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Slow stroller

Posted in around the UK, European travels, Health, It's my life, long distance walks - solo, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2020, walks around the UK, tagged Country Walking, solo travel, coastal walks of england, 101 walks, yomping vs strolling on October 12, 2020| 2 Comments »

I was reading through some Instagram posts this morning and a post by one of my favourite ‘grammers’ caught my eye.

She commented about having encountered some ‘yompers’ on a trail she was recently walking, and how their speeding ahead made her feel a bit inadequate. I’d not heard the expression ‘yompers’ before, but I do remember seeing them whizzing by when I walked the Camino in 2017.

Their faces set, backs straight, poles thumping the ground, they stride steadfastly ahead, looking neither left nor right, they whizz ahead at speed…. I often wondered why!!

They miss the scenery, they miss the little treasures along the wayside, they never (from what I saw) engaged with the locals, or visited a church to sit down and absorb the tranquillity- mostly they entered a church to get their passport stamped, and out again…once more to yomp ahead. I really would love to know why…..??

Is it a matter of finishing the route as quickly as possible, do they have a limited time to walk, is it about clocking up miles the fastest, getting to the albergues first to secure a bed, or perhaps they just add each route completed to a check list? Done this, done that, no t-shirt.

I’m classified as a ‘slow stroller’ – although my family would disagree 😂😂🤪

Walking for me is about the freedom of being outdoors, about the scenery, the little discoveries I make along the tide line or on top of cliffs, about visiting the important landmarks enroute, and often going completely ‘off-piste’ to visit some place I’d seen on Google while planning my trip. I don’t always reach my destination (unless I have a confirmed booking) but oh my, how much I enjoy just looking, enjoying and absorbing while walking.

The yompers can yomp, I prefer to absorb my environment and actually remember what I’ve experienced…. and of course to take as many photos as possible 😉

Which is also why I mostly walk alone; going solo I can stop whenever, wherever I like, take photos every 5 seconds, have a snooze under a tree in a graveyard, or a shady stand of trees….sit in a pub and enjoy a beer, or cup of tea….I’m not holding anyone up, and I’m not annoying anyone because I keep stopping…

And having said that, I really must get myself a good mobile charger. The battery on my latest Samsung (2018) is crap and despite closing all background apps, the battery fizzles out after 6-8 hours. I stress about taking photos because the camera uses a lot of power, so invariably I spend money in pubs along the way while I boost my phone. Its tiresome.

I’ve tested one or two models, but they don’t do the job and I end up returning them to the store…. something small and powerful would be useful please Universe 🌌🌠☺

Meanwhile, I’ll keep strolling….and the yompers can yomp!!

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The Adventure of a Lifetime

Posted in European travels, family and relationships, Fun Stuff, It's my life, memories of days gone by, Travel, tagged happy anniversary, life changing events, the adventure of a lifetime on October 8, 2020| 1 Comment »

19 years ago today, 08/10/2001 I embarked on what was to be a life changing event, and the adventure of a lifetime.

A few months earlier a number of events converged and conspired to change the course of my life.

The company I was working for in South Africa went into liquidation in July, and although I worked for the liquidators for 3 months, I was officially unemployed from end September.

In August, my daughter reached the grand age of 21….in South Africa, this is a milestone birthday and she was now an adult for real, and I gave her the ‘key to the door’. This is a symbolic key, and really means that now she was entirely responsible for herself and her life….

My younger sister, who was at the time living and working in Ireland as an IT Specialist, with her husband, was about to reach a milestone birthday too….the grand age of 30 in October!! ☺☺☺ She asked if someone in the family could fly over to help her celebrate, and since I had no responsibilities, I said YES!! I’ll come…

And so it came to pass that on 8th October 2001, just one month after 9/11 I flew from South Africa to Ireland.

I almost didn’t get to fly over across the seas to Ireland as the airline I was due to travel with; SWISSAIR had their planes grounded due to financial difficulties. Fortunately South African Airways aka SAA was linked to SWISSAIR and they made accommodation for all the stranded passengers and I was lucky enough to leave at the exact time of my intended flight.

Leaving South Africa on an overseas flight for the first time in my life was both thrilling and terrifying….would I find my way around the airports – we flew overnight into Zurich where I had to change flights…terror LOL. But I managed alright and even found time to have a hot chocolate and pastry…and Swiss Chocolate 😃😃

I sent a postcard to my daughter from the airport and I remember walking past the postbox 3 times before someone showed me exactly where it was, it was green – I was expecting a red postbox. 🤣🤣🤣 I have learned so much since then.

From Zurich we flew over Europe and I cried nearly the whole way….as someone with a keen interest in history and particularly WW2, all I could think about was what had happened in those skies 60 odd years ago, and in the cities below. It was heartbreaking.

Finally we arrived at the City of London Airport where I had to take first a bus to a tube station and then the tube to Heathrow….my mind was expanding at a rate of knots 🤪🤪🤪 I can’t tell you how much I learned in those first few hours. I had to ask, absorb, remember and retain, and follow more information in a short period of time than I had ever in my preceding 46 years…

On my way to Heathrow on the Piccadilly Line, I remember exiting the underground near Hounslow and seeing all the houses and the chimneys….as a huge fan of Mary Poppins I was immediately smitten by the chimney pots and the tall houses and thought to myself “I could live here”. And now I am….to my everlasting surprise. I never in my life imagined ever living in another country other than South Africa.

I flew from Heathrow to Dublin and arrived in Ireland on my sister’s birthday 😃😃 Lots of hugs and kisses and high excitement ensued.

Loved Ireland. So much so that when the time came to return to South Africa in December, I didn’t go back. I stayed on for another 2 months till justbeforemy visa expired, then returned to London, spent a week there obtaining the relevant paperwork that would enable me to obtain my Ancestral Visa….I had already decided by then that I wanted to relocate to the UK/Ireland.

The 6 months I spent in Ireland were some of the happiest of my life and I wanted more. We had so many amazing adventures and travelled the length and breadth of the island visiting so many wonderful places.

