Happy New Year everyone.
It’s officially 2018!!!!!
My goodness!
2017 was a mixed bag of a year, but that hasn’t stopped me from making plans to conquer the world. I’ll give you all the details next week!!
But first, let’s take a walk down memory lane of all the countries that I went to last year, and what I did. According to my statistics, over 100,000 people read my blog in some form or other, last year.
100,000 people!!
To think I only started this blog a little over four (4) years ago. Isn’t that marvellous?
Thank you so much for reading, making comment, and sticking with me. I love you all!
So let’s start with the country of my birth (England), and end with my new home-country (Germany). Here we go. Choose your poison….!
THE 8 COUNTRIES THAT I WENT TO LAST YEAR WERE:
- England
- Holland
- The Czech Republic
- Austria
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Germany
BRITAIN:
Yeah, the issue of Brexit went from bad to worse!
Sadly, we British Europeans, and others like us who voted for #Remain in 2016, lost out. Having said that, I did quite a few academic debates and talks about it, as well as a few newspaper interviews!
The question of what is to become of Brits abroad and EU citizens in the UK, is a sore point right now, and I’m sure there will be lots more debates to come.
I really enjoy talking about important political issues, as much as I enjoy travelling. I don’t tend to write much (Ha! Ha!) about the politics of the day, and that tends to lead to an impression that I’m quite frothy.
Until they hear me speak.
I have a BSc. Political Science, with a Major, in European Politics. As well as an MA in Leadership & Management.
I think I know what I’m talking about!
©Christian Spreitz
I believe that leaving the EU was a mistake.
I’m very, very sad about the awful outcome, but I’m still proud to be British.
Is it any wonder that when I got a letter in the post, summoning me to an “invitation only” event organised for Their Royal Highnesses William, The Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, that I was enormously proud, and very excited.
And honestly, when I met them, I almost fainted with nerves, and spent most of the evening with a huge grin on my face, a sweaty forehead, and shaky hands!
©Getty Images
Here are the posts that I wrote about Britain, being a British expat, and the United Kingdom as a whole, or where I was featured:
- How I met the future king of England – Prince William, Kate & the Many-Faced God!
- How I went on the radio for the BBC & was featured in Germany’s biggest Sunday newspaper!
- Marvellous news. I’m doing a radio programme with the BBC. And other stuff!
- Is it safe to travel to Britain & the UK right now ‘cos I’m scared to travel abroad?
- Article 50 & Brexit in the UK. Everything you need to know!
- I was part of a five (5) member academic discussion panel on Brits in Berlin after Brexit! It took place as part of the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften, or the Long Night of the Sciences on behalf of the Centre for British Studies, Berlin – at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin / Humboldt University, Berlin
- I’m featured as the Best Expat Blog 2017 – Germany!
- I’m featured as one of the top 30 most inspiring expat bloggers in 2017!
- I’m featured as one of the Top 100 Expat Blogs on the planet!
- I’m featured in a travel article in the ZG-magazin in Zagreb, Croatia
- I was featured in Bild am Sonntag – the largest-selling German national Sunday newspaper – on an article on Britain and British people living in Germany, because of Article 50 and the question of EU Citizens’ Rights in the UK. The feature was called – Exit vom Brexit – Wir sind die neuen Germans! Or “Exit from Brexit. We are the new Germans!” It was a description about how many British people were living in Germany, our successes, and if, due to the horror of Brexit, we had thought about changing nationalities, and what it was like if we had!
- I’m featured in a lifestyle article in the Metro Magazine (Annual Body Issue) – April 2017 Edition, in the Philippines!
- I’m featured as a guest blogger on the University of Chester website as a postgraduate Alumni (2017)!
- I’m going to be on the University of Chester’s official Case Study posters for postgraduate recruitment (2017/18)!
- I’m also one of the selected travel bloggers, invited to be a part of the editorial content for the Visit York Annual Visitor Guide, 2018!
I didn’t do too badly, me thinks!
ENGLAND:
© Liverpool 360
I spent a considerable amount of time in England last year, and I did so because even though I’m a British European, I still love my original home-country that is England – the land of Hope and Glory n’ all that!
In fact, last year I must have been in and out, at least three times. Most of it was to visit family, but two (2) were connected to travel and one (1) was an invitation to BBC London!
I was featured on BBC Radio 4 which is a huge deal in the UK.
A HUGE deal!
©Phil Sharp
I was flown to London, fêted, and everything, and the recording can be heard on the podcast on the side panel.
When I go there, I did a radio magazine programme called Woman’s Hour. It’s a broadcast consisting of reports, interviews and debates on health, education, cultural and political topics aimed at women.
I was on the series called BBC Radio 4 – Woman’s Hour – Late Night Woman’s Hour, presented by Lauren Laverne. The series airs on a late night slot and each episode is on a single topic for discussion every month!
The topic for June 2017 was Travel and Adventure!
Gosh!
That was so awesome!
Here’s what I wrote:
- How I met the future king of England – Prince William, Kate & the Many-Faced God!
- How I went on the radio for the BBC & was featured in Germany’s biggest Sunday newspaper!
- Exciting news! I’m travelling to the English countryside. Isn’t that spiffing!
- How I went to Liverpool, and I wasn’t robbed!
- 51 reasons to visit Manchester. And more!
- Is it safe to travel to Britain & the UK right now ‘cos I’m scared to travel abroad?
- Have you ever been to Blackpool – Britain’s version of Las Vegas – OMG!
- 21 things to do on a Blackpool beach ‘cos winter is coming!
- How to visit Yorkshire. And York!
- 10 exciting things you didn’t know about York!
- 3 days in York – 33 things to do!
- Marvellous news. I’m doing a radio programme with the BBC. And other stuff!
HOLLAND
I love travelling with our son, and even though he’s 15 (gulp), it won’t be long until he’ll want to be travelling with his friends.
In Northern European countries that age tends to be between 16 and 17 years old, as young people are more independent, and their parents liberal, tolerant, and open-minded.
In that wise, I decided to go to Amsterdam and Zaandam, for the weekend, with our teenager in tow!
If you’re nervous about taking your children to Holland, don’t be, it’s a normal country just like any other, and many parents travel with their kids to Holland and to Amsterdam, with absolutely no issues at all. Here’s how to do it:
- How to visit Amsterdam in two days. With a teenager!
- How to visit Amsterdam: Introducing Zaandam – a Dutch traditional town with windmills!
- Dutch food & waffles: what to eat in Holland!
THE CZECH REPUBLIC:
Every two years, we go skiing.
I’m a great fan of the Czech Republic, after all, once upon a time, I lived in Prague…
So I usually like to ski there.
Even though I travel a lot, I’m a creature of habit as far as hotels and apartments are concerned. If I like the location, I usually go there again!
Last year, there was so much going on in January & February, that I forgot to write about it. Oops!
I did push out photos and videos on Facebook & Twitter. If you don’t want to miss out, follow me on Twitter here!
Here’s what I wrote previously…
- I went skiing in a little Czech village in the middle of no-where: Introducing Rokytnice nad Jizerou!
- The time that I fell off the ski lift in the Czech Republic!
- I didn’t kiss a girl but I ate fried cheese in the Czech Republic. And I liked it!
AUSTRIA:
Austria must be one of the loveliest countries in Europe.
When an opportunity to visit, came up, I didn’t hesitate.
That opportunity was to be the “0” birthday of my husband – The Music Producer!
I wanted somewhere “nice” and not too far away.
And I wanted somewhere connected to music.
Vienna was just the place!
Voila!
Here’s what I wrote:
@ WienTourismus / Peter Rigaud/Couture Vivienne Westwood
- How to visit Austria: Introducing Vienna – the most civilised city. Ever!
- Vienna – the world capital of music, music everywhere!
- ‘Just because I don’t drink coffee. ‘Doesn’t mean I can’t have coffee culture with hot chocolate, in Vienna!
CROATIA:
Croatia was marvellous!
It was the first time that I had ever been to the Balkan States, my 62nd country, and the first (1st) new country for 2017!
I’m a strong supporter of Europe, and I have a weakness for tiny countries in the middle of beyond!
However, when I pitched Croatia to my husband – The Music Producer – he wasn’t initially convinced.
He thought that Croatia would be too far into Eastern Europe, leading into the throngs of Albania, Romania, and Bulgaria.
He wasn’t excited at all!
He soon changed his mind.
Because Game of Thrones.
@Game of Thrones star – Thomas Wlaschiha
I found it terribly exciting to recognise the exact locations where the popular fantasy series is filmed.
And not only that, but I even got to meet one of the major minor characters, a few months later – Tom Wlaschiha – otherwise known as Jaqen H’ghar – the handsome hero of the Faceless Men of Braavos, a feared Order of mysterious assassins with the ability to change their appearance at will…!
I must be one of the world’s biggest nerds, as I was one of the very few people who actually recognised him…
We liked Croatia so much, that within two months, we decided to go to it’s “sister country” Slovenia, too!
Here’s what I wrote:
- How to visit the Balkans: Introducing Croatia – the dream of Game of Thrones!
- 10 reasons why Zagreb is a family destination – A great place for teenagers!
- Have you ever been to Split in Croatia – Bring out the dragons!
- 21 reasons why Dubrovnik is one of the top European cities to visit. If you haven’t been. Go now!
- Croatia – a basic guide to food!
SLOVENIA:
Slovenia was the third (3rd) new country for 2017, and an utter delight!
One of the reasons that I decided to go to their capital city is because I’m weird, and I like going to interesting exotic places!
Seriously though, the reason why I want to go to Slovenia is because I’ve heard such a lot of wonderful things from practically everyone! And remember, just two years ago, I hadn’t heard of any of the Baltic or Balkan States.
In fact, I couldn’t even pronounce them!
We had a lovely time, and this is what we did:
- Fantastic news! I’m travelling to Sweden & Slovenia by bus. Now isn’t that just awesome. Eek!
- How to visit Slovenia: Introducing Kamnik – A town stuffed with mountains and cheese!
- A 5 minute introduction to Slovenia!
- 51 things to do in Ljubljana. That’s right!
- Lake Bled – 10 reasons to visit!
- Slovenia – a basic guide to food!
SWEDEN:
Sweden was a completely new country, so we decided to visit Stockholm.
Not only that, but we were looking for an adventure.
And when I say we, obviously, I mean I, as The Tall Young Gentleman was exhausted!
You know me long enough to fear that I would never take the straight and easy path. It always has to be complicated, slightly weird and kooky to match!
So we travelled from Berlin – Stockholm – Berlin entirely by coach-bus!
Ha! Ha! Ha!
It was crazy, and I vowed never to do it again, and two weeks later, did exactly the same thing!
Read on to find out why:
- Fantastic news! I’m travelling to Sweden & Slovenia by bus. Now isn’t that just awesome. Eek!
- The top 10 best interesting things to do in Stockholm. Because the winner takes it all!
- Have you ever been to Sweden? Hej!
- When in Sweden, you’ve got to try Swedish food. Hand me my meatballs!
GERMANY:
This blog.
My blog.
Has been in existence for over four (4) years.
My first ever blog post was in late October 2013, and what a post!
I’m still getting comments and hate mail about it, and why is that so?
Claudia Schiffer – Paris 1989 – ©2017 Herb Ritts Foundation.
Well, check it out for yourself and tell me what you think.
In fact, why not make your own comment. And the title of said piece – Germany is Boring!
Oops!
If only people would actually read things…
Ah well!
An Affair with Chocolate – ©Sarah Robinson
The fact is, I’ve been living in Germany for over 15 years. Yes, 15 years!
Gulp!
Who would have thought that not only would I be living in this wonderful city – Berlin, but I would be married to a German bloke to boot!
If anyone had told me this years ago, I would have laughed in their face!
And even though I’m British, and I’ve been living here as an expat for years, it never gets old. In fact, I still feel as if I’ve only just got here!
So is it any wonder that I wrote the following posts about Germany:
How to be a German – 10 ways to do it!
- How to be a German – 10 ways to do it!
- Food in Germany: 5 of the Best Ever!
- Summer in Germany – Simply the Best!
- How I went on the radio for the BBC & was featured in Germany’s biggest Sunday newspaper!
- Marvellous news. I’m doing a radio programme with the BBC. And other stuff!
BERLIN CULTURE:
BERLIN:
Oh yeaaaah! Berlin baby! I’ve been living here as an expat for 15 years. I know Berlin that’s why I am The British Berliner! So without further delay, here are the lovely posts that I wrote in 2017 just for you:
- 28 Years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall: Berlin, I’ll never let you go!
- Best of Berlin: 4 years and counting!
- A first time beginners guide to the ITB Berlin: 10 tips to help you not to lose your mind!
- So is it worth going to ITB Berlin? Yes! It most certainly is!
- A Beginners’ Guide to the Berlinale, otherwise known as the Berlin International Film Festival 2017!
- And it’s a wrap! How to see the next big thing at the movies. Plus very new stuff!
OTHER STUFF!
2017 was a mixed bag of a year.
In some ways, it went terribly bad, and in other ways it was fabulous.
But that year is over, so let’s look forward to another exciting outcome.
The work of a lifestyle, expat, travel blogger is never done, so I’ll leave with you with some of my most inspiring motivational posts!
- How I can afford a life of travel: Don’t choose. Have it all!
- How I can afford to travel around the world: Live the life you want!
- How to use the train in Europe: 10 tips to help you
- How I went to 11 marvellous countries, & taught the Germans about the Queen in 2015: If I can do it, so can you!
