Testing testing… is this thing on??

That’s honestly how it felt opening up my laptop again. Apologies, it’s been a minute. Not from lack of wanting to write, but because life slipped into a slower lull. A soft, in between chapter where the days felt less like grand adventures and more like gentle transitions. For a while, I didn’t really know how to write about that. But here I am, catching you up anyway.

I’ve also gotten note that my pictures have been a tad too small so hopefully these are easier to see:)

Once we had finished our exploration through the Scottish highlands and the aisle of Skye, I had started my next pet sit in Glasgow. From what I’ve learned, Glasgow is the local’s Edinburgh but I’m not sure I was on the best side of the city and I think I need another chance to do it right at some point.

After my pet sit in Glasgow wrapped up(which was great by the way but I don’t enjoy giving a cat insulin shots twice a day, I felt so guilty even though it was necessary haha), I headed to Dundee to spend a few days with some family friends. Their daughter lives there now and quickly became my unofficial, incredibly cool tour guide. What a cool city that I most definitely will return to, not to mention her very cute puppy that I just could not get over.

Dundee is a hub of creativity and eco friendliness. It’s a stomping ground for research and development, full of people who only want to better the world and environment. It was grounding and honestly really comforting to spend time with familiar faces from home. It felt like pressing a reset button I didn’t realize I needed.

We even went to this outdoor sauna tucked into the woods, which felt like stepping into a tiny forest spa that only exists if you know the right path to wander down. Imagine sitting in a warm cedar room while cold Scottish air curls through the trees outside. Steam drifting everywhere and a cold plunge to offer relief when needed(which I learned I thoroughly enjoy). It was the most serene I’d felt in a couple weeks. Ten out of ten, would happily recommend a woodland sweat!

From Dundee, I hopped to rural France to spend some quiet days with my boyfriend during one of his pet sits. It wasn’t a trip full of big ticket sights or dramatic stories, just quiet countryside, shared meals, slow mornings, and the simple comfort of being in the same place for a long moment. The meal we made for our quaint Thanksgiving is one that I will remember forever. It was peaceful in a way that doesn’t always translate into flashy blog moments, but still feels important to the bigger picture. Maybe even more important. I think we’ve learned that it’s more enjoyable to experience the luxury of being able to travel like we are, together. 

Since I’ve been ping-ponging around the UK and Europe for a while now, I’ve been mentally collecting a little list titled: Things No One Warns You About When You Travel Long Term in the UK & Europe. Some early highlights:

The plugs: Every country has a different plug shape. Why? For what purpose? How many adapters must one girl own before she becomes one herself?

Outlets with on/off switches?? In the US, an outlet just… exists. It’s always on. It’s immortal. Here, you must honor the sacred red switch. Honestly, saves more energy and completely valid!

Showers: Each one is a grab bag. Is it going to be high enough to stand under or must I squat and get a full workout in while bathing myself? Is there a door or curtain that goes around the whole thing or am I about to flood the entire bathroom? Also, no ventilation in the bathrooms (!!!!!!!) so the mirrors will stay fogged up for an hour. 

Portions: Amazing quality, smaller quantity. If you’re used to American restaurant portions, prepare to be humbled. Not necessarily a complaint though. One of my favorite aspects of being out here is eating clean, seasonally, and feeling so so good because of it.

Laundry: For countries that are so wet (and chilly) I find it baffling that dryers are not a thing. If you want to wear something you’ve just washed, you have to wait a full day of it being on the rack or line…or just bear it damp.

All of which brings me to now.

Full circle, I’m back in the UK again and settling into my new pet sit just outside London for the next month. Two fluffy pups, a cozy neighborhood, and that easy feeling of routine after weeks of floating between places. It feels like a soft landing and the kind that lets you finally exhale.

A few days after arriving, I decided to be brave (or chaotic, depending on the angle and my current bank account status haha) and take myself on a day trip to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour. And… oh em gee I loved every second! I was basically vibrating. My inner child and Harry Potter fan was snapping pictures of every little thing I possibly could. Actual sets, butterbeer(so yummy), wands, costumes, all of it! I’m convinced I could happily work or even live there. The crowds were certainly something and every person there is the biggest Harry Potter fan ever but I was immersed in my own little world and so completely happy that I got to check that off my bucket list(and wear the Slytherin sweater my mom thrifted for me forever ago-love you lots ❤️).

And the best part?

Realizing I can totally handle navigating the train and tube system on my own. I was actually quite nervous for this and I think past me would’ve spiraled at the idea of switching lines in a massive city. Current me? Tapped her Oyster card like she’s been commuting for years!Small win, big confidence boost.

So that’s where I’ve been! Life lately feels like a patchwork of mellow moments and little victories, and honestly? I’m grateful for every piece. In all honesty, I’ve felt shameful about not having a story to give in quite a while. But, at the same time, this is my story and it will come together just as it should. So have some patience and there is more to come, truly I promise. 

The universe loves us❤️