st martha-on-the-hill

About a week and a half ago I took a walk to the church of St Martha-on-the-hill in Guildford. I mostly wanted to walk through the Downs and from the map, St Martha's Church seemed a good destination. From walking out my door and returning, I spent about three hours out and about. The sun was shining, the weather was lovely and the day was perfect.  The hardest part was walking up Pewley St which is pretty steep; past that you're in the Pewley Downs and then its a short walk to the bridle path which leads you to Halfpenny Lane. It really only took me so long because I stopped to take so many pictures!

When you first enter the Downs...

you get this gorgeous view.

You enter the path...

with colorful leaves and bright blue sky...

and perfect foliage and scenery.

You make it along the path and up another hill to see St Martha's...

and the view is just perfect!

Definitely worth the miles walked and the hours spent!

xoxo,
K

cardiff

Last weekend my student union organized a trip to Cardiff, Wales. My friends and I bought tickets the first week of the term so we'd been waiting a while to go! It was about a three hour drive and we actually got better weather out there (it was raining in Guildford all day). Upon our arrival we went to the Castle as a group and then were free to wander the rest of the day.

We spent about an hour at the Castle exploring the old tunnels, the original castle and the castle apartments before heading into town.

Henry and Jane 

Library in the Castle Apartments

I bought some souvenirs and then we wandered through the German Christmas Market they set up, and then on down to Cardiff Bay. Before we reached the bay, we spotted a Portuguese bakery selling traditional pastel de nata. My friend loves it so we stopped and tried it - it's delicious!

We spent time in a coffee shop and did a little bit of shopping back in the center before having dinner at Bill's. It was an early birthday treat for me!

xoxo,
K

st. catherine's hill

The other day I decided see some chapel ruins on the other side of the city. I'd never explored that part and am glad I did. Even with overcast skies it was charming and exactly what you think of when you think of England. Old homes and businesses close to the road, little churches along the way and views of rolling pastures from the top of St. Catherine's Hill. The sun came out for a little while and it was delightful. I love this city!

xoxo,

K

bonfire night

Happy 5th of November! I've heard so much about this special holiday before I came and was excited to experience it. Imagine walking up in the dark through a park and as you crest the hill, you suddenly see a mass of people holding torches, waiting to light the beacon. Just past them were carnival style rides and food trucks all doing brisk business despite the cold temperatures and chilly breeze. And the music! Serious sound systems were staggered around the perimeter set up for the fireworks and the selection was great. Once they lit the beacon, we counted down for the fireworks, and as expected, the music changed and we enjoyed "Diamonds" by Beyonce, Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars" and "Firework" by Katy Perry. Definitely a night to remember!

A short video from the beginning of the show. Enjoy!

xoxo,
K

P.S. If anyone is looking for Hunters, check Amazon! I found some for half price :)