I flew back to South Africa in March of 2002, and by 22nd April 2002 I was back in Ireland having sold my car (to my daughter) put my house on the market for sale and my possessions into storage. My daughter moved in with her then boyfriend once the house was sold and I settled into my new life in the UK….and I have never looked back. I have never had a day’s homesickness or yearning to return to SA.

In the 18 years since I’ve lived here, I’ve obtained my British citizenship, travelled extensively in the UK: been to just about all the English counties, Scotland, Wales, N.Ireland and a number of UK islands, innumerable times to Ireland, America 4 times, Iceland, France: Paris, Versailles & Calais, Italy: Venice, Verona, Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano, Lucca and Sienna, been to Amsterdam, Bruges, Brussels and Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain.

I’ve walked on fire, climbed halfway up Mount Snowdon, flown over London in a helicopter (a gift from my daughter for my 60th birthday), had a flight along the Kent coast in a Spitfire in 2018 (another birthday gift from my daughter 😍) – the same year I got the wonderful news I was to become a Granny 😊. I’ve taken part in the Tudor Pull, travelled on the Trinity Tide, travelled through Paris in a soft-top convertible (a gift from my daughter for my 50th birthday), enjoyed numerous steam train journeys, explored 85% of the streets, lanes and alleyways of the City of London, attended all the major London annual/traditional events and commemorations, travelled on the Eurostar to Paris and a ferry to Calais, I’ve become a long-distance walker with 4 named walks behind me: Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, St Augustine’s Way, the Portuguese Camino and the Pilgrim’s Way, and yesterday I walked across the top of the White Cliffs of Dover – so now I’ve seen the cliffs from the sea, the air and walked across the top!! 👏👏👏😀😀 I’ve visited 146 places named in the Domesday Book, and hundreds of churches, and participated in an archaeological dig in London, and obtained my British citizenship in 2016.

My current goal is to walk the full England Coast Path and the Welsh coastline (a long term project I started on 22nd September this year) – it’ll take about 6 years to complete.

Because I had been to so many places I set up Project 101 with the goal of visiting or seeing 101 different categories.

Best of all my beloved daughter joined me in the UK in 2003 and is now happily married and has a baby boy – so I am now a Granny….the ultimate.

I’ve learned how to blog 🤪🤪, built a small business and an app, wrote a book and had some poems published. I learned how to create videos and use YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter…although I’m no longer on the two last platforms.

I’ve been on protest marches and attended the 2012 London Olympics, voted in elections, voiced my opinions about the government 🤣🤣🤣 and the weather….always a good topic of conversation, and tonight in celebration we had a right proper British meal; fish and chips 😋😋😋

When I first arrived in 2001 I hardly said a word to anyone, especially strangers, now I talk to everyone and anyone….wherever I go and as a result I’ve met some wonderful people, many of whom are now close friends.

3 events in 2001 conspired to send me on an unimagined path and the adventures of a lifetime. Happy 19th anniversary of a new and very different life to me 🥂🍾🎉🎊🎈🎈🎈and of course a very happy birthday to my sister 😍😍🥂🍾🎂 you know which one you are 😉

I wonder what adventures await in the coming years!! Oh, and next year I get my bus pass….hopefully 🤣🤣🤣🤣

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A la sainte terre

Posted in around the UK, European travels, Fun Stuff, It's my life, long distance walks - solo, Travel, walks around the UK, tagged inspirational quotes, John Muir walks, Saunter through the mountains, slow strollers on the Camino on October 3, 2018| Leave a Comment »

My daughter sent me this quote last night. I absolutely love it…..

In future I shall ‘saunter’ on my pilgrimages to holy places.

I do wonder though what he would have to say about ‘slow strollers on the Camino’?.

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Wise Pilgrim’s Guide Map

Posted in Camino 2018, European travels, Fun Stuff, Historical, My European travels, project 101, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged Camino de Santiago, camino routes in Spain, Wise Pilgrim's Guide map on March 12, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Whoo hoo, my Camino map arrived. It shows all the different Camino routes in Spain and from beyond the borders ; its stunning.

Looking at the map I’m made aware of the fact that despite having walked 240kms from Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, my route really was just a very very short distance in comparison to many of the others.

Wise Pilgrim’s Guide map

My daughter joked that I should walk them all 😳😳😳🚶🚶🤣🤣🤣 Uhmm, yes, I’d need a 2nd life to do that!!!

Here’s the website if you’d like to buy a map or one of the guides. This is not an affiliate link

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31 Days of Gratitude – Day 31 2017 in review

Posted in around the UK, Camino 2017, Castles of UK and Ireland, cities and towns of the UK, Domesday Villages of England, European travels, family and relationships, Fun Stuff, gratitude, historical houses of the uk, Inspiration, It's my life, my Canterbury Tales, My European travels, Palaces and castles in UK, seaside towns of Britain, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged 2017 in review, 31 days of gratitude, Camino 2017, Camino de Santiago, castles of the uk, Cindy's travels, coimbra, dark hedges game of thrones, domesday book villages of england, giants causeway, isle of thanet, Kent, New Year's Day swim 01.01.2017 Broadstairs Beach, Porto to Santiago, UNESCO World Heritage Sites on December 30, 2017| 2 Comments »

I was chatting to my daughter yesterday and remarked that I had been particularly blessed this year. Usually when you get to the end of the year you kinda feel like there is more that could/should be done before the year ends (well I do), and the last few days of December are spent cramming in just a few more activities. But this year I can truly say that I have had a year jam-packed with adventures, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Die with memories, not dreams

So to that end I decided to list my 2017 adventures, and was astounded at how much I had actually done, and how many places I have actually been to besides all my Camino 2017 practice walks that took me to some fantastic places. So this is my final blog for 31 Days of Gratitude – Day 31 – 2017 in review.

