never too old to be a child!!!

I’m walking though a light jungle with my sister beside me. The sun is beating down and there is the most amazing, uplifting live music in the background. Bombarded with colour and smell, i feel like I’m a child again. Where am i? …….. Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida.

We recently went to Orlando, Florida and spent every waking moment in the parks. The best by far was Animal Kingdom. A Zoo and theme park all rolled in to one – what could be better?

With six lands to explore, more than 250 species to see and so many attractions to visit there is plenty to do.  My top two (really cannot decide!!) is ‘Its tough to be a Bug’ and ‘Expedition Everest’

It tough to be a bug is underneath the ‘tree of life’ and i quite possibly one of the most hilarious 3D mini show i have ever seen. But i will say many small kids do get a little scared and might not be suited for them. There were a few that left crying. Expedition Everest is a roller coaster with a twist. Your on a brilliant ride when all of a sudden you get to the top of the mountain and there is no more track! Now me being me i actually sat there and went ohh what the hell do we do now?? yep you got it, backwards you go. I loved every second of it and went again.

The park really does have a magical feel to it and its a magical assault on the senses. Even Mr kiwi enjoyed it =)

 

 

Huacachina – Peruvian desert

In southwest Peru, located in the Ice Province, sitting around a natural desert lake called the oasis of America, i the village of Huacachina. The village is near the city of Inca and has a permanent population of around 100. The are attracts both forigen and peruvian tourists who usually go to the area for one of two things. To either soak up the sun in a hammock along the lake side or, to get an adrenalin fix in the dune tours and sand-boarding down the 300 feet tall dunes!!!

The name Huacachina is originally from Quechua. Wakay means ‘to cry,’ and china means ‘young woman.’ Huacachina is named after a crying woman, which relates to the legends of the areas creation. There are varying versions of the legend, and they usually go something like this:

“Centuries ago a beautiful Incan princess was wandering through the desert near her house, while clutching her mirror in which she constantly admired her beauty. However, when she raised the mirror to her face she immediately saw a man who was watching her from behind her. Shocked, she dropped her mirror, and when it shattered the shards of glass transformed into lake Huacachina”

It is at this point the legends can really vary but this would be the most common:

“One version states that the princess fled the scene, with her veil scraping along the ground, creating the dunes that surround the oasis. Another version states the woman remained in the oasis, and became a mermaid (una sirena). To this day, there are people who say that the mermaid in the lagoon is lonely and so every year she drags one man by his ankle, deep into the lagoon where he drowns”

There are many activities to do in the area including wine and desert tours to dune buggy and sand boarding trips. So what ever you fancy, there is so much to do!!!!

Greek Islands

One of my favorite places to holiday are the Greek Islands, they hold some fantastic childhood memories for me and unfortunately tourism has turned some of the most beautiful places into party islands, which is such a shame as they have lost the culture and diversity that makes Greece so special. Luckily there are untouched places which are still so amazing.
 
The thing I love most about the Greek Islands (apart from the stunning beaches) are the Greeks themselves, they are some of the friendliest and welcoming people I have ever met! My sister lived on the island of Corfu for a few years, and the friends she introduced us to were so nice and welcomed us into their community.
The Greek culture is amazing too, if you stay away from the over toured places you can experience this yourselves. Whether it be joining in with the waiters dancing Zorba the Greek, plate smashing at weddings or just sampling the amazing smorgasbord of food on offer. The food and service you experience here is second to none, I remember my last family holiday to Skiathos, we had a beautiful dinner in the taverna near our hotel, and every time we asked for the bill we were given a round of ouzo shots! Needless to say we were rather worse for wear when we eventually left 😉
 
Given the choice for a short hall relaxing holiday I will always look into islands I haven’t been to yet as they all have their special qualities.  Always first to explore our surroundings I am on the look out for the nearest private beach or cove, and its hard to describe the feeling I get when looking out onto the sparkling turquoise water, with my feet just in the water among the hundreds of beautiful ( but not at all shy) fish, but the word serene comes to mind.
 
The Greek islands will always hold a place close to my heart, and I cant wait to visit again – Daisy x

Ventnor botanical garden – Isle of Wight

Now I’m a little green fingered and can spend hours in my garden, because to me, beautiful gardens are some of the most amazing and peaceful places to be. So when i heard about this place i got rather excited.

Ventnor botanical gardens is located in Ventnor in the Isle of Wight. It was founded in 1970 by Sir Harold Hillier and was eventually donated to the Isle of wight Council. The garden lies in a micro climate in the heart of the famous ‘Undercliff’. This means the gardens is protected from the cold northerly winds and holds its warmth from the nice south facing view so well that, combined with the seas influence, frost hardly ever pays a visit. When frost does appear its for a very short amount of time which makes for very happy plants.

With an average rainfall of only 28 inches it climate means a wider variety of plants, which may be considered to delicate for much of mainland Britain, can be grown.

The main attraction for me a the gigantic lily pads. They are so big and so strong that people have been able to sit in them. I think that they are utterly incredible but unfortunately, my garden is not quite big enough =(  oh well.

Florence – Italy

 
The are so many reasons to visit Florence, it’s steeped in cultural history and is home to some world famous pieces of art.
Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and birthplace of famous artist Michelangelo.
 
Florence began its growth as a Roman town in 59BC and as you walk around the city today you can see the growth and changes that have happened throughout history.
There is certainly no shortage of things to do and places to see, whether it be , marveling at the Piazza Della Republica which has marked the center of the city since Roman times  
 
 

 
Or catching your breath at the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
 

 
You can walk around any corner or down any of the quaint little side streets and be greeted by an abundance of Trattorias or cafes which will serve you the most amazing food and wine. Plus if you have a sweet tooth (which most of us do) Italy is famous for its incredible Gellatto so this is a must when visiting Italy.
 
A beautiful place indeed, and also one of our forward travelers number one on her bucket list!