#BLAUGUST - Day 30 - A Happy Ending

Hello dear readers, 

We arrived here in the afternoon today. But where is here, you ask? Well, basically because of local airports and a lack of flights at decent times (we weren't prepared to get up at some unsightly hour just to get on a one hour plane journey!), we couldn't get one today, so we're spending an extra day in France and leaving tomorrow evening. Therefore we're currently in the mountains, somewhere near Grenoble, and the scenery is beautiful: 

Literally feels like the Von Trapp family will walk up to us at any moment! 

The hotel we're staying in is only a small one, and is quite eccentric; feauturing some wondrously floral tablecloths and blankets, together with fabulous translation mistakes on some signs such as "please to use", "please notch this box", and "so we will be pleasant for the other people" - oh the joys of google translate!! It's all very sweet though. 

Anyway, if you follow my twitter, (@thevhappyblogr) you may have noticed that I hinted earlier about a story feauturing certain dogs. Well, this morning my mum woke me up to tell me that the male dog had returned, but without little Athena (back track if you've forgotten: she's the one who spent the day with us), which was slightly worrying... Three of the family , including me, spent the early morning (meh) calling out her name; desperately hoping that she wasn't injured and/or hadn't run into the hunters in the woods, who seemed to spend the whole of last night shooting, and so a stray dog may have appeared to them as any other animal... 

Eventually, we called up Athena's owner, who spoke to his neighbour (the owner of the male dog) to tell them that he was here. The male dog's owner came right away, and told us his dog's name was Jules - and Jules was so happy to see him it was adorable. But just as importantly, he told us that Athena had only just found her way home, after three days lost in the woods. So they're both safe, and there couldn't have been a better ending to the trip. 

Thanks for reading,

The (very) happy blogger 🐶🐕

#BLAUGUST - Day 29 - So Much Is Happening

Hello dear readers,

I'm sorry, this isn't going to be a long 'un - just a quick update on life!! (By the way, I never ask how you all are, so please comment how you're feeling etc in the comments below. 

We're leaving tomorrow morning; so I've spent the latter part of today packing and tidying up - I never knew how much I could spread out my belongings in a building... We're driving farther north and staying in a more mountainous part of France; then we fly home on Sunday evening.

This morning wasn't too great for me - I won't go into details; we all have bad days - and last night wasn't fabulous either, especially not in terms of sleep. Ah well. 

By the way, the two dogs who were with us last night apparently did stay there, but when my aunt and uncle went out early this morning I think they thought that we were all leaving them, so by the time the rest of us had got up, they'd gone. It's such a shame - I hope they've been OK (it was slightly cooler today so that's good for them); especially as Athena's owner did turn up this morning to pick them up, and I had to explain in my not-so-good-as-who-remembers-education-during-summer French that they'd disappeared. Hopefully they'll find their own way home... 

Anyway, I hope that (if you're British and have similar holiday times to me) you're having a great last few days of summer, and if you're already back at school/work, I hope that's not too bad either. 

Thanks for reading, 

The very (panicky as might have forgotten to pack something and) happy blogger

#BLAUGUST - Day 26 - Marché Madness

Hello dear readers, 

So I had an exciting morning today at the local Lorgues marché, where there were so many people which was really surprising actually (I guess in Britain not so many people turn up to a small village market!) but not surprising in some ways because the market was amazing and had such a big variety and gah (long sentence exhaustion). 

Here are some photos: 

 

Les tomates (edited version on Instagram!) 

Les legumes, aka yum - although temperamental sometimes, refer to #blaugust post number 8 for an embarrassing story regarding that! 

I loved the look of the prickly ones in the middle (if anyone knows what they're called please tell me below!) 

Lorgues is so pretty and has so much character - it's just the look which I completely associate with the south of France & Provence. 

As well as vegetables, there were also clothes, jewellery, sweets, hand-made tablecloths and many other food items at the market - if you ever have a chance to go to one, please do. 

I dread to think how long this will take to post with bad wifi!! 

Sorry about how my posts aren't great at the moment - it's just I've got a plan for future ones which I'm saving up till September, so please just hold tight for that! 

