In-depth look : France

France is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant countries in the world.
Going all the way back to the 9th century, it became it's own country. Having significant prominence in the 17th and 20th century.
But let's not give you a history lesson - you're here to see my in-depth look at two of the Top visited places in France.


1) Paris
This shouldn't come as a shock seeing as it's one the top places visited in the world, and it isn't because of the huge antenna; I mean, the Eiffel Tower; it's because of it's reputation for being absolutely romantic, and it's atmosphere. In Paris, you can just live, love and experience this culture in it's fullest.
The Louvre is an obvious choice to visit - if you go to Paris, and you don't see the Louvre - you seriously have to question what you're doing there? why are you in Paris? seriously.
See the Mona Lisa, admire Venus De Milo - the most beautiful greek women in the world. These will make you appreciate the creations of the world.
Next up is the Arch de Triumph - the centre of the Paris universe. One of the most amazing places you will see, here it holds the names of soldiers lost.
After this you need to see the Champs-Elysees. The most expensive, and beautifully crafted shopping strip in the world. Just look at those window displays!
Some other tips? You need to drink wine, eat crepes, have croissants!
And of course, go to the Moulin Rouge - cancan girls? hello! Also see the catacombs! Amazing.

2) Nice

Ah, the South of France. So peaceful, so beautiful, and so hot in summer!

I lived in Nice for a few months just last year, and it was amazing. You need to see it and live it, to believe it.

Nice was founded by Greeks, and after many a battle, finally became part of France. as of the 19th century, Nice became known as a destination for the elite, Only those with a vast amount of wealth holidayed here, and those even better off, lived here.

It's beaches aren't typical, they're pebble beaches (horrible to sunbath on for those soft skin Aussies) but none the less, beautifully blue, crystal clear waters for days to have summer fun in.

On this very beach, you can pay a small fee and hire out boards, standing paddle boards, or even go speed boating. It's so much fun!

A few cultural points of interest?

how about hitting up the Museum of Modern Art? it always houses works from Warhol to Pollock, and everything in between. Or why not see the Cimetiere Du Chateau? This is one of the oldest cemeteries in France and is the resting place of various famous French artists, politicians and more.

Why not take a walk up to Castle Hill? Nices' famous look out. See the city and the water from high above - beware - it's quite the hike!

France is about indulgence, romance, and relaxation. But don't forget it's history; France has come a long way, and they strive to keep them selves separate, and unique. So make sure you learn some French and build up a tolerance to wine - you'll need it.

Cj, xx

New Discoveries - Bath, UK

Bath is a country town set in the southwest area of England.
It's known for it's hot springs and country side!

Here are my top three things to do and see -



1 - The Roman Baths
The baths were supposedly founded by Romans, may moons ago. However, they were opened in 1897 and to the trained eye, house a Victorian style in architecture. However, the real magic of this place is the water. Said to have healing powers, and said to have been blessed by a wishing god, men from all over the world for decades threw coins in to help their wishes come true.
Now the water is contaminated, and it's banned from people to touch it, it's still cool to look at, walk through, and learn about. Id you're lucky, a Roman will be walking around for you to get pics and ask any sorts of random questions.

2- Bath Abbey
Look familiar? yes, it looks like Westminster, that's because it was built around the same time. This style was very dominate for Abbeys in England at this time, and it's said to be a miniature of the mother herself.
The Abbey is of Anglican faith and used to be a Benedictine monastery. Of course, like many Abbeys around England, it was forced to change, and would have been renovated or re-built throughout the years.

3 - Bath Park
This park is absolutely stunning, and somewhere you could take the family.

This year it houses an amazing flowered sculpture to celebrate the 2015 rugby cup! Very cool.

For  bonus, and just down the road, for those of you readers out there, Jane Austin's house, where she wrote several of her most famous novels, such as Sense and Sensibility, is just around the corner, you can go for a tour, and check out some of her hand written passages, and walk the halls she did. For those writers and those who believe in the sprits, this one is for you.
Straight across from the Park there is the best ice-cream shop in the WHOLE of bath. Pick up a cone, and stroll around this amazing town.

Enjoy!
Cj, xoxo

New Discoveries - York, UK

York is a small city in North Yorkshire. Arguably the most famous part of Yorkshire.
It's hard a fiery history, from the people of York supporting, the sometimes delusional King Richard ( the one who wrote the Demonology) to it being taken over by King Henry the 8th. Whilst still in tact, thank goodness, York is an ancient city, with it's bones still baring those of it's past, with some modern features of course.

Here are my top three things to do and see in York.


1 - York Cathedral
Look familiar?  If you've been to London, and in particular West Minster Abbey, this cathedral resembles just that.
It is an absolutely stunning master piece built in 1080 it was known as Norman Minster originally, over time more expansions aided in its beauty, and now we have what we do today. A stunning master-piece.

