarie Lighthouse, VaucluseHornby Lighthouse, Watson’s BayCape Byron Lighthouse, Byron BayBradley’s Head Lighthouse, Cremorne PointNorah Head Lighthouse, Norah HeadBarrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm BeachRichmond River Lighthouse, Ballina
I find it very difficult to choose from these but I have always loved the Bradley’s Head Lighthouse for its delicateness and location. However, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse is very different from the others and its location is out of this world. I also love its colour and brickwork with the red roof to the side.
This is the walk up to visit Barrenjoey Lighthouse from Palm Beach.
Thanks everyone and have a great end to your week.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I am pulling out a few of my favourite random doors from my collection as I am really struggling to find some interesting doors where I live. These doors were taken in different countries and many even before I realised I had a love for doors. Please do let me know if you have a favourite this week.
Hello everyone! I want to share with you a massive change in my life of late.
We have decided to return to Australia after having been home in Northern Ireland for the past 16 months. By no means was it an easy decision but our time at home just isn’t meant to be right now.
Who knows what the future will bring but for now we are excited to be back in Australia and look forward to the next chapter in our lives.
Life is short and you have to live it to the fullest, no regrets. I look forward to sharing more of my life / travels in Australia with a few doors thrown in along the way.
We are dog sitting at present until we find our own property and will be spending Christmas low key with the dog and the sunshine. There will be no snow here for Christmas!!
Meet Milo, our little 4 legged friend who will be spending Christmas with us.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoy spending time with loved ones and making beautiful memories.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. Here in Northern Ireland it is absolutely lashing with rain as we experience the wrath of storm Babet. It is dark, wet and gloomy here, therefore, I am showing you some of my remaining doors from Dijon, France so I can look back fondly to warmer times. As always, please do let me know if you have a favourite.
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Number five is my favourite this week due to its unique colour and I absolutely love the grills where the windows once were. I’m not sure why I even like them so much and I don’t know why they are there, I suppose maybe for security or ventilation. It also looks extremely rustic and quaint, my favourite qualities of a door!
Thank you Tanja of The red phone box travels very much for featuring me as a guest writer on your blog! I am delighted to share this magical place with everyone.
Finn Lough spa Finn Lough – Elements Trail and Spa Set in Fermanagh, a county in the west of Northern Ireland, you will find a beautiful and tranquil…
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. Following on from my Beaune blog post, I thought it would be appropriate to show case my remaining doors from my trip to Beaune. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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I really like doors 1 and 5, however, personally I saved the best to last. Number 6 has a real unique and quite a regal appearance. The deep wood of the door and it’s wonderful design. I love the transom window and also the arch that surrounds the door. I’m not sure if there is a name for that? Also the greenery surrounding the door really makes it stand out. What do you think?
When we travelled to Dijon for my birthday, we had it on our itinerary to check out the nearby town of Beaune, specifically for its vineyards and wine culture. We wanted to carry out a couple of wine tastings there so we took the train from Dijon that took about 1.5 hours and was pretty easy to navigate.
Although Dijon is the capital of Burgundy, Beaune is the wine capital. It’s famous for its chardonnay and pinot noir, both of which I really enjoy (depending on where they are grown). Beaune is also notorious for its architecture and art, whilst also being an historical town with its famous hospital, Hospices de Beaune founded in 1443.
I would like to show you the two wine tastings that we experienced and a little about the famous hospital. I also really loved the buildings and doors found in Beaune, the latter of which you can see in my Doors of WordPress posts.
The first wine tasting on our list took place at Joseph Drouhin and booked this directly with their office in Beaune. Luckily for me, my partner knows a lot about wines and picked this one for its central location in Beaune and the fact that it is one of the oldest and respected wine producers (not growers) in Burgundy. I loved how this company still belongs to the Drouhin family, with the great-grandchildren owning and operating the company today. It was fascinating to learn how the wines were made in the past and how these traditional methods are still used today, especially to mark special events or anniversaries. Seeing the cellars where the kegs and bottles are stored was fascinating, it felt like we were in an episode of Game of Thrones, meandering through the dark caves (oldest caves in Beaune) with bottles of wine literally found at every nook and cranny. I really enjoyed learning about cru (a term in France that distinguishes a high quality vineyard) and tasting the difference between the regional wines, village wines, premier cru and grand cru (the highest quality). It was only with the wine tastings that I could really learn and appreciate the differences between these wines. The regional wines were delicious but when you taste the premier and grand cru, my goodness, they are absolutely stunning! Nevertheless, they will be forever out of my price range. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here for our tasting and the staff were fantastic, very welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable, without making you feel silly if you don’t know much about the wines.
Our second wine tasting was with a smaller company, therefore offering a more intimate experience. This offered an experience to travel out and see the vineyards and villages of Burgundy, with a highlight being Meursault. The tour was called Cote de Beaune, lasted approximately two hours and offered one family-run winery with one wine tasting (around six wines). Our tour guide was fantastic, extremely passionate for the region, its culture and wine history. He provided information on the famous villages such as Pommard, Volnay, Puligny-Montrachet and provided the opportunity to stop at Mersault to take some photos of this historic town. Mersault is absolutely beautiful and you can tell it is extremely wealthy, however, I could not see myself living here as it is so quiet with not much to do. It’s waaaaay out of my price range so I need not worry!
