Hanging out with the Romans in Bath

I headed to Bath for a long weekend while Mum and Dad were over in the UK last September/October. We had a great weekend wandering around the ancient town looking at all the beautiful buildings. 

Places like Bath make you appreciate history (and make you realise that NZ is seriously lacking). 

On our first day there we spent time getting acquainted with the place. We walked along the River Avon, through the Bath Markets and found Mum and Sam a decent coffee (while I had an amazing ginger beer) at Colonna & Smalls. I don't even drink coffee, but I can confidently say this is the only place in Bath to go for coffee! 

Walking uphill in town found us at the royal crescent. So we did what any good tourist would do and we took photos!

I'd promised Dad I would take him out for dinner for his birthday so I booked at an Italian restaurant called Sotto Sotto. Based in an old Roman cellar this place had serious atmosphere and the food was pretty amazing too!  

Dad was complaining that his desert was taking too long and his should have come first because he'd just ordered icecream... little did he know his desert would be accompanied by loud rhythmic clapping and a band of Italian waiters singing him happy birthday in both Italian and English!! 

The next day while walking by the River Avon, Dad being Dad saw a boat doing boat trips. After some heated discussion we ended up on a boat heading the wrong way up the river. Needless to say it was the most boring boat ride ever. But Dad was happy on a boat. 

We also took a gander at the Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths museum (which are both pretty incredible!).

Later in the weekend we ventured over to Salisbury and saw the Salisbury Cathedral, which houses the Magna Carta and the oldest working clock! (which looks nothing like a clock as I know it...)

And then it was time to head back to Sotto Sotto for my birthday dinner! I had to pretend to be surprised when they came out clapping and singing again...

On our last morning in Bath, before Sam and I headed back to London, and Mum and Dad drove down to Cornwall, we walked along the River Avon and the surrounding canals one last time. Truly a great weekend!

A day at the beach - Brighton!

A while back when I had some time off in between jobs I made my way down to Brighton for a day. 

Catching the train there was super easy and there was a choice view of the Shard from the platform.

 

I was at THE BEACH in no time at all! There was something about breathing in that fresh salty air that reminded me of home. Plus the sound of the waves brought an instant calm. 

People often complain about Brighton not being a proper 'beach' because it's so rocky. I was there in Autumn so I had shoes on and it didn't phase me one bit. It was really nice that there weren't masses of people there. 

The shops and the streets around are pretty charming. I came across this temple of sorts and thought it was pretty so I took some photos. 

And of course there were fish and chips to be had on the pier (under the imposing storm clouds).

Gothenburg

A few months ago Sam & I headed over to Gothenburg, Sweden. Having never actually heard of the place it was a pleasant surprise. The weather was freezing but it was sunny the whole time so I couldn't really complain!

The weekend was pretty chilled out and we spend time wandering around the port and fish market (where some oyster beer was drunk and herring was eaten), around the town centre to check out the local cafe's (and delish cinnamon scrolls) and tasted the local beer (Sam's favourite). Here are a couple of snaps from the trip: