“Just breathing can be such a luxury sometimes.” – Walter Kirn (Up in the Air) It is such a clique to talk about how important AIR is – that BREATHING is important, and FRESH AIR is one of the purest luxuries in life, however, I have given this a great deal of thought lately, since moving … More Breathing air: Anti-pollution mask review
My sis Karen and I just spent the last 2.5 weeks cycling from the bottom of England (Land’s End) to the top of Scotland (John o’ Groats). I thought I would share a couple practical notes for anyone hoping to take on the epic and amazing trip. Train travel We started out in London, and … More Cycling Britain: A practical guide to the LEJOG
Well, this was unexpected. My sis and I have been concocting a plan to ride across the fine UK next august. from the southern tip (Lands End) to the northern tail (John O’Groats). Approx this… Which is gonna be a grand adventure and I am beyond excited for it. But then, this morning, as I … More Adventure planning: Coast to Coast 2017
A few years ago, my sister and I had the best day in Argentina, biking between wineries, sampling olive oil and wine. Those blissful moments are still some of the best – the combination of biking with someone you like on a hot, sunny day, stopping to sip some of the best wines of the … More Bikes & wine: Nice edition
Once I arrived in Newhaven, I was on the evening ferry to Dieppe. I passed the very pleasant 3-hour ferry ride swapping tales of adventure with two other cycle tourists I had met (shout out to John & Karen!). When we landed in Dieppe, it was around 11pm. My plan was to cycle for 10k … More Biking from Dieppe to Paris!
It’s time for another adventure! I have been looking forward to a few of the Dykxhoorns travelling around France and decided the best way to pop up in Paris was on two wheels. Unfortunately, it meant that I saddled the blue babe down with a really heavy load. In addition to my usual cycling and … More London to Newhaven on my blue bicycle
Here are a few last gems from my trip to Bavaria, which was saturated with moments of breathtaking beauty that were irresistible to my camera lens. From towering forests: Sweeping scenes: Sparkling mountain lakes: And the smallest little details that added sweetness (wild strawberries that I snacked on on my hike) and marvel (giant snails!), and pleasing aromas … More Bits of Bavarian beauty
This region of Bavaria is known for Neuschwanstein, however, as mentioned in my last post, Neuschwanstein is actually a modern castle, which was built in the medieval style. It never played a defensive or strategic role. In contrast, the Hohenfreyberg and Eisenberg Castles were ACTUAL medieval castles which had tremendous militaristic significance in the 14th through 19th … More Hohenfreyberg & Eisenberg castle ruins: Bavaria, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle It is practically required to head up to see the Disney-inspiring castle when you are in Bavaria.Not only is its physical structure articist, and beautiful, striking in contrast to the harsh rock cliffs, its name is musical – meaning “New Swan Stone” which was taken from one of Wagner’s operas. Built by King Ludwig … More Fairytale castles and magical mornings
As a kid, I was blessed with having the first summer birthday in my class. This meant that mine was the first opportunity to run through sprinklers, have water balloon fights, eat hot dogs, and roast marshmallows. These were some of the best times. More recently, notable birthday moments included trying to slurp up a … More Bday in Bavaria: The big 3-0!
Lovely Outliers 