Planning the Big Trip (part 1)

it’s just under a year since I left the Uk to return to New Zealand but before I went, I knew there were so many more places in europe I wanted to see.

The time for small trips had passed so it was time to plan the big one. We wouldn’t have jobs to rush back to, no rent to pay, family that wouldn’t mind waiting another few months to see us. The only thing holding us back was the amount of funds we could save.

We had two way to do this…

1. We could plan everything in advance. We could know where we would be two months before we went, where we would be. We could have budgeted our money to know exactly how much we could spend in each place on each day. We would have a written itinerary ready to recite when needed or

2. We could wing it. Planning day by day, keeping an eye on money, trying to keep things cheap but not missing out on experiences because of how much things cost.

Our decision was a mix of both. We started our trip at the end of summer, when people still trying to find a bargain, were holidaying in all the places we were headed to first. We knew this would be a factor and when we first started looking into where we wanted to go and places to stay, found that a lot were already being booked up.

Another factor to consider was that I would be in Malta for the month of August so anything we wanted planned and booked would have to be done before I left for there. This meant lots of nights in July debating where we both dreamed of going and how realistic it was to go (“what do you mean you don’t think it would be a good idea to visit the Russia right now!”) Knowing that our first destination was going to be Greece, We booked our one way tickets to Athens in July, 2 months before we begun and started looking at hostels.

We also knew that while we were in Greece, one of Ads best mates  would be as well and considering it would be awhile till they saw each other again, that played a part in choosing where we wanted to go. We wanted to see at least 3 different Islands and so we took to the internet for advice, I found Ngaire’s blog post to be one of the most useful and she was such a source for information when I was asking. In the end we knew the three islands we would visit Santorini, Paros and Milos. We booked the ferry to Santorini but left the rest till later.

The only other trip we booked ahead of time was a Traveltalk sail Croatia trip. This was in the hopes of having a week off planning on own own, but looking back, I wish we had just done it on our own terms. We might not have partied (I don’t think I would have minded that much) or sunbathed (I probably could have found the time on my own like in Bol) as much but we wouldn’t have been forced to skip places so that we could spend 4 nights in Split so we didn’t miss a party with other boats.

Apart from that, we were pretty much on our own. We had a guide book (left behind prior by Ads sister) and an idea of what we wanted to see and as we went along places were added and taken away. There were cities that I wanted to see but didn’t work into our plans such as Berlin and places I’d never assume I’d go such as Serbia or Romania. Yes sometimes we did backtrack a bit but at the end of the day it was an experience. We spent the better part of 2 and a half months traveling and getting to see things we would have probably missed out on otherwise and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Have a look at where we got to on our travels:

Stay tuned for Part 2: How we traveled 

It’s not the size that counts but the way you use it

While I have my own list of things I want to do, so does the fiancé.

And while in Tallinn, Estonia he got to tick something off his own list. Fire a gun (or 4)

So on a cold morning, we caught a tram across the city to The Tactical Shooting Centre. It was a good thing we left early since yep, we got lost and after wandering onto a base of some sort (with men who had big guns of their own) they were thankfully able to point us in the right direction.

Arriving, we were led into a room where we were given a safety brief. Number one rule of gun handling… Don’t point it at yourself or others..

We got the basic package which consisted of 4 different guns, a pistol (which Ad was better at using), a revolver (that was my favourite), a pump action shot gun and a desert eagle (supposedly the most powerful pistol in the world).

Was it fun? Yes Would I do it again? for 50euros probably not, but like I said it was fun andit was an experience and that’s the main point. And I figure with all the chocolate factories and other random excursions I dragged Ad to during our trip, I should at least do something he wanted.

Ad (left) Mine (right)
His was done with the assistance of a laser pointer

We organised this excusion by emailing in advance and booking a time but you can find them at

Shooting range in Tallinn
Taktikalise laskmise keskus OÜ
Kopli 103, 11711 Tallinn

 

Brunching Adventures: Flat Whites at Zaida’s

Another month means another #Bruchclub Wellington and this time it was held at Zaida’s in College Street.

The last time I was here was 5 years ago and I knew it under a different name. Walking in on Sunday Morning, it all felt very similar despite the name change. Yes, the inside seemed to be done up but food wise, it seemed much the same.

Zaida’s offers both menu and counter choices, and lining up to order, the food on offer was very tempting. I can remember the filo being a firm favourite of mine when I worked up the road all that time ago. After making my decision from the blackboard behind the counter, I discovered a menu sitting by the register… seemed an odd place when I normally want to make my decision before I get up to pay.

I settled on the rosti, an easy decision when I found out that I could substitute the bacon for mushrooms. And it was good… As was the coffee.