January

New Year’s Day swim 01.01.2017 Broadstairs Beach, Isle of Thanet, Kent

New Year’s Day, Broadstairs

Wedding Dress shopping with my daughter

wedding dress shopping…so much fun

Isle of Wight, Hampshire, England

A visit to the isle of Wight

Places I went while I was there; Nettlestone (1086 Domesday Book village), 20170116_144130-01 Bembridge Windmilll, Brading Roman Villa, Carisbrooke Castle, Cowes, Ryde, rode on a Hover craft, The Needles and Quarr Abbey.

a quick trip to Cowes – east and west

HoverCraft on the Isle of Wight

the outside area of Brading Roman Villa

whistle stop tour of the isle of wight shanklin

Chocolate Box perfect – quintessential England – Shanklin Isle of Wight

Carisbrooke, Newport, Isle of Wight

The Needles and the Marconi Monument, Isle of Wight

exploring the isle of wight, visit the isle of wight

East Cowes Marina

And Osborne House

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Exterior views of Osborne House and across the grounds to the Solent

Queen Victoria – Osborne House, Isle of Wight

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gifts for the Empress of India, Osborne House, Isle of Wight

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The Durbar Room, Osborne House

osborne house victoria and albert, visit the isle of wight

Victoria and Albert who between them created a dynasty that spread across the world – family portraits

osborne house isle of wight, visit isle of wight

beautiful passageways with exquisite sculptures, finely furnished rooms

osborne house, exploring the isle of wight, visit the isle of wight

Osborne House, Isle of Wight – seaside home for Victoria and Albert

aerial view of Osborne and the house

Magic Lantern Festival – Chiswick Park, London

Magic Lantern Festival at Chiswick Park

Magic Lantern Festival – Chiswick House, London

lifelike figures – exquisite

Magic Lantern Festival – Chiswick House, London

Canterbury, Kent

February
Oxted, Surrey – the Greenwich Meridian runs through the town

A closer look at Oxted

Limpsfield, Surrey – a Domesday Book village

Limpsfield, Surrey

Limpsfield High Street

limpsfield surrey, domesday villages of england, english villages, st peters church limpsfield

St Peter’s Church, Limpsfield – a pilgrim’s church

Down House – home of Charles Darwin

Down House; home of Charles Darwin and his family

Tatsfield, Surrey – a Domesday Book village

South East England’s highest village; Tatsfield. Ref wikipedia: “In Anglo-Saxon England, Tatsfield lay within Tandridge hundred. In 1086 it was held by Anschitill (Ansketel) de Ros from the Bishop of Bayeux. Its Domesday assets were: ? hide. It had 2 ploughs. It rendered 60 shillings (£3) to its feudal overlords per year.”

Tandridge & Crowhurst, Surrey

Tandridge & Crowhurst

Dublin, Ireland

ireland

Dublin

Trim Castle & Trim, Ireland

Castle Trim, Ireland

Colourful houses in Trim, Ireland. #architecture #Trim #CountyMeath #ireland?? #islands #traveldiaries #CindysTravels

March
City of Winchester, Hampshire, England

Winchester

Torquay, seaside resort – Devon

Torquay

April

Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano, Poggibonsi, Sienna, Lucca – Italy

Florence, Italy

I visited the tomb of the Medici today; Cappelle Medicee. May I just say; OMG!! The Chapel of the Princes is just overwhelming. These are the coats of arms of the Duchy. Wonderful wonderful designs inlaid with marble, lapis lazuli and other stunning materials. #Michaelangelo #Medici #tomb #mausoleum #Florence #Italy #Florence2017 #traveldiaries #livinghistory

I visited the tomb of the Medici today. Cappelle Medicee is just overwhelming. The Chapel of the Princes is yet another grand and striking mausoleum erected between 1604 and 1640 by the architect Matteo Nigetti following the designs of Giovanni de Medici, who practised architecture in a semi-professional manner. The Mausoleum, with its large dome and lavish interior ornamented with marble, was conceived to celebrate the power of the Medici dynasty which had successfully ruled Florence for several centuries. The octagonal room designed to contain the bodies of the Grand Dukes is in fact almost entirely covered with semi-precious stones and different-coloured marbles. The sarcophagi of the Grand Dukes are contained in niches and complemented by bronze statues. Ref: http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Medici_chapels.html #Medici #CappelleMedicee #Michaelangelo #Florence #Tuscany #Italy #artwork #medievalart #livinghistory #extraordinary #traveldiaries #CindysTravels #Florence2017 #loveItaly

Florence, Italy

Another mind-blowing day. Visited the Galleria dell’Academia today when I saw Michaelangelo’s David (just wow) and other sculptures (unfinished), and stood TWO INCHES away from a Stradivarius violin ?????? That nearly made me cry!!! I saw an embroidered altar piece frim 1313!!! I mean seriously!!! ?????? I visited the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum (extraordinary genius) and visited Opera Di Santa Croce where amongst many others I saw the tombs of Galileo and Michaelangelo and Da Vinci as well as art by Donatelli and many many other old masters. Wow. My head. #Florence2017 #Italy #BasilicaDiSantaCroce #Michaelangelo #Donatelli #LeonardoDaVinci #Galileo #OldMasters #art #exquisite #extraordinary #Stradivarius #violin

Florence, Italy

I dreamed of Florence, and Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano and Lucca 😉 all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites except Lucca which seems to possibly be…

Piazza de Miracoli, Pisa Leaning Tower of Pisa Duomo Santa Maria Assunta Baptistry of St John and the Old City Wall

Ponte Vecchio, Florence – that most famous of bridges

Poggibonsi, somewhere in Tuscany ???? I’m on my way to San Gimignano atm. Impulse trip. Probably not the best idea on a Sunday ?????? But nevertheless here I am. I have 60 minutes between train and bus so went walkabout. I should be in San Gimignano by 2pm, so plenty of time to explore. #Tuscany #Italy #traveldiaries #CindysTravels #Europe #Florence2017 #adventure #Poggibonsi #walledcity #SanGimignano

