Lockdown in London

Dandelions in bloom

Almost done with week 7 of the lockdown and a glimmer of hope is on the horizon although it still may be some way off yet. I have no travel to write about and nothing coming up thanks to COVID-19. My June trip to Corfu with the girls has been cancelled and I can't see us being able to go anywhere at least for this year.

Walking with Scout

My new routine means I have been at home enjoying the beautiful spring weather by gardening, baking, organising, creating and walking my dog every day. It's been so lovely hearing the birdsong every morning, watching spring progress and generally taking less for granted of the world around us. I have not been to a major supermarket since I got back from my Mexican holiday and just shop locally as and when I need something. More than ever it's really important to support small businesses in this uncertain time.

I like this new way of living although I'm not sure I would want it this way forever. As much as I have enjoyed video calls with my family and friends, I would like a physical face to face catch up - 2 metres apart of course - and a coffee or drink in a public place.

Working on location

I have been unable to do my day job as a makeup artist because it requires being very close to the client and touching them. It's not conducive to preventing the potential spread of the nasty virus. 

In the interim, I have been trawling through my photos and selecting one a day to put on my instagram account. I'm not one to live in the past but it has kept me sane. It's my way of escapism and reminds me that I will be able to travel again one day. What that will look like is anyone's guess.

Keep safe and well. Hopefully it won't be too long before returning to work and traveling days are here again.

Riviera Maya, Mexico .. a trip in time

Given what's going on in the world at the moment, it almost feels untimely to write about my recent trip to Mexico. I feel very grateful to have had my vacation when I did, as less than a week after I returned everything was going into lockdown because of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

I think what we need right now is less of the daily negative media reports and more of the fun things in life to think about. Whilst we are unable to go anywhere for the foreseeable future, we can certainly enjoy what we have and have beautiful images to look at and inspire us for when we are able to get away again.

So with that in mind, this post will be a sort of pick of the day album of my time away. The Vidanta resort is so large and spread out, there was no need to venture off site if you didn't want to. There are shops, cafes, artisan stalls, street foods and restaurants and numerous pools to choose from. 


Since I was last here 5 years ago, the whole area has been improved so that it's safer to swim in the sea. With the new piers and rocky breakwaters the rip tide is less of an issue. It's a beautiful wide open beach of the finest white sand and clear Caribbean waters.
My favourite spot was a teepee on the beach with this view. Lots of shade and shelter from any wind.


There were some great restaurants on site which catered for all tastes including French, Italian and Asian, but we chose mostly Mexican cuisine. When in Mexico why wouldn't you?! Tasty dishes made with fresh, healthy ingredients like avocados, beans, chillies, tomatoes, peppers and freshly caught fish, I could eat like this all the time. The Catrina cocktails were made right at our table. Don't worry, the straws were all biodegradable.

This 75 metre pool was great for exercise or just cooling off. Whether you wanted to do freestyle laps or walk up and down with water weights, there was enough space for everyone. Situated right next to the beach, the choice was there everyday depending on what you wanted.

It rained quite hard one afternoon and being warm some people stayed in the pool whilst others ran for cover or a drink at the bar.

Mostly it was warm and sunny with clear blue skies.




This walkway took you both ways - pool to beach or beach to pool. There was a shower at the end to wash the sand off your feet so that the pool area remained clean.

There were also beds and couches tucked under the trees for group gatherings, which was lovely to do at the end of the day, or a chance to hideaway in a hammock reading a book.

The occasional iguana would wander past but they're not interested in humans and weren't a problem.

I loved watching the pelicans fly overhead in formation, or dive into the sea to catch fish.
 

 Every time we were given a menu at a restaurant we were also given a 'drinks' menu. It consisted of numerous cocktails, mixers and beers and after a few meals we asked why there was no wine available. Oh, they said, you want the wine list! We didn't realise that a wine and drinks menu were two different things! We were introduced to a lovely light Mexican rose wine suggested to us by the head waiter in Gong, a fusion Asian restaurant and the only occasion we didn't eat Mexican food. It was surprisingly good and needless to say after that we always asked for the 'wine' list!

