So I’m still trying to hold onto summer so badly – as much as I loooove autumn and all things that come with, I don’t feel like this summer has given it’s all just yet…

So in order to try and re-live summer for just one more day, here’s a little recap of my recent trip to Rhodes 🇬🇷

We travelled to the Lindos Imperial (which is located near Kiotari) and spent a beaut week at the hotel and beach. The resort itself was amazing – like honestly I could see myself going back next year 👀 There was so many pools to choose from and going out of school holidays meant it was nice and chilled!

The resort was located close to the beach, but fairly isolated – which was kinda nice (there was still ways to explore the island, but tbh I was READY for a week of relaxing… see my recent post stresshead). We explored 3 of the 4 outdoor pools – mostly the main pool and activity pool, because hey – there was water slides and I’m a little kid at heart 😅

However, despite reading 3 books, sliding into the pools and drinking a lot of cocktails – we did escape the resort a few times!

We joined Lepia Dive Centre for a scuba session in San Paulos Bay, just a bit round the island from where we were based. I had neeeever scuba dived before and I won’t lie, I was just a tiny bit terrified that I wouldn’t be able to do it. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in the water – I was just never very good at sinking to the bottom of the pool as a kid.

The guys at the dive centre were A-MAZ-ING. It was a detailed lesson in scuba above water and they were really helpful in the water too – I was pumped when I finally got the hang of it and was able to inflate and deflate my BCD on my own without crashing into the ocean floor 😂 I passed the test and intial dive, meaning that we could go out for a second dive into some coves just outside of the bay, but unfortunately my ears were not agreeing with me after having some difficulty equalising one of them. So I sent my other half into the ocean to enjoy a second dive (bad choice – he’s now decided for it to be his new hobby… 😂)

If you are in Rhodes and do fancy a bit of scuba, I really recommend these guys – they were fun, helpful and super informative. Plus everything felt safe which was majorly important for me!

Our second trip out was to Rhodes itself, to explore the history and do a lil sightseeing. We walked up to the Acropolis and took in the incredible view (we very luckily managed to stop a taxi for the way down!). I always like to do something a little different if possible and wanted to explore the ruins after someone recommended it in the comments of a previous post 🥰

We then headed into Old Town, Rhodes – yes I did joke about the song Old Town Road a lot… – to explore a bit more of the city and pick up a few souvenirs and possibly my bodyweight in ice cream….

The area was rich with history and views were incredible everywhere you looked. We walked all around the dock and through all the winding streets, stopping for a few ice creams and the biggest fruit smoothie I could imagine (I gave myself brainfreeze 3 or 4 times, drinking something the size of my head 👀) before heading back on the boat to get back to the hotel!

The trip in its entirety was super fun and super relaxing – already possibly looking at going back for next time…

–

Francesca

xo

Let’s get this straight – I am not one to make spontaneous plans.

I am the kind of person to make plans months in advance, with plenty of research and deep thought about it.

And what have I decided to gift my lovely other half for putting up with me for a year? A spontaneous night in Liverpool. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking. Me? Spontaneous 3 hour trip for an overnight stay?

Madness.

But that’s the plan – with a few weeks notice, we’re off exploring the north a bit. Now I’ve done Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, but I am very much looking forward to Liverpool for many reasons:

• I’ve never been and neither has he – so we both get to explore somewhere new!
• I hear they have some great speakeasys – which we both love 👀
• There’s plenty to do and apparently it has a great buzz!

Plus, it’ll be an adventure for us both! So that’s always a plus right? But someone – anyone – pleaaase suggest what you think is worth the trip! I’ll be trying to squeeze in as much as possible over the time we’re there and want to make the most of our trip!

Looking forward to writing about the trip more than anything now 🙊

Francesca xo

I’ve always been one for planning things 6 months in advance. Take one look at my filofax and you are sure to find something booked in.

But there’s nothing more fun than planning adventures and seeing what there is to look forward to. I’ve already planned my main summer getaway and a trip to Amsterdam for my parents.

I’ll be popping off to Kiotari, Greece next year and I cannot bloody wait. Unbeknownst to my other half, I’ve already started exploring options of fun things to do – because as much as I like relaxing on a beach, I also like to explore the location.

However – I also know that the minute he notices a jet ski – he’ll be on it like a car bonnet! I’m hoping i’ll be able to convince him to scuba dive and poooossibly leave the resort (fingers crossed 🤞🏼)

If you’ve ever been to Kiotari – hit me up with any suggestions you have. That or any recommendations for things to do on the Greek island!

Francesca xo

48 hours to see as much of Edinburgh as possible… 

It was a challenge, trust me – but what a beautiful place. I dragged my other half for a Christmas visit, to end the year with a bit of fun. In 48 hours we managed quite a bit – but *spoiler* – it just wasn’t long enough to see it all..

We stayed just outside the city centre in the nicest lil airbnb and it was perfect for us two. Links to local busses and able to walk to local shops in order to make a proper breakfast.

Day one consisted mainly of a hike/walk/climb up Arthur’s Seat – I say climb as I’m pretty sure we chose the least used path ever to get to the top… but hey – the view was definitely worth it!

After the hike up, I managed to find the more family friendly route down – but also proceeded to get very lost, very quickly…

Luckily (thanks to the bus app) we figured our way back home in order to get ready for a night out on the town. We treated ourselves to a BEAUT dinner at The Ivy on The Square – they have a lush little set menu, which I would highly recommend!

We then hit up 2 speakeasies – Bryant & Mack, then Panda & Sons. Both were unique in their own ways – B&M being a much more relaxed atmosphere with a personal service, whilst P&S offered a larger range of drinks and was super lively!

Day two – I managed to sneak a visit in to Edinburgh Zoo – slight warning, the entire place is on a massive hill, so be prepared! We took part in the penguin parade and managed to catch a view of the Giant Panda at the zoo too!

We then ventured back into town, making the most of the Christmas markets – I booked tickets for the Ferris Wheel and the Christmas Tree Maze (which was so much fun) and of course at all the incredible food that was available. Think halloumi fries, mac & cheese, bratwurst hotdog and baileys hot chocolates…

This wrapped up our lil trip – but you best believe I’m planning on going back already, as I don’t think 48 hours do this wonderful place justice.

Francesca xo