A visit to Marrakech

Following my money-saving and highly popular post from January regarding holidays for during 2015 (you can find this here: http://em-maria.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/this-is-how-we-do-it-holidays-2015.html ) I have now managed to completed item 54 of 101 on my list of 101 things in 1001 days (visit five different countries). We took a trip to Marrakech!

I have always wanted to go to Marrakech and have heard how magical the souks and Jemaa El Fna can be so I was super excited when we managed to get a trip for £120 each! Yup, and that included flights from our local airport and a stay for 4 nights at a 5* hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Morocco is pretty cheap so we didn't need much spending money either.

Unfortunately on this trip I was struck down with an illness so it didn't bode well for my 'relaxing break' - but alas, off we went! The hotel we stayed at (Adam Park Hotel & Spa - http://www.adamparkmarrakech.com/ ) was great, and so peaceful because we were travelling out of season and during Ramadan. The pool was spacious, I'm talking HUGE, and the staff were fantastic! I would definitely go back here even if just for a quiet break in the sun.

We weren't, however, a big fan of the city itself and that is just our opinion for this one visit. We travel a lot and expect for locals to try and get us to visit their shops/restaurants, but this was an extreme I have never experienced before. After 20 minutes of large men and small children tugging on our clothes and trying to 'guide you strongly' towards their premises, we headed back to the hotel. I fully understand that when it's not 40 degrees and I'm not ill it's a much better environment, so it's a shame we visited under these circumstances. That said, we had a great trip overall and with Morocco only being a 3 hour flight away I would definitely return! Happy travels to all heading on holiday any time soon :-)

Homemade Fragranced Soy Candles

I did a post on how to make soy candles last November here: http://em-maria.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/lets-make-candles.html

I thought as I had a free moment that I'd make some more - they're great to have around the house and I love the Pots and Co ceramic coloured ramekins. They're also fabulous gifts and it gives you the chance to re-use any candle containers you may have at home!

Here are some photos of my candles from last weekend - have a go!

 

Shaftesbury Festival 2015

As mentioned in a previous post Shaftesbury Festival recently happened in our cute little town! This is my fave event of the year, and gives the locals to try various food and drink that's made locally. This year was no exception and, whilst the weather was dark, rainy and pretty miserable, we still had a great time!

I had the honour of my gorgeous nephews joining me and Charlie, and they managed to get through their fair amount of food too.

We witnessed one leg of the annual cheese race up Gold Hill - this is a brisk jog up a very steep hill with a giant cheese weighing about 20kg (PHEW!!) and always gathers a cheering crowd. The men that partake in the event are very brave, I don't think I could manage such a challenge!

Godminster Organic were present, with lots of cheese samples for tasting (yum) and we couldn't resist making a purchase. My nephews indulged in a burger and bacon roll each, and still managed a sweet crepe too - I really don't know how they manage it for such small people!

I've seen some signs around town for Gold Hill Fair which is on the 5th July so hopefully I'll have more to report then. In the mean time here are some photos of Shaftesbury Festival, enjoy!

And yes, I rode a gondola....

Following my recent trip to Venice and Abu Dhabi, my 101 things in 1001 days list is coming along very nicely! With 656 days left, I have completed 49 of the 101 things, so very almost half way there - go me!!

One of these things was go Ridge a gondola in Venice, and I did it! It was the highlight of my trip, despite the cost, which took my breath away! Highly recommended to everyone! :-D

Venice Baby!

So we went to Abu Dhabi a couple of weeks ago and what a cultural awakening it was. Well we were also lucky enough to also go to Venice, Italy only a couple of days later!

It was fab, with pizza, pasta, architecture and more. Oh the history!!

Here are some of my favourite photos from the trip - enjoy!