As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Italy · December 19, 2017

2018 Winter Adventures: Tuscany

Tuscany is an Italian city centrally located with Florence as its capital, stretching from Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a diverse city ranging from countryside to artistic places like Pisa, Siena and Florence. Tuscany is thought to be the very definition of what Italy is all about in its diversity. Though I am not much of lover for Winter Travel, I am excited for my upcoming 2018 holiday destinations.

A group of us girls are currently planning our getaway to Tuscany for February of 2018. Part of the planning process is searching for Villas which will cater to our needs. There are lots of places to consider but for now, the Cappella Villa located in Florence Province looks promising. After all we are not exactly going for the sun and therefore might need a pool, so this villa is perfect.

 

Tuscany Villa - Cappella

2018 Winter Adventures: Tuscany

Those who know me know I am too much of a spontaneous person especially where travel is concerned. I am someone who doesn’t like to waste days doing nothing when I am on vacation. Yes it is nice to just sit and relax but to be honest, I rather spend the day exploring and resting at night.

With that in mind, I have been scouring the world of Pinterest for inspiration. We are spending 4 days in Tuscany, having an itinerary will definitely be an advantage for us. Our current itinerary is consisting of touring three places; Pisa, Siena and Florence in no particular order.

 

Pisa - Tuscany Italy

Things to do in Pisa

If you’ve heard of Pisa then you must have heard of the Leaning Tower – a 14 century tower. Personally I want to very much visit this place more than Pisa Cathedral and the Piazza dei Miracoli. But obviously as I am not traveling alone, I will need to consider other people’s points of interests. Santa Maria della Spina and Museo delle sinopie are high on the list for my travel companions.

 

Siena - Tuscany Italy

Places to visit in Siena

Siena is a city I definitely was not aware of but we have decided to include in our itinerary for Tuscany. High on my list is the Siena Cathedral which is 13th century church famous for it’s facade and marble strips. As a sucker for medieval towers, Torre del Mangia is another place I would very much love to visit. There are many more places we want to visit but yet to agree on common five places.

 

Florence - Italy - Tuscany

Must see places in Florence

Florence is a city I have a separate itinerary for on my bucketlist more especially visiting the Duomo Cathedral. A world famous cathedral due to the terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. After all Florence is considered ‘home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture’. I know for sure that we will spend more time exploring Florence than other places in Tuscany.

Whilst I enjoy having a fully packed Itinerary I know not many people do. Therefore we’ve decided in the four days we are spending in Tuscany a day will be allocated for ‘chilling’. I know one thing for sure, this will be a winter adventure not to be missed and we can not wait.

Pin for later!

Tuscany

In: Italy

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Comments

  1. David E says

    December 22, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    It does look like you have some amazing places to go when you are in Tuscany. It is such a beautiful city. And if you are going off season, then a great pool isn’t all that important, I agree. It definitely looks like an amazing adventure.

    Reply
  2. Deb says

    December 21, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    Ah I LOVEEEEE Tuscany!! Such a lovely narrative!!

    Reply
  3. mail4rosey says

    December 21, 2017 at 8:41 am

    I have been to Rome. I’d love to see so many other cities is Italy.

    Reply
  4. Mummy Gummie says

    December 21, 2017 at 8:06 am

    Only been to Rome before, but would love to visit other places in Italy too. Hope you have great time

    Reply
  5. Blair Villanueva says

    December 21, 2017 at 7:20 am

    Oh Itaky, one of my dream place to visit. Reading your post reminds me of the movie Letters to Juliet. Will you be visiting Verona as well?

    Reply
  6. Jen Sky Walker says

    December 21, 2017 at 4:16 am

    I’m not familiar with Siena, but it looks like a great addition to your trip! I’d love to visit Tuscany, but I’m not really sure when the best time of year might be for a visit. Four days just doesn’t seem to be enough!

    Reply
  7. Brandi Crawford says

    December 20, 2017 at 11:12 pm

    Your photos are gorgeous. I haven’t heard of going in the winter. I’ve done Europe in very early fall. I’m also all about itineraries.

    Reply
  8. Brandi Crawford says

    December 20, 2017 at 11:09 pm

    This is so awesome! I really would love to plan a trip to Tuscany….and to Italy.

    Reply
  9. Nikki says

    December 20, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    Of all the places I want to see in Italy, Tuscany is at the top of my list. It just seems like such a charming place to visit. I think it would be incredible to see the Tower of Pisa up close. When I travel, I like to visit historical and architectural wonders more than just hang at the beach.

    Reply
  10. Sonia Cave says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:28 am

    We missed out on a trip here last summer. It was a wedding and no children were allowed (we live in Sweden with no family to look after our children here). I was gutted as it is such a stunning place

    Reply
  11. Lifewithmelly says

    December 20, 2017 at 8:33 am

    Until I read your post, I never knew this place really existed and now I know it does, wow! It looks magical and I’m just like you, I’d rather go somewhere and visit places and explore than sit by the pool and do nothing. Have a wonderful time in February with your girls!

    Reply
  12. Lauren Porter says

    December 20, 2017 at 8:30 am

    The villa looks incredible & I am just like you – I would much rather have a fully packed itinerary as I hate the thought of missing anything!

    Reply
  13. Helen says

    December 20, 2017 at 6:40 am

    What a great adventure. The place looks great! Looks like you really had fun! I would love to visit this place one day.

    Reply
  14. Sarah Camille Hipp says

    December 20, 2017 at 4:04 am

    I went to Tuscany with my family and it was amazing! I’m sure you’ll love Florence (and all of Tuscany really). If you can, trek to the top of the Duomo. It’s amazing to see Florence from above! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Patricia-Ann Que says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:09 am

    ah Italy! a country that i will never get tired of despite the plenty of tourists! it is truly an amazing place! if u have the chance, going further south and visiting the islands such as amalfi and positano is magical!

    Reply
  16. Claudia Krusch says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:05 am

    Florence is at the top of my travel wish list. It is so beautiful there. I would love to go see the Duomo Cathedral in person. Tuscany is a great idea for a girls trip.

    Reply
  17. Mary Jingjing Mortos Lopez says

    December 20, 2017 at 1:48 am

    I just heard these places from friends and as I’m reading this I feel like I’m there experiencing the same.

    Reply
  18. jennifuchs says

    December 20, 2017 at 12:25 am

    That sounds like a great wee trip! I went on a tour of Tuscany when I was in high school – we saw Sienna and Florence, amongst other things. But I have yet to see Pisa, so would love to return for that.

    Reply
  19. Soon Joo Uh says

    December 20, 2017 at 12:07 am

    I’ve been to Tuscany like 8 years ago and what a historical and beautiful architecture to see! I know the leaning tower pisa before my travel my parents showed me on picture and I couldn’t believe it but when I went to see with my real eye and I believe it! I would love to visit again!

    Reply
  20. Laura Dove says

    December 19, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    Oh how lovely!! Tuscany is on our list of places to visit, I am desperate to go to Italy and have promised ourselves we will go next year!

    Reply
  21. Brittany says

    December 19, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    OMG this looks magical. What great photos!!

    Reply
  22. Vaheh Hartunian says

    December 19, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    Tuscany is just beautiful. You covered the places to see, so I will just add that the food in Tuscany is as epic as the tourist sites. Even the house wines in cheap little bistros taste amazing! If you like steak…make sure to try bistecca fiorentina.

    Reply
  23. Battle Mum (BattleMum) says

    December 19, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    I’ve just written a post about our family travel bucket list and Tuscany is on it! What a coincidence. I’d love to visit Florence too as I’ve just read Dan Brown’s Inferno in which the city features. Have fun!

    Reply
  24. Ingrid Rizzolo says

    December 19, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    Oh wow, an opportunity to see the leaning Tower Pisa!! As a child I learned about this place and even then wistfully longed for a visit. Hopefully I could walk in your footsteps one day visit this historical icon. What sustains it ?

    Reply
  25. Rachel Stone says

    December 19, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    This sounds like it’s going to be a great girls trip! the villa looks amazing. Ive been to Florence and recommend going into and climbing the Duomo – the view is awesome!

    Reply
  26. All About A Mummy says

    December 19, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    When I was about 10 I did a geography project on Tuscany and I’ve always been desperate to visit ever since. Husband and I are going away for our 10th anniversary next year and it is top of my list of potential destinations. Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  27. Jamie M. Causer Nicholls says

    December 19, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    Is the leaning tower of Pisa accessible to tour inside? If so, it is laid out with spiral stairs all the way to the top or?

    Reply
  28. Amber says

    December 19, 2017 at 1:43 pm

    I wanted to check out all of these places. One day, I hope. Italy is such a glorious place. Seeing the leaning tower of Pisa is high on my daughter’s list.

    Reply
  29. -Joan Cajic says

    December 19, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    It’s funny how I lived in Croatia for four year yet never got a chance to go to Italy yet it is close enough, I guess I need to plan my vacations better.

    Reply

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