Lost in Southampton

I'm enjoying doing more blogs with a focus on the pictures, so I thought this one could mostly focus on the pictures that I took while in Southampton on Monday.

The funny part is while there, in true Planet Jodie-style I got lost! In my defense, it was only my third occasion going (once was while driving through when moving to the island, and the second was only seeing the train station as I had to go to London for an interview). Before I get told again, I used Google maps the entire way and still got lost. For anyone who hasn't come from the Isle of Wight to Southampton on the ferry, there is a connecting bus that you may get for free. It was completely full so I  tried walking. I had plenty of time to get where I needed to (a full hour to be exact) and Google said I was just over half an hour away. I didn't know the bus numbers that I had to pay, and it was a lovely day, so I thought it was perfect. Plugged my headphones in full blast, walked down the high street and wasn't getting lost for ages (great for me). Then as I got closer, I followed the correct road and then it told me that the destination was right or something but had reached a dead end. It got sorted eventually, but I was late. I hate being late and best of all, I felt gross and sweaty. I drank 2.5 litres of water that day!

However coming back, I decided to enjoy the scenery and get a look into Southampton. I didn't go too far though. My feet were sore! I'm still kind of recovering. Checking my phone, I did almost 16,000 steps before getting the ferry home. Good day for walking.

While visiting, I noticed four zebra statues around the city. Just five minutes from the ferry home, I took a look closer and read that it was for Zany Zebras. It sounds similar to when Aberdeen did the dolphins, and from looking at Facebook, it seems similar to Dundee's new Oor Wullie's Bucket Trail too.

Marwell Zoo is a world renowned charity, who are knowing for their leading work in conservation in the UK and Africa. They previously organised Go! Rhinos in 2013, and due to it's success they chose to do a similar project in the name of Zany Zebras. It is described on the zoo website as a "HUGE family, public art event", which supports their work with endangered Grevy's zebras in the process. If you want to know more about Zany Zebras, feel free to look here.

Aren't they beautiful? These are only two of the 150 zebras dotted around the city. It looks like I'm going to Southampton again next week, so hope to take more pictures and do even more exploring.

The only pictures I had were walking through one of a few parks I saw in the city. Looking around the city, I thought of how to best describe it, and thought it was best to describe it as "London meets Leeds." Not sure if it's an  accurate representation but it had similarities to both cities in my opinion. Most of all, I couldn't get over how clean the pavements were. Yes, a dull observation but couldn't get over it. It was a gorgeous city that I don't think enough people think of visiting.

I have to say my photography skills still need a little work, but I still liked the way it looked despite being out of focus...

I wish I took note of which park I visited or what the statues meant, but there is plenty of time to visit Southampton again and see more. Most of all, I want to go shopping there. It has a mile of shops (maybe longer). I also enjoyed visiting Urban Outfitters briefly. It is one of my favourite shops, and have previously only been to the ones in Edinburgh and Glasgow. I couldn't find the Primark but suspect it wasn't far.

Reading more about the city, I've learnt that it is so long as to start from Town Quay (where the ferry is) to Bargate, later expanding. As the city grew, the area got bigger to reach to the north of the Bargate, into Above Bar Street. The west of the High Street has an area now known as West Quay. It is best known for the West Quay shopping centre. When it was built in 2000, it was the largest city-centre shopping centre in Europe with around 100 shops. The thing I found most interesting was that it was owned by Hammerson, which I knew I'd heard of before. Turns out they also own Aberdeen's Union Square and Victoria Gate in Leeds. Love a bit of trivia!

Got to go now, but I can't wait to learn more about Southampton next week! I will share more pictures if anything interesting comes up.

Sun, Fundraising and Good News

Ok, so I tried the daily posts, but thought that might mean not every post is as interesting as the next. Therefore I will be posting at least once a week, but aim for 3-4 posts in a week. I'm glad that I've stuck to blog-writing. From a young age I've loved writing, and english was always my favourite subject at school. I'm delighted to see that I've nearly had 500 views to the blog, and hope it will continue to grow. If you like the posts, feel free to share, follow and give tips on continued success. Enough of the blog housekeeping, and onto describing what was a lovely weekend!

So the good news!

I'd like to share that on a personal note, things haven't been ideal as I'm still not in permanent employment. However I've been lucky to not have one friend, not two, not three but four friends get engaged this year! Two in February, one in June and one this month. I'm also Maid of Honour to one and Saturday saw me become bridesmaid to a second. Over the moon doesn't seem to fit it. I'm so excited! I think I'm probably rivaling on the same excitement levels they might be feeling (probably not, but I'm ecstatic all the same). What could be more great than realising you've found someone you trust and love enough to promise to spend your lives together? It's very powerful. Most girls dream of their wedding day; not me. I always dreamt of being a bridesmaid. Not sure why. Maybe I never wanted the attention on me, but now I think it shows the ultimate honour as a friend. It shows that someone wants you to be part of one of the happiest days of their lives. Here are the announcement pictures:

Barton Manor

Yesterday I went to a fundraising event by Earl Mountbatten Hospice. As a fundraiser, I've been to many amazing charity events.I went thinking this will be a big family event for children on the most part, but left thinking it was great and that there was something for everyone involved. Here are my pictures from the day, and a little bit more about what was there.

