As I mentioned on Monday, I am doing a small series on stories about travels I’ve made inspired by my friend Chloe (Read her blog here). Monday I chatted about my trip to London for the Olympics.
A little more background on this particular trip. My friend Mike, who had studied abroad in Montana lived in London. We have been friends for quite some time. When I realized I could get tickets to the London Olympics, Mike was my first call. He said, hop across the pond and let’s do this, but Mike obviously couldn’t take two whole weeks off his job to entertain me.
Another back story: Going on a trip by myself had always sounded amazing to me. There is something almost romantic about traveling by yourself. Your days were filled with exactly what you choose. You could wander, explore and discover to your heart’s content. While being a lady, traveling in foreign counties can be dangerous, I figured 4 days in Cornwall (west coast of UK) couldn’t be too bad. So my mini adventure began.
I said goodbye to Mike at the train station, and headed west to the ocean.
You can see it was quite a long ride. I finally got off the bus and landed in a little town called Padstow. It is located in the region of England called Cornwall. It is located in the far western peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water, the landscape is stunning and the climate is mild. They are also known for clotted cream!!! (if you don’t know what this is…you haven’t lived)
Padstow (upon Mike’s recommendation) was so quaint and charming. It had tiny little streets, and everyone knew each other’s names.
It took some digging to find the little Bed and Breakfast I stayed in. HERE IS IT. So weird to look at these photos after a couple years. It was just how I remember it in my mind.
It was raining the day I arrived, so after I checked in, I of course had to make a pot of tea.
I strolled around town and quickly found the path to the ocean.
I still have those little shells on my dresser in my bedroom.
I headed home as it was getting dark, but tomorrow was a new day to explore…
I woke up and went upstairs to breakfast. I asked my lovely hosts what I should do for the day. I still remember this so clearly, she said “There is a nice little walk along the beach about a mile or so long.” DING SOLD.
So she told me, “There is a hidden path, it will take you along the route to the ocean. I was thinking okay this is awesome. A little stroll along the beach in the morning, and then home for a nap, then I could surf in the afternoon. Plans were made.
I found the path and began.
I was about a mile in, still no sign of the ocean… I was beginning to think I was lost.
That seemed promising so I kept going…. Finally!
My jaw dropped.
This place is beautiful. It is the kind of place and moment where you believe in something bigger than yourself. There aren’t words to explain how full my heart was at that moment. I was standing there at the edge of the world all by myself, and I couldn’t have felt happier.
I was on cloud 9 (again) and then…I realized up ahead…there was a heard of cows that I was going to have to walk through…ummm (yes, this is real)
Here is a lovely video I found that I took, incase I died (yes, that is real too)
Then I realized, I should face my fear. They weren’t that bad after all.
I said my goodbyes and continued on my journey.
I couldn’t believe the beauty of this place. I finally could see the end of my path.
I walked down the hill…and realized, I had just walked 12 miles… needless to say I was taking a cab home. I felt so fulfilled and content with my day and with my decision to go alone.
Once back in Padstow, I almost went to find the host and inform her that her 1 mile walk, is a 12 mile hike, but I had a feeling she knew that already…
The next days were spent strolling the cobblestone streets and surfing in Padstow. Then it was time to say goodbye to this place. It will forever remain in my heart. It is such a humble town, but holds so much unbelievable strength for me. It made me realize, if I want to do something enough, I can make it happen. It instilled a small confidence in my own ability to be independent, to not only survive, but thrive.
I think of my days in Padstow often. In tough times, I remember how high I can feel. How much happiness my heart is capable of and hold on to those memories.
If you get the chance travel and travel often. It opens your eyes, mind and most of all heart to how beautiful this world really is.
Love, Rachel xo
What a great story. I really got a feel for your adventures from the photos and videos.
I've been afraid to travel on my own, but I would really love to go to Seoul someday. I feel like I don't need anyone to go with me, but then I think of all the horrible or embarrassing things that could happen! Maybe I should try a smaller journey on my own first.
Asia might be a bit overwhelming by yourself! Something about 4-5 days is a good first step.
Thanks for sharing your travel adventure, I loved this post! What an adventure to wander hike and that you stuck it out (11 extra miles!) as it truly paid off and is such a memory that stays with you. Still, so glad you were able to take a taxi back as the hike sounded best one way…
Thanks! xo
oh what fabulous pictures! i would have taken a cab as well! 😉 love the pics of the cows! I would have been so scared of cows, I have no idea why though
Thank you! They were scary! They had horns!
please take me here on a romantic get away just the two of us!
😉
But there is no ramen…..
Wow! Gorgeous. I too have always thought that traveling abroad while alone seemed like such a romantic idea. I've always imagined myself penning my novel while traveling on train through the Italian countryside… ahhh…
Gorgeous! Some of the seascapes remind me of Oregon. 🙂
So beautiful. Adding this town to my bucket list!
I am obsessed with this post. Incredible photos. I loved the videos especially hearing your commentary about the cows! And I totally agree on how wonderful and amazing traveling can be!
amazing
http://thepocketstyle.blogspot.com/
Loved reading every word of this travel tale. <3 Not only the little town in England you went to is absolutely beautiful but also your decision to go alone and experience this yourself is special. I totally agree that seeing other parts of the word and traveling is super eye opening, humbling and changes us forever. Exactly why we try to do the same as much as we can as a family. XOXO, Elif