Where I’ve been:
- Fist time in London 2013
- Northern Ireland ( Derry, Belfast ) 2015
- London & Winchester March 2018
- Summer in London 2018
- London passing by 2024
First time in London 2013
Before school started again, my boyfriend and I decided to take a short break and go to London. It felt like the perfect chance to switch off for a while and do something different before getting back into routine.
At that time, things with my father were complicated and we were going through legal discussions, so I wasn’t receiving financial support most of the time. I had to sort out some pending payments, but in the end, he paid so I could manage the trip and stay in London for a full week, and September was a bit cheaper then other months.
It wasn’t anything overly planned or structured, just a simple idea to spend time together, explore the city, and enjoy a new environment. London turned out to be the perfect place for that, with its constant energy, endless things to do, and the feeling that every day could turn into something unexpected.
DAY 1 – Wednesday 04.09.2013
( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )
We took the plane at 10:25 a.m. and landed at London Heathrow at 11:25 a.m. After arriving, we went straight to the hotel, checked in, and left our luggage there.
In the afternoon, we started exploring the city. We walked through Green Park, stopped by Buckingham Palace, and then continued into Hyde Park. From there, we made our way to Oxford Circus and later to Notting Hill, enjoying the atmosphere and getting our first real feel of London.
In the evening, we kept things simple and had dinner at the hostel. It was nice to stay in, relax a bit, and recharge after a full first day of walking around the city.
DAY 2 – Thursday 05.09.2013
( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )
We woke up at around 8 a.m. and headed out early to start another full day in London. Our first stop was to watch the Changing of the Guard, which was really busy but worth it, with the whole atmosphere feeling very typical London and full of tourists trying to get the best view.
After that, we continued walking through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We saw Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, taking our time just walking along the Thames and enjoying the views. From there, we went to Westminster Abbey, which felt impressive even just from the outside, and then made our way towards Tower Bridge, stopping a few times along the way to take pictures.
Later in the day, we went to Regent’s Park to relax a bit and escape the busy streets. It was nice to slow down there, sit for a while, and just enjoy the green space in the middle of the city.
Overall, we spent the entire day exploring without really rushing anywhere, just enjoying the summer weather and the energy of London. In the evening, we went back to the hotel and had dinner there, ending the day in a calm and simple way after so much walking and sightseeing.
DAY 3 – Friday 06.09.2013
( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )
( London Eye by night )
We woke up at around 9 a.m. and started the day a bit slower, before heading out to visit the Science Museum. It was really interesting walking through all the different exhibitions and seeing how interactive and modern everything was.
After that, we went to Harrods, probably the most famous shopping centre in London. Even just walking inside felt like an experience on its own, with how big and elegant everything was.
Later, we continued to the V&A Museum, where we spent some time exploring the different collections and just taking in the atmosphere. After a full day of walking around, we went back to the hotel for a short break to rest and freshen up.
In the evening, we went out again and headed to Soho to see the city at night. The whole area had such a different energy compared to the daytime, with lights, music, and people everywhere. We just walked around, took it all in, and enjoyed the vibe of London by night.
DAY 4 – Saturday 07.09.2013
( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )
We woke up at around 9 a.m. and headed out for another full day of exploring London. Our first stop was the Tate Museum, where we spent some time walking through the galleries and taking in the modern art exhibitions.
After that, we made our way to St. Paul’s Cathedral, which felt really impressive, especially seeing it up close. We took our time around the area before continuing on to the British Museum. There, we explored different exhibitions and spent a few hours just wandering through the collections, getting completely lost in everything there was to see.
By the end of the day, we were really tired from all the walking and sightseeing. We went back to the hotel quite early, had a quiet evening, and went to sleep early since we were completely exhausted but happy after such a full day.
DAY 5 – Sunday 08.09.2013
( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )
( Me at the Tower of London with the Tower bridge in the background, London )
We started the day by visiting the National Gallery, taking our time to walk through the different rooms and admire some of the most famous artworks. It was a nice change of pace, more calm and cultural compared to the busy days we had before.
Later on, we went to Camden Town for some shopping. The area had such a different vibe, full of markets, street food, and alternative shops. We spent a few hours just walking around, looking at everything, and enjoying the atmosphere.
