While I was in Valencia last year, I was on my way to meet my friend and I came across the Serranos Gate or Torres dels Serrans (in Valencian). I had some time to kill, so I went to explore.
Torres dels Serrans
The Serranos Gate was 1 of 12 gates that made up the city walls of Valencia. It was built in the 14th century and used to defend the city from attacks.
Source: United States public domain
It is still seen as the main entrance to the city and, today, if you climb up to the top of this Gothic-style monument, you will get some amazing views over the city and beyond.
Main entrance to the city
Even though it was January and not that warm, the climb upwards still made me sweat!
Over the tree tops
But, it was great to see how well-preserved this lovely old gate still is.
Tower ceiling
Finally, one more flight of stairs to climb and you are at the very top.
Up to the highest level
If you go to Valencia, make sure you take the time to climb the Serranos Tower!
When in Valencia, a fabulous place to visit is the City of Arts and Sciences or Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
City of Arts and Sciences
One day, I had arranged to meet my friend, Mark, and as I walked along the dry Turia riverbed, suddenly, I saw these huge buildings looming up in front of me. If you’re into buildings and architecture, like me, these ones definitely have the wow-factor!
This place is so impressive that it is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain alongside the Sagrada Familia and Alhambra, and it’s easy to see why.
There are 7 structures, each has a different purpose.
L’Hemisferic houses a cinema, a planetarium and a laserium. It’s in the shape an eye and with the reflection from the surrounding water you can see the whole eye.
L’Hemisferic
El Museo de les Ciencies Principe Felipe looks like the skeleton of a whale and it’s where the science museum is.
El Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe
L’Umbracle is a open walk-way with different species of plants that are found in Spain. It’s also where the local parrots have taken up residence.
L’Umbracle
The locals
L’Oceanographic is the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe where’s you’ll find over 500 species of aquatic animals including dolphins, sharks and seals. We were going to go there because some say it’s one of the best aquariums in Europe, but we decided against it as we didn’t want to see the animals in that kind of environment.
Source: Wikipedia Commons. Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC BY-SA 3.0
El Palau des les Arts Reina Sofia is an opera house and performing arts centre.
El Palau des les Arts Reina Sofia
El Pont de l’Assut de l’Or is a cable-stayed bridge connecting both sides of the city.
El Pont de l’Assut de l’Or
L’Agora is where concerts and other events take place.
L’Agora
Mark and I wandered around marvelling at the amount of work that had gone into designing and building this stunning complex. It’s definitely a must-see!
I love street art! Wherever I go, I always make a bee line for it if there is any about.
When I was in Valencia in January 2019, the streets of El Carmen are full of street art. I spent a good couple of hours wandering along the small alleys and streets in search of these colourful creations.
I’ll leave you to follow in my footsteps…
Hope you enjoyed the walk around El Carmen. Do you have a favourite piece of street art?
First and foremost, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and enjoyed time with loved ones.
Instead of doing 3 separate Changing Seasons posts to cover the last 3 months, I’m just doing one.
October
I went to Ibiza with my sister and niece which was fabulous. We chilled around the pool, had fun at the mini disco, went to the hippy market, and had a few drinks with my friends who were there to celebrate their 40th birthday. If you ask my niece what her favourite part was, she’ll say the swimming pool!
Swimming
I started learning Spanish with Duolingo. It’s fairly basic, but you only have to spend 5-10 minutes a day learning a language. It’s repetitive, but that’s a good way to learn, and you get the chance to speak in Spanish and also write the translation in Spanish and English. It will hopefully come in handy for a couple of trips to Spain later in the year.
I’m also addicted to an app called Happy Colour – painting by numbers! It’s art without the mess!
Painting by Numbers
One of my best friends died in October. Mark had just got to Mexico. He had been talking about going there for a long time. He finally made it, had a stroke and died of pneumonia a week later. He was someone who lived his life to the full and he would be nothing short of happy that he had made it to Mexico! R.I.P my friend!
Mark
November
In November, I had the pleasure of going on a girly weekend to celebrate another friend’s 40th. (Good grief, they’re all catching up with me LOLLLLL) Now I live back home, I can see my family and friends at the drop of a hat.
Having fun with the girls
December
One of the perks of my job is I get to travel and, in December, I went to Amsterdam to support an event. At the same time, I got to hang out with my best friend, Chris. Always a pleasure!
Chris and Me
On 18th December, it was a year since I left Bangkok. I still can’t believe I have been back in the UK for a year. Time flies doesn’t it? Who knows how I will feel or what I’ll be doing in another year, but I’m enjoying the ride!
I went to the Christmas market in Birmingham with my sister in December too. I love being able to spend time with her and doing things like this.
Birmingham Christmas Market
I spent New Year in Brussels. It was just great to walk around seeing all the sights, having food and drinks – alone. Although, it’s fab being able to see everyone when I want in the UK, I used to do stuff all the time on my own when I lived in Bangkok and I miss the solitude.
