Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2019 will bring joy, happiness, and new adventures!
I arrived back in the UK in time for New Year and saw the beginning of 2019 at my brother and sister-in-law’s party with a family and a few of their friends. It was fun, although I was in bed not long after the clock struck midnight – those damn whisky shots!
After a few more nights in my hometown, I arrived in Valencia full of hope and excitement. This was to be my new home!
I have never been to Valencia before, but the more I read about it – it seemed to be right up my alley. Lots of art and culture and plenty more to explore!
El Micalet, Valencia
I had given myself a week – thinking back, that was a little overambitious – but a week it was and I wanted to find a place in that time, so I could start my new life.
I found a place, a lovely triplex in Malvarrosa – close to the beach – and it was with excitement I told the guy I’d take it. However, his agent told him to ask me for 11 months rent (7,150 EUR) upfront because I didn’t have income in Spain. That was the end of that!
Malvarrosa, Valencia
Then, I found another agent who took me to look at more apartments, but, again, one wanted 6 months deposit, plus his fee, plus 1 month’s (bail) payment – making a grand total of 6,000 EUR. I told him I didn’t have that much money, so forgot about that!
I found out that it is illegal to ask for any more than 2/3 months as a deposit, but there has been an influx of people renting apartments in Valencia and not paying their rent, so many of the landlords are asking for these ridiculous amounts up front. I get it – they are only trying to protect their properties etc., but who has that kind of money to pay up front!? I don’t!
I was only in Valencia for 2 weeks, and for most of that I was stressed, upset, and very frustrated. There were tears, on several occasions. I was sleeping for 12 hours a day, comfort eating, and not doing any exercise!
So, I made the decision to go back to my hometown to reassess and get more money behind me. If I’d stayed in Spain, I would be penniless, not to mention, fat!
My bottom line was “what the hell have I just done – why did I leave Bangkok?”
Even the language was a problem – not many people speak English in Valencia. I was glad that my friend was there because I found it all very intimidating – believe it or not, more people speak English in Bangkok! I’m not shying away from learning Spanish, far from it, and that’s another thing on my list of things to do back home!
I spent the last few days in Valencia getting to know the city. My friend and I went to the City of Arts and Sciences. A stunning complex with several futuristic-type buildings, dedicated to the arts and sciences. (I will write about this at some point)
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
I took a stroll around El Carmen, whose small lanes and alleyways are adorned with street art. It was great to just wander and see what I came across.
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
Street Art, El Carmen, Valencia
On the way to meet my friend, I came across Torres de Serranos – one of Valencia’s old gateways. I climbed the steps for some awesome views.
Views from Torres de Serranos, Valencia
Views from Torres de Serranos, Valencia
Views from Torres de Serranos, Valencia
I really enjoyed Valencia, apart from all the stress, and it’s a place I can see myself living. I’ve simply taken a sideways step to get me back on track.
Plaça de l’Almoina, Valencia
River Turia, Valencia
I’ve given myself 6 months to get back to where I was! And, if my motto is correct I shouldn’t have any problems!
Everything works out OK in the end! 🙂
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.
In Rome, a great way to explore the city is on foot. I did exactly that with my parents, earlier this year. We spent our days visiting the main sights, like the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Vatican City and, in between, we walked along the streets where we happened upon a few of the city’s wonderful piazzas – each one different, but every one charming. So, here’s my guide to the best piazzas in Rome.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona was my favourite, if only because it was the first one we found. We’d just been to the Vatican and we’d walked through the streets and just came across this beautiful square. With street artists selling their creations, tourists vying for the best spot to take their holiday snaps, and locals chattering over an ice-cream – it’s a vibrant place with a fabulous atmosphere. There are hints of the past all around with its Baroque-style churches and palaces, and 3 impressive fountains which date back to the 16th century. It’s a real pleasure to sit in one of the restaurants, with a glass of wine over lunch, and just lap it all up.
Piazza della Repubblica is at the top of Via Nazionale and not far from where we were staying. Now a busy roundabout, this piazza is full of history. The shape is semi-circular and part of the piazza was once part of the Baths of Diocletian, as is the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and Martyrs. In the middle, the obligatory fountain – The Fountain of the Naiads. The fountain was built in 1870 and its 4 statues of the Naiads were built in 1901 by Mario Rutelli. You can see the Nymphs of the Lakes, Rivers, Oceans, and Underground Waters. In the middle, there is a statue of Glaucus, who was supposed to have saved many a sailor from the force of storms at sea. Around the outside of the piazza, the porticos that can be seen were built in the 19th century to commemorate the buildings that stood long ago.
