The Fantastic French

Copyright Caitlin Torode 2012

Bonjour! Somewhat unintentionally I arrived in the deep south of France, in a wee town called Bayonne upon the French-Spanish border, and miles away from familiar. 

It is not often these days that one takes off with no idea of the destination they are seeking, but that is just what we did and what an adventure we had! 

Quite off the tourist route we struggled to find anyone who spoke English, and so equipped only with the basics and wild gestures we took off to capture a little of this beautiful town. 

Please note that the photos are by Caitlin Torode 2012, and not to be used without permission. 

                             

 A beautiful setting for a beautiful town, and a practical stop off should one be heading to Spain, as it is situation a mere 27kms from the border. Should one enjoy the finer things of France; the bread, the buildings and the patisserie's, then you need look no further.  

Connected by the proficient TGV train service, Bayonne is one the train route through to Paris, and thus easily accessed from the closest city, Bordeaux, which was our next stop.  Rich in history Bordeaux was only known to me as the 'wine place', and I was in for a pleasant surprise. 

As unintentional Bourdeaux tourists we found ourselves agenda-less in the city. A walk along the river led us to some authentic French flea markets. Which in turn led us to the Turkish quarter, from which we found towering Abbeys a courtyards full of cafes. There is most certainly something to be said for following your noses instead of a guide book. these are a few of the places we encountered. 

Courtyards for Eating 

Sneaky back streets

French Flea Markets

Epitome of the French lifestyle

Old Detailed Buildings

So Many Mysterious Doors

 This is by far my favourite shot of all. This group of men, standing in a historic square, next to a bell tower, surrounded by cafes and beautiful buildings, laughing together, discussing life. Precisely what I imagine French life to be. Absolutely Stunning.

This is French Life.
Bayonne and Bordeaux are must sees. I hope I have given a few little keys. Loose the guide book and follow your nose. Where you'll end up nobody knows.  

 To Conclude: Whoever said the French lacked a sense of humour?

Oxford Charm

"At Oxford we drank to ludicrous and revolting excess and threw up over some of the most beautiful buildings in Britain" Stephen Norris

"I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all like an opera" W B Yeats

Oxford is a place where these two statements can co-exist, and not detract from the Oxford charm that captures every individual in it's own unique way. 

I love it here.

The history. The stories. The buildings. The pubs. The student life. The streets who have seen more than we ever will. 

You can understand why so many tourists and locals have it on their to-do list, and naturally, you should too!!

Sidenote: Footprints Free Walking tours were a brilliant way to see the city, hear the stories and see a lot of Harry Potter buildings (excite!!), especially when you have a time crunch.

Here is a taster: 

So, as always, I have endeavoured to find somewhere that isn't TOO known, and off the main tourist route. 

There are a fair few reviews on this place, however it's location makes it a difficult find and therefore a thriving hub for local drinkers and not so many internationals. In fact, it was our tour guide that got our number and took us out for a drink that evening. 

Thus I present to you.... 

The Turf Tavern

 Just behind the Bridge of Sighs (see photo) lies this sign. 

Previously called Hells Passage, this dark, little (and somewhat dodgy) alleyway winds you behind the historic city wall, and into the ale house tucked away there. With fire braziers to compliment the copious amount of outdoor seating, this place is perfect to order a famous ale (from an impressive selection) and read about some of the more 'off-the-wall' histories this pub has to offer. 

It was in fact where former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke downed a yardie of beer in 11 seconds (v. v. impressive feat). and also where.... 

Therefore, you have no choice but to check out this famous but well-hidden pub when you visit this vibrant city that has managed to willingly merge the modern and the historic. Pull up a chair around the fire and you never know who you might be sitting next to... especially as a large bunch of Oxford University Students turned up as we were leaving, and from what Tom the tour guide told us that day, you have to be some kind of wonderful to be studying there. 

Heading to Amsterdam tomorrow, wonder what stories I'll find there 

A xx

London's Treasures: Carnaby

 KINGLY COURT

 just off Carnaby Street.... 

In the myriad of chain stores, cafes and restaurants around the Oxford street area designed to capture the tourist market, it is tremendously hard to find anything original, and not made in Asia. 

While Carnaby Street provides brief respite from the hustle and bustle of tourist ridden Oxford Street, with a range of chain  boutiques, it would seem that one must travel to the 'burbs of Camden or Notting Hill to find something you wouldn't get at home. 

then.... 
If you are looking hard enough, you can find 
in an alley way off Carnaby Street. 

Kingly Court offers 30 independent boutiques and some of the most gorgeous local cafes and restaurants, with real coffee!! 

How sweet this is... 

So if you ever find yourself wandering around Londontown, keep an eye out for this little beauty, with enough boutiques and coffee shops to entertain for as long as your children need to spend in Hamleys... 

Enjoy!

Ab

London's Treasures: Notting Hill

And so here begins a new weekly addition to my blog.

This section will consist of treasured finds throughout my {off the beaten track - hopefully} wanderings of London, whether they be a shop, a cafe or a whole suburb .

I hope that you will enjoy these little tidbits, and that maybe they are useful when you come a-wandering around these parts one day .

So here we go.... 


Last Place on Earth - 307 Portobello Rd 

This weekend some friends and I had the opportunity to check out the Portobello markets, and as a die-hard Notting Hill movie fan/nutter I jumped at the chance. Of course, the Portobello markets in Notting Hill are on the main tourist route, and if you are after a laid back day strolling from stall to stall they are probably not your best bet. But the two-mile long stretch of stalls, bustling with both locals and tourists, is such an interesting and fun day out, and definitely worth a visit. I am (unashamedly) a tourist with a camera out constantly, so these are a few happy snaps from our adventure...

Food was amazing

  

FAB FIND:

This gorgeous lamp was at one of the antique stalls. I love the brass design of the little boy, which works so well with the colour of the cream shade and would look great in both a modern or traditional styled room.

then I stumbled upon this.....

Totally unassuming, with a selection of typically random bits and bobs piled outside, Last Place On Earth was tucked away behind the stalls and business of the markets, looking like your run-of-the-mill faded second hand antique/boutique store. 

                                                   

  In fact, most people didn't even  notice it at all as they walked past. But these two beauties caught my eye; their colours stood out.

 

It soon became clear that this wasn't an average second hand store, the goods were unique and someone had actually put great thought into the displays; they were gorgeous. The owner, whose name I didn't catch, was friendly and helpful, and it seemed as though there was endless possibility as to what one may find there. 

(very) Mini-chair

The interior

One of the displays

Beautifully upholstered chair

So if you are ever wandering through the  Portobello Markets, make sure you keep an eye on the stores behind them... you never know what you may find in the background that the tourist eye does not see!

A x

There's a first time for everything.

I open with a quote;

 We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. - Jawaharial Nehru

My journey into the world began when I was but a babe, and much to my delight continues today. From the crowded streets of New York, to the non-English speaking local trains of rural Czech, it never ceases to amaze me how strangely, wonderfully different we are. 

Now as a self-confessed and All Black supporting New Zealander living in a foreign (albeit birth) country of England, feeling both totally out of place and strangely at home, it is time to pass the stories, the adventures, the advice and the tips onwards. It is my hope that suggestions, musings and antidotes from like-minded friends are also included, that this will be as useful for travel enthusiasts as it is informative for those at home (Home is New Zealand - for those of you confused, as I often am), wondering where I have moved to now. 

 Alas, this is where I sign off on my first post from a room within 

the castle in which I live...

with love Abigail Ruth