I would have to say that travelling is a gift rather than a goal; I mean, I have been lucky enough to get to few places abroad over the years but I have always wanting to fly and spread my wings a little further - so to speak. Social media is great for keeping in touch with friends and seeing what the world is up to but sometimes, where there is social media, there is jealousy. Recently, I have seen a number of my friends fly off to foreign lands or I've seen status which include the terms "planning" or "booked" which all conclude with a holiday or the fact they're going travelling; I've always wanted to jet set but after reading multiple travel blogs - I want nothing more than to see what wanders this world holds.
I would definitely say that I am a traveller not a backpacker, I want to see all the beautiful sites of this world; from the concentrate jungles to the outbacks and stunning sunsets, I've just been itching to hop onto a plane and get exploring. So, I decided to put together a small, travel bucket list of places where I would like to tick off - maybe 2016 might be my year to see the world but who knows what the future holds:
1. New York City - The city that never sleeps!
For as long as I can remember, New York City has been at the top of my traveling list. It's always been a dream of mine I suppose. Standing on top of the Empire State building taking in the concentrate jungle from a view, having breakfast at Tiffany's (literally), visiting Central Park zoo, trying various new Starbucks favourites that don't seem to make it across the pond and the possibly of saying Hi! to lady liberty is the dream of NYC. I know its not going to be cheap but one day, I would like to think that all those things and more are going to happen to me.
2. Barbados
The soft, golden sands and amazing blue oceans is only one thing that I dream about when I think of Barbados; there are plenty of other things that I reckon this island holds. I love turtles! And I've always wanted to swim with them and I believe Barbados is the place to do so. Maybe one day I'll visit.
3. Los Angeles
LA otherwise known as Tinseltown. The long, golden beaches, the cliché selfie with the 'Hollywood' sign, walking the walk of fame and just being able to say that I am in the zipcode of one of my favourite TV shows will be a dream come true - for anyone not guessing what TV show I'm on about, its 90210. Yes! That's right Beverly Hills. Bring on LA!
4. Europe - Switzerland, Belgium and Italy
Don't get me wrong I've seen some places in Europe but I've never been to any of these places. I mean, most of the time when you go to Switzerland, you have the intentions to go Skiing but I don't think I will be doing this as I am a little bit clumsy from time to time; but I hear Switzerland has some beautiful views (and the food is pretty awesome to!) - very picturesque! Belgium is known for its beautiful architecture and not to mention, its delicious chocolate; also Italy for its history and culture.
5. Australia
Where do I start with Australia? Aside from the extremely large reptiles and creepy crawlies, Australia sounds amazing; from the beautiful views and extraordinary culture - it sounds like my perfect destination - not to mention the beautiful, golden sand beaches and amazing opportunities to could hold.
6. Iceland
Out of all my choices of destinations, this one has to be the strangest. I mean, its not particularly warm, it doesn't exactly have glorious food and amazing markets but apparently the culture and the geography behind Iceland is amazing - from the volcanos to the geysers I think it would be an amazing destination.
7. Rhodes, Greece
I've never been to Greece but if I went, I've always fancied Rhodes. Apparently, its beautiful. Not to mention, Greek food is to die for. From the culture-saturated towns to the sandy beaches and vivid sunsets, I want to see it all and I bet a picture in Rhodes is worth a thousand words. Beautiful.
Judging by my choice of destinations, there seems to be a theme emerging; it seems all the destinations I have chosen, have to be picturesque and Instagram friendly and has to have amazing food as well! Obviously, my stomach and photogenic ways lead my life.
What destinations are on your travel bucket list?
Until the next time I find myself wanderlusting, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo
First things first, if you get anything out of this post, I would like it to be this… If you ever go somewhere where you know that you're going to be standing for a long period of time in one spot - believe me 80 minutes is a long time - wear the comfiest pair of shoes you have and be prepared to have a sore, achy back for a few days afterwards (maybe the sore back part doesn't happen to everybody but prepare for it anyway).
I spent the best part of 80 minutes cheering, shouting, waving, jumping, wining that my feet and back were aching, cheering, cheering and cheering some more - I am very surprsied that I woke up with a voice on Monday morning to be honest. But honestly, it was the most fun I've had in ages. Yes! By all means, if you saw a crazy girl wrapped in a million layers, waving an Italy flag in one hand and a Romanian in the other manically on TV, that was 99.9% probably me. But I don't care, I had a great time after all.
After venturing to Sandy Park (home to Exeter Chiefs), we quickly made our way to that noisy place in the corner that everyone seemed to gathered around. The bar. The sudden realisation that I shouldn't of wore so many layers set in and whilst I began to drink, I also began to sizzle. But of course, I played it cool. I mean I had a chance (a very slim chance) to meet an international rugby star, so I thought that playing it cool was the safest option to go with. As kick off time was fast approaching we made our way into the stadium, found our spots and waited for the National Anthems to be played and the kick off whistle to be blown - FYI the Italian National Anthem is rather jolly and I am deeply surprised that they don't have a dance to go with it but that didn't stop the Italians dancing, who were stood behind us.
As someone who has grown to love rugby, I went into this match as a mutual party; otherwise known as the person who sits on the fence and then supports the team which happens to be closest to winning at full-time as my brother likes to put it. However, I don't think I was the only mutual party at that game, I think a few people were to be honest. But believe me when I saw, watching a match live at the stadium compared to on the TV is completely different. I mean, Italy gave Romania a run for their money but Romania fort back - especially in the second half, they came back fighting - unfortunately it wasn't enough for Romania to take the win. The atmosphere during a rugby match is completely different to any other sporting match that I've been to; I mean, fans became one and supported both teams until the final whistle was blown; when Italy scored the stadium erupted with cheers and loud stamping noises, likewise when Romania scored it erupted again.
Although by the end of the match my feet and back were aching, it was worth every second. Not only was my day made by a great sporting event and friends but the fresh Autumnal weather, which included the sun beaming down on Sandy Park was to die for - amazing!
Until next time an international event comes to England and I happen to go, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo
