Icelandic Gardens

One would assume that a country with "ice" in its name wouldn't boast terribly creative gardens. On my visit there last month, however, I discovered that that is not necessarily the case! I spent a week in Reykjavik checking out random gardens in the capitol between tourist attractions. Although green was noticeably absent (it being January and all) there was still a presence of some pretty original gardens. The treehouse in the middle photo is probably what impressed me most. It was nice to see people making efforts in their gardens, especially considering they barely see any daylight in the winter. Definitely a country I would recommend for a completely new experience, first rate tourist attractions, and loads of friendly tourists/people!

Southwark Park and King's Stairs Gardens

Sundays can be lazy, but they can also be days spent walking along one of the world's most famous rivers. Although polluted beyond all recognition, the Thames is still quite lovely as it paints a path through many famous landmarks throughout the city of London. One can walk for hours along that river with no lack of interesting sightings. The other day I ventured to Canada Water area for no other reason than curiosity about the name. Southwark Park was a pleasant surprise, along with the incredible amount of birds and ducks about. Beyond the park was the King's Stairs Gardens which also boasted unique trees and wildlife. Tower Bridge was were I unexpectedly ended up and although I had already seen it before it was fantastic to be able to spend over five hours walking (in the dead of winter) and end with a sight like that!

Nothing Gold Can Stay

"Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay."

-Poet Robert Frost

Homemade (Christmas) Decorations

Making your own decorations sounds like something out of a Martha Stewart book but I assure you it is something I found quite accidentally on the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. If you look closely you will notice the ingredients being used are oranges (or any citrus fruit), berries, pasta, and nuts. The secret is not just to dry the ingredients, but in some cases cook them and then dry them. I'm not pretending to know everything about the process but it seems like a quick online search can provide instructions for just about anything these days. The ones pictured were taken throughout the Christmas holidays but the decorations can naturally be made anytime for any occasion. 

Christmas Trees in the Czech Republic

Living in Europe is wonderful! For the first time in over 25 years I find myself spending Christmas with family in the Czech Republic instead of alone (or with friends) in Canada. Walking around Prague and Ceske Budejovice it's clear that Christmas is a sacred holiday. I have never seen trees so large and beautiful at the same time. Glad to know they were all real trees and not made of plastic. Christmas in London would have been lovely especially that many people tell me it's when the city is at its most vibrant but I think family and lovely trees beat anything that England would have to offer.

For everyone who celebrates this holiday Merry Christmas and for those spending it alone, here's an article I wrote recently that might spark some ideas on what to do with your time off: A Solitary Holiday

 

 

 

Stonehenge in the Fall

It is quite possibly the number one thing to see in all of England. Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, about 2 hours outside of London and is over 5000 years old. It is made up of bluestone, Sarsen, and Welsh sandstone, and apparently took about 30 million hours of labour to construct. Most tourists flock there in the summertime which is why I avoided going when I first arrived in the UK three months ago. Instead I went at the end of November which proved to be a great decision. There were still a fair amount of tour busses and people but nothing too overwhelming and thus made the experience more enjoyable. The weather happened to be great but that was lucky I guess. 

The fee to enter is about £8 for adults but most tour packages include that in their price along with the bus ride. Many believe that it's time to rebuilt Stonehenge to make it look more like it did thousands of years ago (lowest pic) but I think that it still looks great and as long as the stones don't start crumbling to the ground there is no need alter them. Definitely one of the top three places I've been to in England thus far!

To read a bit more about Stonehenge, English Heritage or simply visit the breathtaking monument yourself!!

English Greenery?

I've spent a good portion of the last 20 years living in the second largest country in the world with a population hovering around 35 million. For that reason it was somewhat of a drastic change to move to a country smaller than most of Canada's provinces fitting nearly double that population. Despite this fact England is still able to boast a relatively impressive amount of greenery- mostly outside of London. Living in the capital, however, there isn't much opportunity for genuine fresh air. This is slowly turning into my main complaint about being here and why I take many opportunities to seek greener pastures elsewhere. So far Epping Forest, Hyde, and Valentine Park are the parts of London I've been able to breathe a little better. I suppose there are some things Canadians do take for granted and that is the amount of national parks at their disposal. Hopefully England works a little harder to maintain its greenery instead of focusing on a seemingly endless influx of people.

Walt Disney's Landscapes

"Landscapes of great wonder and beauty lie under our feet and all around us. They are discovered in tunnels in the ground, the heart of flowers, the hollows of trees, fresh-water ponds, seaweed jungles between tides, and even drops of water. Life in these hidden worlds is more startling in reality than anything we can imagine. How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?"

-Walt Disney Company

The Green Green Grass of Galway

What I loved most about Ireland was the seemingly endless greenery. Every chance I got I was sticking my head out the window to soak up some of that rich country air that is practically unattainable in London. To be fair Galway isn't the only place that had such beautiful landscapes but it fit the alliteration. I read this proverb somewhere in the country and had no idea it was an Irish one:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

For more Quotes from Irish scholars and writers.

Natural Wonders of Ireland

One of the great things about living in England is its proximity to other great places in Europe. For my first week off I decided not to travel very far and visit Ireland. Words cannot express how lovely this country is in terms of lush greenery and numerous natural wonders. Since public transportation isn't the greatest I rented a car and drove on the left-hand side of the road for the first time in my life. My travels included Dublin -> Newgrange -> Belfast -> Giant's Causeway -> Galway -> Cliffs of Moher -> Rock of Cashel -> Dublin. My favourite part was definitely the Cliffs despite the strongest winds I'd ever experienced. There were so many great people I met and wonderful memories that will forever be etched in my mind. I am very glad that I picked Ireland for my first holiday in Europe and can't wait to return there someday.

For links to all the Unesco World Heritage Sites I visited in Ireland: 

Newgrange, Giant's Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel