Twelve memorable moments: April Part Two

HELLO APRIL
The end of April took me out of the country (HURRAH!)

I can't tell you the last time I got on a plane it was that long ago. I don't know what I was more excited about at this stage, just the thought of rolling my suitcase through the airport and handing over my passport was just too damn exciting.

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention. I WENT TO FLORENCE!

The trip came about in celebration of my Mums birthday in February. I wanted to experience a new city, discover and my Mum, well she was up for the same. A Birthday is always a good excuse of a city break, right?

So, everyone tells you  Florence is beautiful, to quote: 'The whole city is a museum'.

And isn't it just.

READY, SET, GO.
I  was so busy at work prior the trip I barely had time to think about anything to do with the break. Which actually for me, was a good thing. I had no expectations which meant everything was a surprise.

A short bus ride from the airport we trailed our suitcases through the city centre. I couldn't believe it when suddenly we came across The Duomo  - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in the centre. I wasn't expecting it and it definitely didn't disappoint. The architecture is incredible. Here and throughout everywhere I visited in Florence I found it impossible to get my head around how old these statues and buildings were and the level of detail, the exceptional craft. That yes, people had created these.

A PLACE TO REST ONES HEAD.
Leaving the proper tourist snoop until the next morning we headed to our B&B. Right in the centre we were so incredibly lucky with our choice of stay. Literally a stones throw away we were situated next to Florence's most famous square and open air sculpture exhibit,  Piazza della Sinoria and the local town hall,  Palazzo Vecchio. The square was also filled with delicious Italian restaurants that we took full advantage of and lit up the square magically in the evening.

Our B&B was amazing. Camouflaged into the square, you wouldn't even know it existed with a door blending into the old buildings. Inside, stone stair cases lead up to our room. Though the lack of a lift was tiring on the arms and legs lugging up my overpack suitcase it added to the charm of the inn that homed us for our stay.

The room was amazing for the price we paid. A beautiful bathroom on it's own level with a wardrobe with steps leading down to the bedroom which was spacious and beautifully decorated. We even had a sofa in the room to kick back and relax. The breakfast was another amazing bonus. Situated in a small dining room the mix of fresh fruit, croissants, parma ham, cheese and fruit juices layed out on a dinning table. This idea originally wasn't too my taking but it was actually lovely to sit with other guests which was only another two people at a time. Looking back at all other holidays, what is the fun in sitting isolated to your own pack when you can learn more about other people?

The staff were brilliant. Offering hot drinks and discreetly replenishing the breakfast on offer they chatted and offered great advice for our short stay in the city, even if all the places sounded the same...

DAY ONE.
We visited Galleria dell' Academia on our first full day which houses Michelangelo's David and many other incredible paintings and sculptures. I'll admit, I don't hunt out this type of art on a daily basis, its not really been my thing. But I do believe, you can't help but appreciate it all no matter what you are into. The craftsmanship as I mentioned earlier is just, captivating. Sadly, no photos are allowed, so you will just have to go and experience it all for yourself. (Oh, what a shame).

We continued our first day by leisurely walking through the amazing leather markets on offer. It took us a while to find them which seems crazy as when you are there as there is so much going on but somehow it seemed tucked away which makes Florence so beautiful.

One minute a grand Cathedral, next deserted backstreets with graffiti and then markets full tourists and local shoppers.

Of course I shopped and purchases included some amazing jewellery, scarves and later in the trip some leather bounded notebooks which were stamped with the Fleur de Lis and a few leather bracelets. Im not into the whole key chain thing anymore, I want quality and things I will actually use. And for the record, the myth is true, it is pretty expensive. I mean, when I was there I thought I was getting a good price but looking back, it wasn't as cheap as I thought...oops!

Swap city cinemas and instead we saw the sunset on Florence that evening. Walking to the top of what seems Florence highest point we took in Florence's beautiful skyline in all its glory.

DAY TWO.
Our final full day was at The Duomo where we waited for 3 hrs 30 mins in a line to get to the top. YES. OVER 3 HOURS! Just before closing time too which was 1pm that day. All I'm saying is, for their own sanity, they are glad they let us in...

500 + steps later, I won't lie, the view was spectacular. Looking over the city with the bell tower of the cathedral below, it was a sea of terracotta and quaint streets with hidden gems. On the way up to the top you take an unexpected trip around the top of the inside of the Duomo. It was incredible to see the paintings that were on the top of the dome. Literally, I just can't imagine describe and no pictures justify, it is a must to see.

Our final evening in Florence took us a walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Again, another amazing view. A little history lesson for you....The Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 and was Florence's first bridge across the Arno River. Visiting in 2014 it is as beautiful as I expect it was when first built with beautiful terracotta shaded houses decorating the river.

The bridge itself houses quaint jewellery shops which walking across reminded me of something out of Harry Potter. Now that seems quite a 'wrong' statement but with the hustle and bustle and music being played in the street and glittering jewellery in the windows whilst the sun is setting, I hope you know I mean the more sophisticated Harry Potter scene...

BACK TO REALITY.
A flight back to the UK with a plane, two trains and a car journey that total journey took 8 hours its hard to imagine Florence is still ticking away in all its glory. Coming back to the countryside with my Dads chickens clucking away, though beautiful in its own way, it makes Florence feel like a dream

I think as memorable moments go, this is going to be hard to beat.

Twelve memorable moments: February

Image from Puma Hotels

So month two and I was going strong with my ideas. It was my mums birthday and I decided to seize the opportunity to do something different, something memorable. I wasn't quite ready for my sky dive but some beauty therapy couldn't go a miss..

Believe it or not but I have never been on a Spa day before. Yes, really. I've gone and had a tan, my nails done but not a proper Spa treatment. So, to celebrate my Mums birthday in style we decided to pamper ourselves.

We found a deal on Travel Zoo, a holiday and mini break deal site. I haven't ever brought anything off these sites before but thought we should give it ago when it was £29pp for access to a spa, treatment and afternoon tea. Being all optimistic we felt there wasn't much to loose.

A nice drive to the Cotswold and we arrived at the country hotel, The Lygon Arms. On arrival to the Spa we were offered our towels and slippers and told that disappointingly no other treatments were available than our pre book massage. Expecting this, we weren't completely disheartened and took into consideration the price we had paid is what we were going to get. We remained positive and ordered a glass of presseco which we drank in a seating area at the top of some spiral staircase (no drinks by the pool).

The pool area wasn't massive; there was limited seating (in which someone removed our towels whilst we were up in the seating area) and the pool was basic. It would have been nice to have some atmospheric music as it did feel like our conversations were clearly heard to everyone else but it was nice enough.

We were approached regarding some last minute facials which after about an hour we were told the beautician had gone home... great.

Stay positive....

The massage we had pre booked was amazing - just what the doctor ordered. Atmospheric music, a full briefing I really needed it. Starting light to firm to begin with I found it hard to adjust and found myself twinging when my pressure points were touched but it was definitely needed and with my tense muscles.

After a bit more relaxing we got dressed and moved across to the hotel bar for our afternoon tea. This was definitely the highlight.

We were served a selection of finger sandwiches and desserts on a plate - ham, cucumber, smoked salmon. Victoria sponge cake, mango dessert and a pot of tea and I was sold.

Overall I think for the value, it was a great deal and a lovely day out which lead to wondering between the country stores in the cotswolds (lots of Cath Kidson and Barbour).

I would definitely recommend using the deals especially if you want to try something different and are short on the cash. One thing I would say is not to go with too many expectations and enjoy it for what it is.