Liebster Blog Award

Well I'm tickled pink that Kelly from Around the World in 80 Pairs of Shoes has nominated me for Liebster Award. Its a very humble award given by blogger to bloggers and is sort of a "chain letter" but it means a lot to me. Its a way for bloggers to give their favourite blogs a big warm virtual hug. There is no "official" award, no judging panel, just warm and fuzzies from someone who reads your blog, and why the heck not? Show me a blogger that doesn't care about their readers and I'll not only show you a pig flying, but a cat sitting on top of it, along for the free ride (seriously, cats will sit on anything!)

Anyway, the rules (nicked from Kelly's blog as I'm new to all this!) are as follows:

• Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog
• Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator
• Nominate some other blogs you love for the award and let them know about it
• Create 10 questions for them to answer

So, without further ado, here are my answers to Kelly's 10 questions:

What’s your best tip for exploring London?

Tough one. It depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. If your short on time and its your first trip, the hop-on, hop-off London sightseeing tour is a good start. If you have been here a while I'd say, walk! Take the path less travelled, go down a road you haven't been before and another and another, you find the most amazing places that way.

What is the one souvenir you always pick up on all your travels?

Bit of an odd one this, but I always try to find a unique pair of earrings. I loved the star and moon earrings I bought in Istanbul. Failing that, I like picking up prints (photos or paintings) of my destination.

If you could travel with one person – who would it be and why? 

If I'm not doing a solo trip to recharge, I'd take my friend J. Ive travelled with other friends and I love them all but some drove me up the wall within a couple of days. J is brilliant (read, least annoying LOL), we are usually on the same wavelength, I like how he sees the world and totally envy his language skills and ability to make the most dour-faced check in attendant laugh.

What’s the one destination you would return to every year if you could?

Hmm...Tokyo. Or Santorini. New York. Or, if I wasn't living in London, London.

What’s your favourite city break destination so far in Europe?

Athens -  its a slightly longer trip for a city break but its the perfect escape from London. I love the food, people, climate, vibe. When I was there last year, I was completely surprised by it.

How many pairs of shoes do you take on your travels with you?(Just checking if I travel too light when it comes to shoes)

It depends on where I'm going and how long but usually 2 pairs. Sneakers and something a little nicer (eg sandals/boots)

What’s your most embarrassing travel story?

It'd have to be throwing up in a light aircraft during a flying lesson in Boston. I was so mortified I went all shades of red...and green.

As you lovely ladies are all expats; what’s the one thing that every traveller should buy before leaving your home country?

Hmm...I cant think of a "thing" really. Most people would say Tim Tams or a boomerang but I think the best thing you can take with you is the memory of a beautiful day at the beach.

For London, I'd say Digestives, or a waving Queen. Kidding. I'd say anything that will remind you of that moment that made you pinch yourself when you are here. Personally, I like the prints of London's Big Ben.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

London!!!

What’s your favourite thing about blogging?

Meeting some amazing people and making new friends. Its a surprising bonus :) Plus finding some truly great blogs to read.

My Nominations

Elaine from Happy Ever After Bride - Elaine is a lovely lifestyle blogger from Sydney who recently relocated to London. Her blog is great for foodies and I enjoy reading her restaurant reviews because they are honest and fair. I also enjoy her travel posts for her unique perspective and foodie tips. Ive had the pleasure of meeting Elaine in person and she is the sweetest thing!

Jess from Jess in Belgium - Jess is a lovely American lady who has recently moved to London from Belgium. Her blog reads as though she's just having  chat with you and her post about smuggling a cat into the UK had me laughing and cringing at the same time. She is another blogger I have met in person and has a great sense of humour and knack for story telling. She also makes a mean Red Velvet cake.

Emma from Adventures of a London Kiwi - I just love reading her blog and always find out about something new to explore in London or interesting story behind a landmark. I still want to go see the elfin tree in Kensington Park! In person, Emma is just lovely, full of energy, laughter and ease. She makes you feel like you have been friends for ages.

Sammy from To The Days Like This - Sammy is the place for no holds barred travel stories, perspectives and is great for laughs. Writing about travel and the ups and downs of living and growing in London. She is a true blue Aussie with an amazing zest for life.

Mandy from Emm in London - Mandy's blog is the place I go for something different. And it never disappoints, in fact I owe her a great Sunday of foodie delight thanks to her post about the Ropewalk Markets. She is one of the bloggers I follow but im yet to meet. But I hope to remedy that soon over a coffee.

Ladies, your questions are:

1. What is your favourite thing about London?
2. What is a destination that gave you the most unexpected pleasure?
3. What do you miss about home?
4. Is there anything you cannot live without while travelling?
5. Describe a perfect day for you.
6. Share a link to your favourite post.
7. What makes you happy?
8. If money was no object, what would you do? Where would you live?
9. Tell us something people would be surprised to find out about you.
10. What is your favourite thing that has come from blogging?