Showing posts with label expat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label expat. Show all posts
Posted by
Sille Bliss
For the past 5 years I've always loved and looked forward to the English summers... jotting down a list of outside activities, places to visit, parks and pubs to sit out at with a nice cold pint of cider. Feeling that hot sun on my face with the perfect breeze just enough to cool me down, I could sit in the sun all day in England. But then, this year happened. It was freaking HOT; I mean like Houston-hot, a-holiday-abroad hot, and not exaggerating hot, it was hell HOT. And it lasted months, not a couple of weeks which I probably could of managed, probably... probably not. But still, a good 2 months hot. And it would of been all fine and dandy if it was Houston because I could of hid inside the house with my blasting AC. If I needed to go somewhere, well you know how we do - we go from house AC to car AC to store/shop AC, and we're good! Summer? What summer?! But here in England, there was nowhere to hide.
Check out this photo of Dorset last year vs Dorset this year during the heatwave and no rain. You can see how serious this actually was.
As I said in the past, a lot of places in England do not have AC; and our home, like 99% of the homes in Britain do not have AC either. What for? We only have a mild 2-3 months of summer, a standing fan does the job just fine. But nope, not THIS summer, our fan was crap! It was like that time all the electricity went out in Houston for a couple of days because of Hurricane Rita and all we had to cool us off were old album covers that we used as hand fans. OK, it might have not been that bad because there is no humidity here, but at the time it sure did feel like it.
So instead of my little list of outdoor activities, I was online searching for shops where I could order another standing fan to put in the bedroom because the one we already had was worthless. Obviously everyone was feeling the same as we were because no stores ANYWHERE had any more fans in stock. The ones I did end up finding were sold for stupid prices that I refuse to spend money on, same for the air conditioning. So my hard-headed ass chose to suffer and wait out the horrible uncomfortable gross nights.
Now don't get me wrong, the days were OK. It's OK if you are outside, it's actually quite lovely. The beaches were packed with sunbathers, the quay was full of holiday makers, parks full as well. But if you had to be inside - forget it. The double glazed windows do not help the situation either. So we did manage to get out a few days and they were always nice - windows down, AC on, that's how I do. I must say I did and for now still do enjoy going swimming and not have to worry about blow drying my hair after because it's too cold and I might get sick. That has really been nice and something I was really looking forward to this summer (hashtag thelittlethings). Wearing flip flops, tank tops and shorts, having ice cream cones on the quay... some things you just have to do and will always love. It's especially really cool seeing all the excited tourist enjoying themselves, knowing they chose to spend their summer holiday in the town where you live. Sorta makes you feel blessed and proud.
Poole Quay
One of the biggest highlights of the summer and maybe the only highlight was that Steve and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. Yes! Five years, just like that! Where did all that time go? I have no idea. I've been a married woman in love for 5 whole years! Still pretty damn happy, still feeling like newlyweds... honestly, who said married life was hard? I'm not even being funny about that question. Steve and I talk about it all the time and don't get how people say marriage is hard work. What??? How?? *shrugs* Who knows, who cares. I'm just so happy and pray that we have another amazing, healthy 5 years and more together.
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| 5 Years of Sille Bliss! <3 |
Because it is such a special anniversary - the big 5 - we decided to celebrate all year long (because we're silly like that). We started off with the first month we met - April. We planned a very romantic and relaxing holiday on the island of Zante in Greece and what a memorable holiday that was.
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| Zante Greece 2018 |
For our official day of marriage in July, we celebrated with a romantic weekend out on the town doing what we love - afternoon tea (of course), the cinema and food. We also spent one evening on a cruise from the quay to Wareham which was so fun. We've done cruises around Poole harbour before but this was territory we've never been by boat which made it all the more exciting.
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| A romantic movie for the most romantic day - The First Purge |
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| We can't have any celebration without an afternoon tea! |
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| Poole to Wareham cruise |
And the year is not over yet, we still have November to celebrate the month we were married in church. That will be another destination celebration! Location TBD.
So all in all, yes I've complained a lot about this summer's heatwave, and if you know me well, you know I do love a good rant. But the fact is, if you ignore all the sweaty hard to sleep nights, I really did love it just as much as everyone else did. It was much needed after our coldest snow winter ever back in March, which I must add, was pretty freaking amazing in itself as well... and with that and everything else that has gone on, not only has the summer been pretty unique but so far it's really been an amazing year and I'm just ready for more! x,s
Posted by
Sille Bliss
We've had a lot of sunny days lately with clear skies and all but you can never really feel the heat. Today was the first day since summer time back in September (6 months ago) when you could actually feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. It was so nice and I had to get out and go somewhere. It was still windy, there was still a little chill in the air, and I still had to wear a sweater but beggars can't be choosers.
