I took so many photographs when I visited Hitchin Lavender fields last year, but I’d like to share (what I think) are the best ones.
If you are ever in the area, I recommend a trip to this lovely spot!
The Best of the Lavender
Category: Memories
Fields of Lavender
Lavender is another favourite flower of mine, so I was really excited when I found Hitchin Lavender – a family-run farm specialising in the cultivation of this beautiful flower.
I visited in July last year and while there was lots of lavender, if you visit later in the year, there will be even more! The main flowering season is between mid-June and late August.
You are free to wander across the fields, up and down the rows, taking in the intoxicating smell! You can pick your own lavender or buy lavender products in the shop. You can even take a picnic and sit and enjoy the views.
It’s not just lavender that is grown here – there is a wild flower meadow, and fields of sunflowers which flower from the middle of August.
It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours.
Lavender represents purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness, so let’s enjoy some of that as we wander through the flowers.
Gorgeous isn’t it? 🙂
A Very Brussels New Year
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.
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.
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..
Walking along Rue du Congres, you will see the Congress Column..
..with its statue of Belgium’s first monarch, King Leopold I at the top..
Next, a quick hoof around St Michael & St Gudula Cathedral..
I love the traditional Belgian buildings..
There are so many pretty little squares in Brussels – like Agoraplein..
The streets are busy which makes for a lively atmosphere..
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..
One of Brussels top attractions is the Mannekin Pis – a 17th century bronze statue of a little boy peeing!
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..
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..
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..
There is an animal counterpart of the Mannekin Pis – the Het Zinneke or The Mutt..
There is also a female version – 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..
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..
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!
A Photo Walk around Florence
I’ve been revisiting my trip to Italy which I took with my parents in 2018. We took a day trip to Florence – a photographer’s dream – so many cute little streets to explore and the architecture is amazing.
I hope you enjoy this photo walk around this beautiful city in Italy!
For more of Florence, check out these posts!
Florence is definitely a place I will return to. I loved every minute of it! Peace and love to all.
Soi Nana in photographs
Following on from my post about Art on Soi Nana, here are some more photographs of this – off the beaten track – little street in Bangkok. It’s small but full of character.
Just a stone’s throw from Hua Lamphong, Soi Nana has somes of tiny, quirky bars – Tep Bar, 23 Bar and Gallery and Teens of Thailand – all with great atmospheres! El Chiringuito is the place to eat delicious tapas while Wallflowers cafe sells coffee and cake which you can enjoy on the small roof terrace.
Soi Nana makes for a different, more traditional experience of Bangkok. I, for one, will be making a beeline for it again as soon as I can!
Friendly Faces
Just for fun, a few memories of good times in Bangkok and the people (and animals) I came across on a day in Soi Nana.
I love looking at these old photos! I’ve got some great memories of living in Bangkok! Much peace and love to you all!
Art on Soi Nana
Soi Nana was one of my favourite places to go when I lived in Bangkok.
It’s a small street lined with old shophouses, some of which have been converted into funky little bars, restaurants and even art galleries.
There are lots of little alleyways behind the main street to explore and Soi Nana is also host to its very own Chinatown Fair – music blaring and lots of people make for a lively atmosphere.
One day, Chris and I headed over to Soi Nana to set up my exhibition – On the Trail of Bangkok’s European Heritage – at Bar 23.
Being a trendy kind of area, there is always some form of art to see, so once we had finished setting up, we went in search of it.
Art really does look after your mental health. It’s relaxing if you create something yourself or if you go in search of it like we did, it’s fun and gets you out of the house for a bit!
Tales of 2019
Following my memories in Tales of 2018, I am a little late in reminiscing about 2019, but here goes.
2019 was the first year in a long time that I had spent back home. I never thought I would be living here again, but the year started elsewhere!
January
I flew to Valencia to make a new start in a new city. I had never been before, but it appeared to be right up my street. There is street art, the city of arts and sciences and fabulous architecture and outdoor spaces – like the Gardens of Turia and the beach.
It didn’t work out there, I didn’t have the money to pay the deposit on a flat, so I made the decision to return to the UK. That was after just 2 weeks. Looking back I never really explored all my options – I could have looked at places outside the city. There is a really good metro service. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
February
Back in the UK, I moved in with my brother and his girlfriend. My plan was to stay 6 months. I ended up living there for over a year! I am forever thankful to them for letting me stay – we had so much fun!
March
I went to Rotterdam to see Chris who had recently moved there. We spent time exploring. I didn’t think much to Rotterdam that first time I went, but am glad to say it has grown on me and I love going there now for its markets, historical areas and its centre.