And so my day in San Gimignano comes to an end. What an extraordinary place!! I’ve climbed 2 towers ???? visited numerous museums and churches, a Roman ruin, walked up and down and around, seen frescoes that just leave you gasping and now I’m sitting on a bench in a forgotten corner eating the best gelato I’ve ever tasted from Gelateria Dondoli – Gelato World Champion 2006/2007 + 2008/2009. I can testify; it is delicious and now I’m enjoying the quiet and the view. My bus back to Poggibonsi leaves at 19:05. What a brilliant birthday trip. So glad I decided to visit. #SanGimignano #Tuscany #Italy #traveldiaries #Project101 #walledcity #UNESCOheritagesite #UNESCO #UNESCOWorldHeritageSite #walking #walk1000miles #loveItaly #Florence2017 #CindysTravels

May

Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Newcastle, Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast Castle

sculpture on the banks of the river Lagan

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

me at the Giant’s Causeway

Dunluce Castle; a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland. It is located on the edge of a basalt outcropping in County Antrim. Built by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513.

the Giant’s Causeway

Dark Hedges – Game of Thrones, N. Ireland

The Dark Hedges – scenes for Game of Thrones were shot in this area

Sevenoaks, Kent, England

June
Tonbridge, Kent, England

a beautiful horse sculpture in front of Tonbridge Castle

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ironbridge, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lenham, Kent, England

Lenham

July
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales route – Southwark to Canterbury

southwark to canterbury rochester castle

pilgrimage southwark to canterbury southwark cathedral

pilgrimage southwark to canterbury medieval inns

pilgrimage southwark to canterbury rochester cathedral

Battle of Britain Airshow, Headcorn

Battle of Britain Airshow, Headcorn Kent

Battle of Britain Airshow, Headcorn Kent

St Augustine’s Way – Ramsgate to Canterbury

The St Augustine Trail

St Augustine

Minster Abbey

a dainty little hamlet – Stodmarsh

canterbury cathedral way of st augustine

Finally through the city walls and so to Canterbury Cathedral

August
Arundel, and Arundel Castle, West Sussex, England

the Market Town of Arundel; a Domesday Book village

Arundel Castle

Cathedral in Arundel

The Parish and Priory Church of Saint Nicholas Arundel

Kings Arms Hill, Arundel

views across West Sussex from the Norman Keep of Arundel CAstle

The Norman Keep, Arundel Castle

Arundel coat of arms

Arundel Castle West Sussex

Bromham, Houghton House with my lovely friends Lynne & Tim and Elstow (birthplace of John Bunyan) – Bedfordshire, England

Bromham, Houghton House, Elstow

Zip Line with Zip World in London with my daughter

September
Walked the Caminho Portuguese – Porto, Portugal to Santiago, Spain 240 kms – Both UNESCO World Heritage sites

O Recuncho do Peregrino Albergue – Miguel our host; the best

Camino de Santiago -portuguese coastal route

The scallop shells of O Porrino, Spain

camino portuguese coast route port to santiago

The 999 arch aqueduct in Vila do Conde

camino portuguese coast route porto to santiago

Igreja Matriz de Vila do Conde

camino de santiago portuguese coastal route port to santiago

Me, Agata and Jakob in front of the Muro de Azulejos in Povoa de Varzim

portuguese coastal route porto to santiago, camino de santiago

Caminhos De Santiago – Apulia – Esposende

camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route porto to santiago, viana do castelo

Santuário de Santa Luzia, Viana do Castelo

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Torre do Relógio (Clock Tower), Rua Direita (Straight Road)- renamed Rua Ricardo Joaquim Sousa, this straight ancient street is still known locally as Rua Direita and leads directly from the archway in the clock tower to the river, a courtyard alongside the church, a gateway in the city walls.

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These walls look pretty impregnable to me!!!

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Fortaleza Valença – a fortress started at the beginning of the 13th century and relating to the reign of King Sancho I – composed of narrow lanes, tunnels and fortified walls; muralha primitiva

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In the past, pilgrims coming from Portugal had to reach Galicia, Spain by crossing the river Miño on a boat, but lucky me I could walk across via the bridge 🙂

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looking back at the cathedral, charming little pilgrim sculptures, streets of Tui

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An hórreo; a Galician granary, a fabulous sign board; O Porrino 9.5kms and scallop shells decorate a wall at the garden cafe of O Chiriringo Ribedelouro

bo camino mos, walking through the galician countryside, camino de santiago, o porrino to arcade, walking the camino, portuguese coastal and central route,

Bo Camino, Mos. Get your passport stamped here. I loved the way they used the scallop shell to register different languages

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walking in history

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69.971 kms to Santiago

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Ponte de Burgo, Pontevedra on the Camino de Portuguese. what a thrill to see this 🙂

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Early morning in the spa town of Caldas de Reis

34. kms to Santiago and I’m adorned with amulets

boots

church

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Calle de Dolores – The Way to Camino de Santiago

10.1666 kms to Santiago de Compostela

Praza Santiago de Compostela

Susana and me outside the Cathedral in Santiago

Coimbra, Portugal – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain

October
Montgomery Castle, Montgomery, Wales

Montgomery Castle, Montgomery, Wales

November
Caernarfon Castle, Wales – site where Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales

Caenarfon Castle, Wales

Ffenistogg Railway Line Train ride; Caenarfon to Portmadogg through Snowdonia

Ffenistogg Railway line Caenarfon to Porthmadogg, Wales

Ffenistogg Railway line Caenarfon to Portmadogg, Wales

Climbed Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd – highest mountain in Wales

Mount Snowdon, Wales

Montgomery, Powys, Wales – The Treaty of Montgomery was signed 29 September 1267 in Montgomeryshire. By this treaty King Henry III of England acknowledged Llywelyn ap Gruffudd as Prince of Wales.

Montgomery, Wales

December
Snow in Wales

Snow in Wales

Christmas in Broadstairs, Isle of Thanet, Kent

Christmas 2017 with my delightful family

And in total, between 01.01.2017 & 31.12.2017 I have walked well over 1100 miles.

