tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33429860166400789482024-03-06T01:11:43.663+00:00Scribbling LauLaura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-6857529655620542372023-01-13T08:53:00.002+00:002023-01-13T08:53:22.232+00:002023: My Year of Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_LV1xw4B3JvgtZsn1FdReXkbhQ0zECnhNCBgmBCBV4fnUgdYcgvegwZm30cwprH-tjV4ju7wxH7WlvbQ2GG8jkKV5hUGXk2QAWYvKqaF7-2mUOZNpIiivGBnNGWbkZ-uAx4RZcuHvWOGxhF7YuCPCyv1QH77zf4JXNh5jU-ijxdm0Dk9DcJwFZw/s640/abseil-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_LV1xw4B3JvgtZsn1FdReXkbhQ0zECnhNCBgmBCBV4fnUgdYcgvegwZm30cwprH-tjV4ju7wxH7WlvbQ2GG8jkKV5hUGXk2QAWYvKqaF7-2mUOZNpIiivGBnNGWbkZ-uAx4RZcuHvWOGxhF7YuCPCyv1QH77zf4JXNh5jU-ijxdm0Dk9DcJwFZw/w640-h480/abseil-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As I've said before, I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions - if there's something you want to change, I don't see the point in waiting for an arbitrary date on the calendar before you go about it.</p><p>What I do enjoy, though, is a good list to be ticked off throughout the year. It's something I've done in previous years, to varying levels of success, and it's something I'm doing in 2023, albeit with a slightly different approach this time around.</p><p>2023, I've decided, is going to be my Year Of Adventure.</p><p>Adventure is a subjective word, and I don't have any plans to trek through mountains or climb Kilimanjaro. I envisage my adventures to be a bit smaller (and cheaper!) closer to home, and they'll all be some sort of physical or adrenaline challenge. In the past I've ticked off skydiving, abseiling and white water rafting, so it probably won't be those particular activities again, but something along those lines. I won't be sharing my plans until after I've done them, as I don't want to jinx anything, but I will report back afterwards.</p><p>Basically, it's a way of making me do all the things I've gone "Oooh, I quite fancy trying that" to in the past, but have never quite got round to. A kick up the bum, if you will. </p><p>Originally, the idea was to tackle one adventure per calendar month, but train strikes are already putting my January plans in jeopardy, and it looks like they'll continue. So instead, I'm going to try to tick off 12 adventurous things this year, but not necessarily one each month. </p><p>Stick with me on this blog and follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/">Instagram</a> to see how I get on.</p><p><br /></p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-61925517552241234752021-04-28T18:18:00.024+01:002021-05-04T09:10:33.555+01:0030 things to do before I turn 30: the results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJGFUwg6uQ7w7I1cIJo5k1CegHBdKF1mpnvYRvEDibNWUzq-JFhQk5Psab-GhMXhni8wlNU6XqnnBDxSFKcOVVrzr0XT0LdislTGOBCnbfVwsr1sWoOYHWsydyj6Ct0cLj0_SX4-IG_w/s2048/marina-lima-ahuHrVjcWN0-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1676" data-original-width="2048" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJGFUwg6uQ7w7I1cIJo5k1CegHBdKF1mpnvYRvEDibNWUzq-JFhQk5Psab-GhMXhni8wlNU6XqnnBDxSFKcOVVrzr0XT0LdislTGOBCnbfVwsr1sWoOYHWsydyj6Ct0cLj0_SX4-IG_w/w640-h524/marina-lima-ahuHrVjcWN0-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>This time last year, less than a month into furlough, and firmly invested in the national optimism/naivety that All This would be over by summer, I wrote <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/30-things-to-do-before.30.html">a list of 30 things I wanted to do</a> in the year before I turned 30. </p><p>A year later, I'm staring down a 6-day barrel at 30, so it's time to look back and see how I got on. Before I begin, I should point out that the Covid restrictions lasted a lot longer than anyone anticipated, and are ongoing as I write this, which massively affected my ability to do... well, anything, really. </p><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">1) Visit the flower fields in Amsterdam - No</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw2QAFY6Q8TUs9EXFmrBYEXdcyCOMPbvDeMTifWp-oS2dW4UXFtRDUWqw8_S9kiwe2o8fgg_BrDCoWSR91w04mOyTuFwRXGPthb119hfzT97Ir3Z5Y71x16W7GILksVrOP_x378xj9io/s4896/P1070907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw2QAFY6Q8TUs9EXFmrBYEXdcyCOMPbvDeMTifWp-oS2dW4UXFtRDUWqw8_S9kiwe2o8fgg_BrDCoWSR91w04mOyTuFwRXGPthb119hfzT97Ir3Z5Y71x16W7GILksVrOP_x378xj9io/w640-h480/P1070907.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I write this, we're in peak tulip season... and it's against the law to leave the UK for a holiday. So no, I haven't made it to the flower fields this year. I'm hoping for spring 2022, if Eurostar has reinstated Amsterdam Centraal services by then, but if not, I've just <a href="https://www.norfolktulips.co.uk/">discovered this alternative</a>, much closer to home, which I hope to visit next year, whatever the international travel situation.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">2) Go up the i360 Brighton - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Technically, I could have ticked <a href="https://britishairwaysi360.com/">this one</a> off last summer and autumn, when things reopened here in the UK. My thinking at the time was to wait a while to get the first rush out of the way, and before I knew it, we were back in lockdown again. A classic case of carpe diem and all that jazz. </div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">3) Visit Hampton Court Palace - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>See 2.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">4) Bake a rainbow cake - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAqHMYiTD-boY4108uVMWP4C2CMRfjBdR5Zq38kKWVC6hO29o9UXqzq3huw7OsV7tNtPrwtSEoqhgTVXb0pCyYsjlJSqhbawvLVjE_Ksi8SmA1CTEjKCGFTLPBvL7kBNE5vgrhy70QIE/s2048/20201020_195519.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1889" data-original-width="2048" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAqHMYiTD-boY4108uVMWP4C2CMRfjBdR5Zq38kKWVC6hO29o9UXqzq3huw7OsV7tNtPrwtSEoqhgTVXb0pCyYsjlJSqhbawvLVjE_Ksi8SmA1CTEjKCGFTLPBvL7kBNE5vgrhy70QIE/w640-h590/20201020_195519.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slice of rainbow cake from the Hummingbird Bakery</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The intrinsic beauty of rainbow cakes, aside from their colour, is the size of them. By virtue of being constructed from several different sponge layers, they tend to be towering, sugary monoliths. Making such a huge cake at a time when there were only two people to eat it has seemed silly. Once we're able to see more people again, I'll make a rainbow cake to share. In the mean time, I've made do with a few rainbow cupcakes, to test out my new food colourings.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">5) See &Juliet in the West End - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, theatres haven't yet reopened, and this show doesn't return until September 2021. It's still on my list though.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">6) Tour the Harry Potter Studios in Hertfordshire - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>See 2 and 3.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">7) Explore Leeds Castle - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>See 2, 3 and 6.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">8) Spend a weekend in Liverpool - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, a weekend away in this country is something that I could have done last autumn, when things briefly reopened, but many restaurants, shops, museums and the like were still closed or operating shorter hours. I didn't see much point in travelling if it meant missing out on experiencing everything the place has to offer, so I've put this one on hold until later this year or next year.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">9) Make an item of clothing - Sort of</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk94f_LxsBqdocCpapk9dVmMOpbBxz1mmSlkasfhITDf-4Gd3UaJqgZzHVqwKnYFTucNV_ajMrxz4EWXCSz4uQdCa090JifgjXEalMuDTLhAIaAntQEyDh0EYXc1afsfvnJH3BUzpADOc/s2048/20200930_090341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk94f_LxsBqdocCpapk9dVmMOpbBxz1mmSlkasfhITDf-4Gd3UaJqgZzHVqwKnYFTucNV_ajMrxz4EWXCSz4uQdCa090JifgjXEalMuDTLhAIaAntQEyDh0EYXc1afsfvnJH3BUzpADOc/w480-h640/20200930_090341.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is an interesting one, in that this time last year I was really keen to learn how to make my own clothes, having been inspired by a couple of my friends whipping up their own tops and dresses on the sewing machine. Over the past 12 months, I've come to realise that making the clothes is neither my interest nor really my skill area - instead, I enjoy decorating and embellishing items, and leaving the structural integrity of the garment to others. Case in point, my hot air balloon denim jacket - I bought a cheap denim jacket online, then created and attached the decorations myself from scratch, and I absolutely love it. </div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">10) Visit New York (or at least, plan a trip) - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>The dream is to visit New York in the run up to Christmas, which wasn't an option last year. I'm playing it safe and not booking anything for this year either, but I've got my sights set on Christmas 2022. </div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">11) Swim in Pells Pools - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>At time of writing, it's almost 14 months since I even entered a swimming pool, which is very unsettling for someone who used to swim multiple times a week. While pools have reopened, there are still some restrictions, including no lockers and no showers, so I'm waiting until things are a bit more normal before resuming swimming.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">12) Visit Disneyland Paris - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>As with New York, international travel hasn't really been an option in the last 12 months, but I still hope to do this in the next couple of years.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">13) Visit the House of Dreams - Sort of</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>This <a href="http://www.stephenwrightartist.com/houseofdreams.php">south London quirk</a> hasn't yet reopened since the first lockdown, but writing this has reminded me to check the website, and tickets for forthcoming open days are now available. I've booked for October, so although I've not actually been yet, it's in the works.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">14) Witness a new light festival - YES</h3></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo6rTaMdaikHWKe2RPRIu1jkeq_OOmlkBMQZY_adG6Do5udezEdA1GbyRlP4SW8ypAsf7S2M4JzONLwHCdDCV5hZ-J09Io_w5nwXv2D18aU_6-Ud1hCbz6WkIcVQ0aySOiS7BWLCU8Q8/s2048/20201129_175447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo6rTaMdaikHWKe2RPRIu1jkeq_OOmlkBMQZY_adG6Do5udezEdA1GbyRlP4SW8ypAsf7S2M4JzONLwHCdDCV5hZ-J09Io_w5nwXv2D18aU_6-Ud1hCbz6WkIcVQ0aySOiS7BWLCU8Q8/w640-h480/20201129_175447.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas at Hever 2020</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>I was devastated to miss my beloved <a href="https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/christmas-at-kew-gardens-2018-in-photos">Christmas at Kew</a> in 2020, but managed to slightly plug the light festival-shaped hole in my heart with a trip to Hever Castle's own take. Peter Pan was the theme, with miniature London landmarks illuminated, plus a couple of light tunnels and an illuminated fountain. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">15) See a play at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://openairtheatre.com/">summer 2021 line-up</a> has been announced, but to be honest, there's nothing on there that really appeals to me. In recent years, 101 Dalmatians and Peter Pan have both been on the programme, so I'm going to hold out and hope for something along those lines next year.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">16) Spend a night in a hostel - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>No. Also less inclined to try this one in future. Next.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">17) Try a new hobby - YES</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe7VfrMr6XVvDNFAOpkFuVyCFraktOPgtsCuJbMTyomKxlapRxOxW0cEDCGxJ3TNLHXLJQtuKvyLsSRYsoEnZCOQ-fjvvZtuqbLIj3L0lbrBi1OfkOdzMJDdwEN2radwVrgAQacaFMso/s2048/20210421_135644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1663" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe7VfrMr6XVvDNFAOpkFuVyCFraktOPgtsCuJbMTyomKxlapRxOxW0cEDCGxJ3TNLHXLJQtuKvyLsSRYsoEnZCOQ-fjvvZtuqbLIj3L0lbrBi1OfkOdzMJDdwEN2radwVrgAQacaFMso/w520-h640/20210421_135644.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Phrases like 'ice skating' and 'rock climbing' were <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/30-things-to-do-before.30.html">bandied around this time last year</a>, but those sorts of activities have been largely off-limits ever since. I can't wait to go ice skating again, but in the mean time, I've taken up roller skating in an entirely-unserious manner. I don't have much in the way of skills just yet, but I'm learning, and have treated myself to the above jazzy skates.</div><div><br /></div><div>Being stuck at home for a year has also meant I've picked up a needle and thread again, and rediscovered my love of embroidery. I've been chronicling some of my projects over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stitching_lau/">my new Instagram account</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">18) Eat in The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>A combination of restaurants being closed, and me not being in the vicinity of London has prevented me from ticking this one off, but it's still very firmly <a href="https://www.fortnumandmason.com/the-parlour-restaurant">on my to-do list</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">19) Go stargazing at the Royal Observatory - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>I've only been to London once in the last 14 months, and that was a whistle-stop tour around the area near my (ex-)office, for a brief meeting and to clear my desk before my company moved out. No touristing was done, so this one's still on my list.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">20) Clear my bookshelf - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>I was so, so close to clearing one of the two shelves on my bookshelf... and then I saw my best friend for the first time in months. We're always swapping books and passing our old books on to each other, so she supplied me with enough reads to refill the shelf I'd almost emptied. Basically, I'm stuck in a never-ending cycle of book ownership, and I'm not too sad about it.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">21) Wear more colour - YES</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGQofEw6oG4xKYUADF0DMfH40U6ctL63UqXZWk6P0D60un2k3MkOwXo6oJSsVXROdr9z8Rs_B5rRgijKPvknyld-fTMKNoA4hAmLvq4MtkkD6uDEPt7-SulaGVmf8bGilxBA8SJVOrP8/s2048/20210504_084646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGQofEw6oG4xKYUADF0DMfH40U6ctL63UqXZWk6P0D60un2k3MkOwXo6oJSsVXROdr9z8Rs_B5rRgijKPvknyld-fTMKNoA4hAmLvq4MtkkD6uDEPt7-SulaGVmf8bGilxBA8SJVOrP8/w640-h480/20210504_084646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>OK, 'wear' is pushing it, considering I've been living in leggings, tracksuit bottoms and hoodies for a year now. But I've definitely been more colour-forward in the few new garments that I've purchased this year. Case in point; two rainbow jumpers, a rainbow cardigan, a pink coat and yellow trainers. Now I just need an occasion to wear them outside my house...</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">22) See Cirque du Soleil - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>As far as I'm aware, this show hasn't resumed in London since the first lockdown. It looks like it's schedule to be at the Royal Albert Hall in January 2022, so all being well, I'll catch it then.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">23) Visit the Kent coast - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Again with the waiting until things had calmed down a bit, and then missing my opportunity. </div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">24) Restart this blog - YES</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Since summer 2020, I've been posting my monthly updates again, and I've also written a few other posts. When things get back to normal, I hope to resume normal service - think afternoon tea reviews, travel updates and generally more life.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">25) Book a Trek America trip - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, Trek America was one of the first travel companies to f<a href="https://www.instagram.com/trekamerica/">all victim to the pandemic</a>, and it seized trading in summer 2020, so this is one that I won't ever be ticking off. However, some sort of American road trip remains at the top of my travel bucket list. Watch this space.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">26) Splurge on a special treat - Sort of</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Originally, a Mulberry handbag or Kate Spade clutch was what I had in mind for this item on my list. But a combination of barely setting foot in a shop, and having nowhere to wear a special item over the past 12 months has meant I'm not yet the owner of a pricey new investment handbag. I did, however, splurge on the above roller skates. They cost a fraction of the price of a handbag, but I still spent a few weeks debating whether to buy them before taking the plunge.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">27) Plan a 30th birthday party - No</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, unless you count a picnic with a very select group of friends, in my local park on a windy and rainy bank holiday Monday. On my 30th birthday, restrictions will mean that I'm only allowed to meet up to five other people, and it has to be outside. I didn't fancy a pub garden on a bank holiday weekend, so I've gone for the picnic option. What could possibly go wrong?</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; margin: 0px; position: relative;">28-30) Come up with three more things for this list</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Given that I ticked off very few of the existing items on this list, adding more didn't seem like a great idea.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The results</h3><div>4 yes, 2 sort of and a whole lot of no. In my defence, that's largely due to the Covid restrictions going on for longer than anyone anticipated, but I also missed my chance to do a few things when restrictions were briefly relaxed last summer.</div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-29115476868263158502021-03-31T09:19:00.001+01:002021-04-01T11:27:34.235+01:00The whole picture: March 2021<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliDOFpZ6SHnIF6lz4mRYnI075A8zE0CkO7rcOTi8R0AhEMnt4UAEn9SvwMwSwwnj1fCtcjVX8lx0JRQTp0K44dtDfY6o3aByBmpmguBmMfyooWF-iT7pC4nLgs6IHrke5JD_BgdPeRAU/s4896/P1060892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliDOFpZ6SHnIF6lz4mRYnI075A8zE0CkO7rcOTi8R0AhEMnt4UAEn9SvwMwSwwnj1fCtcjVX8lx0JRQTp0K44dtDfY6o3aByBmpmguBmMfyooWF-iT7pC4nLgs6IHrke5JD_BgdPeRAU/w640-h480/P1060892.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiddingstone Castle in spring</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">What I've done and where I've been in March</h2><p>As many people have said, March has seemed a very hopeful month. Here in England, schools reopened, and we've gradually been allowed to meet up with friends and family outdoors. Day to day, not a lot has changed for me, but I have met a friend for coffee in the park a couple of times.</p><p>I've also been venturing a little further afield, driving out to a local village to take some photos of the spring flowers, and to Chiddingstone Castle and village to catch the blossom in bloom. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What I've been reading in March</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx1J6EoR9QNvYHH1Q-Wgb_NBTmkx9i3yS8OefAHiY7yLdmac59ZjZaM6scwO5Zna70E34BtKP2p0AXN1qBKVCrS7vshmkCtYIhdaiAhwvpEkdlBe3UxMor24nw_Bd7IOtuwGSYqYQXYs/s2048/20210401_092429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx1J6EoR9QNvYHH1Q-Wgb_NBTmkx9i3yS8OefAHiY7yLdmac59ZjZaM6scwO5Zna70E34BtKP2p0AXN1qBKVCrS7vshmkCtYIhdaiAhwvpEkdlBe3UxMor24nw_Bd7IOtuwGSYqYQXYs/w640-h480/20210401_092429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>I've been whizzing through books in March, mainly spurred on by <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/30-things-to-do-before.30.html">Number 21 on this list</a>, as my self-imposed deadline looms ever closer. Here's what I've been reading, and what I thought:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35955263-the-zanzibar-wife">The Zanzibar Wife by Deborah Rodriguez</a> - A curiously named book, as it's the story of three different women from three very different backgrounds. It's very well-researched in terms of Oman and Zanzibar culture, and it's refreshing to see such a story told through female eyes. The characters are very well-developed, making for a gripping read.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/714974.Francesca_s_Party">Francesca's Party by Patricia Scanlan</a> - At almost 600 pages, I was anticipating this one to contain a lot of fluff and filler. In reality, not a single word is wasted, as Scanlan tells the story of a middle-aged woman who finds out her husband is having an affair, and proceeds to divorce him. Not an original story by any means, but it's told with an emotional depth which reduced me to tears.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26014706-smoke-and-mirrors">Smoke and Mirrors by Elly Griffiths</a> - If I were to judge books by their covers, I'd never have picked this one up. Its dark colours suggest a blood-soaked, violent crime thriller. In reality, it's more about the detective work than the gore, following the case of two murdered children in 1950s Brighton. An enjoyable read, but the fact that I can't remember much of the plot just a few weeks later tells you all you need to know about how memorable it is.</li><li><br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgcgmmd3iCG-2Ou6H4i12fW9iUyUVAEihxkSlCWdryO7TWCY3QS1gdhFWKdw96-nA5IgK89cfau1I-pvLfrTdrAJ4belG-Ri5-mFthQpTiiisK2Gy5vdNam22ClD9WlB_mxX_KM3Xw2g/s2048/20210401_092243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgcgmmd3iCG-2Ou6H4i12fW9iUyUVAEihxkSlCWdryO7TWCY3QS1gdhFWKdw96-nA5IgK89cfau1I-pvLfrTdrAJ4belG-Ri5-mFthQpTiiisK2Gy5vdNam22ClD9WlB_mxX_KM3Xw2g/w480-h640/20210401_092243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2426423.Glass_Houses">Glass Houses by Sandra Howard</a> -The only book I gave up on this month, Glass Houses is the story of a newly-appointed Cabinet Minister in the British Government who's having an affair. The author is the wife of Michael Howard, so presumably it's born from experience of living in the political world, but so many characters are introduced so quickly, keeping track becomes a real exercise in intellect, making reading it a chore rather than a pleasure.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4876759-at-my-mother-s-knee">At My Mother's Knee and Other Low Joints by Paul O'Grady</a> - O'Grady's cutting way with words has always been a source of amusement in our house, and I'm pleased to report that he translates well from screen to page. This autobiographical book is the story of his upbringing in Birkenhead, skilfully told so that each of the characters is really brought to life. Be warned though, this volume only takes him to the cusp of adulthood, ending on something of a cliffhanger... you'll have to make your way through <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141145.Paul_O_Grady">several more tomes</a> to get the full Lily Savage story.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3282074-the-way-we-were">The Way We Were by Marcia Willett</a> - An enjoyable easy read, about two friends who spend a summer together in early adulthood. The story then picks up a couple of decades later. A couple of the twists are extremely predictable, and the main plot point, about a valuable piece of art, is introduced in the first page, then almost completely ignored until it's crammed into the final few chapters, which is an odd way to structure it.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13260236-jasmine-nights">Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson</a> - Saba, a singer, and Dom, a military pilot, meet shortly before they're both sent out to Africa on postings during the second world war. As Saba adapts to life performing on military bases, and Dom takes to the skies again after a terrible crash, they cross paths every now and then. Some of the military detail is irrelevant to the average reader, and a few sections drag while others skimp on detail, but it's an enjoyable read.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVXqRJ7LLikBY8VUfLD4O73r0TgL0RQB8sVXEYxGdZQaElzaTB5MJPUChknpETfSp6iJ0bBy7bFaeGj60lR1SSgb9m0JhFjTIBHsad1c03vYINBc6V6jgPifXp9av27Q5Cd-2IyfaXWA/s2048/20210401_102532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVXqRJ7LLikBY8VUfLD4O73r0TgL0RQB8sVXEYxGdZQaElzaTB5MJPUChknpETfSp6iJ0bBy7bFaeGj60lR1SSgb9m0JhFjTIBHsad1c03vYINBc6V6jgPifXp9av27Q5Cd-2IyfaXWA/w640-h480/20210401_102532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30826169-orange-blossom-days">Orange Blossom Days by Patricia Scanlan</a> - Like Francesca's Party (above), this is another long but very gripping novel by Scanlan. The first few chapters require concentration, as many of the residents of an apartment complex in AndalucĂa are introduced very quickly, but once you've got to grips with the characters, their lives are skilfully and compellingly interwoven until the very end. </li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17412188-second-life">Second Life by S. J. Watson</a> - Less gripping than Watson's better-known novel, Before I Go To Sleep, Second Life is the story of a woman who tries to solve the mystery of her sister's sudden death in Paris. From the beginning, the decisions she makes are hard to understand, making for a far-fetched plot, and some of the storylines offer nothing to the conclusion, leaving the reader wondering why they were even mentioned. The action is crammed into the final few pages, with the ending left open to the reader's interpretation. An average read, but there are better thrillers out there.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12566986-alys-always?">Alys, Always by Harriet Lane</a> - With less than 10 pages left of this contemporary thriller, I was bracing myself for either a thrilling twist that would make it all worth while, or a complete disappointment that would render the whole novel a waste of reading time. Frances, the last person to speak to a woman dying in a car accident, becomes friendly with the woman's family after her death. It gradually becomes clear that she's got an ulterior motive, but writing the novel in first person, while not revealing any of her thoughts, plans or motives to the reader is an odd choice. Ultimately, those last 10 pages reveal nothing of interest, and I'm left wondering why I bothered.</li></ul><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What I've been watching in March</h2><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3XulMaoOR1HhhHeY3l4uRSNNpSGezEdzbfzS3B-aJm1dl8JyeXjKGQHv0g5uUHdd2nXYsypvQEx49MfJR_G7WpD_u5Is5qZbxiIqgkihReY8D_3tME6xpp-94hScZdtP3KqPhw4s0u0/s2048/Ginny%2526Georgia_Season1_Episode1_00_06_38_14R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3XulMaoOR1HhhHeY3l4uRSNNpSGezEdzbfzS3B-aJm1dl8JyeXjKGQHv0g5uUHdd2nXYsypvQEx49MfJR_G7WpD_u5Is5qZbxiIqgkihReY8D_3tME6xpp-94hScZdtP3KqPhw4s0u0/w640-h360/Ginny%2526Georgia_Season1_Episode1_00_06_38_14R.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginny & Georgia - not the new Gilmore Girls, but worth watching.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ginny & Georgia -</b> If anyone tells you this Netflix series is the new Gilmore Girls, don't believe them, or at least, don't go in expecting the cosiness of Luke's Diner. Sure, it's about a mother-daughter relationship, but it's also about drugs, sex, violence, vibrators... we're not in Stars Hollow any more. However, if you go in without any preconceptions, it's an absorbing, easy watchable teen drama series with well-rounded and intriguing characters. Fingers crossed for a second series to see how that ending turned out...</li><li><b>Firefly Lane - </b>This Netflix series follows the friendship of two women, with flashbacks allowing us to see them at three points in their lives - as teenagers, as young women in their first jobs, and now, in their forties. It's structured in such a literary way that it's no surprise to learn it was a book first. The series ending leaves a massive plot point unexplained, presumably to pave the way for a second series. Apparently the book does offer an explanation, so I'll be buying myself a copy as soon as there's room on my shelves. Beyond that, it's a really enjoyable show with compelling, strong characters and cleverly woven storylines.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJvPKPdy5HCca1SaZ_935aPHs27DzuzRgjGdJ6C3BnfAV0IUjhQpDbE00etRmN0lIZS7-XOdy1HUliK25s_QuaeBpjz8B64EDsRSN8iUdTJZEcMWkOH4TZejPfbeb-ayzuTbGZaO3RpE/s2000/firefly-lane-season-2-1612202508.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJvPKPdy5HCca1SaZ_935aPHs27DzuzRgjGdJ6C3BnfAV0IUjhQpDbE00etRmN0lIZS7-XOdy1HUliK25s_QuaeBpjz8B64EDsRSN8iUdTJZEcMWkOH4TZejPfbeb-ayzuTbGZaO3RpE/w640-h320/firefly-lane-season-2-1612202508.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefly Lane is a story of female friendship</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Behind Her Eyes - </b>Back in 2017, when this novel was published, I remember telling everyone who would listen that it contained the best plot twist I'd ever read. Fast forward four years to the release of the Netflix series, and I was in the awkward situation of remembering enough about the book, but not so much that I could remember what happened. As I got stuck into the series, it came back to me, and although I prefer the book, it's definitely worth a watch if you're into slightly supernatural thrillers.</li><li><b>Unforgotten -</b> With the fourth series released, I thought it was time to catch up on this detective drama. A police team investigates historical murders, unravelling the stories behind bodies dating back decades. It's exactly the sort of drama I love - mysteries, clues, not too much gore, easy to follow. Spot on.</li><li><b>Superstore - </b>I'm most of the way through series 2 and I cannot decide whether I like this series, or really hate it. It feels a bit like one of those low budget American sitcoms that wound up in the off-peak slots on Channel 4 in the noughties - yet I can't stop watching. It follows the day-to-day lives of the employees of an American superstore, alternating between highly predictable and completely far-fetched storylines. Strong characters make for some good laughs.</li><li><b>Life On Mars -</b> I missed this one the first time around, but I remember it being a big show, so thought I'd give it a go. The first series was great, but I'm currently on the second series and it feels like it's being stretched out further than necessary. Fantastically witty script though. Moving on to Ashes to Ashes next.</li><li><b>Book Smart - </b>I know this was a hugely popular film when it came out, so I was excited when it came to Netflix... but I couldn't get through it. Half an hour in, with two highly unlikeable characters, I found myself bored enough to switch over to something else.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7qGZA7wVLf07VbZ8OLmMtprppbmFULKqOlQRD0XvZy221ESaC1gGk8i8D50S85OiblCawoYedhCd6MVqZkkHe15S5mAvJKpOL3mWt0BtxakRsuLA8rE7VIJCrveI9cv3N-XEveA3s1o/s2048/Screen-Shot-2019-03-11-at-9.20.01-AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="2048" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7qGZA7wVLf07VbZ8OLmMtprppbmFULKqOlQRD0XvZy221ESaC1gGk8i8D50S85OiblCawoYedhCd6MVqZkkHe15S5mAvJKpOL3mWt0BtxakRsuLA8rE7VIJCrveI9cv3N-XEveA3s1o/w640-h326/Screen-Shot-2019-03-11-at-9.20.01-AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book Smart - not for me</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Penguin Bloom -</b> First of all, there are no penguins in this film. But other than that, it's a very sweet story of a family coming to terms with the mother's new disability, with the help of a feathered friend. Good for the soul.</li><li><b>Bridget Jones - </b>I went through a classic rom-com phase this month and watched a few old favourites, including the two Bridget Jones films. They have not aged well. She's a terrible person, many of the scenes grate painfully - how was this so popular once upon a time? Nice to see some retro shots of London though.</li><li><b>Definitely Maybe - </b>Ah, this is how a rom-com should be done. A sort of blueprint for How I Met Your Mother, this film portrays a father telling his daughter the story of how her parents met. Cute, soppy in all the right places, and predictable without being dull, it's a gold standard rom-com, exactly what the genre should look like.