A mother-daughter day in Southwold {in pictures}

A few weeks ago, Mama decided she wanted to go to Suffolk. We've been going to Norfolk as a family ever since I was really little, yet somehow we'd never made it to the lower half of the sticky-out bit on the side of England. (No, not Wales. The other side.)

So Mama Hosie booked herself a room, I invited myself along, and before we knew it we were in Suffolk.

Oh, you're invited too! Come along and explore one of Suffolk's best-known and cutest seaside towns, Southwold.

We couldn't resist buying a punnet of these gorgeous British strawberries!

Southwold was full of interesting independent shops and the Madre and I particularly liked Collen & Clare. 

Pink sparkly belts? Mulberry bags? I was obviously sold.

It may have been August, but unfortunately the sun did not have his hat on.

We found the most wonderful bakery café in which to seek refuge for lunch though: Two Magpies Bakery.

 

The sourdough was just perf.

I couldn't resist a peruse of a vintage shop...

And the sun even kinda came out! For a bit.

Southwold is great as it is literally right on the coast.

We walked along the beach-huts, choosing our favourites, being blasted by the wind and marveling at the nutters who were in the sea.

We made our way to the pier, which is home to lots of cafés and gift shops.

And a spot of tea and carrot cake with a view of the sea (but sheltered from the wind) was a perfect way to end the day.

Have you ever been to Suffolk? Or maybe you're a Norfolk regular like the Hosies? Let me know!

Me-time in Munich {in photos}

Alrighty then, let’s head on to the final stop of my recent trip back to Germany: Munich. (OK, so I realise said trip really wasn’t very recent anymore, but, finals.)

Those of you who caught my review of TRYP Hotel in Munich (remember, the one with the shamazing breakfast?) may have been wondering what I was doing there by myself.

Well the answer is: not much. And that was the joy of it. Having only managed to visit Munich once properly on my year abroad (and even then during the madness that is Oktoberfest), I figured I’d like to get to know the Bavarian capital a little better. Well, as well as one can in a day or two.

So I simply wandered round the city, caught up with a lovely German friend over tea and coffee (coffee for him, tea for me, obvs), and shopped. Yeah, there are some gooood shops in Munich. And being by myself meant I could be utterly selfish and go exactly where I wanted. (Friends are over-rated, right?)

I’m a big fan of the whole city to be honest – it’s got that traditional Bavarian architecture which I adore but also the exciting buzz of a big city. I’d have loved to have stayed longer and done more exploring, but I guess I’ll just have to go back… (Soon please!)

Two nights and one day in Würzburg {in photos}

I’d been to Würzburg before. But with not one but two lovely German friends, Dani and Hedi, currently living there, and having loved the Franconian city when I visited during my year abroad, I was super keen to go back.

So after a whirlwind visit to Bayreuth, I shimmied over to wine-growing land for two nights and one unseasonably hot spring day.

On the recommendation of my Würzburger pals, I frequented some fab food and drink spots, photo evidence of which you’ll find below, mes amis. So if you ever find yourself in Würzburg I heartily recommend you swing by Veggie Bros for some sensational falafel, Yummy’s for a dreamy smoothie or juice, and if it’s a warm enough evening, enjoy a glass of wine from the Alte Mainmühle on the historic Alte Mainbrücke (bridge) with the most sensational views.

I could’ve spent ages in Würzburg, and think it’s definitely worth a visit.

Have any Würzburg recommendations? I'd love to hear them!