Well, I have to say, October now feels like one big long blur of Rugby World Cup fever. With England (and Cardiff) hosting the tournament and my team the New Zealand All Blacks, favourites to win it, I was always going to be watching a LOT of rugby games. I even had two weekends away, one to Newcastle and one to Cardiff, for this exact purpose! It was a thrilling tournament and ultimately the All Blacks won through – I was so excited, relieved and proud of the team. Legends!
But it wasn’t alllll rugby – as I said, I travelled to two exceptionally fun, party cities. I also ate some delicious food in London, and to combat that, spent a lot of time walking or running around the central parks, admiring the stunning autumn colours. I’ll never be a total convert to the cooler seasons, but even I have to admit that autumn is VERY pretty – and it is a lot easier to see the beautiful sunrises at this time of year.
So what does November hold for me, aside from some more #leafwatch? Well, I’m off to Marmaris in Turkey this weekend for four days of sun. It’s my long-awaited trip awarded as a prize by Go to Turkey UK in their UK bloggers competition for my writing on Turkey – very exciting! I can’t wait to see the beautiful coastline of this area, and have some quality relaxation time with my Kindle. Then it’s my birthday in the middle of the month – party time! Finally, for the last weekend of November I’m off to the Champagne region to celebrate the 30th birthdays of two friends. They’ve hired a chateau and will be packing it out with about 30 friends… I’m anticipating a lot of champagne drinking and a lot more celebrating. Can’t wait!
Starting off with my favourite in the evening sun
With Cleo and Margaux ready to cheer on the All Blacks
Delicious brunch at the Fire Station in Waterloo
A rainy evening in Carnaby Street
Seriously London?! Beautiful
Heading up to Newcastle on a rugby-mad train
Pretty street in Newcastle
Haggis and duck egg – strong brunch game, Newcastle!
Sunrise over St James Park in London
Cheering on the All Blacks in Cardiff with my cousin Verity
A half-hidden church in the City of London and some colour splashes
Another gorgeous sunrise in London
Anita and I gearing up for the semi-final at Twickenham
The All Blacks performing the haka before playing (and beating!) South Africa
My favourite ombre tree by the Serpentine in Hyde Park
A very happy brunch table at J+A Cafe
This month’s most popular Instagram:
Ready to both support our team and scare the beejebus out of people as Zombie All Blacks for Halloween
So how was your October? What exciting adventures do you have coming up for November? And who is (like me) alllllmost ready to get into the Christmas spirit?!