tiffanybeard

A Country Divided and United at the same time.

Published on September 20, 2018January 24, 2019 by tiffanybeardLeave a comment

Hi all,

I’ve been in Cambodia the last few weeks, and I have to say it’s one of the most eye opening experiences I have ever had. To see a country with such a gruesome and horrific past, so willing to embrace the future is simply heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

For those unaware, Cambodia experienced mass-genocide not even 40 years ago, the Khmer Rouge being a mass communist dictatorship, decided to wipe out a third of the population, for no apparent reason other than being educated.

When you visit Cambodia the experience you receive when visiting places affiliated with this regime is quite horrific. The killing fields and the torture prison being two of the stark reminders that when humanity turns its back on those in need, the powers that suffice are beyond inhumane.

What was amazing to see was the sense of community that Cambodia now has. Every single person you spoke to has a past that has somehow been affected by the Khmer Rouge. They’re not scared to talk about it, in fact they thrive on talking about it as they know that that’s the best way to avoid it happening again.

Cambodia is now looking towards its future in a hopeful and uplifting way, no more is it tainted with the past, but looking for ways to become the thriving eco system that it was once on track to be.

Change never hurts anyone…

Published on July 24, 2018July 24, 2018 by tiffanybeardLeave a comment

Hellooo,

A lot has changed since the last time I posted on my blog, but like the title says change is often a good thing!

I have started a new(ish) job, and have now been working here for a year. ‘Here’ being a strategic consultancy in Richmond. I know it’s no excuse but that is one of the main reasons that this blog has completely gone MIA. Adult life caught up with me, and I’m afraid completely consumed my routine. But, a routine change is often a good thing so that leads me to tell you all what i’m doing over my summer!

I have decided to take a few months off work and go and travel for a bit. Starting in the Philippines, then to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. I feel like this may be because I have serious FOMO due to the increase of insane photos from all of my friends who I have seen doing the same thing. So as of next Tuesday I’m off!

I thought that these circumstances means that it is perfect opportunity to reignite my writing streak and share these experiences with you all.

So please please please stay tuned for my first post. I’ve decided to talk a bit about the build up to going. Having done a bit of blog research myself I’ve noticed that there is a lot of talk around the destination and the experience when you are there (which I plan on sharing with you too!) but there isn’t much on how to deal with what your feeling or what to do before you go. Now, I’m not considering myself an expert in this particular field, but I do believe in learning from others.

So, here’s to a fun next 3 months!

Speak soon!

T x

Reminiscing Obertauern

Published on March 3, 2016January 24, 2019 by tiffanybeardLeave a comment

So, been a week since my last day in Obertauern and I have to say, knackered doesn’t seem to cover it. I am so tired, I have resorted to having naps whenever I get the time. I even fell asleep mid-massage, which is extremely out of the ordinary… But desperate times call for desperate measures.

So, update on Christian (the extremely hot ski instructor) is that he vanished…completely disappeared. Which, considering that Leyla and my brother requested him for a ski lesson, and Olaf the fat Austrian goat like skier rocked up instead, hints to me that maybe Chrisrian wasn’t as keen on my mum that he let on. Which is quite hilarious really. Oh well, my mum wasn’t that disappointed (secretly I think she was devestated)

My top tip for visiting Obertauern is that it is 100% worth your money to spend a bit more on a decent hotel, the facilities and bars around the little town aren’t the best, and it does lack the “chi-chi” bars, with much of the atmosphere being quite dated and old-fashioned. However, the hotel that I stayed in did not disappoint, quite up to date lounging areas and panoramic views of the mountain from the restaurant offered breathtaking views, both in the morning and once you’ve finished skiing. The link to the hotel I stayed in is at the bottom of this post.

Along with fab communal ares, the wellness area of the hotel was amazing! With the pool and jacuzzi open to all guests, and the special relaxing area with water beds, sauna, steam room and ice room open simply to adults, it catered for everyone. The only thing that I would say to be wary of is the openness of nudity in Austria… It’s quite an out there concept for my family, and we all kept at least a swimming consume on!

In terms of skiing, the pistes offer good range for beginners, but i suggest that if you’re a really good skier, Obertauern is probably not for you…

I had a great holiday though, and as far as Skiing goes, it was a fab holiday!

Outstanding Obertauern

Published on February 15, 2016July 24, 2018 by tiffanybeardLeave a comment

Waking up from a 2:30 am start is never fun, no matter where you are going. And if I’m being 100% honest, I didn’t want to get up this morning, the thought of leaving my comfy bed to get dressed and head to Gatwick, frankly was diabolical. However, I did eventually role out of bed (jeez, someone would guess that I was being forced to go) and headed out to brave the elements to hop in the taxi – where I got no sleep due to the fact that the motorway didn’t do good things to the back passanger seats suspension. Vibrating my way along the M25, we eventually got to Gatwick South Terminal, and due to me not being a particularly good morning person, I wasn’t in the best of moods; however, the thought of skiing again did fill me with some excitement… And absolute fear.

We did eventually get to Salzburg Airport, which I have to say is the prettiest airport I have ever seen. And the short transfer to Obertauern was handy, getting us ski booted up and on the slopes within 3 hours of leaving the plane!

Upon arrival, the first thing we noticed was how fab the hotel is! The decor was Austrian chique and the filly refurbished spa is yet to be tested, however looks amazing!