The day we came across this piazza, we were on a mission to explore Rome by metro. We had already been to the opposite side of the city at Piazza del Popolo and we had made our way to the Spanish Steps. We took the metro to Vittorio Emanuele and found ourselves at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele or Piazza Vittorio. Surrounded with portico-ed buildings, this piazza is the largest in Rome. In the middle of the square is a green space known as Giardini Nicola Calipari. It’s a shame that it was a little run down with overgrown grass and the fountain not working, but it serves as a place to rest your feet for 5 minutes if you are exploring. We were lucky on the day we visited because there was a colourful Hindu festival going out, so we stopped for a while to watch before heading off in the direction of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
On our last day in Rome, we’d walked over the Tiber River to Isola Tiberina and we had walked back through the streets until we got to the delightful Piazza Campo de’ Fiori. The name means “field of flowers’ which dates back to when the area was nothing but meadows throughout the middle ages. The streets leading onto the piazza are all named after trades – Via dei Balestrari (crossbow makers) and Via dei Guibbonari (tailors) etc. These days there is a bustling market which sells fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, but, in the distant past, it was used as a horse market. Campo de’ Fiori was also used as a place for execution and many a poor soul was burned there. The philosopher, Giordano Bruno among them. Bruno became posthumously renowned for the concept of free thought and new scientific points of view. You can see the statue of Bruno in the middle of the square.
Enter through the gateway that is Porta del Popolo and you’ll be greeted to a large circular space with fountains and one of the tallest Egyptian obelisks in Rome. The name means “people’s square” which is fitting because it is a place where people can congregate and enjoy each other’s company. Piazza del Popolo was designed in the neo-classical style by Giuseppe Valadier and it links onto the Via Corso which used to be an ancient Roman road called Via Lata.
There are many trees here, making it one of the most attractive piazzas in Rome. The Fountain of the Obelisk is in the middle with its 4 attending lion statues. The Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of Rome between the Tiber and Aniene flank either side.
We stood and watched some young Sunday morning footballers in action amidst a chattering audience, before climbing the steps to the Pincio Gardens where we could look get a good look at the piazza from our vantage point.
This little piazza is overshadowed by the well-known Spanish steps that lead down to it, but if you wander around there are little gems to be found. John Keats House has been turned into a museum or there’s Babington Tea Rooms which have been in business since 1893. In the centre of the piazza is the Fountain of the Longboat and hundreds of tourists taking photographs of the famous steps.
Walk away from the throng of people and you’ll find people selling chestnuts or street cafes in the nearby Piazza Mignanelli which is a continuation of Piazza di Spagna. There you’ll find the Column of the Immaculate Conception with its statue of the Virgin Mary at the top and statues of David, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Moses at the base. The column was erected by the city’s firemen and, every year, the fire department places flowers on the monument with the motto: Flammas domamus, donamus corda or we stop fires, giving our hearts.
This charming piazza was originally jam-packed with shops until Pope Eugenius had them all removed and the area paved in the 15th century. In the shadows of the pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda has always been a hive of activity. A traveller passing through in 1819 described it as:
“Being distinguished (from other parts of Rome) by the gay appearance of the fruit and cake stalls, dressed with flowers and lighted with paper lanterns”
Another traveller, Charlotte Anne Eaton, thought the complete opposite:
“Surrounded by all that is most revolting to the senses, distracted by incessant uproar, pestered with a crowd of clamorous beggars, and stuck fast in the congregate filth of every description that covers the slippery pavement. Nothing resembling such as hole as this could exist in England, nor is it possible that an English imagination can conceive a combination of such disgusting dirt, such filthy odours and foul puddles, such as that which fills the vegetable market in the Piazza della Rotonda at Rome”
Each to their own I guess, but maybe Ms Eaton should have stayed in England!
Thankfully, there wasn’t any disgusting dirt or filthy odours when we sat on the steps of the fountain admiring the beautiful Pantheon and watching the world go by.
The piazza’s fountain, called the Fontana della Pantheon, was built by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575 and has a red marble Egyptian obelisk rising up from the middle. The obelisk was originally built by Pharaoh Ramses II and, after it was re-discovered in 1374, it was moved to Piazza della Rotonda in 1711.
There are plenty of places to visit in Bangkok and exploring on foot is a great way to experience them. Of course, you could take a taxi, bus or skytrain, but you’d miss all that the lively streets of the city have to offer. Plus, you’ll find some interesting things along the way. I’ve lived in this wonderful city for 4 years now and I have visited most of the popular attractions, so when I am out, I search for different things to write about and take photographs of. So, if you’re in town, explore to your heart’s content and, if you feel like it, see if you can find these cool statues dotted around the city.
