Serbia

When I thought 'Serbia', I'm not quite sure what went through my head. I didn't expect it to be pretty, I guessed it wouldn't be overly warm and I suppose I thought there wouldn't be very much to do/see. How wrong I was! 

The journey got off to a bad start when our proposed seven hour train journey was delayed at border control and then again for a random police search, which I was told later was related to a local football game, which turned the trip into an 8 and half hour one. Add to that the fact that there were no snacks or refreshments available on board and you can imagine it wasn't the nicest start to a trip. However, rushing off the train in Belgrade and sitting down literally at the first cafe we found we became aware of what makes Serbia special. The people. Within a few minutes the waiter had brought our drinks and some directions to our hotel, and then a few girls offered to call a local taxi for us to save us being fleeced.  

After checking in quickly we headed into the main area of Belgrade to meet some friends and have a few drinks. For a Wednesday night, the city was absolutely hopping. Every bar/restaurant/cafe was full, music was being played in the streets and there was a general feeling of life. After a few hours here we made our way down to the small river running parallel to the Danube where we boarded a moored boat. On board, there was a live band entertaining the enthusiastic crowd and we danced until the wee small hours.

The next day was the wedding of two close friends, my reason for travelling to Serbia in the first place. A very low, key, relaxed party was had with traditional Serbian music and dance, traditional Serbian food and a random selection of Serbian drinks. No structured plan like speeches or formal seating plans were observed and the result was a big, carnival like atmosphere. And a lot of fun!

Later, the group continued to party by travelling back to the river boat bars, I however had to be sensible and take myself off home to bed as I had a 7am flight to London to catch! 

Europe

Last Tuesday, I hopped in a cab and set off in the direction of Glasgow Airport with a carefully measure 20kg suitcase accompanying me.

First stop was the lovely Balearic Island of Mallorca. I've been here many years ago but my memories of the place were more than hazy. My parents and sister were spending a few weeks out here in the sun and so I decided to join them for a few days of sun, sea and maybe even a glass of sangria!

Palma city was bustling and the sun was shining brightly as I made my way to the main bus station to catch my ride to the coastal town of Cala D'Or on the South East of the island. A handsome looking Spanish man greeted me with "Ah Bravissimo" as I stepped off the bus which I like to think was a compliment rather than a random reference to an underwear brand! Just over an hour later I arrived at my parents apartment. The next few days were spent sunbathing, eating, swimming, drinking and generally taking some time out to relax. I have to say it was lovely, even though it was the first holiday I'd been on with my parents since I was 15!

Friday morning I headed back to Palma bright and early to catch a flight to Cologne in Germany. After a quick pretzel and hop-based beverage I was on my second flight bound for Vienna. Austria isn't a country I ever imagined myself visiting but when my best friend upped sticks for there last month it quickly jumped to the top of my travel list. I wasn't quite sure what to expect-classical music being piped into the streets while people flounced by in black and white clothes was one image I had in my head! It is, however, a beautiful city. Full of historical buildings, ornately decorated and brimming with character. We went to a beach bar by the River Danube, ate lunch in a local market, took in some ballet and opera performances and visited the oldest zoo in Europe. We even managed to find a spot serving shisha, accompanied by salsa dancing! Throw my best friends into the mix and I was a truly happy lady.

All good things must come to an end though so on Sunday evening I boarded a train in the direction of Hungary.

Alighting at Budapest myself and my friend had a challenging time ahead of us trying to find out lodgings for the evening thanks to the very uninformative instructions on the website. After an hour wandering the streets and a few 'hairy' moments we eventually tracked it down, smack bang in the middle of what appeared to be Budapest's red light district! A few days of sightseeing, castles, markets, pubs, Roman baths, bridges, restaurants and shops followed and that is where the story ends, for now.

Tomorrow, a seven hour train journey awaits as we set off again. This time the destination is Belgrade, Serbia and I'll be sure to update you on what we find there! 

Oasis Living Magazine

So, far the past few months I've been contributing regularly to a fairly new publication based in Al Ain in the UAE and entitled 'Oasis Living'. The magazine is fantastic and covers all aspects of life in Al Ain and in the other Emirates. This month I co-wrote the feature article, giving advice on what to do with 48 hours in Dubai and also have some advisory pieces about staying healthy in the heat and combating junk food. What's even more fabulous about Oasis Living is that it is absolutely free!!! Unfortunately, right now it's only distributed in Al Ain, to malls, cafes, schools, universities so you'll have to make the journey there if you want your own copy.
If you just fancying seeing what it's all about then you can read the virtual issue here
http://www.myoasisliving.com/digital_version/jul_2011/index.html

Summertime!

Well, that has been a long 3 months!! The last time I had a spare moment to post was Easter! Eeek! Time flies when you're having fun!
At long last, the summer holidays are here so I can get back to dedicating some time to my writing again, instead of using up all my time and energy on teaching, tutoring and marking exams! Right now, I am back home in Scotland for a few days before I set off on a little trip across Europe where I hope to keep you all up to date with what I see and where I go.
But, for now, the sun in shining in Glasgow (a very rare occurrence!) so I'm jumping on a train and heading into the city to see what fun can be had on a sunny Sunday in Scotland!