Copenhagen, day 1

With its picturesque canals, one of the longest shopping streets in the world, and more Michelin starred restaurants in Europe, Denmark's charming capital is a Scandinavian gem with a little something for everyone.  My boyfriend and I were searching for a mini break that was romantic yet manageable in the short three days we had to spend for our one year anniversary. 

Day one

Morning: We touched down on Danish soil after a bleary eyed and rather hectic morning where I was once again reminded of Matt's non-existent timekeeping skills and nearly missed our flight, but a run to the terminal and a two hour flight later I was on my first holiday in ages and my first mini break with Matt.  We checked into Danhostel, Europe's largest hostel, where we'd be staying for the first two nights of our stay.  Conveniently located in the centre on Hans Christian Anderson Boulevard, Dan Hostel was really more of a hotel with a cheap price tag, we had a spacious room to ourselves and a large ensuite bathroom.  The hotel prices in Copenhagen are a bit of a splurge, so if if you are travelling on a bit of a budget, like we were, hostels can offer the best value here, and aren't as unglamorous as you might think.

As much as I wanted a nap after our five AM Gatwick south terminal dash, I was more excited about getting out and seeing the city.  And what's the first thing we wanted to do in Denmark? Have a Danish of course! Of course they aren't called that here, and the selection of sticky sweet pastries at the many bakeries dotted around the city.  We stopped into Lagkagehuset on Strøget for a strawberry jam Spandauer which is what is commonly known elsewhere as the Danish, but nothing can compare to the real thing.  We turned it into brunch by grabbing a freshly made sandwich before heading off to check out the city.

The weather was luckily much nicer than the drab, cold start to fall back in London so we did get some nice sunshine nearly the entire trip, apart from being caught in a bit of a brutal (but brief thunderstorm en route to Rosenburg palace. Apart from the lovely grounds and gardens, the 17th century palace houses a museum as well as the royal treasury, including some of the Crown Jewels.

One thing that really struck me about Copenhagen is how friendly the people are, it's not hard to find someone to offer a recommendation or to help you find your way around, especially since nearly everyone speaks fluent English. This is what Matt and I discovered on our stroll toward to find the little mermaid as we walked down lanes full of cafes and families out for a bike ride (bicycled being the preferred mode of transport here, and a great way to get around, although I don't think Matt was so keen to jump on this bit of Danish culture).  

Of course, one of histories most famous Copenhagen residents was the master of fairy tales, Hans Christian Anderson, and references of his whimsical stories are a proud part of the city.  Millions of tourists each year flock to the bronze statue of the little Mermaid perched on her rock in the sea.

It wasn't to crowded in the early evening when we went (although we did enjoy sitting on the rocks making faces while passing tour boat passengers snapped away at the statue)

Its a fitting city to be home to some of the worlds most famous fairytales. Although we are talking about the original version and not the disneyfied one, I couldn't help but be reminded by the park and lake near the statue's similarities to the "kiss the girl" scene out of my favourite childhood film.

London Days Out

Things are definitely starting to get busy in my life, I started my new job this week, (yay!) and I might be moving into a new place soon (kind of bittersweet), but my highlight of last week was my best friend from university came to visit London for the first time for a holiday! 

I love acting like a tourist, and I even got to do a few things I hadn't before in London, like go to Kensington palace, and a few I hadn't done in awhile, like go to the Tower of London, which I haven't done since I was 14!

She came with her grandparents and brother, and it was kind of interesting to see some Americans getting to know this country I've become so familiar with (plus hearing accents from home was pretty refreshing!) and it was great watching people experience some things about this country I've come to love.  Perhaps none of us enjoyed the weather, but the food we had was definitely good! We ate a few lunches in South Kensington, where they were staying.  I'd definitely recommend the  Anglesea Arms there and Maggie Jones for some delicious but decently priced food!

Rachel and I both love to shop, so of course we headed to Oxford Street for a look around and I introduced her to some of my fav high street shops over here.  I couldn't resist picking up a new spring bag from new look.  It's a gorgeous coral and very spacious (of course!), perfect for summer!

