This is always one of my favourite posts to write – it’s so fun to look back on all the amazing adventures I have each year! This year’s is extra special, with loads of amazing jaunts around Europe, and then the big change of hemispheres as I moved back to New Zealand and continued my explorations on this side of the world.
Bordeaux, France
A fun little long weekend getaway to Bordeaux to meet up with my sister and her boyfriend was just what we needed to blow the grey London cobwebs away. We wandered this historic city in the sunshine, marveling at its beauty – and ducking into cafes to save us from the winter chill as needed! We also escaped to the countryside for a self-guided cycling tour round the vineyards of nearby Saint-Émilion and a super-fun wine blending experience. Highly recommended!
Snowpocalypse in London
In late February we received more snow in London than I’d ever seen before – and for this child of a sub-tropical nation, it was amazing! This was taken early morning in Highbury Fields where I was living at the time – it was a very tricky but very magical run!
Easter in Lake Bled
One of my bucket-list destinations and truly, it did not disappoint! This stunning lake was the perfect Easter escape – we were blessed with mostly fine weather, perfect for rowing, walking and hiking our way around. My top tips for how to spend time there are rounded up here, but you really can’t go wrong as long as you’re outside enjoying this gorgeous spot.
Exploring the Cinque Terre
My second bucket-list destination of the year and again, the Cinque Terre did not disappoint! Sure, these beautiful villages on Italy’s coast do get very busy with tourists, but given how spectacular they are, it’s no surprise. I enjoyed getting out during the day and hiking the hilly paths, then returning in the evening when many tourists had left to enjoy the sunrises and the sound of the sea. Posts coming soon!
Medsailors Croatia
On a Medsailors trip, you share a small yacht or catamaran with 8-10 people (all your friends, if you can organise them!) and your amazing captain, who guides you around an island group over a week, with lots of swim stops, fun activities, and delicious food and drink along the way. Pretty great, right? My previous Medsailors in Greece and Sicily were brilliant, but I think Croatia may have topped them all, combining gorgeous villages and bustling towns with pure relaxation – and dolphins!
Lakes and Scotland Road-Trip
I almost can’t wrap my head around how many travels Joe and I squeezed into the first half of 2018 before he returned to NZ – it’s mad! Our final adventure in this hemisphere was our scamper of a road-trip around the Lake District and the west of Scotland. Starting in Manchester for Parklife Festival (The XX, Lorde and Liam Gallagher – amazing), we then headed up to Bowness-on-Windermere for a peak at the Lake District. Next stop was Loch Lomond, with lots of ooohing over the incredible scenery on the way, before making our way up to the Isle of Skye for a night with Joe’s cousins. It was a mad dash – but a beautiful one!
My Long Goodbye with London
It’s no secret that I loved living in London. Occasionally it was a case of endurance – jobs I didn’t like, long grey winters – but mostly it was a joy. As a history nerd, this was an amazing city to live in – walking the same streets as Shakespeare and Churchill, as Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Christopher Wren – it all gave me such a thrill. I loved the variety – never less than 50 things to do or places to go. And I loved the energy and optimism of the city. When leaving it, I made sure to spend time doing all the things I loved, as well as a few things I’d never found time for. Long walks through the city, runs in the parks, unusual food delicacies and lots of hang times with my friends – it was the perfect farewell.
One Last Time (for now) in Lyon
I’ve posted before about what a great city to visit Lyon is – and this last European adventure (for now) was no exception! Very obligingly, Zoe and Tom are currently living in the city, providing the perfect place to celebrate Nat’s birthday and my last little European adventure for 2018. We soaked up the sun, the culture, and the many great vegan eats of the city, chatted and laughed the whole weekend.
Moving Home to NZ
By far the biggest adventure of 2018 was moving home to New Zealand. I was initially nervous about making the big shift back after more than five years away but, almost from the second I touched down, I’ve not looked back. Reunited with my family, friends and favourite beaches, it seems that this was exactly the right time for me, and I’m so happy to be back.
My travel wishes for 2019 mostly revolve around exploring more of New Zealand – there’s so many amazing adventures to be had on my doorstep. And of course, there’s the little matter of a sneaky trip to the UK for one more Glastonbury Festival… 2019 promises to be just as amazing as 2018!
What are your favourite adventures of 2018, and where are you headed in 2019?
Linking up with the fabulous ladies of the Travel Linkup – Emma, Angie, and Binny!
And also linking up for #WanderfulWednesday with Marcella, Lauren, Van and Isabel – check out their travel link-up and their fantastic blogs using the links!
