December 2011 - A New Home

My 'treehouse' view

I'm an instant star. Just add water and stir. (David Bowie)

November 2011 Brussels

Exploring the city

Brussels is not always a first choice when wanting a weekend away but combining well-priced flights and an unmissable discount for a top hotel - it turned out to be a fabulously gastronomic trip away!  Beer is well known in Belgium for its variety and altogether deliciousness - and they aren't wrong but what must not be forgotten is the food that accompanies it.  Over the two days, we managed to sample Belgium's well-known beef stew known as Carbonnde flamande but also Waterzooi, a cream based chicken stew - they are both delicious! Whilst the weather was crisp, it was dry allowing us to freely explore the city on foot.  One thing I noticed was their love for seafood; on street corners there were plenty of fresh seafood bars where you perched up to sip a glass of wine and enjoy a fresh oyster. 

It was fascinating city and I would love to visit again soon.

One of many bars with an
endless selection of Belgium beers

Whitby 2011

A need for some sea air combined with a love for Captain Cook, we ended up in Whitby for the weekend.  Whilst the summer warmth was leaving us, the weather was kind and we had sunny blue skies for the whole time.  Whitby is such a lovely place to visit with its well known fish and chip shop and interesting history, you will not get bored or hungry! Whilst we were there, there was a demonstration on at the Captain Cook Musuem and much to my partners delight a chance to sample some of the wonderful delights they would have eaten at sea. The slow cooked meat was tasty but the suet pudding was just not for me!  

 Before leaving we drove up the coast to visit Staithes, a fascinating fishing village perched beside the sea. As we walked round the village, you could have heard a pin drop but you cannot help being enchanted by the steep cobbled walkways and tucked away allotments.

July 2011 - A family trip to Cornwall

Holidaying in Cornwall has been on my wish list for a few years and when we finally booked a house for 7 nights in July - I literally could not contain my excitement.  In seven days, we surfed, sun bathed, walked, drank, ate delicious food, hired a boat, went fishing and caught about 100 mackerel...it was unforgettable!!! The weather was glorious and our accommodation was delightful - we couldn't have asked for more!! As a six we have made a pact - we have to come back next year! *WATCH THIS SPACE* :)

Portmeor beach cafe...one word - 'PERFECTION'

An early evening fishing trip!

Small gallery in Falmouth

On the water in Falmouth (hire a boat - it is a must!!)

June 2011 - Back on English Soil

Tropical Warmth to English Shivers!

 Upon returning to the UK, I spent a month revisiting and exploring some beautiful scenery to reacquaint myself with the surroundings. A local reservoir, a newly regenerated gallery setting in Wakefield and a trip to Abersoch were all part of my reintroduction to beautiful Britain :)

A walk around a local reservoir

Approaching The Hepworth, Wakefield

The view from our campsite in Abersoch

Motorcycle Diaries

After spending almost two months in America this year, there was one mode of transport that seemed to be at the heart of many Americans - the Motorbike. On one occasion as were driving up through South Carolina we were surrounded by bikers - helmet free and care free. It was a great sight.  

Coming back home with this memory in my mind, I came across a group of bikers on Sunday exploring the beautiful hills of Saddleworth and Yorkshire.  Then a couple of days later I discovered an article in the Travel section of the Guardian describing a 2,000 mile journey around Britain.  It was an inspiring tale, visiting pubs, pie shops and exploring some of the wild mountain tops. Ross Noble describes passionately about his travels and how the most enjoyable part of the ride is the wonderful characters you meet on the way.  It is a great article, describing the feeling of travel, the freedom and the wonderful moments you take from it.

'A motorbike becomes an extension of you...in a way I have never experienced with cars, where you sit passively in a metal box. With a bike if you lean, it leans; where you look, the bike goes; the more you relax, the better the bike performs.' 

Recalling My Travels

Over the past couple of years I have been lucky enough to visit some incredible places.  I love looking through my photo collection and taking myself back to those great moments.  I will never forget the day I was walking through Rome, meandering through the tiny streets when I stumbled into a tiny square and looked awe-struck as the Trevi fountain stood strong and proud right there in front of me.  It was just amazing that this monumental piece of architecture was 'squeezed' into this tiny little square! 

Travelling to Norway by ferry was a great experience, fun yet relaxing and what makes it for me is that you can enjoy the travelling time (wander around the boat, sit and watch the world drift by).  Reaching Bergen was so exciting, I just had no idea what to expect! The architecture was fascinating.  The food was delicious and I tried whale for the first and last time!!

For my Birthday last year I drove up to Northumberland for a slightly alternative holiday experience.  Staying in a Wigwam in rural surroundings I really enjoyed spending some time in an absolutely beautiful part of England.  As an artist, my creative inspirations come from my surroundings and being in the open air of the North East really was a refreshing recharge to my senses :)

I now look forward to an exciting few months exploring places I cannot believe I am visiting ...New Zealand, Hawaii and San Francisco! :)  'Excited' is not quite the word!