The very (satisfied as bought some exciting clothes which hopefully no one else will have at school as it's always a crisis when you wear the same clothes as someone else and) happy blogger 🇫🇷

#BLAUGUST - Day 25 - Travel Bucket List

Hello dear readers, 

So I'm currently on holiday, and I really love and appreciate the fact that I am, but whilst I was sunbathing earlier, I got thinking (dangerous, I know). I thought that this is a great trip so far, but where else would I like to visit? 

So, here's my little list: 

1. Hawaii (specifically: Maui and the amazing waterfall there, and the Kauai Waimea Canyon - I've been researching I know - bit desperate I am)

2. To be honest, just the Caribbean in general would be great! 

3. South America - definitely Brazil - I'd love love LOVE to traipse through the Amazon Rainforest (despite the bugs) and try to help stop deforestation (it's such a massive problem there) and see all the amazing animals in their natural habitats 🐒

4. Africa, just Africa... *romantic sigh*

5. New Zealand - the scenery looks amazing

I'd also like to go to Indonesia, Nepal, China, India, Cambodia, Japan, Iceland, the Antarctic (the list goes on)... So you see I have a problem! (I haven't even been to Scotland or Ireland which is so shocking)

But really, I'm sure everyone just wants to visit as many places as possible, and personally I'd love to explore every corner of the earth, but that may be a little tricky! 

Where would you like to visit (and why)? Please comment below!

Thanks for reading, 

The very (wishful/hopeful and) happy blogger 🌍🌎🌏

#BLAUGUST - Day 24 - Lorgues

Hello dear readers, 

Today has been so good. I got up late (teenager), had a leisurely breakfast of a croissant and orange juice (France) and lay outside for ages getting burnt/tanned - more burnt (sun) - whilst reading my new book, Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys. I'm really enjoying it so far - it's a sort of sequel to Jane Eyre so that's not really surprising!! (I have to read them both for A levels next year) 

Some photos of the house: 

I'm sure more will be up on my Instagram pretty soon! (@matiwarner)

Then, in the evening, the whole family (me, my parents, my auntie & uncle and my grandparents) watched Frozen together, and it got me thinking that it's such a universal film - it's liked and appreciated by people of all ages and backgrounds, which is so lovely. I adore it (you can probably tell). 

Hope you enjoyed my not-very-interesting-but-ah-well round up of my day!! I'll hopefully provide a slightly more entertaining one tomorrow. 

The very (relaxed and) happy blogger 🌞

Ps: I'm aware that this is posted late and I'm very sorry, but the internet connection here hasn't been great! 

#BLAUGUST - Day 23 - On The Road

Hello dear readers, 

We've arrived at the villa in the south of France, hooray! It's got so much character - it's absolutely gorgeous (will show photos some time soon) - but we had a bit of a bad journey getting here... 

Our flight landed successfully, if a little bumpily/turbulancily (new words) on time late this morning, then after quite a long wait for the hire car we were finally on the road. But, whilst my mum was grappling with the complicated gears and steering, as well as having to drive on the opposite side of the road to usual, we realised that we'd left our good south of France map at home... So a very sensitive SatNav (we've christened her Christine) was teamed up with a not-so-good map from a petrol station and soon enough, we were fully on our way. 

Or were we? 

Without having to go into too many details of all of our woes along the way, a journey which my dad had predicted to be about 3 hours long ended up taking 7 1/2 hours. 7 1/2. 7 1/2.

Just let that sink in... 

Therefore, my accomplishments today include having eaten almost a whole (large) packet of Tangfastics by myself, watching the entirety of Mean Girls (again), and finishing Jane Eyre (genuine accomplishment for once woop!!) and enjoying myself far too much when having an amazing, makeshift midnight supper of tea and pizza just after we'd arrived here, in the dark. 

Even though this journey wasn't quite as smooth as hoped - due mainly to Saturday evening traffic and us getting frequently confused and lost... Oh, and some "marital debates" as I call them, between my parents, due to one favouring the good old art of map-reading, and the other being slightly more accepting of technology. Parents, eh?!