Mersault
Our tour guide took us to the family run vineyard of Maison Charles Pere and Fille, Grands vins de Bourgogne in Nantoux, basically in the cellar of the family home. In the garden was a plum tree with plums all over the ground. Our guide recommended these to eat as they are delicious and you would pay big money for these in the supermarkets. He advised to wipe any debris off, break the plum into halves and check for any worms! Once clear you could go ahead and eat. Unreal. We must have had a good few…and for free.
Once in the home we were given an introduction to the family and the history of how the estate has been passed down to Francois’s son and granddaughter. There were only three of us on the tour so it was really lovely to ask questions and learn in a relaxed environment. Our guide provided us with some fine wines, both white and red from villages to premier cru and explained what we were looking for with regards to aromas. I liked how he said there is no wrong way to taste wines and that everyone’s pallet will be different. It can be a little overwhelming with all the wine lingo but he made us feel very at ease and I definitely walked away with a little more knowledge than when I had arrived. We booked this tour through Safari Tours and I would highly recommend, whether you are new to wines, middle of the road (like me!) or a connoisseur.
I wholeheartedly loved both of these tours and was very happy that I was able to try some of the famous Burgundy wines. I also love how you can meet new people and learn from their experiences too. We had a couple of Americans on the first tour and it was fascinating to hear how some Burgundy grapes are now being grown in Oregon, USA.
Hospices de Beaune
I wanted to check out this hospital as I had heard it is a ‘must see’ when in Beaune, plus being a nurse, I was intrigued to see how this operated as a hospital in the 15th century. The building was initially opened as a hospital for the poor by the chancellor of Burgundy, Nicolas Rolin. The architecture here is exquisite and inside the building is equally impressive as you can see where the patients were treated, how their beds appeared and the utensils that would have been used. You can’t help but be moved when thinking how people were cared for here or even passed away. This hospital was in use until the 1970s, when a more modern hospital was erected and this building was transformed into a museum. For twelve euros you can carry out your own self guided audio tour, perfect for seeing the museum at your own pace and you can choose to spend longer or less time at each point. This was very interesting and a great way to learn more about Beaune’s history.
To conclude, Beaune is a fantastic town filled with history, culture and wine! We were only here for two days and mainly for the wine tasting but I would highly recommend checking this place out if and when in Burgundy.
We have just returned from a fantastic trip away to Dijon, just an hour and a half from Paris. We headed here to celebrate my fortieth birthday (eek), to explore a new city and to sample some of the famous wines on offer here. Dijon, the capital of Burgundy is renowned for its superb wines that are celebrated and appreciated all over the globe. I couldn’t wait to try some of the wines from this region and experience some of the wine tastings on offer, however, I was completely blown away with how much Dijon has to offer, in addition to the wines. When I hear Burgundy, I always think of the famous wines and when I hear Dijon, I had always thought of Dijon mustard. I have never been a mustard fan so I didn’t come here for the mustards, nevertheless, I was interested to try the mustards and open my mind (and tastebuds) a little.
Below I have created a list of the main things that I loved about Dijon and / or what I wanted to experience within my few days there. I have narrowed the list to eleven in total but the list could go on and on. Please let me know if you have ever travelled to Dijon or the region of Burgundy. Have you ever tried any of their wines?
1. Eat a croissant & have café au lait – now this could be anywhere in France really but it was something I was really looking forward to. The coffee and croissants are unbelievably good in Dijon and I cannot even count how many we had over the few days, keep them coming!
2. Mustard tasting at Moutarde Maille – this amazing store, on the main shopping street, stocks all the Dijon mustard you could possibly imagine with different flavours and ingredients. They will offer you a mustard tasting right there and then for free with some information on their creations. I was pleasantly surprised how delicious they were and my love for mustard has been restored (I had only ever tried English mustard and it was too overpowering for me). I loved the Chardonnay mustard and the honey mustard, ils étaient délicieux!
3. Beef bourguignon – One of Burgundy’s most famous dishes. This was the first meal that we had been dying to try and it certainly lived up to our expectations. It was absolutely delicious. I have had this dish many times on my travels and even here in Ireland, however, none have tasted as good as this dish in its home town.
4. Les Halles Markets – these markets are one of the best in France apparently, open Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. The best place to see and taste all the foods on offer in Dijon. We took a walk around and spottedmany people just relaxingand sampling the food and drink, which of course we had to partake in also. We decided on cheese, bread and bubbles (blanc de blanc). Sadly I couldn’t find any crackers (my number one choice) and the bread stalls had closed for the day so I had to nip out to the local boulangerie to purchase bread of some description. Funnily enough I had been watching others enjoy their oysters and meats when one woman came to me and asked where I had bought my bread as it looked so delicious.
5. Escargots – I really wanted to try these (when in Rome so to speak). I had tried frogs legs on my last trip to France so this was the time to taste some snails. I loved using the snail tong and fork to remove the snails, it’s quite the art. They tasted amazing, quite meaty and extremely garlicky (maybe to hide the taste). The main thing for me was trying not to scoot the snails off my plate!
