featured

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

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!