A Sandy Bit of Home

I absolutely love living in the UK, especially so close to London. But there comes days when the weather is just starting to feel springy that I get a pang of homesickness for white sand beaches on a Carolina coast. In the dreary rain today, I can't help planning my next trip home.

Moving to Surrey marked the first time since I was 8 that I've lived away from the beach. I grew up there and ending up attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington just down the coast. after that it was grad school in Swansea, one of the closest Uni's to the beach in the world. I haven't quite adjusted to the absence of salty sea air or the fact I struggle to think of things to do around here on a sunny day.

I grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a chain of barrier islands famed for their amazing beaches. At home you won't find high rise hotels and it's easy to find your own spot on the expanse of beach. It's a place where flip flops are the most acceptable forms of footwear, where everyone lives for summer. Winters are quiet and dull, with barely a shop open, but come summer the islands are buzzing with life, even if it is hoards of vaguely annoying tourists.

A winter sunset on the Outer Banks

I'm not sure if it's just the weather, or the simplicity of life in general there I'm missing a bit. In the seemingly endless struggle of trying to make it as a journalist, it doesn't surprise me that a part of me misses mornings spent in the sun followed by a cushy job at a clothing and gift store (the type of place that sells miniature lighthouses and wine glasses painted with fish, massive stuffed dolphins and hundreds of sweatshirts and t-shirts all emblazoned with OBX). I wore flip flops and sundresses and the sting of summer on my skin and did a job I knew like the back of my hand.

I'm (hopefully) planning a big trip home in September and hopefully bringing my boyfriend with me for his first USA adventure (which should be very interesting indeed!) I'm excited to get to eat at my old favourite restaurants and introduce Matt to the weird yet wonderful place I grew up. (And get in some beach and surfing time of course!)

The road home

Surviving a Commute: it's in the bag

I've been commuting from Surrey to London everyday for the past month now with a commute that takes exactly 2 hours from my door to my desk. During that time I've discovered a few things: That if my bus, train, and the underground line are running a good service it's like winning the lottery, that any usual British politeness completely disappears where train seats are involve (oh no worries, I've been standing here first for 15 minutes in the rain and in heels, but feel free to all but push me under the train for a seat), what it would feel like to be in a clown car, and that I'm roughly armpit height (Ew...just...Ew). So I've been coming up with ways to make a commute a little less miserable. The best way I've found to keep your journey from slowly crushing your soul is to have the right stuff with you. Here are my top commuter essentials:

1. A good-sized, structured bag:

I can't seem to survive my commute without a bag that's both big enough I could fit my dog in (not that I ever would, I'm not one of those people) and organised enough I don't lose everything. I could probably survive a zombie apocalypse for a week on the amount of stuff I shove in my bag every morning, so having a good one is so key.

I have my fair share of handbags, but this one that I got from Accessorize right after Christmas is my go-to bag for work. It's big enough to fit anything I need (including lunch and sometimes even an extra pair of shoes) plus it stays super organized. In every other bag I own, whatever I need automatically sinks to the bottom leaving me constantly rummaging for my phone, train ticket, ect. And making me either late, or run into things (oh, hello there wall, nice to see you). Look for a structured bag with lots of pockets. This one has two massive pockets on the outsides, one which is a padded tablet pocket (my iPad is loving it).

2. Hand sanitizer

I don't like to think of how many germs I come into contact with on public transport every day, but a mini bottle of hand sanitizer helps me fight them off. My favourite is the Pocket Bacs from Bath and Body Works, but I can't find them here in the UK. So I've been looking for something similar here (if anyone has some favs let me know). I don't like the ones that smell like alcohol but go for a scent that is clean, light and not overpowering so you aren't gagging your fellow commuters.

