Monday Musings: Spring into action

Friday marked the first day of astronomical Spring - and before some of you try to tell me that Spring started on the 1st of March...that is meteorological Spring - the astronomical seasons refer to the position of the Earth's orbit in relation to the Sun. Nice to get that off my chest! Normally I love this time of the year but this time round it all feels very weird. The garden is springing into life, but we are spending more and more time at home. 


Longer days, shorter nights. Knowing that milder, sunnier days are just around the corner. Flowers are another of my favourite things about Spring - after a cold, gloomy Winter, there's nothing better to make your soul smile than the thought of summer being just around the corner. If we all stay in now, then hopefully the sooner we will be able to get out; enjoy the fresh air, and make the most of the new season.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The undisputed King of Chicken Piri Piri!

Image
If you like chicken, and haven't yet tried Piri Piri, I have to break it to you.....you're missing out big time! The dish is traditionally made from Piri Piri peppers which originated in South Africa, and were imported to Portugal from Angola and Mozambique. Restaurants across Portugal have their own individual recipes for the dish; but the Algarve town of Guia is said to have the most authentic Piri-Piri houses, and I am quite confident when I say I think I have found the best. O Teodósio (otherwise known as King of Chicken) opens for lunch at 12 noon; and 6pm for evening meals. Trust me, it pays to get there just before it opens. Long queues of people soon build up, and every time I've eaten there it has been mobbed - quite impressive when you consider it seats nearly 700! Although they do serve other dishes, you never see a menu being handed out - you simply order "Frango piri piri, batatas fritas e salada" (chicken piri piri, chips, and salad). It'
Read more

Life is not a dress rehearsal

Image
Ever since I was a little girl, my dad told me "Life is not a dress rehearsal". While it was a phrase that stuck in my mind, it didn't resonate with me until I got a bit older, and realised that he was totally right! We spend so much of our lives at work; in meetings, and sometimes doing things we don't always enjoy. So when we have time off and go on holiday, we have to make the most of it. Take time to look up at that blue sky, breathe in that fresh air to give us new energy for when we have to return to reality! One of my passions is travel - another is research, which combine to make a brilliant partnership! I love finding places off the beaten track; hotels that make you go 'ooooooh'; B&B's that make you feel you could just unpack your suitcase and stay forever, and attractions in different countries that you may not find in your guide book!  This is why I decided to start Travel Lightbulb - I want to share some of the great things I've
Read more

A peaceful oasis in Marrakech

Image
I may have found the perfect spot to stay in Marrakech. Some people say that walking around the city makes your head spin, and the place I'm featuring today is the perfect peaceful antidote to that. Riad Dar-K is an elegant peaceful oasis in the medina of Marrakech. The fantastic location (about two minutes from the souks and the museum) in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the Medina means you can never get lost. Traditional architecture combined with modern touches ensures this is one stunning guest house. The rooms are not only nicely decorated but are also spacious, and the best thing is there are only two double rooms and two suites. If you have a preference for air conditioning, request a room or suite on the first floor. The room rates include breakfast, which is served in the dining room, courtyard, or on the roof terrace, according to the season. If you wish, traditional Moroccan lunch or dinners are also available on request. There is a plunge pool (which
Read more