You can tell everyone had the same idea too, as we were driving to the park there were more people out than usual - having walks, riding bikes, etc. They weren't just trying to get somewhere they had to be, they were doing it for enjoyment.
We decided to go to a park in Poole that I had never been to called Hamworthy park. It was cool cause it had it's little beach side too. We bought some lunch and ate it on one of the benches.
Driving back home we drove over the twin sails bridge. :)
You can tell everyone had the same idea too, as we were driving to the park there were more people out than usual - having walks, riding bikes, etc. They weren't just trying to get somewhere they had to be, they were doing it for enjoyment.
We decided to go to a park in Poole that I had never been to called Hamworthy park. It was cool cause it had it's little beach side too. We bought some lunch and ate it on one of the benches.
Driving back home we drove over the twin sails bridge. :)
Posted by
Sille Bliss
It had been awhile since we had a cream tea and after searching Groupon for a bit one day, I found this awesome deal for afternoon tea for two. Oh yeah! Last time we had afternoon tea was on my birthday 2014! So we were definitely due for some.
It was at this cool pink posh looking hotel in Bournemouth called The Norfolk and the cream tea was divine.
There was so much, we tried our hardest to finish it all but at the end we had about 4 full pieces of cakes left that we decided to take one bite of each cake then left the rest. It was some good stuff!
Finding that groupon deal reminded me that I have to go back on there from time to time to find stuff like this on there. It was a great price!
The last week of January we headed out to the Isle of Wight. It's been a little while since we've been so it was nice to hop back on the ferry and head out there for the day. This time we came in through the Lymington to Yarmouth side. It's much shorter to get there since it's at the tip of both ends and we don't have to sail through the long ol' canal in Southampton where we usually get on from. This route is much nicer towards Lymington, and even from where we get off in Yarmouth on the IOW is a nice little route. There is less traffic and more nice scenery both ways. And since we live so much closer to Lymington, I don't see why we'd go to Southampton anyway to catch it.
It was a gloomy day with grey skies, even some rain but the water and views are still beautiful no matter what the weather is like.
It was at this cool pink posh looking hotel in Bournemouth called The Norfolk and the cream tea was divine.
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| The Norfolk Hotel 2016.01.15 |
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| Afternoon Tea for Two Lovers! |
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| One Serious / One Silly |
The last week of January we headed out to the Isle of Wight. It's been a little while since we've been so it was nice to hop back on the ferry and head out there for the day. This time we came in through the Lymington to Yarmouth side. It's much shorter to get there since it's at the tip of both ends and we don't have to sail through the long ol' canal in Southampton where we usually get on from. This route is much nicer towards Lymington, and even from where we get off in Yarmouth on the IOW is a nice little route. There is less traffic and more nice scenery both ways. And since we live so much closer to Lymington, I don't see why we'd go to Southampton anyway to catch it.
It was a gloomy day with grey skies, even some rain but the water and views are still beautiful no matter what the weather is like.
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| Lymington Harbour from Ferry 2016.01.22 |
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| Driving along the coast from Yarmouth to Cowes on the IOW |
The appointment was in Cowes a few miles from Yarmouth. It's usually very busy here in the summer along the esplanade, but during this time of the year with this weather, it was a ghost town.
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| Along the Esplanade. Cowes, IOW 2016.01.22 |
I didn't go out much since it was a drizzling day, so I spent most of my time the car keeping busy. When it wasn't raining I was hanging at the benches facing the channel, but that never lasted too long. It was cold and windy there by the sea, it was much warmer and cozy in the car. Since it was a Friday, we decided to stay the night over and come back the next morning. The next day was just as gloomy as the day before. It was still nice to have a nice cozy romantic night away :)
Oddly enough, two weeks later we were back at the Isle of Wight again.... we've never done visits this close, but as always I was ready. This time the weather wasn't so bad. Still cold yes and still windy as ever but no rain, yah! We were also back in Cowes...
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| Yarmouth Castle - back view |
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| Yarmouth |
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| Lymington Harbour from Ferry on the way back 2016.01.23 |
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| 2016.02.05 |
And back in the same little area... I decided to have a walk along the esplanade... and I wasn't the only one out and about either this time.
Before going for my walk I saw the big ferry from Southampton coming by and had to take a vid of it. What caught my attention was all the alarms from the cars going off. It was quite a windy day so I guess the ferry was moving a little more than usual and had all the cars going crazy.
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| The Titanic saled past this point on 10th April 1912 on her maiden and only voyage. |
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| Cowes Castle, now The Royal Yacht Squadron |
When I got to the castle in Cowes, I found these signs on the walls pretty cool. I wonder if it was really true... guess I'll never really know. :)
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| WARNING - Starting cannon may fire at any time |
Took another short video from my walk... The view was pretty nice and relaxing.. especially the sound of that water.
