Wanderlust with Danii

If you find yourself in London for Christmas, be sure to visit the Leicester Square Christmas Market.

Experience the magic of the Leicester Square Christmas Market where the air is filled with the enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, making it the perfect winter escape for all your festive cravings.

Discover unique gifts crafted with care as you wander through the charming wooden cabins, each one twinkling with fairy lights, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit in the heart of London.

This was from last year 2023

Imagine soaking in the warmth of a delicious toastie while enjoying live entertainment at the Spiegeltent, a cozy retreat amidst the bustling market where joy and laughter fill the air. Gather with friends and create unforgettable memories as you indulge in toffee apples and mince pies, embracing the heartwarming traditions that make the Leicester Square Christmas Market a must-visit this season. Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as you share a festive toast with loved ones over a glass of Pimms, surrounded by joyous laughter and the enchanting sights of the lively market.

Festive treats piled high at Christmas in Leicester Square. Credit: Pasco Photography. Image courtesy of Underbelly.

**Food and Drinks Available:**

- Bratwurst

- Toffee Apples

- Pimms

- Mulled Wine

- Mince Pies

- Roast Chestnuts

- Toasties

- Poffertjes

- Roasted Hog

- Fudge

And much more! There’s truly something for everyone.

The market is open from 10am to 10pm.

Entry is free, but be aware that this is one of the busiest Christmas markets in London.Market.

How to get there.

The easiest way to get to the market would be to catch the tube. The closest tube station is Leicester Square located on the Picadilly line. Also covent garden, Charing cross, and Picadilly circus are also nearby.

If you are coming by bus, routes 14, 19 and 38 all stop directly outside Leicester Square.

Image from montagetravel.com

Image from ababyonboard.com

Whether you're on a tight budget or looking for something special, the Leicester Square Christmas market is sure to bring you holiday cheer. This iconic marketplace offers a variety of stalls, featuring everything from classic British cuisine to one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Make sure to add it to your list of must-see attractions when you visit London in December!

I hope you enjoyed my post. Until next time

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Hey there lovelies,

I've decided to share some old posts from my previous blog, Frangipanigoddess, on this blog.

They will be labeled 'Past Post' to indicate their age.

This particular post is from 2014, during a family vacation.

Reading it is somewhat bittersweet, as my mother, who adored traveling, has since passed away.

So, let's begin.

Our first stop was Bathurst - After driving for approximately 8 hours, we reached Bathurst. Our hotel was situated right on the racetrack known for car racing. The view was stunning, with mountains and the racetrack in sight. We had dinner at the hotel and later enjoyed some time in the pool. My dad even completed a lap of the track. The following day, we all took a drive around the track.

After Bathurst, we headed to Moree and checked into a motel. It was beautiful there too. The room was somewhat small, but for a one-night stay, it was fine. Naturally, the first thing we did was dive into the pool—there were three of them!

Upon our arrival in Caloundra, I was rendered speechless by the breathtaking view, with the pool situated just before our balcony. Our apartment boasted direct pool access, featuring a gate and stairs on the balcony that led straight into the water. I have a review of the hotel we stayed at here

We opted for a day trip to Maroochydore to indulge in some shopping, both for clothing and groceries.

Additionally, we visited Bundaberg, famous for its ginger beer and other beverages. Witnessing the production process was fascinating, and we enjoyed a short film detailing its evolution from past to present methods.

On Wednesday, we drove about two hours to the Gold Coast from our accommodation. Although it was pleasant, the crowds were overwhelming. We dined at Hurricanes restaurant, savoring ribs and seafood—an experience so delightful, I would recommend the restaurant to anyone. Unfortunately, rain interrupted our outing, prompting our return to Caloundra. To our delight, it was warm and sunny upon our arrival, and we immediately took a dip in the pool.

On Thursday and Friday, we stayed around Caloundra, visiting the Ettamogah Pub and the Big Pineapple. Afterwards, we returned to the apartment and went swimming.

On Saturday, we visited the Eumundi market, which was vast, essentially two markets in one. Afterwards, we headed to Noosa and then returned to the hotel, where we immediately took a dip in the pool. Later, we watched the sunset and enjoyed ice cream on the beach.

Sunday was a day of relaxation; we stayed at the resort, lounging by the pool and sunbathing to unwind before the lengthy drive to Forster the following day. (Stay tuned for another post with a review of the hotel, coming soon.)

We eventually reached our final stop, Forster, NSW. It was incredible there; although the pool wasn't directly in front of our hotel, there was still one available, which was fine by me. The next day, we explored the local shops and the area to see what was around.