6. Kir aperitif – This pre dinner drink is very popular in France and you will find it on most restaurant menus. Kir is simply a French cocktail made from white wine from Burgundy and crème de cassis. Most people will have it before dinner, hence being an aperitif. We have made these at home a few times but they have never tasted as good as here in Dijon. I couldn’t wait to try these and they certainly delivered, the perfect pre drink, very refreshing.
7. Owl Tour – If you want to see around Dijon by foot, then this is the absolute best way. It’s basically a free walking tour around the city that you can follow by keeping your eyes on the little owls dotted all over the city. You can pick up a map from the tourist office for about €4 and it will highlight the main attractions of Dijon and number them according to the various nearby owls. This was a very fun way to explore Dijon and it’s a great idea for showcasing the whole city, as it takes you around streets that you normally wouldn’t even have known about.
8. Architecture – the buildings here out of this world. Being Romanesque Burgundian, they take you back to medieval times and have been beautifully preserved. You really feel like you’re stepping back in time and walking through history. If you love stunning craftsmanship and architecture, then you will appreciate what Dijon has to offer here. I found many interesting doors here also, as you would expect and I CANNOT wait to share them with you all very soon.
9. Jardin de l’arquebuse – I was delighted to discover that Dijon has a botanical garden, with a variety of flowers, plants and even grapes. It’s a gorgeous setting that takes you out of city life and enables you to feel like you’re in the vineyards, way out in the countryside. The different grape varieties allows you to discover the diversity of wine growing all over the world.
10. Notre Dame – (Church of our lady) set in the old part of the city. This chapel was constructed in the 13th century and showcases the gothic style of those times. Even if you’re not religious, it’s wonderful to have a look inside and out and to really appreciate its design, history and magnificent stained glass windows.
11. Wine tasting in Beaune – wine capital of Burgundy – We headed to Beaune, about thirty minutes away by train from Dijon, to carry out a couple of special wine tastings. This area is famous for its superb wines, however, the small town is also a fantastic place to relish in it’s history and architecture also. I will create another blog post to showcase the amazing wine tastings and more about Beaune but believe me for now, they are most definitely worth a visit.
Thank you all very much for reading my favourite activities to do in Dijon. We were there for a long weekend but we could have easily stayed longer. An absolutely beautiful city with plenty of history, charm and culture. I cannot recommend this city enough. Exceptionnel!
This week I celebrated SIX YEARS of blogging with WordPress, hard to believe it has been that long. I thought this would be a good time to reflect on the highs and lows of blogging, specifically with using WordPress as my blogging platform. Please feel free to let me know if you can relate to any of my points.
My Highs :
– sharing my world, in particular, my travel experiences with my readers.
– connecting with other bloggers.
– blogging is a great tool for self expression.
– it can be exciting when you find a new topic to blog about and you can’t wait to put ‘pen to paper’ so to speak.
– reading other people’s work and learning about different cultures / experiences / destinations from all over the globe.
– learning from other bloggers about the tools available here on WordPress.
– being inspired by other bloggers and sharing ideas about blogging topics.
My Lows :
– I personally find WordPress quite pricey as I have to pay for my domain registration and my personal subscription annually. I guess over a year it’s maybe not too much money but the years come around quickly.
– Pressure on myself to continue to blog often. Now this is something that I know is not important and shouldn’t be pressure but it’s funny how your brain just niggles at you to blog if you haven’t created a post for some time. More so, if I have just travelled and feel I should be blogging as it’s fresh in my mind. I believe I have to blog about it instantly and almost feel guilty if I don’t. I know this is silly but it’s difficult to shake off sometimes.
– I know the basics of WordPress but I am not tech savvy at all and find it difficult to understand all the features available on WordPress, especially the themes.
That’s it for me. As you can see, my highs massively outweigh my lows and even my lows are not too bad in all seriousness. I REALLY enjoy blogging and just have to remind myself not to stress too much about how often to blog etc. It’s your blog and you can blog about whatever you want, whenever you want. HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE 😊
My most memorable vacation will have to be our trip to the Amalfi Coast, Italy in 2014, before it blew up on Instagram and became an insanely popular tourist destination.
We were looking for a holiday destination that could guarantee some beautiful sunshine but that could offer lots to see and do. I’m not a huge fan of lying by a pool all day, rather I like to pack in my days with sightseeing and exploring different cultures.
We picked a few spots to visit beforehand and then used public transport to navigate to the different locations, finishing in Amalfi and Ravello. The trains in Italy were fantastic, very easy to use and although we spoke little to no Italian, the locals were happy if you at least tried to speak the language. They were extremely friendly and helpful, no matter where we were travelling.
I think what made this trip SO memorable was just being away as a couple and enjoying each other’s company, whilst exploring some really beautiful scenery. The colours, the architecture, the food, the limoncello, the coast and the weather all made this trip absolutely stunning and I would wholeheartedly love to return to this area one day again. It is just pure magic and a real feast for the senses.
I have highlighted below the places that we managed to see on our way to the Amalfi Coast, travelling from Naples. We actually never even stayed in Naples, we flew in and caught the train out straight away. We used Sorrento as a base for the first few days before travelling on towards the Amalfi Coast.
