Skafidia and Zakynthos Greece

A little jaunt in the municipality of Pyrgos situated on the Ionian Sea coast. The beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos with its stunning clear blue sea and dramatic cliffs and sea caves.

My Bath Mini Break

Mini break in the beautiful city of Bath, Somerset in England.

Every year my friend and I go on a mini hotel Spa break. This year we decided to explore Bath in Somerset, England. Bath is named after its ancient Roman Baths. It is the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in.

A room with a view

Happy Tuesday my friends! ❤️

My Ultimate DIY Garden Project: Building a Retreat

Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.

My most ambitious DIY project has to be my garden structure. I knew nothing about woodwork, joints, suitable materials etc. but hey ho… I enjoy a challenge. 🤪

Initially, I just wanted a cover for my inflatable hot tub. I built a wooden frame. I placed a canvas roof on top, which I already had from an old metal gazebo I once had. Great…but then I decided to lay decking for my hot tub to sit on.

Perfect…it looked pretty and done the job. Until the canvas roof collapsed in high winds. Hence, I decided to construct a roof. Yes, I could have put a sloping roof on, but no, I wanted an apex roof.

Spending many hours researching different roof types, angles, shapes, materials, and so forth. I painstakingly constructed my little garden sanctuary. ‘Sara’s Schloss’

My perfect garden retreat…’Sara’s Schloss’

Hmm….what will my next DIY project be? 🤔

Happy Hump Day!

Top Drinks to Enjoy While Traveling

What is your favourite drink?

What is my favourite drink?

Well, that depends on where I am… 🤔

When in Wales, Beer is the national drink – but a tot of Penderyn Whiskey goes down a treat. A good Scotch Whiskey when in bonnie Scotland. A pint of the dark ruby-red ‘Guinness’ in Ireland.

When I’m in France a Pastis cocktail or Green Chartreuse liqueur, followed by some beautiful French bubbles; Champagne.

When in Cuba I’ll sip the classic Mojito. A couple of shots of Tequila or Mezcal in Mexico. Clink glasses topped with Raki in Turkey.

I like to sample a variety of cocktails whilst exploring the Caribbean Islands.

When in Spain I’m partial to the perfect Spanish cocktail of Rioja, sugar and freshly chopped fruits (Sangria).

There is nothing more decadent than a Ginjinha; a cherry Brandy served in a tiny chocolate cup when visiting Lisbon.

A Campari or a refreshing Negroni or Manhattan cocktail in Italy.

Tea or a revitalising, chilled glass of lemonade with lots of mint leaves whilst in Egypt.

In the UK, a freshly brewed pot of tea is UK’s magic potion. It is often said, “what you need is a nice cup of tea”. ☕️🫖

But I’m rather partial to a glass of full bodied red wine, no matter what Country I’m in. 🍷😁😋

Happy Friday my friends. ❤️🤪

Exploring the City of Love: Valentine’s Day Magic

The ‘City of Love’ ♥️

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Friday ♥️

‘Finger Plate’

‘Finger Plate’ (Watercolour, acrylic ink on paper)

‘Expose’

Acrylic, and mixed media on canvas.

Epic Road Trip Through Australia: A Memorable Journey

Think back on your most memorable road trip.

My most memorable and certainly my longest road trip took place over thirty years ago. This was the first time I had ever been abroad, the first time on an airplane. What an epic journey!

It started with a long flight from Heathrow, London to Sydney, New South Wales. Australia (approx 28 hrs with two refuel stops).

Based in Sydney my adventure started with a visit to the Blue Mountains National Park.

After spending a week in Sydney, visiting the wonderful sites I decided I had to see the Great Barrier Reef. I mean…you have to don’t you? 🤷‍♀️ Not really understanding the sheer scale of Australia, I rented a car and the journey began.

Sydney to The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns. (Photo from Google)

The journey was 4,842 km…round trip.

It took me two weeks to drive there and back, staying in Motels along the way. Stopping off and passing through Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Byron Bay, staying in the Gold Coast, Southport for a couple of days.

Heading into Queensland, via Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gladstone, Rockhampton, and Mackay. From here I spent two days visiting The Whitsundays/Hamilton Island. Absolutely stunning!