I adore Mexican food, and one of my favourites is fish tacos. I first had them years ago in Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast and have them whenever I can.

The dish on the right is mahi-mahi, one of the many fish tacos I enjoyed this trip!

Another dish I absolutely love is Aztec (or tortilla) soup. A wonderful flavourful soup with chilli and tomato, topped with avocado and strips of tortilla.

It's so easy to make yourself and I'm looking forward to doing that when summer comes around and hopefully eating al fresco again.




The Mexican tradition of honouring and celebrating the dead is deeply entrenched in the culture of its people.

La Catrina on the left, symbolises the Day of the Dead and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself.

You see images of Catrina everywhere and it's all whimsically bright and colourful.

"Death brings the neutralising force - everyone is equal in the end."




On the right, an iguana basking in the sun. You won't see them on a cloudy day. They almost blend into the rocks and are sometimes difficult to spot. Lovely to see their beautiful skins so close up.



There are also many images and objects depicting the Mexican icon Frida Khalo, an artist known for her many self portraits, folk art and works inspired by nature.





Whilst at the airport waiting for the flight home, I spotted a shop called Prison Art. I was drawn in by the beautiful artwork on the bags in the window and was smitten by this Frida Kahlo image. I had a look inside at all the beautiful pieces and took this snap as I left. Whilst I sat in the departure lounge looking at the photo, I realised I'd regret not buying the bag so went back and got it. I'm so happy I did. Not only do I love it as a bag, but I love the story behind it. 

Click on the link above to read the amazing story of how this project was started by an innocent man in prison who was released after 11 months. He created a machine that could tattoo leather enabling inmates to produce unique pieces which are sold to help the project and with integration back into society.


At the time of publishing I have no idea when my next trip will be. My annual girls' holiday to Corfu is booked for June but it's looking increasingly unlikely that we will be able to go. Let's hope this Corona virus disappears as fast as it arrived and we can all get back to our lives. I don't think anything will be quite the same again. 

Stay safe everyone .. I'll be back again soon. Until then feel free to follow my instagram account for past vacation pics and current images from my day job.

Happy New Year 2020!!

Happy New Year! I wish you all a safe, healthy and prosperous one.

My blog will be nine years old in May this year - it's come a long way since I started it so thank you all for reading, whether you have been with me from the beginning or just dipping in and out. My aim is to inspire you to see the world near and far. 

Travel broadens the mind and helps us to understand different cultures and traditions, enhances our tolerance and disconnects us from our regular daily life. All immensely good for the soul and for recharging our energy levels.

I have no trips planned until the end of February this year when I will be heading to Mexico for some late winter sunshine, great food and a good infusion of that all important Vitamin D.

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You'll never get bored when you try something new. There's really no limit to what you can do. - Dr Seuss

Dubai long weekend

Dubai was our next stop after our wonderful few days in Oman. We decided to stopover for 2/3 days to catch up with family and friends and prolong the warm weather just a little longer before returning to the depths of winter.

We stayed in the Park Hyatt in Dubai Creek not far from the airport. It is a true oasis of calm and hard to believe you are situated in a busy bustling city. 

We had a room with a balcony overlooking the marina and the city skyline. Along with a swimming pool set in a lush tropical setting, there is the Lagoon which features an infinity pool and a private beach with view of the Burj Khalifa on the other side of the creek. Too bad we weren't there long enough to enjoy it.

The first evening we went to JBR and had an early dinner at Apron & Hammers where you can get a fab choice of fresh seafood and salads. We witnessed an amazing sunset with the most intense colours as we sat outdoors in the warm evening air. After dinner we took a walk over the bridge to the new Blue Waters Island which houses the Caesars Palace Hotel, shops and restaurants. The big wheel is not quite finished yet but will be the largest observation wheel in the world when it's up and running.

