Tag Archives: cousin wanders

Blessings, Family, Grace, Gratitude, Holidays, Nature, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel

Wanderings Day 24

We’re off to Italy today.

Another amazing place I have been lucky enough to adventure to multiple times. Today I am sharing a few pics from a January wander to Tuscany.

This particular wander down travel memory lane has given me pause to reflect. So many of the journeys I have shared during this April virtual wander are due to where life has taken some especially precious family of mine.

You guys know who you are. Have we ever really acknowledged how much your path has opened opportunity for me to explore the world?! That path has certainly not been easy – life never is. But if you’re ever searching for silver linings you have my eternal gratitude. It has been an absolute joy to catch up with you in all these delightful places – South Africa, Italy, Philadelphia and the UK. A lifetime of memories to treasure. Love you guys 💛

In today’s collection you will glimpse the Duomo di Firenze in Florence. There’s the Ponte Vecchio all lit up. There’s wintry Tuscan landscapes. There’s a market visit to San Gimignano. Bliss!

Blessings, Family, Gratitude, Holidays, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel

Wanderings Day 14

It should be said that I am not normally a city girl. But just like Bath from yesterday’s post, Oxford is another English city which I really enjoy wandering the streets of.

Just like wild spaces have a spirit to them, I believe some urban spaces do too. Perhaps something of the history and culture of a place seeps from the pavements up into your feet?

I suppose the extra pull of Oxford for me is how much time Professor Tolkien spent here.

I love the architecture. I have had the privilege of visiting Oxford in the summer and in the winter. There is something magical in the way light changes, reflecting off the buildings, intriguing the senses the way it does in natural places.

And then, of course, there are the happy memories of visiting Oxford with precious family that make the wandering all the more special.

These pics are of a January day enjoying a wander through the quiet, chilly streets of the “City of Dreaming Spires”.

Blessings, Family, Gratitude, Holidays, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel

Wanderings Day 13

Off to the UK today… the city of Bath specifically. Spent an excellent New Year’s there a few years ago.

We wandered the streets in the wintery rain. Still all the lights from Christmas so a definite magical quality to our wanderings. A Sally Lunn bun and tea at Sally Lunn’s Eating House 1680.

Delicious history and interesting architecture.

And, of course, a visit to the Jane Austen Centre.

Fabulous portrayals of Austen’s male characters on screen – two Mr Darcys, a Mr Knightley and, my favourite, Colonel Brandon.
Family, Gratitude, Holidays, Mindfulness, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel

Wanderings Day 9

Today’s wander is remembering back to a cold, crisp January day when my darling cousin and I boarded a train bound for the nation’s capital, Washington DC. After arriving at Union Station we then clambered aboard an open top tourist bus and spent the day being extremely touristy. The open top bus was an interesting choice given the temperature that day. I was also reading Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol at the time which lent an interesting perspective to our wanderings.

Union Station
Jefferson Memorial
Some nature amongst the white marble
Lincoln Memorial
From the Lincoln Memorial looking across the National Mall to the Washington Monument. Yes, that water is frozen over.
The White House
The United States Capitol