The ancient city of PompeiThe island of Capri SorrentoAmalfiRavello
A holiday never to be forgotten. Thank goodness for photographs to help capture the good times. It’s funny to see how cameras have greatly improved over the years as I thought these photos were great at the time but now I feel that I need to return to take better quality photos. Please let me know if you have ever travelled to Amalfi or any other parts of Italy. I would be interested to hear your thoughts also or even what is your most memorable vacation?
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors or in my case today, simply one door. I had visited Mussenden Temple last weekend (for the second time) when staying at the north coast of Northern Ireland and wanted to share this amazing building and it’s fantastic door with you all.
This temple is one of the most photographed buildings in Ireland and sits perched on a cliff’s edge, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was built around 1783 for the Earl Bishop and was originally used as a library. For more information you can check out the link here. It certainly has an interesting history but I really love this building for its architecture and it’s intricate detail. The location is just stunning, situated between the home of the Earl Bishop and the coastline. I’m pretty certain the door would not be an original but nonetheless, it still appears to be pretty grand and sturdy.
The doors were locked on our last visit but luckily for us, we were able to enter the temple on our previous trip here in 2017.Even more beautiful with blue skies. From inside you can see the Downhill Demense, previously the home to the Earl Bishop and the walkway to reach the temple. Imagine having to walk down this long walkway at night, simply to read in your library!
Thanks for taking a look at this amazing temple. Please let me know if you have ever visited here or if you have ever seen a temple like this one on your travels.
Two weeks ago we had the best weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland and I thought I would show you all a special place that we managed to visit. I have been to Edinburgh a couple of times before but never with the amazing weather that we have just had. I have to say, I have always loved Edinburgh but like anywhere else in the world I’m sure, with good weather, it really just POPPED with the glorious sunshine. The atmosphere was electric with a real buzz in the city and the architecture was out of this world.
Calton Hill is close to all the tourist attractions and is very easy to find from Princes Street in the city centre. You have to climb some steep steps to reach the top but it is totally worth it for the views all over Edinburgh. I was expecting the great view from the top but had no idea there would be so many amazing historical monuments situated here.
Taking the walk up to Calton HillThankfully you will arrive to find a map of the area and you can observe your first monument here, The Nelson Monument. This is a memorial tower in honour of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson who was regarded as one of the best Royal Navy officers in history. National Monument of Scotland – inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. This is a memorial to commemorate the fallen soldiers of times past. I thought this was pretty epic to see and I instantly had the feeling of being in Ancient Greece / Italy. There are a couple of really impressive stone arch entrances.Entrance to the City Observatory City Observatory – built in 1818, this was also inspired by the architecture in Athens. Amazing to see inside and imagine what it was like to observe the night sky with this impressive telescope, especially before all of our more modern technological advances / knowledge. Observatory House – once the home to different astronomers and can now be rented out as a two bedroom holiday stay. This was my favourite monument for its unique design and character. I also really appreciated the surrounding flowers! Dugald Stewart Monument – to commemorate the impressive philosopher and mathematician, Dugald Stewart. Views from Calton Hill overlooking Edinburgh
That’s it for now. Thanks for taking a look around Calton Hill with me and please let me know if you have ever visited here yourself. I have never seen so many impressive monuments all in one small location!
I hope you have all had a lovely weekend and not developing the Sunday night fear that I am currently pushing to the back of my mind 😅.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. It’s been a warm week here in Northern Ireland and I am certainly not complaining. We love to see the sunshine here as it doesn’t happen too often.
I took a walk along the Lisburn Road, Belfast a few days ago to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. This road is famous for being a student area and having lots of rented accommodation for those studying nearby, myself included. As you head up the Lisburn Road, it becomes a more affluent area with trendy cafes, bars and boutique stores. I lived on this road for over a decade before moving to Australia, so it was a real delight to be walking along here again. On my stroll I came across a row of stunning terrace houses with fantastic doors and I wanted to share them with you. There was a few but I only managed to take pictures of my favourite three. Please let me know your thoughts on them.
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I LOVE the brick work of the houses, the bright colours of the doors, the arch frame and just their general quaintness. Absolutely stunning doors!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to my FIFTIETH edition of doors!!! I can’t believe I have had fifty posts showcasing doors, never mind finding so many doors to display. Thank you all so much for taking an interest, for your continued support, likes and comments. My doors posts are my favourite to compose and I really enjoy everyones thoughts when picking a favourite for the week, allowing us to connect and also enabling us to see things from different perspectives.
This week I have picked a few of my favourite doors over the last year that have not yet been featured. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite.
I love all these doors but I have saved my favourite for last. I love the stained glass windows and double doors. I also love the little cart and would love to have had a peep inside. I could imagine having holidays in this little mobile home, towed along by my car all over the country. Ah to dream!
Thank you all again and have a fantastic weekend everyone.
I want to share this amazing town with you all that is situated right in the heart of Ireland. We were heading to a wedding in the nearby town of Glasson and decided to stay in Athlone due to the location to the wedding venue and this is where we managed to find a reasonably priced place to stay.
The blue circle is Athlone, the heart of Ireland. Excuse all the other hearts and flags on my map, these are places of interest for me that I have already visited or hope to be checking out in the future.