If you’re at Wat Arun, it’s fun to scamper up and down the steps of the main temple, but I found this Buddha statue through a red door. This one is the Alms Collecting Buddha or Begging Buddha and it represents compassion and caring for others. If you’re up early enough, it’s usual to see bare-footed, orange-robed monks collecting food from people all over the country. Just to be clear, the Buddha never begged for anything, the people gave him food, and now people continue to do this as a way of making merit to allow good karma into their lives.
Wat Arun sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River – it’s better to go there, so you can see how the 5 prangs of the temple have been artistically decorated with seashells and pieces of coloured porcelain which sparkle in the sunlight. The views from the other side of the river aren’t bad either!
Alms Collecting Buddha or Begging Buddha at Wat Arun
This Buddha statue is in Benjakitti Park – right in the heart of the city – and it represents the Meditation Buddha, the Serenity Buddha or the Calming Buddha. You’ll notice the gold sculpture is triangle-shaped which means stability and many people who are seeking peace and calmness will sit in front of the statue and meditate. Whether you’re into meditating or not, Benjakitti Park makes for a welcome break from all the chaos of the busy streets nearby.
Meditation Buddha, the Serenity Buddha or the Calming Buddha in Benjakitti Park
This cool little statue sits in the middle of a lily pond, surrounded by potted plants and miniature trees, in the gardens of M.R Kukrit’s Heritage Home. The home of Thailand’s 13th prime minister, it really is very pleasant to wander around the grounds, surprisingly peaceful considering its location in busy Sathorn. It might not be up there on your to-do list, but I guarantee it’s worth the effort of finding it.
Gardens and statue at M.R Kukrit’s Heritage Home
Head to Chulachomklao Fort, in Phra Samut Chedi District, and you will find this splendid statue of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) in naval uniform. It’s the first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at the fort – built to protect Thailand from invading European countries. As well as this cool statue, you’ll find a gun park, an underground bunker with several disappearing guns, and the H.T.M.S. Maeklong. Also, don’t miss the mangrove walkway with its resident and totally nonchalant monkeys.
King Rama V Statue at Chulachomklao Fort
This huge Buddha statue represents the Earth Touching Buddha or Calling the Earth to Witness Buddha and it sits on the shores of the Chao Phraya River opposite the small island of Koh Kret, in Nonthaburi. With legs crossed, left hand resting on its lap, and right hand pointing towards the ground, this statue depicts the moment when the Buddha attained enlightenment. In his efforts, he was tempted by the demon, Mara, so he meditated all night to fight her off. It worked, and he called the Earth Goddess to witness his success.
The best way to see Koh Kret is to walk or cycle along its pathways through local villages. Shop at the colourful market or you could try your hand at pottery – not as easy as it looks, but you’ll come away with your very own creation as a souvenir.
Earth Touching Buddha or Calling the Earth to Witness Buddha opposite Koh Kret, Nonthaburi
On the junction of Rama IV Road and Silom Road, you’ll see this impressive statue of King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI), dressed in ceremonial uniform, at the entrance to Lumpini Park. The statue was built by Italian architect, Corrado Feroci, in 1941 and pays tribute to the king who donated a piece of land, called Sala Daeng, to be used as a public park. There is a lake and a jogging track and it’s a popular place for people to spend time as the sun goes down. There’s wildlife too – around 30 species of birds and a few dinosaur-like water monitors.
King Rama VI at Lumpini Park
Get off the BTS at Ratchathewi and walk back towards the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre and you’ll come across this four-headed white-elephant statue which forms part of the Chaloem La 56 Bridge or Hua Chang (Elephant-Head Bridge) as the locals like to call it. The bridge was built to celebrate the 56th birthday of King Rama V. The bridge crosses the Saen Saep Canal where you can either walk along the pathway with loads of cool and colourful graffiti or take a boat in either direction to explore the city some more – traffic free!
Elephant Head Bridge
This mammoth statue of King Rama I sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River near the Memorial Bridge. The statue was designed by Prince Naris and made by Corrado Feroci in 1932 to commemorate the king who established Bangkok as the new capital of Thailand in 1782. From here, Yodpiman river walk is nearby where you can catch the ferry over to Thonburi or wander around the streets of Little India for delicious Indian snacks and a lively market.
King Rama I Statue near Memorial Bridge
Not far from Sathorn, in Bang Kho Laem district, is Asiatique The Riverfront – an open air mall, with loads of shops and restaurants, which really comes alive in the evenings. Asiatique is located on the former docks of the East Asiatic Company and they established the first international port to support incoming and outgoing trade. It’s there you’ll find these three bronze statues, looking out across the river, representing maritime activity from years ago. There are other similar statues nearby as well as a World War II bomb shelter, warehouses dating back to 1907, and a reproduction of the very first electric tram from the nineteenth century.