These are some of the pictures I took of the beautiful scenery at the open garden event. We had a little walk around the grounds, but looking at the programme of things, they had English Heritage's historical tours of the grounds. It might have been nice to know a little more about the historic grounds, but I'm happy with the experience I had all the same! 

This was 19th year that Earl Mountbatten Hospice were able to fundraise with this incredible open garden event, which boasted a range of activities for kids including: children's arts, crafts and entertainment by Starlight Boutique and Creation Station IOW. There was much more for kids as well, but I also bouncy castle and balloon animals been made. Unfortunately my parents said that a woman, who has had Pimm's can't also ask for a balloon animal! Maybe I will have children on the false pretense that the animal is for them...

My parents argued that I was only there for the Pimms Summer garden bar. This was the first time that the garden bar had featured at the event, and think it was a big bonus as it added something nice for adults too. The two men who served added extra comedy to proceedings from joking that they'd sell the jug to us for £12 and the stirrer for £1. Only yesterday, but I've already forgotten their funnier jokes which had one parent in stitches! The Pimm's was lovely and the first time I'd tried it! (that I remember at least).

The event also included the Big Sing, which we weren't too interested in seeing as a family. I might have liked to see what the music was like, but not sure if it would have been my taste. It was led by acclaimed music director and choirmaster, Hannah Brear. Brear is known for her work with the BBC and with West End directors and individuals including Fatboy Slim and Russell Watson.

Earl Mountbatten can be admired for collaborating with other Island organisations, Haven  Falconry and the Donkey Sanctuary. The Donkeys were there and were loved by many children who queued to brush the donkeys. A big kid at heart, I loved to see this well-loved creatures and see how looked after they were by the Sanctuary. As I want to go to the sanctuary as I continue to learn about the island, I was delighted to see them.

Any of my friends and family will tell you that birds creep me out. I can't explain why. Maybe it's the fact that Aberdeen seagull attacked me for my sandwich, or the fact that I've seen the Hitchcock film, Birds. Either way I don't like them. I could think of nothing worse than holding them, but looking at and admiring the beautiful birds is great. I think it's something else that many children loved, but adults too! Here are pictures of the two owls and two birds they had.

The event had beautiful stalls inside the premises and outside. From pop-up shops, activities to get involved in and stock I suspect from the hospice shops. They also had the fun activity of encouraging visitors to add to a watercolour painting. You were then to sign it and make a bid in the silent auction. I got to do it, so the winner gets my beautiful signature from the person who nearly painted the house with blue instead of the sky. I've never been that good at Art! Annoying since I've always loved going to craft stalls, going to art galleries or doing arty things. It just doesn't amount to much when I get involved...

We ended the day with some lovely food from their BBQ and returned to the dogs who I missed. I'm not used to being at outdoor events and not being able to take them. I missed them!

The Hospice Major Event Fundraiser said prior to the event, "Barton Manor really has become a firm family favourite and has grown every year. This year looks set to be bigger and better than ever, so we are hoping that support from the Island community will be just as fantastic as usual." I can promise you it was! It was so great that I would encourage anyone on the island to visit the open garden as it is truly beautiful and all for a good cause. I know I want to go back next year. I've not heard if they have made the £10,000 they expected from the event, but will update the post with the total when I know.

Hopefully I can update you with more good news as I have two job interviews this week, and a few blog posts on films I've been watching to pop up.

Isle of Wight life

Recently I moved to the Isle of Wight and feel like I'm still adjusting to it. It's very different to any of the Northern part of the UK. It's funny how much. I thought I'd dedicate this post to showing you a bit of the sights I've seen on the island, and describe some of the key changes and adjustments to living here. Hope you enjoy!

1. It is so hot!

Some of the pictures don't do it justice, but it's mostly bright blue skies with no clouds in sight. Even when it rains, it's like rainforest showers. I moved in April, and my parents moved in January; they said even in the winter it was warm. My mum got sunburn then, and has even had sunburn with clothes. This week will experience temperatures like 34 degrees. Nothing I wear at the moment is sun friendly. I'm prepared for warm, but this is like being in France or Spain. As my mum kindly reminded me, we are closer to France than Scotland now. I'm not moaning really. I want to enjoy it, but I think my holidays will be cooler climates. Maybe Norway? Iceland? North Pole? At least my ghost white complexion might change!

Picture: 1) The sun outside my garden 2) I got my hair done today, so thought I'd model in the fine weather! 3) Nearby park in the fine weather 4) My phone's hourly temperatures yesterday, although I think it's highest was 34.

