Mon Petit Voyage

Tag: europe

  • Edinburgh: August 2025

    Family Road Trip with Mum & Daughter

    What better month to visit Edinburgh?

    Visiting during festival month is undeniably expensive, but the atmosphere around the city is incredible and more than makes up for it.

    This was a special trip for my Mum, who loves Scotland and Edinburgh. She spent many happy times here with my dad, making this visit particularly meaningful. My youngest daughter had been before to see Taylor Swift and spent a couple of days sightseeing — albeit on a student budget.

    I found a fantastic hotel, JustB, on the outskirts of the city. A short bus ride took us straight into Princes Street. Our hosts, Geoff and Karo, were warm and welcoming. We stayed in the Arthur Conan Doyle Suite, with an additional single room attached — perfect for the three of us. The stunning location makes you forget you’re just outside a capital city.

    We drove up from the north of England, stopping at Gretna Green (with an explanation of its significance for my daughter), Lockerbie to remember the tragic bombing of 21 December 1988, and the quaint town of Moffat. It was a beautiful drive through Scotland.

    While in Edinburgh, we shopped along the Royal Mile, walked down Princes Street, stopped at the Vennel Steps (along with other fans of One Day on Netflix), listened for the 1.00pm cannon from the Castle, visited Greyfriars Bobby, and enjoyed a makeover courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury at H Beauty.

    One of the highlights was undoubtedly the Military Tattoo. We attended on VJ Day, in the company of royalty — Prince Edward and his wife Sophie. I had been to the Tattoo once before, in the early 1990s. While the format has changed somewhat, it remains an incredible experience. Wrap up warm: sitting on the Castle Esplanade can be breezy, even in summer. This iconic open-air venue, perched at the top of the Royal Mile, hosts a spectacular three-week show against the backdrop of the historic castle, featuring international military bands, over 1,000 performers, and fireworks.

    An incredible three-generational family trip — memories both old and new.

  • Roma; La Città Eterna – April 2025

    All roads lead to Rome…

    When I was at school I had an amazing opportunity to visit Italy. It has been a country I have longed to return. One of my daughters has a huge passion for Italy following a number of visits and trips. She suggested we went as a family, with my Mum around Easter.

    Rome is beautiful – so incredibly beautiful. There is history everywhere. I cannot believe I have never visited this wonderful place.

    We flew from London and arrived at Fiumicino airport. An easy coach transfer took us directly to our Airbnb in the Aurelia district. This Airbnb was such a great find! Despite the district being extremely busy and very vibrant, our home for the next few days was a beautiful apartment in a quiet gated community with private garden. There was a large supermarket, typical Italian cafés and restaurants in the vicinity – it was perfect.

    We were within walking distance of metro station Cornelia, on line A. One of my passions is underground networks around the world. However I was not particularly enamoured with Rome’s metro. You need to keep your wits about you at all times!

    The bus was our preferred mode of transport and you get to see the city. Make sure you tap your bank card – even if you have to fight through a crowd on the bus. Fines are very hefty…

    One of our primary aims during this trip was to visit the Vatican and the Holy Doors, as it is the Jubilee Year, 2025. This is a very special year for Catholics around the world. We had chosen our accommodation so it was in easy distance of the Vatican. The bus from outside the apartment took us directly to St Peter’s Square. We were there the weekend before Easter.

    We were so very privileged to attend Mass in St Peter’s Square for ‘Domenica della Palme’ where we saw Pope Francis, in what was to be one of his last public appearances. I will forever be grateful for this incredible opportunity.

    There are four Holy Doors (Porta Sancta) in the Papal Basilicas in and around Rome. These doors are normally sealed. They are opened every 25 years for Pilgrims to enter.

    The doors are located in St Peter’s Basilica, St John Lateran Basilica, the Basilica of St Mary Major & the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Each basilica is so very different and well worth a visit.

    My favourite was undoubtedly Saint Mary Major (Sainta Maria Maggiore) – an extremely beautiful church and the largest Marian church in Rome. This was Pope Francis’ favourite and where he is buried.

    I was very pleased we decided to visit all four basilicas.

    There is so much to do in Rome. Aside from being a spiritual home for Catholics, the history is so incredible. The Colosseum, The Pantheon, The Vatican Museum, Castel Sant’Angelo, The Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps…

    You cannot visit Rome, or indeed Italy, without mention of the food – a pizza and pasta lovers delight, along with delicious salads, seafood and of course, gelato!

    We ventured slightly further afield with an evening trip to nearby Frascati, famous for its wine (amongst other things). A short train journey from Termini station, Frascati is a small town approximately 20 km outside of Rome. We enjoyed an evening of wine tasting and pasta making. Most highly recommended. Grazie Nico!

    Frascati

    Our four day trip gave us just a sample of this wonderful city.

    I cannot wait for our next Italian adventure planned for the summer.

  • Une journée à Paris

    I love Paris – without doubt my favourite city since my first visit as a university student.

    I am extremely fortunate that I am able to travel to Paris on a regular basis.

    Last January I was offered the opportunity to do some work which allowed me to travel to Paris regularly and spend the day in this beautiful city. Quelle chance! This was my dream.

    Living in Kent it is feasible to spend a day in Paris especially travelling via Eurostar. This was the first time in quite a few years I had gone for the day and travelled alone. I wanted to cram as much a possible into the trip.

    Obviously my first stop had to be the Eiffel Tower via metro stop Trocedéro. I always love the view from here. Then a trip on Métro line 6 which allows views of the Tower and river.

    My next stop was up in Montmartre. I wanted to see Rue de L’Abreuvoir, one of the prettiest streets in Paris and the famous La Maison Rose. Whilst busy with tourists, it did not disappoint.

    Walking back I had to go past Montmartre’s vineyard and down past Amélie’s café to the Moulin Rouge.

    Quick stop at Monoprix to get a baguette, cheese, meat and wine for dinner back in the UK and that was all I had time for before my Eurostar journey home.

    Somebody once said – Paris is always a good idea. I couldn’t agree more.

    A très bientôt…