And last one for today…scenes from today’s Camino practice walk…from Broadstairs to Kingsgate. 1.5 hours. 6.32 kms. 9937 steps. Of course if I didn’t stop to take so many photos….???? What a fantastic day. My daughter joined me at Kingsgate where we stopped for tea, then I walked back home. All the dark images are facing south and the blue sky images facing north. #Camino2017 #Broadstairs #Kingsgate #seaside #walking #walkbritain #mapmywalk #englishcoast #seasidetownsofbritain #isleofthanet #Kent #scenicbritain #englandsbigpicture #blueskies #winter #water_captures #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain_coast #igerskent

My #Camino2017 practice walk took me to Ramsgate today. When I set out the sky was a pale yellowish line on the horizon. By the time I reached Ramsgate it was turning to pink…very pretty. I took some photos and headed back along the coast….however…if I had stayed just 15 minutes longer I would have seen a most spectacular sunset..although I did catch a little of it when I looked back. Just gorgeous. #sunset #RamsgateRoyalHarbour #englishcoast #isleofthanet #seasidetownsofbritain #harbours #sunrise_sunset_aroundworld #mapmywalk

Had an absolutely brilliant walk to Ramsgate again tonight. Started out clear with blue skies and massive clouds on the horizon, watched a beautiful sunset from the harbour wall, then some seriously cool wave action before heading back, and halfway home it clouded over and started to rain…needless to say I got soaked LOL. But oh how exhilarating it is to just walk and walk….8.7kms, 1 hour 40 minutes, 11349 steps #walking #Camino2017 #practicewalk #mapmywalk #Broadstairs #Ramsgate #seasidetownsofbritain #sunset #seascape #clouds #RamsgateRoyalHarbour #cloudscape #blueskies #isleofthanet #capturingbritain_coast #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #photosofbritain

Colour me blue…stunning day on the #isleofwight #sunset #walking #mapmywalk #walkbritain #placesofuk #englishcoast #TheSolent #seascape #water_captures #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain #winter #capturingbritain_coast #harbours #everything_transport #visitisleofwight

Shapes and lines…and what I saw on my walk today. #fromwhereristand #isleofwight #islands #placesofuk #englishcoast #TheSolent #englandsbigpicture #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #walking #mapmywalk #nationaltrust #visitisleofwight #adventure #capturingbritain_coast #capturingbritain

Okay so I had to concede defeat. I got as far as Priory Bay but the tides in and the footpath is a quagmire.but I did discover this amazing place…I thought it may be a hotel but there wasn’t a soul about..so I just sqizzed around and left. Now I’ve jumped on the bus. I still want time to explore Sandown. #isleofwight #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain_coast #beautiful #igerswight #seascape #TheSolent #englishcoast #englandsbigpicture

So, Sandown is not at all what I expected. It has an air of faded grandeur…of good times gone by. Hotels boarded up, paintwork faded and peeling….still from afar it looks splendid. The bay is beautiful too. #Sandown #isleofwight #architecture #faded #daysgoneby #CindysTravels #walkbritain #placesofuk #visitisleofwight #traveldiaries #seasidetownsofbritain #englishcoast

Scenes from Seaview to Sandown on the #IsleofWight Although part of my journey was by bus, I managed to walk a combination of 4-5 miles. I’m really excited about the #walk1000miles challenge for 2017. Certainly gives me a massive target to aim for besides my #Camino2017 practice walks. #walking #walkbritain #placesofuk #capturingbritain #adventure #travel #discovery #CindysTravels #traveldiaries #capturingbritain_coast #visitisleofwight #islands #seaside #seascape #igerswight #igersuk

A quick whizz around Seaview today during my break and after my adventure to Bembridge. #Seaview #isleofwight #placesofuk #blueskies #capturingbritain_urban #EnglishCounties #englandsbigpicture #visitisleofwight

I had a fabulous walk from Seaview to St Helens today…I would have made it to Bembridge too except I took the wrong road ?????? anyway, it was a beautiful day and I enjoyed my walk.11.2 kms / 19,108 steps and plenty photos ?? Here are some scenes of St Helens. #Seaview #StHelens #isleofwight #walking #walk1000miles #walkbritain #placesofuk #islands #historicbritain

taking a rest on Titsey Hill

different paths; different journeys

the many paths in life we get to choose…..

Reaching my ‘Proclaimer’ goal on Newcastle Beach in Ireland

Becoming a Proclaimer 🙂 – heading now towards 1000 miles

I have walked 500 miles 🙂 and I will walk 500 more

views of the Titsey Place Estate near Oxted in Surrey

visit the isle of wight, its alright on the isle of wight

sunrise, sunset – Isle of Wight

Horestone Point & Nodes Point

What an extraordinary year; 2017. IMG_20171231_100927_404

p.s. Days 14-30 Days of Gratitude will follow shortly….I eventually ran out of time 😉

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Day 4 A visit to Coimbra

Posted in Camino 2017, European travels, Historical, My European travels, project 101, Travel, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged Postcards from Portugal on September 10, 2017| 1 Comment »

What a fantastic city. Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and world famous University City is perched high on a hill that just goes up and up and up some more. But the views from the University at the very top are astounding and worth the effort.

I started out relatively early and took the 08:52 train from Porto-Campanha which is conveniently a 5 minute walk from my hotel. Within a hour we were at Coimbra-.

I walked into the city from there and enjoyed the coolness of the morning ; the temperature changed fairly soon and I got very burned and hot.

The city as I said is perched on a hill. Winding cobbled lanes lead up and up, very steep slopes, the houses balanced haphazardly one in top of the other, so close together you couldn’t fit a sheet of paper between them.

The architecture is fascinating, but I was sad to see do many wonderful old buildings in a complete state of disrepair and dereliction.

There are te dozens of churches, monasteries and a few cathedrals. I managed to visit a few, all of which were wonderful. I’m always reminded that people built these places. The minds that conceived of them… I’m left amazed.

Coimbra is an 11th century city and some of the ecclesiastical buildings go back to the early 12th century. Awesome.