</li><li><b>Stepmom - </b>Sobfest central. I watched this film, about a mother with a terminal illness, struggling to accept her children's new stepmother, several years ago. Could it really have been as emotional as I remembered? Yes, yes it is. Beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRRb5Ocn3GdIJdw5AvU58lPqsafDnGe6N0flzuch-Ud_-2LzrgydtrBejSbnhtgEmk-TfBSdR4d7U0nnEkilA_S3Hzyzq4s4kF6wDXsq6ylVAPLuHws17hbFYNLVH8wrpD0Em9CV8tPw/s1280/AAAABeADO3UrzjekmrRb21NgrAgOyjyWrT__13VAhCW8wei0ZC4y_KmUyfxMBpqwwrWQznndnLhxvTRAo0znt2pUOEQBL3gB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRRb5Ocn3GdIJdw5AvU58lPqsafDnGe6N0flzuch-Ud_-2LzrgydtrBejSbnhtgEmk-TfBSdR4d7U0nnEkilA_S3Hzyzq4s4kF6wDXsq6ylVAPLuHws17hbFYNLVH8wrpD0Em9CV8tPw/w640-h360/AAAABeADO3UrzjekmrRb21NgrAgOyjyWrT__13VAhCW8wei0ZC4y_KmUyfxMBpqwwrWQznndnLhxvTRAo0znt2pUOEQBL3gB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes Day - less cheesy than you might expect</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Yes Day - </b>One of Netflix's big releases this month, Yes Day is about a family who let the kids run the show for a day. Cue an ice cream challenge for breakfast, an unconventional visit to a car wash, and plenty of rollercoasters. Of course, family relationships change and heal against the backdrop of the day, but it never quite strays into cheesy territory. A joyous, family-friendly film that's easy to watch, and will probably stand the test of time and remain popular for years to come.</li><li><b>Moxie - </b>Everything that I thought Book Smart (above) was going to be, Moxie is about a high school student who anonymously publishes a zine calling out sexism in her school. She unintentionally creates a whole protest movement. A teen drama with far wider appeal than just teenagers, Moxie feels extremely relevant right now. </li><li><b>Little -</b> Reverse 13 Going On 30 or Big, and you've basically got the plot of Little. A successful businesswoman and terrible human being, Jordan finds herself back in the body of a teenager, and predictably, is stuck there until she realises the error of her ways and learns to be a better person. There's nothing really to commend this film as worthy of your time. Some fantastic outfits though.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggguKe8DR1u_M-xhMEwJtc020nQypS5dvKN0jSp0QQAsqLtFOGg_0Kr5X9J8nvcmt_oBn82mIj-tTg9oCbUVZ4OeRjfk12E31vp106KlsGYnUZkCYnHqtXetXQXExr58rnXMjPON7vKbk/s1200/juliet-naked-rose-byrne-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1200" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggguKe8DR1u_M-xhMEwJtc020nQypS5dvKN0jSp0QQAsqLtFOGg_0Kr5X9J8nvcmt_oBn82mIj-tTg9oCbUVZ4OeRjfk12E31vp106KlsGYnUZkCYnHqtXetXQXExr58rnXMjPON7vKbk/w640-h384/juliet-naked-rose-byrne-review.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juliet, Naked is a charming watch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Juliet, Naked - </b>Probably a little too twee for some tastes, Juliet Naked is set in an English seaside town, between Duncan, a man obsessed with singer Tucker Crowe, and his girlfriend Annie, who finds herself unintentionally befriending Crowe after the couple split. The soundtrack is decent, with a very catchy rendition of Waterloo Sunset, and Aussie Rose Byrne's Estuary English accent is charming. Actually, charming is the best way to describe the whole film - it's not pushing any boundaries, but it's a cute watch.</li><li><b>Otherhood </b>- I won't lie, for the first 10 minutes I was trying to work out why one of the faces was so familiar - turned out to be Lynette from Desperate Housewives. Three women, feeling abandoned by their adult sons when they forget Mother's Day, take a road trip to the city to pay them a surprise visit. Secrets come out, arguments are had... it's an interesting concept for a film, but crams too much in to allow the audience to feel any emotional connection to any of the storylines.</li></ul></div><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest adventures (I should be so lucky).</i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuD5oHiY8KHrosxvgn-DoOCeOBIWJOYB5bFQhB7x2aV_1TE9eGhWTYa3F8SBMAVcXti2LUDqb5mVUQC7YJ8ohJ1p6wduKjwRB_zPyXfQ0x1UTNsXP8fcRa_ZVFe9Uwb7EvoAV1IRTQ6U/s2048/P1070201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuD5oHiY8KHrosxvgn-DoOCeOBIWJOYB5bFQhB7x2aV_1TE9eGhWTYa3F8SBMAVcXti2LUDqb5mVUQC7YJ8ohJ1p6wduKjwRB_zPyXfQ0x1UTNsXP8fcRa_ZVFe9Uwb7EvoAV1IRTQ6U/w640-h480/P1070201.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leigh village in spring</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><div class="comments" id="comments" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a name="comments" style="font-size: 14px;"></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-12413743068325618" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 750px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">February 2021: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-whole-picture-february-2021.html">Still not a lot going on</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">January 2021: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-whole-picture-january-2021.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Not a lot going on</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">December 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-december-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Sewing, mud and Christmas cards</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">November 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-november-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Scarecrows and Christmas lights</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">October 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-whole-picture-october-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">London, baby!</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">September 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-whole-picture-september-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Seals, beach huts and ice cream</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">August 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-whole-picture-august-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Cream tea, rooftop jaunts and sunflowers</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div></div></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-51338133927679627482021-03-18T17:30:00.001+00:002021-04-01T07:58:59.375+01:00Flying home in a Covid lockdown<p><i>Our experience of being abroad in March 2020 when Covid-19 hit. <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/03/covid-one-year-on-stuck-in-fuerteventura.html">Continued from here</a>.</i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSsBDgltHFlClUQCjW7oXdn-aSCqNdSJMLYsnXFJ_c28iC3N0g6FOpnjNetyPqHcjT7rCZYlpl-r88Ll6BJMv_WkUMdD9uElmRvGIK3fwvn_nf4QvxVfXhlegySfIrPrQRFRygv18mUU/s4608/P1620147.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSsBDgltHFlClUQCjW7oXdn-aSCqNdSJMLYsnXFJ_c28iC3N0g6FOpnjNetyPqHcjT7rCZYlpl-r88Ll6BJMv_WkUMdD9uElmRvGIK3fwvn_nf4QvxVfXhlegySfIrPrQRFRygv18mUU/w640-h480/P1620147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Corralejo town on our first day. We <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/03/covid-one-year-on-stuck-in-fuerteventura.html">never got a chance to return</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p>Throughout our <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/03/covid-one-year-on-stuck-in-fuerteventura.html">week in limbo</a> as the hotel closed down around us, we got to know some of the other guests. Several had been moved into our hotel from elsewhere in the resort, as accommodation across the island began to shut down. Travellers with flights booked for Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol were put on flights to Gatwick. Couples and families who didn't have airport transfers sorted had to book one taxi per person - such were the rules in lockdown Spain, as taxis were not allowed to carry more than one passenger each.</p><p>After a long week holed up in a hotel room waiting and worrying, checking the notice boards multiple times a day for updates, we left on Saturday 21 March, on our original flight, but even that didn't go without several hitches. </p><p>With so many guests now on flights that day, and Spain's rules changed so that the first few rows of coaches were out of bounds to keep the driver safe, TUI had failed to provide enough coaches to transfer everyone to the airport. A Hunger Games-style scramble for seats took place before we'd even left the hotel. When we did finally pull out of those gates, a cheer went up, a coachful of passengers jubilant at escaping their palm-lined prison.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc24yyd6aM5B6vn81a5DbVhzTfUm0jQibUeICVctV6KM3NOHp2FJk0SB6cYnOJBF8fXNB7NI0t2OOjIqKXhJaEB73xg55c2vSbbIBaVHUBqoz8IF5TcKHPpXT8PQxx-kcY8gV5C1scEiA/s4608/P1620289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc24yyd6aM5B6vn81a5DbVhzTfUm0jQibUeICVctV6KM3NOHp2FJk0SB6cYnOJBF8fXNB7NI0t2OOjIqKXhJaEB73xg55c2vSbbIBaVHUBqoz8IF5TcKHPpXT8PQxx-kcY8gV5C1scEiA/w640-h480/P1620289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Arriving at the airport, we were confronted with the most chaotic check-in situation I've ever seen. With so many people being bumped from now-cancelled flights to other destinations in the UK, the whole process was understandably taking far longer than normal. Looking back now, it's absolutely mad that we were standing in a heaving crowd for more than an hour, with no social distancing, in a country that was in one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe at the time.</p><p>Airside in the airport, things were far from normal. Several of the cafes, restaurants and shops in the terminal were closed at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, and signs everywhere warned travellers to keep a 2m distance from airport staff. Anyone who overstepped the 2m mark was embarrassed into retreating by a customer service supervisor armed with a megaphone and a tirade in Spanish. We later found out that the airport itself was closing down that night - we were literally on the last plane off of the island, with other UK-bound flights and a couple of German destinations the only others on the departure board.</p><p>As a result of the check-in chaos, all UK flights were a couple of hours late boarding. At this point, the atmosphere teetered between relief of getting out of there, and fear that our flight may still be cancelled, and we'd be stuck on an island where literally everything was closing that night. A couple from Wales, originally due to fly into Bristol, told us their son-in-law was having to drive all the way from Swansea to Gatwick to meet them due to their flight being changed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnj5t5XLqcMkLFhRG0s6eVcUU4tgY4vtqLzOK12FQ319Mv6Nbpxkgapg-fLZJxN5vFXEBGEsAL40pXqG-Z5GM98jyz1DwhcDDn9uhbz7cHTtqRVTrJ8XEU9wHLJzNwdwXNktGxbkF-js/s4608/P1620225.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnj5t5XLqcMkLFhRG0s6eVcUU4tgY4vtqLzOK12FQ319Mv6Nbpxkgapg-fLZJxN5vFXEBGEsAL40pXqG-Z5GM98jyz1DwhcDDn9uhbz7cHTtqRVTrJ8XEU9wHLJzNwdwXNktGxbkF-js/w640-h480/P1620225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Hours later than planned, we were seated on the plane, doors secured for departure, ready to taxi to the runway... when it was announced that a passenger had been taken ill at the back of the plane, and that he, his family and their luggage was being removed. The process took over an hour, during which time the cabin staff began chatting to passengers, telling us that it was their last flight for the foreseeable future, and they'd been advised by their employer to apply for a job in Tesco in the meantime. To this day, we don't know whether the unwell passenger was a Covid case or an unrelated illness, but he was transferred into an ambulance waiting on the runway. I do wonder what happened to his family, removed from the last flight and left on an island where all accommodation was closed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNf54S42ptk3nt2bDaJF9ipuJdZtO-qHZMLPBHdQqFVmMyfjgmPiV5_JC0roI6h1onxdjFWZA8pZ_fUmx6aHENGnIdKy9yQ1mmjJEcbzGJPttcQmzTVXJcMsZK_5NhkytuNBZIVMVE7g/s4608/P1620243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNf54S42ptk3nt2bDaJF9ipuJdZtO-qHZMLPBHdQqFVmMyfjgmPiV5_JC0roI6h1onxdjFWZA8pZ_fUmx6aHENGnIdKy9yQ1mmjJEcbzGJPttcQmzTVXJcMsZK_5NhkytuNBZIVMVE7g/w640-h480/P1620243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Finally, we took off, and the mood on board was a jovial one, awash with relief at the thought of getting back to home soil. We were heading for Gatwick, with passengers originally booked for other airports including Manchester being provided with coaches to complete their journey. Around quarter to midnight, shortly before we were due to land in Gatwick, the pilot came on the tannoy and announced that Gatwick were refusing us permission to land as they didn't have the ground staff (in hindsight, they had probably already furloughed or made redundant many staff by this point) so we were heading to Stansted. I remember holding my breath as the announcement finished, expecting people to riot at the news of another disruption to an already extremely delayed journey. Instead, the whole plane burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation, a mood once again buoyed by the relief that we were almost home.</p><p>Almost... but not quite. We were braced to go through some sort of medical screening at Stansted. Would we have our temperatures taken? Be questioned on where we'd been or who we'd been with? How long would we be told to isolate? In reality, in the early hours of that Sunday morning, we were waved through security with barely a glance at our passports, and not even handed a leaflet about Covid. We couldn't believe it. This was less than 48 hours before Boris Johnson made his first TV address, putting us into our first lockdown (I've talked more about this <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau/status/1350198167439028227">before</a>). A year on, and things have barely changed regarding Covid border controls.</p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-72362737256515246962021-03-10T17:26:00.001+00:002021-03-10T17:46:18.485+00:00Covid, one year on: Stuck in Fuerteventura<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cPe-5feVRKUFBDWyqAbdmmHbqwIrbcxszXAPpMFh9NFeQpuz54ib9eGfrzGha8pBOyWRbQrCdWAVZmramsLHCjNiX6N0bvm6KnK4DsOtwqSmjesqu6h1PQqfsyKZzrCROEjR5DOXtV4/s2048/20200318_140835.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cPe-5feVRKUFBDWyqAbdmmHbqwIrbcxszXAPpMFh9NFeQpuz54ib9eGfrzGha8pBOyWRbQrCdWAVZmramsLHCjNiX6N0bvm6KnK4DsOtwqSmjesqu6h1PQqfsyKZzrCROEjR5DOXtV4/w640-h360/20200318_140835.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from one of the hotel pools. Initially, there were sunbeds below those umbrellas, but they soon disappeared.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>A year ago today, we set off on holiday. Nothing unusual about that - it's become a privileged habit in recent years for us to go on holiday in February/March, an ideal time of year for escaping the doom and gloom of the British winter while also dodging the higher travel prices of school holidays. Two years ago, we went to Jamaica, and three years ago our destination was Cuba, but this time, we settled for the short-haul destination of Fuerteventura - which turned out to be a wise choice, all things considered.</p><p>This holiday was to be a memorable one, for all the wrong reasons.</p><p>On 10 March 2020, Covid-19 was lurking in the background. There had been a few cases in the UK, but nothing too alarming - certainly nothing to give any indication of the sheer magnitude of chaos it was poised to unleash. A month previously, a hotel in Tenerife had hit UK headlines when it was put into lockdown due to a Covid outbreak, but other than that, reports of Covid in Europe were few and far between, with the press still focusing on the situation in China.</p><p>Arriving at Gatwick early that Tuesday morning, bleary-eyed from the early hour, and wrapped up in the nervous anticipation that comes with travelling, we checked into our flight with nothing amiss. It was only once we'd cleared security and bagged a table for an airside breakfast at Jamie's Italian that a glance at the departures board revealed that all flights for Italy - and only Italy - were disrupted. Unusually, the flights weren't declared as 'cancelled'. Instead, passengers for those flights were directed to the Information desk. At this point, we assumed that the issue was Covid related, perhaps that Italy had closed its borders to all but Italian residents. Our assumptions were proven correct in the coming days when Italy was faced with the biggest Covid outbreak seen in Europe to date.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBAdeqewme0tyItx54ai4ozot_5FSOXQWxzxm5M0EoqjshkHUw8C4328DyddDNqCqbaXoX9-PZib5THin-jr9wfDk8pb2E72aKBtVWyzc2uGhXYTaScgxmLRDjR6YPVoPwvQrrEOxoe0/s4608/P1620152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBAdeqewme0tyItx54ai4ozot_5FSOXQWxzxm5M0EoqjshkHUw8C4328DyddDNqCqbaXoX9-PZib5THin-jr9wfDk8pb2E72aKBtVWyzc2uGhXYTaScgxmLRDjR6YPVoPwvQrrEOxoe0/w640-h480/P1620152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We intended to return to Corralejo. We never got a chance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Aside from a broken tooth incident (not mine) on the plane, our journey to Fuerteventura went uninterrupted, and our holiday got underway. Our hotel, the Riu Oliva Beach Resort, was split into two parts - the main hotel building, and a series of motel-style rooms on walkways in the gardens opposite. We were in the latter, and despite our initial frustration at trying to find our room in the sweltering heat, suitcases in tow, the isolated location of our room turned out to be both a blessing and a worry.</p><p>The following day, our first full day on holiday, was spent tracking down a dentist in the town of Corralejo to deal with the broken tooth. Emergency dentistry compete, we took the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the town, which we had visited eight years previously, and spent the morning recognising shops and cafes, admiring the new additions and planning what we'd visit when we returned to the town centre in a couple of days time for the market - and which ferry we'd catch over to Lanzarote for a day trip the following week. How naĂŻve we were.</p><p>The next couple of days passed in a blur of beach days, pool dips, and evening cocktails. Gradually though, things began to change. Posters in the hotel lobby advertising a local festival the following week had 'cancelled' stickers plastered over them. Word went around among the hotel guests that the town market we'd been planning to visit on Friday was cancelled. Guests were checking out, but nobody seemed to be checking in to replace them. Covid was coming, but we still had no idea of the magnitude. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr-UnjBWK6-KujktKg6m6ukypVjEqWa_srAyisAmlnBOPguNPGuHC2bkCHrmUj5D75SDdKDllkx65PEO9sqfbzR2crO7mMT3APWbPG0GJZrIiUBsrFLaRi7FDhp7Zbu6hibFOeQl59zY/s4608/P1620266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr-UnjBWK6-KujktKg6m6ukypVjEqWa_srAyisAmlnBOPguNPGuHC2bkCHrmUj5D75SDdKDllkx65PEO9sqfbzR2crO7mMT3APWbPG0GJZrIiUBsrFLaRi7FDhp7Zbu6hibFOeQl59zY/w640-h480/P1620266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Soon there will be more goats than people', we joked, until suddenly, it wasn't so funny.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>As a rule, I don't use the internet on holiday - my job revolves around the internet and social media, and emails, so I like to switch off when I'm away. The same with TV - I rarely watch it on holiday. However, this time we were tuning into the BBC World News channel in our hotel room every evening, mainly out of curiosity as to how the Covid situation was shaping up elsewhere, rather than any real concern that it might affect us on our little island in the Atlantic.</p><p>On Saturday 14 March, everything changed. Laying on a sunbed by the pool, half dozing, half earwigging on other guests' conversations, we heard the alarming news that holiday companies had cancelled all flights into and holidays in the Canary Islands with immediate effect, and some were evacuating tourists immediately. I ran back to our room to grab my phone and see the news - and from that point onwards, I was glued to the screen, refreshing news live feeds, for the entire holiday. It was true, flights in were cancelled, with planes being sent over empty from the UK to get people out, and Spain was heading towards a lockdown.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFvcQw8TdQkOux3e_XcSqmxdw8DchPJa8vPFTMpiM52uZjyPKGvlGPUZVpCh99hdT8fSt3jo-t1bE7NyprS4T9CY3y4jR8hZA5_t-UyBG6IR_uMJblKru0LaJ2HJqZtwMaS4M_1yMMc8/s2048/20200316_143533.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFvcQw8TdQkOux3e_XcSqmxdw8DchPJa8vPFTMpiM52uZjyPKGvlGPUZVpCh99hdT8fSt3jo-t1bE7NyprS4T9CY3y4jR8hZA5_t-UyBG6IR_uMJblKru0LaJ2HJqZtwMaS4M_1yMMc8/w526-h640/20200316_143533.jpg" width="526" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We returned from lunch one day to find the pool taped off.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The next day, Sunday, signs went up around the hotel that the majority of the restaurants and bars were closing, with all guests directed to the one remaining dining room for all meals. After a morning by the pool, we went to lunch, and returned to find the pool taped off, all sunbeds stacked up, leaving a deck area which had been lively two hours previously completely barren. For me, that was when the seriousness of the situation hit. The hotel - and the island - was literally closing down around us. The gate out of the hotel to the beach was locked, as Spain declared its beaches closed. Lifeguard shacks were boarded up, beach flags removed unceremoniously from their flagpoles. The sea and the pools glistened temptingly, so close to us, but completely out of bounds.</p><p>With little else to do, and no further information, we returned to our hotel room for the afternoon. By now, it was clear that our holiday was over, but we still had six days until our flight home, the following Saturday. </p><p>The next morning, TUI called a meeting for its guests at the hotel. Pack your cases and be ready to leave at any moment, we were told. TUI was getting customers off the island as quickly as possible, and we could be called up for an available flight at any time. At the very latest, we would be leaving by Saturday 21 March, our original departure date, as all Spanish hotels had to close down by law on that day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p7FnEMISVFWMjMVkCndx-aSQz8PDdbuV6bCzI4xgURKLEhnuen4ig5JqkbDE9vShGanAm4ekId7mHuF9vi-aAAgHPk_VoH7lxfN0EhJktAVtxB4TU3Ry1hRjRS9aFsDw_8TTtpbAyDA/s4608/P1620321.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p7FnEMISVFWMjMVkCndx-aSQz8PDdbuV6bCzI4xgURKLEhnuen4ig5JqkbDE9vShGanAm4ekId7mHuF9vi-aAAgHPk_VoH7lxfN0EhJktAVtxB4TU3Ry1hRjRS9aFsDw_8TTtpbAyDA/w640-h480/P1620321.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cats joined the goats in taking over the hotel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We had only heard about this meeting from talking to other guests, and when we asked the TUI rep, he was offensively dismissive about our concerns that the message hadn't reached us, and did nothing to quell our fears that news about an earlier flight might also fail to reach us. A year on, this is what makes me most angry about the whole situation - I won't go into too much detail, lest this descends into a rant, but a tiny improvement in communication on TUI's part would have gone a long way to relieving a lot of worry for a lot of people.</p><p>We had no idea what was going on elsewhere in Spain or even on the island, other than TV news clips which showed Spanish armed police patrolling streets in Madrid and Barcelona. Our hotel was out in the remote sand dunes, a distance from the town centre - ironically, a location we had admired on our previous trip. The main news from back home was a wave of panic buying, and a shortage of food in British supermarkets. As is normal when going on holiday, we'd left our fridge fairly empty, planning to stock it up on our return. The possibility of returning to empty supermarket shelves and no way of obtaining food became a worry at the back of our minds, but it was a secondary worry in comparison to the main one confronting us - when (and if) we were going to get back home. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpg1lNXcW6yXwiP1FQ9eTaXOF05hA4jPg5NBpPPnoRcBM6YHv65JtcfTU6bPsw8w2_cawgJWXWdvS9ZTZVlWQNjmiLwbtQks5F248zaJS8ZZavP-tefqlArY9VvdW7w1ZbCCxXWqAwMc/s4608/P1620283.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpg1lNXcW6yXwiP1FQ9eTaXOF05hA4jPg5NBpPPnoRcBM6YHv65JtcfTU6bPsw8w2_cawgJWXWdvS9ZTZVlWQNjmiLwbtQks5F248zaJS8ZZavP-tefqlArY9VvdW7w1ZbCCxXWqAwMc/w640-h480/P1620283.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach, before it was closed down completely.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It seems crazy to say this now, given the events of the past year and the criticism the UK government had received for its slow actions, but we spent that week worrying that the UK borders would close before we could make it home. With little else to do, and nothing else occupying our minds, we spent each day flicking between English-speaking news channels and watched as one by one, countries closed their borders. Italy, Australia, New Zealand - some weren't even allowing residents to fly back to their homelands. Elsewhere, cruise ships became stranded with thousands of passengers aboard. Between the fear of the borders closing before we could get back, and the fear of missing a message about a new flight, I barely slept for days.</p><p>Fewer and fewer guests appeared at hotel mealtimes every day until only the British were left - German, Swedish and French voices slowly disappeared. It was at this point that we became grateful that our room was over the other side of the complex - the five-minute walk between there and the main hotel building for meals was our only experience of the outside world. Guests staying in the main hotel building didn't even have that, just a short ride in the lift down from their room to the restaurant, and back again.</p><p></p>
<p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B96UStMnpLy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B96UStMnpLy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B96UStMnpLy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Laura Reynolds (@scribbling_lau)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><p>Day by day, the hotel's resident heard of semi-wild goats quickly went from source of light entertainment to something more sinister - a symbol of humans being run out of the hotel. Our early jokes that there would soon by more goats than people became less amusing by the day, as we sat in our room hearing suitcases being wheeled along the corridor outside, the sound of our fellow guests checking out and flying for the safety of their home countries. Being out on our own, on the other side of the hotel, the only remaining occupied room in the vicinity, it became very isolated, which heightened our fear of being forgotten about/abandoned by Tui. They could have shut the hotel down completely, every member of staff abandoning their posts, and we wouldn't know anything about it until we next walked over to the main building for a meal.</p><p>One day, the only human we saw over our side of the complex was our room cleaner. In my broken Spanish, I ascertained that as of that Saturday, she was losing her job after more than 20 years of working at the hotel, not knowing when or even if she'd be back. Despite the sadness of the situation and the sympathy I felt for her, I still wasn't visualising the situation as something that would last for more than a few weeks, maximum two months. A year on, I wonder what happened to her. Has she got her job back? Has the hotel even reopened since we were among the last guests to check out 12 months ago?</p><p><i>To be continued.</i></p><p><br /></p></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-55447270214370629592021-03-01T15:59:00.002+00:002021-03-01T15:59:46.253+00:00The whole picture: February 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwPloyFmJ0o-FNfZQaohIBDFAxbd4tSLxvkJo8bIpOTTws7PaU0A3plJjCECLlpINe3gIM9Yu_ReObQ96Zcdn8771rmiidWHo1SXft6W708kUw4lTuzd0BI__lajHFTbxUUMs-9q-l90/s2048/IMG_20210222_084202_989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1688" data-original-width="2048" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwPloyFmJ0o-FNfZQaohIBDFAxbd4tSLxvkJo8bIpOTTws7PaU0A3plJjCECLlpINe3gIM9Yu_ReObQ96Zcdn8771rmiidWHo1SXft6W708kUw4lTuzd0BI__lajHFTbxUUMs-9q-l90/w640-h528/IMG_20210222_084202_989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another month in lockdown done and dusted. Still, there's 'light at the end of the tunnel', thanks to the planned lockdown lifting dates. Is anyone else fed up of the phrase 'light at the end of the tunnel' yet? It's like the 2021 equivalent of 2020's 'unprecedented situation'. I digress - as with last month, I haven't left my hometown, seen any friends or been anywhere exciting, so I'll keep this as a brief summary of the things I've been up to within my own four walls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been reading in February</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRX3NOeebexeTYLG8vI2cjPfBF1vfuwckijkCwtCQqRdo0OmshfzZENqspDROXbqfEoJZSp0zW956s4NsrHyhEItZpo_u4f2gKbQBYJuUh_Ftxms_u5oRt9nLrlvmg1nZVdHXVGbPYg0U/s2048/20210301_091731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="2048" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRX3NOeebexeTYLG8vI2cjPfBF1vfuwckijkCwtCQqRdo0OmshfzZENqspDROXbqfEoJZSp0zW956s4NsrHyhEItZpo_u4f2gKbQBYJuUh_Ftxms_u5oRt9nLrlvmg1nZVdHXVGbPYg0U/w640-h618/20210301_091731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After getting back into reading in January, February has been a bit slower - I've only managed to complete five books, and my aim of <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/30-things-to-do-before.30.html">clearing my to-be-read shelves by May</a> is slipping away from me. </div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17794258-two-for-joy">Two For Joy by Helen Chandler</a> - The problem with having a to-read pile which is literally years long, is that sometimes a book you've already read finds its way back onto it - and you're a decent way through it before you realise it's all sounding a bit familiar. The fact that I got so far through it without sounding familiar tells you all you need to know about how unmemorable this book is. An average romantic story about not particularly likeable characters, awkwardly written at times.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3347372-tell-it-to-the-skies">Tell It To The Skies by Erica James</a> - What I expected to be an average easy read turned out to be a hugely compelling story, told across several decades. Beautifully written, the story of Lydia's troubled upbringing goes from drama to mystery, before all is explained in the final pages, set in modern-day Venice. Thoroughly recommend.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50155999-the-book-of-echoes">The Book of Echoes by Rosanna Amaka</a> - Never judge a book by the cover, or even the first few pages. I was ready to give up on this one when the opening chapter focused on the spirit of a woman who escaped the slave trade haunting London's docks - as I <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-whole-picture-january-2021.html">mentioned last month</a>, I struggle to read anything that involves the supernatural. Perseverance proved worthwhile though, as spirits quickly segued into the stories of two contemporary young black people, each overcoming their own struggles, growing up in Nigeria and Brixton respectively. It's very much a book about race, with themes that ring stronger than ever (a mention of the unsuitability of some of the statues dotted around London feels particularly prophetic, given events of the last year).</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7764654-lovers-newcomers">Lovers & Newcomers by Rosie Thomas</a> - This story of a group of retirees and near-retirees, who all move into a country estate together having been friends since university, could have been significantly shorter than the 500+ pages it covers. It's refreshing to see a contemporary novel focusing on the lives, loves and problems of the older generation for once, rather than 20 and 30 somethings. Their individual stories are skilfully recounted and interwoven, all emerging around the centrepiece of the unearthed burial site of an Iron Age Princess - a factor made all the more interesting by my <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-whole-picture-january-2021.html">recent watching of The Dig</a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/272169.Hemingway_s_Chair">Hemingway's Chair by Michael Palin</a> - Another victim of my years-long to be read pile, I picked up Palin's first novel with the intention to read it ahead of my trip to Cuba... <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2018/03/havana-expectations-vs-reality.html">in 2018</a>. Three years and one global pandemic later, I cracked it open, with high hopes given the author, and I'm sorry to say, I was disappointed. Impressively, it manages to be simultaneously dull and far-fetched, telling the story of a Post Office worker's life in a small village, his obsession with Hemingway, and... well, that's where it all gets a bit weird. </li></ul><div>As I write this, I've just read the first few compelling pages of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35955263-the-zanzibar-wife">The Zanzibar Wife by Deborah Rodriquez</a> - stand by for a review of that one next month.