Bronze Maritime Statues at Asiatique
Also at Asiatique is the lovely Juliet Love Garden. This statue of Juliet stands, looking somewhat forlornly, in the middle of a small courtyard. The iron fence surrounding the statue has hundreds of padlocks with love messages inscribed forever.
Juliet’s Love Garden at Asiatique
I really love visiting the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre. No matter what time of year, there are loads of interesting exhibitions and photographic displays. Sometimes, there are one or two sculptures displayed outside on the street. I have no idea what this big-breasted, pointy-eared, warrior-type statue is all about, but it always makes me smile. With its outstretched arm it never fails to catch the attention of people passing by.
Statue outside Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre
Wat Saket, also known as The Golden Mount is a splendid place to visit and if you walk up to the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360° views out over the rooftops of Bangkok.
To get to the top, there are over 300 steps which snake around the hill and, along the way, you’ll find this golden Buddha holding a staff and a parasol – possibly depicting him as he travelled far and wide teaching Dharma. The statue is standing under the forest-green foliage in the middle of a waterfall – the water splashing over the grey rocks is soothing.
Accompanying him are three wise monkeys who “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” The relationship these monkeys have with the Buddha is that he believed the human mind is filled with screeching monkeys – all vying for our attention. The Buddha believed that meditation can quieten the monkeys, so we can live peaceful and calm lives.
Golden Buddha Statue at Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River and Bhumibhol Bridge is this Buddha statue which represents Repelling the Ocean and Preventing Relatives from Fighting. Repelling the ocean relates to when a hermit tried to cause a flood, but the Buddha meditated for as long as it took to stop it. Preventing the relatives from fighting tells the story of when the Buddha’s family were fighting over water, so he raised his right hand which made them stop arguing. Bonus points for finding this statue! Clue – hop on a ferry across the river to Bang Kachao and get exploring.
Repelling the Ocean and Preventing Relatives from Fighting, near the Chao Phraya River and Bhumibhol Bridge
This huge statue of Ganesha, a well-known God in Hinduism, is located in Sri Nakhon Khuankhan Botanical Gardens, in Bangkok’s Green Lung, full of tropical trees and flowers, a large pond, and several walking and cycling paths. It’s a fabulous day out if you’re looking to get into nature and relaxation. Mooshika the rat sits at Ganesha’s feet and, being a rat, they are able to chew their way through anything. A handy partner to have when you are known as the remover of obstacles.
Ganesha at Sri Nakhon Khuankhan Botanical Gardens
Not far from Dusit Park is the noble King Rama V Equestrian Statue. Built in the early twentieth century, this statue was erected to commemorate the king’s coronation. He also contributed much to the modernisation of Bangkok and the cost of the statue was raised by the people themselves to show their gratitude.
Also nearby is Wat Benchamabophit and Bangkok’s Old City with lots of historical sites and temples, bars and restaurants, and hundreds of nooks and crannies just begging to be explored – you could spend the whole day in this area and only just scratch the surface.
King Rama V Statue, near Dusit Park
I hope you enjoy exploring these places to visit in Bangkok as much as I have. Let me know what else you find on your adventures 🙂
He has been called the greatest broadcaster of our time and for over half a century David Attenborough has been bringing the natural world into our living rooms with TV programmes like “Life on Earth”, “The Trials of Life”, and “The Blue Planet” – fascinating insights into the flora and fauna on Earth through incredible cinematography and storytelling.
I have always loved watching these documentaries and David Attenborough is someone I could listen to forever. His soothing tones mesmerise as he invites us into the lives of the amazing animals and plants that we share this planet with. Ever gently but with a serious undertone, he also warns us of the impact of human society on the natural world.
This man is loved by all and over the years has received many awards and much recognition for his work – as well as having 15 species of plants and animals named after him. He is a true inspiration and his passion for the natural world seeps into our hearts every time we watch him doing what he loves.
David Attenborough at the Great Barrier Reef/ Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Here are 5 of David Attenborough’s best quotes of all time:
It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.
An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment.
People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.
I just wish the world was twice as big and half of it still unexplored.
It’s about cherishing the woodland at the bottom of your garden or the stream that runs through it. It affects every aspect of life.
I had this title written down for ages, but it wasn’t until I went to Chiang Rai in June that I finally got round to thinking about it and it wasn’t hard to find something that inspired me.
The countryside in the north of Thailand is just beautiful and, living in Bangkok, I sometimes forget just how beautiful it really is.
Beautiful Chiang Rai
I was just awe struck at the nature around me in Chiang Rai. The greens and browns of the open fields…
Colours of Nature
…mountains…
Kok River running through the mountains
…rice paddies…
Rice paddies-not quite lush green
…trees proudly sporting their sweet and fleshy bananas and mangoes…
Fresh mangoes
Flowers- purple, yellow, white, red, all manner of gorgeous bright colours in every shape and form you could imagine.