There are dozens of squares each with tables and gaily coloured umbrellas, lots of quirky shops with a delightful array of goods. I bought 2 tea-towels and an oven gloves as mementos. Like I need more weight in my bag LOL

I had a cappuccino and a custard cream pastry at this restaurant. Delicious.

I walked along the riverside. The River Mondego is incredibly wide! There’s a colourful pedestrian bridge I walked across that offered amazing views of the river and city.

I discovered an extraordinary Monastery on the other side of the river. Archaeological ruins offer a tantalising glimpse into the ancient past.

On the hill is an amazing church and what looks like another monastery. I need to do more research on that.

Before leaving I stopped off at a cafe and partook of a cappuccino and a most delicious custard pastry.

Coimbra is an enchanting city with so much to see.

Centuries of history in those cobbled streets that play havoc with your ankles.

And then it was time to go. I took a taxi to the station. By 17:45 my feet, after 15 kms had had quite enough thank you.

Walked 15kms. 32,419 steps from when I got off the train until I stepped into the taxi.

I mistakenly jumped on the wrong train, but since it was headed to Porto, it was all good and the ticket inspector didn’t come by.

After paying my bill at the hotel in preparation for my early departure tomorrow, I popped in at a local cafe and enjoyed a cheese and tomato omelette. Delicious.

Tomorrow my Camino proper begins. Wish me luck, hope that the Camino does indeed provide and Buen Camino.

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Day 3 Porto

Posted in Camino 2017, European travels, Historical, It's my life, My European travels, project 101, Travel, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged Postcards from Portugal on September 10, 2017| 3 Comments »

After walking my legs into the ground yesterday and a very late goodnight, I slept till 9am today. I did wake as the sun tinged the clouds pink, but fell asleep again. Missed breakfast so bought myself two croissant on the way to the Metro. Golly, what a mission to buy a trip. It’s similar but very different to London’s top up oyster cards….which is way more easy.

I eventually got it sorted and into town. Got off at Trinidades which is meant to be close to the Se Cathedral but isn’t LOL. If I’d been paying attention yesterday I’d have realised that Sao Bento Station is a 5 minute walk away. But on the plus side I got to see parts of Porto I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Besides the amazing street art I visited an amazing church that left my mouth agape. I needed some touristy information so popped in at a nearby info centre where my questions were answered by a delightful young man, and had my pilgrim’s passport stamped….my first stamp for today. It’s amazing.

After that I went walkabout, recorded the 12noon chimes on the Avenue Liberdade and meandered about till I found the famous Lello Library that everyone talks about. I had planned to visit yesterday but thought the price a tad high. But today I changed my mind and reminded myself that I may never visit Porto again and to make the most of my time here. The Livraria Lello is famous for its staircase which is quite beautiful and an unusual design. A tad pricey at 4.80euro but worth seeing.

From there I stopped off at a small restaurant for a toasted cheese and ham. I needed some iron for energy. Sometimes when you order an old favourite, it arrives and you’re surprised at what you get LOL This is not what I was expecting. It was also very expensive. Lesson learned; check the menu for prices before ordering.

From there I finally took the first steps on my Camino. I walked back to Catedral Se popped in for a 2nd pilgrim’s stamp

and followed through pilgrim’s route down a multitude of steps along a winding route

to the riverfront and onto Foz do Duoro. I passed the extraordinary Sao Francisco’s Church so stopped to visit. There are catacombs.. Whoa. But sadly no skulls and crossbones, just rows and rows of coffins.

And then finally I was on my way. Wow, what an amazing walk. Just on 5kms of amazing scenery, an extraordinary bridge and typically traditional Portuguese houses.

I then had the delightful pleasure of meeting my first pilgrim. 😁😁😁 Absolutely over the moon and thrilled to have met Jasmine from Colorado USA!! I saw her walking towards me with her backpack along the pedestrian bridge that juts out over the river. As we drew near I said: “ola! Camino?” and she said “yes!” 😊😊👏👏 OMG I was so delighted I nearly kissed her. My very first bona-fide camiga. 💞💞 She’s just completed the French route from SSJDP to Santiago and then took a bus to Finesterre and a train to Porto where she’s planning to stay for a few days.

We chatted, exchanged notes and ideas and recommendations of what to see in Porto then hugged and wished each other Buen Camino and waved goodbye.

After that I had a spring in my step and bounced along with a smile on my face. It made my day. The walk was wonderful, the scenery too beautiful – looking back upstream to Porto.

Foz do Duoro is wonderful and if I’d known just how lovely it was I’d have planned my route differently and stayed a night there.

I saw a tall ship sailing by,

watched fishermen cast their lines, smiled and waved ola at everyone, stopped for a Nutella crepe and café com leite from Maria Limao ‘love made’… Highly recommended crepe for 3.50. In fact it was so yummy I went back for a 2nd one.

I walked to the lighthouse,

visited the fabulous fort,

watched the sunset

and then rode the Porto City Tram back into town… Too much fun.

I had planned on walking to Matosinhos but loved Foz so much I tarried too long.
After all that adventure I walked all over the place just enjoying the evening atmosphere,

then finally jumped on the Metro back to my hotel.

Walked 15kms. 38,500 steps+

I’ve just finished sorting and repacking my backpack in readiness for Monday. Let my Camino begin…

Tomorrow I’m finally visiting Coimbra.. If I wake up in time 😉

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Day 2 exploring Porto

Posted in Camino 2017, European travels, Fun Stuff, Historical, My European travels, project 101, Travel, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged Postcards from Portugal on September 8, 2017| 2 Comments »

Walked 14.5 km. 52282 steps.

I’d ordered breakfast at the hotel for today so before setting out to explore I partook of the typical European Continental breakfast ; bread, jam, cheese and juice. Not my usual breakkie but better than the dried out croissant I had in Venice. LOL

Just after 10am I set off out into a beautiful day. Roads familiar to me now led me back towards the cemetery which I was keen to explore. Wow, there are hundreds if mausoleums, some almost as big as our house.