</div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been watching in February</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t4dyqBZ6y3KLolK_wtIWZKIdVzdT7i8eQGWKdeMGyIxoo56vJnvHHpCVab-CR6Tt2Pptrye9HiD0k5RAQDLYc591jMYKpPKoPQKlrbBw9uAvx1QL4PZn589cDKF-9HUD5wzlVYDQiQs/s728/new-york-city-filming-locations-in-to-all-the-boys-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="728" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t4dyqBZ6y3KLolK_wtIWZKIdVzdT7i8eQGWKdeMGyIxoo56vJnvHHpCVab-CR6Tt2Pptrye9HiD0k5RAQDLYc591jMYKpPKoPQKlrbBw9uAvx1QL4PZn589cDKF-9HUD5wzlVYDQiQs/w640-h426/new-york-city-filming-locations-in-to-all-the-boys-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>To All The Boys: Always and Forever - </b>Yes, it's cheesy, but teenage high school rom-coms like this are right up my street. After loving the first two films, I was keen to see this third instalment, but found it a bit disappointing. The storyline echoes that of The Kissing Booth 2, and Lara-Jean's dilemma over which college to attend doesn't really warrant a whole film. That said, the ending is left wide open for a college years sequel, so fingers crossed for a follow-up film with a new setting to freshen it up. On the plus side, I've added The Little Cupcake Bake Shop to my new York itinerary, when I finally visit.</li><li><b>The Late Show - </b>Following my philosophy that anything starring the fantastic Emma Thompson is worth a watch, I chose this film to fill a quiet afternoon, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thompson plays an American TV host, whose career is about to come to an end, with Mindy Kaling as a (too) keen new writer on her show.</li><li><b>The Judge - </b>A lawyer returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral, where he reconnects with his estranged family. While he's there, his father - the town judge - is accused of murder. A watchable film that encompasses both comedy and sentiment, though it definitely could have been significantly shorter than its 2h22m runtime.</li><li><b>Leap Year </b>- I put this one on in the background while doing some baking, and it did the job. Entirely predictable, from the moment a high-flying, high-fashion American woman sets foot into a tiny village pub in the Irish countryside, and encounters the unwelcoming barman. You can probably already see where it's going, can't you? </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMDkuLjaXWpXyMuIngbw1r-uCTCgkkVNKHoqlojQEhJS3dRGTNTxrxwCP1311-_AS1j46UDkppuwCPv-r_39lKq_585KcPRlBUkm_XH_KWfrPOZLvxvmErTPzowZ7zbWe4VNH3di3h9E/s401/Screen+Shot+2021-03-01+at+10.28.37.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMDkuLjaXWpXyMuIngbw1r-uCTCgkkVNKHoqlojQEhJS3dRGTNTxrxwCP1311-_AS1j46UDkppuwCPv-r_39lKq_585KcPRlBUkm_XH_KWfrPOZLvxvmErTPzowZ7zbWe4VNH3di3h9E/w638-h640/Screen+Shot+2021-03-01+at+10.28.37.png" width="638" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel </b>- A four-part Netflix documentary series telling the true story of the disappearance of student Eliza Lam at the infamous Cecil Hotel in LA. Without giving too much away, it's creepy, fascinating and compelling... until the final episode when the majority of the evidence is explained away.</li><li><b>Sex and the City</b> - I've been powering my way through all of the original SATC series, ahead of the release of the new mini-series. As I waded through it, I couldn't help but wonder... how did this series ever get so popular? Unlikeable characters, unrealistic lives... I know it was groundbreaking in its content when it was first released, but in 2021 it comes across as outdated (and I don't just mean Carrie's dresses).</li><li><b>Wonder - </b>A lovely, feel-good family film about a young boy born with facial deformities who starts school for the first time, and faces difficulties interacting with his peers. Nothing groundbreaking, but worth a watch.</li><li><b>Finding Alice - </b>This TV series seems to have split opinion, and I'm firmly in the 'what was that?' category. I'm a huge fan of Keeley Hawes, but this six-parter about a widow dealing with the aftermath of her partner (not husband - I thought that was going to be an important plot point, but apparently not) is a meandering story with too much going on to really focus on one aspect. I was holding out for a spectacular twist in the final episode which would make the six-hour time investment worthwhile, but it whimpered out without much fanfare. That said, it's been commissioned for a second series, so someone out there must have enjoyed it.</li></ul><div>My March playlist is looking pretty meaty already - I've got Behind Her Eyes lined up on Netflix, as I loved the book when I read it a few years back. I've also heard good things about Ginny & Georgia, Firefly Lane and Moxie.</div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest adventures (I should be so lucky).</i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><div class="comments" id="comments" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a name="comments" style="font-size: 14px;"></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-12413743068325618" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 750px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">January 2021: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-whole-picture-january-2021.html">Not a lot going on</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">December 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-december-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Sewing, mud and Christmas cards</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">November 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-november-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Scarecrows and Christmas lights</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">October 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-whole-picture-october-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">London, baby!</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">September 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-whole-picture-september-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Seals, beach huts and ice cream</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">August 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-whole-picture-august-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Cream tea, rooftop jaunts and sunflowers</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div></div></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-7525490394642888962021-01-31T08:22:00.001+00:002021-02-02T10:51:57.263+00:00The whole picture: January 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c4hBVrFZTBkNQcmKSGHqWD-SMtr9sngd7ax06gVCd7sPg55n1dkn-TtwXPSAHCRqtlqqZOh4fyNbBjA879SF5vhGqZYvb_90iCHCh_El0iY9_NMLdPiUY0a4YEbBZpkqngKPNbJBOHk/s2048/20210202_091438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c4hBVrFZTBkNQcmKSGHqWD-SMtr9sngd7ax06gVCd7sPg55n1dkn-TtwXPSAHCRqtlqqZOh4fyNbBjA879SF5vhGqZYvb_90iCHCh_El0iY9_NMLdPiUY0a4YEbBZpkqngKPNbJBOHk/w640-h480/20210202_091438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> The title of this blog post is a bit misleading this month. I don't want to write another monotonous instalment about my walks around Tonbridge Castle grounds, and you certainly don't want to read it. I thought about putting The Whole Picture on hiatus for a few months, until something actually happens that's worth writing about, but as I've found before, that's <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/blog-hiatus.html">a slippery slope</a> towards giving up blogging altogether. Also, I've enjoyed looking back at previous months and years, and I like the idea of having a record of my life out there online.</p><p>So for the time being, The Whole Picture will consist predominantly of my thoughts on what I've read and watched. Rest assured, if anything else remotely exciting happens to me, you'll be the first to know. One thing I will say about January is that, despite what everyone else is saying, I think it's gone remarkably quickly (or, to put it in less positive terms, we're 1/12 of the way through the year and I've done nothing of note).</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been reading in January</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCThQcwgJXa0aQeT8Xx7WcDJcFGFelrURuQV-xyvG02tAYLSYlZoDIOFRYVVudLZR16NYFREbogkf0VGg9NCH5ctH1BfjghyphenhyphenrDXQ9fR3dS1Ita_8VeSvD86690VKGd17ktf61uGZ_rbQ/s2048/20210202_104213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCThQcwgJXa0aQeT8Xx7WcDJcFGFelrURuQV-xyvG02tAYLSYlZoDIOFRYVVudLZR16NYFREbogkf0VGg9NCH5ctH1BfjghyphenhyphenrDXQ9fR3dS1Ita_8VeSvD86690VKGd17ktf61uGZ_rbQ/w640-h480/20210202_104213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>Nine months into this pandemic, I've finally got my reading mojo back. Those of you who are familiar with my reading habits have probably assumed that I've been tearing through books while I've been furloughed, but the truth is, I've really struggled. A couple of books a month has been my average in recent times, but in January I got through a whole eight books, albeit erring on the side of 'culturally accessible' (AKA 'easy' reads). At that rate, I should get through my waiting-to-be-read shelves just in time for Christmas next year (somewhat overshooting my <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/30-things-to-do-before.30.html">initial target of May this year</a>).</p><p>Without further ado, here's what I've read this month:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31420830-secrets-of-a-happy-marriage" style="background-color: white; color: #1f9eb6; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">Secrets of a Happy Marriage by Cathy Kelly</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"> - is what I was reading <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-december-2020.html">at the end of last month</a>, and I finished it in the first couple of days in January. Once I'd got a grip of who all of the characters were, and how they were related, it turned out to be an enjoyable, if predictable, read.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693763-everything-i-never-told-you">Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng</a> - Possible a controversial opinion, but I prefer this debut novel to Ng's better-known and highly-lauded second novel, Little Fires Everywhere. The mystery of how teenager Lydia ended up drowning in a lake is skilfully unravelled through a series of flashbacks, with the emotions of every member of the family brought to the fore.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29248613-the-good-people">The Good People by Hannah Kent</a> - Although it's beautifully, lyrically written, I gave this book about 50 pages before I had to give up, something I really hate doing. Set in County Kerry in 1825, it centres around a lot of traditional mythology and folklore, which is really not my thing at all. That said, it's received rave reviews, so there's definitely an audience for it out there.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227941.Jemima_J">Jemima J by Jane Green</a> - I have read this one before, on a sun lounger in Cuba, which is apt as it's definitely what would be described as a 'holiday read'. I picked it up again and couldn't remember the full plot, so gave it a go. If you're after an easy, predictable read it's ideal, though I'm not sure it would make it to publication today, as it has some problematic themes around eating disorders.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40058284-one-summer-in-paris">One Summer In Paris by Sarah Morgan</a> - A well-written, light-hearted read about two women who meet in Paris, each running away from problems in their own lives. While it's a predictable and easy read, it has an emotional depth that many 'chick-lit' novels lack.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/161084.The_Bay_At_Midnight">The Bay At Midnight by Diane Chamberlain</a> - Following my recent discovery of Chamberlain's novels (think Jodi Picoult, without the courtrooms...) I picked up another one this month. The Bay At Midnight is less compelling than others I've read, predominantly because I just didn't care for the characters as much. It's still a worthwhile read, about a woman who discovers the truth about the drowning of her sister several decades previously. Writing that, I realise the synopsis sounds very similar to Everything I Never Told You (above), but the similarity stops there, as each author tells their story in a very unique way.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25695574-lucy-and-linh">Lucy and Linh by Alice Pung</a> - I'm not sure how this one found its way onto my shelf, as it's not something I'd usually pick up. It's a Young Adult book about a teenage girl starting at a new, private school after winning a scholarship. So far, so Mean Girls (albeit set in Australia). But I was wrong to write it off as a shallow teenage book, as it offers a really interesting and personal look at what it's like to be a Chinese (via Vietnam) student in a very white, middle-class school, navigating cultural differences and living with your feet in two very different worlds. Would recommend to anyone, not just teenagers.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29752901-never-greener">Never Greener by Ruth Jones</a> - It's a real skill to take two completely despicable, ethically bankrupt characters and make your readers actually care about them. That's what Jones does with actress Kate and teacher Callum, who reunite more than 15 years after their first affair and carry on where they left off.</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been watching in January</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6pYIKEUtjjybavp_AbtGnJVv0JXQjFzc4glmwbMCaMLHLDU_y6CHYyTJtXIxlbFiuT6E0B_YXKBTSN38xPGzebmhk-Y-3bebBDQgfOvSoX9T7S5wERQ8PzR-0E0ZxXNoWVbfZNG1Wkc/s1200/death-in-paradise-new-t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1200" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6pYIKEUtjjybavp_AbtGnJVv0JXQjFzc4glmwbMCaMLHLDU_y6CHYyTJtXIxlbFiuT6E0B_YXKBTSN38xPGzebmhk-Y-3bebBDQgfOvSoX9T7S5wERQ8PzR-0E0ZxXNoWVbfZNG1Wkc/w640-h384/death-in-paradise-new-t.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: BBC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Dawson's Creek </b>- I finally finished watching the teen drama I missed the first time around. Yes, it's very nineties, and painfully self-aware, but I enjoyed it as an easy watch. That said, it's not something I think I'd ever watch again, unlike programmes such as Gilmore Girls which have infinite potential for rewatching.</li><li><b>Death In Paradise </b>- I'm so pleased the Caribbean-set detective series is back. Each episode is like a mini sun-drenched holiday, and having Florence back is a definite improvement. I've not warmed to the new detective Neville Parker yet, though I'm not sure if that's a deliberate choice or a casting faux-pas. And I really hope to see a bit more diversity when they cast the next one - the white, middle-class British guy trope is getting a bit old now. But seriously, I think all past series are available on iPlayer/Netflix, so if you need something to lift your spirits on these grey winter days, give it a watch.</li><li><b>Groundhog Day</b> - Confession time: I'd never actually seen this one before, but having heard so many people reference it in relation to the events of the past year, I gave it a go. It was... fine. Don't feel like my life has been enhanced by watching it, but at least now I'll know what people are talking about when it comes up in conversation.</li><li><b>The Dig </b>- I watched this one on Saturday night, then went on Twitter to find that most of the rest of the nation had done the same. It's a beautifully shot, touchingly written dramatisation of the discovery of the Sutton Hoo treasure in Suffolk in the 1930s. Even if history and archaeology aren't your thing, don't be put off as there are some beautiful human stories in there too.</li><li><b>The Imitation Game </b>- This one's been on my to-watch list since it was released, and I'm pleased I finally got round to it. Thanks to the publicity around it, there was nothing groundbreaking or unexpected, but anything that gives an insight into the codebreakers of Bletchley Park is fascinating.</li><li><b>Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad</b> - I really enjoy these reality-type shows featuring funny celebrities going about their lives (Harry Redknapp's Sandbanks Summer was a gem). In this one, Bradley and his son Barney drive a camper van through Europe, stopping off to do all manner of activities on the way. See also The Chasers Road Trip.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest adventures (I should be so lucky).</i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><div class="comments" id="comments" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a name="comments" style="font-size: 14px;"></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-12413743068325618" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 750px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">December 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-december-2020.html">Sewing, mud and Christmas cards</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">November 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-november-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Scarecrows and Christmas lights</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">October 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-whole-picture-october-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">London, baby!</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">September 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-whole-picture-september-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Seals, beach huts and ice cream</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">August 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-whole-picture-august-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Cream tea, rooftop jaunts and sunflowers</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div></div></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-35588693438510797402020-12-31T10:00:00.001+00:002020-12-31T10:06:53.190+00:002020 in review: 12 things I learnt this year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkcYcEo7ycfCExByW0D0T9RwCm8WfWLSbi3bTtkVKcKTiqADKndqhmEo-3oOBrWU2DNjXJ8xmpDxEv4KkP8xi2R4neX7xS0ClGIFyE6MyBTsBPijFoEI2qGq18nLnJX3qJ23h1kp1n4E/s4608/P1650769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkcYcEo7ycfCExByW0D0T9RwCm8WfWLSbi3bTtkVKcKTiqADKndqhmEo-3oOBrWU2DNjXJ8xmpDxEv4KkP8xi2R4neX7xS0ClGIFyE6MyBTsBPijFoEI2qGq18nLnJX3qJ23h1kp1n4E/w640-h480/P1650769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I didn't write a blog post about the things I wanted to do, see and achieve in 2020 - mainly because this time last year my blog was on a <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/blog-hiatus.html">lengthy and unintended hiatus</a>. But it doesn't matter, because 2020 was shot to pieces in its early stages, barely out of the starting blocks before it crumbled. That's not to say I didn't have plans for this year - buying a house, a Christmas trip to New York, and a weekend away in Liverpool were floating around somewhere in my mind - I just hadn't articulated them on paper, as it were.</p><p>Needless to say, none of those things happened, but I seem to have come through 2020 fairly unscathed nonetheless. I'm beyond grateful that (touch wood) none of my friends or family have been taken seriously ill with Covid, I'm grateful to still have a job (for now), and I'm thankful to still be fairly financially secure. I've even managed to wiggle a few positives out of the nine months I've spent at home on furlough. Here are a few things I've learnt in 2020:</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Everything happens for a reason </h3><p>If things had gone to plan (by which I mean, if I'd saved a bit harder, and embraced the terrifying, grown-up world of mortgages a bit sooner), I might have bought a house or flat and been living in it by the time the dreaded virus struck. That would have left me living alone in a single person household throughout the various lockdowns, and even more worrying, I would have been responsible for a mortgage at a time when job security isn't guaranteed. Thank goodness for procrastinating, eh?</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">I love my job </h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ExIaeMjsXsxQtqUbYOIojkDCYexHBAZ6TcEaMPvpKDTf8olPwWdlagjzGbQ71mL7g5e_cj2t31oKIux9ZXF0T8gkFE8jGwWZea5Uf771tD5dmWycmfFCGevOGcNkrnJ93IX9yl0k6c4/s597/Screen+Shot+2020-12-31+at+08.52.10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="597" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ExIaeMjsXsxQtqUbYOIojkDCYexHBAZ6TcEaMPvpKDTf8olPwWdlagjzGbQ71mL7g5e_cj2t31oKIux9ZXF0T8gkFE8jGwWZea5Uf771tD5dmWycmfFCGevOGcNkrnJ93IX9yl0k6c4/w640-h500/Screen+Shot+2020-12-31+at+08.52.10.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'On assignment' at <a href="https://londonist.com/2016/10/what-s-it-like-being-a-zookeeper-at-london-zoo">ZSL London Zoo</a> back in 2016. Working at the zoo for a day made a change from the days when I used to... work at the zoo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>That's never been a secret, but it's never been more obvious than this year, when I've been unable to do it, and there's no guarantee when or if I'll be able to do it again. I really hope that one day soon I'll be out munching my way through <a href="https://londonist.com/london/food-and-drink/queen-of-hearts-alice-in-wonderland-afternoon-tea-kona-taj51-buckingham-gate-london">afternoon tea</a>, <a href="https://londonist.com/2014/10/are-you-brave-enough-to-abseil-down-the-orbit">dangling off buildings</a> and going <a href="https://londonist.com/2016/10/what-s-it-like-being-a-zookeeper-at-london-zoo">behind the scenes at museums and zoos</a>... all in the name of <a href="https://londonist.com/contributors/laura-reynolds">journalism</a>, of course.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>It really is now or never </b></h3><p>I'm very much a 'one day' person, as in 'one day I'll eat in that restaurant/visit that museum/ take that day trip'. This year, as I've watched the restaurants, cafes, museums, bars and theatre shows on my 'one day' list shut, some permanently, I'm kicking myself wishing I'd visited them when I had the chance. So, when the world reopens again, I hope to be more of a 'today' person than a 'one day' person. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Life's more fun when you're not influenced by other people</b> </h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6FSnbqQJ4xvNutGP88KML170Hery2DQwV62IS9wanBDKYICNUT_3IgxY7r2zRDMcgJlTDGPTRjATuiCXHoP1dXy9l2ifRM531WvKDBjuHCOqjtEZHizo9Hg4eGK3ZjWV3TobXpMJISg/s2048/20200926_135223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1894" data-original-width="2048" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6FSnbqQJ4xvNutGP88KML170Hery2DQwV62IS9wanBDKYICNUT_3IgxY7r2zRDMcgJlTDGPTRjATuiCXHoP1dXy9l2ifRM531WvKDBjuHCOqjtEZHizo9Hg4eGK3ZjWV3TobXpMJISg/w640-h592/20200926_135223.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>I love all things colourful, the brighter the better, particularly when it comes to clothes. But once you pass the age of 11, going all out wearing rainbow jumpers and stripy shoes isn't always considered appropriate. I haven't bought that many new clothes this year, for obvious reasons, but the ones I have bought, have been purchased (online) because I like them, rather than because I've got somewhere particular to wear them. The results? A pink coat, yellow sandals, and a rainbow jumper, all of which make me incredibly happy, even if they don't make for a fash pack-approved outfit. Once all this is over, if you see me on the street dressed like Iris Apfel's less stylish grandaughter, just mind your business.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>I'll never write a novel </b></h3><p>The idea that everyone has a novel inside them is an appealing one, but having spent the last nine months at home without writing a single sentence of mine, I've made my peace with the fact that inside is where it's staying.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">You don't always react to situations as you think you will</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfr0pcgr_GtZtWzSaqO1-c5Xy5nSFqfk-HPKDjLRapCxSKi_6EEuAXLfx5rKlXIJpKL6xA-6I2o-5kkgGava7SFhVEP5d9Ehz2t2Yl4K-wMI_c3LPmwjOgsUjDu8g3MMJE2EQed_BRYgM/s477/Screen+Shot+2020-12-31+at+09.22.05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="477" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfr0pcgr_GtZtWzSaqO1-c5Xy5nSFqfk-HPKDjLRapCxSKi_6EEuAXLfx5rKlXIJpKL6xA-6I2o-5kkgGava7SFhVEP5d9Ehz2t2Yl4K-wMI_c3LPmwjOgsUjDu8g3MMJE2EQed_BRYgM/w640-h492/Screen+Shot+2020-12-31+at+09.22.05.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>Take reading. My extensive reading habit is well-known among my family, friends and colleagues. On a beach holiday, I average a book a day, so my suitcase is half clothes, half books. If you'd told me this time last year that I'd have to stay at home for 9+ months, no work, no travel, I'd have told you that there aren't enough books in the world to keep me occupied for that long. In reality, I've read far fewer books this year than I do in a normal year - partly because I used to read a lot on my now-defunct commute, and partly because it's really damn hard to concentrate on a novel when the world is crumbling around you and you're trying to predict which stage of the apocalypse will arrive next.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>It wasn't a lack of time that was stopping me doing things</b></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You know the sort of things... learning a language, starting a business, training for a marathon. When you're sat on a train day in, day out, staring into the back gardens of suburbia due to yet another delay at London Bridge, your mind wanders to all the things you'd do if only you had the time. How much richer would your life be if you could just have a couple of weeks to yourself, to make a start on planting your herb garden and taking up pottery. Spoiler alert kiddies: given all the time in the world, you still won't do those things - it's not a lack of time that's stopping you, it's a lack of motivation.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Our lifestyles are so unnatural</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsdyhqF30VlSrTG5_n3w5YgZ-5y-qovtp1FnT1EYxxwf6HQdUHJj9zvw6T432Uny8NInOR0t_xHRHB_bjouydKSs7rPkd7aI7-v6Q_hGJEYuLc9lnSTtHZ4Y6cuVYpsDw1cn52-Fs-fc/s4608/P1650662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsdyhqF30VlSrTG5_n3w5YgZ-5y-qovtp1FnT1EYxxwf6HQdUHJj9zvw6T432Uny8NInOR0t_xHRHB_bjouydKSs7rPkd7aI7-v6Q_hGJEYuLc9lnSTtHZ4Y6cuVYpsDw1cn52-Fs-fc/w640-h480/P1650662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Explanation time: I've always had this theory - influenced, I think, by my four-hour round commute - that humans would be a lot healthier if they led a lifestyle where they could eat when hungry, drink when thirsty, and sleep when tired, rather than having our schedules governed by long commutes and over-running meetings. Of course, I never thought I'd be able to actually test this theory out... until 2020.</div><p style="text-align: left;">Now, rather than being rudely awakened by my alarm at 6.30am and forcing breakfast down before heading to work, and arriving home at 7.30pm absolutely starving, I find I wake up naturally at about 7am, spend a few minutes lazing before getting out of bed. Most of the time, I don't eat breakfast until between 9 and 10, because that's when I'm hungry, and then have a light lunch and earlier dinner. I find I'm eating less, and eating when I need to, and sleeping better because of a more regular schedule (read: I never leave the house). I'm hoping that some of this will stay true when things get back to normal, as our company has made the decision that working from home will be permanent.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Some of the things we do are really disgusting</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Traffic light buttons and the buttons on ATMs were some of the first things that people started to talk about as <i>actually quite filthy</i> when the pandemic struck. But the one that I've really thought about is envelopes. The idea of licking an envelope, which you then give to someone for them to open with their hands, is something I've never thought about before, but in the context of Covid, is disgusting. If you got a Christmas card from me this year and wondered why I'd used sellotape and stickers to seal the envelope, there's your answer, and it's something I will be sticking to going forward. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Next day hair IS better</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Friends, hairdressers and magazine articles have always claimed that your hair looks better and is easier to style the day AFTER you wash it. I've never agreed, until this year. Perhaps it's just that I've had nothing better to do, perhaps it's the lack of outside factors such as pollution, or perhaps it's that I've been able to wash my hair when it needs it, rather than when I have time, but I've noticed that actually, it's true. Just one of the finer details I've had the time to notice this year.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>I could never live abroad </b></h3><p style="text-align: left;">Not that I had any plans to, but hearing stories of people stranded away from home, friends and family for months at a time this year has confirmed what I always suspected - the nomadic lifestyle isn't for me.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The old ones are the best</b> </h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvrELjf9sJzU1EIko_Ik5A28GF1rlZRkfedmqmF5ZNouY75v-EE0NzVCsa99BNaj8JNXRD2LnOAMgPICkN-hrkngexSN3RtsbLjfcimDt2zfEDryJxOO4oo_dstxiLbqfY0TnMyQ840Q/s616/gilmore-girls-2-04-harvard-hats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="616" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvrELjf9sJzU1EIko_Ik5A28GF1rlZRkfedmqmF5ZNouY75v-EE0NzVCsa99BNaj8JNXRD2LnOAMgPICkN-hrkngexSN3RtsbLjfcimDt2zfEDryJxOO4oo_dstxiLbqfY0TnMyQ840Q/w640-h482/gilmore-girls-2-04-harvard-hats.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What was I doing between 2000-2007 to miss this gem the first time round?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I'm talking about TV shows here. Not entirely sure what I was doing for most of my childhood/teenage years (homework, probably), but several magnificent shows seem to have passed me right by. Thanks to the wonders of Netflix, I've spent 2020 educating myself on the wonders of Gilmore Girls, the bitchiness of Gossip Girl, and the downright 90s-ness of Dawson's Creek - so I finally understand the cultural references and GIFs you've all been throwing around for years.</div><p></p><span></span><span></span><p><br /></p><p>Despite the challenges of this year and the fact that it didn't go remotely to plan, there are a few things I'm proud to have accomplished.</p><p>I was thrilled that my photo was chosen to feature on the cover of a brochure promoting businesses in my local area when they reopened after the first lockdown. I've always enjoyed photography as a hobby and would love to see my photos featured in other publications.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3tSAe7Zw73h6mEMQ0pFuXUv8ohXSbxGMT2s3nHu-GaUmUDVK6ALIYnbq6c2CX5eZY9bLDwzyz7cugzMx6x4iu5JOjCVRoH18pLTVRTcYj-vY3AX9WlL71CwI5RTMxf5gJHH9QoEtcKQ/s596/Screen+Shot+2020-12-29+at+13.01.53.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="596" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3tSAe7Zw73h6mEMQ0pFuXUv8ohXSbxGMT2s3nHu-GaUmUDVK6ALIYnbq6c2CX5eZY9bLDwzyz7cugzMx6x4iu5JOjCVRoH18pLTVRTcYj-vY3AX9WlL71CwI5RTMxf5gJHH9QoEtcKQ/w640-h602/Screen+Shot+2020-12-29+at+13.01.53.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCGlutdFTKm/">acprint_</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I'm also rather pleased that I've found the time and motivation to restart this blog, even if things to write about have been slim on the ground. I hope to be bringing you more <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/Around%20the%20World">travel dispatches</a> and <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/Afternoon%20%20Tea">afternoon tea reviews</a> sometime in 2021, but thanks for sticking around to <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/10-years-of-blogging.html">celebrate the 10th anniversary</a> in the mean time.</p><p>Walking and photography are two things I've enjoyed a lot in 2020. I've always loved photography, but in recent years it's become very much a Work Thing, so it's been a refreshing change to take photos of the things I want to, and not having to worry about simultaneously photographing, filming, and Instagramming from the work account (I dread the day my company adopts TikTok...). As for walking, it's something I've always done, but in recent years it's been a necessity to get me from A to B, rather than something done for pleasure. Discovering routes, footpaths and fields close to my house and watching them change through the seasons has been one of my highlights of 2020, and stumbling across a Christmas tree farm which I never knew existed was a fantastic treat.</p><p>Here's hoping this time next year, we'll all have been together in person, made up for lost time and cancelled adventures, and be ready to see in 2022 at a proper New Year's Eve.