Ramadan the holiest month in the Muslim calendar started today. Millions of Muslims around the world will fast from sunrise to sunset. We abstain from all food and drink, using this month to reconnect with God, our faith and each other. This year is especially poignant as so many Muslims are facing war and difficult times. I pray that we use this time to ask God to have mercy upon those that need it most and to help them in their time of need. Ramadan Mubarak.
I don’t get the chance to travel abroad very often so when it was my niece’s 21st birthday and she and her mum invited me along to their long weekend trip to Barcelona I had to say yes.
We managed to fit in quite a lot in the few days that we were there. We arrived Friday night and after a good night’s sleep we were up ready to go. On the first day we decided to go have a look at Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Batllo and Casa Milo. We then made our way to La Rambla which is one of the main shopping areas in Barcelona. There we lots of smaller roads going off the sides and even a really pretty square with palm trees. We found a great food market too with amazing fruit. We walked all the way down La Rambla which lead us to the coast. The weather was warm but we still needed a light jacket. We bought a blanket and stayed until the pretty sunset before heading back and looking for dinner.
The second day we decided to go further out and go to Montjuïc. Here there is a castle on the hill so we decided to take the cable cars up. You can get a fantastic view of the city and you can see just how huge the Sagrada Familia is compared to everything around it. The castle was quite big and the rooftop allowed for some more great views. Leaving the hill we came across the Olympic stadium and a pretty park so looked around there too. There were several art galleries but we didn’t go in any. In the afternoon we headed back La Rambla for lunch and then decided to go to the Banksy museum. It was great with lots of interesting artwork. I especially liked the Walled off art exhibition that he did in Palestine. In the evening we wandered around the Gothic quarter before getting some dinner.
On the third and final day we decided that one of the must see things was the Sagrada Familia and we had to see it before we left. We bought tickets on the day (via their app). Walking up to the building was quite imposing. There all sorts of different things going on. There’s fruit, towers, people, the more you look the more interesting parts there are to look at. The building is still being finished, more than a hundred years since it was started. I can see why.
Inside the Sagrada Familia was completely different to the outside. Where the outside looked chaotic, the inside was beautiful and serene. The colourful stained glass windows shining on the long tall pillars created a breathtaking affect. There was also a museum inside where you could learn about Gaudi, techniques and history, all which I found really interesting.
After having our fill of the church we had a late lunch and then made our way to the airport. I had a great time in Barcelona and look forward to hopefully one day going back to see so much more that we didn’t get to see.
We’ve come to the end of 2023. I was able to see some beautiful things this year like flower fields and the Peaks, as well as some truly wonderful art. But sadly the end of this year is a one with war ongoing in too many parts of the world. I pray that people find peace, justice and safety soon.
Here are some of my favourite photos from 2023, looking back is always a nice way to end a year. I wish you all Happy New Year and pray that 2024 is filled with peace and happiness for all of us.
I joined a million people in London last weekend to call for a ceasefire against Israel’s brutal bombardment of Gaza and for an end to the occupation against all Palestinian people. The last month has seen thousands killed, mostly children. It has to stop. Seeing so many people come out to protest was heartening to see. In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians.
I visited the city of York for the day. York is one of the oldest cities in the country and is known for it’s cathedral.
We looked around the shops and the markets in an area called The Shambles – one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. It has cobbled streets and was very busy. I came across the York Chocolate shop where a well known brand started up. And yes I did buy some.
We then visited the Cathedral. We didn’t go inside but the exterior was quite beautiful.
Next we decided to take a boat ride down the River Ouse. The weather was lovely and we took in the nature and the sights. The emblems on this bridge caught my notice.
After stopping for a quick lunch we finished the day with what I thought was my favourite part of York – the city wall walk. Walls were erected around a city to protect it and the ones that remain intact around York are longer than any other city in England. We found a set of steps and made our way along the wall.
Some wall sections ended quickly, others went on for much longer. It was quite interesting to see the old stone walls were right above modern day houses and gardens with some residents waving hello as we walked by.
We spent an hour or so walking and then made our way back to the car and home. The whole walk takes about 2 hours and I’d like to do it again in full one day
I enjoyed my visit to York but there’s lots more to do and explore and I hope I can come back one day to do just that.
Mam Tor (meaning Mother Hill) at the Peak District is one of its most well know hiking spots. It’s also also known as the Shivering Mountain because its shale and gritstone layers are prone to landslips. Whilst in the area a few weeks ago my family and I decided to do the walk.
At the bottom there was a sign post telling you what was in each direction. We found the path for Mam Tor and started our steep hike up. Alongside the path I saw a few metal images placed in the ground. I assume this alludes to the history of England and the Iron Age.
As we got higher the winds got stronger but the views became more beautiful too.
Taking our time and putting in some effort we made it to the peak where there was a stone pillar marking the highest point. We all spent a bit of time looking around and taking in the magnificent view.
After taking in the views and some photos we then started our careful walk back down to the car park. I’d recommend this hike, it’s not too difficult to do and the views are amazing. They definitely helped soothe my soul.
I spent a day at the Peak District National park at the weekend and decided to visit the Ladybower Reservoir. I specifically wanted to see the ‘plugholes’ that are part of it. These plugholes are spillways that allow overflow of water to drain away to the River Derwent.
There hasn’t been a lot of rain lately so the reservoir water levels were below the edge of the plugholes. It was still quit cool to have a look down them though.
I also spent a bit of time walking around the reservoir on what was a bright sunny day. The entire walk takes 2 hours so I just walked around part of it and back.
It was an interesting trip and great to see something different in a beautiful natural setting.
I spotted this ladybird taking a rest on this lovely pink rose. It was tucked away so I was pleased to notice it. I’m sure it’ll be on it’s way again soon enough.
Eid Mubarak everyone. Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from you and us).
Happy Eid to all to Muslims around the world who are celebrating Eid-al-Adha which coincides with the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and honours Abraham’s promise to God. In these blessed days may all pilgrims’ prayers and ours be accepted.
This beautiful Islamic inspired cube radiating light is at Kew Gardens.
I’ve always wanted to visit the tulips fields in the Netherlands (Holland), as these are some of my favourite flowers, but in it’s stead I was able to visit some tulip fields in Norfolk. They are only open to the public for a couple of weeks and my sister was lucky enough to get some tickets for us.
There were several fields full of tulips, with rows and rows of various colours. They really were beautiful to see.
I love how block colours had sprinklings of others. And I also like the ones that looked almost hybrid, colours varying and also shapes.
We spent a couple of hours walking among the rows taking in the sight and then relaxing on one of the nearby hay bales that were dotted about the field
It was a really lovely to take in the vibrant colours of the beautiful flowers and to visit a place that you wouldn’t imagine would exist in the UK.
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