I also went to Amsterdam, one of my favourite cities to wander around.
April
I went to London with my sister for a day out at Camden Market – a fabulous place to hang out. We did a bit of shopping, had a few drinks and ate some food. A really great day out!
May
I went to Fleetwood with my sister and niece. We stayed in a caravan park and had days out to the beach and Blackpool – eerily devoid of humans – which was rather nice! We went for walks and took my niece to the local farm, so she could feed the animals. It was a lovely few days away!
I also went to Portugal for a friend’s wedding. Living in Bangkok meant I missed out on a lot of things. Before the wedding, I went to Albufeira for the day and relaxed on the beach. The wedding day was fabulous, everyone was happy and I was thrilled to be able to spend time with my friends.
June
My friend Chris came to visit. We went out for dinner and drinks and had a ball – as always! I went for Thai food with other friends later in the month. The food and company were fantastic!
July
I loved the Thai food so much last month, I went back to the same restaurant with my mum and dad.
I also went to London to the Van Gogh Exhibition at Tate Britain. I used to visit art galleries all the time in Bangkok, so it was good to do it again on my home turf!
August
In August, I went to Newark to see my good friends – Doyle and Mel. We always have a good time together and this time was no different. We went out for drinks and had a BBQ the next day.
Another trip to Rotterdam and, this time, Chris and I went to Amsterdam for dinner and drinks.
September
Another art exhibition, this time closer to home. Northampton artist, Aasen Stephenson’s Death on Two Legs. His leaf creations are fantastic! I am not sure I would have the patience nor the dexterity!
October
October came around and I was off to Ibiza – a very different trip for me. I used to go there to party until the sun came up and beyond! The closest I got to that was having fun at the mini disco with my sister and niece! But we had a fabulous time and I got to spend time with friends who were there at the same time!
November
I went on a girly weekend to celebrate a friend’s 40th. We sang, we danced, we laughed, we ate and we drank! We made some fab memories!
December
I spent the end of the year in Brussels. It was great to walk around seeing all the sights, having food and drinks by myself. I like the solitude. Although, I was looking forward to the first day of 2020 when my friend Chris was coming to visit!
All in all, my 2019 was a great year! I travelled a bit and went to a couple of art exhibitions, but most of all, I got to spend precious time with my wonderful family and friends.
Sending love and peace your way!
A Day Out in Albufeira Old Town
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. 🙂
On the Trail of Bangkok’s European Heritage Exhibition – Take 2
Following my first photo exhibition – On the Trail of Bangkok’s European Heritage – at Dialogue Coffee and Gallery back in 2017, I was lucky enough to find a new venue to do it all again!
Chris and I already knew of a little bar on Soi Nana called 23 Bar and Gallery. We used to go there for drinks. One day, I rustled up the courage to ask the owner – Mongkol – if it was possible to exhibit my photos in the art gallery upstairs. He said, YES!
23 bar and gallery is an old shop house with 2 floors, similar to Dialogue, but on a smaller scale. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to show the same 11 photos that I’d exhibited at Dialogue. But, that didn’t worry me, I was just happy that I got a chance to show my work a second time.
It was due to start on 9th February 2018, so a week beforehand, Chris and I schlepped across the city with the chosen photos to set up!
We were greeted by a cheerful Mongkol who handed us some nails, a hammer, and asked if we wanted a beer! It was thirsty work in the hot gallery upstairs!
It took us all of an hour, even less, to get everything set up. Maybe because we were experts at it after my first exhibition, probably because there were fewer pictures and we didn’t have to use wire to hang the photos!
We went and sat outside on the street with another beer. Mongkol seemed happy that I had chosen his bar to hold my exhibition, so he offered to pay for the beers. He even bought a pizza for us, which we ordered from El Chiringuito – a little Tapas bar down the road. We tried to pay him, but he wasn’t having any of it.
It turned out to be such a fun day.
We arrived for the opening night. My friends from work came along too as well as a few more people who popped in for a drink and wandered upstairs to take a look.
I didn’t sell anything this time, but it was still a proud moment for me.
Afterwards, we continued the party in Silom before heading home.
I have plans to do another exhibition somewhere in my home town and I’ll be researching potential venues when I can – watch this space!
The photos used for both exhibitions were a selection from my book – On The Trail of Bangkok’s European Heritage.
You can also check out this video if you would like to see all the photos from my book.
I also created this short video of the photos used in my exhibitions.
I hope you enjoyed sharing this very special memory with me! 🙂