- How I went to 10 unbelievable countries, went into a media frenzy over Brexit, and lived to tell the tale in 2016: If you want the sky, you’ve got to reach for it!
#ExploreMore2017
- How I can afford a life of travel. Don’t choose. Have it all! But you have to take action to get it, by exploring more in 2017!!
- How to start a blog in just a mere 10 minutes: A simple guide!
- Are you a new blogger: 10 things to do if you’re a new blogger and what I learnt!
- Smart Travel: When things go wrong, and you need travel insurance!
- How to be a professional blogger: I went to the ITB in Berlin, so am I a professional travel blogger?
- Are you a new blogger: 10 things to do if you’re a new blogger and what I learnt!
- How to be a savvy travel blogger: 10 tips to help you prepare, and find your way around!
- ITB Berlin: A first time beginners guide to the ITB Berlin: 10 tips to help you not to lose your mind!
- ITB Berlin 2017: So is it worth going to ITB Berlin? Yes! It most certainly is!
- Is it safe to travel to Europe right now: I’m scared to travel abroad!
- Is it safe to travel abroad: I’m scared to travel to Britain & the UK right now!
- How to get invited on your first press trip: My first press or FAM trip ever to Nord-Pas de Calais otherwise known as, Northern France!
- My second glorious press trip to England: Yes, I’m going to Bristol & Bath. Yippee!
- My third huge FAM / Press Trip to the Philippines: How to work with #TBEX, and how to do it right!
- When going to TBEX Europe was a disaster: How I went to TBEX EUROPE, got abandoned at Barcelona Airport & what I learnt!
- An introduction to TBEX: How I went to TBEX again, and what I learnt!
- TBEX Asia: How to work with #TBEX, and how to do it right!
If you would like to do what I do or travel the way I do, you can click on any of the items on the side bar!
For how to start your own blog, click here, how to protect your family and possessions when you travel, click here, how to book hotels, hostels and apartments with reservations free of charge, click here.
If you need inspiration as to where to travel, click here. If you want to see my TV / media appearances, newspaper articles, and awards, click here.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to send me an Email in either English or German, right here.
For more in-depth information, or for detailed help on a journey or region in Europe, the UK, or Germany in either English or German, please click here.
In short, I had a blast in 2017, and there’s many more exciting things about to start for me in 2018!
I love the life of the roving journalist and blogger about town.
I have a family and I have a life. Most importantly, I’ve already found my home-base – Berlin – and I’m extremely happy with where I am and who I am.
52 fantastic posts!
Thank you so much for your support everyone. 2017 was a great year. Here’s to the next.
Bottoms up!
I have so much to say, so next week I will be sharing some of my travel destinations for 2018 with you.
It”s a New Year. Hip! Hip! Hurrah!
HOW I WENT TO 8 WONDERFUL COUNTRIES, GOT HEAPS OF EXPAT AWARDS, WAS ON RADIO WITH THE BBC, & MET PRINCE WILLIAM IN 2017!
This article is not sponsored, and the thrilling countries that I visited in 2017, were all my very own!
In January I’ll be making an announcement that will probably surprise you. Find out throughout January!
I went on a press trip to Hamburg. Watch out for the details!
I’ll be continuing my last visit to the UK later in the month!
In a few weeks, I’ll be visiting Belgium!
I’ll be at the British Shorts Film Festival taking place between 11th – 17th January. If you’re an aspiring film-maker submission is free of charge, so hurry!
I’ll be at the most famous burlesque-fantastic Berlin operetta – Frau Luna – Operette in zwei Akten, taking place at TIPI AM KANZLERAMT, between 11th January – 11th March. Everyone’s most excited!
I’ll be at Berlin Fashion Week taking place between 16th – 18th January.
I’ll be at the 33rd British Council Literature Seminar – #BritLitBerlin taking place between 25th – 27th January, 2018. If you want to attend or join in, registration is now open!
Save the Date!
I’ll be there. Will you?
If you’re not in Berlin in January, then where the hell are you?
January is going to be splendid!
See you next week!
Watch this space!
Note! I never travel without insurance as you never know what might happen.
I learnt my lesson in Spain. And obviously, in countries like Qatar, where technically the risk is higher, I can’t imagine going that far beyond WITHOUT INSURANCE. No siree! You can get yours here, at World Nomads!
Please note that there are now affiliate links (for the very first time) connected to this post. Please consider using the links, because every time some sort of accommodation or travel insurance is booked via my links, I get a little percentage, but at no extra cost to yourself!
A win-win for all!
Thanks a million!