From there I followed my nose towards the city centre, walking here and there depending on what caught my eye.

I visited a fabulous cathedral where I got my first official pilgrim’s stamp. I was so thrilled I almost cried. The gentleman who stamped my passport told me he had also walked the Camino and wished me Buen Camino. 🙂 it gave me goosebumps. Happiness is.

From there I strode down a very steep hill to what turned out to be the Clerigos church and tower. A 45 minute wait to climb the steps for the most incredible views of Porto.

Afterwards I set off towards another cathedral I had seen; Catedral Se. Cathedral of Porto. Wow, I tell you what, they sure knew how to build churches in those days.

It’s fascinating. I bought the ticket to explore the cloisters, the exhibition, sacristy and climb more steps to the ramparts above the cloisters I found a small wooden statue of St James as a pilgrim upstairs 🙂 I also obtained my 2nd pilgrim’s stamp.

After my visit I wended my way downhill following the route that marks the start of the Camino from Porto. Then walking back I visited the Sao Bento Station. By golly its beautiful.

From there I walked to and over the Pte Luiz I bridge and made my way uphill to visit the monastery I could see perched above the river.

It turned out to be linked to St August in which is brilliant. A link to my Way of St Augustine walk in July. It’s an incredible church, the cloisters and church are both round and of exactly the same size.

After climbing the tower (and that is it, I’m not climbing any more towers!!) but the views were outstanding so it was worth the effort.

I crossed back over the bridge and went to visit the Lello Bookshop. But at 5 euro I decided to wait till Sunday as I don’t want to go over budget.

Instead I visited another 2 amazing churches

and then bought a pastry that looked and tasted delicious. I’ve no idea what the filling was and I’m not asking.

While munching I meandered down hill now towards the river front. Magical. Just in time for the sunset, which was beautiful. I again crossed the Pte Luiz

I and wandered along the waterfront on the opposite bank of the River Duoro.

By now it was getting dark do I stopped at a small restaurant for French fries… Not very Portuguese but they were good. To my delight I noticed a scallop shell and Pilgrim’s sign. I nearly cried again. Now it’s real.

After eating, I set off back to my hotel and just for good measure climbed another very steep hill.

Then bath and bed. What a fantastic day. I said ola and obrigado a lot today 🙂

And now I can officially say that I’ve visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the medieval city of Porto

A birds eye-view of Porto from Torre dos Clérigos

A busker at the Sé Catedral in Porto

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Day 1 Arriving in Porto

Posted in Camino 2017, European travels, Fun Stuff, My European travels, project 101, Travel, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged Postcards from Portugal on September 7, 2017| 1 Comment »

After a very early start, a long day in transit between home and Porto, I arrived safely at my hotel.

camino de santiago, portuguese coastal route porto to santiago, walking the camino,

Leaving home and saying goodbye; excited but with butterflies in my belly.

To my amazement and delight I spied a Costa at the airport in Porto. I immediately ordered an iced cappuccino and spent the next 30 minutes just gathering my thoughts and relaxing…. Felt like home.

I’ve found the Metro to be so easy to use. It’s very much like the Overground trains in London, but better coz the stations are mostly open from the streets with no barriers and steps etc.

After checking in at my hotel, home for the next 4 nights, I went walkabout.

There’s something so thrilling about being in a foreign city where you are to all intents and purposes invisible. No-one knows who you are. You don’t know where you are. And taking that first walk into the unknown is just amazing.

I love just meandering. Although tonight I didn’t meander so much as set out purposefully to see the river. Wow.

Perfect evening with a rose pink sunset. After heading back towards the hotel, I stopped enroute at a local restaurant for a most yummy meal of cod fritters with bean rice… Delicious.

As I stepped back out into the sidewalk I noticed the big old moon hanging fat and bulbous in the sky like a fat, ripe apricot. A fabulous full moon.

Life is good.

Walked 3.8 km. 6382 steps

Day 2 exploring Porto

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Countdown to My Camino 2017

Posted in Camino 2017, European travels, Fun Stuff, Holidays, It's my life, My European travels, Personal Development, project 101, Travel, Uncategorized, UNESCO Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2017, tagged baby boomers travelling, inspirational quotes, pilgrims routes in europe, Porto to Santiago de Compostela along the Portuguese Coastal Route, project 101, santiago de compostela, travel in europe, travelling in your 60's, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, walk 1000 miles 2017, walking the camino on August 31, 2017| 6 Comments »

Whewww. 1 week till I arrive in Porto at the beginning of my Camino 2017 : 7 days : 168 hours : 10,080 minutes 😂😂😂 and just 10 days till I start walking the Portuguese Coastal Route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. In fact by this time next week I will have landed in Porto…all being well.

Sometimes we have to stop being scared and just go for it. either is will work or it won’t. that’s life!

I can’t express just how excited and trepidatious I am feeling. My mind is swirling with thoughts like; have I got this, do I have that, what if I lose my meds, should I carry this or that or the next thing, will I have enough money? Will my shoes be suitable? Have I enough clothes? Do I have the right clothes? Do I have enough time? Can I find my way?

I’ve packed and repacked, and I’ll probably repack again LOL

Blah blah blah and horrors…. what if I find I can’t walk 25kms+ for 11 days in a row!!! With a 7.5kg backpack on my shoulders. 😦 😦 😦 I’m under no illusions as to how heavy it can get after walking for 6-8 hours per day….even though I only walked for 3 days each journey last month. Southwark to Canterbury ‘in the footsteps of Chaucer‘ and Ramsgate to Canterbury ‘The Way of St Augustine‘.

So yes, all the fears, all the uncertainties and all the excitement of the experiences I’ll have, the issues I’ll face, the challenges ahead, the places and wondrous things I’m going to see are whirling like dervishes about inside; my mind is in turmoil as the date for lift off approaches and all I want to do is go home right now and I bloody can’t because I’m working 😢😢😢 I’m not sure if I should cry, scream or laugh… I’m trying to focus on the latter.