</p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-3089798846106248052020-12-29T16:58:00.001+00:002020-12-31T08:16:55.470+00:00The whole picture: December 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9ov5KOtqsCphbmEcub85vytbS15-N2ns5qtA0UXhZil1M-ld_dpQigmROx9uBuwYu-FexKeeYO_-kvJ0CoqFybleXnRjhYqsxkRsW8CHTeJh-tnHwmFpbC7okF8tjaRKruyIfbGygJM/s2048/20201201_090946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1771" data-original-width="2048" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9ov5KOtqsCphbmEcub85vytbS15-N2ns5qtA0UXhZil1M-ld_dpQigmROx9uBuwYu-FexKeeYO_-kvJ0CoqFybleXnRjhYqsxkRsW8CHTeJh-tnHwmFpbC7okF8tjaRKruyIfbGygJM/w640-h554/20201201_090946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've done and where I've been in December</h3><p>I think I may have hit a new record this month, in terms of least distance strayed from my home, thanks to local Covid restrictions (Tier 4, since you asked). I've become very familiar with the walking route between Tonbridge Castle and my house, and have spent many a morning taking my camera out and snapping photos of the local area, just for a reason to get out and about. Nonetheless, one of the things I've enjoyed most this year is watching my local area change through the seasons, rather than whizzing through it on my to/from the station, and missing the subtleties. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-9HjLMjipLbPr2AK4C9qSBQWivOteIKzgF9Pa0Iro67eMGU7YG_WyTkQbjzCRMAtMmAbBA3f4JuTTF9NZnZIPcz7da0Ioh4SV4gJp_tyEPD6EowGz0vpnKQw6eyMBC8IPpXTJkj8EUs/s1923/20201201_092749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1887" data-original-width="1923" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-9HjLMjipLbPr2AK4C9qSBQWivOteIKzgF9Pa0Iro67eMGU7YG_WyTkQbjzCRMAtMmAbBA3f4JuTTF9NZnZIPcz7da0Ioh4SV4gJp_tyEPD6EowGz0vpnKQw6eyMBC8IPpXTJkj8EUs/w640-h628/20201201_092749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Many of my friends and family received homemade Christmas cards this year, as being on furlough meant I had the time to get crafty. Crafting is something that I often put off doing, as it's a lot of effort to get my materials and equipment out, but once I begin, I love getting creative while watching a Christmas film or two.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEhqfz6JLMAEeLkvKtNM8TxTao-Tgpmx-Ci4egf61Cq_pSw6rUyZITEkByIKdlfioq4lnOPMVW4R2i2wI-IeEP02eIW3hymuc3WsNAOjHSrvxZ8PI_N5lnpkQgB1vCpfABl0TWLKDbto/s2048/20201206_135603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEhqfz6JLMAEeLkvKtNM8TxTao-Tgpmx-Ci4egf61Cq_pSw6rUyZITEkByIKdlfioq4lnOPMVW4R2i2wI-IeEP02eIW3hymuc3WsNAOjHSrvxZ8PI_N5lnpkQgB1vCpfABl0TWLKDbto/w640-h480/20201206_135603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Thankfully, our Christmas plans didn't involve anyone outside of our household, so we weren't affected by the last minute rule changes, though anyone who was affected has my full sympathy.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've eaten in December</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4bz1sjT-Ve79y4i86JGUO5hmliR5E8O8M-z-EIeMfEur0yCBWX38LX-1401CL0iQd-5ohVSAzbhlyxO2bb4F1wQe7pMwZ1-HVoZAgixIWIqZhm_h5K74CjNI60iE-C1TkRFTMu8Ii_E/s2048/20201207_112525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1926" data-original-width="2048" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4bz1sjT-Ve79y4i86JGUO5hmliR5E8O8M-z-EIeMfEur0yCBWX38LX-1401CL0iQd-5ohVSAzbhlyxO2bb4F1wQe7pMwZ1-HVoZAgixIWIqZhm_h5K74CjNI60iE-C1TkRFTMu8Ii_E/w640-h602/20201207_112525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>It seems mad that in December, a month normally full of feasting, nights out and family meals, I haven't been in a single restaurant, bar or pub. My eating out has been restricted to takeaway options, and I've become very familiar with <a href="https://www.finchhousebakery.co.uk/">Finch House</a>, a coffee shop in Tonbridge which does fantastic gingerbread lattes at Christmas.</p><p>There's also a new addition to the local coffee shop scene - <a href="https://www.ridingscafe.com/">Ridings</a> opened in Hildenborough recently, and it'll be a lovely cafe once it's allowed to open properly. So far though, it's been take away only, so I've developed a weekly ritual of trekking across muddy fields to collect a takeaway hot chocolate, which I enjoy on the walk back home.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been watching in December</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0LbTFHxpyrNK1Cpvc9WntjZvEzjWRT-QkQYBgmn8MjyvVPF3fQWc8DJBtl-T8WJZIc1Szlu8WGFr1oPiTE8QGbGiqvdhOjRu-pDgHpq_7HFXA8bK7y1EQ3bEDyKZUrH5qdxz9KhHBds/s407/AAAABURixsSus9MJO6NKpEeEyP07Gk_gRGQOlT2GMoJfkgEfiNtsFDWBJnsXw9iBg9k0uQtuTD8CK-Kpf2Y0j2P1MOL2g4aW8UQGdIiRRBqdvdY6hNdLX0_o31foU5z3BA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="407" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0LbTFHxpyrNK1Cpvc9WntjZvEzjWRT-QkQYBgmn8MjyvVPF3fQWc8DJBtl-T8WJZIc1Szlu8WGFr1oPiTE8QGbGiqvdhOjRu-pDgHpq_7HFXA8bK7y1EQ3bEDyKZUrH5qdxz9KhHBds/w640-h298/AAAABURixsSus9MJO6NKpEeEyP07Gk_gRGQOlT2GMoJfkgEfiNtsFDWBJnsXw9iBg9k0uQtuTD8CK-Kpf2Y0j2P1MOL2g4aW8UQGdIiRRBqdvdY6hNdLX0_o31foU5z3BA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Holidate on Netflix</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><br />Films</b></p><p>I began the month making my way through the torrent of Christmas films available on Netflix (seriously, how do they churn them out so fast?). As you might expect, they all blurred into one cheesy, snowy, fairy light-bedecked blur, but the one that did stand out was The Holidate. It was as predictable as rom-coms always are, but slightly less twee than the other festive offerings. </p><p>Outside of the Christmas deluge, I watched:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Seven Pounds -</b> darker than I expected, and pleasingly unpredictable, though sometimes hard to follow.</li><li><b>Naledi </b>- an easy-watch documentary about an orphaned baby elephant and her fight for survival in an African sanctuary. Probably too mushy for some, but I love all things wildlife.</li><li><b>Saint Judy </b>- A gripping biographical film about an American lawyer who took on an immigration case which changed asylum law in the country.</li><li><b>A Dog's Way Home</b> - Our choice for an easy Boxing Day watch, about a dog trekking 400 miles across America back to her home. It drags a bit in the middle, but if you love animal films, it's worth a watch.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>TV shows</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE188YLwEh9xux1G7bNk08GDQ20rlkYt4eGuqvoKF8iTz4OrLij1_p2fWkh5waK_MDL1fzwbYY_8CmIciC6q87lVRUZP7ie7RESmBCk5w6TqqWYnb6cmH_pnrj9DWi-7FcLsXy90OXVQE/s697/rs_600x600-180119083411-600-dawsons-creek-11918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="697" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE188YLwEh9xux1G7bNk08GDQ20rlkYt4eGuqvoKF8iTz4OrLij1_p2fWkh5waK_MDL1fzwbYY_8CmIciC6q87lVRUZP7ie7RESmBCk5w6TqqWYnb6cmH_pnrj9DWi-7FcLsXy90OXVQE/w640-h544/rs_600x600-180119083411-600-dawsons-creek-11918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p>The main show I've been binging throughout December is Dawson's Creek. I was a bit too young to watch it the first time around, so I've never seen it, and I'm enjoying having something slow-paced and calming to dip into when the madness of the real world all gets a bit much. The characters' intense self-awareness grates at times, and the fashion is VERY '90s, but I enjoy a will-they-won't-they storyline as much as the next person.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been reading in December</h3><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19286669-the-silent-sister">The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain</a> - I picked this one up after enjoying Kiss River by the same author <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-november-2020.html">last month</a>, and was pleased to find I liked this one even more. It's written in such a way as to make the piecing together of one family's past very enjoyable for the reader, and is rather hard to put down.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36231521-believe-in-me">Believe In Me by Susan Lewis</a> - Another one which I picked up because I've enjoyed previous books by the same author. I found it disappointingly slow-paced to begin with, compared to the others I've read, but after persevering, it became enjoyable. On the downside, I only really cared about a couple of the characters, and had little empathy for the others.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38895601-the-sapphire-widow">The Sapphire Widow by Dinah Jeffries</a> - I usually find books set in both a different culture and a different time period quite difficult to get stuck into, but this one clicked straight away. The character of Louisa is immediately likeable, and the mysteries left behind by her husband after his death are very intriguing. I won't give too much away, but if you want to escape the drudgery of the English winter, this would be a good place to start.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31420830-secrets-of-a-happy-marriage">Secrets of a Happy Marriage by Cathy Kelly</a> - As December ends, I'm part way through this one, having struggled to keep track of all of the characters and their relationships with each other in the first few chapters. So far it's putting me in mind of Marian Keyes' work, so if you're a fan of her books, give this one a try.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's next?</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZiHsS0_Tu0kL254kDkU-LEGurLCYEx6EeYFR0TC5bmer4smxJ69UXkJQOGqPhViddnh3FjURxwsJV4uAjTrUiqmg9ZfIojv8g_u5w7UzVgZS7iBUaLmx0uX2SRxrZ3jprg03ZqB5z0E/s2048/20201225_122151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="2048" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZiHsS0_Tu0kL254kDkU-LEGurLCYEx6EeYFR0TC5bmer4smxJ69UXkJQOGqPhViddnh3FjURxwsJV4uAjTrUiqmg9ZfIojv8g_u5w7UzVgZS7iBUaLmx0uX2SRxrZ3jprg03ZqB5z0E/w640-h580/20201225_122151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p><span>As always this year, no big plans. At time of writing, two vaccines have been approved for use in the UK, so there is hope on the horizon. However, I suspect we'll be going into a full UK lockdown in the meantime. I do have a crafting project I want to work on in January (watch this space) and hope to find time for plenty of reading and walking too.</span><br /></p><p><i style="background-color: white; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest adventures.</i></p><p></p><div class="comments" id="comments" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a name="comments" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><p></p><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="margin: 0px 0px 25px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-12413743068325618" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 750px;"><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">November 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-whole-picture-november-2020.html">Scarecrows and Christmas lights</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">October 2020:<span> </span><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-whole-picture-october-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration: none;">London, baby!</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">September 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-whole-picture-september-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration: none;">Seals, beach huts and ice cream</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">August 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-whole-picture-august-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration: none;">Cream tea, rooftop jaunts and sunflowers</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #787878; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px -2px 0px; padding: 5px 10px;"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><span class="post-author vcard" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="post-timestamp" style="margin-left: -1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="reaction-buttons" style="margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="post-comment-link" style="margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="post-icons" style="margin-right: 1em;"></span><div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block" style="display: inline-block; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;"></div></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2"><span class="post-labels" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"></span></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3"><span class="post-location" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"></span></div></div></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-124137430683256182020-12-02T08:25:00.007+00:002020-12-02T08:25:00.319+00:00The whole picture: November 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2zLN3tZQz8TO4TNTGZUOEVkoVCV5K_T3dfOwY82Tpn7OVYfTGwEZlXo0k4AL2D8R0lCEZpzmoxv06E9Bc_Ln1OogOl1dMwo-QlRvQ4crz_cUVNXjVU4mUm6v0dhO69ZXMeYql_SQyx0/s7600/P1000509.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="7600" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2zLN3tZQz8TO4TNTGZUOEVkoVCV5K_T3dfOwY82Tpn7OVYfTGwEZlXo0k4AL2D8R0lCEZpzmoxv06E9Bc_Ln1OogOl1dMwo-QlRvQ4crz_cUVNXjVU4mUm6v0dhO69ZXMeYql_SQyx0/w640-h162/P1000509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've done in November</h3><div>Along with the rest of England, I've been back in lockdown for most of November, so excitement has been somewhat limited. Plans to return to work part-time were thwarted by the announcement of the new lockdown, so furlough continues.</div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unexpectedly finding time on my hands pushed me into buying a new camera after my old one broke a couple of months go. I had planned to wait until the Black Friday sales, but I was spending so much time out walking among the autumn leaves, frustrated at being unable to photograph their colours, that I bit the bullet early - and somewhat spontaneously, at least for me - and splashed out. No regrets.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jrijiZ4UypSiRDlTmotoMdep9i1uz1P_CVust7S3v_kE4NX8Kk-k2U2gQCG-pIowgHpUGba6JygXGPqtAx6kH8nXwuRKPd-kH1hkmL1ATZhAj-wLWxQH46KSDeYboHbkIGy-vNlGvM/s4896/P1000701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jrijiZ4UypSiRDlTmotoMdep9i1uz1P_CVust7S3v_kE4NX8Kk-k2U2gQCG-pIowgHpUGba6JygXGPqtAx6kH8nXwuRKPd-kH1hkmL1ATZhAj-wLWxQH46KSDeYboHbkIGy-vNlGvM/w640-h480/P1000701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Being a creature of habit, I've really struggled with not having a routine over the past few months, and one of the ways I've rectified that has been taking morning walks. A couple of times a week, I'll wander into town and get a takeaway coffee, then head up to the hill in the grounds of Tonbridge Castle and enjoy or photograph the view, before walking home and starting my day. I love seeing the town laid out below me, and find it fascinating to see how the view is changing day by day, as the leaves fall off the trees, and Tonbridge Park inevitably floods.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where I've been in November</h3><div>By my estimation, I haven't strayed any further than about 9 miles from home this month, thanks to that aforementioned lockdown. I think I've only filled my car with petrol twice this year, for which my bank balance is very grateful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU2IP5oQ8tiNNfB1evTPnFjJAohCmXsdzqsxkKdLJ_H0grP_5nbfDdjsfMtXU4OTa-ta5MnN-M4A2tDSpstQ4erkUfBVtT8Q6PJ2MzvSHIYGgxkV1HgPrlUYI4IEl2odZBhGnZazZowg/s2048/20201102_152500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU2IP5oQ8tiNNfB1evTPnFjJAohCmXsdzqsxkKdLJ_H0grP_5nbfDdjsfMtXU4OTa-ta5MnN-M4A2tDSpstQ4erkUfBVtT8Q6PJ2MzvSHIYGgxkV1HgPrlUYI4IEl2odZBhGnZazZowg/w480-h640/20201102_152500.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The month began with a wander around the Bidborough Scarecrow Trail with a friend, a couple of days before the lockdown kicked in. Bidborough is one of my favourite Kent villages (though the steep house prices mean I'm forever destined to be a visitor rather than a resident, despite my ardent wishes...) and it looked even better with all manner of scarecrows adorning people's gardens and drives.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHh_G7ptn11Hs791r-rY6XC0TbuAaUVjLwG7Zw95omVrwjlURGWggxmi_Uk34gYr33C3uhAPYELcQjo1MX4b36TZ-3Mgn3PURYLMb6D42Zrv6Wo_NNkhnzF6zP3j0orJfbDWGWnN_J_0k/s4896/P1040462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHh_G7ptn11Hs791r-rY6XC0TbuAaUVjLwG7Zw95omVrwjlURGWggxmi_Uk34gYr33C3uhAPYELcQjo1MX4b36TZ-3Mgn3PURYLMb6D42Zrv6Wo_NNkhnzF6zP3j0orJfbDWGWnN_J_0k/w640-h480/P1040462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I ended the month with a 'big night out' at Hever Castle's winter lights trail - literally, the biggest night out I've had since February. A friend and her son were due to join me, but the new restrictions ruled out those plans so I went alone. This year's theme is Peter Pan, with London landmarks recreated in miniature, against a backdrop of psychedelically illuminated trees. The castle building itself is floodlit, and other installations include a light tunnel and a towering Christmas tree. You can read more about it and see photos <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/12/hever-castle-christmas-light-trail-2020.html">on this blog post</a>.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've eaten in November</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGiCHE-7tCoCxehNgj97iqF0Ww3s95sBduYAIpAEbBlqjx5Z_yEHsq54voooCtEVhtnxZMGdDupEcdmvb5WiFwdYUgJVZ1OAP96D0DAL0NeEb2VguqW9Gj4CmR80SBjzk6oalaE0P-YM/s2048/20201201_091124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGiCHE-7tCoCxehNgj97iqF0Ww3s95sBduYAIpAEbBlqjx5Z_yEHsq54voooCtEVhtnxZMGdDupEcdmvb5WiFwdYUgJVZ1OAP96D0DAL0NeEb2VguqW9Gj4CmR80SBjzk6oalaE0P-YM/w480-h640/20201201_091124.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To my shock, I don't appear to have taken a single food photo in November (#TerribleBlogger). Eating out has been non-existent, and general cooking/baking fatigue has set in (though I do intend to make a big festive baking comeback for Christmas!). I did whip up a spectacular mushroom and bacon macaroni cheese. But my most adventurous culinary outings have been my mission to find the best (takeaway) gingerbread latte available in my local area. Pleased to announce that, after some very indepth and considered research, the winner is <a href="https://www.finchhousebakery.co.uk/">Finch House</a> in Tonbridge High Street, which has been open for takeaway throughout, so I've been going back a couple of times a week to get my fill. Support local and all that.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been watching in November</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL90UzTvPDUOdawcG7OMrYqnzVnFRJrTBR85a1SUD0YwDH13JFY3WdS51utD-d2PH2zLFf14t39w4XOUR2XnKsQdBWBQ3kT8GjjErNY9nqIpyAxvr6aecnIF0P2zpCGnZhLU5wjH_NK1s/s1380/the-crown-princess-diana-660x410-1.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1380" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL90UzTvPDUOdawcG7OMrYqnzVnFRJrTBR85a1SUD0YwDH13JFY3WdS51utD-d2PH2zLFf14t39w4XOUR2XnKsQdBWBQ3kT8GjjErNY9nqIpyAxvr6aecnIF0P2zpCGnZhLU5wjH_NK1s/w640-h426/the-crown-princess-diana-660x410-1.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Cold, dark days + lockdown = me hitting Netflix HARD this month.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>TV Shows</b></div><div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>The Crown</b> - Obviously, series of the month, which everyone was talking about. We're in the Diana years now, which is still a bit before my time (I was only 6 when she died) so I don't really remember much about her from the media at the time. However - and I hesitate to admit this as I know I'm largely alone in saying it - I didn't really find her likeable in this particular portrayal. The acting is fantastic, and the Royal Family didn't exactly come across well either, but I didn't find myself warming to Diana. That said, I subsequently fell down a rabbit hole of all of the Diana/Royal Family documentaries on Netflix, which made for interesting viewing.</li><li><b>Designated Survivor</b> - Watching this gripping American political thriller while the whole Trump-Biden election debacle was going on in Washington IRL was... an experience. I raced through the first series, and made headway on the second one before deciding to take a break. I'll get back to it one day.</li><li><b>Dash & Lily - </b>I saw a few people talking this one up on Twitter and liked the look of the trailer, so decided to give it a go. The opening episode contains many of my favourite things (a bookshops, New York, Christmas, snow, ice skating...), and I do love a rom-com. I'm three episodes in and enjoying it so far, albeit somewhat cheesy. I'll probably pick it up again when December's back in full swing and I'm feeling more festive.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UBYL87mm2eyRH5sA9EcAyRRb6EW-1O_2lQ4j9FM4gGFWj_hKhZW39DcV4UJs4F3_zOkeYw21mbMOkGjq2Aky73KU2Zeo0uFjXZpRc2MbKZdeF1rLhvDDVJ7p21j_gOn5V82C3KAV8dY/s2048/dash-and-lily-midori-francis-1605014939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UBYL87mm2eyRH5sA9EcAyRRb6EW-1O_2lQ4j9FM4gGFWj_hKhZW39DcV4UJs4F3_zOkeYw21mbMOkGjq2Aky73KU2Zeo0uFjXZpRc2MbKZdeF1rLhvDDVJ7p21j_gOn5V82C3KAV8dY/w640-h426/dash-and-lily-midori-francis-1605014939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p><b>Films</b></p><p><b>My Octopus Teacher</b> - Not going to lie guys, really don't see what the fuss was about this one. Yeah, it's a nice story, but David Attenborough would have told it in a tenth of the time, with better camera work and narration.</p><p><b>The Healer</b> - A relaxing, easy and moving watch, though without giving the plot away, it strays a bit too far into fantasy territory for my liking. </p><p><b>Red Joan</b> - Based on the true story of a young British scientist who worked as a spy for the KGB. An interesting plot, but I didn't really find her reasons for doing what she did all that compelling. </p><p><b>True Hear</b>t - A very young Kirsten Dunst finds herself and her twin brother lost in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. A bit slow-paced, and very dated for something that's only 20 years old, but some spectacular scenery to be seen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquXx0y9PXqtTUeU1IdtJhM3wG-DnmERShjePOIuyvYBIopIVZtuREPzMEm_px9TS7FsumddX-cVt5l8FEMdB-mDf8v6x2jREr1M4bAAP1R4NwGTOcS4VnW-T1LVWjForw7oGt2XuGOXU/s620/EH-02300-6426f78.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquXx0y9PXqtTUeU1IdtJhM3wG-DnmERShjePOIuyvYBIopIVZtuREPzMEm_px9TS7FsumddX-cVt5l8FEMdB-mDf8v6x2jREr1M4bAAP1R4NwGTOcS4VnW-T1LVWjForw7oGt2XuGOXU/w640-h426/EH-02300-6426f78.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Enola Holmes -</b> This story of Sherlock Holmes's younger sister was highly recommended when it was released. I found the whole story of a sheltered 19th century teenager solving a mystery in London a bit far-fetched, though it'd be a good one to watch as a family, with older children. </p><p><b>First Man</b> - For a film that's almost 2.5 hours long, I had hoped for a bit more detail in this dramatised biography of Neil Armstrong. There's plenty of information about his training and missions, but I was disappointed that it didn't really show much about what he was like as a person. </p><p><b>Life of the Party</b> - Anything with Melissa McCarthy is bound to be a hit, and while the story of a middle-aged woman attending college with her daughter is a bit of a stretch, it's an easy, feel-good watch.</p><p><b>Christmas With The Coopers - </b>Nothing too deep here, just a festive, family story. There's so much going on, it's hard to feel an affiliation with one particular character or storyline, but it's ideal for putting on in the background while you're wrapping Christmas presents.</p><p><b>Midnight at the Magnolia</b> - Predictable, yes. Cheesy, yes - but not unwatchably so. If you're into romcoms and easy-watch Christmas films, give this Chicago-set story of two lifelong friends a go.</p></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been reading in November</h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43779862-grown-ups">Grown Ups by Marian Keyes</a> - I bought this one at the start of lockdown and had been saving it for a 'special occasion' as her books have never let me down before. But as it became clear there would be no 'special occasions' in 2020, I cracked it open this month. I'm usually of the opinion that any book requiring a family tree printed at the start to help you keep track of the characters is probably not worth persevering with, and it did take a while to get all of the characters straightened out in my mind, but it turned out to be worth it in the end, sprinkled with Keyes' signature sparkling wit and fantastic dialogue throughout. 600+ pages though - you've been warned!</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/827357.Kiss_River">Kiss River by Diane Chamberlain</a> - the title sounds like a mushy, cheesy romance novel, but it's not. It's the story of one woman's obsession with a broken lighthouse, the reason for her obsession revealed slowly as the novel progresses. There are no sudden twists, but it's a compelling read. It was only once I finished reading it that I realised it's the second book in a trilogy. It makes perfect sense as a standalone novel, but I wish I'd known before.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1500151.The_Whaleboat_House">The Whaleboat House by Mark Mills</a> - is what I'm reading now. The opening few pages contain some very indepth and specialist fishing descriptions, which might put some people off. I persevered and Moby Dick has morphed into a Great Gatsby-esque situation - I'll let you know next month how I get on.</li></ul></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's next?</h3><div>As of 2 December, the area I live in will be in Tier 3, so it's looking like a quiet Christmas. I plan to continue reading, crafting, baking, walking and photographing my way through the rest of 2020.</div><p><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest adventures.</i></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">October 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-whole-picture-october-2020.html">London, baby!</a></i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">September 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-whole-picture-september-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Seals, beach huts and ice cream</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">August 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-whole-picture-august-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Cream tea, rooftop jaunts and sunflowers</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-38032262517539655842020-12-01T16:16:00.004+00:002020-12-02T07:51:51.476+00:00Hever Castle Christmas Light Trail 2020: In Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDktkFmn_QQUrXHYrKSGLNK590svwgsSE18Q94DpdLbABaSgUg9ijsw_BDpePqRnRo-DB2QUuzrkYfMWkkpJsshcko2et6avNzr0D8VNzp4GLjC8r8rfWpfb-JoTKpTvsVon8IYYzWto/s4896/P1030056.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDktkFmn_QQUrXHYrKSGLNK590svwgsSE18Q94DpdLbABaSgUg9ijsw_BDpePqRnRo-DB2QUuzrkYfMWkkpJsshcko2et6avNzr0D8VNzp4GLjC8r8rfWpfb-JoTKpTvsVon8IYYzWto/w640-h480/P1030056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>If you know me even slightly, you know how much I love a light festival. All year, my dread for the darkening nights is balanced with eagerness to see whichever light and illumination trails are promised for the upcoming festive season. Christmas at Kew is a perennial favourite of mine - it's always so well executed, with displays to make even the most curmudgeonly of adults gasp in delight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghNIQZhyphenhyphenGrnno1IIFcbYw4or7bwbBcC6gc3zf7Nd_m8wDqx6K8HDFKfqfiyhiPQoxM0EPWiVAtTC793tbB-tIJRq6LBO0EpYl3BAeaXeVUEFHyUD-G4Z-XTfgM-tQU3jKI_8nHaZzdBo/s4896/P1020775.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghNIQZhyphenhyphenGrnno1IIFcbYw4or7bwbBcC6gc3zf7Nd_m8wDqx6K8HDFKfqfiyhiPQoxM0EPWiVAtTC793tbB-tIJRq6LBO0EpYl3BAeaXeVUEFHyUD-G4Z-XTfgM-tQU3jKI_8nHaZzdBo/w640-h480/P1020775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But thanks to the hellfire that is 2020, I won't be going to Christmas at Kew this year, and I'm devastated. The event is going ahead for anyone that fancies it, but I can't justify making the journey into London to see it - particularly as my local area is going into Tier 3 when the current lockdown ends.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqAwZj-amH9ydyidqy6lLDyu5MA6_8IWeQTTB-9wjTyTf9dk6ZioD6i2KcgCXbhuOVewmx-88ZFRDhT__i1IkSMahGkQzYydB2XvgyR52Gx5bm3fRdvejSbHzVvlUsHuvZHshli7qjGU/s4896/P1030334.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqAwZj-amH9ydyidqy6lLDyu5MA6_8IWeQTTB-9wjTyTf9dk6ZioD6i2KcgCXbhuOVewmx-88ZFRDhT__i1IkSMahGkQzYydB2XvgyR52Gx5bm3fRdvejSbHzVvlUsHuvZHshli7qjGU/w640-h480/P1030334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Instead, I booked a ticket to the Christmas light trail at Hever Castle, a venue much closer to my home, and accessible by car. As you'd expect, it's a smaller affair than Christmas at Kew, and is aimed more towards the kiddies, but I take my kicks where I can this year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCmBDkjaBE6UhODgEAX-vKbQBnzMv5e6iIKCbdi0Df-WIdNmbkyaUAHkYPFh3Z99Neddf-eulyCD2qLvJ2IWl4kK0GkbjaZKLxGDelDFHXnQ_T7DDrn_ddRZKlvRLTZaPYmpJA7FGr1c/s4896/P1020527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCmBDkjaBE6UhODgEAX-vKbQBnzMv5e6iIKCbdi0Df-WIdNmbkyaUAHkYPFh3Z99Neddf-eulyCD2qLvJ2IWl4kK0GkbjaZKLxGDelDFHXnQ_T7DDrn_ddRZKlvRLTZaPYmpJA7FGr1c/w640-h480/P1020527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p>Several aspects of the extensive grounds are included in the trail. The Loggia terrace overlooking the lake, and the walls of several of the formal gardens, are floodlit in ever-changing colours. Hanging disco balls add a fun twist to some of the arches, and neon poles light a winding trail through the gardens.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlQdM2BJwMXa9WWndYxqSFI6W_FYEDvhcptkUaOFuoplxV9xLYza7C3hhR4Iqo1SgQ2CjVez_QGtNR7ls781tk4DH9Xc9JnZIGsRVk1pcWT7h6HBmpNu-dOQ9LX8wpYIWCk_Hc_zKy1Y/s4896/P1040538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlQdM2BJwMXa9WWndYxqSFI6W_FYEDvhcptkUaOFuoplxV9xLYza7C3hhR4Iqo1SgQ2CjVez_QGtNR7ls781tk4DH9Xc9JnZIGsRVk1pcWT7h6HBmpNu-dOQ9LX8wpYIWCk_Hc_zKy1Y/w640-h480/P1040538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm8TfyAtKZX5rtjpPdShme04YIt9zgRK8J65TNnw_450X4MyQxTLmkfMYa0SMAYY2ONmcOZ0tpWqd86xeFQltuxc3vdl8VbW-WodoFpeFQI_IXVtEUtlfp0UlMy0XFxyqhOA5sygUo5c/s2048/P1040610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm8TfyAtKZX5rtjpPdShme04YIt9zgRK8J65TNnw_450X4MyQxTLmkfMYa0SMAYY2ONmcOZ0tpWqd86xeFQltuxc3vdl8VbW-WodoFpeFQI_IXVtEUtlfp0UlMy0XFxyqhOA5sygUo5c/w640-h480/P1040610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Instagram's bound to be awash with pictures of the long light tunnel, a great alternative use for trellises which are covered in colourful flowers in the summer. The Peter Pan theme comes into play halfway around the trail, when mini models of London landmarks lead visitors into Neverland, with its Tinkerbell projection, and pirate ship, and Lost Boys. The trail winds cleverly around to give visitors a full-frontal view of the castle itself in its floodlit finery.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIqIXS7Fvx3OFtIckNZqqKOLC7s1SmW40zMa2CauMuB-I_Gp1y57wpHjcvdWbKrDDWFlhfU3CpMZ6I9YtJ34SCPWdf4uEVQ6kx8NDh1dcl9BYutlG8Yi72Hg8-pz2NrnxtjplxY5OsRY/s4896/P1030153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIqIXS7Fvx3OFtIckNZqqKOLC7s1SmW40zMa2CauMuB-I_Gp1y57wpHjcvdWbKrDDWFlhfU3CpMZ6I9YtJ34SCPWdf4uEVQ6kx8NDh1dcl9BYutlG8Yi72Hg8-pz2NrnxtjplxY5OsRY/w640-h480/P1030153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXP9TPbyZNqXzlo7Luz0TWrXQCg0JoiBbUAUtgdy1Ni-es0om0USNpwdwgLWmUfad3On2Ddxw9PqJZzCUkyn-Gk45z4kJTXBAcwwnvNGUIBJwFpOXpTpIDAP9l7KtcTahFUF6A43NUow/s4896/P1030214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXP9TPbyZNqXzlo7Luz0TWrXQCg0JoiBbUAUtgdy1Ni-es0om0USNpwdwgLWmUfad3On2Ddxw9PqJZzCUkyn-Gk45z4kJTXBAcwwnvNGUIBJwFpOXpTpIDAP9l7KtcTahFUF6A43NUow/w640-h480/P1030214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXiFohcd-PDaLN1NcEIallca87GH05wctt_aqL3wsZfTr6tRs4mJQXFfdV0n8xVQ8EDMfKnORhYKLLZkZ9Q5IHEH3ldBnYbJNNqmPor-IrimoZcJZtPswnKvwFgh2iyshbZZTf4i-mvI/s4896/P1020171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXiFohcd-PDaLN1NcEIallca87GH05wctt_aqL3wsZfTr6tRs4mJQXFfdV0n8xVQ8EDMfKnORhYKLLZkZ9Q5IHEH3ldBnYbJNNqmPor-IrimoZcJZtPswnKvwFgh2iyshbZZTf4i-mvI/w640-h480/P1020171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Directly opposite the castle itself, a flashing arched light tunnel draws plenty of attention. Walk across it to get a closer look at the towering Christmas tree, plus flashing orbs on the lawn. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIkisTXX6yL79F6RcC1GPazG3rBS9Irv4NX_tiXx0Ip6JKz2oEjwe7yT4PVW8KNAa07TKqVeQJQGQtPMWzppcvlUPJqs25JrptpEvbN0M3oXBP-_bZoneX9y6ViFKeiFE5sGHz2HMVY0/s4896/P1030570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIkisTXX6yL79F6RcC1GPazG3rBS9Irv4NX_tiXx0Ip6JKz2oEjwe7yT4PVW8KNAa07TKqVeQJQGQtPMWzppcvlUPJqs25JrptpEvbN0M3oXBP-_bZoneX9y6ViFKeiFE5sGHz2HMVY0/w640-h480/P1030570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhf0hkfPZYnkj7JKl5sKLnS9a5pO_YMGmJs0TE5PVbKnA-6q-eVJM4aSk6dVuUIrVYerm_KOVGD7OIFH8-9j6E_-9qAaC6hFWBlfZNGuxUSB5BO5uH0yujbr6yvKwz6t7dZCdjyX8wyA/s4896/P1020322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhf0hkfPZYnkj7JKl5sKLnS9a5pO_YMGmJs0TE5PVbKnA-6q-eVJM4aSk6dVuUIrVYerm_KOVGD7OIFH8-9j6E_-9qAaC6hFWBlfZNGuxUSB5BO5uH0yujbr6yvKwz6t7dZCdjyX8wyA/w640-h480/P1020322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>My favourite installation, and one that was getting plenty of attention when I visited, was the strings of lights hung above the Half Moon Pond in a web effect. The bulbs flashed in an ever-changing sequence of colours and lights, reflected in the still, dark water below for double the effect.