Periwinkle Pinks
The blue skies with white fluffy clouds, clear and bright sunny days followed by the grey of a threatening storm before the clouds burst and the earth drowned under a barrage of rain.
Blue Skies
Grey skies and rainbows
Birds-swooping and diving looking for their next meal or chattering to one another in the branch of a nearby tree.
On the wing
A resting sparrow
It was the beginning of the season and the land around me was brown and dying because of the lack of rain, but the changing face of nature will soon transform the environment into brilliant green and lush landscapes once more.
Brown fields, soon to be sprouting with new rice shoots
Harvesting!
Green is my favourite colour and you can see it all around. Chlorophyll, responsible for all manner of greens; brilliant, emerald, forest, moss and jungle-all green, all different hues and values, in varying amounts, different forms, different shapes and sizes and all combine to form something that should be appreciated.
It wasn’t only the colours of nature that inspired me, the sounds of nature both inspired and impressed me. I sat outside my room in the evening and became aware of insects playing their nightly song, all in sync. Midges buzzing, singing cicadas, croaking frogs and, then, silence! A second later, their chorus of pulsating buzzes was back again. I was distracted by the local cat calling in the distance, but I chuckled to myself because it added to the free music festival I was enjoying.
Friendly cat who was all too vocal in the evenings!
Then, fireflies attracting mates or prey with their cool trick of bioluminescence. I sat and listened and watched. It’s not often I experience these sounds, but it was an immense pleasure to just stop what I was doing and listen along. It really was amazing.
Dragonfly obsession!
Nature is nothing less than wonderful, just the sheer diversity of it is mind-blowing. I was well and truly blown away. If you ever get the chance to visit the north of Thailand, I recommend Chiang Rai wholeheartedly! 🙂
Kok River
If you would like to share some of things that inspire you, I’d love to hear from you 🙂
A few years ago, I spent a fabulous day tramping around Dovedale in the Peak District of England. Along the 3 km route, we passed caves known as the Dove Holes, used the stepping stones to cross the river and meandered along the path until we reached Milldale, a village of beautiful stone cottages with gardens full of brighly-coloured flowers. It would be so lovely to live there! From there, we turned around and retraced our route and ended the day, back at one of my friend’s houses, with a BBQ and beers. It was such a great day out, not only for the green and glorious countryside, but I spent the day with some very good friends.
Dovedale, UK
In Cyprus, my friend and I and my mum and dad visited the Paphos Archaeological Park. I love these kind of places, I’m fascinated with the history and this one didn’t disappoint. There were ruins galore, remains of beautiful mosaics, and an ancent amphitheatre. I was in my element. I remember it being so hot that day, but it was nice to get out into the countryside with three of my favourite people.
Paphos Archaeological Park, Paphos, Cyprus
I arranged to meet my friend in Adu Dhabi and, one day, we took a trip to Dubai. We went up the Burj Khalifa, a real treat with phenomenal views for miles around. We stayed up there for a couple of hours and we were glad we did because the views became even more spectacular when the sun went down and the neon lights of the city came on. It was a trip to remember.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Wat Po in Bangkok reminds me how much I love exploring my city. I love just going out, with my camera, and visiting my favourite places and there are plenty of new places that I find all the time. There is a never ending source of things to see.
Wat Po, Bangkok, Thailand
I spent seven weeks in New Zealand and at first I really didn’t want to be there. I had just come from Thailand and I missed everything about it, but thank God I got over that because I ended up having the best time there. I did so much and saw some wonderful things in that short space of time, including these Mirror Lakes. The water is so clear and still, it created some gorgeous reflections.
Mirror Lakes, New Zealand
Whenever I used to go home, I always made the trip to Scotland to see my Nana, who is, sadly, no longer with us. This day, my mum and I had taken a trip to Edinburgh and we had lunch in the Halfway House. I spent the first 12 years of my life in Scotland, so I never really got to enjoy the city as an adult. It’s a beautiful place, and, although I wouldn’t choose to live there again, it’s nice to go back to my roots.
Edinburgh’s Smallest Pub, Edinburgh, UK
New Zealand again, this time in Bluff. I’d rented a car, from Dunedin, and taken a road trip down to the south coast. It was New Zealand’s winter time, so I had the place, almost, to myself. I took the Bluff Heritage Trail, through wind-worn forests with brilliant views out to sea. I was also treated to a couple of seals playing in the surf. On the way back to Dunedin, I spent a very cold night in a little cottage in Owaka, so cold that I had to wear five layers, all under a blanket. Brrr! I can still feel the cold. It was in New Zealand that I acquired a love of walking and sightseeing.