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| Cowes, Isle of Wight 2016.02.05 |
So after walking around a bit I needed to pee and started looking for the loo There are public toilets everywhere in England, you don't have to look far before you find one but finding one that is clean is more hit or miss. These that I found were not called toilets like all the others, they were called 'Public Conveniences'. I found it pretty funny.
Yes they were convenient but OMG they were freaking filthy. Now usually most of the public toilets I've been to in England are pretty clean, there is always someone coming in throughout the day cleaning them but maybe the cleaners were off for the winter? Ew. Please tell me where the toilet seat is?
This was also weird to me.... who the hell would buy or rent a flat (apartment) with a balcony right across from the public toilets?? That is what this is in the photo below. It's not like you will ever have privacy so you can't open your door or even curtains if you wanted to. And wouldn't it smell? It's so low as well that I'd be scared that someone might try climbing up or something. Such a weird place for a window much less a balcony. When I was coming out of the toilets I could see straight towards the window. Strange!
After all that palava, I went back to my cozy spot in the car and waited for my Babz to get back from his appointment so we could get back home.
Yes they were convenient but OMG they were freaking filthy. Now usually most of the public toilets I've been to in England are pretty clean, there is always someone coming in throughout the day cleaning them but maybe the cleaners were off for the winter? Ew. Please tell me where the toilet seat is?
All I gotta say about that is it's a good thing I don't sit on the toilet seats. But even being close to it was gross to me... needless to say I didn't bother flushing it either (and I didn't use this toilet, I found one a little less gross).
This was also weird to me.... who the hell would buy or rent a flat (apartment) with a balcony right across from the public toilets?? That is what this is in the photo below. It's not like you will ever have privacy so you can't open your door or even curtains if you wanted to. And wouldn't it smell? It's so low as well that I'd be scared that someone might try climbing up or something. Such a weird place for a window much less a balcony. When I was coming out of the toilets I could see straight towards the window. Strange!
After all that palava, I went back to my cozy spot in the car and waited for my Babz to get back from his appointment so we could get back home.
Posted by
Sille Bliss
It's January 2016!!
It's the new year and I'm ready for more!!
Already I have a new interest in darts, who knew? I don't like to play them but I love watching it. This is even more unusual since I would think playing them would be more fun than watching... for me it's not. Babz is into his darts and watching it on the sports channel here and I hadn't really been that much interested in it. But then this world championship came on and I was only watching because he was and so I needed to know how the scoring worked so he explained that to me. Sounded pretty simple, and there I am suddenly waiting for the next competition and had my favorite players I was rooting for. So yeah, darts.... my new thing. :P
I've also started watching Downton Abbey. OH-MY-GOD! What have I been missing!?? I am loving this show! I am binge watching it and I can't stop but I know I have to or else it will finish too fast and I don't want it to. I am so glad I didn't watch it when everyone else was because having to wait a whole week for shit is just too much for me. I die when this happens for me with Game of Thrones and Walking Dead.
Babz and I saw our first movie of 2016 as well already.... The Hateful Eight. I don't consider myself a Tarantino fan at all, yet I've seen all his movies and like most of them too, a lot. But still, I don't feel like I'm a fan. Anyway, Jennifer Jason Leigh killed it. She kicked ass in this role! So there ya go.
Anyway, so we go back on the road for the new year and we are in Cornwall. Oh how I love Cornwall! I never really thought about how lucky I was to go there as often as I do until recently. Most people who live in Britain only get to visit there once a year on their summer holiday. Expats like me probably only ever visit once or a couple of times ever. And the weird thing about it is that it isn't even that far. About 2 1/2 to 3 hours from me, it's about 4 hours from London. Nothing is really too far here. Let's not forget that England fits into Texas about three times! So why everyone thinks places like this are far, I have no idea.
If you don't already know, Cornwall is a county in England. It's not the kind of counties we have in America. You can think of them more like mini states. They have their border lines and even their own flag.
We live in Dorset, literally 10 minutes outside of Bournemouth. And well, you see where Cornwall is. It's such a beautiful county. So many coves and beaches, dramatic cliffs, never ending moors, breathtaking forests... the list is never ending. There is so much to see and do there. We've probably been about a dozen times since I've been in England and we've still haven't seen and visited all the places I would like to yet.
Once we left Lostwithiel, we headed to a couple of other towns that Steve had appointments in and then we finally settled our heads after a long long day.
It's the new year and I'm ready for more!!