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix35rVzm2h9e4vOxfITDIe2VvNnwL1KDMLGiT0KeJEPRLuX-A2aoE2fS1pGPfdALGEASBLVa81G1sm6sCcYB15ULev9BdAnmu5wQjdCdyG5kcuCg40F5w9-eZQbNxYy34SvRmFl9G-VoM/s4896/P1040813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix35rVzm2h9e4vOxfITDIe2VvNnwL1KDMLGiT0KeJEPRLuX-A2aoE2fS1pGPfdALGEASBLVa81G1sm6sCcYB15ULev9BdAnmu5wQjdCdyG5kcuCg40F5w9-eZQbNxYy34SvRmFl9G-VoM/w640-h480/P1040813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>There are two entrances to the trail, which helps to keep things moving. I booked for 4pm on a Sunday and was impressed with how uncrowded it was - Hever have clearly had to limit ticket numbers to comply with social distancing, and it really felt safe and enjoyable. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc0g25z-xfQ-NszHhSoAF0eG8Uk4go6IbEUfw5GlnLNZBZopuqPfOlwLxnl0THYxh1LWNz7myIb2mfbh2h34rXk2xNCxjvvllNcNZgWf_WGJo3dKltNEEVrUmxkIspdAfMjaFhfyrbYY/s4896/P1040338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc0g25z-xfQ-NszHhSoAF0eG8Uk4go6IbEUfw5GlnLNZBZopuqPfOlwLxnl0THYxh1LWNz7myIb2mfbh2h34rXk2xNCxjvvllNcNZgWf_WGJo3dKltNEEVrUmxkIspdAfMjaFhfyrbYY/w640-h480/P1040338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs66cz8pW1yGtYIsJhGv_rZLzRoChZTozuc9maplw2paioMSPP8SRbruQJVoltlqDsTIFAfL8JPeNqTH6tUhA6qc__yIBDrJ6st1EmISKr2KcFpG_NiB4LKm20Zp_jeW_hq68ILI1WWOg/s4896/P1040256.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs66cz8pW1yGtYIsJhGv_rZLzRoChZTozuc9maplw2paioMSPP8SRbruQJVoltlqDsTIFAfL8JPeNqTH6tUhA6qc__yIBDrJ6st1EmISKr2KcFpG_NiB4LKm20Zp_jeW_hq68ILI1WWOg/w640-h480/P1040256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a few bottleneck areas, such as the bridge outside the main castle entrance, but as long as you're willing to be patient and wait for crowds to clear, it's easy to complete the whole trail at a comfortable distance from other visitors. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDGuvo2T35t0oajP-SHUe-KFU9ISvzMUmJA3-Uy37gbxr2h6GkzyaQDnQktODWLZPiPVvxpD61p0pVC7zYberl5RPKtI_KeQ7MgXAsBXYeSQNbcSDpelX8ntGovLyxRjQeVaXsgL8RSA/s4896/P1040010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDGuvo2T35t0oajP-SHUe-KFU9ISvzMUmJA3-Uy37gbxr2h6GkzyaQDnQktODWLZPiPVvxpD61p0pVC7zYberl5RPKtI_KeQ7MgXAsBXYeSQNbcSDpelX8ntGovLyxRjQeVaXsgL8RSA/w640-h480/P1040010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4AO0l9knCh90uVMQwt6SBp9L-8bCfauRVRfUdkaIBQoJJVyRA7yQCCsdLs3zzQab90aNISCCI506lUObT4EEkuFn0E0vKvqx3ZdBNzoD-LoVCsNM-tJ6pqK3hQCjZDRdfElbPF5l3qU/s4896/P1030543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4AO0l9knCh90uVMQwt6SBp9L-8bCfauRVRfUdkaIBQoJJVyRA7yQCCsdLs3zzQab90aNISCCI506lUObT4EEkuFn0E0vKvqx3ZdBNzoD-LoVCsNM-tJ6pqK3hQCjZDRdfElbPF5l3qU/w640-h480/P1030543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvnCllBQSUMT_v6RTebjKNIfelo9JjygLgzl7gAx5wkBPHK2aRwiLX3GrtwneDZ5a_bQ0nujN8bVoYS0rZt1p_05OBG8cOC3mkd6iioPBcYFA1agInAo4nRX72slVa3f7DAnI5iMjc30/s4896/P1030480.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvnCllBQSUMT_v6RTebjKNIfelo9JjygLgzl7gAx5wkBPHK2aRwiLX3GrtwneDZ5a_bQ0nujN8bVoYS0rZt1p_05OBG8cOC3mkd6iioPBcYFA1agInAo4nRX72slVa3f7DAnI5iMjc30/w640-h480/P1030480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One questionable aspect was how poorly lit some of the waterside areas are - in almost pitch black, it would be easy for an excited child or distracted adult to step straight into the moat, river or pond, not realising that solid ground has ended.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91VapbTelmKFnxfMGq4vo8HeM3OBsVofjBijsqwoFYl1eu5TXXRnfrf70msheEMZDrfCyqwt9Gi8MuyLSxOx0WdB0Vbu5eytjD_92NdEcqu8rQua8uHEDAwukeLPOWGOyiR9pktL3qa4/s4896/P1040462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91VapbTelmKFnxfMGq4vo8HeM3OBsVofjBijsqwoFYl1eu5TXXRnfrf70msheEMZDrfCyqwt9Gi8MuyLSxOx0WdB0Vbu5eytjD_92NdEcqu8rQua8uHEDAwukeLPOWGOyiR9pktL3qa4/w640-h480/P1040462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWsFu9goMduO7Q_R7RLT5B9q659QqtPLlSQtG3jPw1kLJo467UNGhyW7dy8l1tFvXqNaKpHobCxYxbrVENaEZsf3j34WHO1VVIDgKsHTnr8WiI_1m9StvjN37ZyfXvvbPsczw7H16SRU/s4896/P1020045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWsFu9goMduO7Q_R7RLT5B9q659QqtPLlSQtG3jPw1kLJo467UNGhyW7dy8l1tFvXqNaKpHobCxYxbrVENaEZsf3j34WHO1VVIDgKsHTnr8WiI_1m9StvjN37ZyfXvvbPsczw7H16SRU/w640-h480/P1020045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But as long as you keep your wits about you, Christmas at Hever offers a safe and enjoyable night out this winter - and a great way to support a local venue which has seen its revenue take a hit this year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-paBW-MGZCGqVmH_lvNOQ-iz4XYGt-w_fM10SYovo_JW5Nh3PhZj2TlfeEVuxHFPNpfFE_xg7kaJRNAyHqa2UtmBRomHrbnFWFr1o5ba_Ul07oBneqaiugt1v2WnEoJKBBXcsjGsW5Rw/s4896/P1020007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-paBW-MGZCGqVmH_lvNOQ-iz4XYGt-w_fM10SYovo_JW5Nh3PhZj2TlfeEVuxHFPNpfFE_xg7kaJRNAyHqa2UtmBRomHrbnFWFr1o5ba_Ul07oBneqaiugt1v2WnEoJKBBXcsjGsW5Rw/w640-h480/P1020007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X-lz9wwM_MtqJ324FbykdHBv81diiNOJvk8ATNhLVxJUuSeAff38NQtP4f-ZmIuRCjAZLWXNboHPlI__TASOp_hxNbMLMOvRemXQkNKMrtQqAU6E8XdOsy9e4jX8xVsVQyOh-gC5Gq4/s4896/P1020566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X-lz9wwM_MtqJ324FbykdHBv81diiNOJvk8ATNhLVxJUuSeAff38NQtP4f-ZmIuRCjAZLWXNboHPlI__TASOp_hxNbMLMOvRemXQkNKMrtQqAU6E8XdOsy9e4jX8xVsVQyOh-gC5Gq4/w640-h480/P1020566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><i>Although Hever Castle & Gardens is in Tier 3 when lockdown ends, the Christmas trail is outside, so can continue. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/news/christmas-hever-castle-2-to15-december/">See the website</a> for further details and to book tickets.</i></p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-59709812885126157992020-10-31T10:12:00.001+00:002020-11-06T10:47:34.058+00:00The whole picture: October 2020<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlps53vG8Ehp4A_jN5vURc664PhB2qVsTy3PLgsybHIipqAIXJFxUzsSHHRigqONDrwClkzbFOJYf1fUwfjCTfvV3jsds4_m5_g-J6EclpY5sFuMDkbdbS8NPsU9ytcBTAzbD4w6urAHI/s4608/P1690256.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlps53vG8Ehp4A_jN5vURc664PhB2qVsTy3PLgsybHIipqAIXJFxUzsSHHRigqONDrwClkzbFOJYf1fUwfjCTfvV3jsds4_m5_g-J6EclpY5sFuMDkbdbS8NPsU9ytcBTAzbD4w6urAHI/w640-h480/P1690256.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long time, no see</td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /> What I've done in October</h3><div><br /></div><div>In terms of social life, October's been the liveliest month I've had since lockdown, with (socially distanced) meet-ups with three separate friends, plus a real-life reunion with some of my colleagues.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSMBDga8SOD4ORP1g4fHcL9OEbnhTyDp2OYCVdPsxzOKbCYa_OWK5NOrSggUv1R5zQxwfH4cL8h2vMoVQpT71JrlS4ODjerIYl4m3ZDn-LtwaTgApgpUmN2vxNlbyecFNOHgHyuXI1V0/s4608/P1690183.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSMBDga8SOD4ORP1g4fHcL9OEbnhTyDp2OYCVdPsxzOKbCYa_OWK5NOrSggUv1R5zQxwfH4cL8h2vMoVQpT71JrlS4ODjerIYl4m3ZDn-LtwaTgApgpUmN2vxNlbyecFNOHgHyuXI1V0/w640-h480/P1690183.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted on my wander through Hildenborough</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><p>The changing of the seasons has meant that my summer walking habits have waned slightly - though I did manage to get out and do <a href="https://www.walktonbridge.co.uk/thewalks/the-sloe-way">Walk Tonbridge's The Sloe Road</a> route (an excellent website if you're in the area), and discovered oast houses, corn fields and a Christmas tree farm that I never knew existed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcmaY2JXAuLlhRuTylNVkCyMsKU7lYjvThHn_SYvXOUD0SN3JRzs5w2pg2-kKR9f897O5Kpq1bkybmnmjriMmy2aXWPdFdNR_j6CYNf4is3D8OWguF34YaL5WGnJIB7JXGJRUkAztnUw/s2048/20201027_094020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcmaY2JXAuLlhRuTylNVkCyMsKU7lYjvThHn_SYvXOUD0SN3JRzs5w2pg2-kKR9f897O5Kpq1bkybmnmjriMmy2aXWPdFdNR_j6CYNf4is3D8OWguF34YaL5WGnJIB7JXGJRUkAztnUw/w300-h400/20201027_094020.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This new home gift has now been delivered to its new owner.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Beyond that, my time has turned back to indoor pursuits, and crafting in particular. One of the things which I'm grateful for this year is the way I've started to enjoy crafting again. The early days of lockdown gave me the time to reorganise my craft corner back into some semblance of tidiness, and since then, I've had the time to actually get stuck into some projects. My pièce de résistance is still my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFwQMM_FKqI/">hot air balloon jacket</a>, but this month's creations have included the above Winnie the Pooh plant pot new home gift, and I've got a head start on a couple of Christmas presents (which I won't show you yet, in case their recipients are reading this...).</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where I've been in October</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uqXO-j9dTOj8eToV0eJR2PfxfKiCGaTtEksBwg1wY1fupXvYrfNDSgIHV8UJ_JoLH1ZAmwINKo_L0ops-IQ280mY4FJv4-yo0OTUG3hOow-VoahsqTg-jVlThtrTMHoq6A9GaiPAl2s/s2048/P1690350.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uqXO-j9dTOj8eToV0eJR2PfxfKiCGaTtEksBwg1wY1fupXvYrfNDSgIHV8UJ_JoLH1ZAmwINKo_L0ops-IQ280mY4FJv4-yo0OTUG3hOow-VoahsqTg-jVlThtrTMHoq6A9GaiPAl2s/w640-h480/P1690350.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London - still beautiful, but eerily empty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>London! I went to London! No surprise for someone whose job is not only based in London, but is <a href="https://londonist.com/">about London</a> - but it was my first time in the capital (or on a train) since 6 March. I was nervous about social distancing on the train, but thankfully had plenty of space on both journeys. It was wonderful to be back in London, but really, really sad to see the City of London completely deserted at lunchtime on a Tuesday, with 'To Let' signs on many formerly-thriving office blocks. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L6bVZ1L9k0e0E3gaDUTW-x3Qdpf1qKpTKBdW7Z2M1qHXXX8IxdAxao-r_3xaFHS4VfVq_cGvS4pPsRDtfodvgVBXE7jxy_2o8LEk6pvxSgeOhTq6rl_Q5Zl5i3leVPGG3Bd54lvtMU0/s2048/IMG_20201012_172054_211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L6bVZ1L9k0e0E3gaDUTW-x3Qdpf1qKpTKBdW7Z2M1qHXXX8IxdAxao-r_3xaFHS4VfVq_cGvS4pPsRDtfodvgVBXE7jxy_2o8LEk6pvxSgeOhTq6rl_Q5Zl5i3leVPGG3Bd54lvtMU0/w640-h640/IMG_20201012_172054_211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>Mum's birthday was in mid-October, so we ventured out to Chiddingstone Castle, just a few miles from where we live. We'd never been before - in fact, we'd never heard of it until a few years ago, despite the fact that it's very definitely been here for longer than we have. Unfortunately for you, the castle closed its doors at the end of October for the season, but the grounds remain open all year for walkers (just make sure you pay for parking in the honesty box).</p><p>It's very handily located for exploring the charming and historic Chiddingstone Village too - we treated ourselves to lunch in the Tulip Tree Tea Rooms.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've eaten in October</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhtwcPcTaTRFSvI6HkV0eGFSM01YMDS5QVzbL2eibWZZhPE31sUcyhrQaU_02X273DVGyqI61Y-I3asXhKBuKr_MB08xrqx2DvqSyKxpM54I6Jl4eOM6k6olxaPWIyUyHIXzrNRkXkbU/s2048/20201020_195519.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="2048" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhtwcPcTaTRFSvI6HkV0eGFSM01YMDS5QVzbL2eibWZZhPE31sUcyhrQaU_02X273DVGyqI61Y-I3asXhKBuKr_MB08xrqx2DvqSyKxpM54I6Jl4eOM6k6olxaPWIyUyHIXzrNRkXkbU/w640-h582/20201020_195519.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello old friend<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My trip to London gave me a chance to refuel on some much-missed favourites for the first time in a few months. I swung by Hummingbird Bakery's Spitalfields branch to fill up on a slice on the rainbow cake which I've been craving since March, and picked up my favourite buffalo chicken burger from Meat Mission in Hoxton.</div><div><br /></div><div>Closer to home, I whipped up a phenomenal (if I may say so myself...) carrot and parsnip soup </div><div>soup, which I plan to make several more times this winter. I also created a home-made afternoon tea for my mum's birthday (served up in my bedroom because we had builders in at the time).</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO1fzus6-sLScn_B4NNDTgkRdeG-xh96SDaajts4mWEpehUpbYB1ZkroUx5EJzzxbi9ym40wo0bZ_nMacxDqJusuYqoxAqFL_w0me9z7oNRDwRv0d9EFxZrerd4VgBjjTMG2hTEDfMWI/s2048/20201010_121858.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1923" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO1fzus6-sLScn_B4NNDTgkRdeG-xh96SDaajts4mWEpehUpbYB1ZkroUx5EJzzxbi9ym40wo0bZ_nMacxDqJusuYqoxAqFL_w0me9z7oNRDwRv0d9EFxZrerd4VgBjjTMG2hTEDfMWI/w600-h640/20201010_121858.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's a tube map on my wall and yes, my plant pot obsession is out of control.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Just this week, I met a friend at <a href="https://www.thewithiesinn.com/">The Withies Inn</a>, just south of Guildford to celebrate her 30th birthday. It's roughly halfway between our houses, and was the first time we'd seen each other since February. The inn was beautiful, a true olde worlde destination with wooden beams and a roaring fire, though we didn't see much of it as we couldn't wander around due to current restrictions (which staff were doing an excellent job at enforcing). I scarfed my food down before I took a photo, so you'll have to make do with a shot of the exterior on a grey, rainy day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTziKdbzymnGesN6S9NDBVEmi4ye5mvHRCfIU25JX7QcXjCXst6_aZGR30hp_VkuuXjdLxpLxoP30XjDrBzcoYEwyXnGJA8CAv6aNNxYZVQ0qbyAeY96Ou7eUXYhjK9-PclVsvZwRCMY/s2048/20201027_135608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTziKdbzymnGesN6S9NDBVEmi4ye5mvHRCfIU25JX7QcXjCXst6_aZGR30hp_VkuuXjdLxpLxoP30XjDrBzcoYEwyXnGJA8CAv6aNNxYZVQ0qbyAeY96Ou7eUXYhjK9-PclVsvZwRCMY/w640-h480/20201027_135608.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been watching in October</h3><div><br /></div><div><div>Emily In Paris is the show everyone's been talking about, and I have to say... I loved it. Yes, it's cheesy, full of cliches, and completely unrealistic, but it's a lighthearted, easy watch, with some gorgeous outfits. It's basically a rom-com film stretched into 10 episodes, and while it's not everyone's cup of tea, the level of debate it sparked really surprised it - no-one's forcing you to watch it. If you don't like it, move on to something else.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoRnX8qEM2AxnI2DDtnp3eJ8Yp1Ca6GZJqmC1RK8MOPOKQ5-SU7_vNam1EOY9Ij-_-_dDDN-L21LTsKiKl9wNUuH3E-na3hb077liYAkYDBu4UQQXIU-0r7thn8tEZ-vR3wejk0l6pOo/s2048/EIP_104_Unit_00173R.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoRnX8qEM2AxnI2DDtnp3eJ8Yp1Ca6GZJqmC1RK8MOPOKQ5-SU7_vNam1EOY9Ij-_-_dDDN-L21LTsKiKl9wNUuH3E-na3hb077liYAkYDBu4UQQXIU-0r7thn8tEZ-vR3wejk0l6pOo/w640-h426/EIP_104_Unit_00173R.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Beyond that, most of my October viewing time has been occupied with a Gilmore Girls rewatch. I only discovered the show for the first time while in lockdown, and it fast became one of my favourites. As autumn tightens its grip, kicking back with Gilmore Girls, a hot chocolate and my current crafting project has become one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been reading in October</h3><div><br /></div><div>To my eternal shame, I'm still not reading anywhere near as much as I used to, despite my hopes that the colder weather would equal more reading time. The one book I did read was <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40097951-the-silent-patient">The Silent Patient</a> by Alex Michaelides. It's exactly the sort of psychological mystery thriller I enjoy, and the twist at the end is excellent.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've written in October</h3><div><br /></div><p>Nothing new on the blog this month, as you can see. My occasional days when I've been taken off furlough in my day job have given me the opportunity to start creating festive content, something which I usually begin in about July. So if it's London-based <a href="https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/ice-skating-rinks-london-christmas-2020">ice rinks</a>, <a href="https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/dazzling-light-festivals-to-see-in-and-around-london-for-christmas-2020">light festivals</a>, <a href="https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/christmas-carol-concerts-services-london-christmas-2020">carol concerts</a>, or <a href="https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/santas-grottos-meet-father-christmas-in-london-2020">Santa's grottos</a> you're after, I've got you covered, with plenty more to come.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's next?</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUD7M1fSkf28E2BCVKLfD2fpDHzviCwRPOfV5Qo98B3xzZECVVCqG0FTt5RulKCxA_fEqajuhapV8QaokeY8q0kqFbobRJQwQNmdnUvCA4cqrfxhasfwxgH1SBRdSDcRl06E6fJuFxvM/s730/p1580574.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="730" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUD7M1fSkf28E2BCVKLfD2fpDHzviCwRPOfV5Qo98B3xzZECVVCqG0FTt5RulKCxA_fEqajuhapV8QaokeY8q0kqFbobRJQwQNmdnUvCA4cqrfxhasfwxgH1SBRdSDcRl06E6fJuFxvM/w640-h480/p1580574.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm gutted to miss <a href="https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/christmas-at-kew-2019-light-trail-tunnel-festival-photos">Christmas at Kew</a> this year</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>November's a big month, as I'm officially off furlough, and back to work. That's not to say things are back to normal - I'll be working 2.5 days a week instead of my previous 5 days, and I'll be working from home for the foreseeable. I'm grateful that I still have a job. I've also managed to pick up a few hours of work elsewhere, doing cleaning and waitressing. Mainly, I'm looking forward to having some sort of routine back, even though it's nothing like my old, pre-Covid routine.</div><p>I'm gutted that I won't make it to Christmas at Kew this year, but my light festival craving still needs satiating so I've booked tickets to Christmas at Hever Castle for the end of the month instead - cross your fingers that we're not back in lockdown before then!</p><p><b>EDIT 1 November:</b> Since publishing this post yesterday, Boris Johnson announced a new lockdown for England, and my return to work has been delayed by a month due to the extended furlough scheme. My waitressing hours have also been scrapped completely due to the venue closing for lockdown.</p><div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest adventures.</i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">September 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-whole-picture-september-2020.html">Seals, beach huts and ice cream</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">August 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-whole-picture-august-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Cream tea, rooftop jaunts and sunflowers</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div></div><p><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;" /></p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-7953016416286724442020-09-29T19:46:00.002+01:002020-09-30T07:29:24.942+01:00The whole picture: September 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoYytKdJOIjwOeghalmDds2UJAX5swNME40KjCzZJRuqks2rVd07869v4YYnEIbW37KcqvIhqzKRwtyVYrsEWjojib2OQFLGgilYsdaSC0c0n40PTRbsO46PeEs-PulkNlH8EYQKH0PY/s2048/P1660559.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoYytKdJOIjwOeghalmDds2UJAX5swNME40KjCzZJRuqks2rVd07869v4YYnEIbW37KcqvIhqzKRwtyVYrsEWjojib2OQFLGgilYsdaSC0c0n40PTRbsO46PeEs-PulkNlH8EYQKH0PY/w640-h480/P1660559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've done in September</h3><p>I'm still on furlough from my day job, and autumn's coming, so my attention's turned more to indoor pursuits, such as knitting and crafting. I've got a couple of projects on the go, and though none of them are finished yet, I hope to be showing one off on my Instagram in the next couple of days... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/">watch this space</a>.</p><p>That's not to say I haven't had my share of fresh air too. I've taken up a new hobby in the form of roller skating, and let me tell you, it's a heck of a lot harder to roller skate as an adult than it was as a child. My friends and I used to spend hours on our skates doing laps of 'The Green' near where we grew up. </p><p>These days, I'm puffed out two minutes in, and wobbling like Bambi. I don't think it helps that I've been a fairly keen ice skater in recent years - people tend to assume that if you're good at one, you're good at the other, but I've found the opposite to be true. They require completely different actions, so if you're used to doing one, the other becomes a lot harder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1EIpXFo2CzrtpalL8nm6GyJzTCX-eu_Fp7CwDohRtwQ0XyT5NeZkyl6-YeCQ7rNnloc3T-86OV6-p_IXUpAoPitrmlh5zv45TXqZg6cCWEfMtONhpIod2miM9rLWL6eB1vSZksGTm9Q/s2048/P1680099.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1EIpXFo2CzrtpalL8nm6GyJzTCX-eu_Fp7CwDohRtwQ0XyT5NeZkyl6-YeCQ7rNnloc3T-86OV6-p_IXUpAoPitrmlh5zv45TXqZg6cCWEfMtONhpIod2miM9rLWL6eB1vSZksGTm9Q/w640-h480/P1680099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As always this summer, there's been a lot of walking and a little bit of cycling too. My new-found enthusiasm for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFeLVWYl4cv/">photographing scenic villages</a> had me walking out to Shipbourne and back from Tonbridge one warm afternoon, and I took a socially distanced walk with a friend around Bidborough Ridge - stunning views all the way across Tonbridge from that one. If you're in the area, I thoroughly recommend <a href="https://www.walktonbridge.co.uk/">Walk Tonbridge</a>, a website full of walking routes which was started in lockdown by a local man.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where I've been in September</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6xaJFOkymIJwkz5SFjjzVUbU2eVbcJhMIY4s5lTWFoqmjYuAehkc0AmqoIX7qG9pHKmHi1Ihk14ILbPEs0-AYEAod3QFP1wBnd4K7GxmF1HKhQHrjGv_mAL40U5tBHZqVsvhj1CbbYc/s2048/P1660877.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6xaJFOkymIJwkz5SFjjzVUbU2eVbcJhMIY4s5lTWFoqmjYuAehkc0AmqoIX7qG9pHKmHi1Ihk14ILbPEs0-AYEAod3QFP1wBnd4K7GxmF1HKhQHrjGv_mAL40U5tBHZqVsvhj1CbbYc/w640-h480/P1660877.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A leopard at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>I broke free of Kent for a few days in Norfolk, seeing as though foreign holidays are a no-go right now. We hired a chalet on the coast just north of Great Yarmouth and used it as a base to explore the local area. A happy morning was spent indulging my love of animal photography at <a href="https://www.thrigbyhall.com/">Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens</a>, and we also took a boat trip to see the seals at Blakeney Point, as well as spending an afternoon on the beach, and taking a whistlestop tour of Cromer.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhHHnCWktK3-cwXTyQDH9t86B-mr5TjNvga7zwPDYucVB_6rMEchYnGbe1ScCmFUO6kqqANGk7yYPQ3VdEQ37z9p5M17x3vYsuZb40AUxJK9P8k-ntPJELKxyAKKVfjgPqhUe8HUjKqE/s2048/P1670390.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhHHnCWktK3-cwXTyQDH9t86B-mr5TjNvga7zwPDYucVB_6rMEchYnGbe1ScCmFUO6kqqANGk7yYPQ3VdEQ37z9p5M17x3vYsuZb40AUxJK9P8k-ntPJELKxyAKKVfjgPqhUe8HUjKqE/w640-h480/P1670390.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seal watching at Blakeney Point</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>But for me, the highlight of the trip was stopping at Southwold, on the Suffolk coast. It's been on my UK bucket list for years, and even more so when someone I know <a href="https://www.lift-store.co.uk/">opened a shop there</a>. After lunch at Tiptree Tea Rooms, we wandered briefly around the high street, which is full of beautiful buildings and independent shops, but the current one-way system and social distancing guidelines made browsing more of a stress than a delight. </div><div><br /></div><div>So we headed to the seafront, where sights include pastel beach huts, a beautiful light house, and, on our visit, a cruise ship we believe to be <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/aurora/overview">P&O's Aurora</a>, anchored just off the coast while not in use due to the pandemic. We also spotted Fred Sireix <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFrzO6oD_9g/">filming on the beach</a>.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've eaten in September</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyUiNVO5L2GJzcOoEcfMpKCqnQgvZjQ4Tk4A0KOiki2onHjAtNHnnJXP9FH3LqI-d9VvK6yQ3x3n0V_iTjOCVTZF_s4yxt0r8jnJNn5iOYQm0Brt37eGtuowXWHgXuWx8l2h3N2ppTuo/s1080/IMG_20200907_200032_797.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyUiNVO5L2GJzcOoEcfMpKCqnQgvZjQ4Tk4A0KOiki2onHjAtNHnnJXP9FH3LqI-d9VvK6yQ3x3n0V_iTjOCVTZF_s4yxt0r8jnJNn5iOYQm0Brt37eGtuowXWHgXuWx8l2h3N2ppTuo/w640-h640/IMG_20200907_200032_797.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream in Southwold</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>I'm still not big on the whole eating-out-in-restaurants thing following lockdown, so not much to report on this front, though we did end up eating out a couple of times in Norfolk, out of necessity. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.eastcoastfamilyrestaurant.co.uk/">The East Coast Restaurant</a> close to where we were staying didn't look like much from the outside, but the food was so good, and the service so friendly (and safe!) that we ended up returning there a second night. We were so hungry after our days exploring that we scarfed the lot before I had a chance to take a photo, but think huge portions of comfort food such as lasagne and scampi and chips.</div><p>Another night, we tried <a href="https://www.thesmokehouseormesby.co.uk/">The Smokehouse</a>, an American diner-grill place, serving fries, burgers, and milkshakes - exactly my kind of food. We didn't see much of the restaurant as it's split into several rooms across an old house, and wandering around isn't allowed right now, but if you're into Americana, you'd probably like it. As we left, hundreds of bikers were pulling up into the grounds for their weekly meet-up, which made for quite a sight.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been watching in September</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVhEUjQMLRPBVKgkmU5DeTntgm1nn_4NTOz85qeXeF1j5kl_QjaYzDNwWCk8QdKwLE639xTLg2rmJay6ucOZ2UCtfo5jyNQtLp7jrqeYQ6TiWpXbk9VpoU9o_M20-Vv5suNHndHqlWJY/s665/BabysittersClub-Blog.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="665" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVhEUjQMLRPBVKgkmU5DeTntgm1nn_4NTOz85qeXeF1j5kl_QjaYzDNwWCk8QdKwLE639xTLg2rmJay6ucOZ2UCtfo5jyNQtLp7jrqeYQ6TiWpXbk9VpoU9o_M20-Vv5suNHndHqlWJY/w640-h288/BabysittersClub-Blog.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Babysitters Club on Netflix is a dose of nostalgia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Well done to regular readers (all two of you) of the The Whole Picture, who've spotted that I've added a couple of extra sections this month, as somewhere to record and share what I've been watching and reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a rocky start with a couple of below-par romcoms on Netflix, I stumbled upon <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7040874/">A Simple Favor</a>. Having just watched Gossip Girl, I pressed play when I saw Blake Lively in the trailer, and though I wasn't expecting anything more than an average romcom, it turned out to be much better than that. Yes, it's a comedy, but it's brilliantly dark, with a bit of a Gone Girl-eque mystery thrown in. Would recommend, and would be keen to hear recommendations of similar films.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of people were talking about <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11464826/">The Social Dilemma,</a> a Netflix documentary about how social media is controlling our lives. While I found it interesting, I wasn't as shocked as others seemed to be by what it revealed - perhaps working in the industry I do means I've always been more aware of the inner workings of social media than the average user. If you're finding yourself a little too addicted to Instagram though, do give it a watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're my age, you may remember reading The Babysitters Club books growing up. The American YA novels have now been made into <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8690518/">a Netflix series</a>, and while it's weird seeing Kristy, Mary-Anne and co, who belong firmly in the '90s, referencing things like Instagram, it's a fun, easy watch. And Claudia is a SERIOUS style icon.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've been reading in September</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EhfG71k1SmF3wTLXeIEa9bfqX8hQCNZROhoCm7JZfkDY8l6Juke0BHfps2t4xgwOToeoFX5NSM_g5ibtd13ICIKel_uNRQKLQwHbajxh7hyUXNXn5cSvcg_bFXA6DrvC2QxLviWUbQg/s293/download.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EhfG71k1SmF3wTLXeIEa9bfqX8hQCNZROhoCm7JZfkDY8l6Juke0BHfps2t4xgwOToeoFX5NSM_g5ibtd13ICIKel_uNRQKLQwHbajxh7hyUXNXn5cSvcg_bFXA6DrvC2QxLviWUbQg/s0/download.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been terrible at reading recently. Seriously, when lockdown and furlough first became a part of my life, I thought I'd be charging through several books a week. But I'm barely getting through a couple a month at the moment, and friends have said the same thing. Apparently it's hard to concentrate on works of fiction when the world's going to hell in a handcart in the background. Who knew? Anyway, here's what I did manage to read this month:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50890111-still-friends">Still Friends</a> by Saul Austerlitz - I'm not usually drawn to non-fiction, but a friend bought me this one knowing how much I love the TV show Friends, and I really enjoyed it. I expected a lightweight, half-hearted book of trivia, most of which has been released before in various Buzzfeed articles. What I actually got was an indepth, fascinating and thoroughly researched biography of the show, from conception through to final episode, explaining how decisions from casting to set design were made. Read it, and you'll definitely look a lot more closely at the props and set next time you catch an episode.</li><li> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41973359-the-holiday">The Holiday</a> by T.M. Logan - Exactly my kind of book, a mystery thriller set among a group of friends renting a villa in France, with a couple of twists at the end. The first few pages require a bit of wading through, as many characters from different families are introduced all at once, but stick with it as it gets easier to follow.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41187928-the-guilty-party">The Guilty Party</a> by Mel McGrath - I wasn't as keen on this one as I thought I'd be. It's a bit trippy, and as my nan always says, if you don't care about what happens to the characters, there's no point in finishing the book. I did persevere, but my life is none the richer for it.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44588412-i-spy">I Spy</a> by Claire Kendal - This one takes a while to warm up, and had I been reading it a time when my concentration was better, I probably would have got through it a lot faster. However, once a certain mystery is introduced, the plot is intriguing enough to draw you in, though be aware that chapters alternate between two time periods, with the same character central to both, which can get confusing. Still would recommend if you like mystery thrillers.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've written in September</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-hQnhyRaPS3sIxJtrP-b9QvF4_NEDM5NpPerYOHV1siSg4AVjRzJAyZvNkcrKTTGaJEamhX2TDYIS5y0ukQLw0e3e0EWMfO_hzAkI6HTj8l0ZeL491sKtgPK1q0bag3EFPDnBOEFspc/s2048/Laura+Reynolds1+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-hQnhyRaPS3sIxJtrP-b9QvF4_NEDM5NpPerYOHV1siSg4AVjRzJAyZvNkcrKTTGaJEamhX2TDYIS5y0ukQLw0e3e0EWMfO_hzAkI6HTj8l0ZeL491sKtgPK1q0bag3EFPDnBOEFspc/w640-h480/Laura+Reynolds1+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Yep, another new section, and while it's looking a bit light this month, I'm hoping to be back writing in my day job soon, and sharing my articles here. In the mean time, I'll just remind you of the blog post I wrote earlier this month, when I finally flipped about <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/09/tonbridge-tunbridge-wells-same-place-separate-towns.html">people not knowing the difference between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells</a>. I'm nicer in person than online, honest.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's next?