Bluff Heritage Trail, Bluff, New Zealand
In 2013, I graduated from The Open University with a Bachelor of Science with honours. I can’t tell you how proud I was! I wasn’t even going to go to the graduation ceremony, but a friend suggested I go, otherwise he thought I would regret it. I was glad I did. It was in Manchester and my mum came with me. The ceremony was a little nerve-wracking, but everyone there had all done something that was really worth this grand occasion. Afterwards, my mum and I took to the town and enjoyed a lovely meal and drinks in a Thai restaurant.
Manchester, UK
Another day out in New Zealand and this day took me on a jaunt along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. It was on a day when I was supposed to be going whale watching, but it was cancelled due to bad weather. So I wrapped up and went off in exploration of the local area, through farmland and forests, until I reached the black-pebbled beach, and sea. I did loads of other stuff in Kaikoura, like horse-riding, wine tasting, cave exploring and having a Thai meal in a restaurant that didn’t have a liquour license, but not to worry, I had two lovely bottles of wine in my hand that I had bought from the winery. How’s that for good luck?
Kaikoura Peninsula, Kaikoura, New Zealand
Whenever I’ve visited my rellys in Adelaide, they’ve taken me out and about to see stuff and we’ve gone to Granite Island a couple of times. It’s a small island next to Victor Harbour, small enough so you can walk around passed huge boulders, plants dancing in the sea breeze, and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the cute fairy penguins which live there. It’s even better when you’ve got Ernie by your side telling you about all the different plants and animals there.
Granite Island, Adelaide, Australia
I love going to Adelaide and the last time I went was for Christmas in 2014. I wanted to do some exercise, so my cousin suggested we hike up Mount Lofty. So, at 6.00am we started our day, along with my other cousin and his daughter, Amy. When we arrived at Mount Lofty, we stopped at this map which showed the different routes available to the top. I asked “Where are we?” Amy burst out laughing. She pointed at the map to show me a large, red “YOU ARE HERE” sign. She giggled “We are here!” I didn’t live that down for the next thirty minutes, she couldn’t stop laughing! It was a fabulous morning out in the sunshine, followed by a well deserved coffee afterwards.
Mount Lofty, Adelaide, Australia
A few years back, I spent a month on Koh Tao with friends. One day, I said I was going to visit a resort called Mango Bay. The best and easiest way to get there is by boat, but I wanted to walk across the island and my friends jumped at the chance to come with me. It was such an arduous journey, slowly going up some very steep hills with nothing on our feet but flip-flops. When we finally made it to the top, dripping in sweat, we took a well deserved break at the Mountain Bar. The views from our vantage point made us forget how hard it was getting there.
Views of Koh Tao, Thailand
Another day out in Adelaide with my two cousins, Scott and Craig. We walked along the Torrens River before heading back to the city through the botanical gardens. I love trees and this Eucalyptus camaldulensis, or river red gum, was worthy of a photo. It was thought to be living between 1,500 and 2000 years ago and it died when it was 500 years old! Imagine the things it has seen in its lifetime. We finished our walk at my favourite bar in Adelaide, The Austral, somewhere I try to visit whenever I’m in town.
Ancient Tree, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Australia
Vachiratharn Waterfall is located in Doi Inthanon National Park, near to Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand and I went there when I first came to Thailand in 2008. Throughout the day, I did bamboo rafting and stood on the highest point in Thailand. In the evening, the tour guide asked me out for a few drinks with him and his friends. We didn’t go anywhere fancy, just a little roadside bar, but we had such a fun night and it made me realise that, as a solo traveller, there may be times when you feel lost or lonely sometimes, and I certainly felt that throughout my travels, but things happen that always have a way of making you feel good again.
Vachiratharn Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand
I like to be reminded of some of the things that I’ve done. I wish I had a photographic memory and remembered everything I have ever done, which is why I love to take so many photographs! 🙂
What makes you remember some of the things you’ve done? 🙂
The Changing Seasons post, inspired by the lovely Sarah at Secret Art Expedition and hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch. I must say, I am loving writing these posts, it reminds me of everything I’ve done during the month, from the big things right down to the small. So, without further ado, here’s what I got up to in April.
I started the month with a visit to one of my favourite drinking dens, Le Cafe des Stagiaires, with my little partner in crime, Chris! It’s a lovely little bar in Sathorn, with happy hour deals, always good in my book, and a nice atmosphere with seats on the pavement, canopied by the trees that line Soi 12. You can really imagine that you’re in Europe somewhere! 🙂
Le Cafe des Stagiaires Photo Credit: Chris Wotton
I work really unsociable hours and my hours don’t match Chris’s, so when he’s off, I’m not, and vice versa. But, Sundays are a good day for both of us, even if Chris is meant to be working, he gives in sometimes and we enjoy our “Sunday Sessions,” as we’ve fondly named them.