We made plans in advance to go to the top of the tallest building in the world, something I had done at night before but never during the day. It's always best to book as the ticket price is cheaper than if you turn up on the day.

The hotel provided a free buggy service to the main road where we could get the Metro to the Dubai Mall which is right next to the Burj Khalifa. The Metro is easy to use and very clean and efficient. You can either buy a single ticket or a metro card depending on your travel plans. There is one ladies only carriage which is at one end of the train but the rest is open to all. When you get off at the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa stop, it's good to know that it's approximately 20 minutes to walk to the mall - all under cover and with moving walkways. So if walking is not your thing, it's probably best to take a cab there as they are not expensive. 

We had lunch at Todd English overlooking the dancing fountains at the Mall prior to our ascent. Our tickets were booked for 2.30pm. We arrived early as suggested and still had to queue. It's a really busy attraction and it took approximately half and hour of waiting in line and security checks before we even got into the elevators which took us up to the 124th floor. The elevator ride is only 1 minute.
Needless to say the view from up there is spectacular and you can stay as long as you want.
Allow yourself a good amount of time if you visit.


We spent a little time at the Mall
afterwards then went back to the hotel to chill before dinner. We walked a few minutes along the marina to QD's live lounge where we had dinner and drinks al fresco with great music from the resident DJ and views of the Dubai skyline.

Yet another stunning 'winters' day in Dubai, we had breakfast overlooking the marina and set out for the airport to drop my friend off. I stayed on another day and hung out with the fam, grabbing a light bite and an oat cappuccino at a lovely wild food and juice bar Wild and the Moon in Alkersal Avenue followed by a visit to the Mall of Emirates to buy some Christmas goodies.

A quick but fab little visit to Dubai I headed to the airport carrying my winter coat ready for my return to the cold English winter. 

Muscat, Oman .. a breath of fresh air and some winter sun

It's been almost 2 weeks since I've been back from my Oman trip. It left such an impression on me that I've been at a loss as to where to start so here goes.

I can't say I've always wanted to go to Oman. It wasn't even on my radar until relatively recently when I heard a work colleague saying how lovely it was. I did some research and I was immediately hooked. The need for a relaxing winter sun holiday combined with a little culture, and not too crowded, Muscat seemed to fit this bill perfectly.

We flew to Dubai with Emirates and got a connecting flight to Muscat, just 40 minutes away. The new Oman International airport is 32km from where we stayed in the old part of town and being Friday (the start of their weekend) the roads were clear with the journey just under half an hour. 

Tucked away between the sea and the Al Hajar Mountains is the Al Bustan Palace. Now run by Ritz Carlton, it was once a palace and when you walk through the doors you can't help but notice the magnificent chandelier hanging down from the 125 foot dome in the lobby.

Its a beautiful quiet location and a perfect time of year to go. Daytime temperatures were 27C and evenings around 19-21C with low humidity. We were lucky to have missed the storm which ravaged the area a few days before and the beach was being restored the first couple of days we were there. This did not in any way impact the holiday and the pool was a perfect place to relax. They provide you with a cool box and free bottled water which was a nice touch.

The breakfasts were outstanding. Everything you could want and more and a great view of the pool and sea to start your day. I loved the fresh fruit and juices. In fact all the restaurants in the complex were excellent. There was a good variety including Chinese, Turkish and seafood, with freshly caught fish on the menu every day.

They have everything here including a number of shops on the lower level selling beachwear, artifacts, scarves etc. There is also a Spa accessed by buggy or about a 10 minute walk away which was an absolute sanctuary. Encompassing 33,000 sq. ft. and three levels within an Arabian fort-inspired structure, the resort’s Six Senses Spa offers a distinct wellness experience. The beachfront sanctuary pulls from Omani culture both for its design and its treatments, which feature locally sourced ingredients. Treatment rooms include six hammam rooms, and separate ladies’ and gentlemen’s relaxation areas feature infrared saunas, ice fountains and steam rooms.

