Since I took a break from writing for talkingthailand, I haven’t been sitting idly staring out of the window in my free time. I’ve been busy with other projects and one of those was a second book in my Flying Solo series. It didn’t start out as a series, but I wrote Still Flying Solo and I’m currently working on Only Flying Solo. Who knows if there will be more – how much flying solo can I do? My mind is full of ideas bouncing around at all times!
still Flying Solo. memories to be treasured
I sometimes wonder how I have come to be living in my hometown again after spending so many years living in Thailand. I sometimes think I was living my best life, especially when I returned to Thailand in 2014 and made Bangkok my home.
But, we make choices in life and my choice was to return to the UK. Everything happens for a reason, right? And my reason was I wanted to be closer to family and friends because living halfway across the world from those you love means I missed out on so many things.
My life in Bangkok was great and I never thought I would see the day that I started to think of leaving, but a conversation with my best friend, Chris, was what set the ball rolling for my move. If we had never started talking about it, both of us wonder whether it would have actually happened – me moving back home and him moving to Rotterdam. Who knows, but we must accept the choices we’ve made.
I’ve been home since 2019 and I feel settled. I have a job I love, I get to see my family and friends as often as I like, but I often think about Bangkok and all the special times I had there.
My new book is a compilation of memories and stories of the wonderful years I spent in the city I called home for 4 years.
Flying Solo. A Woman on the Wings of Life is available to buy on Amazon and Amazon Kindle.
It’s been 2 years since I wrote about my Tales of 2022 and one of the last thing I posted on here before I took a break, so in the spirt of picking up where I left things, here’s my Tales of 2023!
January
I took a trip to London with my mum and sister to see Cirque Du Soleil’s Kurios at the Royal Albert Hall which, as a venue, is simply stunning. The show was thrilling with crazy acrobatics and contortionists, great costumes and fabulous music. I could have sat and watched it all over again.
February
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with some gorgeous flowers. I love the different variety and colours – I often buy myself a bunch so I can enjoy them. When I walk passed and smell their fragrance it makes me smile.
March
In March, the snow came. Never underestimate the British weather! It always gets colder before it gets warmer.
April
I took the Eurostar to Rotterdam to spend a few days with my best friend, Chris, to celebrate my birthday. We always have so much fun together, but I had to get this money shot (if only) of the signs at the train station!
May
I’m always on the look out for flowers to photograph, but this was an added bonus because I spotted a bee as well and I managed to capture it without it flying off!
June
I finished this colourful painting by numbers of a Spanish Dancer. I can’t get enough of doing these kind of paintings. For me, I find it very relaxing and it’s a great way to take care of mental wellbeing.
July
A trip to Nottingham to meet up with a couple of friends who I used to teach with in Bangkok. We found a fantastic Thai street-food restaurant called Zaap. The food is delicious and it brought back some good memories. We loved it so much, we have since gone there again.
August
I tried open water swimming for the second time in the lake at Castle Ashby. The water temperature was 19 degrees which sounds warm, but it isn’t. The cold water took my breath away and once my body had calmed down, I managed to swim round twice. It is such a great feeling and really blows the cobwebs away!
September
My friend and I had a day out at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings – a fabulous outdoor space with beautiful buildings, re-enactments, and a cute coffee shop. If you like history and architecture and learning about the past, it’s worth a visit. We had a great time exploring the grounds.
October
I love spending Saturday afternoon’s crafting with my friend – we do it a lot. In October, we carved pumpkins for Halloween.
November
When the Christmas lights go up in our town centre, it looks almost magical (almost!) They make Northampton look pretty!
December
All suited and booted for Christmas Day with my family. If Northampton looks magical with its Christmas lights (see November), the day spent with my nearest and dearest is even more magical.
I can’t believe this was 3 years ago. A lot has happened since then, but more on that later.
Well, what a start to 2020! The very first day of the new year, I got to spend a glorious day with my best friend and life partner – Chris! (He loves it when I call him my life partner! Hee hee)
Chris and me
I was on a trip to Brussels and Chris came to meet me for the day. We had such a lovely day together – reminiscing about the past, making new memories for the future, but more than that – we had a lot of fun, as always. You know when you just get on with someone – that’s Chris and I!