3. Cosy shoes

Maybe it's because I spent most of my youth in flip flops, but I can't seem to get through a day in work appropriate shoes without some blisters. For rushing around some comfy shoes are a must, but I can't bear to be one of those people in trainers and and suit (shudder). They may have the right idea, but I need to be a little more stylish. I think a pair of Toms might just be the Cinderella slippers of my commute. Comfy, but look a bit like flats, come in tons of colors, plus they are a feel good purchase since the company gives a pair of shoes to someone who need them. All around win.

4. Healthy, easy to eat snacks

Pick something that isn't messy so you don't get it all over you and the train and go for something fairly odorless, because there's nothing worse than having to sit next to someone eating stinky food. I usually go for a granola bar, dried fruit or nut mixes, all which are easy to eat on the go and full of fiber to keep you full. I also really like graze.com which delivers a box of healthy snacks to your house or work, they all come in their own punnets so it's easy to toss in a bag. Just avoid the dips for commuter time.

5. A tablet

No they don't come cheap, but my iPad has been my sanity saver. I've got a library, notebook, TV, music, game centre, ect without weighing down my bag (especially since I love a good thick book). I do a bit of blogging, watch a film, read the latest issue of Cosmopolitan, and next thing I know I'm there. Yes you could bring a laptop, but I find even a netbook is too heavy and cumbersome for public transport. Make sure it has a sturdy cover as it will probably get knocked around a bit in the rush hour hustle and bustle.

6. Travel umbrella

Especially if you live in the UK. Unless you enjoy being soggy at work. The smaller the better so it fits easily in a handbag, although I guess you could get a full-sized one and use it to fight your way onto the train, the choice is yours.

7. Mini Emergency kit

I keep a little coin purse with some little emergency items in it like plasters (bandaids), a nail file, paracetamol, eye drops, cotton buds, ect. Whatever little mini things might come in handy. Some other things I usually make sure I have: tissues, dental floss and a mini toothbrush, Berocca, and a travel sized deodorant (here's to wishing other London commuters would bring is along with them).

8. A leak proof travel mug

I love my morning Costa latte, but getting one everyday would cost me a fortune. But I need that bit of caffeine and something warm to keep me going in the morning. Getting a good coffee mug is better for your wallet and the environment. Try finding a leakproof one (amazon.co.uk has a few) so you can just toss it in your bag.

All my essentials! Ready for another long day!

Derry, Northern Ireland

I haven't had much of a chance to travel lately, but I did get a chance to go see my granddad in Derry earlier this month, so I thought I'd tell you a little bit about my trip.

Derry is not somewhere I'd normally pick for a city break, so the main reason I went was just to visit.  But the city ended up surprising me.  Northern Ireland's second largest city certainly has a reputation for its troubled past, but signs of a new unity and rejuvenation are everywhere, like the new peace bridge representing a new connection between a historically divided city.   It has certainly come a long way in recent years and has even been named 2013's European City of Culture.

It is definitely worth taking a look into the history of this city. There's quite a few walking tours you can do of the bog side, murals and Bloody Sunday, ect. I did the one of the murals, which was pretty cool to learn about, two of my second cousins took me, which was quite cool because they knew quite a few facts having lived in Derry all their lives.

No trip to any part of Ireland is complete without a trip to the pub for some traditional music and a cold pint. There's a great place called Peader O'Donnell's that is worth a visit that usually has some live music on and a pretty good atmosphere.



The city is also a great base for exploring nearby Donegal, including the fabled Giant's Causeway or a day trip to Belfast. Unfortunately it was a bit too cold and blustery for the causeway this time around and I ran out of time to go see Belfast, so maybe next time!

One of my favourite parts of Derry is the Craft Village.  It so quaint and quintessentially Irish (There's even a thatched cottage).  It's a great place to get something unique and grab some lunch.  Both the Boston Tea Party (try the apple pie!) and Cafe Mondo have great light lunches with sandwiches and homemade soups (yum!).  If you're wanting to bring back some souvenirs, there's a great little Irish shop, a place to buy Derry crystal, and my favourite was a little shop selling all sorts of things from local artists.  

There are many more glamorous cities in Europe, but Derry is definitely worth checking out if you haven't before as its definitely full of some surprises.