My 2019 Adventure final Blog

I have been back in the UK for 2 weeks now, it doesn’t take long to get back into the swing of normal life!

It was wonderful coming home to Newquay, going back to the Coffee Shop and catching up with everyone. I’ve even managed to get to a Sprout Spoken Supersonic event, which was fantastic. I’ve seen so many gorgeous places this year it’s easy to forget how absolutely beautiful the place I call home actually is! 

So excited to be home in time to welcome Nikki and Jon’s little bundle of joy to the world. She is definitely Cornish as she is now 3 days late! I’m sure she will arrive precisely when she wants to! 💖

My trip this year was absolutely amazing, I think it was more of an adventure than a holiday. I managed to cover over 30,000 miles!!! Not all of them on foot, although it felt like it at times! 😂More than the distance around the world 😳

I have seen and experienced some unbelievable and unforgettable things.

Singapore is unreal, literally unreal! I loved it but found the conspicuous wealth and capitalist consumption of everything designer a little disconcerting.

New Zealand is a truly magical place. I genuinely could get a job with the New Zealand Tourist  Board as I have nothing negative to say about the place. As a country it is so incredibly diverse, the landscapes, the geology, the natural unspoilt beauty is breathtaking. I feel that seeing the South Island in Winter is the best time, I’m sure it’s gorgeous during other seasons but Winter, with the snow and ice makes it otherworldly.

Some highlights:

The Fullerton Hotel.

The Hakka at Hobbiton!

Wellington: meeting Angela & Brendan. Seeing the All Blacks live! Meeting some All Blacks (🥰🥰)

The Trans Alpine Railway

The Franz Josef Glacier in a Helicopter!

All the Lakes & Rivers, the colours, just wow.

Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound

Earthquake in Queenstown

The YHA’s

Intercity Buses

I could go on, and on! Suffice to say the whole of New Zealand was bloody fabulous.

Spending time with my Gorgeous family in Australia was fantastic. It’s so brilliant for all of us to be together. I get so much pleasure from seeing how well all of my amazing children get on together, the banter, the laughs. I also love to see what a wonderful life Rebecca and Chris have made for themselves in Bunbury, arriving with just a backpack each to 6 years later owning their own beautiful home and making a happy life together. So incredibly proud of them.

Rebecca did an outstanding job of organising our fantastic Road Trip along the Great Ocean Road. It is something to put on your wish list if you’re thinking of visiting Australia.

My time in Italy was wonderful. Thank you Alison Smith & Hayley Black-Knight for sharing the adventure with me, for helping me walk so many miles!

I feel that Rome and Venice are 2 places I could never get tired of visiting. Florence and Verona are fabulous as well but Rome & Venice are extra special, They are a feast for your eyes, your mouth your heart your mind and your very soul.

I will return to Italy, perhaps even next year and possibly explore further north. For such a small country it has a huge amount to see.

Some things I have learnt this year:

I packed way to many clothes! Even though I took less than last year.

I am more capable than I thought.

Youth Hostels can be fabulous.

I love a Wine Tour.

I’m pretty good at organising things.

Check in online to get decent seats!

I love an Aperol Spritz.

Always read your paperwork properly.

I can’t sleep on airplanes.

Rats can be bigger than your average sized Dog 😳

Don’t put Truffle flavoured items in you case.

One hat is sufficient.

Don’t waste money on a 3 day Vaperretto Pass!

Truffle Fries are a delicious invention.

I can be brave.

I have a very good sense of direction, but a map can confuse me!

I’m happy being me.

Thank you to everyone I met on this adventure you helped make it so special.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my blog! I really loved writing it and I especially loved reading your comments.

Next year I think I will stay on this side of the world, possibly traveling through Europe and down to the Greek Islands. Any hints, tips or suggestions will be gratefully received.

Thank you again.

So for the last time this year its Ciao from me.

Claire XXX

😘😍💖💖