In the evening, we went out again to see London by night. We went to Tower Bridge and then saw Big Ben once more, this time completely lit up. It felt very different at night, more quiet and atmospheric, and it was a nice way to end the day just walking around and taking it all in.
DAY 6 – Monday 09.09.2013
( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )
We woke up at around 9 a.m. and started the day with a visit to the Wallace Collection, where we spent some time walking through the elegant rooms and admiring the artwork and historic pieces. It was a calm and interesting way to begin the day.
After that, we headed to Piccadilly Circus, taking in the busy energy of the area and just enjoying being in the middle of such an iconic London spot.
Later on, we went back to Camden Town again for some shopping, since there was still so much to see and explore. We spent a few more hours walking around the markets, browsing the shops, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Before heading back, we also stopped by Harrods once more for some shopping. It was nice to return and take everything in again, especially after already getting familiar with the city during the week.
DAY 7 – Tuesday 10.09.2013
( Night at: Abercon House, Hammersmith )
We started the day with a visit to Mary’s Queen Garden, followed by a walk through Portobello Market, where we explored the stalls, shops, and the lively atmosphere of the area. Later on, we spent some time in Hyde Park, enjoying a final moment of calm in the city before everything started to wind down.
After that, we went back to the hotel to pick up our luggage and get everything ready for departure.
In the afternoon, we made our way to King’s Cross and Liverpool Street, taking in the last views of central London before heading out. From there, we took the bus to London Stansted Airport and spent the night there, getting ready for our flight the next day.
DAY 8 – Wednesday 11.09.2013
Our flight was at 7 a.m. from London Stansted, so we left early in the morning and made our way to the airport.
We landed at Milan Malpensa at around 10:00 a.m., officially ending our trip and returning home after an unforgettable week in London.
Tour of the Northern Irealnd
Organized tour by: https://www.paddywagontours.com/
Day 1: Dublin – Connemara – Galway
Stop in the Connemara National park
Depart from Dublin going to the West of Ireland passing by the beautiful Connemara. On our way across the midlands of Ireland, we take a comfort stop for refreshments before arriving in the enchanting village of Cong. Famed by John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in the film Quiet Man, the village is home to Ashford castle, a regular haunt of the rich and famous and a wedding venue for a host of international stars. We have time to visit Cong Abbey before continuing our journey through the wilderness of Connemara. We enjoy the unique landscape, beautiful lakes, valleys and mountain scenery. Gaelic speaking, this area still maintains many of Ireland’s traditional ways, however it was deserted during the dreadful famine times of 1845. to 1851. We arrive in Galway mid afternoon to ensure that we get the most out of this cultural city. We have time to explore the Spanish Arch and ramble around colorful shop street with its many street performers, seafood eateries, and quaint Irish bars with wonderful musicians. A great night of real Irish entertainment is always a highlight of Ireland’s traditional music capital.
Day 2: Galway – Sligo – Derry
The beach in Strandhill
After a great night in Galway, we set off through parts of Connemara to the Museum of Country Life. Here we are introduced to the Irish way of life that has existed in this rugged and beautiful part of country since 1800s. Our lunch stop today shall be Ireland’s premier surf venue and beach at Strandhill, County Sligo. We watch some of Ireland’s finest breakers roll against our Atlantic shores before heading off through the poetic heartland of Ireland, W.B. Yeat’s country. We visit his final resting place in Drumcliff Abbey, and admire the beautiful Benbulben referenced in many of his poems. Our final stop of the day is a blast from the past, at the portal tomb of Creevykeel dating back to the pagan years in Ireland that gives us an insight to our earliest inhabitants from the stone age and their rituals and burial ceremonies. Our overnight tonight is in the 2013 European city of culture, the most historic city of Derry.
Day 3: Derry – Donegal
Panoramic views of 5 of the counties of Ulster
Begin today with an excellent in-depth walking tour of Derry’s walls (1613.) and the well known Bogside district famed in the U2 song “Bloody Sunday” after the tragic events of January 1971. Onwards to Grianan of Aileach a hilltop fort, 3000 years old with panoramic views of 5 of the counties of Ulster and legendary stories from every era of Irish history. Glenveagh National Park, Ireland’s premier National Park is our afternoon destination. Here we take the opportunity to enjoy nature with lakeside walks and a visit to Glenveagh Castle. Then back in derry for the night.