I also went to Bruges for the day and spent 4 hours wandering around, snapping away with my camera.
Canal Spiegelrei, Bruges
February
On the TV, news of a virus made me really think about whether I should go on my trip to Barcelona, but I was glad I did, it would be the last time I went anywhere for a while. It was my first time there and I had a fabulous time wandering around the city. I was especially ‘wowed’ by the Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia
March
We all found ourselves in lockdown! What surreal times those were! Now, it seems a lifetime ago and I still can’t believe it actually happened. Not much else to do apart from exploring the garden!
Exploring the garden
April
My birthday in 2020 was probably the quietist on record, but I celebrated with wine and a curry and spent time with my brother and sister-in-law.
I went for a walk most days which kept me sane while we were locked up. Sometimes I just walked along with music in my ears and sometimes I took lots of photographs. Who would have thought there was a waterfall in the woods behind my brother’s house.
Waterfall in Little Billing
May
Still in lockdown, we had to find new ways to amuse ourselves and my brother Trev came home with his hair dyed blonde! We took to calling him Slim Shady. Now, will the real one please stand up!
The Real Slim Shady?
Trev then decided he was going to go one step further and dye his hair all the colours of the rainbow, so I ordered some hair dye. This is how it turned out. Rocking the rainbow bro, and his tribute to the NHS. Thank god it was temporary and washed out!
Hair dye number 2
June
Still off work, I went to meet my mum, sister and niece in the park for a picnic. It was lovely to spend time with them, enjoying the sunshine, playing Frisbee and looking at the birds. For me, the simple pleasures are always the nicest.
A trip to the park
The biggest news of the month was that I have moved into my own place. A lovely little duplex apartment near the town centre. I was anxious about moving whilst in lockdown, so I waited until things had eased a bit. Then I was worried about finances, so I waited some more. In the end, I decided to take the risk and just go for it. I have always said, if I become unhappy I will do something about it. I loved living with my brother and his fiancé, but it was time to move on.
First night in my new flat
July
I took a trip to Newark to visit my friends – Doyle and Mel. It was so lovely to see them and their kids again. Mel and I went out to the garden centre and, on the way back, we went to the marina in Farndon and had a cheeky drink by the river.
Photo Credit: Melody Armstrong
The following weekend, I went to Rotterdam to visit Chris.
We had such a fun weekend, as we always do when we get together. Chris was an exceptional tour guide and he took me to new parts of the city. It was such a lovely couple of days making new memories!
Exploring Rotterdam
August
I had been on furlough since the end of March with no clue as to when I would be returning to work, but then we were asked to attend a meeting. We were told that, due to the virus, there would be redundancies.
With this news, I took up painting by numbers to try and stop the constant sick feeling in my stomach.
Painting by Numbers – Amsterdam
September
I was made redundant! My boss came right out with it… “we have to let you go.” Even though I kind of knew, it was still horrible to hear it. I could feel the tears coming, but I didn’t want to cry in front of her – it wasn’t her fault. I got back into the car to drive home and I cracked!
I got home and immediately set about looking for a job.
I have never felt so stressed, I felt sick every day with a feeling of dread in my stomach. I lost all motivation to do anything – even exercise! I was applying for 2-3 jobs a day, every day, and feeling very frustrated because NO-ONE replied!
October
I was finally offered a job! It turned out, it was all just a matter of time! Time that I didn’t think I could bear to wait! I could not be happier and I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders!
To celebrate, I went out with my sister which was fun, albeit strange. Groups of people absolutely plastered at 6pm on a Saturday night, temperature checks and ID checks before you went into a pub and bouncers telling people ” YOU CAN’T PASS WITHOUT A MASK!” which I thought was quite amusing and that became the quote of the day.
My sister and me
November
I went for a wintery walk in the park with my lovely mum. She is always great company to be around.
A walk with my mum
December
We came out of a mini-lockdown at the beginning of December and I made my own Christmas wreath. I was quite proud of my creation!
