📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
I had a couple of comments like this on some of my I had a couple of comments like this on some of my TikToks a few months back when I said I was going on a long trip without my BF. 

🧡One thing I’m super grateful for is my supportive boyfriend no matter how ludacris my ideas.

✈️He loves to travel and explore new places but it’s definitely not on the same scale as me! 

💻 He also doesn’t have a job that gives him the same freedoms as mine does 

🌎we were meant to be apart for 6 weeks but I told him I was extending by a week and it was absolutely fine 

❤️Despite the fact we miss each other he’ll always support my travels whether he can come with me or not.

🍉 If your partner doesn’t support or trust you are they really the one?
Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 📍@c Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 

📍@carrie.ahangama
🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night 🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night @pelicanbayahangama  above the @pickledpelican restaurant where you can get very decent burgers🍔

📍Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
A little insta VS reality. Exploring days look v A little insta VS reality. 

Exploring days look very different from travel days. And you best believe I spend 99% of my days in my frizzy bun 😅

Anyone else like this?
📍Udawalawe National Park Can never have to muc 📍Udawalawe National Park

Can never have to much elephant content right? ✌🏽🍃🐘
Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cu Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cute insta girl 😂✌🏽

FYI the train was stationary in the second pic of me 😂

Also think I need to say that the first few pics are not mine… but I think that’s pretty obvious right? ©️
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️

🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊

🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)

South Coast (November to April) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 

There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 

East Coast (May-October) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 

Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃

🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 

🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)

🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 

🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 

🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 

🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 

🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising 

📸PS A lot of my pics turned out blurry because of how much this train moves. I honestly don’t know how some people have the guts to hang right out of it whilst its moving
🔉Sound On 🔉 The only time is Brits can trus 🔉Sound On 🔉

The only time is Brits can trust the governments advice 😅😅
This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I head This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I headed to the airport and what a nice little goodbye it was 🧡🍑🍊🦁🌅🌇 @lighthouse_ahangama
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰

🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃

Some of these include

🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park

🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘

🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.

🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘

🐾It felt more natural 🍃

🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 

🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫

 🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 

TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️

🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 

🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 

🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 

☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are fo The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are for Boujee’s ✌🏽

I occasionally will try and share budget tips on here but just know I’m bad at it 😅 the important thing is trying though right?
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
Instagram post 17972116637147209 Instagram post 17972116637147209
🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 7 years aft 🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

7 years after my first visit and Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite places. The beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife and the people make it one magical Island 🇱🇰🌴

I can’t wait to share with you all my Sri Lanka recommendations but for today here are a collection of my favourite shots 📸
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Christina in the Clouds

Adventure around a 9-5

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Hiking, Road Trips, UK · December 2, 2020

A guide to spending the weekend in Shropshire

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Before COVID hit my British staycation list wasn’t that long. Yes, I wanted to see a few towns here and there, but I had always focused my main efforts in travelling abroad. When we were told we weren’t allowed to travel abroad, that all changed, and I researched the best places to go, that would allow me to still get my travel fix but also remain in the UK.

This is when I came across Shropshire, not only was it brought up in a lot of my google searches, but it was also highly recommended by my friend who said she had fallen in love with the place. I had also been to this side of the country during a trip to Herefordshire earlier this year and loved it. So with all these 3 factors combined, I knew I had to make a trip to Shropshire.

The county of Shropshire is located in the West Midlands, not too far from Birmingham and is along the England-Wales border. Over 300,000 people call Shropshire home and after visiting here myself it’s hard not to see why.

Shropshire is also home to The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is one of 46 AONB’s in the UK and covers almost a quarter of the Shropshire county.  

The Shropshire Hills is loved by both locals and tourists due to its ample walking and hiking routes and its magnificent and lush green views. As mentioned previously, The Shropshire Hills run along the welsh border so it’s no surprise that the landscape here is just as beautiful and breath-taking as those you might find in The Welsh valleys.

If you are not an adventure lover or thrill-seeker, then have no fear. Shropshire county has lots more to offer. With vibrant towns, cute little villages and an abundance of history, there is lots more to see and do here.

Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire Hills

When is the best time to visit Shropshire?

Shropshire is the kind of place that you can visit all year round. Whether you are after a nice sunny stroll or getting cosy in a pub by the fire during the colder months there is something to suit all of your needs.

Naturally, during summer you have the best chance of enjoying a walk and hike in nice temperatures and seeing the best/clearest views. We went during the autumn, the heavens opened throughout all of our hike and my boyfriend slipped about 5 times, but the autumnal colours that we got to see across the valley was a great consolation prize.

What is the best way to get to and explore Shropshire?

The best way to and explore Shropshire is by Car. Yes, there are lots of train routes that go into the main towns such as Telford and Shrewsbury. There are also local bus routes that will take you all over the county. However, exploring by car is the most cost and time-effective option.