</h3><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I could just copy and paste this paragraph from the last two editions of my monthly update. Anything could happen - right now, vast swathes of north-east England, Scotland and Wales are back in lockdown, and London might be next. I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't come to that here in Kent, but I'm also not making any big plans for the rest of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>October's my last month of flexible furlough, so I've got a few craft projects that I want to make some headway on. If the weather stays decent, more walks and bike rides are on the cards, though I write this staring down the business end of five consecutive storms, so who knows.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest (local) adventures.</i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">August 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-whole-picture-august-2020.html">Cream tea, rooftop jaunts and sunflowers</a>.</i></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div></div><p><br /></p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-89755485519550815532020-09-24T09:04:00.004+01:002020-09-24T09:04:51.550+01:00What's the difference between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONFQORsm5vr_Z8vI1CG0OwO57HdejvaCaD5NI2iojDqM4N0W2NPAqaxdgfBmr0f4-jKKKxvJeaHUnNqrilqvF6iaxZkI9ZD1ZoUbmrGO-cGQ7KuHfrSQucjOOgBVP4gdGJdWv6CkDffA/s2048/Laura+Reynolds1+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONFQORsm5vr_Z8vI1CG0OwO57HdejvaCaD5NI2iojDqM4N0W2NPAqaxdgfBmr0f4-jKKKxvJeaHUnNqrilqvF6iaxZkI9ZD1ZoUbmrGO-cGQ7KuHfrSQucjOOgBVP4gdGJdWv6CkDffA/w640-h480/Laura+Reynolds1+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tonbridgecastle.org/">Tonbridge Castle.</a> Photo: Laura Reynolds<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Are Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells the same place?</p><p>No. They are two separate towns in Kent, which sit about five miles apart, depending who you ask and where you're measuring from. And technically, that's Royal Tunbridge Wells to you.</p><p>Why is this important? Well, if you're not from the area, it's probably never made that much of a difference to your life. The only time you're likely to give it brain space is if you're planning to visit one of them, in which case you definitely want to input the right one to your sat nav/buy a train ticket to the right place. But other than that, it probably won't affect your daily life that much, so store the info away for future pub quiz reference, and feel free to be on your way.</p><p>But as someone who grew up in Tonbridge, it's a constant bugbear of mine when people confuse the two. It never used to happen that often, and when it did, I'd laugh it off claiming that Tunbridge Wells was the posher of the two. A few months ago, I found out that someone I've worked with for more than six years has incorrectly believed me to be a Tunbridge Wells dweller all this time (the fact that the mistake came out when we were comparing the Wetherspoons branches of the separate towns tells you all you need to know about my office...).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD18qoP6I_B4qaRQWUbZgPCXZaetflDnDBmTqmSt8552W4nOAac3g0dtWDELzIKeuzTksmvZbyI5srwbd3wq7rbK17uexPblQwpYnPkhUX_DdTKf4Qpw9k69RIARr1ursMyLe9jPamu8/s730/shutterstock_1065872450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="730" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD18qoP6I_B4qaRQWUbZgPCXZaetflDnDBmTqmSt8552W4nOAac3g0dtWDELzIKeuzTksmvZbyI5srwbd3wq7rbK17uexPblQwpYnPkhUX_DdTKf4Qpw9k69RIARr1ursMyLe9jPamu8/w640-h426/shutterstock_1065872450.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Tunbridge Wells. Image: Shutterstock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Over the last few months, I've been typing <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=tonbridge&src=typed_query&f=live">'Tonbridge'</a> into the search bar on Twitter a couple of times a week, mainly to track Covid-19 stats and news in my area. And what a mistake that was. It's clear that most people consider the two to be the same place, with misnomered references to 'Disgusted of Tonbridge', shortening Tunbridge Wells to simply 'Tunbridge' or, in my opinion the most heinous crime, conflating the two into '<a href="https://twitter.com/lucylepchani/status/1308842524577091585">Tonbridge Wells</a>'. </p><p>Annoying, but easily ignored, until last night when 'Kexit' kicked off, Tunbridge Wells was trending nationally on Twitter, and SO MANY PEOPLE were not grasping that Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are not the same place. I <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau/status/1308807182394314752">tweeted a gentle reminder</a>, and so many people liked the tweet that I thought it worth reiterating the sentiment in a blog post.</p><h3>Who was 'Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells'?</h3><p>Ugh. Tunbridge Wells is a beautiful spa town with royal connections, fascinating history, and a wealth of culture (well, in normal years...). Yet most of the rest of the country only know it for the 'Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' stereotype of wealthy, conservative, middle class people writing letters of complaint to newspapers. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disgusted_of_Tunbridge_Wells">origin is debated</a>, but the lazy stereotype has stuck - and spread its reach to nearby Tonbridge, when people mistakenly lump them together.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's the difference between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells?</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5EqbdZnMZj60ZUzl5YsAdNsQX7F-E2l7Q6SOvium2dGW2HvnYhGSrlVzuuAIGiTO55stBoBjZNCSXOJUqObRn5OyReqB3_GRtVxLcUTx4YCfKA9JkpGuOAPdJEkyb9AWeV10OuM_DhQ/s2048/20200804_113646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="2048" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5EqbdZnMZj60ZUzl5YsAdNsQX7F-E2l7Q6SOvium2dGW2HvnYhGSrlVzuuAIGiTO55stBoBjZNCSXOJUqObRn5OyReqB3_GRtVxLcUTx4YCfKA9JkpGuOAPdJEkyb9AWeV10OuM_DhQ/w640-h594/20200804_113646.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonbridge High Street. Photo: Laura Reynolds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><p>If you find yourself standing in an anonymous Kent town, unsure whether you're in Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells - well, first of all, consider drinking less - but also, there are a few ways to decipher your location.</p><p>1) <b>Can you see a castle? </b>If so, you're in Tonbridge, ogling the motte and bailey wonder of <a href="https://www.tonbridgecastle.org/">Tonbridge Castle</a>. Unlike its northerly counterpart, Tunbridge Wells doesn't have a castle.</p><p>2)<b> Can you see a Waitrose? </b>If so, you're in Tonbridge - though I dare you to ask for directions to Waitrose if you're in Tunbridge Wells. The high-end supermarket has been a point of contention between the two towns for years, given that the traditionally posher Tunbridge Wells doesn't have one, while the people of Tonbridge have a large Waitrose right in the centre of town. A couple of years ago, a tiny Waitrose opened in a petrol station on the outskirts of town, but it did little to quell the middle-class urges of Tunbridge Wells dwellers. Apparently, Richard Osman's recent book The Thursday Murder Club has fanned those particular flames, by making reference to a Waitrose in Tunbridge Wells, though I've not yet read it myself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplpH1oxDxTqb0meEBL5jiLOnUtu8X4mFtSEb36aUK3xlrUxZJq_PrsTobR6jGEbGl3WKqWolkIjM-fb0eVH7_KVZ9Uvn3B3ant4UO9oXNWbRyXGMLK33P0JQlKMBsoMz7O6DtA-UpE_0/s833/Screen+Shot+2020-09-24+at+08.48.16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="833" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplpH1oxDxTqb0meEBL5jiLOnUtu8X4mFtSEb36aUK3xlrUxZJq_PrsTobR6jGEbGl3WKqWolkIjM-fb0eVH7_KVZ9Uvn3B3ant4UO9oXNWbRyXGMLK33P0JQlKMBsoMz7O6DtA-UpE_0/w640-h364/Screen+Shot+2020-09-24+at+08.48.16.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>3) <b>Can you get to lots of places on the train? </b>If so, you're in Tonbridge. It's the busiest railway station in Kent, with trains operating in multiple directions, to Paddock Wood or Tunbridge Wells in one direction, and London or Redhill in the other. By contrast, Tunbridge Wells station has a single line running through it - travel north to London, or south to Hastings.</p><p>4) <b>Are you in a fancy Wetherspoons?</b> If so, you're in Tunbridge Wells. Though both towns boast a sizeable 'Spoons (and Tonbridge 'Spoons has a garden), the <a href="https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/kent/opera-house-royal-tunbridge-wells">The Opera House</a> in Tunbridge Wells is a thing of beauty, retaining the gallery seating and many of the features from its original function.</p><p>5) <b>Did you walk up a huge hill from the station?</b> That'd be Tunbridge Wells.</p><p>6) <b>Can you see a train?</b> Actually, this is where we'd probably need a flow diagram. If it's a full-size steam train, you're probably at the <a href="https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/">Spa Valley Railway</a> in Tunbridge Wells. If it's a smaller, sit-on train offering rides to the public, you're at <a href="https://micklow.wixsite.com/tmes">Tonbridge Model Engineering Society.</a></p><p>7) <b>Can you afford to buy property here?</b> (No, me neither). Tunbridge Wells is often thought of as the posher of the two, with property prices to reflect it, but its position as the larger of the two towns means that it has a wider range of properties, so there are more affordable properties too. By contrast, Tonbridge became the <a href="https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/tonbridge-stamp-duty-holiday-kent-4469280">most in-demand town in the whole country</a> for house hunters following lockdown - which probably means I've been priced out.</p><p>I jest, of course. Both Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells have their own merits and are wonderful towns in their own right - so much so that I've written about the reasons to visit both <a href="https://londonist.com/london/things-to-do/why-you-should-go-to-tonbridge">Tonbridge</a> and <a href="https://londonist.com/london/outside-london/why-you-should-go-to-tunbridge-wells">Tunbridge Wells</a> as part of my day job. My heart is with Tonbridge though.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How did Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells get their names?</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs-tIG72-TcWzLlSDYkFkDdybR5TXVLAguSyRm2ctC6XdWFlLHeR9cPsVB51kOayGt8K8ZoSOy_4PAZU2DlGc-7eH8pgbcsL0XRQ9Hu94Qns2tM_fQUt8r7DdcPPIVDkja3OSMmJPpTM/s1600/P1630045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs-tIG72-TcWzLlSDYkFkDdybR5TXVLAguSyRm2ctC6XdWFlLHeR9cPsVB51kOayGt8K8ZoSOy_4PAZU2DlGc-7eH8pgbcsL0XRQ9Hu94Qns2tM_fQUt8r7DdcPPIVDkja3OSMmJPpTM/w640-h480/P1630045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over Tonbridge. Photo: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/06/tonbridge-castle-sunrise-kent-photos.html">Laura Reynolds</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Tonbridge - the smaller and older of the two towns, was originally spelt Tunbridge (or Tonebridge, as far back as the Domesday Book), and named after a bridge crossing the River Medway in the town. </div><p>Then, in the 17th century, the Chalybeate Spring was discovered in what is now Tunbridge Wells, and the town grew up around it, the name positioning it as the well belonging to the closest existing settlement, Tunbridge. It was the existence of Tunbridge Wells that gave Tonbridge its modern spelling - there was too much confusion between Tunbridge and Tunbridge Wells, so the older town was renamed Tonbridge in the 1870s.</p><h3>Why is Tunbridge Wells 'Royal'?</h3><p>Royal Tunbridge Wells is one of only three towns in England to be given official Royal status. It was awarded its regal moniker in 1909 by King Edward VII, to acknowledge the enjoyment its spa waters had given to members of the Royal Family over the years. I've still never seen the Queen out shopping on The Pantiles - though Lulu did film a Morrison's Christmas advert there one year, and that's basically the same thing - right?</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where is Tonbridge Wells?</h3><p>Tonbridge Wells doesn't exist. Pick either Tonbridge, or Tunbridge Wells, and stick to it.</p><p>Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.</p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-45616915232616322702020-08-31T08:22:00.000+01:002020-09-13T12:44:47.317+01:00The whole picture: August 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D5xGrEaAkBnXOo4rF2Wfgt-ge8cejYQ9OXniRkfuROyzxbSrRMP-24uLHkwKqQUTg9v-SX8kCVpone7KSE4QHCFL8lMt1FoeMCzWDGPemu_vuH7_JuGfsYXkQwLmTVJDBgezfBE10Yk/s2048/20200805_190840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D5xGrEaAkBnXOo4rF2Wfgt-ge8cejYQ9OXniRkfuROyzxbSrRMP-24uLHkwKqQUTg9v-SX8kCVpone7KSE4QHCFL8lMt1FoeMCzWDGPemu_vuH7_JuGfsYXkQwLmTVJDBgezfBE10Yk/w640-h640/20200805_190840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've done in August</h3><div>Well, this is awkward. Turns out I may have been premature in <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" target="_blank">reviving this series last month</a>. In this weirdest of years, while July was a fairly lively one and things seemed to be on the up, August has been rather dull by comparison.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the plus side, the flexible furlough scheme has meant I've done several days of work this month - about half of my usual full time hours, which has kept me occupied, and means my pay packet is larger than it has been since March. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCPS76uCIcZf_CpJf9z2cEtZTRB6IX48v6mMJEaWhza5qMtL5dHLEuyWGpc2Gjc4UGjB7cmlVci75pK6doAtJ9Vy31EsUXuPJeXnITAnsi8b9W3piB4LzUXyz0RMYgcmxRY8_X-VfDE4/s1080/IMG_20200803_113836_580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCPS76uCIcZf_CpJf9z2cEtZTRB6IX48v6mMJEaWhza5qMtL5dHLEuyWGpc2Gjc4UGjB7cmlVci75pK6doAtJ9Vy31EsUXuPJeXnITAnsi8b9W3piB4LzUXyz0RMYgcmxRY8_X-VfDE4/w640-h640/IMG_20200803_113836_580.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight of the month was seeing my best friend for the first time since Christmas - the only friend I've met up with since All This<span style="font-size: xx-small;">TM</span> kicked off. We got takeaway milkshakes and had a socially distanced catch-up in Tonbridge Park, with her one year old son playing between us - a lovely afternoon which did my soul good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also managed to squeeze in a day of volunteering helping to set up Refuge Ease, the new charity shop opening soon on Tonbridge High Street. My efforts of carrying shop fittings up the high street were rewarded with a chance to go onto the roof of the building (formerly Woolworths) and see Tonbridge from a whole new angle.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7sKcnnKf_pKK4-2HVn0xKG5d2FiKIooLtgHDYFVQeAm9uw5kjdrD939exiIR8kYnU2Ll1yY5r9tpKa4hJN05V83gNu5DDmBZudQCpPb3AH3tD_snvDUUgeB-kjjDHxyr8Ib_ksQ7gLA/s2048/20200804_113646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="2048" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7sKcnnKf_pKK4-2HVn0xKG5d2FiKIooLtgHDYFVQeAm9uw5kjdrD939exiIR8kYnU2Ll1yY5r9tpKa4hJN05V83gNu5DDmBZudQCpPb3AH3tD_snvDUUgeB-kjjDHxyr8Ib_ksQ7gLA/w640-h594/20200804_113646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And it goes without saying that my August soundtrack has been Taylor Swift's new album, Folklore. It doesn't quite live up to Lover - yet - but ask me again once I've listened 1,000 more times.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where I've been in August</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJSTIqxBtkJOdWkMWN7ivCG30_X_oXUYCA9alFQ3mpPLevoQ_WCnERq2Sr2Welm4l64RBDuil1IUPx0JX7KISnkqNXEb2fCVfvKfzEb9oPlsyRtzBnyKzCmTUqLBfKGxArwOtq2vVxuw/s2048/20200803_085804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="2048" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJSTIqxBtkJOdWkMWN7ivCG30_X_oXUYCA9alFQ3mpPLevoQ_WCnERq2Sr2Welm4l64RBDuil1IUPx0JX7KISnkqNXEb2fCVfvKfzEb9oPlsyRtzBnyKzCmTUqLBfKGxArwOtq2vVxuw/w640-h492/20200803_085804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't had any days out to speak of in August - a combination of not knowing my work schedule until the last minute, and the busyness of the school holidays have meant that visits to castles, gardens, wildlife parks and botanical gardens haven't happened this month. That's not to say I've been stuck indoors, but my excursions have been mainly local, on foot and on my newly-fixed bike, exploring footpaths across fields and the like, finding parts of my local area that I never knew existed.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've eaten in August</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV_QK9FDsFiNViOeQ2FUww2zeavopV2vms4F7gdJ9bfED1OSs3SImECOXrcGaaFIsW6muczd9IVYWlry9X8NqXyaW5ciwc1E_i_4gMtxVsBY1L4xD__0n2xqswJU5ILV3QUAVR8HgmVE/s2048/20200809_140352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV_QK9FDsFiNViOeQ2FUww2zeavopV2vms4F7gdJ9bfED1OSs3SImECOXrcGaaFIsW6muczd9IVYWlry9X8NqXyaW5ciwc1E_i_4gMtxVsBY1L4xD__0n2xqswJU5ILV3QUAVR8HgmVE/w480-h640/20200809_140352.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, I've only dined out once this month. Tonbridge Castle launched a new semi-regular cream tea service overlooking in the Castle Lawn, and we booked into the first sitting. On a stifling hot day, we rued the Normans' lack of air conditioning as we tucked into huge scones, served with generous portions of cream and jam, oodles of tea, and cakes too. It sounds like it's going to be a regular thing, so keep an eye on the <a href="https://twitter.com/TonbridgeCastle" target="_blank">Tonbridge Castle Twitter account</a> for updates.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuFkeP8MiL4mitgvc3loy2rqF8Loqe_4owtBeXEhHe55PKRKoDGp_gv2GdPHYgw-9f6Tuuw_9NjgXwhZiFqyUUC7vvuYx4NhXSGrcj6i_skL-jEf6NiEnTwBo7dUhdrWcFx7KCUcwlG0/s2048/20200804_193223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuFkeP8MiL4mitgvc3loy2rqF8Loqe_4owtBeXEhHe55PKRKoDGp_gv2GdPHYgw-9f6Tuuw_9NjgXwhZiFqyUUC7vvuYx4NhXSGrcj6i_skL-jEf6NiEnTwBo7dUhdrWcFx7KCUcwlG0/w640-h480/20200804_193223.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Back at home, my baking adventures continue. I've whipped up a couple of batches of cupcakes this month, using my new piping set to decorate them. I also, finally, hopped on the banana bread bandwagon, thanks to the heatwave turning the bananas faster than we could eat them. The banana bread was a roaring success. The blondies (white chocolate brownies) I attempted the following week were less so.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's next?</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSWvEemebDk5ZseH5_8epp3ITtVvG3DuTCIVZzzQXGL96rKGpIaKbyMooDdEfeknLOTl_8SejneMKybDUJCMZh_NrUlIdH_6QLSfZaHhFGpnUEBNrpcMCwqz5eO9S0-bQAbJVJ8d5hEg/s2048/IMG_20200802_100450_490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSWvEemebDk5ZseH5_8epp3ITtVvG3DuTCIVZzzQXGL96rKGpIaKbyMooDdEfeknLOTl_8SejneMKybDUJCMZh_NrUlIdH_6QLSfZaHhFGpnUEBNrpcMCwqz5eO9S0-bQAbJVJ8d5hEg/w640-h480/IMG_20200802_100450_490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm hoping to go to Norfolk for a few days in September, for a very welcome change of scenery. Normally we go abroad at this time of year but after being stuck in Fuerteventura when Spain went into lockdown, and with quarantine rules changing daily, it's not worth the risk.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the time of writing, coronavirus cases are on the increase again, school and universities are due to return in September, and talk of a second wave is very much rife. So once again, it's hard to predict what life will look like by the end of September - we could be closer to returning to new normal, or we could be wending our way towards a new lockdown. Fingers crossed for the former, but all plans are still on hold at the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest (local) adventures.</i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">See also - what I got up to in:</i></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i style="font-size: 15.4px;">July 2020: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-whole-picture-july-2020.html" target="_blank">Castles, wildflowers, and a return to blogging</a>.</i></li></ul></div><div><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><div><br /></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-17496913928462299422020-08-24T00:04:00.002+01:002020-08-24T00:04:00.476+01:0010 years of blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGprt_ZSNQk4JBkpU9TyqswhUpLpzKSN2FUwKlj4wtU-MxE0qL5QEugcTc6BfKBAwwXsWbP_D6Q5hZyVbHhGAjBST1xkpUK0Nys2BooSn6vd5wOSawYLzbEba-ngL6IsMfmjcBJ7hfNx8/s2048/s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-ww8hljWABIE-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGprt_ZSNQk4JBkpU9TyqswhUpLpzKSN2FUwKlj4wtU-MxE0qL5QEugcTc6BfKBAwwXsWbP_D6Q5hZyVbHhGAjBST1xkpUK0Nys2BooSn6vd5wOSawYLzbEba-ngL6IsMfmjcBJ7hfNx8/w640-h427/s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-ww8hljWABIE-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Light the cake candles and bring out the bunting - this blog just hit double figures.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was 10 years ago today - 24 August 2010 - that I published my first ever post. That was the summer between my first and second years at university, meaning this adventure must have started in my old childhood bedroom in Kent, though my earliest blogging memories are in my cramped second year bedroom in York. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since then, this blog has been written in four of my bedrooms in various houses, scrawled on the back of receipt paper during retail work, scribbled in notebooks on the train, and latterly, drafted out in the notes app on my phone.</div><div><br /></div><div>I started blogging as a career move. Having briefly flirted with the idea of forensic linguistics, then realising there was way too much science involved for my delicate sensibilities, my ambitions switched back to my first love - writing. Journalism seemed the best way to ensure I was writing for a living, so I set about obsessively researching how to become a journalist.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeio4AvtvRDZoWUIPsApYzKvweYHClLT3xfLr5ve232p9JkcAZCR6fUboKshUhplTPRT1PbSijy0HFTXePjwD1ZRAUclrEGTilcLyZDWLQXVRPxY9YAr9gFS2mB02x1Jb4l9xGikplW8s/s2048/P1620668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeio4AvtvRDZoWUIPsApYzKvweYHClLT3xfLr5ve232p9JkcAZCR6fUboKshUhplTPRT1PbSijy0HFTXePjwD1ZRAUclrEGTilcLyZDWLQXVRPxY9YAr9gFS2mB02x1Jb4l9xGikplW8s/s640/P1620668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>'Start a blog to showcase your writing' was one of the top tips coming up again and again, so willing to do anything that might give me the edge, I eagerly complied. Back then, it was a straight up choice between using Blogger or using Wordpress to launch your blog, and though I can't remember the exact thought process that led me to Blogger, my little space on the internet was born (extra points to any of you who have been here long enough to remember what the original name was - Scribbling Lau as a blog name didn't emerge until a few years later, though it's always been my <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau">Twitter handle</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>When I started this blog, blogging was completely different to what it is today. It certainly wasn't an 'industry'. Twitter barely existed, Instagram certainly didn't, and follower numbers meant nothing. Bloggers didn't get freebies, and you could forget about making a living from it through sponsored posts and affiliate links. And SEO was non-existent to all but the most tech-focused. It was purely a hobby.</div><div><br /></div><div>It took me a while to even tell anyone I knew that I had a blog, though it was proudly plastered all over my CV. I was embarrassed to admit I was a blogger, partly due to writer's angst, and the crippling fear of having anyone read my work (if you know, you know), but also because back then, blogging was considered to be a <i>seriously</i> geeky pastime.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkGwu3t3G0ZnRCDjvqqLleoROKrGFAd71dt2jmJ6dUw3fnEuDVhdbGXuA6-pFJ4gnZ-wqajOhbwqUrc4QdoqAPPL-vXcYSb0GxB26nYG91slmqr80pMbW3ihfNFEToHl7-o8715qxsh0/s2048/20160806_113224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkGwu3t3G0ZnRCDjvqqLleoROKrGFAd71dt2jmJ6dUw3fnEuDVhdbGXuA6-pFJ4gnZ-wqajOhbwqUrc4QdoqAPPL-vXcYSb0GxB26nYG91slmqr80pMbW3ihfNFEToHl7-o8715qxsh0/s640/20160806_113224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's almost come full circle now - as I <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2018/10/what-if-only-people-influencers-are.html">wrote a couple of years ago</a>, I'm still often reluctant to admit I have a blog, but these days, it's for different reasons. The blogging, or (ugh) influencer industry is viewed somewhat negatively by those outside it, and often by those within it, and is something I try to separate myself from. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over time, the purpose of this blog has changed. The early years were me finding my feet, and experimenting with different types of post to find out what I liked writing - something which probably subconsciously helped me narrow down my career ambitions.</div><div><br /></div><div>I used to be embarrassed when I look back at old posts. Some of them were written in overly fancy language, because that's what I thought good writing was. Others have terrible images, or don't even have photos at all, something that seems unfathomable to a blogger in 2020. I've considered deleting these historic, sub-standard posts on several occasions, but I've come to enjoy looking back at them, as they show how far I've come, not only in improving my writing and photography skills, but also in narrowing down my interests and passions and - if you'll allow me to indulge in a little Eat Pray Love style waffle - finding out who I am.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy3JgQnFExyq3G2Y2WudDr7ij3wILMAgBpb-D-O4smwvcas8jw9Zx-h6wYkjxF8HmFANXXDirL4UBC6tE5tQMX9XHtpcZ9MGpQ64auTcz7lOqHErzux30G9PD5wLTPmF1oFzIai2ttFo/s4608/P1630433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy3JgQnFExyq3G2Y2WudDr7ij3wILMAgBpb-D-O4smwvcas8jw9Zx-h6wYkjxF8HmFANXXDirL4UBC6tE5tQMX9XHtpcZ9MGpQ64auTcz7lOqHErzux30G9PD5wLTPmF1oFzIai2ttFo/s640/P1630433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />At time of writing this post, I've had a full-time journalism job for six and half years, and I'm hoping it'll be there for me to go back to after furlough. So with my original purpose achieved, why am I still blogging? I really love it. Blogging fired up a passion in me to get out and explore new places, be it the latest pop-up shop in London, or a public garden near my house that has eluded me my whole life. That passion is something that now goes beyond blogging and has become a part of me - I love visiting new places, though it's something that's been put on hold this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said, I've always been writing this blog for me, not for the page views or follower numbers. That said, I do find it really interesting to see which posts have been most popular. I've crunched the numbers, and my most popular blog post ever is... <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2014/05/tiger-cubs-at-london-zoo.html">Tiger cubs at London Zoo</a>. Knocked together and published in just a few minutes in back in 2014, I suspect that SEO has played a large part in its popularity, despite the fact that I didn't even know what SEO was back then.</div><div><br /></div><div>See also:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2018/10/what-if-only-people-influencers-are.html">What if the only people influencers are influencing are each other</a>?</li></ul></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-51000438731759427792020-08-02T21:31:00.001+01:002020-08-09T12:04:44.563+01:00Wanders with my camera: Powder Mills<p><i><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/Wanders%20With%20My%20Camera">Wanders with my Camera</a> is a blog series showcasing some of the photos taken on my walks around my local area in Kent. </i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgdS9TGPIdTu1MkRR06j2LvMCCluAkJx3NFFv0w_22mZxrQVwcFhNSNUkuF9EUvdoeRPxLCWYebXW5JVpwFMHiriV9CUJ8UgGRh9H0MIcu1V61tSo7FO2XzbPF_roWZ9s_78nssDvg8w/s4608/P1660236.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgdS9TGPIdTu1MkRR06j2LvMCCluAkJx3NFFv0w_22mZxrQVwcFhNSNUkuF9EUvdoeRPxLCWYebXW5JVpwFMHiriV9CUJ8UgGRh9H0MIcu1V61tSo7FO2XzbPF_roWZ9s_78nssDvg8w/s640/P1660236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Today's route took me across the fields on public footpaths, beginning at Hawden Farm on the Tonbridge/Hildenborough border, wending through a wheat field, ducking under a railway bridge, following a farm track, and coming out at the small rural hamlet of Powder Mills. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From here, I wandered uphill, past the former site of the GlaxoSmithKline factory (now a housing estate), and onto the footpath and cycle track leading to Haysden Country Park. At this point I put my camera away, as it's a route I've followed several times in recent weeks, but I branched left at the fork in the track and followed it back to Tonbridge Park, from where I headed back home to North Tonbridge.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDVvmYHkNrHtLZG35o5YwRWX8hcqKk62tZU_9JLv_XlAKUXDOJg79DvH5j3_O8tRq1LOmrEGfHJ2lxj4zXGENqGcAYL0_mRKpun8HWWo7eI4xQkFK2LtaWKCwwvO23fUGAeduMR7uZnY/s4608/P1660226.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDVvmYHkNrHtLZG35o5YwRWX8hcqKk62tZU_9JLv_XlAKUXDOJg79DvH5j3_O8tRq1LOmrEGfHJ2lxj4zXGENqGcAYL0_mRKpun8HWWo7eI4xQkFK2LtaWKCwwvO23fUGAeduMR7uZnY/s640/P1660226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcI-SYxEQxmHWK7ecnIJXLzMAMSBDJdEdLAf5LqJG-Vv20U-N-FkMB5FFqJbikOGeNZc0qWqRux1zccLtw6RAEPNagLiCtKAmeFNynEskVrBzUmPhyphenhyphencXYaQCJ5chA6lmjoX5y2e5j_HA/s4608/P1660239.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcI-SYxEQxmHWK7ecnIJXLzMAMSBDJdEdLAf5LqJG-Vv20U-N-FkMB5FFqJbikOGeNZc0qWqRux1zccLtw6RAEPNagLiCtKAmeFNynEskVrBzUmPhyphenhyphencXYaQCJ5chA6lmjoX5y2e5j_HA/s640/P1660239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6Cq7pfRnJWrghU3e7b4gF0WnPe_PmslgOiLz1N5dbbluBXcfZibG-wGVxCp6LzF7nF7AF4yPlCajj5gZ4-XzL6-xOFNEE2hGb-NpPHHaGBUWqUtaOV80QkarXCxy9Q5BAuurdI1s-j8/s4608/P1660230.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6Cq7pfRnJWrghU3e7b4gF0WnPe_PmslgOiLz1N5dbbluBXcfZibG-wGVxCp6LzF7nF7AF4yPlCajj5gZ4-XzL6-xOFNEE2hGb-NpPHHaGBUWqUtaOV80QkarXCxy9Q5BAuurdI1s-j8/s640/P1660230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPB0cShbKNwOL0oEnLPsyesXWtnu_nn9HxEPmZFUEKsvQmAwvyEpdCIyTHmOjlajAjYu7XfVFAQevq-OVjyIotzS9Sx0WPXPmCk8J7MaaiB2E1aYEup00v8duUJXUemn9iEnvBnDfMSA/s4608/P1660249.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPB0cShbKNwOL0oEnLPsyesXWtnu_nn9HxEPmZFUEKsvQmAwvyEpdCIyTHmOjlajAjYu7XfVFAQevq-OVjyIotzS9Sx0WPXPmCk8J7MaaiB2E1aYEup00v8duUJXUemn9iEnvBnDfMSA/s640/P1660249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCEEXJzHWZljfrCVN_bwQQ9yE1dU4F-F9NoAPOzIXgLPj6RnroY79ukVBXVW0e2vGCsabnpYgnfbmJuZthTOK3dQLfzw7pyLJTFqdAcnuK6AjjbcjubXBInIkukvDTXDvLHH0JHGfdmk/s4608/P1660250.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCEEXJzHWZljfrCVN_bwQQ9yE1dU4F-F9NoAPOzIXgLPj6RnroY79ukVBXVW0e2vGCsabnpYgnfbmJuZthTOK3dQLfzw7pyLJTFqdAcnuK6AjjbcjubXBInIkukvDTXDvLHH0JHGfdmk/s640/P1660250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GsD19rhVzTiQIwoNqOLRVBthRMFxTBi3bobCIdEILif8e0IC9iuC3LDxJMUfs25_BxfPcnUWozswpEeKL76Mk2jfeBg9Ul1j1L-qzexF2Mqea-2krDdpjlqqj-F4wqh4Sj38ViegjZA/s4608/P1660254.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GsD19rhVzTiQIwoNqOLRVBthRMFxTBi3bobCIdEILif8e0IC9iuC3LDxJMUfs25_BxfPcnUWozswpEeKL76Mk2jfeBg9Ul1j1L-qzexF2Mqea-2krDdpjlqqj-F4wqh4Sj38ViegjZA/s640/P1660254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW6t60tGK3vzLxPiARjZX6gMaGFLAw_sD0G5Mcvg7iI7SKE_fX7QJln_ME7Efv0E1e1bDBKmVSFwz8ci6xfhFpMdVEy4knltQYefkCjXfvQQ8zzqywb8Rm2p-zi7cmQ2EC9Ljr56rkLI/s4608/P1660259.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW6t60tGK3vzLxPiARjZX6gMaGFLAw_sD0G5Mcvg7iI7SKE_fX7QJln_ME7Efv0E1e1bDBKmVSFwz8ci6xfhFpMdVEy4knltQYefkCjXfvQQ8zzqywb8Rm2p-zi7cmQ2EC9Ljr56rkLI/s640/P1660259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismvyZIDWiti1QKtQR9bj88Hf423VphabHDX0ccm9DkaY7GukRxBnKFk6wApGTsVMK_nAGond0usPErzHBi08QHqqgS2HHmL4aR83fsS0Jn5RXv6s1C6rUkSLfpOhDrJssg_mQqgy75g4/s4608/P1660263.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismvyZIDWiti1QKtQR9bj88Hf423VphabHDX0ccm9DkaY7GukRxBnKFk6wApGTsVMK_nAGond0usPErzHBi08QHqqgS2HHmL4aR83fsS0Jn5RXv6s1C6rUkSLfpOhDrJssg_mQqgy75g4/s640/P1660263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1hPFZkzFv2RjBLSqI7mW0AIZH0SeRXt43rOPbjHxQoT5oHt1dB4OS44BdamIP6jSmvhZVo34R6Yvf5_8adMfy0NMfbyRO9OORFDj5Om2gCUmVfaCaUHl0e9iYySol7Av3ukqY9uQaks/s4608/P1660267.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1hPFZkzFv2RjBLSqI7mW0AIZH0SeRXt43rOPbjHxQoT5oHt1dB4OS44BdamIP6jSmvhZVo34R6Yvf5_8adMfy0NMfbyRO9OORFDj5Om2gCUmVfaCaUHl0e9iYySol7Av3ukqY9uQaks/s640/P1660267.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="color: black;">If you're keen to get out walking in this area, I highly recommend the excellent </span><a href="https://www.walktonbridge.co.uk/">Walk Tonbridge website</a>. The first part of my above route follows <a href="https://www.walktonbridge.co.uk/thewalks/walk-9-tales-from-the-shire">Route 9: Tales From The Shire</a>, up until that route reaches Hawden Bungalow. I was born and raised in Hildenborough, so I do intend to complete the full route one day.