2 - The shambles
Arguably the best preserved medieval street in the world,  The shambles is not to be missed. With it's winding streets, cobbled roads, and uneven shops, some doors are very low and narrow, some windows are crocked. This is a Harry Potter fans must see as it resembles a little shopping street called Diagon Alley! The shambles was actually an ancient shopping street for freshly butchered meat, yep, an open slaughter house, but now days it has anything from collectables to some home made rustic pies (if you have seen Sweeny Toad, this might freak you out, as the pies looks very similar to THOSE pies in the film!)
If you keep your eyes peeled you can have a little look inside the oldest church in the shambles, it's been there since day dot. Make a donation, and don't forget to mind your head whilst walking inside.

3 - The atmosphere
Walking these streets is like walking back in time.
Take your time and soak it in, have a look at the York Castle and check out York Dungeon for a bit of fun. Learn about Yorkshires bloody history, and become a true British local. England has a long and proud history, York is the perfect place to become knowledgeable on that history.
Don't forget to pick up a pint at one of the many pubs.

My top tip?
Why not visit Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms?
It's the most famous tea house in the world. Get the original tea, and a tea cake stand. Enjoy. But watch out, the line will be around the corner, so get there early!

Cj, xx

New Discoveries - Whitby, UK

Whitby is a seaside town in the North of Yorkshire, United Kingdom. And it was one hell of a find.
From those coastal vibes, and those famous hot chips to the history of Captain James Cook and Dracula - you can't fault this place.

Here are my top three things to do and see in Whitby this summer.

1 - Whitby Abbey
This Abbey was founded in 657AD, by Saxons of Roman Catholic faith. And had an up and down life span, until and unfortunately so, like hundreds of Abbeys and churches around England during King Henry the 8ths reign, Whitby Abbey was destroyed for good. Fortunately, ruins remain at the top of the  east cliff overlooking the town which calls for stunning views and an impeccable history that isn't one to be missed. Drop in for a tour, and sit up the top of the cliff for some stunning views of Whitby Beach, our second contender.

2 - Whitby Beaches
These beaches are one of the best in the world, and i'm not talking about their sick waves, or ocean blues, i'm talking about pure serenity, pure... openness.
Chuck on your wellies and splash in the ocean, hope a ship for a good old historic tour, or ride a donkey down the coast line. The scenery is not to be missed.

3 - Whitby Fish and Chips
Whitby, among being famous for Dracula, Captain Cook, and of course the beautiful views, Whitby is actually most famous for its fish and chips. Foodies rejoice!
And the best place? Magpies take away of course.
Using fresh fish, straight from Whitby's harbour and freshly cut, thick hot chips, these are simply amazing. Grab a take away, sit outside and enjoy!

And, just for fun, here's another tip to make your trip just that tiny bit more special.
After you're done eating the best fish and chips in the whole of the UK, stroll down the marina and check out the many arcades. These arcade games are not just for kids, there are many games ranging from Pac man to skill testers. While you're at it, grab yourself a 99c ice-cream cone and enjoy Whitby, it's nothing but perfection.

Cj. xx

How to Travel : Choosing the right case

I'm back today with a write up on how to choose the right suit case for your next trip.

Choosing a case is one of several important aspects to traveling.
First, of course you need to establish the type of trip you're taking.
Are you staying in hostels? hotels? Are you going on a tour, staying with friends or doing your own thing? Are you a backpacker who is traveling light? or are you a more luxury type traveler who is staying in hotels and likes plenty of variety?
These are the questions you need to ask yourself before you book your trip, and definitely before you choose your luggage!

For example, for this trip I am a hostel/hotel traveler. I will be visiting friends, and staying for a longer period on the English country side. I will also be visiting some cities, which I think requires a little more dressing up.
Therefore, I will be taking a medium sized hard case suitcase (Flylite), A small on board shoulder bag to carry all my bits and bobs (Lazana), and of course my handbag (LongChamp).

I've learned over the years to travel as light as possible. On my first trip abroad, I took the largest suitcase possible and the largest onboard case possible. I ended up over packing, and only wearing half of the clothing I packed.

Say, you're going on a backpacking trip - you're going to be catching a lot of public transport and you're on a tighter budget so a travel backpack would suit you best.

Of course, it also depends on the length, my trip is around 7 weeks. I feel like my luggage is large enough, and i can always do washing.

Always remember you can post your stuff home! I've done this plenty of times; it saves you baggage fees at the airport too!

Hopefully this has been helpful, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Until next time.
Cheers,
Cj. xoxo

How to travel series by Cj.

The how To travel guide will talk about everything from budgeting to types of travel, where to go, for how long and what to see.