2. Big on using Wight or island in every item

From businesses to products made here, the majority of things include island, isle or wight in the name. Island roads, Wight bay, Wight drones...these are just a few that come to mind. They can also refer to the mainland as the big island.

Picture: Gin that I spotted in Osborne House.

3. Different parts of the island are big on farming

When I first moved to the island, my parents were living in a part called Gurnard, which felt very remote. It is a town outside of Cowes. There wasn't much pavements where we lived, and I often went on walks with my mum and the dogs; this is where I'd take lots of pictures from the nearby farms and fields. I have lots of pictures of cows, el pacas, and anything I could come across.

Pictures: 1) Cow I named Priscilla 2) Alpacas that cared for chickens nearby 3) Raven the cow, who appears to be up the duff! 4) Tractor

4. The pub grub

Here is a picture from a nearby pub when I was living in Gurnard. I had macoroni which is one of my favourites, but it had fish in it too. It was quite nice, but my favourite macoroni to date is in Dundee! Ham is popular here instead of gammon which I love to have when I go to pubs.

Picture: Mac and cheese with garlic bread and roast dinner I believe?!

5. Shanklin

This is hugely popular for tourists who visit the island. I've only been once with the folks and had lovely ice cream. Here are a few pictures I took whilst there!

Pictures: 1) Shanklin 2) Shanklin 3) Ice creams!

6. Newport

This is the main town of the island where most of the retailers and businesses can exist. For a small island, it has most of what you'd need - Card Factory, Cineworld, Topshop/Topman, Monsoon/Accessorise, Pandora, Poundland, H&M, New Look, TK Maxx, Next, Peacocks, Boots, Superdrug...They even had a BHS, but that seems to be closing. Islanders are hoping it turns into primark; I hope it does because I think it could do with Primark or a good department store. Newport is also where the Isle of Wight festival takes place.Most activities including crafty things and exercise is good here. As I discover more of the island, I hope you find out more about this bigger part of the island.

Pictures: Only picture I've taken in Newport, and it is of the swans outside Quay Arts.

7. Yarmouth

We visited Yarmouth, but we weren't sure we visited the right places because there wasn't a lot there. I've since seen that there is Yarmouth castle that people might wish to see there.

8. Ventnor/Godshill

This is another popular place with tourists, and is beautiful. I would definitely recommend visiting this lovely part of the island. Here are more pictures that caught my eye. It has a miniature village which I didn't visit in Godshill but had lovely specialist shops including those that sold handcrafted ciders, fudges and chocolate. I got my Dad some lovely cider fudge for his birthday.

Pictures: 1) Cider barn in Godshill 2) Dinosaur outside miniature village, Godshill.

9. The Needles

Again, I've only visited once. It is busy during the summertime/ peak season. I think that is why we will probably choose to avoid it now. I got my lovely sand elephant from it. This is where Queen Victoria collected the different colours of sands. Such good fun to do! Some people got more conventional containers like little pots, heart-shaped pots, but what's the fun in that? There are also bear, cats, rabbits and other animals...I can't remember them all. There are like fairground bits for kids to do. I also missed the time but you can watch like glassblowing being done. There are huge amount of souveirs there to buy because this is popular with tourists too.

Picture: Sand elephant I got from the different colours of sand.

10. Osborne House
This is one of the first places I visited when moving. It is the palatial holiday home on the IOW for Queen Victoria and Albert. It includes a tour of their private apartment, bathing beach, children's play cottage and amazing views. There are often events on, so it's worth going for that too. Food is so overpriced though! (If you're peckish after looking round, I'd suggest going to the Lifeboat which is also in East Cowes. Lovely there). My grandparents wanted to see it, so my mum and I occupied them, while my Dad was working. It is well worth a visit!

11.  Windmill

Little to be said here, as this is only really interesting to me. I love windmills, so I forced my dad to drive and look at the only windmill I'd seen on the island! This is in Bembridge. It is owned by the National Trust, so it will cost you to visit. I didn't get to go inside.

Pictures: Both the best pictures I could get!

12. Ryde

Again I've only visited this place once, but it is lovely. It has a pier and a few shops like Newport in some ways. It has the Liz Earle shop (which originates on the island), New Look and a few independent shops worth giving a look. We went on a Sunday, so a lot were shut. I would recommend a mooch round though!

Pictures: 1) Liz Earle shop in Ryde 2) Ryde and view of the pier.

There are still so many things to see and do, that I haven't and hope to explore here. I'd love to see more animals and wildlife for instance including the Butterfly World, Donkey Sanctuary, Isle of Wight Zoo, Owl & Monkey Haven and perhaps more. There are also arts and crafts I want to try (I love creative stuff but I'm not very good) such as pottery barns and Quay Arts which seem to be popular. I've also mentioned going to the Garlic farm, vineyards and there are  festival or two I wish to see. Cowes week is popular, so I hope to go during that next month.

I will keep you posted if and when I visit anywhere else. Or there might be a more updated post to this in a few months time when again I'm more settled.