Thanks very much for reading, 

The very (tired but) happy blogger 😴🇫🇷🌞

#BLAUGUST - Day 10 - Atlanta

Hello dear readers, 

(After the unfortunate delay yesterday...)

It is officially time for the final chapter, the conclusion of all conclusions, the finale to finale all finales... *drum roll pls*... The last part of me documenting my trip to America! 

Atlanta was our last stop as we have some friends who used to live very near to us, but moved to this particular city a couple of years ago. So we went to visit them! 

The day after we arrived, we went thrift shopping - it was one of the best moments ever *cue Macklemore*

Having fun with masks at the Gone With the Wind museum in Marietta, Atlanta - my mum bought an incredibly kitch handbag, which is ever so slightly embarrassing 

My dad looking majestic

I found this so interesting: the numbers of women who served in various wars and how it increased #gowomen (think this was the Marietta museum)

Hi there you dear deer u

Buddies (me in the middle)

Dressing up as Lincoln in a shop and having a sword fight, as you do

We went to the incredibly powerful, new Civil Rights museum in Atlanta (with my godmother - who I hadn't seen for 9 years and she flew down especially from New York for a day just to meet us!) - it was fascinating and really interactive. They had a stunning exhibit which simulated the civil rights sit-ins, where you say at a lunch counter and put your hands out in front of you, whilst headphones pumped out racial abuse from all sides - both shouts and menacing whispers - and your chair had the sensation of being kicked violently, all captioned with the slogan: how long could you last? It was incredibly powerful and something I don't think I'll ever forget. 

The museum was full of inspirational quotes; featuring many from this wonderful lady and her amazing husband

This was a striking bit of artwork on the ground floor - but upstairs they had another section - human rights. That featured exhibits on current global issues such as LGBT rights (if you've read this blog for a while you'll be familiar with the fact that I feel incredibly strongly about this particular issue) and other worthy causes, and how you could help campaign for them. I left the museum feeling truly inspired. 

That night, we went out for dinner to a lovely restaurant called Seed and had one of the best drinks I think I've ever tasted - watermelon, strawberry and raspberry lemonade. I can't even begin to describe how good it was, and how I regretted the supersonic speed with which I drank it. 

 

so macho 💪

Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King's grave - part of a whole area of buildings dedicated to him, with speakers blaring out his speeches and facts about him - did you know that he went to university when he was 15, and had got his degree by 17?! 

Windows in the church where the man himself preached - they again had his speeches playing - if you closed your eyes it was almost as though he was standing at the pulpit

A brilliant sculpture in the museum dedicated to MLK, which his wife helped to create, which symbolised the 'long road to freedom'. People of all races and ages are included in it, which I think is lovely 

The surprisingly large house he grew up in - and the guide was at pains to state that he was just an ordinary man who was once an ordinary boy (including being the mastermind behind many pranks with his brother on their sister, such as ripping the heads of her dolls and using them as baseballs!), who, when the time came, did extraordinary things... 

Later that day, we went to a baseball game: Atlanta Braves vs the Miami Marlins - Atlanta won woop woop!! This is a photo of the huge stadium, ft our photobooth photos 

the caption sums it up 

my new ride, discovered in a playground 

"Come on Barbie, let's go party"

the trip to Menchie's was definitely worth it

BEST MOMENT 

we are girls, therefore: always time for a manicure 

It was an amazing holiday - and seeing our friends at the end of it was a huge plus. Definitely would recommend this part of the world!! 

Thanks for reading, 

The very (satisfied and) happy blogger 

Ps: in the last photo, notice how exciting it is that our hair colours go up in gradient, GOSH 

#BLAUGUST - Day 7 - Charleston

Hello dear readers, 

As promised, today is a round up of chapter 3 of our America trip: Charleston.   It's quite a historic town (in American standards anyway!) and it has some really lovely restaurants; again, lovely people. Our hotel also had a Leo di Caprio-esque concierge, so my mum and I were extremely happy (sorry, wasn't able to take stalkerish photo to prove this similarity, so you'll have to take my word for it).

