A New Journey
“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” Matsuo Basho
For as long as I can remember, I have travelled. Short trips around Europe, backpacking through Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Africa. Each trip generated memories I will cherish forever. I made new friends and did things I never thought I was brave enough to do. There was much laughter, some tears, and always, a sense of excitement.
I was lucky enough to enter the world of travel writing. I had longed to be a travel writer, to share my experiences with others. To travel the world and to write. We all have dreams and they often change shape as we get older. I met a wonderful man, fell in love, got married and fulfilled another of my dreams. We bought a house with a big garden, backing onto a forest in the country. My husband built me the greenhouse I’d always wanted. We started to grow our own vegetables.
It’s a cliche, I know, but life is a journey. My journey leading up to all of this was often an open road with blue skies, but, there were times when the journey was rocky and littered with false starts.
Another of my dreams was to have a family. On 29th March 2016 our baby Jack arrived into this world. His arrival was long awaited and I held my breath for much of the pregnancy. I stopped travelling as no city, no beach, no country, no adventure could be more important than our growing child.
And so we have started a new journey. A new adventure. In ways, it is like others I have taken; filled with laughter, tears and yes, exhaustion. Yet, no other compares to this. We have only begun our journey and there is a lifetime to go, yet every day is precious. And so, I’ve neglected my website and social media, but as many of you will know, time flies in the world of a baby. Blink and you will miss it.
I will, of course, keep you updated on trips – weekends away, family holidays and romantic breaks. I don’t intend on disappearing forever, but for the moment, I won’t be flying about the world so much. I will be enjoying my new journey, with my family.
Happy New Year to you all and may 2017 see many of your dreams come true.
First Time Cruising with MSC
MSC Magnifica
We were waiting to embark the rather impressive MSC Magnifica in Venice. Beside us a young couple fussed over their baby, a group of retired Germans chatted happily, a couple in their 40’s were being ignored by their two teenagers and a gaggle of thirty-something women laughed uncontrollably at an ‘inside’ joke. Read more 
Tropical Islands, Safari and Luxury Hotels – Honeymoon Inspiration
Capo La Gala, Italy
Honeymoons have always being referred to as a holiday of a lifetime, with couples retreating to remote, tropical islands, staying in luxury hotels, while others head to distant plains for once in a lifetime experiences. Read more
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Let’s face it, the summer came and went in those two weeks in April. Or was it March? No matter, it has been and gone and left us all damp, uncertain and pining for sunshine. I spotted a gap of five days in my calendar and decided if I didn’t get away then it would be August before I could escape and to be honest the thought of two months without sunshine was more than I could bear. Read more
Activity Breaks in Westport, Co. Mayo
Croagh Patrick, Westport. Photo Credit: Destinationwestport
My first view of Croagh Patrick was on a winter’s day. A storm had raged on the west coast for three days and finally, it blew itself out. We had approached Westport from Louisberg and were not prepared for our first glimpse of Clew Bay.
Walking Ancient Paths Along The Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago
There’s something incredibly satisfying about rising early each morning, consulting your map and walking into the unknown. I guess it’s like life; we have plans, like destinations, but ultimately we’re unsure what will happen along the way. Sometimes we veer off our chosen path and find ourselves lost, or we discover the path is more beautiful than the one we’d set out for ourselves. Read more
Walking Through Tuscan Hills, French Canals & Forests
I love to walk. I think I’ve always done. Nothing clears my head than taking to the beach and walking alongside the waves, gulls soaring above and the wind on my face. Read more
Fitzpatrick Hotel, Grand Central, NYC
Fitzpatrick hotel, NYC
Ask anyone, anywhere and they will tell you the Irish give the best welcome.
When you arrive to one of the busiest cities in the world, with temperatures way below zero, it helps to step into a warm hotel and hear “Welcome to Fitzpatrick’s. How was your flight? You must be tired, we’ll get you sorted straight away.” Read more
New York – The City That Won’t Let You Sleep
New York City
“I want to wake up in a city that doesn’t sleep” sang the lovely Frank Sinatra, and boy was he right. For those living in New York, it is still the city where anything is possible, where you can become ‘King of the hill, top of the heap’ no matter who you are or where you come from. Read more
Julianne Mooney 