We stayed in the most amazing B’n’B called Riverdale House that I managed to find on Booking.com. This place has a lot of character, has a fantastic proximity to the town, delivers first rate breakfasts and has the best hosts that we had the absolute pleasure of meeting. To be honest, our hosts Neil and Avril made this stay so perfect for us here. They were unbelievably friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the local area. Not to sound over the top but we really enjoyed chatting to this lovely couple and learned a lot about Athlone from them. Excuse my ignorance but I had no idea we were in the centre of Ireland, despite driving there but I was absolutely amazed to be staying in the heart of Ireland. Also Neil gave us a few suggestions of places to check out, including Sean’s Bar that, not only is the oldest pub in Ireland but also the oldest pub in the world!!! As proven by the Guinness World Book of Records.
Of course we had to check out Sean’s Bar and I can see why it is so popular. Obviously it attracts a lot of tourists due to being the oldest bar but it also has a lot of character and charm, as well as selling the most delicious pints of Guinness. It was actually really lovely to see so many tourists in the pub, almost like pre covid times. Situated on Main Street, Athlone, you are right in the heart of the town where there are lots of restaurants, bars and cafes. It is also a really colourful and quaint area that is a complete feast for the eyes. Also a very popular spot for tourists, stag doos and hen parties.
After a couple of pints at Sean’s Bar, we were able to hop over and try an Italian restaurant nearby as we were really in the mood for a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine. Pavarotti’s was really delicious with a lovely warm ambiance and really friendly staff. Highly recommend!
You can also take a walk along the River Shannon, check out Athlone Castle and another cool place to visit for a drink is Dead Centre Brewing (sadly we didn’t have time to try here but was highly recommended, maybe next time). There is also a lovely park by the river to check out, some lovely art work in the town, impressive architecture, an abundance of shops over the bridge and beautiful scenery.
I hope from my photos you can gather an idea of what this stunning little town looks like and maybe one day you can also visit the heart of Ireland.
We loved our stay here in Athlone and would be delighted to return one day. Feeling very grateful for all these amazing places to visit within driving distance! Thank you all for taking a look at this blog post and I hope you all have a lovely Sunday.
Hello everyone and welcome to another week of doors! Today is Friday here in Northern Ireland, so I am a day late with my doors, however, the weather yesterday was unbelievably good and I didn’t want to waste a second of it. When the sun shines, there’s no rain and the skies are blue, you have to make the most of it in Ireland.
I thought this week I would share some of my favourite church doors. I have so many photos of churches as I love the architecture and history of these buildings and thankfully they quite often have beautiful doors. Let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – Glaslough, NI2 – Mudgee, Australia 3 – Queenstown, NZ4 – Carlingford, Ireland 5 – Sydney, Australia
This park was a real gem of a find. I had never been to Rostrevor but I knew it was on the coast of Carlingford Lough, near Newry, Co. Down and thought it might be worth a visit as it is close by. We followed google maps to Rostrevor, parked the car beside the park and wandered in for a look around. Just to the left of the park is Fairy Glen, where it is believed that fairies have or had once lived, according to Irish folklore.
It is well known here that the famous writer C.S. Lewis from Northern Ireland, spent a lot of his time in the Mourne area and in particular, Carlingford and Rostrevor. He was inspired here and once said that Rostrevor was his inspiration for Narnia. In this park there is a dedicated family trail to C.S. Lewis where you can see memorabilia from The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe stories. There is also a play area for the kids and an outdoor gym.
You can walk through the woodland areas, as well as around the park area (where you will also find a cafe) and along the river. It’s a truly magical place that leads back to the small, yet enchanting village. Entering and leaving the park you will see the most beautiful and quaint houses with some impressive murals on the walls leading through the village.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough and I look forward to returning here soon in the not so distant future. If you’re ever in Northern Ireland, be sure to check out this park and village.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I thought I would show case some of my favourite doorways…minus the doors. Sometimes a doorway can be really quaint, even without the door and I have a few in my collection that I have not yet had the opportunity to show case.
These doorways were all taken in Sydney, Australia. Please do let me know if you have a favourite this week.
My favourite has to be number 6 from Woollahra as I just love the brick work and the colour of the stones. Every time I used to walk past this building, I would stop and appreciate its beauty.
Thanks for having a look at my doorways this week.
The north coast of Northern Ireland / Ireland is undeniably beautiful and severely underrated. If you are from Northern Ireland, you will have travelled here many, many times as a child for your holidays. When people couldn’t afford foreign holidays, families would travel here to the coast, no matter if there was rain, hail or shine. Sadly, as many of you will know, our weather is notoriously wet and cold, however, when you do have good weather, the north coast is absolutely breathtaking and has a lot to offer.
You can travel along the north coast, also known as the Causeway Coast and there are numerous locations along the coastal route that are very much worth seeing. I have been to the north coast a lot but I haven’t often travelled along the Causeway Coastal route. It is well sign posted along the whole route and I will highlight the top sites to stop and see, at least those that we were able to tick off our bucket list.
We stayed in one of the popular towns in the north of the country, Portrush. I know this town pretty well as my parents lived here for a few years. It’s a really stunning coastal town and an extremely popular holiday destination. There are gorgeous walks along it’s two beaches, the West and East Strand. Portrush is well known for its theme park for the kids, surfing and paddle boarding and of course its abundance of fantastic restaurants and bars along the coast, in the town itself and by the harbour. For us, this is where we started our journey along the Causeway Coastal Route.
