A had a friend over and took them out to the Archipelago. We went to Styrsö and Vrångö. Styrsö is one of the largest islands, with several places to eat and one of the highest points of the islands. Vrångö is one of the smallest inhabited islands, but has a nice cafe bar right by the ferry station.

WIth friends, I headed to Morzine snowboarding.

Watford, nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire, England, is a town that effortlessly blends the hustle and bustle of urban life with the charm of the English countryside. Just a brief journey from London, Watford offers a rich history that stretches back to Roman times, making it a treasure trove of fascinating tales and architectural wonders. From the tranquillity of Cassiobury Park to the lively shopping scene at the Intu Watford Shopping Centre, Watford is a town full of surprises.

Richmond, a charming town nestled in the southwest of London, is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. It's a place where the hustle and bustle of city life meets the tranquility of nature. The town is perched on a meander of the River Thames, offering picturesque views and an abundance of parks and open spaces, including the renowned Richmond Park. This town is steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to the 16th century when King Henry VII built Richmond Palace. The palace and the town became closely associated with Queen Elizabeth I, who spent her last days there. The Georgian terraces that were built around Richmond Green and on Richmond Hill are a testament to the town's historical significance.

What struck me about Woburn Safari Park was its commitment to conservation and education. While there, I attended an informative talk on endangered species, which highlighted the importance of preserving habitats and protecting biodiversity. This experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the ongoing efforts to safeguard our planet's wildlife.

I spent a long weekend in Bratislava with some friends for a stag-do, we explored the town, toured some bars and went white water rafting.

We then went down to the Blue Grotto, not a place that really appealed to me to stop and visit, but I was able to get a few nice images from the bus as we passed by.

These ancient temples predate the pyramids of Egypt. Stonehenge or any other megalith.

From Tarxien, I jumped back (after a fair wait) onto the bus and went through the three cities and down to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk for lunch and to see the colourful fishing boats.

Unfortunately, the magnificent Hypergien was fulled booked until mid-November, but I was able to see the Tarxien Temples. An excavated temple surrounded by houses and one graveyard.

Following the Cathedral, I left the Silent City and went to Rabat, the neighbouring “real” town of the area.

The Mdina is known as the Silent City. It is an ancient walled town, still inhabited. I wandered through the streets for a while before finding Ciapette for some lunch

Having seen much of Gozo, a few of us, ditched the big boat and took a small speedboat to Comino run by a bronzed man and his little dog.

After everyone had boarded we set off on the crystal blue ocean, the first sight we saw, the Statue of St. Paul overlooking the island where he came to write much of his religious work.

From the hotel, I jumped on one of the Arriva buses and headed to Valletta. I got off at the main terminal, a locale dominated by the Triton fountain.

The feel of the place is Greek, but not. Sandstone and beige buildings dominate. The sea is a dark rich blue and the clouds fade to haze on the horizon.

Silema is one of the wealthier areas in Malta, with upmarket shops and restaurants.

The final day, we woke up, ate breakfast and loaded onto the tour bus to Sophia. A brief stop again at a service station showed me a huge Communist style statue.

From there, I left Finance to go up the mountain with my DSLR and get some pictures. I was thwarted in the gondola as others joined me at the first stop and their equipment blocked my view.

Coventry, located in the heart of England, is a city with a rich tapestry of history, resilience, and modern transformation. Known for its significant role during the Industrial Revolution and the heavy bombing it endured during World War II, Coventry has continually reinvented itself while honouring its storied past.