Day 4: Giants Causeway – Belfast
Giant’s Causeway
Today we cruise the beautiful North Antrim Coast. We initially with a photo-stop at Dunluce castle, once a stronghold of the McDonald clan of Scotland after we visit the Northern Ireland’s highlight the Giant’s Causeway with its 37,000 basalt columns who’s tops form stepping stones leading from Ireland to Scotland and famed in the legend of Fionn MacCool. Our next stop is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (seasonal, cross at your own risk by making a small charitable donation to the National Trust, the UK registered charity that maintains the Bridge), once a bridge used by the salmon fisherman to net their catches today it is hugely popular with international travelers and sightseers. We continue along the coastal route, with fantastic views and photo opportunities of Whitepark Bay. At the end we visit the Dark Hedges, famed by the Game of Thrones along with views of Ballintoy Harbour and after to Belfast for our final night of the tour.
Day 5: Belfast – Dublin
Group tour pic in front of the Titanic museum
We begin the day with Belfast’s number 1 visitor attraction, the Titanic Experience. Here we learn all about the ill-fated ship, from how she was built, to the people who built her, and the complete story from her inception to her tragic demise. After this wonderful experience, we take a city tour of the highlights of Belfast including City Hall, Queen’s University, Botanic Gardens and much more. You will have plenty of time for lunch, shopping and/or a Black Taxi tour of the political murals and of course the Peace Walls which divide the Catholic Republicans from the Protestant Loyalist communities. Then it’s off to Dublin where we stop en-route at Monasterboice to view the Celtic crosses and Round Towers of this early Christian site. This tour drops at Dublin airport at approx 4pm where I took the bus to Carlow where my host parents collect me.
- My Third time in Uk was on March 2018 to visit one of my best friend in Winchester
During my Exchange year in Riga, before easter holidays I went 4 days in Uk to visit one of my best friend from high school Chiara, that she’s living in Winchester for her master degree.
DAY 1 – 24.03.2018
( Winchester cimitery )
I will never forget the beginning of this holiday for what I can remember!
Was all week of party because there were the Riga fashion week so I was super exacted and busy and the day of my flight was Saturday at 6/7 so Friday night of course u went out for parting and after I just pass to my house for take the luggage actually for do the luggage with the flash my roommate they was sleeping and after I took immediately the taxi to the airport with the make on from the night.
Omg I remember anything of the flight I just know that I lended in Luton and there I took two different busses and I arrived in Winchester around 10/11.
She was waiting me there, both of us totally fucked up from the night before, we went to the campus of Winchester we had a quick lunch there and then we went to sleep all afternoon.
For the evening we get ready to the party in the city at the club called Pitcher & Piano, and then we come back home to sleep.
DAY 2 – 25.03.2018
( me and Chiara little stop in Primark )
We sleep in the morning and then we went to the Thiland restaurant for the lunch and in the afternoon we met with her friends and we walked around the city taking pics.
Then we go back to the campus we had a dinner in her residence and we get ready to the karaoke night.
DAY 3 – 26.03.2018
( Southempton, shopping centere )
We woke up in the morning, and we went to took the train to Sothempton which is around one hour and then we did a bit of shopping there and we visit the city and the port till the sunset time and then we come back home.
DAY 4 – 27.03.2018
( Me and Chiara on the way to Stansted Airport )
We woke up and we took the train to London, and there we arrived in Waterloo and we took the undergroud till Liverpool street and then from there we took the train to Stansted Airport, where Chiara she was going to take the flght to come back in Italy for the easter holidays and me I was taking the flight was 5 pm to Riga which I arrive there at 9:30 pm I took a taxi to the Valdemara residence, and then I went to Selvaggia house where there was also Perla to have a dinner all together.
- My fourth time in Uk was on 13th July 2018 to 16th of September 2018 that I lived and work there
Italy, London, Bali & back to Australia 2024
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After spending Easter 2024 in Italy with my family and few lovely days in Camogli with my mum I decided officially to go back to Australia for the fourth time and doing a fifth year down under.
Even tho leaving my hometown when is spring is always so hard I wish I can stay there and live there sometimes and have those peaceful days as when I was a kid just staying in the garden and enjoying the spring or the summer looking at the flowers or eating some fruits.