I have tried a lot of spa treatments on my travels and can honestly say that this was one of the best experiences I have had.

Given that with all the above you could easily stay within the confines of the resort, we chose to get out and about. The hotel has a free shuttle to the Souq at Mutrah on a Monday evening so we hopped on board. It's a typical Arabian souq with everything on offer - local souvenirs, pashminas from India, jewellery, spices and clothing. It caters a lot for the cruise ships that dock in the harbour nearby so the vendors are very vocal in trying to entice you to come and buy their wares. We had time to go to a nearby Indian restaurant Kirkum and grab a bite to eat before heading back.

Tuesday morning we went on a free trip courtesy of the hotel to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque about 20 minutes drive away. Women are asked to dress conservatively so we made sure we were well covered and had a head scarf during our visit inside. You also have to remove your shoes so worth wearing something easily slipped off.

The Mosque is a stunningly beautiful piece of modern Islamic architecture with a magnificent central chandelier which is the largest I have ever seen. The colours and decorations in the main prayer hall give an air of tranquillity. The hand loomed carpet is also a thing of beauty and took 4 years to complete. The Mosque is definitely a must-see and a walk around the exterior is also recommended. There is no cost to enter.

Our next adventure took us out on a day trip to the desert approximately 200km away. Our concierge organised it for us and an Omani guide arrived promptly at 8am to take us on the 3 hour journey south east towards Bidiyah. It was an interesting drive through the countryside seeing various towns and villages along the way. As we got closer to our destination, we could see the red sands of the dunes in the distance. We stopped to have the air pressure reduced in the tyres of our 4 wheel drive so that we could navigate the fine sands and dunes of the desert. Our first stop was at a Bedouin tent and we went in for traditional Arabic coffee and dates at no charge. It was surprisingly cool under cover and a local woman was selling her wares inside which we were not obligated to buy. 

They asked us if we would like to ride a camel so having never done it before we decided to give it a try. It was an experience but not one I will repeat again as if I'd had time to think about it at the time would have rather donated to the upkeep of the animal than ride it. Just my feeling on it.

We sat on the ridge of a dune and looked over the amazing landscape, taking in the vastness, silence and serenity. I could have sat there all day but it was time to go to our next port of call, Wadi Bani Khalid. We had planned to go in for a swim but when we arrived it was crowded with local families picnicking and enjoying the beautiful weather. We soon realised it was the holidays in honour of Oman's National Day so decided instead to just stay for lunch and enjoy the view before our long journey back to Muscat. It's also useful to know that flip flops are not the best shoes to wear here.

We spent our last full day enjoying the pool at the hotel and the beach followed by our respective sessions at the fabulous Six Senses Spa and dinner at the Beach Pavillion Bar and Grill.

It was a truly magical 6 days and nights - perfect weather, beautiful sunrises and sunsets and hospitality second to none. If you think there's nothing to do in Oman think again. We only touched on a small section of it and if I get the opportunity to come back I would be there in a heartbeat. There is a vast country to explore - mountainous regions, ancient cities and subtropical climates down south a mere 1,000 kms away.

Oman quick facts Click on this link for all the info you need including where to apply for your Oman e-visa.

A weekend break in Norfolk with Scout the Holiday Hound

I love taking Scout away to the countryside where he is free to run as wild as he fancies. Seeing him bounding away like the wind in an open field or towards the breaking waves on the beach with a look of pure happiness on his face is so enjoyable to me.

I sourced a dog friendly property from Rural Retreats with whom I have booked with for the last two years. They always come up trumps with something suitable for my needs and affords me a true home from home experience. Why go away and settle for less than you already have? Living and working in the city I look forward to getting away to the peace and quiet of the country for a few days.