So OMG 7 days. This all seemed like such a brilliant idea 18 months ago. 7 years ago it seemed like even a better idea!!!! LOL urgh. I love travelling. I love going to new places. I love exploring. So why am I so conflicted about this trip? I’ve trained and trained and trained some more. The #walk1000miles challenge has been brilliant for encouragement!

Becoming a Proclaimer 🙂 – heading now towards 1000 miles

I’ve done dozens of practice walks, climbed hills and down dales, through fields and along rivers. I’ve practised with the poles…still can’t quite love them, but they are useful. Got proper shoes and breaking them in. Tested 4 different types of socks (found the best ones) and learned that it’s never a good idea to walk in wet socks 😕😕

By the time I get back from my Camino, I will have walked 1000 miles..however these are not the socks I’ll be wearing. But those are the poles I’ll be taking.

I’ve experimented with the backpack… Which I think is really the crux of the matter. It’s bloody murder carrying that thing. Sigh. Oh well.

my nordic walking poles and osprey backpack looking fairly benign….

I’ve researched and read dozens of sites and packing lists…what should I take? What will I need? Is this useful? Do I have the right shoes? Will I need a rain-jacket? I have to keep reminding myself I’m going to Portugal and Spain, not outer Mongolia!! I’ve already ditched 1.5kgs of stuff…..I guess my intentions to minimalize my life before I buy my motorhome are being put to the test. This is a good start. 4 camino packing Besides all that, after my phone crashed in July, I’m a little fearful for it happening again, so I bought a 2nd phone as back-up (like I need the extra expense) and for the last few days I’ve been transposing all the VIP information from the Camino spreadsheet to my phone calendars and into a small notebook that I’m carrying in case my phone gets lost or I can’t get wi-fi – I’m an old fashioned gal, I still like paper and pen 😉

I took this image in March while on holiday in Torquay with my beloved daughter and it seems perfectly apt right now; I’m a ‘wreck’ 😂😂😂

7 days to the start of my Camino 2017 – Porto to Santiago

I read a lovely quote in the notebook “The beginning is always today!” Mary Shelley. I guess that yes, today is certainly that; the beginning; of my countdown to Porto…this shit is getting serious now. I can’t understand why I’m so conflicted though. I think the seeds of my fear were sown back in 2016 when I stumbled upon a blog written as a memorial to all the people who have died on the Camino routes in the last 10 years or so. Prior to that, it had never entered my head that people actually died!!! while on Camino. I was horrified. I think that knowledge may have played a part in my cancelling the trip I was going to make in September last year. Since then my daughter has become engaged and due to be married in May 2018. ❤

Although I try to not think of it, I am fearful that I too may die while on Camino. It’s not like I’m ill or anything, but some folks were healthy enough when they started and had a heart-attack enroute, some were knocked over by traffic and one lady Denise Theim was murdered. Now as I say, although I’m not focusing on death, the niggling is there in my mind. I would hate to let my daughter down…I’m meant to be walking her down the aisle when she gets married and it would be heart-breaking if I wasn’t there for her special special day. I’ve asked her to promise me that she’ll ask her father to walk her down the aisle in the event I’m not there…but meanwhile I’m visualising me escorting her….actually I can’t wait for the day, she looks absolutely gorgeous in her dress 🙂

So back to the Camino. One thing that has been really good is reading other people’s blogs and facebook updates on the various pages I’m following. It’s good to know I’m not alone in my fears. So many women and men have posted at how fearful they feel in the days preceding their start, how nervous…many with exactly the same fears I have.

Inspirational quotes

A couple of days ago I got a sudden burst of excitement and wanted to just go already…now! I posted this on instagram: “14 days to go and I’ll be on my Camino. I had a few options for this number but I quite liked the story in this. The unicorn reflects my dream to walk the Camino, now just about to come true, and the words ‘seeds’ reflects that I’ll be sowing new seeds (experiences) in the garden of my life.

sowing the seeds of my adventures

I wonder what will grow from this journey? New friends? New feelings? New emotions? New thoughts? New perceptions? I suspect it will be all the above. I do know for sure that new adventures await, new photos (of course), new places to be seen and new challenges await… My feet hurt just thinking about that! 😂😂😂 I hope you don’t mind that I’ll be posting my #countdown from now till I go. I’ve suddenly gone from trepidation to excitement and now I just want to GO ALREADY. In fact it brings tears to my eyes… OMG what an adventure. Although I’m sure that within 3 days I’ll be saying OMG I must be mad!!! What am I doing!!????”

The Portuguese Coastal and Central routes

And yes, just 4 days later, that euphoric emotion has passed and I’m back to wavering between fear and excitement.

I love travelling. I’ve travelled all over the world entirely on my own. I have stumbled through the language barriers. I have enjoyed meeting people. I have loved being solo…..but for some reason, this trip feels different. I guess it’s probably because I’ll be moving constantly for 11 days; walking between 18.5 – 32 kms at different stages staying at a different hotel/hostel/alburgue each night bar 3. 184.2 kms is an awful lot more than 66.91 over 5 days and 109.01 split over 3 days – 2 weeks apart!!

I’ve planned and replanned my route, changed the distances between stages, reduced some days and increased others. Cut out two days of travelling and reduced the distance from 235kms to 184kms.

Somehow this looks awfully far…..

I’ve wanted to visit Portugal for ever such a long time and Porto has been my top destination. In Spain it’s Barcelona which I’ll be travelling to after my journey to Santiago. I’m so excited to be seeing those places….and yet the 11 days between Porto and Santiago are looming large in my head. I’ll also be adding to Project 101; 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Porto Historic Centre, Coimbra and Santiago. I’ll be visiting a number of cathedrals….I’ll count them once I’ve been, a few walled cities, and crossing a few rivers, and ancient bridges. And besides that…..I’ve no doubt that I’ll be visiting a LOT of churches 🙂

All that remains now are for the days to march on by and soon I shall be on ‘my way’. Porto to Santiago de Compostela along the Portuguese Coastal Route….