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Travel Elcombe, a hamlet in the Cotswolds

21st April 2020 Mrs L

The idyllic rural cottages of the Cotwolds is famed world round. A Hamlet was going to be the destination for my surprise birthday trip. We visited a more quiet and remote part of the Cotswolds, in greater Gloucestershire. Our getaway destination was going to be Elcombe Elcombe hamlet, not a tragic Shakespearean hamlet: Elcombe hamlet consists of about 11 houses. Known as a hamlet due to its size, which is smaller than a village and as it does not contain a church. Elcombe is picturesque with stone houses built with local stone, set against a backdrop of green valleys. Elcombe hamlet This…

Travel Belem from Lisbon: A day guide to Belem

16th February 2020 Mrs L

Belem is a district west of Lisbon, which historically was Lisbon’s dock area but now is a thriving tourist destination. My original intention for visiting Belem, was a quick trip to buy custard tarts from the famous Pasteis de Belem bakery. It was only when I started reading more about that Belem that I realised there is much more to this district than custard tarts. Belem Tower Located on the banks of the Targus river, Belem, a green residential suburb is rich in Portugese history and historically was the departure point for many Portugese explorers and caravels. Currently it is…

Travel Lisbon food guide: What to eat in the city

15th September 2019 Mrs L 1Comment

Lisbon cuisine Some of the best eateries in the city can be found in the iconic areas in Lisbon. The Bohemian Bairro Alto area offers great restaurants and the Chiado area, typical cafes and more elegant dining or food experiences. My food experience started at our first stop, the local supermarket. Whenever I visit a city, I normally have a browse around the local supermarket, to get an idea of local produce. My favourite item from the bakery was health bread rolls with seeds and fruit which I had as a breakfast snack. Portugal in a can: Portuguese people…

Travel Lisbon: Mediterranean City of seven hills

11th August 2019 Mrs L

The first trip in a while… After relocating to the UK a few months ago, going to Lisbon was spur of the moment trip. I was looking for somewhere to fly to, within a short distance from London, to escape the English rain, and sunshine had to be a given! The stunning capital of Portugal was the perfect destination. Unfolding over seven hills, this city offers a rich history, beautiful Mediterranean cuisine, glorious weather and a combination of historic and modern architecture. Old town: Lisbon is known for its artistic flair, visible in every part of town, from street art…

Travel Karoo: Land of Thirst, South Africa

8th November 2018 Mrs L

The Great Karoo is a vast, semi-arid desert region spread over the heart of South Africa. It is a sparsely populated area, due to the harsh environment and extreme temperatures. The name, Karoo is derived from the Khoisan word meaning, land of thirst. (This area is also known as the South African outback.) Karoo Topography: Defined by its topography, which is mostly flat, the Karoo spans over more than 40% of South Africa’s landmass. It stretches over the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape. The Karoo landscape is defined by flat top hills and rocky outcrops spread over vast lands, which…

Travel Loxton: Retreat to this beautiful Upper Karoo Village

5th September 2018 Mrs L 3Comment

Loxton, Karoo Gem: We head to Loxton mid-morning for an overnight stay. It is a short thirty-minute drive on an open road from Carnavon. There is not another vehicle in sight on this dusty Karoo road. Most people see Loxton through their rear-view mirror as they are passing by en-route to another destination. The town has gone through a transformation over the past years, after it was flooded and rebuilt, and we were keen to see this picturesque Karoo gem. Loxton Church Loxton hospitality: The first thing we notice as we drive into town is the…

Travel Nieuwoudtville: Quiver tree forest and bulb capital

29th August 2018 Mrs L 2Comment

Nieuwoudtville is a small town in the Namakwa district of the Northern Cape, that lies between Vanryhnsdorp and Calvinia. This sleepy town comes to life in August as the spring flowers blossom. Van Rhyns Pass: If you take the scenic route via the R27 to Nieuwoudtville, Van Rhyns Pass is one the attractions to experience before arriving at Nieuwoudtville. It is listed as one of the top 10 passes in the Northern Cape. This beautifully engineered tarred pass forms part of the R27, located between Vanrhynsdorp and Nieuwoudtville. It snakes and winds its way over 9 kilometers and climbs 815…

Travel The Many Roads that lead to Calvinia: Hantam Karoo town

23rd August 2018 Mrs L

Calvinia is a small town in the Karoo and in one of South Africa’s largest provinces, the Northern Cape. It is located at the centre of a cross road area, en-route to various towns and villages, spread out over the Hantam Karoo. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Hantam mountains and dusty Karoo plains. Calvinia town church While there is no hustle and bustle in this town, it has its own unusual appeal. Quaint artistic finds and very friendly locals adds to the appeal of stopping here when exploring the great Karoo. Calvinia’s Large Postbox:…

Travel A guide to the Wild Flowers in the Cape Provinces

16th August 2018 Mrs L

Flower season is here! The spring wild flowers are a natural phenomenon that can be seen annually in certain parts of South Africa. This year we decided to drive further north, to see the flowers in all its blooming glory. Flower Season: Flower season starts in July and ends in September. The number of blooming flowers are weather dependant. The amount of rain, wind and temperatures all impact how good the flower season will be. The best time to view them is mid-August to mid-September. The areas up north, is hotter, so the flowers are in full blossom in August,…

Travel Visiting the Swakopmund coastal city of Namibia

7th August 2018 Mrs L

I love visiting the coastal city of Swakopmund. It is located on the western coast of Namibia, about 45 kilometers north of Walvis Bay. It is one of the largest cities in Namibia and is partially surrounded by desert. You will be spoilt for choice in this seaside resort. destination What makes Swakopmund unique is that it you can go from desert to coast in a matter of minutes. The city boasts an array of activities for all ages and interests. Traces of the old Harbour: Swakopmund was the main port in the area during the colonial period. The jetty…