Italy/Paris

I've got the travel bug, and I've got it bad. I just got back from a nine-day trip across Italy, and finishing in Paris. And what a fun-filled, jam-packed nine days I had with some friends from Australia.

Landing in Rome from London, the first thing was to find our accommodation, which wasn't too difficult. We did all the tourist things (Vatican City, Colosseum, Roman Forum) which were all dripping with history. But my favourite memory from Rome is one particular restaurant in which we practically became locals. We ate there the night of the World Cup Final, which was insane. The Italians really are football crazy! I had the best meal there - spaghetti with pepper and cheese - and way too much wine. It was by far my favourite night in Rome!

Catching the train from Rome to Florence was easy enough, and we were greeted with breathtaking scenery. I've never seen anything like the Cathedral in Florence. Although I found there was not much to do, it's beauty is enough to captivate you for days on end.

Florence

Our next stop was Cinque Terre. I hadn't heard much about this place, but it's made up of five villages, in which you can walk from village to village (although not the easiest walks, but very worthwhile for the views!) The water was beautiful to swim in, and this was my favourite place in Italy we visited.

Cinque Terre

We made a little pit-stop on our way to the airport to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Not really much to see here, only thing we did was get the perfect tourist shot holding up the Tower.

Paris is something else entirely different. I'd heard a lot of negativity surrounding Paris and the French, but I couldn't have loved Paris anymore. The pastries and bread are as good as everyone says, and standing under the Eiffel Tower was possibly the most exciting moment of my life. You dream about going to all these places, and when you're actually there you have to pinch yourself to let you know that yes, you are in-fact at the place you've been dreaming about since you were a little girl. And that feeling is magical.

"Love Locks' Bridge - Paris

TTFN x

Brighton

Brighton, Brighton, Brighton...where to begin. Firstly, you were defiantly worth the 7am wake up on a Saturday. Secondly, you were even more beautiful than I expected. And thirdly, how soon can I return?

As soon as I stepped off the train at Brighton station I immediately noticed it's colourful nature. No, it was not like London. London is bleak and mind-numbing...but Brighton is vibrant and happy. The people, the atmosphere, and it's sheer pride are enough to see how it lures in the crowds. 

Being an Australian, I laughed at Brighton Beach. Everything about it seemed so wrong. There were pebbles where there was meant to be sand, the water looked horrible and cloudy, it was raining, and not to mention the temperature of the water was something I would not be keen to swim in! But that's what makes it so special. Brighton Beach is everything a beach shouldn't be, and that's why I love it.

Another thing you can't go pass up is fish & chips. You can't go to Brighton and not have fish & chips (although I will forgive you for not putting vinegar on them...that's just plain weird!) Sitting in the park with friends, eating our lunch...it was just a moment of bliss. 

Walking through the streets, they were lined with colourful decorations and market stalls. Brighton just has such a happy feel to it. From now on, Brighton is my happy place. After all, it's only a train ride away, but it feels a million miles away from busy London. 

TTFN x