Sunday Sessions Photo Credit: Chris Wotton
So uncouth!!! It was a non-alcoholic drink that we put to good use in our Mojitos! Actually not bad!! Photo Credit: Chris Wotton
There is an abundance of different colours and many different species of flowers and plants at my local park, so I always stop mid-run to photograph a few.
The best thing I did in April was to visit Italy to celebrate my birthday (35 AGAIN!!!) I met my mum and dad there and what a wonderful week we had together. Honestly, I took SO many photos and I plan to write about my visit there, but these are just a few of my favourite places.
St Peter’s Basilica
Ponte Sant’Angelo
The Colosseum
The Roman Forum
Piazza Navonna
The Duomo, Florence
Piazza Del Popolo
The Pantheon
The Spanish Steps
When I got back to Bangkok, I still had a few days holiday, so me and Chris when to Escape, a new roof top bar located, strangely, on the fifth floor of one of the monstrous shopping malls here in the city. It was glitzy and glamourous and the drinks were fairly pricey, but we were making the most of a rare weekend off, for me at least.
Creativity in wine!!
Decorated bar
Good old Facebook 😉 reminded me of one of my all time favourite tunes; Tiesto’s Adagio for Strings. It stirred up a good few memories from the past and it gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it!
I was introduced to the Mark Steel lectures by a friend earlier this year, and I finally got round to watching one of them. He takes famous people from the past, like Freud, Aristole, and Napoleon and tells their story in a way that is informative yet hilarious!
And finally, it was my 50th birthday! God knows how I got to be 50, I am still 18 in my heart and head! (Not so in body- it takes me days to get over a night out!) Still, they say life begins at 30/40/50/60/70…!! After a few months of actually freaking out about it, I have accepted this fact, after all, it’s only a number !!! I stopped counting at 35 anyway!!! 😉
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.
One of my dreams came true last month, I went to Italy. I studied mythology in the Greek and Roman worlds as part of my degree and ever since then I have been fascinated by the history of these two places and have really wanted to visit Rome. So, not only did I get there to celebrate my birthday, but I got to spend a wonderful week with my mum and dad. I took so many photographs and I can’t wait to share them with you, but, for now, here are some memories we made as we enjoyed our week together.
St Peter’s Basilica
Mum with St Peter’s Basilica in the background
Castel Sant’Angelo
Piazza Navonna
The Colosseum
In Florence
Using the Metro
Walking from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza di Spagna
Piazza Di Spagna
In front of Santa Maria Maggiore
Having a rest on Via Nazionale
Ristorante Taberna Patrizi e Plebei
Ponte Palatino
Walking from Isola Tiberina to Piazza Campo di Fiori
Piazza Rotunda
Mum and Dad
Off to our local
We really had such a fabulous and fun time together and this was a trip I will never forget. My mum and dad have been to Rome a couple of times before, but they said they saw so much more this time. I’m not surprised, we must have walked a good 5-7 km most days and my poor mum didn’t give up, even though she was in pain from walking so far. I can’t thank mum and dad enough for making my birthday so very special.
The Changing Seasons post, inspired by the lovely Sarah at Secret Art Expedition and hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch. Here is my round up of things I got up to during March.
As I hadn’t been out exploring much since I got back from Sri Lanka, I took myself off to Chulachomklao Fort in Phra Samut Chedi District, around 29 km south of Bangkok. Getting there was fun, I only knew that I had to take the 145 bus to Pak Nam Market, then take a boat across the river, and, finally, a truck to the fort. It always seems a bit of an adventure when you don’t really know the way. I had to ask a couple of people to find the market and once I had located the truck, it dropped me off, right at the fort.
First up, the gun park which tells you the history of the guns, although the information was all in Thai, so I just had to wander around and imagine.
The Gun Park
This proud statue of King Rama V stands at the front of the fort.
King Rama V Statue
The disappearing guns were used only once in 1893 when the fort protected the sovereignty of Thailand from French invasion. They were designed to be hauled up by their hydro-pneumatic system for firing and lowered again afterwards.
H.T.M.S Maeklong was in service for 60 years and deployed during WWII. It was fun to scamper about on her decks!
H.T.M.S Maeklong
There’s a mangrove forest there too.
Mangrove Forest
I forgot that I had heard about the resident monkeys that live there until this one started walking towards me! I was a little nervous!
Just strolling!
But, thankfully, they didn’t pay me any attention and continued to play or groom each other, oblivious to my presence.
It was a great day out and, although the sea looked far from the usual images that you see in Thailand, it was good to get out and about.