</div></div><p></p>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-76809132285454452082020-07-31T08:00:00.001+01:002020-08-01T11:48:04.911+01:00The whole picture: July 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoRTqLYflZkIRJMmN2M6pXt3E9dBuwtShyVIbz3hvH5fy8XWl9XfY2uh7mFFyoQ3n-xBFjTFSy4NHyGQf1Gkic_04NxaFR7o6j2GtBulpLEMiksdLahuxGb035qbC6fUqwEAO_odF8js/s2048/20200728_132601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoRTqLYflZkIRJMmN2M6pXt3E9dBuwtShyVIbz3hvH5fy8XWl9XfY2uh7mFFyoQ3n-xBFjTFSy4NHyGQf1Gkic_04NxaFR7o6j2GtBulpLEMiksdLahuxGb035qbC6fUqwEAO_odF8js/w640-h480/20200728_132601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Two whole years since my last installation of <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Whole%20Picture%20Monthly">The Whole Picture</a>, I'm back with my latest monthly update. I've already written an explanation of <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/blog-hiatus.html">where I've been and what I've been doing</a> these past months. The plan was to get back into blogging this year, but I didn't expect The Whole Picture to return so soon, because my usual routine of travel, press trips, meeting friends and the like is still very much on hold. That said, I've managed to squeeze enough out of July 2020 to rustle up this blog post.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've done in July</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskFiNoYba1UvVqH9BjAmbXaVNsujpC6HuX08AwxAcOQUpZ6aJIDoJxDe4-1iwQ9bykVMcdeNukFE3acDOBasZeIa5JnLhGRyFzMBlVHCGATokryDs2eK4kPUvHsNWh0B2-6ocZk7Sv1c/s4608/P1650431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskFiNoYba1UvVqH9BjAmbXaVNsujpC6HuX08AwxAcOQUpZ6aJIDoJxDe4-1iwQ9bykVMcdeNukFE3acDOBasZeIa5JnLhGRyFzMBlVHCGATokryDs2eK4kPUvHsNWh0B2-6ocZk7Sv1c/w640-h480/P1650431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/furlough-coronavirus.html">furloughed since April</a>, so work events have been non-existent and I've had a lot of free time on my hands. I've kept myself busy with my virtual travel blog series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html">Lau On Tour</a>, in which I virtually visited a different destination each day and experienced its culture and cuisine. The travel aspect of it was fun, and has given me plenty of places that I want to visit in real life, but I also enjoyed the blogging side of it, and it's given me the push I need to restart this blog properly. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where I've been in July</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlkRaEhmF4O6L4bcDKn-ncUoLoovLYE7wtVD9AOkOieRWaFh6sgb2iLrb0hOROr03KtUxAgDQmM_dboJrOyTuN96F0-Ftv-WJzWjGW_QUOVZD2zSntqjfdfCZJrXaazWHBhbLCXIe8V4/s4608/P1650809.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlkRaEhmF4O6L4bcDKn-ncUoLoovLYE7wtVD9AOkOieRWaFh6sgb2iLrb0hOROr03KtUxAgDQmM_dboJrOyTuN96F0-Ftv-WJzWjGW_QUOVZD2zSntqjfdfCZJrXaazWHBhbLCXIe8V4/w640-h480/P1650809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Travel is still very much a no-no, but local attractions and sites are starting to open again, and I've been treating it as a chance to visit places nearby which I usually take for granted. You won't catch me at Thorpe Park any time soon, but gardens are ideal at this time of year.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV73-glOILzJ8PnkK8cj7q5lZpGH_eJ-WH1mBFcflWEmX1dfoqpTIaIJDtM5lHfpSD-XhkEnAJzgTKM0pwnagQ4BzRFgZXJ7VXUlrre00t6cCjtUHOxOlXOejQuKiCqkTV2RjCuYPAKw/s4608/P1650596.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV73-glOILzJ8PnkK8cj7q5lZpGH_eJ-WH1mBFcflWEmX1dfoqpTIaIJDtM5lHfpSD-XhkEnAJzgTKM0pwnagQ4BzRFgZXJ7VXUlrre00t6cCjtUHOxOlXOejQuKiCqkTV2RjCuYPAKw/w640-h480/P1650596.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Penshurst Place is a gorgeous building in Kent, and although I've been to the cafe in the car park before, I've never been in the ticketed area. The house itself was still shut at the time of my visit, but the gardens were open, and looking beautiful. Social distancing was excellent, and I barely saw another person on my visit, let alone came within 2m of them. The giant Union Jack flag rose bed is a particular highlight, and it's worth wandering into the petite village of Penshurst for an extra dollop of quaint while you're there.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-lNS2fV-6RdcFc0QEhDJjRcW2WMmfuMu7eKVsv5eCKfei1wco0ah9rvsPFHf1QIbQMJ6t54wmHYOoOisPOV8xQ4Ih85PdYH14sO4ilWHF9-gy9dMmBJG4lO4hkpOwJPHnyXiAXzaDd8/s4608/P1650590.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-lNS2fV-6RdcFc0QEhDJjRcW2WMmfuMu7eKVsv5eCKfei1wco0ah9rvsPFHf1QIbQMJ6t54wmHYOoOisPOV8xQ4Ih85PdYH14sO4ilWHF9-gy9dMmBJG4lO4hkpOwJPHnyXiAXzaDd8/w640-h480/P1650590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The second stop on my whistle-stop tour of West Kent's outdoor attractions was Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. Its obscured entrance halfway up a winding hill means that many locals don't even realise it exists, but that same hillside location makes for some spectacular views. I've always believed that Chartwell offers the best panoramas over Kent, but I take that all back - though you pay for Riverhill's views with a stealthy climb. Other attractions include a maze, various gardens and the famous yeti. Again, social distancing was managed very well.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_aSfObLqXHrBMAJLlsxV2RNaPPrudKtW_Wnam0iJnssKbGo7Qjw-79axtjTg_Ur2T-kh8Eh-ap5RgOBKg5goM1VXZVxENKi7iUd0rczGoM-0NIb1JE_C_kSuPnBCsXfJi2H3vsZ7258/s4608/P1650057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_aSfObLqXHrBMAJLlsxV2RNaPPrudKtW_Wnam0iJnssKbGo7Qjw-79axtjTg_Ur2T-kh8Eh-ap5RgOBKg5goM1VXZVxENKi7iUd0rczGoM-0NIb1JE_C_kSuPnBCsXfJi2H3vsZ7258/w640-h480/P1650057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hever Castle has been on my must-visit list for a while, and furlough meant I finally had time to go. I didn't venture inside the castle itself, charming though it is, but I spent a lovely afternoon upping my daily step count around the gardens and gawking over the gorgeous lake. Unfortunately, social distancing wasn't as well managed here as in the other places I visited, so there were large parts that had to be avoided completely.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99nYga6un5hl8cH9N295N8B61MtfWNpiSY1zhJfFqJ2BSNWbdzKEIJzmKrknGrT7smWSvAt5jaPypW-3bt3H0_sloOLDNrQIfzer2qmbT6havuqQxFjuJXf4Sbvml1fh10oXmGZq9kV4/s4608/P1650268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99nYga6un5hl8cH9N295N8B61MtfWNpiSY1zhJfFqJ2BSNWbdzKEIJzmKrknGrT7smWSvAt5jaPypW-3bt3H0_sloOLDNrQIfzer2qmbT6havuqQxFjuJXf4Sbvml1fh10oXmGZq9kV4/w640-h480/P1650268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The remainder of my entertainment this month came from discovering new walking routes near where I live. My curious nature combined with the <a href="https://footpathmap.co.uk/">Footpath Map website</a> and the excellent <a href="https://www.walktonbridge.co.uk/walks">Walk Tonbridge</a> across fields has allowed me to finally find out where all those 'footpath' signposts in the local area lead.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What I've eaten in July</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0i5a6nH200YRYbFvRNd1rB6F8P_40AFwv9NVcEIcDNEqDrrDWHFslQ6heA4MjGqo-ff9Lgjx7qSTxcpBAg2I0mM6a_ktBi9CpSUg0IFJLdflBo57WUI5nSQqu2l5Rnai57G4iVKzxDY/s4608/P1650500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0i5a6nH200YRYbFvRNd1rB6F8P_40AFwv9NVcEIcDNEqDrrDWHFslQ6heA4MjGqo-ff9Lgjx7qSTxcpBAg2I0mM6a_ktBi9CpSUg0IFJLdflBo57WUI5nSQqu2l5Rnai57G4iVKzxDY/w640-h480/P1650500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've not yet ventured back into any restaurants since they reopened - though I did have a cheeky in-car McDonald's with family, and there may have been one or two takeaway milkshakes from the local ice cream shop. But I have been whipping up a (mostly) successful storm in the kitchen for my <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/%23LauOnTour">Lau On Tour series</a>. The <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-lisbon-lau-on-tour.html">Portuguese custard tarts</a> were less than successful, but the <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-florida-lau-on-tour.html">Key lime pie</a> is now a permanent addition to my repertoire, and I've got some ideas pertaining to scones.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's next?</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9iF-R6oNvuS7glRoyX6gTUU6ofIqg8BSQG54XpnVN84cLTa05x8R0tkj-ITv31d7aS6DSO-RynfHBmd1j6YfWjPGjUeqimznt0oIXxmm8JspksCkxZvlaY3hb882dtuQ3z03a83Evc4/s2048/20200728_140959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9iF-R6oNvuS7glRoyX6gTUU6ofIqg8BSQG54XpnVN84cLTa05x8R0tkj-ITv31d7aS6DSO-RynfHBmd1j6YfWjPGjUeqimznt0oIXxmm8JspksCkxZvlaY3hb882dtuQ3z03a83Evc4/w640-h480/20200728_140959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I know I always say 'who knows?', but really, anything could happen in August 2020. I'd like to hope we're going back to some semblance of normality, but even as I type this, the news is full of reports of a second coronavirus wave washing across Europe. I'm hoping for a possible part-time return to work, and some more exploring of my local area and attractions - but honestly, I'd settle for just not going back into lockdown.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scribbling_lau/" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbling_lau">Twitter</a> to keep up with my latest (local) adventures.</i></div><div><br /></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-74962969194667255582020-07-27T17:00:00.001+01:002020-07-31T10:12:23.738+01:00Lau On Tour Day 14: Brighton<i style="background-color: white; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Part 14 of my new series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Lau On Tour</a>. Catch up with <span style="color: #1f9eb6;"><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-london-england-lau-on-tour.html">my previous destination</a></span> and <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">find out what the series is all about</a> before you join me in my final destination, Brighton.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGj2Nr_Oc2JalSCr0Lt7CF6kfGb8R6VZUY_jC6_VYqElY5bAKzc7UDyiBwAGylB4510H6LWbxrD7pyttZEzyoKYHKoJQKVcfyRD8A0_g3JA_wTPWj2Cj8QFP2lAQznd2oSk6YJU1vP4GA/s1600/p1340142_-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="730" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGj2Nr_Oc2JalSCr0Lt7CF6kfGb8R6VZUY_jC6_VYqElY5bAKzc7UDyiBwAGylB4510H6LWbxrD7pyttZEzyoKYHKoJQKVcfyRD8A0_g3JA_wTPWj2Cj8QFP2lAQznd2oSk6YJU1vP4GA/s640/p1340142_-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The itinerary</h3>
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Today's my final half day of <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/%23LauOnTour">my annual leave</a>, so I'm keeping it local and heading to Brighton for a few hours of fun. A quick glance at the <a href="https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/united-kingdom/england/brighton/brighton-pier.html">live webcam focused on Brighton Pier</a> tells me it might not be bathing weather, and as there doesn't seem to be a way to virtually explore <a href="https://www.brightonpier.co.uk/">the pier itself</a>, I'm heading for the city's other big attraction, the i360.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2sXat3-AVSeswfUPtxD_kqJGMfjNEsBVz4BW3_UzB280sZ2wdBZrkZx0o9J3lH6DyX3MfYXVvX8YSeJphCfOErm35eIyol5Km4SgD7pd802iCkP-7IxLIcNyH7qAjBMDb8l4X8zWgv4/s1600/gunnar-ridderstrom-rTfszdCh9Ec-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2sXat3-AVSeswfUPtxD_kqJGMfjNEsBVz4BW3_UzB280sZ2wdBZrkZx0o9J3lH6DyX3MfYXVvX8YSeJphCfOErm35eIyol5Km4SgD7pd802iCkP-7IxLIcNyH7qAjBMDb8l4X8zWgv4/s640/gunnar-ridderstrom-rTfszdCh9Ec-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/rTfszdCh9Ec">Gunnar Ridderström/Unsplash</a></td></tr>
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This viewing tower on the seafront is by the same people behind the London Eye, but goes up and down instead of round and round. Again, there doesn't seem to be a way to visit virtually on the <a href="https://britishairwaysi360.com/">official website</a> (understandable - why would they give the views away for free?) but this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5vmAcNR0I0">YouTube video</a> is the best alternative I've found. I can't get enough of those views all the way along the coastline.</div>
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Back on solid ground, I'm heading to another of Brighton's icons, the Royal Pavilion (that's the one that looks a bit like the Taj Mahal, set a few streets back from the seafront). Despite passing it many, many times, I've never been in, and I'm even more embarrassed to admit that I had no idea about its history, or how such an Indian-inspired building came to be on the south coast of England. Consider me all caught up thanks to this <a href="https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/history/">video introduction</a>. If that's whetted your appetite for some glitz and glamour, take a <a href="https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/whattosee/virtual-tour/">virtual tour</a> of some of the rooms, or <a href="https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/whattosee/">ogle photos of each one</a> accompanied by some more information about it. Personally, I love the opulence of the Saloon, and plan to visit it in real life one day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsA8bdhXHOrwzzFIxs92L5v9utTuAAbevlNDvMaaomrhnD9xzgF6-H_3y1A1U7o6puGG4OXiuYHY4aVWATa1pCuedvvy-1PC9sEjzWd4ZT7qeqDuOl8LNhSc3g-fBIOS8yq4Q4ePOfgxs/s1600/Brighton_royal_pavilion_Qmin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsA8bdhXHOrwzzFIxs92L5v9utTuAAbevlNDvMaaomrhnD9xzgF6-H_3y1A1U7o6puGG4OXiuYHY4aVWATa1pCuedvvy-1PC9sEjzWd4ZT7qeqDuOl8LNhSc3g-fBIOS8yq4Q4ePOfgxs/s640/Brighton_royal_pavilion_Qmin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brighton_royal_pavilion_Qmin.jpg">Qmin</a></td></tr>
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I'm finishing off my morning of sightseeting in Brighton with a virtual visit to somewhere I go every time I'm in the city - JB's Diner. The Americana overdose lures me in every time - think chequerboard floors, red leather booths, neon signs and Coca Cola merch. There's a <a href="https://jbsdiner.co.uk/virtual-tour/">virtual tour</a> of the venue online, which drew my attention to several details I've never noticed on my many trips in person, including the Mountain Dew wrappers on the ceiling, the shark's head sticking out of the wall, and the bar stool seating at the window.</div>
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Where I'm staying</h3><div><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJWy_UcPIlQnQyA-cBcxAQpq4P629R-PBK4asoshzD8hDCruWPGBk9eT9sc_ghOlifauuWP4Xpg7ghcQDsEG3j29tCIuMXjuE8WhRLGFkxOVPosbRE0BtOtAhftJ-G1l4MI5AtAAcHf4/s1600/P1340051+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJWy_UcPIlQnQyA-cBcxAQpq4P629R-PBK4asoshzD8hDCruWPGBk9eT9sc_ghOlifauuWP4Xpg7ghcQDsEG3j29tCIuMXjuE8WhRLGFkxOVPosbRE0BtOtAhftJ-G1l4MI5AtAAcHf4/s640/P1340051+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Technically, as I've only got half a day of annual leave to play with, I probably don't need accommodation for this final leg of the trip. But as my budget and timescale for this whole blog series is a thing entirely of whimsy and imagination, I'll splash on a night at the luxurious <a href="https://www.grandbrighton.co.uk/">Grand Brighton</a>, with its seaview rooms and afternoon tea. </div><div><br /></div>
<h3>
In pop culture</h3><div><br /></div>
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Brighton-based author <a href="https://www.dorothykoomson.co.uk/">Dorothy Koomson</a> bases most of her books in the city. She's one of my favourite authors, but I haven't yet got round to reading her latest book, The Brighton Mermaid. Given that the book has today's destination in its title, I'll be sinking into my <strike>deckchair</strike> armchair for the rest of the afternoon and giving it a read.<div><br />
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On the menu</h3><div><br /></div>
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If you've been following <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/%23LauOnTour">this series</a> the whole way through, you've probably clocked by now that my eating habits are somewhat at odds to most people's ('fussy' is a word that has been used). So when I'm heading to Brighton, I'm not thinking of fish and chips, or seaside doughnuts on the pier, as most people would be. My foodie highlight is a pitstop at JB's Diner on the seafront, and is more of a liquid highlight - the Lucky Charms milkshakes. Tall, thick, cool, and made with creamy ice cream laced with the American cereal, topped with a mountain of whipped cream and a cherry, the drink usually comes with a separate cocktail shaker full of the overflow liquid that didn't fit in the glass. So long has it been a favourite of mine, that it can be seen in the photo on the <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">'About Me'</a> section of this site.<br />
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Short of physically travelling to Brighton, my next best option is to hit up the milkshake shop in my local town. Alas, they don't stock cereal fillings, so I'm sucking down a Galaxy milkshake, pretending each lump of chocolate is a Lucky Charms marshmallow.<br />
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Souvenir shopping</h3>
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Stick of rock. Lovely.</div><div><br /></div>
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<i>Pssst... you can see photos my <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2018/05/photos-of-brighton-pier-street-art-the-laines.html">previous trip to (real) Brighton</a>, and find some <a href="https://londonist.com/london/outside-london/unusual-things-to-do-in-brighton">unusual things to do in Brighton</a> when the city's fully reopen.</i></div>
</div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-26472335525997909282020-07-26T17:00:00.002+01:002020-07-31T10:09:55.726+01:00Lau On Tour Day 13: London<i style="background-color: white; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Part 13 of my new series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Lau On Tour</a>. Catch up with <span style="color: #1f9eb6;"><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-chicago-lau-on-tour.html">my previous destination</a></span> and <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">find out what the series is all about</a> before you join me in today's destination, London.</i><div><span style="font-family: cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1tD_sZcYYwDVKPVKmYTgxaluoxk8U1Fx5ypRFVf94Q43JEzxMMjY3DS6C6AkE8ayZu5XpXZ8pOUU-m-co6xzYqbkP3Yrrr3ty5CuVKZstgLvmcgux28AjqAQ3OXKQAbf04UUpiR28YY/s2048/jamie-street-aLoN4KX1xSA-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1tD_sZcYYwDVKPVKmYTgxaluoxk8U1Fx5ypRFVf94Q43JEzxMMjY3DS6C6AkE8ayZu5XpXZ8pOUU-m-co6xzYqbkP3Yrrr3ty5CuVKZstgLvmcgux28AjqAQ3OXKQAbf04UUpiR28YY/w640-h428/jamie-street-aLoN4KX1xSA-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="#">Jamie Street/Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><i><br /></i></span></span><div><div>
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The itinerary</h3><div><br /></div><div>For my day in London, I'm doing things a little bit differently from the <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/%23LauOnTour">other places on my tour so far</a>, because I know the city so damn well. I grew up about an hour outside London, so it's always been on my radar, but my knowledge of the city has got pretty intense over the last six years due to <a href="https://londonist.com/">working for a publication that's all about London</a>. So instead of putting together an itinerary of places that can be visited remotely, I've pieced together my ideal day in London - though there's enough to keep you going for several days. At time of writing, it's almost five months since I even set foot in London, so please indulge me in my rose-tinted whimsy.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're starting at the Grant Museum of Zoology, one of UCL's museums. The famous Natural History Museum is great, but it can be busy and overwhelming - think of the Grant as a more manageable alternative. Sure, it doesn't have dinosaurs, but there are plenty of other skeletons - including the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museum-zoology/quagga-skeleton">rarest set of bones in the world</a> - and jars of body parts to keep all ages entertained. I even went <a href="https://londonist.com/2015/11/behind-the-scenes-at-the-grant-museum">behind the scenes</a> into the storeroom a few years ago.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASeCwUR9qoXt85Qc5C8JXNhvOhqlrIux3n2OmQ_y3R1ZWMUJTz7x5S1bvtREpGZFWrrBJcXUhP_LWL0BUCig9EM1-gPaWbIICn89Iu-1zw9eiq4q7MyYnWAszjI6iscE1RVSNxfPKiyE/s2048/tom-wheatley-Ym1bPWvPA4U-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASeCwUR9qoXt85Qc5C8JXNhvOhqlrIux3n2OmQ_y3R1ZWMUJTz7x5S1bvtREpGZFWrrBJcXUhP_LWL0BUCig9EM1-gPaWbIICn89Iu-1zw9eiq4q7MyYnWAszjI6iscE1RVSNxfPKiyE/w640-h426/tom-wheatley-Ym1bPWvPA4U-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Ym1bPWvPA4U">Tom Wheatley/Unsplash</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museum-zoology">Grant Museum</a>, continue west along Euston Road and step into the greenery of Regent's Park. It's my favourite of all the Royal Parks, largely because I know it so well from my time spent working nearby. Head for the Inner Circle and take in the summer colours and scents of Queen Mary's Rose Garden, one of the best outdoor spots in London. The nearby Open Air Theatre is worth making a note of too - I've never been, but it's <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/04/30-things-to-do-before.30.html">on my bucket list</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZhuUCV9nIoMMYQg9rZq0iYfsNf7aL1ZCTUriSAOt-FSLxnUv72q5hrztmZREpPfNu4eE0cUEokZ23sKvUaM1RzMXRsC0hBj_5vfhYzjFTCNudCZviOcQlqKeTfvwmr5vbb7R31gG1RI/s2048/richard-cook-Uee848bGciw-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZhuUCV9nIoMMYQg9rZq0iYfsNf7aL1ZCTUriSAOt-FSLxnUv72q5hrztmZREpPfNu4eE0cUEokZ23sKvUaM1RzMXRsC0hBj_5vfhYzjFTCNudCZviOcQlqKeTfvwmr5vbb7R31gG1RI/w640-h420/richard-cook-Uee848bGciw-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Uee848bGciw">Richard Cook/Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Continue north through the park to <a href="https://www.zsl.org/london">ZSL London Zoo</a>, home to lions, tigers (no bears), and somewhere I worked on-and-off for four years. Like many charities, it's struggling due to coronavirus, <a href="https://donate.zsl.org/donations/?_ga=2.25731067.799257796.1596104600-160618965.1596104600">so donations are very welcome</a>. I love wandering around the zoo, eating an ice cream and visiting the animals, followed by a trip up to the top of nearby Primrose Hill. For a climb that doesn't feel *too* intense, it rewards you with deep, panoramic skyline views of the capital. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAKd6A7yFnSurogVTjLs8Bg8OK12KWnkYiNe6UAStr2kFJZYTyYbiHZvl4YbZfchG2fNYdwZPHW8hLTWMStbxd-9QNXVVccPnZ2__IEYIcvvOTs17_PxvZR1XhhCIZzGhsq-ijZz8rbs/s2048/jaanus-jagomagi-Dymu1WiZVko-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAKd6A7yFnSurogVTjLs8Bg8OK12KWnkYiNe6UAStr2kFJZYTyYbiHZvl4YbZfchG2fNYdwZPHW8hLTWMStbxd-9QNXVVccPnZ2__IEYIcvvOTs17_PxvZR1XhhCIZzGhsq-ijZz8rbs/w640-h426/jaanus-jagomagi-Dymu1WiZVko-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from The Shard. Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Dymu1WiZVko">Jaanus Jagomagi/Unsplash</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of views, I firmly believe that The Shard and/or the London Eye are worth a trip, if you're visiting on a clear day. Yes, they are tourist traps of the highest order (literally) but they offer serious views of the capital. If you know London, it's fascinating to see the landmarks and streets you know from a different point of view. If you don't know London - well, it's a great introduction to its geography.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now for a couple of lesser-known places to visit. <a href="https://londonist.com/2015/05/a-trip-to-londons-least-known-castle">Severndroog Castle</a> is a fairytale folly, set in woodland near Woolwich. A tea room occupies the ground floor, with two further storeys to explore before you reach the viewpoint at the top. It's claimed you can see into seven counties on a clear day.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan2RmQYWLM_tGKFyk0r85OpkeOTdl7SgRJo9bD0jwXNk-gGXb7nDcYyoBzyQNtXYPS-tvBh371h-zAzAN0le4N2D-doQH5kiHe_86awcm96K0KrrA9cwhg0CWeDuEXqYr0YDkppnOBsM/s640/20170604_125708.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan2RmQYWLM_tGKFyk0r85OpkeOTdl7SgRJo9bD0jwXNk-gGXb7nDcYyoBzyQNtXYPS-tvBh371h-zAzAN0le4N2D-doQH5kiHe_86awcm96K0KrrA9cwhg0CWeDuEXqYr0YDkppnOBsM/w640-h360/20170604_125708.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God's Own Junkyard. Photo: <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-brightest-spot-in-east-london.html">Scribbling Lau</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If tea rooms and turrets is all a bit quaint for you, <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-brightest-spot-in-east-london.html">God's Own Junkyard</a> is the antidote. There is a cafe - the punnily named Rolling Scones - but the main attraction of this Walthamstow warehouse is the abundance of neon signs. Lights scream at you from every direction, though be warned - they're not all family-friendly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could go on forever, waxing lyrical about the known and lesser-known spots in London which I love. But I'll finish up with one final gem - Columbia Road Flower Market. An otherwise quiet East End street comes alive every Sunday with the colours of blooms and the cries of street traders - and it's not unusual to see people carrying huge houseplants away from the area.</div><div><br /></div>
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Where I'm staying</h3><div><br /></div><div>London's not short of <a href="https://londonist.com/london/features/themed-hotels-london">quirky, themed hotels</a>, from former prison cells, to tube-themed bedrooms to floating accommodation. And as much as I'd love to try each and every one of them, I'm taking this chance to virtually stay in a top-end hotel that I'll never be able to afford in real-life. It's a toss up between <a href="https://londonist.com/2016/07/secrets-of-the-ritz">The Ritz</a> and <a href="https://londonist.com/2016/05/secrets-of-the-savoy">The Savoy</a>, and the latter just wins, thanks to that <a href="https://londonist.com/2016/03/swimming-shorts-the-savoy-s-giant-sodastream">indoor pool</a> and the plethora of restaurants that I've always fancied trying, not to mention the river views.</div><div><br /></div>
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In pop culture</h3><div><br /></div>
SO many books, films, TV shows, songs etc are set in London, that I'm not even going to attempt to list them. But for me, London's all about the Richard Curtis rom com, so I'm kicking back with a bucket of popcorn to watch Notting Hill... followed by Four Weddings... and then probably Love Actually. </div><div><br />
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On the menu</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGE_UktdAiS2KJYu8LK5lxeraZPuclUXiSP9ll104a5BkniGNSQzl95GivowzFTBDGeJQC8WFps2RVrk33V0-wxiu65wMjNCqsCBvVG8hW_U9Nqtb9AFaBhxi5eSFXStIjzg7gveR0gc/s960/11782326_10153744322447203_1066632716819812057_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGE_UktdAiS2KJYu8LK5lxeraZPuclUXiSP9ll104a5BkniGNSQzl95GivowzFTBDGeJQC8WFps2RVrk33V0-wxiu65wMjNCqsCBvVG8hW_U9Nqtb9AFaBhxi5eSFXStIjzg7gveR0gc/w400-h400/11782326_10153744322447203_1066632716819812057_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
Again, I'm doing things a little differently here, and rather than making a typical London meal, I'm taking a virtual culinary tour around all my favourite spots in the city.</div><div><br /></div><div>First up, let's talk about the most important food group - cake. Your top stops are Primrose Bakery for cute cupcakes, and Hummingbird Bakery for cupcakes, whoopie pies, tray bakes, and the best cake in London - rainbow cake. Never had a bad cake from either of them, though if you're more of a traditionalist, Ayres the Baker in Nunhead is a proper old-fashioned village bakery, which I visited regularly when I lived in the area, and I still miss those Viennese fingers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26m-VlG1kcapj2OkV-luKa5tIcwjZP6R0MZ2Y3tF8f85NRtnrmZ8vU6Yj5U3G2ojzpd9F1X-AzNMz1g-VHeP1dQ1Q0WBhycDZBP-_wowU8Sf948RRICEOcZuZ4WIRte8SDvgDB-krGxU/s640/P1240485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26m-VlG1kcapj2OkV-luKa5tIcwjZP6R0MZ2Y3tF8f85NRtnrmZ8vU6Yj5U3G2ojzpd9F1X-AzNMz1g-VHeP1dQ1Q0WBhycDZBP-_wowU8Sf948RRICEOcZuZ4WIRte8SDvgDB-krGxU/w640-h480/P1240485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While we're on the subject of cake, afternoon tea is a London staple, and something which I've <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/search/label/Afternoon%20%20Tea">tried my fair share of</a>. Despite my many adventures in scones, and writing a <a href="https://londonist.com/london/food-and-drink/new-afternoon-teas-in-london-this-month-february-2020">regular afternoon tea column</a>, I tend to go blank when anyone asks which is best. I don't have a particular favourite, and it depends what you're looking for in an afternoon tea - but The Ritz and The Savoy are classics if you don't mind splashing out, <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2018/04/cutter-squidges-wizard-themed-afternoon-tea.html">Cutter & Squidge</a> is great for novelty offerings which don't skimp on taste, and the Gore/Pelham/Franklin trinity of South Ken hotels is always serving up creative afternoon tea menus based on whatever exhibition is currently open at the nearby V&A.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyCxHVMWsYcUfBO6NeN_mqur3DowYiuHi1oVcJUL9cPV1NvtKYixERismsUUM5_Rz3Skb-ifjdfGlWH84M6pmty-7lYjz-GorabDPaJQsdlfKdOBfbgaRmtac7brFO3SoEhlvJsnVgnU/s640/20171020_130630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyCxHVMWsYcUfBO6NeN_mqur3DowYiuHi1oVcJUL9cPV1NvtKYixERismsUUM5_Rz3Skb-ifjdfGlWH84M6pmty-7lYjz-GorabDPaJQsdlfKdOBfbgaRmtac7brFO3SoEhlvJsnVgnU/w640-h360/20171020_130630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For main meals, a traditionalist might go for fish and chips, but I'm more of a burger girl myself. Carnivores should hit up one of the branches of Meat Liquor dotted about the capital, though <a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2017/10/londons-best-buffalo-chicken-brewdog.html">Brewdog also does an excellent Buffalo chicken burger</a>. For Italian, hit up Al Parco Pizzeria in Camden for the best creamy mushroom pasta of your life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drinks - for the hot, you want the hot chocolate at Stanfords in Covent Garden, or the salted caramel hot chocolate at Cutter & Squidge. For the spicy, it's got to be strawberry daquiris on deck at the Tattershall Castle, a boat bar moored on the Thames by Charing Cross.</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-26567972525331565502020-07-25T17:00:00.000+01:002020-07-30T10:44:55.693+01:00Lau On Tour Day 12: Chicago<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Part 12 of my new series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Lau On Tour</a>. Catch up with <span style="color: #1f9eb6;"><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-lisbon-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">my previous destination</a></span> and <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">find out what the series is all about</a> before you join me in today's destination, Chicago</i><br />
<i><br /><br /></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8hKcpgXgFdwyWtSgO5ABW5Is_-vMi6NEnRUZhsi0Np0BQakpb_rN-3ino-RjjiNNAlrJjtHRN8PJwFGT7dexeLoAL91XW0K_VjKeQkLkU-cw_xsZipG40PlvQfmP1B-fyRkkDDQkBVY/s2048/pedro-lastra-Nyvq2juw4_o-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2048" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8hKcpgXgFdwyWtSgO5ABW5Is_-vMi6NEnRUZhsi0Np0BQakpb_rN-3ino-RjjiNNAlrJjtHRN8PJwFGT7dexeLoAL91XW0K_VjKeQkLkU-cw_xsZipG40PlvQfmP1B-fyRkkDDQkBVY/w640-h394/pedro-lastra-Nyvq2juw4_o-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Nyvq2juw4_o">Pedro Lastra/Unsplash<br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<h3>
The itinerary</h3>
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Considering it's in my top five places-I-want-to-visit, I'm ashamed to admit I didn't actually know much about Chicago. Beyond Lake Michigan itself, the only landmark I could name was <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark">Wrigley Field</a>, so this little virtual trip has been a great way to learn more about the Windy City.</div>
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With my head for heights, I was drawn to the 110-floor Willis Tower, and the <a href="https://theskydeck.com/plan-a-visit/the-skydeck-experience-video/">virtual tour of the Skydeck</a>, the highest observation floor in the USA. With views up to 50 miles, it's a great way to get an idea of the geography of Chicago before continuing to explore the city.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next it's on to the Garfield Park Conservatory, a botanical conservatory which offers <a href="https://garfieldconservatory.org/resource-center/digital-tours/">digital tours</a>, including the colourful <a href="https://www.vamonde.com/adventure/the-golden-hour-color-safari/1542">golden hour safari</a>. Sticking with nature, Shedd Aquarium has a <a href="https://www.sheddaquarium.org/exhibits/underwater-beauty-exhibit#livecam">live webcam</a> to one of its tanks, and it's extremely relaxing to watch.</div>
