Easter in the Countryside

Predictably, I was all too happy to spend four days in the countryside over Easter. After all, the part of the world where the Boy grew up left me charmed when I visited last year.

However, we weren’t as lucky with the weather this year. It was rainy and cold and windy for most of the time, but we still managed to squeeze in a few hours walking around.

And what I realised is that this moody, grey, drizzly weather actually suits the English countryside, it brings out its beauty. At times when we were walking in the fields, with the wind blowing and dark, menacing clouds gathering above us, I felt like I was a character in Wuthering Heights. Which was kind of awesome.

Plus, when in the country, what’s more appropriate than putting on your wellies to hop around muddy fields for a while and returning home rain-soaked and flushed and happy just in time for tea?

Cliveden House

My recent stay in the great english countryside wasn’t just valleys and hills. It also included a visit to this magnificent estate, set on banks high up above the Thames.  The grounds are lovely and varied, the house itself is stunning and the views across the valley below are gorgeous.

Strolling down the sloping banks away from the house got us to a stretch of the river that was impossibly beautiful. It was hard to believe this is the same river I see every day in the heart of London.

If you happen to be in Buckinghamshire someday, do visit Cliveden, it comes highly recommended.

Oh I do love to be in the countryside!

I didn’t tow a boat, but I sure did walk along many towpaths. And footpaths. And bridleways. And country lanes. I walked through fields, up and down hills, through woods, over bridges and along the river. This book-inspired holiday definitely wasn’t a relaxing, restful one. But with such beautiful countryside waiting to be explored, and the glorious weather we were lucky to have, staying was not an option. Even if the b&b we stayed at was adorable and the full English breakfast every morning made taking naps very tempting. Here are some of my favourite pictures…

In the land of endless summer

I don’t usually think about it but, I’m quite lucky. Because, as much as I love living in London, the teeny tiny mediterranean island I come from is a pretty awesome place to go on holiday. It is practically guaranteed to be warm and sunny, with glorious white sand beaches and of course delicious mum-made food.

So here are my favourite things about the place I call home… First of all, looking up at the blue sky, with no clouds in sight, preferably while reading underneath palm trees by the sea. Long walks by the sea, my toes sinking in white sand, collecting seashells and pebbles.

Swimming in secluded coves, where the water is surreally, out of this world turquoise and so clear you can see fish swimming beneath you.

Tiny fishing boats lined at quaint little ports in the mid-day heat. Playing with kittens in the late afternoon sun.

Quenching my thirst with fresh water from a village’s stone drinking fountain. Cobblestone streets and myriads of potted plants outside houses. The night air scented with the smell of jasmine. Hidden, secret, streams and small waterfalls in forest clearings. Delicious, mouthwatering meals like freshly caught trout with a lemony, buttery, garlicky sauce.

Do you have a favourite summer destination?

All pictures were taken by me.

Escape to the countryside

Just as planned, I managed to avoid the royal wedding mania that took over London and escape to the countryside for the second long weekend. And it was perfect. It was extremely relaxing and only made me want a cottage in the country (or at least a garden) even more. You see, I may have always been a city girl, but I just adore the english countryside. These are a few of my favourite things about Spring in the countryside…

The sun shining over delicate white flowers sprinkled all over meadows. Walking under the shade of tall trees, their leaves rustling in the wind to sound almost like waves on the sea.

Long strolls through the woods, taking care not to step on the myriads of bluebells. Cycling from village to village with stops at proper country pubs. Walking down leafy country lanes to reach medieval parish churches.

Enjoying the late afternoon sun among the wild flowers by a tiny little lake. The flowers on the hedge enclosing a cottage that looks as if it belongs in a fairytale. The luscious green of the forest after a spring shower.

What do you love most about the countryside? What are your favourite things to do in the Spring?

All pictures taken by me in Suffolk.

Snapshots from Tuscany

Tuscany is extraordinarily beautiful. My days there felt truly happy and almost magical. Of course, the sunshine and the excellent food, wine, coffee, gelato and tiramisu helped too. So here are some snapshots of how I spent last week, and I have to say that it feels like a huge downgrade being back in cold, drizzly London eating cereal for dinner.

Exploring one of the many villas of the Medici, one of the most powerful families of Florence with a fascinating history. Looking at the portraits of the many unhappy marriages of this family inside the house. Taking a stroll in the garden, along the rows of cypress trees, taking in the view of the village and the hills below.

Getting lost in the narrow streets of Siena, walking in the shade of the medieval houses with flowers on the window sill. Imagining how Piazza del Campo looks during the Palio, the famous horse race with the crowds and the flags and the horses that don’t stop until they are well out of the city.

Trying to count the medieval towers in the most charming village of San Gimignano, a place that feels unchanged since the middle ages. Having a delicious lunch, naturally followed by gelato, at the lovely piazza with the ancient well in the middle. Staring, awestruck, at the beautiful Duomo of Florence. Taking a big breath and climbing the 460 odd steps to the top of the dome for a view of the whole city.

Buying fresh supplies at the Mercato Centrale of Florence and then taking a bus to Fiesole for a perfect picnic on the hills where Leonardo used to test his flying machines. From there, walking for 10 or so kilometers by the medieval tower at Vincigliata to end up back in Florence, tanned, tired and very very happy.

Do you have any favourite memories from places you’ve visited?

All pictures were taken by me.