Break in Bucharest

Time for a short trip to mainland Europe for a drop of Autumn sunshine and this time I had the pleasure of sharing my travels with a beautiful friend. 

Our days were spent walking many miles in the Old Town, through city parks, in churches, searching for street art and visiting an open air museum showing Romanian architecture and life through the ages.

We also left the city for a day to visit the spectacular Peles Castle, Bran Castle (of Dracula fame) and the Bavarian feeling town of Brasov. The history and wonders of both castles were well worth the journey. 

Every trip always includes unexpected adventures and this one didn’t disappoint. We came across two beautifully tranquil book shops and time just slipped by as we explored them. There was also a car rally event, the Bucharest marathon (which someone asked me on the bus if I was running) and an intriguing evening light show complete with installations along the main boulevard set to music which gave a real carnival feel.

So, a city with surprises and a country whose history I hadn’t known much about until this visit. A mix of influences including French, German and Turkish adding to Romanian means a feast for your eyes and taste buds. Thank you Bucharest!

Autumn thoughts…

September always seems to be a month of change - a change in the seasons and a change from holiday time to term time. This year there have been unexpected changes too and I was reminded again how important it is to stay grounded in the present and to not dwell on past mistakes, or place too much importance on the future. 

I also (unexpectedly) plucked up the courage to face my one remaining fear. I’m braving the chlorine smell, the echoes and noise and booked swimming lessons. So far, so good. I have discovered the wonders of the pool noodle and for the first time ever experienced the sensation of floating like a starfish on my back! Sounds like a small thing, but for me it was huge! I have met an amazing bunch of people and have two very lovely, patient and kind teachers. I literally booked the lessons an hour before they started, jumped in the car and went. I’m so glad I did. It has helped me turn September into a positive month and as they say, ‘every adventure requires a first step.’ 

Thankfully no photos of me splashing about with my floats, but here are some gloriously sunny pictures from walking and running in the early Autumn sunshine in Norfolk!

Hidden Treasures

After returning to the warmth further south and east, we took a few days to explore more of the west of our home county. Norfolk is the fifth largest county in England so it’s not often I venture west for walking, so it was lovely to do some of the circular routes in my ‘Norfolk Walks’ book discovering new trails and villages.

We found a gem of a park up spot near West Acre with a great 5 mile running route, plus easy access to ‘The Nar Valley Way’ to walk into Castle Acre to explore the castle ruins and the amazing priory ruins. Both dog friendly and great to stop for a picnic lunch. An overnight spot I’d definitely return to.

We meandered our way along the coast enjoying favourite spots in Holkham, Wells, a moody sky in Cley and finally a Saturday Park Run in a rainy Sheringham under the trees. I was super grateful that a friend was there, as he made the 5km fly by - thanks Duncan!

So, back home once again to unpack Roo and enjoy some Norfolk meet-ups with friends, as well as completing the 60 mile run challenge before the end of the month.

So, thanks for reading!

Until the next adventure calls…

Lakes to Peaks

After leaving the beauty of the lakes, the rain followed us into the peaks. Despite the more autumnal weather we loved exploring Castleton and our walk up Mam Tor. 

Luckily we re-found blue skies at Bolsover Castle with its incredibly well preserved paintings on the ceilings and ornately decorated rooms. Poppy wasn’t allowed in, although she was more than happy to have a rest day I think. As well as our walking, she is helping me to run 60 miles this month to raise money for MNDA. We are trying to run a few miles each day or sometimes every other day. Pretty sure Poppy has already run her 60 miles as she goes back and forth so much!

Run 60 Miles for MND