Scrappy Travels

The Minack Theatre is one of the most beautiful spaces I've ever seen.  I may seem to be exaggerating, but every piece of that theatre from the landscaping, to the overlook of the ocean to the theatre itself cut into the cliffs is just breathtaking. I can't even imagine what it's like to perform there, but it must be an absolute thrill. Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to witness this first hand, but the next time I'm in England, it's on the top of my to-do list.  So,  you may be wondering what makes this space so special? Well, the Minack Theatre, in Porthcurno Cornwall, is one of the world's leading outdoor theaters.  It was built over the course of two years in the early 1930s by Rowena Cade. She and her gardener, Billy Rawlings moved boulders and granite to build the stage and the terraces.  Their goal was to give theater troupes a place to perform Shakespeare's The Tempest .  Can you even imagine a more inspired place to perform this...

I'm not what you would call outdoorsy.  I like being outdoors - but when I am, I prefer to be sitting on a patio and eating, or watching a show on an outdoor stage.  I am definitely not a fan of traipsing through any wooded areas or hiking up large hills.  I've never been camping but I'm pretty sure I'd just hate that too.  Though, somehow I found myself at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall doing most of these things that I've just claimed to hate. Now, I'd like the record to reflect that before visiting Tintagel, I didn't know these things would be required of me.  I assumed it was a castle that I would look at, take some pictures of and then move on. That's what I get for not doing the proper research beforehand. However, if I had done the research, I would never have gone, and would not have had the awesome experience I had.  There's something to be said for being completely in the dark. Tintagel Castle is said to be the birthplace of King ...

A few years ago, a show premiered in England that had everyone talking.  It was a fairly simple concept - over the course of 8 episodes, the detectives would solve the murder of an 11 year old boy in a small, sleepy town on the coast.  The show of course was Broadchurch .  And I'm not sure why it took off the way it did, but it was probably the combination of a superbly talented cast, a compelling mystery, and stunning cinematography.  I, like everyone else, was hooked on the show from the very first moment.   This year, after 3 successful series, it's coming to an end, which is unfortunate.  However, the gorgeous filming locations still exist in West Bay Dorset, UK.  This means that any time you find yourself in the UK - as I did last month - you can visit this gorgeous area of the country, and relive the television magic.  To say this part of the country is beautiful, is an understatement.  And luckily for the residents, they're seeing ...

After planning, and worrying and packing and worrying, I just spent the loveliest 2 weeks in England.  I shared a bit about why I was worried here , though luckily, everything turned out ok. There were a few hiccups along the way, but it turns out I needn't have worried so much. London and Cornwall are still 2 of the most beautiful places in the world to me, and I still love that country with all my heart.  It's just a different way of living over there.  When I'm there, I act differently, speak differently and most of all, I'm braver.  I'll try new things, and drive cars on the wrong side of the road.  I'll explore and chat and mostly, I just have the best time.  As I say, each time I come home, one of these days I'd love to live there for an extended period of time, just so I can explore even more than I already have. When my financial plan finally comes together (i.e. - winning the lottery), this will definitely happen.  For now, I'll just remin...

Every Wednesday on Twitter, Lonely Planet does a chat.  They ask one question and everyone who wants to gets to answer.  Usually it's about a special places or perfect trips, which are fun.  But today's was pretty much the best and most perfect topic: The absolute best food you've ever tried while travelling.  I was pretty excited.   Then I realized, just how not adventurous I was when it came to eating and travelling.  Even with all my work to try new things, I don't think I'll ever live up to the likes of these travelers. They were eating things like bugs, crazy sushi, & foie gras, in places like Mogadishu, Sichuan Province and Pnomh Penh Cambodia  Now don't get me wrong, I don't really want to eat bugs and I don't really want to go anywhere that requires several vaccines just to enter the country.  But that's beside the point. My offering was seriously never going to measure against some of these crazy meals.  Mine was delicious, a...

What is it about reading a book that takes place in England, that makes me pine for Great Britain?  I thought I'd gotten over it.  I mean the love's always there, but when I realized it was next to impossible to get a job across the pond, the living there permanently bubble popped.  But after reading 2 books that take place solely in England, I'm right back there again, dreaming of the country side, and market towns.  I can see the green hills and feel the electricity of the city.  But yet, I'm stuck here in good old Maryland... Ugh! It also doesn't help that the dudes at work are leaving for Bristol tomorrow (yep, they get to go to England, while I'm stuck schlepping to DC - Not cool!).  Also, all the fabulous BBC shows are back on PBS and I'm in the midst of planning a trip there for 2015. It's like England is leaving me a message - Come back - we have tea! - but isn't leaving me the cash to do so. How unfair! There's just something ab...