We visited the beach and lingered for hours in the water, playfully battling the waves. One wave caught me off guard, and as it knocked me under, I happened to be filming with my underwater camera, making the playback quite amusing. The following day mirrored the first, and then, it was time to depart. We embarked on our 12-hour journey back home.

Much love...

Danii

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Captivated by the stunning images of Hahndorf in South Australia on TikTok, I was determined to visit someday. While in Adelaide for a funeral in May, we decided to extend our stay and explore some local attractions, including Hahndorf.

This charming German village, situated a mere 28km (30 Minutes) from Adelaide along the freeway, makes for a perfect day trip. Its Main Street is lined with historic buildings from the 1800s. It's one of South Australia's most loved tourist destination. Hahndorf, as the southern hemisphere's oldest German settlement, offers a blend of rich history and picturesque landscapes, establishing it as a distinctive and captivating destination for tourists. The village of Hahndorf was established in 1839 by fifty-four German families who immigrated to Australia fleeing religious persecution for their firm Lutheran convictions.

Today, Hahndorf is a vibrant celebration of its German heritage, featuring traditional cuisine, festivals, art galleries, and museums. Visiting Hahndorf in autumn allows one to revel in the stunning amber foliage, while winter provides the cozy ambiance of roaring log fires. Meanwhile, summer and spring present perfect conditions for strolling through the town's charming shops and parks.

We began our day with a leisurely walk down the main road, pausing to explore the shops that piqued our interest. The abundance of beautiful antique shops was particularly striking.

Sweet Shop

The highlight of the day was visiting the German Village Shop; it was incredible to see. They offered an extensive range of items, from cuckoo clocks to beer steins, and they also had a vast array of Christmas decorations.

One of my favourite shops in Hahndorf

Beer Steins and Cuckoo clocks

Some decorations and also Beautiful Nutcrackers

We paused for lunch at one of the numerous German eateries. The traditional bratwurst served with mashed potatoes was scrumptious.

Other stores to check out

There is also a beautiful candle store called the 3 Wishes Candle Barn it's an aromatic delight even before you enter, offering scents such as mulled wine and gingerbread. If the wide array of fragrances doesn't appeal to you, there's also the option to personalize and create your own candle.

The Fruchocs Shop in Hahndorf is a haven for lovers of this beloved local chocolate. Make sure to visit and indulge in this distinctive South Australian delicacy. They also cater to plant-based diets with vegan Fruchocs available. We just had to buy a bag they are amazing.

The Alpaca Shop offers a variety of excellent alpaca products, featuring incredibly soft socks among other items.

The German Pantry – the moment you step inside, the aroma of cured sausages and meats envelops you. But there's more to discover, including a variety of European delicacies like cakes and biscuits, as well as teas, coffees, spices, pickles, and other ingredients.

The whole street is just a beautiful place to walk down on an autumn day.

There is also Beerenberg Family Farm close by and from November to April it's a great destination for kids and adults to enjoy picking their own strawberries. Sadly, we didn't get to see this because we went in May.

I'm thrilled to have visited this remarkable and distinctive location. It reminded me of our actual trip to Germany last December (which I still need to post about).

Have you ever visited Hahndorf?

Until next time

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As an avid book enthusiast, I was compelled to visit Daunt Books in Marylebone, London.

Daunt Books, one of London's renowned independent bookstores, specializes in travel literature, making it the perfect destination for those seeking inspiration for their next journey.

Established in 1990 by ex-banker James Daunt, the flagship store on Marylebone High Street occupies a charming Edwardian building adorned with long oak galleries, elegant skylights, and William Morris prints. The natural light filtering through the skylights illuminates the mezzanine, enhancing the ambiance.

In 2010, Daunt Books embarked on a publishing venture, debuting with Saki's "Improper Stories" and continuing to revive numerous out-of-print titles alongside new publications.

The historic section of the Marylebone store, completed in 1912, originally operated as an antiquarian bookshop named Francis Edwards, reputed to be the world's first purpose-built bookshop. Near the entrance to the travel gallery stands a large, walk-in safe, a relic from the past where costly tomes were once safeguarded.

When visiting Daunt Books, the most sought-after item is a tote bag. I was fortunate to receive one as a gift from a kind employee there, an unexpected and sweet gesture. Originally, I had planned to purchase one as a memento of my trip, so I was immensely thankful. Perhaps my accent gave away that I was a tourist. I opted for the smaller red tote bag, which I adore; it's beautiful. They are quite sturdy and available in two sizes. Daunt Books operates from 9 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

Daunt Books has other locations at Cheapside, Holland Park, Hampstead, Belsize Park, and the Owl Bookshop in Kentish Town, with additional branches outside London in Essex, Marlow, and Oxford.

