Travel

London

 My adventures

 I moved to London, UK in 2009 and being here I was hoping to have a chance to visit this part of the world. In 2012 I was going through separation, loosing my job and having financial difficulties.

In my situation it seems to be unrealistic and childish even to think about travel. However, I created my very modest bucket list 11 years ago. Back then it was like an impossible dream, but having my vision and a desire for travel and sightseeing I didn’t want to miss it out. Eventually “the storm came and went, the dust settled” and once again I found strengths re-built my life.

Then I fell in love! This time not with a man😊 but with art. YouTube is where I lived for a couple years by learning different techniques then started to create mixed media pieces and do crafts. The money I was making from the sold pieces I was depositing into my Travel fund. Looking back, I am very happy with my adventures where I met wonderful people, had conversations with strangers, learned new customs and cultures. I visited the countries I wanted and updated my bucket list as my “bug”for travel was growing bigger. 😊

Living in London is nice and convenient as there is so much to do and see. Living in UK it helps as within an hour or two I can book a City break to an European country. Also, my work pattern is 4 days ON and 4 days Off helps me to take off as soon I have enough funds to explore a new destination. Here are a few things I do before deciding on big or small adventures I want to explore.

I check for all-inclusive deals on Lastminute, Booking.com or Ryanair. I always looks for deals where the breakfast is included as I need my cup of coffee before I head out. My budget for 3 nights stay is around £350.00 all inclusive: flight, accommodation, and breakfast. I always book my flight early so it gives me have a day to explore the surrounding upon my arrival. Dining can be expensive but if I am honest, I really enjoy street or market food. I take public transit from and to the airports and hotels.

As soon the booking is done, I start planning my trip by surfing the Internet for places I want to see, explore, and make my list. I am not a shopper and stopped buying souvenirs, but I love old towns. I have a check list to make sure I don’t forget anything. As soon my paper version folder is ready, I pack my suitcase. YouTube taught me how to pack light. I get a thrill at the idea of setting off on my own. I have no fear flying, my positive attitude helps me to overcome the small obstacles I come across. No matter where I was, people were always very helpful. I am realistic, don’t set high expectations, not fussy or create a drama if there is something wrong with the room, service etc. If something drastic of course I approach the reception and ask but never demand to sort-out the issue. 99% they did. Staying in hotels I place DND sign and if needed ask for extra coffee, milk and sugar. Usually there is always two sets of towels that lasts me 3 days. I tidy up the room make the bed and then I am out to explore the sites.

The cleaning job is very hard and unappreciated. On check-out I always strip the bed, place the linen and the towels on it, tie the rubbish in a bag and leave a tip for the person who will clean my room hoping it will make her day and ease her tasks. While I am exploring the sites, I do walk a lot up to 15km. At my age I am not interested in a night life but here and there I stay out late in order to take pictures with the lights one. I felt very safe no matter where I was. Take a Leap into new world! Explore new adventures and experiences. You live once! Here are the countries, places I visited and enjoyed very much. My homeland, former USSR, Canada, United States, Mexico, Cuba United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Cornwall, Cotswold, Lake District, Yorkshire, Belgium, Brussels, Bruges France: Paris, French Riviera, Mont Saint Michel in Normandy Germany: Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg Amsterdam Malta: Valletta Spain: Majorca Portugal: Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra Italy: Venice, Rome, San Remo, Genova, Portofino Prague, Czech Republic Hungary: Budapest Greece: Athens Turkey: Antalya, Istanbul, Princess Island Sweden: Stockholm Vienna, Austria

Slovakia, Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne UAE: Dubai, Abu-Dhabi Israel: Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem Jordan: Petra Denmark: Copenhagen, Dragor Moving back home to Vancouver, Canada there will be a new bucket list, but I already have my mental list for New York, Hawaii, Havana, Quebec City. Also planning to buy a car for road trips around North America.

