Boxed Compass
Culture, TQT Object

The Heart is Like a Compass

February 24, 2022 by Zoe Dawes 1 Comment
“Life is a journey” is seen as a cliché these days yet, as with many clichés it has a resonance to which we can all relate.  The compass is a tangible symbol for the adventure that is life and the different paths and directions we take along the way.  As someone who...
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USA Billboard - travel poem 'Consolation' by Billy Collins
Literature, North America

Quirky Travel Poem: ‘Consolation’ by Billy Collins

September 20, 2020 by Zoe Dawes 4 Comments
In this time of lockdown, quarantine, restricted travel and isolatoin from people and places, many of us are exploring what’s on our doorstep. We’re also resorting to armchair travel to escape to our dream destinations. I’m rereading some of my favourite travel writers and searching out travel poetry that takes...
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Labyrinth at Holker Hall Morecambe Bay Cumbria - photo Zoe Dawes
Cumbria, Mind Body Spirit

7 soulful places to visit around Morecambe Bay #followpye #lancashire #cumbria

July 20, 2020 by Zoe Dawes No Comments
Morecambe Bay on the west coast of Lancashire is a treasure trove of unsung sights that delight all the senses. I’ve lived here over 20 years and am still discovering new places to visit. It’s less-known than its neighbours the Lake District World Heritage Site and Yorkshire, so you’re able...
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Canada Mind Body Spirit Experiences
Mind Body Spirit, North America

Canada: Mind, Body, Spirit experiences that FEEL GREAT #forglowinghearts

February 12, 2020 by Zoe Dawes 5 Comments
The spotlight’s shining on Canada more these days and it’s easy to see why. It’s got everything going for it; vibrant cities, lively cultural scene, superb food and drink, stunning landscape, impressive wildlife, fascinating history, friendly people and relaxed lifestyle. In other words, Canada’s a country that satisfies your Mind,...
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Molle Harbour Kullaberg in Skane on the west coast of Sweden. Photo Zoe Dawes
Uncategorized

Exploring the simple attractions of Molle on the west coast of Sweden

January 18, 2020 by Zoe Dawes No Comments
Sweden is an intriguing blend of stunning scenery, lively cities, modern design and cool style. I visited the Skane region of this attractive country a few years ago. Its beauty and crisp coastal drama left a lasting image in my travel memory bank. One day was spent a day around...
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Wolftown Gin - unique Lake District Gifts
Cumbria, Personal, Shopping

5 unique Christmas Gifts from the Lake District in Cumbria

December 12, 2019 by Zoe Dawes 7 Comments
Lake District Gifts for Christmas When looking for an extra-special present, whether it’s for Christmas or any other occasion, it’s sometimes difficult to choose. I’m fortunate to live near the Lake District, which is home to a huge number of creative businesses, producers of top quality food and drink, plus...
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Three horses on winter's day - Klaus Heupel
Uncategorized

Quirky Travel Poem: ‘Horses’ by Pablo Neruda

November 30, 2019 by Zoe Dawes 5 Comments
Winter is coming … The mornings have been thick with frost, the car takes a while to warm up, fields are covered in hoar frost and my woolly scarf is unravelled from the drawer of winter things. It’s getting colder as the inevitability that winter is coming becomes a reality....
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David Hockney and Alan Bennett at Salts Mill Saltaire in Yorkshire
Culture, UK

Discover David Hockney at Salts Mill, Saltaire, Yorkshire

February 20, 2017 by Zoe Dawes 7 Comments
David Hockney looking at a picture of fellow Yorkshireman Alan Bennett – photo Salts Mill You may have heard of, or even been to see, the new David Hockney exhibition at Tate Britain in London. One of this country’s most loved and respected artists, Hockney was born in Bradford in 1937,...
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RV Nk'Mip campground Osoyoos
Adventure, Blog trip, North America

Top Tips for your RV (motorhome) road trip in Canada

October 19, 2016 by Zoe Dawes 20 Comments
It looked a lot bigger than I had imagined. It also looked a lot prettier, covered in views of Canada’s splendid scenery. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Once you get on the road, you’ll soon forget its size and be enjoying yourself behind the wheel.” I was at the Cruise Canada pick-up centre...
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Reading time: 11 min
Culture, Festival, History, UK

It only happens every Preston Guild …

September 18, 2012 by Guest Author 5 Comments
Barry McCann explains the history of a northern tradition that dates back centuries and illustrates it with some of photos from this year’s celebrations. Mayor of Preston in Guild Hall Procession There is a saying in Lancashire that goes “Once every Preston Guild” which is probably unfamiliar to anyone outside the county....
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The Laxey Wheel Isle of Man = photo Zoe Dawes
Blog trip, Culture, Holiday, Top Tips

7 quirky things to do on the Isle of Man

April 22, 2013 by Zoe Dawes 31 Comments
With his hands clutching his long, flowing coat tightly around him, Sir William Hillary (1771-1841) stands high above Douglas Harbour, ready to face everything the weather can throw at him.  As founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution he was well aware of the changeable  meteorological temperament of his home,...
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Reading time: 6 min
Scotland, World Travel Blogger

Top 10 Tips for North Coast 500 Road Trip in Scotland

April 13, 2018 by Guest Author 9 Comments
In this article in the World Travel Blogger series, photographer Angus Matheson describes The North Coast 500, a memorable road trip he did with his wife in the Highlands of Scotland. North Coast 500 – the greatest motoring adventure in the British Isles North Coast 500 In 2015 the North Coast...
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Europe, Top Tips, World Travel Blogger

Quirky things to do in Lisbon, the must-see capital of Portugal

January 22, 2018 by Zoe Dawes 8 Comments
In our latest ‘World Travel Blogger‘ article, Canadian writer Cindy Baker shares her favourite things to do the beautiful city of Lisbon, capital of Portugal. The clatter of old trams, the smell of sardines on the grill, the haunting melancholy of fado music. In Lisbon, these traditions combine with a...
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Reading time: 3 min
Asia, Blog trip, World Heritage Site

World Heritage ‘Toy Train’: enjoy a unique Indian rail journey to Shimla

March 27, 2018 by Zoe Dawes 5 Comments
The Toy Train to Shimla As we clattered along the narrow track, the mountains gradually emerged like shy ballerinas peeking out from behind a curtain of lush green foliage. Glimpsed intermittently at first, the foothills of the mightiest mountain range on earth rose amidst tiny hamlets and towering pine trees....
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Reading time: 7 min
Top Tips, Writing

Top 10 Tips for Travel Writing Success

February 25, 2018 by Zoe Dawes 13 Comments
“No offence, but I want to be THERE, not here.” This was the response from Amber, a participant in one of my recent ‘Introduction to Travel Writing’ Workshops. The group had been given a table covered in travel magazines and I was asking them what had made them choose the one...
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Hi, I’m Zoë; welcome to my quirky world…

QUIRKY TRAVEL is about seeing the world from a different angle, looking at things from all sides, finding the unusual, the interesting, the fascinating. It’s about quality combined with classiness, it’s about being curious about everything and wanting to know more…

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