My homemade wreath
Christmas day came around and, although everyone was under a 1-day restriction, I was lucky enough to be able to have a lovely day with my mum, dad, sister and niece – memories to be treasured.
My sister and I on Christmas Day
Then, on New Year’s Eve, I spent the evening at home, talking with Chris online. I even got to celebrate two New Years – one in Rotterdam and one in the UK because of the time difference.
Then, we were back in lockdown or tier 4 until at least mid-February 2021.
Despite 2020 being a strange year, I still managed to experience many moments to be grateful for.
We all have plans in life – whether that’s going on holiday, buying a car or a house, going abroad to live or buying the latest fashion – but most of the things we wish for cost money!
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had a money tree which provided us with the funds to do what we wanted? I have a money tree at home and, unfortunately, the funds are still not materialising.
Living costs too are so expensive – ever increasing bills and prices makes it very difficult to save anything.
But, there are ways – small changes you can make – to save money for something big.
Make a list of your outgoings and whatever you have left that’s your spending money. Transfer that to a separate bank account and that’s how much you have to spend each month. This strategy works for me because I know that I have enough money for bills and I can easily see what I am spending my money on.
Depending on how much spending money you have each month, work out how much you have on a weekly basis. If you don’t spend it all, transfer it to a savings account each week.
However tempting this might be, try not to dip into your savings. You have worked hard to build it up. There are many times when I have thought to myself, “oh well it’s only £20,” but that’s the danger – before you know it, that £20 has turned into £100.
Remind yourself why you are trying to save money, regularly, and if you are tempted to buy things such as new clothes or magazines, ask yourself, do you really need the thing you are about to buy? I almost guarantee that your answer will be “no.”
This depends on whether you have enough time to fit extra work in, but if saving for something big is your main goal, then getting a part time job might work for you. I sometimes write in my spare time and the extra income is very welcome.
When I was saving to return to Thailand a few years ago, I sacrificed many nights out and became a bit of a recluse, preferring to stay in rather than going out all the time. I made saving my priority because I knew I really wanted to travel and settle abroad again.
This is the one I struggle with the most! Being in debt is stressful and it can be impossible to save anything when your credit card bill is looming every month. Cut those cards up! Resist spending that £20! Do your best to reduce your debt! That way, you’ll have money to put aside for that important plan in your life.
When I was moving back to Thailand, I sold books, DVDs and CDs on Music Magpie. The items have to be in pristine condition and you won’t earn that much, but it’s a simple and easy way to raise cash (even a small amount will help). These days, there are other many other ways to sell your stuff – EBay, car boot sales, Facebook marketplace – you just have to choose the most suitable way for you.
If you are able to save even the smallest amount of money, it’ll do wonders for your motivation (and stress levels) and you will be one step closer to making your plans a reality!
I don’t purport to be an expert on any of these topics, I just want to share some of the things that have worked (or are working) for me.
At the end of 2019, I took a trip to celebrate the new year in the lovely city of Brussels.
On New Year’s Eve, I took the Eurostar and arrived at Brussels Gare-du-Midi station mid-afternoon. I caught the metro to Madou and walked the short distance to my hotel on Rue du Nord.
My first glimpse of Brussels
Hotel Sabina wasn’t the most attractive place I have ever stayed, but the owners were friendly, my attic-room was comfortable and there was a free breakfast every day. In any case, I wasn’t there to stay in my room the whole time.
Hotel Sabina
I checked in, dumped my bags and went off to explore the city.
The city centre is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and there is lots to see on the way. As this was December, there were lots of Christmas trees to see – although artificial, I thought this one looked pretty in the tree-lined square..
Christmas in Brussels
Walking along Rue du Congres, you will see the Congress Column..
Rue du Congres
..with its statue of Belgium’s first monarch, King Leopold I at the top..
Congress Column
Next, a quick hoof around St Michael & St Gudula Cathedral..
I love the traditional Belgian buildings..
Traditional buildings
There are so many pretty little squares in Brussels – like Agoraplein..
The streets are busy which makes for a lively atmosphere..
Rue de la Montagne
Finally, at one of Brussels top sights – the Grand Place with its spectacular buildings..