 

                                                                                      

Genova, Italy

Portofino

Brussells

Amsterdam Stockholm, Sweden Athens, Greece Portsmouth, UK

Travel

London

 My adventures

 I moved to London, UK in 2009 and being here I was hoping to have a chance to visit this part of the world. In 2012 I was going through separation, loosing my job and having financial difficulties.

In my situation it seems to be unrealistic and childish even to think about travel. However, I created my very modest bucket list 11 years ago. Back then it was like an impossible dream, but having my vision and a desire for travel and sightseeing I didn’t want to miss it out. Eventually “the storm came and went, the dust settled” and once again I found strengths re-built my life.

Then I fell in love! This time not with a man😊 but with art. YouTube is where I lived for a couple years by learning different techniques then started to create mixed media pieces and do crafts. The money I was making from the sold pieces I was depositing into my Travel fund. Looking back, I am very happy with my adventures where I met wonderful people, had conversations with strangers, learned new customs and cultures. I visited the countries I wanted and updated my bucket list as my “bug”for travel was growing bigger. 😊

Living in London is nice and convenient as there is so much to do and see. Living in UK it helps as within an hour or two I can book a City break to an European country. Also, my work pattern is 4 days ON and 4 days Off helps me to take off as soon I have enough funds to explore a new destination. Here are a few things I do before deciding on big or small adventures I want to explore.

I check for all-inclusive deals on Lastminute, Booking.com or Ryanair. I always looks for deals where the breakfast is included as I need my cup of coffee before I head out. My budget for 3 nights stay is around £350.00 all inclusive: flight, accommodation, and breakfast. I always book my flight early so it gives me have a day to explore the surrounding upon my arrival. Dining can be expensive but if I am honest, I really enjoy street or market food. I take public transit from and to the airports and hotels.

As soon the booking is done, I start planning my trip by surfing the Internet for places I want to see, explore, and make my list. I am not a shopper and stopped buying souvenirs, but I love old towns. I have a check list to make sure I don’t forget anything. As soon my paper version folder is ready, I pack my suitcase. YouTube taught me how to pack light. I get a thrill at the idea of setting off on my own. I have no fear flying, my positive attitude helps me to overcome the small obstacles I come across. No matter where I was, people were always very helpful. I am realistic, don’t set high expectations, not fussy or create a drama if there is something wrong with the room, service etc. If something drastic of course I approach the reception and ask but never demand to sort-out the issue. 99% they did. Staying in hotels I place DND sign and if needed ask for extra coffee, milk and sugar. Usually there is always two sets of towels that lasts me 3 days. I tidy up the room make the bed and then I am out to explore the sites.

The cleaning job is very hard and unappreciated. On check-out I always strip the bed, place the linen and the towels on it, tie the rubbish in a bag and leave a tip for the person who will clean my room hoping it will make her day and ease her tasks. While I am exploring the sites, I do walk a lot up to 15km. At my age I am not interested in a night life but here and there I stay out late in order to take pictures with the lights one. I felt very safe no matter where I was. Take a Leap into new world! Explore new adventures and experiences. You live once! Here are the countries, places I visited and enjoyed very much. My homeland, former USSR, Canada, United States, Mexico, Cuba United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Cornwall, Cotswold, Lake District, Yorkshire, Belgium, Brussels, Bruges France: Paris, French Riviera, Mont Saint Michel in Normandy Germany: Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg Amsterdam Malta: Valletta Spain: Majorca Portugal: Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra Italy: Venice, Rome, San Remo, Genova, Portofino Prague, Czech Republic Hungary: Budapest Greece: Athens Turkey: Antalya, Istanbul, Princess Island Sweden: Stockholm Vienna, Austria

Slovakia, Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne UAE: Dubai, Abu-Dhabi Israel: Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem Jordan: Petra Denmark: Copenhagen, Dragor Moving back home to Vancouver, Canada there will be a new bucket list, but I already have my mental list for New York, Hawaii, Havana, Quebec City. Also planning to buy a car for road trips around North America.

 

                                                                                      

Genova, Italy

Portofino

Brussells

Amsterdam Stockholm, Sweden Athens, Greece Portsmouth, UK