Day 2

Start of day two and we had an early start to hit the slopes, followed by a very limited breakfast (FYI if anyone reading this is gluton intolerant, Austria is not the best for a broad diet) we hobbled out. Followed by a extremely poor start to my morning I finally got in to the swing of things and my skiing dramatically improved. Just to ensure you that I was pretty diabolical to start below is an attractive picture of me wiped out…

After a lovely snack in a mountain cafe (as well as many glasses of mulled wine) my mum and I embarked on a ski lesson with a rather attractive Swiss man named Christain. However, after the first few minutes I noticed that he obviously preferred the older lady, with my mum and him on first name basis after the first run. Oh well, you win some you lose some. It’s a shame, because as many of my friends would know, I normally go for the …. Older type.

I’ll keep you updated on my mums ongoing relationship with my ski instructor haha

Lots of love,
Tiff xxx

Whitstable what if’s…

Published on January 27, 2016April 15, 2017 by tiffanybeard2 Comments

As a student living in Canterbury, I like to praise myself on knowing the little city fairly well. Therefore i was lucky enough to venture outside my normal habitat and take a seaside trip to Whitstable. Me and one of my best friends, Bobbie, decided to act spontaneously, and almost had a make-shift photo shoot on the beach… (So much fun! Although you do get some funny looks). Que picture of our feet, and please do excuse my rather tired looking converse… Some call them vintage, others call them shabby comfort… I call them not really sure what I was thinking chique.

In Whistable you’re meant to eat oysters and fish food, however when visiting with someone who won’t even eat battered fish fingers, it’s quite difficult to source food that your allowed to eat in the harbour. So I wasn’t allowed to try the the fresh lobster, although probably was a good thing, it was looking as if the trip would have cost me my student loan if I had ordered food. Pricey or what!!

Sunset in Whistable harbour was a magical site, and Bobs and I had a fab time watching it whilst sipping our pint of Diet Coke … Looking back, it was quite a bizzare thing to order when it was fairly chilly and on a beach… But oh well. Seagulls are not my friends however, even the sound of them make me shiver.

I need to explore Whistable and all that it has to offer in more depth soon. The high street appears to be quite quaint, with independent coffee shops and charity stores lining it’s streets. Therefore hence the name of this blog – Whistable what if’s… There are many what if’s about Whistable and I hope to fulfil them all.

Until next time Whistable,

Lots of love,

Tiff xxx

Meet Berty…

Published on January 27, 2016March 3, 2016 by tiffanybeard1 Comment

So, fun fact about me… I’m definitely a Cat lover over Dogs. There is nothing wrong with Dogs, and i absolutely ADORE pugs, however cats do hold a special place in my heart.

We rescued Berty from the RSPCA, after being neglected by his owner, and he honestly is the kindest (possibly most boring) cat we have ever had.

I’m hoping to purchase a ‘cat cam’ for him, so hopefully this is something i will be able to share with you all… ‘where Berty been?’ could turn into the next big TV hit.. so keep you eyes on this space!

This post is purely dedicated to his face, so enjoy!

Lots of love,

Tiff xxx

The most beautiful city in the world?

Published on January 27, 2016February 8, 2016 by tiffanybeardLeave a comment

I consider myself a city ‘gal’, with London being possibly one of my favourite places in the world, however nothing can compare to the beauty of Venice. When i first found out I was going to Venice, i had my heart set on buying a Venetian mask, nothing else mattered to me, but once i stepped onto the water taxi for the first time, all thoughts of material gifts went out the window and floated away just as quickly as it came. Although i still bought a mask in the end….

Now i know what your going to say, for gods sake Tiff, get a grip. I do perhaps get carried away when talking about Venice, however you cannot explain the beauty of it unless you’ve been, and to go is really a privilege – as no amount of experience can prepare you for the sheer man made architectural beauty that Venice provides.

Now enough of the soppy stuff, on to the nitty gritty facts and tips of visiting this city. Unfortunately, this gorgeous city does come at a price. With a bottle of San Peligrino sparkling water costing €15 in St. Marks Square, you do have to sit back and think how utterly pricey it is, and for some, i can imagine that even the scenery doesn’t help when handing over that type of money for a carbonated beverage. Even if the scenery is possibly the most beautiful in the world.

Another fact about Venicia is that it actually IS sinking! Crazy, i know… When people used to tell me that Venice is sinking i used to think it would never happen any time soon. How can a whole city sink?! But when i visited, i brought the English weather with me, and every morning, you would have to walk along wooden planks, or buy horrendous looking water wader boots (also costing €20, which for a bit of plastic for you feet is crazy really) in order to walk through St. Marks square without being absolutely soaked.

The Hotel we stayed in, al ponte dei sospiri, was in a perfect location, a mere 5 minutes walk away from St. Marks Square, and with its own water taxi stop it was easily accessible when transferring to and from the airport. I would not fault the hotel at all, and my advice when booking hotels for city breaks is that it does not need to be a 5* deluxe suite, as I would hope that you would be exploring the city apposed to lounging around the hotel.

But enough from me, all I’m going to say that i believe that Venice is possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. I can’t say that it is the most beautiful place, because i haven’t visited everywhere in the world… but I’m definitely going to try!