West Strand, Portrush Arcadia Portrush, once served as a dance hall and cafeEvery Sunday you can find people having a very quick and cold swim here, before warming up with a coffee. Not something I could do 😅1 – Magheracross Viewing Point – Our first stop has been on my bucket list since it opened a couple of years ago. The views of the Causeway Coast from here are something else.2 – Dunluce Castle – One of the most stunning castle remains in Ireland. This magnificent castle dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. You can pay a small fee to visit the information centre and walk around the castle or like us, you can simply view from afar. 3 – Portballintrae Causeway Loop – this walk is absolutely stunning and only takes about 45 minutes one way. If you want to see the Giant’s Causeway without having to pay the hefty fee, park your car for free at Portballintrae Beach and enjoy the walk to the Causeway along the old train line.4 – Bushmills – This is a really quaint little town near Portballintrae that is really worth checking out when you’re in the vicinity. We stopped for tea at the famous Bushmills Inn.5 – Dunseverick Castle – I couldn’t wait to see this castle so when I found it along the Causeway coastal route, I actually laughed out loud. I couldn’t believe it was simply a couple of pillars left. However, this was once a majestic castle with an impressive history dating back to as far as 5AD. It’s said that St Patrick also visited here to baptise a local man who would later become the Bishop of Ireland (National Trust, 2023). 6 – Pans Rock Pier – This was our last stop along the Causeway Coastal route. I had wanted to see this pier since seeing it on Instagram a few months ago (the power of social media). It’s a beautiful pier situated at the far end of Ballycastle Beach. Ballycastle is a fantastic seaside town to check out along the Causeway Coastal route and I have been here a few times before but somehow had never seen this pier. Also this beach is pretty extraordinary as it is compiled of many different pebbles of all shapes and sizes that comprises of quartz, sandstone and granite.
I hope you have enjoyed the journey along Northern Ireland’s spectacular coastline and hopefully one day you may be able to see it for yourself, if you haven’t done so already. I know I am biased but it is honestly extremely beautiful!
Hi everyone! I recently took a trip to this amazing town in Ireland called Carlingford and I just really want to share this place with you. I had been here before for a day trip but had always wanted to return for a longer duration in order to really get a feel of this place. Carlingford is well known to us in Northern Ireland for being a fun place for hen and stag parties or nights out but I wanted to return to explore what else was on offer.
Carlingford has an abundance of things to offer the locals and tourists alike. It is a coastal town in Co. Louth, about halfway between Belfast and Dublin, making it easily accessible to either sides of the Irish border. It’s actually only 40 minutes from where I live by car and 11 km south of the border but you instantly feel like you are a million miles away when you stay here. It’s a coastal town, nestled between Carlingford Lough and Slieve Foy mountain, therefore, you have the opportunity to view beautiful scenery, taking lovely photographs, enjoy the walking trails, view the local attractions, have picnics and even partake in outdoor activities such as horse riding or surfing.
We stayed at Wildwood Lodge, a beautiful hotel style room overlooking the Lough and just a 5 to 10 minute walk into the town. I loved it here for the tranquility and the views were absolutely stunning, especially as you can see the sun rise every morning. I will highlight a few of the attractions/landmarks that we were able to witness on our three day break and to be honest, we could have stayed here longer as there is so much to do. I would love to have taken a few of the walks/hikes but that will have to be for another time, simply meaning I will have to come back 🙌🏼.
Sunrise from our accommodation 😍
I have highlighted my favourite tourist attractions below in the order that I seen them and hopefully they will inspire you to maybe visit the wonderful Carlingford one day.
1 – The Doors (and quaint/colourful buildings). I am an absolute door lover so I was in my element to see so many amazing doors, as you may have already seen and I will be posting more over the next couple of weeks. You can see my doors from last weeks blog post here.
2 – Thosel Street. I am obsessed with quaint and historic places so this street was right up my street, so to speak. It just oozes charm and character with its old stone buildings and historic architecture.
3 – Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms. We loved this place, so much in fact, that we returned the next day again for breakfast. Quirky and chic with delicious food and the friendliest staff.
4 – The Giant’s Chair. I love anything gimmicky like this for a fun photo but this was even better as it was located in the Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern. This was magical and although the tours are only on weekends, we were happy to take a walk around ourselves and marvel at the Irish folklore.
5 – Carlingford Heritage Centre & Carlingford Tourist Office. This was great for a history lesson of the town and for £3 you can have a talk from a local historian. The church building is exquisite and you can take a walk around and appreciate the old graveyard. The tourist office was fantastic for finding all the spots you want to see and the tourist officer was extremely friendly and helpful.
6 – Carlingford Marina & Anchor. This can be found just off the Lough front, a one minute walk from the town. You pass here to find the Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern.
7 – The pubs. These are fantastic for some great Irish beers, food and live traditional music. We had the best Guinness in Carlingford!
PJsMa BakersMcKevitts Village Hotel – live session music here is great!
8 – Carlingford Abbey. This monastery dates back to 1305 and still looks impressive even to this day. I love these type of historic, stone buildings so I couldn’t wait to see this. Situated about a five minute walk from town, you can easily find this on google maps.