Grand Palace, Brussels
And that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 3 months. I want to leave you for now with this video. It will definitely put a smile on your face and put you in the right frame of mind for the year ahead! Much love and peace!
If you want to get involved with the Changing Seasons in 2020, here’s what to do…
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.
Apart from a couple of fun nights out with friends, I didn’t really do much in September.
One of the things I did do, was visit Abington Park Museum, somewhere I’ve never even thought of going in all the years I have lived in Northampton.
There was an exhibition that I wanted to see – Northampton artist, Aasen Stephenson’s Death on Two Legs. He has created something wonderful from the fallen leaves around the park.
Leaf creations by Northampton artist, Aasen Stephenson
Leaf creations by Northampton artist, Aasen Stephenson
I’d also like to share a few photos of the beautiful surroundings where I work.
Photography by morrisophotography
Photography by morrisophotography
Photography by morrisophotography
Photography by morrisophotography
Photography by morrisophotography
Photography by morrisophotography
I hope you’re all enjoying your October 🙂 x
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.
I can’t quite believe we are now in September. Time flies by so quickly, it’s a good job we have fun along the way – and my August was fun-filled every day!
My sister and I went to my friend’s 40th birthday party. It was such a great night and I met up with friends that I haven’t seen for a long time. Every time I turned around, there was someone else to say hi to and catch up on what they’ve been doing since we saw each other last. It really was a fab night!
Me, Colette and Denz
I had the best news ever! My brother asked his girlfriend to marry him! They are both buzzing with excitement and they have already started making preparations! The date is set too – October 2020! It’s going to be one hell of a do! I can’t wait!
Congratulations Trev & Julie
I had a week off work in August too, so I went to Newark to see some good friends. We went out for a few drinks one of the nights and had a BBQ the following day – it was so good to see them again and we always have a fun time together!
Newark
A few days later, I took the Eurostar to Rotterdam to visit my best friend, Chris. It was great to be back and I saw some more of Rotterdam.
Rotterdam Central
We went to Amsterdamfor dinner and drinks too. I love this city, it’s so nice to sit by a canal and have a drink or 2!
Lovely views of Amsterdam
I hope you have a fabulous September 🙂
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.
Jardines de Turia or the Gardens of Turia in Valencia is a must see when you visit the city.
The River Turia has its source in the Montes Universales in the Iberian System of mountain ranges in Spain and it ran right through the city of Valencia into the Med up until 1957 when there was a massive flood which destroyed much of Valencia. To prevent from future floods, the river was diverted around the city. The old course of the river has since dried up and its been turned into a recreational space for everyone to enjoy. (Source: Wikipedia)
The sunken park is around 9 km long and it’s possible to walk (if you’re so inclined) or cycle all of it.
In Valencia at the beginning of this year, I took a walk from my hotel to the City of Arts and Sciences to meet my friend and I decided to walk the 3 km along the dried river bed.
It may be a dried river bed, but it’s actually very beautiful with many species of flowers and trees, fountains and ponds, and attractive bridges which give easy access to the many parts of the city and the wonderful attractions on offer in Valencia.
The Flower Bridge
As I walked along on that crisp January day with the perfectly blue sky above, there were lots of people around.
Some were cycling..
Many were walking, like me…
There were others engaging in a spot of aerobics…
And some, sitting and watching the world go by…
It is such a lovely place to do all these things. It’s so close to the bustling city, but it’s so peaceful and relaxing. Mind you I went in January, so I can imagine there would be hundreds more people around in the high season.
Even so, when in Valencia, you should take a walk through the Gardens of Turia – you’ll be glad you did! 😉
After leaving Bangkok on 18th December last year, I spent 10 days on the shores of Hikkaduwa on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
Since first visiting Sri Lanka in 1993, this place has always been a favourite destination of mine. I just love the culture and the people and it’s one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been to.
At the airport, I was picked up by my driver, Sameera, and we drove 2 hours south to Hikkaduwa on the west coast. Not only does Sameera do airport runs, but he also offers tours all around Sri Lanka. Check out Sameeratours if you are considering visiting.
I arrived at my guest house, got changed and walked all of 3 seconds to Funky de Bar where my friend works. It was so nice to sit down with the Indian Ocean in front of me, devouring devilled prawns, washed down with a glass of refreshing white wine.
Devilled prawns
And that’s where I stayed for the rest of the day watching the surfers ride the waves and the stunning sunset in the sky. Let me tell you that the waves in Hikkaduwa are big which is why the place is so popular with surfers. Mere mortals like you and me, beware – there are dangerous rip tides close to shore plus the waves can whip your legs out from under you and trap you in their watery embrace. Take it from someone who has experienced it – I felt like I was in a washing machine (not that I have ever been in a washing machine), but it wasn’t a very pleasant experience and I was coughing up salt water for a while afterwards! I had to sit back down on the beach and calm myself!