Directions to Daunt Books Marylebone:

The nearest station is Baker Street, followed by a brief ten-minute walk to Daunt Books.

We went in December and there was a beautiful Christmas tree set up. It makes the store even more beautiful.

Check out the Daunt Book Website Here

Address

Daunt Books
83-84 Marylebone High Street
London
W1U 4QW

Have you been to this beautiful bookstore?

Until next time.

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Over the years, my family and I have visited Sydney numerous times. Along the way, we've gathered some interesting tidbits, and I thought it might be fun to share a few.

1. Sydney boasts more than 100 beaches.

2. Sydney was officially designated as a city in 1842.

3. Constructed between 1811 and 1816, the Sydney Mint is the oldest public building in Sydney's Central Business District.

4. The strength of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was demonstrated prior to its opening day by positioning 96 railway engines on the bridge.

5. Locals affectionately refer to the Harbour Bridge as "the coat hanger" because of its distinctive shape.

6. Sydney ranks as the 12th most expensive city globally, with some of the highest property prices in the world.

7. Opened in 1857, the Australian Museum in Sydney is the country's oldest museum dedicated to natural history.

8. The Sydney Fish Market is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the world's third-largest fish market.

9. George Street holds the title of the oldest street in Australia.

10. Residents of Sydney are known as Sydneysiders.

11. The Opera House is a bustling cultural hub, hosting over 3,000 shows annually.

12. Sydney once set a Guinness World Record for creating the longest line of pizzas.

13. Sydney has been a prominent filming location for major movies, including 'The Matrix' series and 'The Great Gatsby', among others.

14. Sydney attracts 3.5 million international visitors each year.

15. McKell Beach, Sydney's smallest beach, is only accessible by boat during low tide.

16. Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed his final Mr. Olympia bodybuilding title at the Opera House in 1980.

17. Urban Sydney comprises 658 suburbs.

18. Sydney's postcode, 2000, coincides with the year it hosted the Olympics.

19. Sydney is Australia's largest city, both in population and size.

20. The Sydney funnel-web spider ranks among the world's most venomous spiders.

That concludes my post; I hope you found it enjoyable. I love creating these kinds of posts and hope you find them enjoyable to read.

Should you have any other Sydney facts, feel free to share them in the comments below.

Until next time,

Danii

(Unless stated otherwise, all photos are taken by me.)

10:29:00 PM 2 Comments

When I travel I love finding out fun facts about places so I thought I would make some posts about them.

So I thought why not start with some fun facts about my hometown of Melbourne Australia.

1. Between 1901 and 1927 Melbourne was Australia's capital city.

2. Australia's first traffic lights were installed in Melbourne in 1912 at the corner of Collins and Swanston street.

3. Melbourne was originally named Batmania. The name derives from one of the city's founding fathers John Batman.

4. Melbourne has been named Worlds most liveable city 7 times.

5. Melbourne Food and Wine festival is the biggest in the world. More than 350,000 people attend yearly. With over 200 different events over 11 days.

6. Luna Park in St Kilda is the worlds oldest privately owned amusement park.

Luna Park in St Kilda

7. Victoria became the first place in the world to enforce seatbelts legislation in 1970.

8. Until 1966 it was illegal for pubs in Melbourne to be open after 6pm

9. Melbourne has the largest tram system outside of Europe and the fourth largest in the world overall.

10. Its known for its unpredictable weather. Its' often possible to experience four seasons in one day.

11. The clocks at the flinders street station used to be changed manually. Before the digital age they used be changed 900 times a day.

12. Melbourne laneways used to be dumping streets but have changed a lot over the years and now are the best parts of the city.

13. Cooks Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens was shipped from England.

Captain Cooks Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens

14. In 1956 Melbourne became the first city outside North America or Europe to hold the Olympics.

15. There are more foxes in Melbourne then anywhere in the world.

16. The Royal exhibition building together with the Melbourne museum and surrounding gardens are apart of the UNESCO world heritage sites.

17. Queen Victoria Market is built over the old Melbourne cemetery.

18. The worlds first feature film was made in Melbourne. The 1906 bushranger film the story of the Kelly gang was shot around Melbourne

19. Fitzroy chocolate makers, MacRobertson’s Steam Confectionery Works invented the Cherry Ripe in 1924, Crunchie in 1929 and the Freddo Frog in 1930 before the company was sold to Cadbury in 1967.

20. The NGV Great Hall is home to the largest stained glass ceiling in the world. Measuring at 51 meters long and 12 meters wide.