The Gulf of Thailand
I made a video of all the beautiful birds that I saw in Sri Lanka, and, the best bit, I didn’t even have to leave the confines of my friend’s garden to see them. They greeted us with their song in the morning and it was just fabulous to hear them and see all the different species that visited throughout the day.
I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Nilla at Image Earth Travel for the work I do here on Talkingthailand. It’s always a joy to receive these nominations and it makes me feel happy and honoured that someone takes time out of their day to acknowledge me. Thank you again Nilla, it was very much appreciated.
At last, I picked up my sketch pad and drew something. Whenever I do this, I mean to do it more regularly, but I never get round to it. I should do it more because I love sitting down and creating something. This drawing is a copy of a painting I saw in an art gallery, but it has my own twist on it! It’s a combination of pencil, charcoal, and pastel crayons.
My Art
As well as showcasing my photographs on morrisophotography, I also upload my best shots to Viewbug, and I sometimes enter their free photo challenges. In March, I found out that 2 of my photos had been ranked in the top 50 and 1 in the top 80! When you consider the amount of people that enter these challenges, I was thrilled with this result!
Artistic Wildlife Photo Challenge-Ranked Top 50
Animal Families Photo Challenge-Ranked Top 50
Legs Photo Challenge-Ranked Top 80
I started watching Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, presented by Neil deGrasse Tyson. His passion and knowledge of the universe, evolution, science and much more just oozes through his silky voice. Everytime I watch it, it (he) makes me want to learn all that he knows. It really is a fantastic and mind-blowing show. I thoroughly recommend watching it, if you haven’t already!
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Photo Credit: http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/tv/cosmos-a-spacetime-odyssey/
So, that’s my March done and dusted. I’m already having an awesome April, I hope you are too 🙂
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.
Back in 2008, I toured the north and south islands of New Zealand and one of the most amazing things I did was to hike across an active volcano, otherwise known as Mount Tongariro. Feeling a little hungover, as was the norm back then, I started on the hike across Mount Tongariro National Park. I had five layers of clothing on, it really was that cold, and it took about eight hours to cross from Whakapapa Village to Ketetahi. The scenery was dramatic with snow-covered mountains rearing up into the sky all around our little hiking party.
Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
At ground level, there were mountain springs flowing with cold clear water, and the greens and browns of plants growing up out of the melted snow.
Mountain spring, Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
About halfway through the hike, we passed Mount Ngauruhoe, otherwise known as Mount Doom, which, for me, was a real highlight. I’m a die-hard fan of The Lord of the Rings, and I couldn’t stop myself from climbing just a little way up and getting the guide to take my photo.
Mount Doom, New Zealand
We hiked on through dove-white valleys, the wilderness that lay ahead unseen, concealed by the brilliant white all around. It was blissfully quiet, but I could hear my fellow hikers chatting in the distance. In fact, it was a good job they were there because I could easily have gone missing, never to be heard from again.
Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
I trundled on and started to make my way upwards. It was such a struggle, the snow made it very slippy, so I had to wear crampons. It was incredibly cold and the higher I got, the windier it got. Eventually, I found myself at the summit of the mountain. The effort is always worth it!
The summit of Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
At the top of Mount Tongariro, I got three hundred and sixty-degree views and it felt like I was on top of the world. The clouds were lower than the summit and it seemed otherworldly. It was peaceful, even though I wasn’t alone, and I took a moment to stand there, looking at that perfect scene in front of me and thought of all the things I had done up to that point.
Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
On top of that mountain, I felt elated and overjoyed I was there. It was one of those moments that made me realise all the decisions I had made about my life were the right ones and I was definitely living my life to the fullest.
After a while, it was time to continue on my hike. The way down was bloody difficult because the slope was so steep and, instead of snow, I had hot rocks to contend with. Not just hot rocks but slippery hot rocks. The easiest way to do it was to inch my way down, much like when you’re on skis. I tried that, but any small movement would send a cascade of rocks down the mountain taking me with them. The next tactic was to slide down on my backside, but before I could even manage to get in a position to do this, I slid, fell on my arse, and ended up in a heap with five other people.
The way down, Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
We started to laugh, every little movement sending a few more rocks downwards, and us another inch from where we sat. Eventually, we managed to pull ourselves together and made it to the bottom unscathed.
The whole hike was amazing, and the last part of the journey to Ketetahi Road was through a small forest which, compared to the strenuous hiking I had just tackled, was easy. But, I was so intoxicated with joy that I skipped and ran through that forest until I reached the end.
Mount Tongariro, New Zealand
The hike had taken around eight hours through a wilderness which had stirred my heart at every turn. Mind you, my body was singing a different tune over the next few days because I ached all over, but it was one of the best days out I’ve ever had.
This is one of my tales from my new book which is on the way to being published 😉