Funky de Bar, Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa surfers
Hikkaduwa sunsets
The next day, I wrote some articles and in the evening I went to the Bookworm Library for Sri Lankan curry. I had been here the previous January, so I knew of this small place and I knew that the food is absolutely divine. Small plates of delectableness – jack fruit curry, lentils, potato curry, pumpkin curry and, my absolute favourite, aubergine curry. I love this place so much, I went 5 nights out of 10!
Sri Lankan curry
First to arrive for Sri Lankan curry
The Bookworm Library
Thursday was Funky de Bar’s weekly party where everyone has a fun night dancing and listening to music, loud enough so your heart feels like it’s going to burst out of your chest. Funky de Bar on Thursdays is the busiest bar along this stretch of beach – you see the same old faces all out for a good time. It’s lots of fun!
The following day, I took a walk to a restaurant called Sunset because I’d heard their sandwiches were really good. I ordered a chicken sandwich, but it was far from delicious. It didn’t even look that nice. Two limp pieces of white, unbuttered bread with small, diced bits of chicken and not even enough meat to fill it. It was so disappointing. I found out later, you need to ask for a Jaffle – which is the Sri Lankan version of a toastie and much tastier!
Sunset restaurant
The next few days were spent much the same, writing in the morning, afternoons on the beach and dinner and drinks in the evening. It really is such a lovely way of life – if only we didn’t have to work to earn money!
Hikkaduwa beach
Funky de Bar, Hikkaduwa
Chilling on Hikkaduwa beach
Christmas day arrived and I did exactly the same as I had up until then – work, beach and bar. I was asked later if I minded spending Christmas day on my own and I really didn’t. I love my own company and even though my friend and I had fallen out over a misunderstanding, I was perfectly happy on my own.
Me time!
On the last night and friends again – Nalin and I went for dinner at the Shiny Lakeside Resort for more devilled prawns. It is a lovely spot, although both times I have been here, it’s been dark! Next time, I’ll go during the day, so I can see what the lake actually looks like 😉 Afterwards, we went back to the beach and had a few drinks. It really was a lovely way to spend the last night.
More devilled prawns at Shiny Lake Resort
After all that, I flew back to the UK. Sri Lanka, I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I will! See you next time!
For some of July, it was all about the memories of living in Bangkok. I don’t usually take much notice of the memories that Arse..ahem..Facebook churns out, but I have been looking at them and sharing them more since returning home.
A lot of my most beautiful and cherished memories are of spending time with my best friend, Chris.
Le Cafe des Stagiaries or CDS as we fondly called it
I spent a lovely evening out with my parents. We went for Thai food which was lovely, but they were having a Thai event on, and it was so loud we could hardly talk. After dinner, we walked along the road to a quieter bar, so we could talk over another bottle of wine.
Having a great time with Mum and Dad
Mum and Dad
I took a walk around Summerleys Nature Reserve near Northampton. I’d never been there before, so it was nice to go somewhere new with my camera.
Damselfly
One of my favourite subjects to photograph are flowers and you don’t have to go far to find some. These flowers are blooming in my parent’s back garden.
Blooming beauties
I took a trip to London to see the Van Gogh Exhibition at Tate Britain. I used to go to art galleries and exhibitions all the time in Bangkok, so I thought it was about time I started to explore what the UK has on offer.
Van Gogh @ Tate Britain
The walk back from lunch to my office beats the Bangkok streets, it’s so green. It’s very peaceful and it’s full of wondrous nature.
Daily fix of nature is good for the soul
My brother, his girlfriend and I had an impromptu BBQ. It hadn’t been arranged, but we decided to make the most of the gorgeous weather that we had been having.
Me and Trev
Trev and Julie
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.
My month started with my best-est friend in the world – Chris – coming to visit me on my home turf. I saw him last in March when I visited him in his new home – Rotterdam – but this was the first time that he has come to see me in Northampton.
As always, we had a ball. We reminisced about our life in Bangkok and our plans for the future. We had dinner with my family and friends and then we ended up in Northampton’s very own gay bar.
Reunited!
Great news in June too! I got a new job! I am the new Learning and Events Coordinator at Teamscapes which is part of the Sundial Group. Not only am I working in events, which is what I wanted for a long time, but we help people become better in their jobs through team building activities. So, events plus learning is a fantastic outcome for me! I am so happy and it means all sorts of things for my future!
Since starting my new job, I have had little time for exercise because working 9 – 5 again really has taken it out of me – I am completely frazzled by the end of the day. But, the last couple of weeks, I’ve gone running around Sywell Country Park and Pitsford Reservoir. It really is so nice to get out into the fresh air.
Sywell Country Park
Pitsford Reservoir
The last thing I did in June, was to go out for Thai food with my good friends, Trudy and Jamie. I am not someone who raves about food, but this was amazing! It really was delicious!
Royal Thai Restaurant
Yellow curry with prawns
Have a beautiful July!
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.
