Travel – Page 21 – Wattle and Ash

Up in the clouds

November 16, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandash5 Comments

Over the weekend Adam and I went for a walk on the Malvern Hills with friends Tom and Suzie. Unlike our previous walk, where we had beautiful blue skies and sunshine, this day had low cloud and light rain. Despite the inclement weather we decided we’d go ahead with our planned outing.

After parking in Great Malvern we walked up through the Rose Bank Gardens and up a steep path to St Ann’s Well Cafe. The beautiful building the cafe’s contained in was surrounded by mist and the autumn colours of the trees. It looked like something out of a fairytale! My companions told me it’s worth a visit in every season to experience the different beauty each change in weather brings.

St Ann's Well Cafe in autumn. — The beautiful St Ann’s Well Cafe.

We were all a little puffed by the time we reached St Ann’s, so decided tea and cake was the best way to energise ourselves for the remainder of our walk.

Continue reading “Up in the clouds” →

Food, Travel

Rabbits in the vines

November 14, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandash1 Comment

Before Adam came to Australia he lived in a house on a vineyard to the north of Malvern. He’s talked endlessly about the place and couldn’t wait to show me his old ‘home’, so at the end of last week we jumped in the car and made the short trip up to Astley.

The vineyard itself is off a lovely tree-lined lane. After popping into the cellar door to say hello to owner (and former landlord) Jonty we walked up to vines.

The Riverina region (where I’d been living for the decade prior to moving to the UK) is one of Australia’s big grape growing areas and there are dozens of wineries within an easy one to two hour drive. You don’t see a real lot of English wine about, so I was keen to explore.

There are beautiful hand carved signs all around the vineyard, but this one was my favourite!

Continue reading “Rabbits in the vines” →

Everyday life, Thoughts, Travel

Settling in

November 11, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandashLeave a Comment

One of the most enjoyable (and sometimes scary) things about moving to a new place is getting to know the community you’re now a part of.

Adam has worked for most of this week, leaving me to explore Malvern and the English way of life on my own.

Yesterday I successfully navigated myself from Adam’s mum’s house into town to pick up a few supplies for dinner. Although I checked the weather forecast (10% chance of rain) for the six kilometre round trip, I made the rookie mistake of trusting it and not taking my waterproof jacket. Needless to say, I was damp and rather cold by the time I got home!

It was however the only ‘dressing’ mistake I think I’ve made all week. Continue reading “Settling in” →

Everyday life, Travel

The Worcestershire Way

November 9, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandash2 Comments

England has the most fantastic network of public footpaths – walking tracks and trails that weave their way throughout the countryside passing through farmland, towns and even back gardens!

Australia doesn’t really have anything that compares, so I’m keen to explore the footpaths around Malvern – it’s also a great way to maintain a regular exercise regime, especially when this cold weather leaves you craving pudding, pasties and pork pies regularly… 😮

Earlier this week I stumbled across the Worcestershire Way – a pretty walk, that almost fulfilled all of my English fantasies.

Continue reading “The Worcestershire Way” →

Travel

Bonfire night

November 7, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandashLeave a Comment

Saturday night was bonfire or Guy Fawkes night– where people gather, set off and watch fireworks. We don’t celebrate it in Australia, so it was my first time experiencing the excitement of the evening.

Adam suggested we walk up to the top of one of the Malvern Hills called the Beacon to watch fireworks displays from right across the district.

While the view was spectacular, the weather was a little chilly!

Continue reading “Bonfire night” →

Thoughts, Travel

Homes and hills

November 4, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandash1 Comment

Turning a house into a home is something rather special. I was brought up in an environment where your living space wasn’t just a place to cook meals, bathe and sleep – it was a sanctuary where you always felt warm, safe and could truly relax in. It’s something I’ve always tried to replicate in the rental properties I’ve lived in, and more recently in the house I own.

For months Adam and I perused real-estate websites, dreaming of moving into a stone cottage in a small village near Malvern, with a fireplace, big cooker and enough garden to grow some fruit and vegetables.

However now we’re in England, we’re starting to realise it may not be our best option.

Continue reading “Homes and hills” →

Travel

Lanes, wells and strikes

November 2, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandash1 Comment

Our first few days in England have been pretty busy – catching up with friends and family, searching for a car and home and picking up essentials (dressing gowns!) that just weren’t practical to pack.

Earlier this week we decided to pop over to the town of Ledbury in the neighbouring county of Herefordshire as there were a few properties nearby we were keen on viewing. Adam drove the back way and there was a heavy fog – the narrow, winding lanes looked an absolute treat and we spotted at least a dozen pheasants scurrying across the road.

Continue reading “Lanes, wells and strikes” →

Travel

England

October 31, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandash8 Comments

Hello from Malvern, Worcestershire!

We arrived safe and sound on Saturday morning, and have spent the weekend catching up with Adam’s family, doing a bit of ‘adulting’ (setting up mobile phones, organising inspections of homes and cars etc.) and generally enjoying our new surroundings.

We had a welcoming party at the airport, including Adam’s two little sisters (a surprise), who’d made us a lovely banner with our names on. After a cup of tea and a slice of specially made cake at his mum’s house, we walked into town.

Continue reading “England” →

Travel

Bon voyage

October 28, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandash1 Comment

In just under an hour, Adam and I will board the plane to take us on the first leg of our journey to the United Kingdom. It was surreal sitting in the taxi going to the airport this morning. This major event, that we’d talked, planned and imagined for months was finally here!

The inevitable wait at the airport to board (someone looks a bit bored too!)

Continue reading “Bon voyage” →

Style, Travel

The travelling wardrobe

October 26, 2016December 23, 2016by wattleandashLeave a Comment

When it comes to packing a bag to take on holiday, I’m pretty good – normally well under the airline weight limit, with space for shopping! I’ve got to say though, packing for a lengthy stay in the opposite hemisphere with an Autumn arrival, was a little tricky.