The courtyard of the Gothic town hall is also beautiful..
There is a lot of street art in the city like this staircase on Rue de I’Etuve..
Street art
One of Brussels top attractions is the Mannekin Pis – a 17th century bronze statue of a little boy peeing!
Mannekin Pis
Onwards through the streets getting busier by the minute – don’t forget it’s New Year’s Eve..
Lovely buildings around every corner..
I came across this long line of people eager to try some delicious, traditional Belgian fries at Fritland..
Queuing for traditional Belgian fries!
In December, Brussels hosts its very own Christmas market with stalls full of traditional food and drinks, crafts and souvenirs..
The Bourse – the Brussels Stock Exchange – housed in this grand building located in the second-most important square after the Grand Place..
Brussels Stock Exchange
Exploring some more, I found Halles Saint-Gery a cute building which used to be the old market hall, but now used as a bar/restaurant and events venue..
Halles Saint-Gery
There is an animal counterpart of the Mannekin Pis – the Het Zinneke or The Mutt..
There is also a female version – Jeanneke Pis..
Jeanneke Pis
I decide to walk away from the city centre to see the only canal that runs through Brussels – the Brussels Canal which separates the city from the district of Molenbeek. The streets grew relatively quieter the further I walked..
Brussels Canal
Back in the city, I head to Place Saint-Catherine which was buzzing with people enjoying the market stalls and getting ready for the evening’s celebrations..
After exploring for a few hours, I went in search of food before settling in a bar with a bottle of red..
New Year Eve drinks
I was more than happy sitting outside on the street people watching, but it was bloody freezing. I went inside to warm up and got chatting to the owner. After a while, everyone had left and I was the only customer. The guy had already told me that it wasn’t that safe at night and that I had to be careful on the way back! That was just before he pulled the shutters down and I was alone with this guy and his brother. I started to feel really uncomfortable. He then started ranting about politics – that’s all you need on New Year’s Eve – so I made my excuses and walked quickly back to my hotel.
I don’t think I stayed up to see the New Year in, but I was happy that I was safe and warm again!
That little incident didn’t mar my trip to Brussels, it really is a lovely city and the best thing about it, I was spending the next day with my friend Chris!
When I was in Portugal, I took a day trip to Albufeira. From my hotel, it took around 25 minutes to travel the 13 km journey by taxi.
My first glimpse of the lovely old town was a leafy avenue flanked with shops, restaurants and market stalls selling the usual touristy items like fridge magnets and postcards.
Whenever I go anywhere, I usually have a plan of where I want to go and what I want to see, but today was different – I had no plan. I was happy just wandering around.
First, I had some lunch and, as I was sitting in the restaurant, I spotted this impressive sand statue across the road. I had to take a picture or two (three!). Imagine the time it took to carve all the details and create something so brilliant.
I wandered along the small streets further into town, the white-washed buildings and the mosaic-like stones on the ground sparkling in the sunlight.
Albufeira Old Town is small, so it didn’t take long before I found myself in the main square which is surrounded with more bars and restaurants – a lovely place to hang out with friends. The trees providing shade if you want to just sit and watch the world go by.
I circled the square and found more narrow alleys to explore. The little streets are beautiful with different patterned cobblestones, pretty balconies and orange-tiled roofs.
Another thing I noticed, is that the old town of Albufeira is quite hilly, so be prepared to work up a sweat if you want to visit the archaeological museum or this lovely church on Rua Da Bateria.
On the same street, you’ll also see this plaque where the doorway of Albufeira castle used to be.
From Rua da Bateria, you get some really good views out to sea.
I love the street signs.
I also love all the colourful buildings that have been transformed into cute little bars with outside seating – perfect for a quick break from sightseeing.
From the highest point of the town, you get good views looking back over the town and aerial views of those lovely little streets.
If you get back onto Rue 5 de Outubro, the main pedestrian street in Albufeira, you will see a tunnel which leads to the beach.
If you don’t fancy sunbathing, you can simply stand and feel the fresh sea air on your face.
Heading back into town, I pass ornate balconies and doors.