There were lots of new faces at this #BrunchClub and I finally got to meet Kat from Lady Loves Cake as well as getting to see lots of old faces. I also need to thank Tilly from The Poppy Creative for the amazing print.

Can’t wait for the next one

Jenna

There’s no place like home

I’m suppose to be getting a tattoo… My sisters have matching ones. My original idea was that I’d get half on one heel and half on the other so that in the end I could click my heels together three times and wish I was home…just like Dorothy.

They say there’s no place like home and I’d agree. Despite all the wind and rain, despite the occasional fights with siblings, there is really nothing like being home in Wellington….Which is why it is no doubt my favourite place in New Zealand.

And Cafes all along the water

From the beach, to the bush, to the Inner City. You’re never really ten minutes away from any of it. There’s so much to see and do, with more things popping up every day. It’s no wonder I got a lot of things to catch up on since I’ve been away.

Which is why I’ve decided to come up with my own Wellington Bucket list. https://instagram.com/p/3XdfAaFQSl/?taken-by=jenna_o

Currently there’s not much on it ie. It’s still a work in progress but the nothing I love better then being a tourist in my own city.

So let me know if you have any ideas of things I should do. I’m thinking a ride on the cable car, Somes Island and the new Te Papa exhibit have to be in there somewhere.

This has been added to the #BrunchClub #BlogGreatness link up. This months theme is Favourite Part Of New Zealand. Make sure to check out #BrunchClub if you want to join in next week.

How to spend a rainy day in Tallinn, Estonia

On a cold and miserable day of traveling there’s nothing I like more then hiding in doors as much as I can.

This would be fine except for the fact that being in a new city I want to see as much as possible. Cue museums and the more obscure the better. 

apothecary museum

Right in the middle of Tallinn, in the Main Square lies the Apothecary museum. It’s free entry and only two rooms, but worth a peek inside if you’re wanting to escape from the cold for a while.

Meremuuseum (Estonia Maritime museum)

Best thing about this museum (or so I’m told by Ad who I left to go and see my  own museum) Was the views.

 Estonian Health Care Museum

This was my choice for museums and it was perfect for me. Interactive and warm inside, I was able to be entertained for well over two hours, while becoming well informed (and realising how much I needed new glasses)

Kalev Marzipan Factory Museum

https://instagram.com/p/vTE1-hFQVc/?taken-by=jenna_o

Do I need to say anything else?

Or if you really want to brave the cold you could check out some sights around Tallinn...

 

Brunching adventure: the Spruce Goose edition

As wild as Wellington weather can be, some mornings dawn and they are perfect. No clouds in the sky, the sun shining bright and with just the slightest breeze to cool you down.

This calls for brunch by the beach and what better place to visit the The Spruce Goose in Lyall Bay. Located fairly close to the airport (the other side of the runway) and right across the road from the beach it’s the perfect place to sit if you want to do a bit of plane watching or check out the surfers

You’ve got to be quick if you want to nab a seat outside especially on a nice day, and we were lucky enough to grab a table upstairs just as it was freeing up.

We were quick to get served and it didn’t take long to choose the big breakfast and a coke for him and the vegetarian big breakfast and latte for me. Mine was delicious, I only wish I could have had another pumpkin sausage as that was the star of the plate for me instead of the giant pile of spinach I did get.

The only other thing I wish is that the coffees were a bit bigger! 

It wasn’t my first time visiting The Spruce Goose and it definitely won’t be my last. The service there is always good despite always seeming to be busy. The coffee is also excellent even if I do complain it’s to small. I haven’t been for a main meal yet but that’s next on my list to visit for.

Let’s just pretend its Christmas time all year round in Tallinn, Estonia

If there was a prize for most quintessential Christmas town, I think Tallinn, Estonia’s old town would win.

The narrow cobble stone streets, lined either side by brick buildings, set the scene for a magical 4 day trip. All that was missing was the snow. Though we stayed outside of the old town, that first entrance, through the imposing city gates left their mark.

Tallinn did feel rather touristy in the old town at times, with a few streets lined with souvenir stand and shops, but once you got passed them you could see why Tallinn is such a magical place to visit. 

From the Main Square and it’s town hall,  surrounded by even more amazing looking buildings, to Tallinn’s Parliamentary building watching from above. You can walk through the town and see Fat Margaret (once part of the city walls, now the maritime museum) The old city walls remain giving you an even bigger sense that you could be in a different time or place while here.

  

Tallinn was the one country I wanted to go to to visit Christmas Markets. We missed out by a matter of days but were lucky enough to see them erect the Christmas tree in the Main Square.