This is the charming sitting room for afternoon tea at the hotel (the John Rutledge Inn - this man was one of the South Carolina signers of the US Constitution)

Fried green tomatoes: a local delicacy - but I think I would have preferred them slightly more if they hadn't been pickled first! 

Cute fairy lights at the restaurant on our first night 

Exciting light from a shop window on the ground!! There were so many art galleries in Charleston... Ft my fave new Topshop dress with pineapples and flamingos (what more could you want from fashion?!)

I now warn you about how many photos I took of pretty houses...

Part of the famous Rainbow Row (more complete photo at top of post)

A sign in the market that made me chuckle! 

Overall, Charleston was historic and beautiful, and so interesting. Next/last stop: Atlanta!

Before I sign off, I'll tell you about what I did this morning: basically, I live in a village with quite a strong community feel, but no village shop (makes no sense I know), so my mum is part of the little team who take turns each week to drive an old, slightly decrepit minibus to ferry the more senior members of the village to the nearest town to go to Waitrose (but of course... Ps: for non-Britons, Waitrose is pretty much the most expensive supermarket, but all their stock is amazing) where they all then meet up for a coffee and a chat, post-shop. Today there was an unusually high number of shoppers (7!) so we had to take over two tables and hijack many chairs from others to all fit in the coffee area.

You may think that this wouldn't be my idea of an exciting morning (especially as I had to get up at 8:30 - ugh) but (once I'm awake and out of bed) I actually really enjoy it - it's so rewarding helping them all and listening to their stories is incredibly interesting. A man who used to get the bus, called Eric, once told my mum that he got shot in the leg in the war, as well as being part of the team who broke into a leading concentration camp, and, when personally confronted by the Nazi general, he, I quote: "shot the bugger in the head". Not every day you hear a story like that in the middle of Waitrose. 

My mum is contemplating one day writing a short book about all of the people's lives and stories - they're all fascinating, and some are in their nineties! I hope I'm still up for going for a shop and a coffee catch-up when I'm that age... Especially if I can gather any personal stories during my lifetime that are half as interesting as Eric's. 

Thanks for reading, 

The very (distressed as legs peeling as no suncream adhered today when reading Jane Eyre outside and forgot thatBritain is currently unnaturally hot so meh and) happy blogger🌞

#BLAUGUST - Day 5 - Hilton Head

Hello dear readers,

Today my day mainly consisted of a lunch at Wagamamas (amazing), seeing one of my bestest pals in the world (perfect) and buying far too many things - most of which I will never actually need (but of course). 

However, this post is focused on chapter two of my recent fortnight-long trip to America - when we went to an island resort called Hilton Head for three nights. It was so beautiful and relaxing, and I have a few photos which I think sum it up pretty well: 

Necessary filter on this photo as I am v pale (although I did eventually tan, but only after I'd got horrifically burnt in many places). Also, necessary book, as how can one cope without one?!

I quote my aunt: "you were obviously enjoying the beach cocktails when you took this picture" - and maybe the one below!

Exciting giant chess board at the hotel (again, wonky, sorry - an abundance of Starbucks drinks clearly made me a little topsy-turvy... not cocktails, so don't worry kids, I'm not underage drinking or any silly nonsense like that ... Many dot dot dots)

bLuRreeeee

what awful spelling. Honestly, Matilda - and you call yourself a girl whose favourite subject is English 

Our last night, at a cute seafood restaurant where I think I had fried shrimps (prawns in British English).

Hope you enjoyed that selection of photos! I know there aren't as many as before, or as in the next two upcoming chapters (mwhahaha they shall arrive soon) as we didn't really do much whilst on the island! We played tennis one day, and went out for dinner every night, but that's about the extent of our pro-activity as - well - this was the relaxation bit of the trip. And it certainly was relaxing! The beaches and pools were beautiful, despite being slightly windy (going to blame my many burns on that). 

Thanks for reading,

The very (chuffed that she's not burnt anymore but maybe... Maybe... SLIGHTLY tanned - just slightly - and) happy blogger 🌴