If you are unable to go by car click here to see a list of the stations in Shropshire and click here to look at local bus routes.

Much Wenlock, Shropshire

Where is the best place to stay in Shropshire?

We stayed at The Crown Country Inn. As I mentioned earlier my friend told me how much she had loved Shropshire and staying at The Crown Country Inn had a major influence on her positive experience.

The location is idyllic, situated in the quiet, rural town of Munslow in the midst of the Shropshire Hills and it is just a short drive from many of the amazing walks in this area.

To top this amazing place off the host’s and staff were so friendly, attentive and welcoming and they also have the cutest dog.

The Crown Country Inn, Shropshire
The Crown Country Inn, Shropshire

Budgeting for Shropshire

During my experience in Shropshire, I found that prices are similar to that of London. We paid around £5 for a pint, £6+ for a glass of wine or prosecco, £9/10 for a cocktail and around £10-£15 for a single dish. However, as with anything I only experienced a small pocket of Shropshire so I can’t speak for a lot of the towns here.

Best places to eat and drink in The Shropshire Hills

To be completely honest with you, we ate all of our meals at our accommodation at The Crown Country Inn. Apart from lunch where we would stop off at the odd cafe to grab a toastie and a coffee. Breakfast was included in our booking and as for dinner, If you ever stay at the Crown Country Inn you will understand why we didn’t try anywhere else (think hearty pub grub with a delicious twist). Oh and I mustn’t forget a special mention for their cocktails, my favourite here was the Baileys Mint Martini and the Vanilla Silks.

The Crown Country Inn, Shropshire
The Crown Country Inn, Shropshire
The Crown Country Inn, Shropshire

The top things to do in Shropshire

Visit Ironbridge  

Ironbridge is a large village situated on the River Severn. As the name might suggest one of the towns main attractions is its iconic iron bridge. It was built in 1779 and was the first Ironbridge in the world. Other things to do in Ironbridge include visiting one of its many museums, or if you’re up for something a little more adventurous , you can go rafting along the River Severn.

Much Wenlock  

The Town of Much Wenlock holds some of Shropshire’s best history. It played a huge part in the revival of the Olympic Games.

Dr William Penny Brookes created the “Wenlock Olympic Games” in 1850, this, in turn, inspired Baron Pierre de Coubertin to create the “International Olympic Committee” in 1894 which led to the first Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896.

You can visit the Much Wenlock museum and The Guildhall to find out all about its history.

If you have time, you can also visit the Wenlock priory. You will need tickets so make sure you research beforehand.

Much Wenlock, Shropshire

Visit the Town Of Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is yet another one of Shropshire’s beautiful towns. There is lots do here. If you are fascinated by crime and criminals you can head to the old Shrewsbury Prison. If nature and plants are your thing, then you can walk around the grounds of The Quarry or Attingham Park. Finally, if you are hungry after all of that exploring, you can grab a bite at the Shrewsbury Market Hall.

Go on a hike

There are walking routes in abundance across the Shropshire Hills. The question is which route to take? Three of the most popular walks in the Shropshire hills are as follows:

  • Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd
  • Caer Caradoc
  • The Stiperstones

Both Carding Mill Valley and Caer Caradoc can be accessed from the town of Church Stretton. Whereas The Stiperstones walk is located in Shrewsbury.

Pictured below is Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd and one of it’s most popular sights- the Lightspout Waterfall.

Visit the the town of Bridgnorth

The town of Bridgnorth is an interesting one. The River Severn actually splits the town into two parts – The high town and the low town.

The best place to view this is at the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway. Not only is this a great view but you can take a ride on the funicular railway which is said to be the oldest, shortest and steepest in the country.

Other things to do in Bridgnorth include visiting the Bridgnorth Castle and the Severn Valley railway line.

Visit Ludlow Castle

Ludlow Castle is an old medieval ruin, first erected in 1461. It was firstly a Norman fortress, that over time developed into royal palace that served royalty for over 350 years. Ludlow Castle now serves the town as a major tourist attraction as well as a place to hold most of the towns festivals. If you want to visit here then there is no need to pre-book, just make sure you check the opening times on their website.

Have a spa evening and Fishmore Hall Hotel & Spa

After all that hiking and exploring you probably deserve a rest, and there is no better place to do it than at the Fishmore Hall Spa. They have a sauna/steam room and a hot tub that looks out over the Shropshire countryside. They also have a range of treatments and spa packages to choose from. We went for the ‘Dip and Dine’ which included a 55-minute full-body massage, full use of the spa facilities and a 2-course meal at the hotel restaurant all for £80.

Fishmore Hall Hotel, Shropshire

If you are looking for more staycation inspiration then check out my guide to Bradford-On-Avon.


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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of the world in less time.

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📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
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