For the last couple of days I have been hanging out in London, walking everywhere, relaxing and getting myself out of traveller mode before I head home. Not hard when it is raining and cold, and I couldn’t feel less like exploring, ha. I guess that’s London in winter. It is now time to switch off travel Merran and return to normal days. What an adventure I have had! A little shorter than planned, but epic nonetheless. I set off in August with very vague plans on where I would go, but a firm plan to enjoy every moment, follow my nose, and soak up experiences. And it has been wonderful, 1000 times better than I could have imagined. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity.
Where have I been? To the UK via Singapore, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Finland, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal 😊 😊
Which places have I loved the most? This is hard because there has been so much to love with this trip, and so many cool places. If I had to pick a favourite country it would be Finland where I had amazing experiences, met truly wonderful people, and played in the snow 😊 My least favourite place is probably Germany where I had some good experiences but just didn’t feel it was me.
What’s the best thing about travelling? Meeting wonderful people! I’ve been able to spend time with friends who live far away, I’ve made new friends, and I have wonderful memories of quirky, lovely people who crossed my path.
Is it hard to travel alone? No.
Would I do it again? Yes 😊 In a heartbeat.
Am I sad to be heading back? Every trip feels a little bit weird when it gets to the end, but no I’m not sad. I’m really looking forward to seeing my dog (and my daughter 😊 ) and it’s not a journey until you return home.
Where do I want to go next? Jen and I are talking about an island-hopping trip to Greece in October for our birthdays 😊
What are my top tips for travelers? Learn some of the local language and make an effort to use it. People appreciate it and will be nicer to you as a result. Air BnB experiences are awesome and you will meet great people. You don’t have to plan everything in advance, everything is bookable online. Most places are cashless, I have a debit card that I can use for online bookings and a credit card as back up. See things for yourself – even if someone has been somewhere and told you they didn’t like it, you are an individual and should go see it for yourself. I’ve loved places that other people told me weren’t all that great. If you want to go see somewhere, go see it, even if you have no one to go with you. And travel light. You can buy everything you need as you go.
I haven’t taken many photos in London because I’m trying not to be touristy 🙂 but it’s hard to take the traveler out of the girl 🙂 🙂
Love the squirrels in London 
Peter Pan in Kensington gardens 
parrots! 
yum 🙂 
new fave cocktail – whisky, triple sec and lemonade 
look at the pigeons on the arches 🙂 
What an epic trip indeed. It’s been fun tuning in to your well written blogs, a by proxy trip at round the world courtesy of Merran! Safe travels home and see you in Aoreoroa!
Oops a few typos there, written in bed on my phone
Oh well – sentiment intact!
Thanks sweets 🙂