Blogger love is the best kind. Cheerful, no-strings attached and heart warming on a rainy day. The Liebster Blog Awards are just that, cheerful, no-strings attached and heart warming nominations of the blogger-world. The
second time I've been nominated, it's by sweet Sam at
Globetrotter Postcards, a recent Australian transplant to London-town. Sam has travelled the world, has one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen and is currently finding her feet in the crazy place that is our adopted city.
Leibster Rules:
- Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog
- Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator
- Nominate some other blogs you love for the award and let them know about it
- Create 10 questions for them to answer
So, without futher ado...
What is your favourite thing about London?
The history that imbues every stone, doorway and crooked little lane that beckons exploration. Every part of the city is steeped in stories; grand, personal, impressive and heart wrenching. Show me a road and I can guarantee that a tale beckons at every kink.
What is a destination that gave you the most unexpected pleasure?
Ireland, our holiday just gone. We fell hook line and sinker for the Emerald Isle in a way that was totally unexpected. Was it the good weather, the ample supply of pubs (for Mr Kiwi), the luscious countryside, the friendly locals, great food or opportunity to explore? I'm just not sure.
What do you miss about home?
My family, pure and simple. On consideration though, I'm not sure we would be as close if we lived nearer to each other - distance means that we prioritise regular catch ups that we didn't when living in the same island.
Is there anything you cannot live without while travelling?
A good book, music & Mr Kiwi.
Describe a perfect day for you.
After an evening listening to the rain fall, waking to a dewy morning, just as the sun breaks through the clouds. A creamy, hot flat white is delivered to me in bed, along with the cat, a perfect Eggs Benedict and a bevy of my favourite blog posts to read. We make for London to explore something new, geeky and wonderful, before stopping for a reviving cup of tea and delicious slice of cake. We board the Eurostar for Paris bound for cocktails with a breath taking view, then a wonderful dinner with all of my favourite people.
Share a link to your favourite post.
Like children, I can't pick just one as they're all my favourites. Imperfect, jewel-hued and a touch dorky they are expressions of what ever random thoughts were wandering through my ever buzzing mind at the time and a documentation of life through my lens.
What makes you happy?
Every single day. I believe that we need to savouring the ordinary as if it's extraordinary because we (probably) only live once. We don't have time for negativity, jealousy or nastiness.
If money was no object, what would you do? Where would you live?
I would run a philanthropic society, and travel the world. I would keep my main home here in London, but have apartments all over the world for me and my family to visit at will.
Tell us something people would be surprised to find out about you.
I'm never happier than laughing and gathered around a kitchen table with a group of people that I love. It's the highlight of each week, all of our holidays and is always programmed into everything we do. The last time I was in New Zealand, my brother, sister and I bought the world's biggest hunk of beef to roast, threw logs on the roaring fire and relaxed with a few drinks. I've never felt happier.
What is your favourite thing that has come from blogging?
The community in such a large, disparate city that is London. I love New Zealand, but I think in my heart of hearts I was a wanderer looking for a place to settle. It's taken me a long time to find a community that fits me in, because it never actually existed. Enter stage left the blogging community - where it's an expectation to celebrate everything that makes you unique.
My nominations:
Emm in London: With an enormous heart, appetite for good Braai and wanderlust that I envy, Mandy's blogposts have made me cry, laugh and pointed me to some beautifully described destinations.
Chica-dee-dee: Exploring England in a way that makes me green with envy, Danielle is just awesome in every way.
Kings Road Rocks: A lovely lady about London, Mina is a connoisseur of the finer side of London life. The only problem is every one of her posts makes me want to put on a pretty dress, call a friend and spend a night on the tiles.
Oh The Places We Will Go: Serving up a Texas sized helping of travelling, expat experiences and afternoon teas connecting London bloggers, Selena is an unmissable entry in my bloglovin feed and on my drinkies list.
The Hemborg Wife: Expat, genuinely lovely and it's like I've always known her, Bailie shares her daily adventures of life in a country wholly unlike her own. Oh, and she's an avid Gavin and Stacey fan. Win.
Questions:
1. Who or what has inspired you to travel?
2. Backpack or suitcase?
3. Song that epitomises travel for you.
4. What period of time would you most like to visit?
5. What’s the strangest food you really want to try?
6. Beach, mountain or jungle?
7. What is your best piece of travel advice?
8. How do you like to unwind after a long day on the road?
9. If you had a super power, what would it be?
10. What do you feel has been your biggest achievement in life so far?