9 – King John’s Castle. Initially built around 1190 to defend the sea lough, this castle rests on a cliff overlooking Carlingford and its Lough. Although closed off to the public for repair, you can still walk around the outside and see some spectacular views. This was close to our accommodation so we would walk past this at night to return to our room and it was pretty special, albeit a little spooky.
10 – The Marina. I only stopped here to take a picture as it was beautiful to look at but there is a restaurant here too if you’re looking for somewhere different to eat. I believe the Greenway walk begins here also which I hope to do when I return.
11 – Flagstaff Viewpoint. This is actually outside of Carlingford, near to Newry. I had to add the location to google maps on my phone to find this spot but it’s well worth the short drive to see a stunning 360 degree view and Carlingford from a great height (without having to walk up). Sadly it was quite overcast for us but I’m sure this would be out of this word on a clear sunny day.
That’s my lot for Carlingford. I hope you enjoyed seeing this amazing town just over the border from Northern Ireland. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to return to carry out some of the walks and view more of the outstanding scenery. Many thanks for having a read.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. Over the next two to three weeks I will be showcasing some of my doors from our recent trip to Carlingford, Ireland. I will create a blog post for this town also as it’s too amazing not to share with you all. Let me know if you have a favourite door this week.
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I love the colours of these doors, bright and fun. They really give you a sense of what Carlingford is all about. I love door number five, especially with the wreath, however, the two houses in image six are my favourites this week, just beautiful and the doors blend in perfectly.
Stay tuned for more doors from Carlingford next week and enjoy your day everyone.
This beautiful sunrise was taken a few days ago when we took a trip to Carlingford, Ireland. I can’t wait to show this place off in a blog post coming soon. I hope you have all had a lovely Sunday. I’m just back from visiting family in the south of England and now counting down until work tomorrow. However, not before a Chinese meal and some Star Wars! See you all next week.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I have a selection from three different places in Northern Ireland. Please let me know if you have a favourite. I love the last two doors, especially with the beautiful wreaths attached and I believe the home was lived in by the popular artist Colin Middleton ( a Northern Ireland landscape artist).
We have just returned from Carlingford in Ireland for a mini break and I have thee most amazing doors to show you all in the coming weeks so be sure to stay tuned. I will also write a blog showcasing Carlingford, highlighting the best things to do and see. It’s a special little town just over the border from Northern Ireland.
1 – Craigavon 2 – Craigavon 3 – The Hillside Pub in Hillsborough 4 – Bangor Marina 5 – Bangor
Happy Thursday to you all. For this week’s doors, I am running with the prompt from today’s Bloganuary, ‘Whatcolour describes your personality and why? I think of blue being my colour, so for this week I am showcasing some blue doors from my catalogue. Let me know if you have a favourite.
Bloganuary day 15 – one of my biggest fears was moving home to Northern Ireland from Sydney, Australia. It is extremely scary leaving a good life in a country you love, with a good job and lots of friends. I conquered my fear by reminding myself why I moved home in the first place, for family. Furthermore, there are lots of positives to living in Northern Ireland, one of them being the ability to travel locally and travel more of Europe. Also, it doesn’t have to be definitive that I live at home. If I want to return to Australia, I can do so and for this I am very grateful.
Has anyone else had this fear with moving to our from another country?
Bloganuary day 14! This is a really tricky question today as I really enjoy pretty much all modes of travel. I really do love walking and if I can go anywhere on foot, I would prefer to always do that.
Walking to Byron Bay Lighthouse
However, I love flying, be it long or short haul. I love the flights to Australia for the food, drinks, movies and generally being well looked after. I also love the smaller flights where there’s maybe only a few people on a propeller plane.
Flying with Fiji Airways
Travelling by boat is also pretty special. I used to love the ferry in Sydney from Circular Quay to anywhere else that you could travel nearby. I particularly enjoyed the ferry to Manly and I used to travel by ferry there for work. I used to love taking the ferry from Belfast over to Scotland many years ago but sadly I haven’t done that for some time now. Travelling on a cruise liner was special a couple of years ago, although, I would also appreciate a little speed boat taking you to an island somewhere. However, I’m aware these are not common modes of transport!
Sydney FerryOn a gondola in Melbourne
Cycling is a lot of fun and something that I used to do all the time as a teenager. We were able to cycle when we stayed in Fiji a few years ago to travel around the hotel complex. Apart from that, cycling has been neglected in my life for some time but is something I would love to embrace again in the future.
Cycling in Fiji
Driving by car is a great mode of travel and one that I am using quite a lot at the moment as we are living more rural these days. It is very practical and you can visit anywhere without having to worry about the weather or what time the next bus or train is coming. I used to travel everywhere in Sydney by bus or train and now it is such a novelty to have a car.
Driving again at home after five years of not driving!
Nonetheless, I did used to love travelling by train as you had lots of free time to catch up on your emails, write a quick blog post, listen to your music or even have a wee snooze. The only downside was when the trains would be cancelled and you somehow had to find another mode of transport home.
