Adventures – "Sammy Strikes Again"

Hello everyone, and a very Happy New Year to you all!

I trust you all had a wonderful festive season, and are now in that strange, foggy lull of not knowing what day it is (even if you’re back at work!). Apologies for the radio silence over the past few months (I’m kidding myself if I think you’ve actually noticed, but its nice to be polite), but its been 100 miles an hour here lately.

Now I’m not going to do a really long post reminiscing the last decade or year, because way too much has happened and to be completely frank, I do not have the time nor brain-power right now #festivefog. What I will say, is that there have been many ups and downs in the past ten years; none of which I can or would change as they shape who we all are. 2019 was quite the spectacular year for me. I really pushed myself to do things that I was afraid of, and I had a better year for it. So, that life lesson, along with my superb family, friends and fiancé (OMFG!), are going forward with me into the Twenties!

I don’t know about you guys, but I really feel January. Yes, we’re usually on the ‘come-down’ from all the festivities of December; yes, we’re all broke because its a five week month; and yes, even though we’re desperate to step away from all the beige food, you can’t quite help yourself reaching for those remaining Fox’s biscuits in the tin (because if you don’t eat them they’ll a) just go to waste and that would be a TRAVESTY, and b) the quicker you eat them, the quicker they’re gone and the house can be treat free ready for your diet). But I’ve always been amazed at what January can do for a person! This is the month where most people find hope. Whether that be the hope that the new year will bring better luck than the previous, or for the hope of the person you will become; fitter, slimmer, more positive, more assertive. I don’t know where it comes from, but its hope and positivity for better-ness. And for this, I like January!

Taking away from last year, I will henceforth venture into 2020 with the exact same attitude as I entered 2019! I will continue to do and try new things that scare me, whether that be a new class or a life adventure! So, I urge you to tear off the cellophane of your new 2020 diaries (that you will promise to do your best handwriting in), exercise that writing hand (that you’ll have forgotten how to use since being off work for the shutdown), and MAKE SOME PLANS! Get togethers, walks, coffee catch-ups, a new fitness class; whatever you want, just do it.

So whatever you are hoping to achieve in the Twenties, I wish you the very very best for 2020 and the coming years. May your lives and hearts be full.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love,
SSA x

Good Afternoon lovely people!

I hope that you’re all well and enjoying this glorious, spring-time weather that we’re having (dunno about you guys, but the rains been a smidge torrential here at times!). It feels like an absolute age since I managed to get on here and write an actual post! For those of you who saw the recipe I uploaded, YOU ARE WELCOME. Best cake of my entire life! Honestly, its stunning. WARNING: Sammy Strikes Again moment. Handy tip though, make sure you oven cook it… As in, don’t grill it… Like I did. I got the setting wrong on Mom’s oven and yeah… We wondered why it took 1.5 hours to bake unlike the 20 minutes that the recipe suggests. Oh well! Still yummy! Other than this, our Easter was gloriously chilled and family-filled, it left my feeling extremely smug and content to be honest.

So! Last month me and Kris set off on another mini-break. We’re determined to visit some new places this year, and Bristol was one of those on our list. We’d briefly been before, but this time, we had plenty more time to explore!

The first stop on our whistle-stop tour of Bristol was one of the most iconic sights on the Bristol skyline; Clifton Suspension Bridge. We walked up from the centre of town, getting very very VERY wet on the way up. I cannot stress how soaked we actually got… I could have squeezed out my denim jacket! We were incredibly glad when we saw the Clifton Observatory was open! The Clifton Observatory provides you with fantastic (even in the wet weather and fog) panoramic views over the bridge, city and the river the flows through. I definitely recommend a visit to the Giant’s (or Ghyston’s) Cave if you’re popping into the Observatory, as its underneath, deep in the rock face. You travel down the compact, 220 feet tunnel (BEWARE: the taller amongst you will have issues… It is very steep and tight, so you do have to scrunch up your body in some places. Kris is 6ft and he had issues but luckily he’s quite nimble. I am 5ft7… I am not nimble. We both agreed that my stepdad, Lee, who is 6ft4 and broad, would just get wedged…). Eventually, the tunnel opens out into a cave halfway down the cliff-face about 250 feet from the gorge below. There are railings! And the view of the suspension bridge from the middle of a cliff is quite spectacular! However, being able to step out onto a grid just outside the cliff edge, with nothing but that grid and air between your feet and the road, is not my cup of tea. Heights isn’t really the issue, the issue is being about to see how far I am from the road. I touched it with the tip of my pump, and that’s as far as I was ever going to go. However, Kris, has no sense of danger. Absolutely no fear. As you will see from the photos, he’s happy to have photographs and even dance on this HAZARD! I like to think that I’m not dull.. Just that I have a healthy respect for danger.

Once we’d left the cave, we ventured back out in the rain (we were still wet anyway, sop why not embrace it!) to get a good look at the view and bridge. It is fascinating to find out how they built it back in 1864 (I think) and how its still open and in use now! I took some nice shots despite the conditions, and it actually looked like the bridge was suspended over a rain forest haha!

After our visit to Clifton, we decided to continue with our voyage of knowledge and headed the Museum and Art Gallery. They have lots of really interesting exhibits, including a Japanese Prints exhibit (showing life in the city through the centuries and how its still extremely prominent in current culture), an excellent nature exhibit, the work of Banksy, an Egyptian exhibit, and they were showcasing Leonardo da Vinci whilst we were there. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go around it. There were a lot of families there, and the museum seems to cater for young learners very well (the dinosaur exhibit was extremely popular, with the kids and with Kris)!

After all this learning, we decided to pop to Za Za Bazaar for a buffet lunch. This had been recommended by a good friend, and it did not disappoint. Plenty of food and cuisines to choose from, Indian, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese, and each station had a ‘Live’ counter, where you could have food freshly cooked for you. There was also a chocolate fountain, so I was happy!

Our last stop on our quick tour of Bristol was the Cathedral. This magnificent building sits proudly within its own grassy square, surrounded by cafes and high street shops. Somehow, it seems very fitting and at home there. From what I could tell, Bristol was quite the melting pot of nationalities, cultures, and probably, religions. It was nice to be out of the bustling streets for a bit of quietness and contemplation. I’m not overly religious, and neither is Kris, but the inside and outside of this place of worship is really quite gorgeous, and it does make you stop and stare in awe at the craftsmanship that went into each window and eave.

So! That was our day in Bristol done! I hope you enjoyed my little rundown! I’d definitely go back, as it would be nice to stay over and see some nightlife there (only til about 10pm, cos you know, granny-life over here). The city caters for everyone, local or visiting. There is culture, history, shopping, chic bars, as well as independent and well-known eateries. Its well worth a visit as there is plenty to do!

Love,