Already I have a new interest in darts, who knew? I don't like to play them but I love watching it. This is even more unusual since I would think playing them would be more fun than watching... for me it's not. Babz is into his darts and watching it on the sports channel here and I hadn't really been that much interested in it. But then this world championship came on and I was only watching because he was and so I needed to know how the scoring worked so he explained that to me. Sounded pretty simple, and there I am suddenly waiting for the next competition and had my favorite players I was rooting for. So yeah, darts.... my new thing. :P
I've also started watching Downton Abbey. OH-MY-GOD! What have I been missing!?? I am loving this show! I am binge watching it and I can't stop but I know I have to or else it will finish too fast and I don't want it to. I am so glad I didn't watch it when everyone else was because having to wait a whole week for shit is just too much for me. I die when this happens for me with Game of Thrones and Walking Dead.
Babz and I saw our first movie of 2016 as well already.... The Hateful Eight. I don't consider myself a Tarantino fan at all, yet I've seen all his movies and like most of them too, a lot. But still, I don't feel like I'm a fan. Anyway, Jennifer Jason Leigh killed it. She kicked ass in this role! So there ya go.
Anyway, so we go back on the road for the new year and we are in Cornwall. Oh how I love Cornwall! I never really thought about how lucky I was to go there as often as I do until recently. Most people who live in Britain only get to visit there once a year on their summer holiday. Expats like me probably only ever visit once or a couple of times ever. And the weird thing about it is that it isn't even that far. About 2 1/2 to 3 hours from me, it's about 4 hours from London. Nothing is really too far here. Let's not forget that England fits into Texas about three times! So why everyone thinks places like this are far, I have no idea.
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| England. |
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| Southwest England County Map |
We live in Dorset, literally 10 minutes outside of Bournemouth. And well, you see where Cornwall is. It's such a beautiful county. So many coves and beaches, dramatic cliffs, never ending moors, breathtaking forests... the list is never ending. There is so much to see and do there. We've probably been about a dozen times since I've been in England and we've still haven't seen and visited all the places I would like to yet.
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| Our route from Poole to Lostwithiel. Roughly 2hours/50mins. |
So we're headed out back there for a couple of days. We weren't going as far out as we had in the past but it's always a long drive especially for the time we have to leave in the morning. Thank god for the gorgeous scenery along the way!
Of course every time we go we are up and out on the road before the sun is even out. Usually we are driving for a whole hour before you start to see the sun peeking outta the sky. It didn't help that it was cold, it was very cold... even icy in some parts! But I was bundled and prepared.
Our first stop would be Lostwithiel. We came down this gorgeous little road to get into the town, I don't even know the name of it but it was about 1-2 miles of peaceful serenity!
The last time I was here was 2 years ago (blog post here) and when I came, I only visited the castle while Steve was in an appointment in the town. This time I would be in the town as well. I walked to the church that wasn't far away from where we parked. I tried to go inside but it was surprisingly locked, unless I just didn't pull the handle correctly.
I made my way to the river that was nearby I wanted to see the town's historic bridge. It was definitely old. According to the sign on the bridge the River Fowey was first bridged by the Normans, who founded Lostwithiel. "The Great Bridge of Lostwithiel" first documented in 1280, had nine arches. The foundations of the four most westerly arches are said to be under the street. The Bridge has undergone changes over the centuries and was rebuilt in the 15th century. It narrowly escaped being blown up by the Parliamentarian Army in 1644 during the English Civil War. Over time the river has changed course and the four easterly arches were added in the 18th century. Until the bypass was opened in 1939 this bridge was the main road between St Austell and Liskeard. Today it still plays a major role in the life of Lostwithiel as a central part of town activities and celebrations.
It was pretty cold out so I took a few more photos and vids and decided to head back to the warm heated seats of the car. :)
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| Somewhere near Bodmin. Cornwall, England. 2016.01.13 |
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| Cornwall Sunrise. Somewhere near Bodmin. |
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| Rise and Shine. Somewhere near Bodmin. |
Our first stop would be Lostwithiel. We came down this gorgeous little road to get into the town, I don't even know the name of it but it was about 1-2 miles of peaceful serenity!
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| Road to Lostwithiel. Cornwall, England. 2016.01.13 |
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| St Bartholomew Church. Lostwithiel. 2016.01.13 |
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| St Bartholomew Church grounds |
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| The River Fowey. Lostwithiel, Cornwall. England |
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| Lostwithiel Bridge. Cornwall, England. |
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| Lostwithiel. Cornwall, England 2016.01.13 |
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| Me ifo the River Fowey and Lostwithiel Bridge. (using this cool app I discovered) |
Once we left Lostwithiel, we headed to a couple of other towns that Steve had appointments in and then we finally settled our heads after a long long day.
