I travelled around Europe for over 7 months this last year. And, understandably, many people asked: How I can afford to travel for so long? AND How I managed to stay on top of the study requirements for my Masters while enjoying my travel? There are several ways I’ve been able to afford such extensive, lengthy travel. One of which is Housesitting. … Read More
Beautiful Beaune
A Day in Beautiful Beaune The city of Beaune is situated in the mid-east of France, roughly halfway between Geneva and Paris. It is one of the two most famous cities in Burgundy, the other being Dijon. Unlike Dijon however, Beaune is smaller and has a wonderful ‘village feel’ about it. Much of the city’s tourism centres around Burgundy’s wine industry, its World Heritage acknowledgement … Read More
Monet’s House and Garden in Autumn
Monet’s House and Garden in Autumn Giverny, France The French painter Claude Monet, most famous for his Impressionist style of painting, lived from 1840-1926. Claude Monet ~1899 Painting; “Woman in White, in the Garden” In 1883 Monet moved to Giverny, a small village in Normandy in the north of France where he and his … Read More
San Sebastian in Winter
San Sebastian in Winter Means Constant Rain… San Sebastian is very much a tourism-oriented city, with its sandy beaches (both surf beach and a sheltered bay), history (it is the centre of the ancient Basque region and language), pintxos (tapas-style bites served on the bars) and fine dining (as a city San Sebastian has the most Michelin Stars per … Read More
Menopause, Surgery and Weight Gain
My mate, Karl Innes, over at CF40 Masters Blog had a question from one of his female followers regarding menopause, surgery and fat loss. Out of his area of expertise, I offered to help answer the question and thought I’d share my response here as you might find it useful and insightful as well. The Question: So ladies as far as … Read More
The Ouche Valley
Country Living in the Ouche Valley, Burgundy I spent 3 blissful weeks housesitting in the small town of Bligny-sur-Ouche in Le Val D’Ouche (Ouche Valley) in Burgundy in October 2016. I was without a car but certainly didn’t feel isolated. I spent most of my days exploring Bligny and neighbouring villages by foot or bike, hiking in the expansive countryside and … Read More
A Day in Dijon
A Day in Dijon The city of Dijon is situated in the mid-east of France, roughly halfway between Geneva and Paris. It is one of the two most famous cities in Burgundy, the other being Beaune. In my opinion, any city where you can find traditional Maille Mustard on pump (ie. like a beer tap/pump) is somewhere definitely worth a visit. I spent a … Read More
Grape Picking and Stomping in Burgundy
Pinot Noir Vendange (grape picking) and Pigeage (grape stomping) 2016 Domaine Frederic Mazeau, Burgundy Burgundy (Bourgogne) in France is world-renowned for its wines. Wine has been produced in the region for over 2000 years. Its Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) was awarded in 1936 and describes the regions or climats that produce Grand Crus wines, Premier Crus wines, Villages wines and … Read More
Do I have an Unhealthy Relationship with Food?
Last week I published a post, my story really, of the last 5+ years struggling with disordered eating. The response has been overwhelming! I’d been writing that piece on and off for several months and it took a long time for me to finally hit the ‘publish’ button. I think that by pressing publish I was saying to the world … Read More
I’m recovering from an Eating Disorder
^photo credit (right) The Official Photographers **Warning** This is a long post, with few pictures Today I am sharing something that has taken me a long time to process and feel confident enough to talk about openly. I struggled with an eating disorder for over 5 years. Finally, 18 months ago I stopped denying it and consciously made the self-realisation that … Read More