I chose 'The Treasury' a gorgeous one bedroom cottage on the Wolterton Hall Estate with about 500 acres of fields and woodlands in Norfolk and about 10 miles south of Cromer on the north coast. It has all you could want for a mini break - a lovely cosy sitting room with an open fire, a fully fitted kitchen, a spacious bedroom with ample storage, and a fabulous bathroom with a claw foot bath, a vaulted ceiling and under floor heating. They owners even provide a hamper with essentials like bread, milk, butter, eggs, cheese, tea, coffee, granola and preserves. 

There are shops within a few minutes drive away for anything else you might just want or you can bring your own supplies which is what I like to do. 

Scout could be walked anywhere on the grounds of the estate although they do suggest dogs are walked on leads near the livestock. The entrance from the road to the Hall is about half a mile along a pretty tree lined road with fields of sheep on either side.

About 5 minutes walk from the entrance of the estate is the Saracen's Head pub where they do bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner. They allow dogs into a separate part of the restaurant near the bar so Scout was allowed to come to dinner. I made sure to contact them a few days prior to going and they suggested reserving a table to ensure Scout could be accommodated. Bear in mind if you come to this part of the country that there are no streetlights so everything is virtually pitch black at night. Either drive or wear high visibility clothing for the walk and bring a torch.

The forecast rain stayed away for the most part which was fortuitous as it meant Scout and I had a beautiful walk around the estate in the morning before heading out for lunch at the Gunton Arms about 20 minutes drive away.

This dog friendly pub was once a country house in the 1,000 acre deer park surrounding Gunton Hall. Converted about 10 years ago, it is now a traditional pub with bed and breakfast with the room interiors designed by Robert Kime.

The owner's passion for art is seen throughout and you can see works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Lucian Freud to name but a few. The surrounding parkland also has sculpture by well known artists.

The current partners in the business previously worked at Mark Hix restaurants in London and have brought with them the principles of using local and seasonal products including seafood. In fact you will find that ethos a lot in this part of the world. It's so refreshing.

The Elk room of the restaurant has a magnificent set of antlers over the range where they cook venison from the deer park. I can only imagine the size of that giant specimen when he was alive!

I love fresh seafood and just had to have a Cromer crab salad to start followed by fish and chips. It was accompanied by their delicious version of mushy peas which was served slightly al dente with mint. 

The next day we drove to Cromer beach so that Scout could have a good run and a swim if he wanted. He did take a dip but I suspect the waves and maybe the cold put him off an actual swim. I love the joy in his face and his enthusiasm when he's beside the sea. I'm with him on that though. I adore being by the sea at any time of the year. There's something about being by the water that makes me feel positive and elated.

The great thing about staying in a self contained cottage is the ability to treat is as your home so that if you fancy a cozy night in you can cook yourself a meal and relax by the fire with a glass of wine which is exactly what we did for the last night of the weekend. Scout was pooped from his beach adventure and happily stretched out on his bed and slept like a baby.


Before leaving the next day we had one last walk around the estate on a beautiful, crisp cold, misty morning. There was not a sound to be heard other than our footsteps on the carpet of fallen leaves. No cars or planes flying overhead - the silence was almost deafening and only sometimes punctuated with the cry of a bird or a sheep baa-ing in the distance. 

It was a wonderful retreat from the constant hum of the city and I would love to come back to this area again and spend more time exploring. There is so much to see and do in this part of the country and we only touched on a small portion of it. 

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Rural Retreats - Self catering luxury cottages in the UK and Ireland

https://www.ruralretreats.co.uk

Wolterton Hall - Historic Georgian Estate

https://www.woltertonpark.co.uk

The Saracen's Head - 200 year old Georgian Inn, Wolterton

http://www.saracenshead-norfolk.co.uk/index.php

The Gunton Arms - Traditional pub with bedrooms, Thorpe Market

https://www.theguntonarms.co.uk

Cromer Beach - Traditional Victorian seaside resort

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g609059-d4424648-Reviews-Cromer_Beach-Cromer_Norfolk_East_Anglia_England.html

Norfolk's top 10 beaches
https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/inspire/top-10-beaches.aspx

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