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<h3>
Where I'm staying</h3><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtrTmUrRWCpjuaiohPaRfzO40mS9PtRP7jLZi3DidOYr4iqIOrcjMNwwXISby8kH09bQOOJ4KMXSLEdtveB2dLsHjm8jkNYxzdnT4f8eHctDQFQuyPRpHMBdn4YGZtdrLDhnDrGInltI/s2000/IMG_0417-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtrTmUrRWCpjuaiohPaRfzO40mS9PtRP7jLZi3DidOYr4iqIOrcjMNwwXISby8kH09bQOOJ4KMXSLEdtveB2dLsHjm8jkNYxzdnT4f8eHctDQFQuyPRpHMBdn4YGZtdrLDhnDrGInltI/w640-h480/IMG_0417-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://fieldhousejones.com/chicago/gallery/">FieldHouse Jones</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sticking with the sport theme which started with Wrigley Field, I've chosen <a href="https://fieldhousejones.com/chicago/">FieldHouse Jones</a> as my Chicago hotel. The hip hotel commits to its theme, with dartboards in the bedrooms, tennis racquets strung from the ceiling, and basketball backboards lining the walls of the lobby. It's another one I'd love to visit in real life one day.</div>
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<h3>
In pop culture</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvoNwON_MyXHGL7_B3u5TzlaT4sOfQ2YISu1Nb3Embme_hhz2icncB06dP-Ahl5akYRhUq8KMVbTSqIZR1WuM-myY7oLEcsef7jUzJfmQus-Wz_oKqRMMBbQb2spVFBR5ogPUBNJo9YY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-11+at+13.55.14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1389" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvoNwON_MyXHGL7_B3u5TzlaT4sOfQ2YISu1Nb3Embme_hhz2icncB06dP-Ahl5akYRhUq8KMVbTSqIZR1WuM-myY7oLEcsef7jUzJfmQus-Wz_oKqRMMBbQb2spVFBR5ogPUBNJo9YY/w640-h270/Screen+Shot+2020-07-11+at+13.55.14.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">I'm surprised you even have to ask - for Chicago, it's got to be Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Though much of the 1986 film is set in the Chicago suburbs, it does venture into the city - via a priceless Ferrari - passing several landmarks including Wrigley Field, above.</p><h3>
On the menu</h3><div><br /></div>
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For me, Chicago cuisine means one thing - deep dish pizza. It's notoriously difficult to come by here in the UK - trust me, I've <a href="https://londonist.com/">been in a room with some of the best London brains</a>, and none of us could think of anywhere in the capital that serves it, and if London doesn't, Kent has no chance. So you'll excuse me if I cheated a little for this one (note: not an ad, despite the box placement in the photo above - though if Chicago Town want to send me a year's supply in thanks, who am I to turn them down...)<div><br />
<h3>
Souvenir shopping</h3><div><br /></div><div>I've drawn a blank with products which are unique to Chicago, so I'll use this stop on my tour to stock up on what some might refer to as 'tourist tat'. Perhaps a snow globe with the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0072I0RHY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=gs2&linkId=42b2b5783ed28239e00e7b76ad506b76&creativeASIN=B0072I0RHY&tag=gpsmycity-21&creative=9325&camp=1789">Chicago skyline</a>?</div>
</div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-61087750542927714322020-07-24T17:00:00.002+01:002020-07-30T09:50:45.299+01:00Lau On Tour Day 11: Lisbon<i style="background-color: white; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Part 11 of my new series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Lau On Tour</a>. Catch up with <span style="color: #1f9eb6;"><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-cornwall-lau-on-tour.html">my previous destination</a></span> and <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">find out what the series is all about</a> before you join me in today's destination, Lisbon.</i><br />
<i><br /><br /></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_uXpYr4E6E8eQLHjvznsJJGwiiLE3cf7TW8EDU132UL6r_aNvA5JIprmYEqPAN4f94UtY2E3zeVlNxqKkIa-9ZHERDxPQowa5D53AW4uyoABFxR_RDVRR2fv4tjm0nUCAFbPso8jy9g/s2048/robenson-gassant-VFzacj8JUzM-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_uXpYr4E6E8eQLHjvznsJJGwiiLE3cf7TW8EDU132UL6r_aNvA5JIprmYEqPAN4f94UtY2E3zeVlNxqKkIa-9ZHERDxPQowa5D53AW4uyoABFxR_RDVRR2fv4tjm0nUCAFbPso8jy9g/w625-h419/robenson-gassant-VFzacj8JUzM-unsplash.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/VFzacj8JUzM">Robenson Gassant/Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<h3><br />
The itinerary</h3>
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I'll be honest, I don't really know much about the sights of Lisbon - it strikes me as somewhere you go to wander aimlessly for a couple of days, rather than ticking off a tourist bucket list. I've started my virtual tour at <a href="https://amoreiras360view.com/miradouro/21#media-360">Amoreiras</a>, a 360 degree viewpoint tower above a shopping centre. The online version has the main attractions pinpointed, so you can get your bearings before you head back down into the streets below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XfGhXmofBY2OH6TIY9LnNkK8C1xkzTUUrgaFQmIEIRhBQcem_wzP1EHPgwVMXszOSzeTIbhsZRyGBAuxrzY2tR2-8hK4eMZAQJaNce7k7dYkMjdKV_pACn4sfNcawJU6YQ2lLXc60ho/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-28+at+10.37.32.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="1163" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XfGhXmofBY2OH6TIY9LnNkK8C1xkzTUUrgaFQmIEIRhBQcem_wzP1EHPgwVMXszOSzeTIbhsZRyGBAuxrzY2tR2-8hK4eMZAQJaNce7k7dYkMjdKV_pACn4sfNcawJU6YQ2lLXc60ho/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-07-28+at+10.37.32.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div>One thing I do know Lisbon has in abundance is its funicular trams, one of which can be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCsRh4-L_jw">ridden virtually via video</a>. It surprised me how closely people, bikes and trams mingle on the Lisbon streets, with trams gliding past just inches from people's doorways and shopfronts.</div>
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<h3>
Where I'm staying</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUn-Gvch1CYHLMloThQKXKLAoRaa06gWbV2OZz0p4BUTpYMAMUJeS49Mx-ppGaU2eXDcxZSX2VtPMa9r_Oe1Tl52wB-sfVcAGOGk0huVuwtJgcH5zPk7pJ2bpQsrNedDMGkJG_4uH_1w/s1415/Screen+Shot+2020-07-30+at+09.35.19.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1415" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUn-Gvch1CYHLMloThQKXKLAoRaa06gWbV2OZz0p4BUTpYMAMUJeS49Mx-ppGaU2eXDcxZSX2VtPMa9r_Oe1Tl52wB-sfVcAGOGk0huVuwtJgcH5zPk7pJ2bpQsrNedDMGkJG_4uH_1w/w625-h210/Screen+Shot+2020-07-30+at+09.35.19.png" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<div>I haven't managed to find any truly quirky or unusual hotels in Lisbon, so instead I'm opting for a night of luxury at the <a href="https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lissi-sheraton-lisboa-hotel-and-spa/">Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa</a> - not least because of that gorgeous outdoor fitness pool.</div>
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<h3>
In pop culture</h3><div><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aGIko4q1Fz0hUzhXS1ceL6zjt99dHBv3nAVmiyQyD-HwIxgbaSJ7ONPGUis7rc46LdZKYESB2X05p1-PLyq8gDujBWCGQrgv1ul-yhsTzWg7039356OoDd5YmcepROqkqgnfpGlb1HA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-28+at+10.12.44.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aGIko4q1Fz0hUzhXS1ceL6zjt99dHBv3nAVmiyQyD-HwIxgbaSJ7ONPGUis7rc46LdZKYESB2X05p1-PLyq8gDujBWCGQrgv1ul-yhsTzWg7039356OoDd5YmcepROqkqgnfpGlb1HA/w625-h320/Screen+Shot+2020-07-28+at+10.12.44.png" width="625" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div>My mind went blank when I tried to think of films, TV shows or books set in Lisbon, but thankfully Netflix came to my rescue, serving up an episode of food/travel documentary Somebody Feed Phil.</div><div><br /></div>
The Larry David-esque Christopher Eccleston lookalike bumbles his way around the city, indulging in countless custard tarts, flirting with danger at a (very) waterside restaurant, and befriending a local pizzeria owner. There are some beautiful shots of Lisbon's coloured architecture too.<div><br />
<h3>
On the menu</h3><div><br /></div>
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Hands up - I'm disappointed by the results of this baking effort. I made the traditional Portuguese pasteis de nata, or custard tarts, but it was one of those cases where reality didn't live up to expectation. I'll stick to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=467030144047168">Santa Nata in London</a>, until I can make it to Lisbon for the real deal.<br />
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<h3>
Souvenir shopping</h3><div><br /></div>
<div>One thing I learned from watching Somebody Feed Phil is how colourful Lisbon is, not just due to pastel-hued buildings, but also thanks to the patterned tiles that adorn walls and floors. Yep, I'll take a few of them to make my own home a bit more colourful, thanks.</div>
</div></div>Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-26018877052330569322020-07-23T17:00:00.000+01:002020-07-28T09:39:06.327+01:00Lau On Tour Day 10: Cornwall<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Part 10 of my new series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Lau On Tour</a>. Catch up with <span style="color: #1f9eb6;"><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-florida-lau-on-tour.html">my previous destination</a></span> and <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">find out what the series is all about</a> before you join me in today's destination, Cornwall.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKCduEc7BlzmZSb6nFh_lZpq2QfZUaed34byG5lELakWQlb1GSvIt3OFwEKVJF4nAJ88j0DGeHIlWkC68i9xl0qyLIVfA9UNYEddQzno1QUQ4lv15rULJVKWpP8NVhYyD8T6oDgKd11g/s1600/harry-kessell-QxeoybBm0yk-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1600" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKCduEc7BlzmZSb6nFh_lZpq2QfZUaed34byG5lELakWQlb1GSvIt3OFwEKVJF4nAJ88j0DGeHIlWkC68i9xl0qyLIVfA9UNYEddQzno1QUQ4lv15rULJVKWpP8NVhYyD8T6oDgKd11g/s640/harry-kessell-QxeoybBm0yk-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/QxeoybBm0yk">Harry Kessell/Unsplash</a></td></tr>
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<h3>
The itinerary</h3>
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One of the biggest tourist sites in Cornwall is the Eden Project, a series of giant biomes which house plants from all over the world. I've visited twice in real life, though beyond being very sweaty, my memory of the experience is a little hazy. I haven't managed to find an official video tour, but the website has <a href="https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-here/rainforest-biome">many photos of the various attractions</a> to click through, including the rainforest canopy walkway.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6RjLMLU26oa37ageGbyY5NYoanQSYOuM6ReOnWxjaP-JIN_WC6z5chPnGOseZKQeJczsPbO-4Nh6SriHUiH2szqMdLiCWmrrKbqqWIt8juqKkrMHnc7g9UkDdG7h0roqGKOkQth5_rc/s1600/jack-young-AKobi4-2CpY-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6RjLMLU26oa37ageGbyY5NYoanQSYOuM6ReOnWxjaP-JIN_WC6z5chPnGOseZKQeJczsPbO-4Nh6SriHUiH2szqMdLiCWmrrKbqqWIt8juqKkrMHnc7g9UkDdG7h0roqGKOkQth5_rc/s640/jack-young-AKobi4-2CpY-unsplash.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eden Project. Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/AKobi4-2CpY">Jack Young/Unsplash</a></td></tr>
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If that's got you in the mood for nature, Newquay Zoo lets the public snoop on its meerkats via a<a href="https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/explore/webcam"> live webcam</a>, and its sister site, Paignton Zoo in neighbouring Devon shows off its <a href="https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/explore/webcams">flamingoes and macaques</a> too.</div>
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For a dose of the Cornish seaside, you can't do much better than St Ives, a charming fishing village with a sandy beach and plenty to keep tourists busy. It's one of several destinations in Cornwall which can be viewed <a href="https://www.aspects-holidays.co.uk/st-ives-webcam">through a live webcam</a> - the downside being that you have to provide your own ice cream.</div>
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I'm finishing off my day in the south-west with a look at some of the scenic railway trips in the area, adequately summed up with this <a href="https://greatscenicrailways.co.uk/">short but beautiful video clip.</a> Beats the 8.14 into London Cannon Street any day.</div>
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<h3>
Where I'm staying</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17A6FEwqTaKJZuczAcU3YQLMy1B2uv_Vb_41kswlHnrzzq5poT0ZoyuwQYV5gXK_jFqvmrBc2B5fmx2eevBIcSJKDGd_FqGlX6c-nhUS8Yn8TszohlYNa_hMjRI_ENE0l5708WsXbBo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-28+at+09.36.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="802" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17A6FEwqTaKJZuczAcU3YQLMy1B2uv_Vb_41kswlHnrzzq5poT0ZoyuwQYV5gXK_jFqvmrBc2B5fmx2eevBIcSJKDGd_FqGlX6c-nhUS8Yn8TszohlYNa_hMjRI_ENE0l5708WsXbBo/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-07-28+at+09.36.07.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.luxurylodges.com/clowance/accommodation/treehouse-on-the-lake/">Luxury Lodges</a></td></tr>
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The accommodation which comes to mind when I think of Cornwall is the Headland Hotel, sitting proud on the cliff overlooking Newquay's famous Fistral Beach, and used as the filming location for <a href="https://www.headlandhotel.co.uk/the-witches-hotel/">The Witches</a>. Tempting though the spa and six (!) swimming pools are, I'm using my time in the south-west to reconnect with nature, at the <a href="https://www.luxurylodges.com/clowance/accommodation/treehouse-on-the-lake/">Treehouse on the Lake Lodge</a> in Camborne, where I can sleep in woodland above the forest floor, wallow in a copper bath, and gaze out from my timber terrace.<br />
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<h3>
In pop culture</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgO5ewFiQhXotvJpqb-cJX6Mqf9d0B8xt05Cgyv3Zt3OtaY_Llmm7ROzsQXevPKg36m1NQ8khU0hd1xZPls5btI8NOZ-fTwmNHwrTSOGMW9HPJ4BJZZI7bQ-oMnRBWezXiMBqqOxHgRk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-27+at+10.18.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="722" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgO5ewFiQhXotvJpqb-cJX6Mqf9d0B8xt05Cgyv3Zt3OtaY_Llmm7ROzsQXevPKg36m1NQ8khU0hd1xZPls5btI8NOZ-fTwmNHwrTSOGMW9HPJ4BJZZI7bQ-oMnRBWezXiMBqqOxHgRk/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-07-27+at+10.18.07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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TV series Poldark and 2019 film Fisherman's Friend both spring to mind for on-screen representations of Cornwall. But instead I chose to revisit an old favourite, cosy TV show Doc Martin, which is set in the fictional fishing village of Portwenn, and filmed on location in Cornwall's Port Isaac. With its sweeping cliffs, glistening water and cute cottages, it's a beautiful look at England's south-west county.<br />
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On the menu</h3>
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What could be more Cornish than a cream tea? I dug out my old scone recipe and made a batch of fruit and plain scones, and served them up with clotted cream and fruity jam. I'd rather have been eating it in a beautiful clifftop garden looking over the coast of St Ives or Penzance, but made do with my kitchen table. One confession though... I take my scones Devon-style (cream first) rather than Cornwall-style. Some things just have to be done properly, regardless of your destination.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVEIMegV35gNg1uch8NOvxX-HZwgIUgO3t3wQvn15k_i1sik2FsnZ4WoL7aOtiuxPGHFqAzYT2cyWth-HI417iSwrRngets-a8OgZ-ynNFjWzawUedBJ2L-nhN7DTiJv2SiEN-s1R4xo/s1600/20200704_141637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVEIMegV35gNg1uch8NOvxX-HZwgIUgO3t3wQvn15k_i1sik2FsnZ4WoL7aOtiuxPGHFqAzYT2cyWth-HI417iSwrRngets-a8OgZ-ynNFjWzawUedBJ2L-nhN7DTiJv2SiEN-s1R4xo/s640/20200704_141637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Souvenir shopping</h3>
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Remember in the 1990s when it felt like every other car in the UK had a rainbow-coloured Fat Willy's window sticker? You could always spot a Brit abroad by their Fat Willy's Surf Shack t-shirt, which came in all manner of sizes and colours. The brand still has three shops, in Falmouth, St Ives, and the flagship in Newquay, which I remember visiting as a child. I didn't get a t-shirt when I was a kid, but perhaps I'll take on home this time around.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.fatwillyssurfshack.co.uk/collections/womens">Fat Willy's Surf Shack</a></td></tr>
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Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-74479901428407283842020-07-19T17:00:00.000+01:002020-07-20T07:16:18.754+01:00Lau On Tour Day 9: Florida<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Part 9 of my new series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Lau On Tour</a>. Catch up with <span style="color: #1f9eb6;"><a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-mexico-lau-on-tour.html">yesterday's destination</a></span> and <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">find out what the series is all about</a> before you join me in today's destination, Florida.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/gJmEYe5Al9s">Gui Avelar/Unsplash</a></td></tr>
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<h3>
The itinerary</h3>
Florida's the theme park capital of the world, so I started my day-long visit with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflf8xbnbx64j0nb1hwb360ImTgaDs0Zl">virtual rides</a> on a few of its most famous rollercoasters, several of which are available on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xwwLwm6WSMbUn_Tp597hQ">Disney Parks YouTube</a> channel and other places around the internet (top tip - watch them in the dark on full-screen for the most realistic experience).<br />
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Things began gently with a turn on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Do309e4YU">It's A Small World</a>, a childhood favourite of, well, every child who ever went to Disney, myself included. The song'll stick with you, as it did for me as I worked my way through <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2V7CAo6004&list=PLflf8xbnbx64j0nb1hwb360ImTgaDs0Zl&index=5&t=0s">Thunder Mountain</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUsgniDbYgs&t=19s">Splash Mountain</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMMiZFPYg6M">Space Mountain</a>. It's a rather scorching 30+ degrees in Orlando at this time of year, so I headed over to water park Blizzard Beach for a stomach-dropping cool down on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ta6MpJJQAA&list=PLflf8xbnbx64j0nb1hwb360ImTgaDs0Zl&index=14">Summit Plummet</a>. Finally, I swung by Universal Studios for a ride on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMtR5_TinqE">Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure</a>, before moving my Florida adventure away from Orlando's theme parks and onto some of the state's other attractions.<br />
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I spent some time getting my geek on over at Cape Canaveral, at Kennedy Space Center, AKA Nasa HQ. Again, the visitor centre is somewhere I went as a child (main memory: a crow swooping down and stealing my chips from my hand), but would love to go back. There's a trailer for the visitor experience on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5VGBsAouzg">Kennedy Space Center</a> YouTube channel, but this unaffiliated, child-friendly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAq5rjie02c">Virtual Field Trip</a> gives a bit more information about some of the sights you can see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_ZR8puNrqhgQ_Py450-zMOY8n7q_KfTGw01be52z-IWSOFMiDDvwCs_GJrK6_CwZ7CqmSV8pE8-mN_M3I_Qw55olNzAhZsOdVeRs1A8_iiVHRO9kSnNgTKjIbNds-EnAzZlFoccALcA/s1600/christian-wagner-5ewLqB0xh9o-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="1600" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_ZR8puNrqhgQ_Py450-zMOY8n7q_KfTGw01be52z-IWSOFMiDDvwCs_GJrK6_CwZ7CqmSV8pE8-mN_M3I_Qw55olNzAhZsOdVeRs1A8_iiVHRO9kSnNgTKjIbNds-EnAzZlFoccALcA/s640/christian-wagner-5ewLqB0xh9o-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/5ewLqB0xh9o">Christian Wagner/Unsplash</a></td></tr>
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From Cape Canaveral, I crossed directly across Florida's width to Homosassa Springs on its west coast, where <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/webcam-watch-manatees-swim">a live webcam</a> shows manatees swimming in the waters. No sign of Lucinda, the melon-eating hippo I saw in the wildlife park when I visited as a child.<br />
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With theme parks, science and wildlife all ticked off, I finished up my day the way all days in Florida should be finished - the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=5bN5b11H4_s">Happily Ever After Fireworks show</a>, a culmination of lasers, pyrotechnics and music against the backdrop of the famous Cinderella Castle. The only thing missing from my virtual experience was tired but happy kids, worn out by an exhilarating day at the Magic Kingdom, falling asleep in pushchairs and on parents' shoulders, before being shepherded towards the exit and a well-earned night in a hotel bed.<br />
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<h3>
Where I'm staying</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/resorts/contemporary-resort/rates-rooms/">Disney</a></td></tr>
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Speaking of hotel beds, it's got to be a Disney hotel when in Florida. I've got fond memories of staying in the All Star Sports Resort as a child, but there are plenty of <a href="https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/resorts/">other options</a>, from safari lodges to luxury Polynesian bungalows. But this time round, I'm opting for the <a href="https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/resorts/contemporary-resort/rates-rooms/">Disney Contemporary Resort</a>, as I remember being wowed by the fact that the Disney monorail ploughs right through the hotel atrium.<br />
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In pop culture</h3>
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While I'm sure many cinematic masterpieces have been set and filmed in the Sunshine State, the one I have to hand - and which, I admit, is a guilty pleasure of mine - is Jaws 3. It takes place in a Florida marine park. Basically, Seaworld. And though the ethics of Seaworld are a divisive topic (watch Blackfish), the film has everything you'd expect from the Jaws franchise. Educational? No. Fun? Absolutely. And a guest appearance by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_MacCorkindale">Harry from Casualty</a> to boot. The take their time getting to the shark bit, but that scene of the disfigured head floating past the aquarium window never disappoints.<br />
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On the menu</h3>
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For me, Floridian cuisine is myriad things. It's ice cream at the breakfast buffet of now-defunct restaurant Ponderosa, and it's crunching over a layer of discarded peanut shells on the floor of Lone Star Steakhouse (if you know, you know). It's a burger lunch at a drive-thru Wendy's, then the garlic breadsticks at Olive Garden for dinner, with a Boston Creme chaser from Dunkin' Donuts. It's also the best blueberry muffin I've ever tasted, purchased from a snack cart at Disney's Animal Kingdom, eaten for breakfast beneath the Tree of Life.<br />
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Though these are my fondest foodie memories of Florida, they're not your typical Sunshine State staples. And while DisneyWorld cuisine constitutes a food group of its own in this part of the world, with whole <a href="https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/">blogs</a> and Instagram accounts dedicated to it, I don't think I could replicate my favourite Donald Duck-shaped choc chip cookies to justice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QybUGys3zew1PitQtvQATcD0ZWPEQ1uQo9Bhe6o10qlIUKoikn2E1b4mtieWtFpwXc7yYz5cuVW8l_xFekZ8EYM0e0fWMEVrJDLbHYsQHH9YrCf6y524aRDA1FQWNEpwLSaeISkshPE/s1600/20200627_123520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1515" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QybUGys3zew1PitQtvQATcD0ZWPEQ1uQo9Bhe6o10qlIUKoikn2E1b4mtieWtFpwXc7yYz5cuVW8l_xFekZ8EYM0e0fWMEVrJDLbHYsQHH9YrCf6y524aRDA1FQWNEpwLSaeISkshPE/s640/20200627_123520.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
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So I opted for a more widely-known dish, the Key lime pie, so called because the eponymous green fruits are grown in the Florida Keys. I'd never made one before, having been led to believe that it's a tricky one to master, but I've got time on my hands. Following <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/key-lime-pie-1">this recipe</a> was surprisingly simple, albeit time consuming due to the various rounds of baking and refrigerating.<br />
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Souvenir shopping</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/GVYhgtd-NYE">Joel Sutherland/Unsplash</a></td></tr>
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It's got to be a pair of Mickey Mouse ears, hasn't it? The sparklier the better, as far as I'm concerned.</div>
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Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342986016640078948.post-91508670384976145822020-07-18T17:00:00.000+01:002020-07-20T07:14:30.487+01:00Lau On Tour Day 8: Mexico<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 15.4px;">Part 8 of my new series, <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">Lau On Tour</a>. Catch up with <span style="color: #1f9eb6;"><a href="http://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-naples-lau-on-tour.html">yesterday's destination</a></span> and <a href="https://scribblinglau.blogspot.com/2020/07/introducing-lau-on-tour.html" style="color: #1f9eb6; text-decoration-line: none;">find out what the series is all about</a> before you join me in today's destination, Mexico.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey there, Cancun. Image: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/88intec2Q5Q">Andreas M/Unsplash</a></td></tr>
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The itinerary</h3>
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When I think of Mexico, three things come to mind - beautiful beaches and oceans, Aztec archaeology, and Frida Kahlo. The latter is ticked off the list first, with a <a href="https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/en/the-blue-house/virtual-tour/">virtual tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum</a>, in her Blue House in Mexico City. The vibrant colours and lush greenery of the exterior put me in mind of Morocco's Jardin Marjorelles. Inside is a mixture of art gallery and traditional Mexican house.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/en/the-blue-house/virtual-tour/">Museo Frida Kahlo</a></td></tr>
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Heading closer into the centre of Mexico City, we can tick off the Aztec civilisation aspect of our trip with this virtual tour of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXu8cB4GoYQ">Templo Mayor</a>, an Aztec temple that's been on the site since 1325.<br />
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Out on the coast, Baja California is known as the 'world's aquarium', with various opportunities to see the wildlife, including whale and dolphin watching tours. Scroll down the <a href="https://www.bajawhale.com/wildlife-tours/baja-whale-watching-tours/">Baja Whales website</a> to see videos of some of the animals spotted on their trips, such as blue whales, humpback whales and dolphins. Splash yourself with water from the tap for the full immersive experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW472xa66jypIDpjNOQ3ALDGKrFo7HQBUUQTO9npX3WAUIFsqFiw-UuyfmOurweoH_bg4Hk8HPe34DRtwc9iHUKqUA15tl-iZ2-GELSw0TKVounUH4eOBx8z_UOc_HOW5PMQ-ef9DJuPE/s1600/97016954_2562270364012953_3987332777296003072_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="837" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW472xa66jypIDpjNOQ3ALDGKrFo7HQBUUQTO9npX3WAUIFsqFiw-UuyfmOurweoH_bg4Hk8HPe34DRtwc9iHUKqUA15tl-iZ2-GELSw0TKVounUH4eOBx8z_UOc_HOW5PMQ-ef9DJuPE/s640/97016954_2562270364012953_3987332777296003072_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: El Chepe</td></tr>
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Having attempted to attend a friend's wedding in Mexico a few years ago, I knew that public transport in the country was limited, but I was still surprised to find that there's only one passenger route still operating. El Chepe is a 405 mile route between the cities Chihuahua and Los Mochis, via Copper Canyon. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngmkEJq-cUM">This video</a> offers a brief look at the experience of travelling on El Chepe.<br />
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Where I'm staying</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Azulikofficial/photos/a.140755745305/10156636835305306/?type=3&theater">Azulik</a></td></tr>
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Mexico has the whole hotel spectrum covered - luxury city hotels, gorgeous beach resorts, secluded eco lodges. My penchant for the quirky and the unusual has led me to <a href="https://www.azulik.com/villas">Azulik</a>, a series of beachfront villas in Tulum, also described as a 'treehouse resort'. It'll be quite an experience, with no electricity (or WiFi), but I think I can stick it out for a couple of nights of luxury with beach on one side, and jungle on the other.<br />
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In pop culture</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZCumWMCZNIlZLLpuS4U4Uz69Z7zlg093pQW04NSgRWgXBpI6rQepfHc7J0owBYGwT15rMRiXi9Fi2B7LY93XKZjm9JwaSB9ZSWr67RLtZ2ViifP1qaPOig7HJSyq3Yjei3A9GNgYKHI/s1600/Coco_Screengrab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZCumWMCZNIlZLLpuS4U4Uz69Z7zlg093pQW04NSgRWgXBpI6rQepfHc7J0owBYGwT15rMRiXi9Fi2B7LY93XKZjm9JwaSB9ZSWr67RLtZ2ViifP1qaPOig7HJSyq3Yjei3A9GNgYKHI/s640/Coco_Screengrab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been a while since I watched any of the new Disney/Pixar films - I'm more of a traditionalist - but I'm giving Coco a go. As soon as I heard the Mariachi version of When You Wish Upon A Star, I was hooked, and the gorgeous colourful papercuts in the opening sequence drew me in further,<br />
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Throughout, the animation uses such vibrant colours, I regret not seeing it on a full-size cinema screen. The scenery too is so aesthetically-pleasing (that railway station!), I found myself adding it to my must-visit list before remembering that it's a cartoon, though apparently it is based on some <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/11-locations-in-coco-that-you-can-actually-visit-in-mexico/">real-life locations</a>. Before I fall down that particular rabbit hole, just know that Coco gets 10/10 from me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jybCjKbhl-dSMi_Hche4w5fz4ngq7R4NgAvoI1j9JK5kmada8_CmW97Go6_bxJr3DC1-qJP4gRkROjGAk7h_9WqQ09HyMVMr_pCTbrAVQRR10_igE9LoeFHoGU9YlIlaMrA0CH9IiaY/s1600/1_LL4O93j-dagqoHFI3BIq9g.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jybCjKbhl-dSMi_Hche4w5fz4ngq7R4NgAvoI1j9JK5kmada8_CmW97Go6_bxJr3DC1-qJP4gRkROjGAk7h_9WqQ09HyMVMr_pCTbrAVQRR10_igE9LoeFHoGU9YlIlaMrA0CH9IiaY/s640/1_LL4O93j-dagqoHFI3BIq9g.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the menu</h3>
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People who know me and my fussy eating habits are always surprised to learn about my love of Mexican food -it's the closest I come to eating anything that could be classed as spicy. For this meal, nachos would have been the easy way out, but I've opted for fajitas, as it's something I've not had for a while.<br />
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I didn't follow a specific recipe, just fried up a mix of chicken, peppers, mushroom, onions and other vegetables in spices and sauces, scooped it into a tortilla wrap, and topped it with sour cream. Tequila chaser optional.<br />
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Souvenir shopping</h3>
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Well, the obvious choice here would be a sombrero, would it not, but I already have so many hats I never wear, I don't need an imaginary one to add to the pile. One thing Mexico does do very well is chocolate, so I'd definitely pick a few bars up. And some hot chocolate powder. Perhaps some vanilla to stir in as well...</div>
Laura Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973126189436044280noreply@blogger.com0