Perfect places—in my mind and in my life. Some I've visited some I haven't

 This blog is brought to you by the help of one of my friends, who when I said I had no idea for this weeks Raven's Ramblings she suggested I shared some of my favourite places, both ones visited and ones on my wish list

I liked the idea of that, until I realised how spoiled for choice I am.

I've been incredibly lucky to visit some amazing places over the years. That's me in Da Nang, Vietnam, a few years ago (just before covid lockdown) Where the lovely husband (henceforth to be LH in this blog) and I have been a couple of times. We stopped in a hotel by the beach and had some lovely walks on the sands. Not only that they made gluten free pumpkin bread for me.

It's no secret that I love Hong Kong and have spent many a happy hour over the years exploring. While the LH worked, I went all over the place with my travel pass. Stanley? No problem. Bus all the way. Or ferry and bus, or MTR and bus. I've done the lot. Kennedy Town? Use the trams. Sai Kung? Okay I go there with the LH but otherwise I've been explored the parks or just sat and watched the world go by next to the harbour and plotted a few books set there.

I've even met up with my ex hairdresser.

I've been lucky enough to visit New Zealand. Wanaka is definitely in my top ten list. I've even included the place in a couple of books... After all That Wanaka Tree is famous.

We visited a dark sky area, lots of wineries and crossed the Cook Straits by ferry on a luckily flat calm day.

Australia? Yes, and would love to go back again. The Great Ocean Road is a fabulous drive. 

Singapore? I love the place and hate the humidity. The stone cats on the quay are cute.

South Africa? Oh yes, definitely. We visit most years. I honestly have trouble picking my favourite places there. Knysna on the lagoon is brilliant. Great fish.

Franschhoek? Oh yes, the wine tram is a great way to visit the wineries for a tasting. 

Hout Bay? Beaches, breweries and an open top bus ride into Cape Town. 

I could go on and on but...

I'll go on to some other places instead.

Barbados? Everything about the island is interesting. Beach walks, plantation visits, learning the (not always nice) history. Can't seem to find my pics...

Closer to home, I reckon Venice was amazing, even when we had to wait on a crowded boat for an hour before we could set back to our hotel due to a thunderstorm. I still have a beautiful necklace of Murano glass.

 Even closer to home... Shaldon Devon, a lovely village at the mouth of an estuary, 

The Isle of Skye

My wish to go to list is endless. Canada, India, Mauritius, Northern Island,  are all on it. So are places I've been to briefly, some many years ago and would love to go back. Wales, Eire, Cornwall, the Dordogne. The English lakes... 

And that's it. I could go on and on but I won't. I know I've been very fortunate over the years. I've had the opportunity to visit places I dreamed of. Places not on my list because I could go on and on. Not always a sit in the sun holiday. Walking, reading, sightseeing, shivering, writing... I can and do write anywhere. I have fabulous memories, some scary ones as well. I am not one for heights!

But all in all, well, if it all has to stop tomorrow... I can pull out my memories as well as my photo's and think..wow

How lucky I am.

Wherever you are, take care and 

happy reading,

love Raven xx