Being a some what experienced traveller, this is my first real attempt to jot down what i've learned, where i've been, and tips and tricks for you.

While there are many out there; some lack the reality that not everyone can afford to travel, i know because i am one of them.

I don't do luxury, and i certainly don't do it dirt cheap. But i travel within my means and i take every opportunity i can to see the world.

From studying abroad, living as an expat or just seeing a few countries 'on the cheap' - i've seen the world many ways.

A traveler knows that it doesn't matter how many times you visit a country - you'll never see it all. 

A tourist, however, just wants to knock countries off their list and never go back.

I am a traveler. My favorite place is the UK. I have friends there, and i love England. I haven't seen it all yet, so next on my list is Scotland. Ill make a visit in London, but i haven't seen the British country side - so that's my next trip.

I will be documenting it, and telling you all about it.

So stay tuned my people.

Cheers;

Cj. xo

Different ways to travel abroad

It's 2015! A brand new year, and you have an entire year to see the world!
If you have ever planned to travel, but for various reasons you haven't had the chance to yet - fear not!

Here are a few ways i have personally traveled abroad. From group tours to solo endeavours - the world is your oyster; see it, feel it, breath it in. 2015 should be your year of adventures.

Here are 3 ways to see the world.

1 - Group tours.
For first time travellers in-particular or those heading over solo, or even the ones who just want to have some care free fun, a tour is for you.
You can go from 7,8 to 40 days! You can do these in Europe, America, Canada, Asia, Australia! Anywhere you can think of, there is a tour company that will take you there.
On my very first trip to Europe, i went on a Contiki tour with my best friend. It was the best experience ever, we didn't have to worry about whether we had transport, places to visit, or food to eat - it was all provided and completely fuss free.
There are also different types of tours you can do. From luxury tours, to camping.
Myself and my friend went for mid-range - hostels and camp sites with lodges. (No tents here). It was fun, we met so many people, and essentially we got completely lost in Europe, forgetting what country we were even in, but enjoying every single second of it.

2- Travel with friends.
This has it's pros and cons. Depending on who you're traveling with can make or break the situation. I've been lucky enough to travel with someone who is essentially me, but in a taller and blonder form. We like the same things, we eat the same foods, we travel the same way. And she likes to be in-control of the room keys so i don't feel guilty if she looses it. I have heard horror stories of friends who go traveling and come back as enemies! Luck for us, it never happened. We back packed Thailand together in July of 2013 and it was one of my favourite holidays. Despite us both getting sick and buying wayyyyyyy too much at the markets - we did absolutely everything, and laughed the entire time doing it.

3- Travel solo.
Solo travel can be the most liberating thing you can do, but it can also be the scariest.
I studied abroad in my winter break of 2014, then traveled eastern Europe alone (with a small stop over in my second favourite city, London). This was an amazing experience because i was by myself. I could eat what i want, sleep in when i wanted, go where i wanted (looking at a clock tower for 40 minutes for example). You can essentially tailor your trip for you, because it's all about you.
This experience helps you grow as a human being, it expands your mind, strengths and helps identify your weaknesses. These are important things to learn in your early 20s and why not learn them while globetrotting?


These are three of my experiences of seeing the world. If you want to know more about these, don't hesitate to ask.


Cj. xo

How to keep a New Year resolution.

Every year, countless people begin the new year with resolutions in the hopes that this year will be the best one yet.

This is a great practice, especially if you're making practical ones, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or saving up for a killer hand bag.

But sometimes, people make resolutions that aren't practical, and may not be achievable. Like finding 'the one' or avoiding a cranky co-worker for a year.

The good news is, I'm here with a few tips to help you keep your practical resolutions and hopefully make positive changes in your life.

So, without further ado, here are my top 4 tips to keeping your resolutions in 2015.

1 - Write it down.

Write it in your diary, on your calendar, create a beautiful poster you can look at every morning to remind yourself of the positive changes you are making this year. A constant reminder will motivate you to see it through.

2 - Tell someone.

Tell a close friend, your mother, your sister... whoever is your go to person to talk about personal needs and wants. These people are often the ones who want to see the best you and who will support you through thick and thin.

3 - Start the change from day 1.

Never put something like a resolution off. Its a resolution, not a medical test(poor example, but you get the point). A resolution is personal, it's not something you can book in for and cancel. Make it happen. Start your future, today!

4 - Stay positive, and stay true.

Keeping positive can be hard. You will find rough patches in quitting smoking or weight loss, or essentially anything in which you endeavour to do. The point is to stick to it! Be positive, remember a better you means a happier you. And stay true. Stay true to who you are. Don't make a resolution about changing you as a human being, make resolutions that will improve you as a human being instead.

Hopefully these tips will help you stick to it in the new year!

Happy New Year! Be kind, have fun, and be the best you.

Cj. xo