Before settling in Paulos bar for a few drinks.
I had a really lovely day out in Albufeira’s old town. There is probably lots more to see, so I, for one, will be going back when I can. I hope you enjoyed the little tour. 🙂
When you think of Blackpool, it might conjure up images of a busy seaside resort with plenty of people enjoying their time there. Whether that’s at the Pleasure Beach or having fun in the amusement arcades – it’s a busy place.
But, on a chilly May day last year, I found a more serene town with a whole heap of photographic subjects.
There were gulls in the sea water pools chilling..
Or flying down to take a seat..
Or pondering its next move..
There were people walking, going about their day..
There were empty beaches..
And piers..
North Pier
Close up
Blackpool’s iconic tower..
Blackpool Tower
And, finally, the Comedy Carpet – one of the largest pieces of art in the UK..
Comedy Carpet
I hope you enjoyed these images of a very serene Blackpool town 🙂
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!
We all have times when even the smallest of tasks seem like an uphill climb. Life has a way of getting on top of us sometimes. But, staying motivated doesn’t have to be difficult, all it takes is a little determination and an ability to see the bigger picture. So, get up from your seat and try these things to stay at the top of your game.
Do some exercise
We all know that exercise makes you feel good, although the thought of going for a run makes some of us want to retreat to bed. But, just a few minutes of any type of exercise makes you feel happier – it’s the release of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine into our brains that causes the feelings of well-being. Your mind becomes clearer and you feel like you could take on the world. Exercise also helps you to become more motivated to try new things or even to finish that task you started.
Exercise for motivation
Make a to-do list
A to-do list is a good way to keep focused and you’ll feel motivated to finish all the tasks on your list in a given time frame. It’s such a good feeling when you cross off the last task! Keep it small though because if you keep adding to the same list, those feelings of despair might creep in and that will have the opposite effect.
To-Do List. Source: Max Pixel
Start with small steps
Rome wasn’t
built in a day, so whatever you’re doing, don’t race to finish it! Take your
time and produce quality rather than quantity. Start with the small things and
progress to the bigger, and potentially more complicated, tasks. The sense of
achievement you will feel at completing even the smallest of tasks will make
you feel more confident and more likely to carry on.
Small steps. Source: Flickr
Get out into nature
If you’re
struggling with motivation, there is nothing better than to get out in the
fresh air. Go for a walk and surround yourself with nature. You will be
surprised how much listening to birds or sitting by a lake relaxes you. Your
thoughts will be clearer and you’ll be ready to get back on that
self-motivation wagon.
Get out into nature
Educate yourself
I don’t mean go and register for a course, although, you could do that. What I mean by educate yourself is to do something that interests you. Go to an art gallery, watch a documentary or read a blog or a book. You’ll be able to find inspiration in these things and recreate it into the things that you set out to do. By doing this, you will think to yourself “I can do that too”!
Educate yourself
Don’t compare yourself with others
Everyone has different goals and objectives in life, so don’t compare yourself with anyone else. If you constantly think that everyone around you has a better car or earns more money or has a better job, you won’t get anywhere and you won’t need anyone to put you down, you’ll be doing that yourself. Remember one thing, it’s your life! It’s not your business what anyone else is doing and vice versa. Concentrate on living your life and achieving things for yourself – that’s where the motivation lies, not to mention the empowerment!
Don’t compare yourself to others
Remember why you are doing what you do
You could
be the most motivated person on the planet, but there will be days when you
just can’t be bothered. We have all been there. What you’ve got to do is to
think of why you set out doing what you are doing in the first place. Take a
break from it, sure, but always think about the end goal or the big picture. If
you don’t carry on, you’re never going to get there!
Remember why you are doing what you do
Celebrate
your Success
When you are focused on achieving your goals, whatever they may be, you might forget to stop and think about what you’ve done. It’s so easy to get engrossed in what you’re doing, to get in the flow of things, and that’s a good thing, but simply thinking about what you have accomplished rather than what lies ahead can help your motivation levels. If you take a moment to realise just how successful you are already, you will more determined than ever, so celebrate your successes – however small they are!