Good old Sydney train to and from work
In conclusion, I think walking would have to be my favourite mode of travel as it was the first one that I thought of and it’s something that I thoroughly enjoy doing. I miss walking everywhere in Sydney, it’s a great form of exercise and you can just get in the zone with your favourite tunes and take in the beautiful scenery. It’s a bit harder at the moment here in Northern Ireland as the weather is so wet and cold. Bring on spring!
This is a good question for day 5 of Bloganuary and is an easy for me. Being outdoors on a good nature walk brings me joy, especially if I am with my other half or friends. I love it. I really enjoy the serenity, the scenery, fresh air, feeling healthy, taking photographs and just generally appreciating life. It’s the simple things in life for me that bring me joy.
I do love walking in general, anywhere really, for example walking tours in the city. However, what really brings me joy is a walk in nature, be that by the sea or in the countryside.
I have accomplished so many great walks in Sydney, Australia and now I really look forward to some fantastic walks here in Northern Ireland and Ireland as a whole. Bring it on!
Berlin walking tourBondi to Coogee – one of my favesSpit to ManlySlieve Donard, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
What about you? Do you love to walk? What brings you joy in life?
I love choosing 12 photos to highlight what I have experienced throughout the year and it’s a great little recap. This has been a big year with lots of changes, some good and some bad, however, I am grateful to have had a good year overall and ending 2022 on a positive note. Please feel free to have a look at my 2022 highlights below and feel free to share your highlights from the past 12 months.
JANUARY – starting the year off with a little trip to Mudgee, NSW. We had always wanted to visit here and this was the perfect place for us to celebrate 15 years together. FEBRUARY – This was one of our most epic destinations and a huge bucket list ticked off. Our trip to Uluru was one that we will cherish for years to come. MARCH – Rain, rain, rain. Two years of rain in Sydney thanks to La Niña. We had many days out in the rain, we wouldn’t let it deter us, it was certainly better than having bush fires. APRIL – a lovely little trip seeing the bestie in Melbourne. So good to catch-up after so long apart and seeing these Brighton boxes was another item ticked off the bucket list. MAY – Seeing Dermot Kennedy in concert was pretty special, especially with my Irish friends. JUNE – BBQ with the boys. Some of my favourite people, fantastic Lebanese food and this was the beginning of my many leaving parties as I leave Sydney for the time being. JULY – the beginning of our travels. Queenstown in New Zealand was an absolute highlight. We loved it here. AUGUST – Next on our travels was Bali, Indonesia. Stunning place to visit and we welcomed the sunshine after being in NZ at winter time. SEPTEMBER – a big reason for me coming home was to see my sisters become married. A beautiful day and I love this photos with my sisters. I’m a lucky guy to have not one but three amazing sisters 🤍OCTOBER – the main reason for me to come home, my family. Precious time with my niece and nephew, priceless! NOVEMBER – my baby sister has her wedding. A lovely day and feeling very proud here 🤍DECEMBER – Home with my number one person. Grateful to be here together and look forward to 2023, side by side ❤️
Happy Sunday everyone, one week until Christmas! We were walking around Banbridge recently (the town where we have been staying mostly since arriving home) and stopped to appreciate this amazing sunset. I love the houses with their chimneys, the trees and the frosty suburban streets, with the sun just setting behind. Enjoy your day everyone and enjoy the lead up to Christmas.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors, the last one before Christmas. This week’s Thursday Doors challenge is to show your favourite doors of the year, thanks for that Dan, not an easy thing to do! I have chosen my top 8 doors of 2022, from Australia and NZ, all the way to here in Northern Ireland. I have ranked them in my order of preference, some have been shown already and some are newly featured. Please take a look and enjoy these magnificent doors and hats off to their owners for doing such a fantastic job.
Many of you here will have heard of Hillsborough from my doors posts, as there are many fantastic doors found in this quaint little village.
Hillsborough is well renowned for its character and charm but more so for its historic castle and gardens. This is the place of residence for when members of the Royal family come to stay in Northern Ireland and only very recently has Hillsborough been renamed Royal Hillsborough for that reason.
This was the first time I had visited the gardens and I was extremely excited as I had always heard how amazing they are and I have always wanted to visit here. We didn’t visit the castle today but that will be for another time. We just wanted to have a good stroll today and get some fresh air. It was made even more special as there was snow on the ground and gave the gardens a really festive and Christmassy feel.
The admission fee is £11 which is expensive enough (in my opinion) to go for a walk, however, the gardens are absolutely stunning and the castle is a true spectacle. There is also a light show featuring in the gardens at present that can be seen at night time, running until the beginning of January. It’s pretty pricey at £22 a visit so we’ll have to wait and see if we decide to return for that or not. From what I witnessed during the day today, it would be quite the display.
If you would like to read more about this wonderful place, you can take a look at the official website here. Thanks for taking a look and I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday.
Happy Thursday everyone. As it was Halloween this week and we are still in Autumn/Fall, I thought I would try to share my most autumnal and spooky doors. Let me know what you think and if you have a favourite.
1 – The Gatekeeper’s Inn2 – Banbridge 3 – Hillsborough Castle4 – Elmwood Avenue5 – Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
I hope you all had a lovely Halloween if you celebrate at all. I was driving in the evening so I missed it all. I did manage to see a few fireworks in the sky though which was nice.
WrookieSchU 