But before going back to Australia I decided to do a little stop in London do see an injector that I always wanted to do which is the liquid bbl and of course see my friend Chiara as well.
And than I wasn’t sure if spend all April in Bali or go back to Australia and go to live with Carmel but than yes I decided to go back to Australia making a surprise to Carmel and write the thesis in Darwin and than start to work again at the beginning of May.
DAY 1 – Monday 08.04.24
( Night at: Charlotte Street Rooms by News Hotel, Mayfair London )
( My mum’s garden in the house where I grew up, Italy )
After my mum come back from woke she took me to the airport to catch my flight from Milan Malpensa at 19:45 pm with Ryanair to London Stansted landing at 20:50 pm once I got there I took the train to the zone 1 and than the metro to the hotel, message the guy that open me the door and show me the room where I stayed and went to sleep immediately.
DAY 2 – Tuesday 09.04.24
( Night at: Charlotte Street Rooms by News Hotel, Mayfair London )
( Double deck bus in Mayfair, London )
Woke up early because at 10:30 am I had the appointment for the liquid bbl which it was like 1 hr away from where I was staying with the metro. Then took the metro to see the London Bridge and take few pics in there but I was a bit in pain so I went back to the hotel quite shortly and I tried to rest all day.
DAY 3 – Wednesday 10.04.24
( Night at: Charlotte Street Rooms by News Hotel, Mayfair London )
( Me and Chiara at Cirque le soir, London )
Stayed at home all morning went of just for breakfast in the neighborhood at Pret a Manger and than at 5 pm Chara arrived we went to do groceries and we drink a bit and got ready to go out clubbing. We went to Cique le Soir in Soho, stayed there clubbing till 3 am and than we went home to sleep.
DAY 4 – Thursday 11.04.24
( Night at: on the plane with Singapore airlines )
( Little flower shops in Mayfair, London )
Woke up at 10 am did the check out and went for brunch at Scarlett Green with Chiara we chilled there for a bit and than we went for a walk and she got in the metro to go back home in Winchester and me I went back to the hotel to grab my stuff and going to the airport waiting for my flight to Singapore with Singapore airlines at 22:05 pm.
DAY 5 – Friday 12.04.24
( Mahe Garden Inn and Villas by Kamara )
( on the plane with Singapore Airlines )
Landing in Singapore at 18:10 pm basically waisted all day on the plane doing nothing basically just sleeping. In Singapore I just eat something quick and look for the next gate and waiting to boarding to the secondo flight with Singapore Airlines again at 21:20 pm and landing in Bali at 23:55 pm where I order a Grab which is similar to Uber to get me to the accommodation that I booked for the night.
DAY 6 – Saturday 13.04.24
( Mahe Garden Inn and Villas by Kamara )
( My little villa for the following days )
Woke up at 1 pm very tired from the flight and still a bit sore from the liquid bbl so I decided just to chill and I order some McDonald for lunch and than I just took few pics and stayed in the villa all day.
DAY 7 – Sunday 14.04.24
( Mahe Garden Inn and Villas by Kamara )
( Breakfast service in the villa, Bali )
I woke up at 8 am receiving the breakfast at the door as I order and than I took few pictures in the villa, than I ordered some sushi for lunch and keep chilling and taking pics all day basically. Just relax, recovering and sleeping.
DAY 8 – Monday 15.04.24
( Me sunbathing in the Villa, Bali )
Woke up at 10 am, order McDonald for breakfast since I didn’t really like the breakfast of the day before and than took few more pics and than at 12 pm I did the check out and I spent the noon chilling in the common pool which it was very quiet and relaxing actually and than I got a Grab to take me to the airport where I had dinner in there and at 7:05 pm my flight was departing to Darwin with Jetstar. I landed at mid night and than the controls took ages and my friend Maria was waiting for me outside to picking me up an taking me to Carmel house in Evolution Building because for Carmel was a surprise that I was coming back to Darwin she had no idea, actually I told her that I bought her a flight ticket to come to Bali to visit me the day after. Our flatmate Charlotte open me the door and let me in so I could just knock at the bedroom of Carmel that she was absolutely shocked about it and happy to see me.
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